Jay

You weren't a couple, but you couldn't exactly call him friends either. You could sit on his lap, and you'd kiss goodbye in front of your house. Whenever anyone asked, Jay would answer briefly, never admitting you were his girlfriend. And yet, he continued to care for you in his own way. He wouldn't let anyone make fun of you, he'd check to make sure you got home safely. He'd text you when you were playing hooky and not reply. He also didn't smoke in your presence, knowing how much you hated the smell of cigarettes. When you noticed this, you smiled like you were in love. You often teased him, calling him your boyfriend.

“I’m not your boyfriend,” Jay said, not taking his eyes off the road, but not removing your hand from his.

The next day dragged on as usual. Classes, breaks, and finally, in the evening, classes ended. As usual, Jay was waiting for you near the school. He stood a little further away and paused for a second when he noticed you with another boy. You walked leisurely, talking raptly with a classmate, and for the first time, Jay felt something strange inside. After a couple of minutes, you approached him and stopped in front of Jay. "Do you have a new friend?" he asked, not taking his eyes off the boy, holding a cigarette between his fingers. “He transferred to us recently...” you said, slightly tensely. The guy, not looking at Jay, said, "I asked to see the school; I didn't know it was occupied." His gaze slid over you for a moment. Jay chuckled.

"Her boyfriend's in front of you. So get out of here." And, throwing down his cigarette, Jay watched the new guy leave with an arrogant look. You tried to hold back a smile, and when Jay threw his arm around your shoulder, you whispered joyfully:

• So I'm already your girlfriend? Jay's embrace tightened at your words, his eyes never leaving yours. He grumbled, not responding directly to your words:
• I hope this won't happen again.