Jay-Jay's POV
*Continuation of Flashback*
"Dream big."
Two words.
That was all Keifer had said to me the previous night, yet somehow, they had stayed in my mind long after our conversation ended.
Dream big.
I had spent half the night thinking about my future, my family, and everything I wanted to accomplish. There was so much I wanted to do, so many things I wanted to change.
But for now, those dreams belonged to me alone.
And I intended to keep them that way.
I wanted to surprise everyone someday. I wanted to look at their faces and tell them that all my hard work had finally paid off.
I wanted to make them proud.
Until then, I would work quietly.
No announcements. No unnecessary expectations. No telling anyone about what I was planning.
Not even Keifer.
Especially not Keifer.
Because if I told him, there was a very good chance he'd find a way to distract me from studying.
And knowing my boyfriend...
He would consider that a perfectly reasonable use of his time.
My phone vibrated against my pillow.
Keifer: Good morning, sleeping beauty.
I stared at the message.
Me: It's too early.
Keifer: It's almost ten.
Me: Exactly. Too early.
Keifer: Should I call your college and inform them that their most talented student has decided to retire?
Me: Should I call your company and inform them that their most annoying employee is disturbing me?
Keifer: Employee?
Keifer: Baby, I'm the boss.
I rolled my eyes.
Me: Unfortunately.
Keifer: Careful. I might come over and teach you some manners.
I sat up against my pillows.
Me: You wouldn't dare.
His reply arrived almost immediately.
Keifer: Try me.
I bit back a smile.
Me: You're so full of yourself.
Keifer: And yet you keep coming back for more.
Me: More headaches, maybe.
Keifer: Whatever helps you sleep at night, princess.
I threw my phone onto the bed.
This boy.
Honestly.
How did someone manage to be so irritating before breakfast?
My phone vibrated again.
I snatched it up.
Keifer: Get ready.
I frowned.
Me: For what?
Keifer: Something.
Me: Very informative. Thank you.
Keifer: You're welcome. Wear something pretty.
I narrowed my eyes at the screen.
Me: Why?
Keifer: Because I have eyes.
Me: Keifer!
Keifer: What? I'm appreciating your natural beauty. Do you want me to submit a formal request first?
I buried my face in my pillow.
I am going to throw this man into a lake.
Preferably a deep one.
With no phone signal.
Me: I'm not going anywhere with you.
Keifer: That's fine.
Keifer: I'll just come to you.
I immediately sat upright.
Me: DON'T YOU DARE.
His reply was a single laughing emoji.
I stared at it.
Then at my bedroom door.
Then back at my phone.
I had a terrible feeling about this.
And, as usual, my instincts were right.
Because twenty minutes later, I heard a familiar voice downstairs.
"Good morning, Auntie!"
I froze.
No.
Absolutely not.
That voice.
That ridiculously charming, annoyingly confident voice.
I hurried toward my bedroom door and peered down the staircase.
There he was.
Mark Keifer Watson.
Looking unfairly handsome in a dark shirt, his sleeves rolled to his elbows, his hair styled just enough to make me suspicious that he had spent longer getting ready than he would ever admit.
He was standing in our living room, smiling at my mother as though he hadn't spent the entire morning threatening to ruin my peace.
My mother, naturally, looked delighted.
"Keifer! You should have told us you were coming. We would have prepared breakfast."
"It's alright, Auntie. I came to kidnap someone, not inconvenience you."
I nearly choked.
My mother laughed.
"Kidnap?"
"Jay-Jay," he explained smoothly. "She has been avoiding me all morning."
I gasped.
THE AUDACITY.
"I HAVE NOT!"
Both of them looked up.
Keifer's smile widened.
"There she is."
I descended the stairs, pointing at him.
"You are unbelievable."
"And you're beautiful."
I stopped.
My finger was still pointed directly at his chest.
My brain, unfortunately, had decided to stop functioning.
He glanced at my finger.
"Are you going to accuse me of another crime, or should I consider this an invitation?"
I immediately lowered my hand.
"Shut up."
He grinned.
"Good morning to you too, sweetheart."
My mother shook her head affectionately.
"I'll leave you two alone. Jay, make sure you eat something before you go."
"Yes, Mom."
She disappeared into the kitchen.
The moment she was gone, I turned toward Keifer.
"What are you doing here?"
He looked at me.
"Visiting my girlfriend."
"You could have told me."
"I did."
"You told me to get ready!"
"And you got ready."
"That is not the point!"
He leaned a little closer.
"Then explain the point to me, baby. Slowly. I'm a very attentive student."
I narrowed my eyes.
"You are a very irritating student."
"Only because my teacher is so distracting."
"Keifer!"
He laughed, catching my hand before I could smack his arm.
"Alright, alright. Come here."
He gently pulled me closer.
For a moment, I forgot what I had been about to say.
He smelled like his usual cologne, something clean and warm that I had secretly grown to associate with him. His fingers slipped between mine, and his teasing expression softened as he looked at me.
"Did you sleep well?"
The question caught me off guard.
I nodded.
"Mostly."
"Mostly?"
"I had things to think about."
"Things?"
"Things."
He studied my face for a second.
Then he smiled.
"Should I be worried?"
"About what?"
"Whatever is going on inside that pretty head of yours."
I scoffed.
"My head is perfectly normal."
"Of course."
"It is!"
"Never said otherwise."
"You literally just—"
He lifted our joined hands and pressed a gentle kiss to my knuckles.
I forgot the rest of my sentence.
His eyes sparkled.
"See? Much quieter already."
I stared at him.
"You fight dirty."
"Baby, you haven't even seen me try."
I slapped his shoulder.
He burst out laughing.
"Come on," he said, pulling me toward the door. "I have something to show you."
"Can you at least tell me where we're going?"
"No."
"Why?"
"Because it's a surprise."
"I hate surprises."
"No, you hate not knowing things."
I opened my mouth.
Closed it.
Opened it again.
He looked unbearably pleased with himself.
"Exactly."
"I'm breaking up with you."
"Not before lunch. I made plans."
"You're impossible."
"And yet, here you are, holding my hand."
I looked down.
