Jay-Jay's POV
Dinner!
Nice, there's a lot of food on the table. Probably because we have so many guests. Ma'am Cindy and Sir Alvin are eating here too. And of course, the usual troublemakers—David, Yuri, and Keifer—are here as well.
Now I have even more competition for food.
"Hey, slow down on eating," Aries scolded me.
"I might not get any," I whispered to him.
He looked at Ci-N, who was taking food like there was no one else at the table. My brother just shook his head in disbelief.
I glanced at where Auntie was supposed to be sitting. She wasn't at the table and didn't eat with us because she was tending to Mom first. Honestly, it's embarrassing because I should be the one doing that for my own mother.
"What's your plan?" Kuya asked Sir, catching our attention.
"Moving again, we're cornered in your unit," he replied.
Oh right, they moved into Kuya's unit the other day. They moved so fast that I didn't even know they were there until Kuya told me. But why would they feel cornered in Kuya's unit? That place is huge. Who's cornering them?
Wait… maybe godchildren or debt collectors they're trying to avoid?
"How about you stay here?" Kuya suggested, and Aries, Keifer, David, and I all choked on our food.
This cousin of mine is unbelievable. Did he forget that both Ma'am and Sir are my teachers? They'd find out I haven't been studying properly! But why did those three choke too?
"Kuya? Are you serious?" Aries asked.
Kuya Angelo raised an eyebrow at him. "Whose house is this?"
Aries didn't answer and just drank water to clear his throat.
"Does that mean Yuri will stay here too?" David asked, glancing at the brat before reaching for the chicken on his plate.
"He has nowhere else to go," our cousin replied casually.
"Then, I'll stay here too," the King announced, but Kuya immediately stabbed his fork into the chicken on his plate.
"Then I'll just visit frequently," Keifer quickly corrected himself.
You scared, huh? Afraid the next thing Kuya stabs is you?
We were all shocked. Even Ci spat out her food in surprise. It was the first time I saw Sir flinch, and Ma'am Cindy even grabbed his arm. David, too, but he quickly recovered by drinking water.
"Mom and Auntie Jeana are going back to the province. They'll stay there for a while, so they can stay here with us," Kuya explained.
I froze at the part about Mom and Auntie going back to the province. "Why are they leaving?"
I couldn't help but feel afraid or uneasy. What if Mom never comes back because she gets arrested there?
Should I go with him?
"Grandma asked them to come home. It has something to do with the property Grandpa left behind," Kuya said while focused on his food.
Aries and I exchanged glances. He smiled as if telling me the explanation was true, but I found it hard to believe.
So Grandpa actually had property? I never met him, but all I knew was that he was strict and grumpy. He used to be a soldier and retired early, but he still acted like he was in the army even at home.
According to my Aunt, the one who curses like a sailor, they used to fight a lot. He'd beat them with stingray tails as if they had spirits clinging to them. So, in return, she'd smack him with slippers when she got fed up.
That's my aunt for you. Beachwalk slippers are her weapon of choice.
"You guys can stay here until you find a better place," Kuya told Sir.
"Maybe we'll stay until the exams are over," Ma'am Cindy replied.
Sir agreed, but Yuri seemed hesitant. He just stared at his plate, and Ma'am had to call his name for him to respond.
"Yuri…"
He smiled at us. "I'm thinking of moving out. I feel bad staying here."
"You can move into my house," Keifer suggested, and Ma'am Cindy and I immediately looked at each other.
We were clearly thinking the same thing—Yuri cannot stay with Keifer.
We still didn't know his real intentions or whether he was going to act on that list he got. We weren't sure if he had bad plans for the King of the Vipers.
While he lived with Ma'am, they never complained about him. In fact, I even overheard them praising him for being helpful with chores. He didn't need to be asked to do things; he just did them on his own. Sometimes, he even took on extra work to get things done faster.
If he really had bad intentions toward Keifer, Ma'am would have said something. She would've warned us, but she never spoke badly about Yuri.
