*Continuation of Flashback*
Keifer's POV
My phone screen was still glowing in the dark.
Her message sat there like it owned me.
Jay: I love you more.
I stared at it.
Then I smiled.
Not the usual smirk. Not the teasing one.
Something softer. Warmer.
Dangerous.
I said (muttering): "Not possible… but I'll allow the attempt."
I typed. Deleted. Typed again. Didn't send anything.
Didn't need to.
Because right now, just looking at her words felt enough.
Felt like home.
I dropped my phone on my chest and stared at the ceiling.
Silence filled the room.
Calm. Comfortable.
Perfect.
For exactly… five seconds.
Then—
My brain caught up.
Field trip.
Three days.
Three.
Days.
Without her.
My smile disappeared instantly.
I whispered to myself "…No."
I picked up my phone again and opened our chat.
Scrolled up.
Her message:
"We have a field trip!!"
Below that—
"Three days."
I reread it.
Again.
And again.
Each time, it sounded worse.
I said in a flat tone "Three days? That's illegal."
I sat up slowly.
Ran a hand through my hair.
And then my imagination—very unhelpfully—started working.
Jay laughing.
But not with me.
Jay walking somewhere new.
But not beside me.
Jay sitting next to—
My jaw clenched.
"…No."
I leaned forward, elbows on my knees.
"No, no, no."
Because now it got worse.
Some random guy.
Sitting next to her.
Talking to her.
Making her laugh.
Looking at her the way—
I exhaled sharply.
I muttered to muself in a sharp tone "Yeah… no. Not happening."
I stood up and started pacing.
Back and forth.
Like I was planning something illegal.
Which, honestly… I might.
I said to myself "Three days surrounded by boys who think she's pretty."
Pause.
"Correction—boys who know she's pretty."
I scoffed.
"They don't stand a chance."
Another pause.
"…Still not risking it."
I grabbed my phone again and typed.
Keifer: You're not allowed to sit next to any guy.
Sent.
Three seconds later—
Jay: Excuse me?
I smirked.
Keifer: Doctor's orders.
Jay: You're not a doctor.
Keifer: I diagnose problems. This is one.
Jay: You're jealous.
I leaned against the wall, smiling.
Keifer: Romantically.
Jay: Possessively.
Keifer: Correct.
There was a pause.
Then—
Jay: I like it.
That did something to me.
Something dangerous.
I said to the emptiness of the room (muttering): "Yeah… that's not helping your case, Jay."
I dropped my head back against the wall.
Closed my eyes.
Tried to relax.
Didn't work.
Because my brain went right back to it—
Three days.
No random touches.
No teasing her.
No watching her blush.
No hearing her say my name like that—
I said (exhaling): "…This is torture."
I walked back to my bed and sat down again.
Picked up my phone.
Opened her contact.
Hovered over the call button.
Didn't press it.
Because if I heard her voice right now—
I'd probably say something stupid.
Like:
Don't go.
And I knew better than that.
She was excited.
I saw it.
Felt it.
And I wasn't going to take that away from her.
Even if it meant—
I clenched my jaw again.
"…Missing her."
Silence again.
But this time—
Different.
Heavier.
Thinking.
Calculating.
Then—
It hit.
Not like a sudden idea.
More like… a door quietly opening.
I sat up straighter.
"…Wait."
I blinked.
Thought about it again.
Slower this time.
More carefully.
"…That works."
A slow smile spread across my face.
Not soft this time.
Not warm.
This one?
Dangerous.
I picked up my phone.
Scrolled through contacts.
Found the number I needed.
Hovered for a second.
Then pressed call.
It rang once.
Twice.
Then—
"Hello?"
I straightened slightly.
My tone shifted instantly.
Calm.
Controlled.
The version of me people listened to.
"I want to sponsor a field trip."
Silence on the other end.
Then—
"…I beg your pardon?"
I smirked.
"You heard me."
Pause.
"…For which institution?"
"I'll send the details."
Another pause.
"…This is quite sudden, Mr. Watson."
I said lightly : "I tend to be."
I walked toward the window, looking out at the city lights.
"I'm not just sponsoring it."
"…What else would you like, sir?"
There it was.
The part I'd been waiting for.
I leaned slightly against the glass.
