Chapter: "Too Close"
(Jay's POV)
If someone asked me what the most embarrassing moment of my life was…
I would say:
"Today. 10:17 AM. Section E. In front of everyone."
It started normally.
Which should have been my first warning.
We were outside the classroom because Yuri and Emman had somehow convinced everyone to "get fresh air." Felix and Cin were arguing about who eats more during lunch. Calix was laughing too loudly at his own joke. Rory and Wrdix were planning something suspicious as usual.
And I?
I was walking backwards while arguing with Keifer.
"You're wrong," I said confidently.
"I'm never wrong," he replied calmly.
"That's exactly the problem!"
He smirked. "You just can't accept defeat."
I rolled my eyes and took another step back—
And my foot slipped on the edge of the staircase.
Everything happened in one second.
My body tilted backwards.
My heart stopped.
And I thought,
Great. I'm going to die because of an argument.
But I didn't hit the ground.
A strong arm wrapped around my waist.
Another hand gripped my wrist tightly.
I froze.
I was… suspended.
Keifer had pulled me back before I could fall down the stairs.
My back was pressed against his chest.
His arm was firmly around my waist.
And he wasn't letting go.
For a few seconds, nobody spoke.
Not even Section E.
His grip tightened slightly, like he was making sure I was stable.
"Careful," he said softly, near my ear.
My brain stopped functioning.
I could feel his heartbeat.
Or maybe it was mine.
Why was he still holding me?
It had already been more than enough time to let go.
But he didn't.
Instead, he slowly pulled me fully upright…
yet his arm stayed around my waist.
Too long.
Way too long.
The silence broke.
Felix gasped dramatically.
"OH MY GOD."
Cin covered his mouth. "Did we just witness a drama scene?"
David pointed at us. "He's still holding her!"
I jumped slightly and stepped away quickly.
"I—I slipped!" I said defensively.
"Into his arms?" Eren added.
Emman clutched his chest. "The way he caught her…"
Blaster nodded seriously. "Hero entry."
Calix grinned. "Bro didn't even hesitate."
Rory whispered loudly, "That was smooth."
Wrdix added, "Too smooth."
My face was burning.
Keifer, on the other hand, looked calm.
Too calm.
Felix walked toward him dramatically.
"Sir, how did it feel to save your wife?"
"I am not—" I started.
Keifer interrupted casually, "Heavy."
The whole group exploded laughing.
"WHAT?!" I hit his arm.
He smirked. "Relax. I meant emotionally."
Cin wiped fake tears. "He held her like she was glass."
David added, "No, like she was his."
"STOP ADDING DIALOGUES!" I shouted.
Mayo pointed at Keifer. "Bro, you didn't let go for at least five seconds."
"It was ten," Kit corrected seriously.
"WE COUNTED," Felix said proudly.
I wanted to disappear.
Keifer leaned closer and whispered only for me to hear,
"You should look where you walk."
I glared at him. "You enjoyed that."
"Maybe."
My heart betrayed me again.
Behind us, Section E started chanting.
"HERO! HERO! HERO!"
Cin dramatically bowed to Keifer.
"Thank you for saving our future bhabhi."
I grabbed my bag and walked fast toward the classroom.
"I hate you all."
Felix shouted from behind,
"She didn't deny it properly!"
The teasing didn't stop the entire day.
Every time I almost stumbled—even slightly—
"Careful, Keifer isn't here!"
"Who will catch you now?"
"Practice falling again!"
And the worst part?
Every time I remembered how his arm felt around my waist…
I couldn't breathe properly.
And I'm pretty sure…
He noticed.