Jay-jay's POV
As time progresses, it is undeniable that social media has been a huge help. People have become more informed because of it. They are now more updated than what is shown on TV.
But sometimes, it becomes too much. I believe that the reason why many young people today are so bold is that they feel like they already know everything, thanks to social media. What used to be beneficial before is now turning into something harmful.
That's why now, I'm considering deleting my Messenger and Facebook. It does nothing good for me. It ruins lives, is bad for my health, and most of all, it's bad for my heart.
"Jay... Chew your food properly first." Yuri said, handing me a drink. "You'll get indigestion."
I ignored him and continued stuffing fishballs into my mouth.
Someone placed a paper plate full of barbecue in front of me. I glanced up and was met with David's raised eyebrow as he observed me.
He adjusted the chair beside me and sat down. I immediately noticed Yuri's aura change. It was as if the atmosphere around him suddenly became heavy.
I stole a glance at him, seeing how he was glaring at David. I looked to the other side, but the person there didn't seem to care. He just took a barbecue stick and ate.
"You couldn't handle it, huh?" David asked after swallowing his food.
I grabbed a barbecue stick as well. "I don't care about him."
"Then why did you drop your phone?" Eman suddenly chimed in while taking some barbecue.
I had dropped my phone after receiving a message from the King of the Serpents. Eman happened to be walking by and picked it up for me earlier.
I didn't say anything after that. I also didn't open Messenger again. And during the remaining subjects we had to attend, my mind kept replaying the idea of deleting that app from my phone.
"My hands were just sweaty. It slipped." I replied before taking another bite.
"Chew first, Jay." Yuri reminded me.
"What? I am chewing." My voice carried a hint of irritation.
I took the drink he offered and quickly gulped it down. I felt the food scraping down my throat. Maybe I really didn't chew it properly.
It hurts more than a breakup.
"Want more?" Yuri asked, and I quickly nodded.
He disappeared for a moment to buy more, and when he returned, he was carrying an entire pitcher.
"Where did you get that?" I asked in surprise.
"From Manang…" he said, pointing at the woman selling refreshments.
I just kept quiet and asked for a refill. I felt a huge relief, so I went back to eating.
Felix arrived with a paper plate full of kikiam and fishballs. Rory followed, carrying a plate loaded with calamari.
"Gimme some!" I said before grabbing a few sticks.
"Glutton." Mayo muttered as he approached us.
I noticed the mango and shrimp paste he was holding.
"Let me have some of that." I said, pointing at what he was holding.
He was about to pull it away from me, but David was quick to snatch it from him.
"Hey!" He protested angrily, but Kit immediately calmed him down.
"Just buy another one." Kit said, making Mayo sulk as he turned to buy more.
Everyone had brought their own snacks. They placed everything on the table, and my eyes gleamed at the variety of choices.
Even if I get Hepatitis, it's fine.
"So, what do you think? Who attacked us the other day?" Eren suddenly asked, making everyone go silent and look at him.
"Who else? Among those threatening Jay's life, only one remains." Drew answered.
"Ram." I muttered almost in a whisper.
"It just seems impossible that it was him." Eren replied. "He knows that if he uses a gun, the authorities will catch on. He'd be arrested faster."
The other Serpents quickly agreed. They were turning into cows again.
"Unless he has someone backing him who is more powerful than the authorities." David said, making us turn our gaze to him, but he looked at Rory instead. "Maybe Rory knows something."
Rory looked at him in confusion and pointed at himself. I couldn't understand what David was trying to imply or why he was referring to Rory. I knew Rory was good at gathering information with Edrix's help, but surely, he wasn't better than actual investigators.
"Nothing, bro." Rory answered briefly.
I saw David's slight smirk before he took a sip of—wait, that's mine!
"Hey, you have the audacity to drink my juice. You didn't even ask." I complained, glaring at him.
"And you didn't ask permission when you took my barbecue." He retorted, earning laughter and teasing from his fellow Serpents.
