* Continuation of Flashback *
Jay-Jay's POV
If someone asked me what pure chaos looked like…
I'd show them my house at 7 a.m.
"Jay-Jay… wake up."
I groaned and buried my face deeper into my pillow, dragging the blanket over my head like it could protect me from reality.
"No."
A pause.
Then—
"Field trip today. Don't make me drag you out."
I cracked one eye open, staring at the ceiling like it had personally betrayed me.
"I'll go next year…"
"Hmm," Mom hummed from beside my bed. "You said that last night too."
"I was serious last night."
"You were dramatic last night."
I let out a long, suffering sigh and rolled over.
"Why is morning so… early?"
"Because the sun exists."
"Tell it to calm down."
She laughed softly, but before I could even pretend to fall back asleep—
The door burst open.
"WAKE UP, MRS. WATSON!"
I sat up so fast I almost fell off the bed.
"TITA—"
stood at the door like she had just discovered the biggest scandal of the century.
Behind her—
, arms crossed, already annoyed.
And leaning casually against the wall with that I-know-something-you-don't smirk.
"I will cancel this trip," I said, dead serious, pointing at all of them.
"No, you won't," Kuya Angelo replied instantly.
"Yes, I will."
"No, you won't," Aries echoed.
I glared at them. "Why are you all in my room?"
Tita Gemma clasped her hands dramatically. "Because today is a romantic departure."
"It's a school trip."
"With your boyfriend."
"It's still a school trip."
"Same thing."
I threw my pillow at her.
She dodged it effortlessly.
Aries suddenly groaned like the world had personally offended him.
"This is discrimination."
I blinked. "What?"
"I should be there."
"You're too old."
"I'm not old," he snapped. "I'm experienced."
Kuya Angelo snorted.
"You're not even in her college," Kuya Angelo added.
"And none of Section E can go either," Aries continued, ignoring him. "Different colleges. Different courses. Different schedules. This system is broken."
I crossed my arms. "You're just jealous."
"I'm not jealous," he said immediately.
"You are."
"I am offended."
Kuya Angelo tilted his head. "Same thing."
Aries pointed at him. "Stay out of this."
Then he turned back to me, eyes narrowing.
"So let me get this straight… the only guy allowed to go with you—"
I already knew where this was going.
"—is him?"
Kuya Angelo smirked. "Exactly. Suspicious."
I opened my mouth to argue—
The doorbell rang.
Silence.
Then—
Tita Gemma gasped like someone had just announced a plot twist.
"THE HUSBAND IS HERE!"
"TITA—"
Too late.
She was already running.
I buried my face in my hands.
"This is my life," I muttered. "This is what I deserve."
"Get up," Mom said, laughing as she pulled the blanket away from me. "He's here."
And somehow—
That worked faster than anything else.
Ten minutes later, I walked out of my room, fixing my hair, trying to look like I wasn't just attacked by my entire family.
And there he was.
.
Leaning casually near the door.
Black shirt. Sleeves slightly rolled. Hair still a little messy like he didn't try too hard—
But somehow still looked like he walked out of a movie.
His eyes lifted the moment he saw me.
And just like that—
Everything softened.
A small smile tugged at his lips.
"Morning."
I tried—tried—to act normal.
"Morning."
He walked toward me slowly, eyes scanning me like he was checking if I was okay.
"You look sleepy."
"You woke me up by existing."
"That's a compliment."
"It's a complaint."
He chuckled.
And then—without even thinking—
He reached forward.
Adjusted my bag strap.
Fixed a loose strand of my hair.
Picked up my water bottle from the table and placed it in my hand.
"Drink," he said softly.
I blinked.
"Oh."
Behind us—
I could feel the staring.
The judgment.
The silent screaming.
Aries let out a slow whistle.
"He acts like a husband already."
My face went warm instantly.
"STOP—"
Keifer didn't even hesitate.
"Practicing."
I smacked his arm.
"Shameless."
He leaned closer, lowering his voice just enough for only me to hear—
"You like it."
My heart did something extremely unprofessional.
"I tolerate it," I shot back.
"Liar."
"Okay," Kuya Angelo clapped his hands once. "Enough romance. We're all uncomfortable."
"You're always uncomfortable," I muttered.
"Not wrong," he admitted.
Tita Gemma wiped fake tears. "Look at them. So domestic. So stable. So ready for marriage."
"I'm leaving," I announced.
"Take him with you," Aries added.
"I was planning to."
"Good."
We stepped outside together.
The morning air was cool.
Quiet.
Peaceful—
A complete contrast to the chaos inside.
