Kia had come down the stairs for water.
She stopped halfway.
From the hallway, she could hear Keizer and Serina clearly.
"…They didn't want to wake up," Serina was saying softly.
"They were cutely cuddling with each other."
Kia froze.
Her fingers tightened around the railing.
Keizer's voice followed.
"They deserve it. Let them sleep."
Serina laughed under her breath.
"They finally feel safe here."
Something twisted sharply in Kia's chest.
Cuddling.
Didn't want to wake up.
They deserve it.
Every word landed like a small cut.
She stayed hidden behind the wall, listening.
No one noticed her.
No one asked where she was.
All the warmth in that conversation…
all of it belonged to Jay.
Her jaw clenched.
So that's how it is.
She could picture it without even seeing it—
Jay wrapped in Keifer's arms, protected, adored, spoken about softly like she was something precious.
Kia's eyes darkened.
Her jealousy didn't come out as tears.
It hardened.
Quietly.
Slowly.
And in that silent corner of the hallway,
while the house spoke gently about love and safety…
Kia walked back upstairs with one clear feeling growing inside her—
Jay was standing in a place
she desperately wanted for herself.
Later that afternoon, the kitchen was once again filled with the soft clatter of utensils.
Serina was preparing tea when Kia slowly walked in.
"Tita… let me help you," Kia said suddenly, reaching for the tray.
Serina paused.
She looked at Kia for a long moment—quiet, observant, not unkind… but careful.
"It's alright," Serina replied gently.
"I've almost finished."
Kia forced a small smile.
"I can cut the fruits… or wash the cups. I really want to help."
Serina shook her head lightly.
"No, dear. Go and rest. You've just moved in."
Kia hesitated.
"But… I want to spend some time with you," she said softly.
"I feel… a little lonely here."
Serina's expression softened—but only a little.
"I understand," she said calmly.
"This house is big. It takes time to feel settled."
Kia took a small step closer.
"You like Jay a lot, right?"
Serina's hands stopped.
She slowly placed the cup down.
"Yes," she said plainly.
"I do."
Kia swallowed.
"Can… can I also be close to you like that?"
Serina finally turned fully toward her.
"Kia," she said gently but clearly,
"closeness doesn't come by asking for a place. It comes by giving people peace."
Kia's lips parted slightly.
Serina continued, still kind—but firm.
"You don't need to compete with anyone here.
And you don't need to replace anyone either."
Kia lowered her gaze.
Serina softened her tone.
"You are welcome in this house. Truly.
But I expect respect… especially for Jay."
Kia looked up.
Serina met her eyes steadily.
"That is my boundary."
For a brief moment, Kia didn't know what to say.
"…I understand," she replied quietly.
Serina nodded once.
"Good."
She handed Kia a glass of juice.
"You can sit with the others in the hall. They're all there."
Kia took the glass and walked away slowly.
She had tried to step closer.
But instead, she had been gently—clearly—kept at a distance.
And Serina, without raising her voice, had made one thing very clear:
Jay's place in this family
was not open for negotiation.