Jay-Jay's POV
I stared at the card for too long.
Way too long.
The kind of too long where if someone walked in, they'd think I was either in love with it… or planning its murder.
Black.
Gold embossed.
Elegant.
Dangerous.
Just like the kind of people who would attend this thing.
My fingers tightened slightly around the edge.
Joniean Osabel.
The name didn't feel unfamiliar.
It just didn't feel like me.
"...You're blinking less than usual," a voice said beside me.
I didn't look up.
"Maybe I'm evolving."
Ci-N leaned closer anyway, completely ignoring personal space like he always did.
"…Who's that?"
I sighed.
Of course.
Of course this was how it starts.
I didn't answer immediately.
Not because I didn't want to.
But because saying it out loud made it real.
And I wasn't sure I was ready for that.
From across the room—
Keifer's voice cut in.
Calm.
Sharp.
Too aware.
"Someone important, apparently."
I closed my eyes for a second.
Of course he noticed.
I exhaled slowly.
"It's me."
Silence.
Heavy.
Immediate.
Ci-N blinked.
Once.
Twice.
Then—
"I'm sorry—WHAT?"
I finally turned, crossing my arms.
"It's my name here."
Ci-N stared at me like I had just casually announced I was also secretly a dragon.
"That's not how names work."
"It is now."
"That's not legal."
"It is."
"That's not normal."
I tilted my head.
"Neither are you."
He pointed at the card again.
"You're telling me—this—" he waved it dramatically, "—rich, intimidating, sounds-like-she-owns-half-the-world woman… is you?"
I shrugged.
"I do own half the world."
Keifer snorted softly.
I didn't look at him.
Because if I did—
I'd lose control of whatever this conversation was supposed to be.
Yuri, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke.
"You changed your name?"
His tone wasn't accusing.
Just… observant.
I shook my head.
"I didn't change it."
Pause.
"I use it."
Ci-N groaned.
"That's the same thing—"
"No, it's not."
"It literally is—"
"It's not."
"It is—"
"Ci-N."
"…Yes."
"Stop talking."
"…Okay."
Silence returned.
Brief.
Until—
Keifer moved.
I didn't need to look to know.
I felt it.
The shift in the air.
The way the room noticed him before he even spoke.
He stopped in front of me.
Close.
Not too close.
But close enough.
"Why?"
One word.
Simple.
But not really.
My jaw tightened slightly.
Because Jay belonged to a past I wasn't ready to expose.
But I didn't say that.
Of course I didn't.
Instead—
I shrugged lightly.
"Because Joniean Osabel gets taken more seriously."
Ci-N blinked again.
"Jay built an entire company from scratch."
Pause.
"And THAT is what makes her serious?"
I didn't hesitate.
"Shut up."
He held his hands up.
"Just saying—your logic is questionable."
"Your existence is questionable."
"Wow."
Yuri smirked faintly.
Keifer didn't.
He was still watching me.
Too closely.
Like he wasn't listening to what I said—
but what I didn't.
He always does that.
And I hate it.
And I don't.
Which is worse.
"Everyone's going," he said finally.
My eyes flicked up to his.
"Same event."
Pause.
"Same room."
Something in my chest tightened.
Not fear.
Not exactly.
Just—
awareness.
This wasn't just a gala.
It was a collision.
Past.
Present.
Everything.
All in one place.
Ci-N dropped onto the couch dramatically.
"This is already stressful."
"You're not even invited for stress," I said.
"I am emotionally invested."
"In food."
"In you," he corrected.
Pause.
"…Also food."
I rolled my eyes.
But my attention shifted back.
To him.
Keifer.
Still standing there.
Still watching.
Still waiting.
For something.
An answer.
A decision.
And I knew—
If I didn't say it now—
Everything would spiral later.
So I did.
"We don't know each other."
Silence.
Ci-N sat up instantly.
"…What?"
I didn't repeat myself.
I didn't need to.
"No connections," I continued calmly. "No familiarity. No slipping up."
Yuri nodded immediately.
"Smart."
Ci-N looked betrayed.
"Boring."
I ignored him.
Keifer didn't speak.
Not immediately.
He just… tilted his head slightly.
Studying me.
And something about that—
felt dangerous.
"And if I don't follow that rule?" he asked.
Of course he would say that.
Of course.
I met his gaze.
Direct.
Steady.
Calm.
Dangerous.
"Then you're the problem."
Pause.
A long one.
Ci-N slowly turned his head between us.
"…Oh, this is getting interesting."
Yuri leaned back slightly.
Observing.
Always observing.
Keifer's lips curved.
Slowly.
"…I've been called worse."
"Good," I replied instantly. "Then you're prepared."
He took a step closer.
Closer than before.
Too close now.
"Prepared for what?"
I didn't move.
Didn't step back.
Didn't break eye contact.
"For consequences."
His gaze dropped for a second.
Just a second.
Then back to my eyes.
"…You sound confident."
"I am."
He leaned slightly.
Not touching.
But enough to make my breath—
pause.
"Confident people usually don't create rules like that."
I smirked slightly.
"Careful people do."
"And which one are you?"
I tilted my head.
"Guess."
Ci-N whispered loudly, "This feels like flirting."
"Shut up," Yuri muttered.
"I'm just saying—"
"You're breathing too much."
"I need oxygen—"
"Debatable."
I ignored them.
Because right now—
The only thing that mattered—
Was the space between me and Keifer.
