Keifer's POV
The following afternoon, I'm in my room, staring at the ceiling, my mind spinning.
Why do I feel like I'm losing her?
My thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock.
Kier Watson-my uncle-entered the living room quietly, holding an envelope.
I frowned. "Uncle? Why are you here?"
"It's time," he said.
I blinked in confusion. "Time for what?"
Uncle handed me the envelope. "Open it."
"This agreement was made when you were babies. A promise between your mother Serina... and her best friend, Jeana."
I leaned forward. "What promise?"
The Engagement Letter
I unfolded the paper inside carefully. My eyes scanned the words:
"For the future of our families, Jasper Jean Mariano and Mark Keifer Watson are to be engaged until the age of eighteen. They will be officially engaged when Mark Keifer Watson turn age of 18 and will married when Jasper Jean Mariano turn age of 18. A promise made by Jeana Fernandez and Serina Watson, to unite our families."
I froze.
I blinked and read it again. And again.
"M-Me? With Jay Jay?!"
Uncle asked. "What's that supposed to mean?!"
"I-I didn't say it's bad!" I sputtered. "It's just-WHAT-WHY-HOW-HUH!?"
He nodded. "Yes. It was Serina's wish. She wanted to make sure you and Jay Jay were connected."
My mind went blank. The words swirled around my head.
Engaged. To Jay Jay.
Uncle said. "Keifer... if you're uncomfortable, it's okay. You don't have to—"
"I didn't say I'm uncomfortable!" I snapped, face turning red. "I'm just-surprised!"
Uncle tried not to laugh. "It's not something you must follow. It's something your parents hoped for. When you're eighteen, you both get to choose. Nothing forced.
I sat down slowly, still shocked. "So... I'm her fiancé?"
"Childhood fiancé," he corrected.
"Why didn't anyone tell me?" I whispered.
"Your mom never got the chance before she passed away. I thought... you needed to hear it directly, from someone you trust," he said softly.
I sank back into my chair, heart racing.
So... all this time... the way I feel... it wasn't just random. I care about her... more than I realized.
---
I couldn't stop replaying the moments in my mind:
The first time Jay stopped me from punching Yuri.
The rooftop moments.
The little smiles, the notes in class, the way her hand felt in mine...
It all made sense now.
But another thought crept in, sharp and frightening:
What if she hates me when she finds out I know?
---
The following day, I arrived at school unusually quiet. My usual loud and reckless self was replaced with something intense, focused.
Jay Jay noticed immediately. "Keifer... you okay?"
I blinked, then forced a casual shrug.
"Yeah... just... tired."
Aries noticed too. "Bro, your brain's going a hundred miles an hour. Care to share?"
I ignored him, keeping my eyes on Jay.
---
Throughout class, I kept stealing glances at Jay Jay. Each smile, each laugh, made my chest tighten.
I wanted to tell her... to say everything:
I know. I know about the engagement. I know about the promise. I know about us.
But I didn't.
I couldn't.
Not yet.
I wonder if she knows.
---
During lunch, Jay Jay and I sat with our group under the mango tree.
I reached for my water bottle, hands shaking slightly. I wanted to ask her something...
But every time I opened my mouth, I stopped.
Aries noticed. "What's with you two today? You're... acting weird."
Jay Jay forced a laugh. "It's nothing."
But I just stared at her silently, the weight of the secret between us pressing down like an invisible wall.
Yuri smirked knowingly. "Something's definitely up."
Percy shook his head. "This is gonna be fun."
---
That night back at home, I stared at the ceiling, clutching the engagement letter in my hand.
I know now... I know our mothers promised us to each other.
I took a deep breath. She doesn't know I know. I can't rush her. But... I will protect her. I will care for her. And when the time comes... I'll tell her how I really feel.
A small, determined smile formed on my lips.
Outside, the rain began to fall again.
For the first time, I felt both the weight and the clarity of my feelings.
I wasn't just fighting for fun anymore.
I was fighting for Jay Jay.
And soon... she would have to face the truth.
---
END OF CHAPTER 10
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