Night.
Jay stood in front of her parents.
Hands behind her back.
Nervous.
But trying not to show it.
Jeena looked at her softly.
"What did you decide?"
Jasfer watched quietly.
Jay took a breath.
"We need time."
Silence.
Jeena blinked.
"Time?"
Jay nodded.
"Yes."
"We don't want to rush."
Jasfer leaned forward slightly.
"Do you like him?"
Jay paused.
A small one.
Then…
"I don't know."
Honest.
Clear.
Jeena smiled gently.
"That's okay."
Jay looked up.
Surprised.
Jasfer nodded slowly.
"Take your time."
Jay's eyes widened.
"Really?"
Jeena walked to her.
Held her face.
"We trust you."
Jay's shoulders relaxed.
Finally.
A soft smile appeared.
"Thank you, mama…"
She hugged her tightly.
Jasfer smiled.
"Just don't take forever."
Jay laughed lightly.
"I won't."
Peace.
Understanding.
Warmth filled the house.
On the other side…
The air felt different.
Heavy.
Cold.
Keifer stood in front of Keizer and Serina.
His jaw tight.
His hands clenched.
"We need time."
Silence.
But not soft like before.
Sharp.
Keizer's expression didn't change.
"No."
Keifer blinked.
"What?"
Serina looked uneasy.
"Keizer…"
But he continued.
"This isn't a game."
Keifer stepped forward.
"I'm not playing."
"I'm asking."
Keizer's voice hardened.
"And I'm answering."
"No."
Tension rose.
Fast.
Serina tried again.
"He just needs some time—"
Keizer interrupted.
"He had enough time."
Keifer laughed bitterly.
"For what?"
"To suddenly get married?"
Keizer stood up.
"Yes."
"This is life."
"It doesn't wait for your comfort."
Keifer's eyes darkened.
"And what about my choice?"
Keizer looked straight at him.
"This is your choice."
Keifer shook his head.
"No."
"This is yours."
Serina stepped between them.
"Stop."
Both went silent.
But the tension stayed.
Strong.
Unbreakable.
Keifer spoke again.
Softer now.
"I didn't say no."
"I just asked for time."
Serina looked at Keizer.
Hoping.
Waiting.
Keizer exhaled slowly.
But didn't change.
"The answer is still no."
Keifer stepped back.
Hurt.
Angry.
Confused.
"All my life…"
"I listened to you."
Keizer stayed silent.
"And now…"
"For once…"
"I'm asking something."
Still no response.
That hurt more.
Keifer laughed softly.
Empty.
"Fine."
Serina's eyes filled slightly.
"Keifer…"
He looked at her.
Soft for a moment.
Then distant again.
"I'm going out."
Keizer didn't stop him.
Didn't say anything.
That silence…
Was louder than words.
Keifer walked out.
Fast.
Breathing heavy.
Frustration building.
The door shut behind him.
Hard.
Inside…
Serina turned to Keizer.
"You're pushing him away."
Keizer closed his eyes briefly.
"I'm trying to secure his future."
Serina whispered.
"But you're breaking his present."
Silence filled the room.
Outside…
Keifer stood alone.
Under the dark sky.
This time…
Nothing felt light.
Nothing felt joyful.
For the first time…
He felt trapped.