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Chapter Text

Jay Walker’s first day of high school hadn’t exactly gone as planned.

He wasn’t even sure how he ended up in detention. One minute he was fumbling with his locker, trying to figure out which way to turn the stupid combination lock, and the next, the hall was flooded with shouting and shuffling. In the chaos, someone bumped into him—hard—and before he could even process what was happening, he’d knocked over some kid’s stack of textbooks.

It all spiraled from there. His bag had ripped, papers scattered everywhere, and of course, he had to open his big mouth when the teacher came storming over.

“Look, I didn’t do anything!” he’d exclaimed, flustered and defensive, which was apparently the wrong thing to say.

And now, here he was—sitting in the dimly lit detention room, staring at the clock that ticked slower than it should.

Great start, Jay. Real smooth.

The room smelled faintly of pencil shavings and dust, with rows of old desks that had probably seen better decades. The teacher on duty, Mrs. Garmadon—dark hair pulled tight into a bun, stern face with a perpetual frown—sat at the front, occasionally glancing up from whatever novel she was reading. Jay slouched lower in his seat, sighing.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed someone else get shoved into the room by a different teacher. The new arrival was all swagger and attitude, with wild, dark hair and a ripped jean jacket that screamed “trouble.” He muttered something under his breath before slouching into a desk, tossing his bag carelessly to the side.

Jay couldn’t help but glance over. Of course this guy belonged in detention. He looked like the kind of kid who got sent to the principal's office at least once a week.

And yet, despite the rebellious vibe, there was something... magnetic about him. Maybe it was the way he held himself, like he couldn’t care less what anyone thought. Jay didn’t know why, but he couldn’t seem to look away.

The guy noticed. His amber eyes flicked toward Jay with a sharpness that made Jay’s stomach do a weird little flip.

“See something you like?” the guy asked, arching an eyebrow, voice low and teasing.

Jay immediately flushed, his eyes snapping back to his notebook like he hadn’t just been caught staring. “Uh—no! I mean—sorry! I was just, uh… zoning out. Long day, you know?”

The other guy snorted, clearly amused, but didn’t say anything else. He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms behind his head and closing his eyes like this was all just a minor inconvenience to his day. Jay watched him for a moment longer, then quickly looked away again, scribbling meaningless doodles in the margin of his paper to distract himself.

The minutes crawled by. Jay could feel the silence pressing down on him like a weight. He wasn’t used to sitting still for this long without something to do, and the longer it stretched out, the more restless he became. His fingers itched to tap out a rhythm on his desk, but he held back. The last thing he needed was to make more noise and get detention again.

The guy—Kai, Jay remembered someone calling him that earlier—let out an exaggerated yawn, drawing Mrs. Garmadon’s attention.

“Kai Smith,” she said, her tone sharp. “If you disrupt my class again, you’ll be in here for the rest of the week.”

Kai opened one eye lazily, a smirk playing on his lips. “Don’t tempt me, Mrs. G. You know how much I love your charming company.”

Jay bit back a laugh. He didn’t know why, but seeing the guy talk back so casually to a teacher, without a care in the world, was… kind of impressive. He could never get away with something like that.

But the exchange also told him something important—this wasn’t Kai’s first rodeo. He was a regular in detention, the type who probably didn’t care about rules or authority. Someone who definitely didn’t want to be here.

Jay could relate to that, at least.

After what felt like an eternity, the clock finally hit the hour mark, and Mrs. Garmadon let them go. Jay scrambled to gather his things, shoving loose papers into his bag as he made his way toward the door. But before he could escape, a voice from behind him stopped him in his tracks.

“Hey, uh—Walker, right?”

Jay turned, surprised to see Kai leaning against the doorway, his smirk now replaced with something more neutral. His hands were shoved into his jacket pockets, his posture still relaxed but… not as cocky.

“Yeah,” Jay said, a little too quickly. “Jay Walker.”

Kai nodded, eyes briefly scanning Jay’s face like he was sizing him up. “You’re new, right? Haven’t seen you around before.”

Jay rubbed the back of his neck, feeling awkward all of a sudden. “Uh, yeah. First day. Already in detention. Pretty impressive, huh?”

Kai’s lips quirked up in the faintest hint of a smile. “Not bad. Though, if you’re gonna make it a habit, you should learn how to keep a low profile. Teachers around here don’t like smart mouths.”

Jay blinked, thrown off by the sudden advice. “I wasn’t trying to—” He stopped himself, realizing how dumb it would sound to keep arguing the point. “Right. Got it. Keep quiet, no snarky comments.”

“Something like that,” Kai said, pushing off from the doorway and heading down the hall. He waved over his shoulder without looking back. “See you around, new kid.”

Jay watched him go, feeling a strange mix of confusion and curiosity settle in his chest. Kai wasn’t what he expected—he was sharp, intimidating, sure, but not a complete jerk. There was something else under that tough exterior, something that made Jay want to figure him out.

But right now? Right now, he just needed to survive the rest of the week without landing himself back in detention.

Chapter Text

Jay should have known that the second day of high school wasn’t going to be any better than the first.

After his spectacular first impression that landed him in detention, he’d hoped today would go smoother—stick to the background, no smart comments, and definitely no ticking off teachers. And for the most part, it had been better. He’d gotten through most of his classes without a hitch, had lunch with Cole, and was just starting to think that maybe he could pull off a normal high school experience.

But then, in the last class of the day, Kai Smith had decided to crash back into his life. 

Literally.

Jay had been minding his own business, flipping through his notebook in History of Ninjago—a class that was already way more boring than it sounded—when a loud thunk made him jump. Before he knew it, Kai was sitting on the edge of his desk, a casual grin on his face like he hadn’t just nearly sent Jay’s textbook flying.

“Hey, Walker,” Kai greeted, like they were old friends.

Jay blinked at him, bewildered. “Uh… hey?”

Kai’s grin widened as he glanced around, apparently unfazed by the teacher’s death glare from the front of the classroom. “So, detention again today?”

Jay’s mouth opened and closed a few times, trying to process what was happening. “What? No! I’m trying to *avoid* that.”

“Really?” Kai arched an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Could’ve fooled me, considering how you’re just… sitting there, looking like a target.”

“A target?” Jay repeated, confused. “For what?”

“For this,” Kai said, and before Jay could even register what was happening, Kai knocked over his pencil case—sending pens, pencils, and erasers scattering across the floor.

Jay gasped, scrambling to grab them, heart racing as he saw the teacher’s head snap up. “What are you doing?!”

Kai just leaned back in his seat, arms folded behind his head, completely at ease. “Relax, man. You’ll be fine.”

Mrs. Matsui, the no-nonsense History teacher, marched over with a frown that could wither flowers. Her eyes narrowed at the two boys, and Jay’s stomach twisted into knots.

“Is there a problem here, Mr. Walker? Mr. Smith?” she asked, her voice icy.

Jay’s mouth went dry. “Uh, no, I—”

Kai cut him off, flashing his most innocent grin. “Just a little misunderstanding, Mrs. Matsui. I was helping Jay pick up his things, that’s all.”

Jay’s eyes widened. “That’s not—!”

“You boys can sort out your ‘misunderstanding’ in detention,” Mrs. Matsui said, her voice final. “Both of you. After school. No excuses.”

Jay’s heart plummeted as he watched her turn and walk back to the front of the class. His head whipped around to glare at Kai, who was looking far too pleased with himself.

“You did that on purpose!” Jay hissed under his breath.

Kai shrugged, a smirk still tugging at his lips. “Maybe.”

“Why?!”

“Thought you could use the company.” Kai’s voice was casual, but Jay could see the glint of mischief in his eyes.

Jay huffed, trying to contain his frustration. “I was doing fine on my own, thanks.”

Kai just chuckled softly, leaning in a little closer, his voice low. “You don’t really strike me as the ‘fine on my own’ type, Walker.”

Jay’s eyes narrowed. He opened his mouth to retort, but then thought better of it. The last thing he needed was to make more of a scene in class.

Instead, he sat back in his chair, arms crossed, sulking as Kai sauntered back to his own desk like nothing had happened. Jay wasn’t sure what bothered him more—the fact that he’d been roped into another detention, or the fact that Kai seemed to find the whole thing so amusing.

---

“I can’t believe you got detention again.”

Jay sighed heavily as he slumped down on the cafeteria bench next to Cole, who gave him a sympathetic but exasperated look. Cole, his best friend since they were kids, had this innate ability to look both concerned and disappointed at the same time. It was a talent, really.

“It wasn’t my fault this time,” Jay muttered, stabbing his fork into the mystery meat on his lunch tray. “Kai did it.”

Cole raised an eyebrow. “Kai Smith? That guy’s trouble. Why would he drag you into detention?”

“I don’t know!” Jay threw his hands up in frustration. “He just… I don’t know! He’s weird. It’s like he wants to be there.”

Cole shook his head, chuckling softly. “Well, you better watch yourself around him. Last thing you need is to be known as the kid who keeps getting sent to detention on the second day of school.”

Jay groaned, letting his forehead drop onto the table. “I know, I know. This is a disaster.”

Cole patted his back sympathetically. “Look, it’s not the end of the world. Just get through detention and stay out of his way after. Simple.”

Jay mumbled something incoherent into the table, but he knew Cole was right. 

Still, as the day dragged on and the final bell rang, Jay couldn’t shake the feeling that avoiding Kai was going to be easier said than done.

---

“Back again, Walker?”

Jay walked into the detention room for the second time in as many days, trying his best to ignore the smug grin on Kai’s face as he claimed the desk next to him. Kai was sprawled out like he owned the place, one leg propped up on the desk in front of him, arms crossed over his chest.

“Not my choice,” Jay muttered as he sat down, glaring at Kai. “You got me in here.”

Kai shrugged, completely unbothered. “What can I say? I like the company.”

“Yeah, well, I don’t like being in detention,” Jay shot back, crossing his arms. “Some of us actually care about not getting in trouble.”

Kai’s smirk widened. “You’re in high school now, man. Trouble’s part of the package.”

“Not for everyone,” Jay grumbled. “Some of us prefer to keep a low profile.”

Kai snorted. “Yeah, because you’re doing a great job of that so far.”

Jay bristled. “That was your fault!”

Kai just raised an eyebrow. “And?”

“And—!” Jay stopped himself, realizing how ridiculous this was getting. “Ugh, forget it. I’m not getting dragged into this again.”

Kai chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “Relax, Walker. You’re too uptight. You gotta loosen up a bit, or you’re gonna explode before the semester’s even halfway over.”

Jay gave him an incredulous look. “Loosen up? I don’t think getting detention every day counts as ‘loosening up.’”

Kai shrugged. “Depends on how you look at it. It’s not like it’s the end of the world. It’s just detention. You sit here for an hour, you leave. Big deal.”

Jay huffed, leaning back in his own chair, arms crossed. “It’s easy for you to say. You’re probably used to this.”

Kai’s eyes flicked over to him, and for a split second, Jay thought he saw something serious flash across his face—something deeper than the casual, carefree attitude Kai usually wore like armor.

But just as quickly as it appeared, it was gone, replaced by Kai’s usual smirk. “Yeah, well. You’d be surprised how easy it gets after a while.”

Jay frowned, studying Kai for a moment. He didn’t know what to make of him. One minute, Kai was all jokes and teasing, and the next, there was something… off about him. Something that didn’t quite match the confident front he was putting up.

Before Jay could ask, Kai shifted in his seat, eyes glinting with mischief again. “So, Walker. What do you do for fun, huh? You seem like the type who’s got some weird hobby.”

Jay blinked, caught off guard by the sudden change in topic. “Uh, I mean… I build stuff, I guess?”

“Build stuff?” Kai repeated, looking intrigued. “Like what?”

“Like… electronics,” Jay said, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. “You know, little gadgets and stuff. I like messing with circuits. I’m kind of a tech nerd.”

Kai’s grin widened. “A nerd, huh? Yeah, I can see that.”

Jay rolled his eyes. “I’m not a nerd.”

“Dude, you just said you build gadgets for fun. That’s peak nerd territory.”

Jay couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped him. “Okay, fine, I’m a nerd. But at least I’m not the guy who purposely gets himself into detention just to mess with people.”

Kai laughed, the sound surprisingly genuine. “Touché.”

They lapsed into a comfortable silence after that, both of them sitting back in their chairs, the tension from earlier melting away. For the first time since he’d met Kai, Jay didn’t feel like he was walking on eggshells around him. It was weirdly… nice. Like maybe, just maybe, Kai wasn’t as much of a jerk as he seemed.

Chapter Text

A week later, Jay was beginning to realize that avoiding Kai was impossible. Not that he was really trying to avoid him anymore, but the thought had crossed his mind—maybe once or twice—especially after the third time he’d ended up in detention because of something Kai did. 

At first, Jay had been furious. Who purposely dragged someone else down with them, over and over? But after that second day—after they’d actually talked, after Kai had teased him relentlessly about being a nerd and then somehow made Jay laugh about it—things had changed. 

Now, they weren’t exactly friends, but Jay didn’t feel quite so nervous around him anymore. He still didn’t understand Kai half the time—his moods swung between cocky, indifferent, and something a little quieter that Jay couldn’t quite place—but somehow, it worked.

The rest of the week had passed in a blur of classes, awkward cafeteria conversations, and a few more shared detentions. And Jay was starting to notice that, for whatever reason, Kai seemed to gravitate toward him. 

It was never anything obvious—Kai wasn’t the type to openly ask for company—but he always found a way to be around, whether it was sitting next to Jay in class or wandering over to him during lunch to steal food off his tray with a casual grin. Cole had even noticed.

“So, Kai’s your new best friend now, huh?” Cole had asked one afternoon, eyeing Jay curiously.

Jay had scoffed. “He’s not my best friend. He’s just… I don’t know. He’s Kai.”

Cole had chuckled at that, clearly amused but not pushing the subject. Still, the thought lingered in the back of Jay’s mind. Was Kai his friend? Or was this some weird game that Kai was playing, just to pass the time?

---

It was a Friday afternoon when things really shifted.

