Jay-Jay's POV
Morning light hit the apartment like a promise — no alarms blaring threats, just Keifer's arm around me and the smell of coffee brewing. Serina had texted at dawn: "Picking you both up at 7:30. Breakfast on me! 😊"
Keifer groaned awake, bracelet catching the sun. "Mom's really doing school drop-off?"
"Legendary," I teased, stealing his pillow. "Section E's gonna lose it."
We dressed quick — uniforms, backpacks, quick kisses — and by 7:30, her car pulled up, waving like we were kids again. Keiren and Keigan piled in from their place, grinning ear-to-ear.
"Mom!" they shouted, hugging her over the seats.
Serina beamed from the driver's seat, passing out pandesal and milk tea. "My boys. And Jay-Jay! Ready for normal?"
"Born ready," I said, sliding in beside Keifer.
School erupted when we rolled up. Section E waited at the gates like a welcome committee — C-in waving a "WELCOME MOMMY SERINA" sign, Felix with balloons, Percy blasting music from his phone. Even Drake cracked a smile.
"Keifer's MOM?!" Felix yelled, rushing forward.
Serina laughed, hugging them all like she'd known them forever. "Heard you're the heroes who saved my family."
"Team effort!" C-in shouted, snapping selfies.
Phones flashed. Hugs everywhere. Aries pulled her aside for a serious "welcome," Percy cracked jokes, Rakki slipped her extra snacks.
Keifer watched, arm around me, eyes soft. "This is insane."
"This is us," I whispered.
Classes blurred after — whispers, stares, high-fives in the halls. But under the desk, Keifer's hand found mine. Steady.
Lunch hit peak chaos: Serina texted "Eman's after school? My treat." Group chat exploded.
As the bell rang, Keifer leaned close. "Love this life. Love you."
I grinned. "Forever, ulupong."
Normal wasn't boring.
It was everything.