Chapter 52 – Before the Storm
K-Y-A-P
Keifer's POV
I sat quietly at the café, staring at the cup in front of me.
Something still didn't feel right.
Jay had been acting normally around me...
But I could tell she was hiding something.
And that was bothering me more than I wanted to admit.
Across the table...
Percy was watching me.
So were Aries and Yuri.
Finally, Percy sighed.
"Okay, Keifer. We need to talk."
I looked at him.
"About what?"
"Jay."
My expression immediately changed.
"What about her?"
Aries leaned back in his chair.
"You're upset because you think she's keeping something from you."
I didn't answer.
Because he was right.
Yuri spoke quietly.
"Keifer, Jay isn't trying to push you away."
"Then why does it feel like she is?"
Nobody answered immediately.
I looked down.
"I don't want to know every single thing she's doing."
I paused.
"I just want to know that I can be there when she needs me."
Percy's expression softened.
"She knows that."
"Then why doesn't she let me?"
"Because she's protective of you," Aries said.
I looked at him.
"Too protective."
Yuri nodded.
"That's Jay."
I sighed.
"I know."
Percy leaned forward.
"Listen... she isn't hiding things because she doesn't trust you."
"Then why?"
"Because she loves you."
I froze.
Percy continued,
"She wants you safe."
I looked away.
"But I don't want her to protect me from everything."
My voice became quieter.
"I want to be there for her too."
Aries looked at me.
"In the bad times?"
"And the good times."
I looked at all three of them.
"I don't want to be the person who only stands beside her when everything is perfect."
I paused.
"If she's going through something difficult..."
"I want to be there."
Yuri smiled faintly.
"Then tell her that when she's ready."
"I will."
Percy grinned.
"And until then, stop looking like someone stole your birthday cake."
I glared at him.
"Seriously?"
"What? I'm trying to help."
Aries chuckled.
Yuri shook his head.
For the first time that day...
I smirked.
Maybe they were right.
Maybe I was overthinking everything.
Jay had always been protective.
Maybe she just needed time.
And if she needed time...
I'd give it to her.
But I wouldn't stop caring.
Because whatever she was hiding...
I wanted to be there when she finally decided to tell me.
The Next Day...
After leaving the café...
Everyone returned to their own homes.
Aries and Yuri went back to Fernandez Mansion.
And by the time they returned...
they both realized something.
Keifer was fine.
Not completely...
But enough.
He wasn't sulking anymore.
He was talking.
And most importantly...
He was himself again.
Their little plan had worked.
At least for now.
The Following Morning...
Everything felt surprisingly normal.
I entered Section E with Yuri.
"Good morning."
"Good morning!"
I looked around the classroom.
Keifer was already sitting in his usual seat.
As the class president...
he was going through some papers on his desk.
He looked up when he noticed me.
Our eyes met.
For a second...
neither of us said anything.
Then he gave me a small smirk.
I smiled back.
He was okay.
At least for now.
Yuri took his seat.
The rest of Section E continued talking loudly.
Everything seemed normal.
Until...
The classroom door opened.
Sir Alvin walked inside.
The entire class immediately became quieter.
"Good morning, everyone."
"Good morning, Sir!"
Sir Alvin placed a few papers on his desk.
"I hope you're all enjoying yourselves."
Someone from the back muttered,
"Not anymore."
A few students chuckled.
Sir Alvin smiled.
"Good."
He picked up a marker.
"Because you should enjoy yourselves while you can."
Everyone immediately became suspicious.
Sir Alvin turned toward the board.
"Your second-last paper is coming up."
The classroom went silent.
"What?!"
"Already?!"
"Sir!"
"I haven't even opened my book!"
"I forgot everything!"
Sir Alvin laughed softly.
"You have one week to prepare."
The entire class groaned.
I leaned back in my chair.
"Relax."
Yuri looked at me.
"You're not worried?"
I smirked.
"I know everything."
Yuri raised an eyebrow.
"Of course you do."
I crossed my arms.
"What?"
"You sound very confident."
"I am."
From the front of the classroom, Sir Alvin continued,
"And after your final exams..."
He paused.
"...you'll have your summer vacation."
The classroom exploded.
"VACATION!"
"FINALLY!"
"One more week!"
"I'm not opening a book during vacation!"
Sir Alvin shook his head.
"First survive your exams."
Everyone groaned again.
I looked around the classroom.
For once...
everything felt peaceful.
No attacks.
No enemies.
No dangerous meetings.
Just school.
Friends.
Exams.
And the promise of summer vacation.
I smiled.
Maybe...
for once...
we could have some peace.
But I had learned something over the years.
Whenever life became too peaceful...
something usually came next.
And I had a feeling...
this peace wouldn't last forever.
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
Author's Note
Hey, buddies! 🥹❤️
We're finally back with another chapter! And yes... the exams are coming! 😂📚
But don't worry...
Summer vacation is coming right after them. 👀☀️
For now, everything seems peaceful...
But you guys know me.
When everything becomes too peaceful...
something is definitely coming. 😏
So what do you think is going to happen next?
See you in the next chapter! ❤️
Love you all veryyyyyyy much! 🫂💕
Your Author 💖