Jay had survived most of the day without any major incidents. He and Kai hadn’t been sent to detention since Wednesday, which had to be some kind of record, and Jay was feeling optimistic about getting through the weekend without any more trouble. He was even starting to think that maybe Kai had gotten bored of their weird little routine. Maybe they could both go back to their normal lives without—

“Walker! Wait up!”

Jay turned around at the sound of Kai’s voice, his stomach doing that annoying flip-flop thing it always did when Kai was around. He didn’t know why—it wasn’t like Kai was intimidating anymore. If anything, he was… almost easy to be around now. Almost.

“What’s up?” Jay asked, shouldering his backpack as Kai jogged up to him, that familiar smirk already in place.

Kai shrugged, falling into step beside him as they headed toward the school exit. “Nothing. Just figured you’d want some company.”

Jay snorted. “You mean you want my company.”

Kai’s grin widened. “Maybe.”

They walked in silence for a minute, the afternoon sun casting long shadows on the ground as they made their way off campus. The school was already starting to empty out—most of the other kids were either heading home or hanging out in groups near the parking lot, laughing and chatting about weekend plans. Jay tried not to feel too self-conscious about the fact that his weekend plans were mostly going to involve finishing his physics homework and possibly marathoning a sci-fi show he’d been meaning to catch up on.

Kai, on the other hand, seemed completely unfazed by the lack of plans. He sauntered along beside Jay like he didn’t have a care in the world, his hands shoved into the pockets of his ripped jeans.

“So,” Kai said eventually, his voice casual, “you doing anything this weekend?”

Jay blinked, caught off guard by the question. “Uh… not really. Just homework, probably.”

Kai made a face. “Homework? On the weekend? Man, you really are a nerd.”

Jay rolled his eyes, but there was no heat behind it. “Sorry, not all of us can get away with blowing off assignments. Some of us actually care about passing.”

“Eh, I’ll manage,” Kai said, waving a hand dismissively. “But seriously, you’re not gonna do anything fun? No parties, no hanging out with friends?”

Jay raised an eyebrow. “Do I look like the kind of guy who gets invited to parties?”

Kai considered him for a moment, eyes scanning him up and down. “I don’t know. Maybe you just need to find the right crowd.”

Jay frowned. “And who exactly would that be?”

Kai didn’t answer right away. Instead, he stopped walking and turned to face Jay, his expression shifting from casual to something a little more serious—like he was trying to decide whether to say what he was thinking. 

“Look,” Kai said, his voice lower now, “I know you’re not, like, Mr. Popular or anything. But that doesn’t mean you have to be stuck doing nothing all the time.”

Jay blinked, confused. “What do you mean?”

Kai hesitated for a second, then shrugged again, though this time it seemed a little less casual. “I mean, you should come hang out with me this weekend. If you want.”

Jay’s eyebrows shot up. Hang out? With Kai? That… wasn’t exactly something he’d expected to hear.

“Wait, you want me to come hang out with you?” Jay asked, disbelief creeping into his voice.

Kai smirked, but there was something a little softer behind it this time. “Yeah. Why not? I’m not as bad as you think, Walker.”

Jay opened his mouth to argue that, but then stopped himself. Honestly, he didn’t know what to think about Kai anymore. When they’d first met, Jay had assumed he was just another troublemaker, someone who thrived on causing chaos and didn’t care about anyone else. But now? Now it seemed like there was more to him than that. He wasn’t exactly nice, but he wasn’t a total jerk, either.

And as weird as it was, Jay kind of… liked being around him.

“I don’t know,” Jay said after a moment, shifting awkwardly on his feet. “What exactly would we be doing?”

Kai’s smirk widened. “Nothing dangerous, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Jay raised an eyebrow. “That’s not exactly comforting, coming from you.”

Kai laughed, the sound lighter than Jay expected. “Fair enough. But seriously, I was thinking maybe we could just chill. Go to the arcade or something. You like video games, right?”

Jay blinked again. “Yeah, I guess. Wait, how did you know that?”

Kai shrugged, looking way too smug. “You seem like the type.”

Jay huffed, crossing his arms. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing bad,” Kai said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “Just that you’re into tech stuff. Figured video games were probably part of the package.”

Jay narrowed his eyes at him, but he couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips. “Okay, fine. Maybe I like video games. But that doesn’t mean I’m gonna let you win at anything.”

Kai’s grin turned downright predatory. “Oh, Walker. You don’t let me win. I just do.”

Jay’s stomach did that annoying flip-flop again, but this time, he didn’t fight it. Instead, he let out a breath and nodded.

“Alright,” Jay said. “I’ll hang out with you this weekend.”

Kai’s smile widened, and for a second, Jay could have sworn it was genuine—like Kai was actually happy that he’d agreed.

“Cool,” Kai said, his voice softer now. “I’ll text you.”

They stood there for a moment longer, neither of them saying anything. The late afternoon sun was casting a warm glow over the school grounds, and Jay felt this weird sense of calm settle over him. It was… nice. Being around Kai, for all the chaos he brought with him, wasn’t as stressful as it used to be. In fact, it was kind of the opposite.

Maybe Cole was right. Maybe they were becoming friends.

---

The weekend came faster than Jay expected. He’d been half convinced that Kai would forget about their plans, or that something would come up and he’d back out. But no—on Saturday morning, Jay’s phone buzzed with a text.

Kai: You ready to lose at the arcade?

Jay snorted, shaking his head as he typed back a reply.

Jay: Not a chance. I’ve been training for this my whole life.

Kai’s response came almost immediately.

Kai: Nerd.

Jay laughed, but there was no sting behind the word anymore. Not from Kai, anyway.

They met up later that afternoon, the local arcade buzzing with kids and teenagers alike. The sound of machines beeping and coins clinking filled the air, and Jay immediately felt his excitement spike. It had been forever since he’d been to an arcade, and even though he’d never admit it, he was kind of psyched.

Kai, of course, looked completely at ease. He sauntered in like he owned the place, hands in his pockets, his eyes scanning the rows of machines with an almost predatory gleam.

“Alright,” Kai said, turning to Jay with a grin. “Let’s see what you’ve got, Walker.”

Jay grinned back, feeling more confident than he had in days. “You’re about to regret challenging me, Smith.”

Kai just laughed, but it wasn’t his usual mocking laugh. It was something warmer. 

Chapter Text

Jay had never been to Kai’s house before, but the way Kai talked about it, he didn’t expect much. Kai didn’t really offer details—he never really did—but Jay had picked up bits and pieces over the last couple of weeks. 

The house was “small,” according to Kai. Their mom had died a long time ago, leaving Kai and his younger sister Nya to pretty much fend for themselves. Their dad wasn’t in the picture, and Jay had never pried about why. Every time the subject came up, Kai would just shrug and change the topic, his usual grin slipping away for a second before he plastered it back on like a shield.

So, when Kai invited him over after the arcade—“just to hang out, no big deal”—Jay didn’t know what to expect. But he knew he was kind of nervous about it.

They’d spent most of the day at the arcade, trading insults and half-joking threats while trying to one-up each other at every game. Jay wasn’t surprised when Kai turned out to be ridiculously good at pretty much everything, but he was surprised at how much fun it was. Somewhere between the air hockey match where Kai had managed to score five points in a row and the racing game where Jay had barely beaten him, something had shifted. It wasn’t just fun; it was easy.

And now, here they were, standing in front of Kai’s front door, and Jay suddenly felt like an awkward mess. What if Kai’s sister didn’t like him? What if their house was super strict and they weren’t allowed to be loud? What if—

“Relax, Walker,” Kai said, noticing the way Jay had hesitated before following him up the porch steps. “Nya doesn’t bite. Hard.”

Jay let out a nervous laugh. “You sure about that? You’ve told me some horror stories.”

Kai just grinned, but before he could say anything else, the front door swung open.

“Finally,” a voice said, and Jay blinked, taking in the sight of the girl standing in the doorway. Nya was shorter than Kai but not by much, her long dark hair pulled back into a messy ponytail. Her eyes—sharp and bright—narrowed as she looked up at her brother. “You were supposed to be back an hour ago. Where were you?”

“Arcade,” Kai said, shrugging like it was no big deal. “We got caught up.”

Nya’s eyes shifted to Jay, who suddenly felt very self-conscious standing there with his backpack slung over one shoulder and his hoodie bunched awkwardly around his waist. He offered a small, awkward wave.

“Uh, hi. I’m Jay.”

Nya raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical but not unkind. “Yeah, I figured. You’re the one Kai keeps dragging into detention.”

Jay winced. “Yeah, that’s me.”

Nya sighed, crossing her arms as she stepped aside to let them in. “Well, come on in. I hope you didn’t let him get you into too much trouble today.”

Jay laughed nervously as he followed Kai inside. “I’m starting to get used to it.”

The inside of the house was small but cozy, just like Kai had said. The living room was cluttered but not messy, with shelves lined with random knickknacks, a couple of well-worn couches, and a TV that looked like it had seen better days. The kitchen was visible from where they stood, a simple table with mismatched chairs pushed against the wall.

“Don’t worry, Nya,” Kai said, tossing his bag onto one of the couches and flopping down beside it. “I’ve been on my best behavior. No new detentions today.”

Nya gave him a pointed look. “That’s because I wasn’t around to catch you.”

Kai smirked, leaning back into the cushions. “Exactly.”

Jay hesitated for a second, unsure whether he should sit down or not. Nya seemed to notice, her sharp eyes softening just a little as she gestured to the couch. “You can sit down, you know. I promise, we’re not gonna kick you out.”

“Thanks,” Jay said, awkwardly lowering himself onto the couch next to Kai. He tried not to let the awkwardness show, but it was hard when Kai’s sister was standing there watching him with an unreadable expression.

Nya sighed, shaking her head a little as she grabbed a water bottle off the kitchen counter. “You guys hungry? I made some pasta earlier.”

Kai waved her off. “We ate at the arcade.”

“You mean you ate that disgusting pizza they sell there,” Nya corrected, wrinkling her nose. “I don’t know how you can eat that stuff.”

“Hey, it’s not that bad,” Kai defended, but Jay could see the glint of teasing in his eyes. “Besides, it’s cheap.”

“Cheap doesn’t mean it’s edible,” Nya shot back, but there was a fondness in her tone that Jay hadn’t expected. It was weird—he’d always seen Kai as the one in control, the confident one who didn’t care what anyone thought. But here, with his sister, it was like that confidence was still there, but softer. Less of an act.

Jay shifted a little in his seat, feeling more out of place than he had all day. This was their space, their home, and suddenly he wasn’t sure what he was doing here. 

“You okay?” Kai’s voice cut into his thoughts, and Jay looked over to find Kai watching him with an eyebrow raised.

“Yeah,” Jay said quickly. “Just… you know. New place, new people. Trying not to mess anything up.”

Kai snorted. “Relax, Walker. You’re not gonna break anything.”

Nya came back into the living room, leaning against the wall as she took a sip of water. “He’s right, you know. You’re fine. As long as you don’t get him into more trouble.”

Jay let out a small laugh. “I think it’s more the other way around.”

Nya smiled at that, the edges of her stern expression softening a little. “Yeah, that sounds about right.”

The room fell into a comfortable silence after that, the soft hum of the refrigerator filling the space. Kai leaned back into the couch, arms spread lazily across the cushions, while Nya glanced between the two of them like she was trying to figure out what was going on.

“So,” Nya said after a minute, breaking the quiet. “How did you two end up in detention together, anyway? I know my brother’s a troublemaker, but you don’t seem like the type.”

Jay blinked, glancing at Kai, who was watching him with a grin that was somewhere between amused and mischievous. 

“Oh, you know,” Jay said, trying to sound casual. “He, uh… kind of tricked me into it.”

Kai snorted, clearly enjoying this. “It wasn’t that hard.”

“Hey!” Jay protested, glaring at him. “You knocked my stuff off my desk on purpose! I didn’t even know what was happening until it was too late.”

Nya’s eyebrows shot up. “Wait, you did that?”

Kai shrugged, not looking the least bit guilty. “Yeah. It was funny.”

Jay crossed his arms, glaring at Kai. “It wasn’t funny. I was trying to stay out of trouble!”

Kai just grinned wider, clearly unbothered. “C’mon, Walker. You’ve survived. Besides, you’re the one who keeps coming back.”

“I’m not coming back!” Jay protested, his cheeks heating up. “You keep dragging me back in!”

Nya, watching the whole exchange with a bemused expression, let out a soft laugh. “You two are ridiculous.”

Kai glanced at his sister, raising an eyebrow. “What? We’re not ridiculous. He’s just too easy to mess with.”

Jay huffed, turning to Nya for backup. “See what I have to deal with?”

Nya shook her head, but she was smiling now, and Jay couldn’t help but feel a little better. At least she wasn’t annoyed by his presence. 

“Well,” Nya said, pushing off the wall and heading toward the stairs, “try not to burn the house down while I’m upstairs. I’m gonna finish some homework.”

Kai waved her off. “Yeah, yeah. We’ll be fine.”

Jay watched as Nya disappeared up the stairs, leaving the two of them alone in the living room. The silence that followed wasn’t awkward, exactly, but it was different. Softer. Jay shifted on the couch, glancing over at Kai, who had closed his eyes and was leaning his head back like he didn’t have a care in the world.

“You and your sister seem close,” Jay said after a minute, his voice quiet.

Kai opened one eye, glancing at him. “Yeah. We’ve been through a lot together.”

Jay hesitated, wondering if he should push further, but before he could say anything else, Kai sat up, stretching his arms over his head.

“Alright, Walker,” Kai said, his voice lighter now, back to his usual teasing tone. “Let’s see if you can beat me at something here. Video games? Board games? What do you got?”

Jay blinked, thrown off by the sudden change in mood. “Uh… you have video games?”

Kai grinned, already getting up from the couch. “What do you think? C’mon. Let’s see if you can back up all that talk from the arcade.”

Chapter Text

Jay hadn’t expected to spend his weekend at Kai’s house, but here he was, sitting on the floor of Kai’s small living room, an old game console between them. The game was some outdated racing simulator that Jay had never heard of, but Kai seemed to have it all memorized—like it was part of his childhood, tucked away in this cozy little corner of his life. 

Kai had dominated the first two rounds, his cocky grin growing with each lap. Jay didn’t mind losing—it wasn’t the first time, and it wouldn’t be the last—but there was something different about seeing Kai like this, relaxed and unguarded. 

