𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐒

18. 𝗯𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝗼 𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀

𝕾o much has changed since the VKs started attending Auradon Prep. One of them is the attention of girls.

Jay once basked in the attention he received from the girls in Auradon, especially when he knew he was attractive. He couldn't help it. Jay's jaw was soft yet sharp, and his chocolate-colored eyes and long, luscious hair. Jay looked nothing like the Auradon boys; he had more muscle on him than the tourney team combined.

He doesn't blame the girls for crushing on him.

It was normal for Jay, and he never minded it. But now, Jay doesn't notice it. Jay's eyes always searched the room for a certain princess with glowing hair. Every chance he got, Jay somehow turned into a conversation talking about Rilynn. Rilynn is so pretty. Rilynn is so sweet. Rilynn this--Rilynn that.

No one's seen Jay so smitten for someone.

"Hi, Jay," one of the Auradon cheerleaders sang, waving her fingers and flashing a flirty smile.

"Hi, Jay," another Auradon girl called next.

Carlos rolled his eyes, wondering how Jay made it seem so easy. Carlos doesn't understand why Jay lets so many girls flirt with him so boldly, especially when it's obvious that he's seeing Rilynn. It wasn't like Jay flirted back with any of them; Carlos knew that, but he didn't understand why Jay let it continue.

"Why do you torture them? Just tell them you're dating Rilynn already. Just rip the bandaid," Carlos scoffed with a shake of his head. It was silent for a second too long; Carlos turned to Jay, narrowing his eyes suspiciously. "You did ask her out, right? To Cotillion, too?"

For the first time, Jay was visibly uncomfortable. "About that . . ." Jay laughed awkwardly.

Yeah, Jay forgot he never followed the plan they discussed.

Now, this was surprising. Never did Carlos depict Jay, his best friend--stupidly cocky, self-assured, and confident guy--was scared to ask a girl out. Carlos feels like he's being punked right now because there is no way Jay hadn't asked out Rilynn. What kind of world is he living in? If they were on the Isle, he would've made fun of Jay for chickening out.

"You haven't asked her out?" Carlos's eyes bugged wide.

Jay shushed him, suddenly feeling a little flustered. Talk about mister-loud-mouth. "Will you keep it down? I just . . ." Jay felt a strange feeling pass over him. This was uncomfortable for him. "It hasn't come up yet."

But Carlos merely laughed. He laughed in Jay's face. Jay was blushing fiercely, even against his will. It was weird to see Jay so . . . sheepish.

"Well, you better hurry," Carlos turned away from Jay when he looked at him skittishly. Jay didn't like his tone. "Cotillion is just around the corner, and if you stall any longer, someone will ask Riley before you do."

"She wouldn't go with someone else," Jay squashed Carlos's comment. But then again, what if he was right? What if Rilynn does go with another guy because he's too chicken to ask her? "What about you? Did you ever ask Jane?"

It was Carlos's turn to blush. To be fair, Carlos has never been so confident in his flirting, so could he blame him? Carlos and Jay are like night and day; they're total opposites. If one of them were actually to ask, it would've been Jay.

"Oh, so you're one to talk," Jay crossed his arms, finally being the smug one. "I can't believe you haven't asked her out yet. The nerve." He laughs to himself. "Better hurry. You never know; maybe Jane'll be the one to go with someone else."