JayJay POV
"Jay…" Kuya called slowly, his tone carrying a warning.
I ignored him and kept staring at the red-haired girl. She looked ridiculous fussing over Yuri, while the other one looked confused.
"I'll take your food," Kuya threatened, so I quickly faced him. "Stop staring at them."
"Do you know that girl?" I asked in a near-whisper.
He shook his head. "Never seen her before."
I was starting to get intrigued by her because of the way she acted. Add to that the fact that we had only officially met her today. What I couldn't figure out was why she was at Yuri's house earlier and why she was picking a fight with me. At first, I really thought she was an enemy, but now, seeing how she was fussing over the other red-haired person, I was getting even more uneasy at her.
I continued eating even though she wouldn't leave my mind. While everyone else was busy with their own food and conversations, Keifer kept putting food on my plate.
"Hey! I won't be able to finish all this!" I said, annoyed.
"You just think that," he said and added more rice.
He even smiled at me before focusing on his own plate.
I glanced at the red-haired girl when I noticed her staring at me and Keifer.
She turned to Yuri and said something in Japanese. It looked like she asked a question.
Yuri looked at us awkwardly before answering her. "You can ask them."
She looked at both me and the King, curiosity all over her face. I couldn't help but feel nervous. The way she looked at us was way too intriguing.
"Are you two dating?"
What?
I answered immediately, already suspecting what the King would say.
"No."
"Yes."
We spoke at the same time, and I wasn't wrong. I heard Kuya Angelo curse beside me. Sir and Ma'am let out a small laugh.
"Jay!" Kuya called, and I quickly shook my head at him.
"No way! Keifer's just messing with us!"
Kuya glared at Keifer. "What the hell are you thinking?"
"That's where we're heading anyway," the King replied, and I nearly snapped my neck turning to look at him.
I shot him a deadly glare.
You better stop it, damn you.
"It's okay… I know you're not ready to be officially with me. But I know deep inside you, you love me too," he said with an innocent smile.
"Are you okay?" I asked, almost in tears.
He said that like Kuya Angelo wasn't sitting right beside us. He said it like I wouldn't get in trouble with Kuya. He said it like everything would be fine—but I definitely wouldn't be fine once Kuya got his hands on me.
"You're an idiot," I muttered under my breath.
I heard Kuya exhale deeply, like he was holding back his anger.
Keep holding it in, Kuya.
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that," he said and went back to eating.
Same here. 'll pretend I'm not about to get struck by lightning from him. I'll pretend I'm fine, even though I'm already bracing for his sermon.
Let's all pretend.
I went back to eating and immediately noticed how the red-haired girl kept looking at me. It was like she was trying to dissect my soul.
I narrowed my eyes at her. You've been staring for a while now.
She turned to Yuri and said something in Japanese again. Yuri suddenly choked on his food, coughing so hard it seemed like his lungs might burst.
I had a feeling whatever she said was about me, judging by the way Yuri looked—like he was awkward and embarrassed.
I just kept eating. I'd only get scolded if I kept observing them anyway. Besides, the king wouldn't stop piling food on my plate if I didn't focus on eating.
We almost finished eating at the same time. The red-haired girl volunteered to clean up. I smirked because I didn't have to move anymore, but Sir Alvin and Ma'am Cindy still helped her.
"There you go, just eating and not even helping clean up," Kuya teased me. "Pity the person who'll marry you. You're too lazy to take care of things."
"Huh? What does not cleaning up have to do with getting married?"
"It's okay, we have lots of maids. Jay doesn't need to move at all to do house chores," the King chimed in on our conversation.
We both stared at him, blinking. What was he talking about? I was starting to worry about his state of mind. And why were we suddenly talking about marriage? It's Kuya's fault — saying random things out of nowhere.
"What makes you think you two will end up as husband and wife?" Kuya Angelo asked threateningly.
"I just know," he replied with a smile.
All that was missing were flowers and butterflies surrounding him. He was so confident that we'd end up together. The strength of his conviction was unbelievable.
Where was he even getting this confidence from? Maybe I could borrow some.