And how it kept shrinking.
"You're hiding something," he said quietly.
Not accusing.
Just… certain.
Of course you noticed.
I smiled instead.
Light.
Careless.
Convincing.
"I always am."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
Like he wasn't satisfied with that answer.
Good.
He shouldn't be.
"You think I won't figure it out?" he asked.
I stepped slightly to the side.
Just enough to break the alignment.
Just enough to breathe again.
"You already know too much."
That made him pause.
Just for a second.
And I saw it.
Recognition.
Memory.
Something deeper.
Then—
he smirked again.
"Not enough."
Ci-N groaned.
"I don't understand anything but I'm stressed."
"You're always stressed," I said.
"Because you people are dramatic."
Yuri nodded.
"That's accurate."
"Thank you," Ci-N said.
"I didn't mean it as a compliment."
"I'll take it anyway."
Keifer didn't move.
Didn't leave.
Didn't look away.
"Don't slip up," I said finally.
He raised an eyebrow.
"Is that a warning?"
"It's a rule."
"And if I break it?"
I met his gaze again.
Slower this time.
More intentional.
"Then deal with me."
Silence.
Ci-N slapped his own forehead.
"WHY DO YOU TWO TALK LIKE THIS—"
Yuri: "Ignore them."
Ci-N: "I CAN'T—"
Keifer leaned slightly closer again.
Lower voice.
Just for me.
"…I don't follow rules well."
My heartbeat—
betrayed me.
Just a little.
"Then learn."
He smiled.
Soft.
Dangerous.
"Or?"
I didn't hesitate.
"Or I'll make you."
Pause.
Then—
he chuckled.
Low.
"Now that… sounds interesting."
Ci-N: "OH MY GOD—"
Yuri: "Stop reacting."
"I'm emotionally involved!"
"You're embarrassing."
"I'm invested!"
"You're loud."
"I'm supportive!"
"You're annoying."
"I've been told."
Keifer finally stepped back.
Just slightly.
But not really.
Because even with distance—
He was still there.
Present.
Watching.
And I knew—
This wasn't over.
Not even close.
Because the real problem wasn't the gala.
Or the name.
Or the rules.
It was him.
And the way—
No matter how many lines I drew—
He kept stepping right over them.
Without even trying.
—
This is going to be a disaster.
—
And the worst part?
I wasn't sure I wanted to stop it.
Keifer's POV
The gala was loud.
Too loud.
Voices layered over music, glass clinking, laughter that sounded expensive and fake.
The kind of place where everyone pretends they belong—
and no one actually does.
I adjusted my cuff slightly, barely listening to whatever Ci-N was saying beside me.
"…and I'm telling you, if there's no good food, I'm leaving," he muttered.
Yuri didn't even look at him.
"You won't."
"I will."
"You won't."
"I—"
"You're already planning dessert."
Ci-N paused.
"…Okay, that's true."
I exhaled slowly.
None of that mattered.
None of it.
Because the moment the doors opened—
Everything changed.
She walked in.
And the room—
went quiet.
Not fully.
Not completely.
But enough.
Enough for people to notice.
Enough for heads to turn.
Enough for attention to shift.
"Ms. Joniean Osabel."
"Ms. Osabel, welcome."
The name echoed.
Again.
And again.
And every time—
it sounded less like a name—
and more like a title.
She smiled.
Polite.
Perfect.
Untouchable.
Controlled.
Like she owned the room without even trying.
And that—
was the problem.
"…That's illegal," I muttered under my breath.
Yuri didn't even blink.
"Control yourself."
"No."
Ci-N leaned forward slightly, squinting.
"You're staring."
"I'm observing."
Yuri glanced at me.
"You're glaring at anyone who gets near her."
I didn't look away.
"…I'm analyzing threats."
Ci-N snorted.
"You're jealous."
I didn't respond.
Because denying it would be pointless.
And admitting it—
would be worse.
Across the hall—
she moved.
Effortless.
Like she had done this her entire life.
People approached her.
One after another.
Smiling.
Talking.
Trying.
And every time—
she responded the same way.
Polite.
Measured.
Distant.
Untouchable.
She must be thinking-
Don't slip. Don't look at them.
I could see it.
Even from here.
The control.
The restraint.
The way she was holding herself back.
And it—
irritated me.
More than it should.
"Ms. Osabel, I've heard a lot about you."
A man approached her.
Too close.
Too comfortable.
Too confident.
My jaw tightened.
Ci-N leaned toward Yuri.
"He's about to commit a crime."
Yuri didn't look away from the scene.
"Let him suffer."
Another man joined.
Then another.
One on her left.
One on her right.
Talking over each other.
Trying to impress.
Trying to get her attention.
Trying—
too hard.
I exhaled sharply.
"They're annoying."
Ci-N blinked.
"You don't even know what they're saying."
"I don't need to."
Yuri glanced at me again.
"You're getting irritated."
"I'm getting observant."
"You're getting worse."
"Debatable."
Ci-N leaned closer.
"You look like you're about to walk over there and remove them physically."
"…I'm considering it."
"You can't do that."
"I didn't say I would."
"You implied it."
"I implied nothing."
Yuri: "You implied everything."
I ignored them.
Because right now—
My focus was somewhere else.
On her.
Still smiling.
Still playing the role.
Still pretending.
And something about that—
didn't sit right with me.
Because I knew her.
Not this version.