I said smirking : "And I want… adjustments."
Silence.
Curious silence.
"…Adjustments?"
"Change the destination."
Pause.
"…That's possible."
"And include another college."
Longer pause.
"…Another college?"
"Yes."
"…Any specific reason?"
I smiled.
"Let's call it… personal interest."
They hesitated.
Of course they did.
So I added—
"Funding won't be an issue."
That did it.
"…I see."
"Good."
"…We'll arrange everything."
"I'll expect confirmation by morning."
"…Of course, Mr. Watson."
I ended the call.
Silence returned.
But now—
It felt different.
Lighter.
Controlled.
Perfect.
I walked back to my bed and picked up my phone again.
Opened our chat.
Typed.
Paused.
Then sent—
Keifer: Sleep. You have a big trip coming.
She replied almost instantly.
Jay: You sound suspicious.
I smirked.
Keifer: I'm always suspicious.
Jay: What are you planning?
Keifer: Nothing.
Jay: Liar.
Keifer:You love it.
Pause.
Then—
Jay: Unfortunately.
I chuckled.
I lay back down.
Hands behind my head.
Staring at the ceiling again.
But this time—
No tension.
No irritation.
No jealousy clawing at my chest.
Because now?
I had a plan.
I said softly to myself : "You're not getting rid of me that easily, Jay."
I closed my eyes.
Smile still there.
"Three days without me?"
Small pause.
Then—
I said (grinning): "Let's fix that." 😌🔥
Jay-Jay's POV
I was halfway through my notes when someone knocked on the classroom door.
Not a normal knock.
The "teacher-sent-me" kind of knock.
I looked up.
A junior stood there, slightly out of breath.
Junior: "Miss Mariano?"
I blinked.
"…Yes?"
Junior: "The Headmistress is calling you to the guidance office."
Silence.
Then—
Eunice gasped like someone had just announced my execution.
Eunice: "WHAT DID YOU DO?"
Dane leaned back in his chair, calm as ever.
Dane: "She looks guilty."
Jay: "I didn't DO anything!"
Eunice: "That's exactly what guilty people say."
I rolled my eyes, grabbing my bag.
Jay: "I'll be back."
Eunice: "If you're expelled, I'm taking your seat."
Dane: "And your snacks."
Jay: "TRAITORS."
The hallway suddenly felt longer than usual.
Too quiet.
Too… dramatic.
Jay (muttering): "Did I miss an assignment? No… Did I say something to a teacher? No… Did I—"
I stopped walking.
Jay: "…Oh no."
What if—
No.
No way.
That wasn't possible.
Right?
I reached the door.
Took a deep breath.
Knocked.
Headmistress (inside): "Come in."
I opened the door.
Stepped in.
And—
Froze.
There he was.
Sitting like he owned the room.
Relaxed posture.
Leg crossed.
Expression calm.
Eyes sharp.
Keifer.
No—
Not Keifer.
Mr. Watson.
Because that's how they were addressing him.
Teacher (respectfully): "Mr. Watson."
Another staff member: "Sir."
Sir.
I blinked.
Jay (muttering under my breath): "…What did you do?"
His lips twitched.
A smirk.
Of course.
He looked… different.
Not just my Keifer.
Not the teasing, annoying, shameless boy I knew.
This was—
Controlled.
Powerful.
Dangerous.
And somehow—
Even more attractive.
Which was very inconvenient for me.
Headmistress: "Miss Mariano, please have a seat."
I snapped out of it.
Jay: "Yes, ma'am."
I sat down beside him.
Careful not to look at him.
Failed in exactly two seconds.
He was already looking at me.
Smirking.
Like he knew something I didn't.
Jay (low, through clenched teeth): "…Explain."
Keifer (innocent tone): "I'm just here."
Jay: "You're never 'just here.'"
Keifer (leaning slightly closer): "That hurts."
Jay: "You deserve it."
Headmistress cleared her throat.
Headmistress: "Miss Mariano."
I straightened immediately.
Jay: "Yes, ma'am."
Headmistress: "Mr. Watson has made a significant donation to the institution."
Silence.
My brain paused.
Replayed that sentence.
Then—
Jay (slowly turning to him): "…You what?"
Keifer didn't even blink.
