The office lights were dim.
Most employees had already left.
Jay was still organizing files when suddenly—
Two strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind.
She gasped softly.
"Keifer—"
"You're still working," he murmured near her ear.
His chin rested lightly on her shoulder.
She tried to turn, but he didn't let go immediately.
"You said I should finish this today," she replied.
"And I changed my mind."
Thunder echoed loudly.
Both of them looked toward the glass wall.
Rain began pouring heavily against the windows, blurring the city lights.
He didn't remove his arms.
Instead, he pulled her slightly closer.
"Come with me," he said quietly.
She turned in his hold this time, now facing him.
"Where?"
"Home."
His voice wasn't playful.
It wasn't teasing.
It was steady.
"Stay with me tonight."
She hesitated for a second.
Then she remembered.
Percy wasn't home.
He had left for urgent work for two days.
Her apartment would be empty anyway.
There was no one to inform.
No one waiting.
She looked up at him.
"…Okay."
His jaw relaxed slightly, like he hadn't realized he was waiting for her answer that seriously.
He took her hand.
"Let's go."
The Rain Drive
The rain followed them all the way.
Inside the car, the world outside felt distant.
Streetlights blurred.
The sound of rain hitting the windshield filled the silence.
She looked at him while he drove.
"You planned this, didn't you?"
"No."
"You did."
"I didn't plan the rain."
She smiled softly.
But deep down, she knew…
He just didn't want her alone tonight.
At the Mansion
The doors opened.
And immediately—
"KUYAAA!"
Little Keiran ran toward Keifer at full speed.
Keifer instantly bent down and lifted the five-year-old into his arms.
"You came back!" Keiran hugged him tightly.
"I always come back," Keifer said softly.
Jay stood there watching.
That gentle tone.
That protective hold.
She didn't say anything.
But her heart definitely felt it.
Keigan walked forward calmly.
"Good evening."
"Good evening," Jay replied politely.
"Who is she?" Keigan asked
Keifer placed a hand lightly on her back.
"She's your sister-in-law."
Jay's eyes widened instantly.
"Keifer!"
Keigan blinked once.
"Oh."
Keiran looked excited. "Really?!"
Jay blushed.
Keifer looked completely calm.
Dinner
Keiran insisted Jay sit beside him.
He talked nonstop, laughing, telling her random stories.
At one point, he proudly fed her a spoon of rice.
Keifer watched from across the table quietly.
There was something about seeing her laugh with his little brother that did something to him.
Keigan asked seriously, "You're not scared of kuya?"
Jay smiled.
"No."
Keigan nodded thoughtfully.
Keifer's gaze softened.
In His Room
Later, the rain had softened outside.
Jay stood near the balcony doors again, watching droplets slide down the glass.
"They're adorable," she said.
"They don't like people easily," he replied.
She turned toward him.
"But they liked me."
He stepped closer.
"I don't get close to people easily either."
Her heartbeat slowed.
"But with you… it's different."
She walked toward him slowly.
"You're not cold," she whispered.
He lifted his hand and gently tucked her hair behind her ear.
"Don't ruin my reputation."
She smiled.
Then he leaned down and kissed her.
Slow.
Warm.
Unrushed.
Her hands rested against his chest.
His hands settled on her waist.
When they pulled apart, he didn't step away.
Instead, he guided her gently toward the bed.
They lay down.
Facing each other first.
Then she moved closer on her own.
She rested her head against his chest.
His arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her into him securely.
He adjusted the blanket over them.
She curled slightly into him.
He pressed a soft kiss on her forehead.
"Comfortable?" he murmured.
"Very."
His fingers moved slowly through her hair.
The rain outside created a soft rhythm.
She traced small patterns on his shirt.
Warm.
Safe.
Held.
"I like this," she whispered sleepily.
"So do I."
And wrapped in each other's arms—
With rain outside and quiet inside—
They drifted to sleep together.