JayJay POV
"Are you still mad at me?" asked the King of the Ulupong, handing me the ice bag from the clinic.
I took it silently and placed it on my knee. He's really asking me. How about the guy he beat up?
"Aren't you going to ask me?" David asked, holding out his hand toward Keifer.
Keifer tossed the other ice bag at him.
David caught it with a laugh, while I just shook my head. Good thing he understands the personality of the King of the Ulupong. If I were him, I would've fought back the jerk and not stopp until I his skull was cracked.
"Do you want to eat anything?" Keifer asked me again.
I just shook my head and focused on my knee. It was starting to turn purple — it didn't look like my fall was a light one. Even my lip felt like it was starting to swell.
"Me, Keifer, buy me some food," the little brat said. "If you buy me something, Jay-jay will eat too because she'll get jealous."
Keifer sighed. "Come with me. I'll buy something."
The King glanced at me briefly before leaving with Ci-N. That shameless kid actually tricked Keifer.
And he really believed I'd eat too.
Once they were out of sight, I turned to David, who was busy pressing the ice bag to his face.
"Dabid," I called, and he looked at me. "S-sorry. I should've listened to you."
He smiled slightly. "I told you, it's a wrong position."
"I just really wanted to get back to the room to rest and check on my knee," I sighed. "I forgot that idiot gets so jealous."
"Even if he wasn't jealous, it was still wrong," he said. "That's how boyfriends carry their girlfriends when they're being affectionate."
I really was wrong.
"So what should I do? Should I make it up to him?"
He shook his head, smiling. "Who should be the one making up?"
"We're not even together," I muttered under my breath.
"But your feelings are clear. Even if you're not official, at least you both know that you belong to each other."
"I don't belong to him."
"Yet you're transparent about what you feel for him," he said, and I looked down. "You get jealous, you get nervous when he's close to you, you pretend to be annoyed when he teases you but secretly smile, and most of all, you waited for him when he was in London."
W-what? Did I do that?
"I-I don't remember doing that," I said defensively, and he chukled lightly.
"You're the only one still in denial. Everyone here already knows, except you"
My eyes widened. "What?!"
"You're so obvious. You act like you are mad at him, but you get all flustered when there's barely a thread's distance between you two."
"O-of course! Who wouldn't panic in that situation?"
He laughed at me again. "I don't know how long you'll keep resisting him."
I grimaced. It's not like I'm intentionally resisting him — it's just that I'm not sure by his claim that he's really changed, especially after what happened earlier.
I'm not looking for a perfect guy, but if I end up with the wrong person, it'd be like picking up a rock just to smash it against my own head.
Besides, the pain he caused me is still fresh. So I can't say I should forgive him already.
I looked up when the King of the Ulupong entered the room with Ci-N behind him. They were carrying a lot of food, though I knew most of it was for that cheeky kid.
"Here," Keifer said, placing a bottle of juice, a burger, a hotdog, siopao, fries, and siomai in front of me.
It wasn't much, but it was enough for a snack. Thankfully, our teacher had left early after Sir Alvin — probably fed up with the chaos these Ulupong were causing.
"T-thanks," I said and slowly started eating.
Why am I feeling shy?
I heard David chuckle softly, so I shot him a glare. He just turned away and continued pressing the ice bag to his face.
I continued eating while the annoying King of the Ulupong sat in front of me. I paused for a moment when Yuri approached, pulling a chair along with him.
"Let me see your knees," he said, positioning himself in front of me.
He sat on the chair he brought and rested my leg on his thigh.
My eyes immediately darted to to Keifer when he crossed his arms and gave Yuri a sharp glare.
I let out a small yelp when Yuri touched my knee. I could move it now, unlike earlier, but the bruises were starting to appear.
"Can you walk?" he asked me, and I nodded.
"But maybe not down the stairs."
"You could just jump down," Ci suggested, and we all turned to look at him.
Wow. Thanks for that suggestion.
"She needs to walk, not die early," Felix chimed in as he joined us.
"I'll carry her," Keifer offered.
"No need. I'll just crawl," I said, slightly irritated.
Yuri laughed softly, earning him a glare from me. He stopped immediately.
Our conversation was cut short when the next teacher entered the room. Everyone scrambled back to their seats, but before Yuri left, I whispered to him.
"Can you buy me something for lunch later?"
He nodded with a smile. "Sure."
Class started, but my mind was already on lunch. I grabbed a piece of paper and started listing the things I wanted Yuri to buy. Aside from lunch, I had something else planned for him to get. I didn't really know how to make amends, but I hoped this little plan of mine would do.
