Jae was still smirking at the video of Ava wrecking Dara’s life when his phone buzzed again.

At first, he thought it was Lily sending more gossip, but when he checked, his smirk vanished.

Unknown Number: Leave Ava, or she dies.

Jae’s entire body froze.

His grip on his phone tightened, his jaw clenching as he reread the message.

Once. Twice. A third time.

What kind of sick joke was this?

Back at School – Ava’s Usual Chaos

Ava was oblivious to the incoming storm as she walked through the hallways, her Section E classmates still hyped from lunch.

“Okay, but seriously, did you see how Dara’s soul left her body?” Kai laughed, throwing an arm around Ava’s shoulder.

Lily sighed dreamily. “It was honestly the best moment of my life.”

Minho grinned. “Ava, we are so keeping you.”

Ava rolled her eyes playfully, pushing Kai off her. “You guys are so dramatic.”

“You love us.”

“Debatable.”

Eli smirked. “Too bad, you’re stuck with us.”

Ava laughed, shaking her head—but the moment she stepped into the classroom, her smile disappeared.

Jae was standing there, his expression stone cold.

The moment their eyes met, she knew something was wrong.

Jae Pulls Ava Away

Without a word, Jae grabbed Ava’s wrist and dragged her out of the classroom.

Kai blinked. “Damn. Not even a hello?”

Minho leaned back. “I smell drama.”

Lily grinned. “I smell possession.”

Eli smirked. “I smell Jae about to murder someone.”

On the Rooftop – Jae’s Tension

Jae paced back and forth, running a hand through his hair.

Ava leaned against the railing, arms crossed. “Okay, what’s going on?”

Jae didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he pulled out his phone and shoved the screen in her face.

Ava squinted. “What the—”

Then she read the message.

Her heart dropped.

She slowly looked up at Jae. “Is this… real?”

Jae’s jaw was tight. “I don’t know. But I’m not taking chances.”

Ava let out a shaky breath, trying to process. “Do you think it’s Ethan?”

Jae’s expression darkened at the mention of that bastard’s name. “Maybe.”

Ava sighed, rubbing her temples. “Jae, this is insane. It’s probably just some jealous psycho—”

Jae grabbed her shoulders. “I don’t care. You think I’m gonna risk losing you?”

Ava’s breath hitched at the intensity in his eyes. “Jae…”

“I mean it, Ava.” His grip tightened slightly. “From now on, you’re not walking alone. You’re staying with me or Section E. If anyone so much as breathes near you wrong, I’ll make sure they regret it.”

Ava stared at him, emotions swirling in her chest. She wanted to tell him not to worry, but the truth was… she was scared too.

And if Jae was this worried, then things were worse than she thought.

She sighed, leaning her forehead against his chest. “Okay. I’ll be careful.”

Jae exhaled, wrapping his arms around her tightly. “Good.”

But deep inside, he wasn’t just worried anymore.

He was furious.

And whoever sent that message?

They just made the worst mistake of their life.