Room 413 and the Welcome Committee
[Jay's POV]
The foyer of the Watson Estate felt different today. It wasn't a place of escape anymore; it was a launching pad.
Pappa Keizer stood by the open door of the SUV, looking as sharp as ever, while Mamma Serina was currently fussing over the collar of my coat for the fifth time.
"Now, remember," Mamma said, her eyes a mix of pride and "Mother-Hen" anxiety. "Just because you're back in the dorms doesn't mean you survive on instant noodles. I've packed three coolers of pre-prepped meals. And Keifer, if I find out you're letting her stay up until 4:00 AM without a protein shake, I'm revoking your car privileges."
"Mamma, I'm twenty-one," Keifer laughed, though he leaned down to kiss her cheek. "I think I can manage a meal plan."
Pappa Keizer stepped forward, handing Keifer a sleek, black keycard. "The university administration and I had a... conversation. Given the 'security risks' posed by certain external family members, I've secured a private suite in the honors wing. Room 413. It's double-sized, equipped with a private lab station, and most importantly, it's a 'No-Mariano' zone. The security at the door only answers to your biometrics."
He looked at me, his gaze softening into that of a protective father. "And Jay? This is a Watson Decree: Every Friday evening, that car will be waiting at the campus gates. You and Keifer are to be home every weekend. No excuses. I want my daughter-in-law where I can see her."
"I wouldn't have it any other way, Pappa," I whispered, the word Pappa still feeling like a miracle on my tongue.
The Return to University
The drive back to the city felt like a victory lap. We weren't the "scared runaways" anymore. We were the "Engaged Power Couple."
As we pulled up to the Honors Dormitory, I saw a sea of familiar faces gathered near the entrance. My heart did a little flip. The "Squad" was out in full force.
As soon as the car door opened, a wall of noise hit us.
"SHE'S ALIVE!" Rory screamed, waving a giant banner that looked like it was made out of a bedsheet. It read: WELCOME HOME, QUEEN JAY AND THE CHILL PRINCE.
"Back from the fortress!" Erdix cheered, running up to give Keifer a high-five.
We barely made it out of the car before we were surrounded. Freya, Rakki, Mica, Ella, and Kit swarmed me, while Calix, Felix, Ci N, David, and Mayo circled Keifer, all of them talking at once.
"Let the girl breathe!" Freya laughed, though she was the first one to grab my hand and pull it up to the light. "Oh... my... God. Jay, the sapphire is bigger than my future."
"Is it true?" Mica squealed, leaning in close. "The Watsons actually claimed you in front of your parents? We heard the rumors but we needed the tea!"
"It's true," I said, blushing but holding my head high. "I'm a Watson now."
"Ahem," Rory interrupted, wiggling his eyebrows as he looked at the black keycard in Keifer's hand. "And what is this we hear about Room 413? A private suite? For the two of you? Alone? In the middle of finals week?"
"It's for studying, Rory," Keifer said, though he had that smug, 'Chill Prince' smirk back on his face. He wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me into his side as we headed toward the elevator.
"Studying? Sure," Mayo teased, nudging Ci N. "I'm sure the 'Structural Analysis' is going to be very... hands-on."
"Don't forget to 'check the stress-strain curves'!" David shouted, causing the whole group to erupt into wolf-whistles and laughter.
"Room 413 is going to be the most guarded room in history," Kit joked. "Between the Watson security and these two being the smartest people in the building, they've probably already hacked the fire sprinklers to spray anyone who knocks."
Room 413: The New Sanctuary
We finally escaped the teasing and the chaos, the elevator dinking as we reached the top floor. Keifer swiped the card, and the door to 413 hissed open.
It was perfect. It wasn't just a dorm; it was a mini-apartment. There were two large desks side-by-side, a small kitchenette stocked with Mamma's food, and a massive window that overlooked the campus library.
I walked to the center of the room and turned around, looking at Keifer. He was leaning against the closed door, watching me with a look of pure contentment.
"Well," he said, tossing the keycard onto the desk. "Welcome home, Jay. For the next three days, it's just us against the exams."
I walked over to him, wrapping my arms around his neck, my ring glinting in the dorm lights. "I think I prefer this room to the Blue Suite."
"Why?"
"Because in the Blue Suite, I was a guest being protected," I whispered, leaning in. "In Room 413, I'm your partner. And we have an empire to build."
Keifer laughed softly, his hands finding my waist. "Calculations confirmed, Jay. Let's get to work."