Keifer: "Philanthropy suits me."
I stared at him.
Jay: "You donated… to my college?"
Keifer: "You make it sound illegal."
Jay: "It feels illegal."
Headmistress continued.
Headmistress: "As per his request… the destination of your field trip has been changed."
My eyes widened instantly.
Jay: "…Excuse me?"
Headmistress: "And additionally—"
Pause.
Headmistress: "Students from Mr. Watson's college, within your age group, will be joining the trip."
Silence.
Complete silence.
I blinked.
Once.
Twice.
Then slowly—
Turned my head toward him.
He was already looking at me.
Smirking.
Relaxed.
Unbothered.
Like he hadn't just rearranged my entire life.
Jay: "You did NOT—"
Headmistress (firmly): "Miss Mariano."
I snapped back into posture.
Jay: "Yes, ma'am."
Headmistress: "You will go and inform your class about this change."
I blinked again.
Jay: "Me?"
Headmistress: "Yes. Other faculty members are currently occupied."
Then—
She added, very deliberately—
Headmistress: "Mr. Watson specifically requested that you do it."
I turned to him slowly.
Very slowly.
Jay: "…Of course you did."
Keifer smiled.
Not even hiding it.
Keifer: "You're the best communicator."
Jay: "I'm going to expose you."
Keifer: "You're welcome."
I leaned closer, whispering harshly.
Jay: "You changed the trip."
Keifer: "I upgraded it."
Jay: "You added your entire college!"
Keifer: "Not entire. Selected population."
Jay: "You're insane."
Keifer: "You like it."
Jay: "I should report you."
Keifer (soft, teasing): "For loving you?"
My heart did something very unhelpful.
I looked away immediately.
Headmistress: "Mr. Watson has been very generous."
Jay (muttering): "Very dangerous."
Headmistress: "This collaboration will benefit both institutions."
Keifer: "That's the goal."
I glanced at him again.
Jay (low): "Your goal is me."
Keifer (without missing a beat): "Correct."
For a second—
Everything faded.
The room.
The voices.
The formal setting.
It was just him.
Looking at me.
Like this was all a game.
And he was winning.
And the worst part?
I didn't even want him to lose.
Headmistress: "You may go now, Miss Mariano."
I stood up automatically.
Jay: "Yes, ma'am."
Then she added—
Headmistress: "Mr. Watson will accompany you."
I froze.
Jay: "…Of course he will."
The moment we stepped out of the office—
I turned to him.
Fully.
Arms crossed.
Jay: "Explain. Now."
Keifer walked beside me like nothing happened.
Hands in pockets.
Completely relaxed.
Keifer: "What part?"
Jay: "All of it."
Keifer: "You were going away for three days."
Jay: "So you changed the entire trip?!"
Keifer: "I adapted to circumstances."
Jay: "You manipulated the system!"
Keifer: "I invested wisely."
I grabbed his arm and stopped him.
Jay: "Keifer."
He turned.
Closer now.
Too close.
Jay: "This is not normal."
He leaned slightly toward me.
Voice lower.
Softer.
Keifer: "Neither is missing you."
My breath caught.
Jay: "…You're impossible."
Keifer (smirking): "And yet… here I am."
Jay: "You couldn't survive three days without me?"
Keifer: "Survive? Yes."
Pause.
Keifer (leaning closer): "Enjoy it? No."
Jay: "You're dramatic."
Keifer: "I'm in love."
I froze.
Just for a second.
And he noticed.
Of course he did.
He straightened.
Casual again.
Like he hadn't just turned my entire world upside down.
Keifer: "Come on, Miss Mariano."
Jay: "Don't call me that."
Keifer: "Why? Sounds good."
Jay: "You're annoying."
Keifer (grinning): "You're blushing."
I turned away immediately.
Jay: "Shut up."
Keifer: "Make me."
I started walking faster.
He followed easily.
Unbothered.
Victorious.
Some people plan surprises.
Some people bring flowers.
And then there was Keifer—
Who changed an entire field trip…
Just so he wouldn't have to stay away from me. 😳🔥
The moment we stepped out of the guidance office—
I snapped.
I didn't even think.
Didn't breathe.
Didn't process.
I just grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the empty side corridor.
Hard.
Fast.
Determined.
