Ivy took Keifer out that evening.
Not loudly.
Not dramatically.
Just the two of them, walking side by side as the sun dipped low.
Keifer didn't call it a date.
But Ivy did—inside her heart.
She talked more than usual.
Laughed a little too brightly.
Keifer listened, as he always did.
When they returned home later that night, the house was calmer.
Keifer headed upstairs, tired.
Ivy lingered.
Keifer's mom noticed.
"You stayed back," she said gently.
"Is everything okay, dear?"
Ivy hesitated.
Then she took a breath.
"Aunty," she began softly, "I like Keifer. I've liked him for a long time."
The words came spilling out after that.
How she noticed him first.
How she felt safe around him.
How being near him made her happy in ways she couldn't explain.
Keifer's mom listened quietly.
When Ivy finished, her eyes were slightly wet—but hopeful.
Keifer's mom smiled.
"Oh, Ivy," she said warmly, pulling her into a hug.
"That's… really sweet."
Ivy stiffened in surprise.
"You're a good girl," she continued.
"Anyone would be lucky to be loved like that."
Ivy's heart soared.
From the staircase, Jay heard everything.
She hadn't meant to eavesdrop.
But she couldn't move.
Each word felt like a slow crack inside her chest.
Keifer's mom sounded… happy.
Happy about Ivy.
Happy about her feelings.
Jay stepped back quietly, retreating to her room.
She sat on the bed, staring at the wall.
For the first time, fear wrapped around her tightly.
Not jealousy.
Fear.
What if she really lost him?
What if she waited too long?
Stayed silent too long?
Keifer had always been hers.
Not officially.
But always.
And suddenly, she realized—
That place beside him wasn't guaranteed.
Downstairs, Ivy left with a soft smile and lighter steps.
Upstairs, Jay hugged her knees to her chest.
Her throat burned.
"I don't want to lose him," she whispered into the quiet room.
The truth settled deep inside her—
Too deep to ignore anymore.