The hotel room was quiet, dimly lit by a single bedside lamp. The room smelled faintly of fresh linen, and the soft hum of the air conditioner filled the silence.
Keifer had already checked the doors and windows, making sure everything was secure. Jay stood by the suitcase she hadn't unpacked yet, still slightly tense from the events outside.
"I'm not staying in the same room as you," she said, folding her arms. "I don't care what you say."
Keifer shook his head, his jaw set stubbornly. "You're not going to the room alone. I'm not taking that risk."
Jay frowned. "Risk? What risk?"
Keifer ignored the question. He pulled the sofa slightly closer to the corner of the room and gestured toward the bed.
"I'll take the sofa," he said firmly. "You take the bed. End of discussion."
Jay blinked, hesitating. She could argue, she really could—but something in his eyes… the tension, the seriousness… made her pause.
"…Fine," she said finally, still annoyed. "But only because you're stubborn enough to risk sleeping on a couch."
Keifer didn't smile. He simply nodded and gestured for her to get settled.
Jay unpacked a few things, keeping her distance from the bed. Keifer sat on the sofa, quietly checking the room again. When he finally settled back, he stretched slightly and let out a soft sigh.
The room was silent for a moment, and then Keifer muttered under his breath, almost to himself:
"For her own good… I'll make sure nothing happens."
Jay froze mid-step, her hands still holding a shirt. She glanced at him. His eyes were focused straight ahead, but his voice had carried just enough for her to hear.
For her own good…
Her heart skipped slightly. She didn't know why, but something about the way he said it—the soft tone, the weight behind it—made her feel… strange.
She put down the shirt slowly and leaned against the doorframe, listening.
Keifer didn't say anything more, just adjusted himself on the sofa and closed his eyes, pretending to sleep.
But Jay stayed there, silent, watching him for a moment longer.
The words repeated in her mind:
"For her own good…"