Jay's POV — The Ride Home
Keifer finished the last few bites slowly.
Neither of us spoke for a while. The city lights outside the tall windows reflected across the glass walls of his office.
"You should go home," I said quietly.
He rubbed his eyes tiredly.
"Yeah… probably."
He stood up and grabbed his jacket, but the way he moved made it obvious he was exhausted.
"You're too tired to drive," I said.
"I'm fine."
"You said that earlier too."
He gave a weak smile.
"…Fair point."
I picked up my keys.
"I'll drive."
His eyebrows lifted slightly.
"You don't have to."
"I know."
He studied me for a moment but didn't argue.
A few minutes later we were in the car.
The streets of London were quieter now, the city glowing under the streetlights.
At first, neither of us spoke.
Keifer leaned back in the passenger seat, staring out the window.
Then he said quietly,
"Thanks… for coming tonight."
I kept my eyes on the road.
"You skipped dinner."
"That's not the point."
I glanced at him briefly.
He was watching me now.
"You didn't have to care," he said.
The word care hung in the air.
"I didn't think about it that much," I replied lightly.
He smiled faintly.
"You always say that."
A small silence followed.
Then he said something softer.
"You still worry about people the same way."
I didn't answer.
A few minutes later I noticed his head tilt slightly toward the window.
His breathing had slowed.
I glanced over.
He had fallen asleep.
He looked peaceful
My chest tightened a little.
The confident Keifer
everyone saw during the day was gone.
Right now he just looked… tired.
Too tired.
When we reached his apartment building, I parked the car but didn't wake him immediately.
For a moment I just sat there.
Then I gently tapped his shoulder.
"Keifer."
He stirred slightly, opening his eyes.
"Oh," he murmured, looking around. "Sorry… I didn't mean to fall asleep."
"It's fine."
He ran a hand through his hair, embarrassed.
"That was… probably pathetic."
"You worked all day."
"Still."
He opened the door but paused before stepping out.
Then he looked back at me.
Then he looked back at me.
"Jay?"
"Yeah?"
His voice softened.
"Tonight… meant more than you think."
I didn't know how to respond to that.
So I just nodded.
Hey guys , really sorry that this chapter was small . I'm a bit busy
And I'm going to skip the engagement day 🙃 . ( I have no idea on what to add on it )