Jay (whisper-yelling): "Are you insane?!"
Keifer didn't even resist.
Of course he didn't.
He let me drag him like he wanted this scene.
Like he was enjoying it.
Keifer (calmly): "Highly."
I turned to face him fully.
Jay: "You changed the entire trip?!"
Keifer leaned casually against the wall, hands slipping into his pockets like he was in a café, not in the middle of being accused.
Keifer: "I improved it."
Jay: "You manipulated the system!"
Keifer: "I invested in your happiness."
I blinked.
Jay: "That is NOT what this is!"
Keifer tilted his head slightly, studying me.
Keifer: "You're smiling."
I immediately wiped the expression off my face.
Jay: "I am NOT smiling."
Keifer (smirking): "Your lips disagree."
Jay: "I hate you."
Keifer: "You don't."
I crossed my arms tightly.
Trying to stay mad.
Trying to hold onto the very valid anger.
Jay: "This is not normal behavior."
Keifer pushed himself off the wall.
One step closer.
Too close.
Always too close.
Keifer (lower voice): "You were going away for three days."
Jay: "So?"
He leaned in slightly.
Not touching.
But close enough that I could feel his breath.
Keifer (soft, honest): "I can't stay away from you that long."
That hit.
Not lightly.
Not softly.
It hit like something deep and quiet and dangerous.
My anger didn't disappear—
It melted.
Shifted.
Turned into something warm.
And very, very inconvenient.
My cheeks betrayed me instantly.
Jay (mumbling): "You're unbelievable…"
Keifer's lips curved slowly.
Keifer: "And you love me."
I looked away.
Because if I looked at him right now—
I was done.
Completely done.
Jay: "You're too confident."
Keifer: "I'm correct."
I tried to step back.
He didn't let me go far.
Not by grabbing me—
Just by stepping closer again.
Closing the distance naturally.
Effortlessly.
Keifer: "You didn't deny it."
Jay: "I don't have to respond to everything you say."
Keifer: "Selective silence. Interesting."
Jay: "Stop analyzing me."
Keifer (soft chuckle): "I don't have to. You're very readable."
Jay: "Oh really?"
Keifer leaned slightly closer, voice dropping again.
Keifer: "Yeah. Like right now?"
Pause.
Keifer: "You're trying to be mad… but you like what I did."
I swallowed.
Hard.
Jay: "I do NOT like it."
Keifer: "You love it."
Jay: "I hate you."
Keifer: "You want to kiss me."
My brain stopped.
Actually stopped.
Jay: "WHAT?!"
He didn't even flinch.
Keifer: "Your reaction proves my point."
Jay: "You're unbelievable."
Keifer: "And still your boyfriend."
For a moment—
We just stood there.
Too close.
Too aware.
Too… everything.
Then I spoke, quieter this time.
Jay: "You really did all this… just because of me?"
Keifer didn't answer immediately.
Didn't joke.
Didn't tease.
Just looked at me.
Straight.
Honest.
Keifer: "Yes."
Something in my chest tightened.
Softly.
Dangerously.
Jay: "You could've just… dealt with it."
Keifer shook his head slightly.
Keifer: "I don't deal with missing you."
Jay: "That's dramatic."
Keifer: "That's real."
Silence again.
Then—
Keifer smirked.
Of course he did.
Keifer: "Also… I don't trust those 'male species.'"
I groaned.
Jay: "Here we go again."
Keifer: "You said they exist."
Jay: "They're called classmates."
Keifer: "They're called problems."
Jay: "You're the problem."
Keifer (grinning): "I'm your favorite problem."
I tried to walk past him.
He caught my wrist.
Gentle.
Not stopping me—
Just slowing me down.
Keifer (low): "You're really not even a little happy?"
I turned slightly.
Jay: "I didn't say that."
Keifer: "Ah."
Jay: "I just—"
I stopped.
Because how do you even say this?
Jay: "You didn't have to do all this."
Keifer stepped closer again.
His thumb brushed lightly over my wrist.
Not enough to be obvious.
Enough to make my heart act stupid.
Keifer: "I wanted to."
Jay: "You always get what you want, don't you?"
Keifer: "Not always."
Jay: "Oh really?"
Keifer leaned closer.
Voice lower.