Not "Ms. Osabel"
Not the woman standing there like she didn't care.
I knew the one who rolled her eyes.
The one who argued.
The one who—
looked at me like she was about to say something she shouldn't.
And this?
This wasn't that.
This was—
distance.
Control.
A wall.
And I didn't like it.
"…You're going to break your own rule," Yuri said quietly.
I didn't respond.
Because he wasn't wrong.
Ci-N crossed his arms.
"If you go there, she's going to kill you."
"She won't."
"She literally warned you."
"I've survived worse."
Yuri: "From her?"
Pause.
"…No."
Ci-N grinned.
"Exactly."
I looked at her again.
Another man leaned slightly closer.
Said something that made her smile.
Not real.
But enough.
And that—
That was it.
I started walking.
"Here we go," Ci-N whispered dramatically.
Yuri sighed.
"Let him."
"She's going to end him."
"Probably."
I didn't stop.
Didn't slow down.
Didn't hesitate.
Because right now—
I didn't care about rules.
Or plans.
Or pretending.
I stopped a few steps behind her.
Close enough to hear.
Not close enough to touch.
Yet.
"…Ms. Osabel," one of the men was saying, "it would be an honor if you—"
"Excuse me."
My voice cut through.
Calm.
Controlled.
Sharp enough to interrupt without sounding rude.
All three men turned.
Annoyed.
Assessing.
I didn't even look at them.
My eyes were on her.
Only her.
For a second—
just one—
Something in her expression shifted.
Barely noticeable.
But I saw it.
Of course I did.
Recognition.
Then control.
Instant.
Gone.
"Mr…?" one of the men asked.
I finally looked at him.
"…Watson."
That was enough.
Recognition flickered.
"Oh—"
"Watson Corp."
"Yes."
Good.
That meant they'd leave faster.
"I need a moment with Ms. Osabel."
It wasn't a request.
They hesitated.
Then—
one by one—
they stepped back.
Muttering polite excuses.
Leaving.
Exactly as expected.
Ci-N, from across the room: "He did NOT just do that—"
Yuri: "He did."
Now—
it was just us.
Silence.
Heavy.
Charged.
She didn't turn immediately.
Of course she didn't.
Because if she did—
she'd break the rule.
"…You're not very good at following instructions," she said finally.
I smirked slightly.
"Depends on the instruction."
She turned then.
Slow.
Controlled.
And for a second—
just a second—
The room disappeared.
Because up close—
She was worse.
More dangerous.
More distracting.
More—
everything.
"You're breaking the rule," she said quietly.
"You made a bad one."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"You're creating attention."
"I'm removing it."
She glanced briefly at the empty space around us.
"…That was unnecessary."
"I disagree."
Pause.
Her gaze flicked up to mine again.
"You're staring."
"I've been told."
"Stop."
"No."
She exhaled softly.
Annoyed.
Trying not to be.
"You're impossible."
"And you're pretending."
Her jaw tightened.
"Be careful."
"Or?"
I stepped slightly closer.
Not touching.
But close enough to lower my voice.
"Or you'll make me behave?"
Her breath paused.
Just for a second.
Then—
she leaned slightly forward.
Matching the distance.
"…Don't test me."
I smiled.
"I already am."
Ci-N (far away, whispering loudly): "WHY IS THIS HAPPENING IN PUBLIC—"
Yuri: "Lower your voice."
"I CAN'T—"
"You can."
"I WON'T—"
"Unfortunate."
She straightened slightly.
Putting space back between us.
"Go back," she said calmly.
"To where?"
"To your side of the room."
"I don't have a side."
"You do now."
"I don't like it."
"That's not my problem."
"It is."
"It's not."
"It is."
She stared at me.
Unimpressed.
"Leave."
I tilted my head slightly.
"…Make me."
Silence.
Then—
her lips twitched.
Just slightly.
Like she almost smiled.
But didn't.
"You're enjoying this."
"Very much."
"That's concerning."
"For you."
"For everyone."
I leaned in slightly again.
Lower voice.
"Say it."
"Say what?"
"That you missed this."
She held my gaze.
Strong.
Steady.
Dangerous.
"…I didn't forget."
Not the answer I asked for.
But close enough.
I smirked.
"Good."
She stepped back this time.
Proper distance.
Control restored.
"Go."
"Not yet."
Her eyes narrowed.
"Keifer."
The way she said my name—
low.
Warning.
Familiar.
Worth breaking every rule for.
"…You shouldn't say my name like that here," I murmured.
"Then stop making me."
"Can't."
"Won't."
"Same thing."
"It's not."
"It is."
She exhaled sharply.
"You're insufferable."
"And you're still talking to me."
Pause.
Then—
she turned slightly.
Back to the room.
Back to the role.
"Mr. Watson," she said, tone shifting instantly, "if you'll excuse me—"
I stepped back.
Just enough.
"…For now."
Her eyes flicked back to mine.
"…For now."
And just like that—
She walked away.
Again.
Leaving me there.
Watching.
Waiting.
Wanting to follow.
But not moving.
Because this time—
I'd let her go.
For now.
Ci-N rushed over immediately.
"What was THAT?"
Yuri followed.
Calmer.
But just as observant.
"You broke the rule," Yuri said.
"I improved it."
"You complicated it."
"I fixed it."
Ci-N pointed dramatically.
"You're in trouble."
"…Probably."
Yuri looked at me.
Then at her.
Then back at me.