For a second, neither of us spoke.
Then—
"You ready?" he asked.
I nodded.
"You?"
He smiled slightly.
"I've been ready since yesterday."
I raised an eyebrow. "That sounds suspicious."
"It is."
We got into the car.
And just like always—
The world settled.
The engine started.
Soft music played in the background.
I leaned back in my seat, exhaling slowly.
"Finally. Silence."
Keifer glanced at me.
"You don't like your family?"
"I love them."
"Then why do you sound like you survived a war?"
"Because I did."
He laughed under his breath.
A few minutes passed.
Comfortable.
Quiet.
Then—
"Did you eat?"
I turned to him slowly.
"…No."
He sighed.
"I knew it."
"I just woke up—"
"And chose not to eat."
"I was busy being attacked."
"That's not an excuse."
I rolled my eyes.
"You sound like my mom."
"I'm better."
"Oh really?"
"Yeah."
He glanced at me briefly, a smirk forming.
"I can enforce rules."
I narrowed my eyes. "That sounded wrong."
"It was meant to."
"Keifer."
"What?"
"You're impossible."
"And you still chose me."
I looked out the window to hide my smile.
A few seconds later—
His hand brushed mine.
Not fully.
Just lightly.
Like he was checking if I'd pull away.
I didn't.
So he let his fingers rest there.
Warm.
Familiar.
Dangerous in the softest way.
"You're excited," he said.
I nodded instantly.
"Yeah. I mean… it's a trip. With everyone. No classes. Just… fun."
He hummed.
"Hmm."
I glanced at him.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"That didn't sound like nothing."
"It's something."
"Say it."
He exhaled softly.
"You're going to be busy."
"So?"
"So… I won't get your full attention."
I blinked.
"Are you jealous of a school trip?"
"I'm jealous of anything that takes you away from me."
My heart skipped.
"That's dramatic."
"That's honest."
I looked away again.
Because looking at him right now?
Dangerous.
The car slowed as we reached the college gate.
Students everywhere.
Noise.
Energy.
Excitement.
Reality.
He parked the car.
Turned off the engine.
And suddenly—
It felt too quiet.
"Text me when you're free," he said.
"I always do."
"I know."
I reached for the door—
But paused.
Something about the moment felt…
Important.
Before I could move—
His hand gently cupped my face.
I froze.
His thumb brushed lightly against my cheek.
"Take care," he said softly.
My breath caught.
"You too."
And then—
He leaned in.
Pressed a soft, quick kiss to my lips.
Not rushed.
Not dramatic.
Just…
Us.
When he pulled back—
I couldn't even pretend to be unaffected.
"Go," he said, smiling slightly.
"Before I change my mind and keep you here."
"You wouldn't."
"Try me."
I rolled my eyes—but my cheeks were burning.
I stepped out of the car.
Closed the door.
Walked toward the gate.
Halfway in—
I turned.
I don't know why.
I just did.
He was still there.
Leaning against the car.
Watching me.
Like he always did.
He lifted his hand.
A small wave.
I smiled.
Waved back.
And for a moment—
Everything felt perfect.
Simple.
Safe.
Keifer's POV
Three days.
I buttoned my shirt slowly, eyes flicking to the mirror.
Three days with her.
The thought alone was enough to mess with my usual calm.
I exhaled, adjusting my cuffs.
"Get it together, Watson."
But the corner of my lips betrayed me anyway.
A smirk.
Because for once—
I wasn't trying to control it.
I picked up my watch from the table, fastening it around my wrist.
Everything about me looked the same.
Composed. Controlled. Untouchable.
But inside?
Yeah… not so much.
Three days with Jay.
No interruptions.
No distance.
No pretending.
Just—
Her.
My phone buzzed.
I glanced at the screen.
A message.
From her.
Jay:Reached.
My thumb hovered for a second.
Then—
Me:Good. Don't flirt with anyone.
Three dots appeared almost instantly.
Jay:You dropped me 15 minutes ago.
Me:Exactly. Plenty of time.
I huffed a quiet laugh.
God, I missed her already.
"Sir?"
I looked up.
My secretary stood at the door, tablet in hand, expression professional as always.
rarely looked confused.
But right now?
He did.
"Come in."
He stepped forward.
"Sir, I just wanted to confirm—multiple meetings scheduled over the next three days have been… postponed."
I nodded once. "Good."
A pause.
He blinked.
"…Good?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Is there a problem?"
"No, sir. It's just—these meetings were marked as urgent."
"They were."
"And now they're… not?"
"They can wait."
His confusion deepened slightly.
