Keifer's POV
The apartment had never felt so alive. Serina sat at the head of our makeshift table, laughing as C-in dramatically reenacted the restaurant standoff — complete with fake slow-motion dives and exaggerated gun fingers. Keiren and Keigan flanked her, hanging on every word like she might vanish again. Percy arm-wrestled Felix on the floor, Aunty Gemma passed endless plates of kare-kare, and Angelo stood watch by the door, smiling wider than I'd ever seen.
Jay caught my eye from across the room, her grin bright amid the chaos. Ours, she mouthed.
I nodded, bracelet warm on my wrist. Ours.
Serina raised her glass again, voice carrying over the noise. "To all of you. For giving my boys back to me."
Cheers erupted. Glasses clinked. Even Yuri, quiet in the corner, lifted his soda.
Later, as plates cleared and groups thinned, Serina pulled me aside by the balcony. Stars glittered above the city. "This life," she said softly, squeezing my arm. "It's good. Real."
"Yeah," I said, throat tight. "Jay made it that way."
She smiled, eyes knowing. "She's a keeper. Don't let go."
"Never."
Jay joined us, slipping her hand into mine. "Everything okay?"
"Perfect," Serina said, hugging us both. "See you tomorrow? School drop-off?"
Keiren overheard, grinning. "Mom's picking us up? Legendary."
The night wound down with hugs, promises, leftovers stacked high. Section E filed out last — high-fives, selfies, C-in yelling "Family forever!"
Door closed. Quiet settled.
Jay and I collapsed on the couch, feet tangled, her head on my chest. "Good day," she murmured.
"Best," I whispered, kissing her hair. "Love you, Jay Jay."
"Love you too, ulupong."
Outside, the city hummed. Inside, peace.
No more fights. No more ghosts.
Just us.
Home.