"You're not going to stop."
"No."
"Good," Ci-N said. "Because this is entertaining."
I exhaled slowly.
Eyes still on her.
Across the room.
Still perfect.
Still controlled.
Still pretending.
Let's see how long that lasts.
Jay-Jay's POV
"Ms. Joniean Osabel."
The name followed me like a shadow.
Everywhere.
Every conversation.
Every introduction.
Every smile that wasn't real.
I nodded politely at someone I wasn't listening to, my fingers loosely wrapped around the stem of a glass I hadn't touched.
Don't slip. Don't react. Don't look at them.
Especially him.
I could feel it.
Even without looking.
His presence.
Sharp.
Unapologetic.
Too aware.
And that—
was the problem.
Keifer's POV
"Ms. Joniean Osabel."
Again.
And again.
And again.
I exhaled slowly.
"…I'm getting tired of that name."
Ci-N snorted.
"Because it's not yours?"
"Because it's not hers."
Yuri didn't look at me.
"She said no."
I stepped forward anyway.
"I just want to ask—"
A hand grabbed my arm.
Firm.
Unmoving.
Yuri.
"Then don't go again."
I looked at him.
Unimpressed.
"…You think that's going to stop me?"
"Yes."
"It won't."
"It should."
"It won't."
He didn't let go.
I raised an eyebrow.
"Don't go again and make things hard for her. Wasn't going to her once enough. Respect her choice."
"I am respecting it."
"You're walking toward it."
"I'm observing it closely."
"You're about to break it."
"I haven't yet."
"You will."
"Probably."
—
Before either of us could continue—
A voice cut in.
Light.
Casual.
Too confident.
"Relax, Mr. Watson."
We both turned.
Samy.
And the first thing she did—
was grab Yuri's arm.
Like it belonged to her.
Possessively.
Comfortably.
Without asking.
Yuri looked down.
Slowly.
"…What are you doing?"
She smiled sweetly.
"Saving you."
"From what?"
"Women."
Pause.
Yuri blinked.
"…What?"
Ci-N choked behind us.
Actually choked.
Like he forgot how to breathe.
Samy didn't even flinch.
"I'm protecting your future."
Yuri stared at her.
"…I don't have a future with you."
She tilted her head.
"Denial."
"Reality."
"Same thing, just earlier stage."
Ci-N leaned against the wall.
"I like her."
Yuri: "No."
Samy: "Yes."
Yuri: "No."
Samy: "Yes."
Keifer: "…Your life is a disaster."
Yuri exhaled slowly.
"…I know."
—
I looked back at Samy.
"Explain."
She turned to me.
Unbothered.
Unimpressed.
"She uses that name here," she said casually. "Only a few call her Jay."
My jaw tightened slightly.
"…Why?"
She shrugged.
"Because she can."
"That's not an answer."
"That's the only one you're getting."
I stepped slightly closer.
"And if I want more?"
She smiled.
"You usually do."
Pause.
Ci-N: "OH—"
Yuri: "Stop reacting."
"I'm appreciating the tension."
"You're embarrassing."
"I'm invested."
—
Samy leaned slightly closer to me.
Lowering her voice.
"You should focus on your own problem."
I tilted my head.
"…Which is?"
She didn't even look at me.
She nodded toward Jay.
Across the room.
Still surrounded.
Still smiling.
Still pretending.
"You're staring again."
I didn't deny it.
Because there was no point.
Yuri muttered under his breath, "At least he's consistent."
Ci-N: "At least he's obvious."
Me: "At least I'm honest."
Samy smirked.
"Debatable."
Jay-Jay's POV
I could feel it.
The shift.
The attention.
Not from the crowd.
But from them.
From him.
Why does it feel like he's closer?
I didn't turn.
I couldn't.
Because if I did—
I'd break.
"Ms. Osabel, are you enjoying the evening?" someone asked.
I smiled politely.
"Very much."
Lie.
"Would you care to—"
"Excuse me."
The voice cut through.
Familiar.
Too familiar.
I didn't turn immediately.
Of course I didn't.
Because I knew.
I knew exactly who it was.
"…You're not very good at following instructions," I said calmly.
Silence behind me.
Then—
his voice.
Closer.
Lower.
"I don't like the rules which makes me stay far away from my women."
I turned.
Slowly.
Controlled.
And there he was.
Again.
Breaking every rule I set—
like it didn't matter.
"You're creating attention," I said quietly.
"I'm removing it."
"That's not how that works."
"It worked."
I glanced around.
The people who were near me—
gone.
Of course.
I looked back at him.
"You're impossible."
"And you're still talking to me."
Pause.
My breath—
slightly uneven.
"What are you doing here again? Go back."
"Where?"
"To Yuri and-"
"Hi."
I was cut off in between when a random girl suddenly appeared beside us.
Bright.
Smiling.
Too interested.
"I'm—"
Samy appeared instantly.
Sliding between her and Yuri—
and somehow also between her and Keifer.
Efficient.
Terrifying.
"I'm future Mrs. Hanamitchi," she said sweetly.
The girl blinked.
"…What?"
Yuri closed his eyes.
"…Stop saying that."
Samy smiled wider.
"Manifestation."
Ci-N whispered, "I love her."
Yuri: "No."
Samy (to the girl): "You can go now."
"…I—"
"Thank you."
The girl left.
Confused.
Probably traumatized.
—
I bit back a smile.
