Keifer's room was quiet.
Too quiet.
Jay stood near the window, her back to him, pretending to look outside even though her heart was racing too loudly to notice anything else.
Keifer stepped closer.
Not teasing.
Not playful.
Just… real.
"Are you okay?" he asked softly.
Jay nodded.
Then shook her head.
"I was really scared," she whispered.
"When I saw the news…"
Keifer's jaw tightened.
"I didn't agree to anything," he said immediately.
"I swear, Jay."
She turned to him.
Their faces were suddenly too close.
Her eyes searched his like she needed to believe it with her whole heart.
"I know," she whispered.
Keifer lifted his hand slowly and brushed his thumb along her cheek.
"You're the only place that still feels normal."
Jay's breath caught.
Her hands found his shirt without thinking.
He leaned down.
She tilted her face up.
Their noses almost touched.
Their lips—
a breath apart.
The world narrowed to just them.
Just one more second—
The door burst open.
"Ahem."
Both of them jumped apart like they'd been struck by lightning.
Serina stood at the doorway.
Arms crossed.
Smile far too calm.
"Oh."
Jay froze.
Keifer's ears turned red instantly.
"I—I was just—"
Serina walked in slowly.
Very slowly.
Looking from Keifer…
to Jay…
then back again.
"Well," she said sweetly,
"Good evening to you too."
Jay whispered, mortified,
"Mama…"
Serina stopped in front of them and tilted her head.
"I knocked."
Silence.
Keifer stared at the floor.
Jay stared at literally anywhere except Serina.
Serina sighed dramatically.
"Such bad timing," she muttered.
Then she smiled again.
A little too happily.
"Next time," she said gently, patting Keifer's shoulder,
"Lock the door."
Jay almost disappeared into the floor.
Serina turned back at the door and added casually,
"Oh—and dinner is ready."
She paused.
Then looked back once more.
"You two were… very close."
The door closed.
Click.
Jay covered her face.
Keifer groaned.
"…I swear she enjoys this."
Jay peeked through her fingers.
"She definitely does."