*Continuation Of Flashback*
Jay-Jay's POV
Warmth.
That's the first thing I feel.
Not the sun. Not the blanket.
Him.
Or at least—
The memory of him.
My body is still curled slightly to the side, like I'm holding onto something that was there a few seconds ago. My cheek presses into the pillow, soft and warm, and for a moment…
I don't open my eyes.
Because I know.
If I don't move—
He's still here.
Last night flashes through my mind in pieces. Not loud. Not chaotic.
Soft.
His arms around me. His voice close to my ear. The way my name sounded when he said it like it actually meant something.
The kiss.
God.
My heart does that stupid, traitor thing again.
Slowly—
My fingers move.
Careful.
Sleepy.
Reaching across the bed like I'm not even thinking about it.
Like my body already knows where he should be.
And then—
Nothing.
…
My fingers press against empty sheets.
Cold.
I pause.
Blink once.
Twice.
"…Keifer?"
My voice comes out soft. Confused. Still half stuck in sleep.
No response.
I frown slightly and open my eyes.
The ceiling stares back at me.
Unhelpful.
I push myself up slowly, hair falling into my face, the oversized shirt slipping slightly off my shoulder—
His shirt.
Right.
That memory hits next.
Him calling me a thief. Him lifting me. Him laughing—
God.
I press my lips together, trying not to smile like an idiot this early in the morning.
Focus.
"Keifer?"
Louder this time.
Still nothing.
Okay.
That's… weird.
I look around the room.
Bed—messy. Chair—my bag. Table—
My eyes land there.
And something doesn't register at first.
Then—
It does.
I freeze.
"…No way."
I grab my phone quickly, dialing his number without even thinking.
The call connects.
It rings.
Once.
Twice.
Three times—
And then—
A sound.
Not from my phone.
From the table.
I slowly turn my head.
And there it is.
His phone.
Lying there.
Vibrating.
Mocking me.
I stare at it.
Then at my phone.
Then back at his.
Silence.
"…Seriously?"
The call ends.
I drop back onto the bed dramatically, staring at the ceiling again.
"Wow."
I let out a slow breath.
"Kidnapper boyfriend disappears without telling… great."
A pause.
Then I sigh.
But—
There's a small smile creeping onto my lips anyway.
Because of course there is.
Because this is him.
Unpredictable.
Annoying.
And somehow—
Still mine.
I sit up again, stretching slightly, trying to wake myself up properly.
"Okay… think."
Where would he go without his phone?
Bathroom?
I check.
Empty.
Balcony?
I walk over, pushing the curtain aside.
Nothing.
Just morning air and a view that does not include my missing boyfriend.
I cross my arms.
"…If he got kidnapped, I'm not saving him."
Pause.
"…Okay, I will."
Another pause.
"…But I'll complain first."
I shake my head and grab my towel.
"Fine. I'll get ready first."
The bathroom mirror greets me like it has opinions.
I squint at my reflection.
Hair? Disaster. Eyes? Sleepy. Expression? Confused and slightly offended.
"Wow," I mutter, picking up my toothbrush. "You look like someone who got abandoned."
I start brushing my teeth slowly, still half lost in thought.
And somehow—
My brain does what it always does.
It wanders.
To yesterday.
To the bus.
To—
Eunice.
Dragging Dane like she owns him.
I pause mid-brush.
"…Wait."
Foam. Realization. Suspicion.
I rinse quickly, staring at myself now like I just solved a mystery.
"Don't tell me…"
Images replay.
Dane hesitating.
Dane getting quiet.
Dane not meeting her eyes.
Which is weird—
Because Dane is never like that.
Ever.
"…No way."
I lean closer to the mirror.
"Dane… likes Eunice?"
Silence.
Then—
My eyes widen slowly.
"Oh."
Oh.
OH.
I stand there for a second.
Processing.
Connecting dots.
Replaying every interaction like I'm analyzing a crime scene.
"Okay… wait… that actually makes sense."
His calm around everyone else.
His weird awkwardness around her.
The way he looks at her when she's not looking—
My lips slowly curve into a smirk.
"Oh… this is interesting."
Very interesting.
I grab my face wash, still thinking.
Eunice—completely clueless.
Dane—completely gone.
And me?
Right in the middle of it.
My smile turns dangerous.
"Yeah… this trip just got better."
A few minutes later—
I step out of the bathroom, adjusting my shirt slightly, still thinking about how I'm going to absolutely ruin—I mean, help—their love story.
"Step one," I mutter to myself. "Observation."
Step two—
I don't even get to finish the thought.
Because suddenly—
Arms wrap around me from behind.
Firm.
Warm.
Familiar.
I gasp.
"KEIFER—!"
My heart jumps straight into my throat.
And then drops back down instantly.
Because I know.
Of course I know.
He leans closer, his face near my shoulder, his breath warm against my skin.
"Missed me?"
His voice is low.
Sleepy.
Dangerous in that calm way that makes my brain stop working.
I exhale, tension leaving my body immediately.
"You disappeared."
"You noticed."
I turn slightly in his arms, trying to glare at him.
"Your phone was here, genius."
He hums.
"Risky move."
"Stupid move."
"Same thing."
I roll my eyes, but I don't move away.
Not really.
Because his arms are still around me.
Because he hasn't let go.
Because I don't want him to.
He turns me gently to face him now.
Slow.
Intentional.
His hands linger at my waist.
And for a second—
We just look at each other.
Morning light.
Messy hair.
Barely awake.
And still—
Too much.
His lips curve slightly.
"Still came back."
I hit his chest lightly.
"You're unbelievable."
"You're still here."
