The mansion was alive with noise. Havoc, Apex, and Shadow Council members were in full argument mode, bickering louder than the music in the background.
"Clearly, I've always respected her the most!" Thyme shouted, throwing his hands in the air.
Kavin rolled his eyes. "Respect? Please. I've risked my life more times than anyone else for her!"
MJ smirked. "And yet she keeps coming back to me for advice and strategy. That counts as love and respect combined."
Across the room, Rylan, Zephyr, and Nova raised their eyebrows. "Amateurs. We've always been silently there, watching, protecting, guiding her. She knows who she can rely on."
Gorya crossed her arms, glaring at the boys. "You don't even know what it's like to fight for her life. We've always had her back, every time."
Kanning added, "Exactly. And Aum agrees. We've trained, bled, and pushed ourselves to the limit for her. Stop pretending you understand it better than us."
Aum nodded, eyes glinting. "Every time it's the same argument. And yet… somehow, it's entertaining."
I sat quietly nearby, watching the chaos, shaking my head. All this arguing… all the bickering… it was messy, ridiculous, and completely theirs. And I loved it.
Meanwhile, I had already called my manager to begin decorating the banquet hall for my birthday two days from now. But today wasn't about the party. It was about Keifer.
I found him in the garden, calm and oblivious to the chaos inside.
"Keifer…" I began, voice soft but steady.
He looked up, curiosity in his eyes. "Jay… you look serious. What's on your mind?"
I knelt slightly, taking his hands in mine. "There's something I need to ask you. Something important. Before my birthday… I need to know how you feel."
His gaze softened, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Whatever it is, I'm listening. Always."
I took a deep breath. "Keifer… after everything—the past, the mistakes, the heartbreak… do you… still want to be with me?"
His eyes shone, warm and steady. "Jay… I've wanted it every day since then. I never stopped. I swear. I want you… always."
A smile spread across my face. "Good… because I want you too. Officially. I want you as my boyfriend."
He laughed softly, a mixture of relief and joy. "Yes… Jay. I'll be yours. Always."
I leaned forward, pressing my lips to his gently. Just a soft kiss, but full of everything we had kept hidden—the longing, the relief, the love. He held me close, his hands on my waist, as I rested my forehead against his. The world could wait.
From the doorway, chaos erupted again. Thyme yelled, "Finally! Took her long enough to confess!"
Kavin groaned. "We thought this day would never come!"
Gorya smirked. "Two days before her birthday, but I like it."
Even Shadow Council allowed themselves tiny smirks, rarely showing emotion, but approval flickered in their eyes.
I buried my face in Keifer's shoulder, laughing softly. "You guys… never change."
Keifer whispered, brushing a strand of hair from my face, "At least now I know I'm yours."
I giggled, pecking him again. "And I'm yours… officially."
The rest of the day was filled with stolen kisses, hand-holding, laughter, and playful chaos from the groups. Thyme tried to argue that he had the most love for me. Kavin challenged him. MJ rolled his eyes at both. Gorya, Kanning, and Aum teased all the boys mercilessly. And through it all, I smiled, feeling the warmth of everyone around me.