Keifer pov
(I was sitting in the car outside Kuya Angelo's house, staring at the dashboard. My phone buzzed. It was the office—urgent.)
Office (via call): "Keifer… Monster is mobilizing again. The situation with your father is escalating. We need you in London immediately. It's critical."
(My heart tightened. I closed my eyes for a moment, then looked at Jay, who was leaning against the car door, her bag on her lap.)
Me (Keifer, whispering to myself): Not now… I just got her back safely. I can't leave… but I have no choice.
(I stepped out, taking a deep breath. Jay noticed my expression.)
Jay: "Keifer… what's wrong? You look… serious."
Me (hugging her tightly): "Jay… I have to go to London. There's… something urgent I need to handle with my father. It's dangerous."
Jay (pulling back slightly, worried): "London? Again? But… you just came back. Are you… are you okay?"
Me (holding her face gently, looking into her eyes): "I'll be fine… probably. But I need you to stay at Kuya Angelo's house for now. It's safer. And… I need you to promise me something."
Jay (frowning): "Anything… what is it?"
Me: "Promise me… that you'll take care of yourself. No risks. And… please, take care of my brothers—Kieran and Kiegan. They'll need you while I'm gone. If anything happens… I need to know they're safe."
Jay (voice trembling, biting her lip): "Keifer… this… this doesn't feel right. I don't want to be without you."
Me (softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face): "I know, Jay… I don't want to leave either. But this is bigger than us. If I don't handle this… it could get worse. I need you to stay strong. For yourself… and for my family."
Jay (clutching his jacket, almost crying): "Promise me… you'll come back."
Me (taking both her hands in mine, serious and unwavering): "I swear… Jay. I will come back. Nothing will stop me. But… you have to understand… I can't promise there won't be danger. I'll try my best, I'll fight with everything I have, but you need to be safe."
Jay (nodding, tears falling): "Okay… I promise. Just… come back to me, Keifer."
Me (hugging her again, tightly, heart aching): "I will… I promise. And I want you to remember… you're stronger than you think. Section E, your family… we'll be okay. I need you to trust me, Jay."
(I pulled back slightly, cupping her face.)
Me: "When I leave, you stay at Kuya Angelo's. Don't argue, don't sneak out… I'll handle everything from London. If something happens… I can't bear to think of you in danger."
Jay (sniffing, voice small but determined): "I'll be fine. I promise I'll take care of everything… and I'll wait for you."
Me (kissing her forehead softly): "Good… that's all I needed to hear. I love you, Jay. Stay strong. Be safe. And… trust me—I'll return. Always."
(Jay nodded, holding me one last time. I could feel her tears against my chest. I wanted to stay… I wanted to never leave… but duty called. I pulled away reluctantly, my heart heavy, knowing this wasn't a goodbye forever—but it felt like one.)
Me (Keifer, muttering to myself as I left): I'll come back… no matter what. I swear… nothing will stop me from returning to her.
The night was heavy, and the tension in the air was almost suffocating. I stood in front of Jay, holding her hands and feeling the weight of every second we had left before I had to leave. I could see the worry in her eyes, the fear she tried to hide behind her brave face.
I explained to her everything she needed to understand, every little detail to keep her calm. I told her that the situation with my father, Monster, had escalated to a point where I could no longer delay. He was planning his next moves, and if I didn't act fast, it could put everyone in danger. That included her, Kieran, Kiegan, and even Kuya Angelo.
I hugged her tightly, memorizing her warmth, her scent, the way her hands fit into mine. I explained that she needed to stay at Kuya Angelo's house while I was gone. That's where she would be safest, and that's where she could take care of my brothers without worrying.
I told her that Angelo had to leave for France briefly, but it was all part of the plan to calm her fears. She would believe that Angelo was accompanying me to London, so she wouldn't panic. The reality, of course, was that I was the only one leaving. That truth weighed on me, heavier than any armor or weapon. I didn't want her to feel abandoned, so I crafted the story carefully.
I reminded her to take care of herself, to stay strong, and to protect Kieran and Kiegan in my absence. I promised her that I would come back, no matter what. I had to make her believe that even though I would be far away, she wasn't alone. Section E, her family, Angelo—they were all there to support her, and I would return to her as soon as I could.
Finally, I had to step away. I told her that I would leave now. I kissed her forehead one last time and held her for a moment longer, feeling the pull of her presence, knowing that every mile between us would be agony. She watched me leave, holding onto the promise that I would return.
The next morning, I reiterated the plan, making sure she understood. I explained that Kuya Angelo would accompany me in her mind, keeping the story consistent so she would remain calm. It was a temporary measure, a strategy to ensure she didn't worry too much while I handled the battle that awaited me in London.
Even as I prepared to board the plane, the reality hit me. I was leaving her behind. She would be alone, relying on the carefully constructed plan to keep her safe and calm, while I faced Monster, my father, and the consequences of our family's past. It was a dangerous path, but I had no choice. I had to leave.
And as the engines roared to life, I promised myself silently: I will return. No matter what, I will come back to her.