Just Us

JAY-JAY POV

The door clicked shut. And it was quiet. Just us.

I didn't look at him. Not yet.

He sat beside me. Carefully. Like I might break again. Like he wasn't sure if I'd let him stay.

For a moment, he didn't say anything. Just breathed. Just existed beside me.

And somehow, that made it worse. The silence. The weight of everything unsaid.

Then—

"Jay," he said softly. "I know you're scared."

I blinked. Swallowed hard. My throat felt like it was lined with glass.

"But I'm scared too," he continued. "And I'd rather be scared with you alive than brave without you."

"But Keifer," I said.

My voice barely made it out. It cracked halfway through. But he didn't interrupt. Just waited. Eyes locked on mine. Like he knew this was the part I'd been holding back.

"I'm tired," I whispered. "Not just today. Not just now. I've been tired for weeks. Months."

He nodded. Didn't speak. Didn't rush me.

"I don't want to fight for a life that doesn't feel like mine anymore."

Keifer's jaw clenched. His eyes didn't move. But something in him shifted. Like he wanted to scream and couldn't.

"You're not a lab rat," he said quietly. "You're our mutya. My future wife. You're the reason half of us are still standing."

I blinked. Tried not to cry. Failed a little.

"You're still flirting," I said, voice hoarse.

He smiled. Just barely. Like he knew it was stupid. But couldn't help it.

"Can't help it," he said. "You're still you."

I looked at him. At the boy who never left. At the boy who still believed in me. Even when I didn't.

And for the first time in days— I didn't feel alone.

"What if I die in the process?" I asked.

My voice cracked. Just a little. But enough.

Keifer didn't hesitate.

"Well, you won't," he said. "Because you're you. Strong and stubborn."

I blinked. Tried not to cry. Failed again.

"You think stubbornness can beat poison?" I whispered.

He smiled. Soft. Sad. But still there.

"I think you can," he said. "Because you've survived worse. And you're not alone this time."

I stared at the ceiling. At the cracks in the paint. At the weight in my chest.

Then I looked at Keifer. At the boy who stayed. At the boy who still believed.

"Okay," I whispered. "I'll do it."

His breath caught. His eyes went wide. Then soft.

"You will?" he asked, voice breaking.

I nodded. "Yeah. I'll fight."

He smiled. Too big. Too bright and kissed me soft he broke the kiss

"I knew you would," he said. "You're strong. You're stubborn. You're—"

"Don't say it," I warned.

He blinked. "What?"

"If you flirt right now," I said, "I swear I'll punch you with the IV still in my arm."

He laughed. Actually laughed. And it was the best sound I'd heard in days.

"Noted," he said. "But just so you know—being your future husband is a full-time job."

I rolled my eyes. But I didn't stop smiling.

"Keifer," I said softly.

"Yeah?"

"Come here." I said pointed at the space next to me

He did. No hesitation. No jokes.

Just warmth. Just us.

Keifer was still holding my waist. Still smiling like I'd just agreed to marry him.

"You know," he said, voice low, "After the treatment, I'm legally allowed to kiss you in every room of the house."

I stared at him. Deadpan.

"Keifer."

"Yes, wifey?"

"If you flirt one more time," I said, "I will punch you so hard your ancestors feel it."

He grinned. Didn't even flinch.

"Worth it," he said. "Honestly, I'd let you punch me if it meant you were still here."

I rolled my eyes. But my chest felt warmer. Less heavy. Less like it was trying to collapse in on itself.

"You're ridiculous," I muttered.

"And you love me," he said.

I didn't answer. Just squeezed his hand.

Hard. Like I was anchoring myself to him. To this moment. To the choice I'd just made.