"That's debatable."
"It's not."
I try to step back.
He doesn't let me.
Of course he doesn't.
"Where were you?" I ask, narrowing my eyes.
He studies my face for a second like he's deciding how honest he wants to be.
Then—
He reaches up.
Brushes a strand of my hair away from my face.
Slow.
Careful.
Too soft.
"Getting breakfast."
I blink.
"…What?"
He leans closer slightly.
Close enough that I can feel it.
That stupid tension.
That annoying, dangerous pull.
"Didn't want My Queen to get tired."
My brain—
Stops.
Completely.
"…My what?"
"My queen."
He says it like it's obvious.
Like it's normal.
Like he didn't just casually ruin my entire emotional stability at 8 a.m.
My face heats instantly.
"You're so dramatic."
"You love it."
"I do not."
"You do."
"I really don't."
"You're blushing."
"I am not—"
"You are."
"I hate you."
"You love me."
I look away.
Because if I keep looking at him right now—
I will lose.
And I don't lose.
Ever.
"Also," he adds casually, still way too close, "I left early so I wouldn't have to fight anyone for breakfast."
I glance back at him.
"…Fight?"
"Yeah."
"For what?"
"For you."
I stare.
"Keifer."
"What?"
"That sounded illegal."
"It sounded necessary."
"You're insane."
"And you're mine."
I freeze again.
God.
He needs to stop saying things like that so casually.
It's not healthy.
For me.
For my heart.
For my ability to function.
"You say things without thinking," I mutter.
"No."
He leans closer.
Slow.
Deliberate.
"I think before I say them."
That's worse.
Way worse.
I swallow.
"…That's not comforting."
"It's not meant to be."
"Then what is it meant to be?"
His eyes drop to my lips for a second.
Then back to my eyes.
"Honest."
And that—
That hits harder than it should.
For a second—
Neither of us speaks.
The air shifts.
Not playful anymore.
Not teasing.
Something softer.
Deeper.
Then—
I clear my throat, stepping back slightly.
"Where's the breakfast?"
Because I need a break.
Immediately.
He smirks.
"There it is."
"What?"
"You running away."
"I'm not running."
"You changed the topic."
"That's called survival."
"That's called losing."
"I don't lose."
"You do with me."
"Never."
"We'll see."
I cross my arms.
"Show me the food."
He laughs softly.
"Bossy."
"You started it."
"I always do."
"I noticed."
He moves past me, grabbing a bag from the table.
The smell hits instantly.
Food.
Good food.
And suddenly—
Everything feels normal again.
Almost.
He sets it down.
I move closer.
He watches me.
Of course he does.
"Eat," he says.
I look at him.
"I can feed myself."
"I know."
He opens the container anyway.
Picks something up.
Holds it near my mouth.
I stare at him.
"…You're joking."
"Open."
"I will not."
"You will."
"I won't."
"You're hungry."
"That's not the point."
"Open."
I narrow my eyes.
"You're enjoying this."
"Very much."
I hesitate.
Then—
I eat it.
Because I am hungry.
And because arguing with him is exhausting.
"Good girl."
I choke.
"EXCUSE ME?"
He smirks.
"What?"
"Don't say that."
"You listened."
"That doesn't mean—"
"You liked it."
"I did not."
"You did."
"I will throw this at you."
"You won't."
"Watch me."
"You're still eating."
I pause.
Look at the food.
Then at him.
"…You're manipulative."
"I'm effective."
I sigh.
But I'm smiling.
And he knows it.
Of course he knows it.
Because with him—
Nothing stays hidden for long.
And honestly?
That might be the most dangerous thing of all.
There's something extremely suspicious about being fed at 8 in the morning.
Like—
It feels illegal.
Or at least emotionally dangerous.
I sit cross-legged on the bed, hair still slightly messy, holding the food container while Keifer sits way too comfortably beside me like this is a daily routine.
Which—
Knowing him—
It might become one.
"Eat," he says again, picking up another bite.
I narrow my eyes.
"I can eat myself."
"I know."
He brings the food closer anyway.
I stare at him.
He stares back.
Completely serious.
Completely calm.
Like he didn't just ignore everything I said.
"You're not even listening to me."
"I am."
"Then why are you still doing it?"
"Because you'll eat faster."
"That's not the point."
"Open."
"I will not."
"Jay."
"Keifer."
A pause.
We stare at each other like this is a life-or-death situation.
Then—
He raises an eyebrow slightly.
Challenge.
I scoff.
And—
I eat it.
Because I refuse to lose.
Even if that means technically losing.
He hums in satisfaction.
"Good."
"You're annoying."
"You're eating."
"That doesn't mean I approve."
"That doesn't matter."
I glare at him, chewing slowly.
"You're way too confident for someone who just got ignored."
"I didn't get ignored."
"You did."
"You still listened."
I freeze for half a second.
"…That doesn't count."
"It counts."
"It doesn't."
"It does."
I sigh dramatically.
"This is exhausting."
"You like it."
"I don't."
"You do."
"I really don't."
"You're still sitting here."
"…I hate that you make sense."
"I know."
He leans back slightly, watching me like I'm entertainment.
Which—
Honestly—
I might be.
Because he's smiling.
That slow, satisfied smile that makes me want to both hit him and—
Not hit him.
"You're staring," I point out.
"I'm appreciating."
"That sounded worse."
"It was meant to."
"Keifer."
"What?"
"Focus on your food."
"I am."
"No, you're not."
"I'm looking at you."
"That's exactly the problem."
"It's the solution."
I blink.
"…That made no sense."
"It made perfect sense."
"No, it didn't."