Kuya turned to me like he was trying to read my mind, as if he could see any secret I was hiding deep inside. He's probably thinking I already have a relationship with the King of Snakes.
But we don't even have a proper label.
The only secret I was keeping was my hidden stash of food. Food I sneaked out of the kitchen while everyone was asleep and hid in my room. They were safe with me.
I glanced at Yuri, who was just smiling at our conversation. It was obvious he wasn't really listening and had something else on his mind. I was about to approach him when Ma'am Cindy beat me to it and signaled him. It looked like they were leaving to pick up the rest of Yuri's belongings that hadn't been damaged by the fire.
She excused themselves after a quick goodbye and left. The red-haired girl followed them, giving me a look that seemed like she was teasing me. I pouted and rolled my eyes. This girl really had a problem with me.
Maybe she was just jealous because I was prettier.
When they left, Kuya went over to Sir Alvin to talk to him, leaving me alone with the King of Snakes. I immediately felt him sidle up close, prompting me to scoot away.
"Behave yourself. Kuys is right there," I warned him.
He just smirked. "Like I'm scared," he said arrogantly. "We might even end up fighting right here."
"Oh, really?" I asked sarcastically. "Want me to call him over now?"
"Don't. He's busy talking to Sir Alvin," he answered quickly.
I thought he wasn't scared?
"You backing out now?" I teased, and he seemed a bit offended.
"Want me to show you how brave I am?" he challenged.
I gave a small nod, already sensing the trouble he was about to cause. I wasn't too worried, though — my brother was right there, and I knew he'd come running at one shout from me.
"Come on..." he said, inviting me, but I didn't move. "Come on... let's go a little farther."
Why did we need to go father?
"Hurry up," he urged me.
"Why? We can stay here," I insisted.
He shook his head. "We need to go over there."
I glared at him. "You better not try anything funny. Kuya is right there."
He chukled softly. "What funny business?" He took my hand and pulled me along.
"Don't play dumb. Acting all innocent?" I let him drag me back to the living room.
When we got there, he glanced around briefly before suddenly wrapping one arm around my waist. I almost screamed, but he quickly covered my mouth. He only let go once he was sure I wouldn't yell.
I immediately smacked his chest. "Isn't this funny business? Let go of me."
I tried to push him away, but now both his arms were wrapped around my waist. If Kuya caught us like this, Keifer wouldn't be the only one in trouble — I'd be toasted too. And Kuya hadn't even finished his earlier sermon yet — and it looks like I'm about to add to it.
I really needed to behave right now.
Kuya might get fed up with me and use his "side hustle" on me. Just when I'm about to see Papa again, I might end up seeing angels in heaven first.
"Just a hug. I just want to hug you," Keifer pleaded.
"If Kuya catches us, your arms are getting chopped off," I threatened, but he just laughed.
He rested his head on my shoulder and I felt his deep breathing. That's when I realized slowly why he was acting this way. I could feel his exhaustion, and it seemed like he had his own worries. I must've added to his worries earlier when I told him I was dodging bullets in a shootout.
I've only made his stress worse.
"I feel useless," he whispered.
Before I knew it, my arms had wrapped around him too. I only noticed when his embrace tightened around me.
"Why do you feel useless?" I asked.
"I wasn't there to help Yuri. Yes, we're rivals in some things, but he's still my best friend. I care for my friends equally, but when it comes to Yuri, it hits differently," he said, and I knew he meant it.
From then until now, even when they fought, Keifer never fails to show how much he values Yuri. Even when their friendship was on the verge of breaking because of me, he was still willing accept his best friend back. I know why. He didn't want another Percy in his life — another friend who would disappear from his life. So, no matter how much they argued, he'd always accept Yuri.
It was amazing that there's someone like him. Even though they have different views, goals or beliefs, he still accepts his friend unconditionally. I guess that's how true friendship is, after all — no matter your differences, as long as you accept and respect each other, there won't be a problem.
Though it's definitely more fun when there's a bit of mischief involved.
"It wasn't your fault. He dialed the wrong number," I said, patting his shoulder. "Our names are right next to each other. J and K."
"He should've double-checked before calling. Even you got put in danger."
