JAY-JAY'S POV
"Jay..." Kuya called out slowly, his tone laced with warning.
I ignored him and continued staring at the red-haired girl. She's good at taking care of Yuri, but the other one seems unfamiliar to her.
"I'll take your food," Kuya threatened, making me quickly turn to him. "Stop staring at them."
"Do you know that girl?" I whispered.
He shook his head. "Never seen her before."
His reaction intrigued me. Adding to that, we had only officially met her just now. What confused me the most was why she had been at Yuri's house earlier, fighting with me. At first, I thought she was an enemy, but now, seeing how attentive she is to fellow redheads, I can't help but feel curious.
I'm starting to miss him.
I kept eating, though I couldn't get her out of my mind. While everyone else was busy eating and talking, Keifer kept piling food onto my plate.
"Hey! I can't finish that!" I complained.
"You just think that," he replied and added even more rice.
He smiled before focusing on his own plate. I glanced at the red-haired girl and noticed her staring at me and Keifer.
She turned to Yuri and said something in Japanese, as if asking a question.
Yuri looked at us awkwardly before responding. "You can ask them."
She looked between Keifer, me, and Kuya, her eyes filled with curiosity. I couldn't help but feel nervous. What exactly was she thinking about us?
"Are you two dating?"
What?
I answered immediately, suspecting what Keifer might say.
"No."
"Yes."
We spoke at the same time, and I wasn't wrong about him. I heard Kuya Angelo's sharp voice beside me, while Sir and Ma'am chuckled.
"Jay!" Kuya called, and I quickly shook my head.
"No, ah! Keifer is just messing around!"
Kuya turned to Keifer. "What the hell are you thinking?"
"That's where we're headed anyway," Keifer answered casually, making me snap my head toward him.
I glared at him.
What are you thinking, you idiot?!
"It's okay... I know you're not ready to be officially with me. But deep down, I know you love me too," he said, smiling innocently. đź©·
"Are you out of your mind?" I almost cried.
He said that as if Kuya Angelo weren't right beside us. He said that as if I wouldn't get into trouble with Kuya. He said that as if everything would be fine. But I won't be fine in Kuya's hands.
"You're crazy," I muttered under my breath.
I heard Kuya sigh, as if trying to control his anger.
Just let it go, Kuya.
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that," he said before going back to his meal.
I, too, will pretend. Pretend I can escape him. Pretend I'm fine, even though I know his scolding is coming.
Let's just pretend.
I continued eating, but I immediately noticed the way the red-haired girl was looking at me. It was as if she was examining my heart and soul.
I glared at her.
The walls are closing in.
She faced Yuri and said something in Hapon. Suddenly, Yuri gasped, and his throat and lungs almost cleared from coughing.
I had a feeling she said something about me because of the way Yuri looked—he seemed shy.
I just continued eating. Observing them any further would only make me angrier. Besides, if I got distracted, the King wouldn't finish putting food on my plate.
We finished our meal almost at the same time. A red-haired woman appeared in the background. I smiled, relieved that I didn't have to act, though Sir Alvin and Ma'am Cindy still assisted her.
"She's just a foodie, but she doesn't know how to hide it," Kuya commented, and I listening to him. "You'd be such a poor wife. You're too lazy to take care of someone."
"Eh? What does that have to do with me not staying away from marriage?"
"It's fine. We have plenty of maids. Jay doesn't need to lift a finger for house chores," the King interjected while Kuya and I were talking.
We stared at him, blinking. What was he saying? I felt nervous about his assumptions. And why were we even talking about marriage? As for Kuya, his comments weren't making sense either.
"What makes you think the two of you will end up as husband and wife?" Kuya Angelo asked in a slightly threatening tone.
"I just know," he answered with a smile.
He might as well have been surrounded by flowers and butterflies. He looked so confident that we would end up together. Such unwavering faith—where did he get it from? Maybe I should adopt that mindset too.
