Keifer's POV
Eman's restaurant buzzed with more life than I'd ever seen it. Tables pushed together into one massive spread, balloons from C-in's chaotic shopping trip dangling everywhere, and the air thick with adobo, lumpia, and Aunty Gemma's special lechon. Section E crammed every corner — Felix arm-wrestling Percy, Rakki and C-in whispering over plates, Drake quietly passing drinks. Even Yuri hovered at the edge, invited but awkward, a silent nod our only exchange.
Keiren and Keigan sat beside me, fidgeting, eyes darting to the door every few seconds. "She's really coming?" Keigen whispered for the tenth time.
"Yeah," I said, bracelet tight on my wrist. "Mom's real. Promise."
Jay squeezed my hand under the table, her smile steady. "They'll love her."
The door chimed at 6:05.
Everyone went quiet.
She walked in — simple dress, hair loose, carrying a small bag like any mom heading to family dinner. But her eyes scanned the room, lighting up when they found us.
"Boys," she breathed, voice breaking as Keiren and Keigan shot up.
"Mom?" Keiren choked, frozen.
She crossed the room in a heartbeat, pulling them both into a crushing hug. Tears streamed down her face, theirs too, as the brothers clung like they'd vanish again. "My babies. Look at you."
Aunty Gemma was next, sobbing openly, Angelo clapping her back with a grin. Jay stood, hugging her gentle. "Welcome home."
Mom pulled back, wiping her eyes, then turned to the chaos. "And this… is your army?"
"Family," Jay corrected, grinning.
Mom laughed — real, warm — and pulled me in next. "Proud of you, Kei. All of you."
Dinner exploded after that. Stories flew — childhood games under the mango tree, Kaizer's lies unraveling, Section E's restaurant standoff. Mom listened, asked questions, passed plates, fitting like she'd never left.
"She named you ulupong?" she teased me later, nodding at Jay.
Jay snorted. "He earned it."
Mom winked. "Keep him in line."
As plates cleared and laughter peaked, she raised a glass. "To new beginnings. No more hiding. No more shadows."
Glasses clinked. Cheers echoed.
For the first time, the table felt complete.
No lists. No threats. Just us.
Whole.