The next day, Jae was acting strange.

He was quieter, more brooding than usual. Even Section E noticed the shift.

“Dude, did someone punch you in the face or are you just sulking?” Kai asked, nudging Jae during lunch.

Jae ignored him, his eyes scanning the cafeteria until they landed on Ava, who was laughing with Lily. His grip on his fork tightened.

A few moments later, he stood up and walked straight to her.

“Ava,” he called, his tone serious.

She looked up. “What’s up, husband?” she teased, grinning.

Jae rolled his eyes but grabbed her wrist, pulling her out of her seat. “Come with me.”

Ava raised an eyebrow but followed him outside to the rooftop.

Once they were alone, Jae took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair. “I need to say something.”

Ava crossed her arms. “Go on.”

Jae exhaled sharply before meeting her gaze. “I like you, Ava. And I don’t mean in the ‘let’s just mess around’ way. I mean—I really like you. And I’m done pretending I don’t.”

Ava blinked, momentarily caught off guard.

Jae kept going. “I hate it when other guys look at you. I hate it when you smile at someone else. I hate that Ethan even thought he had a chance with you. And most of all, I hate that I waited this long to say it.”

Ava stared at him, lips twitching.

Then she smirked. “Wow, that was dramatic.”

Jae narrowed his eyes. “Ava.”

She laughed, stepping closer. “So you like me, huh?”

Jae groaned. “Did you not hear anything I just said?”

“Oh, I heard everything.” Ava leaned in slightly, tilting her head. “But… do you, like, really like me? Or just like me?”

Jae scowled. “Ava.”

She giggled. “Alright, alright. I’ll stop teasing.” She took a step closer, looking up at him with a playful smile. “Good thing I like you too, huh?”

Jae froze. “What?”

Ava shrugged. “I mean, it’s only fair. You’re cute when you’re mad.”

Jae blinked, then let out a breath of laughter. “You’re impossible.”

Ava grinned. “And yet, here you are, confessing your undying love for me.”

Jae rolled his eyes but grabbed her chin, tilting her face up. “Say it properly,” he muttered.

Ava bit her lip before whispering, “I like you too, Jae.”

Jae smirked. “Damn right you do.” And before she could say anything else, he kissed her.

And this time, neither of them pulled away.