"With all due respect, sir… this is unlike you."
I leaned back slightly, folding my arms.
"Get used to it."
He hesitated.
"May I ask why?"
I didn't answer immediately.
Instead, I picked up my phone again, glancing at her last message.
Then I looked back at him.
"No."
He straightened instantly. "Understood, sir."
A beat.
Then—
"Enjoy your day, Mr. Watson."
I smirked faintly. "I intend to."
The moment he left—
The room felt quieter.
Still.
But not empty.
Because my mind?
Was already somewhere else.
With her.
"Kuya."
I didn't even turn.
"Door's open," I said.
Two seconds later—
Footsteps.
Casual.
Familiar.
Only two people walked into my space like they owned it.
dropped onto the couch like he lived there.
Which, technically—
He did.
leaned against the wall, arms crossed, observing like always.
"You're dressed early," Keigan said, eyeing me.
"I always am."
"Not like this."
I glanced at him. "Like what?"
"Like you actually care."
Keiren snorted softly.
I ignored both of them.
"When are you coming back?" Keigan asked, stretching his arms behind his head.
"When I feel like it."
"That's not an answer."
"That is the answer."
Keiren tilted his head slightly.
"This is about Ate Jay, right?"
I didn't even hesitate.
"Everything is."
Silence.
Then—
Keigan gagged.
"Wow. That was disgustingly soft."
I looked at him calmly.
"You have a girlfriend."
"That's different."
"How?"
"I'm not saying things like that."
I smirked.
"Give it time."
I walked past them, grabbing my keys.
But I could feel it—
Their eyes still on me.
Watching.
Analyzing.
Annoying.
"So…" Keiren started slowly, "you postponed important meetings…"
"Yes."
"…for a field trip."
"Yes."
"…with your girlfriend."
I turned slightly.
"Yes."
He blinked.
"Okay, when you say it like that, it sounds insane."
"It's efficient."
Keigan sat up, pointing at me.
"That is not efficient. That is emotional."
"Same thing."
"No, it's not."
"For me, it is."
I picked up my phone again.
Checked the time.
Still early.
Still not early enough.
"What about you?" I said casually, glancing at Keigan.
He frowned. "What about me?"
"How's Elixera?"
Immediate reaction.
Defensive posture.
"Why?"
I smirked.
"Just asking."
"She's fine."
"Mm."
"That's it? 'Mm'?"
I shrugged.
"She's your girlfriend. She's supposed to be fine."
He narrowed his eyes. "You're judging me."
"I'm observing you."
"You're judging me."
"Same thing."
Keiren snorted.
Keigan crossed his arms.
"At least I don't rearrange entire institutions for my girlfriend."
I tilted my head slightly.
"At least I can."
Silence.
Keiren burst out laughing.
"Okay, that was good."
Keigan pointed at me. "That was unnecessary."
"That was accurate."
I shifted my gaze to Keiren.
"And you?"
He stiffened slightly.
"What about me?"
I smirked.
"Still staring at Yoichi?"
Immediate denial.
"I do not stare—"
"You blink slowly."
He froze.
"It's worse."
Keigan lost it.
"BRO—"
"I do not blink slowly!"
"You do," I said calmly.
"It's… intentional."
"That's even worse."
Keiren ran a hand through his hair, clearly annoyed.
"You're impossible."
"I'm experienced."
"That's my line," Keigan muttered.
For a moment—
The room filled with quiet laughter.
Familiar.
Easy.
Safe.
Then—
Silence settled again.
Not heavy.
Just… still.
I leaned against the table slightly, gaze drifting for a second.
Not at them.
Not at anything specific.
Just—
Somewhere.
Three days.
No distance.
No interruptions.
Just her.
"This feels right."
The words slipped out before I could stop them.
Keigan and Keiren both went quiet.
I didn't look at them.
Didn't need to.
I could feel it—
Their attention sharpening.
"What does?" Keiren asked, softer this time.
I exhaled slowly.
"Everything."
A pause.
Then—
"She's back," I added.
And that alone—
Explained everything.
No one joked after that.
No teasing.
No sarcasm.
Just—
Understanding.
Keigan leaned back again, quieter now.
"Don't mess it up."
I scoffed lightly. "I didn't last time."
"You kind of did."
I gave him a look.
He raised his hands. "I'm just saying."
Keiren spoke up.
"You didn't lose her because you didn't care."
I glanced at him.
He held my gaze.
"You lost her because life got complicated."
I didn't respond.
Because he wasn't wrong.
"But now?" Keiren continued.
"You have a chance."
A beat.