"But I'm okay, right? Whole, nothing missing, nothing extra. Don't worry about it anymore — we need to focus on what we can face now, just like Ma'am Cindy said."
He sighed deeply before nodding. "But please, keep yourself out of harm's way." His embrace tightened again. "I wouldn't be able to handle it if something happened to you."
I paused, thinking over his last words for a moment. Keifer was making my heart race again — it was getting a little out of hand. My defenses were crumbling fast. Without realizing it, I hugged him tighter.
"You keep repeating yourself. I told you, I'll be careful," I whispered to him.
"You're so stubborn," he said, and I chuckled softly.
I paused to think. What was I doing? I was getting too attached to him even though we didn't have anything official. As embarrassing as it was to admit, I liked the attention he gave me. I like it when he was this affectionate. But we couldn't keep going like this without clarity.
Maybe I was right in what I'd been thinking—maybe it was time. Maybe I was ready. There was still fear and have some doubts, but I'd never truly know if I'd forgiven him completely unless I tried. In the short time since he'd come back, so much had already changed.
Maybe... we could finally be us.
"Keifer..." I called his name. "Is it okay with you if we stay like this, without a label?"
He chuckled softly. "At first, yes. But I later realized it's better if we have a proper relationship status. I want to legally call you mine, and you do the same to me."
"Why so formal?"
He let go of me and held my hand. "Felix told me the consequences of not having a label. He also said people might think you're just my side chick — and I don't want that. So I realized it's better if we make things official." His brow furrowed for a moment as he stared at me. "Why are you asking me that?"
"Um... because... I just suddenly remembered because you seem to change your mind so quickly," I mumbled, scratching my head.
"If it's for your sake, I'll change my mind in a heartbeat."
So cocky. Huh! For my sake,
"Fine, you win..." I muttered and interlocked our fingers together.
He stared at our joined hands, and so did I. I took a moment to feel the warmth of his palm against mine.
Keifer and I are almost the same age, but his hand is so much bigger than mine, making my hand look like a child's. It's like a duck's webbed foot with worn-down nails. Good thing it's pretty clean now.
"Is something bothering you?" he asked.
I shook my head and forced a smile, looking up at his face. I always found myself startled by his features. Maybe because I spend so much time avoiding his gaze, probably to shield myself from my own weakness. So, whenever I had the chance to really look at him, I felt shy.
He smiled at me softly before tucking a loose strand of my hair behind my ear. The way he took care of me felt…different. Suddenly, I missed the times we used to fight — even the silly little pranks I pulled on him that he never knew about (and never would).
I'll take those secrets to my grave.
Is it too fast if we got together right away? Everything just happened recently. He had only just come back and explained himself. I only just noticed the changes in him. And I only just realized he's been improving himself. But all of that has only been a few months—even though we've been flirting for so long.
Yes, I admit it — our mutual flirting.
There's probably nothing wrong with becoming official despite the short time, right? After all, only we know what we've been through and when the right time is for us.
"Jay?" he called when I didn't respond.
"Keifer..." I began. "I-I think..." He waited for me to continue. My grip on his hand tightened as nervousness took over, and I started sweating even though the temperature inside Sir Alvin's house was perfectly fine.
"What do you think?" he asked impatiently.
"I think... w-we... c-can... b-be..." I stammered from nerves.
Breathe! Just breathe!
There was no reason for me to be nervous, but I couldn't help it. It felt like I was about to reveal a secret code, and if he didn't get it, it would mean the end of our lives.
I also felt a bit shy. Proposing a relationship isn't exactly my thing. I'm the type to just answer "yes," "no," or "sure."
I was supposed to be the girl here.
"U-Us..."
"Us?"
I was starting to have second thoughts. Why does it feel so fast? Way too fast. Faster than the speed of light. Faster than Lightning McQueen. Faster than the Flash. It shouldn't be this fast—it should be a little slower.
I stared at his face, which was clearly waiting for what I was going to say. I'd regret it if I didn't continue what I was about to say. It was a perfect opportunity since it was just the two of us. Besides, I was feeling unusually brave today - brave enough to keep holding Keifer's hand even with Kuya Angelo lurking nearby
I might not have a hand left after this.
