storiesnseries
CHAPTER EIGHT
[Warning: This chapter contains bullying, emotional distress, and scenes that may be upsetting. Reader discretion is advised.]
Kaelyn’s hands shook violently as Rico stared her down.
“Y- yes Rico… I’m… I’m deeply in love with you,” she managed, voice barely a whisper.
“Bullshìt!” Rico spat.
The entire hallway erupted into laughter. Phones lifted. Record buttons tapped. Kaelyn’s chest tightened.
“Trust me Rico, I really love you, I—”
“Enough!” Rico snapped, stepping closer, a dangerous smirk carving across his face.
“What gave you the audacity to insult me like this? You think I would scoop so low and f*ck with someone like you? Like—have you even looked in the mirror today?”
More laughter. Girls covered their mouths. Boys whispered.
Kaelyn turned to her friends for support—Jessica and Russell—but they were recording too… laughing.
Her heart shattered.
“You know what you’re going to do for me?” Rico balled her love letter into a tiny crushed ball and held it out. “Put it in your mouth. Chew it. Swallow. I want you to keep that f*cking letter in your pot belly.”
The laughter doubled.
Kaelyn shook. Tears streamed uncontrollably.
“I don’t like putting my hands out for too long. F*cking take the letter and chew it!” Rico snapped, cracking his neck.
With trembling fingers, she took it. She placed it in her mouth. But she couldn’t chew.
“I said chew it,” Rico growled.
Kaelyn was crying too hard to breathe.
“Chew it!” Jessica barked.
“Chew it, b*tch!” Russell added.
The crowd joined in.
“Chew it! Chew it! Chew it!”
Kaelyn shut her eyes and began chewing. Her tears ran down her chin.
Then—
“Spit it out!”
A deep, firm male voice boomed across the hallway.
Everyone froze.
“It’s Kelvin…”
“Oh my God, he’s so handsome…”
Kelvin strode in, dressed in a casual jacket and pencil jeans that framed his athletic build. His expression was stone.
He stopped right in front of Rico.
“Are you out of your senses?”
“I’m perfectly normal,” Rico smirked.
“Bullying your fellow guys isn’t enough, so you’ve upgraded to girls now, huh?” Kelvin stepped closer, towering over him.
Rico rolled his neck casually. “I’m just teaching her a lesson never to disrespect me. Who does she think she is writing love letters to me?”
“You know you can get into trouble for bullying, right?” Kelvin’s tone darkened.
“As if that’s ever going to happen.” Rico shoved Kelvin’s shoulder and stormed off with his boys.
Kelvin turned to the students—mostly girls. Some still recording.
“Shouldn’t y’all be ashamed? How can you stand and watch a guy bully your fellow girl and do nothing?” he snapped.
Jessica scoffed. “Why should we? All the girls in GGC are pretty. We defend pretty girls. Am I right?”
Several murmured in agreement.
Kelvin scoffed, eyes narrowing. “How about you fix the hole in your teeth first?”
Jessica gasped loudly and covered her mouth.
“And as for the rest of you,” Kelvin continued, “you support Rico but forgot even if he can’t get punished—you all can.”
The girls panicked.
“We don’t want to get in trouble, Kelvin… please, it won’t happen again,” one mumbled, others nodding quickly.
“Then apologize to her.” Kelvin folded his arms.
They faced Kaelyn.
“We are sorry!!”
Then they scattered.
Kaelyn stood frozen, unable to process any of it. A warm hand touched her shoulder.
She flinched, then looked up.
Kelvin.
His expression softened instantly.
“Are you okay?” he asked quietly.
Her tears fell fresh. Everything she’d ever heard about him—cold, heartless, dangerous—faded. He wasn’t any of that.
“What’s your name?” he asked gently.
“Kaelyn Cruz,” she whispered.
“I want you to have this, Kaelyn.”
He held out his signature handkerchief. KH — Kelvin Hall.
“You’re giving me this?” she gasped.
“Yeah,” he smiled. “Wipe your tears. Pretty girls don’t deserve to cry.”
And he walked away.
Kaelyn’s breath trembled.
Kelvin just called her pretty.
Kelvin just defended her.
Kelvin just gave her his handkerchief.
She touched her face, stunned.
THE COZY TABLE •••
Lunch with their parents had barely started when the chaos began.
