They walked back to the hotel hand in hand, the city slowly fading behind them. The sun had shifted, and the afternoon light felt warmer now—like the world was wrapping them in a gentle glow.
Inside the hotel, everything felt quieter. The hallway was still, the air cool. Jay looked up at Keifer and smiled, a soft smile that felt like relief.
Keifer glanced at her and returned it, but there was something different in his eyes now—something calmer, something sure.
They reached the room and closed the door behind them.
For a moment, they just stood there, facing each other.
Jay's heart was still beating fast from her confession, but it wasn't the same kind of nervousness. It was the kind that came from finally being honest.
Keifer stepped closer, and Jay's breath caught.
He didn't rush. He didn't demand anything. He just stood close enough that she could feel his warmth, close enough that she could see the softness in his eyes.
"Today was… good," he said quietly.
Jay nodded. "It was."
Keifer reached out, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear, and then he rested his hand gently on her cheek. His touch was careful, as if he was afraid to break the moment.
Jay closed her eyes for a second, leaning into his palm.
Keifer's voice was soft. "I want more days like this with you."
Jay opened her eyes and looked at him, her gaze steady. "Me too."
Keifer's smile was small but full of feeling. He moved closer, and this time his kiss was slower—tender and gentle, like he was making sure she felt safe.
When they pulled apart, Keifer rested his forehead against hers.
"Stay," he whispered.
Jay smiled, her eyes shining. "I'm staying."
Keifer's hand moved to her waist, pulling her closer. Jay wrapped her arms around him, and for a moment, the world outside the hotel didn't exist.
They stood there, holding each other, letting the quiet fill the room. No pressure. No expectations. Just the peace of being together.
And in that quiet, Jay realized that this wasn't just a break from life.
This was where she was meant to be.
The room was dim, lit only by the soft glow of the bedside lamp. The city outside was distant now, its noise reduced to a faint hum.
Jay and Keifer sat on the edge of the bed, close enough that their knees touched. Neither of them moved quickly—everything felt slow, like they were trying to hold onto the day as long as possible.
Keifer wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her in gently. Jay rested her head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. The sound was steady, comforting.
"Are you okay?" Keifer asked, his voice low.
Jay lifted her head slightly, looking up at him. "Yeah."
Keifer didn't let go of her, but his handJay nodded. "I'm sure."
Keifer's eyes searched hers. "You know you can tell me anything, right?"
Jay smiled softly. "I know."
There was a pause, and Jay felt her heart beating in her throat.
She took a deep breath. "I keep thinking about today."
Keifer's hand paused on her shoulder, as if he was waiting for her to continue.
Jay swallowed. "I didn't realize how much I needed this. A break. A day where I didn't have to pretend everything was fine."
Keifer's voice was gentle. "You don't have to pretend with me."
Jay's eyes softened. "I know. And that's what scares me."
Keifer frowned slightly, confusion flickering across his face. "Scares you?"
Jay nodded. "Because I'm not used to feeling like this. I'm not used to feeling… safe."
Keifer's expression softened, and he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "You are safe with me."
Jay's breath caught.
She looked down for a moment, then back up at him. "I used to think I needed to be strong all the time. Like if I let myself be soft, something would break."
Keifer's voice was barely above a whisper. "You don't have to be strong with me."
Jay smiled, and a tear slipped down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away, embarrassed.
Keifer leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Hey," he murmured. "Don't hide your feelings."
Jay shook her head. "I'm not hiding them. I'm just… letting them out."
Keifer's eyes softened. "Good."
Jay took another deep breath, her voice trembling slightly. "I realized something today."
Keifer waited, patient.
Jay's fingers intertwined with his. "I realized that I don't want to spend my life chasing something that doesn't feel real."
Keifer's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Jay looked into his eyes, her own shining with emotion. "I don't want to chase someone who isn't you."
Keifer's face softened, and he pulled her closer. "Jay…"
Jay swallowed, gathering the courage to say the truth she'd been holding in her chest for so long.
"I want you," she whispered. "Not just now. Not just for a break. I want you… forever."
Keifer's breath hitched. His eyes glistened with something she couldn't quite name—relief, happiness, love.
He cupped her face gently, thumb brushing her cheek. "I want you too," he said softly. "More than you know."
Jay's heart swelled.
Keifer leaned in and kissed her, slow and tender, like he was sealing the promise between them.