“I told you I’m unbeatable,” Kai said, sitting back against the couch, a smirk playing on his lips as his avatar crossed the finish line yet again.

Jay groaned dramatically, throwing his controller down. “I don’t understand how you do it. This game is ancient! The physics don’t even make sense.”

Kai laughed, the sound light and easy, and for a second, Jay couldn’t help but watch him—really watch him. The way his dark hair fell messily into his eyes, the way the corners of his mouth twitched like he was holding back a bigger smile, the way he was just so comfortable here, in this space.

Jay realized he hadn’t seen Kai this at ease anywhere else. School, detention, even the arcade—it was all a front, that cocky, rebellious mask he wore like armor. But here, in this small, cluttered living room, with no one but Jay and a handful of old video games, it felt like the real Kai was finally peeking through.

“You’re staring again, Walker,” Kai said, his voice teasing but softer than usual.

Jay blinked, feeling his face heat up. “I—I wasn’t staring! I was just—thinking.”

“About how amazing I am?” Kai asked, his grin widening as he shifted closer, clearly enjoying himself.

Jay rolled his eyes, trying to hide his embarrassment. “Please. Your ego doesn’t need any more inflating.”

Kai chuckled, leaning back on his hands, his eyes flicking to the TV screen. “Admit it, though. I’m pretty good at this.”

Jay sighed, giving up the fight. “Okay, fine. You’re good. But I could probably beat you at something else.”

Kai raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Like what?”

Jay thought for a moment, then grinned. “You got any puzzles around here? Or maybe a trivia game? Something that requires actual brain power.”

Kai groaned, throwing his head back in mock despair. “Ugh, nerd stuff again? Come on, Walker. Live a little.”

Jay just laughed, feeling lighter than he had in days. It was funny—he hadn’t expected to actually enjoy hanging out with Kai this much. He’d assumed it would be chaotic, filled with Kai’s usual teasing and troublemaking, but it wasn’t. It was… nice. Relaxed.

For a second, Jay wondered what it would be like if they actually were friends—real friends. He could see it, in this moment. Kai wasn’t as bad as he let people believe. Underneath the bravado, there was someone who actually cared. Someone who’d stick around, even if he didn’t say it out loud.

“You’re quiet,” Kai said, his voice softer now, and when Jay glanced over, Kai was watching him with a look that made his stomach flip. “What’s going on in that brain of yours?”

Jay hesitated. He could feel the weight of Kai’s gaze, heavy but not in a bad way. It was more like… curiosity. Like maybe Kai was wondering the same thing Jay was—where this was going, what it meant. 

“I was just thinking,” Jay said finally, his voice quieter than before, “that you’re not as much of a troublemaker as you pretend to be.”

Kai blinked, his expression unreadable for a second before he let out a soft, breathy laugh. “You think so?”

Jay nodded. “Yeah. I mean, don’t get me wrong, you’re still a menace. But… I don’t know. You’re different when it’s just the two of us.”

Kai didn’t say anything at first, and for a moment, Jay thought maybe he’d said too much. Maybe he’d pushed too far, too fast. But then Kai leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and looked at Jay in a way that made the room feel smaller, more intimate.

“Maybe that’s because you’re different,” Kai said, his voice lower now, almost serious. “You’re not like everyone else.”

Jay blinked, his heart doing that stupid, fluttery thing in his chest again. “What do you mean?”

Kai shrugged, but there was something in his eyes—something real, not just another layer of bravado. “I mean, you don’t try to pretend like you’re something you’re not. You’re just… you. I don’t get that from a lot of people.”

Jay didn’t know what to say to that. His throat felt tight, like the words were stuck somewhere between his mind and his mouth. He wasn’t used to this side of Kai—the one that wasn’t making jokes or trying to get a rise out of him. This was something else. Something softer.

“Thanks,” Jay said eventually, his voice a little shaky. “I think.”

Kai smiled, but it wasn’t his usual cocky grin. It was smaller, quieter, like maybe he wasn’t used to showing this part of himself, either. “Don’t get used to it. I’m still a menace, remember?”

Jay laughed, the tension breaking just a little, and he felt his shoulders relax. “Right. I’ll keep that in mind.”

They lapsed into a comfortable silence after that, the only sound in the room the low hum of the TV and the distant creak of the house settling. Jay found himself glancing over at Kai every now and then, wondering what was going on behind those amber eyes. 

Before he could think too much about it, though, the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs broke the quiet.

Nya appeared in the doorway, a curious look on her face as she glanced between the two of them. “You guys are still here?”

Kai rolled his eyes. “Where else would we be?”

Nya raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “I thought you’d be out causing trouble by now.”

“Nah,” Kai said, stretching his arms over his head. “I’m giving Walker a break.”

Jay chuckled, shaking his head. “Thanks for the mercy.”

Nya crossed her arms, leaning against the doorframe as she studied them both. “You two are getting along pretty well.”

Kai shrugged. “Yeah, well. He’s tolerable.”

Jay shot him a playful glare. “Gee, thanks.”

Nya smiled, but there was something knowing in her expression, something that made Jay feel like maybe she saw more than she let on. “Just don’t drag him into any more of your schemes, okay?”

“No promises,” Kai said with a smirk, but Jay could see the way his shoulders relaxed just a little, like maybe Nya’s teasing helped ease the weight of whatever was hanging between them.

Jay felt the tension leave him too, replaced by something warmer, more solid. For the first time in a while, he didn’t feel like he was trying too hard to keep up with Kai. He wasn’t just the new kid, or the one who kept ending up in detention. He was Jay, and for some reason, that was enough.

“You guys want dinner?” Nya asked after a moment, breaking the quiet. “I was gonna make something, but if you’re too busy bonding over ancient video games, I can leave you to it.”

Jay blinked, glancing at Kai, who just shrugged like it didn’t matter. “I’m down,” Jay said quickly, feeling weirdly grateful for the offer. “As long as it’s not that pizza from the arcade.”

Nya laughed, shaking her head. “Don’t worry. I actually know how to cook.”

Kai stood up, stretching as he headed toward the kitchen. “You’ve got no idea what you’re missing, Walker. That pizza is legendary.”

Jay snorted, following him. “Legendary for giving people food poisoning, maybe.”

Nya smiled as she headed into the kitchen, leaving Jay and Kai to follow. The house felt warmer now, cozier in a way that Jay hadn’t noticed before. Maybe it wasn’t as much about the space as it was the people in it.

As they settled around the small kitchen table, Jay couldn’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, things were starting to feel… normal. Better than normal, even. He’d found something here—something with Kai, and maybe even with Nya—that felt real. Like he was finally figuring out where he fit.

---

It was strange, how quickly things had shifted between Jay and Kai. What started out as an odd push-and-pull, where Kai’s teasing kept Jay on edge and Jay’s defensiveness made everything awkward, had turned into something… comfortable. Jay didn’t really know when it happened. Maybe somewhere between the arcade and that weekend at Kai’s house. Maybe somewhere in those quiet moments where Kai stopped trying so hard to be loud and obnoxious, and Jay stopped trying so hard to keep up.

Whatever it was, it had stuck.

They’d been hanging out more—sometimes after school, sometimes on weekends. It wasn’t always just the two of them either. Sometimes Nya would join them, throwing in sarcastic remarks and poking fun at Kai in a way that only siblings could. And Jay found himself enjoying it, enjoying them. For the first time since starting high school, he didn’t feel like an outsider looking in.

It felt like he belonged.

---

It was Wednesday afternoon, a week since Jay’s impromptu first visit to Kai’s house, and they were supposed to meet up again. Nothing serious—just hanging out after school. Kai hadn’t mentioned any plans, but he’d shot Jay a text earlier in the day with a casual See you after class?, which somehow felt heavier than it should have.

Jay tried not to overthink it.

But as the last class of the day ended and the halls emptied out, Jay found himself feeling a little nervous anyway. It wasn’t like this was new—they’d been hanging out for weeks now. But something about today felt… different. Like there was something unsaid hanging between them, something Jay couldn’t quite put his finger on.

As Jay made his way through the halls, weaving between clusters of students who were lingering by lockers or heading for the doors, he spotted Kai leaning against the wall near the exit. He had his usual easy grin, but there was something about the way his eyes lit up when he saw Jay that made Jay’s heart do a weird little flip.

“There you are,” Kai said, pushing off the wall and falling into step beside Jay as they walked out of the school together. “Thought you might’ve bailed on me.”

Jay laughed, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Please. You’d just track me down anyway.”

“True,” Kai said with a smirk, bumping his shoulder into Jay’s playfully. “Can’t get rid of me that easy.”

Jay rolled his eyes, but his smile stayed. “Where are we going, anyway? You didn’t exactly say.”

Kai shrugged, hands shoved deep into his jacket pockets. “I don’t know. I figured we’d just wander. Maybe hit up the arcade again, or grab something to eat.”

“Sounds good,” Jay said, his heart settling a little now that the nerves were fading. It was easy with Kai, even when Jay’s thoughts started spinning off in a million directions. 

They ended up grabbing food at a small diner a few blocks from the school, a place Jay had never been before but that Kai apparently knew well. The diner was one of those old-school joints, with red vinyl booths and a jukebox in the corner that played hits from a time neither of them had been alive for. It was small, cozy, and the smell of greasy burgers and fries filled the air.

They sat in one of the booths near the back, the light filtering in through the large windows and casting long shadows on the table between them. Jay tried not to fidget as he studied the menu, though he kept stealing glances at Kai, who was casually leaning back against the booth, tapping his fingers on the table.

“You’ve been quiet,” Kai said suddenly, breaking the silence as his eyes flicked up to meet Jay’s. “Everything okay?”

Jay blinked, his heart skipping a beat. “Yeah, of course. Why wouldn’t it be?”

Kai raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “I don’t know. You just seem… off.”

Jay sighed, setting the menu down as he leaned back against the booth. “I guess I’ve just been thinking.”

“About what?”

Jay hesitated, feeling that tightness in his chest again—the one that always seemed to creep up on him whenever things got too close, too real. He glanced down at the table, his fingers tracing idle patterns on the edge of his napkin.

“I don’t know,” Jay said finally, his voice quieter now. “Just… stuff. School. Life.”

Kai leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as he studied Jay carefully. “That’s not a real answer, you know.”

Jay let out a soft laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, well. I’m still figuring it out.”

Kai didn’t push, but he didn’t look away either. Jay could feel the weight of his gaze, the way Kai was just there, waiting, like he could see right through Jay’s defenses but wasn’t going to call him out on it. Not yet, anyway.

For a while, they just sat in that strange, comfortable silence that had become so familiar between them. The hum of the diner filled the space around them—muffled conversations from the other patrons, the clatter of plates and silverware, the faint hum of music playing from the jukebox.

And then, out of nowhere, Kai spoke again, his voice softer this time.

“You ever feel like… I don’t know. Like you’re supposed to be something you’re not?”

Jay blinked, caught off guard by the question. He looked up, meeting Kai’s eyes, and for a second, the usual bravado was gone. Kai wasn’t wearing that cocky grin, wasn’t teasing or pushing buttons. He just looked… tired. Vulnerable, even.

Jay didn’t know what to say. He hadn’t expected this, hadn’t expected Kai to open up like this. But something in the way Kai was looking at him—like he was waiting for an answer, like he needed Jay to understand—made Jay’s heart twist in a way he didn’t entirely understand.

“Yeah,” Jay said quietly, his throat tight. “I do.”

Kai’s eyes flicked to the side, like he couldn’t meet Jay’s gaze anymore. He let out a slow breath, his fingers drumming on the table again, though this time it seemed more restless than casual.

“I don’t know why I’m telling you this,” Kai said after a minute, his voice low. “It’s not like I talk about this stuff.”

Jay swallowed, feeling like he was standing on the edge of something, something big and important and maybe a little scary. “You can talk to me, you know. I’m not gonna judge you.”

Kai let out a soft, humorless laugh, shaking his head. “You say that, but you don’t really know me, Jay. Not the stuff that matters.”

Jay frowned, his chest tightening. “I know more than you think.”

Kai’s gaze flicked up to meet his again, and for a second, there was something raw in his eyes—something Jay had never seen before. “Yeah? Like what?”

Jay hesitated, searching for the right words. He didn’t know how to explain it, didn’t know how to tell Kai that he did know him—at least, the parts that mattered. He knew that Kai was more than just the troublemaker everyone thought he was. He knew that Kai cared about the people close to him, even if he didn’t always show it. He knew that Kai wore his confidence like armor, but underneath it, there was someone who was scared—scared of not being enough, of letting people down.

“I know that you care,” Jay said finally, his voice quiet but steady. “Even if you don’t always show it. I know that you’re not just the guy who gets into trouble for fun. You’re more than that.”

Kai blinked, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then, slowly, a small, almost hesitant smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “You’re full of surprises, Walker.”

Jay smiled back, though his heart was still racing. “I try.”

They lapsed into silence again, but this time it wasn’t uncomfortable. If anything, it felt like they’d crossed some invisible line—like whatever was between them had shifted, deepened. Jay wasn’t sure what it meant yet, but he knew that it mattered. 

And judging by the way Kai was looking at him now, like maybe Jay had said exactly what he needed to hear, it mattered to him too.

---

They left the diner after an hour, walking side by side through the fading light of the evening. The streets were quieter now, most of the after-school rush gone, leaving only the occasional car passing by and the sound of their footsteps on the pavement.

Kai was quieter than usual, but Jay didn’t mind. He wasn’t sure what had shifted between them, but it didn’t feel like the usual playful banter or teasing insults. It felt like something more, something real.

As they reached the corner where they’d usually part ways, Kai paused, glancing over at Jay with that same unreadable expression he’d had in the diner.

“Hey, Jay?”

Jay stopped, turning to face him. “Yeah?”

Kai hesitated for a second, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. “Thanks. For… earlier. I don’t usually—” He broke off, his words trailing into the quiet between them.

Jay offered a small smile, his heart warming. “You don’t have to thank me. That’s what friends are for, right?”

Kai’s expression softened, something almost like relief flickering in his eyes. “Yeah. Right.”

Chapter Text

Jay couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed.