Even so, we couldn't be too complacent.
"You don't have to. You're under my protection and care, so you'll move with us," Sir Alvin said.
Yuri was about to protest, but Ma'am stopped him.
"Whether you like it or not."
Yuri sighed and scratched his head. He had no choice. He just nodded, accepting his defeat.
Keifer, on the other hand, frowned as if he couldn't accept that Yuri would be staying here while he couldn't. It's only for a few days, and he's acting like it's forever.
Dinner ended with them planning Sir and Ma'am's move. Keifer had to leave early because there was another problem with Keigan. I couldn't help but worry. Whenever Keigan's name came up, I got the feeling that he did something that would put Keiren in danger again.
Is this what trust issues feel like?
"What happened?" I asked the King of the Vipers as he said his goodbyes to Kuya and Sir.
"There was just a small problem. Nothing too serious," he answered and smiled at me as if to ease my worries.
But it didn't work. I was still worried. "Can you tell me how he's doing when you get home?"
He cupped my cheek and quickly kissed my forehead.
"Thank you for checking on Keigan, but you have nothing to worry about. Honey already took care of everything."
I paused for a moment. Did she know about Keigan's situation too? I believed Honey was reliable, but could she really stop Keigan if he went on a rampage?
Could Kuya stop him if he lost control?
"Alright, if you say so."
Keifer chuckled. "I wouldn't lie to you about his situation."
"I never said you were lying."
"I can just feel you suspecting something again," he teased before laughing.
I pushed him toward the door. "Just go home already."
I kept shoving him until we reached the gate and he stepped outside. We both fell silent, glancing around.
Yes, this is my chance.
"Keifer," I called him, pouting my lips, but he just burst out laughing when he saw me.
"What's that supposed to be?" he asked.
What do you mean, "what's that"? This idiot.
My ears suddenly felt hot. This was the first time I showed affection, and I ended up embarrassed.
"Ah, f*ck, I got humiliated."
His eyes widened, and he laughed when he heard what I said. Then I suddenly remembered… his damn profanity rule.
He quickly glanced at the gate before grabbing both my cheeks, but I pulled away.
"I don't want to anymore, I'm already embarrassed."
"You know the rules," he said and tried to hold me again, but I stepped away.
"Screw your rules, idiot."
"That's two already."
"Even if it's ten," I replied, annoyed, and took big steps away from him.
I was startled when he suddenly followed me, so I ran to the other side of his car. He caught up to me quickly and hugged me.
He motioned for me to stay quiet and look at our gate. We looked at the same time, but there was no one there.
Then what was he pointing at?
I felt his breath on my cheek, so I stepped back until I leaned against his car.
"Hey, behave. If my brother comes out, we're both dead."
"Who initiated this?" he asked teasingly.
I still didn't face him. I was serious when I said my brother might come out. That's why I had been giving him hints earlier, but the idiot just laughed at me.
"I'm serious—."
"Got you, hairy one!" Ci suddenly popped up, making me scream loudly. "What are you two doing there?"
"You ruined their moment," David said with a grin.
He looked like he was teasing, as if they had just ruined our moment. He moved away from me and took a deep breath, looking in another direction. He even put his hands on his hips before facing us again.
Did you just get annoyed all of a sudden?
"I'm leaving before I punch someone," he said, and David burst out laughing like he had won something.
Keifer kissed me on the forehead before getting into his car. We watched him leave while that little brat waved at him.
"Wow, flirting so hard, yet no label," Ci said, making me frown.
"How can there be a label when you guys are always interrupting?" I replied, annoyed, and tried to smack him, but he quickly hid behind his grandfather.
"There! Grandpa! She's going to hurt me!" she tattled.
"Fvck off," David told her before turning to me. "We're leaving too. I still have to take this kid home."
I smiled and nodded. They were about to walk toward their car when Ci suddenly stopped and started looking for something in his pocket.