The class ended before I realized it, and the lunch I'd been waiting for arrived. The Ulupongs rushed out like dogs let loose from a cage.
Yuri approached me, and I quickly handed him the paper and money for the things I wanted him to buy. He tried to give the money back, but I swatted his hand away.
"Ow," he muttered. "You really are a barracuda."
"Idiot," I replied, and he laughed loudly.
Somehow, hearing him laugh was amusing. He could be annoying at times, but it eased the worry I felt for him. I always prayed nothing bad would happen to him.
Once he left, the King of the Ulupong took his place.
"Anything you want?" he asked.
"I already asked Yuri to buy it."
He was about to say something when Eren pushed him.
"Sorry, I'm in a hurry," Eren said, talking to someone on his phone. "Hold on, Sarah Babe. I'm on my way."
Keifer just scratched his head before saying goodbye to me. I only nodded and didn't say anything more. My nerves were building over what I planned to do, but I hoped it would work.
It didn't take long for Yuri to return with the things I asked him to buy. He grabbed a chair and pulled it close to my table so we could eat together. He arranged the items he bought, except for a few chocolate bars.
While he was busy, I looked for something I could use. I found some colorful paper inside my bag. I used it to wrap the chocolate bar and tied both ends to look like a candy wrapper.
"Who's that for?" Yuri asked.
"Secret," I replied with a sweet smile.
Suddenly, I remembered the shirt he left at our house's laundry area yesterday. I brought it with me, since it was already dry and ready to wear.
I handed him his shirt. "You forgot this yesterday."
His eyes widened. "Oh right," he said, standing up to put them away. When he returned, he handed me the clothes I lent him last night as a change of clothes.
We exchanged items.
"Thanks. Good thing I ended up at your place," he said, returning to our food.
I paused for a moment and looked at him. "Yuri, what really happened?"
He just smiled and handed me a plastic spoon and fork. "Let's eat."
Nice dodge.
I let it go and started eating. While we were busy, the Ulupongs started returning one by one, carrying their food. I was almost done when Keifer arrived and placed a slice of cake in front of me.
"Dessert," he said before going back to his seat.
I looked at the name of the shop printed on the cake's packaging. It seemed like something you could only buy outside the school, with its fancy name.
Yuri and I exchanged glances before deciding to split it. The cake was delicious, clearly made with care because of how soft the bread was. Too bad it was just one slice.
And I even had to share it.
Yuri was the one who cleaned up after we ate. I just stared at the chocolate I had wrapped, thinking about how I would give it to him. Maybe I could just throw it at his face and say, 'For you, idiot.' But he might get mad.
My thoughts were interrupted when the teacher arrived.
Time passed quickly. I barely noticed the teachers coming in and out until it was time to go home. I wanted to clap, but then I remembered I wouldn't be able to go down the stairs because of my condition.
"Home time!" the Snakes shouted.
"Finally. We're free."
"Let's grab some snacks! Your treat."
I was busy packing my things when the King approached me. I briefly looked up to meet his gaze.
"Ready?" he asked, and I gave a subtle nod.
We were almost the only ones left in the room. I stood up before Keifer positioned himself in front of me. He bent slightly so I could climb onto his back. I winced a few times from the pain in my knee before settling properly on his back. "
"You okay back there?" he asked before starting to walk.
"I-I'm okay."
He walked, and I noticed how easily he carried me. I stayed quiet while his focus remained on what he was doing. We were close to the ground floor when I finally decided to hand him the chocolate I had wrapped.
"F-For you," I said, almost whispering.
He took it with one hand. He looked at it for a moment before turning to me.
"Thank you, but what's this?"
"Just… look at it later," I instructed, and he slipped it into his pocket.
He continued walking. When we reached the ground floor, my brother greeted us with his usual furrowed brows. It seemed like he'd read something bad in the stars again.
"What now?" he asked, annoyed.
I slowly got down and approached Aries. He immediately noticed how hard it was for me to walk, wincing with every step.
"What happened?"
"I was tripped earlier and fell flat," I answered.
"Who tripped you?" he asked with emphasis.
I chose to lie because I didn't want the situation to escalate things and cause trouble with Section D. I'd deal with them later when I get the chance.
"I-I mean I tripped,"
He looked at Keifer as if trying to confirm, but he seemed to pick up that I was dodging the real reason for my fall. He just looked away, pretending he knew nothing.
"You better be sure," Aries said with a hint of threat. "Can you walk now?"
I nodded before he started walking. I glanced briefly at the King before following my brother. Ella walked beside him and raised an eyebrow at me.
"What happened to you?"
"I fell," I replied curtly, and she smirked like I was a complete idiot.
