JAY'S POV:
I woke up to the blaring alarm. I slapped it off and checked the time: 4:30 a.m. Perfect. I woke up fast.
I hit the restroom, freshened up, and threw on my jogging gear.
I stepped outside—everyone was still asleep. Before leaving, I grabbed a sticky note from my room and scribbled, "Going jogging," then stuck it on my door. No more daily scoldings.
The cool breeze smacked me as I started jogging. Minutes later, I hit the park.
Midway through, a thought snagged in my brain.
I'm not getting nightmares anymore.
I used to have them every night. Every fucking night. But now? Nothing. Jay, you idiot—how did you not notice? Ugh, my brain. Wait... since when? Uh... two days! Right from the day I started school. You seriously missed that? Oh my god.
Guess Kiefer's having a great impact on me.
I snapped out of it and checked the time: 6 a.m. Time to head back.
At home, Kuya lounged on the sofa with his tea. Tita was probably in the kitchen, Aries holed up in his room. I ignored them and aimed for the stairs.
"Jay."I froze, then turned.
Kuya was staring.
"You left a sticky note."
"Yeah."He sighed.
"Good. At least you did that."
I nodded and bolted to my room.
Wow! No scolding. Progress?
I Showered, uniform on, shoes laced, jacket zipped. Downstairs, Kuya and Aries were at the dining table. I sat, shoveled food in silence. Awkward as hell. Then Kuya broke it.
"So... you sure about yesterday's decision?"
Aries glanced up at me. I nodded. Shit, not this again.
"Study hard."
That was it. Silence crashed back. I muttered goodbyes and headed out. Aries peeled off in his car.
Walking to school, I spotted a fight blocking the narrow alley—one guy against three. The trio was down, but he kept kicking. How was I supposed to get past? Waiting might trap me forever. Tss. No choice.
I edged closer, keeping distance.
"Excuse me! I need to pass—"
"IF YOU WANT TO STAY ALIVE, LEAVE!" he roared.
I frowned. Could've said it nicer, jerk.His back was to me, but the uniform screamed HVIS student.
"I'll leave if you let me pass!" I snapped.
He froze mid-kick, fists clenching.Oh, mad now? Think that'll scare me?He spun, glaring death—then it vanished. Recognition hit him.
Oh, now I remember! He is my classmate!
What's his name again? Uhhh, I couldn't remember. Whatever. I don't care.
"Jay-jay?"He flashed a smile like nothing happened.
I nodded coldly and kept walking, stepping over the bloodied, unconscious guys.
"Wait! Heading to school?"
I turned, face blank. No smile.
"Yeah."
"Let's go together. Just gotta finish this quick."
"Finish? They're already down. What else?"
"Not yet. I want their faces drowned in blood first."
He grinned.Brutal. Was he gonna kill them?
"Ugh, do what you want. I'm out."
I walked faster, ignoring his calls. Too young for this crap—and I was bigger than him anyway.
Wait, I knew about this guy. Sea-en? Pee-can? Lee-wen? I think it's Leewonhoek. What?! Bruh, that's a scientist. Jay, your brain's fried.
"Wait!"
His voice closed in—he was sprinting. He grabbed my shoulder, panting, hands on knees.
"I... told you... to wait..."
"If I did, I'd be late."
He straightened.
"Nah, still early."
I rolled my eyes and kept walking. He tagged along.
"I'm Ci-N, by the way..."
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Boring? Next chapters would be cool.😉