Jay Jay's POV
The next morning, the rain had stopped, but the tension seemed to follow me like a shadow.
At school, I tried my best to act normal. I waved at Percy, and Yuri, exchanged a few words with classmates-but every time Keifer looked my way, my stomach flipped.
I hadn't seen him this quiet in a long time. His usual loud, reckless energy was replaced with... something else. Something intense.
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I was trying to finish my notes when I noticed Keifer sneaking glances at me. Not the playful teasing ones, but real, serious looks-like he was trying to read my mind.
My pen hovered over the paper.
Don't look. Don't let him see how nervous you are.
Keifer finally leaned over, whispering, "Are you okay? You seem... different today."
I blinked. "I'm fine," she lied, forcing a small smile.
He frowned. "Hmm... sure. If you say so."
Then, almost under his breath, he added: "I don't like it when something's wrong and you don't tell me."
I froze. His voice... it was softer than usual. It carried care, worry... a weight I wasn't ready to handle.
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At lunch, Shawn again joined our group. He sat beside me, offering a calm smile.
"Want to eat together?" he asked politely.
I nodded, grateful. But when Keifer noticed, he immediately slid closer to me-so close that my elbows almost collided with Shawn's.
Aries groaned. "Keifer! Are you seriously doing this again? Space exists, you know!"
"I... just..." Keifer stammered. "She... might needs me here."
My cheeks flushed. "Keifer..."
Shawn, surprisingly calm, just chuckled. "You two really do have a lot of... chemistry, huh?"
My heart skipped. Because he didn't know. He didn't know about the engagement... not yet. And the thought of keeping it from him was suddenly unbearable.
---
After class the rain had returned lightly. I, Aries, and Shawn went to the rooftop to eat snacks while Keifer trailed behind, arms crossed, eyes stormy.
Shawn smiled at me. "You really like it up here, don't you?"
I nodded. "It's peaceful... I can think."
Keifer finally couldn't hold it in. He stepped closer, voice low but fierce: "Jay... why are you letting him sit this close to you?"
My heart stopped. "Keifer-he's just a friend _"
"Friends don't sit THIS close!" he snapped, eyes blazing.
I shook my head. Not now... I can't tell him now.
"Keifer... please... it's fine. Really."
But he wasn't listening. He leaned closer, gaze intense. "No. I... I don't like it. I... I don't like anyone else being close to you."
My hands trembled. His words... his tone... it carried something I hadn't expected. Possessiveness? Care? Confusion?
I swallowed hard. "Keifer... you don't understand. You can't... not yet."
---
That night back at home, I sat on my bed, staring at the engagement letter. The weight of the secret was crushing.
He's acting differently. He cares... more than before. But if he finds out...
My phone buzzed. A message from Keifer.
Keifer: Jay... are you ignoring me?
My heart skipped. I quickly typed back:
Me: No... just tired.
His reply came instantly:
Keifer: Don't lie to me.
I dropped my phone onto the bed. I hugged the engagement letter tightly, whispering:
"I don't know how much longer I can keep this from him..."
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Author's POV
Outside, somewhere across town, Keifer lay awake, staring at his ceiling. His chest felt heavy. His mind kept replaying the rooftop moment.
Why does it feel like I need to protect her... more than anyone else?
He didn't know why, but one thing was certain: he couldn't ignore it.
And neither could Jay.
The secret was already starting to crack.
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END OF CHAPTER 8
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Word counts: 614