“So Julia,” Martha said sweetly, “your father and I were talking. We want you and Jake to leave the campus and start staying home. We want to spend more time with you.”
“Mom, we’ve talked about this countless times. I don’t want to stay off campus,” Jake sighed.
“It can’t be that bad,” Martha insisted.
“I guess you’re right. It can’t be that bad,” Julia murmured.
Jake shot her a look. She shook her head helplessly.
Then—
The glass door opened.
A woman in a provocative outfit sashayed in. Her eyes instantly locked on their table.
“Darling, there you are!” she squealed.
Before anyone could react, she pushed Zayn’s chair aside, sat on his lap, and kissed him.
Julia choked. Jake blinked in disbelief.
“I missed you so much,” the woman pouted, then turned to look at the family. “Who are these people, baby?”
Martha’s face twisted. Zayn looked equally confused.
“Ma’am, there must be a misunderstanding. I don’t know you,” Zayn said calmly.
She sat on his lap again.
“Aren’t you Zayn Miller Summers, my one and only—”
Before she could finish, Martha grabbed her by the hair.
“Ouch!! Let go of my hair, you mad woman!”
A waiter rushed over.
“Ma’am, fighting is against policy—”
“I’m not fighting,” Martha said sweetly. “I’m just teaching this woman that it’s not okay to try and steal from me.”
“Mom, cut it out. People are watching,” Jake hissed.
Security was about to be called, so Martha released her.
The woman fled immediately.
Zayn smirked proudly. “You are so awesome, babe.”
“Well, I know how bitches in New York operate,” Martha winked.
Julia looked at Jake—eyes glassy, on the verge of crying. Jake shook his head, equally overwhelmed.
GGC — GIRLS’ HOSTEL•••
Aime walked in and froze. Julia was packing.
“What’s going on? Are you running away?”
“I’m moving in with Jake,” Julia sighed.
“What!? You’re taking this bet too far!”
“Sit. Let me explain.”
Aime sat quickly.
“My father wants to marry Jake’s mom.”
Aime screamed.
BOYS’ HOSTEL — KELVIN & JAKE’S ROOM•••
Jake waited while Kelvin showered.
Kelvin stepped out with a towel around his waist.
“Kelvin, we need to talk.”
“If this is about Julia—”
“I’m moving out,” Jake interrupted.
Kelvin turned sharply. “You’re moving out? Why? Because of me?”
“Sit. Let me explain.”
Jake told him everything — their parents dating, moving in, the impending engagement…
and the kiss.
“She kissed me first. I lost my mind. It was a mistake,” Jake defended himself.
Kelvin wasn’t angry. At all.
“That’s some interesting sh*t,” Kelvin chuckled. “Y’all are about to be family and you already kissed? Good luck.”
“That’s not funny.”
“No one can predict the future, bro. And you’ll be living together, so prepare for the worst.”
Jake blinked. “You’re… not mad?”
“Hell nah. I’m over her.” Then Kelvin paused, remembering Kaelyn’s trembling lips, teary eyes, the way she clutched his handkerchief.
“I think I might be interested in someone else,” he muttered, then left.
KAELYN’S ROOM•••
Kaelyn entered quietly.
Jessica’s voice hit her immediately.
“Well well, someone said you confessed to Rico. How did that go?”
Kaelyn ignored them. Russell blocked her path.
“We just wanted you to know your place. You’re not our level.”
Kaelyn continued ignoring.
“We’re talking to you!” Jessica snapped—then spotted the KH handkerchief.
“Who gave you this?” She grabbed it.
“Give me that!” Kaelyn tried.
Jessica lifted it far above her reach.
“You don’t deserve this. You’re not Kelvin’s type. Don’t think too much, fat pig,” Russell sneered.
Kaelyn’s rage snapped.
“What did you just call me?”
“Fat pig. Isn’t that what you—”
SLAP.
Russell’s head jerked sideways.
“B*tch did you just slap me!?”
“And I can do it again.”
Jessica lunged. Russell grabbed her hair.
But Kaelyn fought back. And this time—
she didn’t lose.
HOSTEL MANAGEMENT OFFICE•••
“I’m sorry, Kaelyn Cruz, but you broke GGC rules. No fighting,” the manager said.
