Jay sat carefully on the courtroom chair, one ankle elevated slightly. Her files were neatly arranged, but her mind wasn't fully on the case anymore.
Keifer stood nearby, arms crossed, watching her with that same calm, unreadable expression.
"Are you sure you don't want me to present for you?" he asked softly, his voice low enough that only she could hear.
Jay huffed, glaring up at him. "No. I can handle it."
Keifer didn't argue, just stayed close, his presence uncomfortably comforting.
Luke Reyes, from the bench, leaned forward with a grin. "Counselor Mariano, you are looking… rather flustered today. Did the opposing counsel give you trouble? Or perhaps… something else?"
Jay froze. "I'm fine, Your Honor."
Luke raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. Sure you are. Your cheeks are telling a very different story."
At the back of the courtroom, the audience had their own reactions.
Percy Jude Mariano was practically bouncing in his seat. "HE IS TAKING CARE OF HER!!!" he shouted.
Jane rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her grin. "Sugar, this is illegal. And also adorable."
Keigan leaned toward Keiren, whispering, "He's really protective… wow. I want to be that calm when I argue someday."
Keiren grinned. "Meanwhile, I just want popcorn."
Aries, standing behind Jay, glared daggers at Keifer. "One wrong move, and—"
Keifer's gaze met his. Calm. Unbothered. "I won't."
Aries huffed but didn't move.
Jay took a deep breath and began presenting her argument, carefully shifting her weight. Her voice was strong and sharp despite the pain.
Keifer, still standing nearby, subtly passed her a bottle of water and a folded handkerchief for support.
Jay's eyes flicked to him. "…Thanks."
"No problem," he said softly, returning his attention to the case.
Luke leaned forward, grinning like a cat who caught the canary. "Counselors, the sparks today are—oh, this is textbook. I need to take notes for the new students. 'How to turn legal rivalry into cinematic tension.'"
Jay groaned quietly. "You're impossible."
Keifer smirked faintly. "And you like it."
She rolled her eyes but felt her chest heat up.
By the time she finished, she was limping slightly, trying to appear composed. Keifer moved closer, gently guiding her back toward her table.
Jasfher and Jeana watched proudly.
"Princess is handling herself so well," Jasfher said quietly.
Jeana nodded. "But that boy is… very attentive."
Across the room, Mark Keizer Watson smirked. "Golden boy's instincts are perfect."
Serina Watson smiled softly. "He's growing up well."
After court, outside, Team Jayfer gathered quickly.
Percy waved his phone dramatically. "TEAM CHAT UPDATE: He touched her waist. He gave her water. He's officially soft. Mission accomplished."
Jane snickered. "Sugar, I think someone is doomed."
Keigan added, "Honestly, the calm one is dangerous."
Keiren grinned. "Also hot. Definitely hot."
Jay rolled her eyes and muttered, "I hate all of you."
Percy whispered, "Exactly how we want you."
Aries muttered in the background, glaring at Keifer: "I do not trust you. Not even a little."
Keifer glanced at him, his faint smirk returning. "Good to know."
And somewhere deep inside, Jay felt it too—this war wasn't just legal anymore. It was personal. And maybe, just maybe, a little… complicated.