JAY-JAY POV
He was shamelessly staring at me, and I felt my cheeks burn as I blushed.
His bare chest was right in front of me, and before I could even think, he leaned in again.
His lips found mine, softer this time, slower, like he wanted me to feel every second of it.
I melted into the kiss, my hands tightening around him
When he pulled back, his forehead rested against mine, his voice low, trembling.
"Jay… you drive me crazy."
I smiled through my blush, whispering back, "Then I guess we're both crazy."
He smiled and kissed me again this kiss was nothing to the one we compared before this was hungry, passionate with in seconds our tongues were involved
His hands found my bare waist and he started to squeeze it which made me gasp his in mouth
His eyes darkened and pushed me completed onto the bed and he caged me with his hands
His lips found my collarbone and neck leaving a hickey that I would have to cover up later
He went down, his lips brushing against my skin, and it felt like fire—burning, consuming, impossible to ignore.
I gasped, clutching him tighter, my heart racing so fast I thought it might burst.
Every touch, every kiss, pulled me deeper into him, until the world outside didn't exist anymore.
"Jay…" he whispered against my skin, his voice trembling, raw. "You're everything I didn't know I needed."
I blushed, my chest tight, whispering back, "And you're mine."
His lips went to my waist and he started to kiss it until my waist was covered with his marks
He was about to remove my bra when the knocking came
He was still kissing my neck, his lips trailing fire across my skin.
"Keifer… go and open the door," I whispered, though my arms refused to let him go. This was too good, too warm, too much to lose.
He chuckled against my skin, his voice low. "Jay, you're telling me to open the door but you're holding me hostage."
I gasped, tightening my grip. "Because if you move, I'll die."
The knocking grew louder, impatient.
"Jay!" Percy's voice rang from outside. "Open up before I break, this breaks the door down!"
Keifer groaned, burying his face in my shoulder. "Perfect timing. Your brothers have the worst sense of privacy."
I pulled back, tugging my hoodie over my head, still blushing.
"Go wear your shirt and open the door," I muttered, trying to sound annoyed even though my heart was still racing.
Keifer groaned, muttering something about kidnap and ruined moments as he searched for his shirt. He finally slipped it on, still grumbling under his breath.
I went to the door and yanked it open, my voice sharp. "What is it?" I asked, annoyed—because to be honest, I was having fun before this interruption.
Percy stood there, arms crossed, his eyebrow raised. "What took you so long to open the door?" he asked, stepping inside without waiting for permission.
I rolled my eyes. "Maybe because I was busy?"
Percy smirked, his eyes flicking between me and Keifer. "Busy, huh? Should I ask what kind of busy?"
Keifer groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Don't start—you already interrupted us."
"Keifer!" I hissed, my eyes widening as I smacked his arm.
Percy froze, his smirk fading into shock. "Interrupted… what exactly?" he asked slowly, suspicion dripping from every word.
My cheeks burned, and I pulled my hoodie tighter around me. "Nothing! He's just being an idiot."
Keifer shrugged, leaning back against the wall with that mischievous grin. "An idiot who tells the truth."
"Keifer!" I snapped again, glaring at him, my blush deepening.
Percy narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms. "You two are hiding something."
Keifer chuckled, clearly enjoying my embarrassment. "Maybe."
Percy's eyes narrowed, his finger pointing straight at me. "Keifer, I'm warning you now—stop this. I can see the marks on her neck." His voice was steady, but the weight behind it made my stomach twist. "Next time this happens, I will tell Boss."
The room froze.
Keifer's grin faltered, his jaw tightening. "Percy…" he started, his tone low, almost dangerous.
I stepped between them quickly, my hoodie tugged higher around my neck. "Percy, it's not what you think!" I blurted, my cheeks burning.
Percy crossed his arms, his glare unwavering. "Jay, I don't care what you say. I'm not letting him hurt you—or get away with this."
"He's serious," I whispered to Keifer.
"I get that," Keifer muttered, tugging me along with him. "I'm taking your sister out for ice‑cream."
"Bye, Percy!" I called, waving as Keifer pulled me toward the door.
Percy's voice rang out behind us, loud enough for the whole house to hear. "Keifer! I want my sister back at the house in one hour—without any marks on her!"
I groaned, covering my face. "Percy!"
Keifer laughed, shaking his head. "Your brother acts like he's my boss."
