Later that afternoon…
Jay walked slowly toward the basketball court.
Her heart was beating nervously.
This place used to feel like home.
But today…
She didn't know if she still belonged there.
Under the big tree…
Ella, Freya, Grace, and Rakki were sitting together.
Laughing like always.
The moment Ella saw Jay walking toward them…
She immediately stood up.
"Jay!"
Jay stopped a few steps away.
Her voice was quiet.
"Hi…"
Ella walked straight to her and hugged her tightly.
"I heard what happened."
Jay's eyes softened.
Freya jumped up from the bench.
"You slapped him back?"
Jay nodded slightly.
Freya grinned proudly.
"Finally!"
Grace smiled warmly.
"You did the right thing."
Rakki raised his hand dramatically.
"Respect."
Jay felt something warm in her chest.
For the first time in weeks…
She didn't feel alone.
Then her eyes slowly moved to the bench.
Keifer was there.
Leaning back casually like always.
But unlike the others…
He wasn't smiling.
He was just watching quietly.
Jay swallowed.
She walked a little closer.
Her voice was soft.
"Can I… sit?"
Ella immediately grabbed her hand.
"Of course."
Freya moved aside to make space.
"Come here."
Jay slowly sat on the bench.
For a moment…
It almost felt like the old days.
Almost.
Then Keifer suddenly stood up.
Everyone looked at him.
Rakki frowned.
"Where are you going?"
Keifer stretched his arms casually.
"Got something to do."
Ella looked confused.
"Now?"
Keifer shrugged.
"Yeah."
For the first time…
Jay spoke directly to him.
"Keifer…"
He paused for a second.
But he didn't turn around.
Jay's voice trembled slightly.
"I…"
But the words didn't come out.
Keifer finally spoke.
His voice was calm.
Too calm.
"You don't need to explain anything."
Jay's chest tightened.
He added without looking back,
"You made your choices."
Then he started walking away.
Just like that.
Jay watched him leave.
Her heart felt heavy again.
Ella sighed quietly.
Freya looked annoyed.
"He's being stubborn."
But Jay shook her head softly.
"No."
Her eyes stayed on the path where Keifer had disappeared.
"He's just hurt."
And deep inside…
Jay realized something painful.
Getting her friends back might be possible.
But getting Keifer back…
Would not be easy. 💔