Chapter 3

Serena transferred in during our sophomore year and wasn’t in our class.

Not only was she beautiful, but she quickly snatched the top spot in our grade.

One day after school, some sketchy guys cornered her in an alley.

Jax couldn’t stand seeing someone stronger bullying the weak, so he stepped in to help and ended up with a cut on his face.

From then on, Serena started appearing in front of Jax all the time.

Claiming to 'repay his kindness,' she’d bring him breakfast, get him water, and even help him hide from teachers when he skipped class.

At first, Jax said, “That new girl is seriously annoying. I just helped her out, who knew I couldn't get rid of her.”

But then, his attitude slowly shifted from annoyance to acceptance. He not only stopped rejecting Serena’s presence but would also make excuses about having things to do, no longer walking home with me.

I knew he was walking Serena home.

But every time I asked, he’d just say, “You don’t understand, she has a lot of family drama, it’s pretty sad. I just want to help her.”

As if afraid I’d press further, he’d add, with his usual impatience, “Stop worrying about nothing, just take care of yourself.”

Jax, who was usually so aloof,

Would hand her his jacket when it got cold.

Would specifically buy her favorite ice cream outside of school.

He even worried about her getting bullied and wanted to go to the same college as her.

But originally, that was our agreement.

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