It wasn’t just the way Kai had opened up at the diner a few days ago—it was more than that. It was the way Kai looked at him now, like there was something unspoken between them, something bigger than either of them had acknowledged. It was in the comfortable silences they shared, in the moments where words weren’t needed. But it was also in the tension Jay couldn’t quite put into words—something under the surface, just waiting to break through.

They hadn’t talked about it since that night. Kai had been… quieter. Not in a bad way, but in a way that made Jay feel like he was holding something back. Jay wasn’t sure if he was supposed to push, if he was supposed to ask, or if this was just how Kai worked—closed off until he was ready to talk again.

But it made Jay restless, and today, as they sat together in the park near Kai’s house, that restlessness was starting to gnaw at him.

The park was quiet, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the grass. It was one of those rare, perfect fall days—warm but crisp, the leaves starting to change colors around them. They were sitting on a bench, watching a couple of kids play on the swings in the distance, but the air between them felt heavier than it should have. Jay tapped his fingers against his thigh, his thoughts spinning, trying to find the right thing to say.

“Alright,” Kai said suddenly, his voice cutting through the quiet. “What’s going on?”

Jay blinked, startled out of his thoughts. “What do you mean?”

“You’ve been fidgety all day,” Kai said, his eyes flicking over to him. “You’ve got that look on your face.”

Jay frowned, shifting in his seat. “What look?”

“The one that says you’re overthinking something,” Kai said, leaning back against the bench. “So, spill.”

Jay hesitated, biting his lip. He didn’t know how to start this conversation, didn’t know how to put into words what had been building inside him for days. But if there was one thing he’d learned about Kai, it was that he hated it when people danced around the truth.

“I just…” Jay started, trailing off as he searched for the right words. He let out a breath, running a hand through his hair. “I’ve been thinking about what you said. At the diner. About feeling like you’re supposed to be something you’re not.”

Kai’s expression didn’t change, but Jay could see the way his posture shifted, the slight tension that crept into his shoulders. He didn’t look away, though. Instead, he met Jay’s gaze head-on, waiting.

“I get it,” Jay continued, his voice quieter now. “More than you think.”

Kai’s eyes softened just a little, but he didn’t say anything. Jay took that as a sign to keep going.

“I mean, I’m not exactly the kind of guy people expect much from,” Jay said, laughing a little under his breath. “I’m the nerd, the guy who’s into tech and science and all that. I’ve spent most of my life being the weird kid who talks too much, who tries too hard to fit in.” He paused, feeling his chest tighten. “But sometimes… sometimes I feel like I’m still not enough. Like no matter what I do, I’m just always gonna be… less.”

Kai was quiet for a moment, his eyes never leaving Jay’s. When he finally spoke, his voice was softer than Jay had ever heard it. “You’re not less, Jay.”

Jay swallowed, his throat tight. “Yeah, well… it doesn’t always feel that way.”

Kai let out a breath, rubbing the back of his neck as he glanced away for a second, his expression troubled. “I get it. Trust me, I do. I’ve spent my whole life trying to prove I’m good enough. For Nya, for everyone else… for myself. And it sucks, man. It sucks feeling like no matter what you do, it’s not enough.”

Jay nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. He hadn’t expected Kai to be this open again, but there was something about the way Kai was talking now that made Jay feel like they were standing on the edge of something—something important.

“You don’t have to prove anything to me, you know,” Jay said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. “You’re already enough.”

Kai’s eyes flicked back to him, and for a second, Jay thought he saw something crack in Kai’s carefully crafted facade. It was just a moment, just a flicker, but it was there—vulnerability, raw and real. And then Kai let out a breath, leaning back against the bench, his hands clenched into fists on his thighs.

“I’m not used to people saying that,” Kai said, his voice low, almost hesitant. “I’m not used to people seeing me like that.”

Jay swallowed, his heart in his throat. He didn’t know where the words were coming from, didn’t know why this felt so important, but he knew he couldn’t stop now. 

“I see you, Kai,” Jay said quietly, his voice steady despite the way his heart was racing. “I see all of you. And I don’t care about the trouble or the attitude or the fact that you’ve probably gotten me into more detentions than I should’ve ever had in my life. None of that matters. You’re enough.”

Kai’s breath hitched, and for a moment, he just stared at Jay, his expression unreadable. The silence between them stretched out, thick with something Jay couldn’t quite name. But then Kai let out a shaky breath, his hands unclenching as he leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees.

“You’re a real piece of work, Walker,” Kai said, his voice rough but not unkind.

Jay blinked, his heart stuttering. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Kai huffed a soft laugh, shaking his head. “I mean… I don’t know how you do it. How you get under my skin like this.”

Jay’s cheeks flushed, his heart hammering in his chest. “I wasn’t trying to—”

“I know,” Kai said, cutting him off gently. He glanced over at Jay, his eyes softer now, like something had finally settled between them. “That’s what makes it worse.”

Jay opened his mouth to say something, anything, but the words got stuck in his throat. The air between them felt charged, like there was something electric sparking between them, something Jay didn’t quite understand but couldn’t ignore. He could feel his pulse in his ears, feel the weight of Kai’s gaze on him, heavy and intense.

“Kai—” Jay started, his voice barely a whisper, but before he could finish, Kai was leaning closer, his eyes flicking to Jay’s lips for just a split second.

It was enough.

Jay’s breath hitched, his heart pounding so loud he was sure Kai could hear it. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, the air between them thick and heavy with something Jay had been trying to ignore for weeks. But now, here, with Kai so close, with the way Kai was looking at him—really looking at him—it was impossible to ignore.

Kai hesitated, his breath warm against Jay’s skin, his eyes searching Jay’s for any sign of hesitation, any sign that this wasn’t okay. But Jay didn’t move. He didn’t pull away. He didn’t even blink.

And then, slowly, carefully, Kai closed the distance between them, pressing his lips to Jay’s in a soft, tentative kiss.

Jay’s heart exploded in his chest, his mind going blank as everything else fell away. All he could feel was the warmth of Kai’s lips, the way Kai’s hand came up to rest gently on his shoulder, the way everything about this felt right in a way Jay hadn’t even realized he’d been craving.

When Kai finally pulled back, his breath shaky, Jay could see the uncertainty in his eyes, the question hanging between them.

“Is this… okay?” Kai asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Jay blinked, his heart still racing, and then he smiled—a small, soft smile that he hoped said everything he couldn’t put into words right now.

“Yeah,” Jay said, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions coursing through him. “It’s more than okay.”

Kai let out a breath, his shoulders relaxing, and for the first time, Jay saw him—really saw him—without the walls, without the armor. Just Kai, raw and real and enough.

And that was all Jay had ever wanted.

---

Jay couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss.

It was all he’d been able to think about, really, ever since it happened. And it wasn’t just the kiss itself—though that was definitely at the forefront of his mind—it was everything around it. The way Kai had looked at him before it happened, like Jay was the only thing that mattered in that moment. The way Kai’s hand had rested so gently on his shoulder, grounding him when Jay thought he might float away. The way their whole dynamic seemed to shift and settle into something Jay hadn’t been able to name until now.

He liked Kai. Really liked him.

And that was terrifying.

It had been a couple of days since the kiss, and Jay had spent most of that time trying to process what it meant. They hadn’t talked about it—of course they hadn’t. Kai was good at a lot of things, but talking about feelings? Not one of them. And Jay wasn’t exactly any better. He didn’t know how to bring it up without making it awkward, and the last thing he wanted was to screw things up between them.

But the silence was starting to weigh on him. He couldn’t just keep pretending like nothing had changed, not when everything had changed. 

He needed to talk to Kai. He needed to know where they stood—where he stood. 

---

Jay found himself pacing outside of Kai’s house, trying to build up the nerve to knock on the door. It was stupid, really. They’d been hanging out for weeks now, and yet suddenly, standing here on Kai’s porch felt like the hardest thing he’d ever done.

What if Kai didn’t want to talk about it? What if he regretted it? What if Jay brought it up and it ruined everything?

But before Jay could spiral any further, the door swung open.

Kai stood there, his expression a mix of surprise and amusement. “Jay?”

Jay froze mid-pace, blinking at him. “Uh… hey.”

Kai raised an eyebrow, leaning against the doorframe. “You gonna keep walking in circles, or are you coming inside?”

Jay let out a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his neck as he stepped up to the door. “Yeah, sorry. I was just… thinking.”

Kai smirked, stepping aside to let him in. “You’re always thinking.”

Jay shot him a look as he walked inside, but the teasing was familiar, grounding him just a little. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves as he followed Kai into the living room.

Nya wasn’t home—thankfully—so it was just the two of them. Jay wasn’t sure if that made things easier or harder.

“So,” Kai said, flopping down onto the couch, his usual lazy grin in place. “What’s up?”

Jay stood there for a moment, feeling awkward and out of place, before finally sitting down beside him. He didn’t know how to start this conversation. How did you just bring up something like this?

Kai seemed to sense his hesitation because he turned to face Jay more fully, his grin fading into something softer. “You okay?”

Jay swallowed, his heart racing. “Yeah, I’m fine. I just… I wanted to talk about something.”

Kai’s expression shifted, the teasing edge disappearing as he watched Jay closely. “Okay. What’s going on?”

Jay took a deep breath, forcing himself to look at Kai—really look at him. He could feel the words stuck in his throat, the fear twisting in his chest, but he couldn’t back out now. He *had* to know.

“The other day,” Jay started, his voice quieter than he meant it to be, “when we… you know. When you kissed me.”

Kai blinked, his expression unreadable for a second before he let out a small, shaky breath. “Yeah.”

Jay bit his lip, his hands fidgeting in his lap. “I just… I’ve been thinking about it. A lot. And I guess I just… I want to know what it meant. To you.”

There. He said it. The question had been hanging between them for days, and now it was out in the open. Jay braced himself, his heart pounding as he waited for Kai to respond.

Kai didn’t say anything at first. He just stared at Jay, his eyes searching, like he was trying to figure out the right words. And for a moment, Jay was terrified that maybe he wouldn’t say anything. Maybe he’d brush it off, pretend like it didn’t matter, like it hadn’t changed anything.

But then Kai let out a slow breath, his shoulders sagging just a little as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

“It meant a lot,” Kai said finally, his voice soft. “More than I realized, honestly.”

Jay’s heart skipped a beat. “Yeah?”

Kai nodded, still not looking at him. “I didn’t plan it, you know. It just… happened. And after, I didn’t know what to say. I mean, I’ve never… I’ve never done something like that before. Not with anyone.”

Jay blinked, his stomach flipping. “Wait—you’ve never—”

Kai shook his head, a small, almost embarrassed smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Nope. You’re my first.”

Jay’s heart felt like it was about to burst. He hadn’t expected that—hadn’t expected Kai to admit something so vulnerable. But then again, that was Kai, wasn’t it? Always full of surprises, always more than what he seemed on the surface.

“So,” Jay said, his voice shaking just a little, “what now?”

Kai finally looked up at him, and for the first time in days, there was no hesitation in his eyes. Just… Kai. Real and raw and honest.

“I don’t know,” Kai admitted, his voice quiet but steady. “But I know I don’t want it to be the last time.”

Jay’s breath caught in his throat, his heart doing a stupid little flip in his chest. He hadn’t realized how much he’d needed to hear that—how much he’d been holding onto the fear that maybe this was all in his head. 

Kai wanted this. Kai wanted him.

A slow smile spread across Jay’s face, and he could see the way Kai relaxed just a little, like he’d been waiting for Jay’s reaction, too.

“I don’t want it to be the last time, either,” Jay said softly.

Kai’s smile widened, and for a moment, everything else fell away. It was just the two of them, sitting on a worn-out couch in a small, cluttered living room, but it felt like the whole world had shifted around them.

“So… what now?” Kai asked, echoing Jay’s earlier question, but this time there was a playful glint in his eyes.

Jay chuckled, feeling lighter than he had in days. “I guess we figure it out.”

Kai nodded, a small smile still tugging at his lips. “Yeah. Together.”

They didn’t say anything else after that, but they didn’t need to. The silence between them wasn’t heavy anymore—it was easy, comfortable. And as Jay leaned back against the couch, his shoulder brushing against Kai’s, he couldn’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, everything was going to be okay.

---

It wasn’t long before they fell back into their usual routine—hanging out after school, trading playful insults, and just being around each other. But there was something different now, something that had been unspoken before but was now impossible to ignore. 

Jay found himself watching Kai more, noticing the little things—the way his lips curled into a soft smile when he thought no one was looking, the way his fingers would absentmindedly drum against the table when he was deep in thought. And sometimes, Kai would catch him staring, and instead of teasing him like he usually would, he’d just smile that soft, secret smile that made Jay’s heart skip a beat.

It was new, this thing between them, but it wasn’t awkward. If anything, it felt… right. Natural. Like they’d been building toward this for weeks without even realizing it.

One afternoon, a few days after their talk, they found themselves sitting together in the park again, much like they had before. But this time, the air between them wasn’t heavy with unspoken tension. It was light, easy, like they could finally breathe.

Kai leaned back against the bench, his arm stretched along the backrest, his fingers brushing lightly against Jay’s shoulder. It was a small touch, barely there, but it sent a thrill through Jay’s chest all the same.

“You know,” Kai said after a while, his voice teasing, “you’re staring again.”

Jay rolled his eyes, but his smile didn’t fade. “Can’t help it. You’re distracting.”

Kai chuckled, his fingers trailing lightly down Jay’s arm in a way that made Jay’s breath hitch. “Good.”

Jay’s heart pounded in his chest, but it wasn’t the anxious, nervous kind of pounding he’d grown used to around Kai. This was something warmer, something that settled in his chest like it had always been meant to be there.

He leaned into the touch, his shoulder pressing against Kai’s, and for the first time in what felt like forever, he let himself relax. Let himself just be.

Kai didn’t say anything else, but his fingers stayed where they were, a steady, grounding presence against Jay’s skin. 

Chapter Text

Jay wasn’t used to this. 

