Morning light filtered through the hotel curtains, painting the room in soft gold. Jay was already perched on the edge of the bed, scrolling through her phone, while Keifer sat quietly in the chair by the small breakfast table, arms crossed, pretending to read the news.
"You know," Jay said, smirking, "I think you're trying way too hard to look busy."
Keifer didn't answer, but his eyes flicked toward her, just enough for her to catch the look.
"Fine, fine," Jay said, grinning. "I'll order breakfast then. What do you want?"
Keifer shrugged, trying to remain indifferent. "Whatever you want. I trust your choices."
Jay's eyes lit up. "Perfect! You're going to love this." She picked up the phone and started ordering a variety of dishes—pancakes, bacon, eggs, fresh fruit… and, of course, a small bowl of blueberries.
Keifer's eyes narrowed slightly as she said "blueberries," but he said nothing.
Breakfast arrived, and Jay immediately dug in, scooping up a bite of blueberry pancake and holding it out for Keifer.
"Here, try this," she said brightly.
Keifer looked at it warily. "Uh… I'm good," he muttered.
"Come on! You have to try a bite. It's amazing."
He hesitated, but the sparkle in her eyes made him cave. He leaned in, taking a small bite… and froze instantly.
Blueberries.
Keifer's throat itched. His face flushed, starting to show redness. Jay, oblivious, continued eating happily.
Keifer quickly covered his face with his hand to hide the growing rash, muttering under his breath, "Perfect… just perfect."
Jay finally looked up and noticed the slight redness around his eyes and cheeks. "Keifer… are you allergic to blueberries?" she asked, concerned.
He tried to play it cool. "I'm fine. Nothing to worry about."
Jay shook her head. "Nope. We're getting cream for this." She called the hotel staff, who brought some gentle anti-allergic cream, and Jay sat him down carefully.
"I'm taking care of you," she said softly, a little flustered. "You're… you're not supposed to get hurt like this."
Jay gently opened the buttons of his shirt to check for any more rashes. She froze for a moment, mesmerized by the sight of his toned abs. Her fingers brushed over the cream as she applied it carefully on his chest.
Keifer's eyes flicked down, noticing her hesitation. "Careful… don't get lost in my muscles," he teased, a hint of a smirk on his lips.
Jay blushed, focusing hard on the cream. "I'm… focused," she said, though her voice betrayed her.
He let out a low chuckle. "Uh-huh… sure you are."
After a few minutes, Keifer finally leaned back, exhausted from the allergic reaction and the tension of staying upright. He reached for Jay's hand and held it gently.
"I… I'm going to sleep for a bit," he murmured.
Jay started to get up, intending to finish applying the cream herself.
"No. Stay," Keifer said softly, almost pleading. "I want you here."
Jay nodded, settling herself beside him, hands resting lightly on his abs and chest. Keifer's arms wrapped around her waist and shoulder, holding her close as he drifted off to sleep.
She stayed there, mesmerized by the warmth, the steady rhythm of his breathing, the tension of his muscles against her hands. For once, she didn't move. She just stayed, soaking in the closeness and the quiet intimacy of the morning.
The world outside the hotel could wait.