Chapter 3: Strict Kuya & Horoscope Boy
Jay's POV
If Section E was war…
Home was interrogation.
I stepped inside quietly.
Too quietly.
And that's when I heard it.
"Jay."
Oh no.
Kuya Angelo.
He was standing near the stairs. Arms crossed. Eyebrows already judging my existence.
Why does he look like a principal even at home?
"How was school?" he asked.
That tone.
That I already know you did something tone.
"It was educational," I said calmly.
Aries appeared from the living room like a summoned demon.
"Educational?" he snorted. "Kuya, she roasted half her class."
I turned slowly.
"You spying on me now?"
Aries grinned. "I have sources."
"Yeah," I said. "Probably the same source that told you you'd be successful. Fake."
Tito Rafael coughed to hide a laugh from the dining table.
Kuya Angelo didn't smile.
"Jay," he said firmly. "I heard you argued with a boy."
Of course he heard.
News travels fast when you live with overprotective relatives.
"He asked something inappropriate," I replied.
Angelo's jaw tightened. "What did he ask?"
Aries leaned forward dramatically. "Kuya, you don't wanna know—"
"Quiet," Angelo snapped.
I looked at him.
"He asked if I was still a virgin."
The air froze.
Tita Gemma dropped the spoon.
Aries choked on nothing.
Kuya Angelo's expression turned dangerous.
"Name."
Oh no.
"It's handled," I said quickly.
"Name," he repeated.
I crossed my arms.
"I don't need you fighting my battles."
His voice got lower. "Jay."
I stepped closer instead of backing away.
"I answered him. In front of everyone."
Angelo studied me.
"You didn't cry?"
I almost laughed.
"Kuya. Please. They cried more."
Aries burst out laughing.
"I told you she's trouble!" he said. "She entered Section E and declared war."
I turned to him.
"Says the guy who believes in horoscope compatibility."
He gasped dramatically. "Zodiac matters!"
"You're a Gemini," I shot back. "You argue with yourself."
Tito Rafael laughed loudly this time.
Aries pointed at me. "You're a Scorpio! Of course you're dramatic."
"Better dramatic than delusional," I replied sweetly.
Kuya Angelo pinched the bridge of his nose.
"You two are exhausting."
Aries grinned. "Admit it, Kuya. You're proud."
Angelo didn't answer immediately.
He looked at me again.
"Section E isn't easy," he said quietly. "They'll test you."
I shrugged.
"Good."
"Why good?"
"Because I like tests."
Aries whispered loudly, "She means she likes fighting."
I threw a pillow at him.
He dodged it.
"See?" he laughed. "Trouble maker."
I smirked.
"And you're horoscope boy."
Angelo finally sighed.
"Just don't give me a reason to go to your school."
I smiled innocently.
"No promises."
He narrowed his eyes.
"Jay."
I grinned.
"Kidding."
…Mostly.
Later that night, when everyone went to their rooms, I stared at the ceiling.
Keifer's words replayed in my head.
"You speak first so nobody sees you hesitate."
Annoying.
Why was he right?
I turned to my side.
Whatever.
He can analyze me all he wants.
Tomorrow—
Round three starts.
And I don't lose.
