***Keifer's POV***
"Keigan…" I called to Keigan, who was staring intently at something.
"W-what?" he mumbled, barely looking up.
"Is something wrong?" I asked, concerned by his distant demeanor.
He just glanced at me and slowly shook his head. I nodded briefly before walking away. It was difficult to talk to him when he was like this. It was like there was an invisible wall protecting him, preventing him from letting anyone in or letting himself out.
"Keifer!" Honey called, waving her hand.
I quickened my pace to reach her. She handed me a thick catalog. I glanced at it before walking away.
"This is urgent, so tell me what you've chosen so we can finalize the paperwork," Honey added, following me.
"You have until tomorrow to decide," I replied, my tone casual.
"Wow… That's a long deadline," she said sarcastically. "It's not like ordering a plane is easy, especially a custom-made one."
We went to the basement, our usual hangout spot with my friends. I placed the catalog on the counter before pouring myself a glass of liquor.
I downed it before sitting on a stool. I grabbed the catalog and opened it. It was a catalog for private airplanes.
This was the best gift I could think of for Ci-N. It was his birthday tomorrow, and I wanted to make it a special and memorable celebration for him. I didn't want to disappoint him, especially if Jay-jay didn't come. She was still angry with Ci-N. I wouldn't be surprised if she decided not to show up.
But it would be great if she did.
"I just want a simple private jet for him," I said, flipping through the pages.
It was so hard to choose when I only saw pictures. I might not understand what I wanted if I just looked at the pictures.
I closed the catalog and finished my drink.
"You haven't chosen anything?" Honey asked.
"It's hard to explain what I want. Maybe I should visit them," I said, standing up.
She immediately followed me, holding the catalog. I knew one of the owners of Plane and Jet Corporation, a famous private plane dealership, was currently in the Philippines.
I didn't waste any time. After getting in the car, Honey got in right behind me. I drove fast, worried I might not catch him.
"I messaged his secretary. I said you're a serious buyer," Honey said, typing on her phone.
"Thanks," I replied.
I drove straight to the business district where the person I was meeting was staying. He was at a well-known Hanamitchi hotel. After parking, Honey told me he was at the restaurant.
I moved quickly, Honey following me and typing on her phone. When we arrived at the restaurant, he was the only person there, eating quietly.
I'd heard he didn't like noise while eating, so he paid for the whole restaurant so he could eat alone.
As soon as we entered, two men stopped us—obviously his bodyguards.
"I'm here for Mr. Moskovosky," I said, and we heard him speak from a distance.
"Let them in! That's my customer!" he shouted.
The men let us through, and we quickly approached him.
"Mr. Watson, please have a seat," he said, gesturing to the seats in front of him. "Do you mind?" He was talking while eating.
"No. Please continue," I said before pulling out a chair for Honey.
I helped her sit before sitting opposite Mr. Moskovosky. His last name sounded unusual; he was from Russia, but I heard he was half-American.
"So, have you seen the catalog? Those are the newest models of private jets. Some of them aren't even on the market yet," he said, shoving food into his mouth.
"I've seen it. I like the Bizliners," I said, and he smiled.
He put down his food and picked up his glass of water. He took a sip before wiping his lips with a napkin.
"The most expensive private jet. I suggest the Airbus A318 Elite. Most of our luxury customers choose it because of its large capacity. Amenities can also be customized. You have great taste," he said, giving me a playful smile.
"That's exactly why I like it. But there's a problem," I said, and his smile faded.
"Mind telling me?" he asked, his tone serious.
"The thing is… it's a gift for a friend who's turning fifteen tomorrow. I want to make sure he's the only one who can use it."
He leaned back in his chair, giving me a dubious look.
"That's quite impossible. A fifteen-year-old isn't allowed to fly or pilot a plane. So, how will this kid use it, and what will he do with a private jet?"
I smiled. This was why I'd chosen his company.
"Customize a private jet for him. I'm willing to pay one hundred million."
He sat up straight, the doubt gone, and adjusted his coat.
"Now we're talking!" he said, laughing. "But you know that will take years."
"Don't bother. You said it already; he can't fly it yet. I just want the certification and papers that prove his ownership."
He nodded, giving me an "I understand" look. He took out his phone and dialed a number.
"Prepare a special contract for a customized jet… Yes… Make sure to include all the details. Send it to Mr. Watson's assistant immediately… Yes… That will do," he said and ended the call.
I saw Honey typing on her phone.
"My assistant will send the details. Just don't forget to give me all the added amenities you want for the jet plane," he explained. "…After signing the contract, you'll receive the certificate of ownership in a few weeks."
