Chapter 27: Graduation Day
[Hello, my loves! 🌹 🌸
Ashdres just confirmed their new project:
"Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna" and I'm already emotional 😭💐
I heard it might be a plaintive film, and honestly? I'm so ready to cry. Seeing them together on the big screen? Instant YES. Jayfer hearts, rise!! 🥹💘
#Ashdres #Jayfer #Luffy]
Jay's POV
Yesterday flew by so fast, I barely had time to hold on to it.
One second I was in Keifer's arms, tangled in the warmth of his scent, his laugh, his kisses then the world yanked me back to reality like a rude alarm clock. And trust me, it didn't just ring. It screamed.
He had dropped me off right in front of our gate, refusing to let go of my hand, his brows furrowed like he was physically pained to leave. "Just five more minutes," he kept whispering. "Just a little more."
"Keif, it's late," I'd said, laughing softly as I traced my thumb over the back of his hand. "You need to go before Kuya Angelo turns into a beast and eats you alive."
He groaned dramatically. "Let him try. I'll just climb back into your room like a raccoon."
"Gross."
"But romantic?"
I giggled. "Romantic."
He kissed me one last time, lingering like he wanted to memorize the shape of my lips. "I'll text you the second I get home."
"You better."
And then, finally—reluctantly—he pulled away, eyes still glued to me until the very last second.
As soon as I stepped inside the house, the romantic air evaporated and was replaced by an all-too-familiar family tribunal energy.
I had barely taken off my shoes when The Three Judges a.k.a. Mom, Kuya Angelo, and Aunt Gemma pounced.
Two whole hours.
Two hours of lectures, passive-aggressive questions, and disappointed looks like I'd just committed a national crime.
"You came home late."
"You didn't answer your phone."
"What were you doing at that boy's house, Jasper Jean Fernandez Mariano?!"
I wanted to sink into the floor. I kept blinking, trying to remember the sweetness of Keifer's arms just to survive the verbal fire. But Kuya was especially extra tonight. His crossed arms were so tight it looked like he was restraining himself from flipping the entire dining table.
After what felt like forever and an eternity, Aries came barging into my room.
Door: slammed open dramatically
"Where were you?" he demanded, already suspicious.
I blinked at him, trying to act innocent. "With Section E. We went to Keifer's house."
Aries scoffed, arms crossed, face scrunched. "Do you think I'm dumb?"
Oh boy.
"Most of them were at the party last night. I know that because I was at the party! You and that monkey disappeared, and don't you dare lie to me, Jay."
I froze.
"What did he do to you?"
Oh God.
"DID HE TOUCH YOU?"
"ARIES—"
"DID YOU BOTH—? DID YOU?? DID YOU DO IT WITH HIM!!?!??"
"STOP!" I screamed, bolting up. "NOTHING HAPPENED!"
He blinked, jaw tense, still staring at me like he didn't believe it. His breathing was heavy, his brows furrowed so deep they looked carved in.
"Aries, please," I said, softer now. "Nothing happened, okay?"
Not that I was going to tell him exactly what happened yesterday. Not when just the idea of a kiss made him go full detective mode like I was on an episode of CSI.
I sighed and turned away, flopping on my bed, burying my face into my pillow.
But just as I was about to replay yesterday's kisses in peace, Kuya Angelo yelled from downstairs.
"Jay! Get in the car! We're gonna be late!"
Right.
Today was the day.
Our graduation.
It felt like the whole school had exploded into one giant, chaotic celebration. The gates were crowded with parents, students, teachers some crying, some laughing, all bundled in black and blue graduation robes and matching caps with golden tassels dancing in the wind.
Mom, Aunt Gemma, Kuya, and Aries were waiting, all dressed up and proud-looking. Kuya Angelo kept checking his watch, annoyed. Mom kept fixing my hair like I was five again. Aries hovered behind them like a bodyguard, still suspicious.
I gave them all quick hugs before rushing inside the venue, as Aries followed behind.
As soon as I entered the courtyard part of the school grounds, I spotted them.
Section E.
My boys.
They were loud, messy, chaotic as usual and they looked so good in their graduation outfits.
Yuri waved dramatically. "Jay! Over here!"
David elbowed him. "Don't scare her off. She might actually run away with the certificate."
I laughed and walked over, my shoes clicking against the tiled floor.
Cin was bouncing up and down with pure excitement, probably already sugar-high from too much soda. Mayo and Kit were in their own world, probably discussing anime or obscure historical facts like the nerds they were. Rory and Edrix were whispering something, occasionally pointing toward the stage. And, of course, Calix and Felix were fighting over a single bottle of water like it was the last drop on Earth.
Over water. I repeat. Over water.
And then—like the universe heard the soft music playing in my head—he appeared.
My Keifer.
Tall, handsome, leaning casually against the pillar, arms folded, his robe slightly wrinkled like he'd sprinted here. When his eyes caught mine, he smiled.
I walked toward him, feeling a little extra today. Mica and Rakki called out my name from across the gymnasium, but I paused right before leaving Keifer's side.
I turned back to him, tilting my head, and said teasingly, "Keifer..."
He raised an eyebrow. "Yeah?"
I grinned, reaching for the necklace I wore—the one he gave me. The shooting star pendant shimmered slightly under the lights, but I wasn't done showing off. I held it up, letting it dangle and right beside it was the ring he gave me. The one I hadn't had the guts to wear on my finger yet.
But now, it sat proudly next to the star. A constellation just for us.
Keifer's eyes widened.
His whole face flushed.
"Y-You're wearing it?" he whispered, completely caught off guard.
I winked, smug. "What? Thought I'd forget?"
Before he could recover, I dashed toward Mica and Rakki. I heard Felix in the background yell, "She just killed him. Look at his face!"
Keifer? Full red. Like a tomato dipped in strawberry syrup.
The ceremony itself was... emotional chaos.
Every name called felt like a chapter closing. Some people screamed when their friends were announced, others cried. Phones were held up like they were at a concert. Parents clapped louder than thunder.
When my name was called—"Jasper Jean Fernandez Mariano!"—the whole Section E roared. Literally roared. I think Blaster stood on a chair. Calix might've actually cried (he swears it was allergies).
I stepped on stage, shaking hands with the principal, holding my certificate with slightly trembling fingers. It was surreal.
Years of pain, fights, injuries, heartbreak, laughter, healing, and late-night crying sessions all bundled into a single thin piece of paper.
My high school life.
Gone.
Just like that.
After the ceremony, we took hundreds of photos. Selfies, group shots, action poses. I probably had ten with just me and Mayo making peace signs. Another twenty with Cin doing finger hearts. Mica and Rakki made me take a jump shot (I almost tripped on my feet). And yes, Drew and Eman photobombed every single one.
But Keifer...
Keifer wanted solo shots with just me.
Just us.
He pulled me close as the sun started setting behind the school building. Held my hand like it was something precious. Kissed it softly, so tenderly my heart flipped.
"After this," he said, voice quiet but sure, "we'll go on a date, okay?"
I looked up at him.
That same boy who stayed with me through it all.
The one who saw me broken and still chose to love me whole.
"Sure," I whispered. "I'd love to."
Around us, parents were rushing for last-minute pictures, teachers were giving emotional speeches about growth and future paths, and students were crying, hugging, making promises to meet again. The entire school was buzzing with goodbye energy. It was overwhelming—but beautiful.
And as I stood in the middle of it, my hand in Keifer's, my necklace glinting with the star and the ring.
This wasn't the end. Of course things will get even more crazy.