Soft sunlight slipped through the curtains of Keifer's room, warming the quiet space gently.
Jay woke up slowly beside him.
For a moment, she stayed still, just watching him sleep. His face looked calmer this morning, less tense than the past few days. One arm was loosely around her waist, even in sleep keeping her close.
Her heart softened immediately.
Carefully, she tried to move away to get his medicine—
But his grip tightened slightly.
"Where are you going?" he murmured sleepily, eyes still closed.
Jay looked down at him. "Getting your medicine."
"I hate those."
"And I hate bullets," she replied instantly. "Yet here we are."
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
He slowly opened his eyes, looking tired but softer than usual.
Jay sat up carefully. "Come on. Sit properly."
"I can sit on my own."
"You can also reopen your stitches on your own."
He sighed dramatically but allowed her to help him sit up against the pillows.
The moment he winced slightly, her expression changed instantly.
"See?" she whispered softly while adjusting his pillow carefully. "Stop acting like you're fine."
"I am fine."
"You got shot, Keifer."
"That sentence again."
"And forever."
She handed him the medicine and water while watching him suspiciously until he swallowed it properly.
Just then—
The bedroom door opened.
Keigan walked in first with his usual calm expression while Keiran hurried in behind him holding a stuffed dinosaur.
"Good morning," Keigan said warmly.
Keiran's face lit up immediately seeing Keifer awake.
"Good morning, kuyaaa!" he said happily before turning toward Jay with the same excitement. "Good morning, ateee!"
Jay smiled softly instantly. "Good morning, baby."
Keiran carefully climbed onto the bed near Keifer, making sure not to touch his injured shoulder.
"How are you feeling, kuya?"
"Like everyone suddenly became my boss," Keifer muttered.
Keigan sat down nearby and looked at Jay knowingly. "Because ate is worried."
Jay crossed her arms. "Someone has to be responsible here."
Keiran nodded seriously. "True. Kuya acts stubborn."
Keifer looked betrayed. "Whose side are you both on?"
"Ours," Jay replied immediately.
Keiran giggled loudly.
The room instantly felt lighter.
Warmer.
Keiran suddenly leaned closer to Keifer and gently touched the blanket near his shoulder.
"Does it still hurt?"
"A little."
Keiran frowned before softly blowing toward the bandaged shoulder.
"There," he said proudly. "Better now."
Jay almost melted at the sight.
Even Keigan smiled slightly.
Keifer looked at his little brother quietly before patting his head gently.
"Best doctor ever."
Keiran gasped happily. "Really?!"
"Definitely."
Jay shook her head fondly before standing up.
"Okay. Breakfast time."
A few minutes later, breakfast was brought upstairs because Jay refused to let Keifer go downstairs yet.
The second Keifer saw the healthy food tray, he looked offended.
"…What is this?"
"Breakfast."
"This looks like punishment."
"This looks like survival."
Keigan tried not to laugh.
Keiran whispered loudly, "Kuya is scared of vegetables."
"I am not."
"You made that face," Keiran argued.
Jay picked up the spoon calmly and held it toward Keifer.
"Eat."
His brows lifted immediately. "You're feeding me?"
"Yes."
"I can use my hand."
"You can also stay injured longer if you keep arguing."
Keigan laughed softly this time.
Keifer looked at him dramatically. "Not you too."
Keiran giggled while Jay continued feeding him anyway.
The entire scene felt strangely natural.
Keiran talking nonstop.
Keigan quietly smiling.
Jay scolding Keifer every five minutes.
And Keifer letting her.
Because he liked it.
Liked her.
Jay noticed him staring.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"You're smiling."
"So are you."
She rolled her eyes softly but couldn't hide it.
And while morning sunlight filled the room, while Keiran laughed loudly over something silly and Keigan quietly joined in—
Keifer realized something.
This didn't feel temporary anymore.
It felt real.
Like home.