He was right.
Traitorous hand.
Traitorous boyfriend.
Traitorous heart.
We ended up at a quiet café not far from the business district.
It was one of those places with wide windows, warm lighting, and enough privacy that I could have a conversation without half the room listening.
Keifer had already arranged a table near the window.
There were two drinks waiting for us.
My favourite.
I looked at them, then at him.
"You ordered for me?"
He pulled out my chair.
"Of course."
"How did you know what I wanted?"
He gave me a look.
"Jay, I have memorized your coffee order, your favourite food, your preferred ice cream flavour, and the exact expression you make when someone steals the last bite of your dessert."
I sat down.
"That last one is important."
"I know. It's the face of a woman considering murder."
"Only when the victim deserves it."
He took the seat opposite me.
"Should I be concerned about my safety?"
"Constantly."
"Good. I like keeping things exciting."
I shook my head, laughing.
For a little while, we simply talked.
About college.
About his work.
About the ridiculous amount of assignments our professors seemed determined to give us.
And, of course, about how he had apparently decided that surprising me without warning was now his favourite hobby.
Eventually, I leaned forward.
"Alright. Tell me."
He raised an eyebrow.
"Tell you what?"
"Why you brought me here."
He took a sip of his drink.
"Because you're pretty when you're curious."
I stared at him.
"Keifer."
"Because I wanted to spend time with you."
"Keifer."
"And because I have excellent taste in women."
"MARK KEIFER WATSON!"
He laughed so loudly that the couple at the next table glanced in our direction.
I covered my face.
"I cannot take you anywhere."
"Funny. You're the one who came with me."
"You brought me here!"
"And you looked gorgeous doing it."
I lowered my hands slowly.
He was still smiling, but something in his expression had changed.
He reached across the table and took my hand.
"Jay-Jay."
The way he said my name made me look at him properly.
"I have something important to tell you."
My smile faded a little.
"Is everything alright?"
"Everything's fine."
He squeezed my hand.
"Actually, better than fine."
I waited.
He leaned back in his chair, looking strangely pleased with himself.
"Watson Corp is expanding."
I blinked.
"Expanding where?"
He held my gaze.
"The Philippines."
For a moment, I genuinely thought I had misheard him.
"The... Philippines?"
He nodded.
"I'm planning to open a new branch here."
I stared at him.
Then I stared at him some more.
And then—
"WHAT?"
Several people turned toward us.
I immediately lowered my voice.
"Keifer!"
He laughed.
"What? You asked."
"You're opening a branch here?"
"That's generally what the words 'opening a branch here' mean, yes."
I kicked him lightly beneath the table.
He caught my expression and laughed again.
"Careful, princess. Violence against businessmen. Very serious offence."
"I am going to commit a much more serious offence if you don't explain yourself."
He smiled, but this time, he didn't tease me.
"It's something I've been considering for a while. The company has been growing, and expanding into the Philippine market makes sense. There are opportunities here, and we've been discussing the possibility of establishing a stronger presence in this region."
I listened carefully.
He was speaking like the businessman he was becoming—confident, practical, and thoughtful.
But there was something else.
Something he hadn't told me yet.
I could feel it.
"So..." I began slowly. "This is a business decision?"
"Partly."
I tilted my head.
"Partly?"
He rubbed his thumb across my knuckles.
"There's another reason."
My heart gave a strange little jump.
"What reason?"
He looked directly into my eyes.
"You."
Silence.
Complete, absolute silence.
For once in his life, Keifer Watson had managed to leave me without a single comeback.
He watched my expression, and the corner of his mouth lifted.
"Oh, wow."
I blinked.
"What?"
"Did I finally break your brain?"
I immediately recovered.
"You wish!"
"Baby, you should have seen your face."
"I'm going to pour this coffee on you."
"Then I'll have to take my shirt off."
I nearly dropped my cup.
"KEIFER!"
"What? I'll need to dry it!"
"You are disgusting!"
"And yet you haven't stopped smiling."
I immediately stopped smiling.
He pointed at me triumphantly.
"Too late. Evidence has been recorded."
"I hate you."
"No, you don't."
"I absolutely do."
He leaned forward.
"Then why are your cheeks pink?"
"BECAUSE YOU'RE ANNOYING!"
"Interesting. I'll remember that the next time you blush."
I picked up a napkin and threw it at him.
He caught it.
Of course he did.
I swear, the universe had given this man too much confidence and not nearly enough supervision.
But when his laughter finally faded, he looked at me with a tenderness that made my heart ache.
"I'm serious, Jay."
My fingers stilled around the cup.
He continued, his voice quieter now.
"I don't want to keep living between two places. London will always be important to the company, and I'll still have to travel there often. There will be meetings, decisions, contracts, all of that."
He paused.
"But I don't want every visit here to come with a countdown. I don't want to spend a few days with you and then leave again, knowing I'll be on another flight before I've even gotten used to having you beside me."
My throat tightened.
"Keifer..."
"I know we have our own lives. Your college, my company, everything we want to accomplish. I'm not asking you to put your life on hold for me."
His thumb brushed over the back of my hand.
"I just want to build my life in a way that gives us more time together."
I couldn't speak.
He gave me a small, almost nervous smile.
"Besides, someone has to make sure you eat properly."
I let out a shaky laugh.
"That's your reason?"
"One of them."
"And the others?"
"Someone has to stop you from arguing with professors."
"I do not argue with professors!"
"You argued with one last week."
"He was WRONG."
"See? This is exactly what I'm talking about."
I laughed, and he smiled as if that had been his intention all along.
Then he said something that made my heart turn over.
"I want to be here when you have good days, Jay. And when you have terrible ones. I want to be around for the ordinary things, too. Lunches. Random phone calls. Your dramatic complaints about assignments."
"My complaints are valid."
"Of course they are."
"And I am not dramatic."
"Baby, you threatened to end our relationship because I called you sleepy yesterday."
"YOU CALLED ME RETIRED!"
He laughed.
"Exactly. A very serious matter."
I shook my head, but the smile on my face was impossible to hide.
He wasn't promising me a perfect future.
He was making a decision that gave us a chance to share more of the life we were already building.