"Don't waste it."
Silence again.
But this time—
It felt heavier.
Real.
I straightened.
Picked up my keys again.
"I won't."
Keigan smirked slightly.
"Good."
Then—
"Also, don't scare her classmates too much."
"No promises."
I started walking toward the door.
But paused.
Just for a second.
"Take care of things here," I said without turning.
Keigan waved lazily. "Yeah, yeah."
Keiren nodded.
And then—
I stepped out.
The moment the door closed behind me—
My expression shifted.
Not controlled anymore.
Not distant.
Not guarded.
Just—
Certain.
I got into the car.
Started the engine.
And for once—
Didn't think about work.
Didn't think about responsibilities.
Didn't think about anything—
Except her.
Three days.
I smirked slightly, gripping the wheel.
"Try surviving that without me," I muttered under my breath.
Then I drove.
Straight toward her.
Jay-Jay's POV
The moment I sat in the car again—
I knew this trip was going to be dangerous.
Not because of the place.
Not because of the people.
But because of him.
"You look too happy."
I said it casually, leaning back in my seat, watching him from the corner of my eye.
didn't even try to hide it.
His lips curved.
That slow, confident, I-know-something-you-don't kind of smile.
"I get you for three days."
I raised an eyebrow.
"You already had me."
His fingers tightened slightly on the steering wheel.
Then—
He glanced at me.
Slow.
Intentional.
"Not like this."
My brain stopped.
Completely.
Like—just… shut down.
Because the way he said it?
Low.
Calm.
But carrying something that made my stomach flip.
My cheeks warmed instantly.
"Drive," I muttered, looking away.
"I am driving."
"Then focus."
"I am focused."
"On the road."
"I am."
A pause.
"Also on you."
I turned to glare at him.
"You're insufferable."
"And you're blushing."
"I am not."
"You are."
"I hate you."
"You love me."
I crossed my arms.
"Debatable."
He chuckled under his breath.
"Not really."
The drive didn't feel long.
It never did with him.
Because somehow—
Silence with Keifer was never empty.
And conversation with him was never boring.
"Eat."
I blinked.
"What?"
He held out a small packet toward me.
Snacks.
Of course.
"You didn't eat properly."
"How do you—"
"You always skip breakfast when you're excited."
I stared at him.
"You monitor me?"
"I observe you."
"That's worse."
"Eat."
I sighed.
But took it anyway.
Because—
He was right.
Again.
"Good girl."
I choked.
"EXCUSE ME?"
He smirked.
"What?"
"Don't say that."
"You listened."
"That doesn't mean you get to—"
"You like it."
"I do not."
"You do."
"I really don't."
"You're blushing again."
"I will jump out of this car."
"I'll lock the doors."
"You're toxic."
"I'm protective."
"That's not the same."
"For me, it is."
I shook my head, but I couldn't stop the small smile forming on my lips.
God.
He was impossible.
We reached the meeting point.
And suddenly—
The calm disappeared.
Students everywhere.
Loud voices.
Laughter.
Bags.
Excitement buzzing in the air like electricity.
"Wow," I breathed, stepping out of the car.
"It's actually happening."
Keifer walked around to my side, standing beside me.
Close.
Too close.
But also—
Not close enough.
His gaze swept the area.
Sharp.
Observant.
And then—
Narrowed slightly.
I followed his line of sight.
Groups of students.
Some familiar.
Some not.
Some—
Looking at us.
At me.
At him.
"They staring?"
His voice dropped slightly.
I turned to him.
"You're staring harder."
"I'm evaluating threats."
"This is a field trip, not a battlefield."
"Same thing."
I rolled my eyes.
"You're dramatic."
"You attract attention."
"That's not my fault."
"It's still a problem."
Before I could reply—
"FINALLY."
I groaned internally.
That voice.
I didn't even need to turn.
appeared like a storm.
Dramatic.
Loud.
Unavoidable.
"THE MAIN CHARACTERS HAVE ARRIVED."
I covered my face.
"Please stop."
Behind her—
walked in, hands in his pockets, looking way too calm for the chaos unfolding.
"We were about to start without you."
"You wouldn't dare," I shot back.
"We considered it," he said dryly.
Eunice's eyes moved between me and Keifer.
Slowly.
Suspiciously.
Then—
She gasped.
"So you brought your boyfriend?"
I crossed my arms.
"He brought himself."
Keifer nodded once.
"Correct."
Then, without missing a beat—
"For supervision."
Eunice froze.
"EXCUSE ME?"
Dane snorted.
"Supervision?"
"Yes."
