★ＨＡＵＮＴＥＤ ＭＡＮＳＩＯＮ★

★27

After finishing up in the kitchen, Jaxon decided it was time to claim his space in the mansion. He grabbed a duffel bag filled with his essentials and headed upstairs, taking in the old-world charm of the staircase and the creaky floorboards beneath his feet.
Once he reached the second floor, he paused outside a door with chipped paint and a brass doorknob that gleamed faintly. Taking a deep breath, he pushed the door open, revealing a surprisingly spacious room. Sunlight streamed through the large window, casting a warm glow on the wooden floors. The walls were bare, waiting for his personal touch."Not bad," he muttered to himself as he stepped inside. He dropped his bag on the bed and began to unpack, pulling out clothes, books, and a few personal items that reminded him of home.

Jaxon set his favorite baseball cap on the dresser, adjusting it to find the perfect angle. Next came a framed photo of him and his friends from last summer, smiles bright and carefree. He placed it on the nightstand, feeling a swell of nostalgia. This was a new chapter, but the memories would always be a part of him.

He hung up his clothes in the closet, taking a moment to admire the vintage wooden hangers.

"This place has character," he said to himself, enjoying the slightly musty smell of old wood and forgotten stories. He tossed a few books on the shelf, their spines well-worn from countless readings.

As he stood back to survey the room, Jaxon couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. It was his space now, a blank canvas for him to fill with his personality. He imagined hanging some posters and maybe stringing up fairy lights for a cozy vibe.Suddenly, he heard a commotion downstairs—a mix of laughter and the sound of clattering pots. He chuckled, knowing the others were probably getting into their usual antics. "Alright, alright," he said, shaking his head. "I'll join the chaos in a minute."Jaxon stepped back out into the hallway, feeling energized by his new surroundings. This mansion was starting to feel like home, and he was ready to embrace whatever adventures lay ahead.