Keifer's POV..
The house finally went quiet.
One by one, the noise disappeared—voices fading, laughter dying down, doors closing. The chaos that filled the night slowly turned into something I was more familiar with.
Silence.
But tonight… it didn't feel empty.
Because she was still here.
I stood in the hallway for a moment after everyone left, my gaze unconsciously shifting toward my room.
"She didn't go."
A small, almost unnoticeable smirk tugged at my lips.
I walked toward the door, already knowing what I'd see before even stepping inside.
And I was right.
Jay stood near the window, her back facing me, the faint city lights falling softly around her. The night outside reflected against the glass, but all I could see…
Was her.
Her hand was slightly raised, fingers brushing over the ring again, like she still didn't trust that it was real.
I didn't say anything.
Didn't move.
Just stood there for a second longer than necessary…
Watching.
There was something about moments like this.
When she wasn't talking.
Wasn't trying.
Wasn't aware.
That was when she felt the most… mine.
I pushed myself off the doorframe and stepped inside, my voice breaking the silence.
"You're going to make a hole in that ring if you keep staring at it."
She flinched slightly, then turned.
And there it was again.
That soft expression she only had when she forgot to guard herself.
"Can you blame me?" she said, a small smile forming.
"No."
I walked closer, slower, my eyes still on her.
Not the ring.
Her.
For a second, neither of us spoke.
She looked at me like she wanted to say something, but the words didn't come out.
That happens with her.
A lot.
"You stayed quiet," she said instead.
"You were thinking."
"So you didn't want to interrupt?"
"I wanted to see how long you'd keep staring at it."
She let out a soft laugh, shaking her head slightly.
"You notice too much."
"I decide what to notice."
Her smile faded just a little—not in a bad way.
Just… softer.
She turned back toward the window for a second, her fingers lightly touching the ring again.
And I watched her again.
Not even hiding it.
People see her and think they understand her.
They don't.
They don't see the small things.
The way she holds her breath when she feels too much.
The way her shoulders relax when she feels safe.
The way she keeps checking something good… like it might disappear.
But I do.
I see all of it.
"You're tired."
She turned slightly. "A little."
"Sit."
She didn't argue this time.
Just walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, exhaling slowly.
I stayed standing for a moment.
Looking at her.
Taking it in.
This.
Her.
Here.
In my space.
I moved closer and sat beside her, leaving just enough space between us.
Not too far.
Not too close.
Control.
"You always do that," she said quietly.
"Do what?"
"Stay close… but still keep distance."
I leaned back slightly, resting one hand behind me.
"That's how things don't get out of control."
She looked at me for a second longer than usual.
"Do you always control everything?"
"Yes."
"Even me?" she asked softly.
That made me pause.
Just for a second.
"No," I said finally.
"I don't control you."
Her expression changed.
Subtle.
But I noticed.
"Good," she whispered.
Silence settled again, but it wasn't empty.
It felt… heavier now.
Closer.
Her hand moved again toward the ring.
This time, I caught it.
Gently.
She froze slightly, her gaze dropping to where our hands met.
I didn't tighten my grip.
Didn't pull her closer.
Just held her there.
"You keep checking it," I said.
"I still can't believe it," she replied.
I looked at her properly now.
"You should."
Her eyes met mine.
And this time…
She didn't look away.
Something shifted.
Not loud.
Not obvious.
But there.
She moved first.
Just a little.
Closing the distance between us.
I noticed.
Of course I did.
"You're getting comfortable," I said quietly.
"Maybe," she replied.
A small silence passed.
Then she lay down slowly, still a little stiff, still adjusting to everything.
I turned off the main light, leaving the room dim.
Then lay down beside her.
Keeping space.
Because I had to.
Minutes passed.
Her breathing slowly evened out.
But she wasn't fully asleep yet.
"You're still thinking," I said.
"You can tell?"
"I always can."
She let out a small breath.
"I just… don't want this to change."
I turned my head slightly toward her.
"It won't."
"You don't know that."
"I do."
She didn't argue.
But she didn't fully believe it either.
I could tell.
Carefully, I reached for her hand again.
This time, she didn't hesitate.
Her fingers settled into mine naturally.
That was enough.
More than enough.
Her breathing slowed after that.
Her body finally relaxed.
And within minutes—
She fell asleep.
I didn't.
I just lay there, staring at the ceiling for a while… then turned my head slightly toward her.
She looked peaceful.
Calm.
Unaware.
"My Jay."
The words didn't leave my lips.
But they stayed in my head.
Clear.
Certain.
And that was the problem.
Because once I decide something…
I don't let go.
Outside, the night remained still.
Too still.
Beyond the gates, far enough to go unnoticed—
A shadow moved slightly.
Watching.
Waiting.
Then disappeared into the dark.
Something had already started.
And she didn't even know it yet.