Jay-Jay's POV
(After two and a half hours)
"J-Jay?" Keifer's voice was soft, raspy — like he'd just woken from a long dream. He blinked a few times, looking dazed as he slowly tried to sit up.
"Keifer!" I gasped and immediately ran to him, almost tripping on my own feet. I threw my arms around him, hugging him tightly — really tightly, like I never wanted to let go again.
He chuckled softly and hugged me back. I could feel him smirking against my shoulder, the warmth of his breath brushing my neck.
"Are you okay?" I asked, pulling away just enough to look at him.
"Yes," he said simply, his voice calm and reassuring — too calm, actually.
I frowned, tears already forming again. "I thought I would lose you," I whispered, my voice cracking as the tears spilled out.
He reached up and wiped one away with his thumb. "Hey," he said gently, "I'm alive now, right? That's all that matters."
He smiled, and for a moment, I forgot how scared I'd been.
Keigan and Keiren immediately rushed forward, both nearly tackling him into another hug. "Kuya!" they cried together.
He laughed softly, ruffling their hair with his good hand. "I'm fine, you crybabies."
I couldn't help but smile. Watching them made my heart feel warm. I wish I had siblings like that, I thought. All I had were an annoying one (Aries 🙄) and an extra annoying one (Percy 😤).
After the two brothers finally let go, the Ulupongs started entering one by one. Each of them tried to act tough — but failed miserably.
"I missed you, bro," Edrix said, trying to keep his voice from shaking.
"I was worried about you," Ci-n added, his usual confident tone softening.
Then, of course, Felix ruined the moment. "Tell me you and Jay are dating already," he said, grinning.
"Felix—" I glared.
"What? I'm just asking!" he defended himself, hands up.
They all burst out laughing after that, and soon enough, they decided to "buy food."Not for Keifer, mind you. FOR THEMSELVES. 🙄Yeah, can you believe them? Their friend literally got into an accident, and they're thinking about snacks. O.M.G.
After they left, Keiren and Keigan were taken care of by Honey and her uncle, leaving just me and Keifer in the room. The quietness that followed felt… strange. Peaceful, but in a way that made my heart beat too fast.
"Keifer," I said softly, moving closer to his bed, "you sure you're okay?"
He nodded. "Yes."
I bit my lip, staring at him for a moment. I had so many questions, but I only managed to ask the one that burned most in my chest.
"Anyways… what happened?"
He sighed, leaning his head back against the pillow. "A truck hit me."
My mouth dropped open. "A WHAT?!"
He nodded slowly, as if he were saying something completely normal.
"Not a car? Not a motorcycle? A TRUCK?!" I said, my voice rising. "Keifer, that's not a small detail to skip!"
He just gave me that lazy smile again.
"Are you hurt anywhere?" I asked, scanning him from head to toe.
"I told you, I'm okay," he said, smiling like some actor pretending to be fine after a fight scene.
I narrowed my eyes and started looking more closely — pulling his blanket down a bit to check for bruises.
"What are you doing?" he asked, chuckling.
"Checking," I said flatly.
"Jay, I'm fine."
"You're acting like nothing happened! Why are you lying to me?" I said, my voice rising again.
He sighed softly and reached for my hand. His palm was warm, steady — completely unlike mine.
"Because I don't want to see you hurt," he said gently, rubbing my hand with his thumb.
My heart stopped.
Why does he always have to say things like that…
Just as I was about to smack him, the door opened. A doctor entered, holding a clipboard.
"Mr. Keifer, you need more rest," the doctor said. "Your body has multiple injuries — not too deep, but you still need sleep."
I looked at Keifer with an I-told-you-so expression.
The doctor left, and Keifer immediately turned to me. "Tss, why sleep when I have my cure right here?" he said, smirking as his eyes met mine.
I glared. "Oh really?"
He nodded dramatically.
I smacked his chest lightly. "Oww," he said, pretending to be hurt.
"Now sleep, or you're gonna get it from me for real this time," I warned, crossing my arms.
He raised his hands in surrender. "Fine, fine," he said, finally lying down again.
I smiled to myself. Scared of me, huh?
As I turned to leave, I realized he was still holding my hand. I sighed. "You're impossible," I whispered, but didn't pull away.
I sat there for a few seconds, staring at him — at his face that somehow looked peaceful even with all those bandages.
Then suddenly, an idea popped into my head.
I got up, tiptoed around the bed, and carefully lay down beside him. Yes, with him.
He stirred a little and smiled in his sleep.
I leaned closer, whispering, "You better not get hit by anything again, or I'll hit you myself."
Then, finally — for the first time that day — I let myself rest too.