Jay's POV
The moment we pulled up to their house, my jaw dropped. It wasn't just a house — it was a mansion. Like, straight out of one of those glossy magazines Ma sometimes reads. Everything shimmered in the evening light, from the wide porch to the tall glass windows that reflected the pink sky.
At the door stood Tito Keizer and Tita Serina, smiling so warmly that I instantly felt at home. But my gaze went straight to the golden retriever wagging its tail beside them.
"Oh my gosh, hi there!" I gasped, running over before anyone could stop me. The golden fluffball let out a happy bark and started licking my hands as I scratched behind its ears. "You're such a good baby," I laughed.
"Aw!" Jane cooed, snapping a picture on her phone while Jare offered me a hand to stand up, both of them laughing at the dog slobber on my cheek.
"Welcome!" Tito Keizer said, pulling Pa into a hug full of nostalgia.
"Jay, Jare, and Jane — my little anaks," Tita Serina said warmly. "Follow me, I'll show you your rooms."
The house smelled faintly of vanilla candles and something buttery — probably dinner. The staircase curved up like something out of a fairytale, and my sneakers squeaked softly against the polished floors.
Jare's room was on the second floor, right next to Jane's, and mine was beside his. But there was another door at the end of the hall — one with a neat little Do Not Disturb sign hanging crookedly on the knob.
"Sheesh," I muttered with a grin. "Someone's serious about their privacy."
When I stepped into my room, my breath caught. It was at least ten times bigger than my room at home! The walls were painted soft cream, and sunlight spilled through sheer curtains. There was a walk-in closet already filled with clothes, an attached bathroom with fluffy towels, and a big TV mounted on the wall.
I spun slowly, taking it all in. It was perfect. Almost too perfect. Until I noticed something odd — a narrow door tucked to the right side of the room.
Curious, I reached out to touch the handle, but before I could open it, Tita Serina appeared in the doorway with her gentle smile.
"Oh, sweetheart," she said kindly. "I'm guessing you're wondering about that door. It connects to my son's room. Sorry if he ends up bothering you," she added with a wink.
I laughed softly. "Don't worry, Tita. I can handle a neighbor."
She chuckled and patted my arm. "Freshen up and come down for dinner soon, okay?"
"Will do, Tita."
As she left, I turned back toward the connecting door. My smile lingered, but this time it was more curious than amused. Whoever her son was, he already had a mystery vibe — and for some reason, I kinda liked it.
After freshening up, I decided to step out and explore a little before dinner. The hallway was quiet, bathed in golden light that made everything look gentle and unreal. I was halfway down the corridor when I turned a corner—and collided with someone's chest.
Strong hands caught me before I could fall back. The warm scent of soap and fresh cedar filled my head.
"Careful," a low voice murmured.
My breath hitched. I knew that voice. Slowly, I looked up—and nearly forgot how to breathe.
"Keifer…?"
His eyes met mine, calm but sharp, and then a tiny crease formed between his brows. "Jay?" he said in surprise.
For a second, we just stared at each other, the silence stretching like something unspoken was simmering beneath it. His hand was still on my arm, his touch steady but impossibly warm. Another on my waist.
"You're a Watson?!" I finally blurted, words tumbling out before my brain could catch them.
A soft laugh escaped him, low and teasing. "Last time I checked, yeah. Didn't think one of my classmates would be the guest my mom kept talking about."
I swallowed, trying to act casual while my pulse hammered like crazy. "Trust me, I didn't expect to walk into your house either."
He leaned one hand on the wall beside me, close enough that our shoulders almost brushed. "Small world," he said, voice dipping into a playful drawl. "Or maybe… fate just likes drama."
I tried to roll my eyes, but my smile gave me away. "You wish."
Downstairs, Tita Serina's voice floated up. "Dinner's ready!"
Keifer stepped back at last, a faint grin tugging at his lips. "Come on, before Ma thinks I kidnapped you."
I followed him down the stairs, my heartbeat still trying to find its rhythm. There were a hundred things I could've said—but all I could think about was the way he'd looked at me.
And how a silly little crush suddenly didn't feel so little anymore.
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A/N 💌 check comments
Heyyy my Jayfer fam!! 💞 You've been begging for some Jayfer moments — and guess what? Your wish is finally granted 😭✨ This chapter had my heart doing backflips while writing it, so I really hope you feel the same butterflies too 🥺🫶
Also, fun fact… in this story, Keifer has a dog named Potato 🐶🥔 (yes, he really does 😭) and of course Keiren was the one who named him — pure chaos in dog form, honestly 😭💀
I just want to take a sec to say how grateful I am for all your comments, support, and love — you guys fuel this story more than you know 💗 Every message, even a tiny "update soon!!", gives me such a warm push to keep going ✨
Let's aim for 20+ comments this time, okay? 🥹💬 I want to know what you thought of the Jayfer hallway moment… and do you think Potato's going to cause some adorable trouble next chapter? 👀🐾
Till then, stay safe, and know that I love you all endlessly 💋🌷
— Ishita 🌙💖