The Truth They Didn't Expect
The Watson-Mariano family dinner was supposed to be a check-in.
Nothing dramatic.
Just both families at the long dining table again - moms laughing over past stories, dads pretending they weren't already planning the wedding colors.
Jay sat between Aries and Percy, fork pushing around her rice, while Keifer sat across from her, unusually quiet.
She didn't know how to tell them.
They were together now - really together. Not fake. Not a joke.
But how do you say that without making it sound like you're finally obeying?
Or worse - like you fell into exactly what they wanted?
"So," Jay's mom said, sipping her wine, "how are the two of you? Still surviving being roommates?"
Jay choked on her water.
Keifer reached for her napkin and passed it across the table like it was automatic.
"We're..." Jay started.
Keifer looked at her. His eyes said I've got you.
He turned to their parents.
"We're not pretending anymore."
Dead silence.
"You're what?" Keifer's mom asked.
"We're really together now," Jay said, voice steady. "Not because of the engagement. Not because of the promise. Because we... want to be."
Jay's mom blinked. Her dad set his glass down a little too fast.
"I just-" her mom said. "You two hated each other last year."
"Yeah, well," Keifer muttered, "she still wants to punch me sometimes."
Jay smirked. "Only when you deserve it."
Aries leaned back with a grin. "Took you long enough."
Percy, full of rice, nodded. "I knew it. I saw it in the tension."
Jay blinked. "What tension-?"
"You literally stared at each other like you wanted to kiss or murder."
Their dads looked like they were trying very hard not to say "I told you so."
Jay's mom finally softened. "As long as you're choosing this. For yourselves."
Jay looked at Keifer.
And nodded. "We are."
Ready for the next scene?