Jay's POV
I tried to avoid him.
Again.
But this time… it was harder.
Because no matter where I went, it felt like he was there.
In my thoughts.
In my heart.
In everything.
"Jay."
I froze.
I didn't turn around.
"Jay, stop running from me," Kiefer said, his voice firm.
I slowly turned.
He was standing right in front of me.
Eyes serious.
Expression unreadable.
"You said you needed space," he continued. "I gave you space."
I stayed silent.
"But I'm done waiting," he said.
My heart started beating faster.
"Kiefer…"
"I'm ending the engagement," he said.
I looked up at him.
"What…?"
"I already told her father. I don't care what happens after that," he said.
"But your mom—"
"I don't care about her either," he cut me off.
I stepped back slightly.
"You're saying this now… but everything is still the same," I said.He stepped closer.
"No, it's not," he said.
"What's different?" I asked.
His voice softened.
"You."
My breath caught.
"I tried to ignore this… I tried to stay away," he said.
"But I can't."
My hands trembled slightly.
"Kiefer…"
"I like you, Jay," he said again. "Not just a little."
I looked down, trying to control my emotions.
"This is wrong," I whispered.
"Then why does it feel right?" he asked.
I couldn't answer.
Because he was right.
He gently held my hand.
"I'm not asking you to trust everything," he said. "Just trust me."
Silence.
My heart… and my mind… were fighting.
But in the end…
My heart won.
I slowly nodded.
"Okay…"
A small smile appeared on his face.
And for the first time in days…
I felt safe again.