Jay was slumped on her bed, tissues scattered everywhere, eyes red and watery. She glared at Keifer from under her lashes, still half-annoyed and half-exhausted.
Keifer knelt beside her bed, holding a small bottle of allergy medicine and a glass of water. "Okay, drama queen," he said, "time to take this so you stop sounding like a foghorn."
Jay groaned, snatching the medicine. "You didn't have to do this. I can handle myself."
"Sure, if by handle yourself you mean turn into a sneezing, watery-eyed mess," Keifer replied, smirking—but his eyes softened as he helped her sit up.
He placed the glass of water in her hands. "Drink. Take the medicine. You'll feel better in a bit."
Jay scowled but obeyed. "You better be planning on giving that cat away after this. Or else…"
Keifer laughed lightly. "Don't worry, Mr. Whiskers is going to a friend who actually likes cats. You won't have to see him again."
Jay blinked at him, suspicious. "Why are you… being nice? You just tried to kill me with fur five minutes ago."
Keifer shrugged, leaning back against his bed with a casual grin. "I'm a complicated man. Besides… I can't have my best enemy—well, my rival—looking like a wreck all the time. It's… distracting."
Jay's cheeks flushed, though she tried to hide it behind another cough. "Distracting? Hmph. Yeah, right."
He reached over, adjusting her blanket. "Just rest. I'll handle everything else. Tea, tissues… even the disaster formerly known as Mr. Whiskers."
Jay looked at him, conflicted. Irritated. Flustered. Annoyed. And… for a tiny, confusing second, grateful.
Keifer smirked as he finally left the cat with a friend downstairs, returning to check on her one last time. "See? Crisis averted. You can thank me later… if you're feeling generous."
Jay huffed, sniffling. "Don't expect it."
"Hmm… I'm sure I'll survive," he said, lounging back with a smug grin. "But just so you know… you look slightly less terrifying when you're helpless."
Jay groaned, hitting him lightly with her pillow—but inside, she couldn't deny the smallest spark of something… unexpected.
Guys this is my last ch for today love u