JAY-JAY'S POV
"Jay-Jay," someone called. "Wake up."
I tried to open my eyes, and the open window came into view. It was still dark outside, so I didn't understand why they were waking me up.
"Get up! Let's watch the sunrise," Ci-N said excitedly. "Then we'll go home."
Oh, right.
Before going to sleep, we had talked about watching the sunrise before heading home. We all agreed because our next outing might not happen for a long time.
I forced myself to sit up. Kei-Kwanan was standing nearby, wiping his face with a towel.
Did he sleep here?
"Get up! I'll wake the others," Ci said with a smile before leaving the room.
I got up as he instructed and shot a glare at the King of Snakes. He raised an eyebrow at me innocently.
"You slept here?" My voice carried a hint of threat.
"No. I just washed up here," he answered, which calmed me down.
I quickly stood up to get ready, locking the bathroom door behind me as I entered. I washed up, got dressed, and glanced at the remaining clothes.
What will happen to these when we leave? There's no one else on the island, so no one can use or take them.
Should I take them home?
After getting ready, I left the bathroom and the bedroom. While pinning my hair up, I made my way downstairs. The Serpents were making a mess. Felix, David, Eman, and Yuri were rushing the others. Ci-N was going in and out of the house, clearly excited.
"Come on! The sky is already getting light!" Batang Kumag shouted in alarm.
Kit was wiping his face while trying to wake up Mayo, who was still half-asleep beside him.
Eren frantically searched for his cellphone. Blaster tried to go back to sleep, but Eman hit him with a pillow. Drew got up and joined Josh in the bathroom.
"Can we have coffee first?" Calix asked, stretching.
"Later! Just hurry up!" Eman rushed him.
Everyone reluctantly got up and lined up to use the bathroom. Some headed upstairs, while Eren pulled Kit to the back, where there was a faucet. Mayo and Denzel followed them.
"Good morning," Yuri greeted me with a smile.
"Good morning to you too. Did you even sleep?" I asked.
We had gotten home late, and some of them had stayed up even longer to continue chatting and finish off the remaining wine.
"Three hours. Then Ci-N woke me up," he answered, yawning.
That one really gets excited easily. I just shook my head before bidding him goodbye and stepping outside. I saw Ci-N pacing back and forth between the beach and the terrace.
True to his words, the sky was beginning to lighten. I hadn't noticed the time earlier, but I guessed it was around five in the morning.
"It's happening! It's happening! We're going to miss it!" he shouted as if it were a disaster.
"We're here..." Felix replied lifelessly as he stepped out of the house. He was followed by the other Ulupong, who had clearly been dragged along unwillingly.
I wanted to scold them for looking so grumpy. They had eagerly agreed last night, but now they seemed like they didn't want to go through with it.
"Let's go to the cliff," Kei-Kwanan said and started walking.
We all followed him until we reached the big rock where he had slipped before. One by one, we climbed up to reach the top.
I was almost at the top when Yuri offered me his hand to help me up. I accepted, and with his help, I climbed faster. Since the surface of the rock was uneven, we each found a spot where we could sit comfortably.
The sky was getting brighter. Ci-N stood at the edge of the rock, while I was at the other end next to Kei-Kwanan. He yawned, catching my attention, so I looked at him. He met my gaze as I watched him intently. He smiled, then winked.
My response was simple. "The morning! Be quiet!"
"My morning is better now because I know you're right by my side," he said. ❤️🌄
Suddenly, I heard someone gagging.
"That was so cheesy!"
"I'm feeling sick!"
"Bro, are you pregnant?"
"Idiot! Do I look like I have a mistress?"
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is what happens when someone forgets to eat breakfast," Yuri said, looking up and laughing.
Kei-Kwanan picked up a small stone and threw it at Yuri. But Yuri didn't mind—he just laughed and shook his head.
"Look!" Ci-N shouted, making us all turn to the front.
The sun was beginning to rise. We moved a little closer to see it better. I couldn't help but smile as the light and darkness blended together. But soon, the sunlight overpowered the darkness.