And somehow, that meant more to me than any grand speech ever could.
"You'd really do that?" I whispered.
His smile softened.
"Do what?"
"Open a branch here. Change your plans. Rearrange everything."
He tilted his head.
"Jay, I'm expanding a company. I'm not abandoning it in the middle of the night and running away with you."
I stared at him.
He paused.
Then his eyes gleamed.
"Although, if you keep looking at me like that, I might reconsider the running-away part."
I groaned.
"There he is. I was wondering where the idiot went."
"Missed me?"
"Not even a little."
"Liar."
He stood, walked around the table, and held out his hand.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"Come here."
"Why?"
"Because I want to hug my girlfriend."
I looked at his outstretched hand.
Then at his face.
"You could have just said that."
"I did. You asked for a detailed explanation."
I laughed and took his hand.
The moment I stood, he drew me into his arms.
And just like that, every witty reply I had prepared disappeared.
I wrapped my arms around his waist and held him tightly, pressing my face against his chest.
For a few seconds, neither of us said anything.
I could hear his heartbeat.
Feel the warmth of his arms around me.
And I could feel the truth of what he had just told me settling somewhere deep inside my heart.
He was making room for me in his future.
Not by asking me to abandon my dreams.
Not by expecting me to follow him wherever he went.
But by finding a way for our lives to exist closer together.
My arms tightened around him.
Keifer's hand moved gently over my back.
"Whoa," he murmured. "That good, huh?"
I pulled back just enough to glare at him.
"Don't ruin this."
"I'm not ruining anything. I'm simply observing that my girlfriend appears to be very attached to me."
"I am hugging you."
"Very enthusiastically."
"Keifer."
"Almost as if you missed me."
I tried to step away.
He immediately loosened his arms but kept one hand in mine.
"Hey, hey. Where are you going?"
"Somewhere you aren't."
"Impossible. I'm planning to be everywhere you are."
My heart skipped.
He smiled.
"Within reasonable business hours, obviously."
I burst out laughing.
"You're such an idiot!"
"Your idiot."
The words were simple.
He said them so casually, as if they didn't have the power to make my entire chest feel warm.
I looked down, trying to hide my smile.
He noticed.
Of course he noticed.
"Jay-Jay?"
"Hmm?"
"Look at me."
I shook my head.
"Why?"
"Because I want to see your face."
"You've seen it."
"Not enough."
I slowly raised my eyes.
His teasing expression had softened again.
He lifted a hand and gently brushed a loose strand of hair away from my cheek, tucking it behind my ear.
The gesture was so small.
So familiar.
And somehow, it made my heart beat faster than all his ridiculous flirting combined.
"You know," he murmured, "if you keep looking at me like that, I'm going to start thinking you actually like me."
I rolled my eyes.
"Don't flatter yourself."
"Too late. I've already started."
He leaned closer, pausing just long enough for me to meet him halfway.
His lips brushed mine in a soft, lingering kiss.
Nothing hurried.
Nothing complicated.
Just him.
When he pulled back, his forehead rested lightly against mine.
I could feel his smile.
"Still hate me?" he whispered.
I swallowed.
"Very much."
"Good."
"Good?"
"Means I still have your attention."
I laughed softly and rested my forehead against his shoulder.
He kissed the top of my head.
For once, he didn't add a joke.
And for once, I didn't need him to.
We eventually returned to our seats, although Keifer seemed determined to keep hold of my hand beneath the table.
I glanced at our joined fingers.
"Are you planning to let go at some point?"
"No."
"Keifer."
"What?"
"I need to drink my coffee."
"Use your other hand."
"My other hand is holding my phone."
"Then put your phone down."
"You're impossible."
"And yet, you've been holding my hand for the past ten minutes without complaining."
"I was distracted."
"By my incredible personality?"
"By your incredible stupidity."
He grinned.
"Whatever helps you sleep at night, princess."
I shook my head, laughing.
Then I looked at him properly.
"So when is this happening?"
"The expansion?"
I nodded.
"We're still working through the details. There are agreements to finalize, arrangements to make, and a ridiculous number of meetings waiting for me."
"Sounds exhausting."
"It is."
"You should hire someone to do all that."
"I have people who help me."
"Then make them do it."
He stared at me.
I stared back.
A slow smile spread across his face.
"Remind me never to let you manage Watson Corp."
"Your company would be successful."
"Of course."
"I'd make sure everyone took breaks."
"Wonderful."
"And nobody would be allowed to schedule meetings before ten."
"An excellent business policy."
"And anyone who annoys me would be fired."
He nodded solemnly.
"That's the only part I'm worried about."
I laughed.
He lifted our joined hands and pressed another kiss to my knuckles.
"But don't worry," he said. "I'll keep you updated. You'll know when everything is official."
I smiled.
"I'm proud of you, you know."
His expression changed.
Just slightly.
But enough for me to notice.
"Yeah?"
I nodded.
"Really proud of you."
For a moment, he simply looked at me.
Then he squeezed my hand.
"Thank you, Jay."
His voice was quieter than before.
And that was when I understood something.
For all his teasing, all his ridiculous confidence, and all those shameless lines he seemed to produce without a second thought...
He wanted someone to believe in him, too.
Someone who saw more than his surname.
More than his company.
More than the future everyone expected him to build.
I wanted him to know that I did.
"I mean it," I told him. "You're working so hard, and I know this isn't easy. But you're going to do great things, Keifer."
He watched me for a long moment.
Then his familiar grin returned.
"Careful, sweetheart."
I frowned.
"What now?"
"If you keep praising me, I'll become even more unbearable."
I groaned.
"WHY DO I EVEN BOTHER?"
He burst out laughing.
"Because you love me."
I looked away, fighting another smile.
Unfortunately for me, he knew me far too well.
He leaned closer.
"Say it."
"No."
"Jay-Jay."
"No."
"Three little words."
"I know how to count, thank you."
He grinned.
"Then count them out loud."
I covered my face.
"I am actually dating a menace."
"And a very handsome one."
"Debatable."
He gasped dramatically.
"After everything I've done for you?"
"Such as?"