Not that he was complaining—it wasn’t bad, not even close. It was just… different. The kind of different that made him pause in the middle of his day, his heart racing for no reason, his mind looping back to Kai. To the way Kai had been acting lately, the way he was so much closer now, always hovering in Jay’s space, always touching. Little touches, subtle ones—a hand brushing Jay’s arm when they passed each other in the hallway, the warm press of Kai’s knee against his under the cafeteria table, the way he always seemed to lean in just a little too close when they talked.

It was different because before, Jay would have noticed those things. He did notice them. But now, he was starting to expect them.

And that made it harder to breathe sometimes.

Like today.

It was late in the afternoon, the sky slowly bleeding into shades of pink and orange as the sun dipped lower behind the school. Jay was sitting in his usual spot at the end of the bleachers, his backpack resting beside him as he flipped through his notes. He was supposed to be going over his physics homework, but his thoughts kept drifting, his pen tapping absently against the paper.

Kai hadn’t shown up yet.

He’d said he’d meet Jay here after school, but that was over half an hour ago, and Kai was nowhere to be seen. Jay wasn’t exactly worried—Kai had a habit of running late, especially when it came to things like this. But there was still that nagging voice in the back of his head, that little whisper that told him something might be off.

Before Jay could dwell on it any longer, he heard footsteps approaching.

He glanced up, his breath catching slightly when he saw Kai jogging toward him, his dark hair messy from the wind, a lazy grin spreading across his face as he spotted Jay.

“There you are,” Kai called out, his voice light and teasing as he hopped up onto the bleachers beside Jay. “Thought you might’ve left without me.”

Jay rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t stop the smile tugging at his lips. “You’re late.”

Kai shrugged, completely unbothered. “Had to talk to Nya about something. She’s been on my case lately.”

Jay raised an eyebrow, leaning back on his hands as he studied Kai. “Everything okay?”

Kai let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair as he settled beside Jay. “Yeah, she’s just… you know how she is. Always looking out for me. Making sure I’m not screwing up my life.”

Jay smiled softly, nodding. He knew Nya had always been the responsible one between the two of them, the one who kept things in order when Kai inevitably found himself in trouble. But Jay also knew that, for all his teasing, Kai appreciated it. He appreciated her.

“I think it’s nice,” Jay said, his voice quiet. “That she cares like that.”

Kai huffed, though there was no real annoyance in his expression. “Yeah, well. It’s a lot sometimes.”

Jay didn’t say anything, just watched as Kai leaned back, his arm brushing lightly against Jay’s. The contact sent a small, electric thrill through him, something that had become all too familiar lately. Every touch, every casual brush of skin, felt charged now, like there was something more behind it. And Jay didn’t know what to do with that.

Kai glanced over at him, his eyes softening slightly as they met Jay’s. “You’ve been quiet today.”

Jay blinked, surprised. “I have?”

“Yeah,” Kai said, his voice low. “You okay?”

Jay hesitated, his mind racing. He didn’t want to lie, didn’t want to brush it off like nothing was wrong. But how could he explain it? How could he tell Kai that this—the closeness, the touches, the way everything felt like it was shifting between them—was everything? How could he say it without making it weird?

“I’m fine,” Jay said eventually, his voice a little too soft, too careful. “Just… thinking.”

Kai’s eyes narrowed slightly, like he wasn’t convinced, but he didn’t push. Instead, he leaned back further, letting his shoulder bump lightly against Jay’s.

“You think too much,” Kai said, his tone playful but with an undercurrent of something warmer, something more serious.

Jay let out a soft laugh, but the sound was shaky. “Yeah, I know.”

They fell into a comfortable silence after that, the kind that had become so familiar between them. The breeze picked up slightly, ruffling Jay’s hair, and he tilted his head back to watch the sky darken above them. There was something calming about the quiet, the way the world seemed to slow down when it was just the two of them. 

But at the same time, the silence felt heavy—like there was something hanging between them, waiting to be said.

After a few minutes, Kai shifted beside him, his fingers drumming lightly against the metal bleacher.

“Hey, Jay?”

“Yeah?”

Kai hesitated, his voice uncharacteristically quiet. “Do you ever wonder… what this is?”

Jay’s heart skipped a beat, his breath catching in his throat. He turned to look at Kai, his chest tightening as he took in the way Kai was staring at the ground, his jaw tense, his fingers still tapping against the metal. 

“What do you mean?” Jay asked carefully, his voice barely above a whisper.

Kai let out a slow breath, finally meeting Jay’s eyes. There was something raw there, something that made Jay’s stomach flip.

“This,” Kai said, his voice low, almost hesitant. “Us. What are we?”

Jay’s heart pounded in his chest, his mind spinning. He hadn’t expected this—not today, not now. But the way Kai was looking at him, like he was asking for something real, something honest—it made Jay feel like maybe, just maybe, this was his chance. His chance to say everything he hadn’t been able to put into words before.

“I don’t know,” Jay admitted, his voice shaking slightly. “But I know I want to find out.”

Kai’s breath hitched, his eyes softening as he held Jay’s gaze. For a moment, neither of them moved, the world around them fading into the background. Jay could feel the air between them, thick and heavy with something unspoken, something that had been building for weeks.

And then, slowly, Kai reached out, his fingers brushing against Jay’s hand. It was a small, tentative touch, but it sent a jolt of warmth through Jay’s chest, settling deep in his bones.

“I don’t want to screw this up,” Kai said quietly, his voice raw. “I’m not good at… this.”

Jay swallowed, his heart racing as he turned his hand over, letting their fingers tangle together. The warmth of Kai’s hand against his own was grounding, steady, and Jay felt his breath catch in his throat.

“You’re not screwing it up,” Jay said softly, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions coursing through him. “We’ll figure it out. Together.”

Kai let out a shaky breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly as he squeezed Jay’s hand. There was something vulnerable in the way he held on, like he was afraid to let go, afraid that if he did, everything would fall apart.

But Jay wasn’t going anywhere. 

He wasn’t sure what this was—wasn’t sure where it would go, what it would turn into—but he knew that it mattered. That Kai mattered. And for now, that was enough.

They sat there in the fading light, the sky darkening around them, their hands still intertwined between them. The silence wasn’t heavy anymore—it was light, easy, filled with unspoken promises and quiet understanding. 

And as Jay leaned into Kai’s side, his head resting lightly against Kai’s shoulder, he couldn’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, they were finally starting to figure out what this was.

—

The first thing Jay realized when he woke up was that he wasn’t alone.

His head was resting against something warm and solid, his body tucked in close, and for a moment, in that soft haze between sleep and waking, he didn’t question it. Didn’t question the weight of the arm draped over him, the quiet rise and fall of steady breathing beside him. Didn’t question the comfort that came with it. 

And then his mind caught up.

Jay blinked his eyes open, the early morning light filtering through the curtains of Kai’s living room. The room was still, the kind of stillness that comes in those quiet moments before the rest of the world wakes up. Jay shifted slightly, careful not to move too much, and looked up to see Kai, still fast asleep, his head tipped back against the couch, his arm wrapped loosely around Jay’s shoulders.

Oh.

Jay’s heart skipped a beat, warmth flooding through him as the memories of last night came rushing back. They’d stayed up late, talking and watching some terrible action movie that neither of them really cared about. It had been one of those easy nights, the kind where time slipped by without them noticing. At some point, they’d shifted closer, their conversation trailing off into comfortable silence, and now, here they were.

Jay hadn’t meant to fall asleep like this, curled up against Kai on the couch. He’d planned to head home once the movie ended, but the warmth of Kai’s arm around him, the way Kai had let his guard down, had been too much to resist.

And now, waking up here, in this moment, Jay didn’t know what to do with the swell of emotion in his chest.

He didn’t want to move. Didn’t want to break the fragile peace that had settled over them. But the soft pressure of Kai’s arm around him, the weight of their closeness, was too much to ignore. It was real. This was real. 

And that terrified him.

Before he could spiral any further, Kai stirred beside him, his body shifting as he let out a soft, sleepy groan. Jay froze, his heart pounding as Kai blinked his eyes open, his face scrunching up in that familiar way he always did when he was waking up.

Kai’s gaze flicked down to where Jay was still pressed up against him, and for a moment, neither of them moved. Jay’s breath caught in his throat, waiting for Kai to pull away, to make a joke or brush it off like it was nothing.

But Kai didn’t pull away. 

Instead, Kai’s lips curved into a sleepy, lopsided grin, his eyes still half-lidded as he glanced down at Jay. “Morning.”

Jay’s stomach flipped, heat rushing to his face as he tried to figure out how to respond. “Uh… morning.”

Kai chuckled softly, his arm tightening just a little around Jay, pulling him closer. “Didn’t mean to fall asleep on you.”

Jay let out a nervous laugh, his heart pounding in his chest. “I didn’t mean to either.”

They lapsed into silence again, but it wasn’t awkward. It was soft, warm, and Jay could feel himself relaxing into it, letting the tension ease from his shoulders as he rested his head back against Kai’s chest.

“I could get used to this,” Kai said quietly, his voice still thick with sleep.

Jay blinked, his heart doing that stupid fluttery thing it always seemed to do around Kai. “What do you mean?”

Kai shrugged, the movement gentle, careful not to disturb their position. “This. You. Us.”

Jay’s breath hitched, his pulse quickening as Kai’s words sank in. Us. He didn’t know why, but hearing Kai say it out loud made something tighten in his chest—something big and terrifying and real.

“Yeah,” Jay said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. “Me too.”

Kai smiled again, that soft, sleepy smile that Jay was quickly growing addicted to. He didn’t say anything else, just let his hand come up to rest gently on Jay’s shoulder, his fingers tracing idle patterns against the fabric of Jay’s hoodie.

Jay closed his eyes, letting himself sink into the feeling of it—of them. He wasn’t used to this, wasn’t used to the quiet, steady warmth that came with being close to someone. But with Kai, it felt different. It felt… right.

After a few minutes, Jay shifted slightly, propping himself up on his elbow so he could look at Kai. Kai raised an eyebrow, his expression still soft and unguarded.

“What?” Kai asked, his voice teasing but gentle.

Jay bit his lip, hesitating for a second before he spoke. “I was just… thinking.”

Kai snorted softly. “Of course you were. You’re always thinking.”

Jay rolled his eyes, but there was no real heat behind it. “I’m serious.”

Kai’s teasing smile faded just a little, his expression softening as he reached up to brush a strand of hair out of Jay’s face. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”

Jay swallowed, his heart racing as he tried to put his thoughts into words. “I was just thinking about… us. About what this means.”

Kai’s fingers stilled, his eyes searching Jay’s face for a moment before he let out a slow breath. “Yeah. I’ve been thinking about that too.”

Jay’s heart skipped a beat. “And?”

Kai was quiet for a second, his hand still resting gently on Jay’s shoulder. “And I think… I want this. I don’t know what it’s supposed to look like, or what happens next, but I know I want it.”

Jay felt his chest tighten, his pulse racing as Kai’s words settled over him. He hadn’t realized how much he’d needed to hear that, how much he’d been holding onto the fear that maybe this was just some fleeting thing—something that Kai would brush off as no big deal.

But this—this—was real. 

“I want it too,” Jay said quietly, his voice shaking just a little. “I don’t know what it’s supposed to look like either, but I want it.”

Kai let out a soft breath, his eyes brightening as he smiled up at Jay. “Good.”

Jay felt the tension leave his body, a wave of relief washing over him as he smiled back. “Good.”

They stayed like that for a moment, just looking at each other, the weight of their words hanging between them. Jay felt like his heart might burst from the sheer rightness of it all, the way everything seemed to fall into place in that moment.

But before he could get too lost in his thoughts, Kai shifted beneath him, his grin turning mischievous. 

“So, does this mean I get to kiss you again, or…?”

Jay’s cheeks flushed, his heart racing as he glanced down at Kai, who was watching him with that familiar teasing glint in his eyes. “I mean… if you want to.”

Kai raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. “Oh, I want to.”

Before Jay could say anything else, Kai’s hand slid up to cup the back of his neck, gently tugging him down until their lips met in a soft, easy kiss. Jay’s eyes fluttered shut, his heart pounding as he melted into the warmth of Kai’s touch, the steady press of their mouths together.

It was different from the first time—less hesitant, more certain. And Jay couldn’t help but smile into the kiss, his fingers curling into the fabric of Kai’s shirt as he deepened it just a little, letting himself get lost in the feeling.

When they finally pulled back, both of them breathless, Kai was grinning up at him, his eyes bright with something warm and real.

“Yeah,” Kai said softly, his voice full of quiet certainty. “I could definitely get used to this.”

Jay laughed, his heart feeling impossibly full as he leaned in to rest his forehead against Kai’s. “Me too.”

---

The rest of the morning passed in a blur of quiet moments and easy conversation. They didn’t talk much about what this was, or what it would become, but that didn’t matter. For now, they were content to just be—wrapped up in each other, letting the world outside fade into the background.

Eventually, though, reality came creeping back in. Nya would be home soon, and as much as Jay liked her, he wasn’t quite ready to explain why he’d spent the night curled up on the couch with her brother. 

With a sigh, Jay finally pushed himself up, glancing over at Kai with a soft smile. “I should probably head out.”

Kai groaned dramatically, throwing his arm over his eyes like a petulant child. “Do you have to?”

Jay laughed, nudging Kai’s leg with his foot. “Yes, I have to. But I’ll see you later, okay?”

Kai peeked out from under his arm, his grin lazy but warm. “Yeah. Later.”

Jay grabbed his backpack, slinging it over his shoulder as he headed for the door. But before he could step outside, Kai called out to him, his voice soft but teasing.

“Hey, Jay?”

Jay turned, raising an eyebrow. “Yeah?”

Kai’s grin widened. “Don’t overthink this, okay?”

Jay felt his heart skip, warmth blooming in his chest as he smiled back. “I won’t.”

And for the first time in a long time, he meant it.

Chapter Text

Jay was starting to believe that maybe, just maybe, he and Kai could actually pull this off.

It had been a few days since that morning on Kai’s couch, since that quiet, sleepy kiss, and somehow everything had slipped into place with almost unsettling ease. They hadn’t had “the talk” yet—hadn’t sat down and put a label on whatever this was—but Jay didn’t mind. They had something steady now, something that felt like theirs, and for once, he wasn’t in a rush to label it.