I pouted in response. I was about to resume eating when I noticed something. I looked around at each of them and realized someone was missing.
"Where's Ci-N?"
The troublemakers immediately looked around for the little rascal. A sudden wave of anxiety washed over me. Considering our recent discussion about our enemy, what if someone had already kidnapped him?
"Go look for him! Who knows what's happened to him!" I ordered, and they quickly stood up to check every stall.
"Ci-N! Where are you?!"
"Hey! Shorty! Come out!"
I also looked around in other stalls, but I couldn't find a kid wearing the same uniform as us.
"Ci-N!" I called out worriedly. "Hey, come out!"
But no matter how much we called, Ci-N didn't appear. We returned to our spot earlier, but he was still nowhere to be found.
"Did you find him?" I asked them.
"He's not answering my calls either." David said, trying once again to call him.
All sorts of thoughts raced through my mind. I imagined the possibility of him being kidnapped again. What if he suffered something worse than what Mykel's group had done?
"Here! Here! I found him!" Blaster shouted while pointing toward someone approaching us.
Ci-N looked at us in confusion as he walked closer, holding ice cream in both hands.
"What?"
"Where have you been?" My voice carried a mix of relief and frustration.
"I chased after the ice cream vendor." He handed me one of the ice creams. "I bought you one too."
I slowly accepted the ice cream he offered. I wanted to scold him for making me worry, but how could he understand what I had been thinking?
I had simply overreacted to his disappearance.
"Thanks." I replied flatly.
He gave me a sweet smile. "Pay me later. Twenty pesos."
I grimaced. "I thought it was free."
"Nothing's free nowadays. Life is tough."
As if he was really struggling.
"We thought you'd gone somewhere far." David said.
Ci-N looked at him and smirked mischievously. "Did you miss me?"
David immediately scowled, and his fellow Serpents burst into teasing laughter.
"I knew it!"
"This is your fault, Kit!"
"Is that contagious? I'm staying away!"
I could only shake my head while they continued teasing the two. I just focused on devouring my ice cream since it was starting to melt.
I really thought something bad had happened to him. I couldn't help but think that it might be better if we all just stayed together so we could watch over each other.
After all the teasing, we went back to what we were originally doing... eating. The relentless teasing from these shameless people never seemed to end. The conversation shifted to our exams and our struggling grades. It was obvious who always failed—and unfortunately, I was one of them.
I'm doomed again.
The talk about grades led to discussions about our future in college. I couldn't help but feel sad. I didn't even know if we'd make it that far, especially with the threats to our lives.
"Maybe Computer Engineering," Edrix answered when asked about his chosen course. "But I'm not sure yet. I might change my mind."
"Don't tell me you're following Fre— I mean, Friend?" Rory said, making us all wonder.
Edrix gave him a sharp look, but Rory just laughed in response. Their exchange of meaningful glances seemed like it only needed a bit more tension before turning into a full-blown argument. I knew they were always together, so I wouldn't be surprised if Rory knew something.
I think I know who that "friend" is.
"What about you, David?" I asked the guy beside me, who was busy flicking Ci's forehead.
He looked at me first. "Psychology. I want to be a psychiatrist."
"Show-off!" Eren commented, so I turned to him.
"What about you?"
"I want to be a gynecologist," he answered proudly.
But before he could bask in his moment, Kit gave him a hard slap on the back of his head. Even when choosing a course, he still carried his flirty tendencies.
"Behave yourself," Kit scolded him in annoyance.
"What about you, Jay?" Ci asked me.
I bit my lower lip. I really hadn't decided yet. I had so many options, but I wasn't sure if I could handle any of them.
"I haven't thought about it yet."
"That's because you don't have a brain," Felix quickly replied, making the troublemakers burst into laughter.
I pretended to throw a stick at him, but he just laughed even more. It wasn't that I had no idea—I actually had something in mind. The problem was, I could already see my future if I pursued it.