"Buying you coffee."
"Wow. A true act of devotion."
"Bringing you to a beautiful café."
"Generous."
"Opening a branch in the Philippines so I can spend more time with you."
I stopped laughing.
He noticed immediately.
His expression softened.
"Hey."
I looked at him.
"You don't have to say anything right now," he murmured. "I just wanted you to know."
I swallowed.
Then I reached across the table and squeezed his hand.
"I'm glad you told me."
His smile was gentle.
"Good."
"And I'm glad you're doing this."
"Good."
"And I'm really happy that you'll be here more often."
His eyes warmed.
"Very good."
I narrowed mine.
"Don't push it."
He laughed.
"Wouldn't dream of it."
I gave him a look.
He raised both hands innocently.
"Fine. I might dream about it."
"KEIFER!"
The café probably heard me.
I didn't care.
Because he was laughing, I was laughing, and for a little while, the future didn't feel so frightening.
There were still so many things I didn't know.
So many dreams I hadn't told anyone about.
So many possibilities waiting somewhere beyond the life I understood.
But sitting across from Keifer, with his hand wrapped around mine and that ridiculous smile on his face, I felt as though I could take the next step.
One day at a time.
One dream at a time.
And maybe, if we were lucky...
We would get to build some of those dreams together.
I just didn't know yet how much our lives were about to change.
For now, I only knew one thing.
Mark Keifer Watson was opening a branch of his company in the Philippines.
And apparently...
He was planning to make my life considerably more difficult while he was at it.
I looked at him suspiciously.
"One question."
He leaned back.
"Shoot."
"Are you sure this is a business decision?"
He placed a hand over his heart.
"Jay-Jay. I'm hurt."
"Answer the question."
He considered it for a moment.
Then he leaned forward, lowering his voice.
"Let's just say the Philippine market isn't the only thing I'm interested in expanding my presence in."
I stared at him.
He stared back.
A slow, wicked grin spread across his face.
"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?"
He burst out laughing.
"Your imagination, sweetheart. That's what."
I grabbed a napkin.
He immediately raised both hands.
"Peace! Peace!"
"You are unbelievable!"
"And you're blushing."
"I AM NOT!"
"Of course not."
He reached across the table and caught my hand again.
"Come on, baby. Let's go before you fall even more in love with me."
I stood up.
"I'm leaving you here."
"Then I'll follow you."
"I'll walk faster."
"I'll run."
"I'll take a taxi."
"I'll buy the taxi company."
I stopped.
Slowly, I turned toward him.
He smiled innocently.
I stared at him for three full seconds.
Then I burst out laughing so hard that I had to hold onto his arm.
He looked far too pleased with himself.
And honestly?
I hated how much I loved him.
If someone had told me that my boyfriend would one day consider expanding an entire company just to spend more time with me, I would have laughed in their face.
If someone had told me that the same boyfriend would spend the next hour making shameless comments about it, I would have believed them immediately.
Because, unfortunately, I knew Mark Keifer Watson far too well.
"Stop smiling."
I turned toward him.
"I'm not smiling."
"You've been smiling at your phone for the past five minutes."
"Maybe my phone told me a joke."
He glanced at the screen in my hand.
"Was the joke six feet tall, ridiculously handsome, and named Mark Keifer Watson?"
I stared at him.
"Your confidence is a medical emergency."
"And yet, you haven't called a doctor."
"I'd rather let you suffer."
He leaned closer, his shoulder brushing mine.
"Cruel woman. After I shared my beautiful future plans with you."
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't stop the smile tugging at my lips.
We were sitting in his car outside the café, waiting for Yuri, Ci-N, and Samy to arrive. Keifer had insisted that we meet them because he had something important to tell them.
Naturally, I had asked him what it was.
Naturally, he had refused to tell me.
And naturally, I had threatened to leave him.
His response?
"Go ahead, baby. I'll follow you. It's a talent of mine."
I was beginning to suspect that my boyfriend had never experienced a single peaceful thought in his life.
My phone vibrated.
Ci-N: WHERE ARE YOU TWO?
Me: Outside the café.
Ci-N: WHY?
Me: Because we're waiting for you?
Ci-N: Suspicious.
Felix: VERY suspicious.
Yuri: We're literally two minutes away.
Ci-N: TWO MINUTES IS ENOUGH TIME FOR A SECRET WEDDING.
I burst out laughing.
Keifer glanced at my screen.
"Tell him if we're getting married, he isn't invited."
I typed immediately.
Me: Keifer says you're not invited to our secret wedding.
Three dots appeared.
Disappeared.
Appeared again.
Ci-N: I'M GOING TO KILL HIM.
Yuri: Jay, blink twice if you're being held hostage.
Felix: Should I bring a lawyer or a priest?
I laughed so hard that my phone nearly slipped from my hand.
Keifer looked immensely pleased with himself.
"See? I'm already improving everyone's day."
"You're ruining everyone's blood pressure."
"Same thing."
Before I could respond, three familiar figures appeared near the entrance.
Ci-N was walking ahead, talking animatedly while Felix followed beside him. Yuri trailed behind them with the exhausted expression of someone who had already regretted agreeing to this meeting.
The moment Ci-N spotted us, he pointed dramatically.
"THERE THEY ARE!"
Keifer sighed.
"Should we run?"
"Don't you dare."
"Fine. I'll face my execution like a gentleman."
I opened the car door.
"More like a criminal."
He got out after me.
"Your criminal, sweetheart."
I nearly walked into the car door.
He laughed.
I was going to need a vacation from this man.
"Okay," Ci-N announced as soon as we settled at the table, "why did you call us here?"
Keifer took a sip of his drink.
"Can't I spend time with my friends?"
All three of them stared at him.
Yuri blinked.
"Who are you, and what have you done with Keifer?"
Ci-N leaned forward.
"Exactly. Since when do you voluntarily gather people without a business meeting, a deadline, or a lecture about responsibility?"
"I'm a very responsible person."
Ci-N snorted.
"You once skipped a meeting because Jay wanted to eat pancakes."
"That meeting was rescheduled."
"Because you rescheduled it!"
"Exactly. Problem solved."
