JAY-JAY'S POV
I have a package. From Japan. I wanted to be happy because I don't remember that I shopped online and Yuri didn't tell me anything.
He is the only one I know from Japan. I'm afraid to open it. But if I don't open it, I'll be late. Aries will get angry and say I'm slow.
You thought you were very fast. I really believe sprinkled he just does it in the bathroom. Then he will just put perfume on and wet his hair a little so that he can say that he has taken a bath.
Haha your style is rotten.
If only they had told me last night that I had a package, I wish I wouldn't have been confused about whether to open it now or later.
Eventually, I had no choice but to open up. I took the cutter from my study table and ran the packaging tape. I threw it back on the table. I was still nervous as I slowly opened the box. And when I finally saw the inside.
Pure bubble wrap.
I scratched my head before removing it and finally seeing the true contents of the box. There is a severed head. Snorlax's head! Oh no, it's just a head. Large pillow with Snorlax design.
I took it and removed the plastic wrap. It's soft and it's nice to hug. I approached my Snorlax that I often have next to me at night. And turned the pillow towards him.
"Look! You have a brother!" I said and put them on the bed.
Snorlax quickly fell completely away from Snorlax's head. I fixed him a few times but it always happens like that.
He doesn't like his big head.
I just let the box go back. I looked to see if there was anything inside but I couldn't see anything inside but bubble wrap. I looked at the outside of the joining box with the name of origin but it only had my name and address.
"Why is it called like this?" I wanted to ask.
My Queen Jasper Jean Mariano.
Since when did my name have 'My Queen'? I guess it's not for me? That's why I'm the only Jasper Jean here. Maybe it was just a mistake.
I was about to look at the stickers but I heard Aries knock on my bedroom door.
"Hurry! I'm going to be late!" He shouted.
He finished sprinkling.
"Yes!" I answered before putting down the box and grabbing my bag.
I went back to Snorlax whole to fix it but he fell again. He really doesn't like his big head. I left the room and went straight out of the house. I didn't greet Tita because she turned her back to the kitchen. I just held my breath. Getting into Aries' car, I immediately noticed a strange expression of him.
"Why do you look like that?" I asked while adjusting my seatbelt. He grabbed the steering wheel of the car. He coughed several times before driving the car to school.
I couldn't help but feel strange because of the way he looked. I feel like something bad happened yesterday while I was away or maybe I did something. I think he enjoyed our outing yesterday.
We hadn't even left the house when his phone rang - his new phone. Because it was attached to the dashboard, I could clearly see Ella's face on the screen. Aries answered that and because he was driving, their conversation was on loud speaker.
["Aries."] Ella said.
No one to call? Baby? Babe? Love? Ganern?
"Ella." This is my brother's answer.
That's it? Their love is very planned. No one to call at all. When I get married again, the call is fierce.
Gardo or Tagpi. Sometimes White or Kimchi. When we have sweets, sugar or chocolate chips. When there is a spot, Yellow Ginger is right. When we are angry, we will call Tangina or Punyeta. right? Panis!
I listened to Jowa again. Sometimes I will give them a list of endearment.
["He's here."] Ella said lifelessly.
Aries looked at me for a moment. Before answering his jowa chasing Miss Universe. It's good to be banished to space.
"I know." My brother's answer was lifeless.
["Does she know?"] Miss Universe asked.
I was absorbed in their conversation. Lamya is still slow. Daig still died. No one to call, no life yet. Not even a little sweetness! Did you really joke?
"I don't know. I'll talk to you later. I'm driving." This is what my Horoscope brother said.
Maybe he didn't have a good prediction about the fate of the two of them, that's why he's so lethargic. He must have brought against bad luck.
["Aries, I love you."]
Wow!
It took a long time before one of them answered. He coughed a few more times.
"I know." This is what my angry brother said and hung up.
I want to laugh out loud. Aries is also rude sometimes. Told 'I love you' and then that's the only answer. Goofy too!
"Your love is sweet, isn't it?" I teased but I didn't get an answer from him so I just struggled.
Not in the mood. The stars may not have a good place in the sky. He did not predict good fortune today.
Arriving at the school, I immediately noticed the number of students who were stranded on the road. It was as if an artist had passed by. The most number of girls and even other year levels surrounding the main building of our year level.
What's up
Aries parked the car. When I removed the seatbelt, I immediately noticed that he did not remove the car lock. I looked at him full of wonder "Aries, the lock." I said but he stayed where he was sitting.
"Don't go in." He said weakly.
My face lit up. "I will, but you will talk to Kuya."
My smile disappeared when I noticed his seriousness. I'm starting to fear what he expects. Even if I didn't think about it, I noticed that there was something wrong with the conversation between him and Miss Universe.