"Is everything alright?" he asked, getting impatient.
"I'm fine... I just want to s-say t-that..."
I couldn't bring myself to finish my sentence. My tongue kept tying itself up because of my nerves. Ugh, it's like I'm the one courting him here.
Courting?
Come to think of it — I don't recall this guy ever properly courting me.
I grimaced, my eyebrows knitting together.
"Have you ever actually courted me?" I asked, irritated.
He blinked, looking as if his brain was saying, 'You gotta be kidding me.'
"Haven't all the things I've done for you counted as courting?"
I covered my mouth with one hand after his response. He had a point — with everything he had done and given me, it could definitely be considered courting. But I had a different kind of courtship in mind, the old-fashioned kind.
"Well... I guess it counts," I replied, though neither of us seemed fully convinced.
"Do you want me to court you traditionally?"
I quickly shook my head. "N-No. What you've done is okay. At least it's unique and not something anyone would copy."
"You sound sarcastic."
I blinked. "I'm not —"
"It's fine with me. I'll serenade you in front of your house."
I didn't know whether to laugh or wince at what he was saying. He could serenade me if he wanted to, but he'd better prepare for Kuya and our neighbors Our house was always chaotic, so I wouldn't be surprised if neighbours got disturbed.
They can move out if they don't like it.
"And what would you even sing?"
"I'll compose my own song. Blaster can help me."
I smiled. That was quite an effort for a serenade. Maybe I should make him sing an Eminem song.
"No need," I quickly declined.
"Why not?"
"It's fine already, isn't it? You've done so much for me. I think that's enough" I said softly, and he stared at me.
I stared back into his eyes. I could tell he was clearly waiting for what I'd say next. It was like he was waiting for a specific word. But just like earlier, my tongue retreated again.
Magic word?
"T-together…"
I felt his hand tighten around mine.
"Together….we—"
"IS ANYONE HOME?" a loud shout from outside the house cut off what I was about to say.
Oh, crap!
"ANYONE THERE?" the shout came again.
Keifer and I let go of each other as Kuya Angelo appeared with Sir Alvin. They quickly went to the door to check who it was.
"Are you sure this is the right house? We might be lost," someone outside said, and I recognized the voice.
I followed Kuya and the others outside, and I wasn't wrong — our friends, the Ulupong gang, were standing outside, waiting for someone to answer the door.
Great timing.
"There's Sir — oh, it's Jay-Jay!" Eren called out, pointing at me.
"Jay-Jay!" Ci shouted and ran to hug me.
I hugged him back, and we spun around like we hadn't seen each other in ten years.
"How did you find my house?" Sir Alvin asked, puzzled.
I was a little surprised by his demeanor — he switched back to the strict Sir Alvin we knew from school, unlike the more relaxed version from earlier.
Hehe. Double hanger.
"Keifer, Sir," Felix answered. "He gave us your address so we could come here."
"I said after class," the King said, who was apparently standing beside me now. He glanced at his watch. "Lunch break is just about over."
The others chuckled awkwardly, scratching their heads. Looks like these guys cut class. Impressive.
Sir Alvin sighed deeply. "I need to call your next subject teacher."
He turned and went back inside the house.
I looked at Kuya, who was shaking his head at us. The Ulupong gang fell silent, avoiding his gaze out of awkwardness.
"I don't see the point of you guys being here," Kuya said, crossing his arms.
I wanted to yell at him for what he said. I could feel the embarrassment of our friends. He didn't even bother to find out the real reason they came; he just said that outright.
Seriously, can't they just be worried too?
"We just got lazy to go to class," Ci-N answered, smiling.
"You're such a blabbermouth!" Mayo scolded Ci.
I winced. I thought they came because they wanted to know what happened and were worried. Turns out, they were just too lazy to go to class.
Nice one.
My brother shook his head again, clearly disappointed.
"We're here because we cared for our friends," David said, staring Kuya down.
"Yeah, right," my brother replied sarcastically before turning his back on us and following Sir Alvin inside.
Once he was out of sight, the Snakes gathered around. They each had their own reactions to what Kuya did, but their questions took over.
Where's Yuri, and what happened?