The next morning felt like a gentle promise.
Sunlight filtered through the curtains, painting the room in warm gold. The house was quiet, still holding the peace of the night before.
Jay woke first, nestled against Keifer's chest. His arm was wrapped around her like he was afraid she might disappear if he let go.
She breathed in his scent—clean, calm, comforting—and felt a soft smile spread across her face.
Keifer stirred beside her, opening his eyes slowly. When he saw her awake, his smile appeared without even thinking.
"Morning," he murmured.
Jay lifted her head, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Morning."
Keifer leaned down and kissed her softly—just a simple, sweet kiss that said I'm here.
Jay returned it, her heart feeling full. She loved how gentle he was with her, how careful, how much he seemed to protect her without even realizing he was doing it.
They stayed like that for a moment, wrapped in quiet warmth.
But then Jay felt something sudden—an uncomfortable reminder.
Her body tensed.
She sat up quickly, eyes widening.
"Keifer," she said softly, voice shaky. "I… I think my period started."
Keifer's expression changed instantly—concern replacing everything else. He didn't panic, but his focus sharpened.
"Okay," he said gently. "Do you need anything?"
Jay stood up, feeling a sudden rush of embarrassment. "I need the washroom."
Keifer stood too, moving beside her without hesitation.
"Come with me," he said quietly.
Jay nodded, grateful for his calmness. She didn't want to feel like a burden, but Keifer made her feel safe instead.
They walked together to the washroom. Keifer opened the door for her, and Jay stepped inside.
Before she could even close the door, Keifer leaned in slightly and whispered, "Do you want me to get you anything? Painkillers? Water?"
Jay's voice was soft. "Just… stay for a moment?"
Keifer's eyes softened. "Always."
Jay gave him a small smile, then closed the door behind her.
Inside, she took a moment to steady herself. Her body felt heavy, and the sudden pain made her feel vulnerable.
But then she heard Keifer's voice from the other side of the door, quiet and steady.
"Jay?"
She leaned her head against the door, breathing slowly.
"Yes?"
Keifer's voice softened. "If you need anything, just say it."
Jay's eyes filled slightly, not from pain, but from how cared for she felt.
"Thank you," she whispered.
A pause.
Then Keifer said, "I'm right here. Don't worry."
Jay smiled, wiping her eyes quickly. She felt a warmth in her chest, the kind that came from being seen and protected without being treated like fragile.
When she was done, she stepped out. Keifer was waiting, calm and gentle as ever.
He handed her a small glass of water and a soft blanket.
"You should rest," he said.
Jay leaned into him, feeling his strong presence wrap around her like a shield. "I don't feel like myself right now."
Keifer kissed her forehead. "That's okay. You don't have to be."
Jay's heart fluttered. "I love you."
Keifer smiled softly. "I love you too."
And even though the morning had brought discomfort and surprise, Jay felt more at peace than she had in a long time.
Because no matter what her body did, Keifer stayed.
And she knew he always would.
Jay lay on the couch, wrapped in the soft blanket Keifer had given her. She rested her head on a cushion, eyes half-closed, feeling the fatigue in her body.
Keifer sat beside her for a moment, watching her breathe slowly, his expression filled with quiet concern.
"You should rest," he whispered.
Jay nodded, letting the warmth of his presence soothe her.
Keifer kissed her forehead gently, then stood up.
"I'll be right back," he said.
Jay opened her eyes slightly. "Where are you going?"
Keifer smiled softly. "I'm going to get you everything you need."
Jay tried to sit up, but Keifer gently pressed her back down.
"Don't move," he said, his tone gentle but firm. "I'll bring it all."
Jay watched him as he walked out of the room, feeling a strange mix of gratitude and affection. She didn't like being in pain, but she couldn't deny how much she loved him in that moment.
Keifer moved quickly, his mind focused on making sure she was comfortable. He went to the nearest store, moving through the streets with purpose.
He picked up:
sanitary pads
dark chocolate
a hot water pack
her favorite snacks
extra soft cushions
her favorite tea
He didn't forget anything.
Then, he returned home as fast as he could.
When he opened the door, Jay looked up, her eyes lighting up slightly at the sight of him.
Keifer smiled, carrying a small bag filled with everything he'd brought.
"Look," he said, setting the bag down beside the couch.
Jay sat up slightly, reaching for it.
Keifer helped her sort through the items, placing them neatly on the table within her reach.
He handed her the pads first, then the hot water pack, then the chocolate.
Jay's eyes softened. "You didn't have to do all this."
Keifer sat beside her again, his arm wrapping around her gently.
"I know," he said softly. "But I wanted to."
Jay leaned into him, feeling the warmth of his body.
"You're amazing," she whispered.
Keifer's smile was small but real. "You're the one who's amazing. You're still working, still managing everything, even when you don't feel well."
Jay shook her head. "I'm not amazing right now. I feel like a mess."
Keifer's fingers brushed her hair back from her face. "That's okay."
Jay looked up at him, eyes shining. "Why are you so kind to me?"
Keifer's expression softened. "Because you deserve it."
Jay's heart fluttered.
She reached for the dark chocolate and took a small bite, then sighed softly. "This is exactly what I needed."
Keifer laughed quietly. "I knew."
Jay leaned her head against his shoulder, feeling the comfort of his presence. The house felt quiet and safe, like it was just them in the world.
Keifer stayed beside her, holding her hand and letting her rest.
And in that moment, Jay realized something:
She didn't have to be strong all the time.
Because Keifer would always be there to hold her when she needed him.