Just slightly.
And Keifer noticed.
Of course he did.
"You're smiling," he murmured.
"I'm not."
"You are."
"I'm not."
"You are."
"I'm not."
"You are."
I exhaled.
"You're annoying."
"And you're amused."
"Barely."
"Still counts."
—
Samy looked at me.
Then at Keifer.
Then back at me.
"Oh," she said slowly.
"…This is worse than I thought."
Keifer raised an eyebrow.
"Excuse me?"
She ignored him.
"Jay."
I stiffened slightly.
"You said we don't know each other."
"We don't."
She gestured between me and Keifer.
"…That doesn't look like strangers."
I crossed my arms.
"It is."
Keifer leaned slightly closer.
"Feels like more."
My breath—
betrayed me again.
"Don't."
"Then stop reacting."
"I'm not reacting."
"You are."
"I'm not."
"You are."
I glared at him.
"Keifer."
The way I said it—
low.
Warning.
Too familiar.
He smiled.
"…You shouldn't say my name like that here."
"Then stop making me."
"Can't."
"Won't."
"Same thing."
"It's not."
"It is."
—
Yuri sighed.
"I'm leaving."
Samy grabbed his arm tighter.
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
He looked at her.
"…Why are you holding my arm?"
She smiled sweetly.
"Because I like it."
"You can't just—"
"I can."
"You can't—"
"I am."
Ci-N leaned over.
"This is the best night of my life."
—
I stepped back.
Creating distance.
Breathing again.
"This is getting out of hand," I said quietly.
Keifer tilted his head.
"It already is."
"And whose fault is that?"
He didn't hesitate.
"Yours."
I blinked.
"…Excuse me?"
"You started it."
"I did not—"
"You made the rule."
"That's not—"
"You're the reason I'm here."
Pause.
"…That's not what I meant."
"But it's still true."
—
Silence.
Heavy.
Charged.
And for a moment—
just a moment—
Everything else faded.
The noise.
The people.
The pretending.
It was just—
us.
Again.
—
Then I stepped back.
Because I had to.
Because if I didn't—
I wouldn't stop.
"Go," I said quietly.
He didn't move immediately.
Of course he didn't.
He never does.
"…Only for now,My Queen" he said finally.
I nodded once.
"…Go now."
And turned away.
Before I could change my mind.
Keifer's POV
I watched her walk away.
Again.
Same as before.
But this time—
it felt different.
Because now—
She was slipping.
Just slightly.
And I saw it.
—
Ci-N clapped softly.
"That was beautiful."
Yuri rubbed his temples.
"I'm tired."
Samy leaned against him.
"I'm not."
"Clearly."
I exhaled slowly.
Eyes still on her.
Across the room.
Still perfect.
Still controlled.
Still pretending.
Jay-Jay's POV
The music changed.
Slow.
Heavy.
The kind that didn't just play in the background—
It demanded attention.
The lights dimmed slightly.
The crowd shifted.
Couples began moving toward the dance floor.
Good. Distraction. Space.
I exhaled softly, turning slightly to leave—
"May I—"
A man stepped toward me.
Polished smile.
Confident posture.
Too confident.
I already knew what he was going to say.
I opened my mouth to decline—
"Dance with me."
My heart—
stopped.
Not because of the question.
But because of the voice.
I looked up.
Keifer.
Of course.
Of course it would be him.
"…You're breaking the rules, AGAIN! FOR THE THIRD TIME!!" I shouted quietly. In a low tone
He didn't even hesitate.
He leaned slightly closer.
Close enough that I felt it—
that familiar pull.
"Then stop me."
Pause.
I should have.
I could have.
But I didn't.
And that—
was the problem.
Keifer's POV
She didn't say no.
That was enough.
Her hand met mine.
And for a second—
everything else disappeared.
Noise.
People.
The entire room.
Gone.
Because this—
This felt familiar.
Too familiar.
And that made it dangerous.
Jay-Jay's POV
Electric.
That's the only word for it.
The moment our hands touched—
Everything shifted.
Too fast.
Too real.
"People are watching," I said under my breath.
He didn't even look around.
"Good."
I frowned slightly.
"You're insufferable."
"And you still said yes."
Why did I say yes?
I stepped closer anyway.
Mistake.
Big mistake.
Because the moment we started moving—
It felt natural.
Too natural.
Our steps aligned instantly.
Like nothing had changed.
Like time hadn't passed.
Like we hadn't built walls between us.
"You're too close," I muttered.
He didn't move back.
"Not close enough."
My breath hitched.
Just slightly.
But he noticed.
Of course he did.
"Keifer—"
"Say my name again."
I stiffened.
"…We don't know each other."
He smiled.
Small.
Knowing.
"Then why do you sound like you do?"
I looked away.
Failed.
Keifer's POV
She always does that.
Looks away when it gets too real.
Too close.
Too honest.
I let the silence sit for a second.
Then—
"You're staring again."
She glanced back at me immediately.
"I'm not—"
"You are."
"I'm not—"
"You are."
She exhaled.
"You're impossible."
I leaned slightly closer.
Lower voice.
"You walked in like you wanted attention."
She narrowed her eyes.
"From everyone?"
Pause.
I shook my head.
"No."
Leaning closer—
"Just not from me."
Her breath—
uneven.
Just for a second.
Then control returned.
Of course it did.
Jay-Jay's POV
"You're holding too tight," I said quietly.
