*Timeline skips to Jay's birthday*
JAY-JAY POV
I was sleeping.
Like, actually sleeping. Not doom scrolling. Not pretending to rest while spiraling. Real, honest-to-God sleep.
And then my phone rang.
I groaned, rolled over, and checked the time.
11.55 PM.
Who the hell calls at midnight?
I blinked at the screen, still half-asleep.
Keifer.
I picked up the phone, voice groggy and mildly murderous.
"Keifer, do you know what time it is?" I asked, half annoyed.
"Yeah," he said, unapologetic. "Sorry, wife."
I groaned. "Don't 'wife' me at midnight."
"Can you please come outside?" he asked, voice way too cheerful for someone who should be asleep.
I sat up. "Keifer, what the hell is wrong with you? I'm not coming outside."
"Please, please," he said, dragging out the words like a child begging for candy. "I have a surprise for you."
Surprise.
I love surprises.
I hate being awake, but I love surprises.
"Fine," I muttered, already throwing off my blanket.
I stepped outside, still half-asleep, still mildly annoyed.
Keifer was standing there, hoodie on, hands behind his back like he was hiding something.
"What do you want this time?" I grumbled. "It's about to be 12 AM."
He blinked. "Wait… it is 12 AM?"
I nodded, arms crossed, waiting for the chaos.
Then he smiled.
That soft, crooked, Keifer smile.
"Happy Birthday, Jay."
Oh my god.
I totally forgot.
I didn't even know I had tears in my eyes until he stepped closer.
"Why are you crying?" he asked, voice gentle.
"Happy tears," I whispered.
He pulled out a box.
Cake.
Chocolate cake.
My favorite.
"Let's cut the cake," he said.
I nodded, too stunned to speak.
We sat under the stars on the porch, just the two of us.
I cut the cake and fed him a bite.
He fed me back.
It was sweet. Warm. Perfect.
"I love you," I said, voice barely above a whisper.
He looked at me, eyes soft and steady.
"I love you until scientists find the end of the universe."
I laughed — that kind of laugh that breaks through your chest.
Then I kissed him.
Softly. Slowly. Like the world had paused just for us.
We talked for about thirty minutes.
Just us. Sitting on the porch. Feet brushing. Hearts full.
The stars were out. The air was cool. And for once, the world felt quiet.
Eventually, I sighed. "Go home. It's late."
Keifer pouted — full-on, bottom-lip-jutted, puppy-eyes activated.
"I don't want to leave you," he said, voice soft and dramatic.
I leaned in and kissed him. Just once. Slow and warm.
"We'll see each other tomorrow," I whispered.
He sighed like I'd just broken his heart.
"Fine," he said. "But you owe me five kisses now."
I stared at him. "Five?"
He nodded solemnly. "One for every percent you didn't get on your exam."
I blinked. "You're impossible."
"I'm adorable," he corrected, walking backwards toward his car.
I rolled my eyes. "Fine."
He grinned like he'd just won the lottery.
"Five kisses," he called, pointing at me. "I'm counting!"
Then he got in his car, still smiling, and drove off into the night.
And me?
I stood there, barefoot on the porch, heart stupidly full.
Because somehow, even at midnight, even after cake and tears and chaos—
He still made me feel like the luckiest girl in the universe.