"You're just distracted."
"By what?"
He leans slightly closer.
"Me."
My brain—
Shuts down again.
Great.
Fantastic.
Love that for me.
I quickly look away, grabbing another bite just to avoid eye contact.
"Eat your own food."
"I prefer yours."
"Of course you do."
"Tastes better."
"It's the same food."
"Different experience."
"That sounded suspicious."
"It was."
I pause mid-bite.
Turn slowly.
"You're doing that on purpose."
"Yes."
"I knew it."
"I like watching you react."
"I don't react."
"You do."
"I don't."
"You're blushing."
"I am not—"
"You are."
"I will throw this at you."
"You won't."
"Try me."
"You're still eating."
"…You're toxic."
"I'm effective."
I shake my head, trying not to smile again.
God.
He's impossible.
And somehow—
That's exactly the problem.
A few minutes pass.
Quieter now.
Still close.
Still… something.
I pick at the food absentmindedly, my thoughts slowly drifting back to earlier.
To the bathroom.
To that realization.
I glance at him.
He's scrolling through nothing on his phone now, clearly not even paying attention.
Just… sitting there.
Comfortable.
Like he belongs here.
With me.
Always with me.
I swallow.
"…I think Dane likes Eunice."
The words come out suddenly.
Without warning.
Without preparation.
And immediately—
He pauses.
Mid-scroll.
Mid-breath.
Then slowly looks at me.
"…You just realized?"
I blink.
"…YOU KNEW?"
He doesn't even try to hide it.
A smirk appears.
Small.
Annoying.
Confident.
"I saw them earlier."
I sit up straighter instantly.
"Tell me everything."
He leans back slightly, clearly enjoying this.
"Why?"
"Because I asked."
"Not convincing enough."
"Keifer."
"Jay."
"Don't play with me."
"I'm not."
"You are."
"I'm enjoying this."
"I can see that."
"Good."
I narrow my eyes.
"Start talking."
He studies me for a second.
Then—
He sighs like he's doing me a favor.
"He was… different."
I lean closer immediately.
"How?"
"Quieter."
"That's normal."
"Not like this."
I pause.
"…Explain."
He taps his fingers lightly against his knee, thinking.
"Less composed."
"That's also normal around Eunice."
"More than usual."
I blink.
"Wait… what?"
He looks at me.
Calm.
Certain.
"Flustered."
I stare.
"…Dane doesn't get flustered."
"He did."
"No, he doesn't."
"He did."
"No—"
"Jay."
"What?"
"I know what I saw."
Silence.
I process that.
Slowly.
Carefully.
"…Okay."
I lean even closer now.
"Continue."
His lips twitch slightly.
"You're too invested."
"I'm interested."
"You're planning something."
"I'm not."
"You are."
"I'm not."
"You are."
"…Okay, maybe a little."
He chuckles softly.
"I knew it."
"Just talk."
He nods slightly.
"His ears were red."
I freeze.
"…No."
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
"That's illegal."
"It happened."
"That's not possible."
"It is."
I stare at him like he just told me the sky turned purple.
"Dane… blushing?"
"Yes."
"…For Eunice?"
"Yes."
I sit back slightly.
Mind blown.
"Okay."
Pause.
"Okay."
Another pause.
"This is serious."
He raises an eyebrow.
"It is."
"This is life-changing information."
"You're overreacting."
"I am not."
"You are."
"I'm not."
"You are."
"I'm processing."
"You're planning."
"…Same thing."
He shakes his head, amused.
"You're dangerous."
"Thank you."
"That wasn't a compliment."
"I'll take it."
I lean forward again.
"And Eunice?"
He pauses.
Just slightly.
And something about that pause—
Makes me more curious.
"What about her?" he asks.
I stare at him.
"Tell me."
He tilts his head.
"She was… softer."
I blink.
"…What?"
"Still teasing."
"That's normal."
"But not as sharp."
I narrow my eyes.
"Explain better."
He exhales quietly.
"She didn't push him as much."
Pause.
"Watched him more."
Pause.
"Waited for his reactions."
My eyes widen slowly.
"Oh."
Oh.
That's not just Dane.
That's—
Both of them.
"…No way."
He watches me carefully now.
"You see it?"
"I see it."
I sit back again.
Heart racing slightly.
Not for me.
For them.
"This is happening."
"It is."
"This is actually happening."
"Yes."
I run a hand through my hair.
"Oh my God."
He smirks.
"You're enjoying this too much."
"I'm invested."
"You're interfering."
"I'm helping."
"Same thing."
"Different intention."
"Same result."
"Better outcome."
He leans closer slightly.
"And what outcome is that?"
I look at him.
Slowly.
Carefully.
And then—
I smile.
Not soft.
Not shy.
Dangerous.
"Okay."
He immediately reacts.
"That smile means trouble."
"It means opportunity."
"It means chaos."
"It means love."
"It means problems."
"It means solutions."
"It means I should be worried."
"Yes."
He laughs under his breath.
"Of course."
I cross my arms.
"I'm going to get them together."
Pause.
"By the end of this trip."
Silence.
He just stares at me.
Processing.
Analyzing.
Judging.
Then—
He leans back slightly.
"…You're serious."
"Very."
"You just decided this?"
"Yes."
"You don't even have a plan."
"I will."
"You're going to force them."
"I will guide them."
"That sounds worse."
"That sounds effective."
"You're scary."
"I'm helpful."
"You're interfering."
"I'm matchmaking."
"You're manipulating."
"I'm improving their lives."
He exhales, shaking his head.
"You're unbelievable."
"And you love it."
"I tolerate it."
"You adore it."
