Unexpectedly Yours

Chapter 15

Author's pov

After a brief but warm welcome, Jacob wasted no time pulling out his sketchbook and settling in on the floor. His pencil flew across the page as he worked on capturing the dynamic poses of the Hashiras from Demon Slayer. Each character came to life with every stroke, his intense focus evident as he tried to get the details just right.

Serena was right beside him, standing with her hands on her hips, a determined look on her face.

"Jace, you’ve got to fix that! Shinobu’s hair isn’t that flat! Make it flow!"

she demanded, her voice a mix of seriousness and playful annoyance.

Jacob sighed, glancing up at her with a smirk.

"Serena, if you think you can do better, then go ahead and try"

he replied, rolling his eyes but already shifting the pencil to make the adjustments she suggested. Their banter was a familiar rhythm, a blend of sibling rivalry and affectionate teasing.

In stark contrast, Iris and Elise were seated a few feet away, engrossed in their card game. They sat cross-legged on the plush carpet, occasionally breaking into laughter at the antics of Jacob and Serena. Elise was her usual playful self, leaning in close to Iris, trying to distract her with flirty remarks.

"You know, if you lose, you owe me a favor"

she said with a wink, but Iris simply chuckled and continued playing, her focus unshakeable.

Piper's pov

The noise from the living room ebbed and flowed, a constant buzz of conversation punctuated by Serena's emphatic critiques of Jacob’s art. I had been holed up in my room, half-listening to the chaos while trying to ignore the absurdity of it all. But when Serena's voice rose dramatically, it piqued my curiosity enough to venture out.

With a sigh, I opened my bedroom door and stepped into the living room, immediately greeted by the scene before me. Jacob was crouched on the floor, sketching intently, while Serena hovered nearby, arms crossed, directing him like a coach. Iris and Elise were still lost in their own world, seemingly unfazed by the din.

I cleared my throat to announce my presence.

"Jace, what are you doing here?"

I asked, raising an eyebrow. It wasn’t unusual for Jacob to drop by unannounced, but it still caught me off guard.

Jacob looked up, his expression casual.

"What? Can’t I visit my sisters?"

he replied, feigning innocence. But the glint in his eye suggested he had something else in mind.

Elise, never one to pass up a chance to stir the pot, shot him a mischievous grin.

"Oh, he’s here for another reason, I bet"

she teased, glancing at me.

Jacob raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the attention.

"Actually"

he said, leaning forward

"I heard some rumors flying around about you. Something about a guy named Alexander? He also seems to be a student from my school."

I froze, my heart skipping a beat. Of course, it didn’t take long for news to reach him. He had a knack for finding out everything.

"That’s ridiculous"

I shot back, crossing my arms defensively.

"You’re seriously going to believe that?"

My cheeks flushed slightly, but I tried to keep my voice steady.

Jacob’s smirk deepened as he leaned back, clearly reveling in my discomfort.

"Judging by your reaction, I’d say the rumors are true"

he said, shrugging nonchalantly.

"Anyway…"

He paused for dramatic effect, and I braced myself for what was coming.

"I've decided I’ll be staying here for a while. It’s been pretty boring at home, so I figured this place could use a little life."

"What?!"

The word escaped my lips before I could stop it, and shock spread across the room. Serena's mouth dropped open, and even Iris raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden news. Elise’s eyes lit up with excitement, practically sparkling at the prospect of more chaos.

"Jacob? Staying here?"

I echoed, feeling the weight of impending disaster.

"Yup! Should be fun, right?"

he said, grinning widely, clearly pleased with our reactions.

I could already picture the chaos that was about to unfold. With Jacob around, this penthouse was going to be turned upside down. Between his troublemaking tendencies and the inevitable arguments with Serena, I was convinced my life would be a constant whirlwind.

"This is going to be fun"

Elise chimed in, her enthusiasm infectious. But I couldn’t shake the feeling of dread lurking just beneath the surface. With Jacob and Serena both in the mix, I knew we were in for a wild ride.

Author's note: Jace is Jacob's nickname. Also does anyone watch the epic musical? It's so good! And the Lotis eaters are so cute!!!