Jay's POV
Morning sunlight slipped softly through the curtains, brushing against my face like a quiet whisper. I stirred, my eyes fluttering open as warmth surrounded me—not just from the sun, but from him.
And then… last night came rushing back.
My cheeks flushed instantly.
"God…" I muttered under my breath, burying my face slightly into the pillow.
Beside me, Keifer was still fast asleep, his breathing calm, his arm loosely draped over me like I belonged there. Which… I did.
Carefully, I slipped out of bed, trying not to wake him. The room still held the quiet intimacy of the night before, and my heart did that stupid little thing again—beating faster for no reason.
After a quick shower, I changed into something comfortable and stepped back out, drying my hair lightly with a towel.
I glanced at the bed.
Still asleep.
I smiled softly.
"Lazy…" I whispered, walking over.
I leaned down slightly, brushing his shoulder. "Keifer… wake up…"
No response.
"Keifer," I tried again, a little louder.
Before I could react—
He suddenly pulled me down.
"Keifer—!" I gasped as I landed right beside him again.
His arms wrapped around me tightly, pulling me against his chest.
"Five minutes…" he murmured sleepily, his voice husky. "Wifey… just five minutes. Stay…"
My heart skipped.
"Keifer, I'm already awake—"
"Don't care…" he mumbled, nuzzling closer. "Stay."
I sighed, but I couldn't stop smiling.
"Fine… five minutes," I whispered.
Five minutes turned into me lying there wide awake while he peacefully slept like the world didn't exist.
I stared at him.
His messy hair, relaxed expression…
How is he even real?
After a while, he finally stirred.
His eyes opened slowly, blinking as he looked at me.
"Hmm…" he frowned slightly. "Why do you look so fresh this early?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Because I woke up, took a shower, and got ready like a normal human being."
He sat up instantly. "You WHAT?"
I laughed. "Yes, Mr. Sleepyhead."
"You bathed without me?" he looked genuinely offended.
"Oh my God," I rolled my eyes. "Go shower."
"I will," he said, standing up dramatically. "But I'm hurt."
"You'll survive."
"Barely."
Keifer's POV
She bathed without me.
Unbelievable.
I shook my head, grabbing a towel as I walked into the bathroom.
But honestly… I couldn't stop smiling.
Last night.
This morning.
Her.
Everything felt… right.
Too right.
And that scared me a little.
After my shower, I stepped out to find her sitting on the couch, scrolling through her phone.
"Ready?" I asked.
She looked up. "For what?"
"For family day," I smirked.
Her eyes lit up instantly.
Jay's POV
Family day.
And honestly?
It was perfect.
Keiren came running toward me the moment we stepped into the living room.
"Jayyyy!" he shouted, jumping straight into my arms.
"Hey, baby," I laughed, hugging him tightly. "Missed me?"
"Yes!" he nodded dramatically. "You didn't come yesterday!"
I gave Keifer a look.
He raised his hands. "Not my fault."
"Liar," I muttered.
Keigan walked in casually, sipping juice. "Good morning, lovebirds."
"Good morning," I smiled.
Keifer groaned. "Don't start."
"Oh, I've already started," Keigan smirked.
Family Moments
We spent the morning playing games in the living room.
Keiren insisted on being on my team.
"No, Jay is mine!" he declared when Keifer tried to pull me away.
"Excuse me?" Keifer raised an eyebrow. "She's my wife."
Keiren crossed his arms. "No. Mine."
I laughed. "Okay, okay—calm down, both of you."
Keigan sat back, enjoying the chaos. "This is better than TV."
At one point, Keifer leaned closer to me and whispered, "You're enjoying this too much."
"Very much," I whispered back.
"Traitor."
Park Scene
By afternoon, we went to the park.
Keiren ran ahead, dragging me with him.
"Push me!" he shouted, jumping onto the swing.
I laughed, pushing him gently.
Keifer stood behind me, arms crossing over my shoulders.
"You're good with kids," he murmured.
I turned slightly. "Jealous?"
"Very."
"Why?"
"Because he's stealing my attention."
I smirked. "Earn it."
"Oh, I will," he said softly.
My heart skipped again.
Keigan joined us, throwing a ball toward Keifer. "Come on, Romeo. Play."
For the next hour, it was chaos—running, laughing, teasing.
Normal.
For once… normal.
Lunch
We had lunch together, all of us sitting around the table.
Keiren insisted on sitting beside me again.
"Feed me," he said.
Keifer immediately reacted. "No."
"Yes!" Keiren argued.
I sighed. "I'll do it."
"See?" Keiren grinned at Keifer.
Keifer narrowed his eyes. "I'm replacing you."
"No you're not."
"Yes I am."
"Stop fighting over me," I laughed.
Keigan shook his head. "This family is insane."
Evening → Dinner
Dinner was calmer.
We sat together, talking, laughing.
Keigan shared stories about school.
"And then he literally tripped in front of everyone—"
Keifer burst out laughing. "No way."
"I swear!"
Keiren clung to my arm, half-asleep but still listening.
And for a moment…
Everything felt peaceful.
Until—
My phone buzzed.
At the same time, Keifer's did too.
We both froze.
Something wasn't right.
I picked up.
"Marco?"
"Jay," his voice was serious. "We've got a problem."
My expression changed instantly.
"What happened?"
"A gang challenged us. They're strong. They want you first."
"No," I said immediately. "Not happening."
"Jay—"
"I said no."
"They won't back down."
I stayed silent.
Then…
"Fine," I whispered. "I'll come."
Keifer's POV
At the same time—
"Yeah?" I answered.
"Boss," the voice said. "Ram's back. Causing trouble."
I clenched my jaw.
Of course he was.
"Handle it?" they asked.
"No," I said coldly. "I'm coming."
Jay's POV
We both ended our calls at the same time.
And we both knew.
"Gang?" he asked quietly.
I nodded. "You?"
"Ram."
We stood there.
Neither of us speaking.
"I have to go," he said.
"Me too."
Silence.
"I don't like this," he muttered.
"Neither do I."
He stepped closer. "Promise me you'll be careful."
"I promise."
"Jay—"
"I'll come back," I said firmly.
He cupped my face gently. "You better."
I smiled faintly. "Same goes for you."
Night
We lay in bed that night, facing each other.
Neither of us asleep.
"Keifer?"
"Hmm?"
"If something happens—"
"Nothing will happen," he cut me off.
"Let me finish."
"No," he said softly. "Because I won't let anything happen to you."
I looked at him.
"Come back safe," I whispered.
"Always."
Morning
Breakfast was quiet.
Too quiet.
Then—
A message.
At the same time.
We both checked our phones.
"They're ready," I said.
"Same."
We stood up.
No hesitation now.
Outside, our cars were waiting.
Before leaving—
He pulled me into a hug.
Tight.
Like he didn't want to let go.
"Come back to me," he whispered.
"I will."
He kissed my forehead.
I leaned up slightly and kissed him softly.
"Be safe," I said.
"You too."
We pulled apart.
Got into our cars.
And drove off—
In opposite directions.
Toward war.