"I survive it."
"You need it."
I lean closer.
"Say you're impressed."
"I'm concerned."
"Say you're impressed."
"I'm worried."
"Say it."
He pauses.
Looks at me.
Then—
"…I'm impressed."
I grin.
"See? That wasn't hard."
"It was painful."
"You enjoyed it."
"I didn't."
"You did."
"I really didn't."
"You're smiling."
"I'm not."
"You are."
"…Stop looking at my face."
"No."
"Why?"
"I like what I see."
My heart—
Again.
Again.
Again.
This is getting ridiculous.
"You need help."
"I have you."
"That's not help."
"That's everything."
I freeze.
God.
He needs to stop doing that.
Switching from teasing to—
That.
So easily.
So unfairly.
"So," he continues casually, like he didn't just ruin my emotional stability again, "what's your plan?"
I blink.
"What?"
"Your mission."
"Oh."
Right.
That.
I sit up straighter.
"Simple."
He raises an eyebrow.
"Nothing you do is simple."
"Excuse me?"
"You're complicated."
"I'm efficient."
"You're chaotic."
"I'm strategic."
"You're dangerous."
"I'm effective."
He sighs.
"Go on."
I smirk.
"Step one—observation."
"You already did that."
"Step two—forced proximity."
He pauses.
"…That sounds illegal."
"It's romantic."
"It's suspicious."
"It's necessary."
"It's concerning."
"It's genius."
He studies me.
"…I should stop you."
"You won't."
"I might."
"You won't."
"Why?"
I lean closer.
Because I know.
Because I'm sure.
"Because you want to see it too."
Silence.
A beat.
Then—
He smirks.
"…Maybe."
I grin.
"Exactly."
He shakes his head.
"You're trouble."
"And you chose me."
"I did."
"No regrets?"
"Not yet."
"Not yet?"
"We still have two days."
I gasp dramatically.
"Unbelievable."
"I'm honest."
"You're rude."
"You're dramatic."
"You're in love with me."
I pause.
Look at him.
And this time—
I don't argue.
I just—
Smile.
Soft.
Small.
Real.
"…Unfortunately."
He watches me.
Something shifts again.
That softness.
That quiet.
That dangerous calm.
Then—
He reaches out.
Pulls me slightly closer.
Not fast.
Not forceful.
Just—
Enough.
"Good," he murmurs.
And suddenly—
Breakfast doesn't feel like breakfast anymore.
It feels like something else entirely.
Something warmer.
Something deeper.
Something—
Dangerous.
And the worst part?
I don't want to stop it.
Not even a little.
Eunice's POV
"WAKE UP."
Silence.
I narrow my eyes at the human corpse lying on the other bed.
"Dane."
No response.
I grab the nearest pillow.
And throw it.
Hard.
It hits his face with a satisfying thud.
He groans.
"…It's too early."
I cross my arms.
"It's breakfast time."
A pause.
Then—
"…That's worse."
I gasp.
"Excuse me? Food is a blessing."
"Sleep is a bigger blessing."
"You're ungrateful."
"You're loud."
"You're annoying."
"You woke me up."
"You were already awake."
"I was dreaming."
"About what?"
"Peace."
I snort.
"That's boring."
He sighs, dragging a hand over his face before finally sitting up.
Hair messy.
Eyes half closed.
Looking like he absolutely regrets existing right now.
Good.
"That's your fault," he mutters.
"My fault?"
"You exist loudly."
I place a hand on my chest dramatically.
"Wow. Attack me first thing in the morning. I see how it is."
"You started it."
"I improved it."
"You ruined it."
"You're welcome."
He stares at me.
I stare back.
Then—
He exhales.
And there's a small smile there.
Victory.
I grin.
"Get up. We're getting breakfast."
"I don't want to."
"I didn't ask."
"I'm not going."
"You are."
"I'm not."
"Dane."
"Eunice."
"Move."
"…No."
I walk over.
Stand right in front of him.
Arms crossed.
Eyes narrowed.
"Move."
He looks up at me.
Slowly.
Like he's evaluating his life choices.
"…You're scary."
"I know."
"…Fine."
He stands up.
Finally.
Dragging himself toward the bathroom like he's being forced into a war.
"Faster," I call out.
"I'm going as fast as my will to live allows."
"That's slow."
"That's accurate."
A few minutes later—
We're both getting ready.
And by "both," I mean I'm ready and he's still existing at half speed.
"You're slow."
"You're loud."
"You already said that."
"It's still true."
I roll my eyes, fixing my hair.
"You should be grateful I woke you up."
"You should apologize."
"For what?"
"For existing this early."
"That makes no sense."
"Neither do you."
I turn to him.
"You're very disrespectful for someone I just saved from starvation."
"I would've survived."
"You would've starved."
"I would've slept."
"You would've died."
"That's dramatic."
"That's realistic."
He chuckles softly.
And something about that—
Feels… lighter.
I pause for a second.
Then shake it off.
"You ready yet?"
"Yes."
"No, you're not."
"I am."
"You're still standing there."
"I'm thinking."
"Stop thinking. Move."
He walks past me.
And as he does—
Our shoulders brush.
Light.
Accidental.
But—
Something about it lingers.
We both pause.
Just for a second.
Then—
"Let's go," I say quickly.
"Yeah," he replies.
And we leave.
Jay-Jay's POV
I already know.
The moment I step into the dining area—
Chaos is about to begin.
And I'm ready for it.
Very ready.
Keifer walks beside me, hands casually in his pockets like he owns the place.
Which—
Knowing him—
He probably does.
"Try not to start anything," he murmurs.