I wanted to be a teacher.
But I'd probably end up beating up my students. Then parents and fellow teachers would start complaining about me. In the end, I'd get fired.
See? My future is crystal clear.
"Eman, obviously Culinary Arts," Denzel said.
"I might change my mind too," Eman replied. "That course is too easy for me."
"Wow. Great confidence comes with great responsibility," Eren said while dramatically snapping his fingers. "Damn, what arrogance."
And so, the teasing resumed. Until eventually, the topic shifted to Ci-N.
"What are your plans for that airplane?" Edrix asked him.
"It's still mine. I'm going to study to become a pilot," he answered while struggling to catch a fishball with a stick from his paper plate.
Wait... what airplane?
"I wouldn't be surprised if next time, Kei—" Denzel couldn't finish his sentence because the people beside him elbowed him hard.
But even though they did that, I still heard it clearly.
Kei—someone—gave Ci-N a gift. And if my guess was right, it was an airplane.
An airplane. Something that flies. Big. Expensive.
"Y-you were gifted an airplane?" I asked in disbelief, pointing at the little brat.
He nodded with a smile before licking the sauce off his paper plate.
"C-congrats. Give us a ride when you have time," I said awkwardly.
I couldn't process it. An airplane? As a gift? What the hell, was it made of paper?
Is he that rich? It was as if he had just given away a toy. That plane was probably just spare change to him.
Maybe I should stop being mean to him.
Who knows? He might suddenly buy a nuclear bomb and blow me up while I'm walking down the street.
"Wait for your birthday gift," Eren said, and I could clearly see the grimacing faces of his fellow troublemakers, as if they were involved in something sinister.
"No need."
"I bet your gift will be an entire all-you-can-eat restaurant, but you'll be the only one eating inside," he said before laughing loudly.
Ci-N joined him in laughing, seemingly unaware that the rest of us were not amused. I wanted to stab them both with my stick.
Why are they like this?
"Do you guys want to go to the mall?" Calix asked while holding his phone. "Mica is there. She's done with her groupmates."
We all quickly agreed and got up, leaving the two still laughing at their own nonsense.
"Clean that up! Have some decency for the next people eating here!"
"We're going to report you! You didn't return the pitcher!"
"You're not rich kids. Clean up after yourselves."
The others shouted while walking away quickly. The two complained, but they couldn't do anything when the vendors scolded them.
Even though this place was called Hepa Avenue, it was still clean. We couldn't just leave our mess behind.
"Wait! Wait for us!" Ci shouted.
But instead of waiting, the troublemakers ran.
I suddenly felt Yuri grab my wrist and pull me into a run. I had no choice but to run along with them, leaving the two behind.
"Whoever gets caught has body odor!" Drew shouted, making us run even faster.
"Don't believe that, idiot!" Blaster retorted, but no one listened to him.
"Listen to Blaster! He's got a stench!" Felix added, making the chase filled with laughter.
"Screw you, Felix!" Blaster shouted angrily, but that only made us laugh harder.
"Whoever's ahead is circumcised!" Ci joined in.
But David and Felix just raised their middle fingers at him.
"Coming from you of all people!" Mayo said, laughing.
Ci's face soured. I was running out of breath from both the speed and laughter. By the time we reached the mall, we were all either leaning against walls, sitting, or lying down, panting heavily.
People stared at us because we acted as if we were at home. Like Denzel, Blaster, and Drew, who were lying right in the middle of where people passed. A security guard immediately approached them and told them to get up.
"Miss! Your panties are pink!" Drew shouted at a woman passing by before standing up.
"Pervert!" she shouted back.
Those who heard laughed because she just kept walking despite their exchange.
Drew stood up and dusted himself off. "Girls who pass in front of me should already have their phone numbers written on their panties so I can see them first."
"As if you'd remember them all," I said, rolling my eyes.
