Afternoon.
Jay sat on the sofa.
Arms crossed.
Face serious.
Very serious.
Jeena noticed immediately.
"What now?"
Jay didn't answer.
Jasfer looked up from his work.
"That face means trouble."
Jay sighed loudly.
"I want something."
Jeena smiled.
"Ask."
Jay shook her head.
"You won't agree."
Jasfer leaned back.
"Try us."
Jay hesitated.
Then quickly—
"I want to go on a trip."
Silence.
Jeena blinked.
"Trip?"
Jay nodded.
"Yes."
"With my friends."
Jasfer's expression changed.
"Where?"
Jay mumbled.
"Out of town…"
Jeena frowned.
"For how many days?"
Jay avoided eye contact.
"Three… maybe four…"
Jasfer shook his head immediately.
"No."
Jay looked up.
"I knew it!"
Jeena spoke softly.
"It's not safe."
Jay stood up.
"It is safe!"
Jasfer remained firm.
"No."
Jay groaned.
"This is unfair."
Jeena tried to calm her.
"Jay…"
Jay turned away.
Frustrated.
"Forget it."
She grabbed her phone.
Walked away.
Fast.
Annoyed.
Minutes later…
Her phone dialed.
"Keifer."
Call connected.
"Hmm?"
Jay didn't waste time.
"I need help."
Keifer smiled instantly.
"What did you do now?"
Jay rolled her eyes.
"Nothing."
"They said no."
Keifer sat up.
"For what?"
"Trip."
"With friends."
Keifer chuckled softly.
"Of course they did."
Jay groaned.
"Don't laugh."
"I'm serious."
Keifer nodded.
"I know."
A pause.
Then casually—
"I'll handle it."
Jay froze.
"Really?"
Keifer smirked.
"When have I not?"
Jay smiled.
Wide.
Relieved.
"You're the best."
Keifer stood up.
"I know."
Call ended.
Evening.
Keifer walked into Jay's house.
Calm.
Confident.
"Ma?"
Jeena looked up.
"You're here."
Keifer smiled.
"Yes."
Jasfer nodded.
"Come."
Keifer sat down.
Casual.
Relaxed.
A small pause.
Then—
"I heard about the trip."
Jasfer looked at him.
"She told you?"
Keifer nodded.
"Yes."
Jeena sighed.
"She's upset."
Keifer spoke gently.
"She just wants to go out."
Jasfer replied firmly.
"It's not safe."
Keifer leaned forward slightly.
"I'll make sure it is."
Silence.
Both parents looked at him.
"What do you mean?"
Keifer continued calmly.
"I'll arrange everything."
"Stay, transport, contacts…"
"Everything secured."
Jeena hesitated.
"But still…"
Keifer added softly.
"She deserves a little freedom."
Jasfer looked at him carefully.
Thinking.
Weighing his words.
Keifer didn't push.
Just waited.
Confident.
Calm.
Finally…
Jasfer exhaled.
"If you take responsibility…"
Keifer nodded immediately.
"I will."
Jeena looked at Jasfer.
Then back at Keifer.
"Then… okay."
Silence.
Decision made.
Upstairs…
Jay paced in her room.
Waiting.
Anxious.
Her door opened suddenly.
Keifer stood there.
Calm.
Jay rushed to him.
"What happened?"
Keifer leaned on the door.
"Pack your bags."
Jay froze.
"…what?"
Keifer smiled.
"You're going."
Jay screamed softly.
"No way!"
She jumped slightly.
Excited.
"You did it?!"
Keifer nodded.
"Obviously."
Jay hugged him suddenly.
Tight.
Quick.
Without thinking.
"Thank you!"
Keifer froze for a second.
Then smiled.
"You're welcome."
Jay pulled back.
Eyes shining.
"You're magic."
Keifer smirked.
"I know."
Jay laughed.
Happy.
Relieved.
And completely sure of one thing…
If she ever needed anything…
Keifer would always be there.
Because somehow…
Her parents listened to him more.
And he…
Always listened to her.