“They provoked me! They stole my things!”
“You hit them first. You must leave the hostel.”
Kaelyn left in tears.
Julia and Aime were entering when they saw her.
“Are you okay?” Julia asked gently.
Kaelyn shook her head.
“I heard someone is being kicked out… so it’s you?” Aime asked.
“They picked on me first,” Kaelyn sobbed.
Julia touched her shoulders softly.
“I’m moving out today. How about you stay in my room instead? Aime won’t mind.”
“Not at all,” Aime added. “I’m scared to stay alone.”
Kaelyn’s eyes widened.
“OMG… yes!”
END
CHAPTER NINE
GGC — EVENING
“I can’t believe there will be no Julia in this room anymore,” Aime sniffed dramatically, refusing to let go of Julia’s hands as she escorted her outside.
“I’m just leaving the hostel for the meantime, Aime. I’m not leaving the school,” Julia laughed softly, but Aime’s pout only grew deeper.
“I’m really going to miss you, Julia. Call me when you get home. And we must video call every time you leave school, okay?” Aime ordered.
“Yes ma’am,” Julia chuckled.
“And you need to be careful with how things go between you and Jake now that you’ll be living together,” Aime added with a knowing look. “Honestly? Just forget that stupid bet you made with Amanda and focus on your parents’ marriage.”
“Jesus, Aime… Goodnight,” Julia groaned and hugged her again before entering the car waiting for her.
Aime trudged back into the hostel. Kaelyn wasn’t back yet, and she doubted she’d return that evening. She flopped on her bed and scrolled through her phone—until Bryan’s message popped up.
BRYAN: I thought I told you to sleep early? I’m not taking any drowsiness from you in our next class tomorrow.
Aime smiled. Lonely and bored? Perfect time to tease him.
AIME: How do you know I’m awake? Were you stalking me? 😏
BRYAN: Very funny. What are you doing now?
AIME: Nothing. Just bored and lonely.
BRYAN: Lonely? Where’s your roommate?
AIME: She went home. I don’t know when she’s coming back 😞
BRYAN: If you can’t stay alone, come spend the night at my place.
Aime’s heart skipped.
AIME: Why would I wanna come?
BRYAN: Because we have unfinished business, bae.
Her pulse jumped without her permission.
AIME: What kind of business?
(She played dumb—even though she knew exactly what he meant.)
BRYAN: You know what I mean. Ten minutes, Aime. I’m waiting. Or I’ll sleep.
The NEXT SECOND she found herself getting dressed, applying lip gloss, spraying perfume. She wore a mini skirt and a fitted singlet that showed a little cleavage.
“Do I look attractive enough for him?” she whispered at the mirror, then groaned, “I don’t know what you’ve done to me, Bryan, but you’ll pay.”
She opened the door—froze.
Kaelyn stood there with her luggage.
“Oh… sorry I’m late,” Kaelyn smiled, then looked Aime up and down. “Seems like you’re going to see your boyfriend. It’s fine, go. I’ll lock up.”
Aime blushed and rushed out.
Boyfriend?
She kinda liked the sound.
ZAYN’S APARTMENT — JAKE’S ROOM
Jake lay shirtless on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
His mom was getting married again.
To Julia’s dad.
Which meant…
Julia as his stepsister.
He groaned.
Why did that idea bother him so much?
His mind drifted—against his will—to the kiss at the museum.
Her lips…
Her soft breath…
He sat up abruptly. “You promised yourself never to think about that again!”
A knock.
“It’s me, Julia. I thought it might be cold in there so I brought you some blankets.”
Jake opened the door—and froze when he saw her eyes widen at his bare torso. He swallowed. Her gaze lingered a moment too long.
“Thank you,” he said, taking the blankets. “Come in?”
She nodded, nervous, rubbing her palms.
“I asked the maid to decorate the room for you… do you like it?” she asked.
“I love it,” Jake said with a small smile.
“I should go—” she said, but he grabbed her hand gently.
“You can sleep here, Julia. I know you’re scared to sleep alone.”
“Huh?” she blinked.
“I won’t touch you, I promise. I’ll sleep on the floor.”
“No,” she said quietly. “You… can sleep on the bed. With me.”
Jake stared at her.
“Are you sure?”
She smiled softly. “I trust you.”