"Make it a day. I want the certificate tomorrow."
"You want me to pull some strings?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I'm willing to pay extra."
He smiled and shook his head. "A Watson will always be a Watson." He offered his hand for a handshake, and I accepted it. "…Send it back immediately after signing, and I'll take care of the certificate."
"Thank you, Mr. Moskovosky," I said, standing up.
We were about to leave when he stopped me. I turned back.
"Before you leave, I want to ask if you know someone named Rafael Mosk or Angelo Fernandez?"
I almost flinched at the names. What did he need from Angelo? And Rafael Mosk? I wasn't sure if he was still alive.
"May I know why?" I asked cautiously.
"Just potential buyers," he said with a smile.
"Forget it. Thank you for your business," I said, forcing a smile.
I left quickly, Honey following me. I felt uneasy after hearing those two names.
Rafael was Angelo's friend who had disappeared for unknown reasons. I didn't know why he and his friends never looked for him. I just assumed they knew where he was or that he'd simply left and said goodbye.
Rafael Mosk.
"Why didn't you say you knew Angelo?" Honey asked when we got into my car.
"There are many Angelo Fernandezes in the Philippines."
She rolled her eyes. I knew she knew that there was only one Angelo Fernandez the man was referring to, and it was the Angelo I knew. Only one had made a significant impact on the business industry and was connected to Rafael Mosk.
"Tell me everything you want to add to the customized jet. I'll type it up and send it to them," she said, typing on her phone.
I told her everything I wanted to add, including voice recognition to ensure that only Ci-N could use the jet plane in the future.
I didn't like his brother's personality. I knew they interfered with everything he had. So, it wasn't impossible for them to claim it. I also wanted him to fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot. I knew he was also going to medical school. He was still young, so he had plenty of opportunities to study piloting.
We arrived home, and Honey immediately ran inside to print the contract for me to sign.
I didn't pay attention and went inside to wait for her. She returned shortly with some papers and a pen. I read them before signing.
"Borrow your car. I'll send this to them now," she said, holding out her hand.
I raised an eyebrow. "Not familiar with a fax machine?"
Her lips formed an O. She smiled after realizing what a fax machine was.
"Sorry. I just really want to use your car," she said and left.
Excuse.
I knew she didn't know what a fax machine was. I shook my head as I watched her leave. I heard my phone ring. I took it out, and Edrix's name was at the top.
"Yes?" I answered.
"[Someone called me from your new toys! They saw Jason following someone!]" he said urgently.
There was only one person I thought he would be following. Was he already acting on his revenge? That asshole was getting on my nerves.
"Can you trace him?" I asked.
"[Can't. But the caller said they last saw Jason at the mall!]"
"Which mall? There are too many malls in town!"
"[I'll text you the name of the mall!]" he said, laughing like a kid. "[This is awesome, Keifer! I feel like I'm the boss with many followers! This alliance with the other groups is great!]" He laughed again.
I shook my head. "Just send it! So I can go there!"
I heard his laughter before I hung up. He was thrilled to have others to command now.
I received his text shortly after. I immediately went to the garage and got into my car. Jason shouldn't dare touch my love. I would burn his motorcycle in front of him.
I drove fast.
I arrived at the mall Edrix had mentioned. I checked the parking lot and all the entrances and exits, but I didn't see Jason.
I did a final sweep and spotted a man in a black helmet sitting on a Ducati near the mall exit where taxis usually waited. And then I saw Jay-jay and Rakki standing, waiting for a taxi.
I didn't leave yet. I wanted to know what Jason was planning. I wanted to make sure what he was up to. I didn't want to be too obvious, but if I didn't act, he might do something.
Fvck this!
I had no choice but to follow them. He rode his motorcycle when he saw Jay-jay and Rakki leaving. He started following them, and I did the same.
It was hard to remain inconspicuous. I couldn't be too close, but I couldn't be too far either.
I kept following them. After about an hour, I noticed something. Jason wasn't following the taxi anymore.
I'd been tricked! And not long after realizing it, he sped off on his motorcycle, disappearing from sight. I slammed my fist on the steering wheel, cursing under my breath.
But where had Jay-jay gone? She probably hadn't gone home yet because they were going in a different direction. It was too far from their subdivision.
Maybe she was still with Rakki. Where could they be going?
Maybe I should check Rakki's house.
I wasn't sure of the address. I tried to remember the house Ci-N always described to me, but it was no use.
I decided to pull over to the side of the road. I took out my phone and texted Rory, asking for Rakki's address. Luckily, he replied quickly.
