The rest of the day had been quiet and calm—exactly what Jay needed.
The massage had loosened her muscles, the warm tea had soothed her, and Keifer's constant care had made her feel safe in a way she hadn't felt in a long time.
By evening, Jay was feeling much better.
She was sitting on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, her feet tucked under her. Keifer sat beside her, holding a bowl of popcorn.
They were watching a movie, but Jay wasn't really paying attention. Her eyes kept drifting to him instead.
Keifer caught her staring and raised an eyebrow. "What?"
Jay blinked, pretending she wasn't looking. "Nothing."
Keifer smirked. "You're staring."
Jay rolled her eyes. "I'm not."
Keifer leaned closer, his voice playful. "Yes, you are."
Jay scoffed. "I'm not staring. I'm just… observing."
Keifer's smirk widened. "Observing?"
Jay nodded, trying to look innocent. "Yeah. You know. Like… scientific observation."
Keifer laughed softly. "Oh really?"
Jay smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Yes. I'm observing how handsome you are."
Keifer's expression turned mock-serious. "That's very unprofessional."
Jay scoffed again. "I'm not your assistant right now."
Keifer leaned in closer, his voice teasing. "Then what are you?"
Jay looked up at him, her smile playful. "Your girlfriend."
Keifer's eyes softened for a moment, but then he grinned. "Your very clingy girlfriend."
Jay nudged him with her shoulder. "Hey!"
Keifer laughed. "I'm kidding."
Jay leaned in and kissed him quickly, then pulled back. "You know you like it."
Keifer's eyes darkened slightly, but his smile stayed. "I do."
Jay snuggled closer into him, resting her head on his shoulder.
Keifer wrapped his arm around her, holding her close. "You know," he said, voice low, "you're really cute when you try to act tough."
Jay looked up at him. "I am not."
Keifer's smile widened. "You are."
Jay pushed him lightly. "Stop it."
Keifer's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Or what?"
Jay's expression turned mock-angry. "Or I'll… I'll… make you do chores."
Keifer laughed. "Oh no. Not chores."
Jay nodded seriously. "Yes. Chores. You'll have to wash the dishes."
Keifer's eyes widened dramatically. "I can't survive that."
Jay giggled. "I know."
Keifer pulled her closer. "Okay, okay. I surrender."
Jay smiled, satisfied. "Good."
Keifer's voice softened. "You're lucky I love you."
Jay looked up at him, her eyes shining. "I know."
Keifer leaned in and kissed her forehead. "And you're lucky I'm not leaving."
Jay's heart fluttered. "I'm not leaving either."
Keifer's smile deepened. "Good."
They stayed like that for a while—just holding each other, teasing each other, enjoying the simple comfort of being together.
Because after everything, after the pain and the stress and the work… they had each other.
And that was enough.