JAY-JAY'S POV
I just want to know—why does a car horn have to be so loud? Why does it have to be loud enough that people can't even hear themselves talk? And why is that car honking anyway?
We're already inside the school. There's no need to honk.
That's a stupid horn.
"Sorry, I didn't hear you."
Obviously.
"Let's go…" I winced. "Let's go to the classroom, we might be late," I said, unbuckling my seatbelt and opening the car door.
He immediately followed me. I frowned at the parked cars.
I just want to know who honked that horn. One car even had a broken window. I think the owner wants to make us deaf. Why are they pressing the horn when we're not even blocking the way?
He didn't hear it.
I lost the will to tell him. Maybe next time. Maybe it's just not the right time for us.
"Have you had breakfast yet?" the King asked, and I stopped snorting.
"Just a little. After Kuya and Honey let me go, I lost my appetite," I answered, and he pointed toward the cafeteria.
I willingly followed. I told him what I witnessed at Kuya's unit door and how I reacted. I guess I let out all my anger while talking to him.
"Honey is beautiful, but I don't really see them as a couple," I said, my shoulders slightly rising in horror.
He laughed a little. "No, they're not dating."
I looked at him for a moment before entering the cafeteria. "How do you know?"
"Your cousin doesn't take relationships seriously. Someone else loves him," he explained.
Brother? He has someone who loves him?
Kuya doesn't even seem to have a crush on anyone. I don't remember him saying anything nice or showing interest in any girl. That's why I was so surprised by him and Honey.
"Who is it?"
He just shrugged and pointed at the menu in front of us.
Since it was still early, the shopkeepers had just finished setting up. I only ordered tapsilog since we might be late for class if I ordered more. He also bought his breakfast and drinks—for both of us.
I immediately looked for a seat while he carried the tray of food.
"Here. Let's sit here," I said, pointing to the table near the exit.
He followed me. He arranged the food on the table, and for a moment, I just stared at him. If he's doing all this because he cares about me... He paid, he brought the food, and then he set the table.
Don't train me like this.
"You know, you're teaching me to be lazy," I said as I watched him sit next to me.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"You always take care of me. Maybe I'll get used to it, and then I won't be able to do things on my own."
He laughed a little. "Why not? I'll always serve my Queen." 🩷
I looked away, trying to keep myself from cursing at him.
Of course! Another thrill!
"Do I even look like a Queen? Being a knight suits me better," I said, before he took a bite of his food.
"I'll still serve you," he smiled. "And I'll fight for you," he added with a wink.
I simply smiled at what he said.
Shutangina! I'm about to fall. I really can't get out of this.
We continued eating, and he occasionally teased me, but I immediately avoided him. He would even laugh at me whenever he saw I was about to open my mouth to accept his offer.
We were about to run out of food, yet he kept teasing me. Gradually, more students entered the cafeteria. Just like us, they were there for breakfast. I glanced at the big wall clock in the canteen. It was still early, but it was better if we waited in the classroom.
"Drink that. Let's go to the room," I said.
He had just finished eating and was down to his drink. I stood up to leave, but he beat me to it. He even carried the tray and handed it to the counter. Other students stared at him as he suddenly walked ahead.
I noticed their reactions. Some were shocked and smiled at him, others were amazed. And of course, there were the guys who were jealous. But him?
He didn't pay them any attention.
"Let's go."
I nodded and followed him out of the cafeteria. Just as the door closed behind us, we bumped into Ella and Aries. Aries looked at me coldly. I didn't wait for his reaction. I immediately grabbed the King's arm and pulled him away.
I didn't look back and kept walking until I was sure we were far from them.
"Slow down. We're already far from them," Keifer said as he stopped me from pulling him.
I still beat Drew at dodging. I paused to catch my breath. I was panting because of how fast I had walked.
"How long are you going to avoid him?" the King asked, pulling out a handkerchief from his pocket and gently wiping my forehead.
"For life?" I wasn't sure.
He shook his head. I knew it was impossible. Nowadays, only debts last forever. That's why I wasn't sure about my answer either.
"Give him time. I believe he'll forgive you."
