Jay's POV
The last bell rang, and just like that, school was over.
I was just about to make a quiet escape when Keifer's voice boomed across the corridor like a loudspeaker gone rogue.
"LISTEN UP, GUYS! Me and Jay Jay are going on a date, so don't disturb or follow us. Bye!"
I froze.
What.
The entire section erupted in chaos. "FINALLYYYY!" someone yelled. "TOOK YOU GUYS A CENTURY!"
Okay, rude… but also fair.
Yuri just smiled—quiet approval, as always. David gave Keifer a bro hug and grinned at me like I'd just passed some kind of test. Honestly, I probably had.
I barely had time to recover from the public announcement before Keifer took my hand like it was the most natural thing in the world and pulled me towards the exit. His hand was warm. Mine was sweating. Great.
Freya and Ella intercepted us near the school gate.
"So," Freya said, raising a brow, "what are you two up to now?"
Keifer didn't even blink. "None of your business," he said with a cocky grin. "But we're going on a lovely date soooo… move."
Ella rolled her eyes and stepped aside. Freya smirked and said, "Good. Have fun. Oh, by the way have you seen Edrix?"
Keifer frowned. "Why? What for?"
I cut in quickly. "Freya, he's in the classroom. Go ahead."
She gave me this sweet smile and said, "Thanks," then sauntered off.
Keifer stared at me like I'd just handed someone nuclear codes. "Did I miss something?"
I shrugged, biting back a smile. "A lot. Basically, Freya knows Edrix likes her… and it's kind of cute."
Keifer raised a brow. "So you meddled again?"
"Maybe."
He laughed, shaking his head. "Surely you did, sweetheart."
Wait.
"Sweetheart?" I asked, turning to him with narrowed eyes.
"Yes, my sweetheart," he said without hesitation, tightening his grip on my hand. "Now let's go on our date. Hurry up!"
He dragged me into his car like an overexcited golden retriever with a plan.
"So," he said once we were buckled in, "where to, Jay? Tell me."
I leaned my head back and sighed. "Anywhere you want. I'm just… hungry."
Keifer chuckled. "Of course you are. I'll take you to the best restaurant, then—"
I cut him off softly. "Let's just go to your house."
That caught him off guard. His eyes flicked over to me like I'd just confessed something scandalous. "My house? Why?"
I smiled, turning toward the window. "I'm hungry… so you make the food, and I'll eat. Simple. Date can be at your house. I'm too tired to go anywhere fancy."
He glanced at me again, still shocked. "Are you sure?"
I looked at him. "I really don't mind. As long as I'm with you."
And just like that, Keifer blushed. Full-on red cheeks, ears, everything. He was practically glowing.
"…Fine," he muttered, clearly flustered. "Let's go. I'll make you something delicious."
His house smelled like cinnamon and clean laundry. Cozy, familiar. It already felt like a second home.
Keifer wasted no time and ran to the kitchen like he was on MasterChef. I excused myself to use the washroom, but when I came back and saw him cooking just focused, apron on, sleeves rolled type look—I stopped in my tracks.
I don't know what's wrong with me, but in that moment? He looked… really good.
Perfect even.
Ugh.t
When he stepped away from the stove to grab something, I acted purely on impulse.
I crossed the room, grabbed his face with both hands, and kissed him. Hard.
His lips were soft, warm, and completely still for a second… but then he kissed me back.
No hesitation.
No pause.
Just… us.
When I pulled away and turned to walk off like it was nothing, he caught my wrist.
"Oh no you don't," he said, tugging me back. "You don't just kiss me and leave."
And then—he kissed me again.
Deeper this time.
More sure.
When we finally pulled apart, breathless, he gave me the goofiest smile and said, "Go sit, sweetheart. I'll bring the food soon."
I laughed, shaking my head. "You're blushing, aren't you?"
"No, I'm not," he replied way too fast, clearly lying.
So I leaned in and kissed his cheek.
"Whatever you say."
We ate together at his dining table. It wasn't anything super fancy just pasta and garlic bread but it was perfect. Because he made it for me. Every bite tasted like effort, like care.
Keifer could open a restaurant and I'd be the number one customer.
By the end of the meal, I was full and barely keeping my eyes open.
"You tired already?" he teased.
I nodded slowly. "Yeah… is it okay if I crash for a bit?"
He looked at me, softer this time. "Of course. You can sleep on the bed if you want."
"Really?" I asked.
"Really."
So I made my way to his room – his room, not some random guest room. It smelled like his cologne and a little like coffee. The bed was soft, ridiculously so.
I crawled under the blanket with a content sigh.
A few minutes later, Keifer peeked in. "So… my room again?"
I opened one eye. "Yes. It's soft. And it reminds me of you."
He raised a brow, walking in. "Why think about me when you can just have me here?"
Before I could even process that, he slid into bed beside me and wrapped his arms around my waist.
"Let's sleep together," he said, burying his face in my neck. "I'm never letting you go again, my love."
I didn't mind. Not at all. I turned and hugged him back.
"Don't worry," I whispered. "I won't let you go either."
He kissed my forehead gently and said, "I love you, my future wife.♥️"
I froze for a second. Then laughed.
"Keifer…"
He looked at me with this unfiltered, heart melting love in his eyes.
"I love you too💖."
His smile got impossibly wider.
And I… I couldn't stop blushing.😍
(Bg music song: I Think They Call This Love)