Jay-Jay's POV
Why am I this scared? He's still Yuri. He's still my friend.
"Sshh..." he said as he wiped my cheek with his thumb.
I didn't even realize I was crying. I was still leaning against the wall, and his arms were on either side of my head, trapping me. I couldn't run.
"Sshh... I won't hurt you."
"Y-You're scaring me," I replied, and he chuckled slightly.
He really had the nerve to laugh.
"You wouldn't be scared if you weren't thinking badly of me."
Well, he had a point. If I wasn't thinking badly of him, I wouldn't be this scared. But what can I do? I can't stop myself. There are so many things I don't know about him, and on top of that, he might be having bad intentions for Keifer.
What if he's mad at me for meddling in his plans? Or what if I'm getting in the way of whatever he's plotting? Like in TV dramas, those who interfere with the villain's plans end up dead.
Damn it, Jay, stop thinking like that!
"If you weren't acting this way, I wouldn't be scared," I said, trying to sound brave.
I won't go down without a fight. Even if I'm starving, I'll fight.
He bit his lip, then smiled and said, "You always have a comeback."
Well, obviously!
He grabbed my chin, trying to make me face him. I kept avoiding his gaze, so he ended up holding my jaw instead. My hand instinctively went up to grab his wrist.
"Calm down, Jay. I just want to talk properly," he said, bringing his face closer to mine. "I have no intention of hurting you. You still trust me, don't you?"
Do I still trust him?
I took a deep breath to calm myself. When he noticed my breathing had steadied, he finally let go. I remained against the wall, watching as he picked up the paper with Keifer's name on it.
He unfolded the paper and turned it toward me. "Besides you, who else has seen this?"
I wasn't sure if I should tell the truth. If I lied and he found out, things might get even more complicated. But I couldn't throw Ma'am Cindy under the bus.
"N-No one. Just me."
He stared straight into my eyes. I held his gaze to prove I wasn't lying. I was so relieved when he accepted my answer.
"Do you know what this is?"
I wanted to say no, but who was I kidding? He's isn't stupid. I knew he already suspected that I knew what the paper was. Especially since I ran away the moment he showed it to me. It's not like I could tell him I was just scared of Keifer's picture. That'd be ridiculous.
Tears welled up in my eyes, and he sighed. "Of course, you do. Was it Freya who told you?"
I slowly shook my head. I was confused why he immediately thought Freya was the one who told me. Was it because we'd been talking lately? Or because she had started hanging out with us? Did he know I was eavesdropping on them back at the hospital?
"Tell the truth, Jay. Freya will be in danger if they find out she told someone else about this."
Who are "they"? And why would Freya be in danger?
"S-She didn't tell me anything. Freya and I aren't even close," I explained.
That was true. We weren't friends yet—at least not to the point where we'd gossip without fighting.
He seemed relieved, but he still wasn't done questioning me.
"Then who told you about this?"
I shook my head. "I-I just had a hunch, because some of the other names on that list looked familiar."
"And what was your hunch?"
I took a deep breath before answering. "Y-You have bad intentions toward Keifer. You might bring him down, just like the others whose names are on that list."
He stared at me. He didn't even deny it. It seemed I was right. It seemed Ma'am Cindy was right too. He stepped closer and took both of my hands.
"Listen to me. Right now, I can't explain everything to you yet. But I need you to trust me. Freya, myself, and the others involved in this… we need to break free from the people who sent this list."
I was confused. Why was Freya involved? And break free from whom? The more he spoke, the more confused I became. I was asking for answers, but all I was getting were more questions.
Just give me some answers, damn it!
"You can't tell anyone about this, Jay."
I forcefully yanked my hands away from him. I could see the hurt in his expression.
"How can I be sure you won't hurt Keifer?"
I was really having trust issues now.
He stared at me. "I won't. I know I won't hurt him."
It was so hard to trust him right now, but I still did. Because he's still my friend. Because he's still the Yuri I know. So even though it was against my better judgment, I nodded.
"I won't tell anyone else, as long as you don't do anything that will harm him," I said. It felt like we had come to an agreement.
He smiled at me. This time, I knew it was genuine. I could've gotten angry, confront and lash out at him for what I had discovered, but at that moment, I thought that maybe he was carrying something heavy. I didn't want to become an additional burden to him.
