JAY-JAY POV
He finally stopped, turning to me with that teasing grin.
"Tired?" he asked, his tone light but his eyes searching mine.
"What do you think?" I shot back, raising a brow, my voice dripping with mock annoyance.
He chuckled, leaning closer. "I think you're adorable when you're out of breath."
I rolled my eyes, though my lips curved into a reluctant smile. "Adorable? More like exhausted."
"Exhausted but still mine," he said smoothly, brushing a strand of hair from my face.
I swatted at his hand, pouting. "You're impossible."
"And yet," he whispered, smirking, "you never let go of me."
He kissed me one last time, soft and lingering, before pulling back with a gentle smile.
"Let's sleep, you're probably tired," he said, brushing his thumb across my cheek.
"Yeah… it's already 12 a.m.," I murmured, glancing at the glowing numbers on my phone.
His eyes widened. "What? It's already 12?"
I laughed softly at his shocked expression. "Yes, Keifer. Time flies when you're busy all day."
He groaned dramatically, flopping back against the pillows. "Great. So tomorrow I'll be exhausted… but it'll be worth it."
I rolled my eyes, curling closer to him. "Idiot."
"Your idiot," he whispered, wrapping his arm around me as sleep began to pull us both under.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
THE NEXT DAY
JAY-JAY POV
I woke up at 10 a.m., the sunlight slipping through the curtains and warming the room.
Next to me was Keifer, his arms wrapped tightly around my waist, holding me protectively even in his sleep.
His steady breathing brushed against my neck, and for a moment, I didn't want to move at all.
I smiled softly, my heart swelling at the sight. This idiot… even asleep, he acts like I'll disappear if he lets go.
I shifted slightly, and he stirred, tightening his grip as if to remind me I was his.
"Good morning, love," he mumbled groggily, his voice low and husky.
"Morning," I whispered back, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead.
He cracked one eye open, smirking lazily. "You're not allowed to wake up without me."
"Well, we should wake up now," I said, nudging him gently.
"Why? We still have time," he mumbled, tightening his arms around me like he wasn't ready to let go.
"Well, because we have to pick up Keth," I reminded him.
He cracked one eye open, confused. "I thought he was staying at your mom's place for two days."
I sighed softly, smiling despite myself. "That was the plan… but I can't stay away from him for too long."
Keifer chuckled, brushing his lips against my hair. "You're hopeless. Completely addicted to that kid."
I pouted. "He's my baby."
"He's our baby," Keifer corrected, smirking.
Just then, Keifer's phone rang.
He picked it up, his voice low and serious, while I was busy rummaging through the theater for my bathrobe.
When I finally found it and slipped it on, I turned—only to see him standing there in his own bathrobe, his eyes shadowed with sadness.
My heart clenched instantly. "What happened?" I asked, stepping closer, my voice trembling.
He hesitated, running a hand through his hair before meeting my gaze. "It was… unexpected. Something's wrong."
I reached out, placing my hand gently on his arm. "Keifer, talk to me."
His eyes were sharp, filled with urgency. "Jay, it's an emergency. We have to go now—get ready."
"Keifer, please—" I started, my voice trembling, but he silenced me with a sudden kiss.
It was quick, desperate, almost like he was trying to reassure me in the only way he could.
"Please, Jay," he whispered against my lips, his tone softer but still firm. "No time to explain. Wear your clothes."
My heart raced, confusion mixing with fear.
I wanted answers, but the look in his eyes told me this wasn't the moment to argue.
I nodded slowly, swallowing the lump in my throat, and turned toward the closet.
Whatever this is… it's serious.
I got ready and went downstairs to see Keifer already waiting, his face tense.
"Ready?" he asked.
I nodded, and we hurried to the car. As soon as we got in, my chest tightened with dread.
"Keifer, tell me what's the emergency," I asked, my voice trembling.
His knuckles whitened against the steering wheel. "Jay… it's Keth."
My heart dropped instantly. "What happened to him?" I asked, panic rising in my throat.
He didn't say anything. The silence was unbearable, stretching between us like a wall.
Finally, he turned his head slightly, his eyes heavy with worry. "I don't know yet. Percy called me… told me to get there as soon as possible."
My breath caught, panic clawing at my chest. "Keifer… if Percy said it's urgent, then it must be serious."
He pressed his foot harder on the accelerator, his jaw tight. "I know. That's why we can't waste time."
I clutched his arm, my fingers trembling. "Keifer, I'm scared."
He glanced at me briefly, his voice low but steady. "I am too. But listen, Jay—whatever happened, we'll face it together. Keth needs us strong."
Tears blurred my vision as I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat.
The car sped down the road, every second feeling like an eternity.
We reached there within an hour or so, though it felt like the longest drive of my life.
My heart was pounding the entire way, every minute stretching endlessly as fear gnawed at me.
As soon as Keifer parked, I rushed out of the car, my legs shaky but determined.
The moment my eyes landed on him, a chill ran down my spine.
Percy was never the serious one—he was the one who cracked jokes, who lightened every heavy moment.
Seeing him like this… it didn't give me a good feeling at all.
My steps faltered, my heart thudding painfully in my chest.
If Percy looks like this, then something is really wrong.
"Percy…" I whispered, my voice trembling as I reached him. "Tell me. What happened?"
He glanced at me, then at Keifer, his lips pressed into a tight line. For a moment, he didn't speak, and the silence was worse than any words.
Keifer stepped forward, his tone sharp but controlled. "Percy. Say it."