I covered my mouth to hide my laughter.
Ci-N slowly turned toward me.
"Jay, blink twice if he's forcing you to defend his nonsense."
I raised two fingers.
Keifer caught my hand before I could blink.
"Traitor."
I grinned.
"You brought this upon yourself."
He shook his head and settled back into his chair.
"Fine. Since everyone is so desperate to know, I have some news."
Yuri immediately sat up straighter.
"Business news?"
"Yes."
Felix put his drink down.
"Wait. Are you serious?"
Keifer nodded.
"Watson Corp is preparing to expand into the Philippines."
For approximately three seconds, the table went silent.
Then—
"WHAT?"
Ci-N's voice nearly sent a nearby spoon into retirement.
Felix stared at Keifer.
"Hold on. You're opening a branch here?"
"Yes."
"In the Philippines?"
"No, Ci-N. On the moon. We're looking for employees who can breathe without oxygen."
Yuri coughed into his fist.
Felix slapped the table.
"CAN YOU BE SERIOUS FOR FIVE SECONDS?"
Keifer considered it.
"No."
I laughed.
Ci-N leaned forward, his expression turning genuinely curious.
"Wait, when did you decide this? You've been talking about expanding for a while, but I thought London was still your main focus."
"It is. London will remain important to the company. But the Philippine market has potential, and establishing a branch here makes sense for our long-term plans."
Yuri nodded thoughtfully.
"That's actually a big move."
"It is," Keifer agreed. "There are a lot of details to work through. Contracts, staffing, partnerships, logistics. It won't happen overnight."
Ci-N narrowed his eyes.
"Then why do I feel like you're leaving out the most important part?"
Keifer looked at her.
"Because you enjoy interrogating people?"
"No. Because your face is suspicious."
"My face is handsome."
"Your face is punchable."
"Jealousy is an ugly emotion, Ci-N."
He gasped.
"JAY! CONTROL YOUR MAN!"
I raised both hands.
"Sorry. I don't control wild animals."
Keifer turned toward me.
"Wild animal?"
I nodded solemnly.
"A particularly annoying one."
He placed a hand over his heart.
"I'm being bullied in front of witnesses."
Yuri took a sip of his drink.
"Good. We can finally use your own tactics against you."
Ci-N snapped his fingers.
"Wait. I know what's missing."
He pointed at Keifer.
"WHY THE PHILIPPINES?"
Keifer looked at him as though the answer should have been obvious.
"Because it's a country with business opportunities?"
Ci-N slowly turned toward Felix.
"He's lying."
"Absolutely," He replied.
"I'm not lying," Keifer protested.
Yuri folded his arms.
"Then why now? Why make this move at this particular time?"
Keifer glanced at me.
It was quick.
Almost unnoticeable.
Almost.
Unfortunately, Our friends were the people who could detect the slightest hint of drama from three kilometres away.
Felix's eyes widened.
Ci-N's mouth fell open.
Yuri slowly looked from Keifer to me.
I immediately became fascinated by the condensation on my glass.
Oh, no.
Oh, absolutely not.
Ci-N pointed at us.
"WAIT A MINUTE."
Keifer closed his eyes.
"Here we go."
He leaned across the table.
"THIS IS ABOUT JAY, ISN'T IT?"
I choked on my drink.
"WHAT?"
Felix shot to his feet.
"I KNEW IT!"
Yuri covered his face.
"Please don't start shouting."
"HOW CAN I NOT SHOUT?" Ci-N demanded. "OUR FRIEND IS OPENING AN ENTIRE COMPANY BRANCH BECAUSE HIS GIRLFRIEND LIVES HERE!"
Keifer calmly adjusted his sleeve.
"First of all, it's a branch of an existing company, not an entirely new company."
Ci-N stared at him.
"THAT IS YOUR DEFENCE?"
"It's an important distinction."
Felix pointed at him.
"YOU'RE A ROMANTIC IDIOT."
"I'm a businessman."
"A BUSINESSMAN WHO MISSES HIS GIRLFRIEND!"
Keifer shrugged.
"Both can be true."
I stared at him.
He stared back.
Then he smiled at me.
And that was it.
My heart betrayed me so thoroughly that I had to look away.
Because he wasn't embarrassed.
He wasn't trying to deny it.
He was sitting there, in front of all our friends, admitting that he wanted to be closer to me as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Ci-N made a strangled noise.
"LOOK AT HIS FACE!"
Felix followed his gaze.
"HE'S NOT EVEN DENYING IT!"
Yuri sighed.
"I'm surrounded by hopeless people."
"Speak for yourself," Keifer replied. "I'm doing exceptionally well."
"Your company is expanding," Felix said. "Your girlfriend is sitting beside you. And you have the audacity to look this pleased with yourself."
Keifer leaned back.
"It's called having a good day."
Ci-N threw his hands into the air.
"HE'S UNBEARABLE!"
I couldn't stop laughing.
And Keifer, the absolute menace, looked even happier because of it.
"Okay," Ci-N said, finally settling back into his chair. "I need details."
"No," Keifer replied.
"YES."
"No."
"Keifer!"
"Ci-N."
"Tell us everything."
"There's nothing else to tell."
Felix leaned toward Yuri and whispered loudly, "He's protecting his love story."
Keifer looked directly at him.
"I can hear you."
"That was the point."
I shook my head.
"Can we please talk about something else?"
Ci-N whipped toward me.
"JAY-JAY. MY DEAR FRIEND. MY BELOVED COMRADE."
I narrowed my eyes.
"What do you want?"
"How does it feel?"
"How does what feel?"
"Having a boyfriend who is willing to move heaven, earth, and corporate headquarters just to spend more time with you?"
I covered my face.
"Oh, my God."
Keifer's voice came from beside me.
"Corporate headquarters isn't moving."
Ci-N slowly turned his head.
"YOU ARE NOT HELPING YOUR CASE!"
He shrugged.
"Accuracy matters."
Yuri laughed under his breath.
"Honestly, though, I didn't expect you to make this decision so soon."
Keifer nodded.
"It's something I've considered carefully. It's a business expansion first. But yes, being able to stay here longer is one of the reasons it appeals to me."