I felt out of it as I drove to the address he'd given me. But it seemed I didn't need to search for the house. From a distance, I could already see Jason's motorcycle parked.
I stopped the car and turned off the engine. I knew he was waiting for Jay-jay to come out, and I would do the same.
But waiting wasn't easy.
I waited for hours until the sky grew dark. The streetlights began to turn on. And then, someone's house gate opened. The person I was waiting for came out, saying goodbye to Rakki and an older woman.
I saw Jason preparing to leave. He started the engine, and when Jay-jay walked closer, he turned on his high beam headlights, blinding her.
Jay-jay and Jason stopped talking. I gripped the steering wheel tightly, but before I could make a mistake, I texted Rory, telling him to get ready and text the Ulupos—I mean, Section E.
I stopped when I saw Jay-jay get on Jason's motorcycle. He had this smug smile that I wanted to wipe off with my fist. My anger intensified when I saw Jay-jay put her hand on his shoulder.
I will fvcking kill this guy!
Jason drove off quickly. I followed them from a distance, keeping them in sight.
They stopped in front of a small eatery. I parked across the street, near a small store. They went inside the eatery.
I knew Jason hadn't invited Jay-jay for dinner. Sure enough, more motorcycles arrived shortly after—his gang members.
My gut urged me to confront them. But if I moved now, there was a huge chance it was a trap. But what if they were hurting Jay-jay right now?
Make a fvcking decision now.
I couldn't afford to be wrong. Jay-jay couldn't be harmed. I took my phone and sent my location to Edrix. I told them to wait for my go signal.
I would face that man alone. I got out of my car and ran towards the eatery. From a distance, I could see the commotion inside. I could see Jay-jay fighting back, but a wave of fear washed over me when she fell and they started kicking her.
I'm here to save you!
I burst into the eatery, and they stopped. Jason smiled at me, looking pleased with himself.
"You took your time… Don't tell me you were stuck in traffic; you were out there a while ago," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Jay-jay crawling towards the nearest wall. Seeing her like this made me want to kill Jason. My fists clenched, ready to punch his face.
"Oh… We might have gone a bit overboard," he added, acting like he cared. "…You took so long. We just… played with her a bit."
I looked at everyone there, including those he'd already beaten. I was amazed at how easily he took down men.
You're really my strong woman.
"What happened to you?" I asked, trying to keep my tone even. "They're few, but you couldn't beat them?"
I saw her get angry at my words; she frowned and rolled her eyes at me.
"Your girlfriend can't beat us," Jason said suddenly.
"She's not my girlfriend."
"She's not my girlfriend," we said in unison.
She's my future Mrs. Watson.
"Ouch… It seems the rumors are true. Keifer used a girl to get revenge on his enemies," Jason taunted.
"Shut the fvck up, Jason." I growled, my patience wearing thin.
He chuckled, removing his jacket. I knew he was ready to fight.
So am I.
"What do you want?" I asked, my voice low and dangerous.
He glared at me. "I want you dead, Keifer."
If you can.
He suddenly threw a chair and charged, aiming a punch at me. I dodged it, blocking his punch and quickly kicking him away. He flew several feet.
His men were about to attack when Jason gestured for them to stop as he stood up. He charged again, exchanging blows with me. I wasn't that easy to defeat.
I grabbed a chair and hit him with it. I saw him wince in pain.
"Keifer! They have knives!" Jay-jay shouted suddenly.
Jason moved aside, and one of his men charged with a knife, trying to stab me. I dodged, only getting a slight scratch. I quickly punched him in the jaw, knocking him out.
But I didn't see Jason's kick coming, and I flew back, landing hard. I was hurt and struggling to breathe. I noticed Jason's men approaching Jay-jay. Fvck! I couldn't reach her because I knew Jason would take the opportunity.
My anxiety lessened when Jay-jay fought back.
You're doing a good job!
"Here's your opponent," Jason said, attacking me again.
We exchanged punches and kicks, hitting each other in the face and body. I knew Jay-jay was fighting back, but she couldn't handle this alone. My hope began to dwindle when I heard someone call my name.
"Keifer…"
Someone was holding Jay-jay. I had just said she couldn't handle this on her own! What was I doing? I was too focused on Jason.
If I attacked the person holding her, Jason would take advantage. I would lose, and he might hurt Jay-jay.
She had no choice but to cooperate with me. I trusted Jay-jay. I knew she could do it. She was stronger than me; I knew she could.
I looked back at Jason. We would fight together. No one would go first; no one would be left behind. Otherwise, we would both lose.