Percy smirked, flipping his hair dramatically. "Correction: I am your boss. And the most handsome one you'll ever meet."
I giggled, tugging Keifer's hand. "Come on, before he starts giving you a lecture about skincare too."
Section E was still in the hall, their faces a mix of confusion and curiosity.
"Jay, where are you going?" Ci‑n asked, his brows furrowed.
"To the—" I started, but Keifer cut me off, his hand tightening around mine.
"To the park," Keifer said firmly, glaring at them. "And nobody is coming. Go to your house."
The boys froze, stunned by his tone
Felix muttered, "Fine," but the others kept whispering among themselves. I couldn't catch what they were saying because Keifer had already dragged me into his car.
"Why did you lie to them?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Do you really think they'd leave us alone if they knew we were going to the ice‑cream stop?" Keifer shot back, smirking.
I sighed, nodding. He had a point.
The drive was quick, and soon we pulled up to the ice‑cream shop. Keifer and I got out, the smell of sugar and waffle cones hitting me instantly.
But the moment we stepped inside, my eyes widened.
Keigan was there—sitting at a table with another boy.
"Keigan, what are you doing here?" Keifer asked, his tone suspicious.
"Just came for ice‑cream with my friend," Keigan replied casually, pointing at the boy beside him.
And then it hit me.
That grin. That face.
It was Raffy.
He was grinning like an idiot, his whole face lighting up when he saw me. "Ate Jay!" he shouted, rushing forward to hug me.
I froze, shocked, but my body moved before my brain caught up. I stood and hugged him tightly, my heart racing.
"Raffy…" I whispered, still stunned. "I can't believe it's really you."
He laughed, squeezing me tighter. "Of course it's me! Who else would look this good eating ice‑cream?"
Keifer blinked, his brows furrowed. "Wait—this is Raffy?"
I pulled back from Raffy's hug, still stunned. "What are you doing here? I told you I would come when I turn eighteen."
Raffy grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Ate, I already told you—I'd come if you didn't show up by my birthday. And guess what? I did."
My chest tightened, torn between relief and panic. "Raffy…" I whispered, my voice trembling. "You shouldn't have—"
Keifer stepped closer, his protective tone sharp. "Hold on. You just… showed up? Like that?"
Raffy shook his head, grinning. "No, Kuya Percy knows about this. I'm living with him for now."
My eyes widened. "That Percy! I told him to keep you out of the Philippines until I turn eighteen!"
Keigan frowned, still confused. "I'm still lost here. How do you two even know each other?" He pointed between me and Raffy.
"Right, I forgot to tell you," Raffy said, his grin widening. "She's my sister."
Keigan's jaw dropped. "What?"
"Yeah," Raffy said proudly, then pointed at Keifer. "And who's that, Ate?"
I opened my mouth, hesitating. "He's my—"
Before I could finish, Keifer cut in, grinning like the devil. "I'm her husband."
My face went red instantly. "Keifer!" I smacked his arm, mortified.
Raffy's eyes widened "Ate, you didn't tell me you got married! And to him of all people!"
Keifer threw his hands up dramatically. "What did I do to you and your family?!" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Then he mimicked my brothers, puffing out his chest and deepening his voice. "'OUT OF ALL PEOPLE—HIM?!'"
I gasped, smacking his arm. "Keifer!"
He grinned, clearly enjoying himself. "What? That's exactly how they sound. Like I'm some villain who stole their princess."
Raffy burst out laughing, clutching his stomach. "Oh my god, Ate, he's right! Kuya Percy literally said that to me last week."
Keigan stayed silent. He didn't say a word, not even a glance in my direction.
Ever since the car—ever since he'd choked me—we hadn't talked.
I could see it in his eyes: he hadn't wanted to do it.
But there was something in him, something he couldn't control, that made him act anyway.
And now, the silence between us was louder than any fight.
I just watched him, and he just avoided me.
And that was worse than any argument—because it meant he couldn't stop it, and I couldn't forget it
"Let's order ice‑cream," Keifer said, already scanning the menu.
"I'll get you the usual—Butterscotch, chocolate, cookie dough, cookies and crème," he added, glancing at me.
I nodded, smiling.
"I'll also come, brother‑in‑law," Raffy chimed in, grinning from ear to ear.
Keifer froze, blinking at him in shock. "Brother‑in‑law?"
