Jay-Jay's POV
Keifer's apology came with the best bribe ever: a full day at the local amusement park. "My treat," he'd said that morning, eyes hopeful as he dangled roller coaster tickets in front of Section E. "No drama. Just fun. For you."
Rakki whooped first. "Ferris wheel at sunset!" Felix and Calix high-fived over funnel cakes. Denzel filmed everything, Edrix already eyeing the biggest coaster. Even Mica grinned, linking arms with me. "He's learning."
Keifer squeezed my hand as we piled onto the tube. "Forgive me yet?"
"Working on it," I teased, leaning into him. London blurred past — our new normal, trauma scars and all.
The park exploded in color: spinning rides, cotton candy clouds, screams echoing. We conquered coasters first — Felix puking after the third drop, Percy challenging everyone to bumper cars. Laughter drowned out yesterday's shadows.
"Guys, let's hit the horror house," Keifer said later, eyes mischievous.
"Bro, you know what happened last time!" I protested, stomach twisting at the memory. Fake blood, actors lunging — my trauma had hit like a truck before.
He grinned, pulling me close. "This time you hold my hand. No running. I've got you."
Section E cheered. "Go for it!" Rakki yelled.
"Okay then…" I sighed, lacing fingers with him. Heart pounding, but his grip steady.
Inside was dark, misty — creaks, distant screams, jump scares popping. It wasn't that bad with Keifer's arm around me, whispering "Fake" every time a zombie groaned. Section E's laughs echoed ahead.
Then the path split. "Wait—" I started, but they vanished around a corner.
"Bro, Jay, it's a dead end," Keifer said, flashlight app glowing on a fake wall.
"Ugh, I literally warned you."
He chuckled. "At least you're not alone."
"Yes—"
It hit like lightning. A group of blood-covered "zombies" lunged from hidden panels — fake gore dripping, moans too real. My vision blurred, chest tightened, old trauma crashing back: stabs, comas, Ram's blade.
Everything spun. A faint voice cut through: "Jay!"
Keifer's POV
The second those bloodied actors jumped out, I knew. Jay's hand went limp, eyes glazing. Trauma. Again.
I caught her before she hit the floor, scooping her up tight against my chest. "Jay! Hey, it's me!" Heart slamming, I clapped her cheeks gently, blocking the actors who froze awkwardly.
She stirred, breaths shallow, tears streaking. "Keifer…"
"Jay, you're okay! I've got you." I hugged her fierce, shielding from the dark.
"Keifer…" Her voice trembled.
"Don't cry. It's fake. I see the exit sign — red light ahead."
"Keifer… let's get out before more nightmares."
"Definitely."
I carried her through, ignoring stares, bursting into sunlight. Section E swarmed — Rakki hugging, Felix yelling for water, Mica fanning her face.
Tube ride home was quiet. Jay curled against me, head on my shoulder, my arm her anchor. "Sorry," she whispered.
"Never apologize for this," I said, kissing her hair. "Proud you tried."
Apartment safe. Blankets. Tea. Her breathing evened out, safe in my arms.
Trauma lingered.
But we beat it.
Together.