KEIFER'S POV
I had a nightmare about my Jay-Jay, and it sent chills down my spine. I repeatedly splashed water on my face, trying to wash away the terrifying images in my head.
But they kept replaying in my mind.
I grabbed the face towel next to the mirror, wiped my face, and stared at my reflection. Sweat dripped down my forehead even though I wasn't wearing a shirt. Frustrated, I threw the towel into the laundry basket before heading back to bed.
I reached for my secret phone. My dream left me restless—everything had felt so real.
In the nightmare, Jay-Jay was running toward me, calling my name. Behind her, a tattooed man held a gun aimed at her. Before she could reach me, I heard a gunshot.
She fell slowly, tears streaming down her face as she begged me to help her.
No! Not my Jay-Jay!
I scrolled through my phone contacts and pressed call. The line rang a few times before someone answered.
["Hello, if you're here to collect debts, Drew isn't home. If you're lending money, tell me how much."]
It was obviously Drew, pretending to be an answering machine.
"I'll take your house as payment," I replied.
I heard him snort.
["That's it! No more jokes. Why are you calling?"]
"Do me a favor—keep a closer watch on Jay-Jay."
["Loan me some cash first."]
I hung up immediately. Seriously? He can't survive without debt. It would be fine if he had a real job, but all he does is waste money on gambling.
I dialed another number. This time, it barely rang before the call was answered.
["Keifer, you called me this early in the morning."]
Eren's voice was groggy.
"Can you do me a favor? Keep an eye on Jay-Jay, please."
He groaned.
["Seriously, Keifer? You woke me up just for that? I can't even pay attention to my girlfriendsssssss."]
He exaggerated the 'S' on purpose. I sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of my nose.
"Eren," I said firmly. I knew that would get his attention.
["Oh?"] he asked, his tone shifting.
"I know all your girlfriends."
["Oh, really now?"] he responded smugly.
"And I have their numbers."
He let out a humorless laugh.
["Just kidding. Don't worry, we'll take care of Jay. I'll get up early and check on her."]
I heard some rustling from his end.
"Please make sure she's safe."
I ended the call and dialed another number. My chest felt tight with anxiety.
["Keifer."]
David didn't sound sleepy. I could hear something sizzling in the background.
["If you're calling to ask about Jay-Jay, don't worry."]
"No, it's something else." I sighed. If this wasn't about Jay-Jay, I wouldn't be calling him. "Her safety is worrying me."
["Three guys are already watching her place. Do you want me to add more?"]
"If necessary, then yes."
["I'll talk to them later."]
"Thanks," I said, about to end the call, but then I heard him chuckle.
"What's so funny?"
["You. I can't believe you've become like this."]
I rolled my eyes.
"Fuck off, David," I muttered before hanging up.
He can't believe it? What does he mean? That I'm incapable of falling in love? He seriously underestimates me.
I pushed my irritation aside. My focus should be on Jay-Jay—her safety and that damn nightmare.
I dialed another number—Kit's. It rang a few times before someone picked up.
["Hey, Keifer! Don't call Kit!"]
It wasn't Kit's voice.
["Is he your type? Huh? You're welcome!"]
There were sounds of a struggle, like the phone was being snatched away.
["Don't mess with the phone—!"]
This time, it was Kit's voice.
["Hello, Keifer? Sorry, that was Mayo. Why are you calling?"]
Mayo? They were together this early in the morning in the Philippines?
"What's he doing there?" I asked, curious.
["Eating breakfast."]
I raised an eyebrow. I had heard about what happened between them from our friends, and Jay-Jay was really worried about their situation. I wasn't sure how the others would react when they found out.
"Eating breakfast or eating you for breakfast?" I asked casually.
["Eww! No! Where the hell did that come from?"]
His voice was laced with irritation.
"From Mayo." I smirked. "Can you do me a favor?"
I heard a loud thud, followed by Mayo's pained whimper.
"Yes," Kit answered.