Keifer: "Still working on getting you completely."
My breath hitched.
Jay: "You already have me."
Keifer: "Not fully."
Jay: "What does that even mean?"
Keifer smirked.
Keifer: "It means… I'm patient."
I pulled my hand back.
Jay: "You're impossible to argue with."
Keifer: "Because I don't argue."
Jay: "You literally argue all the time."
Keifer: "I flirt."
Jay: "That is NOT flirting."
Keifer: "You're blushing again."
Jay: "SHUT UP."
I turned away, trying to regain control of myself.
Trying to breathe normally.
Trying to remember why I was mad in the first place.
Failed.
Completely.
Because behind me—
I heard his voice.
Soft.
Different.
Keifer: "Jay."
I paused.
Didn't turn.
Keifer: "I meant it."
Slowly—
I looked back.
He wasn't smirking this time.
Wasn't teasing.
Just looking at me.
Like I mattered.
Like this mattered.
Keifer: "I really can't stay away from you that long."
My heart did that thing again.
That quiet, dangerous thing.
And this time—
I didn't fight it.
Jay (softly): "…You're lucky I love you."
Keifer's smile returned.
Slow.
Satisfied.
Keifer: "I know."
He stepped aside finally.
Letting me walk ahead.
But as I passed him—
He leaned slightly closer and murmured—
Keifer (low): "Don't walk too fast, Mrs. Watson"
I froze at his words. When he called me Mrs. Watson.
Jay (flustered) : "W-Why?"
Keifer: "I like the view."
I walked faster.
He laughed.
And followed.
Like always.
I should've been angry. I should've been furious.
But instead—
All I could think was…
How dangerously easy it was to fall for him—
Over and over again. 😳🔥
The walk from the guidance office to my classroom felt longer than usual.
Not because of distance.
But because of him.
Keifer walked beside me like he owned the entire campus.
Calm. Confident. Completely unfazed.
And me?
I was internally screaming.
I stopped right outside the classroom door and turned to him, whispering harshly—
"Don't say anything."
He raised an eyebrow.
"Define anything."
"Keifer."
"That's not a definition."
I glared.
"You've already done enough damage."
He leaned slightly closer, voice low and playful—
"I prefer the term impact."
I rolled my eyes.
"You're impossible."
"And yet," he smirked, "you're still here."
My cheeks warmed.
I hated that.
I hated that he could do the most outrageous thing—
change an entire field trip
—and still make me feel like this.
I took a deep breath, pushed the door open, and walked in.
Big mistake.
Because the moment I stepped inside—
Eunice's voice rang across the room like an alarm siren.
"OH MY GOD."
I froze.
Slowly.
Painfully.
I turned.
Eunice was already halfway out of her seat, staring at me like she had just witnessed history.
Then her eyes shifted past me.
To the door.
To him.
Gasps.
Actual, dramatic, over-the-top gasps.
"WHY IS HE HERE??"
Dane stood up like this was a courtroom drama.
"IS THIS A SURPRISE TEST OR A ROMANTIC INVASION?"
The entire class turned.
Whispers exploded.
"Isn't that—" "That's her boyfriend—" "Why is he here??"
I closed my eyes for one second.
Just one.
Regret.
Immediate regret.
Then I straightened, trying to maintain whatever dignity I had left.
"Attention, everyone…"
No one listened.
Of course.
Eunice was already whisper-shouting to Dane—
"HE FOLLOWED HER TO COLLEGE."
Dane nodded seriously.
"This is not love. This is a documentary."
I rubbed my forehead.
"Can you both shut up for one minute?"
Silence.
Finally.
Well… almost.
I took a breath.
"The field trip destination has been changed."
Murmurs.
Confusion.
Curiosity.
I continued—
"And… students from another college will be joining us."
Silence.
Heavy.
Suspicious.
Then—
Eunice's eyes widened.
"No."
Dane slowly turned his head toward Keifer.
"No way."
Both of them looked at him.
Then at me.
Then back at him.
And I watched the exact moment realization hit them.
Eunice gasped.
"He did this."
Dane pointed dramatically.
"He actually did this."
All eyes turned to Keifer.
And that idiot—
That absolute menace—
Stepped forward slightly and gave a small, polite bow.
"You're welcome."