Eunice placed her hands on her hips.
"SIR. WE ARE RESPONSIBLE PEOPLE."
"No, you're not."
"We are!"
"You're loud."
"That is not a crime."
"It should be."
I laughed.
I couldn't help it.
Because this—
This was chaos.
And somehow—
It felt perfect.
Eunice leaned closer to me, whispering loudly—
"He's dangerous."
"I know."
"He's hot."
"I know."
"He's possessive."
"I know."
"Why are you calm?"
"I'm not."
Keifer's hand brushed against mine again.
Light.
Intentional.
And this time—
He didn't move it away.
Dane noticed.
Of course he did.
He always noticed everything.
He looked at our hands.
Then at me.
Then at Keifer.
Then—
He smirked.
"Wow."
"What?" I asked defensively.
"Nothing."
"That didn't sound like nothing."
"It's not."
"Say it."
He shrugged.
"You two are obvious."
My face heated.
"We are not."
"You are."
"We're not."
"You are."
Keifer spoke up calmly—
"I like being obvious."
I turned to him.
"Of course you do."
"I'm proud of my choices."
I stared at him.
"You're unbelievable."
"And you're still here."
More students gathered.
The energy rising.
Voices overlapping.
Laughter getting louder.
Someone bumped into me slightly—
And before I could even react—
Keifer's hand moved.
Firm.
At my waist.
Steadying me.
My breath hitched.
Just for a second.
"You okay?"
His voice was softer now.
Only for me.
"I'm fine."
His hand didn't move immediately.
And for some reason—
I didn't ask him to.
"Bus is here!" someone shouted.
And just like that—
Chaos doubled.
Everyone started moving.
Grabbing bags.
Calling names.
Laughing.
Running.
Eunice grabbed my arm.
"Come on!"
"I'm coming!"
Dane followed behind us.
And Keifer—
Stayed close.
Always close.
Inside the bus—
It was even louder.
Music playing.
People shouting.
Taking photos.
"Sit here!" Eunice yelled, dragging me toward a seat.
I barely had time to react before—
She pushed me in.
And—
Keifer sat next to me.
Of course he did.
"You planned that," I accused.
"I exist."
"That's not an answer."
"That's the answer."
Eunice and Dane sat across from us.
Watching.
Observing.
Judging.
"Wow," Eunice whispered dramatically.
"This is like watching a live romance show."
"Stop," I groaned.
"I will not."
"You should."
"I won't."
The bus started moving.
Slowly.
Then faster.
Music got louder.
People started singing.
Taking pictures.
Leaning over seats.
Throwing snacks.
And in the middle of all that—
Keifer leaned closer.
His shoulder brushing mine.
His voice low.
"You comfortable?"
"Yes."
"Good."
I looked out the window.
Watching the world blur past.
Sunlight flickering through the glass.
Voices fading into background noise.
And then—
I felt it.
His gaze.
I turned.
"What?"
He didn't look away.
"I'm enjoying the view."
My heart skipped.
"Look outside."
"I am."
"No, you're not."
"I am."
"Keifer—"
"You're in front of me."
I froze.
Then looked away again.
Because—
If I kept looking at him like that?
I wouldn't survive this trip.
Eunice leaned forward again.
"EW."
"Stop saying ew," I snapped.
"I can't. This is too much."
Dane nodded.
"Agreed."
"You're both annoying."
"And you're both in love," Eunice shot back.
Silence.
Then—
Keifer smirked.
"Correct."
I hit his arm.
"Stop agreeing with everything."
"I only agree with the truth."
"You're unbelievable."
"And you love me."
I didn't answer.
But I didn't deny it either.
The bus kept moving.
The laughter didn't stop.
The teasing didn't stop.
The chaos didn't stop.
And somewhere in between—
My head leaned slightly.
Resting against the seat.
Close to his shoulder.
Not touching.
But almost.
And somehow—
That felt even more dangerous.
It felt like one of those days…
you never want to end. 💫
By the time we reached the hotel—
I was exhausted.
Not the sleepy kind.
The overwhelmed, too many emotions, too much him kind.
The bus doors opened.
And chaos spilled out with us.
"FINALLY," groaned dramatically, stretching her arms. "If I sit one more second, I will sue the bus."
"You don't even know how to sue," said flatly.
"I'll learn."
"For what?"
"For trauma."
"That's not how that works."
I laughed softly, stepping down from the bus.
The night air hit my face.
Cool.
Fresh.
Calming.
Lights from the hotel glowed warmly in front of us.
Students moved around, dragging luggage, talking loudly, already arguing about rooms.
