The cars screeched to a stop outside the glowing bar at the edge of the city. Neon lights flickered over the entrance, the sign reading "The acepoint" — elegant yet mysterious. Loud music thumped from inside, laughter spilling into the cold night air.
As everyone piled out, Jay froze. Her steps faltered, and her gaze fixed on the familiar sign. Her heart skipped a beat — she knew this place. Too well.
Keifer noticed the shift instantly. "Jay?"
She blinked, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just… memories."
Keifer narrowed his eyes. "What kind of memories?"
Jay laughed lightly, brushing it off. "Nothing bad. Just... old ones."But her tone said otherwise.
The truth was, this wasn't just any bar. Years ago, before everything changed, Jay used to sneak out here whenever things got too heavy — when home wasn't home, when grandma's warm words weren't enough to drown out the noise in her head. And it was Sam who found her one night — crying, half-drunk, alone at this very place. The next day, the bar was suddenly "under renovation." When it reopened, it had new rules: No one touches a woman without her consent. Ever.
Jay hadn't been back since.
Now standing before it, her stomach churned — half nostalgia, half guilt.
Aries nudged her. "You okay, Popeye?"
Jay nodded quickly. "Yeah, just cold."
The group headed toward the guarded glass doors. Two tall bouncers in black suits stood like statues. Everyone was required to go through a quick security check — just to ensure no weapons, no nonsense.
Rory stepped forward first. "Hey, man, chill — I only have snacks."
The guard deadpanned. "Empty your pockets."
Rory sighed dramatically. "You're violating my chips privacy."Everyone laughed.
One by one, the group passed — Felix, Mica, Freya, Denzel, Calix, Kit, Mayo, and Yuri.
Then came Jay's turn.
The guards took one look at her — and immediately stepped aside. "No need, ma'am. Please go in."
Yuri raised an eyebrow. "Wow, special treatment?"
Before Jay could reply, a well-dressed manager hurried over, almost tripping in her rush."Miss Jay!" she exclaimed with a respectful smile. "Welcome back! maam long time no see ."
The entire group froze.
Aries blinked. "Wait—what?"
Jay sighed. "I was going to tell you later…"The manager smiled proudly.
"Miss Jay is one of our shareholders. And as you all know, the owner is Mr. Sam himself."
There was a collective WHAT?! from Sec E.
Rory's jaw dropped. "Hold on, hold on. You mean Jay owns this place?!"Felix: "You're rich, and you didn't tell us?!"Jay awkwardly rubbed her neck. "Technically… half-rich?"Keifer raised a brow. "You could've just said it's your bar instead of pretending to be nervous."Jay gave a weak smile. "Didn't want to sound braggy."
The manager bowed slightly. "Please, Miss Jay, come in. Everyone's been waiting to see you again."
The doors opened, and warm light flooded out. The bar wasn't wild or shady like people expected — it was classy, glowing with amber lights and gold details. The music was upbeat but cozy.
As soon as Jay stepped inside, the chatter quieted for a moment. Heads turned.Then — "Jay's back!" someone shouted.
Cheers erupted. A few of the bartenders and regulars waved from behind the counter.
"Long time no see, Jay!"
"Hey, boss lady!"
"You disappeared on us!"
Jay smiled softly, her usual confidence flickering back. "Missed you too, losers."
Sec E just stood there, jaws collectively on the floor.
Rory whispered to Felix, "She's literally like a mafia princess."
Jay walked forward, greeting the staff, her laughter echoing through the space — but then, a tall boy about her age rushed over from near the bar, grinning widely."Jay!" he called, spreading his arms. "You're actually here! It's been forever!"
Jay's eyes widened. "Oh—hey, Eli!" She took a small step forward, smiling — but before Eli could even come close, an arm snaked around her waist and pulled her back.
Keifer.
His face was calm — too calm. That dangerous calm.
Eli froze mid-step, blinking. "Uh… hi?"
Keifer gave him a sharp smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"Hi."Eli laughed nervously. "You must be—"
Keifer interrupted, tightening his hold slightly. "Her boyfriend."