The table quieted a little.
His tone had changed.
There was no joke in his voice now.
"I've spent enough time travelling back and forth. I'll still have to go to London often, but I don't want to keep leaving for long periods when I can build something here, too."
He glanced at me again.
"And I'd rather spend my free time with Jay than spend it counting the days until I can see her."
For once, Ci-N didn't interrupt.
Felix's expression softened.
Even Yuri looked quietly impressed.
I swallowed.
I hadn't expected him to say it so openly.
Keifer noticed me looking at him and gave me the smallest smile.
Then, because apparently sincerity was a condition he could tolerate for only thirty seconds, he added, "Besides, somebody has to make sure she doesn't survive exclusively on coffee and spite."
I gasped.
"EXCUSE ME?"
He looked at our friends.
"See? This is why I need to be nearby. She's a danger to herself and society."
Felix nodded gravely.
"Valid concern."
"Felix!"
Ci-N leaned toward me.
"Honestly, Jay, take the deal. Free food delivery, free emotional support, free entertainment."
Yuri added, "And unlimited terrible jokes."
Keifer raised a finger.
"Those aren't terrible. They're advanced humour."
"Advanced?" I repeated.
"Yes. Not everyone has the intellectual capacity to appreciate them."
I stared at him.
"Your jokes need subtitles."
Ci-N nearly fell out of his chair.
Felix started laughing so hard that he had to put his drink down.
Yuri simply shook his head.
Keifer, however, looked delighted.
"See? He understands me."
"I was insulting you!"
"That's how we communicate."
He reached under the table and found my hand.
Our fingers intertwined.
It was such a small gesture that none of them would have noticed if they hadn't already been watching us like a live television show.
Ci-N noticed immediately.
Of course He did.
"Oh, look! They're holding hands!"
I tried to pull away.
Keifer held on—not tightly, just enough to make me look at him.
"What?" he asked innocently.
"Everyone is staring."
"Let them."
"Keifer."
"Jay-Jay."
I glared at him.
He brought our joined hands to his lips and kissed the back of mine.
My entire brain shut down.
Ci-N made a noise that sounded suspiciously like a kettle reaching boiling point.
"NO. NO, NO, NO."
Felix clutched his chest.
"I'm witnessing a public display of affection. I wasn't emotionally prepared."
Yuri stood up.
"I'm leaving."
"You just got here!" I protested.
"I've seen enough."
Keifer smiled.
"Don't be jealous, Yuri. One day, someone might hold your hand, too."
Yuri looked at him flatly.
"I hope your new branch has excellent security."
"Why?"
"So I can report you."
I burst out laughing.
Keifer squeezed my hand.
"See? Everyone is excited about my expansion."
"That's not excitement," I told him. "That's a threat."
"Still attention."
A few minutes later, the conversation shifted to the practical details.
Yuri wanted to know what kind of positions the new branch might offer. Felix asked whether Keifer would need local partners. Ci-N, meanwhile, had apparently decided that he was now the unofficial head of the company's public relations department.
"I have one condition," he announced.
Keifer looked wary.
"Why does that sound expensive?"
"Because it is."
"Go on."
"When the branch opens, we get to visit."
Keifer raised an eyebrow.
"You want to visit the office?"
"We want a tour," Felix corrected.
"And refreshments," Ci-N added.
"And a photograph," Yuri said.
I looked at him.
"You're suddenly very interested."
"I'm interested in making sure the company doesn't collapse under the leadership of someone who thinks his own jokes are funny."
Keifer smiled.
"You're all welcome to visit."
Ci-N gasped.
"HE AGREED!"
"Don't make me regret it."
"Too late. I'm already planning my outfit."
Felix leaned toward me.
"Jay, you realise this means you'll be dating the boss of a company with a Philippine branch?"
I nodded.
"Unfortunately."
Keifer turned toward me.
"Unfortunately?"
I smiled sweetly.
"Yes. Very unfortunate. Imagine having to deal with a handsome, successful, intelligent—"
He leaned closer.
"Keep going."
"—incredibly annoying man who thinks he's God's gift to women."
"That's a very long way of saying you adore me."
"It's a very long way of saying you need help."
He grinned.
"Maybe you could help me."
I narrowed my eyes.
"With what?"
He lowered his voice just enough that only I could hear.
"Keeping me entertained when I'm working late."
My cheeks warmed.
I nudged his knee under the table.
"Behave."
He looked at me with exaggerated innocence.
"I am behaving."
"You are absolutely not."
"Then imagine what I'd be like if I stopped."
I stared at him.
He smiled.
I reached for my drink, determined not to give him the satisfaction of seeing my reaction.
From across the table, Ci-N suddenly shouted, "WHY IS JAY RED AGAIN?"
I nearly dropped my glass.
"IT'S HOT IN HERE!"
Felix looked toward the air conditioner.
"It's freezing."
"THEN I'M HAVING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY!"
Yuri burst out laughing.
Keifer leaned back in his chair, looking like a man who had just won an award.
"Should we call a doctor, sweetheart?"
I turned toward him slowly.
"Say one more word."
He held up his hands.
"Silence. I understand."
Two seconds passed.
"Although—"
I grabbed a napkin.
He immediately ducked behind Yuri.
"HELP! MY GIRLFRIEND IS VIOLENT!"
Yuri pushed him away.
"Don't involve me in your relationship problems!"
The table dissolved into laughter.
And for the first time in days, I laughed without thinking about anything else.
No questions.
No worrying.
No trying to understand every little thing around me.
Just my friends, my ridiculous boyfriend, and the kind of happiness that made an ordinary afternoon feel unforgettable.
Eventually, we stepped outside the café.
The afternoon sun was warm, and the street was busy with students and office workers hurrying along the pavement.
Ci-N was still talking about the branch opening.
"I am telling you right now, this is the most romantic business decision I have ever witnessed."
Keifer unlocked his car.
"Please don't put that in a company report."
"Too late. I've already named it."
Felix perked up.
"What?"
Ci-N clasped his hands dramatically.
"Watson Corp: Powered by Profit, Driven by Love."