["Is this about Jay-Jay?"] His tone turned serious.
["I'll handle it. She's always around us, so it won't be a problem."]
"Thanks for helping me—and for not being a straight guy."
["Wow. And I'm so grateful for your 'thank you,'"] he responded sarcastically.
I smirked before ending the call. But even after all these calls, it still didn't feel like enough. My unease remained.
I dialed Rory's number. He picked up almost immediately.
["Bro…"] He was brushing his teeth.
"Any leads on Sato?"
["None—"] He stopped brushing. ["Nothing. He's hard to track. And Yuri doesn't seem to want me involved."]
What's wrong with him?
"Tell me if you need more resources. Work with Edrix if necessary."
["Got it. I'm gonna shower now."]
He ended the call.
It was still early in the Philippines, but most of them were already up, handling gang-related matters before meeting up with Jay-Jay. They had to be discreet so she wouldn't notice them.
And speaking of Edrix, he was the next person I called. He didn't answer at first, so I had to call again. It took a few rings before he finally picked up.
["Keif."] He yawned like a cat. ["Your morning call was in the morning. Did something happen?"]
"No, but I'm looking for an update."
["Still nothing. It seems that something is blocking the Japan Embassy's database—or rather, I think I'm the one being blocked. Talk to me like Yuri."]
Why isn't he helping them?
I have a feeling Yuri doesn't want us to get involved in their rivalry. But Jay-jay is involved in this, so I will intervene.
"I will. Work with Rory, please."
["Alright. I'll take care of it."]
I ended the call and looked for another number to dial. If I had to call the entire nation, I would do it.
I chose Calix next.
["Oi. Pre..."] He greeted me. ["Morning. Are you already in the Philippines?"]
"No. Maybe soon, though."
["Is this about Jay-jay? Do you want me to say hello to her?"]
"No. Just keep her safe for me."
["No problem. That's what we're planning to do."]
We said our goodbyes.
Like I said, if I had to call the whole nation, I would. Felix's name appeared on my screen, but I hesitated. Percy might interfere with my plan. That guy is always an interruption.
Come what may. This is for my Jay-jay.
I pressed the call button, and within a second, the call was answered—but not by Felix.
["Helllow..."] A girl said slowly.
Dalia? The kid with blue eyes, just like Percy.
"H-hi, Dalia. Can I talk to your Kuya Felix?"
["He's taking a bath."] She giggled. ["Who is this?"]
"It's me, Keif—" I heard someone calling her.
["Dalia! Who are you talking to?"] It was Percy. Dalia giggled again before answering her brother. ["My boyfriend."]
I almost smacked my head.
["What boyfriend?! You can't have a boyfriend! You'll be killed! My men will come after you! That's mine!"]
I heard Dalia whimper before her voice slowly faded away.
["Hello! Who is this?"] This time, it was Percy.
I sighed in disbelief, but before I could say anything, Percy started rambling nonsense.
["Aahhh! She has a boyfriend! Who are you?! My God! My sister is still a baby! Stay away from her, or I will kill you!"]
I heard a door opening.
["Is that my phone?"]
It was Felix. Percy started sobbing dramatically.
["Our baby already has a boyfriend! She's too young! It's not possible yet!"]
Even though I couldn't see them, I knew Felix was confused. Percy had lost it again. Maybe he hadn't had breakfast yet.
["You're crazy! That's my phone!"]
There was the familiar rustling sound.
["It's you. Why did you call?"]
"About Jay-jay."
Felix chuckled. ["Of course. And what exactly did you want?"]
In the background, Percy yelled, ["Tell Dalia's boyfriend I'm going to kill him!"]
["My towel! It's about to fall!"] Felix sounded pissed.
["Why?! Did—Ow!"] Percy was obviously hit.
Too much information.
I had to end the call. It was clear they were fighting. I just texted Felix to look after Jay-jay. I knew he'd read it once they were done arguing.
