The game had been going on for a long time.
The music in the club kept playing.
The lights were dim.
Everyone had laughed so much that their stomachs hurt.
Freya and Percy were sitting close together now, whispering and teasing each other.
Rakki was arguing with the DJ about song choices.
Grace was quietly sipping her drink.
Ella was scrolling through her phone while still laughing about Jay's "plot twist" kiss.
But Jay…
Jay had gone quiet.
She was sitting on the couch beside Ella.
Her head slowly leaning against Ella's shoulder.
Her eyes half closed.
Ella looked down.
"Jay?"
No response.
Ella shook her lightly.
"Jay."
Jay mumbled softly,
"Mmm…"
Freya looked over.
"What happened?"
Ella laughed quietly.
"She's asleep."
Rakki turned around immediately.
"What?!"
Grace leaned forward.
Jay was completely asleep now.
Her breathing slow.
Her head resting comfortably against Ella.
Freya shook her head amused.
"How does someone sleep in a club?"
Rakki laughed.
"Only Jay."
Ella sighed softly.
"She's exhausted."
Then Keifer finally looked properly at Jay.
His expression changed immediately.
She looked peaceful.
Almost like a child who had fallen asleep after playing too much.
Her hair had fallen across her face.
One hand loosely holding the edge of the couch.
Keifer stood up slowly.
"I'll take her home."
The group looked at him.
Freya raised an eyebrow.
"You?"
Keifer shrugged.
"Someone has to."
Ella nodded immediately.
"Yeah… she shouldn't stay here."
Grace smiled slightly.
"Good idea."
Rakki stretched her arms.
"I can come—"
Keifer interrupted.
"It's fine."
"I'll take her."
Everyone exchanged looks.
Freya smirked a little but didn't say anything.
Keifer walked toward Jay.
He bent down slightly.
"Jay."
No response.
He gently moved the hair away from her face.
"Jay."
Jay murmured softly but didn't wake up.
Ella laughed quietly.
"She's completely gone."
Keifer sighed softly.
Then he carefully slid one arm behind her back.
The other under her knees.
And lifted her.
Jay instinctively leaned against him.
Her head resting against his shoulder.
Her hand gripping his shirt slightly.
Keifer froze for a second.
Then he adjusted his hold.
Rakki watched with wide eyes.
"Oho."
Freya smirked.
"Look at that."
Grace smiled knowingly.
Ella whispered softly,
"Take care of her."
Keifer nodded once.
"I will."
He started walking toward the exit.
The cool night air hit them as he stepped outside the club.
Jay shifted slightly in his arms.
Her face resting against his chest.
She whispered something half asleep.
Keifer looked down.
"What?"
Jay murmured again.
Her voice soft and sleepy.
"Keifer…"
His heart skipped.
She tightened her hold on his shirt.
Then she fell quiet again.
Keifer stood there for a moment under the street lights.
Looking down at her.
Then he sighed quietly.
And started walking toward the car to take her home. 💙