He didn't loosen his grip.
"You're not pulling away."
I froze.
"…That's because people are watching."
"Liar."
My heart skipped.
Annoying.
Dangerous.
Unfair.
I tried to step back.
Just slightly.
Just enough to breathe—
But he pulled me back.
Not forcefully.
Just enough.
"Then stop me."
Why do I always lose when it's him?
I didn't answer.
Because I couldn't.
Keifer's POV
"Say it."
She blinked.
"Say what?"
"That you missed this."
She looked away again.
Of course.
"We're not supposed to—"
"You're avoiding the answer."
Silence.
Then—
quietly—
"…I didn't forget."
Not enough.
I leaned closer.
"That's not what I asked."
Jay-Jay's POV
This was dangerous.
Too dangerous.
"You changed your name," he said suddenly.
I frowned slightly.
"So did you."
He shook his head.
"…No, I didn't."
I met his gaze.
"You became someone else."
That hit.
I saw it.
That brief shift.
That quiet pause.
Then—
he spoke.
"Only for the world."
Pause.
Softer.
"Not for you."
My chest tightened.
And I hated it.
Because it felt—
real.
Too real.
Yuri's POV
"This is a mistake."
"I disagree."
I looked down.
Samy was still holding my hand.
Firm.
Unmoving.
"Let go."
"No."
"I said—"
"I heard you."
"Then why are you still—"
"Because I want to dance."
"You're forcing this."
She smiled.
"You'll thank me."
"I won't."
"You will."
She pulled me toward the dance floor anyway.
I sighed.
But—
I didn't let go.
Samy's POV
He didn't leave.
That was enough.
"See?" I said. "Progress."
"This isn't progress."
"This is emotional development."
"This is a mistake."
"This is chemistry."
He looked at me.
Flat.
Unimpressed.
"…There's no chemistry."
I smiled.
"There will be."
Jay-Jay's POV
I shouldn't be enjoying this.
I shouldn't be reacting.
I shouldn't be—
feeling anything.
But I was.
And that was the problem.
"You're distracted," Keifer said quietly.
"I'm not."
"You are."
"I'm not."
"You are."
I exhaled sharply.
"You're annoying."
"And you're still here."
Pause.
"…That's your fault."
"I'll take responsibility."
"That's not something to be proud of."
"It is if it works."
Keifer's POV
She's slipping.
Just slightly.
But I see it.
And once she starts—
She won't stop.
"Careful," she said quietly.
"Or?"
She looked at me.
Direct.
Steady.
"Or I will."
I smiled slightly.
"I'd like to see that."
Her eyes narrowed.
"You won't."
"Try me."
Jay-Jay's POV
I shouldn't.
I really shouldn't.
But—
I leaned slightly closer.
Lower voice.
"You're testing your limits."
He didn't move.
"I don't have any."
"Everyone does."
"Not with you."
My breath—
again.
Betrayed me.
I pulled back immediately.
Distance.
Control.
Space.
"I'm done," I said.
He didn't let go.
"Then stop."
I looked at him.
Annoyed.
"…Let go."
"Make me."
Silence.
Then—
I stepped back.
Fully this time.
And he let me.
Because he knew—
If he didn't—
I wouldn't walk away.
Keifer's POV
She left.
Again.
But this time—
It wasn't escape.
It was retreat.
And there's a difference.
Yuri's POV
I glanced across the floor.
At them.
Then at Samy.
"You're not subtle."
She smiled.
"I'm not trying to be."
I exhaled.
"…This is going to be a long night."
She leaned slightly closer.
"Good."
Jay-Jay's POV
I walked away.
Heart racing.
Breath uneven.
Control—
barely holding.
This is a mistake.
—
And the worst part?
I wasn't sure I wanted it to stop.
Keifer's POV
"Mr. Watson."
I turned.
Annoyed already.
"Yes?"
The man smiled like he knew something.
Like he shouldn't.
"I heard about your… girlfriend."
My expression didn't change.
But something in the air did.
Shifted.
Sharp.
"…That's not—"
"Jay, right?"
Everything—
stopped.
I didn't look at her.
Not immediately.
Because I didn't need to.
I felt it.
The way she went still.
The way her breathing changed—
just slightly.
But enough.
The man continued, completely unaware of what he was stepping into.
"Your London speech. Eighteenth birthday."
My jaw tightened.
Ci-N, from behind, whispered, "…oh no."
Yuri went quiet.
Watching.
Always watching.
"Promised to protect the love of your life," the man added with a smile.
"And not let anyone harm her."
Silence.
Heavy.
Dangerous.
And then—
I looked at her.
Jay's expression—
wasn't controlled anymore.
Not fully.
There was something there.
Something raw.
Something she wasn't hiding fast enough.
—
Why does this still affect you?
—
She stepped back.
Once.
Then again.
"I need air."
And just like that—
she left.
Fast.
Too fast.
Like staying would break something.
—
Ci-N slowly turned to me.
"…You're in trouble."
Yuri didn't speak.
He just looked toward the exit.
Then at me.
"Go."
I didn't wait.
Jay-Jay's POV
Why does this still affect me?
The moment the doors shut behind me—
I breathed.
Or tried to.
The night air hit my skin, cold and sharp, but it didn't help.
Nothing did.
Why now…? Why here…?
Footsteps.
Behind me.
Of course.
"You run too much."
I didn't turn.
"Don't."
Silence.
Then—
closer.
