They had decided to stay for the weekend since they had nothing to do.
Jarnell woke up to chaos. Jayden's family chaos. Someone was laughing downstairs.
Someone else was singing badly. A television was already running. And somewhere in the house, Jayden's sister was arguing with another family member about pancakes. Jarnell lay still for a moment. Blinking at the ceiling. Trying to remember what he had done. Then yesterday came back. The shopping trip, the matching outfits, the dinner, the endless conversations, the family group chat that apparently knew everything, and then unfortunately—
Jayden.
Who was still asleep. Jarnell immediately looked away because staring at him felt like a bad life decision. Unfortunately, Jayden chose that exact moment to wake up and their eyes met.
Silence_
Then Jayden smiled_Morning.
Jarnell groaned. Why are you like this?
Like what? Happy.
Jayden laughed. You're impossible.
Downstairs was worse and even much worse because the entire family was already gathered around the dining table and the moment Jarnell entered— everyone looked up. Every single person.
Jarnell stopped walking but Jayden kept walking. Traitor.
Good morning! Jayden's mother said cheerfully.
Morning, Jarnell replied.
Jayden's father smiled. Did you sleep well?
Yes. Jarnell nodded
Didn't he snore? Jayden nearly choked.
Dad!
The table erupted with laughter. Jarnell suddenly found breakfast very interesting.
Things only got worse because Jayden's sister decided to sit beside Jarnell and not Jayden.
Jarnell.
And she had questions. Many questions.
What's your favorite color?
Black.
Favorite food?
Coffee.
That's not a food.
Jarnell blinked.
She had a point.
Meanwhile Jayden was watching suspiciously. You've replaced me. His sister gasped dramatically. Don't be jealous.
I am not jealous because i am very jealous.
Jayden's mother laughed.
You used to act like that when someone borrowed your toys. The entire table immediately turned toward him. Jayden covered his face. Jarnell was enjoying this far too much.
Later that afternoon, the family gathered in the living room. Someone suggested video games. A terrible mistake because nobody knew who Jarnell was. Not really. Ten minutes later— Jayden's cousins were staring. Twenty minutes later— they were accusing him of cheating. Thirty minutes later— they were begging him to join their team. Jarnell calmly won again and again and again. Jayden's nephew pointed dramatically.
HE'S A MONSTER!
The room exploded with laughter.
For the first time, Jayden got to watch someone else discover how frighteningly good Jarnell was at games.
And honestly? It was adorable.
As evening approached, Jarnell escaped to the backyard. Not because he disliked everyone. Quite the opposite. He just wasn't used to so many people caring about where he was, whether he had eaten, or if he was comfortable. The feeling was unfamiliar, comforting, and slightly overwhelming.
Footsteps approached. Jayden.
Of course.
You disappeared.
I went outside.
Same thing.
Jarnell smiled faintly. Jayden sat beside him on the garden bench. The sounds of family floated from inside the house. Laughter, conversations, life.
Too much? Jayden asked quietly. Jarnell considered the question.
Then shook his head.
No.
A pause.
Just different.
Jayden nodded. He understood. Probably more than anyone else.
The sun slowly disappeared beyond the rooftops. Orange light covered the garden.
Neither of them spoke for a while. Then Jarnell quietly said— Your family is strange.
Jayden laughed. I know.
They talk too much. Hmm i know that.
They don't seem capable of being quiet.
I definitely know.
A small smile appeared on Jarnell's face.
Then it faded into something softer.
It's nice. Jayden turned toward him but Jarnell looked down.
Being here. The admission was quiet and honest. And Jayden understood exactly what he meant because Jarnell wasn't talking about the house but rather he was talking about belonging.
That night, after another loud family dinner, Jayden's mother stopped Jarnell near the stairs. Thank you.
Jarnell blinked. For what?
She smiled warmly.
For making my son this happy. For once—
Jarnell had absolutely no response. He stood there frozen while she simply patted his shoulder and walked away. Later, when he finally reached Jayden's room, he found Jayden reading. Your mother is dangerous.
Jayden looked up. What happened?
Nothing. That's not an answer. Jarnell sat down on the bed. Then after a moment quietly said— Your family is unfair. Jayden smiled.
Why?
Jarnell looked toward the hallway where distant laughter could still be heard.
Then answered honestly. Because they made me want to come back. And judging by Jayden's expression— that might have been the nicest thing anyone had ever said about his home.