Chapter 14: Promise

Jessy tightened her hold on Mia. She gave in to the comfort she felt and kissed her again.

At first surprised, she responded to the kiss with the same intensity.

Their breaths and tongues mingled.

Mia broke the kiss for a moment, but after a short breath, she leaned back in and took the initiative.

Her tongue gently entered Jessy's mouth, their union growing deeper, more intense.

Their tongues danced together, seeking each other out, blending in a mixture of warmth and softness.

Then, suddenly, Mia broke the kiss. She looked away, her voice becoming timid.

"No... we can't, Jessy."

He looked at her, surprised by her hesitation.

"What is it? Didn't you like that kiss?"

She shook her head gently.

"It's not that... it has nothing to do with it... But Jason... he'll come after you again."

She paused, searching for words, then continued, "I-I don't want anything to come to you because of me."

Jessy held her tenderly against him. He could feel her heart beating against his. She hugged him too. In this embrace, she felt serene, protected. He gently stroked her hair, then looked deep into hers.

"Mia, you don't have to worry about me. Jason doesn't scare me. So don't be afraid, okay?"

She nodded gently, touched by his sincerity. This time, it was she who wanted to kiss him, but suddenly the handle of the infirmary door began to turn.

Someone was about to enter. The two quickly moved apart.

It wasn't the nurse, but Isabella.

She entered the room with a worried expression, heading straight for Jessy.

"Jessy, are you okay?"

He smiled at her gratefully.

"Yes, I'm fine. Thanks for your concern, Isabella."

She sighed slightly and said, "I wanted to follow you, but with all the restless students in the gym, it took me a while.

I knew Jason had a bad temper, but to physically attack a classmate..."

Mia nodded briskly.

"What he did is unjustifiable. It can't be forgiven. I hope he gets expelled."

Isabella nodded.

"Right now, he's with the CPE and the teachers. They'll surely take action."

Then she turned to Mia, puzzled.

"Why is your face red?"

Mia glanced at Jessy, then looked away, embarrassed.

"I-it's... I think it's a fever. I'm going to go home."

Isabella looked doubtful.

"Are you sure? I just ran into the nurse in the hallway. She shouldn't be long."

Mia politely declined.

"No, I'll be fine. It's been an exhausting day... A good night's sleep and I'll be as good as new tomorrow."

She kissed Isabella goodbye, met Jessy's gaze one last time before silently leaving the room. Isabella frowned slightly, thoughtful.

"Maybe she just needs rest," she said.

"That's probably it," Jessy replied with a smile.

At that moment, Rosalia returned, holding a form in her hand.

"Here, Jessy. Sign this attendance sheet." I'm going to keep you under observation for another hour.

Jessy obeyed and took the pen. Isabella stood up.

"Well, I just wanted to see how you were doing. Since everything seems in order, I'll go. Get some rest."

"Thanks, Isabella."

Rosalia, looking at him with a mischievous little smile, added, "With such pretty girls around you taking care of your health... you must be quite a Don Juan."

Jessy laughed softly.

"No, not really. They're good friends."

An hour later, Jessy returned to the dorm. He lay down on his bed, arms behind his head, staring at the ceiling.

"It was a good day..." he murmured.

He remembered the events: the match, the tension, the victory, the shot, the looks.

He also thought of Mia, of that kiss they had shared. And above all, that feeling of having scored a point... not just in sports, but in the hearts of the other students, blending into the crowd.

He stood up, walked over to his desk, and opened the drawer with his key.

He took out a photo, that of his older sister, Aya.

A young girl with a sweet smile, frozen in time, but eternal in his memory.

He gently stroked the photo with his fingertips and whispered,

"I promise you, big sister... I won't stop my mission."

His gaze hardened, filled with a burning determination.

"Those who tore you away from me... those who live today in a carefree way, as if they hadn't done anything... they will pay."

He clutched the photo to his chest.

—For the suffering they inflicted on you, for the pain they left me… I swear to you, Aya. I swear to you.