The courtroom was quieter than usual that afternoon.
Mostly because everyone was watching Jay and Keifer.
Again.
Jay was standing this time.
Her ankle still hurt, but she refused to sit.
Across from her, Mark Keifer Watson noticed immediately.
"You shouldn't be standing," he said quietly.
Jay glared at him.
"I didn't ask for medical advice, Watson."
He crossed his arms.
"You're limping."
"I'm winning."
Keifer almost smiled.
From the bench, Luke Reyes leaned forward like he was watching his favorite show.
"Oh this is wonderful," he said happily. "Injury, tension, eye contact… this courtroom is giving me a full drama series."
Jay groaned.
"Your Honor."
Luke pointed dramatically.
"Yes, Counselor Mariano?"
"You're supposed to be neutral."
"I am neutral," Luke said proudly. "I support both sides equally… especially when they flirt while arguing."
The entire courtroom snorted.
Jay nearly dropped her pen.
"We are NOT flirting."
Keifer said calmly,
"She's right."
Jay looked relieved.
Then he added,
"She's just dramatic."
Jay turned slowly.
"You want to repeat that?"
Keifer stepped closer.
Now they were face to face again.
Very close.
Too close.
"You heard me," he said.
Jay lifted her chin.
"You're annoying."
"You're chaotic."
"You're arrogant."
"You're stubborn."
Luke clapped once.
"Oh excellent! Character development!"
In the back row…
The Team Jayfer audience was losing their minds.
Percy whispered loudly,
"THEY ARE FOUR INCHES APART."
Jane grabbed his arm.
"PERCY THEY ARE GOING TO KISS OR KILL EACH OTHER."
Beside them, Mir Keigan Watson was trying very hard to stay calm.
But he was also smiling.
"Ate Jay is definitely winning this round."
Mike Keiren Watson nodded seriously.
"Yeah but Kuya Keifer is staring like he forgot how to blink."
Percy opened the group chat.
TEAM JAYFER
Percy: EYE CONTACT LEVEL: DANGEROUSJane: Sugar is about to explodeKeigan: Kuya is doomedKeiren: This is cinema
Behind them, Michael Aries Fernandes sat with arms crossed.
Not smiling.
Not amused.
Just watching Keifer like a hawk.
At the front again—
Jay suddenly shifted her weight.
Pain shot through her ankle again.
Her balance slipped.
And before she could stop herself—
She stumbled.
Again.
And again—
Keifer caught her.
This time even closer.
One arm around her waist.
The other steadying her arm.
The courtroom went dead silent.
Jay froze.
Keifer looked down at her.
"Careful," he said quietly.
Her heart started beating faster.
She hated it.
Across the room—
Both fathers were watching.
Jasfher Mariano slowly leaned toward Mark Keizer Watson.
"Well," Jasfher said.
Keizer smirked.
"Well."
Jeana covered her mouth.
Serina smiled knowingly.
Luke Reyes leaned back in his chair dramatically.
"Oh I love my job."
Jay finally pushed Keifer away slightly.
"I'm fine."
Keifer didn't argue.
But he stayed close.
Just in case.
Luke tapped his desk.
"Counselors."
They both looked up.
"Yes, Your Honor."
Luke smiled like a proud teacher.
"Continue your argument."
Then he added quietly,
"But try not to fall into each other again. The paperwork for romantic tension is exhausting."
The courtroom burst into laughter.
Jay covered her face.
Keifer rubbed the back of his neck.
For once…
Neither of them had a comeback.
Outside the courthouse later…
Percy sprinted toward Jay.
"SUNSHINE."
Jay sighed.
"What."
"He caught you AGAIN."
"I slipped."
Jane appeared beside them.
"Suuure."
Keigan walked over smiling.
"You okay, Ate Jay?"
Jay nodded.
"I'm fine."
Keiren grinned.
"Kuya looked scared."
Jay blinked.
"…what?"
Keiren shrugged.
"When you slipped."
Jay looked toward the parking lot.
Keifer was standing near his car.
Talking to his father.
But his eyes drifted back to her.
Just for a moment.
Jay quickly looked away.
Percy saw it.
"Oh my god."
Jay groaned.
"Don't."
Percy pointed dramatically.
"The enemy is developing feelings."
Aries stepped forward beside Jay.
His voice calm.
Cold.
"If he hurts you…"
Jay sighed.
"I know."
Aries nodded once.
"Good."
Across the lot—
Keigan nudged Keifer.
"You almost dropped her twice today."
Keifer frowned.
"I didn't drop her."
Keiren grinned.
"But you looked worried."
Keifer didn't answer.
Because the truth?
He had been worried.
And that was a problem.
A big one.
Because Jay Mariano…
Was supposed to be his rival.
Not the girl he kept catching.