Jay stood in the middle of Keifer's room, still shaking. The whisper she heard in the hallway clung to her skin like cold fog. Keifer watched her carefully, his expression softer than she had ever seen.
"Jay," he said quietly, "you're terrified."
She didn't deny it. Her hands were trembling too much.
Keifer stepped closer, slow and gentle, like he didn't want to scare her more. "Sit," he said, guiding her toward the edge of his bed.
Jay sat down, hugging the water bottle to her chest. Her breathing was uneven, eyes darting to the door as if the whisper might slip under it.
Keifer crouched in front of her. "You're safe here," he said. "Nothing can get you in this room."
She swallowed hard. "It felt like it was right behind me."
His jaw tightened. "I know. That's why you shouldn't walk alone at night."
Jay looked down. "I didn't want to wake anyone."
"You should've woken me," he said softly.
Her head snapped up. "Why you?"
"Because," he said, voice low, "I care."
Jay blinked. "You… care?"
He sat beside her, close enough that she could feel his warmth. "More than you think."
Her heart thumped loudly in her chest. She didn't know what to say. She didn't know how to breathe.
Keifer noticed.
"Jay," he murmured, "look at me."
She did.
His eyes weren't cold like before. They were warm. Deep. Protective.
"You're shaking," he said. "Come here."
He didn't pull her. He didn't force her. He just opened his arms slightly, giving her a choice.
Jay hesitated… then leaned into him.
Keifer wrapped an arm around her shoulders, steady and warm. She let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.
"You're safe," he whispered again.
Jay's eyes grew heavy. The fear slowly faded, replaced by the steady rhythm of Keifer's breathing.
"Lie down," he said gently.
She shook her head. "I don't want to sleep alone."
"You won't," he said.
He shifted so they were both lying on the bed—Jay on one side, Keifer on the other.
Just then Jay heard heavy footsteps running outside.
Jay gasped and hugged Keifer tightly.
Keifer was smiling and hugging her back.
Jay's head laid her head against Keifer's chest, hearing his steady heartbeat and Keifer's arm wrapped protectively around Jay's waist.
"I've got you. Close your eyes," he said softly.
Jay did.
Keifer stayed awake a little longer, watching the door, listening for any sound. When he was sure the hallway was silent, he finally relaxed.
Jay's breathing steadied. Keifer's eyes softened.
And slowly, quietly, the two of them drifted into sleep— safe, warm, and together in the quiet of the night.