"W-why?"
He shook his head and took the cellphone to dial but he had already removed the car lock. He motioned for me to get down before putting the cellphone to his ear. I did it and sneered at him inside. My hunch is not really good. I was already walking away when I noticed a nice car parked near our place.
Beauty!
The owner was new to me and obviously a source of wealth. The type who can command the school and the price will be only a coin to him. I was about to come closer to see but I heard someone calling me. When I turned around, Yuri was smiling at me.
"President!" I greeted and his smile disappeared. "Are you going to leave the club?" I teased.
Shunga Lovers Club
"It's Jay." He said annoyed and I burst out laughing.
I didn't stop teasing him yesterday after meeting the red haired girl. He doesn't want to admit it, but she seems to have been a hit for him.
I have a pinch in my chest thinking about that thing yesterday. I feel like I'm going to lose a leg. I don't like the idea of him liking someone else. It sounds greedy but Yuri is still important to me too. I can't love him the way he does me, but I can still appreciate him.
But if I resent him, he won't be happy. That's his right after suffering for me. I also want to see him love and be loved.
"Why? Too bad. You didn't take the name. Then you tweaked it." I'm still teasing.
He scratched his head, "I didn't mean it."
"But she's beautiful, no pores." I said and covered my face with both hands. "Then the hair is too long. Then it's also Japanese-."
"Jay." There was sullenness in his voice. "Please stop."
"Come on! Why?"
"I won't look for someone else just to trade you." He blushed slightly. "I just want to love you."
I stared at his face. He even scratched his eyebrows while looking away.
"You look like a tomato when you blush, don't you?" I said and she blushed even more.
I laughed a little and pointed at his face. "You only acted like that after you saw the girl yesterday."
He sighed and shook his head. We walked together to our classroom. A lot of students are still scattered. They have talked that I don't understand.
"He's really handsome!"
"He's better now!"
"Dad said he has the rights to their company!"
"Just a child, even one."
I was scratching my head. Whoever they are talking about, I must have just created it. What they are saying is something I have never heard before.
Maybe there is an artist..
"Is there a shooting here? Which actor are they talking about?" I asked Yuri.
He stopped for a moment and looked at me as if there was something wrong with me what I said.
"Haven't you heard?" he asked.
"Which one?" I asked again. "Is there a shooting?"
His eyes were slightly sad before forcing a smile. He just shook his head before going back to walking as if I didn't ask anything. I immediately chased him.
"Hey! I'm asking you." My voice was mixed with annoyance. "You! You just found someone to trade me for like that-."
I couldn't finish what I was going to say because of his sudden hug. We were immediately looked at by our friends and the gossipy students we met.
"Please stop mentioning that girl." He begged. "I feel like you're pushing me away."
I could feel the weight of his voice as if he was about to cry. I couldn't help but be shocked by his action. We used to tease each other about such matters but now he has become sensitive.
"A-alright. Not anymore. I'm just kidding you." I answered while patting his back.
His hug tightened even more. I feel like he's going to cry at any moment. So even though we openly gossiped, I hugged him tightly.
I accept my favorite gossip topic.
"Yuri..." I called to him. "If there's a problem, you'll say it, right? Whatever you bring there, share it."
I heard his weak laugh because of what I said. Even in that way I can reduce what he brings. Even with a simple joke I can lighten his heart.
"Thank you Jay. I'll never regret loving you." He whispered before finally letting go.
He took a deep breath before washing his face. He smiled before asking me to continue walking.
I nodded and walked with him again. Every now and then I would lightly punch him in the arm and he would reciprocate by spraying my hair. Before we could get close to the door of the room, he suddenly blew my hair in front of my face. I thought it would be fine to just let it go and continue like that.
I continued to sit in my seat without greeting or looking at the Snakes. Their quietness is remarkable. Not like what I always get. I let it go because they might still be sleepy.
Why does it seem like someone is sitting in Kei-kwanan's place?
I just fixed my hair and then my gear. Maybe it's just one of those Snakes. I know they don't sit there even if he isn't there and he won't know. Maybe it's just a trip- come on! Why am I thinking about his bench or place? I care about it!
I took my notebook and looked to see if there was anything missing from my notes. I was too lazy to write the lesson on two of our subjects. I faced David and was about to wake him up, but he was already awake!
I still blinked at him. Surprising! Really shocking! I even held my chest and gave him a surprising reaction.
"Are you awake? What happened?" I asked him.
He looked at me and smiled slightly. "You underestimate me."
"It's surprising. Shall I have a meal?" I teased him.
He laughed a little and shook his head. "No need. You might get burned."
Wow, nice return.
I winced at him. "Peram notes." I said holding out my hand.
