The night air was quiet when Keifer's car stopped in front of his mansion.
The tall gates slowly opened.
Soft lights illuminated the long driveway.
Jay was still asleep in the passenger seat.
Her head tilted slightly toward the window.
Her hair falling across her face.
Keifer turned off the engine and looked at her.
For a moment he just watched her.
Peaceful.
Completely unaware of the world.
He sighed quietly.
Then he got out of the car and walked to her side.
Opening the door carefully.
"Jay…"
No response.
He gently tapped her shoulder.
Still nothing.
Keifer shook his head softly.
"Unbelievable."
He carefully lifted her again.
Jay instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.
Her face resting against his shoulder.
Keifer carried her inside.
The mansion was quiet.
Almost everyone had already gone to sleep.
He walked upstairs toward the guest rooms.
Opening one door with his elbow.
The room was warm and comfortable.
Soft lights.
Large bed.
He walked in and gently placed Jay on the bed.
She shifted slightly but didn't wake up.
Keifer pulled the blanket over her.
Then he stepped back.
For a moment he just stood there.
Watching her sleep.
Her face looked relaxed.
Calm.
Not the worried Jay he had seen for the past few months.
Just the old Jay.
The one who used to laugh all the time.
Keifer turned around.
He walked toward the door quietly.
But just as he reached the door…
A sleepy voice came from behind.
"Keifer…"
He froze.
Slowly turning back.
Jay was awake now.
Barely.
Her eyes half open.
Her voice soft and tired.
"You're leaving?"
Keifer nodded slightly.
"You should sleep."
Jay slowly pushed herself up a little.
Her hair messy.
Her expression vulnerable.
"Wait…"
Keifer stopped.
"What?"
Jay looked at him for a few seconds.
Then she said quietly,
"Stay."
Keifer frowned slightly.
"Jay—"
But she spoke again.
"Just tonight."
Her voice almost a whisper.
"I want you to hug me… and sleep."
The room went silent.
Keifer stood there.
Not moving.
Jay looked down at the blanket.
Her fingers playing with the fabric nervously.
"I just…"
She struggled to explain.
"I feel safe when you're there."
Keifer's chest tightened slightly.
He looked away for a second.
Trying to control his thoughts.
Jay slowly lay down again.
Her eyes closing halfway.
"You can leave if you want…"
She murmured softly.
"I just asked."
The room was quiet again.
Keifer stood there for a long moment.
Then he sighed quietly.
Walking back toward the bed.
Jay didn't open her eyes.
But she moved slightly.
Making space beside her.
Keifer lay down carefully on top of the blanket.
Not too close.
But close enough.
Jay immediately turned toward him.
Half asleep.
She rested her head on his chest.
Her arms lightly around him.
Keifer froze.
But after a moment…
His hand slowly moved.
Resting gently on her back.
Jay sighed softly.
Her breathing slowly becoming steady again.
She had fallen asleep within seconds.
Keifer stared at the ceiling.
His mind full of thoughts.
But one thing was clear.
No matter how much time passed…
Some habits between them had never really disappeared. 💙