I was in awe of the sky's breathtaking colors. I glanced at the Serpents, and they all seemed just as amazed—except for one. The shameless King of Snakes was staring at me instead. I motioned for him to look forward, but instead, he reached out and held my hand.
"I LOVE YOU," he mouthed silently. ❤️
It felt like my heart had just been kicked, making it skip a beat. Thankfully, all the Serpents in front of us were too distracted to notice. I tried to pull my hand away, but they just laughed at me.
If I get annoyed, I swear I'll smash his head against the rock.
I closed my eyes when the sun's rays hit me. I lifted my hand to shield my face from the light, but Kei-Kwanan's broad hand blocked it for me instead. I turned to him, only to be met with his serious expression and those deep, expressive eyes.
"Jump!" they shouted.
I couldn't see what they were doing because of the sunlight—or maybe because I couldn't take my eyes off him. Then I heard them yelling and splashing into the water.
ONE: "For the economy!"
TWO: "I love you, Mica!"
THREE: "More debt!"
FOUR: "He loves you, friend!"
FIVE: "You're crazy, Rory!"
SIX: "Kit and Mayo forever!"
SEVEN: "Nothing lasts forever!"
EIGHT: "I want a mermaid girlfriend!"
NINE: "A whale for Eren!"
TEN: "I'm going home, Edy!"
ELEVEN: "More sleep!"
TWELVE: "I wish I had a girlfriend!"
THIRTEEN: "Grace and our baby!"
FOURTEEN: "More food!"
FIFTEEN: "Wait for me, Hahaoya!"
There was nothing left. The King of Snakes and I were still staring at each other. I knew we should follow the others because they might wonder why it was taking us so long.
"It's—"
"I'll bet all my wealth, as long as you're the first thing I see when I wake up in the morning," he said, though his tongue almost twisted from stuttering. ❤️
Me too—but I have no wealth to offer.
"K-KEIFER—"
He suddenly smiled, making me stop. I also saw how his eyes twinkled as tears gradually fell. I wanted to ask why—why was he crying just because I said his name?
"Why does my name sound so lovely when it comes from your lips?" he asked.
What?
Before I could respond, both of his hands cupped my cheeks. In an instant, his lips met mine — HE KISSED ME. 🥺❤️
I didn't know why, but excitement coursed through me. It felt as if I had been searching for something for a long time, and now, it was finally in front of me. My arms instinctively wrapped around him as I closed my eyes and surrendered to his KISS.
A strong gust of wind blew, sending strands of my hair fluttering. Along with the wind, I felt cold water trickling down my cheeks.
Tears?
Tears—but they weren't his. They were mine.
My heartbeat quickened, pounding loudly in my chest. A tightness formed, and countless thoughts raced through my mind. I didn't know what the right thing to do was—all I knew was that letting go would be difficult.
I was holding the person I loved, the one I had been waiting for all this time, but why was I afraid?
I didn't know how long we stayed in each other's arms. Time felt like it belonged to us alone. When he finally pulled away, he pressed our foreheads together.
I kept my eyes closed and willed my tears to stop.
"Let me keep you," he whispered.
I searched for the right words to respond, but the fear wouldn't leave me. A part of me longed to change, yet the dread remained. I couldn't think of anything else to say.
"G-gago," was all that escaped my lips.
He let out a soft laugh. He was about to speak when we heard his friends, the Ulupongs, calling out.
"Hey! We lost!"
"What are you two doing over there?"
"Jay-jay heels!"
Keifer let go of me and wiped his face. He sighed heavily, but a smile soon followed.
"They're looking for us," he said, walking toward the edge of the rock.
"Keifer! Jump!"
"Come here!"
Keifer waved at them before turning to look at me.
Keifer.
Why had I been afraid to say his name? Was it because every time I did, my heart skipped a beat? My feelings for him hadn't faded—but now, I was no longer afraid to say his real name.
"I'll wait for you," he told me before stepping forward.
"I LOVE YOU, JASPER JEAN MARIANO!" he shouted before jumping. ❤️
I walked to the edge of the rock and looked down. The Snakes were there, gazing up at me, waving. I waved back.