I glance at him.
"I never start anything."
"You end everything."
"That's different."
"That's worse."
"It's effective."
He smirks.
"I'll be watching."
"You always are."
"Of course."
We step further in—
And there they are.
Eunice.
Dane.
Already here.
Already arguing.
Of course they are.
Eunice spots Keifer first.
Her eyes narrow immediately.
Suspicious.
Judgmental.
Dramatic.
"Where's Jay?"
Keifer doesn't even blink.
"Safe."
Dane looks at him.
"That sounds threatening."
"It should."
I bite back a laugh.
God.
This is going to be fun.
I step forward.
"Miss me?"
Eunice turns—
And immediately freezes.
Then—
She gasps.
Loud.
Extra.
"WOW."
I blink.
"What?"
She points at me dramatically.
"Queen treatment already?"
I choke slightly.
"Excuse me?"
She grabs my arm, pulling me closer like she's inspecting evidence.
"Look at you."
"What about me?"
"You look—"
She pauses.
Then smirks.
"Taken."
My face heats.
"I was already taken."
"Not like this."
"What does that mean?"
"It means he's upgraded his service."
I turn to Keifer.
"…Service?"
He shrugs slightly.
"Premium."
I hit his arm.
"Stop encouraging her."
"I'm just being honest."
"You're being annoying."
"You like it."
"I don't."
"You do."
"I really don't."
"You're smiling."
"I am not—"
"You are."
"I will leave."
"You won't."
"I will."
"You can't."
"Watch me."
"You're still standing here."
"…I hate all of you."
"Love you too," Eunice says instantly.
We sit down.
Together.
And immediately—
The interrogation begins.
Dane looks at Keifer.
Calm.
Direct.
"You went to get breakfast for her?"
Keifer nods once.
"Yes."
Eunice leans forward.
"Alone?"
"Yes."
Dane raises an eyebrow.
"…Voluntarily?"
"Yes."
Silence.
A beat.
Then—
Eunice slams her hand on the table.
"WHIPPED."
I choke.
Actually choke.
"EUNICE—"
Keifer doesn't even react.
He just—
Shrugs slightly.
"Correct."
I stare at him.
"…You're not even denying it?"
"No."
"Why?"
"Because it's true."
Eunice gasps.
"HE ADMITTED IT."
Dane shakes his head, amused.
"This is new."
"This is entertaining," Eunice adds.
"This is embarrassing," I mutter.
Keifer leans closer slightly.
Voice low.
Only for me.
"You like it."
"I don't."
"You do."
"I really don't."
"You do."
"I will throw something at you."
"You won't."
"Try me."
"You're still sitting here."
"…You're impossible."
"And you're mine."
I freeze.
Again.
God.
He needs to stop doing that.
Dropping lines like that in the middle of chaos.
It's not fair.
It's not safe.
It's not—
Okay, it's a little okay.
But still.
I look away quickly, grabbing my drink just to avoid eye contact.
"Drink," he says softly.
"I can drink myself."
"I know."
He still moves the glass closer.
Of course he does.
I glare.
Drink anyway.
Eunice watches everything.
Of course she does.
"Wow," she mutters. "This is painful to watch."
"Then don't watch," I shoot back.
"I can't. It's too entertaining."
Dane nods.
"Agreed."
"You're both annoying."
"And you're both obvious," Eunice counters.
Silence.
I open my mouth—
Close it again.
Because—
She's not wrong.
And I hate that.
I glance at Dane and Eunice.
And immediately—
I see it.
There.
Right there.
Eunice reaches for food—
Without looking—
Dane moves the plate closer to her.
Instinctively.
Naturally.
Like it's nothing.
She pauses.
Looks at him.
"…Thanks."
His response?
Soft.
Barely there.
"Yeah."
And that's it.
But it's not just that.
It's the way he looks at her after.
It's the way she doesn't move away immediately.
It's the silence that lingers just a second too long.
I smirk.
Oh.
This is happening.
This is definitely happening.
Keifer notices my expression.
Of course he does.
He leans slightly closer.
"What?"
I glance at him.
Then subtly nod toward them.
"Look."
He does.
Watches.
Observes.
Then—
He exhales quietly.
"I told you."
"I know."
"You're enjoying this."
"I love this."
"You're going to interfere."
"I'm going to help."
"Same thing."
"Different intention."
"Same result."
"Better outcome."
He studies me for a second.
Then smirks.
"You're dangerous."
"Thank you."
"That wasn't a compliment."
"I'll take it."
He leans closer.
Lower.
Softer.
"And if you try something risky…"
I tilt my head.
"What?"
"I'll be right there."
My heart—
Again.
This is getting exhausting.
"In case you fall?" I tease.
"In case you get in trouble."
"I don't get in trouble."
"You create it."
"I manage it."
"You escalate it."
"I improve it."
He chuckles.
"You're unbelievable."
"And you love it."
"I tolerate it."
"You adore it."
"I survive it."
"You need it."
I grin.
"Say you're impressed."
"I'm concerned."
"Say it."
He pauses.
Then—
"…I'm impressed."
I beam.
"See? That wasn't hard."
"It was painful."
"You enjoyed it."
"I didn't."
"You did."
"I really didn't."
"You're smiling."
"…Stop looking at my face."
"No."
"Why?"
"I like what I see."
I freeze.
Again.
This man is a problem.
A serious problem.
And the worst part?
I don't want a solution.
Across from us—
Eunice suddenly leans forward.
"Why are you two whispering?"
"We're not," I reply instantly.
"You are."
"We're talking."
"You're plotting."
"She's plotting," Keifer corrects calmly.