"My phone?" he asked us as if we were the last ones who had it.
Here we go again with his careless habits.
"Where did you last put it?" I asked.
"In your room!"
I was about to head back to the house, but he stopped me. "I'll go get it," he said and quickly ran inside.
I let him be and faced David. He smiled at me before tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
"Why were you with Ci, by the way?" I asked him.
"I went to see him. He called me, crying. I thought something bad had happened," he answered, and we both laughed.
He probably acted all dramatic, so he had no choice but to take him here. He really couldn't resist that brat.
"What were you guys talking about earlier?" I asked, even though I already knew the answer.
Just like with Keifer, I just wanted to see if he would tell me the truth.
"About Drew. The exam is tomorrow," he answered, and I nodded.
What he said was true, but he didn't mention the part where they made him go back to the loan shark he owed money to.
I didn't want to ask any more questions. I didn't want him to suspect that I knew something. He had scary instincts.
"So, you and Keifer are getting serious now?" he asked, which surprised me.
I chuckled slightly. "Of course. What kind of question is that?"
"Where's the label, then?"
I scowled, making him laugh loudly. "I'm just kidding."
What a troll. He probably enjoyed our dinner too much.
"Whatever," I replied, pretending to be annoyed.
"As long as you're happy," he said. I looked at him when I noticed the seriousness in his voice, even though he was smiling. "But let me know if Keifer hurts you again."
"Why? You gonna beat him up?"
He shook his head. "I'll take you from him."
I rolled my eyes. "As if I'd let that happen."
"I have my own ways, and Keifer knows that," he said arrogantly before laughing.
That sounded like something a king would say.
I just shook my head and laughed at him. He really came up with the weirdest things. If Keifer were here, they'd probably be throwing punches already because of what he was saying. This guy was just as good at teasing.
"What ways?"
"Want to try?" he asked and moved as if to get closer to me, but I kicked the air to stop him.
"Fine, when you and Keifer are official, we'll test it out," he said.
"Idiot," I replied, making him laugh again.
We turned toward the gate when Ci came out holding a Tupperware. Looks like he even managed to grab some takeout.
Sir Alvin, Ma'am Cindy, and Kuya Angelo followed behind him.
"Time to go home," he said with a smile.
I tried to peek inside the Tupperware, but he held it tightly as he walked toward David's car. he even waved at me.
Why do I feel like it's meat? Like fried chicken.
"Bye-bye, Jay," he said.
David smiled at me before waving and getting into his car. "See you tomorrow."
"See you when I see you," I replied.
I watched their car leave before heading back inside the house.
I didn't even notice when my brother left. They probably went to get Sir's things. I wasn't sure if Yuri went with them—I didn't see him step out of the gate.
Where did that red-haired guy go?
I went inside and saw Mama and Aunt Gema. Mama was standing, but she was wrapped up tightly and looked a little pale.
"It's late. You went out?" Mama asked.
"I just walked my friends out," I replied and looked at her from head to toe. "Why are you up? Do you feel better?"
She shook her head and coughed lightly. "Not yet, but I need to get ready for our trip tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?"
"Angelo didn't tell you?" Auntie asked, and I suddenly remembered what my brother said at dinner earlier.
"You're going back to the province?" I confirmed, and Auntie nodded.
"Why so suddenly?" I couldn't hide my concern. What if Mama couldn't come back?
"They've been asking us to return for a while now, but this time it's really urgent."
"We're leaving early tomorrow so I can rest as soon as we get there," Mama added, adjusting the blanket around her.
I studied her. I didn't see any fear on her face. Maybe what they said was true—it was just about my grandfather's property.
I really hope they don't come back with bad news.
I nodded slightly. "Tell Grandma I miss her."
"What about Aunt Lara? Don't you want to say anything to her?" Auntie asked.
I shook my head. "No, she might just curse at me."
They both laughed. They walked toward the kitchen, so I headed to my room to rest. But I stopped in my tracks when I saw someone lying face down on my bed.