The class exploded.
"WHAT—" "HOW—" "IS THAT EVEN LEGAL??"
Eunice clutched her chest.
"SIR. THIS IS NOT NORMAL."
Dane nodded.
"THIS IS POWER ABUSE."
Keifer didn't even blink.
"This is love."
I immediately covered my face with both hands.
I could feel the heat crawling up my neck.
"Kill me," I muttered.
Eunice spun toward me.
"JASPER JEAN "JAY-JAY" MARIANO, YOUR BOYFRIEND JUST REARRANGED EDUCATION FOR YOU."
I peeked through my fingers.
"I didn't ask him to."
Dane leaned forward, serious.
"That makes it worse."
The class was buzzing now.
Questions flying everywhere.
"Which college?" "How many students?" "Is this like a joint trip now?"
I forced myself to regain control.
"Yes. It's a joint trip now. More details will be given later."
Eunice raised her hand like this was a formal meeting.
"Yes, Miss Mariano, one question."
I narrowed my eyes.
"What."
She pointed at Keifer.
"Is he coming too?"
The class went silent again.
Waiting.
Watching.
I didn't answer.
Because I didn't know.
So I turned slowly…
And looked at him.
He met my gaze.
That smirk.
That dangerous, knowing smirk.
Keifer tilted his head slightly.
"Should I?"
The class collectively lost their minds.
"YES—" "PLEASE—" "THIS TRIP JUST GOT INTERESTING—"
Eunice jumped up.
"IF HE COMES, I'M PACKING EXTRA CLOTHES."
Dane nodded.
"For emotional reasons."
I glared at them.
"Sit down."
They didn't.
Of course.
Eunice crossed her arms, staring at Keifer like she was evaluating him.
"You know, sir… this is suspicious."
Keifer raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
Dane added calmly—
"You just didn't want other guys near her, did you?"
Silence.
Sharp.
Direct.
Even I froze.
Because—
That was exactly it.
Keifer looked at them.
Then at me.
Then back at them.
And instead of denying it—
He smiled.
Slow.
Confident.
"Congratulations."
Eunice blinked.
"For?"
"You figured it out."
The class erupted again.
Eunice screamed.
"HE ADMITTED IT—"
Dane clapped once.
"Respect."
I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me whole.
"Can we move on now?" I snapped.
"No," Eunice said instantly.
"Yes," I said back.
"No," she repeated.
"Eunice."
"Jay."
"Sit."
"Make me."
I pointed to her chair.
She stared at me.
Then slowly…
sat down.
Dane followed.
Calm as ever.
"Continue, Miss Mariano."
I took a deep breath.
"Thank you."
I finished the announcement as quickly as possible.
Dates.
Basic instructions.
Nothing fancy.
But the entire time—
I could feel his presence behind me.
Watching.
Amused.
Enjoying this chaos.
When I finally ended—
"That's all."
The class didn't move.
Of course.
Because now—
They were more interested in him than the trip.
Eunice raised her hand again.
"Last question."
"No."
"Too late."
I sighed.
"What."
She looked straight at Keifer.
"Sir… are you always like this or is this a special event?"
Keifer thought for a second.
Then—
"Mostly special."
Dane added—
"For her."
Keifer didn't deny it.
That did something to my chest.
Something soft.
Something dangerous.
I quickly grabbed my bag.
"Okay, enough. Class dismissed."
"That's not how classes work—" Dane started.
"IT IS TODAY," I snapped.
Everyone laughed.
I walked straight toward the door.
Fast.
Very fast.
Because if I stayed another second—
I would combust.
I reached the corridor—
And immediately felt a hand wrap around my wrist.
Warm.
Familiar.
Steady.
I stopped.
Slowly turned.
Keifer.
Of course.
He leaned slightly closer, voice low—
"You're running again."
"I'm walking."
"That's a fast walk."
I tried to pull my hand back.
He didn't let go.
"Keifer—"
"Hmm?"
"You caused a scene."
"You enjoyed it."
"I did not."
He smiled.
"You were smiling."
"I was suffering."
"Same thing."
I rolled my eyes.
"You're unbelievable."
"And yet," he said softly, stepping closer, "you're still blushing."
I froze.
Because—
He wasn't wrong.
I looked away.