We started climbing the stairs to our classroom.
"It's okay even if he doesn't. I'll accept it," I replied.
"Are you really going to avoid him?"
I nodded. "It's better than facing him and just hurting him again."
"Are you planning to stay with Angelo from now on?"
"Until I graduate. Then I'll move to the dorm when I start college. I'll also look for a part-time job to support myself," I explained.
I had been thinking about it last night. I also considered the possibility that I might never return home. I couldn't stay at Kuya's unit—it felt awkward to rely on him. So I thought I'd just move into a dorm once I start college.
Yaman. Acting like I'm already reaching college.
I really need to get into college. I'm still unsure about which course to take, but it's better to have a plan. Once I get a good class schedule, I'll start looking for a part-time job to cover my expenses. I can't keep begging from them.
I also need to collect the debts people owe me so I can rebuild my savings. It was hard enough to save money the first time.
"Or you can move into my house and live with me. We can even get married anytime you want," the King of the Ulupong casually said. ❤️
I stopped walking and gave him a look. He made marriage sound so easy, like agreeing to eat out.
Just a snack?
"Be serious! This is a serious conversation," I replied, annoyed. He chuckled a little.
"What? I'm just giving you more options."
"I said I'll study, not get married!" I snapped, then walked off toward the classroom.
I passed him, but I knew he'd follow.
The rattled and writhing Vipers appeared before me, led by Batang Kumag. He and Eren were arguing about something—and of course, Loverboy wouldn't back down.
He's very loving.
"I'll report you to your girlfriendssssss!" Ci shouted at him, dragging the letter 's' in the word "girlfriends."
"It's like you know them all," Eren answered arrogantly.
"That's easy. Just shout Eren's name outside and they'll come," Calix pointed out, earning a sharp glare from Eren.
Those who were listening and watching them chuckled. Felix looked at us and quickly greeted me.
"Good morning, Jay," he said, grabbing the attention of the Snakes.
I immediately returned his greeting. The other Serpents greeted me one by one—except for David, who looked very sleepy again. The day had just begun, yet he already seemed defeated.
What did he do this time?
I approached my seat and arranged my things before sitting down. The King did the same. His Ulupong colleagues immediately gathered around him like employees reporting to their boss.
"Jay..." Ci called me dramatically. "Slap Eren or curse him!"
"Good morning. Don't involve me in that," I replied, and Eren quickly made a face at him.
They disappeared from my sight, but Yuri quickly took their place. I smiled at him, but it faded immediately when I noticed the wound on his lip and a scratch near his cheek.
"What happened to your lip and cheek?"
He immediately touched his lip. "Someone hit me last night. I didn't see who it was."
Worry filled me, and his words echoed in my mind. What if this is connected to what's been going on in his life? Maybe the person who once targeted him came back when he returned home.
"Why? Where were you last night?" I asked, rummaging through my bag for a tissue he could use.
"I accompanied Ma'am Cindy to the grocery store. I waited for her in the parking lot afterward. I managed to dodge, but I still got hit a little," he explained.
I found a tissue and handed it to him. He took it and wiped his lips, even smiling at me as if to say he was fine.
But I can see through that smile.
I still can't get over the list I found from him.
Even if I deny it, I'm starting to lose trust in him because of the secrets he's keeping. If only he truly didn't want to hide anything from me.
"I have a question. About your amnesia," he said, and I nodded for him to continue. "I'm just wondering—did you ever have an accident as a child? One where you hit your head or suffered head trauma?"
I thought about it. Lola never mentioned anything about a head injury. All I know is that I had an accident and ended up with a burn scar on my back. But I don't remember who did it.
"As far as I know, NO. Why?"
"I did some research last night about your case. I found something almost identical. Except that his selective amnesia only lasted two years. He also had frequent trigger episodes. I noticed yours has lasted much longer, so maybe it's not just trauma," he explained, pulling out his phone to show me what he found. I glanced at it but didn't read it—there was too much text and only a few photos.
I smiled at him. "Thank you for this. But you don't have to do that. I can find out what's wrong with me myself."
"I want to help, Jay. I want to make up for what I did to you," he said, smiling at me.