Red hair.Bottom of Form
I approached him and took a peek—he was sound asleep, breathing deeply.
Suddenly, I felt pity for him. He looked so exhausted, as if he had just found a proper place to rest after a long time. No wonder he wasn't with Kuya and didn't leave the house earlier. He really didn't go with them.
I decided to just let him sleep. I grabbed a change of clothes and headed straight to the bathroom to clean up and freshen up. I didn't take long. When I came out, he was still asleep, now snoring softly.
I wasn't sleepy yet, so I decided to review. Maybe I could save a lesson or two in my brain and use it tomorrow. As long as I don't get hungry during the exam—otherwise, everything I studied might just disappear.
My brain better cooperate tomorrow. I'll eat a lot in the morning.
While reading the notes Aries gave me, I heard my phone ring. I checked it, and the King's name flashed on the screen.
From: King_Bingi
Message:I'm home. Keigan is alright. He's asleep now due to exhaustion.
That's what I like—someone who gives updates.
I quickly replied and wished him goodnight. I knew he was tired too, so I didn't bother chatting with him. I'd just tell him tomorrow that Yuri was in my room. Otherwise, he might suddenly come back here and beat up his best friend.
I was about to go back to reading when I noticed Yuri was awake and staring at me. He smiled and slowly sat up.
"Sorry, I fell asleep in your bed," he said, fixing his hair before putting on his glasses.
I just realized how long his hair had gotten.
"It's fine. You looked really exhausted."
He smiled. "A bit. Our setup right now is making things difficult."
"Just hang in there. You'll find a proper place soon."
He sat at the edge of the bed, near my study table where I was seated.
"Do you need help?" he asked, pointing at my notes.
I shook my head. "I'm good. Aries already helped me. I'm just rereading so I don't forget things quickly."
He stared at me for a moment, then reached out toward my cheek—but I instinctively pulled away. He seemed surprised by my reaction.
I didn't mean to. My body just moved on its own.
"You have something on your cheek," he said, so I wiped it away.
His smile faded. He looked calm, but it seemed like his mind was deep in thought.
I couldn't help but feel uneasy. I knew he wouldn't do anything bad to me, but I still couldn't shake the feeling.
"W-What?"
"Why are you so distant with me?" he asked.
I paused. Was I really being distant?
I still greeted him, we still laughed together, we still talked like before, and I even hugged him whenever I got the chance.
What part of that was being distant?
I laughed it off. "What do you mean?"
"Was it because of Keifer?" he asked seriously, making me turn serious too. "You don't want him to get jealous?"
"I'm not being distant. If anything, I should be the one saying that to you. There are still things you haven't told us," I replied, making him look embarrassed.
He ran his fingers through his hair and took a deep breath.
Maybe my tone was too harsh. It might've sounded like I was accusing him.
But could I stop myself from suspecting him?
"I'm sorry, my bad," he said, pulling something from under my pillow. "But how can I tell you when you already know?"
He unfolded a piece of paper and held it up to me.
My eyes widened when I saw Keifer's face and name. It was the list I found among his things. I was sure I put it back properly in the envelope. How did he know I had seen it? There was no way Ma'am Cindy told him.
"W-What are you talking about?" I feigned ignorance.
He didn't answer. He just stared at me, as if saying he wasn't playing games.
Was there any point in denying it when it was obvious he already knew?
I swallowed hard. My body felt frozen, but I needed to move. I only had seconds to react—I immediately stood up and ran for the door.
But Yuri was faster. He grabbed both of my arms and pinned me against the wall. I heard my chair topple over beside my study table.
I trembled as I looked at him. I wanted to scream, but what if he did something to me? What if the people in this house got caught in the crossfire?
Damn it!
I shouldn't be thinking badly of him when he hasn't even explained anything yet—but I just couldn't help it.
What was really going on with Yuri?
Or rather…
Who was he, really?