Chapter 4: Before the Day

In the days that followed, we alternated between meeting at our house and theirs. We spent our time playing board games and online games, watching movies, swimming, and enjoying meals—either the ones my mother prepared or food they randomly brought from outside. However, due to my injury, I could only see them within the confines of our home or whenever we stayed at Matt's place.

My parents, ever protective, did not allow me to venture far. Only my brother was permitted to join them.

Despite having just seen them the day before, I already missed their presence.

That evening, I heard the sound of laughter outside—several voices blending in cheerful conversation. Curious, I stepped toward the staircase and looked down. There they were, standing with my brother, looking up at me.

"Hi there" Luke called out, his tone lighthearted. Behind him, Jacq waved with a bright smile.

They were dressed casually, as if they had just stepped out of their homes, appearing comfortable and at ease. As they entered, Matt remained disengaged, his attention fixed on his phone, fingers moving steadily across the screen, seemingly absorbed in whatever he was doing.

"Hi there," I responded enthusiastically.

Matt finally looked up, and for a brief moment, our eyes met.

It was the first time I had faced him since yesterday—since my injury. Our last encounter replayed in my mind, and before I could stop myself, I shifted my gaze toward Jacq instead.

A moment later, my mother appeared at the door, greeting them warmly. "Come in and have dinner with us," she offered.

They exchanged quick glances before nodding, their expressions reflecting both surprise and gratitude for the unexpected invitation.

"Hi, Mom. Where's Dad?" I asked, still looking down at them from the stairs.

My brother stepped forward to help my mother carry the groceries she held.

"Hello, sweetheart. How was your day?" she asked with a smile. "Your father is on the phone and unloading a few grocery bags from the car."

She made her way to the kitchen while Clerk and Luke volunteered to assist my father, heading outside.

That left only Matt and Jacq.

Cleo, who had just returned from the kitchen, invited them to take a seat in the living room. Shortly after, my father entered the house, accompanied by the others carrying the remaining groceries.

"Hello, kiddos" he greeted with a warm smile.

Following the exchange of greetings and a bit of commotion, everyone settled in the living room while my parents preparing our dinner.

"Lets go Riss" Jacq said to me before she follows others.

"Alright —I just need to finish something," I said, turning back to my room.

As I continue preparing my outfit for the freshmen orientation for the next day. Since uniforms were not required, I wanted to select something appropriate. At the same time the post in campus portal that homeroom assignments would also be posted on the bulletin board, and I could only hope to be placed in the same class as my brother—or at least with my friends.

As I nearly finished organizing my things, a faint presence caught my attention.

I turned toward the door, the door is half way open—and there he was.

Matt stood just outside, not knocking, not saying a word. His gaze was directed to me, his hands tucked loosely in his pockets, as if he had been waiting but wasn't sure whether to announce himself.

 I muttered "Matt?"

At the sound of his name, his lips curve slightly in the corner, meeting my eyes.

"Your mom is calling you for dinner." he said, his voice casual, almost indifferent.

"Oh? But why you? I mean, where's my brother? I doubt Mom and Dad sent you to call me."

Matt leaned against the doorframe, his expression unreadable. "Cleo's in his room with Luke. Jacq spilled juice—accidentally, of course—while they were teasing each other. So your brother asked me to come get you."

"Ah, got it." I nodded, zipping up my bag. "You can sit there while you wait. I'm almost done. We can go down together if you want."

Matt stood there for a moment before silently making his way to the seat I had pointed out.

My room was simple, painted in shades of white and deep purple. To the left of the door, a U-shaped closet wrapped around the corner, offering plenty of storage. On the right, a door led to the bathroom. My twin-sized bed was tucked between the closet and my study table, hidden from view when standing at the main door.

The remaining space was open, giving me enough room to sit comfortably on the floor. Right now, I was there, packing my things into my bag, but my gaze kept drifting towards him—where Matt sat in silence and get his phone again. His fingers moved steadily over the screen, his expression unreadable.

I hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Just asking as a friend—are you busy with something?"

He looked up at me then, his gaze steady. For a second, I thought he might ignore the question, but instead, he gave a slight nod, as if telling me to continue.

"Why do you look so busy on your phone?" I asked.

Matt didn't answer right away. He finished whatever he was typing before finally locking his screen and looking at me fully.

"Just handling something," he said vaguely.

I chuckle. "Oookay."

He exhaled through his nose, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Let's just say someone won't stop blowing up my messages."

"Ah." I nodded as I approached my study table, but to my dismay, I couldn't reach it. Noticing this, Matt grabbed my bag and placed it on the table.

"Thanks," I said as I tried to stand up, but I stumbled. Before I knew it, I was in his arms. He whispered something, but I couldn't hear it clearly.

"You're really clumsy, aren't you?" he asked, his tone a mix of teasing and slight annoyance.

Quickly, I stepped back to put some distance between us and muttered another "Thanks." I continue, "Annoying someone or being annoyed?"

Matt smirked slightly. "Bit of both."

Shaking my head, I walked toward the door. "Come on, let's go before Cleo sends a search party up here."

He pushed himself up from the chair, slipping his phone into his pocket as he followed me out of the room.

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After dinner we lounging in his room, the remnants of our game session scattered around us—controllers, snack wrappers, and half-empty drinks. The air was filled with the comfortable quiet that settled after hours spent together.

Jacq suddenly leaned forward, eyes glinting with excitement. "We should all walk to campus together."

I glanced at her. "Walk together?"

She nodded. "Yeah. We're all heading there anyway, so why not?"

Luke stretched his arms. "That actually sounds exciting. More fun that way!"

Cleo, sitting cross-legged on the floor, tapped his fingers idly against his knee. He didn't say anything, but the small tilt of his head showed he was listening.

Before anyone else could respond, Clerk leaned back against the couch with a smirk. "Huh. You suggesting a long walk? That's new."

Jacq raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Clerk shrugged. "Just that the last time we walked more than ten minutes, you started complaining about your legs hurting."

Jacq scoffed. "That was different! It was hot that day."

Clerk grinned. "Uh-huh. And this time, what's your plan? Drag one of us to carry you when you get tired?"

Jacq grabbed a pillow and threw it at him. Clerk barely dodged, laughing under his breath. "I'll take that as a yes."

Cleo, sitting quietly on the floor, chuckled at the exchange but didn't add anything.

Matt, who had been observing the conversation from his spot on the armrest, finally spoke. "Well, this should be fun." His voice was casual, but his eyes held amusement.

I shook my head, still smiling. "So, 7:30 sound good?"

Jacq crossed her arms. "Fine. But if anyone's late, we're leaving without them."

Clerk smirked. "Even you?"

Jacq hesitated. Matt let out a quiet chuckle.

Luke leaned back. "We'll meet at Aireriss's place, then head out together."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Matt stood, slipping his hands into his pockets. "Well, this should be interesting."

As he turned toward the door, his gaze flickered toward me for just a second before he looked away.

For some reason, that one glance stayed with me longer than it should have.