Chapter: "Mine"
The bus finally stopped.
After hours of chaos, shouting, snacks flying everywhere, and Ci-N acting like the bus conductor of Section E's insanity, we had finally reached the retreat campus.
The moment the door opened, everyone rushed out like prisoners escaping jail.
"FREEDOM!" Blaster shouted dramatically.
"Finally fresh air," Kit said while stretching.
Mayo almost tripped while jumping down from the bus.
Ci-N looked around excitedly. "Bro this place is huge."
And it was.
Tall trees surrounded the campus, sunlight slipping through the branches like golden ribbons. There were cabins lined up near the field, a huge hall at the center, and a basketball court where some students were already playing.
I stepped down from the bus slowly.
Keifer was right behind me.
Too close.
As usual.
"Careful," he said automatically.
"I know how to walk," I replied.
"You almost fell five times inside the bus."
"That was because YOU kidnapped my seat!"
He just smirked.
Before I could argue again, someone called my name.
"Jay!"
I turned.
Mychel from Section D was walking toward me.
Tall, friendly, always smiling like he had no problems in life.
"Hey," he said. "You survived the bus ride?"
I laughed. "Barely. Section E is a disaster."
Behind me, I could practically feel someone's glare burning through my back.
Keifer.
Mychel chuckled. "Our section was boring compared to yours. We were just sleeping."
"Lucky you," I said. "Over here they almost started a civil war."
He laughed again.
"You guys always make school interesting."
We started walking slowly toward the entrance of the campus building while talking.
I didn't notice the footsteps behind me.
But I definitely felt the tension.
Mychel pointed toward the cabins. "Our section is staying over there."
"Oh really? Section E is somewhere near the field, I think."
"Nice. Then we're neighbors."
Behind me—
A voice suddenly spoke.
Cold.
"Jay."
I froze.
Mychel turned slightly.
Keifer.
He was standing there with his hands in his pockets, staring at us.
No smile.
Just that dangerous calm look.
"Hey Keifer," Mychel said casually.
Keifer nodded once.
But his eyes never left me.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"Talking?" I replied slowly.
"With him?"
"Yes."
There was a pause.
Then Mychel awkwardly said, "Uh… I'll see you later Jay."
Smart boy.
Very smart boy.
He walked away quickly.
And the moment he disappeared—
Keifer stepped closer.
Too close.
"Really?" he said quietly.
I frowned. "What?"
"You were laughing a lot."
"So?"
"With him."
"Oh my god," I scoffed. "Are you jealous?"
"No."
"You sound jealous."
"I'm not."
"You are."
He took another step closer.
Now there was barely any space between us.
"You were enjoying the conversation," he said.
"I enjoy conversations with humans," I replied sarcastically. "You should try it sometimes."
His jaw tightened.
"You were smiling."
"Because he said something funny."
"Was it funnier than me?"
I blinked.
"Keifer… are you hearing yourself right now?"
Before I could say anything else—
His hand suddenly grabbed my waist.
Firm.
Possessive.
"HEY—"
In one quick motion, he pulled me against him.
My heart jumped.
"Keifer what the hell—"
But he didn't let me finish.
His other hand lifted my chin.
And before my brain could process anything—
He kissed me.
Hard.
Not the teasing kisses from before.
Not the playful ones in the bus.
This one was different.
Rough.
Hungry.
Like he was angry.
Like he was proving something.
My eyes widened in shock.
Students walking nearby stopped.
Someone gasped.
But Keifer didn't care.
His grip on my waist tightened slightly as he kissed me again, deeper this time.
My brain short-circuited.
When he finally pulled back, I was completely stunned.
"Keifer!"
"What?" he said calmly.
"Are you insane?!"
"You were talking to him."
"That doesn't mean you ATTACK my mouth!"
"I kissed my girlfriend."
"In front of half the school!"
"Good."
I stared at him like he had lost his mind.
"You are unbelievable."
He leaned closer slightly, voice lower.
"Then don't make me jealous."
"I WAS JUST TALKING!"
"You were laughing."
"Oh my god!"
Before I could continue screaming—
A loud voice exploded behind us.
"OOOOOOOOOO!"
Section E.
Of course.
Ci-N had witnessed everything.
Blaster almost collapsed from laughing.
Mayo clapped dramatically.
"BRO CLAIMED HIS TERRITORY!"
Rory shouted, "National Geographic moment!"
Erdix wiped imaginary tears. "True love."
Kit shook his head. "Animals."
I covered my face in embarrassment.
"This is your fault!" I hissed at Keifer.
"How?"
"You kissed me like a maniac!"
"You liked it."
"I DID NOT!"
"Liar."
Blaster yelled, "Round two!"
"SHUT UP!" I screamed.
Ci-N ran over dramatically. "Jay we saw everything."
"GO AWAY!"
He looked at Keifer with admiration. "Kuya… that was savage."
Keifer just shrugged.
Mayo whispered loudly, "Mychel from Section D just lost the war."
I turned red.
"THERE WAS NO WAR!"
Keifer leaned closer to my ear.
"There is."
I glared at him.
"You are impossible."
"And you're mine."
My heart skipped.
Stupid heart.
I pushed his chest lightly.
"Don't say weird things."
He smirked.
But his arm stayed around my waist as we walked toward the campus entrance.
Behind us—
Section E continued screaming like they had just watched the greatest show of their lives.