Jay-jay's POV
Finally, it's Friday. I can rest for the two-day weekend. I won't have to put up with the face of that animal, Keifer-kwanan.
"Jay," he called out to me, and I grimaced.
"What?" I replied, annoyed.
He pointed his index and thumb at me, then crossed to form a finger heart, and winked.
I saw Felix, Edrix, Eman, Eren, and Calix burst into laughter. They looked like they were being tickled in the butt.
I blinked repeatedly out of disinterest at the antics of this beastly, idiotic, moronic, crazy, shameless, traitorous, devilish, Nicholas-like King of his fellow Ulupongs.
"Get that away from me, or you'll catch my shoe when I throw it at you," I said before turning my back on them.
Loud laughter erupted from his companions. Keifer started cursing at them one after another.
"You should've put food between your fingers," I heard Eman say. " Then she'd totally blush."
They laughed again. They seemed thrilled to tease me, even dragging their King into it. I glanced at the door as Ci-N walked in, looking utterly defeated.
"Have you seen Drew?" he asked me right away.
I shook my head. "Not yet. Why?"
"He added to his debt with me. I'm already broke, and he still scammed me," he said, annoyed, plopping down on his seat.
Poor guy.
"How much did he take from you?"
"One peso," he replied, sounding like he was about to cry.
You'd think he'd just lost a limb or faced the end of the world the way he said one peso. That was just one peso—imagine if he was the one who owed you 5,000?
"That brings his debt back up to eight pesos,"
"I'm so ashamed it's still not paid back," I mumbled, but he didn't seem to hear me.
"Jay-jay, I'm broke. I spent all my money buying new games," Ci-N said, his eyes tearing up as he stared at his palm, as if watching imaginary money. "I'm so pitiful."
He had no control over money. If it's not something he wants to spend on, he won't—but if it's something he likes, he'll drain every last peso left. He definitely wasn't ready to be independent yet. It's like he has some kind of personal vendetta against cash the moment it touches his hands.
"I feel like I'm a total deadbeat," he added before slumping onto his desk, muttering to himself.
Just because someone borrowed another peso, his dramatic meltdown activated again. He deeply felt the struggle of every missing cent.
"It's just a peso. I'll give you one," I said, about to get my wallet from my bag, but Ci's head suddenly shot up.
"David's coming," he said, as if he had a radar for David's presence. "Let's get him to treat us."
I smiled at that and nodded. We immediately stood up and left the room to meet the Goliath's rival.
We had just reached the ground floor when we spotted our target. We waved at him.
"Dabid!" we called in unison.
He scratched his head. "You want me to treat you?"
We nodded. He let out a heavy sigh before motioning us toward the cafeteria.
We hadn't gotten far when someone called my name. We turned around, and Rory, approaching quickly, greeted me.
"Where are you guys going?" he asked, grabbing my arm. "Let me borrow Jay-jay for a second."
I didn't even get to answer before he pulled me away, glancing around like he was looking for something. I could only scowl because he looked ridiculous.
"What is it?" I asked irritably, pulling my arm back.
"Have you seen Freya here?"
I shook my head. "Doesn't seem she's here yet. She usually hangs out first in front of the main building with her minions."
He nodded. "Alright. Let's wait for her, and then give her this."
He opened his bag and pulled out a small teddy bear hugging a single pink rose. He also took out a classic love letter.
I couldn't help but smile at how cute the teddy bear was. Lucky her—at least someone's giving it to her. I know someone who went all the way to London and didn't even get a teddy bear.
There is an island though.
I arranged the items Rory handed me. He peeked at the parking lot, and when he spotted the witch's car, he pushed me forward.
"Ouch..." I complained, but he just urged me to start walking.
Pouting, I approached Freya's freshly parked car and waited for her to step out. The second she saw me, she rolled her eyes like I'd just ruined her entire day.
"What now?" she asked irritably.
"This is for you," I said, handing her the teddy bear and letter.
She took them and examined the teddy bear. For a split second, I caught the faintest smile tugging at her lips—but she quickly wiped it away.
"This is so corny," she commented as she brushed past me.
Corny? Yeah, but you still smiled.
I waited for her to disappear before I went back to Rory. I gave him a thumbs up.
"I thought she didn't like it—she was scowling so much."
"That's just her default face," I replied, walking ahead.
He followed me. Luckily, the two snakes waited for me.
"Where did you guys come from?" Ci-N asked.
"Just around. We had something to deliver," Rory answered. "Where are you headed?"
"Cafeteria," David replied.
I saw Rory grin. "You treating? Count me in."
Talk about nerve.
Before David could even respond, Rory had already slung an arm around him and started leading the way to the cafeteria. I caught Ci-N's scowl.
"What a mooch. David, don't treat that guy," the little punk said.
Rory turned and just stuck his tongue out at him. I thought they'd start fighting, but thankfully, the cafeteria was already in sight. Since it was still early, there were very few students inside.