I doubled over laughing.
Keifer stared at him.
"No."
"Yes."
"Absolutely not."
"It's perfect!"
"It's a business, Ci-N. Not a romantic comedy."
Yuri opened the passenger door.
"Have you met yourself?"
Keifer pointed at him.
"You're not getting a job at my company."
"Good. I don't want to work for someone who uses flirting as a communication strategy."
"That's a valuable skill."
"It's a public hazard."
I was still laughing when Keifer came to stand beside me.
He slipped an arm around my shoulders.
"Enjoying yourself?"
"Immensely."
"Good. Because I'm charging you for emotional damages."
I looked up at him.
"For what?"
"For the way you keep laughing at my expense."
"You deserve it."
He tilted his head.
"Maybe. But you could compensate me with a kiss."
I stared at him.
"We are in public."
"And?"
"Our friends are right there!"
He glanced over my shoulder.
All three of them were watching.
Ci-N even cupped his hands around his mouth.
"KISS HIM, JAY!"
"GO AWAY!"
Felix shouted, "WE SUPPORT THIS CORPORATE MERGER!"
Yuri sighed.
"I'm never hanging out with you people again."
Keifer looked back at me, his eyes sparkling.
"Your move, princess."
I shook my head, trying not to smile.
Then I rose onto my toes and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek.
"There. Happy?"
He went still for a moment.
Then his smile turned unbearably soft.
"Very."
The teasing expression was gone, replaced by something so warm that I suddenly wished our friends weren't watching.
He brushed his thumb across my cheek.
"Thank you, baby."
My heart did something ridiculous.
Then he leaned closer and whispered, "Although, I was expecting a better return on my investment."
I pulled away.
"YOU RUIN EVERYTHING!"
He laughed.
Ci-N screamed.
Felix nearly dropped his phone.
Yuri walked toward the pavement, muttering something about finding new friends.
And I stood there, cheeks burning, laughing despite myself.
Keifer caught my hand before I could escape.
"Come on," he murmured.
"Where?"
"I'll take you home."
"Why? So you can annoy me there, too?"
He opened the passenger door for me.
"Obviously. I'm committed to consistency."
I climbed inside, shaking my head.
As he closed the door, I looked at him through the window.
He was smiling.
Not his usual smug, teasing smile.
A real one.
The kind that reached his eyes.
And I realised that while our friends had turned his announcement into a full-blown comedy show, the meaning behind it hadn't changed.
He was making plans.
Building something.
Creating a future that left room for me.
I didn't know what the coming months would bring. I didn't know how difficult the expansion would be or how often London would call him away.
But I knew that he was trying.
And sometimes, trying was the most beautiful thing a person could do.
Keifer got into the driver's seat and glanced at me.
"What?"
I blinked.
"What do you mean, what?"
"You're looking at me."
"Am I not allowed to look at my boyfriend?"
"Oh, you're allowed."
He leaned over and gently tucked my seat belt into place after I fumbled with it.
His face was close enough that I could see the tiny smile forming at the corner of his mouth.
"But if you keep looking at me like that, sweetheart, we're never leaving this parking spot."
I pushed his shoulder.
"DRIVE!"
He laughed, started the car, and pulled away from the café.
Behind us, Ci-N was still shouting something about the corporate merger.
Felix was laughing.
Yuri was pretending not to know any of us.
And Keifer?
He reached over, found my hand, and laced his fingers through mine.
Just like that.
No grand announcement.
No dramatic speech.
Just his hand in mine as the city moved past our windows.
I rested my head against the seat and smiled to myself.
Watson Corp was coming to the Philippines.
And my boyfriend was apparently determined to make sure that everyone knew exactly why.
By the time Keifer's car entered our street, I had come to one very important conclusion.
Bringing my boyfriend home after telling him that my family would be perfectly normal around him was a terrible idea.
Not because my family disliked Keifer.
Quite the opposite.
They liked him so much that sometimes I wondered whether I was their daughter or merely the girl who had accidentally introduced them to their favourite son-in-law.
And Keifer?
He knew exactly how to take advantage of that.
"Why are you smiling?" I asked, glancing at him.
"Because I'm about to see my future in-laws."
I nearly choked on my own saliva.
"KEIFER!"
"What?" He looked at me innocently. "Should I call them your family instead? That sounds less romantic."
"You are impossible."
"And yet, you chose me."
"Unfortunately."
He placed a hand over his heart. "Ouch. My girlfriend wounds me right before I announce a major business expansion. How am I supposed to sign contracts with this emotional damage?"
"Sign them with your other hand."
He laughed.
I tried not to smile, but the sight of his grin made that task unnecessarily difficult.
He parked in front of our house and turned off the engine. Before I could reach for the door handle, his fingers gently caught mine.
"Jay."
I looked at him.
"What?"
"Are you going to introduce me as your boyfriend or as the man responsible for destroying your peace?"
"The second one is more accurate."
"Perfect. I like honest introductions."
He lifted my hand and pressed a kiss to my knuckles.
My brain promptly forgot every language it had ever learned.
"Keifer, we're outside."
"And?"
"People can see us!"
"Good. Saves me the trouble of making an announcement."
I stared at him.
He smiled.
"Relax, sweetheart. I'm only holding your hand. Unless you want me to—"
"GET OUT OF THE CAR."
His laughter followed me all the way to the front door.
I was going to regret bringing him home.
I just knew it.
"Jay-Jay?"
My mother appeared in the doorway before I could even knock.
Her eyes moved from me to Keifer.
Then to our joined hands.
Then back to our faces.
A smile spread across her lips.
"Keifer! Come in, anak!"
I blinked.
Anak?
I had been standing there for fourteen years, and somehow my boyfriend had earned the same affectionate greeting in a fraction of the time.
"Good evening, Tita," Keifer greeted respectfully, bending slightly to touch her hand to his forehead. "I hope we're not disturbing you."
"Of course not! Come inside. Have you eaten?"
"Yes, Tita."
"Would you like something to drink?"
"I wouldn't mind some water."
"Jay-Jay, bring him something."
I turned to her slowly.
"Mom. I live here."
"And?"
