𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟛 : 𝕀 𝕒𝕞 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕪 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕤𝕔𝕙𝕠𝕠𝕝!

"Checkmate!" I declared triumphantly, basking in the sight of Alexis's defeated expression.

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" she exclaimed. "You've never played chess in your life!"

"Shut up! You owe me a muffin," I teased, savoring my unexpected victory.

Alexis sighed in resignation while Noir, who had been watching our game, laughed at the scene. "Come on, Alexis!" he encouraged, still chuckling.

Alexis groaned dramatically before running off. Noir shook his head, smiling. "She's such a drama queen!"

"Imagine me," I said, rolling my eyes. "I had to live with her in the same lab for eight years!"

Noir chuckled again, and I felt that familiar flutter in my stomach. It was a mix of nerves and something more, maybe butterflies.

"So, honestly, how did you feel living in the lab all those years?" he asked, his voice turning serious.

"I didn't mind it much, especially with Alexis around," I replied. "She kept things... interesting."

"I just can't believe you dealt with all that for eight years," he said, shaking his head in disbelief.

"I didn't even realize how bad it was for the longest time," I admitted.

Suddenly, a faint smell of smoke drifted towards us.

"Is that smoke?" I asked, concerned.

"No way, not again," Noir groaned. "I bet Spencer burned the backyard... again."

I sniffed the air. "No, it's coming from the kitchen!"

"Oh god!" we both shouted in unison and rushed downstairs.

We found the kitchen filled with smoke, and burn stains on the oven. Alexis, looking guilty, tried to sneak away. I caught her arm.

"Oh, crap..." she mumbled, clearly scared.

"It's okay, I'll clean it up," Noir offered, already moving to handle the situation.

What a sweetheart! But I still had to deal with Alexis. We made our way to the poolside, where she started apologizing profusely.

"I AM SORRY!" she pleaded, genuinely looking distressed.

With a grin, I used my telekinesis to lift her off the ground and gently dropped her into the pool. She splashed around, struggling to stay afloat, her hair spreading out in all directions like a wild Medusa. I couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"I HATE YOU!" she shouted, glaring at me as she climbed out of the pool, her wet hair sticking out in all directions.

Noir's POV:

I had just finished cleaning up the mess in the kitchen when I walked over to the poolside. I saw Sage laughing at Alexis, who was drenched and looking less than pleased there. I helped Alexis out of the pool.

"Thanks..." she muttered, trying to wring water out of her clothes.

I could see why Sage found it so funny; Alexis looked like a drowned rat with her wet hair sticking everywhere. Just then, Sebastian appeared, holding a towel out to Alexis without making eye contact.

"Here," he mumbled, quickly walking away before she could properly thank him.

I rubbed my eyes, hardly believing what I was seeing. Sebastian, the shyest and most introverted of us all, had left his room and helped a girl he barely knew!

Alexis, still dripping wet, took the towel gratefully. But before anyone could say anything more, she splashed Sage, who yelped in surprise.

"HEY!" Sage yelled, and I couldn't help but smile at the playful chaos.

"NOIR, WATCH OUT!" Sage warned, but it was too late; I got splashed as well.

"Great, now I'm wetter than a crocodile," I groaned, shaking water off my arms.

"OI!" Alexis reacted as I splashed her back, unable to resist the playful retaliation.

"You know you deserved that," Sage remarked, laughing.

In the end, we all ended up soaked, but it was worth it for the fun. After drying off, we sat down for lunch. It felt like a real family moment, and I was grateful to be included.

"Hey, Noir, need some more water?" Spencer offered, always looking out for everyone.

"No thanks, I'm good," I replied, feeling full and content. "But thanks, man."

I took my empty plate to the kitchen. As I was about to wash it, Sawyer stepped in.

"I can handle that," he offered with a friendly smile.

"It's okay I've got it," I insisted, appreciating the gesture.

He nodded and headed off, leaving me to finish cleaning up. As I was drying my hands, I noticed Sage lounging in the living room, reading a book. Curious, I approached her.

"Whatcha reading?" I asked, trying to sneak a peek.

She tossed the book aside with a dramatic sigh. "Some boring book. The hero died of a heart attack. Ruined it."

I chuckled at her bluntness. Just then, Santiago walked in, looking serious.

"Sage, can we discuss something?" he asked.

She nodded and got up, giving me a quick wave before following him. "See ya," I said, watching her go.

Sage's POV:

I followed Santiago into his office, a place I hadn't been before. It was spacious and modern, with a professional air about it. He locked the door behind us, ensuring we wouldn't be disturbed.

"Before I get to the main point," he began, his tone calm and measured, "you're sixteen now... you need to have some time for education."

I nodded, already guessing where this was heading.

"So, I wanted to ask you..." He paused, then quickly said, "Are you ready to join a school—"

Before he could finish, I couldn't contain my excitement. "I AM READY FOR SCHOOL!" I blurted out, covering my mouth immediately after.

He laughed, clearly amused by my enthusiasm. "I'll also check with Alexis," he added. "You can leave now."

As I was about to leave, Spencer entered from another door, looking a bit embarrassed.

"Oh hey..." he stammered, clearly caught off guard.

Santiago's expression darkened. 

"THIS IS THE FIFTEENTH TIME I TOLD YOU NOT TO ENTER MY OFFICE!" he yelled.

"WELL, I DON'T HAVE A BATHROOM IN MY ROOM!" Spencer shot back. "AND THIS IS CLOSER!"

I slipped out quietly, chuckling to myself as I rejoined Noir and Alexis. They were deep in conversation, and I decided to have a little fun.

"BOO!" I shouted, trying to scare them.

Noir barely flinched, but Alexis jumped, her expression turning to annoyance.

"THE HELL!" she yelled, glaring at me.

Laughter erupted as the tension melted away, and I felt a warm sense of belonging to these people who had become my family.

HIHI! SORRY FOR THE LATE UPLOAD, I HAD EXAMS;-;

I KNOW THE CHAPTER IS SHORT BUT I HAVE RUN OUT OF IDEAS

Okay ty byee~!