"You're insufferable."
"And you love me."
Silence.
I didn't answer.
Didn't deny.
He noticed.
Of course he did.
His grip on my wrist softened—
But didn't leave.
"Come on," he said gently.
"Where?"
"Anywhere that isn't your chaotic classroom."
I hesitated.
Then sighed.
"Fine."
He smiled.
Victory.
Small.
Quiet.
But real.
As we walked down the corridor together—
I could still hear Eunice's voice echoing from inside the class—
"THIS IS NOT OVER—"
Dane's calm reply followed—
"Oh, it definitely isn't."
I shook my head.
"This is your fault."
Keifer glanced at me.
"No," he said, voice softer now.
"This is ours."
And somehow—
That felt even more dangerous than everything he had done today.
If someone had told me this morning that my day would end with my entire family interrogating my boyfriend for changing a field trip location—
I would've laughed.
Now?
I was standing outside my house, staring at Keifer like he had just committed a legal crime.
"Last chance," I said, narrowing my eyes. "Run."
He leaned casually against his car, completely unfazed.
"Why would I run?"
"Because they're inside."
"And?"
"They know what you did."
He smirked.
"Good."
I blinked.
"You're not even scared?"
"Jay," he stepped closer, voice dropping just enough to make my heartbeat stumble, "I survived your mood swings. Your family doesn't stand a chance."
I hit his arm.
"Shut up."
He caught my wrist mid-air.
Too easily.
Too naturally.
"Careful," he murmured, "you might start something you can't finish."
My cheeks burned.
"You're so annoying."
"And yet," he said, letting go slowly, "you brought me home."
Before I could reply—
The front door opened.
And just like that—
War began.
The moment we stepped in—
Silence fell.
Suspicious.
Dangerous.
Aries leaned back on the couch, arms crossed, staring at Keifer like he was evaluating a business deal.
Kuya Angelo was beside him, already smirking.
Tita Gemma?
She was practically vibrating with excitement.
And Mom…
She just shook her head slowly, like she already knew everything.
I sighed.
"Don't start."
Too late.
Aries spoke first.
Calm.
Too calm.
"He changed the trip?"
I winced.
Angelo leaned forward.
"For you?"
Tita Gemma clapped her hands.
"AYYYY. THIS IS TRUE LOVE."
"NO IT IS NOT," I snapped immediately.
All eyes turned to me.
I pointed at Keifer.
"This is manipulation. This is—this is—"
"Effective planning?" Keifer offered smoothly.
I glared.
"It is NOT normal!"
He shrugged.
"It worked, didn't it?"
I opened my mouth.
Closed it.
Opened it again.
No words came out.
Because—
It did work.
Aries let out a low whistle.
"You're dangerous."
Keifer didn't even hesitate.
"Only for her."
Silence.
Then—
Tita Gemma squealed.
"AYYYY!"
I covered my face.
"Can we not—"
Mom smiled softly, shaking her head.
"This boy…"
There was something in her voice.
Something warm.
Something approving.
And that—
That made my heart do something stupid.
We all sat down for dinner.
Well—
They sat.
I tried to survive.
Keifer sat beside me like he belonged there.
Like he had always belonged there.
And somehow…
That scared me more than anything.
Angelo broke the silence first.
"So now you'll be there the whole trip?"
Keifer nodded, completely relaxed.
"Obviously."
I turned to him sharply.
"You're not supervising me."
He glanced at me sideways, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips.
"No," he said calmly, "I'm protecting my investment."
I almost choked.
"I am NOT a project."
He leaned slightly closer, voice dropping just enough—
"You're everything."
…
I went quiet.
Completely.
Because—
How was I supposed to fight that?
I looked down at my plate, suddenly very interested in my food.
Tita Gemma leaned toward Mom and whispered loudly—
"He's smooth."
Mom nodded.
"Very."
Aries tapped his fingers on the table.
"So let me get this straight."
We all looked at him.
"You donated money…"
He pointed at Keifer.
"…changed the trip…"
Then at me.
"…just to be with her?"
Keifer didn't even blink.
"Yes."
No hesitation.
No shame.
Just—
Truth.
The room went quiet for a second.
Then Kuya Angelo laughed.
"Respect."
I kicked Keifer lightly under the table.
