[Jayjay's POV]
The school bell had barely rung before Keifer found me lingering near the gate, my bag slung over one shoulder.
"Leaving already?" he asked, walking up with that calm, steady smile that always made me feel… safe.
I shrugged. "I guess so. It's late, and I should go back."
He studied me for a moment, tilting his head. "Back where?"
"Home," I said softly.
His gaze softened, and for the first time that day, I felt the tension in my shoulders loosen. "Come on," he said, taking my hand gently. "I'll take you home. It's time."
My stomach flipped, but I let him lead me. The sun was starting to set, painting the streets in orange and gold. I could hear the distant laughter of other students heading home, but it all faded when he spoke again.
"You know," he murmured, leaning slightly closer as we walked, "I've missed this — walking with you."
I looked up at him, heart beating faster. "You really want me to go back?"
"I do," he said, thumb brushing softly over the back of my hand.
"You belong there… and you belong with people who care about you."
His words were warm, and without thinking, I let myself step closer.
Our fingers entwined naturally, and before I realized it, he leaned down and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to my forehead.
I froze for a second, heart hammering. Then I felt his lips brush mine lightly — not long, just a tender, quiet promise that everything would be okay.
Pulling back slightly, he whispered,
"Go on… I'll see you tomorrow."
My cheeks burned, but I nodded.
"Thanks," I whispered back.
[Outside Angelo's House]
I stood for a moment at the gate, staring at the familiar house.
Angelo's warm laughter and Aries's teasing voice drifted from inside.
And Percy… I could hear him moving around upstairs.
The sight made my chest tighten with nostalgia. I realized how much
I had missed this — the chaos, the warmth, the little annoyances that somehow made it feel like home.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped through the gate.
[Inside the House]
"Jayjay?!" Aries called, rounding the corner from the kitchen.
"Welcome back!" Angelo added, rushing over with a big grin.
Aunt Gemma appeared from the living room, arms open wide.
"Finally! You've been gone too long!"
I laughed, almost crying from relief. "I'm back," I said softly.
Percy peeked from the hallway, blue eyes wide, a small smirk on his face. "Well, well… look who finally decided to come back."
I rolled my eyes but couldn't hide my smile. "Yeah, yeah, I'm here.
Happy now?"
"Very," Aries said, teasing. "You missed breakfast, lunch, and probably dinner, too. We'll fix that."
The house was alive with laughter and chatter — just like it used to be.
For the first time in months, I felt at peace.
I caught myself thinking about Keifer's soft kiss, and a small, private smile tugged at my lips.
Even if he wasn't here, he had sent me home… and it had been the perfect start to coming back.
[End Scene]
Jayjay finally felt at home again, wrapped in the warmth of the people who truly cared.
Outside, the sun dipped lower, but inside, the house glowed — a reminder that some places, and some people, were always worth returning to.