I called the others and handled everything I needed to. Eman, Denzel, Blaster, and Josh all agreed. Then, I dialed the last number on my list.
["Feed me! Feed me! Feed me!—Good morning, Keifer!—Feed me!"]
Yep. Ci-N was fully awake.
"It's nighttime here."
["Here's my breakfast! That's it? Alright. Good evening, Keifer!—Manang! I'm hungry!"]
It sounded like he had just moved into a new place. That's what he does—gets fed by this Manang, whether he's in the mansion or his new unit.
"Enjoy your breakfast. I know you already know why I'm calling—"
["It's about Jay-jay, isn't it? I have something to tell you—Manang! Where's the hotdog?!"]
I sighed. He kept calling out for Manang. Now I wasn't sure if he was talking to me or her.
"Are you going to tell me, or Manang?"
["You, of course!—Manang, please get me some water!"]
Oh, come on!
"Who exactly?"
["You! About Sato."]
I stayed silent, waiting for him to continue.
["My cousin is from Japan. She studied medicine—do you know her? Lianah Saguirer? She's a surgeon now—"]
"Please, get to the part about Sato." I almost begged.
Seriously? What do I care about his cousin? I already know it runs in their family. I wouldn't be surprised if half of them are doctors.
He laughed.
["She told me that the Satos are known to be torturers. They don't discriminate—age, gender, doesn't matter. They've tortured a lot of people, but the police can't catch them. They're counting on the Hanamitchis to stop them. And I think I know a Hanamitchi—Yuri."]
He laughed again.
And he was saying all this while eating. Like it was just some random gossip. Did he not realize that Jay-jay was their target? If they got to her, she'd be in serious danger.
I hung up and got ready immediately. I was about to change when someone knocked on my door. I hid my secret phone and let them in.
"Kuya?" It was Keigan.
I stepped out of my walk-in closet. "Keigan."
He handed me a piece of paper. "Good thing you're awake. We need to leave for Australia now. That's an order from Clyde."
I almost cursed. I was planning to go home to the Philippines. More importantly, Jay-Jay needs me.
"I have to go somewhere else," I said, turning back to my closet.
Keigan followed. "This is important. Where exactly are you planning to go?"
"Someone needs my help."
"And who's that someone? That Jay-Jay again?" I could sense the irritation in his tone.
"None of your business."
I heard him sigh. "I won't stop you, but I hope you fulfill your duty here before you try to understand him," he said and walked away.
I stopped and placed one hand on the wall. Keigan was right. I still had things to do, obligations I hadn't yet fulfilled.
But my future needs me too.
If I put her first, I'll definitely disappoint Keigan and the Elders.
They'll find a loophole and use it against me.
I was still thinking about what to do when I received a message from an unexpected person.
Yuri.
I immediately called him, and he answered after just one ring.
["I heard you called them but not me? Why is that?"]
"Feeling jealous?"
["Well, I should be. I'm your best friend."] He spoke mockingly.
I shook my head. "What do you want?"
["Tell Rory and Edrix to stop investigating. They're putting themselves in danger."]
"Why? Don't you trust them?"
["It's not about trust. Sato is part of the second-largest Yakuza family in Japan. They have a lot of connections—"]
"I already know that part."
["Leave it to me. It's my job to catch him."]
"And Jay-Jay? How will you protect her?"
["The same way you're protecting her. Silently."]
I felt slightly relieved. Yes, Yuri was my rival, but he was still my best friend. He would protect her no matter what.
He never left me, despite everything that happened.
"I'm almost done here. Sooner or later, we'll see each other again and finish what we started."
["Then I'll wait."]
He ended the call. I sat on the floor, feeling weak. After this, I would tell the Elders that I needed to go back. This would be the last time, and I would finally follow through with my original plan.
For my brothers. And for my Jay-Jay.
I resumed my plan. I got dressed for the business meeting ahead and prepared everything I needed. As I left the room, I saw Keigan drinking coffee.
