but I'll just let you live-

reunion?

It was February 17th, just another typical day, except Josie had a tour scheduled for two new students. She woke up, followed her usual routine, and headed straight for Hope's room. Before she could even knock, the door swung open.

"How do you always know when I'm here?" Josie asked with a smile.

Hope smirked. "Soulmate instincts, Jo." She pulled Josie inside, placing a quick kiss on her lips.

"Good morning to you too," Josie teased. "I missed you yesterday," Hope pouted.

"I missed you too, babe, but Lizzie needed me. I'll make it up to you. But now, I'm running late—I've got to give a tour to two new students. Come on, I'll walk you to class, and we'll meet them together."

They reached the hallway near Hope's classroom, where two unfamiliar boys were waiting by the help desk.

"Hope Mikaelson, is that you?!" one of the boys called out.

"Landon?" Hope exclaimed, running over to embrace him.

Josie had heard plenty about Landon from Hope's stories about New Orleans.

"This is Josie, my girlfriend," Hope introduced proudly. "And Josie, this is Landon, my old best friend. Looks like he's one of your new students."

"That's right," Landon grinned. "And this is my cousin, Rafael."

As the group exchanged introductions, the bell rang.

"I've gotta go, but I'll see you guys at lunch," Hope said quickly, leaning up to kiss Josie's cheek. "Love you, Jo!"

"I love you more!" Josie called after her as Hope disappeared into the crowd.

"Alright, let's get this tour started," Josie said, turning to the new boys. She led them around the school, showing them the classrooms before heading to the gym. "This is where you can train and work out in your free time."

"Hey, pretty girl!" a voice called from across the room.

Josie rolled her eyes with a smile. "And that's Jed," she introduced. "He's in charge of the gym and happens to be the school's top basketball player—and resident flirt."

Jed grinned. "Always a pleasure, Josie. These the new recruits?"

"Yep, Landon and Rafael," Josie said. "And Jed, could you show them to their dorms? Oh, and there's a party at the old shack tonight if you're interested. It starts at 11." with that Josie left for classes.

Jed slung an arm around Landon. "If you need anything illegal done, I'm your guy," he joked.

Landon blinked. "I thought this place was strict?"

Jed smirked. "It is, but I've got connections. Just don't snitch, or I'll make sure it's your last happy day here."

They reached the boys' dorms, and Jed turned to Landon. "You'll be rooming with MG, and Rafael, you're with me. My old roommate moved out, so lucky for you, no changes are happening mid-year."

Rafael grinned. "I like your vibe, man. We're gonna be tight."

MG appeared at the door. "Guess you're talking about me," he said with a smile.

"Hey, MG," Jed greeted. "This is Landon, your new roommate. And that's Lizzie, MG's girlfriend, so get used to seeing her around."

Lizzie wrinkled her nose when she saw Landon. "Ew, what's with him?"

"Sorry, man," MG muttered to Landon. "She's a little harsh."

"Lizzie is Josie's twin," Jed explained to the newcomers.

With introductions out of the way, Rafael and Jed left to settle in, while Landon stayed behind, looking a bit nervous under Lizzie's sharp gaze.

"I can't believe this wet frog is your roommate," Lizzie scoffed. "Even Wade was better."

Landon sighed. "Why are you so bitter?"

Lizzie gave him a scathing look. "Anyone who looked at you would be. Anyway, I'm off to find something to wear for the party. Bye, MG. Love you!" And with that, she flounced off.

Meanwhile, Hope waited for Josie in her room, glancing at her phone to check if she'd seen the message to meet her.

"Hey, Hopey," Josie called softly as she entered. "You seem lost in thought."

Hope shook her head. "No, just waiting for you. I was thinking, why don't we skip class and watch some movies? We barely spent time together last weekend, and I don't have anything important after lunch."

Josie smiled, unable to resist Hope's pleading blue eyes. "How could I ever say no to you?"

They snuggled up and managed to get through one movie when there was a knock at the door.

"Must be Lizzie," Josie said, standing to answer it. But to her surprise, it was Landon.

"Hey, is Hope here?" he asked, looking hopeful.

Hope came to the door. "What's up, Lan?"

"I, uh, need help picking out an outfit for the party," he said, almost shyly.

Hope hesitated. "I'm kind of in the middle of something—"

"Hope, please?" Landon pleaded, cutting her off.

Josie's face briefly faltered, but she forced a smile. "It's okay, Hope. Go ahead. I need to get ready for the party anyway. We'll catch up later."

Hope shot Landon a reluctant look before nodding. "I'm sorry, Jo." She squeezed Josie's hand, then left with Landon, leaving Josie behind with a heavy heart.

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A/N: long time no see 🤓

Please let me know your thoughts about this :)