"You don't get to say things like that here."
His voice was calm.
Too calm.
"Why?"
I finally turned.
Because I couldn't not.
"Because things are different now."
He stepped closer.
Slow.
Careful.
"Then why are you shaking?"
My breath caught.
I hated that he noticed.
I hated that he always noticed.
"I'm not."
"You are."
"I'm not."
"You are."
I exhaled sharply.
"You're remembering something that doesn't exist anymore."
His eyes didn't leave mine.
"Then why does it feel exactly the same?"
Silence.
Too loud.
Too real.
My voice came out quieter than I wanted.
"You don't know what happened after I left."
"Then tell me."
"You won't like it."
"Try me."
I hesitated.
Just for a second.
"…You won't leave?"
The question slipped out before I could stop it.
Before I could take it back.
But it was too late.
Because he answered—
without hesitation.
"Never."
My chest tightened.
And that—
was dangerous.
—
Pause.
Close.
Too close.
—
"You ran away once," he said quietly.
"I had to."
"Then don't run now."
My breath—
unsteady.
"Keifer…"
"Stay."
Not a command.
Not exactly.
But it felt like one.
—
I looked at him.
Really looked at him.
And for a second—
everything blurred.
The gala.
The noise.
The past.
Everything except—
this.
This moment.
"You make it hard," I whispered.
His lips curved slightly.
"Good."
Keifer's POV
She's closer now.
Not physically.
Not just that.
But—
emotionally.
And that's worse.
Because now—
she's not pretending as well.
"If I step closer—" I started.
"Don't."
I did anyway.
Because I always do.
"Then stop me."
She didn't.
Of course she didn't.
Jay-Jay's POV
He was too close.
Too real.
Too—
everything.
My heart was racing.
Too fast.
Too loud.
And for once—
I didn't want to stop it.
So I didn't think.
Didn't calculate.
Didn't control.
I stepped forward—
and kissed him.
Quick.
But real.
And the moment it happened—
I knew—
I crossed the line.
Keifer's POV
She kissed me.
No hesitation.
No warning.
Just—
her.
And I didn't hesitate either.
I pulled her closer.
Instinct.
Familiar.
Like it was always supposed to be this easy.
This right.
"…You're breaking all your rules," I murmured softly.
Jay-Jay's POV
I didn't pull away.
Not immediately.
Not when I should have.
"Only with you," I whispered.
Because it was true.
And that—
was the problem.
—
We stayed like that for a second.
Too close.
Too quiet.
Too real.
Then—
slowly—
we pulled apart.
But not completely.
Not enough.
His forehead rested lightly against mine.
"Still pretending?" he asked softly.
My breath was uneven.
"…Only in public."
He smirked slightly.
"Then I'll wait."
Pause.
"…I'm patient when it comes to you."
My heart—
betrayed me again.
And this time—
I didn't fight it.
Keifer's POV
She didn't run.
Not this time.
And that—
meant everything.
Jay-Jay's POV
This was dangerous.
Too dangerous.
Because now—
it wasn't just the past catching up.
It was—
us.
And I wasn't sure which one would break first.
Back at the condo—
Everything felt different.
The same walls.
The same space.
The same people.
But nothing—
felt the same.
I stood by the window.
Arms crossed.
Looking out at the city lights.
But not really seeing them.
Should I tell them? About everything?
My fingers tightened slightly.
If they find out… everything changes.
Behind me—
Footsteps.
Familiar.
Too familiar.
"Don't overthink."
Keifer.
Of course.
I didn't turn.
"I'm deciding."
"About?"
Silence.
Then—
"…The truth."
Pause.
I felt him move closer.
Not touching.
But close enough to feel it.
"Then don't rush it."
I exhaled slowly.
And leaned slightly toward him.
Not obvious.
Not intentional enough for anyone else to notice.
But enough for him.
Always enough for him.
Ci-N's POV
"…Something happened."
No one answered.
Which—
was already suspicious.
I looked between them.
Jay.
Keifer.
The space between them.
Yeah.
Definitely something happened.
Jay didn't turn.
"No."
Keifer answered instantly.
"Yes."
Jay spun around.
"KEIFER—"
He didn't even look guilty.
Calm.
Unbothered.
"You said don't lie."
Ci-N: "I KNEW IT—"
Yuri groaned.
"Can you not shout?"
"I'm INVESTED."
"You're loud."
"I'm right."
"You're annoying."
"I'm observant."
Keifer's POV
Yuri walked over.
Quiet.
Measured.
And looked at me.
"You're worse than before."
I didn't deny it.
"I have more to lose now."
That made him pause.
Just for a second.
Then—
he nodded.
"…That's what I was afraid of."
Jay-Jay's POV
I turned back toward the window.
Because this—
this was too much.
Too fast.
Too real.
And if I stayed facing them—
I might actually say it.
Everything.
All of it.
And I wasn't ready.
Not yet.
—
Behind us—
A door opened.
Closed.
Footsteps.
Then—
silence.
Yuri's POV
"…Where did she go?"
I didn't need to ask who.
We all knew.
Ci-N leaned back.
"Plot twist incoming."
"Stop narrating."
"I'm helping."
"You're not."
—
Then—
she came back.
And for a second—
No one said anything.
Because—
She was wearing my shirt.
—
"…Why are you wearing that?"
Samy looked completely unbothered.
"Because I can."
"That's mine."
She shrugged.
"Not anymore."
