It wasn't fancy.
Just the small rooftop café near campus — fairy lights strung between beams, a soft breeze carrying the smell of coffee and rain.
Jay sat across from Keifer, tapping her straw against her drink. "So this is your idea of a first date?"
He smiled. "It's quiet. You like quiet."
She raised a brow. "Since when do you notice what I like?"
"Since always," he said simply, and the words made her heartbeat stumble.
They talked — about classes, about their families, about how ridiculous they used to be — until the sky shifted into twilight. For once, there was no sarcasm, no fights; just laughter that came too easily and glances that lingered too long.
When they finally stood to leave, Jay looked out over the city lights below them. "You know… this wasn't terrible," she teased.
Keifer stepped closer, smiling. "Good. Because I was planning on making it unforgettable."
Her breath caught. "What do you—"
He didn't wait. He reached up, gently cupping her cheek, giving her plenty of time to pull away. She didn't.
The kiss was soft — hesitant at first, then sure. The world went quiet except for the faint hum of traffic below and the thundering of their hearts.
When they pulled back, Jay blinked up at him, cheeks warm. "You really don't do half-measures, do you?"
Keifer grinned. "Not when it comes to you."
She tried to roll her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "Fine. But next time, I'm choosing the place."
"Deal," he said, brushing his thumb along her hand before they walked back down together — two people who'd finally stopped pretending.