I hope your teeth fell out.
When we reached the parking lot, we were surprised because my brother's car still hadn't arrived. Aries quickly took out his phone and made a call, but he hung up just as fast.
"It's off," he said, then tried calling someone else, but it looked like no one was answering.
"What, we don't have a ride home?" I asked.
"Both Kuya and Mom's phones are off. I guess we'll have to wait for now," he said, and we did.
Hours passed, but Kuya still hasn't shown up. Almost all the students and parked cars were gone. I glanced at Keifer, who was leaning against his car, waiting as well. He didn't leave until our ride arrived, But it seemed he couldn't wait any longer either. He approached us.
"I'll drive you home," he suggested.
I looked at Aries, but it was clear he had no intention of agreeing.
"Maybe Kuya's just busy," I said. "We could just take a taxi—"
"Unsafe," Aries and Keifer said almost at the same time.
I knew they were both worried about the threats to my life. But it wasn't safe to just stay here either.
Aries sighed and looked at Keifer's car. "I'm taking the shotgun seat."
I smiled. Good thing the King brought a four-seater, so we all fit. We approached his car, and just like Aries said, he took the seat beside the driver after Keifer helped Ella and me in.
I didn't want to sit next to her.
The drive was quiet, but I didn't miss Keifer's glances at me from the rearview mirror. I just rolled my eyes when he winked.
"Eyes on the road," Aries said pointedly.
Ella was the first one we dropped off. She thanked Keifer and kissed my brother on the cheek before getting out.
Gross.
We reached our house shortly after. The fortune-teller got out without a word, so I was the one who thanked Keifer on our behalf.
"Where's my kiss?" he teased.
"Want me to slam your face into your steering wheel?" I threatened, and he laughed loudly.
I got out before I ended up cursing him out. I wouldn't be able to leave his car if I stayed any longer. He only drove off after making sure we were inside the house.
"Where's Kuya?" Aries asked one of the house helpers we ran into.
"He's with your mom. They said they were going to visit Miss Jay-jay's grandmother," she answered.
"Why? Did something happen?" I asked, and she shook her head.
"They didn't say, but they left in a hurry."
Aries and I thanked her before she went back to what she was doing. My brother and I exchanged glances.
Mama.
"Do you think something happened to Mom?" I asked, my worry clear.
He just shrugged. I couldn't help but think about it. Tita Gema and Kuya wouldn't leave in such a rush if there wasn't a problem.
I walked to my room. While I was busy changing, my phone started ringing. I finished what I was doing before answering the call.
I winced slightly when I saw the name "GagongBaliw" on the screen, but I still answered it.
"What is it?" I greeted.
["I love you."] His opening line nearly made me drop my phone.
"D-do you need something?" I asked, annoyed.
["I will accept your apology, just say you love me too."]
"What the—." I stopped when I remembered the chocolate I wrapped and gave him earlier. I did include a short apology letter with it. "A-are you crazy? I already apologized for my mistake, and now you're asking for an 'I love you too' on top of that?"
I heard him laughing like he was having the time of his life.
["You just said the magic word. I am accepting your apology now."] he said, and I could feel his wide grin even through the phone.
My forehead creased. I accidentally said the word he wanted. So annoying! Even though it wasn't heartfelt, I felt like he got the upper hand.
I was too careless.
["Where are you? Let's share this chocolate you gave me."]
I rolled my eyes even though he couldn't see me. "It's yours. That's why I gave it to you. And now you want to share it with me?"
["What is mine is yours. So we share. Are you in your room? I'll come over."] he insisted.
"Hey! Hey! What do you mean, come over? Stay where you are!" I stood up abruptly but quickly sat back down on the bed because of the pain in my knee.
["Come to me instead. I'm outside your house."]
Shutanginames!
No wonder he was so bold saying he'd come over. The jerk was just outside. I thought he'd already left after dropping my brother and me off earlier.
["Are you coming to me, or should I come there?"]
He can't come into my room. And he definitely can't be caught by Kuya in my room. We'd both be in big trouble. My knee wouldn't be the only thing hurting then.
So even though I didn't want to, I got up and started walking. I kept wincing in pain.
"I'm coming, I'm coming! So annoying!"
I stopped when I reached the stairs. I barely managed one step before the pain in my knee made me go back up. If going up hurt, going down was even worse. I could only think of one solution—sliding down.
I sat on one step and slid my way down. I even passed one of the maids, who laughed at what I was doing.
Happy about that, huh?
When I reached the bottom, I almost cried from the pain in my butt. Is this what hazing feels like?
I half-walked, half-ran toward the front of the house, but Keifer was nowhere to be seen. I looked at my phone and saw we were still on the line.
