Jay Jay's POV
The next week, school felt... different.
Keifer was no longer loud, chaotic, or reckless in his usual way. Instead, he moved with purpose, always keeping an eye on me. It was subtle, almost invisible to everyone else-but I noticed.
He's acting differently. But he's still... Keifer.
---
At morning in homeroom, my pencil rolled off the table. Keifer bent down and picked it up before anyone else even saw.
When a classmate tried to push past me in the hallway, Keifer was suddenly there, blocking the path.
I froze.
Why... is he acting like this?
Aries glared. "Bro... are you seriously babysitting my sister now?"
Keifer ignored him, eyes had only on me.
Yuri whispered to Percy, "Something's up. He's... serious this time."
Percy shrugged. "Protective Keifer mode activated."
---
At lunch break under the mango tree, I tried to sit with my usual space between me and Keifer.
But he scooted closer than usual, not touching me, but close enough that it felt... intentional.
I tried to focus on my food, but his presence made my chest tighten.
"Jay... are you sure you're okay?" Keifer asked softly, leaning just enough to catch my gaze.
I forced a small smile. "I'm fine."
He didn't push. Just nodded, I could his eyes lingering on me for a moment longer than usual.
Why does it feel like he's... reading my mind?
---
My ankle twisted slightly during a quick run for warm-up after PE. Not enough to fall, but enough to wince.
Before I could even take another step, Keifer was beside me.
"You okay?" His tone wasn't loud—it was soft, controlled, but intense.
"I'm fine. It's just a small—"
"Let me see."
He crouched down, his eye level to my ankle, careful, gentle. Not touching—just checking.
I swallowed, unsure why my heart felt unsteady.
"It's not swollen," he said, standing straight again. "Walk slowly."
Aries walked past and pointed an accusatory finger. "Stop acting like her doctor, Keifer."
Keifer gave him a blank look. "Then act like her brother."
Aries choked. Yuri gasped. Percy's jaw dropped.
I slapped my hands to my face. Why did he say that out loud?!
---
Back at home, I sat on my bed, staring at the ceiling.
He knows... and yet... he's still here. Caring. Watching. Protecting me...
My feelings were confusing. Every protective gesture, every soft word, made my chest ache.
I... I think I'm starting to... care for him too. But I can't. Not yet. Not while this secret is between us.
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Keifer's POV
That night, I stared out the window, rain dripping down the glass.
She doesn't know I know... and she's acting differently too. I can see it. The way she looks at me... the way she tensed up when I'm near...
I clenched my fists. "I won't let anything come between us. Not her feelings. Not anyone else. Not even time."
For the first time, I felt the weight of responsibility-of the promise our mothers made, and of the feelings growing in my chest.
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END OF CHAPTER 12
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Author's note 💓
Hey guys, I know you all are bored because the story is getting dragged into the same thing and short chapter. I'm really sorry for that. But trust me next chapter is the revelation and will be longer.
Target 🎯
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