ด้วยรักตลอดไป (With Love, Forever)

Jeff

Jeff had just finished tidying up his classroom when his phone buzzed with a message. It was from Jackson.

J: Had the meeting today. Told Xinxin about her mom. She doesn't want to meet her.

Jeff frowned as he read the text, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. He could only imagine how hard that conversation must have been for Jackson. He had been so fiercely protective of Xinxin that even discussing her mother at all must have felt like a betrayal of sorts.

J: I don't know what to feel right now.

That alone made Jeff pause. Jackson wasn't the type to openly admit when he was struggling. Usually, he masked his emotions under that steady, composed exterior, but this—this was something else.

J: I told her it was her choice. That she didn't have to do anything she didn't want to. She just hugged me and said she didn't want to meet her. That was it. No crying, no questions. Just... a decision.

Jeff exhaled and finally typed back.

JY: She's a smart kid. She knows what makes her feel safe. And she knows she has you.

A moment later, Jackson's response came through.

J: Yeah. I just...

Jeff waited, but no more messages followed.

That alone told him more than Jackson probably realized. The man was at a loss.

JY: Want me to come over?

This time, the reply took longer. Then finally:

J: Yeah. That would be nice.

Jeff grabbed his things, slung his bag over his shoulder, and headed out. Jackson had done the hard part today. The least Jeff could do was be there for him.

Jackson looked like hell.

When he opened the door, he was still in his work clothes, but his sleeves were half-rolled, his tie was gone, and his hair looked like he'd run his fingers through it a dozen times too many. His usual sharpness—the effortless cool he carried—was noticeably absent. Instead, he looked... lost.

"You look like a man who's seen some things," I said, stepping inside. "Did the lawyer's office secretly double as a gladiator arena?"

Jackson snorted, shutting the door behind me. "Would've been easier if it had."

I clapped him on the shoulder. "Alright, soldier, let's debrief. Where's Xinxin?"

"Asleep," he sighed, leading me to the couch. "She crashed early."

"Probably emotionally exhausted," I guessed, plopping down. "Unlike her dad, who is clearly running on fumes and possibly regret."

Jackson huffed as he sat beside me. "Not regret." He rubbed his face. "Just... it was harder than I thought, telling her. She took it so calmly, and I don't know if that makes me feel better or worse."

I nodded slowly. "She's a kid, Jack. But she's your kid, which means she's got your no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to life. She made a decision and stuck to it. That's a good thing."

He leaned back, exhaling. "Yeah. I just... I don't know what happens next."

"Here's what happens next," I said, throwing an arm over the back of the couch dramatically. "You, my dear overworked, emotionally wrecked friend, sit back, breathe, and accept the fact that you're doing fine."

Jackson gave me a look. "Jeff."

"No, no, let me finish," I said, raising a finger. "You sit here, you drink whatever sad, expensive whiskey I know you have in your cabinet, and you let yourself be human for once."

He shook his head but, to my satisfaction, didn't argue. Instead, he ran a hand through his hair, slouching slightly. "I hate this."

"I know," I said, nudging his foot with mine. "But I'm here, so it's at least 30% less terrible, right?"

Jackson let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. "You really think highly of yourself, don't you?"

"It's called self-awareness," I grinned. "And before you ask—yes, I also accept bribes in the form of dinner invitations, coffee privileges, and occasional ego-stroking."

Jackson smirked but didn't reply immediately. Instead, he sighed again, softer this time, and let his head drop back against the couch.

For a moment, we just sat there, the weight of the day settling around us. But it wasn't heavy—not when I was here, making sure he wasn't sinking alone.

Finally, he muttered, "Thanks, Jeff."

I tilted my head toward him, smirking. "You going to be specific or just let me assume it's for my dazzling personality?"

Jackson scoffed, but there was warmth in his eyes now. "For being here."

I grinned, leaning back as well. "Well, get used to it."