Jay's POV..
I waited.
For hours, I waited.
For a message.
For a call.
For anything that would prove I was wrong.
But nothing came.
The silence didn't just stay around me—it settled inside me, slowly turning heavy with every passing minute.
Maybe I really expected too much.
By evening, I couldn't take it anymore.
"This is stupid…" I muttered under my breath, grabbing my hoodie and phone before walking out of the house.
No one stopped me.
Of course they didn't.
It was just another normal day for them.
The streets were quieter than usual, or maybe it just felt that way. I walked without thinking much, my steps leading me to a nearby minimart.
If no one remembered… fine.
I would celebrate it myself.
At least I wouldn't feel this… empty.
I picked up a small cake from the fridge section, staring at it for a moment before letting out a soft, humorless laugh.
"Happy birthday to me, I guess…"
My phone suddenly rang.
I frowned slightly, pulling it out.
Keigan.
That was unexpected.
"Hello?"
"Jay—" his voice was rushed, panicked. "Where are you?!"
My heart dropped instantly.
"What happened?"
"It's Keifer… something's wrong. Just come fast—please!"
The call cut before I could ask anything else.
Everything inside me froze for a second.
Then panic hit.
I didn't think.
Didn't question.
Didn't hesitate.
I ran.
By the time I reached the house, my chest was tight, breaths uneven, thoughts racing in every direction.
The door was slightly open.
My hands trembled as I pushed it.
Dark.
Completely dark.
"Keifer…?" my voice came out softer than I expected.
No response.
I stepped inside slowly, my heart pounding louder with each step.
"Keigan? Anyone—"
Suddenly—
💡 Lights ON
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAY!"
I froze.
Completely.
The room that felt empty just seconds ago was now filled.
Everyone.
Section E.
Mica. Rakki. Ella. Freya.
My mom. Tita Gema.
Aries. Percy.
All of them.
Standing there.
Smiling.
Looking at me.
"…What—"
My voice broke before I could finish.
Percy stepped forward first, grinning like always.
"Missed us, birthday girl?"
I couldn't even respond.
My eyes were already stinging.
"You—" I shook my head slightly, still trying to process everything. "You all—"
"Really thought we forgot?" a voice came from behind.
I turned.
Slowly.
Keifer.
Standing there.
Calm. Soft. Looking only at me.
"Happy birthday, Jay."
That was it.
That one line.
And everything inside me just… broke.
"You're so—" I let out a shaky laugh, tears slipping down before I could stop them. "I hate you all…"
But I didn't mean it.
Not even a little.
Laughter filled the room as someone pulled me into a hug, then another, and another.
The emptiness I felt earlier—
Gone.
Completely gone.
Later, after the cake was placed in front of me, I stood there, still overwhelmed, still smiling through tears.
"Make a wish!" someone shouted.
I closed my eyes.
And for the first time that day—
I didn't feel alone.
The cake cutting was messy, loud, chaotic—just like them.
Just like us.
I thought that was it.
That this was the surprise.
That nothing could top this.
But I was wrong.
"Close your eyes," Keifer said softly, standing beside me.
"What—why?"
"Trust me."
I hesitated for a second.
Then slowly closed my eyes.
His hand found mine, warm and steady, guiding me carefully as we walked.
I could hear faint whispers behind us, soft movements, but I didn't open my eyes.
Not yet.
"Okay," his voice came again, closer now. "Open."
I did.
And my breath caught.
The poolside was glowing softly under warm lights, decorated beautifully, the reflection of the water making everything look almost unreal.
For a moment, I couldn't move.
Couldn't speak.
Couldn't think.
Then—
I turned.
And everything stopped.
Keifer was… kneeling.
A ring in his hand.
Eyes locked on mine.
My heart forgot how to beat.
"Jay," his voice was steady, but softer than I had ever heard it before. "I know I'm not perfect. I know I've hurt you before… and I know I don't say things the way I should."
I didn't even realize more tears were falling.
"But I know one thing for sure," he continued, holding the ring a little tighter. "There's no future for me that doesn't have you in it."
My hands trembled slightly.
"I don't just want today," he said. "I want every day. With you."
Silence.
Deep. overwhelming silence.
Then suddenly—
I heard footsteps behind me.
I turned slightly.
Everyone was there.
Watching.
Smiling.
Waiting.
My eyes searched instinctively—
Mom.
She smiled softly, nodding.
Tita Gema beside her, doing the same.
Then—
Kuya Angelo.
For a second, I held my breath.
And then—
He gave me a small, approving smile.
That was it.
That was all I needed.
I looked back at Keifer, my vision blurred with tears, a small laugh escaping me.
"You really… did all this?"
"For you," he said simply.
I didn't think anymore.
Didn't hesitate.
Didn't doubt.
"…Yes."
Cheers exploded behind me.
Loud. Excited. overwhelming.
Keifer stood up instantly, pulling me into him before I could even react.
I laughed through my tears, holding onto him just as tightly.
And when he kissed me—
It wasn't just a moment.
It was a promise
I didn't care about who were watching us, teasing and cheering,only think I knew was the day was mine and moment was ours...