The next morning felt… different.
Jay woke up earlier than usual, mostly because she couldn't sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, she remembered last night — her outburst, his hug, the way he held her like she was the only thing that mattered.
Now, sitting on her bed with messy hair and her thoughts spiraling, she heard him humming in the kitchen.
He's actually humming.
Jay rolled her eyes and got up, pulling her sweater tight. "You're awfully cheerful for someone who almost got yelled to death last night," she muttered.
Keifer turned around, coffee mug in hand, grinning. "What can I say? My day started knowing my girlfriend likes me back."
She choked. "G-Girlfriend?"
He shrugged, stepping closer. "Unless you're planning to take that back."
Jay crossed her arms, trying to hide her smile. "Don't push your luck, Watson."
He leaned on the counter, eyes glinting. "Too late for that."
For the first time in a long while, they shared a quiet morning — no arguments, no awkward tension, just that strange, fluttery comfort that came with being near someone who felt right.
⸻
At school, though, things were harder to hide.
People noticed the difference — the way Keifer walked beside her instead of behind, the way he grabbed her bag without asking, the way his hand brushed hers every time they talked.
"Are you two, like… together now?" Ryan asked at lunch, smirking.
Jay almost dropped her spoon. "What? No! We're just—"
"Yeah," Keifer interrupted, flashing a grin. "We are."
Jay's head snapped toward him. "Keifer!"
"What?" he asked innocently. "You said you liked me. I'm just confirming it for everyone else."
Ryan laughed as Jay shoved Keifer's shoulder. "You're impossible."
"Yeah," Keifer said softly, meeting her eyes with that look that still made her heart skip. "But you still chose me anyway."
Jay looked away, hiding the smile tugging at her lips. "Don't remind me."