Afternoon.
The shopping was done.
Bags everywhere.
Voices loud.
Everyone gathered at Jay's house.
Relaxing.
Talking.
But someone…
Was in danger.
Jay.
She walked in casually.
Holding her phone.
Trying to act normal.
Very normal.
Too normal.
Jeena noticed first.
That small smile.
That glow.
That sudden energy.
She looked at Serina.
Both exchanged a look.
A knowing one.
Dangerous.
Very dangerous.
Jasfer cleared his throat.
"Jay."
Jay looked up.
"Yes?"
Keizer leaned back.
"Feeling better?"
Jay frowned.
"Better?"
Jeena nodded.
"You were so tired in the morning."
Jay froze.
Just for a second.
Then recovered.
"I am still tired."
Serina smiled sweetly.
"Oh really?"
Jay nodded quickly.
"Yes."
Jasfer raised a brow.
"Then how did you get ready so fast?"
Silence.
Jay blinked.
"…I don't know."
Keizer smirked.
"Magic?"
Serina added softly.
"Or motivation?"
Jay looked away.
"I just felt like coming."
Jeena chuckled.
"After saying 'cancel it'?"
Jay groaned.
"Mama…"
Too late.
They were already enjoying this.
Jasfer leaned forward.
"What changed your mind?"
Jay tried to stay calm.
"Nothing."
Keizer shook his head.
"Wrong answer."
Serina smiled knowingly.
"Try again."
Jay crossed her arms.
"Why are you all like this?"
Jeena laughed.
"Because it's fun."
Jay looked around.
Desperate.
Then her eyes found him.
Keifer.
Standing there.
Watching everything.
Smiling.
Enjoying.
Useless.
Completely useless.
"Say something."
Jay whispered.
Keifer shrugged lightly.
"I'm enjoying."
Jay glared at him.
"Traitor."
Keifer chuckled.
"Not my problem."
Jasfer spoke again.
"Tell us, Jay."
"Who called you?"
Silence.
Jay's cheeks warmed.
She didn't answer.
Serina leaned forward slightly.
"We already know."
Jay's eyes widened.
"You don't."
Jeena smiled softly.
"Keifer, did you call her?"
Jay turned instantly.
"No!"
Too fast.
Too loud.
Everyone paused.
Then—
Laughter.
Loud.
Uncontrollable.
Jay covered her face.
"Stop it…"
Keifer laughed too.
Shaking his head.
Jasfer pointed at her.
"Caught."
Jay groaned.
"I hate you all."
Serina teased gently.
"You only listen to him, hmm?"
Jay peeked through her fingers.
"No."
Keizer smirked.
"Then next time we'll call him to wake you up."
More laughter.
Jay stood up immediately.
"I'm leaving."
She turned to walk away.
But before she could—
Keifer caught her wrist lightly.
Stopped her.
"Where?"
Jay glared at him.
"Anywhere but here."
Keifer smiled softly.
"Sit."
Just one word.
Jay froze.
Then slowly…
Sat down.
Silence.
For a second.
Then—
Explosion of laughter again.
Jeena clapped lightly.
"See?"
Jasfer shook his head.
"Confirmed."
Keizer laughed.
"No doubt."
Serina smiled warmly.
"Our daughter is gone."
Jay buried her face again.
"Kill me."
Keifer leaned closer.
Whispered softly.
"Too late."
Jay looked at him.
Annoyed.
But smiling.
"You're enjoying this too much."
Keifer smirked.
"Of course."
Jay sighed.
But her eyes…
Soft.
Happy.
Because even though they teased her…
Even though they exposed her…
She didn't mind.
Not really.
Because for the first time…
Everyone could see it.
Clearly.
She belonged…
Right next to him.