But if I noticed anything suspicious, I wouldn't hesitate to tell Keifer the truth—even if I know their friendship will be ruined again.
"Thank you for trusting me. When the right time comes, I will tell you everything," he said before turning around and leaving the room.
I sank to the floor. My mind was racing. I couldn't help but be afraid for Keifer. I thought I'd have fewer worries now that Ram was gone, but now I had even more to think about.
It would be nice if I actually got smarter from overthinking. But nope—my brain just keep craving food instead.
I sat on the floor for several hours. I even heard Kuya and the others arrive, but I didn't leave the room. I didn't realize I had already fallen asleep right where I was.
I woke up because my back was aching. I tried to stretch but heard my bones crack.
Damn it, did I just break something?
I crawled toward the bed just to find support to stand up. I looked like an old person with arthritis. I was even holding my waist as I stood.
I looked for my cellphone to check the time. It was already 5 AM.I suddenly remembered that today was the day Mama and Tita Gema were leaving.
I fixed myself up in the bathroom first before going out of the room. I found them in the living room, talking. Mama was wrapped up in shawl again, looking cold. As soon as I approached, she immediately saw me.
"You're up early," she noted.
"Nothing much, are you leaving now?" I asked, pointing at the bags they had with them.
"Yes, we're just waiting for your Tito Julz."
I nodded and glanced at Tita Gema, who was busy giving instructions to the house helpers. Then I turned back to Mama.
"You're coming back here, right?" I couldn't shake off the thought that the police might take her in, over there.
She chuckled slightly. "Of course. I'll be looking for work here."
I don't know what came over me, but my body and arms moved on their own as I hugged her. She was clearly surprised by what I did, but she hugged me back.
I have so many things to make up to her. I still want to make it up to her and properly ask for her forgiveness.
Come back here. I'm telling you, even if I have to follow you to jail.
"What's with you?" she asked, but I didn't answer.
I pulled away and said goodbye. "I'm going back to sleep."
I heard Tita Gema's soft laugh. I also said goodbye to Tita. It didn't take long before Tito Julz arrived, followed by Kuya Angelo.
They talked for a little while longer before finally saying goodbye to us.
They got into the car one after another. Kuya stood by the door watching them, while I remained standing exactly where they had left me. I was scared for Mama
.I just hoped no one would report her there.
"Why are you up so early?" Kuya asked after turning around and seeing me.
"My back hurts. I fell asleep on the floor."
"What kind of nonsense did you do this time that you ended up on the floor?"
Nonsense right away? Can't it just be that I simply slept there or fell off the bed?
"Nothing. I really just slept there. Where are Ma'am and Sir?" I changed the subject.
"In the last guest room. Yuri is in Aries' room."
"Aries agreed?" I asked in disbelief.
I knew they were starting to get along, but of course that horoscope guy's mind works differently. He still wasn't comfortable spending too much time with his old friends. It would be good progress if my brother actually agreed.
"As if he had a choice to say no," my cousin replied and turned away from me.
Yeah, of course. You're the law around here.
I went back to my room hoping to sleep some more. But I had already lost my drowsiness, so I tried reading my notes instead. I also fixed the chair that had toppled over last night after I tried to run away from Yuri.
I hoped at least a little bit of the lessons would stick in my head. I might suddenly draw a blank when I'm facing the test paper later. It would be nice if someone could magically answer it for me again.
What if I get sick again? How do I even do that?
I didn't notice the time, so I was surprised when someone called me for breakfast. I immediately followed because I was hungry too. Good thing my stomach held up. I froze for a second when I saw Yuri arranging the table.
He gave me a sweet smile. "Good morning," he greeted.
I just nodded and turned to Ma'am Cindy, who was carrying food. She smiled and greeted me.
Sir Alvin, who was right behind her, did the same."I hope you don't mind us barging in like this."
I shook my head, ready to answer, but Kuya Angelo, who had just arrived, spoke first. "You're not barging in. I invited you to be here."
"Your cousins might still feel awkward. Imagine having their teachers under one roof," Sir Alvin explained.