It was strange. Jay wasn’t used to feeling this calm, this sure about anything. Normally he’d be overthinking, second-guessing every word, every look, every touch. But with Kai, he didn’t feel the need to. Being with Kai was like learning how to breathe again, a quiet reminder that maybe things didn’t always have to be complicated.

Not that Kai made it easy to stay calm.

Jay had learned pretty quickly that Kai was relentless when it came to messing with him. It was the little things—like the way Kai would “accidentally” brush their hands together in the hallway, or the way he’d catch Jay’s eye across the room and shoot him that smirk, the one that made Jay’s cheeks burn. Or the way he’d find any excuse to be close, his hand resting on Jay’s shoulder a beat too long, his voice low and teasing whenever they were alone.

It was enough to drive Jay out of his mind.

Today, they’d managed to escape to the rooftop of the school after class, a hidden spot Kai had discovered last year that offered a view of the entire schoolyard and the distant line of trees beyond. Jay wasn’t sure if they were technically allowed up here, but Kai had dragged him up the metal fire escape with a mischievous grin and a challenge in his eyes that Jay hadn’t been able to resist.

Now, they were sitting side by side, their shoulders pressed together as they watched the sunset cast golden hues across the school grounds. The air was cool and crisp, and Jay could smell the faint hint of smoke from a nearby fire, mingling with the scent of Kai’s leather jacket.

Kai leaned back, stretching his legs out in front of him as he let out a contented sigh. “Not bad, right?”

Jay glanced over at him, a smile tugging at his lips. “Not bad at all. I can see why you like it up here.”

Kai shrugged, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “It’s quiet. Nobody bothers you. Plus, you get the best view in the whole school.”

Jay chuckled, nudging him with his shoulder. “You’re such a softie sometimes, you know that?”

Kai scoffed, rolling his eyes. “I’m not a softie.”

“Please. You’re practically a poet right now.”

Kai shot him a look, but there was a hint of a smile on his face. “If I’m a poet, then you’re the one who keeps reading my stuff. So what does that make you?”

Jay opened his mouth to respond, then paused, narrowing his eyes as he realized what Kai was doing. “You’re deflecting.”

Kai shrugged, unbothered. “Maybe.”

Jay sighed, shaking his head, but he couldn’t stop the smile spreading across his face. “You’re impossible.”

“Yeah, but you like it,” Kai shot back, his voice teasing but soft, his eyes meeting Jay’s with that familiar spark that made Jay’s heart skip a beat.

Jay’s cheeks flushed, his gaze dropping to his hands. He wasn’t used to this—the way Kai could disarm him so easily, the way he could leave Jay feeling like he was balancing on the edge of something big and terrifying and wonderful, all at once.

“Yeah,” Jay said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. “I guess I do.”

Kai’s expression softened, his teasing grin fading as he watched Jay, his gaze turning serious. “Hey,” he said, his voice low, almost hesitant. “Can I ask you something?”

Jay looked up, surprised by the sudden shift in Kai’s tone. “Yeah, of course.”

Kai hesitated, his fingers drumming lightly against his knee as he looked away, his gaze fixed on the sunset. “What are we, Jay?”

The question hung in the air between them, heavy and fragile, and Jay felt his heart skip, his chest tightening as he tried to find the right words.

“I don’t know,” Jay admitted, his voice soft. “I mean, I know what I want us to be. But I don’t want to push you into anything you’re not ready for.”

Kai was quiet for a moment, his gaze still fixed on the horizon. When he finally spoke, his voice was barely a whisper. “What if I’m ready?”

Jay’s breath caught, his heart racing as Kai’s words settled over him, warm and certain. He hadn’t expected this, hadn’t expected Kai to be the one to say it out loud. But here he was, looking at Jay with that raw, open expression that made Jay feel like he was seeing Kai for the first time.

“Then…” Jay said, his voice shaking just a little, “then I’d say I’m ready too.”

Kai’s eyes softened, his hand reaching out to take Jay’s, his fingers threading through Jay’s like it was the most natural thing in the world. And somehow, it was. They sat there in silence, their hands clasped between them, the warmth of Kai’s skin grounding Jay in a way he hadn’t realized he needed.

“So… boyfriends?” Kai asked, his voice light but with a hint of vulnerability beneath it, like he was still waiting for Jay to pull away.

Jay’s heart skipped, a slow smile spreading across his face. “Yeah. Boyfriends.”

Kai’s grin widened, a look of pure joy flashing across his face before he quickly tried to cover it up, his expression slipping back into his usual cocky smirk. “Cool. Just don’t get all clingy on me, Walker.”

Jay laughed, nudging him playfully with his shoulder. “Right. Wouldn’t want to ruin your reputation as a lone wolf.”

Kai snorted, rolling his eyes. “Please. I’m practically a legend around here.”

“Legend, huh?” Jay teased, raising an eyebrow. “I seem to remember you almost falling off the bleachers last week.”

“That was your fault!” Kai shot back, his cheeks flushing as he gave Jay a mock glare. “You distracted me.”

“Oh, so it’s my fault now?” Jay asked, grinning as he leaned in closer, his face inches from Kai’s. “You’re the one who can’t keep it together around me.”

Kai’s breath hitched, his gaze flicking to Jay’s lips for just a second before he shot back, “You wish, Walker.”

Jay’s heart pounded, his pulse racing as he leaned in, letting his hand rest on Kai’s cheek, his thumb brushing lightly over his skin. “Maybe I do.”

Kai’s eyes softened, his teasing smirk fading as he leaned into Jay’s touch, his hand coming up to rest gently on Jay’s shoulder. For a moment, they just looked at each other, the world around them falling away, leaving only the warmth between them, the steady beat of their hearts.

And then, slowly, carefully, Jay closed the distance, pressing his lips to Kai’s in a soft, lingering kiss.

It was gentle, almost hesitant, but there was something fierce beneath it, something real and raw and theirs. Jay felt his heart swell, the weight of everything they hadn’t said settling between them, grounding him in a way he hadn’t realized he needed.

When they finally pulled back, both of them a little breathless, Kai smiled, a real, honest smile that made Jay’s chest ache in the best way.

“Yeah,” Kai said softly, his voice full of quiet certainty. “This feels right.”

Jay nodded, his heart full to bursting as he leaned his forehead against Kai’s. “It does.”

They sat there in the fading light, wrapped up in each other, the weight of everything else falling away. All they needed was this—this quiet, steady warmth that filled the spaces between them, binding them together in a way that felt as real as the ground beneath their feet.

And as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting them in the soft glow of twilight, Jay knew that whatever happened next, whatever came their way, they’d figure it out.

---

It was still new. That was what Jay kept telling himself. This—them—was new, and they’d take it one step at a time, one day at a time, figuring things out as they went. But every time he reminded himself of that, he couldn’t stop the way his heart raced or the way his mind spun with possibilities he hadn’t let himself consider until now. 

It had only been a few days since that sunset on the rooftop, since they’d finally put a name to what was happening between them. But somehow, in those few days, everything felt different. Sharper. Like every touch, every glance, every smile Kai shot his way had a weight to it that hadn’t been there before. 

Jay was still trying to figure out what to do with all of it.

Kai, on the other hand, didn’t seem to be struggling nearly as much. If anything, he’d fallen into this new part of their relationship with an ease that left Jay both amazed and a little jealous. He was still the same Kai, still quick with a smirk and an eye-roll, still as annoyingly confident as ever—but there was a softness to him now, a gentleness that he showed only in quiet moments, when they were alone and the world faded into the background.

Like now.

They were sitting in Kai’s living room, the glow of the afternoon sun filtering through the windows and casting a warm light across the room. Nya was out for the day, so it was just the two of them, the soft hum of the TV filling the space as they sat side by side on the couch. Jay hadn’t even been paying attention to whatever show was playing; he was too focused on the warmth of Kai’s leg pressed against his, the subtle weight of Kai’s arm stretched out along the back of the couch behind him.

Jay glanced over at him, watching the way Kai’s eyes softened as he looked at the screen, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. It was strange—seeing Kai like this, so at ease, so open. Jay still wasn’t used to it, wasn’t used to seeing the parts of Kai that he kept hidden from everyone else.

But that was what made it feel real.

Kai must have felt his gaze because he looked over, his eyes meeting Jay’s with that familiar spark of mischief. “What?”

Jay shrugged, trying to play it cool. “Nothing. Just… you look weird when you’re not scowling.”

Kai rolled his eyes, but there was a smile in them. “Wow. Thanks, Walker. Really boosting my self-esteem there.”

Jay snickered, nudging him with his shoulder. “I mean it. It’s nice. You should try it more often.”

Kai let out a soft huff, but his hand drifted down from the back of the couch, coming to rest gently on Jay’s shoulder, his fingers brushing lightly against his collarbone. It was such a small touch, so casual, but it sent a thrill through Jay’s chest all the same.

“You’re the worst,” Kai said, but his voice was soft, his fingers tracing gentle patterns against Jay’s shoulder, his gaze lingering on him in a way that made Jay feel like he was the only person in the world.

Jay swallowed, his heart pounding as he leaned into Kai’s touch, his own hand coming up to rest over Kai’s, holding it there. He didn’t say anything—he didn’t need to. The silence between them was enough, filled with the quiet certainty that had become so natural between them.

But as they sat there, wrapped up in each other, Jay felt a question forming in the back of his mind—a question he hadn’t dared to ask before, but one that he couldn’t keep quiet any longer.

“Kai?” he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Kai’s gaze shifted, his eyes meeting Jay’s with a softness that made Jay’s chest tighten. “Yeah?”

Jay hesitated, his fingers tightening around Kai’s hand as he tried to find the right words. “Are you… are you okay with this? With us?”

Kai’s expression softened, his thumb brushing lightly over Jay’s knuckles. “What kind of question is that?”

Jay felt his cheeks heat up, but he pressed on, his voice shaking just a little. “I just… I know this is new. For both of us. And I guess I just wanted to make sure you’re… okay with it.”

Kai was quiet for a moment, his gaze thoughtful as he studied Jay. Then, slowly, he leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Jay’s forehead, his lips lingering there for a second before he pulled back.

“I’m more than okay with it, Jay,” he said, his voice low, steady. “I’m exactly where I want to be.”

Jay’s heart swelled, warmth flooding through him as Kai’s words settled over him, grounding him in a way he hadn’t realized he needed. He let out a shaky breath, his fingers still tangled with Kai’s as he smiled up at him, his heart feeling impossibly full.

“Good,” Jay said softly. “Because I am too.”

Kai’s lips curved into a small, genuine smile, his eyes warm as he looked at Jay. And for a moment, everything else faded away—the worries, the questions, the fear of what might come next. All that mattered was this, this quiet, steady thing between them that felt as real as the ground beneath their feet.

But before either of them could say anything else, they heard the unmistakable sound of the front door opening.

They both froze, their heads snapping toward the door as Nya’s voice echoed through the house.

“Kai? You home?”

Kai’s eyes widened, and he pulled his hand back, straightening up on the couch as he shot Jay a panicked look. Jay tried not to laugh at the way Kai’s face had gone from relaxed to sheer panic in a matter of seconds.

“Yeah, I’m here!” Kai called back, his voice a little too loud, a little too forced.

Nya appeared in the doorway, raising an eyebrow as she took in the scene. “Hey. Didn’t know you had company.”

Jay tried to look casual, though he could feel his cheeks heating up. “Hey, Nya.”

Nya’s gaze flicked between them, her eyes narrowing slightly, and Jay could see the gears turning in her head. She’d always been sharp, always picking up on the things people tried to hide. And judging by the smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth, she’d already put two and two together.

“Oh,” she said, her voice full of teasing amusement as she leaned against the doorframe. “Am I interrupting something?”

Kai groaned, slumping back against the couch. “No, Nya. We’re just… hanging out.”

Nya shot him a look, clearly unconvinced. “Right. Hanging out.”

Jay could feel his face burning, but he couldn’t stop the small smile that tugged at his lips. He glanced over at Kai, who was trying very hard not to look at him, his expression a mixture of exasperation and embarrassment.

“Well, don’t let me stop you,” Nya said, pushing off the doorframe with a grin. “I’ll be upstairs if you two need… privacy.”

Kai’s eyes narrowed. “Nya.”

She held up her hands, her grin widening. “I’m just saying. If you two are gonna be all lovey-dovey, maybe take it somewhere I don’t have to see.”

Jay snorted, and he couldn’t help the laugh that escaped him, the tension melting away as he glanced over at Kai, who was glaring at his sister with a look that could probably set things on fire.

“Get lost, Nya,” Kai muttered, his cheeks red.

Nya just laughed, waving over her shoulder as she headed up the stairs. “Enjoy your date, lovebirds!”

As soon as she was gone, Kai let out a groan, slumping back against the couch as he covered his face with his hands. “I’m gonna kill her.”

Jay chuckled, reaching over to pull Kai’s hands away from his face. “Oh, come on. It’s not that bad.”

Kai shot him a look. “Easy for you to say. She’s not your sister.”

Jay smiled, his heart feeling light as he leaned in, pressing a quick, gentle kiss to Kai’s cheek. “Maybe not. But I think it’s sweet that she cares.”

Kai sighed, though his expression softened, his hand finding Jay’s again as he laced their fingers together. “Yeah, I guess so. In a really annoying, nosy way.”

Jay laughed, resting his head on Kai’s shoulder, his heart swelling with a warmth he couldn’t quite put into words. It was strange—he hadn’t expected any of this, hadn’t expected to find something so real, so steady, with Kai of all people. But now that he had, he couldn’t imagine anything else.

“Hey, Kai?” Jay said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Kai’s thumb brushed over his knuckles, his gaze turning gentle. “Yeah?”

Jay swallowed, his heart pounding as he took a deep breath, letting himself sink into the moment. “I’m really glad I met you.”

Kai’s smile softened, his eyes bright with something Jay couldn’t quite name, but something that made his chest feel impossibly full.

“Me too,” Kai said, his voice quiet but steady, his fingers tightening around Jay’s. “Me too.”

---

Jay didn’t know how long he and Kai had been a “thing” now—he didn’t exactly keep track of dates, and there hadn’t been one exact moment that marked the beginning of whatever this was between them. It was more like a slow drift, like they’d been drawn closer and closer until one day they just… were.

