The Next Day – University Courtyard
Jay was sitting with Mia and Ben. They were waiting for Section E. The sun was warm. Everything felt nice.
Then Jay saw them.
Three girls walked toward Keifer. They were pretty. Dressed nice. Smiling big.
Keifer was standing with Percy, Aries, and Yuri. Talking about something.
The girls surrounded him.
"Hi Keifer," the first one said. She flipped her hair. "Great game yesterday."
Keifer looked at her. Cold face. "Thanks."
The second girl stepped closer. "We were watching you. You're so good."
Keifer didn't move. "Okay."
The third girl touched his arm. "Maybe we can celebrate together? Just you and me?"
Jay's eyes narrowed.
Mia noticed. "Uh oh."
Ben nodded. "Jay's mad."
Jay Stood Up
She walked over slowly. Calm face. But her eyes were fire.
The girls didn't see her coming.
Keifer saw her though. His eyes softened a little.
The first girl kept talking. "I heard you don't like girls. But I think I can change your mind."
Jay stopped next to Keifer. "He doesn't need his mind changed."
The girls turned. They looked at Jay.
The second girl laughed. "And who are you?"
Jay smiled sweetly. "Someone who doesn't touch people without asking."
The third girl still had her hand on Keifer's arm. She didn't let go.
Jay looked at the hand. Then at the girl. "You're still touching him."
The girl rolled her eyes. "So what? We're just being friendly."
Jay tilted her head. "He doesn't look friendly. He looks uncomfortable."
Everyone looked at Keifer. His face was cold. His body was stiff. He looked like he wanted to leave.
Percy whispered to Aries, "Is Jay defending Keifer?"
Aries nodded. "Looks like it."
Yuri grinned. "This is better than TV."
The Fight Got Bigger
The first girl stepped closer to Jay. "Why do you care? Are you his girlfriend?"
Jay shook her head. "No."
The second girl laughed. "Then back off. You have no right."
Jay didn't move. "I have every right. He's my friend. And you're making him uncomfortable. So leave."
The third girl finally let go of Keifer's arm. She crossed hers. "You're the New York girl, right? The one everyone talks about?"
Jay nodded. "That's me."
The girl looked her up and down. "You're not that special. Just another girl trying to get Keifer's attention."
Jay laughed. A real laugh. "I don't try. I just exist. And he still looks at me."
The girls' faces changed. They didn't like that.
The first girl got angry. "You think you're better than us?"
Jay shook her head. "I don't think I'm better. I just know I don't have to try so hard."
The second girl stepped forward. "Watch your mouth."
Jay stood her ground. "Or what? You'll touch me? Go ahead. See what happens."
Percy moved forward. But Aries held him back.
"Wait," Aries said. "She's fine. Look at her."
Jay wasn't scared. Her eyes were strong. Her body was calm.
The third girl looked at Keifer. "Are you really going to let her talk to us like this?"
Keifer looked at Jay. Then at the girls. Then back at Jay.
"Yes," he said quietly. "I am."
The girls' jaws dropped.
Keifer Spoke
Keifer stepped closer to Jay. Not touching. Just close.
"She's right," he said. "You made me uncomfortable. I didn't say anything because I'm used to it. But she noticed. She always notices."
The girls looked shocked.
Keifer continued. "She doesn't try to get my attention. She doesn't flirt. She doesn't touch me without asking. She's just herself. And that's why she's special."
Jay's heart swelled. Her face stayed calm, but inside she was melting.
The first girl looked embarrassed. "Whatever. She's not even that pretty."
Keifer's eyes turned cold. "She's the prettiest girl here. And you're just jealous."
The girls had nothing to say. They turned and walked away quickly.
After
The crowd that gathered started clapping.
Ci-N ran over. "JAY! That was amazing! You stood up to them like a boss!"
Drew yelled, "I BET 10,000 PESOS THEY GET TOGETHER THIS WEEK!"
Mayo and Kit hugged each other. "JAYFER! JAYFER! JAYFER!"
Even quiet Josh nodded. "Good job, Jay."
Rakki came over and grabbed Jay's hand. "You're my hero. Seriously."
Grace smiled. "No one talks to us like that. But you did it for Keifer."
Mica nodded. "You're the best, Jay."
Jay laughed. "Okay okay! It wasn't a big deal."
Mia shook her head. "It was a huge deal. You defended him. And he defended you right back."
Ben grinned. "Goals."
The Boys Watched
Percy, Aries, and Yuri stood together.
Percy had tears in his eyes. "My little sister. Defending her man. I'm so proud."
Aries laughed. "She didn't even touch him. She just used words."
Yuri nodded. "Smart. Strong. Kind. She's really something."
Percy wiped his eyes. "Keifer better treat her right."
Aries looked at Keifer. "Look at his face."
Keifer was looking at Jay. His eyes were soft. Warm. Full of something deep.
Yuri smiled. "He's in love. Really in love."
Percy sighed. "Yeah. And I can't even be mad about it."
Jay and Keifer Alone
Everyone left them alone. Just for a moment.
Keifer looked at Jay. "Thank you."
Jay shrugged. "You don't have to thank me. They were being annoying."
Keifer shook his head. "No one's ever done that for me. Defended me like that."
Jay looked at him. "Really?"
Keifer nodded. "Really."
Jay smiled softly. "Well, get used to it. I'll always defend you."
Keifer's heart felt full. "And I'll always defend you."
They stood there. Not touching. Just looking at each other.
The sun was warm. The campus was loud. But in that moment, it was just them.
Two people. Falling hard.