Normalcy returned the way it always did at HVIS—
loud, chaotic, and completely unserious.
Section E was in rare form that morning.
Someone was standing on a chair. Someone else was throwing paper balls. Yuri was arguing with David about something nobody remembered starting. Ci N was laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes, and Jay—
Jay was right in the middle of it, legs crossed on her chair, ruler tapping against the desk like she was conducting an orchestra of nonsense.
And then—
The door slammed open.
Sir Alvin walked in.
The room groaned.
.
He didn't shout. He didn't need to. His silence alone was enough to make even Section E sit back couse he was also a section e.
"So," he said calmly, adjusting his glasses. "Cafeteria. Yesterday."
Every single head slowly turned toward Jay.
She blinked. "What?"
Sir Alvin's eyebrow twitched.
" I hear that there was ?" he continued. " A… catfight?"
Groans erupted across the room.
"Oh my God, exams—"
"Sir please—"
"We're dead."
Sir Alvin raised a hand. "Final exams are coming."
That sentence hit harder than any threat.
"If any of you fail," he said coolly, "you don't graduate. No exceptions. No special treatment. Start studying. From today."
The bell rang right on cue, like the universe itself was mocking them.
The entire class let out a collective, dramatic groan.
Jay leaned back in her chair and muttered, "I hate responsibility."
Keifer, sitting beside her, smirked. "You love drama. This is just academic drama."
She shot him a glare. "I will ruin you."
He smiled wider.
After school, Keifer drove Jay home like always.
Except… not like always.
Because this time, when they walked in, Angelo was waiting.
Seated at the head of the living room. Tablet in hand. Posture perfect. Expression calm and cold in that terrifying, big-brother way.
Jay slowed. "Uh…"
Keifer didn't.
He stepped forward confidently and said, casually but firmly:
"I'm taking Jay home with me. She's going to live with me."
Jay choked on her own saliva.
"—WATER," she croaked. "I need water."
She turned and practically sprinted to the kitchen, coughing like she'd been poisoned.
Angelo didn't move his gaze from Keifer.
The tension between them could've set the house on fire.
"I'm serious," Keifer continued. "i want us to be in a live in relationship Finals are coming too. We'll study better together. I'll take care of her."
Angelo stared at him for a long moment.
Then—
"Fine."
Jay nearly died.
She rushed back in. "WHAT DID YOU SAY?"
Angelo stood. Walked up to Keifer until they were face to face, the air sharp between them.
"I said I trust you with my sister," Angelo said calmly. "But if you cross a line—any line—I will personally bury you."
Keifer nodded once. "Understood."
Jay just stood there, jaw dropped.
The moment Angelo left
In jays room—
Jay lost it.
"ARE YOU INSANE?" she yelled, shoving Keifer's chest. "YOU DIDN'T EVEN ASK ME—"
He grabbed her waist.
She froze
"—You happy?" he asked softly.
Her anger collapsed instantly.
She screamed instead and jumped into his arms, hugging him so hard her feet lifted off the ground.
Keifer laughed and spun her once.
Then she kissed him.
It wasn't gentle. It wasn't shy. It turned deep fast, laughter dissolving into breathless warmth, until she pulled back, cheeks flushed.
"I hate you," she muttered.
He kissed her again. "You're smiling."
Packing was chaos.
Two suitcases.
Huge. Heavy. Ridiculous.
Jay zipped the last one and said proudly, "I packed light."
Keifer lifted both like they weighed nothing.
Angelo stood at the door.
Jay hugged him first.
Tight. Silent. Emotional.
"I'll miss you," she whispered.
Angelo hugged her back, just as tight. "Call every day."
Then Aries walked in.
Jay broke.
She cried openly, burying her face into his chest. "I'll miss our midnight kitchen meetings."
Aries hugged her, his grip firm. His eyes glossy. "Save me snacks."
"I always do."
The drive was quiet.
Until Keifer's hand slid to her thigh.
Jay stiffened—then relaxed.
Her lips betrayed her with a smile.
When they reached the Watson mansion, the doors barely opened before—
"What is she doing here?"
Keigen crossed his arms. Keiren stood behind him, wary.
"She's living here," Keifer said flatly.
"Why?" Keigen snapped.
Keifer didn't blink. "Because she's going to be your sister-in-law."
Jay's face burned.
Dinner was tense.
Afterward, Jay headed for the guest room.
Keifer caught her wrist.
"Our room," he corrected.
She swallowed. "Where will you sleep?"
"Here."
She hesitated. "Angelo will—"
"Jay," he said gently. "I'm your boyfriend."
She exhaled. "Fine."
They lay down together, fully clothed, her head resting on his chest, his heartbeat steady beneath her ear. His arm wrapped around her waist.
Safe.
Calm.
For the first time in a long while—
She slept without nightmares.