The next few days felt strange.
Very strange.
For Keifer… everything suddenly felt empty.
Jay used to be everywhere.
Talking.
Laughing.
Arguing with him.
But now…
She was nowhere near him.
One morning in college…
Keifer was leaning against the corridor wall with his friends.
Ella, Freya, Grace and Rakki were talking loudly.
Then Jay walked past them.
With Yuri.
Keifer noticed immediately.
He straightened up and smirked.
"Well well… look who forgot her best friend."
Jay heard his voice.
For a split second she stopped.
But then…
She kept walking.
As if she didn't hear him.
Keifer frowned.
"Jay?"
No response.
Yuri placed his hand on Jay's shoulder and continued walking with her.
Keifer watched them leave.
Ella looked confused.
"Did she just ignore you?"
Keifer forced a laugh.
"Nah… she must be in a hurry."
But something didn't feel right.
Later during lunch break…
Jay was standing near the cafeteria.
Alone.
Yuri had gone somewhere.
Keifer saw his chance.
He walked towards her with his usual playful smile.
"Miss popular."
Jay stiffened.
But she didn't turn around.
Keifer leaned beside her.
"What happened?"
"You forgot how to talk?"
Jay quietly picked up her bag.
And started walking away.
Keifer grabbed her wrist lightly.
"Jay."
She pulled her hand back immediately.
Her voice was cold.
"Don't touch me."
Keifer blinked in shock.
"What?"
Jay avoided looking at him.
"I'm busy."
Keifer tried to lighten the mood.
"Oh really?"
"Too busy for your best friend?"
Jay didn't answer.
She just walked away again.
Leaving him standing there.
The next day…
Keifer tried again.
During class break he walked to her desk.
Jay was writing something.
He casually took her pen.
"Borrowing."
Usually Jay would snatch it back immediately.
And start scolding him.
But today…
She simply closed her notebook.
Stood up.
And left the classroom.
Without saying a word.
Keifer stared at the empty chair.
His playful smile slowly faded.
Even their friends started noticing.
One evening in the park…
Ella sat beside Keifer.
"Okay something is wrong."
Keifer shrugged.
"What?"
"Jay."
Keifer looked away.
"What about her?"
Ella crossed her arms.
"She is avoiding you."
Freya nodded.
"Completely."
Grace added quietly.
"Did you two fight?"
Keifer shook his head.
"No."
Rakki frowned.
"Then why is she acting like this?"
Keifer stayed silent.
Because he didn't know the answer either.
A few days later…
Keifer saw Jay again in the corridor.
She was standing alone near the lockers.
He slowly walked towards her.
This time his voice was softer.
"Jay."
She froze.
But didn't turn around.
Keifer sighed.
"Look at me."
Jay slowly turned.
Her face looked calm.
But her eyes avoided his.
Keifer studied her for a moment.
"What did I do?"
Jay didn't answer.
"Did I say something wrong?"
Silence.
Keifer's voice became frustrated.
"Jay… talk to me."
Jay finally spoke.
Her tone was distant.
"There's nothing to talk about."
Keifer laughed bitterly.
"Really?"
"Because last month you couldn't stay five minutes without annoying me."
Jay gripped her bag tightly.
But she stayed quiet.
Keifer stepped closer.
"Why are you suddenly acting like I don't exist?"
Jay looked away.
"Because… it's better this way."
Keifer's eyebrows knitted.
"Better for who?"
Jay whispered.
"For everyone."
Before he could ask anything else…
Yuri walked towards them.
His eyes landed on Keifer.
Then on Jay.
Jay immediately moved away from Keifer and stood beside Yuri.
Yuri looked satisfied.
"Ready to go?"
Jay nodded.
"Yes."
Without looking at Keifer again…
She walked away with Yuri.
Keifer stood there.
Watching them disappear.
For the first time in years…
He didn't try to stop her.
He just whispered quietly to himself.
"So this is how it ends…"
"The best friend."