JAY-JAY'S POV
"You'll give the letter and gift to Freya tomorrow," Rory whispered.
Since I wasn't able to come earlier, I missed the chance to give Freya her gift and letter as originally planned—so we're doing it now.
"Alright. But who gave the money earlier?" I asked.
"Me. He looked at me like he thought I tripped him," he explained. "So it's your turn tomorrow. Maybe I'll fight with you then."
I laughed quietly and shook my head. He really doesn't seem trustworthy. Plus, he's always tripping Freya, so I wasn't surprised by the reaction.
That's just how he is.
I glanced briefly at Kuya Angelo, who was talking to Sir Alvin and Ma'am Cindy. I noticed them looking at me. I wouldn't be surprised if Kuya already knew what Ma'am and I talked about. I just need to slip away before Kuya catches me.
No matter what, I won't abandon Yuri.
"Time to go home," Keifer said as he carried his brother's things.
Keiren followed with a frown, glancing at Ma'am before finally approaching his brother's car. It was obvious he didn't want to leave. He seemed to enjoy being here. In that case, I shouldn't worry too much.
Yuri will be taken care of here, just like Keiren. He won't be alone either. I just hope no one follows him and scares him off.
After Keifer closed the car door, he walked over to me. "We're heading home. You'll be safe, right?" he asked.
I nodded. "Kuya Angelo might be with me," I replied, half-bragging.
He chuckled a bit. "Please call me when you get home."
I was about to respond, but the Ulupongs beat me to it.
"Yes, Keifer, we'll call you," said Edrix.
"We'll be careful. Thanks for the concern," Rory added with a teasing smile.
"We exist too, Keifer. Thanks for not forgetting us," Felix said with a small laugh.
"Thanks, everyone," Ci-N said with a wide smile.
I laughed and looked away. Why are they acting like they're sulking just because Keifer didn't say those things to them? It's even more dramatic than a girlfriend sulking at her boyfriend.
Snakes really are strange—and demanding.
"Sure. Thanks for tagging along," Keifer replied sarcastically. Edrix looked up at him, slightly embarrassed.
He paused, like he suddenly remembered something, and turned to me.
"You were saying something earlier, weren't you? Before they came?" he asked, staring at me. "Something about what you saw—and then you mentioned flirting, and something like—"
He didn't get to finish because the loud honking of his car interrupted him. Keiren looked bored inside, scratching his head and signaling for his brother to hurry.
I felt nervous.
I don't think I can repeat what I said to him. I was so shy and anxious before, I can't believe I even said it in the first place. I probably need to mentally prepare myself before saying anything like that again.
He sighed and faced me. "We'll talk about it some other time. We need to go now."
I nodded. He was about to kiss my forehead when Kuya suddenly blocked my face with his hand. We almost lost our balance.
"That's not necessary. Enough of that," Kuya said firmly, glaring at Keifer.
So annoying.
I wanted to be mad at his tone. He acted like Keifer was just some stray puppy trying to get close. Keifer briefly looked at Sir, who was standing right behind Kuya. He said goodbye and thanked him before facing us again.
"Jay, please call me," he said before turning his back on us and heading to his car.
I followed him with my gaze, but quickly looked away when I felt Kuya's piercing stare beside me. He was like an eagle watching its next prey.
"You can look," he said. "Alright, flirt some more," he added, still watching me.
"Because no one flirts with you," I whispered under my breath. But it seemed he heard me because he suddenly tapped my ear. "Ouch..." I complained softly, holding my ear with a snort.
Just then, I noticed Ci-N and David walking toward me, and I felt my emotions rise—I was close to crying.
"We're going home, Jay-Jay!" Ci-N said to the young man. "Take care, and you too, Brother," he added, addressing Kuya Angelo.
Are they siblings?
Kuya just nodded at her. Ci-N hugged me before walking away, but to our surprise, he ran after Kuya Angelo for a hug too. He just laughed in response.
So brave.
"Call us if there's another emergency, and please be safe," David said, patting me on the arm.
"Yes, I will. Take care," I replied before he turned and walked away.
The rest of the group said their goodbyes. Others just waved, like Josh, and started walking with Eren.
I paused for a moment, wondering how they got here when it's obvious no cars pass through this area. My question was answered when I saw them climb into a pickup truck driven by David. They all squeezed in just to get home.
I waved as they drove away.
"Bye! Take care!" I shouted.
"Warnings," Kuya muttered. "Like you."
I snorted. He fished a cigarette from his pocket, but since he didn't have a lighter, he just put it back. He took a deep breath. I could feel the weight of the problem I had given him.
I'm sorry.
"Are we going home?" I asked.
"Yes. I'm just waiting for Yuri—I want to ask him something," he replied, looking at me for a moment. I quickly looked away.
I hope I'm wrong in thinking he suspects Yuri. I didn't leave any clue for Ma'am Cindy, so there's no reason to connect Yuri to anything. I just nodded.
We waited a few more minutes until Yuri came out, now in a change of clothes.
