Jay's POV — The Day I Realised I Belonged
That day wasn't about school, exams, or Section E chaos.
It was supposed to be family day—simple, light, normal.
But I didn't know it would quietly become one of the most important days of my life.
The house felt warm that morning. Not just because of the sunlight spilling through the windows, but because of the voices—laughing, arguing, living. I adjusted my dupatta as I came downstairs and saw Kieran and Keigan already waiting near the door, both restless and excited.
"Are we really going shopping?" Keigan asked, almost bouncing on his feet.
Keifer smiled like a tired but proud kuya. "Yes. But only if you both behave."
Kieran crossed his arms dramatically. "Kuya, I always behave."
I laughed before I could stop myself. "That's the biggest lie I've heard today."
Kieran grinned and suddenly ran toward me, wrapping his arms around my waist without warning.
"Mumma, you're coming with us, right?"
That one word—
Mumma.
My breath caught.
For a second, my mind went completely blank. I didn't even realise I'd stopped moving until I felt Keifer's eyes on me. I looked down at Kieran, his face so hopeful, so natural—as if that word had always belonged to me.
I placed my hand gently on his head and forced my voice to stay steady.
"Yes," I said softly. "I'm coming."
I smiled—but my chest felt tight.
Keifer didn't say anything, but the way he looked at me told me he noticed everything.
At the Mall
The mall was crowded, loud, full of people rushing past—but somehow, walking with them felt calm. Safe.
Keifer walked beside me. Our hands brushed now and then, not intentional, not avoided either.
Kieran and Keigan walked ahead, already arguing.
"Kuya, I need new shoes," Kieran said.
"No, Kuya, I need a jacket," Keigan replied.
I chuckled. "One at a time, okay?"
We entered a men's store first. That's when I noticed Keigan stop suddenly in front of a navy-blue suit. He didn't touch it—just looked at it like it meant something.
I walked closer. "This one?"
He nodded, eyes a little shy. "I… have a date."
I smiled instantly. "You didn't tell me that."
I held the suit up against him, stepping back to see properly.
"This will look really good on you," I said honestly.
His ears turned red. "Really, Ate?"
"Yes," I nodded. "She'll love it."
Keifer pretended to be serious. "I hope he behaves."
I elbowed him lightly. "Stop scaring him."
After trying a few more, we settled on the suit I'd chosen. When Keigan hugged me and said "Thank you, Ate," something warm settled in my heart.
Everyone Bought Something… Except Me
Time passed quickly—too quickly.
Shirts, jackets, shoes, bags piling up. Laughter echoing. For once, I wasn't thinking about responsibilities. I was just there.
When Keifer finally said it was time to eat, I nodded and turned to leave—
"Mumma."
I stopped.
I turned back to see Kieran standing still, looking straight at me.
"You didn't buy anything."
I blinked. I hadn't even realised.
"It's fine," I laughed lightly. "I don't need anything."
"No," Kieran said firmly. "Not fine."
Keigan nodded. "You chose for all of us, Ate."
Before I could say anything else, Keifer stepped closer.
"You're choosing something," he said gently. "No excuses."
And just like that, they dragged me into a women's store.
Choosing Me
I felt awkward standing there while they picked things out for me.
Kieran held up a dress. "This one!"
Keigan disagreed. "No, that one's better."
Keifer stayed quiet for a moment—then pointed to a soft pastel dress hanging slightly away from the rest.
"That one."
I took it into the changing room.
When I stepped out, everything went quiet.
I looked at my reflection—and suddenly my eyes burned.
"You look beautiful," Keigan said softly.
"Mumma…" Kieran whispered, smiling like he'd won something.
Keifer didn't say anything at first. He just looked at me like I was something precious.
"You're taking it," he said quietly.
I nodded, unable to speak.
It wasn't about the dress.
It was about being seen.
Dinner & Realisation
Dinner was loud. Messy. Full of teasing.
Keigan talked nervously about his date.
Kieran joked nonstop.
Keifer watched all of us like this was something he wanted to protect forever.
I laughed, listened, teased back—and somewhere between bites and laughter, I realised something terrifying and beautiful.
I wasn't just with them.
I belonged.
That Night
Back home, after everyone went to their rooms, I stood near the window for a while.
Keifer came up behind me, resting his forehead against mine.
"Thank you," he said quietly.
"For what?"
"For being here."
I turned to him, smiling softly.
"I didn't choose this," I said. "I was already part of it."
And in that moment, I knew—
Whatever came next—exams, results, trips, life—
this wasn't something temporary.
This was home.