The day had officially started now, but the world still felt like it was moving at a slower pace.
Jay and Keifer sat at the small hotel table near the window, a breakfast tray between them. The sunlight spilled in, making everything look golden—like the room was glowing just for them.
Keifer had ordered food, but neither of them touched it at first. They sat there, just looking at each other, as if they were still surprised they were actually together in the same space without anyone else around.
Jay reached for her coffee, but Keifer's hand stopped hers gently.
"Let me," he said softly, and poured it for her with careful attention, like he was afraid to spill even a drop.
Jay's cheeks warmed. "You're acting like a gentleman," she teased.
Keifer shrugged, but his smile was shy. "I'm always a gentleman."
Jay rolled her eyes playfully, but she didn't push back. The way he looked at her now—so calm, so steady—made her feel safe.
They finally began to eat, and it was almost comical how quiet they were at first. Every bite seemed to feel like it needed permission.
Then Keifer reached for her plate and nudged it closer to her.
"Here," he said, voice soft. "Eat. You need energy."
Jay's smile softened. "You're the one who didn't sleep."
Keifer's eyes flicked up. "I slept fine," he lied, but the corner of his mouth twitched like he was amused by himself.
Jay laughed. "Sure."
He took a sip of his drink and then, without thinking, he reached across the table and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
Jay's breath caught.
It was such a small gesture, but it made her heart feel like it was going to jump out of her chest.
"You're really doing this," she whispered, voice barely there.
Keifer's gaze stayed on her face. "Doing what?"
Jay swallowed, looking down at her hands. "Making me feel… like I matter."
Keifer's expression softened, and he reached for her hand, squeezing it gently.
"You matter," he said simply. "To me."
Jay's eyes shone. She squeezed his hand back, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Keifer leaned in, his voice quiet and warm.
"I don't want to waste this," he admitted. "I don't want to pretend it's nothing."
Jay's heart thumped loudly in her chest.
She looked up at him, eyes shining. "It's not nothing," she whispered.
Keifer nodded, and a small, genuine smile appeared on his face. "Good," he said. "Because I want more."
Jay's lips curved into a soft smile. "Me too."
They finished their breakfast slowly, stealing glances and small touches between bites. Every moment felt like a new discovery—like they were learning each other again, but in a way that felt honest.
When the tray was empty and the plates were cleared, Keifer stood and pulled Jay into a hug, his cheek resting against her hair.
"Stay with me," he murmured.
Jay looked up at him, her heart full. "I will."
And for the first time in a long time, they both believed it.
They stepped out of the hotel and into the morning, the city already busy and bright.
Keifer didn't let go of her hand once. Not because he needed to show anything, but because it felt natural—like it was the only way he wanted to walk now.
Jay glanced at him, a small smile forming. "You're holding my hand."
Keifer's thumb brushed over her knuckles. "I like it."
Jay laughed softly. "You're being so… soft."
Keifer's smile deepened. "Only with you."
They found a small café not far from the hotel. The kind with a quiet patio and a warm, cozy vibe. Keifer held the door open for her, and Jay felt her heart lift at the simplicity of it.
They sat at a table outside, the sun warming their faces, and ordered two coffees and a pastry to share.
The morning felt like it was moving slower—like the world had decided to let them breathe.
Keifer watched her as she sipped her coffee, the way she closed her eyes for a moment when the taste hit just right. He reached across the table and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
Jay's heart fluttered.
"You're making it hard for me to act normal," she teased.
Keifer's lips curved into a soft smile. "Then don't act normal."
Jay blinked, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. Her cheeks warmed, and she looked down at her hands.
He took her hand in his, fingers intertwined, and didn't let go.
"Today is just for us," Keifer said quietly. "No meetings. No emails. No stress."
Jay nodded, feeling the weight of those words sink in. "Just a break."
"Just a break," he repeated, like he was promising it to himself too.
They ate slowly, laughing at small things—the way the pastry was too sweet, the way Keifer pretended he didn't like sugar, the way Jay tried to sneak the last bite without him noticing.
When they finished, Keifer leaned back in his chair and watched her with a look that was soft and calm.
"I'm glad we did this," he said.
Jay smiled. "Me too."
Keifer's eyes softened. "I want more days like this."
Jay's heart fluttered again. "Then we should make time for them."
Keifer nodded. "We will."
They finished their coffee and walked through the streets hand in hand, the world rushing around them while they stayed in their own quiet bubble.
No complications. No drama.
Just two people enjoying a simple break from everything else.
And for once, that was enough.