They lay on the bed, backs facing each other. Their hearts were both racing.
“My plan kinda failed,” Julia mumbled.
“What?”
“The woman I sent to the restaurant to cause a scene… I didn’t know your mom was that crazy.”
Jake laughed. “I knew something was off.”
Julia turned to face him. “Jake… do you want us to become siblings?”
Jake closed his eyes. “It’s getting late. Sleep.”
“You keep avoiding everything we should talk about,” she said, annoyed.
“Like what?”
“The kiss at the art museum. You said I should forget it, but I can’t. I want to taste your lips again.”
Jake’s entire body tensed.
“You’re crazy, Julia. It will never happen. Even if our parents don’t get married.”
“Why?” she demanded. “Do I not look good enough? Do you still see me as that slut? I told you everything—”
Jake faced her, emotionless.
“We talked. But I never said I want you.”
Her heart cracked.
“So you still see me as cheap. Got it.” She stood up, voice shaking. “I’m sorry for liking you. I’m the problem.”
She stormed out.
Jake dropped back on his bed and sighed.
BRYAN’S APARTMENT
Aime knocked.
Bryan opened the door with a smirk.
“10:02. You’re two minutes late.”
Something about his voice made her knees weak.
“Need me to leave?” she teased.
Bryan grabbed her wrist, pulled her inside, slammed the door, and locked it behind her.
“Hell no. You’re not going anywhere,” he murmured, voice low and dangerous.
Aime swallowed.
“Hope you love to scream,” he whispered, “because I’m not going easy.”
And before she could reply, his lips crashed into hers.
What followed was heat.
Intensity.
Teasing.
Control.
His fingers.
Her moans.
His voice in her ear—
“Open your eyes, Aime.”
“That’s my good girl.”
“Let everyone hear you.”
“Tell me how much you love my fingers.”
She came undone—completely.
Breathless.
Shaking.
Ruined.
Bryan licked his fingers slowly.
“Tasty.”
Then fed her her own taste.
Later, she wore his T-shirt as they made popcorn and watched a movie. She fell asleep on his chest.
But when she woke up…
He was gone.
NEXT DAY — GGC SPORTS FIELD
The field buzzed with activities. Cheerleaders practiced. Amanda was at the front, with Russell and Jessica beside her.
Kaelyn sat alone, watching.
A ball suddenly hit her head.
“Oops.”
She froze at the familiar voice.
Rico.
Her stomach tightened in fear.
“Checked my locker. No love letter,” he mocked. His friends laughed.
Kaelyn ignored him.
He stepped closer, eyes cold. “I don’t like being ignored.”
Kelvin suddenly appeared, wrapping an arm around Kaelyn’s shoulders.
“Have you ever thought maybe everything is not about you?” Kelvin shot back.
Rico smirked. “Mind your business.”
“Her business is mine,” Kelvin said firmly. “You won’t bully her again.”
Rico leaned down to Kaelyn’s ear.
“You shouldn’t have written that letter,” he whispered. “Now you’ll start seeing me a lot. And your boyfriend here—” he glared at Kelvin— “won’t do shit.”
He walked away.
Kaelyn trembled.
“He can’t harm you,” Kelvin assured.
“How can you be sure?”
“I’ll protect you. I promise.”
“You don’t even know me,” she muttered.
Kelvin smirked. “Then let’s fix that. Dinner tonight. 7pm.”
Kaelyn blinked.
“…Did he just ask me out?”
END
CHAPTER TEN
GGC – GIRLS HOSTEL ••
Aime kept checking her phone for the hundredth time. She’d sent Bryan several messages but still—no reply.
The silence made her feel stupid, like maybe he had gotten what he wanted and simply moved on. She shook off the thought, refusing to feed her anxiety, but it kept creeping back like smoke under a door.
The hostel door opened and Julia walked in.
Aime’s eyes widened. “Julia!!”
She jumped off her bed and hugged her tightly. “I’ve missed you so much! Please don’t leave again.”
Julia chuckled into her shoulder. “I’ve missed you too. And besides, I don’t want to go back and see that jerk.”
Aime pulled away immediately. “What did Jake do this time?”
“He didn’t do anything,” Julia sighed, flopping onto the bed. “I just don’t understand guys. They’ll make you feel important then trash you the next second. I’m sick of that boy, Aime.”
