Degrees of Love (2nd Book)

Chapter 3: Skeletons in the Closet

Irene's POV

The bell rang, and I watched as Jennie slid into the seat beside me. Her movements were calm and graceful, but her expression? That gave her away. It wasn't shock I saw on her face when she first spotted me in class. No, Jennie didn't seem startled to see me here—she looked worried.

I understood why. It wasn't because of me, not entirely. It was because of Mikaela.

Jennie had probably pieced it together already, how this might unfold. She was sharp like that. And though she tried to mask it, I could see the tension building in her. I couldn't blame her for being uneasy. The tangled web of history between us—between Lisa, Mikaela, and me—was enough to make anyone feel uncertain.

Still, I couldn't help but wonder. Would Jennie let Lisa continue playing volleyball knowing Mikaela was there? Jennie was mature, no doubt about it. She'd likely allow it, but not without some jealousy simmering beneath the surface.

I sighed softly, resting my chin on the palm of my hand, my gaze drifting to the window. Jennie didn't seem to know much about me, though. That much was clear. I wasn't surprised. Lisa wouldn't have told her.

Lisa had always been good at burying the past, sealing it away in some hidden vault deep inside her. Val and I? We were part of that past. A part she'd rather forget.

I smiled faintly at the thought. Jennie was focused on Mikaela, watching her like she was the main threat. She was looking at the wrong enemy.

But that was fine. Let her.

Val used to say that Lisa was a fortress—strong, unyielding, impossible to breach. She could hide things better than anyone we'd ever known. And Val was right. Lisa wouldn't have breathed a word about me, not to Jennie or anyone else.

The question was, how long could Lisa keep it up? How many skeletons could she keep buried before one finally clawed its way out?

The thought made me shake my head. The past always finds a way to resurface, no matter how tightly you lock it away.

And when it did, I wondered, would Jennie still look at Lisa the same way? Or would the cracks start to show?

A flicker of movement pulled me from my thoughts. Jennie was watching me now, her eyes narrowed slightly, as if trying to figure me out. I offered her a small, polite smile, and she hesitated before returning it.

Yes, Jennie. Keep watching me. Keep wondering.

Because sooner or later, the truth would come out. It always did.

And when it did, I had a feeling none of us would be ready for it.

Third POV...

It was break time, and the bustling halls of the university were alive with chatter and hurried footsteps. Jennie stood from her seat, adjusting her bag over her shoulder as she turned to Irene.

"I'll be right back," Jennie said. "Bathroom."

Irene nodded, giving her a soft smile. "Sure, I'll wait by the door. I'll let Lisa know where you are."

"Thanks." Jennie's smile was grateful as she walked off toward the restroom.

Irene leaned back against the lockers, her arms crossed loosely, her gaze casually scanning the hallway. That's when she saw them—Lisa and Seulgi approaching from the far end.

Lisa was walking with her usual confident stride, her bag slung over one shoulder and her hand stuffed casually into her pocket. Seulgi, animated as always, was gesturing wildly as she spoke about something that had her excited.