Sir had a point. It really was awkward having them in the house. But I understood their situation. They needed a place to hide their children. They needed a decent place to stay, even just temporarily, until they could find something proper and permanent.
It was just embarrassing because they would see how we act at home. Maybe I should just stay in my room all the time. Or bring the fridge into my room.
"Good morning," Aries greeted as he suddenly appeared behind me.
Wow, he's like a mushroom now.
"We're all here. Shall we eat?" Ma'am asked, and we all took our seats.
I wasn't comfortable sitting next to Yuri, so I swapped places with Aries. It was a sacrifice though, because I ended up beside Kuya Angelo. Good thing no one noticed what I did. I ate quietly while they continued talking. I answered when they asked me something, but I didn't really join the conversation.
Breakfast ended, and I went back to my room first to get ready. I still hadn't fixed my things in my bag. My notes were scattered everywhere. I moved quickly as I showered and got dressed.
It's exam day. I'm nervous. When I actually reviewed, I end up overthinking so much—unlike before, when I only had stock knowledge—except it wasn't even knowledge, just stock.
At least I got through it.
After getting ready, I stepped out of my room. Perfect timing, since my brother was apparently about to come and get me. He froze when he saw me.
He must've been surprised that I beat him to it. Amazing. Be amazed!
"You're sick, aren't you?" was the first thing he said.
"What now? Just because I got ahead of you?" I replied, annoyed.
He probably thought he could tease me again.
"No, your lips look pale," he said, turning his back on me.
I immediately touched my lips. They were dry, but I wasn't sure if they were pale. I thought this horoscope guy was just trying to mess with me again. He should've just predicted what would happen to me in the exam instead. I followed him without saying anything. I really felt like he was just teasing me.
Could my lips have turned pale because of nerves? I was anxious about our exam; what if all the lessons I repeatedly studied suddenly disappeared from my mind?
Please, just hold on tight to my brain.
Aries and I rode in the same car, though I hesitated when he let Yuri ride with us. Because of that, I didn't talk much during the whole trip to school.
Sir and Ma'am Cindy arrived at school separately. I still didn't understand why they had that setup, but I let it be. Adults are so confusing.
Kuya is the most confusing because he's already an old man.
If my cousin could hear the things I was thinking about him, he'd probably hit me on the head. I just laughed at my own insults toward him. I couldn't say them all to his face anyway, so they'll just stay here in my little brain.
We arrived at school safely. When we reached the parking area, I immediately spotted the King of Snakes. I quickly approached him to try and surprise him, but he had already seen me.
"Ugh, I was about to scare you."
He chuckled softly. "Just do it again. I'll pretend I didn't know."
"Eh? Where's the surprise in that?"
"Add the word 'surprise'," he said, making me pout.
It's so early and he's already messing with me. I punched his arm.
"Annoying—!" I was about to continue when Yuri suddenly appeared in front of us.
Before I even realized it, one of my hands had instinctively grabbed Keifer's arm. He noticed it, glanced at me with a small smile, and then turned to face the King.
Why was I feeling nervous?
"How's Keigan?" Yuri asked.
"Good, I think. He locked himself in his room again, and they had a hard time getting him out, so things got a little chaotic," Keifer explained.
They started walking, so I followed. I let go of Keifer because they were squeezing me between them. I ended up behind him and quickly grabbed the edge of his polo shirt, so I wouldn't lose track of them.
They continued their conversation while I just listened. Yuri would glance at me from time to time, but I avoided his gaze. He also tried asking me questions, but I only gave brief answers.
I felt awkward around him now.
I felt bad for feeling this way toward him.
When we reached the classroom, I immediately noticed how quiet everyone was. I looked at the Snakes and most of them were giving dirty looks toward Drew, Rory, and Edrix, who were in the corner of the room. Some greeted me, but most looked unenthusiastic.
I tried smiling at Drew and the others, but they only gave me forced smiles before looking away. Rory and Edrix did the same. It was obvious they were avoiding me.
"Jay," Keifer called and gently pulled me closer to my table. "Please ignore them."
"Why should I?"
"For your safety," he answered.
I was about to argue, but Keifer looked so serious. If anything, he should be the one avoiding them since he's the next target.