Rory muttered to Felix, "And there it is. Watson's jealousy aura™."
Jay quickly elbowed Keifer. "Hey, easy. He's just a friend."Keifer looked at her with that playful smirk, but his eyes were still sharp. "Sure. He looked very friendly just now."
Jay huffed. "You're unbelievable."Keifer: "You're irresistible."
Eli chuckled awkwardly. "Same old Jay — always surrounded by chaos."Jay laughed, hiding her face in her hands. "Yeah, pretty much."
Aries walked up, clapping Keifer on the back. "Relax, guard dog. She can say hi to people."
Keifer smirked. "As long as they keep a three-foot distance."
Jay glared. "You're ridiculous."
The group settled into a large VIP corner reserved for them. The table glittered with snacks, mocktails, and fries — courtesy of the manager.
Rory was already shouting over the music, "DJ, play something fun!"
Freya and Ella dragged Mica to the dance floor
.Calix and Edrix followed, laughing.
Aries leaned back, keeping an eye on everyone like the responsible big brother.
Jay sat next to Keifer, sipping her drink quietly. Her gaze kept wandering around the bar — the walls, the lights, the spot near the counter where she used to sit years ago, drowning her thoughts.
Keifer noticed her expression. "You've been here a lot, huh?"
Jay nodded slowly. "Yeah. Back when life wasn't… this good."
Keifer's tone softened. "With Sam?"
She looked down. "He helped me through a lot. This bar — he bought it because of me. To make sure I'd never feel unsafe again."
Keifer's eyes softened too, but there was still that faint flicker of jealousy. "He's a good guy."
Jay smiled faintly. "Yeah. He's family."
Keifer leaned closer, whispering. "Still doesn't mean I like that he hugged you before I could."
Jay laughed. "You're seriously jealous of hugs now?"Keifer shrugged. "When it's you — always."
She giggled, shaking her head. "You're such a baby."Keifer smirked. "Only for you."
He picked up a fry and held it to her lips. "Eat before you pass out again."
Jay raised a brow. "Didn't we just eat?"
Keifer: "Yeah, but you skipped dessert."Jay smiled, taking a bite. "You're impossible."
Keifer: "And you like impossible."
The music shifted to something softer — less party, more rhythm. The crowd had doubled now, neon light reflecting off every glass surface.
"Okay girls' corner, boys' corner!" Freya announced dramatically, dragging Jay by the wrist before Keifer could protest.
Jay laughed. "Hey, wait—"
Freya: "Nope! You've been stuck with your lover boy the whole night. Girl time."
Honey followed behind with that mischievous grin. "We're kidnapping her. Don't follow, Watson."
Keifer raised an eyebrow, half amused, half suspicious. "She's not good with too many shots."
Jay turned back, walking backward toward the lounge area. "Relax, Dad. We'll just talk."
Rory called out, "Famous last words!"
The girls found a quieter booth near the balcony side of the bar — a dimly lit area with hanging vines and fairy lights above. The sound of the city filtered in through the half-open windows.
Honey plopped down first, ordering a tray of mocktails. "Okay, queen, we need details."
Jay laughed, tucking her hair behind her ear. "About?"
Freya wiggled her brows. "You and Keifer, obviously. You guys looked ready to slow dance on fire earlier."
Jay rolled her eyes. "He's just… Keifer."
Honey smirked. "Oh yeah, totally. The guy who literally tackled a random dude for hugging you. Very casual."
Jay blushed. "He's protective, not possessive."
Freya raised a brow. "And you like it."Jay looked away. "Maybe a little."
They all laughed, clinking their glasses together.
But as the laughter faded, Jay's eyes wandered again — over the same corner of the bar where she once sat years ago, crying into her drink.
Freya noticed. "Hey… you okay?"
Jay took a deep breath, exhaling shakily. "This place… it's weird being back.
"Honey tilted her head. "Because of Sam?"
Jay shook her head. "Because of me."