"Have they left?" he asked.
"Yes. You didn't say goodbye," I answered.
"I did before I went upstairs. But I forgot to thank them."
"There's always tomorrow. We'll see them again."
He nodded. I noticed Kuya Angelo watching us, waiting for our conversation to end. I stepped back to give them space, but he was still staring at me, so I moved farther away.
I glanced at Ma'am Cindy and Sir Alvin, who were silently watching us. I walked over to them to avoid more awkwardness and also to listen in on Yuri's conversation.
"It's better if you just tell the truth," Ma'am said to me, catching my attention. "Watson may not be their only target."
"If you're scared of Angelo, we'll explain everything," Sir added.
I knew they were referring to the document I read earlier. I expected them to tease or pressure me about it.
They're trying to push me.
"W-What I said earlier is true. Yuri found that in front of their building," I replied.
I have to stick to my story. I can't just throw Yuri under the bus. I'm afraid to make a mistake and hurt him.
"You see?" Sir said to Ma'am.
"Maybe it's from the ones Yuri fought earlier," she replied.
They exchanged a look—there was something in their eyes. But their moment was interrupted when Sir called over Kuya Angelo. Ma'am and I stayed behind, watching the two talk from a distance.
"I'm not stupid, Mariano. If you really picked that up before coming here, you should've asked me," Ma'am whispered.
I was stunned. I didn't think she'd notice that. I had many chances before. But I can't afford to be late.
"B-because I lost my chance," I replied, my excuse barely holding.
She stared at me. I met her eyes, trying to stand by my words, even though I knew it was hard to believe. But no one warned me that Ma'am doesn't blink when making eye contact. My eyes were almost dry from trying to keep up with her.
My ordeal ended when Kuya Angelo came to get me. He said goodbye, and so did I. I finally turned to Yuri, who smiled sweetly at me.
Yuri…
I tried to return his smile before I turned away. I got into Kuya's car, and we remained silent during the ride. I almost fell asleep if not for the honking cars around us.
The car came to a stop at a red light. From the window, I could see Yuri's building. Even from far away, I could see the black smoke rising from it. That would probably make the news—it's in the business district and visible to everyone.
I couldn't get the paper out of my mind—or why Yuri had it. I kept thinking over and over that he might be planning something… but I didn't want to believe it. They've been friends for so long. Of the four of them, only their friendship remains. If Keifer couldn't tolerate him, I thought at least Yuri could.
"Your silence is starting to bother me. Let me know if you're hungry—there are a lot of drive-thrus around," Kuya said, snapping me out of my thoughts.
Fully awake now.
"Just a burger… maybe three," I replied, and I heard him laugh softly.
The car started moving again and turned into the nearest fast-food drive-thru. He ordered quickly and waited in line to pick it up.
Kuya's side job suddenly came to mind. What if he knows something I don't? What if he's like Yuri? I don't really know much about what Kuya does. I'm constantly surprised by everything I find out—including the fact that he owns a gun.
Kuya…
Sir wants me to tell him the truth. I don't know the real reason, but maybe he can help Keifer. And if he can help Keifer, maybe he can help Yuri too. But… do I trust him enough to tell him?
"Kuya…" I called out, catching his attention. He looked at me. "What if someone close to you wanted to make an attempt on your life?"
I saw a smile form on his lips. "I'd personally congratulate and thank them."
What kind of arrogance is that?
I didn't understand what he meant. Why would he congratulate someone for trying to kill him? It was like he was even challenging them to do it.
"Huh? What if I was the one planning something—would you still congratulate me?"
He smiled proudly. "Because they chose to die at my hands."
Seriously. Who would dare go against him? It's terrifying. What would I even do if I had to face him? No wonder he's so confident.
Classic Angelo.
He handed me the food after we got our order. He only got a soft drink—he looked full. I was the only one who devoured the burger, fries, and ice cream. I probably wouldn't finish everything since Ma'am Cindy and I were just about to eat. But of course, I wasn't going to waste it.
We got home just as Aries arrived with his new car—one that was as tempting to scratch as his face. I got out of the car and headed straight inside to my room, carrying the food Kuya bought.
"Where have you been, Angelo? I thought you were coming back right after dropping off Jay–Jay," I heard Tita ask.
I didn't catch his reply—I'd already closed the door.
I finished the food first before pulling out the folded paper I had hidden. I laid it flat on my study table and took a deep breath.
In my hands, I held proof that someone wanted to take Keifer's life—and the most painful part was, it came from his best friend. I sat on my bed, heart heavy. I didn't know what to do. I wanted to talk to Yuri about it, but what if he lied to me again?
I'm struggling.
I can't ask for help from others because I know it's about a man, and maybe it's just a big mistake. Yuri will be stressed if it happens, and it's already hard for him—I don't want to add more to his burden.
I could tell Keifer about this, but what if he sees it differently? He might get angry at his friend and cause trouble between them. Right now, I can only see one solution: to keep an eye on Yuri and wait for the right moment to get him to confess.