"And I'm your daughter?"
"Exactly. You should know where everything is."
Keifer coughed into his fist.
I narrowed my eyes at him.
He leaned closer and whispered, "Your mother has excellent management skills. I see where you get your bossiness from."
"Keep talking, Watson. You'll be sleeping outside."
"Together?" he whispered back. "How romantic."
I elbowed him lightly.
He grinned all the way into the living room.
Kuya Angelo was seated on the sofa, Aries was scrolling through his phone, and Tita Gemma was arranging something on the dining table.
All three looked up when we entered.
"Keifer!" Kuya Angelo stood. "What brings you here?"
"Actually, Kuya, we have some news to share."
The room quieted.
Keifer glanced at me, and I gave him a small nod.
He had told me earlier that he wanted my family to hear about the branch directly from him. It was a big step for his company, and he wanted them to understand what it meant for his future—and, perhaps, for ours.
"I've been working on expanding Watson Corp's operations," he began. "We're preparing to establish a branch here in the Philippines."
Aries lowered his phone.
"Wait. A whole branch?"
Keifer nodded. "Yes. It's still in the planning and finalization stages, but most of the major arrangements are moving forward."
Kuya Angelo's expression changed from curiosity to genuine surprise.
"That's a big move, Keifer. Congratulations."
"Thank you, Kuya."
Tita Gemma came closer, wiping her hands on a towel.
"Watson Corp is opening here? In the Philippines?"
"Yes, Tita."
"And you'll be managing it yourself?"
"I'll oversee the Philippine operations while continuing to manage the London side. I'll still need to travel there regularly, of course, but this arrangement will allow me to spend considerably more time here."
My mother exchanged a brief look with Tita Gemma.
It lasted barely a second.
Then my mother smiled.
"Oh, that's wonderful news!"
I smiled too.
I really did.
Seeing my family acknowledge Keifer's hard work made me proud in a way I couldn't quite explain. They weren't simply congratulating my boyfriend; they were recognizing the effort behind something he had been building.
Keifer had responsibilities most people our age could barely imagine. Meetings, negotiations, decisions that affected an entire company.
And yet, he still remembered how I liked my food, which songs I played when I was upset, and exactly how to annoy me in under ten seconds.
Honestly, his priorities were questionable.
But I loved them.
"So," Aries said, leaning forward, "does this mean you're staying here more often?"
"That's the plan."
"Instead of London?"
"Not entirely. London remains important to the company, and I'll continue travelling there. But I won't have to spend as much time away from the Philippines."
Kuya Angelo nodded appreciatively.
"That's a smart decision. Expanding into a new market while maintaining your existing operations isn't easy."
"It's not," Keifer agreed. "But we've been evaluating the opportunity for some time. The market potential is there, and establishing a local presence makes sense."
He paused.
"There's also a personal advantage."
My mother tilted her head. "Personal?"
Keifer looked at me.
Oh, no.
I knew that look.
That was the look of a man who had absolutely no intention of behaving himself.
"My girlfriend lives here."
Silence.
Then—
"KEIFER!" I exclaimed.
He looked genuinely confused.
"What? I'm explaining the advantages."
Aries burst out laughing.
Kuya Angelo shook his head, smiling.
Tita Gemma covered her mouth, and my mother laughed outright.
"Jay-Jay," she said, "why are you embarrassed? That's sweet."
"It's not sweet when he says it like he's presenting a business proposal!"
Keifer nodded thoughtfully.
"Actually, I could prepare one."
"Don't you dare."
"Title: Project Jay-Jay. Objective: Reduce geographical distance between the CEO and his favourite distraction."
"KEIFER!"
"Expected outcome," he continued solemnly, "improved morale, increased productivity, and significantly fewer complaints about missing my girlfriend."
Aries nearly fell sideways against the sofa.
"Bro, put that in the official company presentation!"
"Absolutely not," I declared.
Keifer glanced at me. "Why? I could use a graph."
"I will throw your laptop out of the window."
"That's fine. I'll buy another one."
"Your arrogance is unbelievable."
"And yet," he murmured, leaning close enough that only I could hear him, "you keep holding my hand."
I immediately let go.
His grin widened.
"Interesting. The experiment worked."
I stared at him in disbelief.
This man was going to be the end of me.
The conversation continued over refreshments, with my family asking Keifer questions about the branch, the staff, and the responsibilities he would be taking on.
Keifer answered every question patiently.
He explained that the company would recruit local employees, establish a proper office, and build business relationships in the country. He didn't make grand promises or pretend everything would be easy. Instead, he spoke about the work ahead and the people he would need to rely on.
Kuya Angelo seemed particularly impressed.
"You've thought this through."
"We've been planning it carefully," Keifer replied. "I don't want to rush something this important just because the opportunity looks attractive."
"That's the right attitude," Kuya Angelo said. "A business can grow quickly and still fail if the foundation isn't strong."
"Exactly."
I watched them talk, feeling a quiet warmth settle in my chest.
Keifer wasn't trying to impress anyone with expensive words or his family name. He was simply being himself—confident, composed, and serious when the situation called for it.
My mother placed another glass of water on the table.
"I'm happy for you, Keifer. You've worked hard for this."
"Thank you, Tita. That means a lot."
"And I'm happy you'll be around more often," she added, looking between us.
I lowered my eyes, trying to hide my smile.
Then she said something that made my fingers still around my glass.
"As long as everything goes according to plan, things should finally settle down."
Tita Gemma's hand paused over the plate she was arranging.
Kuya Angelo glanced at her.
It was brief.
So brief that I might have missed it if I hadn't been watching them.
My mother seemed to realize what she'd said. She immediately picked up the serving spoon and offered Aries another helping of snacks.
"Anyway, we should celebrate good news instead of discussing plans all evening."
"Right," Tita Gemma agreed quickly. "This is a happy occasion."
The conversation moved on.
But my attention didn't.
Things should finally settle down.
What did she mean by that?
The explanation we'd discussed before should have been enough to put my earlier worries to rest. I'd told myself I needed to stop connecting every unusual expression, every unfinished sentence, to something bigger.
People were allowed to be awkward.