The mid-semester break dance was in full swing, the school corridors buzzing with students in their dressy outfits, laughing and taking pictures before the party.
Jay was trying to navigate her way through the crowd when a tall, arrogant senior stepped in front of her, blocking her path.
"Hey, Mariano," he said with a smirk, leaning a little too close. "You're coming with me to the dance. You'll make the perfect date."
Jay stiffened, trying to step around him. "I… I'm not interested."
The senior chuckled. "Oh, come on. Don't play hard to get. I insist." He grabbed her wrist.
Before she could react, a familiar voice barked from behind him.
"Let go of her!"
Jay turned to see Keifer storming toward them, his eyes blazing. Students in the corridor stepped aside, sensing the tension.
"Keifer, wait—" Jay started, but he wasn't listening.
Without hesitation, he swung his fist and landed a solid punch to the guy's jaw. The senior stumbled back, clutching his face, shocked and furious.
Keifer stepped up close, voice low but deadly. "Jay is my date. Only mine. Got it?"
Jay's eyes widened, a mix of shock and something else — something warm and flustering — as he glared at the defeated guy.
The corridor went silent. Students were whispering, some gasping, others impressed by Keifer's boldness.
The guy scrambled back, muttering curses, and finally ran off.
Keifer turned to Jay, his chest still heaving, eyes fierce but softer when they met hers. "Next time anyone even thinks about touching you, they'll regret it."
Jay's cheeks flushed, heart pounding. "Keifer… you—"
"I've got you," he interrupted, stepping closer, voice quieter now. "Always."
Jay swallowed hard, words failing her as the crowded corridor felt suddenly smaller, as if it existed just for the two of them.
Keifer smirked faintly, teasing her even in that protective moment. "So… I guess that makes you officially my date for the dance?"
Jay's lips twitched into a reluctant smile. "I guess it does…"
Guyz I am not sure I will be posting tomorrow cause it's my birthday