The courtroom was tense.
Jay and Keifer were standing just a few feet apart, mid-argument.
"Your Honor," Jay said, voice sharp and controlled, "the opposing counsel clearly ignored the evidence on page 34—"
Keifer stepped closer, calm as ever. "Mariano, you're exaggerating again. The evidence supports my argument perfectly."
Luke Reyes, leaning on the bench, raised his eyebrows. "Ohhh, someone's heated today. Love it!"
Jay crossed her arms, glaring, and accidentally pivoted too quickly on her foot.
"—and therefore—ah!"
Her ankle twisted. A sharp pain shot up her leg. She stumbled forward.
Keifer's reflexes were faster than anyone could've predicted.
Before Jay even hit the floor, strong hands wrapped around her waist, steadying her.
"Can you stand?" he asked, calm, soft, almost… worried.
Jay froze.
The courtroom went quiet.
Luke leaned forward, grinning like a Cheshire cat. "Oh my! Did someone just get saved by their sworn enemy? Delicious."
Jay's face burned. "I… I'm fine."
Keifer didn't move. His hands stayed gently on her waist, keeping her balanced. "You don't look fine. Try walking?"
Jay's heart did a weird flutter. Her mouth opened, but no words came out. She cleared her throat, glaring up at him. "I… I can manage."
Across the room, the parents were watching with intense interest.
Jasfher Mariano leaned toward Jeana Fernandez, whispering, "Princess looks… startled."
Jeana frowned slightly. "She's fine. But… that was close."
Mark Keizer Watson smirked at his son. "Golden boy's instincts kicking in, huh?"
Serina Watson just smiled softly. "He's protective, just like he should be."
Jay tried to pull away gracefully, but Keifer didn't let go immediately.
"You might want to sit down," he said calmly.
Jay huffed. "I can walk."
Keifer tilted his head. "You tried to walk on a twisted ankle. I think not."
Luke clapped slowly from the bench. "Ohhh, this is exquisite. I am living for this scene. Counselors, I hope you're taking notes on proper dramatic tension."
Jay's face burned hotter.
Percy, sitting at the back, shouted quietly, "HE HELD HER WAIST!!!"
Jane gasped beside him. "Sugar! This is illegal!"
Aries' eyes narrowed. "I swear, if he hurts her…"
Keifer's gaze remained locked on Jay. Calm. Intense. Concerned.
Jay, still held, muttered, "You are so annoying."
Keifer smirked faintly. "I know."
Luke leaned back in his chair, chuckling. "And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you create courtroom chemistry."
Jasfher and Keizer exchanged a glance, both silently acknowledging the sparks flying between their children.
Jay finally allowed herself to be guided to a chair by Keifer, her ankle carefully supported.
As she sat, she couldn't stop noticing how close he had been, how solid and calm he felt… how strangely safe.
Her chest fluttered in a way she didn't like.
Luke's voice broke the moment. "Counselor Mariano, are you planning to finish your argument from your seat?"
Jay blinked. "Yes, Your Honor."
Keifer glanced at her. "I can… wait."
Jay's eyebrow lifted. "…Why would you wait?"
"I'd rather not ruin your dramatic moment." He smirked faintly.
The courtroom, the parents, Luke… everyone knew what had just happened.
Percy whispered to Jane: "This is it. The first soft spot."
Jane grinned. "Finally. I was starting to think he had no heart."
Aries muttered, crossing his arms. "I do not like him one bit."
And somewhere deep inside, Jay realized—her war with Keifer wasn't just about winning anymore.
It was… personal.