One Week Later – University Library
Jay sat at a big table. Papers were everywhere. Her laptop was open. She looked tired.
Mia yawned beside her. "How much more do we have to do?"
Ben checked his notes. "A lot. The presentation is in three days."
Jay rubbed her eyes. "We can do this. We just need to finish the last part."
Keifer walked in. He carried two cups of coffee. He set one in front of Jay.
Jay looked up. "For me?"
Keifer nodded. "You look tired."
Jay smiled softly. "Thanks."
He sat across from her. They worked in comfortable silence. Passing papers. Sharing ideas. Fixing mistakes.
Mia whispered to Ben, "They work so well together."
Ben whispered back, "It's because they like each other."
Mia grinned. "Obviously."
Later – Section E Hangout
After hours of work, Jay and Keifer joined their friends.
Ci-N ran up. "JAY! How's the project?"
Jay sighed. "Almost done. Three more days."
Drew gasped. "Three days? Then you go back to New York?"
The group got quiet.
Jay looked around. Everyone looked sad.
Rakki grabbed her hand. "I don't want you to go."
Grace nodded. "You just got here."
Mica's eyes were watery. "We'll miss you so much."
Calix smiled sadly. "You changed everything, Jay."
Even Freya, who was sitting far away, looked a little sad. She didn't say anything. But she didn't look mad anymore.
Jay felt her heart hurt. "I'll miss you guys too. So much."
Eman hugged her. "I'll cook you a big meal before you leave. The biggest."
Jay laughed softly. "I'd like that."
Keifer Watched
Keifer stood away from the group. He watched Jay hug everyone. He watched her smile. He watched her eyes get a little watery.
His heart ached.
She was leaving soon.
Percy appeared next to him. "You okay?"
Keifer nodded. "Yeah."
Percy looked at him. "You're going to miss her."
Keifer didn't answer.
Percy sighed. "You know... you could visit. New York isn't that far."
Keifer looked at him. "Visit?"
Percy shrugged. "Yeah. Or... you know. Figure something out."
Keifer was quiet. Thinking.
Yuri joined them. "You should tell her how you feel. Before she leaves."
Aries appeared too. "Yeah. Don't wait too long."
Keifer looked at his best friends. "What if she doesn't feel the same?"
They all laughed.
Percy shook his head. "Dude. Everyone knows she likes you. The whole school knows."
Aries nodded. "Even Freya knows. And she hates everyone."
Yuri grinned. "Tell her. Don't be stupid."
Keifer looked back at Jay. She was laughing at something Ci-N said. Her smile was so bright.
He nodded slowly. "Okay. I'll tell her."
That Night – Jay's Hotel Room
Jay lay on her bed. She couldn't sleep.
Three more days. Then she goes back to New York.
She thought about Section E. About Mia and Ben. About Grace and Mica and Rakki.
About Keifer.
Her phone buzzed. A message.
Keifer: Can't sleep?
Jay smiled.
Jay: No. You too?
Keifer: Yeah. Thinking.
Jay: About what?
Keifer: You.
Jay's heart stopped.
Keifer: I don't want you to leave.
Jay stared at the message. Her fingers shook.
Jay: I don't want to leave either.
Keifer: Then don't.
Jay: I have to. My life is there.
Keifer: I know. But... I'll miss you.
Jay: I'll miss you too.
Keifer: More than you know.
Jay held her phone close. Her eyes felt wet.
Jay: Keifer?
Keifer: Yeah?
Jay: I'm glad I met you.
Keifer: Me too, Jay. Me too.
They didn't sleep for a long time. Just texting. Just being together, even far apart.
The Next Morning
Jay woke up tired but happy. She looked at her phone. The last message from Keifer was at 3am.
Keifer: Goodnight, Jay. Sweet dreams.
She smiled so big.
Mia walked in. "Someone looks happy."
Jay hid her face. "No I don't."
Mia laughed. "Sure. Anyway, we have work to do. Two more days!"
Jay groaned. But she was still smiling.
Because no matter what happened, she knew one thing.
Keifer Watson liked her. Really liked her.
And that made everything worth it.