Jay was finishing her rounds at Mariano Hospital, tired but satisfied. Her patients were stable, her notes were almost done, and she was looking forward to a quiet cup of coffee in the staff lounge.
That's when she saw him—Keifer, standing casually in the lobby, perfectly dressed, leaning against a pillar like he belonged there.
Her heart skipped a beat. "Keifer? What—what are you doing here?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Morning, fiancée," he said smoothly, the single word making her cheeks heat immediately. "I came to check on you."
"I'm fine!" she protested, fumbling with her clipboard. "I don't need… you—"
"Oh, I know you don't," he interrupted, striding closer, eyes glinting with mischief. "But you love when I do this, don't deny it."
Jay groaned, hiding her face behind the clipboard. "I… I don't!"
"Yes, you do," he said, leaning just close enough that his shoulder brushed hers. "Look at you, flustered, blushing… and still trying to act like a professional."
"I am professional!" she snapped, though her voice cracked slightly.
"Sure you are, fiancée," he corrected smoothly, clearly enjoying the effect he had on her.
Jay bit her lip, trying not to smile. "You're impossible," she muttered.
"And yet," he said, leaning against the desk so close she could feel his warmth, "you can't stop thinking about me. Admit it."
Jay rolled her eyes but couldn't deny the thrill running through her. "You came all the way here… just to tease me?"
Keifer smirked, eyes dancing with amusement. "Of course. How could I resist? Watching my fiancée try to act composed while I make her blush? It's… entertaining."
Jay groaned, covering her face with her hands. "I can't believe this…"
"And yet," he whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her face, "you love it. Admit it, fiancée."
Jay's blush deepened, and despite herself, a small smile escaped. "Maybe a little," she admitted softly.
Keifer's grin widened, triumphant. "Good. That's all I needed to hear." He straightened, giving her a mock-serious look. "Now, fiancée, let's take a little break. You've been working too hard, and I refuse to let you be serious for more than five minutes at a time."
Before she could protest, he took her hand in his, tugging her lightly toward the exit. Jay tried to keep her composure, but the laughter bubbled out of her anyway.
"Keifer!" she exclaimed, breathless. "People will think I'm crazy!"
"They already know you're mine," he said smoothly, pressing a quick kiss to the back of her hand. "And the world can just watch."
As they stepped outside, Jay realized something: Keifer's teasing wasn't just playful—it was a declaration. A reminder that no matter how busy, professional, or independent she was, she was his fiancée, and he would never let her forget it.
And honestly… she didn't want him to