Jay Jay's POV
Two days past after I learned about the engagement.
Every night I stared at the folded paper-my name written beside Keifer's-and wondered how my life would change if he found out.
But for now, I kept the secret.
And Keifer kept acting... strange.
---
At school, I barely stepped into the hallway when I heard-
"STOP FOLLOWING HER, KEIFER!"
It was Aries.
I sighed before even turning around.
Keifer was literally walking two steps behind me like an overexcited guard dog.
"I'm NOT following her!" Keifer protested.
Aries crossed his arms. "Then why are you walking where she's walking?"
Keifer opened his mouth... closed it... then muttered, "Coincidence."
I tried not to laugh. "Keifer, you can walk beside us, you know."
Keifer blinked. "I can?"
Aries groaned. "No, he cannot-"
But Keifer already sprinted to my side.
Yuri and Percy watched from the lockers.
Percy whispered, "He's like a puppy who found his owner."
Yuri replied, "No. He's like a puppy who found his crush."
Keifer instantly threw a book at him. "I HEARD THAT!"
---
In class, I was trying to finish my science worksheet when I noticed Yuri staring at me.
Not in a creepy way. More like... curious.
Thinking.
Studying my face.
Finally, he leaned over and whispered, "Jay... did something happen between you and Keifer?"
I almost dropped my pencil. "WHAT?! No! Nothing!"
Yuri raised an eyebrow. "You've been quieter. He's been clingier. Something is weird."
I bit my lip.
I wanted to say everything-but I couldn't.
This wasn't just a tiny secret.
This was a promise from our mothers... a future already written.
So I shook her head. "Nothing happened, Yuri. Really."
He didn't look convinced.
---
Our group ate together during lunch, but today, Yuri suddenly placed his chopsticks down and said:
"Jay. I want to ask you something serious."
I froze.
Aries looked up protectively.
Keifer stopped mid-bite.
Yuri inhaled deeply. "Do you... like Keifer?"
I choked on my juice.
Percy's eyes widened. "Bro-Yuri, what are you doing-"
Keifer exploded instantly. "WHY ARE YOU ASKING THAT? WHO TOLD YOU TO ASK THAT?! WAS IT YOUR FACE?!"
Yuri calmly shrugged. "I'm asking because something's off."
My mind raced.
I couldn't say yes.
I couldn't say no.
I couldn't say, 'Actually, our moms engaged us before we could even walk.'
So I whispered, "I... don't know."
Keifer stared at me.
Really stared-eyes wide, confused, and... hopeful?
Aries quickly interrupted. "Okay, enough. No more love interrogation. Everyone eat."
But the mood was already different.
And I felt Yuri's eyes on me the entire lunch.
---
After school, it was raining again. Me and Aries were about to walk home when the ground became slippery.
I took one step-and my foot slid.
"Jay!" Aries shouted.
But before I hit the ground, Keifer grabbed my wrist and pulled me into him, steadying me.
My heart skipped.
Everyone froze.
Even the raindrops felt quiet for a moment.
"You okay?" Keifer asked, breathless.
I nodded slowly. "I... yeah. Thank you."
Aries exhaled. "You scared me..."
Percy whispered to Yuri, "He didn't even think. He just dashed."
Keifer cleared his throat, trying to act cool. "I wasn't worried or anything. Anyone would help."
Yuri smirked. "Sure. 'Anyone.'"
Keifer threw another book at him.
---
That night back at home, I sat on her bed with the engagement paper open again.
I closed my eyes.
Keifer is already acting different without knowing the truth...
What happens when he DOES know?
Will he get angry?
Will he feel betrayed?
Or...
Will he accept the promise our mothers made?
I hugged my pillow tightly.
I don't want him to hate me...
---
Author's POV
Little did she know, outside his house across town, Keifer was staring out the window, replaying the moment he caught her from falling.
And wondering why his chest felt warm every time she smiled.
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END OF CHAPTER 6
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Word counts: 648