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Jayjay's POV
After the hill trail, Sir Alvin led us to another part of the retreat grounds. Ahead was a wide field with wooden beams set up like balance bridges. We had to cross them one by one, staying steady until we reached the other side.
The boys cheered, making it sound like a game. Cin shouted, "Last one across buys snacks!" Josh laughed, "That's definitely going to be Rory." Blaster pushed Mayo playfully, and Kit and Calix argued about who would go first.
I tried to smile, but my chest felt tight.
Yuri walked beside me, his voice calm. "Don't worry, Jayjay. Just follow me. I'll guide you." His tone was soft, but it felt heavy, like I couldn't say no.
Keifer didn't speak. He stood a little ahead, his eyes sharp, his hand lifting slightly to signal me when to move. His gaze was firm, like silent instructions.
I stepped onto the beam, my hands shaking. Their voices and gestures pressed on me from both sides. Why do I feel like I'm not allowed to walk on my own?
David's POV
I stayed behind, watching. The others were laughing, teasing, but Jayjay's shoulders were tense. Her steps were slow, her eyes lowered.
Yuri spoke gently, guiding her. Keifer's eyes followed her every move, his gestures telling her when to stop or go.
No one else noticed. They were too busy with their own fun.
But I saw it. She was uncomfortable.
I didn't know why it mattered so much to me. I only knew I couldn't look away.
Jayjay's POV
Halfway across the beam, my chest tightened. Yuri's voice came again. "Hold the side, Jayjay. Don't rush."
Keifer's hand lifted, signaling me to stop. His eyes were firm, waiting for me to obey.
I froze. Their words and gestures pressed down until I felt caged. My breath caught, and suddenly tears filled my eyes.
"I can't," I whispered, my voice breaking.
The laughter around me faded. The boys turned, surprised.
Josh's POV
I stopped mid-step, shocked. Jayjay's voice was shaking, her eyes wet. I hadn't realized how much pressure she was under.
Cin's POV
I blinked, the smile fading from my face. I thought she was just quiet, but now I saw it — she was breaking.
David's POV
My chest tightened when I saw her cry. Before anyone else moved, I stepped closer, steadying the beam with my foot. I didn't touch her, didn't speak — just made sure it was firm so she could breathe.
She looked down, catching herself, then wiped her eyes quickly.
I stepped back again, silent. I didn't want her to notice me. I only wanted her safe.
Sir Alvin's POV
I saw the moment Jayjay broke down. The boys froze, unsure what to do.
"This," I said firmly, "is why you must learn balance. Not just on the beam, but with each other. Too much control, too much pride — it will break your team."
The boys lowered their heads.
Jayjay's POV
We finished the activity, but my chest still felt heavy. Yuri's soft commands, Keifer's silent gestures — they weren't cruel, but they pressed until I broke.
I lowered my eyes, ashamed of the tears.
From the corner of my vision, I saw David again, standing apart, quiet, steady. He didn't say anything. He didn't command. He just made sure I was okay.
And even though I didn't understand it yet, that silence felt like the only space where I could breathe.
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