reached the classroom door first, my fingers just touching the handle-
A warm hand landed on top of mine.
Keifer.
Obviously.
I didn't even have to look up to know; his cologne hit first-clean, faintly smoky, like he wrestled a thunderstorm and won.
"Walk with me," he murmured.
"People are here," I muttered.
"I know," he replied, like admitting to a crime proudly.
He moved in front of me, blocking the door with his arm like some dramatic K-drama lead. Then, without asking again, he took my hand.
I tried to pull back; he tightened his grip, eyes challenging.
"Keifer-"
"Wife," he said softly, and my brain instantly blue-screened.
"I said don't call me that-here-"
"Then listen," he smirked.
And before I could reboot, he opened the door and pulled me inside.
Every face turned.
Rory's eyes widened.
Eren sat up straight.
Felix froze like a man seeing God.
David opened one eye from his desk nap.
Yuri looked up from his notebook-expression unreadable.
Keifer kept walking, dragging me in like he was showing off his new pet tiger.
Felix stopped in the center and said loudly, "your wife walks too slow in the morning."
I choked.
Rory howled.
"BRO-BRO-YOU CAN'T JUST SAY THAT IN HD SURROUND SOUND!" Rory yelled, slapping Felix's arm.
Eren leaned on his elbow. "Is the wedding before finals or after?"
Josh: "Guys, we need a suit theme. Black or navy? Jay what's your color palette preference-"
David, half-asleep: "Make it lavender. I like lavender..." slumps again
Mayo: "I want ring bearer position. I'm short, it's destiny."
I was dying.
Keifer just tipped his chin up, eyes amused.
He slid his arm around my waist, pulling me flush to him.
Rory screamed, "PG-13 PLEASE, IT'S A TUESDAY."
Felix dramatically covered his eyes. "Virgin eyes! Virgin eyes!"
Yuri didn't say anything, just watched us with that stoic face of his-a tiny smile tugging at his mouth.
Keifer bent down slightly, brushing his nose against my cheek.
"Don't hide," he whispered. "I like you where everyone can see you."
My heart punched my ribs.
I shoved him back-he barely moved.
"I hate you," I hissed.
"You kissed me first," he reminded.
"I WAS SLEEP TALKING-"
"And you still meant it."
Rory fell to the floor laughing.
Eren pointed at us. "Honestly, I feel like I subscribed to a premium drama and didn't pay."
David wobbled awake, blinked, and mumbled, "Are we going to class or is this foreplay?" Then knocked out again like a dead Sims character.
Yuri finally spoke.
Soft, calm:
"At least he's making her smile."
The room went quiet for a second.
Then Keifer bowed his head slightly toward Yuri-mutual respect.
And then chaos resumed because this is Section E.
Keifer brushed a thumb across my hand before letting go.
"I'll pick you up for lunch," he said.
Like it was the most normal sentence in the world.
"Don't," I replied automatically.
He smirked. "Then I'll just carry you."
Rory clutched his chest. "N-no, stop, I'm too single for this."
Felix: "Same. I'm embarrassed and inspired."
Keifer winked at me, turned, and strolled out like he didn't just detonate the room.
SILENCE.
Section E stared at me.
Yuri leaned back, arms crossed.
He met my eyes and nodded once-like Do your thing, we got your back.
I exhaled, heart still sprinting.
Rory slid next to me. "So, Mrs. Watson-"
"I WILL KICK YOU," I snapped.
He grinned. "I'll take the kick. Worth it."
Felix leaned over my desk. "Just tell me when to be ring bearer. I already practiced walking cutely."
David snored.
Mayo whispered, "Can I be flower girl? I'll throw petals and grenades."
I groaned. "You're all impossible."
Eren grinned devilishly. "And yet you love us."
I dropped my head to the desk.
Yeah. I did.