He looked surprised but quickly shrugged it off.
"I thought you had other plans."
"I guess I have to set them aside and prioritize this business meeting," I said and started walking.
"Thank you, Kuya." His words made me stop.
I turned to look at him. He pursed his lips and lowered his gaze.
"For the past few weeks, I kept trying to control you, thinking it was the best for us. But despite everything, you still look at me as if I never hurt you. Thank you for still trusting me."
I smiled at him before giving a brief nod. Then, I walked out and headed straight to the lobby, where my driver was waiting. He greeted me before taking my things.
Inside the car, I took out my secret phone. I still needed to ensure Jay-Jay's safety. I was grateful to our friends who kept updating me from time to time.
When I arrived at the airport, the private jet was ready for takeoff. I was the only one left to board.
In just a few hours, we would be flying. But I couldn't shake off this restless feeling. The image of Jay-Jay crying for help kept haunting me. A sudden wave of anxiety washed over me.
I pressed the intercom to contact the pilot.
"Change the route. We're going to the Philippines now!" I ordered, grateful when he didn't question me.
Thankfully, we were still in Asia. He requested permission to land, and within an hour, we arrived at the airport.
The pilot spoke to me personally. Keigan didn't know about this, but he had no choice—I had to let him find out.
I didn't care as long as I could leave immediately. He didn't say anything when I got off the plane.
Instead of waiting for the service they had called, I chose to take a taxi.
I needed to see Jay-Jay now.
I immediately called Rory, and my suspicions were confirmed when he answered.
"Mica, Freya, Ella, Rakki, and Honey are there. We don't know why there isn't a guard at the gate," he said, and I almost threw my phone.
That's why Honey isn't here—she came home before me. If her uncle finds out about this, she's definitely dead.
"Send me the address. I'm on my way." I hung up and waited for the location.
As soon as I received it, I gave it to the taxi driver. I asked him to drive faster, and his eyes widened when I said I'd pay triple.
I'm on my way. I will save you.
I checked the address. As expected, that Sato wouldn't hide in a crowded place. It was an old Japanese wood products building. I wasn't sure if it was still functional.
When I went inside, I saw the others helping the girls, but I couldn't find Jay-jay.
"Where is Jay-jay?" Percy's voice came from behind me.
It looked like he had just arrived. The others turned toward us because of how loud his voice was.
"Keifer?" Calix called out. "That fool is with Jay-jay."
"Why do you see him? I'm more handsome," Percy muttered.
I shot him a deadly glare. Was he seriously prioritizing that over his stepsister, who needed help? I couldn't believe him.
I saw Ella and Yuri hugging Aries, but he pushed them away.
"My sister needs me!" he shouted and ran off.
I immediately followed him. He knew where Sato was.
"Aries, stop—Keifer?" Yuri's voice made us all halt.
"I'm here too," Percy added.
"What are you doing here?" Aries turned and glared at us.
But I faced Yuri instead. "What? You didn't plan to tell me about this?!"
"We were in a hurry to find them. Do you think I even had time to report to you?"
"You should've at least asked our friends to do so if you couldn't. If I hadn't followed my instincts, this would've all been over before I even knew it."
"Sorry to interrupt, but if you're here to fight, do it later. Jay-jay needs help, and you two aren't helping," Aries said, clearly pissed.
"Come on! Go home! Aries and I will take care of it," Percy added, pushing us aside.
He started walking first, and Aries followed.
We left the building. I wanted to slap Percy because it felt like we had lost our way because of his sneaky behavior.
"I think this is the wrong way," he said and was about to turn back but froze when he saw us.
"What the hell, Percy?!" I shouted.
"How would I know?! I just got here too!" he defended himself.
I was about to hit him when I noticed Aries. He had gone completely silent. He raised a finger, signaling us to be quiet.
We obeyed and watched as he listened carefully.
"Here," he said, and we followed.
And there, I saw almost the same image as in my dream.