Chapter 25 - Quiet Confessions
The school courtyard was calm that afternoon, the usual noise replaced by a soft breeze and scattered chatter. Jay sat on a bench, hands gripping her backpack, staring blankly at the path ahead.
Percy plopped down beside her, grinning like he had the entire world figured out. "Seriously, Jay, you look like you've been through three hurricanes and a tornado at the same time. You okay?"
Jay gave a small, humorless smile. "Fine. Just... thinking."
Percy rolled his eyes dramatically. "Yeah, sure. 'Thinking.' Right. That's what people say before they start crying into their iced latte. Don't worry, I brought chocolate in case that happens."
Jay chuckled despite herself, shaking her head. Percy always knew how to make her forget, if only for a few minutes.
Keifer Tries to Speak
Keifer appeared quietly, leaning against a nearby tree, eyes fixed on her. He took a slow breath. "Jay... I-"
She held up a hand before he could continue. "Keifer... not now. Please."
His jaw tightened. "Fine. I'll give you space. As much as you need."
Jay didn't answer, just stared at her hands. Keifer lingered for a moment, then left without another word, leaving only the faint echo of tension behind.
Percy and Alys Bring Laughter
Later, Percy grabbed Jay's hand, pulling her toward a quiet side of the courtyard. "Come on, let's lighten the mood. I have a joke that will absolutely-no, definitely-make you laugh."
Jay groaned. "Percy, I-"
"Too late. Joke incoming." He launched into a ridiculous story involving a penguin, a misplaced homework assignment, and a very confused principal. Jay couldn't help but laugh, the sound shaky but genuine.
Alys, watching from a nearby bench, smiled softly, tears still glistening in her eyes but eased by the warmth of their friendship.
Percy winked at Jay. "See? Best stepbro ever, right?"
Jay nodded, laughing again. "Yeah... yeah, you are."
The Kiss That Changes Everything
Hours later, Keifer returned, slipping quietly beside Jay when she wasn't expecting him. "I said I'd give you space," he murmured.
Jay didn't move, tense, wary.
"I just... I can't stand seeing you like this anymore," he admitted softly.
Before Jay could protest, Keifer leaned down and stole a quick, sharp kiss. His eyes searched hers for a reaction, then he pulled back, giving her a faint smirk.
"I'll leave now," he whispered. And just like that, he walked away, leaving Jay stunned, cheeks flushed, heart racing.
Percy, who had been sitting nearby pretending to read a book, whistled softly. "Wow. Smooth, bro. Very smooth."
Alys rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. Even amidst all the chaos, moments like this reminded them that life could still surprise them.
Keifer Goes to London
The next morning, Jay arrived at school to an empty bench where Keifer usually sat. A note on her desk from Ci-n explained:
"Keifer has left for London to sort out his inheritance. Nobody knows exactly when he'll return."
Jay's chest tightened. Of course. Just when things had started to feel... lighter, he was gone.
Percy nudged her, grinning. "Looks like it's just us now. Stepbro and best friend duo. You ready to cause some chaos?"
Jay managed a small smile. "Yeah... yeah, let's do it."
Even as the bittersweet sting of Keifer's absence lingered, she realized that for now, she wasn't entirely alone.
Chapter 25 closes with Jay laughing alongside Percy and Alys, the tension of the past weeks easing slightly-but the emptiness of Keifer's absence already whispering in the back of her mind.
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