Circles Of Power

The school day moved in waves first period, second, break.

By third period, Jalen was already a storm of whispers and wide eyes.

He walked like he owned the halls, but somehow, he didn't feel heavy-handed. Everything was light, effortless. And now, something new was spreading.

He knew people. Important ones.

People started noticing.

He wasn't just popular he was connected.

And that became clear when he turned the corner near the art department

And almost walked into Jay Hong.

The school's elusive, silent model-type with sharp features, silver earrings, and a reputation for being cool without trying.

Jay paused when he saw Jalen.

There was a beat of silence.

Then Jalen smiled. "Long time, Jay."

Jay tilted his head slightly curious.

Then nodded back.

No words, just a fist bump.

A few students who saw the exchange lost their minds quietly behind lockers.

"Wait... he knows Jay?"

"Is he friends with everyone?"

"First Mary, now Jay… what is this guy's deal?"

Jalen remembered now this body's memories flickering to the surface.

Jay's dad and his dad had done business overseas. Some silent partnership. There had been dinners. Awkward parties. Quiet nods across long tables. Jay didn't talk then either.

Even back then, he was cool.

Lunchtime.

The cafeteria was buzzing louder than usual. Festival talk, performances, clubs getting rowdy.

Jalen grabbed a drink from the vending machine and made his way toward the open tables.

Until someone blocked his path.

Big. Bald. Wide eyes. Thick arms under a short-sleeved hoodie.

Vasco.

His crew not far behind Jace lingering close, suspicious.

Vasco stepped forward, eyes serious. "You. I've heard about you."

Jalen blinked, curious. "Oh?"

"You fought Zack."

Jalen tilted his head. "I dodged Zack. That's not the same thing."

Vasco's fists clenched. "He's my friend."

Jalen raised a brow. "Did I hurt him?"

Vasco stayed quiet.

"I don't start fights," Jalen added, calm. "But I finish them."

A tense pause.

Jace whispered, "He's the guy who sat with Mary Kim too…"

Vasco's eyes narrowed. "You're flashy. You act like you're better than everyone."

Jalen looked Vasco dead in the eye. "Nah. I just don't pretend to be less."

That hit something.

Vasco didn't speak again. Just stared.

Eventually, Jalen gave a small nod and walked past him, heading toward a bench near the windows.

The tension stayed behind him but so did the attention.

People were watching.

He knew Mary. Knew Jay. Dodged Zack. Faced Vasco.

The boy who had arrived in silence was now sitting dead center in every rumor.

And the festival?

It was just a few days away.