Keifer didn't try to hide it anymore.
Every time Ethan showed up, Keifer's mood shifted just enough for Jay to notice.
His jaw tightened.
His smiles dulled.
His attention snapped back to her like instinct.
Jay saw it all.
And instead of feeling uncomfortable—
She liked it.
Ethan leaned in one afternoon, pointing something out on Jay's phone.
Keifer was beside her in seconds.
"What's up?" he asked casually, but his arm slipped around Jay's waist without hesitation.
Jay stilled for half a heartbeat.
Then relaxed into him.
Ethan stepped back, unfazed. "Just helping her with an assignment."
Keifer nodded once. "I've got it from here."
Jay felt it then.
That quiet claim.
Not spoken.
But clear.
She glanced up at Keifer, lips twitching.
"You're hovering," she teased once Ethan left.
He frowned slightly. "Am I not allowed to?"
She smiled, slow and knowing. "Didn't say that."
Keifer exhaled, running a hand through his hair.
"I don't like the way he looks at you."
Jay's heart fluttered.
"You mean… like he's interested?" she asked innocently.
Keifer didn't answer right away.
His fingers tightened just a little at her side.
"Yes," he said finally.
Jay leaned closer, pretending to think. "Interesting."
He shot her a look. "You're enjoying this."
She grinned. "Maybe."
He shook his head, but there was a smile fighting its way through.
"You're impossible."
"And you're jealous," she countered.
"Maybe," he admitted quietly.
That admission did something to her.
She liked knowing she mattered enough to stir that feeling in him.
Liked knowing he noticed.
Liked knowing he cared—enough to feel possessive.
Later, when Ethan called out to her from across the corridor, Jay didn't move right away.
She stayed close to Keifer.
"Go," he said, trying to sound neutral.
Jay tilted her head. "You sure?"
His eyes darkened slightly. "Jay…"
She smiled and squeezed his hand before stepping away.
When she returned minutes later, Keifer was waiting.
"Done?" he asked.
"Yep," she said easily, slipping back into his space like it was natural.
"Miss me?"
He scoffed. "You were gone five minutes."
"Still," she said softly.
He looked at her then—really looked.
And something unspoken passed between them.
That night, Jay replayed every moment.
Keifer stepping closer.
Keifer's arm around her.
Keifer's quiet jealousy.
It made her feel wanted.
Chosen.
She knew jealousy wasn't always good.
But this—
This felt protective.
Careful.
Controlled.
And Jay realized, with a soft smile—
She didn't just notice his possessiveness.
She welcomed it.