Behind me—
A presence.
Close.
Familiar.
"You're tired."
I didn't need to turn.
always knew.
"I'm fine."
"You say that every time you're not."
I sighed.
"Maybe I just don't like admitting it."
"Noted."
A pause.
Then—
"Still taking care of you anyway."
My heart did that annoying thing again.
That little flip.
"Come on," Eunice yelled, grabbing my arm again. "ROOM ASSIGNMENTS."
Inside the lobby—
Even more chaos.
Teachers calling out names.
Students arguing.
People switching partners like it was a game.
"Only two per room!" someone announced.
Immediately—
The noise doubled.
"I call Jay!" Eunice shouted.
"No," Dane said instantly.
She turned to him.
"What do you mean no?"
"I mean no."
"Why?"
He hesitated.
And that—
That was new.
Eunice narrowed her eyes.
"Explain."
"I just—"
He stopped.
Looked away.
And suddenly—
It clicked.
A memory flashed in my head.
A conversation.
Weeks ago.
Dane talking.
Casual.
But not really.
About a girl.
Jay (past):"So… you like her?"
Dane:"…Yeah."
Jay:"Who?"
Dane:"…Not telling."
I blinked.
Then slowly looked between them.
Eunice.
Dane.
Eunice.
Dane.
.
Oh.
.
Oh.
Jay (thought): …That's happening.
Eunice crossed her arms.
"You're being weird."
"I'm not."
"You are."
"I'm not."
"You literally are."
Then—
Suddenly—
She grabbed his wrist.
"Fine. You're coming with me."
"What—wait—"
"No arguments."
"Eunice—"
"Room partners. Done."
And just like that—
She dragged him away.
I stood there.
Frozen.
Processing.
Then—
Realization hit.
Hard.
"…Wait."
I turned slowly.
Keifer was standing there.
Hands in his pockets.
Watching me.
And suddenly—
There were no more options left.
"You're kidding."
He raised an eyebrow.
"About?"
"This."
"This is reality."
"I don't like it."
"I do."
I glared at him.
"You planned this."
"I didn't."
"You definitely did."
"I influence outcomes."
"That's worse."
Silence.
Then—
We both turned.
Toward the same direction.
Room.
Together.
"Oh my God," I muttered.
He leaned closer slightly.
Voice low.
Dangerous.
"Relax."
"I am not relaxed."
"I can tell."
"Good."
A pause.
Then—
His lips curved.
"You're safe with me."
And that—
That was the problem.
Because I knew I was.
And that made everything worse.
Inside the room—
Silence.
The door clicked shut behind us.
And suddenly—
Everything felt… louder.
Not outside.
Inside.
My heartbeat.
My breathing.
My thoughts.
I dropped my bag on the chair.
Too quickly.
Too casually.
"Bathroom's yours," he said.
Normal.
Calm.
Like this wasn't affecting him at all.
"Thanks."
I grabbed my clothes and disappeared inside.
Cold water.
Deep breath.
Mirror.
"Get it together, Jay."
Because this?
Was just a room.
Just a night.
Just him.
…Okay that didn't help.
When I stepped out—
I froze.
Because now—
It was his turn.
He had just come out of the shower.
Hair damp.
Shirt—
Half unbuttoned.
Sleeves rolled.
Sweatpants low on his hips.
Water still trailing down his neck.
Disappearing into fabric.
My brain malfunctioned.
Again.
"Why are you shirtless?"
The words came out too fast.
Too defensive.
He looked down at himself.
Then back at me.
"I'm wearing a shirt."
"That is not properly worn."
"That sounds like a you problem."
"It is not a me problem."
"You're the one staring."
"I am not staring."
"You are."
"I am observing."
"Same thing."
He smirked.
Slow.
Knowing.
"Like what you see?"
"I will leave."
"You won't."
"I will."
"You can't."
"Watch me."
"You're still standing there."
I turned away.
Too quickly.
Too obviously.
And that's when he saw it.
The shirt.
His shirt.
On me.
Oversized.
Falling over my shoulders.
Paired with shorts.
His expression changed.
Just slightly.
But I noticed.
"Thief."
I blinked.
"What?"
Before I could react—
Arms wrapped around me from behind.
I gasped.
"Keifer—!"
"You little thief."
He lifted me.
Effortlessly.
"PUT ME DOWN—"
"No."
"You said everything you own is mine!"
"Yes."
"So I'm using it!"
"Without permission."
"You gave permission!"
"Not for everything."
He spun me.
Once.
Twice.
I was laughing now.
Helpless.
Breathless.