Aime thought of Bryan, and her mood instantly dipped. “I shouldn’t have gone to see him last night,” she muttered.
Julia blinked. “Who? Bryan?”
“I don’t wanna hear his name!!” Aime complained, face flaming.
The door opened again and Kaelyn walked in.
“Hey, Julia.” She waved.
“Hey, Kae. Hope you’re settling well?” Julia smiled.
“Very much,” Kaelyn replied, heading to the bathroom to wash her face.
“Aime says you cooked mac salad.” Julia grinned.
“And there’s still more in the kitchen!” Kaelyn announced from the bathroom.
“Bless you, K!” Julia playfully pouted.
A few moments later Kaelyn stepped out with a serious look.
“Girls… I need your help.” She clasped her hands nervously. “Kelvin asked me out for dinner tonight and I think he’s serious. I don’t know what to do. Should I go or not?”
Aime gasped. Julia blinked.
“Kelvin asked you out?” Aime repeated, shocked. Kaelyn nodded.
“My God… I thought he’d never move on from Julia!”
“AIME.” Julia glared.
Kaelyn swallowed. “I’ve never been on a date before. Guys don’t approach me. I’m always the one forcing myself on them.”
“That’s why this is special,” Julia said softly. “Kelvin is a good guy. You’re lucky he likes you. And yes—we’re getting you dressed.”
Aime clasped her hands dramatically. “And we’ll show that bastard Rico that he wasn’t as important as he thought.”
Julia sighed. “Aime, can we not bring Rico into this? Tonight is about Kaelyn and Kelvin. #Kaelvin.”
Kaelyn blushed so hard she covered her face.
“Mall. Now!” Julia ordered.
BOYS HOSTEL ••
Kelvin stood in front of the mirror wearing a button-down shirt, dark washed jeans, and a leather jacket.
Jake walked in. “What’s the occasion?”
“Bro, I have a date tonight.” Kelvin spun once. “Leather jacket and boots or suit and loafers?”
“Who’s the girl?”
Kelvin unlocked his phone. “This angel.”
He pulled up Kaelyn’s Instagram.
Jake nodded. “She’s curvy. Cute. Nice one.”
“I know, right? I really like her. I want her to be my girlfriend.”
Jake pointed at him. “Leather jacket. And don’t screw it up. I won’t be here to wipe your tears.”
Kelvin smirked. “Worry about yourself. Julia is living under the same roof as you.”
Jake rolled his eyes. “Nothing will happen between us.”
“Jake,” Kelvin put a hand on his shoulder. “It’s okay to like someone. Even if it doesn’t work out.”
“Whatever.” Jake left the room, then bumped straight into Rico.
“Why are you talking about dates?” Rico demanded.
“Do you stalk boys now?” Jake raised a brow.
“Please. I’m way above that,” Rico scoffed.
“Good. Mind your business.” Jake brushed past him.
Rico’s eyes drifted to Kelvin’s door, his expression darkening.
CAR RIDE – JULIA & JAKE
Jake entered the car. Julia was on video call with Aime and Kaelyn, helping choose Kaelyn’s outfit.
When the call ended, Jake tried starting a conversation.
“So that’s the girl Kelvin likes? She’s pretty.”
Julia didn’t respond.
“You’re seriously not going to talk to me because of last night?” he asked.
Silence.
“You know I did it for us, right?”
Julia finally faced him. “It’s fine if you don’t want anything to do with me. I’ll stay out of your way and forget everything that ever happened.”
She plugged in her AirPods.
Jake ran a hand through his hair, frustrated.
EVENING – DELI DINE ••
“You look pretty. Go in,” Aime said for the fiftieth time.
“This dress exposes too much,” Kaelyn whispered. “My arms… my stretch marks—what if Kelvin thinks I’m disgusting?”
“He won’t,” Aime groaned. “Go. Before he thinks you’re not coming.”
Aime hurried off. Kaelyn stood alone, breathing heavily.
“It’s just a date,” she whispered. “It can’t be that bad.”
But the moment she walked in, she felt eyes on her. Judging. Whispering.
She turned toward the glass door, seeing a faint reflection of herself.
“I look stupid,” she whispered. “I shouldn’t have—”
“Kaelyn?”
