The hospital room felt colder now.
Not because of the air—
But because of the distance between them.
Jay stood near the window, arms crossed.
Looking anywhere…
But at Keifer.
The others had quietly stepped out, sensing the tension.
For once—
No teasing.
No jokes.
Just the two of them.
Keifer shifted slightly on the bed, wincing a little.
"Jay…"
No response.
He sighed softly.
"I know you're mad."
Jay's jaw tightened.
Still no eye contact.
"You should be," he added quietly.
A few seconds passed.
Then Jay spoke.
Flat. Controlled.
"Did you eat?"
Keifer blinked.
"…what?"
She sighed, annoyed.
"Did. You. Eat."
Still not looking at him.
Keifer stared at her… then smiled faintly.
"Not yet."
Jay grabbed the tray from the table and walked over.
Still avoiding his eyes.
"Open your mouth."
Keifer almost laughed.
"Yes, ma'am."
She fed him silently.
Careful. Gentle.
Even while angry.
Keifer watched her the whole time.
The way her hands didn't shake anymore.
The way she made sure he ate properly.
The way she stayed close… even when she was upset.
"…you're still taking care of me," he said softly.
Jay paused.
"…don't misunderstand," she muttered.
"You're injured. Anyone would do this."
Keifer smiled a little more.
"No. Not anyone."
He took a breath.
"Jay… I'm sorry."
She froze slightly.
But still didn't look at him.
"I should've told you," he continued.
"I thought I was protecting you… but I just ended up hurting you instead."
Jay's grip on the spoon tightened.
"I don't need protection like that," she said quietly.
"I need honesty."
Keifer nodded slowly.
"You're right."
Silence again.
Jay finally placed the tray down.
"…you scared me," she whispered.
That was the first real emotion in her voice.
Keifer's expression softened instantly.
"I know…"
She swallowed.
"I thought you were going to die because of something you didn't even tell me about…"
Her voice trembled.
"And I didn't even know why…"
Keifer reached out slowly—
And gently held her wrist.
"I'm still here," he said softly.
Jay looked down at his hand holding hers.
Then… slowly…
She looked at him.
Their eyes met.
Tension.
Emotion.
Unspoken words.
"I'm still mad at you," she said quietly.
Keifer nodded.
"I know."
A small pause.
Then—
"…but I'm not leaving," she added.
Keifer's chest tightened.
"…good," he murmured.
Jay pulled her hand back gently.
But she didn't move away.
Instead, she sat beside him.
Close enough.
Still angry.
Still hurt.
But still there.
Keifer leaned back slightly, a faint smile on his lips.
He knew one thing for sure—
Even when she was mad…
She cared.
And honestly?
He liked that.