He turned back slightly. "You don't want to borrow notes from them."
"Oh no! I don't expect anything from that. Josh and Eman are in trouble." I answered and still didn't remove my outstretched hand. They just write hard. That's why it's annoying. Kit should also be able to prioritize Kalandian.
David turned again and grinned. He shook his head before taking his notes and handing them to me. I know his lettering is arabic but there is nothing I can do. As long as no one can copy it, that's okay.
I write quietly even though I feel something is really wrong. I looked at Ci across from me and he was strangely quiet. He just smiled almost showing his gums and then pointed his index finger at our backside.
I frowned but chose to ignore him. I can't help but be irritated. Something is really wrong! Really wrong! They don't make as much noise as they do. They didn't mess around and asking for food and most of all I feel like someone is staring at me.
"It's time to turn around."
I heard someone whisper.
"Don't mess up. You might be heard."
One answered. I have a strong hunch that I've been tripped up again. They will not bless me and I will not look back. They will die waiting for me to turn around.
I continued writing until Sir Alvin arrived. Everyone has their own seats. Since I was almost done, I continued what I was doing. I know Sir will understand because we also have to catch up on the lessons. He even tells us that it's okay to do the lessons we didn't do in his class.
"Complete." Sir's introduction.
We are always completed. Just don't count those in London who are probably with the one who fell down the bridge.
"Attendance." Sir said and started calling.
The only thing I don't understand about Sir's attendance is why my name is included in the boys' names. I'm not isolated like other sections. I think Sir has made me a man too.
What sir Are you a snake too?
"Mariano?" He called me.
"Present." I answered without looking at him.
I noticed Sir's momentary pause. I looked up and noticed a smile on his lips. It immediately disappeared and continued calling. What kind of trip can you take sir? Looks like he tripped me up too.
"Market." Sir called Drew.
"Present."
right? My name is actually lined up with their name. It is no longer as separate as the natural list of female and male names.
"Peñaflor."
"Present."
"Peralta."
"P-present."
I looked at Ci for a moment but he bent down quickly and played with his fingers. He was obviously restless.
"Ramos."
"Present." He even yawned while saying "for a moment turn around."
I ignored him and continued writing. What's wrong with looking back? Do they know if the person is stiff necked? Turn around, will they answer if the person's neck is broken? Why do you have to turn around? Who cares?!
"Rivera."
"Present."
"We can shout enough to turn around."
I heard them whisper.
"Call me, tell me my dirty back."
The other answered.
Not that I want to listen to their conversation. I just can't help it because their whispering is getting louder.
"Venites."
"Present."
I just finished copying David's notes. I put it away and was about to give it back to him when I noticed what seemed to be the faint giggles of the snakes. It was as if they were waiting for an advertisement on television. Waiting for the lottery number or the lucky winner of the Beauty Pageant crown.
Crazy people
"Welcome back." Sir said making me stop. "Watson."
I blinked. The words that came out of Sir's mouth literally slowed down. His voice grew so slowly. And if I could rewind, I would just to hear what he said properly.
Watson?!
Watson? Emma Watson? Watson pharmacy? Watson building? Is it a person? Animal? Place? Apple? Goofy? Crazy? Is it going to stand up? Viper? What Watson? Because it seems impossible. I guess it can't happen. It's really vague. Still cloudy with flood water.
It's a joke! Right! Sir also tripped me up. It's a big joke. Now that it became clear to me that he was also a big Snake. Maybe that's why he became a teacher here because they are similar. Amazing!
Maybe they'll look at me if I turn around. They will tease me when I manage to turn around. They will think I miss him like they always say. Then they will grind me with teasing until I collapse.
Well! No turning back! You can't beat me!
But everything I said and my theory in looking back and what Sir said completely disappeared because of a voice that answered all my thoughts. Deep and big. There is a slight change but it is clear to me. I know he answered—
"Present."
I held my ballpen tightly. Even though I didn't want to, my body and neck moved on their own. I turned around as they wanted. I still heard their applause and cheers. But I ignored all that just to confirm if I heard correctly.
Leaning on the chair with both arms across the chest. Looking straight at me as if he had been waiting for me. He tilted his head slightly and a small smile appeared on his lips.
It's like the heart will explode with mixed emotions. I want to slap myself hard just to know if it's really a dream or if he's in front of me.
The King of Serpents is in front of me.
END OF THE CHAPTER
[If we were all in one room, I would really want to hug you all because our King, MARK KEIFER WATSON —the King of Serpents and Gagong Baliw—is finally back! Yes, yes, I'm talking about all of you, the AMNSE readers. 😭❤️🤧 Here, take this whole roll of toilet paper 🧻—wipe your nose... oh, I mean your eyes!] comment from PEACE.