And it was good. So good, better than Jay had let himself imagine when this all started. But even now, as sure as he was that Kai felt the same way, a small part of him kept waiting for it all to fall apart.

Kai wasn’t the type to talk about feelings, not in the way Jay was used to. He was the type who’d brush off compliments with a scoff, roll his eyes at romantic gestures. But Jay was learning that Kai had his own way of saying things without words. A quick text to check if Jay was on his way to school, the way he always seemed to find Jay’s hand in a crowded hallway, the way he would wait for him, patiently, when Jay was having one of his long-winded rants about science or tech or whatever else was consuming his mind that day.

But today, as they were leaving school, Jay could tell something was different.

Kai was quiet. Not just quiet, but withdrawn, his gaze distant, his shoulders tense in a way Jay rarely saw. They’d walked out together, side by side as usual, but Kai hadn’t cracked a single joke, hadn’t reached for Jay’s hand. Jay’s stomach twisted, worry curling low and tight, and he fought the urge to say something, to ask. Instead, he matched Kai’s pace, waiting.

Finally, when they were far enough from the school and the hum of the passing cars faded into the background, Jay couldn’t hold back anymore.

“Kai,” he said softly, reaching out to touch his arm. “You okay?”

Kai stopped, his gaze still fixed on something in the distance, his jaw tight. For a moment, Jay thought he might just brush it off, laugh it away like he usually did. But then Kai let out a slow breath, his shoulders slumping as he turned to face Jay.

“It’s… stupid,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “It’s nothing. I’m just… in my head, I guess.”

Jay swallowed, his hand slipping down to find Kai’s, his fingers tangling with Kai’s in a gentle, grounding grip. “It’s not stupid if it’s bothering you. Talk to me.”

Kai hesitated, his gaze dropping to the ground as he traced a pattern on the pavement with the toe of his shoe. “I don’t know how to… explain it. It’s just… a lot. All of this.”

Jay felt his chest tighten, worry gnawing at him as he searched Kai’s face. “What do you mean? Did I… do something wrong?”

Kai’s eyes widened, his head snapping up as he shook his head, his hand tightening around Jay’s. “No. No, it’s not you. It’s me. I’m… I’m still figuring this out, Jay. I’m still figuring me out.”

Jay nodded, his fingers tracing gentle circles on Kai’s palm. “It’s okay, you know. You don’t have to have all the answers right now.”

Kai let out a soft, humorless laugh, his gaze softening as he looked down at their intertwined hands. “Sometimes I wish I did. It’d make things a lot easier.”

Jay felt his heart ache, and he took a small step closer, his other hand reaching up to rest on Kai’s shoulder. “We don’t have to rush, Kai. We can take it one day at a time. However long it takes, I’m here.”

Kai’s lips quirked up in a faint smile, something vulnerable in his gaze as he looked at Jay. “Why do you put up with me?”

Jay laughed softly, leaning his forehead against Kai’s. “Because you’re worth it. Even if you can be a pain sometimes.”

Kai let out a soft chuckle, the tension in his shoulders easing as he closed his eyes, leaning into Jay’s touch. They stood like that for a moment, wrapped up in each other, the world around them fading into the background.

But after a minute, Kai pulled back slightly, his expression softening as he looked at Jay, something warm and steady in his gaze.

“You make it easier, you know,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “All of this. Just… everything. I don’t feel like I have to pretend when I’m with you.”

Jay’s heart swelled, warmth flooding through him as he squeezed Kai’s hand. “Good. Because you don’t. You don’t have to be anything other than who you are, Kai.”

Kai’s eyes softened, and for a moment, Jay thought he might say something, something big. But instead, he just leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to Jay’s forehead, his hand coming up to rest gently against Jay’s cheek.

Jay felt his chest tighten, his heart pounding as he closed his eyes, letting himself sink into the warmth of Kai’s touch. They didn’t need words, not right now. This—this—was enough.

When Kai finally pulled back, his expression was lighter, his eyes bright with something that made Jay’s heart skip. “Thanks,” he said softly, his voice full of quiet gratitude. “For… all of this. For putting up with me.”

Jay smiled, his hand still holding onto Kai’s, grounding him. “I’m not putting up with you. I’m right where I want to be.”

Kai’s smile widened, his fingers threading through Jay’s as he nodded. “Yeah. Me too.”

They walked the rest of the way in comfortable silence, their hands still entwined, the world around them quiet and still. And for the first time in a long time, Jay didn’t feel the need to fill the silence with words.

As they reached Kai’s house, Kai hesitated on the doorstep, his gaze lingering on Jay for a moment longer than usual. Jay felt his heart race, warmth spreading through him as he watched the way Kai’s eyes softened, the way he looked at Jay like he was something precious.

“Hey, Jay?” Kai said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Yeah?” Jay replied, his voice just as quiet, his heart pounding in his chest.

Kai’s lips quirked up in a small, gentle smile, something soft and vulnerable in his gaze as he reached out, his hand coming to rest on Jay’s cheek.

“Stay,” Kai said, his voice full of quiet certainty. “Just… stay with me.”

Jay’s breath caught, his heart swelling as he looked into Kai’s eyes, seeing the quiet, steady warmth there, the unspoken promise. He didn’t need to say anything—didn’t need to put words to what he was feeling. He just nodded, his hand coming up to cover Kai’s as he smiled softly.

“I’ll stay,” Jay said, his voice barely a whisper, full of all the things he didn’t know how to say.

Kai’s smile widened, his fingers tightening around Jay’s as he led him inside, the door closing softly behind them.

Chapter Text

Jay couldn’t remember the last time he’d been this happy.

It was a quiet, subtle kind of happiness—the kind that settled deep in his chest, filling him with warmth every time he looked over at Kai. They had something steady now, something that had slipped into place without either of them even noticing, and for the first time in his life, Jay wasn’t overthinking it. He was letting himself just be.

The days drifted by in a comfortable rhythm, each one blending into the next. Kai would wait for him at his locker in the mornings, throwing him a casual “hey” and a smirk that was more than it seemed. They’d spend lunch together with Cole and Nya, both of whom had learned to raise a discreet eyebrow at the way Kai’s hand would drift to Jay’s knee under the table, or the way Jay’s eyes lingered on Kai’s face when he thought no one was looking.

And in the afternoons, they’d find their way back to each other—whether it was Kai’s living room, Jay’s basement workshop, or the hidden rooftop they’d come to think of as theirs. It didn’t matter where they were, as long as they were together.

But now, sitting on that familiar rooftop, Jay could feel something different in the air. A quiet tension, like they were on the edge of something big, something that neither of them had put into words yet.

They were both leaning against the edge, their shoulders brushing together, watching the sunset cast the sky in a wash of pinks and purples. Kai was quiet, his gaze distant, thoughtful. Jay didn’t mind the silence—it was the same kind of easy quiet they’d fallen into so many times before. But tonight, it felt heavier.

Jay turned to look at him, taking in the soft lines of his face, the way the fading sunlight caught in his hair, casting a warm glow across his skin. He’d never get tired of looking at Kai like this, seeing the real him, the one he kept hidden from everyone else.

“What are you thinking about?” Jay asked, his voice soft, careful.

Kai let out a slow breath, his gaze still fixed on the horizon. “Just… everything, I guess. Us.”

Jay’s heart skipped, warmth spreading through his chest as he leaned a little closer, his shoulder pressing against Kai’s. “Good things, I hope.”

Kai’s lips quirked up in a faint smile, but there was a seriousness in his eyes that made Jay’s stomach twist, something raw and real. “Yeah. Definitely good things. But also… scary things.”

Jay felt his throat tighten, his hand reaching out to cover Kai’s, grounding both of them. “You don’t have to be scared, Kai. Not about us.”

Kai looked down at their hands, his thumb tracing gentle circles on Jay’s skin. “I know. It’s just… I don’t want to mess this up. I don’t want to mess us up.”

Jay’s heart ached, and he squeezed Kai’s hand, his voice gentle. “You won’t. We won’t. We’re figuring it out together, remember?”

Kai’s smile softened, his gaze lifting to meet Jay’s. “Yeah. Together.”

They sat in silence for a moment, the quiet between them filled with unspoken promises. But Jay could still feel that tension in Kai’s grip, that lingering fear, and he didn’t know how to make it go away.

“Hey,” Jay said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’m not going anywhere, you know. No matter what.”

Kai’s breath hitched, his gaze searching Jay’s face, his eyes filled with something vulnerable, something raw. “You say that now, but…”

“But nothing,” Jay interrupted, his voice steady. “I’m here, Kai. I’m here, and I’m not leaving.”

Kai was quiet for a long moment, his gaze still locked on Jay’s, and then, slowly, he leaned in, pressing his forehead against Jay’s. Jay felt his breath catch, his heart pounding as Kai’s hand came up to cup the side of his face, his thumb brushing gently across Jay’s cheek.

“Jay…” Kai’s voice was soft, a quiet, shaky whisper that sent a shiver down Jay’s spine.

Jay closed his eyes, his hand coming up to rest on Kai’s shoulder, grounding them both. “Yeah?”

Kai didn’t say anything, didn’t pull away, just stayed there, their foreheads pressed together, their breaths mingling in the quiet. And in that moment, Jay realized that this—this closeness, this quiet, steady warmth between them—was more than enough.

They didn’t need to say anything. They didn’t need to put it into words. Because whatever this was, whatever they’d built together, was real. And it was theirs.

But then, after a long moment, Kai’s voice broke the silence, quiet but full of a fierce, determined certainty.

“I love you.”

The words hung in the air, raw and real, and Jay felt his heart stop, a wave of warmth flooding through him as Kai’s words settled over him, grounding him in a way he hadn’t realized he needed.

He opened his eyes, his gaze meeting Kai’s, and he could see the fear there, the vulnerability, the quiet, desperate hope. And in that moment, Jay knew, with a certainty he’d never felt before, that he felt the same.

“I love you too,” Jay said, his voice barely above a whisper, but full of all the things he didn’t know how to say.

Kai’s breath hitched, his eyes softening, and for a moment, Jay thought he might cry. But then Kai was leaning in, his lips pressing softly against Jay’s, and everything else fell away—the fear, the doubt, the uncertainty. All that was left was the steady, quiet warmth between them, grounding them, binding them together in a way that felt as real as the ground beneath their feet.

When they finally pulled back, both of them a little breathless, Kai smiled, his hand still resting gently on Jay’s cheek.

“Guess we’re really doing this, huh?” Kai said, his voice soft but full of quiet joy.

Jay laughed, his heart full to bursting as he leaned his forehead against Kai’s. “Yeah. I guess we are.”

They stayed there, wrapped up in each other, the world around them fading into the background as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in deep, vibrant shades of mauve and indigo.

---

It was almost strange, how something as big as “I love you” could slip so easily into the routine they’d built. They’d said it once, standing on that rooftop in the glow of the sunset, and somehow that was all they’d needed. There was no pressure to say it again, no rush to make it anything bigger or louder than it already was. It was enough, simply knowing it was there, woven into every touch, every glance, every quiet moment they shared.

And that was exactly what they did—settled back into the familiar rhythm of being Jay and Kai, letting the world fall into place around them. But now, everything felt… lighter. Easier. Like the weight they’d both been carrying had finally lifted, leaving only the quiet, steady warmth between them.

The days passed like that, slipping by in a blur of school, late-night talks, and stolen moments in hallways and hidden corners. Jay found himself smiling more, laughing at Kai’s endless teasing and letting himself relax in a way he hadn’t realized he’d been holding back. It was like he was finally letting himself breathe again.

And Kai… Kai was different too. Softer, in ways that only Jay got to see. There were still the walls, the sarcasm, the occasional flashes of Kai’s usual bravado, but there was something else now. A vulnerability he didn’t hide, a warmth that Jay saw in every lingering glance, every gentle touch.

It felt like they were building something solid, something that could weather anything.

But, of course, Jay was learning that the thing about feeling safe was that it made you realize how much you had to lose.

---

They were in Jay’s basement one Saturday afternoon, sprawled on the old, slightly lumpy couch his parents had insisted on keeping down there. Jay’s workbench was cluttered with half-finished projects—circuit boards and wires spilling across the table, little pieces of machinery he’d meant to fix but had been too distracted to get around to.

Kai was sitting next to him, their legs tangled together as they shared a bag of chips, the crumbs scattering across Jay’s lap as Kai tossed another handful into his mouth.

“You’re gonna make a mess,” Jay laughed, brushing the crumbs off his jeans.

Kai shrugged, a lazy grin spreading across his face as he leaned back, his arm draped over the back of the couch. “You say that like it’s my problem.”

Jay rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t stop the smile that tugged at his lips. “You’re a menace, you know that?”

Kai’s grin softened, his gaze lingering on Jay. “Yeah, but I’m your menace.”

Jay felt his cheeks flush, his heart doing that familiar flip-flop in his chest. Even after all this time, after everything they’d shared, Kai still had a way of disarming him with just a look, a smile.

Before he could respond, though, he heard the sound of footsteps on the basement stairs, and a moment later, his mom appeared in the doorway, a warm smile on her face.

“Hey, boys,” she said, her eyes twinkling with that knowing look she always seemed to have when she saw them together. “I was just about to start dinner. Kai, are you staying?”

Kai hesitated, glancing over at Jay with a small, questioning smile. “If that’s okay.”

Jay’s mom laughed, waving her hand dismissively. “Of course, it’s okay. You’re always welcome here, Kai.”

Jay felt a warmth bloom in his chest at her words, his heart swelling as he watched Kai’s expression soften, that brief flash of vulnerability crossing his face before he quickly covered it up with a smirk.

“Thanks, Mrs. Walker,” he said, his voice a little softer than usual.

Jay’s mom gave them one last smile before heading back upstairs, leaving them alone again in the quiet of the basement. Jay felt Kai shift beside him, his fingers brushing against Jay’s knee, grounding them both in the silence.

“You know,” Kai said after a moment, his voice low, thoughtful. “I don’t think I’ve ever really… had this.”

Jay looked over at him, surprised. “Had what?”

Kai shrugged, his gaze fixed on his hands, his fingers tracing idle patterns on Jay’s knee. “This. A family that’s… together. That actually wants me around.”