"KEIFER—STOP—"
"Admit it."
"NEVER."
"Say you like stealing my clothes."
"I LIKE STEALING YOUR CLOTHES."
He laughed.
Soft.
Genuine.
And then—
His step slipped.
"Wait—"
We fell.
On the bed.
A soft thud.
Silence.
Our laughter faded.
Slowly.
Because now—
Everything was still.
Too still.
I was on top of him.
Hands braced against his chest.
His arms still loosely around me.
Our faces—
Too close.
My breath hitched.
His eyes—
Locked on mine.
No teasing.
No jokes.
No distractions.
Just—
Him.
"Jay…"
His voice was softer now.
Different.
My heart pounded.
"I love you till the Scientist finds the end of Universe."
Everything inside me stilled.
No chaos.
No noise.
No fear.
Just—
That.
Him.
Always him.
I swallowed.
Then—
"Shut up."
And before he could respond—
I leaned in.
And kissed him.
Soft.
Not rushed.
Not desperate.
Just—
Real.
He froze.
For half a second.
Then—
His hand moved to my waist.
Pulling me closer.
Kissing me back.
Careful.
But certain.
Like he had been waiting for this moment—
Even if he didn't know it.
Time slowed.
Nothing else mattered.
Not the trip.
Not the people.
Not the world outside that room.
Just—
Us.
When we pulled back—
Foreheads almost touching—
Breathing uneven—
He smiled.
Soft.
Unfiltered.
And for once—
He didn't say anything.
Because he didn't need to.
Neither did I.
Because everything that mattered—
Had already been said.
Eunice's POV
The room is quieter than I expected.
Not silent—because I'm here—but… softer.
I toss my bag on the bed, stretching my arms dramatically.
"Finally," I groan. "If I sit one more hour in that bus, I would've sued the school."
From behind me, Dane chuckles quietly.
Not loud.
Never loud.
I glance back at him, raising a brow. "You're laughing like you weren't dying too."
He shrugs, sitting on the edge of the other bed.
"I was. Just… internally."
I snort. "That's boring."
He smiles faintly.
God, he's so calm.
It's almost suspicious.
I flop onto my bed, staring at the ceiling.
"…They're crazy, you know."
Dane looks up. "Who?"
I turn my head, grinning.
"Jay and Keifer."
A pause.
Then—
"Yeah," he says softly. "They are."
I sit up halfway, resting on my elbows.
"I mean—who changes an entire field trip just to follow his girlfriend?"
Dane lets out a quiet breath.
"Someone who really loves her."
I squint at him.
"…That sounded personal."
He shakes his head quickly. "It's not."
"Liar."
"Not a liar."
"Suspicious liar."
That earns me a small laugh.
Victory.
I grin wider.
"Still," I continue, stretching lazily, "I want that kind of love."
Dane goes still.
I don't notice.
"I mean—not the controlling billionaire energy," I add quickly. "But like… someone who just—"
I wave my hand vaguely.
"—chooses you. Every time. Without hesitation."
Silence.
Then—
"…Yeah."
I glance at him again.
He's looking at me.
Not casually.
Not absentmindedly.
Just… looking.
Something in my chest flickers.
Weird.
I look away first.
"Anyway," I say quickly, clapping my hands once, "enough about those two dramatic idiots."
Beat.
Then I grin.
"So."
Dane stiffens immediately.
Oh, this is going to be fun.
I narrow my eyes.
"You like someone, don't you?"
He freezes.
Literally freezes.
I gasp.
"YOU DO."
"No, I don't."
"You just froze like a criminal in interrogation."
"I didn't freeze."
"You froze."
"I paused."
"Same thing."
He exhales slowly, running a hand through his hair.
"…Yeah."
I blink.
Wait.
That was easy.
"Wait—you admitted it?" I sit up straight now. "That fast?"
He shrugs, looking down.
"I guess."
I grin, scooting closer to the edge of my bed.
"Okay, now I'm interested. Who is she?"
Silence.
Dane shakes his head.
"No."
"Come on."
"No."
"Dane."
"No."
"Dane."
"No."
"Dane—"
"Eunice."
I pause.
He said my name like that again.
Soft.
Careful.
Like it means something.
I blink it off.
"…Fine," I sigh dramatically. "Describe her."
He hesitates.
Then—
"She's loud."
I smirk instantly. "Oh, I like her already."
"She's chaotic."
"Relatable."
"She talks too much."
"Hey—"
"But…" he continues softly, "she cares more than she shows."
I go quiet.
Just a little.
He doesn't stop.
"She makes everything feel… lighter."
