Chapter: "Say It." (Jay's POV)
I thought he would let it go.
I really did.
But of course…
It's Keifer.
I had barely taken three dramatic steps away when suddenly—
A hand grabbed my wrist.
Not harsh.
Not painful.
Just firm.
"Jay."
I didn't turn around.
"Leave it."
"No."
And before I could argue, he gently pulled me toward the empty staircase near the back corridor.
It was quiet there.
Too quiet.
I crossed my arms immediately.
"This is kidnapping."
"This is a conversation."
"I have class."
"So do I."
"Then why are we here?"
"Because you're running."
"I'm not running."
"You walked like the building was on fire."
I glared at him.
He stepped in front of me so I couldn't look away.
"Look at me."
"I am looking."
"You're staring at my shoulder."
I looked up.
Big mistake.
His eyes were serious.
No smirk.
No teasing.
Just… direct.
"Why did it bother you?" he asked softly.
"It didn't."
"Jay."
"It didn't."
"You're a terrible liar."
I rolled my eyes. "Oh really?"
"Yes. Your eyebrows move."
"My eyebrows have nothing to do with this."
"They do when you're jealous."
"I am NOT jealous."
He exhaled slowly, like he was trying to stay patient.
"Then what was that back there?"
"I just don't like Ella."
"Why?"
"Because she's your ex."
Silence.
There it was.
It slipped out before I could stop it.
He didn't look shocked.
He just looked… like he expected that.
"And?" he asked.
"And what?"
"So what if she's my ex?"
My chest tightened.
"I don't know."
"You don't know?"
"I just don't like it."
"Don't like what?"
"You smiling like that."
The words came out quieter than I meant them to.
He took one small step closer.
"And how was I smiling?"
"Comfortably."
"And?"
"And I don't like it."
"Why?"
I looked away again.
Because if I look at him, I might say something I can't take back.
He gently caught my chin and turned my face back toward him.
Not forceful.
Just enough so I couldn't escape.
"Say it."
"Say what?"
"Why you didn't like it."
My heart was beating way too fast for someone who "wasn't jealous."
"I don't have to say anything."
"Yes, you do."
"No, I don't."
"Jay."
"What?"
"If it doesn't matter to you… then why are you this upset?"
That question hit hard.
Because he was right.
If I didn't care…
Why did it hurt?
Why did it feel weird seeing him laugh with her?
Why did I feel replaceable for a second?
I swallowed.
"It just…" I started.
He waited.
"It just felt weird."
"Weird how?"
"Like…"
I hesitated.
He leaned slightly closer.
"Like I didn't like seeing you with her."
There.
Half confession.
Not full.
But close.
His voice softened.
"Because you don't like her?"
"…Because I don't like the idea of you with her."
Silence.
My brain immediately screamed: WHY DID YOU SAY THAT.
He didn't tease.
Didn't smirk.
Didn't laugh.
Instead…
He smiled softly.
Not the playful smile.
A different one.
"You are jealous."
I opened my mouth to argue—
Then closed it.
Because this time…
I didn't have a comeback.
He moved even closer, lowering his voice.
"You don't have to be scared of that."
"I'm not scared."
"You are."
"I'm not."
"You're scared to admit you care."
That line.
That line ruined me.
Because maybe…
Maybe he was right.
I crossed my arms defensively.
"I just don't like your ex."
"Good."
I blinked. "What?"
"I don't want you to like her."
That was not the answer I expected.
He stepped back slightly, giving me space.
"But next time," he added quietly, "don't run."
"I wasn't running."
"You were."
"…Maybe a little."
He smiled properly this time.
"And Jay?"
"What."
"If something bothers you about me…"
"Hmm?"
"Tell me."
My heart did that stupid flip again.
I looked away, pretending to be annoyed.
"Don't talk to her too much."
There. I said it.
He didn't even hesitate.
"Okay."
Just like that.
No ego.
No argument.
Just okay.
And that made it worse.
Because now I definitely cared.
And I definitely was jealous.
And he definitely knew.
And I definitely hated that he knew.
But maybe…
I didn't hate it that much.