Jay's POV
Class wasn't fun today. It felt less like a place for learning and more like I'd been thrown into a live episode of Tease Jay and Die Laughing. Seriously.
Why? Because someone yes, my boyfriend, Keifer Watson—had practically announced to the entire school that we were dating. Not in a soft-launch, subtle-hand-touch kind of way. No. Full-blown, "This is Jay, my girlfriend," shoved into every single conversation like it was breaking news. Every. Time.
And of course, Section E went feral with it.
Cin was the worst. He kept throwing the most ridiculous, inappropriate questions at me during class like he was auditioning for Keeping Up with the Ulupongs.
"So, Jay," he said loudly while writing something, "who confessed first? And how much tongue was involved in the kiss?"
"Cin!" I nearly choked on my spit. "We're in class—"
"Is that a no-comment or a yes but it was-hot?"
The rest of the class cackled like hyenas, and I buried my face in my arms.
Break time wasn't any better.
I barely stepped into the hallway before David pulled me to the side, his expression uncharacteristically serious.
"Hey," he said, eyes flicking toward where Keifer was still talking to Rory.
I blinked. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," David said quickly. "You're okay, right? I mean…you and Keifer… it's been a long ride."
I tilted my head, softening. "Yeah, it has. But it feels good now. Finally."
David nodded with a small smile. "I'm happy for you. If there's anyone in the world who deserves you…it's Keifer."
My heart fluttered at his words. I smiled back, then leaned in a bit. "Can I ask you one thing?"
"Anything. Absolutely. Name it."
"Promise me… you'll keep an eye on him. Make sure nothing happens to Keifer."
David looked at me like I'd just asked him to guard a dragon egg. "Jay, don't worry. He's a Watson. The guy's bulletproof."
"Yeah, but I can't help but worry—"
"Hey." A cold voice cut me off.
I turned and there was Keifer.
Murder. In. His. Eyes.
He was glaring at David like he'd just flirted with me (which he hadn't, for the record). I didn't even have a chance to say anything before Keifer grabbed me…yes, grabbed me, threw me over his shoulder like some caveman, and started striding down the hallway like he was kidnapping me.
"KEIFER! What are you doing! Put me down!"
"Never," he said smugly.
"David! I'll talk to you laterrrr!" I yelled as I bounced on Keifer's shoulder, upside down.
David burst into laughter, jogging behind us. "Mr. Watson is jealous!"
And just like that, the entire Section E entourage exploded into chaos.
Rory and Edrix started taking videos like this was some rom-com premiere. Cin screamed, "I'LL SAVE YOU, JAY!" and dramatically ran after us. Felix just said, "Jay doesn't need saving."
Eman chimed in like he'd been waiting all day to drop this one-liner. "Yeah, 'cause Keifer ain't ever letting her go! LMAO!"
"KEIFER. PUT. ME. DOWN." I smacked his back.
He just laughed, but finally, finally, set me down on my feet. I tried to look mad, but I was smiling too much.
Until I turned around and bumped into Ella.
"Oh. Hey."
Ella raised an eyebrow. "Hi, Jay. Please stop bumping into me."
I blinked, confused. "It was accidental. Sorry, damn."
She gave a dramatic sigh. "Yes, whatever," and strutted off like she was in some slow-mo music video.
Mayo gave me a side glance. "That was weird."
Yuri shrugged. "Leave it. Who cares? Let's go."
Before I could process the awkwardness, Cin screamed from behind me, "JAYYYY! Isn't it your birthday tomorrow?!"
I groaned. "Cin, keep it down."
"Oh my god. You forgot your own birthday?!"
"I didn't forget. It just feels… normal. Nothing big."
The questions started flying. Everyone was suddenly asking what I wanted to do. Party? Sleepover? Get kidnapped by Keifer again?
I honestly didn't have anything in mind. Maybe a quiet day. Maybe something simple. I'd already gotten the best gift: him.
Eventually, the day crawled on with more classes, more teasing, more chaos. When the final bell rang, we all headed out together and decided to stop by a nearby food stall to grab something to eat.
I was feeling better. The air was light, the sun was dipping lazily behind the buildings, and the group chatter was like background music.
Until I saw them.
Two girls. Too close. Too smiley. Flirting. With. My Keifer.
He was leaning slightly toward them, probably just being polite but still. My jaw clenched.
He smiled at something one of them said.
Excuse. Me?
When he walked over with our food, I didn't even take it. I crossed my arms and turned my head.
"Here," he said, confused. "It's your order."
"Why don't you give it to those girls instead?" I snapped, not looking at him.
"Jay…" he sighed, setting the food down. "Seriously?"
"Yah, bye. I'm going."
I spun around and started walking off. My heart was racing with something I didn't want to admit jealousy. And maybe a little insecurity.
Keifer ran after me. "Jay! Wait—Jay, I wasn't flirting. I was just—"
"Oh, someone cracked a joke and you were smiling so much, huh?" I said, spinning on him.
"You're jealous," he said, biting back a grin.
"Jealous? My ass! No way."
He leaned in closer, voice dropping. "Jay… language….profanity."
I rolled my eyes. "Shut up, king of Ulupongs. And give me that." I snatched the food out of his hand. "I'm hungry."
He laughed this warm, amused sound that made my stomach flutter. "You're unreal."
"You're lucky," I muttered, trying to act annoyed even as my heart melted.
"I'm very lucky," he said softly, tugging me by the waist until I stumbled into his chest.
The others caught up then, and the teasing resumed full-force.
"Jealous Jay is HOT," drew said, munching fries.
"Keifer's in trouble," calix added.
Cin dramatically cried, "Love alert!"
I rolled my eyes but stayed close to Keifer, letting him sneak an arm around me. Maybe I was a little jealous. But can you blame me? He's mine now. And for the first time in a long time…I didn't want to share.
Not even for a second.