"You're making this worse."
He leaned closer, whispering in my ear—
"I can make it better too."
My grip on my fork tightened.
"Don't."
"Don't what?"
"Talk like that here."
He smirked.
"Like what?"
I turned to him, whispering harshly—
"You know exactly what you're doing."
He tilted his head, pretending to think.
"Teasing my girlfriend?"
I froze.
My what?
Girlfriend.
The word hit differently.
Even though we had said it before.
Even though it was true.
Hearing it here—
In front of everyone—
Made it feel…
Real.
Too real.
I looked away quickly.
"Eat your food."
He chuckled softly.
"Yes, ma'am."
Eunice wasn't here.
But somehow—
Her energy lived in my family.
Tita Gemma leaned forward again.
"So Keifer…"
He looked at her politely.
"Yes, Tita?"
"When is the wedding?"
"SOON," he replied instantly.
"KEIFER—" I snapped.
He laughed.
"I'm kidding."
Aries raised an eyebrow.
"You better be."
Keifer met his gaze calmly.
"I said soon. Not now."
Silence.
Heavy.
Loaded.
Kuya Angelo leaned back, grinning.
"Oh, he's serious."
"I AM NOT—" I started.
No one listened.
Of course.
Finally.
Finally—
Dinner ended.
I stepped outside to breathe.
Fresh air.
Silence.
Peace.
For exactly five seconds.
Because—
Footsteps.
Behind me.
I didn't turn.
"You follow me everywhere now?"
Keifer's voice came from behind, amused—
"Only when you try to escape."
I rolled my eyes.
"I'm not escaping."
"Running then?"
"Taking space."
He stepped beside me.
Close.
Too close.
"You had space from me since you were born," he said softly. "Didn't like it much."
"We didn't even know each other back then." I replied back
"Still..." he said" I just can't imagine you being far away from me"
That…
That hit.
I stayed quiet.
The night air felt colder suddenly.
Or maybe it was just—
Him.
Standing this close again.
We stood there.
Side by side.
Quiet.
Comfortable.
Dangerous.
I looked at him.
Really looked at him.
"You really did all this… just to be there?"
He didn't hesitate.
"I'd do more."
My heart skipped.
"You're crazy."
He turned to me fully now.
Eyes soft.
Voice quieter.
"For you."
Silence.
Then—
That smirk came back.
Of course it did.
"Also…" he added casually, leaning slightly closer, "now I can keep an eye on those 'male species.'"
I let out a small laugh.
"You're impossible."
"And still your boyfriend."
I shook my head.
But I was smiling.
I couldn't help it.
Because—
This was him.
Always had been.
Too much.
Too intense.
Too everything.
And yet—
Exactly what I needed.
I looked at him one last time.
My chest feeling full.
Warm.
Certain.
Some people give flowers.
Some give time.
Some give promises.
And then…
There was Keifer—
Who didn't just stay.
Didn't just wait.
Didn't just love quietly.
He moved the world—
Just to stay close to me.
"Can I ask you a favour Jay?" His question stopped me
"What?"
"Just tell, will you say yes or no."
"First tell me what is it, after then I will decide"
"No"
"Then my answer will also be No."
"So you don't love me." He pouted like a kid.
"I dooo.....fine, Yes."
A smile quickly spread across hi face.
"Can I kiss you passionately?"
I was too stunned to speak.
"What-"
Before I can reply, his lips captured mine.
"You already said yes to me." He said when we parted and again kissed me.
I didn't resist. I reponded back to his kiss.
He suddenly picked me up, and made me sit on his car. His lips still not leaving mine.
Slowing his lips drifted towards my neck.
I just can't believe that we were making out, here outside my house, in the night.
But, it felt right.
I loved himso much, and he did to. When he is around I feel safe.
He is my safe place and my home that to whom I can run too, and cry to.
And somehow…
I knew—
This was only the beginning. 💫
A meassage from Jay-Jay to the readers -:
Hey!
Keifer is mine and mine only. So don't you dare think about anything with him. You understand.
And also, can you be my spies.
I mean, friends. I will be your friend, when you will kill and destroy every single girl who tries to hit on Keifer like Keifer does for me
We have to show these boys ( and him ) who is in more power.
Thank You!