The room was dim.
Morning light slipped through the blinds, painting soft lines across Keifer's face.
Jay was still there.
She hadn't slept properly. Her head rested beside his hand, her fingers still wrapped around his like she was afraid he would disappear if she let go.
The heart monitor beeped steadily.
Then—
A faint movement.
His fingers twitched.
Jay froze.
She slowly lifted her head.
"Keifer…?"
Another slight movement.
His brows furrowed like he was fighting through something heavy.
And then—
His eyes opened.
Slowly.
Unfocused at first.
Then they landed on her.
Jay gasped.
Her hand flew to her mouth.
"You—" her voice broke. "You idiot."
He blinked, trying to speak. His voice came out rough.
"…Why are you crying?"
That was it.
That was all it took.
Jay stood up so fast the chair scraped loudly. Tears spilled down her face.
"You got shot!" she snapped, her voice shaking. "You got shot and you're asking why I'm crying?!"
He tried to sit up.
Bad idea.
Pain hit him immediately.
He hissed.
She immediately pushed him back down gently.
"Don't move!"
He looked at her properly now. Really looked.
Her eyes were red.
Her cheeks stained with dried tears.
"You didn't leave," he murmured quietly.
Jay's expression softened for half a second.
Then she hit his shoulder lightly.
"Of course I didn't leave!"
He gave the tiniest smirk.
"I told you to stay behind me."
"And I told you not to get shot!"
He actually let out a weak laugh.
She leaned down suddenly and pressed her forehead against his chest carefully.
Her shoulders shook.
"You scared me," she whispered.
His hand slowly lifted— weak but determined — and rested against her head.
"I'm still here," he murmured.
She pulled back, wiping her face angrily.
"Don't ever do that again."
"No promises."
Her eyes widened.
She leaned down and kissed him.
Not soft.
Not shy.
It was emotional.
Relieved.
A little angry.
A little desperate.
When she pulled back, she glared at him.
"That's for surviving."
Then she kissed him again, softer this time.
"And that's for being stupid."
Before he could answer—
The door burst open.
"KUYA!"
Keiran ran in like a tornado.
Keigan right behind him.
Keiran stopped for half a second when he saw Keifer awake.
His eyes went wide.
"…Kuya?"
Keifer turned his head slightly.
"Hey, little monster."
That's all Keiran needed.
He ran and climbed carefully onto the side of the bed, clinging to Keifer's arm like he was afraid he would vanish.
"You woke up!" Keiran cried, his voice shaking. "I told you to wake up!"
Keifer winced slightly but wrapped his arm around him anyway.
"I heard you."
Keiran buried his face into his chest.
"I thought you didn't want me…"
Keifer's expression changed instantly.
He lifted his hand and gently cupped Keiran's small head.
"You three are the only reason I woke up."
Keiran sniffed loudly.
Jay turned away for a second because she was about to cry again.
Keigan walked up more calmly, but his eyes were shiny.
"You took too long," Keigan said quietly.
Keifer smirked weakly. "Traffic."
Keigan rolled his eyes but gently squeezed his hand.
"Don't do that again."
Jay crossed her arms.
"Yes. Listen to your brother."
Keifer looked at her.
"Oh, now you're teaming up?"
She leaned down close to his face.
"If you scare us like that again, I will personally make sure you regret it."
He smiled faintly.
"I like when you're scary."
She glared.
Keiran tightened his hold.
"You're not going anywhere," Keiran declared.
Keifer kissed the top of his head carefully.
"Nowhere."
Jay moved to the other side of the bed and took his free hand again.
This time, her grip wasn't scared.
It was certain.
"You're not allowed to protect me like that again," she said quietly.
He looked at her.
"I'll always protect you."
Her eyes softened.
"And I'll always stay."
The boys climbed closer.
The room, once cold and terrifying, now felt warm.
Alive.
He was awake.
And this time—
No one was letting him go.