Chapter 16: House Arrest.
(Keifer's POV)
Being discharged didn't mean I was healed.
It meant the hospital trusted I wouldn't collapse walking to the car.
That was it.
Bandages still wrapped around my ribs.
Shoulder still restricted.
Movement still slower than I liked.
Jay walked beside me like I was made of glass.
"I can walk," I told her.
"I know."
She still didn't let go of my arm.
Outside, Section E was waiting.
Felix raised both hands dramatically.
"THE MAN RETURNS."
Aries shook his head. "Lower your volume. He still has stitches."
Ci-N handed Jay a water bottle like she was the patient instead.
"You look worse than him," she said.
Jay glared. "Shut up."
I almost smiled.
Almost.
But I had something else to handle first.
I called Kuya Angelo.
He picked up on the second ring.
"What?"
Direct. Always.
"I need Jay to stay at my place."
Silence.
Then—
"…Excuse me?"
"She's safer there."
Another pause.
"You just woke up from a coma and you're already making decisions like this?"
"Yes."
Jay froze beside me.
Her eyes widened.
I kept my voice steady.
"She was targeted because of me. If she stays alone, that risk increases."
Kuya Angelo exhaled slowly.
"I don't like this."
"I don't either."
Silence stretched.
Then he asked:
"You're asking me or informing me?"
"Asking."
That mattered.
Another long pause.
"If I hear she's uncomfortable even once," he said calmly,
"I will personally rearrange your remaining bones."
"Understood."
Click.
Jay stared at me.
"…You did not just negotiate my living situation like a business deal."
"It worked."
"You're insane."
"Effective."
She rolled her eyes.
"Gago."
I pulled her gently toward me.
"What did you say?"
She blinked.
"Oh no—"
I kissed her.
Soft.
Quick.
Because hospital parking lot.
But enough to make her freeze.
Felix screamed from behind us.
"I SAW THAT."
Aries covered his face.
"Why do I know you people."
Later — At My House
Security had doubled.
Guards near the gates.
Cameras adjusted.
Routes changed.
I didn't tell her the details.
She didn't need the weight of that.
When we entered, she looked around.
"You live like a CEO villain."
"It's just furniture."
"It's intimidating furniture."
She walked deeper into the living room.
Then turned to me.
"So where exactly am I staying, Watson?"
"In my room."
She choked on air.
"Excuse me?"
"It's the most secure area."
Her eyes narrowed.
"You jerk."
I stepped closer slowly.
"You said that very confidently."
She pointed at my chest.
"You almost died and your first idea is cohabitation?"
I caught her hand gently.
"You're safer here."
She stared at me for a second longer.
Then softer:
"…You're scared."
I didn't answer.
Because yes.
Yes, I was.
And I hate that feeling.
She sighed.
"Fine."
Then added quickly:
"But boundaries."
"Define them."
"You don't get to act all cool and protective and emotionally unavailable."
"I don't do that."
She stared.
"You literally almost died and didn't even tell me you were in pain half the time."
"That's efficient."
She shoved me lightly.
"Asshole."
I kissed her again.
Longer this time.
Her hand automatically grabbed my shirt.
Then she pulled back slightly, flushed.
"You're abusing the profanity rule."
"You made the rule."
"I did not."
"You tested it."
She narrowed her eyes.
"Gago."
I kissed her again.
She gasped against my mouth.
Then pushed me lightly.
"You're still injured!"
"I'm aware."
"Then stop being stupid."
I leaned my forehead against hers.
"Say it again."
She blinked.
"Stupid?"
"Yes."
"Stupid."
I kissed her slower this time.
Careful of my ribs.
Careful of her balance.
When we pulled apart, she was breathless.
"You are actually unbelievable."
"Accurate."
She looked at my bandages.
Then her expression softened.
"You scared me."
That wasn't chaotic.
That was real.
I lifted her hand and pressed it lightly over my heartbeat.
"Still here."
She swallowed.
"Don't ever do that again."
"Planning to avoid it."
She hesitated.
Then asked quietly:
"If something happens again… will you still choose me?"
I didn't hesitate.
"Yes."
She searched my face.
"Even if it makes you weaker?"
I shook my head slightly.
"You don't make me weaker."
"Your father thinks—"
I kissed her before she finished.
Not because of profanity.
Because I didn't want that sentence finished.
When I pulled back, I said softly:
"You are not my weakness."
Her eyes softened.
"Then what am I?"
I brushed my thumb along her cheek.
"My reason."
She blinked rapidly.
Then muttered:
"Gago."
I smiled against her lips.
And kissed her again.
That night, she stood in my room looking awkward.
"There is only one bed," she said.
"Yes."
"And?"
"And I'm injured."
She narrowed her eyes.
"You're manipulative."
"Strategic."
She grabbed a pillow and threw it at me.
It hit my shoulder.
I winced.
She froze.
"Oh my God I'm so sorry—"
I pulled her down onto the bed gently.
"You're fine."
She landed against my chest carefully.
Very carefully.
"…If you weren't injured," she said slowly,
"I would've pushed you harder."
I looked down at her.
"Noted."
She poked my side lightly.
"Don't get ideas."
"I already have them."
"Keifer."
"Yes?"
"You're impossible."
I brushed a strand of hair away from her face.
"And you're staying."
She sighed dramatically.
"Fine."
Then softer:
"…I'm not going anywhere."
Good.
Because neither was I.
And this time—
If someone tried to take something from me again—
I wouldn't just survive.
I'd be ready.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hello everyone!
I am running out of ideas, please if you have any ideas in your brain feel free to drop them in the comments.
Bye bye🫶🏻🌷