JAY'S POV
I woke up reaching for him.
And he wasn't there.
The empty space beside me felt colder than it should've, and I frowned slightly, sitting up as my eyes adjusted to the quiet room. For a moment, I just stayed there, thinking maybe he stepped out for a second—but something told me he hadn't.
I got up quickly and made my way downstairs, spotting the maid in the kitchen.
"Have you seen Keifer?"
She nodded politely.
"Sir is upstairs, in the gym."
Gym?
I didn't even hesitate.
The closer I got, the louder it became.
Thud.
Thud.
Thud.
Each hit echoed through the hallway, steady and controlled.
I pushed the door open slightly—and stopped.
Keifer stood in front of the punching bag, back facing me, movements sharp and precise. He wore a black vest and jeans, the fabric slightly damp, clinging to him as his shoulders moved with every punch.
His breathing was heavy.
Focused.
For a second, I just watched.
Then I walked in quietly, closing the distance without making a sound. He didn't notice—not until my arms wrapped around him from behind.
KEIFER'S POV
My fist stopped mid-air.
The sudden warmth, the arms around me—I knew immediately.
I pulled one side of my headphones down, breathing still uneven.
"Jay?"
She didn't let go.
"Hmm?"
I exhaled, turning slightly in her hold.
"What are you doing?"
Her answer came like it was obvious.
"Hugging you. What else?"
I turned fully this time, looking down at her, my hair slightly damp, my skin still warm from training.
She stayed close.
Too close.
I let out a quiet breath.
"I'm sweating, you know that, right?"
She didn't care.
Of course she didn't.
She reached up, grabbing the collar of my vest and pulling me down slightly, wiping the sweat from my face before wrapping her arms around me again like nothing happened.
"I don't care."
A small chuckle left me before I could stop it.
I shook my head slightly, my hands settling at her waist, pulling her closer instead of pushing her away.
She leaned into me instantly.
And that was it.
That was all it took.
I didn't go back to training.
Instead, I reached over, grabbing a towel and wiping my face properly before tossing it aside. When I looked back at her, she was still there—waiting, like she had no intention of leaving.
I stepped closer again.
She didn't move back.
My hand slid behind her neck, pulling her in gently as I pressed a slow kiss to her forehead.
She exhaled softly, relaxing into me.
Then her arms tightened again around my waist.
Clingy.
I noticed.
But I didn't stop it.
Later, when we moved out of the gym, she stayed right beside me, her hand lightly holding onto my arm. When we reached the couch, she sat down first—but instead of giving me space, she pulled me down with her.
I let her.
She leaned against me immediately, her head resting against my shoulder like it belonged there.
I looked down at her.
"You're not letting go today, are you?"
She shook her head slightly.
"No."
I studied her for a second longer.
Then I shifted, pulling her fully into me, one arm wrapping around her as she settled against my chest instead.
Closer.
Comfortable.
Right where she wanted to be.
I leaned down slightly, pressing a soft kiss against the top of her head.
"Fine."
She didn't respond.
Just relaxed even more.
And this time—
I didn't let go either.