Jay's POV.
The night felt unusually quiet.
I sat at my desk, books scattered everywhere, notes open, pen in my hand—but my mind refused to stay still. Exams. Tomorrow.
For the first time… I was actually trying.
I rubbed my eyes, letting out a small sigh. "Why is this so hard…" I muttered, staring at the page again. The words blurred for a moment, but I shook my head and forced myself to focus.
No. I can do this.
Hours passed. The clock ticked loudly in the silence of my room. Everyone else was probably asleep by now… but I wasn't. I couldn't be.
I flipped another page, trying to understand, reading it again and again until it finally made a little sense.
"Okay… okay I got it…" I whispered, a small smile forming on my face.
Just then, my phone vibrated.
I froze.
At this hour?
I picked it up and my heart skipped a beat.
Keifer calling…
For a second, I just stared at the screen before answering.
"Hello…?" I said softly.
"Still awake?" his voice came through, calm… but there was something in it. Something soft.
I looked at my books and let out a small laugh. "Yeah… studying."
There was a pause on the other side.
"You?" he asked.
"Yes," I replied, a little stubbornly this time.
Another pause. Then a quiet sigh.
"Jay…"
"Hm?"
"Go to sleep."
I frowned slightly. "No. I need to study."
"You need rest." his tone was firm now, but not harsh.
"And I need to pass," I shot back.
Silence.
Then I heard him exhale softly.
"You've never stayed up like this before," he said.
"I've never tried like this before," I replied quietly.
That made him go silent again.
For a moment, neither of us spoke. I could hear his breathing through the phone, steady… calm… comforting.
"Show me," he suddenly said.
"What?"
"What you're studying."
I blGuysinked, confused, but still adjusted my phone and showed him my notebook through video call.
He looked at it carefully. "You're doing it wrong."
"Excuse me?" I frowned.
A small chuckle escaped him. "Relax. I'll explain."
And just like that… he started helping me.
His voice was calm, patient, explaining things in a way that actually made sense. I found myself understanding faster, nodding along, sometimes asking questions.
"Wait… so this part means this?"
"Yes," he replied. "Now solve the next one."
I tried, biting my lip in concentration. "Like this…?"
"…Almost."
"Almost?!"
He chuckled softly again. "You're improving."
I smiled without realizing.
Time passed… but it didn't feel tiring anymore.
It felt… nice.
"Jay."
"Hm?"
"You should sleep now."
I glanced at the clock. It was really late.
"…Just a little more," I said quietly.
"No," he replied immediately.
I blinked. "Keifer—"
"Sleep."
There was something in his voice this time. Not strict… but protective. Like he wouldn't take no for an answer.
I sighed softly. "…Okay."
"Good."
Silence again.
But neither of us cut the call.
"Keifer…"
"Yes?"
"…Thank you."
Another pause.
"You don't have to thank me," he said quietly.
I smiled softly, lying down on my bed, phone still near my ear.
"Stay… till I fall asleep," I whispered without thinking.
There was a very small pause.
"…I'm here."
His voice was softer now.
I closed my eyes, feeling strangely calm. The stress, the fear, the pressure… it all faded away slowly.
For the first time, studying didn't feel lonely.
And before I knew it…
I fell asleep.
Next Morning..
I woke up feeling… different.
Not tired. Not stressed.
Just… ready.
I got up quickly, getting ready for school, my mind going over everything I studied last night.
As I reached school, Section E was already there.
"Look who's alive," Eman smirked.
"Did you even sleep?" Ci-n asked, raising an eyebrow.
"…A little," I replied.
Keifer glanced at me from his seat. Just one look.
But it was enough.
"Ready?" he asked.
I nodded.
This time…
"I am."
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