I smiled back. "Thank you."
"Let me know if you remember anything that could help with my research."
"Alright. I will," I replied, watching him leave. I even met Keifer's gaze, who was still staring at Yuri. I wanted to punch him for what he did—but my anger was quickly replaced with concern.
He had no idea about the list Yuri was holding. And I also had no idea what was going on with Yuri. I really hope that either I or Ma'am Cindy was wrong in our accusation.
I adjusted my seat and watched Ci-N and Eren settle in. I just shook my head, especially when their fellow Ulupongs laughed at them. Eren was very angry with Batang Kumag—and so was one of his own.
They stopped when Sir Alvin came into the class. Then we started.
I can say our morning class went normally. The teachers reminded us about our last test. I was able to write a bit of the lesson, but the things that happened at home and what Mama and Aries said kept coming back to my mind. There was a moment when I cried, but I quickly wiped it away.
When lunch came, I just bought from the King of Serpents. It was as if he went shopping for food on a mountain, considering how long he took. I quickly went to the CR while waiting for him.
When I got to the restroom, Ella's white skin stood out as she was washing her hands. She seemed a bit surprised to see me. I went straight into a cubicle to do my thing. I purposely took my time, hoping Ella would leave. But when I opened the door, she was still there, clearly waiting for someone.
Probably me.
I walked to the sink to wash my hands with a bit of suspicion. She just watched me and waited for me to finish before speaking.
"You both don't look okay," she said, and I knew she was referring to Aries and me.
"I just don't feel well," I replied.
"You're just as I was told."
She took something from her pocket—it looked like lip balm—and applied it to her lips. Then she fixed her hair and adjusted her uniform.
"Whatever happened between you and Aries, it's better if you talk it out," she said as she walked to the door. But she still managed to say a few more words. "You guys looked better when you were talking. You used to greet each other before. What happened?" she smiled, then left completely.
I bowed my head. Even though I want to talk to him, I think it's better if I don't. He'll just get hurt again. The memories of the night we were kidnapped would come back, and of course, the fact that I brought his father home to present to them.
It's better if we don't talk anymore.
I finished up and went back to the room. Good timing, because the King of Serpents had arrived. Just as I said, it looked like he came straight from Mount Tralala again—drowned in sweat and looking like he had been chasing a monkey. I approached him and immediately looked in my bag for the rest of my tissue. I handed it to him and pointed at the sweat on his face.
"Wipe your face," I said.
He smiled and handed me back the tissue. "You do it for me."
I rolled my eyes but did it anyway. I wiped his face, and right then, I heard a faint squeal from Batang Kumag.
"That's so sweet," he said while raising his cellphone to take a picture of us. "Sweet! I wish a big ant would bite me!"
Yuri heard this while handing the food in the paper bag Keifer was carrying.
"Fire ant sana," said David, doing the same.
"Whatever," the King replied angrily to them.
He handed me the food he had bought. I accepted it right away.
"Where's mine?" Ci asked while looking through the other paper bags. "That one's mine too." Felix had also bought food from Keifer.
I wanted to laugh because they were taking advantage of the King again. He didn't complain either, so I think it was fine with him. Probably because they didn't pay—just like me.
We had a good lunch, though Ci kept causing trouble and stealing food. Luckily, I finished mine before the Ulupong gang returned. As usual, they asked for food again, like they hadn't just come back from the cafeteria. Their greed really stands out.
"Hey…" David called to me while we were waiting for the next teacher. "You left last night?"
I nodded. "Yeah, why do you ask?"
"I saw you last night," he answered quickly, which surprised me.
How did he see me last night? Maybe he didn't go home because it was too late.
"Did you see me?"
"I mean, I thought I saw you," he clarified.
I nodded. I thought he actually saw us face to face. Maybe Kuya and I passed by him without me noticing. But why was he still awake at that time?
"Did you go out too? It was already midnight."
"B-Because someone was watching me," he answered and quickly looked away.
"Who was it?"
He shook his head and quickly dozed off. I would have teased him because he looked so sleepy, but I just let him rest like I always do. The teacher we were waiting for finally arrived, and class began.
