Jay's POV (Keifer Coming Home Before Departure)
I was tidying up my room when I heard a soft knock on the door. My heart skipped a beat.
"Jay… can I come in?" It was Keifer's voice, hesitant.
"Of course," I said, trying to sound calm, though my stomach fluttered.
He stepped inside quietly, looking… different somehow—less confident, almost nervous. He ran a hand through his hair, avoiding my gaze for a moment.
"Jay…" he finally said, his voice low. "I… I have to tell you something."
I tilted my head, curious. "What is it?"
He hesitated, then blurted out, "I'm leaving… tonight. For London."
I blinked, trying to hide my rising panic. "Wait… tonight? Already?"
He looked at me, eyes serious, and said nothing. My chest tightened.
"Keifer… is there… any girlfriend of yours there?" I asked cautiously, teasing lightly but with a twinge of worry.
He froze, jaw tightening, then stepped closer, his gaze piercing mine. "Jay… what makes you think I need anyone else? Do you honestly think I'd even look at someone else when I have you?"
My cheeks heated. I opened my mouth to reply, but he continued, softer this time, almost pleading. "I'm yours, Jay. You're the only one I care about. Don't ever doubt that."
I felt my heart thump loudly. I stepped closer, wrapping my arms around him. "I… I trust you," I whispered.
He held me tight, resting his chin on my head. "Good. Now… don't worry about me tonight. Focus on keeping our home ready. I'll be back before you know it."Jay's POV (Hugging Keifer)
The moment he finished speaking, I couldn't hold back anymore. Tears pricked my eyes, and before I knew it, I was hugging him tightly, burying my face in his chest.
"Keifer… I don't want you to go!" I whispered, my voice trembling.
He wrapped his arms around me firmly, holding me close. "Shh… it's okay, Jay. I know… I know it's hard," he murmured softly.
I felt my tears soaking through his shirt, and he gently tilted my chin up, cupping my face. His eyes were filled with a mixture of concern, love, and determination.
"Jay… why don't you come with me?" he said suddenly, his voice low but firm.
I pulled back slightly, blinking in surprise. "W-What? London?"
He nodded, a small, reassuring smile on his lips. "Yes. You don't have to stay here alone while I handle work. Come with me. I want you there… with me."
My heart skipped a beat. The thought of going with him was thrilling and terrifying all at once. I looked into his eyes and saw sincerity, love, and that unmistakable confidence.
"Are… you serious?" I asked, still holding onto him.
"Completely serious," he replied. "We're together, Jay. I don't want a week apart. Come to London with me. Just for a little while… and I promise, we'll make it fun."
My tears began to flow more freely, but this time they were mixed with excitement and happiness. I nodded, finally speaking through the lump in my throat.
"O-Okay… I'll come," I whispered.
He smiled, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. "That's my girl," he said softly. "Now… let's get ready. Tonight, we fly."Jay's POV (Family Dinner)
After I finally agreed to go with him, Keifer's energy seemed lighter, and a small, happy smile tugged at his lips.
"Alright, everyone," he said, his voice cheerful. "Let's have dinner together before we leave. Tonight's going to be a long one."
His younger brothers cheered, bouncing in excitement. "Yay! Dinner!"
We all sat down at the dining table. Keifer had already prepared a delicious spread, and the house smelled warm and inviting. His brothers chattered nonstop, asking questions, teasing Keifer, and generally making the atmosphere lively.
I laughed at their antics, feeling a mix of happiness and nervous excitement. Despite the looming trip, this moment felt cozy and perfect. Keifer kept giving me small glances, his fingers brushing mine subtly under the table.
"You're enjoying yourself, aren't you, Jay?" he whispered during a quiet moment.
"I am… it's nice," I murmured, smiling at him.
Packing the Luggage
After dinner, we all went to our rooms to pack. Keifer's team helped make sure everything we'd need was ready for the flight. My bag was carefully organized, and his personal staff had ensured all my essentials were included.
His younger brothers were surprisingly excited to help, playfully competing over who could carry which bag.
"No fighting, you two! Jay and I are going to London tonight, so behave!" Keifer said, laughing as he adjusted my bag strap.
I smiled at him, heart swelling. Even in the chaos, he remained calm, composed, and completely in control.
Dropping the Younger Brothers at Sir Alvin's House
Once the packing was done, Keifer decided it was time to settle his younger brothers for the night.
"Alright, let's go," he said, holding their hands. "We're leaving you at Sir Alvin's house for a bit. Don't cause trouble!"
The boys groaned playfully but followed him obediently. I watched as he led them out, his gentle but firm demeanor clear. Even with a huge trip ahead, he still took care of them like it was second nature.
I followed close behind, my heart fluttering. Tonight, we leave for London… and everything is about to change.Jay's POV (Waiting at Home)
I curled up on the couch, hugging a soft pillow to my chest. The house was quiet after Keifer had left his younger brothers at Sir Alvin's house, and I couldn't help but fidget with my fingers as I waited for him.
The thought of him coming back made my heart race. I imagined his smirk, that teasing glint in his eyes, the way he always made my chest tighten without even trying.
A few minutes later, I heard the front door open. I looked up and my heart skipped a beat.
"Jay… what are you doing?" His voice was low, casual, but I could hear the warmth in it.
"Waiting for you," I said softly, smiling despite myself.
He walked closer, hands in his pockets, a playful smirk on his lips. "Waiting for me? And here I thought my favorite girl might be getting into trouble while I was gone."
I rolled my eyes, though my cheeks warmed. "Well… I didn't want to miss you," I admitted, feeling a little shy.
He stopped in front of me, leaning slightly closer. "What a beautiful sight—my girl waiting for me on the couch… makes the day feel perfect," he said, teasingly.
I laughed lightly, shaking my head. "You're impossible," I murmured.
He crouched down a little so he was eye-level with me. "Impossible? Maybe. But that's why you like me," he said, eyes twinkling. "And don't think I didn't notice you waiting, just thinking about me, probably biting your lip the whole time."
I groaned, covering my face with the pillow. "You notice everything, don't you?"
"Of course," he said with a grin, brushing a stray hair from my face. "I notice because I care. You're important to me, Jay… and tonight, we've got a little time just for us."
I peeked out from behind the pillow, smiling. "A little time, huh? What are we doing?"
He smirked, leaning closer, his hand brushing mine. "Whatever we want. No distractions, no one to rush us… just you and me."
I felt my stomach flutter, my heart racing. "You're making it hard to be patient," I said softly, letting him take my hand.
He chuckled, tugging me gently closer. "Good. That's the idea. Because I'm not leaving without at least a few stolen moments with you."
I laughed, resting my head against his shoulder. "Fine… but don't tease me too much."
"No promises," he said, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. "But I'll make sure it's worth your wait."
And just like that, the nervous anticipation melted into warmth. Being with him—even for a little moment—was everything I wanted.