Kuya faced me, as if trying to read my thoughts, even though I kept my feelings hidden deep inside. I had a hunch that he suspected something between the King of Serpents and me.
Well, we didn't have an official label.
The only secrets I kept were the hidden snacks I took from the kitchen while everyone was asleep, safely stashed away in my room.
I glanced at Yuri, who simply smiled as we talked. It was obvious he wasn't listening—his mind was elsewhere. I was about to approach him when Ma'am Cindy got ahead of me and signaled to him. It seemed they were leaving to retrieve the rest of Yuri's belongings that hadn't been affected by the fire. He bid us a quick farewell before turning to leave.
Following them was the red-haired girl, who shot me a teasing look. I snorted, feeling irritated. This girl had a different kind of problem with me. Maybe she thought she was prettier than me.
After they left, Kuya went to see Sir Alvin, and the King of Serpents walked away as well. But I immediately sensed him approaching me, so I quickly moved away.
"Get ready—Kuya is right there," I warned.
He just laughed. "Like I'm scared," he replied arrogantly. "We'll fight right here."
"Really?" I asked sarcastically. "You want me to call him now?" I challenged.
"Don't. He's busy talking to Sir Alvin," he answered quickly.
Didn't he just act brave a moment ago?
"Don't you dare?" I teased, watching him flinch slightly.
"You want me to dare you now?" he asked, and I nodded.
I had a strong feeling he was about to do something stupid again. But I wasn't afraid—Kuya was nearby, and with just one shout, I knew he'd be here.
"Come on..." he urged, but I didn't move. "Come on... Let's go a little farther."
Why move away?
"Come on," he insisted.
"Why? Can't it be here?"
He shook his head. "We need to go over there."
I narrowed my eyes at him. "Just try anything funny—Kuya Angelo is right there."
He chuckled. "What miracle?" Then, without warning, he grabbed my hand and pulled me along.
"You're good at acting innocent, aren't you?" I muttered as he dragged me toward the living room.
Once there, he glanced around briefly before wrapping one arm around my waist. I almost screamed, but he quickly covered my mouth. He only removed his hand when he was sure I wouldn't yell.
I immediately hit his chest. "Aren't you planning a miracle? Leave me alone."
I tried to push him away, but he had both arms wrapped around my waist. If Kuya catches us like this, it won't just be Keifer who gets scared—I will too. He hasn't even finished his sermon yet, and it looks like there's more to come.
I need to be nicer now.
If Kuya gets fed up with me, he might use his sideline against me. When will I get to meet Papa? Maybe I'll see angels in heaven first.
"Just a hug. I just want to hug you," he begged. ❤️
"If Kuya catches us, your arms will be broken," I threatened, but he just laughed at me.
He leaned his head on my shoulder, and I felt his deep breathing. Gradually, I realized the reason behind his actions. I could sense his exhaustion, and it seemed like he had a lot on his mind. I guess I was wrong to worry earlier when I told him about my interview with the shooter.
I had only added to his stress.
"I feel useless," he whispered.
Before I knew it, my arms were already wrapped around him. I only noticed when he tightened his hug.
"How useless?" I asked.
"I wasn't there to help Yuri. Yes, we're rivals in some things, but he's still my best friend. I care about all my friends equally, but when it comes to Yuri, it hits differently," he said, and I knew he meant it.
From then until now, even when they had their differences, he never failed to show his appreciation for Yuri. Even when I almost broke them apart, he was always ready to accept his best friend again. I understood why. He didn't want another Percy in his life. He didn't want to lose another friend. So, no matter how many times they clashed, he would always welcome Yuri back.
It's amazing that someone like him exists. Even when people have different beliefs or goals, he still accepts them for who they are. After all, that's what friendship should be—accepting each other despite differences, as long as there is mutual respect.
Of course, it's always more fun when there's a little mischief involved.
"He didn't mean to. He dialed the wrong number," I patted his shoulder. "Our names are next to each other—J and K."