Jay’s heart ached, and he reached out, covering Kai’s hand with his own. “Kai…”

Kai looked up, his eyes soft, a faint, self-conscious smile tugging at his lips. “It’s just weird, I guess. I didn’t think I’d ever have something like this. Someone like you.”

Jay felt his chest tighten, his hand squeezing Kai’s. He wanted to say something, to find the words that would make Kai believe he was worth all of this and more, but he didn’t know how. So instead, he leaned in, resting his forehead against Kai’s, letting the silence say everything he couldn’t.

Kai’s breath hitched, his fingers curling around Jay’s hand, holding on like he was afraid to let go. And in that quiet moment, Jay knew that this—this closeness, this quiet, steady thing between them—was enough.

But still, that lingering fear stayed with him, settling in the back of his mind like a shadow he couldn’t shake. Because now that he had this—had Kai—he didn’t know what he’d do if he lost it.

---

The weeks slipped by like that, and before Jay knew it, winter had crept up on them. The air was colder now, the sky a soft gray that made the whole world feel muted, wrapped in a gentle quiet that settled over everything.

He and Kai were spending more and more time together, sometimes with Nya and Cole, but more often than not, it was just the two of them, wrapped up in each other. They’d find little pockets of solitude, places where they could just be without worrying about the rest of the world. Jay’s basement, the rooftop, the small café down the street where the barista always gave them a knowing smile whenever they walked in together.

It was enough, these small, stolen moments. But Jay couldn’t shake the feeling that time was slipping away from them, like something big was just over the horizon, waiting.

And then, one cold, cloudy afternoon, Kai finally said it out loud.

They were sitting on the rooftop, bundled up in their jackets, their breath visible in the crisp air as they watched the gray clouds roll across the sky.

“Kai?” Jay asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper. “What’s on your mind?”

Kai was quiet for a long moment, his gaze fixed on the horizon, his hands clenched in his lap. And then, finally, he spoke, his voice low, almost hesitant.

“I’m leaving after graduation.”

The words hung in the air, sharp and heavy, and Jay felt his heart drop, the warmth draining from his chest as he stared at Kai, his mind reeling.

“What… what do you mean?” Jay asked, his voice shaking.

Kai let out a slow breath, his gaze still fixed on the horizon. “I don’t know where yet. But I can’t stay here. I need to… figure things out. Figure me out.”

Jay’s chest tightened, a wave of panic and sadness crashing over him as Kai’s words settled into the quiet between them. He knew, deep down, that this was always a possibility. Kai had never been the type to stay still, never been the type to settle. But now, hearing it out loud, knowing that their time together had an end date—it felt like the ground was slipping out from under him.

Kai’s hand found Jay’s, his fingers threading through Jay’s in a gentle, grounding grip. “I don’t want to leave you. But I need to do this, Jay. I need to know who I am, where I’m supposed to be.”

Jay swallowed, his throat tight as he forced himself to nod, his heart breaking with every second that passed. “I… I get it. I do. It’s just… hard.”

Kai’s gaze softened, his thumb brushing over Jay’s knuckles. “I don’t want this to end, Jay. I love you. That’s not going to change. But I have to go.”

Jay closed his eyes, his heart shattering and swelling all at once, and he felt a tear slip down his cheek as he leaned into Kai’s touch, his voice barely a whisper. “Then we’ll make the most of the time we have.”

Kai’s breath hitched, his grip tightening around Jay’s hand as he pulled him close, their foreheads pressing together, grounding them both in the quiet, fragile moment between them.

“Yeah,” Kai whispered, his voice full of quiet determination. “We will.”

And as they sat there, wrapped up in each other, Jay couldn’t shake the bittersweet feeling in his chest, the quiet ache that came with knowing their time together was slipping away. But he held onto Kai, held onto this moment, letting himself believe, just for now, that they had all the time in the world.

Chapter Text

The days had a way of running together now, blurring at the edges as the countdown to graduation ticked on. Jay had always thought of time as something constant, a series of predictable moments measured out by the click of a clock. But now it felt like water slipping through his fingers, unstoppable and fast, leaving him chasing after it, desperate to hold on.

Kai was leaving. That truth sat between them like a stone, heavy and immovable, and yet they’d both learned to pretend it wasn’t there. They didn’t talk about it, didn’t let the reality of it creep into their moments together. Instead, they filled the space with laughter, with whispered conversations in the dark, with touches that lingered and kisses that said more than either of them could.

But even the silence had a voice. And now, it was getting louder.

---

It was one of those rare winter evenings when the sky was clear, the stars sharp and bright against the dark. Jay was in Kai’s room, a place that had become as familiar as his own. The walls were cluttered with posters and old photographs, the edges curling from years of sunlight. Nya’s laughter echoed up the stairs from the living room below, mixing with the sound of a TV show playing in the background.

Kai sat on the edge of his bed, his leg bouncing with restless energy. Jay watched him, the way his eyes darted from the floor to the window, like he was chasing a thought that kept slipping away. The room felt too small, too close, the air heavy with everything they weren’t saying.

“You’re doing that thing again,” Jay said softly, breaking the silence.

Kai looked up, startled, a smile tugging at his lips that didn’t reach his eyes. “What thing?”

“The thinking-too-much thing,” Jay said, crossing the room to sit beside him. Their knees bumped, and Jay reached out, letting his fingers graze Kai’s arm. “You’re miles away.”

Kai let out a soft sigh, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly at Jay’s touch. He turned to look at him, his eyes searching Jay’s face for something, some reassurance Jay wasn’t sure he could give.

“I guess I’m just… scared,” Kai admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. It was rare, hearing him sound like this—raw, open, without the usual armor of sarcasm or bravado. “About what happens next. About leaving.”

Jay’s heart twisted, and he felt the familiar ache settle deep in his chest. He wanted to tell Kai not to go, to stay, to choose *them* over whatever was waiting out there. But he couldn’t. Because if there was one thing Jay knew, it was that Kai needed to do this. That there was a restlessness in him that wouldn’t let him stay.

“You’ll figure it out,” Jay said, his voice steady, even as his throat tightened. “You always do.”

Kai’s smile softened, his eyes flicking down to where their hands rested, barely touching. “What if figuring it out means losing this? Losing us?”

Jay swallowed, the weight of that question pressing down on him. It was the one thing he hadn’t let himself think about, the possibility that all of this might end. But now, with Kai looking at him like that, like he was waiting for permission to hold on and let go at the same time, Jay knew he couldn’t avoid it any longer.

“It won’t,” Jay said, the words coming out firmer than he expected. “Even if you’re far away, even if we can’t do this every day, we’ll still have us. That doesn’t go away, Kai. Not unless we let it.”

Kai’s eyes softened, and he reached out, cupping Jay’s face in his hand. His touch was warm, grounding, and Jay leaned into it, closing his eyes for a moment as he let himself feel everything he’d been trying to push down.

“Jay…” Kai’s voice was thick, the sound of his name filled with something that made Jay’s heart ache in the best and worst way. “You make it sound so simple.”

Jay opened his eyes, meeting Kai’s gaze. “Maybe it is. Maybe we just need to stop trying to figure everything out and just… be.”

Kai’s breath caught, and for a second, the air between them felt electric, alive. And then Kai leaned in, pressing their foreheads together, his thumb brushing over Jay’s cheek in a gesture so tender it made Jay’s chest tighten.

“Okay,” Kai whispered, his voice barely more than a breath. “Let’s just be.”

The words felt like a promise, fragile but real, and Jay nodded, his heart pounding as he closed the distance between them, their lips meeting in a kiss that tasted of everything unsaid. It was slow, lingering, filled with a kind of desperation that made Jay’s pulse race.

When they pulled apart, Kai’s eyes were bright, his hand still resting on Jay’s cheek. “I love you,” he said, the words falling between them like an anchor, something solid to hold onto.

“I love you too,” Jay said, his voice steady, certain. And he meant it, with every part of him. No matter where Kai went, no matter what came next, that wouldn’t change.

They sat there for a long time, wrapped up in each other, the world outside fading into the background. The stars glittered through the window, casting the room in a soft, silvery glow that made everything feel suspended, like time had paused just for them.

And for now, it was enough.

---

Jay knew the day would come when they couldn’t pretend anymore, when the weight of what was coming would press down on them so heavily that they’d have to face it head-on. But as he lay on Kai’s bed that night, his head resting on Kai’s chest, he let himself stay in the quiet. In the steady rhythm of Kai’s heartbeat, in the warmth of Kai’s arm wrapped around him.

The future could wait. For tonight, they were here, together, and that was enough.

But even as sleep pulled at the edges of his mind, Jay couldn’t help but think of what the next day would bring, and the day after that. The weeks stretched out before them, short and uncertain, a road leading somewhere he couldn’t quite see.

And beyond that, the color of a sky at dusk, soft and deep and just out of reach: mauve, the color of endings and beginnings, all tangled up together.

---

The days between now and graduation passed in a blur, each one stealing time away faster than Jay could grasp. The fear that had nestled itself in his chest weeks ago had only grown, heavy and sharp, but he was learning how to carry it. Because with Kai, he’d learned that sometimes you couldn’t fix things—you could only hold them, feel them, and make peace with the ache.

And today, the ache was real.

Graduation loomed closer, a promise and a threat wrapped into one. The whole school was alive with it, seniors buzzing with a mix of excitement and dread as they made plans, took photos, and scribbled hurried messages in each other’s yearbooks. Jay watched it all from a distance, feeling the weight of what came next press against his ribcage. He glanced down the hall, searching for that familiar flash of dark hair, that crooked grin he’d come to know as well as his own.

He found Kai leaning against a locker, arms crossed, talking to Cole. Kai’s eyes caught his for just a second, and the tension in Jay’s chest loosened just a bit, the world narrowing down to that one moment of shared understanding. It was a lifeline, a reminder that they were still here, still holding on.

“Hey, Jay!” Cole’s voice broke through the fog of Jay’s thoughts, pulling him back to the present as he approached. “You coming to the bonfire tonight? Everyone’s gonna be there.”

Kai’s eyes flicked to Jay, unreadable but searching, and Jay’s breath caught. The bonfire was tradition—a last hurrah for seniors, a night where they could be loud and reckless under the stars before real life crept in. Jay wasn’t sure he was ready for that, for what the end of the night would bring.

But then Kai’s mouth curved into a small smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes, and Jay found himself nodding before he could second-guess it. “Yeah. I’ll be there.”

Cole grinned, clapping him on the shoulder before heading down the hall, leaving Jay and Kai alone in the noise of lockers slamming and voices echoing. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the unspoken stretching between them like a taut wire.

“So,” Kai said finally, his voice low. “The bonfire, huh?”

Jay nodded, swallowing against the tightness in his throat. “Yeah. Thought it’d be good, you know? One last time.”

Kai’s smile softened, and he pushed off the locker, closing the distance between them in a few steps. His hand brushed against Jay’s, a touch so small it could have been accidental. But it wasn’t, and Jay knew it.

“One last time,” Kai echoed, his voice barely above a whisper, and Jay felt the ache in his chest pulse, sharp and real.

---

The sky was streaked with the last shades of daylight when Jay arrived at the beach, the air cool and filled with the sound of waves crashing against the shore. The bonfire was already lit, flames crackling and sending sparks into the darkening sky as people laughed and shouted, the whole night humming with a kind of wild energy.

Jay spotted Kai by the fire, talking with Nya and a few others. The light from the flames cast flickering shadows across his face, catching in his eyes and turning them gold. Jay’s heart ached at the sight, the realization settling in his bones: this was one of the last times he’d see Kai like this, surrounded by friends, the easy grin on his face making everything feel simpler.

Kai’s gaze found him, and the grin softened into something smaller, something just for Jay. Without hesitation, Kai made his way over, the sound of the crowd fading into the background as he stood next to him, close enough that their arms brushed.

“Hey,” Kai said, his voice low and familiar. “You okay?”

Jay let out a breath, his smile tight but genuine. “Yeah. Just… taking it all in.”

Kai nodded, looking out at the fire, the way the flames twisted and roared, bright and alive. “Yeah. Feels kind of surreal, doesn’t it?”

Jay swallowed, the knot in his throat refusing to loosen. “Yeah. It does.”

They stood in silence for a while, the noise of the others drifting around them, but they were in their own bubble, their own world where the end felt both too close and too far away. The sun slipped below the horizon, leaving the sky a deep indigo, speckled with the first stars. And as the night deepened, the air grew cooler, the fire their only source of warmth.

“Walk with me?” Kai’s voice broke the quiet, soft and hesitant, and Jay nodded, his heart thudding in his chest as Kai led him away from the bonfire, away from the noise and the laughter.

They walked along the shoreline, their feet leaving uneven tracks in the sand, the sound of the waves filling the spaces between them. The moon cast a pale glow over everything, making the world feel hushed, almost sacred.

Kai stopped, turning to face Jay, his expression open and vulnerable in a way that made Jay’s chest ache. “I don’t know what’s going to happen after this,” Kai said, his voice low, steady. “I don’t know where I’ll end up or how long it’ll take me to figure things out. But I know one thing.”

Jay’s breath caught, the cool night air sharp in his lungs. “What’s that?”

Kai stepped closer, his hand finding Jay’s and holding on, the warmth of his touch grounding them both. “I know that I love you. And that’s not changing, no matter how far I go.”

Jay’s vision blurred, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes as he squeezed Kai’s hand, his voice thick with emotion. “I love you too. And I’ll be here, Kai. I’ll be here when you come back.”

Kai’s smile was small, but it was real, his eyes bright as he leaned in, pressing their foreheads together. The sound of the waves crashed around them, but all Jay could hear was the steady rhythm of Kai’s breathing, the quiet promise in every heartbeat.

“We’ll figure it out,” Kai said, his voice soft, steady. “Together.”

Jay closed his eyes, a tear slipping down his cheek as he nodded, holding onto the warmth of Kai’s touch, the quiet strength in his voice. “Yeah. Together.”

They stayed like that for a long time, the night settling around them, the world quiet and still. The horizon stretched out before them, deep and dark, the stars above shimmering in shades of blue and violet, painting the sky with a promise of something more.

And somewhere, in the quiet space between endings and beginnings, Jay found hope.