Hex POV
I slammed my door shut and threw myself onto the bed.
The ceiling stared back at me.
I stared harder.
I hated this house.
Okay—maybe hate was a strong word. But I definitely didn't like it. Too quiet. Too many rules. Too many people who thought they could tell me what to do.
My phone buzzed.
I didn't even need to check to know who it was.
Mila.
I stared at the screen for a good five seconds before answering.
"yh?"
She sighed. "Hi to you too. Have you done your homework?"
I froze.
Homework.
Oh no.
"I—uh—yeah," I said quickly. Too quickly.
She didn't buy it. "Hex."
"…I have to go," I said immediately. "Emergency."
"What emergency—"
I hung up.
I sat up straight. Homework. I forgot homework.
I dragged myself to the table, pulled my bag closer, and took out my books. When I finally saw the assignment, I relaxed.
Easy.
Way too easy.
I put on my headset, played some hip hop, and started working. My pen moved fast, my head nodded to the beat, and before I knew it, I was dancing while writing. One step left. Spin. Write. Another step.
Sweat? Yes.
Regret? No.
I was mid-dance—fully in my zone—when there was a knock.
I paused the music and opened the door.
Jayjay stood there, holding a tray.
Food.
Actual food.
She walked in without waiting for permission. "Sit."
I obeyed.
Sinangag and egg. Warm. Perfect. Safe.
I started eating immediately.
"So," I said between bites, "I don't like this house."
She sighed and sat beside me on the bed. "I know."
"I want to go back to the old place."
"No."
I frowned. "Why not?"
"Because," she said calmly, "you're safer here."
I scoffed. "Safer doesn't mean happier."
She looked at me. Really looked at me.
"You'll adjust."
"I don't want to," I muttered.
She nudged my shoulder. "You will."
I finished eating in silence.
When I was done, I stood up. "I'm going to bath and sleep."
She raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you already bath?"
I turned serious. "No. Scientifically speaking—"
I started pacing. "I danced. Dancing causes movement. Movement causes heat. Heat causes sweat. Sweat plus sleep equals discomfort. Therefore, bath."
She stared at me.
"…Yes, Google," she said flatly.
I laughed. I couldn't help it.
She stood up. "Good night, Hex."
Then she paused. "I would've kissed your forehead, but you're sweaty. So—bye."
She left.
I smiled before I could stop myself.
After my bath, I changed into shorts and a black vest, turned off the light, and flopped onto my bed.
Finally. Sleep.
The door creaked open.
The light snapped on.
I groaned. "What now?"
Aries' head popped in. "Good night, Hex."
"Turn off the light and get out."
He grinned. "Wow. Such hospitality."
"Aries."
"Okay, okay," he said, backing away. "Sweet dreams."
He turned off the light and closed the door.
I stared at the ceiling again.
Still didn't like the house.
But… maybe I could survive it.
End of Chapter 🌙