Lia's house was quiet in a way that felt unfamiliar after the chaos of the party.
Not the awkward silence.
The safe kind.
The kind where the world finally stops asking things from you.
Our room was dim, lit only by the small lamp near the bed. My gown was folded neatly on the chair now, replaced by an oversized hoodie that smelled like fabric softener and comfort. I sat on the edge of the bed, my feet dangling, listening to the faint hum of the ceiling fan.
Keifer stood near the window, looking outside like he was checking whether the night was real.
Neither of us spoke at first.
We didn't need to.
"So," he finally said softly, turning toward me, "you survived Section E."
I let out a tired laugh. "Barely."
He smiled, then his expression softened. "You were incredible today."
I shrugged, staring at my hands. "I was scared the whole time."
He came and sat beside me, leaving just enough space to be respectful, but close enough that I could feel his presence. "I know."
There was something different about him tonight. Not dramatic. Not loud. Just… steady. Like someone who had almost lost everything and was now holding what mattered with care.
"I really thought you forgot me," I admitted quietly.
He looked at me then, really looked at me. "Jay… I could forget my own name before I forget you."
That hit deeper than anything loud ever could.
The room went quiet again.
Somewhere in the house, a door closed. Someone laughed faintly. Life going on.
"I kept imagining you walking in," I said. "Every minute. Every door opening."
He nodded slowly. "I wanted to be there sooner. But I wanted to come back properly. Standing. Strong. Worthy of you."
I swallowed hard. "You don't have to be perfect to be worthy."
He smiled faintly. "I know. But I wanted to try."
We sat like that for a while. Not touching. Just close. Two people letting the adrenaline drain out of their bones.
Then, very gently, he reached out and took my hand.
No rush.
No pulling.
Just an asking.
I let my fingers curl around his.
"Stay," I said, barely above a whisper.
"I'm not going anywhere," he replied just as softly.
I leaned my head against his shoulder. He stiffened for half a second, then relaxed, like he'd been holding his breath without realizing it.
"You know," I murmured, half-smiling, "Felix is already planning our wedding playlist."
He huffed a quiet laugh. "That scares me."
"As it should."
We laughed quietly together, careful not to break the calm.
After a moment, his voice turned serious again. "Thank you… for waiting. Even when you thought I wasn't coming."
I closed my eyes. "I didn't wait because I was strong. I waited because I loved you."
He didn't answer right away. His grip tightened slightly — not possessive, just emotional.
Outside, the night deepened.
Inside, everything finally felt still.
No crowds.
No lights.
No expectations.
Just two people, tired but safe, sitting side by side in a borrowed room, knowing that tomorrow would come — and this time, they would face it together.
And for the first time in days, I slept without fear. 🌙💙