My smile fades slightly.
Not sad.
Just… softer.
"And when she laughs…" he adds, voice quieter now, "it feels like nothing else matters."
My heart—
Does something weird.
I ignore it.
I lean back, crossing my arms.
"Well," I say casually, "she sounds amazing."
Dane looks at me.
"Yeah," he says.
Soft.
Certain.
"She is."
I nod, looking away.
"Good for you."
I don't ask anything else.
And I don't think about why that description felt… a little too familiar.
Jay-Jay's POV
The room is quiet.
But not empty.
Never empty.
Because he's here.
I sit on the bed, pulling my knees slightly closer as I watch Keifer move around the room casually—like he belongs here.
Like he belongs… with me.
He glances over his shoulder.
Catches me staring.
Of course he does.
He always does.
A slow smirk spreads across his face.
"Enjoying the view?"
I roll my eyes immediately.
"You're literally just walking."
He raises a brow.
"Wow. I'm offended. This is premium content."
I snort.
"Relax. I've seen better."
He freezes.
Slowly turns.
Steps closer.
"Say that again."
I lift my chin.
"I've. Seen. Better."
He hums, stepping even closer now.
"Interesting."
"Very."
"Should I be concerned?"
"Deeply."
He leans down slightly, voice dropping.
"Because I can fix that."
My heart—
Traitor.
"Fix what?" I challenge.
He tilts his head.
"Your bad taste."
I push his shoulder lightly.
"You're insufferable."
"And you love it."
"…Unfortunately."
He grins.
Victory.
I look away, trying to hide my smile.
But it doesn't work.
It never works with him.
A soft silence settles between us.
Not awkward.
Not heavy.
Just… warm.
He sits beside me.
Close enough that our arms brush.
Not touching fully.
But enough.
Always enough.
"Hey," he says softly.
I turn to him.
"Hmm?"
His gaze softens.
"You okay?"
I blink.
"…Yeah."
"Sure?"
I nod.
"With you? Always."
Something shifts in his expression.
Something deeper.
He exhales quietly.
"Good."
Silence again.
Comfortable.
Safe.
I shift slightly—
And without thinking…
I lean into him.
My head resting lightly against his shoulder.
He goes still for a second.
Then—
His arm comes around me.
Naturally.
Like it's always belonged there.
"Comfortable?" he murmurs.
I close my eyes slightly.
"Very."
He hums.
"Good. Because I'm not moving."
I smile faintly.
"You better not."
A pause.
Then—
"Also," he adds casually, "if you move, I might take it personally."
I laugh softly.
"Of course you would."
"I'm sensitive."
"You're dramatic."
"I'm both."
I tilt my head slightly, looking up at him.
"You're impossible."
He looks down at me.
"And still your boyfriend."
My heart stumbles.
Every time he says it.
Every single time.
I hide my face slightly against his shoulder.
"Shut up."
He chuckles softly.
"No."
Silence returns.
But this time—
It's heavier.
Softer.
More… real.
My eyes start to feel heavy.
The exhaustion finally catching up.
I mumble slightly—
"Don't move…"
"I won't."
"…Promise?"
"Promise."
That's the last thing I hear.
Keifer's POV
She falls asleep like this.
Like she trusts the world again.
Like she trusts… me.
I look down at her, her head resting against me, her breathing soft and even.
My arm tightens around her instinctively.
Protective.
Careful.
Mine.
I exhale slowly.
God.
I missed this.
More than I ever admitted.
More than I ever showed.
I shift slightly, adjusting her so she's more comfortable.
She stirs—
But doesn't wake.
Just… moves closer.
My chest tightens.
"Yeah," I whisper softly. "Stay."
I glance at her face.
Peaceful.
Unburdened.
Safe.
Something in me settles.
Finally.
I brush a strand of hair away from her face.
Carefully.
Like she might disappear if I'm not gentle enough.
"You have no idea," I murmur quietly, "what you do to me."
She doesn't respond.
Of course she doesn't.
She's asleep.
But I say it anyway.
"I'd still change the world for you."
A small smile tugs at my lips.
"…And probably will."
I lean down slightly—
Press a soft kiss to her hair.
"Goodnight, trouble."
I don't sleep immediately.
I just… stay like this.
Holding her.
Making sure she's still here.
That this is real.
That she didn't leave again.
Eventually—
My eyes close.
And for the first time in a long time…
Sleep comes easy.
In one room - distance, unsaid feelings, quiet realization.
In another - closeness, certainty, home.
Jay-Jay's POV
Some nights change everything…And some… just make you realize what you never want to lose.