"Of course. If it's about numbers, I never forget," he boasted.
"What about the money you owe us?" I asked sarcastically, and he quickly turned his back on me.
See? A real scumbag.
I pouted, but my attention was immediately drawn to Mica approaching us. She was speed-walking, hugging her bag and two books.
"Baby!" Calix called out, waving.
"Baby!" Mica responded, running straight into his arms.
You'd think they hadn't seen each other in ten years.
Calix quickly kissed her forehead before turning to greet us one by one.
"Hi, Jay-jay!" she said with a wave and a sweet smile.
"Hello, Mica," I greeted back.
After the greetings, the two discussed where they were going while the rest of us scanned the area for food.
"We're heading to the bookstore. Want to come?" Calix announced.
The troublemakers seemed to have a hard time answering.
It was obvious they had no interest in bookstores. What would they even do there? They couldn't eat books, after all.
"Jay and I will come along." Yuri answered, making me glare at him.
Of all people, he chose me.
It was clear that Yuri wouldn't take no for an answer, so I just gave a small nod.
In the end, the others had no choice but to tag along. Aside from the fact that they'd be separated from us, some of them had already mentioned food. Especially when Calix said we'd eat after going to the bookstore.
We started walking, led by the couple. I could only grimace at how sweet they were. Calix was always attentive, as if his girlfriend were pregnant and the road was full of obstacles.
So careful, afraid she might trip and hit her head. Wake up to the reality that—there's no such thing as forever!
"Hey! Kit! Wait for me!" Mayo complained, making me look at him.
Here's another one!
Just as I turned to him, a mischievous grin spread across his face.
"Come here, Kit!" He said, pulling Kit beside him. "Let's walk together, so we look like relationship goals. Let's make Jay-jay jealous."
Kit glanced at me briefly and smiled. He even shook his head before holding hands with Mayo.
Damn it, so flirty!
I heard soft laughter, and that's when I realized those shameless people were looking at me, laughing.
"So bitter."
"Don't be such a sourpuss."
"That frown is intense."
My nostrils flared in irritation. I could only grimace in frustration until my eyes landed on Ci-N, who was staring intently at Kit and Mayo.
He nudged the person next to him. "Dabid! I want that too, a relationship goal."
David quickly moved away, looking utterly shocked by what this little troublemaker had just said. The other troublemakers who heard him burst into laughter.
"See? This is what I'm talking about!" Eren said, looking troubled.
Overacting much.
"He's finally given in!" Felix laughed loudly.
"I'm not surprised." Josh commented, shaking his head.
"Damn you, Barbie!" Blaster shouted while pointing at a toy store.
The laughter got even louder, but Ci remained serious as he kept pestering David about that so-called relationship goal.
"What are you talking about?! What relationship goal?!" I asked in annoyance.
"I want that too." He insisted with a pout.
"And what kind of relationship do you two have?!"
"Grandfather and grandson!" He answered quickly, making his fellow troublemakers chuckle.
David immediately frowned. "What?!"
"You always complain about back pain. You're like an old man. So you're the Grandpa, and I'm the Grandson." He grinned widely. "Relationship!"
"My back hurts because I keep carrying and dealing with you!" David complained.
"See? That means you're old. Grandpa Dabid!" We laughed softly.
"If you're not old, then carry me. That's goals."
It seemed like Ci-N didn't really know what relationship goals meant. He was just copying what Kit and Mayo were doing but with a different twist.
David scratched his head roughly, but instead of humoring the little troublemaker, he just turned away. Ci, however, took the chance and immediately climbed onto David's back.
"Relationship goals!" He shouted, and we all burst into laughter.
He had David in a chokehold, and David was clearly struggling under his weight. We had no choice but to push them forward just to get them moving, making it even harder for David.
"Fvck this! Get off me!"
Instead of helping, we just kept teasing them, repeatedly pushing them while chanting...
"Relationship Goals!"