JAY-JAY POV
After class, Keifer walked me to the gate.
He was still smiling.
Still glowing.
Still blissfully unaware of the emotional landmine I was carrying in my pocket.
"You sure it's okay?" he asked. "I don't want to crash family dinner."
"You're not crashing," I said. "You're invited."
He looked at me like I'd handed him the moon.
"I should bring something," he said. "Snacks? Flowers? Emotional stability?"
"Definitely not that last one," I muttered.
He laughed.
I didn't.
Because I was still thinking about the list.
Still thinking about Yuri.
Still wondering if tonight would be the last normal moment before everything exploded.
But Keifer?
Keifer was happy.
And for now?
That was enough.
The moment we stepped inside the Fernandez house, the scent of garlic rice and roasted chicken wrapped around me like a hug.
Tita Gemma was already at the door, arms open, smile wide.
"There's my girl!" she said, reaching for a hug.
I stepped back.
Just slightly.
Enough to make it clear.
Not after what she did.
"I think you forgot me," she teased, trying to keep it light. "After running off with your Kuya."
"Of course not," I said quickly. "I've just been… busy."
She gave me a look — the kind that said she didn't believe me but loved me anyway.
Then her eyes shifted to Keifer, standing just behind me, trying not to look too nervous.
"Hi, Keifer," she said warmly.
He gave a small wave. "Hi, Tita."
She smiled and disappeared into the kitchen, humming about garlic and soy sauce.
And then the air shifted.
I turned toward the hallway.
And froze.
Because standing there, arms crossed, eyes sharp, was the person I least wanted to see.
Jenna Fernandez.
And her entourage: James and Maria.
Of course.
Because the universe hates me.
"Jay, sweetie, you came! Where's your Kuya?" Jenna asked, stepping forward with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
She opened her arms like she expected a hug.
Like nothing had happened.
Like she hadn't done what she did.
I didn't move.
Didn't give her the chance.
Not this time.
"Jare's on his way," I said quickly, voice clipped.
Her arms dropped.
Just slightly.
Her smile twitched.
But she recovered fast — too fast — like she hadn't noticed the wall I'd just built between us.
"Good," she said, brushing imaginary lint off her sleeve. "It's been a while since we were all together."
I didn't respond.
Because I didn't trust myself to say something that wouldn't start a war.
Keifer, still beside me, glanced at Jenna, then at me.
He didn't ask.
Didn't push.
Just stayed close.
And somehow?
That helped.
Because Jenna might've been family.
But Keifer?
Keifer was safety.
And tonight?
I was going to need it.
We moved to the living room.
I barely had time to sit down before Maria floated in like she owned the air.
She spotted Keifer.
Beamed.
And then—of course—plopped herself right next to him.
Too close.
Too smiley.
Too familiar.
"Hi, Keifer," she said, voice syrupy sweet and way too breathy for a basic greeting.
I blinked.
Seriously?
Get out.
Keifer, bless him, looked confused. "Uh… hey?"
Maria tucked her hair behind her ear like she was auditioning for a shampoo commercial and leaned in just enough to make my blood pressure spike.
I stared at her.
Hard.
She didn't notice.
Or she did and didn't care.
Either way, I was one second away from launching a throw pillow at her head.
Keifer glanced at me.
Saw my face.
And immediately scooted an inch away from her.
Soon Kuya Jare came with Luna
Finally some happy faces
Soon, Kuya Jare arrived with Luna.
Finally — some happy faces. After everything, it felt like sunlight breaking through the chaos.