The auditorium buzzed with excitement as the principal stepped up to the podium, papers in hand, and a hush fell over the students. Today was the day the results of the annual college examinations were to be announced.
Keifer, as always, sat at the front, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp, scanning the room. Topper of the college for two consecutive years, a record percentage no one had come close to touching. His pride in that achievement was well-known, but it wasn't arrogance—it was dedication, hard work, and… a stubborn sense of honor.
Jay sat a few rows back, notebooks neatly stacked, her hands clasped together, nerves hidden behind a calm exterior. She had worked tirelessly, late nights, skipped outings, poured every ounce of energy into her studies. But she never imagined that her name would be whispered in the same sentence as Keifer's record. Not until today.
"Announcing the highest percentage in college… the new record holder…" the principal began, his eyes sweeping the room, "Jay—Jay [Last Name]!"
A ripple of shock and murmurs ran through the auditorium. Jay blinked, frozen, unable to process the moment as applause erupted around her. Her heart raced, a wild mix of pride and disbelief. She had done it. She had broken the record that had seemed untouchable, the one Keifer had held for years.
And then she felt it—eyes on her, burning with a mixture of pride, awe, and something far more personal. Keifer was standing now, clapping slowly, deliberately, his gaze fixed on her. He didn't look surprised. No, he looked like he had expected this. He looked… proud.
Jay rose from her seat, walking toward him, cheeks flushed as the applause continued. Keifer's eyes never left her. When she reached him, he didn't just nod or pat her on the back like a mentor would. He pulled her close, hands gripping her shoulders, and whispered just loud enough for her to hear, "You did it. You've surpassed me… and I couldn't be prouder."
Before she could react, he pressed his lips to hers—right there, in the middle of the auditorium. Not a secretive, fleeting brush, but a confident, possessive kiss that left no doubt in anyone's mind: she was his. Every student in the hall froze for a second, whispers erupting around them, cameras clicking.
Keifer pulled back slightly, hands still on her shoulders, eyes blazing with pride and something deeper, something possessive. "Everyone should know," he said, voice low but carrying across the room, "this girl… she's mine. Jay."
Jay's cheeks flamed, but she couldn't help smiling. Every beat of her heart thudded in agreement. It wasn't just the thrill of her achievement, or the embarrassment of a public kiss—it was the way he looked at her, the way he claimed her, celebrated her. She had worked hard for this, but in that moment, she felt seen in a way that mattered far more than grades.
Around them, the auditorium erupted into applause again, louder this time, some students cheering, others whispering in awe. Keifer didn't care. His hands stayed on her, pulling her close, his lips brushing hers again briefly, almost as if to punctuate the claim he had made: hers.
"Not just topper of the class," he murmured softly, so only she could hear, "but the girl who's stolen my record—and my heart."
Jay laughed softly, heart pounding. "I… I couldn't have done it without you," she said, her voice quiet amidst the chaos.
"Don't be ridiculous," he replied, grinning. "You did this. All you. And you're better than me now. But… you're still mine."
She rolled her eyes playfully, though her cheeks still burned. The pride, the love, the possessiveness in his gaze—it was intoxicating. Around them, people were still murmuring, some pointing, but neither of them cared. They had claimed their moment.
That night, walking back to their apartment, Jay rested her head against his shoulder, feeling the warmth and pride in every step. Keifer kept one hand in hers, thumb brushing over her knuckles as he murmured, "You've broken records… but you'll never break us."
Jay smiled, heart full. She had achieved greatness, but she had also found a love that was bold, public, and undeniable. And in that moment, she realized something: with Keifer, she could conquer anything—and she wouldn't have it any other way.