"WOW," I gasp. "Traitor."
"Honest."
"Rude."
"Accurate."
Eunice narrows her eyes.
"I don't trust either of you."
"Good," I say sweetly. "You shouldn't."
Dane chuckles softly.
And again—
That look.
That softness.
Only for her.
I catch it.
And this time—
I don't hide my smile.
Because yeah.
This trip?
Is about to get very, very interesting.
If chaos had a physical form—
It would be this.
Students everywhere. Voices overlapping. Bags dropping. Someone already arguing about snacks like it's a life-or-death situation.
And in the middle of it all—
Me.
Standing beside the one person who somehow makes everything else fade out.
"Stay in groups. No wandering off."
The teacher's voice cuts through the noise.
"We'll be doing sightseeing, group activities, and scheduled stops. Follow the itinerary."
I nod absentmindedly.
But I'm not really listening anymore.
Because—
"Stay in groups."
Slowly…
I turn my head.
Keifer is already looking at me.
Of course he is.
His eyebrow lifts slightly.
A silent question.
A silent warning.
A silent I know what you're thinking.
I say nothing.
He says nothing.
But somehow—
We both already know.
This is not going to go according to plan.
The bus ride starts.
Again.
But this time—
It's louder.
More alive.
More chaotic.
Eunice is singing badly.
Dane is regretting life.
And I?
I'm sitting beside Keifer—
Which is already dangerous enough.
"Seatbelt," he murmurs.
"I'm not a child."
"Seatbelt."
"I can—"
Click.
He leans over.
Fast.
Effortless.
Straps it for me.
I freeze.
Because he's close.
Too close.
His hand brushes my waist slightly.
And my brain just—
Stops.
"There," he says casually.
Like he didn't just casually destroy my ability to function.
"I could've done that."
"I know."
"Then why didn't you let me?"
"Because I wanted to."
"That's not a valid reason."
"It is for me."
I look away.
Because—
No.
No eye contact right now.
Absolutely not.
The bus starts moving.
And within seconds—
Someone bumps into me from the aisle.
Before I can even react—
Keifer's hand is there.
Firm.
At my waist.
Pulling me slightly closer to him.
"Careful."
His voice is low.
Protective.
Annoyingly soft.
"I'm fine," I mutter.
"I know."
"Then why—"
"Because I don't like people bumping into you."
"That's not their fault."
"It's still a problem."
"You're dramatic."
"You attract trouble."
"I do not."
"You do."
"I don't."
"You do."
"I will move seats."
"You won't."
"I will."
"You can't."
"Watch me."
"You're still sitting here."
"…I hate you."
"You love me."
I cross my arms.
"Debatable."
"Not really."
We reach the first stop.
And immediately—
Chaos resumes.
People running. Taking pictures. Shouting names.
Eunice grabs my arm.
"COME ON."
"I'm coming—wait—"
Before I can even take a proper step—
Keifer's hand finds mine.
Naturally.
Like it belongs there.
Like it always has.
"Stay close," he says.
"I can walk."
"I know."
"Then—"
"You'll get lost."
"I won't."
"You will."
"I won't."
"You already are."
"I'm literally right here."
"Exactly."
I stare at him.
"…That made no sense."
"It made perfect sense."
"No, it didn't."
"You're just distracted."
"By what?"
He glances at me.
Slow.
Intentional.
"Me."
I hate him.
I actually hate him.
Because why does that work every time?
We walk through the crowd.
And I notice it.
Every little thing.
The way his hand tightens slightly when people get too close.
The way he shifts his position so I'm always on the safer side.
The way he—
"Drink."
I blink.
"What?"
He's holding my water bottle.
Open.
Already.
"You didn't drink."
"I was walking."
"Now you're not."
"I can open it myself."
"I know."
"Then why—"
"Drink."
I glare.
Drink anyway.
He watches me.
Satisfied.
"You're impossible."
"You're hydrated."
"That's not the point."
"That's the result."
We stop for pictures.
Eunice is already posing like she's on a magazine cover.
"Jay! Come here!"
I move toward her—
But before I get there—
Keifer stops me.
I turn.
"What?"
He reaches up.
Fixes my hair.
Gently.
Carefully.
Like it matters.
"Now go."
I blink.
"…You're doing too much."
"I'm doing enough."
"That was unnecessary."
"That was necessary."
"For what?"
"So you look perfect."
I freeze.
Because—
What.
"Keifer—"
"Go."
I walk away.
Because if I stay there any longer—
I will combust.
"Wow," Eunice says, staring at me.
"What?"
"Queen treatment."
I roll my eyes.
"Shut up."
"I want this level of treatment."
"Find your own Keifer."
She sighs dramatically.
"Where do I order one?"
"Nowhere."
"Unfair."
Across from us—
Dane speaks.
Quiet.
Barely audible.
"…Working on it."
Eunice doesn't hear.
But I do.
And I freeze for half a second.
Then slowly—
I smile.
Oh.
Oh, this is perfect.
Mission Mode: Activated.
Attempt 1
We reach a small seating area.
Benches.
Limited space.
Opportunity.
I turn to them.
"Oh no."
Eunice looks at me.
"What?"
"Only two seats."
She blinks.
"…There are five empty seats."
I point dramatically.
"NO."
She stares at me.
"…What?"
"Sit."
She narrows her eyes.
"You're being weird."
"I'm being helpful."
"You're being suspicious."
"I'm being efficient."
Dane watches quietly.
Already understanding.
Of course he does.
"Just sit," I insist.
Eunice sighs dramatically.
"Fine."
She sits.
Dane hesitates.
Then sits beside her.