I could jump. I had done it the other day when that snake fell. But this time, I hesitated.
Why did my heart feel like it was going to explode?
I knew I was wrong to let go. I was wrong to respond to his KISS, but I gave up on my own when I saw him struggling. The broken, too!
I looked at where I was about to fall. Taking a deep breath, I turned my gaze to the sun.
"Don't be fragile!" I screamed with all my might and jumped.
I felt myself hit the water. Almost immediately, someone pulled me up so I could breathe. I wiped my face and opened my eyes, only to be met with loud screams.
"Nice one!" Eman teased.
"Fragile!" Eren laughed along with me.
"Another one!" Felix clapped his hands.
Idiots!
Their teasing ended in a chorus of laughter. We soaked in the water for a few more minutes before heading up—hunger was finally catching up to us. We hadn't had breakfast yet.
As we walked back home, we couldn't stop talking.
"Let's come back here after graduation," Ci suggested.
"You say that every summer," I replied, and he clapped his hands in joy.
After returning home, I went straight to the bathroom to shower and clean up. I hurried because I knew we were leaving the island soon, and I still had to pack my things.
I put on the same uniform I had worn when I arrived. Keifer had washed it for me using the washing machine in the laundry area downstairs, next to the faucet.
I regretted leaving things behind. Even though they weren't mine, it still felt like a waste.
When I stepped out of the bathroom, I looked at my bag on the bed. Beside it was the box I had received on Friday, which only contained a Snorlax mug. My cellphone and some notes from our review sessions were also there—along with a pair of mismatched socks.
I picked up my phone and turned it on, bracing myself for the flood of incoming messages. I had a strong feeling they were from someone pretending to be an angel.
Should I write a farewell letter?
As soon as my phone stopped ringing, I checked my messages.
Kuya had sent the most—529 messages. Jay! Aries followed with 413. There were 12 from Tita Gema, and the rest were from the Ulupongs and network providers, tirelessly reminding me about expiration dates and mobile data.
I opened some of Kuya's messages.
📩
From: Kuya Angelo
Message: Where the hell are you?
📩
From: Kuya Angelo
Message: Are you ignoring my messages?
📩
From: Kuya Angelo
Message: I can't reach your phone. Call me when you get these messages.
📩
From: Kuya Angelo
Message: JASPER JEAN! IT'S MIDNIGHT!
📩
From: Kuya Angelo
Message: JASPER JEAN!!! I'M ABOUT TO LOSE MY TEMPER!
📩
From: Kuya Angelo
Message: TELL KEIFER HE'S DEAD!!
📩
From: Kuya Angelo
Message: NO! YOU'RE BOTH DEAD!!
Most of his later messages were filled with threats and capital letters. I felt like crying.
I collapsed onto my bed, exhausted. Why me? It's not even my fault!
I never wanted to end up on that island. If I had known, I wouldn't have drunk that water. What's the point of this island if it's only going to get me killed?
Maybe I could turn my life around here? I should tell Kuya that he is my island, just so he won't hurt me. But of course, I won't allow that. I also don't want to lose this island—I need a place to run and hide when Kuya's temper flares up.
I don't know how to face him. I'm in for a serious lecture. I need to come up with a counterattack.
I have an island! You have nothing! Something like that. I just hope Kuya Angelo doesn't slap me out of sheer anger.
Next, I opened Aries' messages, which were the most recent.
📩
From: Horoscope
Message: Who are you with?
📩
From: Horoscope
Message: Don't go with Percy.
I furrowed my brows at the text about Percy. A thought suddenly crossed my mind—could this have something to do with Papa coming home?
Does that mean Aries knows too?
I recalled the first time Papa and I met during a school tour at a university. Papa seemed to know him and spoke to him as if they had known each other for a long time.
I couldn't help but be suspicious. Are they trying to deceive me again? Am I the only one left in the dark?
I continued scrolling through the rest of Aries' messages, my frown deepening.
📩
From: Horoscope
Message: No matter what he says about me, I have an explanation for it.
📩
From: Horoscope
Message: I have a lot of things to explain. Don't make assumptions.