Rory quickly let go of David and rushed to the front, but Ci-N tried to beat him to the counter. They almost pushed each other.
"I want a shake, please!" Ci-N said to the vendor.
"Manang, a 1.5-liter Coke, please," Rory said, pulling Ci-N away.
I pouted. A 1.5-liter Coke this early? What's his stomach made of? It's like there's a monster in there.
"These Section E kids are at it so early," I overheard one student say to their companion.
"Ignore them, or they might pick on you," their companion replied.
"As if."
I stepped away from them a bit because I was getting irritated. This one had no filter when talking, and I was worried I might lose it and just punch them.
"How does she even last?" another student whispered. "
"Is she really the only girl?" their companion asked.
Oh, they're talking about me.
"Yeah. Tough, right? Maybe she's a tomboy."
"Maybe. Or she's just flirty," the other one said, and they giggled softly.
I turned and stared at them for a long time. Our eyes met, and though they looked away at first, I kept staring without blinking as long as I could.
"W-what?" one of them asked.
In one swift motion, I raised both hands, bent at the elbows, while lifting one leg. I looked like I was striking a kung fu pose. They were slightly startled and stepped back.
"Jay! Who's your enemy? Why are you in a fighting stance?" Ci asked as he approached me.
The students I was facing immediately walked away. Others who were about to buy food left too, probably scared of me. The cafeteria emptied out, leaving just us and the vendors.
They're scared, huh.
I lowered my arms and leg. "Nothing. I thought they were enemies."
I looked at what they were holding.
Besides the Coke, they'd also bought food like hotdogs, hamburgers, and sausages on sticks.
"My turn to order." I walked over to David, who was paying at the counter. "Dabid! Dabid! Mine too!"
He turned to me, and I noticed the soda and burger in his hands. He handed them to me and took the new order from the vendor.
"You took too long—so I ordered for you," he said and I smiled.
Nice. Nice,David.
"Thanks," I said cheerfully.
I started munching as we walked toward Ci. He laughed when he saw ketchup smeared on my face.
"Starving much?" he teased.
"Not really. Just a little," I answered, taking another bite.
"Let's head back to the room," Rory said, starting to walk out of the cafeteria.
We followed him, chewing as we walked. We could barely talk properly because our mouths were so full—except for David.
We hadn't gotten far when we ran into the Section D students. They looked at us mockingly before one of them suddenly tripped me.
Because I was busy eating, I didn't notice what they did. I fell, crashing face-first onto the concrete path. I felt my teeth and lips hit the ground.
"Jay-Jay!" Ci-N and the others shouted, rushing to me.
"You bastard!" Rory yelled angrily at the one who tripped me.
"Rory!" David called to stop him from starting a fight.
I heard the laughter and taunts from the Section D students, along with the murmurs of other students who'd witnessed what happened.
With the help of David and Ci-N, I slowly got up. My heart sank when I saw my food, now fit only for ants.
I was on the verge of tears.
"Those jerks," Rory muttered angrily, pointing at the retreating Section D group.
My lips and knees were throbbing, but my heart hurt more as I stared at the food I had barely started eating.
Slowly, I also began to feel the pain from my fall.
Tears escaped my eyes involuntarily, and when I looked at David, I couldn't help but wail.
"Daaabbbiiiidddd! My food!" I cried as my tears flowed.
"Oh no! Jay-jay, don't cry. You look ugly," Ci said, and I heard Rory laughing.
Damn them.
"I'll buy you a new one," David said and brushed off my knees, but I winced when he hit a sore spot.
"I-it hurts," I said and looked at my knee.
I didn't see any scratches or wounds, but the pain felt deep, like it was coming from the bone.
"Try to move your knee," he instructed, and I did.
The pain was sharp, and I winced. It seemed like my knee took a bad hit. I also felt my elbow and noticed the pain growing there, too.
I cried even more because of the physical pain I was feeling. And it was all because of those damned Section D pests. It had been so long since we had any trouble, but it looked like they were itching for a fight with our section again.
"I won't be able to walk! Daaabbbbiiiiddd!" I wailed again, and he scratched his head.
He was clearly unsure what to do with me. Meanwhile, my two so-called friends either laughed or teased me.
Thanks a lot! Such great help.
We looked toward the main building when the bell rang. Class was starting, but we were still outside. We saw the other students rushing back to their rooms.
"We need to head back," Rory said.
I tried to take a step, but a sharp pain shot through my knee, and I felt like crying again.
My food.
"There's no time. I'll carry you," David said, preparing to lift me.
Before he could even get in position to carry me properly, I just climbed onto him. He was startled and nearly lost his balance but quickly steadied himself.
I heard Ci-N and Rory burst into loud laughter.
"Damn! She looks like a tarsier!"
I clung to David like a monkey. I didn't even know why I did it this way, but it was better than having to move my injured knee and causing more pain.
"Wrong position, Jay," he said, trying to put me down, but I held on tight.
"I can't move; it hurts!" I said tearfully.
