(Keifer's POV)
By the time I drove away from her house, I didn't turn the music back on.
I didn't need it.
Her voice was still in my head.
"I can't lose you."
My grip tightened slightly on the steering wheel.
Yeah.
That's exactly why I didn't tell her everything.
I reached home a while later, parked the car, and sat there for a second before stepping out.
The house was quiet.
Too quiet.
But I ignored it and walked in, heading straight toward my room.
My phone buzzed just as I dropped my keys on the table.
Jay.
Of course.
I picked it up.
Jay:Did you reach home?
A small breath left me—almost a laugh, but softer.
Even after everything—
that's what she asks.
Not about herself.
Not about what I said.
Just me.
I typed back.
Me:Yeah. Just got in.
The reply came almost instantly.
Jay:Okay. Good.
That was it.
Simple.
But I knew what it meant.
She just needed to know I was fine.
I shook my head slightly and ran a hand through my hair before heading to the bathroom.
Cold water helped clear my head.
A little.
But not enough.
By the time I came back and lay down on the bed, the room felt heavier than before.
Quiet.
Still.
And my thoughts—
they went straight back to her.
The way she held me.
Tight.
Like she actually meant it.
Like she needed to make sure I was still there.
And then—
her voice.
"Be safe, Keif… I can't lose you."
I stared at the ceiling, jaw tightening slightly.
She doesn't even realize how much she shows.
How easily she feels things.
Too soft.
Too real.
My Jay.
I turned slightly, resting one arm under my head.
She worries like it's her responsibility.
About me.
About things she shouldn't even have to think about.
And I—
I didn't even tell her everything.
My eyes closed slowly.
"…I'll handle it," I muttered.
For her.
Before it reaches her.
That's how it should be.
The next morning—
I woke up earlier than usual.
Didn't even need an alarm.
I reached for my phone immediately.
Opened her chat.
Typed.
Paused.
Then typed again.
Me:Good morning, Jay baby.
Sent.
I stared at the screen for a second.
Then it buzzed.
Jay:Good morning, Keif.
That was enough.
More than enough.
I got ready quickly, grabbed my keys, and left without wasting time.
The drive felt shorter today.
Or maybe I just wasn't thinking as much.
By the time I reached her place, the morning felt quieter than it should've been.
I parked outside, engine off, eyes on the gate.
Text sent.
Me:Come out.
I leaned back, waiting.
A few seconds passed.
Then the gate opened.
But it wasn't her.
Percy.
He stepped out like he owned the morning, adjusting his hair mid-step as if there was a camera somewhere.
He spotted my car.
Then me.
Then—of course—checked his reflection in the window before walking over.
I got out of the car, already knowing this wouldn't be a normal conversation.
"Morning," I said.
He stopped in front of me, eyes scanning my face like he was rating it.
"…you look tired," he said.
"I just woke up."
"Hmm." He tilted his head. "That explains it. You should really fix that. First impressions matter."
I stared at him.
"…I've seen you before," I said.
"Obviously," he replied. "People don't forget faces like mine."
Right.
Of course.
A pause.
Then he leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice just a bit—
"She was quiet last night."
There it was.
Straight to the point.
"She's fine," I said.
"That's not what I asked," he replied instantly, but then added, "Also, if she cried, I swear I'll ruin your morning—and possibly your face, which, by the way, isn't bad. Could be better though."
I blinked once.
"…she didn't cry."
"Good," he said immediately, straightening up again like nothing happened. "Because I'd hate to do something violent before breakfast. It ruins my glow."
I exhaled slowly.
This guy.
He crossed his arms, then uncrossed them just to fix his sleeve.
"You're picking her up?"
"Yeah."
"Hmm." He nodded like he was approving something. "You're consistent. I like that. Most people are disappointing."
"I'll try not to be most people."
"You better not."
A small pause.
Then he looked at me again, this time a little more serious—
but only for a second.
"Just… keep her okay," he said.
And just like that—
it was gone.
Back to normal.
Back to Percy.
Then the door opened again.
And finally—
Jay stepped out.
She adjusted her bag, walking toward the gate, her eyes landing on us.
She paused.
Definitely not expecting this combination.
Percy turned slightly toward her, instantly switching tone.
"Your ride is here," he announced dramatically, like he was introducing a scene.
I almost rolled my eyes.
Jay looked between us, confused for a second, then started walking toward us anyway.
And Percy—
he stepped aside like he had just completed his role for the morning.
But I caught it.
That one glance he gave her.
Quick.
Checking.
Making sure she was okay.
And just like that—
the day started.