Section E Hangout – University Campus
The old spot behind the gym. Same as always.
Ci-N was pacing. "She's coming today! Today!"
Drew counted money. "I bet 5000 pesos she hugs Keifer first."
Mayo shook his head. "No way. She'll hug all of us first."
Kit nodded. "We're her favorites."
Rakki rolled her eyes. "You're not her favorites."
Calix sat with Mica. "Everyone calm down. She'll be here soon."
David looked at the sky. "My prediction says today is a good day."
Eman set out food. "I cooked everything. She must eat."
Edrix typed on his laptop. "I tracked their car. Ten minutes away."
Rory looked over his shoulder. "Eight minutes now."
Eren fixed his hair. "Do I look good?"
Josh nodded quietly. "You look fine."
Blaster hummed a song. "I made new music for her."
Denzel held Grace's hand. Grace held their baby.
Everyone was ready.
The car pulled up.
Jay got out first. She saw them all. Her face broke into a huge smile.
"GUYS!"
Ci-N ran first. "JAY!"
Everyone ran. They surrounded her. Hugs everywhere.
Jay laughed. "I missed you! I missed you all!"
Rakki hugged her tight. "Never leave again."
Grace pushed through. Holding the baby. "Jay. Meet someone."
Jay looked down. A tiny baby girl. Sleeping. Perfect.
Jay's eyes filled with tears. "Oh my god."
Grace smiled. "We named her Grazel. Grazel Jay."
Jay's hand flew to her mouth. "You... you named her after me?"
Denzel nodded. "After you. Because you brought us together."
Jay cried. She carefully took the baby. Held her close.
"Hi Grazel. I'm your Tita Jay. I'll love you forever."
The baby moved a little. Made a small sound.
Everyone watched. Smiling.
Keifer stood back. Watching his girl hold a baby. His heart exploded.
Ci-N whispered, "Keifer's going to propose faster now."
Drew nodded. "Definitely."
Keifer finally walked over. Stood behind Jay. Looked at the baby.
"She's beautiful."
Jay nodded. "Like her mom."
Grace smiled. "And her dad."
Denzel kissed her head.
Jay looked at Keifer. "Want to hold her?"
Keifer's eyes went wide. "Me?"
Jay laughed. "Yes you. Come on."
She carefully handed Grazel to Keifer.
Keifer froze. Held the tiny baby like she was made of glass.
The baby opened her eyes. Looked at him.
Keifer's whole face softened.
"Hi," he whispered.
The baby grabbed his finger.
Everyone died of cuteness.
Mayo whispered, "Take a picture. Now."
Kit already had his phone out. Click.
They sat together. Happy. Eating Eman's food.
Then Calix spoke. "Jay. There's something you should know."
Jay looked up. "What?"
Calix sighed. "Our college merged with another one. Big school from Manila."
Mica nodded. "They're... mean."
Rakki crossed her arms. "Really mean."
Jay frowned. "Mean how?"
Ci-N spoke. "They think they're better than everyone. Rich kids. Spoiled."
Drew nodded. "They already tried to start fights."
Eren rubbed his arm. "One of them pushed me yesterday."
Jay's eyes narrowed. "Who?"
David answered. "Their leader. Lance. Rich family. Thinks he owns everything."
Keifer's face turned cold. "He pushed Eren?"
Eren shrugged. "It's fine."
Keifer stood. "It's not fine."
Jay stood too. "We'll handle it together."
Grace held Grazel closer. "Be careful. They're dangerous."
Jay smiled. "So are we."
A group walked by. Expensive clothes. Mean faces.
Lance led them. Tall. Arrogant.
He saw Section E. Smiled fake.
"Well well. The losers."
Ci-N stood. "Watch your mouth."
Lance laughed. "Or what? Your little group can't do anything."
Then he saw Jay.
"Who's this? New girl?"
Jay stared at him. Cold. "None of your business."
Lance stepped closer. "Pretty. And feisty. You with these losers?"
Keifer moved in front of Jay. "Back off."
Lance looked at Keifer. Recognized him. "Watson. I've heard of you."
Keifer didn't move. "Leave."
Lance smiled. "Fine. But this isn't over." He looked at Jay. "See you around, pretty."
He walked away. His group followed.
Jay grabbed Keifer's hand. "You okay?"
Keifer nodded. "Yeah. But he's trouble."
Jay squeezed his hand. "Then we face trouble together."
Section E gathered around.
Ci-N spoke. "We're with you. Both of you."
Rakki nodded. "Always."
Calix looked serious. "Lance won't stop. He likes to win."
Jay smiled. "So do we."
Keifer looked at her. So strong. So brave.
He kissed her forehead. "I love you."
Jay smiled. "I love you too."
Mayo fake cried. "They're so cute even with bad guys around."
Kit nodded. "True love wins."
Grazel made a small sound. Everyone laughed.
Even with problems coming.
They had each other.
And that was enough.