He had no choice but to adjust my position and support my legs. I couldn't blame him because he was carrying me face-forward like a baby.
He started walking, occasionally glancing at me. I was still sniffling, staring at my food on the ground.
We didn't even get to spend much time together. Now I had to say goodbye.
Those damn Section D jerks. They wasted my food.
When David stepped onto the stairs, I winced in pain. My knee kept moving involuntarily, so I wrapped my legs around his waist.
"This is really not a good position," he said, and when I looked at him, his face was bright red.
"Why are you blushing?" I asked, and he looked like he was about to pass out.
"T-too close," he replied, slightly turning his face away.
He paused occasionally to adjust his hold on me. I just clung on tightly, feeling his heart pounding fast.
Maybe I'm too heavy for him. This might be a sign to eat less—though sometimes, signs are wrong.
"You good there, Grandpa David?" Ci teased.
"I will kill you, Ci," he answered, and the cheeky kid just laughed.
We were close to the room when David suddenly stopped. "I'll put you down now."
But instead of agreeing, I tightened my grip on him.
"I can't walk, remember? Put me down right in front of my desk," I ordered.
I heard Rory whistle. "This is a funeral."
He and Ci-N entered the room first. David let out a heavy sigh before walking again. But unlike before, his pace seemed slower.
As soon as we entered, whispers and comments filled the room.
"Braselton," Sir Alvin said.
"You're dead, kid."
"Get down, Jay. Keifer's not in a good mood anymore," someone said in a sing-song voice.
"Why are you carrying Jay-jay like that anyway?"
David slowly put me down, even though I was still far from my table. The moment my feet touched the floor, he suddenly collapsed to the ground.
The Ulupongs let out a string of curses, and they almost simultaneously rushed to pull Keifer off David.
Everything happened too fast. I didn't even have time to blink, and the scene clear to me was the King of the Ulupongs punching David on the floor.
"Grandpa David! Grandpa David!"
"Stop it, Keifer!"
"Listen to David's explanation first!"
"Damn it! Stop!"
"What were you thinking, JayJay?"
"Who are you betting on?"
Keifer wouldn't have stopped if Sir Alvin hadn't stepped in. Rory, Eren, and Kit quickly pulled David away, while Edrix, Yuri, Eman, Drew, Felix, and Calix held Keifer back tightly.
"How dare you hold my girl like that?" Keifer spat angrily at David.
"Is it wrong to help Jay?" David shot back.
Keifer tried to lunge again, but more Ulupongs joined in to hold him back.
"Calm down, Keifer," Sir Alvin ordered.
I still hadn't moved from where I stood. Everything was chaotic, but one thing was clear to me.
It was the same. This was just like before when he mercilessly beat up Kit.
Why does it feel like nothing's changed?
I looked at Keifer, who was still struggling.
"Why are you like this?" I asked, catching his attention. "Why did you say you've changed, but you're still the same as before?"
I saw the change in his expression.
"It's still the same, huh? You're still hurting your friend because of jealousy," I said, feeling my tears threatening to fall.
It felt like he had failed--failed in what he said and what he promised.
"Don't give me that look," he said to me.
Little by little, those restraining him let him go.
"I did. I did change, Jay. But don't do things like that—" he said, as if I were the one at fault.
"Why are you blaming me? If you knew how to be patient, you wouldn't be hur—"
"You're hurting me!" he shouted, silencing me. "This is not just jealousy. Seeing you with David, as if he owns you, is hurting me."
"David is my friend. Why does your mind go to something dirty?" I said, irritated.
"It's not being dirty-minded. Any guy who sees the girl he loves in that situation would feel the same."
I glanced at the Ulupong behind him. Some nodded, clearly agreeing with him.
So now it's my fault.
"David helped me because I couldn't walk after being tripped. Even if my reason was valid, was that still wrong?"
"Why did he have to carry you in that position? It would've been fine if he carried you in a proper way, but in that position, it was like he was shouting to the world that you belonged to him," he said angrily, unable to hide his frustration.
It's turning out that I'm the one to blame for this, and that's why he went after David. I'm the one in the wrong because I let myself be carried in that position.
"So what? What does it matter to you—?"
"Don't," Ci whispered.
"Are we even together?"
The Ulupongs reacted one after another. Some turned away and hit the wall. Others slapped their foreheads.
"Magic word."
"It's over."
"The fight's done."
I don't know why, but it felt like I said something wrong. It was a big slap, not just to him but to me as well.
"So what?" he echoed, mimicking me. "So what if we're not together?"
We all waited for what he would say next.
"Do it even matter?" he asked, and I winced. "When you're the only one I love."
The idiot Ulupongs suddenly erupted in cheers. Some were jumping, others even hit me playfully. They were practically rolling on the floor.
I looked at David, who just shook his head with a small smile. Sir Alvin let out a soft laugh while shaking his head. Yuri just sighed, but it was obvious he wanted to smack Keifer for that line.
I wanted to smack him too. Him and his fellow Ulupongs.
They were more thrilled about it than I was.