Jay Jay's POV
The next week at school felt... different.
I couldn't shake the feeling that Keifer's eyes were on me constantly. Every time I laughed, smiled, or even looked away, he noticed.
And Shawn? He had an announcement to the class:
"Hey, everyone," Shawn said softly at break time, "My family is moving back to Manila for some days because my grandma is sick. I'll be leaving next week and will come back after grandma health is stable. So I'll not be here for long"
My heart sank. I was worried. Shawn had been gentle, kind, and a calming presence-but now, he was leaving.
Keifer's reaction was immediate. "WHAT? He's leaving?"
Aries muttered, "Bro, it's not like you can stop him."
Keifer ignored him, eyes narrowing. "Why... why didn't he say this sooner?"
I blinked. "He just found out last night... I think."
Yuri smirked. "I see someone's jealous."
Keifer froze mid-bite. "I AM NOT!" he shouted. "I... just... don't like goodbyes."
I felt a mix of amusement and concern. Keifer acting possessive again, like always.
---
Shawn stayed behind for a brief walk with me and Aries to say goodbye properly.
"I'll really miss this place," Shawn said gently, smiling at me. "And... I'll miss hanging out with you too."
I smiled back, hiding the sudden ache in my chest. "We'll miss you too. Hope your grandma gets better soon. Take care."
Keifer, who had been walking beside us silently, suddenly spoke, voice tight, "Yeah... take care... of... everything there."
I looked up, surprised by the uncharacteristic tension in his tone.
Percy elbowed me subtly, clearly telling, Keifer is jealous. Deal with it later.
---
Keifer's POV
That night, I lay awake, staring at the ceiling.
Why does it feel like I'm losing her even if he leaves?
I didn't understand it fully. Shawn wasn't a threat in a normal sense. But seeing Jay smile at him... laughing with him... being gentle... it stirred something in me I couldn't ignore.
I can't let anyone get too close to her... not if I...
I shook my head. Stop. Just stop overthinking.
But I didn't stop.
---
Jay Jay's POV
The classroom felt tense the next morning. I sat down beside Keifer, who was unusually quiet.
Shawn had packed up his desk the day before, leaving a small goodbye note for me on my table.
'Jay, thank you for being a friend. I hope you always stay happy'. —Shawn
I felt a pang. Before I could respond, Keifer noticed the note immediately.
His eyes narrowed. "What's this?"
I quickly covered it with my notebook. "Nothing! Just... school stuff."
Keifer didn't look convinced. His jaw tightened. "Mhmm... school stuff..."
Percy sighed. "Yep. Definitely jealous."
Yuri leaned over and whispered, "Bro, it's obvious. Don't even try to hide it."
Keifer shot him a look that could have frozen water. "I am NOT jealous!"
---
During lunch, we decided to see Shawn off properly. Outside the school gate, Shawn adjusted his bag.
"I'll write sometimes," he said to me softly.
I smiled, nodding. "Please do. I'll write back."
Keifer, standing beside me, like he couldn't take it anymore. His voice was low, controlled, but fierce:
"Jay... promise me something."
I blinked. "What?"
"Promise me... you won't... give him more attention than you give me."
My eyes widened. "Keifer... that's-"
He cut me off, voice softer now: "I... I just... I don't like feeling like I'm losing you."
My heart stopped. The words, the vulnerability, the honesty... it hit me in a way I wasn't ready for.
I wanted to say so many things. I wanted to tell him about the engagement, but I couldn't. Not yet.
Instead, I whispered quietly.
"I... promise."
Keifer's shoulders relaxed slightly, though a small storm of emotions still flickered in his eyes.
Shawn waved goodbye one last time. "Take care, Jay Jay. And... you too, Keifer."
I saw Keifer stiffened at the mention of his name.
But Shawn had no idea what he'd just stirred in him.
As the car pulled away, I heard Keifer muttered, barely audible:
"I... I'm not letting anyone take her away."
My chest tightened. I hugged my bag, knowing that my life-and my heart-was becoming even more complicated.
The engagement secret... Keifer's growing feelings... and now Shawn's departure...
Everything was moving faster than I could handle.
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END OF CHAPTER 9
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