"He should've double-checked before calling. Even you were put in danger."
"But I'm okay, right? Everything balanced—nothing too much, nothing too little. Don't dwell on it. We need to focus on what we can control right now, just like Ma'am Cindy said."
He sighed before nodding. "But I hope you keep yourself out of harm's way." He hugged me tighter. "I can't handle it if something happens to you."
I thought about his words for a moment. Keifer makes my heart skip a beat. It's not even funny anymore. My weakness for him is growing. I found myself hugging him back, willingly this time.
"You keep saying that. I'll be careful, okay?" I whispered.
"You're stubborn," he muttered, and I chuckled softly.
For a moment, I paused. What am I doing? I've been indulging him too much, even though we haven't sorted things out yet. It's embarrassing to admit, but I like the attention he gives me. I like the way he holds me like this. But we can't stay in this undefined space forever.
Maybe it's time. Maybe it's possible.
I still have fears and doubts, but I won't know if I've truly forgiven him unless I try. So much has happened since he came back.
Maybe we can be together.
"Keifer..." I called his name. "Are you okay with us staying like this—without a label?"
He chuckled softly. "At first, yes. But later, I realized it's better if we have an official relationship. I want to call you mine only mine, and for you to do the same with me."
"You and your legal talk," I teased.
He pulled away slightly and took my hand. "Felix told me the consequences of not having a label. He said that some people might think I'm just a side piece, which I definitely don't want. So I figured it would be better if we had a proper label." He frowned for a moment and stared at me. "Why are you asking me this?"
"What… because… I just suddenly remembered, because you seem to change your mind so quickly," I said, shaking my head.
"As long as it's in your best interest, I will change my mind quickly."
Arrogant. He's really good.
"It's you…" I whispered, clasping our hands together.
He stared at them, and so did I. I felt the warmth of his palm against mine. Keifer and I were almost the same age, but his hands were much bigger than mine—like a duck's foot, still growing its claws. At least they were clean now.
"Is something bothering you?" he asked.
I shook my head and forced a smile. I stared at his face. Every time I looked at him, I felt changed. Maybe because I always looked away, trying to hide my weakness. But whenever I got the chance to really look at him, I was amazed.
He simply smiled before tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. He treated me differently now. Suddenly, I missed the times we used to fight—even the pranks I played on him that he never knew about and never would.
I would take care of it.
Was it too soon for us to be together? When did all of this happen? He had just come back and explained everything. When did I notice the change in him? And why was I only now realizing that he had been growing into himself all along?
But all of that had happened in just a few months, even though we had been flirting for a long time.
Yes, I admitted to myself—we were both crazy.
Maybe there was nothing wrong with us being together despite the short time. After all, only we knew what we had been through and when the right time for us would be.
"Jay?" he called when I didn't respond.
"Keifer…" I began. "I-I think because…" He waited patiently for me to finish. My grip on his hand tightened instinctively. My nerves were eating me alive, and I was starting to sweat, even though the temperature in Sir Alvin's house was fine.
"What is it?" he asked impatiently.
"I think… w-we can… that… t-we…" My words stammered with nervousness.
Come on! Say it!
There was no reason for me to be this nervous, yet I couldn't help it. It felt like I was about to reveal some secret code, and if he didn't understand it, our lives would be over.
I suddenly felt self-conscious. I didn't look like someone who should be in a relationship. I wasn't good with words—I could only answer with 'yes,' 'no,' or 'okay.'
I could be the girl in this situation.
"W-We…"
"We?"
I hesitated. Why did it feel so fast? Too fast. Faster than the speed of light. Faster than Lightning McQueen. Faster than The Flash.
It shouldn't be this fast. It should be slower. I looked at his face, clearly waiting for my answer.
I'm sorry. I couldn't go through with it. This was a good opportunity—just the two of us alone—and I felt braver than usual. Even with Kuya Angelo nearby, I was still holding Keifer's hand.
