Jay's POV — The Morning After
Soft sunlight slipped through the curtains.
For a moment I stayed completely still.
My shoulder felt warm.
Heavy.
Then I realized why.
Keifer.
He was asleep beside me, his head resting gently against my shoulder.
At some point during the night, after the nightmare, he must have leaned closer without realizing it.
His breathing was calm now.
Peaceful.
One of his hands was still loosely gripping the edge of my sleeve, like even in sleep he was afraid I might disappear again.
My chest tightened.
He looked so different like this.
Not distant.
Not guarded.
Just… tired.
I carefully shifted slightly.
His eyes slowly opened.
For a second he looked confused, still half asleep.
Then he realized where he was.
And where his head was resting.
He immediately sat up straight.
"Sorry," he muttered quickly, running a hand through his hair.
"You fell asleep," I said softly.
He looked embarrassed now.
"I didn't mean to…"
"It's fine."
Silence settled between us for a moment.
Then he asked quietly,
"You stayed here all night?"
I shrugged slightly.
"You were having nightmares."
He looked down at the floor, guilt flashing across his face again.
"You didn't have to."
"I know."
He didn't respond.
But the way his shoulders relaxed slightly told me something.
Maybe… he was a little relieved I had stayed.
Jay's POV — The Oslo Walk
The streets of Oslo were bright and lively by the time we left the apartment.
Snow covered the sidewalks, and small cafés were already busy with people warming up inside.
Hannah walked ahead excitedly with Elise, pointing out different place
"You HAVE to try the pastries here," Hannah said dramatically.
Liam laughed. "You say that about every place."
I walked a little behind them.
Keifer was beside me, hands in his coat pockets, quiet as usual.
But he looked calmer than last night.
"You really used to walk here a lot?" he asked,
glancing around.
"Almost every day," I said.
He nodded slowly.
"It suits you."
"What does?"
"This place."
Before I could respond, someone suddenly stepped beside me.
Noel.
"So this is your famous Oslo tour?" he said casually.
I gave a small smile. "Something like that."
He leaned closer.
"You should show me the best places too."
Before I could answer, Keifer spoke quietly.
"There's a good café two streets from here."
Both Noel and I looked at him.
"You know that already?" Noel asked.
Keifer shrugged slightly.
"I checked last night."
I couldn't help smiling faintly.
"You researched cafés?"
He looked slightly embarrassed.
"I couldn't sleep."
Noel watched the exchange carefully.
Then he suddenly placed a hand lightly on my
shoulder.
"Jay, come here for a second. I want to show you something."
Before he could guide me away, I stepped closer to Keifer instead.
"I'm fine here," I said calmly.
Noel's hand dropped slowly.
For a moment the three of us stood there in silence.
Then Hannah shouted from ahead.
"Jay! Keifer! Hurry up!"
I started walking again,
naturally falling into step beside Keifer.
Noel followed a few steps behind.
A little later, as we reached the café Keifer had mentioned, the wind grew stronger.
Without saying anything,
Keifer pulled the scarf from his neck and held it out.
"You look cold."
I blinked in surprise.
"You'll freeze."
"I'll survive."
Before I could argue, he gently wrapped the scarf around my neck.
The warmth surprised me.
"Thanks," I said quietly.
Across the street, Noel
watched the moment.
His expression tightened slightly.
And even though Keifer pretended nothing had happened…
I noticed the faint pink color creeping into his ears.