Not too close.
But not far either.
I nod to myself.
Success.
I turn—
Only to find Keifer watching me.
Arms crossed.
Amused.
"You're obvious."
"I'm effective."
"You're interfering."
"I'm helping."
"Same thing."
"Different intention."
"Same result."
"Better outcome."
He shakes his head.
"You're enjoying this too much."
"I'm invested."
"You're dangerous."
"I'm helpful."
"You're trouble."
"And you chose me."
"I did."
"No regrets?"
"Not yet."
"Not yet?"
"We still have time."
I gasp.
"Unbelievable."
"I'm honest."
"You're rude."
"You're in love with me."
I freeze.
"…Shut up."
He smirks.
"Make me."
I turn away immediately.
Because—
No.
Not today.
Not in public.
Not with witnesses.
Attempt 2
We start walking again.
And this time—
I act.
"Wait here," I say casually.
Eunice frowns.
"Why?"
"I forgot something."
"You didn't forget anything."
"I did."
"What?"
"…My patience."
She stares at me.
"Go," I push lightly.
"I'll be back."
Before she can argue—
I grab Keifer's arm.
Pull him away.
Fast.
"What are you doing?" he asks.
"I'm giving them space."
"You're abandoning them."
"I'm helping them."
"You're interfering."
"Same thing."
"Different intention."
"Same result."
"Better outcome."
He sighs.
"You're unbelievable."
"And you love it."
"I tolerate it."
"You adore it."
"I survive it."
"You need it."
He pulls me slightly closer.
"Careful."
"With what?"
"You're enjoying this too much."
"I'm helping love bloom."
"You're playing with fire."
"I'm controlling it."
"You're starting it."
"I'm guiding it."
He leans closer.
Voice lower.
"And if it backfires?"
I tilt my head.
"It won't."
"You're confident."
"I'm right."
"You usually are."
"I know."
He stares at me.
Then—
Smirks.
"Dangerous."
"Effective."
Meanwhile — Dane & Eunice
Eunice looks around.
"…Where did Jay go?"
Dane glances ahead.
Then back at her.
"…On a mission."
She squints.
"That sounded suspicious."
"It is."
"Should we be worried?"
"Yes."
"…Great."
Attempt 3
We come back later.
And this time—
I don't interrupt.
I just watch.
From a distance.
Because—
They're talking.
Not arguing.
Not teasing loudly.
Just—
Talking.
And then—
Eunice laughs.
Not dramatic.
Not exaggerated.
Real.
Dane smiles.
Not small.
Not hidden.
Open.
Soft.
And for a second—
It's just them.
No chaos.
No noise.
No interference.
Just—
Something.
I feel something warm settle in my chest.
"That's your doing?" Keifer asks quietly beside me.
I shake my head.
"No."
"What then?"
"That's them."
He watches too.
Then nods slightly.
"…Good."
I smile.
"Very."
He glances at me again.
"You're proud."
"I should be."
"You didn't do much."
"I started it."
"They continued it."
"Same thing."
"Different effort."
"Same result."
"Better outcome."
He chuckles.
"You're impossible."
"And you love it."
"I do."
I blink.
Because—
Wait.
"…You just admitted that."
He shrugs.
"I'm honest."
"You're dangerous."
"You're mine."
I freeze again.
God.
This man.
I look away quickly.
Because if I don't—
I will absolutely lose my mind.
And somewhere in between the chaos…
the laughter…
the teasing…
and the quiet moments—
I realize something.
This trip?
Isn't just about memories.
It's about moments.
The kind you don't plan.
The kind you don't expect.
The kind that just—
happen.
And somehow—
become everything.
Evening feels different here.
Softer.
Quieter.
Like the world finally decided to slow down after a whole day of chaos.
The sky fades into deep shades of blue and black, tiny stars blinking awake one by one. The air turns colder, brushing against my skin just enough to make me notice.
And then—
The fire lights.
A spark.
A crackle.
And suddenly—
Warmth.
Students gather around, voices blending into laughter, music playing somewhere in the background, someone already telling exaggerated stories like they're the main character.
It's messy.
Loud.
Perfect.
"Come on!" Eunice yells, grabbing my wrist and dragging me toward the bonfire. "We're sitting here."
"I have legs—"
"I don't trust them."
"That's rude."
"That's accurate."
I stumble slightly, but before I can fully lose my balance—
A hand catches mine.
Steady.
Familiar.
Of course.
Keifer.
"Careful."
"I'm fine."
"I know."
"Then why—"
"I like holding you."
I freeze.
Just for a second.
Because—
That was way too casual.
Way too soft.
Way too dangerous.
"You say things without thinking," I mutter.
"I think before I say them."
"That's worse."
"It's honest."
I don't reply.
Because if I do—
I will lose again.
And I've already lost too many times today.
We sit down.
Close.
Too close.
Not that I'm complaining.
Not that I would ever admit that.
The fire flickers in front of us, casting warm light across faces, shadows dancing around like they're part of the moment.
I tuck my hands slightly under my sleeves.
Cold.
A little.
Not much.
Not enough to—
"Cold?"
I turn.
Keifer's already looking at me.
Of course he is.
"No."
A pause.
Then—
He pulls me closer anyway.
Effortless.
Natural.
Like it's not even a question.
Like it's not even something he needs permission for.
"Keifer—"
"Stay."
"I didn't say anything."
"You were going to."
"I wasn't."
"You were."
"I wasn't."
"You are."
"I'm not."
"You're already here."
"…I hate you."
"You love me."
I sigh.
But I don't move.
Because—
I don't want to.
And he knows that.
Of course he does.
