KIEFER'S POV
I was beyond happy.
Honestly, celebrating my birthday almost a month after my actual birthday was something I never imagined would happen.
But she did it.
Jay Jay actually pulled off an entire surprise party.
For me.
Just for me.
And judging by how much my cheeks hurt, the smile on my face was probably miles wide right now. We made our way toward the center of the rooftop where everyone was busy talking, laughing, and enjoying themselves.
I was still catching up with everyone when two familiar voices called out—
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KUYA!"
I turned around and immediately spotted Keigan and Keiran standing there with matching grins on their faces.
Of course. There was no way my brothers would miss my birthday. Even if it was a month late. I shook my head, smiling.
"Thank you." Then I narrowed my eyes. "No wonder you two were at your friend's house 'studying.'"
Keigan laughed.
"Well, it was worth it, isn't it?"
I looked around at everyone.
At the decorations.
At my friends.
At Jay.
And smiled.
"Yeah. It definitely is."
We chatted for a few more minutes before everyone suddenly dragged me toward the cake.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur.
Cake cutting.
Games.
Food.
Drinks.
Laughter.
Teasing.
And for the first time in a very long while...I genuinely enjoyed my birthday.
Some people were already half asleep. Some were slightly drunk. Others were loudly arguing over a game. Meanwhile, I was perfectly fine. One advantage of having an absurd alcohol tolerance.
I was taking a sip of my drink when suddenly—The lights went out. The entire rooftop fell silent.
A single spotlight illuminated the center of the stage. Then a familiar voice echoed through the speakers.
"We would like to invite our birthday boy to step into the spotlight."
Edrix.
Of course.
I had absolutely no idea what they were planning. But at this point, I was too curious not to find out. So I did as instructed. I walked onto the stage and stepped into the beam of light. The crowd immediately started cheering. I laughed and shook my head. Idiots.
Before I could say anything, another spotlight appeared.
And then...I saw her.
Jay Jay.
She slowly walked toward me. The entire rooftop fell silent. Even Section E. Which was honestly impressive.
She stopped a few feet towards from me.
A microphone rested in one hand. The other was hidden behind her back. Her expression was nervous. And that alone made my heart race. Then she spoke.
"I hope you're enjoying your night, Keifer."
I smiled. Very much. She took a deep breath.
"But before we wrap everything up...There's something I want to confess to you."
The teasing smiles immediately disappeared from everyone's faces. Now they were just watching. Waiting. Jay slowly took a few steps closer. Her eyes never leaving mine.
"If someone had told me eight months ago that I, Jasper Jean Mariano would fall in love with you I would've asked them what drugs they were taking."
The crowd immediately reacted. I, however, forgot how to breathe. Laughter echoed around us. But my attention remained completely fixed on her.
"Because back then...I never imagined this....I never imagined you would become such an important part of my life."
My heart was beating so hard I could hear it.
"I don't know when it happened Or how it happened. But it did. You became my love. My comfort zone. My safe place. My happiness."
Her eyes glistened.
"My everything."
A few people were already tearing up. Percy was openly crying. Dramatic idiot.
Then Jay slowly knelt down in front of me. The entire rooftop gasped. Including me. Because there was absolutely no way—
No.
No way.
She pulled a small box from behind her back. Then looked up at me. And smiled.
"So today...I want to ask you something."
I swear my heart stopped.
"Mark Keifer Watson...Will you be my boyfriend?"
Silence.
Complete silence.
My brain stopped functioning.
She confessed.
To me.
Jay Jay.
Confessed.
To me.
What?
What?!
Was I dreaming?
Had I died?
Did someone spike my drink?
I just stood there.
Frozen.
Completely frozen.
Unable to process what had just happened.
Then I noticed something.
Jay was still kneeling.
Waiting.
Waiting for my answer.
Oh.
OH.
Immediately, I stepped forward. Closed the distance between us. And helped her stand. The moment she was on her feet, I grabbed her hands. Then answered with the loudest voice I had ever used in my life.
"YES!"
The crowd erupted. But I wasn't finished.
"Yes! A million times yes, Jay!"
That was all it took.
She immediately dropped the microphone and threw her arms around my neck. I caught her instantly. Wrapping my arms around her waist. Holding her as tightly as possible. Like she might disappear if I let go.
The rooftop exploded into cheers.
Whistles.
Screaming.
And what sounded suspiciously like Felix sobbing. But none of it mattered. Because right now...My entire world was in my arms.
After what felt like an eternity—but was probably only a few seconds—we finally pulled apart.
Section E immediately started losing their minds.
"FINALLY!"
"IT TOOK YOU TWO LONG ENOUGH!"
"WE WON!"
"THE HUSBAND AND WIFE AGENDA PREVAILS!"
I laughed. But my eyes never left Jay. Not for even a second.
She picked up the small box and placed it in my hand.
"Your birthday gift. Open it later."
She smiled softly. I nodded. Without hesitation, I slipped it into my pocket. Because honestly? Nothing inside that box could possibly make me happier than I already was.
After all...Tonight, I had gotten the one thing I wanted most.
Her. ❤️