I bit my thumbnail. Aries was hiding something from me, and he was afraid Percy might be the one to reveal it. He also knew I had other things on my mind. But about what?
It looked like I really needed to go home and talk to him. I quickly gathered my things, stuffed them into my bag, and headed out of the room, moving swiftly down the stairs.
"Breakfast first, Jay!" Eman shouted from the kitchen.
My stomach growled. Aries could wait—food couldn't.
I set my bag down on the sofa and approached the others. Since there weren't enough seats, some of them were eating while standing.
"Hey! Who took the last piece of ham?" Rory shouted in frustration.
"Find it yourself, Friend! Let's see!" Edrix replied, annoyed, while the others laughed.
"More fried rice!" Ci called out, handing his plate to Eman.
"How many times have you gone back for more?" Felix asked, watching him scoop another spoonful of rice.
"This is your third time!" Eren chimed in.
"It's only my second!" Ci corrected him, but it was obvious no one believed him.
I quietly took a plate and handed it to Eman. We all looked like we were waiting for rations. When he returned my plate, Felix and Ci-N burst into laughter. My plate was piled high with rice, as if I'd never eat again.
I glared at Eman, who was smirking mischievously. He was clearly enjoying his prank.
"That's too much!" I complained.
"Quit pretending. That's how much you eat," Eman teased.
"Where am I supposed to put the side dishes?" I asked, annoyed.
Felix laughed even harder as the others turned to watch our exchange.
"You're really greedy!"
"Are you preparing for execution?"
"For no return!"
I shot them all a glare. Once these shameless people got a chance, they never stopped teasing.
"Let's make a bet. How long will it take Jay to finish?" Yuri challenged.
Felix eagerly joined in, and the betting began. Some bet on five minutes, others on ten, and the longest estimate was fifteen minutes.
They didn't let me start eating until the conversation was over, and the timer hadn't even started yet.
In the end, no one won—I finished in seven minutes. I did it on purpose, just to mess with them.
After breakfast, we quickly cleared the table. Denzel, Drew, and Blaster were assigned to wash the dishes. When they finished, I noticed Keifer was missing. I was about to ask when Ci-N walked out.
"There's Keifer!" he announced.
We went out one by one. The King of Snakes pointed toward the same road his fellow Snakes had taken yesterday.
I approached him to talk.
"What about the house and the things inside?"
"Someone will be here to take care of that," he answered with a smile.
He was about to hold my hand, but I quickly stepped away.
David, watching from behind, scoffed. "Seriously? Even now?" he asked, but I ignored him.
I turned to David when I heard his soft laugh. He shook his head slightly.
"Go ahead and laugh," I muttered.
"How long do you plan to keep teasing him like this?" he whispered.
"I don't know. Why?"
"I'm just getting my popcorn ready to enjoy the show while he struggles," he replied, making us chuckle.
I glanced at the King of Snakes and was surprised to find him glaring at us. But instead of feeling intimidated, I just laughed.
We continued walking for quite a while until I saw the kumag yacht they had used to get here. I blinked in admiration at its beauty and size.
And yet, Eren claims his many girlfriends wouldn't fit. Just how many does he have?
We walked up a long wooden ramp leading to the yacht. Before we even got close, my forehead creased at the words written on its side.
JAY-JAY'S ROCKING BOAT ⛵
I immediately looked around for the culprit. Did they really put my name on the boat?
"What the—?! I'm going to strangle you!" I shouted in annoyance, pointing at the name.
I heard the Snakes laughing as they boarded the yacht.
"What? You should be flattered that it's named after you," one of them teased.
"Do I look like a boat to you?" I shot back sarcastically, making him laugh even harder.
Shaking his head, still chuckling, he approached me and forcefully pulled me onto the yacht. I hit him first before letting him drag me on board. I was exhausted from all the jokes, and their laughter only made it worse.
Growing tired of their antics, I chose to sit quietly in a corner. I didn't even realize when I had fallen asleep, but I felt someone gently picked me up and lay me on a soft bed.
"Sweet dreams, my Queen," ❤️