His arm rests loosely around me now.
Not tight.
Not forced.
Just—
There.
Warm.
Safe.
Dangerous in the softest way.
Across from us—
Eunice and Dane.
And I notice it immediately.
Of course I do.
They're sitting beside each other.
Not too close.
But not far either.
Eunice is talking.
Animated.
Dramatic.
Hands moving everywhere like she's explaining the meaning of life.
Dane?
He's watching her.
Not distracted.
Not half-listening.
Actually watching.
Like everything she says matters.
Like she matters.
And then—
She reaches for food.
At the same time—
He does too.
Their hands brush.
Light.
Accidental.
But—
They pause.
Just for a second.
And neither of them pulls away immediately.
Something shifts.
Soft.
Quiet.
Unspoken.
Then—
Eunice clears her throat.
"…You take it."
Dane shakes his head slightly.
"You first."
She rolls her eyes.
"You're annoying."
"You're loud."
"You like it."
Pause.
And this time—
He doesn't hesitate.
"…Yeah."
She freezes for half a second.
But laughs it off.
Because she doesn't realize.
Not yet.
But I do.
And I smile.
Because yeah.
This?
This is happening.
"Why are you smiling like that?"
Keifer's voice pulls me back.
I glance at him.
"What?"
"You look like you're plotting."
"I'm not plotting."
"You are."
"I'm observing."
"You're interfering."
"I'm helping."
"Same thing."
"Different intention."
"Same result."
"Better outcome."
He shakes his head slightly.
"You're enjoying this too much."
"I'm invested."
"You're dangerous."
"I'm helpful."
"You're trouble."
"And you chose me."
"I did."
"No regrets?"
"Not yet."
I turn to him.
"Not yet?"
"We still have the night."
I gasp.
"Unbelievable."
"I'm honest."
"You're rude."
"You're in love with me."
He doesn't even pause.
"Yes."
My breath—
Catches.
Because—
He said that too easily.
Too naturally.
Too—
Real.
I look away quickly.
Because if I don't—
I will absolutely not survive this night.
"Okay," Eunice suddenly says loudly, leaning forward. "Important question."
I blink.
"What?"
She points at Keifer.
"Blink twice if you're forced into this."
I choke.
"EUNICE—"
Keifer doesn't even hesitate.
"I chose this."
Silence.
Dane snorts.
"He's gone."
"He's happy," I shoot back instantly.
Eunice stares between us.
"…You two are disgusting."
"Thank you," Keifer replies calmly.
"That wasn't a compliment."
"I'll take it."
"You're unbelievable."
"And she still chose me."
"I regret everything," I mutter.
"You don't."
"I do."
"You don't."
"I really do."
"You're still sitting here."
"…I hate that you make sense."
"I know."
Music gets louder.
Someone starts singing.
Badly.
Very badly.
Eunice joins immediately.
Of course she does.
Dane covers his face.
"I don't know her."
"You love me," she shoots back.
"I tolerate you."
"You adore me."
"I survive you."
"You need me."
He sighs.
"…Unfortunately."
I grin.
Because wow.
This is too good.
Time passes.
Slowly.
Warmly.
The fire crackles.
Voices soften.
Laughter fades into something quieter.
More real.
I lean slightly into Keifer.
Not thinking.
Just—
Doing.
My head rests lightly against his shoulder.
And immediately—
He stills.
Just for a second.
Then—
His arm tightens slightly around me.
"Comfortable?" he murmurs.
"Very."
"Good."
"Why?"
"Because I'm not moving."
I smile faintly.
"You better not."
"I won't."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
A pause.
Then—
"Also," he adds casually, "if you move, I might take it personally."
I laugh softly.
"You're dramatic."
"I'm sensitive."
"You're not sensitive."
"I am with you."
That—
Hits.
Again.
And I don't even try to argue this time.
Because I know.
He means it.
I glance around.
At everyone.
At the fire.
At the laughter.
At the small, quiet moments happening between people who don't even realize they're creating memories.
And something settles inside me.
Soft.
Warm.
Real.
This… this is what I wanted.
Not just the trip.
Not just the place.
But this feeling.
This kind of happiness that doesn't feel forced.
That doesn't feel temporary.
That just—
Exists.
Keifer shifts slightly.
I feel it.
Before I even see it.
Then—
Something soft touches my hair.
A kiss.
Light.
Gentle.
Like it's just for me.
I close my eyes for a second.
Because—
Yeah.
This.
This is dangerous.
And I don't want it to end.
In the background—
Dane is still looking at Eunice.
She's laughing at something completely random.
He's not laughing.
He's just—
Looking.
Like she's the reason he is.
And for once—
He doesn't look away.
The fire crackles.
The night deepens.
The laughter fades into soft conversations.
And I stay there.
Right where I am.
With him.
Because for once—
I don't want to move forward.
I don't want to rush anything.
I just want to stay.
In this moment.
Exactly like this.
Jay-Jay's Inner Voice
Some days weren't meant to change everything…
Some were just meant to make you feel everything.
Author's Note
Thank you all for the love and support that you give to me and my book. I really appreciate it.
I am really sorry for not uploading, there was some issue and I was not able to upload. That is why this chapter got uploaded late.
Also, I wanted to tell all of you that, read my short book of only 10 chapter -: Three Hours, One Storeroom.
It is completed. Please show your love and support to it as well.
As for my second book, The Love Flower. I have paused it because I have not been getting time to write it.
And due to my studies, I will post new chapters in 2-3 days gap.
Thank you for reading my book till now.
Also, follow me on Instagram -: @aerin_solea
Love you My wonderful Readers!