*Continuation of Flashback*
Jay-Jay's POV
The morning sun spilled through the kitchen windows, painting everything in warm gold. I pushed my hair behind my ears, staring at the plate of scrambled eggs and toast in front of me. Aries was already halfway through his breakfast, scrolling through his phone, while tita Gemma fussed with the tea kettle.
"Are you ready for your second day at St. Celestine, anak?" (child) she asked, peering at me with a gentle but scrutinizing look.
I shrugged, trying to act casual. "Yeah… I think so," I said, pouring some orange juice into a glass. My fingers trembled slightly—not from nerves about school, but because I knew Keifer would be waiting for me today.
Aries smirked, looking up from his phone. "You'll do fine. Just… don't get distracted." He gave me a playful nudge.
Tita Gemma placed a hand on my shoulder. "Focus on your studies, ha. I don't want any more excuses this year."
"Of course, tita. I will," I replied, though inside I was already planning how I'd sneak glances at Keifer once I got to campus.
By the time I reached the campus, I was slightly flushed. Dane was leaning against the railing again, waving as I approached. Yesterday, we had bumped into each other during lunch, and he'd cracked some silly joke that made me laugh. Today, we were going to officially become friends.
"Hey, Jay! Glad you're here," Dane greeted, giving me a thumbs-up.
"Hey," I said, smiling. "I guess we're officially friends now."
Dane grinned. "Finally! I was starting to think you were avoiding me or something."
I rolled my eyes playfully. "As if! You're too funny to ignore."
We laughed together, talking about classes and assignments. For a moment, the nerves and tension from being the new girl melted away.
But then I noticed him. Keifer. Standing near the campus gates, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. My chest tightened.
Of course he's here.
He caught my eye for a brief moment, and I felt my stomach do that stupid flip-flop thing it always did around him. I quickly looked away, trying to act nonchalant around Dane.
After lunch, Keifer approached me again, this time leaning casually against his car. He had that familiar, effortless aura, but the slight tension in his eyes made my heart skip.
"Jay," he said, voice low. "Can we talk for a bit?"
I hesitated, glancing at Dane, who was waving goodbye. "Sure…" I said, giving a small smile.
We drove a little away from the campus, far enough for privacy. The engine hummed softly in the background.
"Who's this Dane guy?" Keifer asked suddenly, eyes fixed on me.
I laughed lightly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "Don't worry. He's just… a new friend. We met yesterday."
Keifer's jaw tightened slightly, the faintest flicker of jealousy passing over his face. "Just a friend?"
"Yes. Really," I said, trying to keep my voice light. My hand brushed against his as I reached for my bag, and the touch sent a familiar jolt through me.
He let out a soft exhale but didn't relax completely. "Alright…" he murmured, turning his gaze back to the road.
The silence stretched between us, filled with the hum of the car and the subtle tension.
Keifer's POV
I saw her with that boy yesterday and today, and it made my chest tighten. I knew it was harmless… she's just being friendly. But still, watching her laugh and gesture like that, my protective instincts flared. I wanted to reach out and claim her, even though I already had her in my life.
She's mine, I reminded myself quietly. But she deserves freedom too… and yet, I couldn't help feeling the sting of jealousy.
Jay-Jay's POV
Finally, we stopped at a red light. Keifer glanced at me, his eyes softer now but still intense.
"You still care, don't you?" he asked quietly.
I swallowed, cheeks warming. "Of course I do," I murmured.
His hand brushed mine again, resting lightly on my wrist. "Then why do you make me worry?"
I laughed softly, shaking my head. "Because I don't want to admit I do sometimes," I confessed.
He leaned closer, and this time the kiss was subtle but loaded with tension and emotion. Lips met, soft and breath-heavy, but we parted slowly, foreheads resting together for a moment. My heart pounded in my chest.
When we finally pulled away, he gave a small, almost imperceptible smile. "Alright… I'll try not to be jealous."
I couldn't help but grin. "Good luck with that."
By the time we drove back to my house, the city was bathed in late afternoon light. Dinner was quiet, with tita Gemma fussing over me as usual.
"Bakit ka late, anak? Hindi ka ba sumama kay Aries?" (Why are you late, child? Didn't you go with Aries?) she asked, frowning slightly.
I stammered, flustered. "Ah… um, na-late lang sa class, tita. Wala lang… study thing." (I just got delayed in class, aunt. Nothing… just study stuff.)
She raised an eyebrow but let it go. I sighed in relief, heading up to my room after dinner. The lamp cast a soft glow across my bed as I changed into pajamas.
Lying down, my thoughts wandered back to the car—the way his eyes had lingered on me, the tension in that kiss, the soft, reassuring warmth of him beside me. My fingers unconsciously traced my lips, still tingling from the brief, breath-heavy contact.
I couldn't stop thinking about him. About us. About that little jolt of jealousy he tried to hide, and the way it made my heart race. Tonight, all I could do was replay it over and over, letting the warmth of the memory sink into me like sunlight through the curtains.
Keifer's POV
Driving back, I kept stealing glances at her. She's mine… I know that. But seeing her with another boy—even just friends—stirred feelings I can't ignore. I exhaled slowly, hoping she feels the same pull I do, hoping that one day, she'll realize just how important she is to me. For now, I'll wait. Watch. Protect. And maybe… just maybe, tease her a little about Dane later