Sunday Morning
Jay-jay's POV
"You go to church?" I asked Ci-N as he came out of the bathroom.
"Not really. Just today. Someone invited me," he answered.
Ayyyüeeehhhh...
I already know who. No need to name names. It's none other than Rakki San Diego.
I glanced at my phone when I heard it ring.
Yuri Calling...
I stepped out of the room. I didn't want Ci-N to know Yuri was calling. Who knows what he might think.
"Hello?" I answered in a whisper.
"You busy?" he asked.
"N-not really... Why?"
"Let's go to church," he invited.
I looked at the bedroom door. "U-uh... I-I mean..."
"Great! I'll pick you up in 20 minutes," he said—then hung up.
The audacity?!
He's really Keifer's friend. They both love to hang up before letting me talk.
How am I supposed to go to church now? This one needs to leave first so I can get ready.
I went back inside and sat on the bed like nothing happened.
"Do I look okay?" Ci asked.
"You look fine."
"Do I look like I'm auditioning for 'That's My Bae'?" he asked while fixing his hair.
"Are you going to church or to a fashion show?"
He scratched his head and pouted. "Church."
"Then get out! You look fine!" I snapped.
Leave already!
I'm wasting precious time just talking to him.
"Okay, okay... I'm leaving," he said, checking his wallet and phone.
He walked toward the door. I thought he was finally leaving, but he turned around again.
"You sure I look okay?" he asked.
"YES! YOU'RE HANDSOME!" I yelled. He gave me a smug smile.
"I knew you'd say that," he winked.
I threw a pillow at him, but he escaped just before it hit.
Once he left, I cracked open my door and listened.
I heard him say goodbye to Tita Gema and Tito Julz.
He's gone!
I immediately ran to the bathroom and took a super quick shower.
Even changing clothes was rushed. Just pants and a t-shirt—no time to think of anything else.
I ran out to the living room. Tita Gema met me there.
"Jay... Where are you off to?"
"T-to... To... To church—"
"Ma'am, someone's outside. Looking for Miss Jay-jay," the maid interrupted.
Yuri!
"Who—"
"I'm going now, Tita!" I yelled and bolted out.
I didn't wait for her to finish.
As soon as I stepped out the gate, I stopped. I felt embarrassed seeing Yuri.
He was semi-formal, and I looked casual. Should I go back and change?
"Jay!" he called when he saw me. "Shall we?"
I looked at our outfits—embarrassing.
"I'll go change," I said and was about to head back in when he grabbed my arm.
"It's okay... You look perfect to me," he said with a smile.
I didn't say anything. He walked to his car and opened the door for me.
Oh wow?! A gentleman!
Not like someone. Ugh! Don't think of him! That's evil!
Yuri started the car. I didn't know where he was taking me, but it turned out to be the nearest church.
I hope Ci-N didn't go to this one.
"We're going to this church?" I asked while eyeing the building.
"Of course. Why? Don't like it?" he asked while parking.
"Not really... Just expected something more like Buddha."
He raised an eyebrow.
"'Cause you're Japanese, right? Japan = Buddhism?" I added.
He suddenly burst out laughing and slapped the steering wheel.
"What year were you born? It's the 21st century, Grandma. Catholicism is everywhere now," he said like he was explaining to a senile elder.
I frowned. "How was I supposed to know?"
He just shook his head.
He opened the door and got out. I followed.
He waited for me and we walked in together.
There were a lot of people. I scanned the crowd for Ci-N or Rakki.
But there were too many faces to recognize anyone.
Suddenly, Yuri grabbed my hand and pulled me. "Let's sit here."
We sat in the middle row, on the end.
"Okay now?" I asked.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean... you can let go of my hand now."
He was still holding it—even after we sat.
I looked at our hands. I thought he'd let go, but he just smiled and gripped tighter.
"Hey. Let go, or I'll make you let go."
"Just let me, please," he pouted.
I shook my head. "Don't do that. Doesn't suit you."
He leaned closer. I thought he'd do something. But no—he just made puppy eyes and pouted.
"Still doesn't suit me?" he asked.
I was about to laugh, but a group of girls beat me to it.
They were looking at us and giggling.
Oh, are we close, girls?
Yuri suddenly sat up straight and looked ahead. He let go of my hand.
"So embarrassing... Your fault, Jay-jay," he whispered.
Wow!
"Why again?" I said, laughing.
More people came in. Suddenly, there was feedback on the mic—mass was starting.
As the priest spoke, I couldn't help glancing at the group of girls from earlier.
They kept glancing at us—well, mostly at Yuri.
Whispering and giggling.
Seriously? Did you come here to worship or to flirt?
I nudged Yuri.
"What?" he whispered.
"You've got a fan club," I told him, gesturing slightly at the girls.
He understood and looked.
"Don't mind them," he said.
I tried. I really did.
But their actions were getting on my nerves.
Now they were sizing me up from head to toe, then giggling.
Seriously?!
We're in church!
Lord, forgive me. I am but a sinner... a sinful creature...
I grabbed Yuri's hand. Holding hands again!
He looked surprised but didn't pull away.
I thought that would shut them up. But nope—they kept whispering.
Now I really couldn't concentrate.
"Jay..." Yuri whispered. "Is something wrong?"
I motioned for him to lean in. He did, and I whispered:
"Look at your fan club and laugh."
"Why?"
"Just do it."
He tried to laugh and looked at them—but I think this guy's a flirt.
He ended up laughing too loud, making people around us stare.
"Behave," I whispered again.
"Sorry... I couldn't help it."
Annoying! Should've ignored them from the start. Now we're both embarrassed!
I tried to block them out as mass continued.
Then it was time for communion.
We lined up to receive the host—but of course, the girls lined up directly across us.
And they kept trying to act cute toward Yuri.
Since he was behind me, I couldn't tell if he was reacting.
Suddenly, I lost all interest.
Annoying!
I left the line and let him go on his own.
He didn't even follow.
I wanted to curse—but we're in church!
T.I. it is! So annoying!
I waited back at the pew.
It felt like forever before he came back.
He knelt and prayed before sitting beside me.
Then he suddenly touched my chin. "Say ahh."
Huh?
"Come on... Open your mouth," he insisted.
Though confused, I did.
I was shocked when he placed the host in my mouth.
"That was for me, but I thought I'd give it to you instead," he said and smiled.
I was speechless.
Stunned.
But that's not allowed—you can't give your communion to someone else!
Yuri's doomed if someone finds out.
I forgot all about those girls.
Mass eventually ended.
He took my hand and we walked out together.
"Where do you want to go?" he asked.
"A-anywhere."
"Are you sure?"
I just gave a shy nod. I had no idea where to go on a Sunday like this.
"Even a motel?"
My eyes widened. Some elderly ladies passing by looked at us too.
I smacked him hard. "You're crazy!"
"Just joking! You were too quiet."
"I'll kick you! You think of something. Looks like Ci-N won't be home for a while."
He went silent, thinking. He even checked his watch.
"Let's just cook something."