Next Chapter — Jay's POV
PE days were supposed to be harmless—stretch, half‑hearted laps, maybe dodgeball if Coach needed a break. But harmless went out the window the second I spotted Aries sitting on the bleachers with his girlfriend Ella, smirking like he owned the gym. Section E couldn't stand him, and I couldn't blame them.
Keifer caught my eye from across the basketball court, flashing that grin that always meant trouble.
"Oh no," I warned, already laughing. "Whatever you're thinking—don't."
He tilted his head. "Too late."
As Coach blew the whistle and left, we broke into a jog. I could practically feel Aries watching, judgment radiating from the bleachers. So when Keifer passed me, all relaxed confidence and show‑off energy, I grinned—then "accidentally" stuck a foot out.
He tripped spectacularly.
The ball bounced away. He rolled with it, popping up with mock outrage. "You did not just trip me."
I folded my arms. "You okay there, superstar?"
"Come here and find out."
Before I could run, he lunged. I squealed and sprinted, dodging around cones and mats while everyone laughed. C-in screamed to run. Sneakers squeaked, echoes bouncing off the gym walls. I was fast—but Keifer was faster.
He caught me by the waist, spinning me full circle before I could wriggle free. Laughter spilled out of me even as I hit his shoulder, breathless. "Keifer! Put me down!"
"Never," he teased, still turning, the world a dizzy blur of gym lights and warmth and that easy smell of his cologne.
Then—too fast, too close—he set me down. I looked up just as he grinned…and his lips brushed mine. A fleeting peck, all accident and electricity.
The world stopped.
I froze. He froze.
" you did that on purpose gago " I yelled
From the bleachers, Aries shot to his feet. "Jay!"
Keifer stepped back a half‑step, startled, but Aries was already storming over. Ella grabbed his arm, trying to stop him, but he shrugged her off and reached for my wrist like he still had the right.
"Come on, we're leaving," he snapped.
"She's not," Keifer said, calm but firm, his hand catching mine before Aries could pull me away.
For a heartbeat we just stood there—two grips on me, two gazes locked, tension thick enough to choke on.
Aries glared. "Let go of my cousin."
Keifer didn't budge. His fingers tightened around mine.
" She part of section e " he replied voice commanding and dangerous
And then he did it—quick, sure, no hesitation this time. He tugged me closer and kissed me again hand cupped on my cheeks , harder, deliberate, right there in the middle of the gym.
Ella gasped. Aries froze. My heart flipped somewhere between panic and fireworks.