Our afternoon class was peaceful. Just a strict reminder about the upcoming exam. Looks like I need to train my brain to focus. I can't afford to get a bad grade. Things in my life have already been messy, and now my grades are too.
Don't let my face be the next thing that looks ugly.
When I got home, I thought about catching up on The King of Serpents. We also had a list of places to visit. We—including me and him. I don't want to be late again because I feel like I might run into Aries.
"Ready?" Keifer asked as I scanned the parking lot.
"Do you think Aries car is gone? Did he go home?"
"His girlfriend hasn't been dropped off yet, so maybe he already left."
I nodded. He usually doesn't stay late at school anyway—unless he has a lot of work to do.
We started walking down the stairs. I kept thinking about what Keifer said. He didn't mention Ella by name—he just said his girlfriend. What does that mean? There must be something.
"Say her name. Ella," I ordered him.
Though he looked surprised, he did it anyway. "Ella."
I gave a plastic smile. "How does it feel to mention your ex's name?"
He looked confused. "What?"
"Why are you suddenly deaf?"
He chuckled a little. "What's going on in that head of yours?"
"Just answer."
"Nothing. Am I supposed to feel something when I say her name?"
"Why can't you say her name naturally? Is there something going on?"
He laughed loudly and shook his head.
"Shall we?" he asked, stopping me.
"H-Huh?"
"You're acting like my official girlfriend," he said, smiling like he was proud of it.
So dumb.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
I quickly walked down the stairs, almost reaching the parking lot before he did. What he said earlier turned out to be true—Aries car was gone. He probably left to drop off his girlfriend.
Good thing we didn't bump into each other here at school. He might've just ruined his whole day because of me. I'll endure it a little longer. The school year's almost over anyway. Once I enroll in college, I'll be looking for a dorm to move into.
Keifer opened the car door for me, and I got in. I knew he still had to pick up his siblings, so I texted Kuya to let him know who I was going home with and what time I'd be home. Good thing he didn't chase me this morning, but I feel like he already knows who I was with.
That's it! And now Honey's beside him.
Suddenly, I remembered how they looked earlier. My God! My stomach felt like it flipped. I know Kuya's handsome and can attract women easily, but I never imagined him having a girlfriend. I imagined him flipping that girl over.
First, we picked up Keiren, who was waiting near the school's security guard. I noticed the small box he was holding—it had chocolates, candies, and a heart attached. Looks like the kid has a little love life. When he got into the passenger seat, I looked at him immediately.
"What's that? Where did it come from?"
"Please," he answered, and I immediately gave him a death stare.
"Keiren, be nice to your sister-in-law," Keifer said, and his brother and I almost howled at the same time.
"UP?!"
"No. Not this girl. Eww!"
He just laughed loudly before starting the car.
Next, we went to Keigan's school, but when we got there, the school guard told us that Keigan had gone home early. He said Keigan had left with one of their bodyguards. Keifer confirmed that first—he immediately called Honey to find out if that was really what his brother did.
Keifer got into the car right after hanging up.
"What did he say?"
"He's at the unit," he answered, and I could hear the relief in his voice.
He also seemed nervous about his brother's sudden departure from school. Even I would feel that way. If someone tried to target me—especially them—the threat would be even greater.
Our drive home was quick. When we got to the elevator, I couldn't help but look at our reflection in the metal door. We looked like a family—just ignore the school uniforms we were wearing. 👨👩👦
Shut up! Why did I even think that?
My thoughts were interrupted when the elevator door opened. I said goodbye and thanked them. Keifer waited for me to enter my unit before heading to his own.
Fortunately, I remembered Kuya's door password. The door lock has both a keypad and fingerprint recognition—but of course, I don't have access to that part yet. I'm only using the password for now. Isn't that the definition of wealth? Meanwhile, poverty just knocks like a regular person.
"Brother! I'm here! Are you home?" I called out as I opened the door.
My question was answered when I saw him standing beside the sofa. But he wasn't alone. He was with Tiger, who was holding a glass of wine—and the doctor they had brought for me.
"Jay, do you remember Dr. Claudia Peralta?"