Kelvin walked toward her, smiling like she was a masterpiece.
“I’m glad you came. You look beautiful. Red is definitely your color.”
Kaelyn blinked, stunned. “You think?”
“Let’s sit before someone thinks you’re single and tries to steal you,” he teased, taking her hand.
“But I am single,” she said as she sat.
Kelvin put a hand to his chest. “So you don’t like me?”
Kaelyn giggled. “You’re obviously funny.”
The waitress brought their food. Kelvin started eating.
“So… siblings?” he asked casually.
“I have a sister,” Kaelyn said quietly. “Pretty. Not like me.”
“What?” Kelvin frowned.
Kaelyn looked down.
Kelvin reached across the table and held her hand. “Don’t ever bring yourself down to praise someone else. If they’re pretty, you’re equally pretty. It’s my mistake I didn’t meet you sooner.”
Kaelyn’s eyes searched his. He wasn’t lying.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“Can I get your number?” he asked. “I want to talk to you every day.”
“I’m boring,” she muttered.
Kelvin laughed softly. “The girl in front of me is the most interesting person I’ve met. I could watch you do nothing and still be entertained.”
Kaelyn’s heart fluttered.
Then—
A hand grabbed her roughly.
Rico.
“What are you doing here with him?” he growled.
“Let her go!” Kelvin snapped, standing.
“She liked me first,” Rico hissed. “Back off.”
“And you pushed her away,” Kelvin fired back. “I see what you didn’t. Let her go or I’ll get crazy.”
“Crazy?” Rico smirked. “I’m crazier.”
“Rico, stop it!” Kaelyn struggled.
People started recording. Kelvin grabbed Rico and pushed him away.
“Let’s go outside if you want to fight.”
“Or we do it here!” Rico punched Kelvin, knocking him to the ground.
“Kelvin!” Kaelyn gasped.
She grabbed her wine and dumped it on Rico. “Calm down!”
Rico froze. Wine dripped down his chin.
Kelvin stood up, pulling Kaelyn behind him. “He’s dangerous. Don’t talk. Let me handle it.”
“You did not just do that,” Rico said slowly. His neck cracked unnaturally.
“Rico, you’re crazy!” Kelvin yelled.
Rico flipped a table.
Security rushed in. One tried to hit him—Rico grabbed his arm and flipped him over.
Chaos.
“RICO!”
Bryan ran in. Rico held a bottle, aiming at Kelvin and Kaelyn.
Bryan grabbed him, dodged the bottle, and knocked him out.
Bryan apologized and paid for the damages.
Kelvin wiped the blood from his nose. Kaelyn cupped his face, trembling.
“Does it hurt?”
Kelvin shook his head. “I’m fine.”
BRYAN & RICO – OUTSIDE
Rico woke in Bryan’s car to a heavy slap.
“You just couldn’t behave?” Bryan glared.
“What happened?” Rico blinked.
“You lost control. Again.”
Bryan gave him his pills.
“It’s the only thing keeping us sane.”
Rico swallowed them silently.
Bryan lifted his shirt, revealing bruises. “Dad got worse. I took it for Mom.”
Rico clenched his jaw.
Then he noticed Bryan’s wallpaper.
Aime.
“The first time I’m seeing a lady on your phone,” Rico said. “Be careful what you’re pulling her into.”
Bryan didn’t respond.
But after Rico left, he typed:
I know you don’t want to hear from me, but it’s not what you think. Come to the front of your hostel. I’ll explain.
ZAYN’S APARTMENT ••
Julia watched TV, pretending Jake wasn’t beside her.
“You didn’t see our parents, did you? Why ask dumb questions?” she muttered.
Jake frowned. “Quit giving me attitude.”
“I’m not giving attitude. I’m doing what you want—staying out of your way.”
She stood up to leave but Jake caught her wrist.
“What if I go back on my words?”
His voice dropped.
Julia blinked. “What?”
Jake pulled her closer, his hand sliding to her waist, her palms landing on his bare chest without permission.
“What if…”
His gaze dropped to her lips.
“…I want you to get in my way?”
Julia’s breath caught.
Please drop us a comment, next episode dropping on the 15th of December, 2025. 💋
WRITTEN BY RHEMA J.
EDITED BY INI CROWN.
Comments
Post a Comment