Keifer was standing near the railing.
Ella was beside him.
Talking.
Non-stop.
Her hands moving, voice animated, complaining about Aries, about classes, about literally everything.
Keifer wasn't really listening.
He was just… being there.
For her.
But from the outside—
It looked different.
He was facing her.
His eyes were on her.
His posture was relaxed in a way people only look with someone they're close to.
So when students passed by, one after another, the whispers were easy.
"Isn't that Keifer's new girl?"
"They look kinda close…"
"He moved on fast."
Keifer didn't notice any of it.
He didn't feel anything for Ella.
Not like that.
He was only quiet because he always was.
Only still because that was how he helped.
—
Jay reached the end of the corridor.
Her heart was still beating too fast from ending things with Yuri.
She lifted her eyes without meaning to.
And saw him.
Keifer.
Standing there.
With Ella.
Facing her.
Looking like he belonged somewhere else now.
Jay slowed.
Just a little.
Her chest tightened.
She took one hesitant step closer.
At that exact moment…
Keifer turned his head.
And their eyes met.
Just for a second.
His face didn't change.
No anger.
No softness.
Nothing.
He simply looked at her.
Then—
He turned away.
And walked past her.
Didn't pause.
Didn't stop.
Didn't even take a second glance.
Jay stood frozen in the middle of the hallway.
Because that hurt in a way Yuri never managed to.
Not loud.
Not cruel.
Just quiet.
And final.