The morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the Watson mansion, painting the room in warm gold. Jay was in the kitchen, busy preparing her coffee and reviewing her patient notes, when the soft sound of footsteps made her glance up.
Keifer appeared in the doorway, impeccably dressed as always, his expression calm but eyes glinting with that unmistakable playful edge.
"Good morning, fiancée," he said casually.
Jay froze, her spoon halfway to her mouth. "W-what?" she stammered, her cheeks heating instantly.
"I said… good morning, fiancée," Keifer repeated, stepping closer. "You've got that glow today. Or is it just the effect of being mine?"
Jay's blush deepened, her hands shaking slightly as she set the spoon down. "You… you can't just—"
"Can't what?" he interrupted smoothly, leaning against the counter. "Call you my fiancée? I think it suits you. Fits you perfectly."
Jay felt her heart race. She tried to hide her flustered expression behind a sip of coffee, but it was hopeless. The way he said it… the casual confidence in his tone… made her feel like every nerve in her body was alive.
"I-I'm not used to it," she admitted, looking away.
"Not used to being mine?" he teased, stepping closer so their shoulders brushed. "Or not used to hearing it?"
Jay's blush deepened, and she opened her mouth to respond, but no words came. Instead, she let out a soft, embarrassed laugh. Keifer smirked, clearly enjoying the effect he had on her.
"You're adorable when you blush," he said softly, leaning in just slightly. "Do you know that?"
"I… I'm not—" she began, but he cut her off, placing a hand lightly on her shoulder.
"Yes, you are. And don't argue with me." His voice was firm, but the warmth beneath it made her chest flutter.
Jay felt a mixture of embarrassment and something else—something thrilling—coursing through her. "You're impossible," she muttered, but the smile on her lips betrayed her.
"I'm your fiancée's problem now," he said with a teasing grin, winking at her. "And don't worry—I take full responsibility for making sure you blush every morning."
Jay laughed, trying to regain her composure. "I should get used to this," she murmured, though she didn't sound very convincing.
"Oh, you will," he said smoothly, leaning down just a fraction so their eyes met. "And you'll like it."
Jay's cheeks burned hotter, and she looked away, fumbling with her coffee mug. She couldn't deny it—being called his fiancée, having him tease her like this… it was intoxicating.
Keifer leaned back, arms crossed, watching her carefully. "See? That's the look I want to see every morning. A little flustered, a little shy… and completely mine."
Jay groaned, half embarrassed, half exasperated. "You're going to ruin me with that title."
"And yet," he said, voice low, teasing, "you'll never tell me no when I call you my fiancée."
Jay could only smile shyly, shaking her head. The truth was… she didn't want to tell him no. Not now, not ever.
And somewhere deep down, Keifer knew it too.