Raffy smirked, clearly enjoying himself. "Well, you did say you're Ate's husband. That makes you my brother‑in‑law."
Keifer stared for a second, then burst out laughing.
He turned toward me, shaking his head. "I like this kid."
I groaned, burying my face in my hoodie.
They went to the front, talking like they'd known each other forever.
I couldn't help but smile at the sight.
But when I turned back, Keigan was staring at me.
"I'm sorry, I—" he started, his voice breaking.
"I know you didn't mean it. And it's fine," I said softly, cutting him off before he could drown in guilt.
He just looked at me, his eyes clouded with something I couldn't name.
"I just don't know what's happening to me anymore," Keigan said finally, his voice low and raw. "I hurt my brother… and I hurt you. And you guys still look at me like you want to help me."
My chest tightened.
"Maybe we do, Keigan," I whispered, gently touching his hands on the table.
His eyes flicked down to my touch, startled.
"Maybe because I'm going through the same thing as you," I added, my voice trembling.
For a moment, the noise of the shop faded.
It was just the two of us—his guilt, my empathy, and the fragile thread of understanding tying us together.
"Jay, please… I don't want to live life anymore," Keigan whispered, his voice breaking. "Help me. I don't want to live in this misery."
My heart clenched. The pain in his eyes was raw, unguarded.
"I will help you," I said firmly, leaning closer. "But first… maybe talk to your brother about this. Don't carry it alone."
Keigan shook his head, his jaw tight. "I don't know if he'll understand. I don't even understand myself."
I leaned closer, my voice steady but gentle. "He does more than you know. Just talk to your brother—he'll be happy that you chose to be cured."
Keigan's eyes flickered, torn between doubt and longing.
His fingers tightened against the table, like he was holding onto invisible chains.
"You really think he'll be happy?" he asked quietly, almost like a child searching for reassurance.
I nodded firmly. "Yes. Because it means you're choosing to fight. And that's all he's ever wanted—for you to stop suffering."
For a moment, Keigan just stared at me, his silence heavy.
Then his shoulders sagged, the tension in him loosening just a little.
"Maybe… maybe I'll try," he whispered.
I squeezed his hand gently, offering the smallest smile. "That's all you need to do. Try."
"Jay, here's your ice‑cream," Keifer said, struggling to keep the cup straight as he walked back toward me. The scoops wobbled dangerously, threatening to topple over.
I laughed, reaching out quickly before disaster struck. "Careful! You're going to drop it."
He grinned, handing it to me with exaggerated care. "See? Perfect delivery. No spills."
Raffy leaned over, smirking. "Bro, you look like you're carrying a wedding cake, not ice‑cream."
Keifer shot him a look, then chuckled. "Hey, this is serious business. Jay's ice‑cream deserves respect."
I rolled my eyes, hiding my smile as I took the cup. "You're ridiculous."
Keifer sat down beside me, still grinning. "Ridiculous, but reliable. I got you all your favorites."
I took a bite, the sweetness melting on my tongue, and for a moment the chaos around us faded into something simple—just laughter, ice‑cream, and the strange comfort of being together.
"Ate," Keigan called out suddenly.
I froze, the word hitting me like a wave. Even Keifer's head snapped toward him, his brows furrowed in surprise.
I blinked, staring at Keigan. "Did you just… call me Ate?"
Keigan's jaw tightened, his eyes flickering with something raw. "Yeah. Because that's what you are to me."
Keifer leaned back, still stunned. "Wait, hold on. Did I miss something? Since when do you call her Ate?"
Keigan looked down at the table, his voice low. "Since I realized… I've been treating her like anything but family. And I don't want to keep doing that."
My chest tightened, the weight of his words sinking in.
Keifer muttered under his breath, still processing. "First Raffy calls me brother‑in‑law, now Keigan calls you Ate… this family is full of plot twists."
I smiled faintly, my heart aching but warm. "Keigan… thank you."
He finally looked up, his eyes meeting mine. "I just needed you to know I still see you that way. Even after everything."
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💙🔥 Author's Note 🔥💙
Sooo how is the chapter, guys?? 😭💭
I really wanna hear your thoughts, so comment below 🐧💬.
Also… I'm kinda lowkey running out of ideas 👀💔
So tell me what YOU want to see in the future.🌪️😂.
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