Ci-N whispered loudly, "He's blushing."
Keifer: "He is."
"I am not—"
Before I could finish—
A pillow hit my face.
"Liar."
I blinked.
Slowly.
Then grabbed the nearest pillow—
and threw it back.
"This is harassment."
"This is flirting."
"This is a mistake."
"This is chemistry."
"This is chaos."
"This is your fault."
"This is your future."
"…No."
"…Yes."
Samy's POV
He's cute when he's annoyed.
I threw another pillow.
He caught it this time.
Smirked.
Oh.
That was new.
"You're getting better," I said.
"I'm adapting."
"To me?"
"To survive you."
"Same thing."
Keifer's POV
I leaned against the wall.
Watching.
Arms crossed.
"…This is painful."
Ci-N nodded.
"I love it."
"You would."
"I support chaos."
"You are chaos."
"I've been told."
Jay-Jay's POV
I tried not to smile.
I really did.
But—
It was impossible.
Because they were—
ridiculous.
And normal.
And loud.
And alive.
And for a second—
it felt like before.
Before everything got complicated.
Before secrets.
Before lies.
Before—
him.
I glanced sideways.
Keifer was already looking at me.
Of course he was.
He didn't even pretend otherwise anymore.
And something about that—
made my chest tighten.
Yuri's POV
Another pillow.
Another hit.
Another argument.
"Stop throwing things."
"Make me."
"I will."
"Try."
"I will."
"Do it."
"Don't test me."
"I am testing you."
"This is a mistake."
"This is progress."
"This is exhausting."
"This is fun."
—
Then—
everything happened too fast.
She stepped back.
Her foot slipped.
"Wait—"
And suddenly—
she fell.
On me.
—
Silence
Too close.
Way too close.
Her hair brushed my face.
Her hand pressed lightly against my chest.
Her breath—
close enough to feel.
Mine—
completely gone.
"…You're heavy," I muttered automatically.
She blinked.
"…Excuse me?"
"I mean—"
"You're dead."
Ci-N whispered, "Don't move. This is a moment."
Keifer: "This is embarrassing."
Ci-N: "This is romantic."
Keifer: "This is accidental."
Ci-N: "This is destiny."
Samy's POV
He's frozen.
Completely.
Like his brain just stopped working.
Cute.
"…I should go," I said.
Soft.
Not teasing.
Not this time.
I started getting up—
Then paused.
Because something—
shifted.
And before I could overthink it—
I leaned down—
and pressed a quick peck on his lips.
Yuri's POV
…
…
…
I stopped breathing.
Completely.
Brain?
Gone.
Thoughts?
Nonexistent.
System?
Shut down.
Samy's POV
I stood up casually.
Like I didn't just do that.
"I'll be in the guest room."
I walked toward the door.
Then stopped.
Turned.
Looked at him.
Still frozen.
Still stunned.
"If you want…"
Pause.
"I might come back."
Wink.
A flying kiss.
And I left.
—
Silence
Ci-N: "…Did that just happen?"
Keifer: "Yes."
Yuri:
Still not moving.
Jay-Jay's POV
I exhaled slowly.
Because everything—
Everyone—
Was shifting.
Changing.
Blurring.
And suddenly—
This didn't feel like a game anymore.
Or pretending.
Or control.
It felt like—
the beginning of something breaking.
—
The room was finally quiet.
Too quiet.
The kind of silence that doesn't feel peaceful—
it feels like something is waiting to happen.
I stood by the window again.
Arms crossed.
Staring at the city lights.
But I wasn't seeing them.
I was thinking.
Tell them… don't tell them…
My grip tightened.
If they find out—everything changes.
Behind me—
Keifer watched.
Carefully.
Closely.
Like he always does.
"Still overthinking?" he asked softly.
"…I'm deciding something."
"Dangerous."
"For you, maybe."
He stepped closer.
Slow.
Measured.
"And for you?"
Silence.
I turned.
Our eyes met.
Too much history.
Too much tension.
Too many things unsaid.
"If I tell them the truth… nothing stays the same."
He didn't hesitate.
"Then let it change."
My breath caught.
"Not everything survives the truth, Keifer."
He stepped closer.
Close enough to feel.
"Then we'll see what does."
—
Across the room—
Yuri sat there.
Quiet.
Thinking.
"…You're hiding something."
—
Ci-N leaned back.
Watching.
"…Yeah."
"She is."
—
I exhaled.
Decision forming.
I can't keep running.
I turned—
"I need to tell you something—"
Knock.
Everything froze.
The sound echoed.
Sharp.
Wrong.
"…Were you expecting someone?"
Keifer's expression darkened instantly.
"No."
Another knock.
Slower.
He stepped in front of me.
Protective.
Yuri stood.
Silent.
Ci-N straightened.
My heart—
pounding.
Too fast.
Too loud.
Why does this feel familiar…?
Third knock.
Then—
a voice.
Low.
Calm.
Familiar.
Too familiar.
"…Open the door, Jay."
Everything inside me—
shattered.
"…That's not possible."
Keifer turned.
"Who is it?"
I couldn't answer.
I couldn't say it.
Because if I did—
Everything would break.
"I know you're inside."
Silence.
Dead.
Cold.
My lips parted.
Voice shaking.
"…He's not supposed to be here."
Keifer's eyes hardened.
"Who."
I looked at him.
Fear.
Real fear.
"…one of the reason I left."