I took my cellphone out of my bag and sent a message to Yuri. I greeted him and told him I was home. I stared at the inbox for a moment, and then I noticed Keifer's message. There was a heart emoji and a smiling face.
I felt even softer as I remembered his smiles toward me—his teasing and flirtatiousness that turned out to be tender. Our mischief and fights. All the trouble that happened between us. I just wanted to cry because of what I thought. The shallow tears turned into sobs when I imagined losing him.
I heard a knock on the door, and it opened.
"Jay, can we talk? What's wrong?" Aries asked as he stepped inside.
He closed the door and came closer.
"It's Keifer, Aries! He's going to be targeted by the 'Kin'!"
He quickly hugged me. "Disappear? He's going to leave you?"
"No! Someone wants to kill him!" I sobbed. "I'm afraid, Aries!" I cried while hugging him tightly.
"N-no… hold on. That won't happen. You know that."
"But I'm still scared! I love him! I don't want to lose him!"
He hugged me tighter and gently rubbed my back. My crying only grew louder.
"Sshh… He won't just disappear. He won't let that happen, and you won't lose him." he comforted me. "So don't think that way. Thinking like that means you're doubting his strength."
"But how can I not be afraid? We're talking about his life here."
He let go of the hug and wiped the tears and cold sweat from my face.
"That's a sneaky plan, but he won't let you lose him. So go on, live, and cry your ugly heart out."
I playfully hit him, and he laughed. He was always good at predicting people's fates. He could even predict what Keifer would do in situations like this.
Yes, the horoscope of the day.
I sat down and wiped my face. What he said was true. Keifer wouldn't lose, and he wouldn't let me lose him just like that.
"Where did you get the idea that someone wanted to kill him?" he asked.
I stared at him, unsure if I should trust him. He had many secrets he never shared with me. He didn't say much, so it was hard to fully trust him. But on the bright side, he was good at keeping secrets.
That was something.
I picked up the paper from the table and handed it to him. He was surprised by what was written on it, especially when he saw Keifer's name and photo.
"That's the list of people marked to be killed," I said, almost crying again—but what he said next stopped me.
"That's the symbol of Hanamitchi," he said while staring at the end of the paper.
I immediately grabbed the paper and looked at it, too. The symbol was faint but marked in red. It looked like the letter 'A' without the horizontal line in the middle—or more like two lines forming a mountain. But it wasn't just a drawing.
They were two swords inside a circle.
"It's not just a doodle. I've seen their symbol at their house."
"It belongs to them. I know it stands for 'Ha,' the first syllable of their last name. But I also know that only certain members of the family use that," he explained.
"Why did you come here?" I stopped when I noticed that he understood the situation.
He immediately grabbed the paper from me and was about to run out of my room, but I stopped him.
"Jay! You're about to involve yourself in another trouble!" he scolded me.
"You don't understand!"
"It's from Yuri's family! You have nothing to do with it!" His tone was mixed with pleading.
"But that's Keifer." I pleaded.
"I told you, Keifer can handle himself. Please don't involve yourself."
I sat on the floor out of frustration and softening emotions. Why can't he understand? The life of someone important to me is at stake here. And Yuri's name—he might end up destroying it too. I know he would do the same thing I'm doing if something happened to Ella.
He might even do worse.
He also sat on the floor and gently made me face him. "Leave it to them, Brother. They will find a way."
"What about Yuri? He could also be ruined. Two people depend on this. Please..." I begged, holding one of his hands.
He stared at me, making me plead even more. I don't know exactly what's going on in his mind, but I hope he listens to me. He took a deep breath before handing the paper back to me.
"I'll leave it to you, but it would be best if you tell Kuya."
I immediately took the paper from his hand, unfolded it, then looked at Aries again.
"Please, don't say anything to Kuya Angelo," I pleaded.
He sighed. "I can't promise. But you need to do it as soon as possible."
I nodded. "I'll try to tell Kuya Angelo."
He looked at me as if he felt sorry for me. I quickly straightened up because I didn't want him to think I was neglecting myself just because of worry.
I'm still beautiful. So they say.
"Please, Jay. Listen to me. Let Kuya fix it," he begged and pulled me in for a hug. "How many times have you perished just to stop?"
"I don't know. But I won't stop for the people who are important to me."
He chuckled softly. "Of course. You're not Jay-Jay, but you are stubborn."
"And you're not Aries, but you can predict the future."
He laughed out loud. "Don't be mad at me."
I kicked him in the side. He was strong, but he was still holding onto me.
"You haven't apologized and you haven't even recovered yet."
He took a deep breath and pulled away from the hug. "Okay. I'm really sorry for hiding it from you. I won't give a reason because it's pointless, but I want you to know that I want to make amends."
My face lit up. "How?"
"I'll convince your mother to let you meet our dad."
"First of all, she's our mother. And second, he's only my father," I corrected him, but he just shrugged.
I like how he's trying to make up for it. He'll help me.