Kiko was everywhere.
Or at least, it felt that way.
He laughed too loudly when she made a joke, leaned too close when he explained something, and always seemed to appear right where she was—even when it wasn't convenient.
She hated the feeling. Hated how much her chest tightened whenever he was near.
And she hated herself a little for noticing.
"Hey, Jay Jay," Kiko said one afternoon, casually sliding into the bench beside her. "You're skipping lunch again? You've got to eat, you know."
"I'm fine," she replied, staring straight ahead, trying not to flinch.
"Come on, don't be like that. You're always so serious. Loosen up a little."
She ignored him.
But Kiko didn't stop. He laughed at her quiet responses, made small jokes, nudged her shoulder. He acted like he belonged there, like he had a right to her attention.
And she hated that too.
She wanted to tell him to back off. But… she couldn't.
Not because she wanted him.
Because she couldn't stop thinking about Keifer.
Where was he, anyway?
Not at her table. Not even nearby.
And the more Kiko pushed, the more she realized how much she was missing Keifer—not his words, not even his presence, but the way he made her feel seen without smothering her.
Kiko leaned closer again. "So, after school, a bunch of us are going to the café. You should come. You could use a break from… whatever you're dealing with."
She froze.
Whatever you're dealing with.
Her chest tightened.
She wanted to say no. She wanted to yell, I don't need this. I need him.
But she didn't.
Instead, she forced a polite smile. "I'll think about it."
Kiko's grin widened. "Good. I'll hold you to that."
He didn't see the way her hands trembled slightly.
He didn't see how her stomach twisted with frustration—and longing.
Because the one person she really wanted… wasn't here.
And that made Kiko's presence feel louder.
Later, when she walked home, she imagined Keifer beside her, calm as ever, saying nothing, letting her decide.
She clenched her fists.
She hated how much she wanted that more than she hated Kiko.
And somewhere in the back of her mind, she knew it wouldn't be long before Keifer noticed.
Because he always noticed.