"H-hello? Where are you?"
["Look to your left."] he instructed, and I did.
His car was parked in the distance. I was almost in tears as I walked toward it. I got in as soon as I reached it.
"Here I am! You parked so far!"
"I didn't want to park right in front of your house—your Kuya might catch me."
I pouted. Percy did the same thing—he never parked close to the house. That must be why they weren't worried about getting caught last night.
He held up the cheap chocolate bar I gave him, waving it in front of me with a wide grin.
"Let's split it." He said, opening one of the bars.
"Keep it. I gave it to you—it's yours."
"I told you, what's mine is yours. Even my inheritance."
I frowned. I could accept the island he mentioned, but when it comes to inheritance, that's a whole different matter. That's way too much.
"What are we? Married? We're not even a couple yet," I said, with a hint of irritation.
"Then let's be. Let's make it official," he said, handing me a piece of the chocolate bar.
I took it just to shut him up. I knew he wouldn't stop.
"Your face is official. I haven't fully forgiven you yet," I said, biting into the chocolate.
I noticed his sly smile as he ate his piece.
"You seem way too happy."
He smiled at me. "I licked that chocolate before giving it to you."
My jaw dropped. "You animal!" I said, and he burst into laughter.
"Profanity!"
Before he could move, I clamped a hand over my mouth. His wide grin got even wider as he leaned closer to me.
I shouldn't have come here.
"A deal is a deal," he said, bringing his face closer to mine.
I tried to turn away to keep my face from him.
"You're cheating again!"
He hugged me before I could notice. I tried to squirm, but he moved quickly. The next thing I knew, I was sitting on his lap.
Son of a—
"Stop resisting," he whispered, his breath hot on my ear.
"Get away!" I said, annoyed, pushing myself away from him, but I froze and screamed when he pressed on my knee. "OUCH! THAT'S NOT FAIR!"
I was close to tears. I could barely move because of this position, and on top of that, I couldn't fight back against this King of the Ulupongs. I felt trapped.
I stopped moving, afraid he'd touch my knee again. I glared at him, annoyed, while he just smiled back at me.
"I told you to stop. If you don't, I'll make you," he said, his hand hovering near my knee.
"You son of a seven-pound white sheep." I shot back and he laughed loudly. "Leave my knee out of this."
"Which one? This one?" He asked, squeezing my knee.
I almost cursed out loud from the pain. I just shoved the chocolate bar into my mouth to stop myself from speaking.
Damn you! Just wait until my knee heals.
"Answer," he ordered.
"Fine, you got me! Happy now!" I replied, pretending to be cheerful. "Pinch it again, and I'll return the favour!"
"Oh? What'll you pinch?" he teased.
"Yours."
"Which part?"
"That thing of yours."
"What thing?"
"You know. That."
"What"
"That!" I poked his face. "This smug face of yours!"
He laughed. "You don't wanna pinch my thing?"
I glared. "What thing?"
"My thing. It's pretty pinchable."
"WHAT THING?!"
"Would you pinch it if I tell you?"
I smacked at him, but he caught my wrist. "What's that?"
"Here," he said, puckering his lips downward.
"What? What are you pointing at?"
"This," he said, laughing loudly. "This muscle of mine."
I ended up laughing hard too. I really wanted to curse him out for his nonsense. If it weren't for that profanity rule, I'd already be raining curses on him.
"You're insane," I muttered, finishing the chocolate I was holding.
He did the same with his, and every now and then, I'd laugh when our eyes met. But I froze when I noticed him go quiet.
He raised one hand to wipe a smudge of chocolate from the corner of my lips. I let out a soft laugh to ease the tension I felt.
"Jay, please be my official girlfriend," he asked, his voice full of plea.
I looked away. It's not that I didn't want to. But too many thoughts were swirling in my mind. I still had doubts. I was still scared. I couldn't say the hurt he caused had fully healed yet.
He gently cupped my chin, turning my face towards him.
"I love you, and I know you feel the same."
I felt his lips brush lightly against mine—just a fleeting kiss.
"Please, Jay."
I shook my head. "I-I don't know."
"Just say yes."
I stared into his eyes—which was probably a mistake. The way he looked me makes me want to give in. My resolve was weakening.
Stay strong, damn it!
My staring was interrupted when my phone rang. The name "Horoscope" flashed on the screen—It seemed he realized I wasn't at home.
"I need to go," I said, moving off his lap.
As I opened the car door, Keifer grabbed my hand. He looked like he was begging, pleading.
I couldn't help but panic. So just to get away, I gave the safest answer I could think of.
"I-I'll think about it."