Maybe next time, I wouldn't even have a hand left.
"Is everything okay?" he asked again, his patience thinning.
"It's okay… I just wanted to s-say it."
But I couldn't finish. My tongue betrayed me, pulling back in nervousness. It was frustrating—like I was the one chasing after him.
Chasing?
I frowned. I didn't remember this guy ever making the first move.
"Have you been flirting with me?" I asked, irritated.
He blinked at my question, his expression clearly saying, You've got to be kidding me.
"After everything I've done for you, you still don't think I was flirting?"
I covered my mouth with one hand, embarrassed by his words.
"It's flirting. I think so." I answered, but neither he nor I seemed convinced.
"Do you want me to court you traditionally?"
I quickly shook my head. "N-No. What you've done is okay. At least it's unique, and not many others do it."
"You sound sarcastic."
I blinked. "No—"
"There's no problem with me. I'll serenade you in front of your house."
I wasn't sure whether to laugh or grimace at his words. He could go ahead if he really wanted to, but he had to be prepared—for Kuya and our neighbors. Our house was usually chaotic, so I wouldn't be surprised if they got upset.
"If they don't like it, they can just move," he added.
"What are you going to sing?"
"I'll compose my own song. Blaster can help me."
I smiled. He was really putting in the effort. But if he made me sing an Eminem song, that would be a battle.
"Don't," I quickly said.
"Why not?"
"It's okay, really. You've already done a lot for me. I think that's enough." I spoke softly, and he stared at me.
I met his gaze and noticed he was waiting for something—for me to say something more. But, just like before, my tongue refused to cooperate.
A magic word?
"W-We…"
I felt his grip tighten.
"We… that—"
"MAN!" A loud shout from outside the house cut me off.
Shut up!
"YOU, MAN!" The voice called out again.
Keifer and I quickly let go of each other as Kuya Angelo appeared with Sir Alvin. They rushed to the door to see who it was.
"Does Sir really live here? Maybe we're lost?" I heard someone say, and I immediately followed my brother outside.
I wasn't mistaken—the Serpents were standing there, waiting for someone to face them.
Good timing.
"Here he is, Sir—Jay-Jay!" Eren said, pointing at me.
"Jay-Jay!" Ci called out and ran to hug me.
I hugged him back, feeling like we hadn't seen each other in ten years. We spun around for a moment before finally letting go.
"How did you find my house?" Sir Alvin asked.
I was slightly surprised by his tone. He had returned to the strict Sir Alvin we knew from school, unlike before when I almost mistook him for his twin.
Hehe, double hanger.
"It was Keifer, Sir," Felix answered. "You gave us the address so we could follow it."
"I said after class," Keifer corrected, glancing at his watch. "Lunch break just ended."
The rest of them laughed sheepishly, scratching their heads as if their imaginary horns had been trimmed.
Excellent.
Sir Alvin sighed. "I need to call your next subject teacher."
He turned and walked back inside the house. I glanced at Kuya, who shook his head. The Serpents stood silently, some even averting their eyes as if afraid.
"I don't see the purpose of you all being here," Kuya said, crossing his arms.
I wanted to yell at him for saying that. I could feel our friends' embarrassment. He didn't even bother to ask why they had come—he just dismissed them.
Seriously, can't they be worried too?
"We're too lazy to go in," Ci-N answered with a grin.
"Stop babbling!" Mayo scolded him.
I winced. I was fully convinced they came because they were worried and wanted to know what had happened. They weren't just too lazy to go inside.
Kuya shook his head again, clearly frustrated.
"We're here because we care about our friends," David said, meeting his gaze directly.
"Yeah, right," Kuya responded sarcastically before turning his back on us and following Sir Alvin inside.
Once they were out of sight, the Serpents moved closer, each reacting to Kuya's attitude in their own way. But their questions overshadowed everything else.
Where was Yuri, and what had happened?