Jay‑jay
The house smelled like brewed coffee and the kind of sadness people try to hide under small talk. My suitcase sat by the door, already zipped.
Tita Gemma hovered near the counter, folding the same scarf for the third time.
"London's cold, anak," she said, voice unsteady but gentle. "Keep this with you."
"I will, Tita," I said, hugging her. "I'll call when I land."
She smiled, eyes glistening. "You always say that."
Angelo came bursting in next, grin too wide, pretending not to care while clearly falling apart inside.
"My favorite cousin leaving without my signature snacks? Don't insult me."
He handed over a grocery bag and half a laugh. When the room thinned out, he dropped his voice.
"You sure, Jay?"
"Yeah. I have to."
He sighed. "Just… don't forget where home is, okay?"
Then Aries appeared. The last time he'd visited, tension hung between us like barbed wire. But tonight, he just looked tired.
"So you're really leaving," he said.
"I am."
He nodded. "You deserve peace, kid. Don't let London take your fire."
I smiled faintly, suddenly realizing how much I'd missed hearing that tough kindness in his voice.
Later, Rakki and Grace showed up — my unofficial sisters. Rakki nearly tackled me with a hug; Grace rolled her eyes but held on tight too.
"You think distance will save you from my gossip?" Rakki teased.
"You'll still hear from us," Grace added softly. "Whether you like it or not."
Their laughter carried through the halls, shaking some of the emptiness loose.
When the house finally quieted, Percy knocked on my door.
He leaned against the frame like he owned the place — arms crossed, that trademark smirk just barely hiding how glassy his eyes were.
"You're really heading out, kid," he said. He was trying to sound casual, but every word landed heavier than it should.
"Don't start with the pep talk, Kuya. I might cry."
He snorted. "You? Cry? Please. You'll be making London cry."
That earned a small laugh from me. But when he stepped closer, the humor slipped.
"I'll check on you. Always," he said quietly. "You hear me? No matter how far you go."
"I know, Percy."
He ruffled my hair, like always, then kissed the top of my head. "Stay safe, little sister."
When he left, the quiet finally crept back — the kind that aches. I turned the lights off and stood by the window. The street was dark, the air heavy with the smell of rain. For a heartbeat, I thought I saw a car parked by the gate — familiar shape, familiar color — but when I blinked, it was gone.
Keifer
I shouldn't have been there. Every second near her house was a risk, but I couldn't stop myself. One last glimpse — that's all I wanted.
From the car, I could see the faint glow in her window and figures moving across the living room. Laughter. Aries's deep voice. Percy's. She had everyone who mattered. She didn't need me, and I kept telling myself that was good.
I stayed long after the lights went out. When her silhouette crossed the window, I froze. She looked like she was searching for something. Maybe she felt me there — maybe not. Either way, I knew this was my cue to disappear for good.
I whispered toward the night,
"I didn't use you. I loved you. That's why I have to stay away."
The rain swallowed the confession before it reached the glass.
Jay‑jay
I stood at the window long after midnight, wishing I'd told everyone how much they meant to me — wishing the quiet didn't sound so much like loss.
"Goodbye, Keifer," I whispered. A tear slipped from my eye
Even if he wasn't there, somehow I knew he heard.
Author note:
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Jay is heartbroken 💔 but she is going move on k!
or is she…..
bye sweeties !