Keifer's POV
That night started like any other — warm, loud, and full of Jay's laughter echoing off
the kitchen walls. It was night, which somehow turned into snack night because Jay
couldn't settle on just one meal.
"Why choose?" she had said, tossing chips, muffins, and a pizza box onto the counter
while I tried to finish the pasta. "Life's too short for small portions."
I'd rolled my eyes. "You mean your patience is too short."
She grinned, stealing a meatball off the pan. "Guess you'll have to cook faster next
time, ulupong."
By the time midnight rolled around, we had demolished half the fridge. We teased
each other about who ate more, while the city buzzed quietly outside. We didn't know
danger was already on its way.
The call from Unknown number ( apparently it was Percy)came, asking to meet — but
we were too full and lazy to move at first. When we finally did, the night air was sweet
with the smell of leftover garlic bread in a paper bag Jay insisted on bringing "just in
case we get hungry again."
But then came the headlights. The impact. The screeching tires.
And when Ram stepped out, everything changed. Jay—always brave, always stubborn
—did what she always did: protected someone else before herself.
His face twisted with rage. "You think you can hide her from us, Keifer?"
Ram lunged before I could react. The next few seconds blurred — shouting, the glint of
a blade, Jay's scream. I caught part of the strike, but she took the rest trying to push
me away.
Blood. Too much of it. I pressed my hand to her neck, whispering, "Stay with me, Jay,
please… you're okay." Her eyes fluttered once — then closed.
I could barely see through the tears as I grabbed my phone. "Angelo— it's Keifer. She's
down. Please, send someone, quick. Ram's gone and Jay— she's not—" My voice broke.
By the time the medics arrived, I had gone numb. They said she had a chance but
slipped into a coma in the ambulance. As they wheeled her away, I could still feel her
blood on my hands — and the echo of Ram's voice in my head, promising he'd "finish
the job."