"Can you do it?" I asked her without looking at her.
She didn't answer, but I knew she could.
"Can you do it?" I repeated.
I don't think she understood me.
"Can you do it?"
Her reaction suddenly changed. She got it!
I positioned myself to attack. Jason still had no clue.
"One!" I shouted.
Jason looked at me and Jay-jay.
"Two!"
"THREE!" We shouted in unison.
I jumped and delivered a high kick to Jason's face. He fell, and so did the man holding Jay-jay.
She did it! My girl did it! I'm so proud of her!
We stood in silence, looking around to make sure no one else was ready to attack. But there was no one.
Jay-jay and I looked at each other and laughed. For the first time, we'd fought together. But our laughter slowly died down.
I don't know what happened, but the next thing I knew, we were hugging each other tightly.
Ow fvck! I missed hugging her!
I felt her pull away and push me. But I didn't want to let her go.
"H-hey… W-why are you h-hugging me?" she asked, pushing me again.
Tss. You hugged me back, remember?
I hugged her tighter. "You wanted this… I'm just granting your wish."
And I wanted it too… so bad.
"C-can you let go?" she said, but I didn't.
"Are you sure? It seems like you want more."
I know you want it too.
"I'm sure… L-let go," she said, pushing me again.
"I can feel it… You want more."
I held her head and rested it on my chest. I didn't care if she heard my heartbeat.
She stopped moving and relaxed. I knew she wanted it the same way I did.
"I know… You really want this," I said, a smile playing on my lips.
"Let go. I'm begging you," she said seriously.
I knew something was wrong, so even though I didn't want to, I let go. She pushed me away, and I immediately saw pain in her eyes.
Damn it! Had I made another mistake?
"What are you doing?" she asked, her voice trembling.
My forehead creased. I had no idea what she was talking about.
"…What are you doing? Why are you getting close to me? Why are you showing me affection again? Why are you making it seem like we're together when we're not?! Why? Why are you doing this?"
Fvck!
I was so reckless. I hadn't thought about my actions. Why hadn't I considered that she might notice? I hadn't thought that she would ask questions, that she would find out the reason for everything I was doing.
I looked around, trying to find an answer. I couldn't think of anything. I didn't know what I would say to her questions. I might say the truth.
It was better if I avoided this for now.
"It's late… I'll take you home," I said and reached for her, but she stepped back.
"Leave if you want. But I'm not going with you."
"Jay… Don't be so stubborn."
"Answer my question first! Why are you making this so hard for me?! Aren't you satisfied with what you've done to me?! And now you're doing this again, making it seem like we're together when we're not!"
Why so stubborn? Just obey me! Please.
I wanted to tell her it was for her own good, that it was better if she didn't know what was happening.
"Answer me, Keifer, do you really have feelings for me?" she asked, and I saw tears in her eyes.
I DO! I FVCKING DO HAVE FEELINGS FOR YOU! I'M SO IN LOVE WITH YOU THAT I'M READY TO SACRIFICE EVERYTHING SO YOU CAN BE SAFE!
I looked down before she noticed my teary eyes.
"I-I heard you… Y-you and Yuri… what you were talking about…" she was crying now. "…I want to believe what Yuri said, that you're lying. That you really do have feelings for me. But I want to hear it from you."
I quickly turned away before my tears fell. I couldn't stop them anymore. Seeing her like this made me want to regret everything. Made me want to take it back. Made me want to stop the plan. Made me want to give up. I badly wanted to be with her.
"I'll take you home," I said, my voice flat.
I left her and crossed the street to get into my car. I kept wiping my eyes. I started the car and parked it next to Jason's motorcycle. I knew he wouldn't come out right away.
I tried to calm myself, but my tears wouldn't stop. I desperately wanted to be with her. I wanted to hug her tightly. I wanted to hear her voice without the anger and pain.
I'm struggling so much! I can't take it anymore. Please.
I rested my head on the steering wheel, taking several deep breaths. I wiped my face when I heard a car horn.
I lifted my head and saw Jay-jay's face. She was looking at a car that had just arrived. It was Aries.
I got out of the car and looked at them. She looked at me in pain before walking away. I didn't want to see her like this. Why did I have this feeling that I was losing her? She glanced at me one last time before leaving. Her eyes were like saying goodbye.
It felt like the world crumbled when they finally left. I was losing her! I couldn't… I couldn't lose her just like that!
I looked at the parked motorcycles. I quickly took my phone and called Rory.
"Same place. I want to burn Jason's motorcycle… in front of him."