Jay didn't mean to stay late.
It just… happened.
One more file.
One more call.
One more correction.
By the time she finally shut her laptop, the office floor was almost empty.
The city outside the glass had already softened into night.
She stretched her stiff shoulders and checked her phone.
Three missed calls.
From Keifer.
Her heart jumped.
She called him immediately.
"Hey—sorry, I—"
"Where are you?" he asked gently.
Not angry.
Not sharp.
Just… worried.
"At the regional office. I lost track of time."
A pause.
"I'm coming."
"You don't have to—"
"I know," he said quietly.
"But I want to."
She smiled without meaning to.
—
She was packing her bag when she heard footsteps.
Not hurried.
Certain.
Keifer appeared in the doorway, jacket still on, hair slightly messy like he'd left in a rush.
"You look tired," he said softly.
"So do you."
He crossed the room and stopped in front of her.
Not touching yet.
Just checking her face.
"You ate?"
She hesitated.
He sighed quietly.
"That's a no."
"I had coffee."
"That's not food, Jay."
She smiled guiltily.
He shook his head.
"Come on."
—
They stopped at a quiet diner on the way back.
Nothing fancy.
Warm lights.
Soft music.
Jay curled her hands around the mug he pushed toward her.
"You really came just to pick me up?"
"Yes."
She tilted her head.
"You could've sent the driver."
He leaned back.
"I didn't marry a schedule."
Her lips parted slightly.
She laughed softly.
"That's… a very dramatic line."
He smiled.
"I've been waiting to use it."
They shared fries.
She stole most of them.
He let her.
Always.
In the car, she leaned against the seat, finally relaxed.
"Keifer?"
"Mhm."
"You don't get tired of adjusting your life around mine?"
He thought for a moment.
"No."
That simple.
Then he added quietly—
"I like knowing where you are."
Her heart softened.
Not controlled.
Not watched.
Cared for.
When they reached home, the mansion was quiet.
Lights low.
Everyone asleep.
Jay slipped off her shoes and followed him upstairs.
At their door, she stopped him.
"You know…" she said softly.
"If you hadn't come for me tonight…"
He waited.
"I still would've been okay."
He nodded.
"I know."
She smiled.
"But it mattered that you did."
He lifted his hand and brushed her hair back gently.
"It matters to me too."
Inside their room, when the door closed softly behind them, Jay leaned into his chest for just a second.
Not because she needed saving.
But because she liked being found.