Chapter: "You're Like My Younger Brother"
(Jay's POV)
Section E was loud as usual.
Felix was arguing with David over something completely useless. Rory and Erdix were debating about who talks more in class. Mayo and Kit were laughing at Blaster's dramatic storytelling.
And Cin?
Cin was staring at my lunch box.
Again.
"Jay," he said slowly.
"No."
"I didn't say anything."
"You don't have to. I know that tone."
He slid into the seat beside me anyway.
"I'm hungry."
"Bring your own food."
"I forgot."
"That's not my responsibility."
He sighed dramatically and rested his chin on my desk. "You're so heartless."
I rolled my eyes. "Cin, get up."
He looked at me with exaggerated sad eyes. "You don't care about me at all."
"Stop acting."
"I feel betrayed."
"By what?"
"By your coldness."
I stared at him for a few seconds.
Then I sighed.
"Cin."
He blinked.
"You're being dramatic for no reason."
"I'm not dramatic," he protested. "I just feel safe annoying you."
That caught me off guard.
"What?"
He shrugged. "You shout at me. You scold me. But you don't mean it. It feels like… home."
The class suddenly got quieter.
Felix whispered, "Bro's getting emotional."
David nodded. "Rare moment."
Cin scratched the back of his neck. "Like… I don't know. When you yell at me, it's not scary. It's just… normal."
I looked at him properly for the first time.
He wasn't joking now.
He looked genuine.
And suddenly it clicked.
The way he sticks near me.
The way he complains.
The way he steals food and then grins.
I sighed softly.
"Cin."
"Yeah?"
"You're like my younger brother."
Silence.
The entire Section E froze.
Felix dropped his pen.
Rory gasped.
Erdix stared at us.
Cin blinked.
"Y-You mean that?"
I nodded. "Yes. That's why I scold you. That's why I don't take you seriously. You act like a kid."
"I do not!"
"You do."
He paused.
Then slowly… a huge grin spread across his face.
"WAIT. So I'm officially your younger brother?"
"I didn't say officially."
"But you said I'm like one."
"Yes. Like one."
He suddenly stood up dramatically.
"ATTENTION SECTION E!"
"Oh no," I muttered.
Cin pointed at me proudly.
"From today, Jay has declared me her younger brother!"
Felix clutched his chest. "Character development!"
David wiped fake tears. "Family arc unlocked."
Rory said dramatically, "This is beautiful."
Erdix nodded seriously. "I witnessed history."
I covered my face. "Why are you like this…"
Cin sat back down next to me, way too happy.
"So… does that mean I get food privileges?"
"Absolutely not."
"Emotional support privileges?"
"Maybe."
"Protection?"
"If needed."
He grinned. "Best sister ever."
I handed him one fry.
"Don't make it dramatic."
He took it like it was a trophy.
Across the room, Keifer was watching quietly.
Arms crossed.
Expression unreadable.
When our eyes met, he raised one eyebrow slightly.
"You're adopting people now?" he asked calmly.
I rolled my eyes. "He adopted himself."
Cin immediately leaned toward Keifer.
"She said I'm her younger brother."
Keifer looked at me for a second longer than usual.
Then he smirked slightly.
"Good," he said. "At least someone's safe from her temper."
"Excuse me?" I snapped.
Section E burst into laughter again.
But inside?
I didn't feel annoyed.
I felt… warm.
Maybe Cin was right.
Maybe some bonds don't need labels.
Sometimes you just know.