I pouted and just sat down at my table. David was awake today—probably because there was an exam and he needed his brain active. Ci-N, on the other hand, was playing on his phone. Sir wasn't there yet, so I took out my notes to review.
I was reading very seriously, but I wasn't understanding anything.
Right now, I realized it's true that students only become religious when exams are near—because they end up praying for a miracle just to pass. It's almost heartbreaking.
It didn't take long before Sir arrived. He greeted us and subtly glanced at the corner of the room where the three were sitting. It looked like Sir was holding a grudge against Drew. He kept sneaking glances. If I were Sir, I'd take it personally and fail him.
Just kidding. Drew's situation is actually pitiful too. His grades are borderline, and he might not graduate. I hope he can make up for it now so he won't have a harder time later. I know his priority right now is paying off his debts, but a diploma would also help him a lot.
I put away the things I didn't need and kept only what was necessary for the exam. When the test paper reached me, I immediately whispered, "Thank you, Lord." Yes! I won't get a zero. I already have one point.
We started the exam. There were moments when I couldn't remember the answer, but I'm proud to say I remembered most of it. Ci-N was the first to finish and submit his paper, followed by Yuri, the King of Snakes, and David. Almost half of my classmates had already submitted before I finally finished and turned in my own paper.
I handed it to Sir with a wide smile. He even laughed at my expression.
"That was fast. Are all your answers correct?" he asked.
I shook my head while still smiling.
He just gave me a playful smile before accepting the papers from the other Snakes. I went back to my seat and proudly grinned at David. He smiled back because of my reaction.
"You're in a good mood," he said.
"Of course. I remembered a lot from what I reviewed."
"Really? Did you also notice the trick answers?" he asked, which immediately wiped the smile off my face.
Trick answers? What's that?
I shook my head. "Huh? Were there any?"
"Yeah. The answers that you think are correct but are actually wrong," he replied seriously.
I suddenly felt a chill. I hadn't noticed those. Did that mean I picked the wrong answers without realizing it?
"There weren't any," Ci-N chimed in, and a sly grin slowly appeared on David's face.
Ugh, damn it! He was just messing with me.
"I'm just kidding," he said, and I immediately reached out to smack him.
"You jerk! I thought my review was wasted!"
He chuckled softly. I hit him a few more times before stopping when Sir got our attention. He arranged the papers in front of him and waited for us to quiet down.
"I've explained this before, but I'll repeat it. This will be your final exam, but we also have a post-final exam," Sir started, and we all focused on him. "You can make up for a failing grade there, and you can also use that score as your entrance exam result for the university or college you choose."
I nodded, but honestly, I didn't really get it.
"Sadly, not all universities accept the post-final exam score as an entrance exam score. Unfortunately, we're not accredited by those universities. So if you're going to those schools and you pass all your exams, you won't need to take the post-final exam."
The Snakes suddenly cheered, so I turned to look at them. Some even stood up, and Mayo tried to hug Kit, but Kit just pushed his face away, almost making him fall.
"Ouch!" Mayo complained.
"You're so annoying," Kit replied.
I just shook my head. Sir reclaimed our attention again.
"Anyway, scores will be posted on Monday, so enjoy the long weekend," he said. I clapped happily.
No classes tomorrow—Friday! I'm so happy.
After Sir left, we all stood up. I thought the others were ready to go home, but I was surprised when most of them gathered at the back where the three were sitting.
"So what now? You three really have some thick faces!" Denzel said.
Eman tried to calm him down. I couldn't blame him for being mad—his wife almost got accused of being a traitor.
"We needed to take the exam too," Rory answered, but Eren shoved him.
Rory immediately retaliated, starting a fight, but Yuri and David quickly stepped in, pulling them apart.
"What the fuck!" Eren shouted at David.
"Everyone calm down!" David shouted back.
"How can we calm down? You're treating us like criminals here! You guys never even considered our reasons!" Rory said angrily.
"Fuck your reasons!" Blaster shot back. "Did you guys even think about us? Did you ever consider approaching us? You didn't trust us, that's why you all acted on your own."
I wanted to speak up and try to stop them too, but Keifer held me back. He forcefully pulled me away and brought me out of the classroom.
"Wait, aren't we going to stop them?" I asked the King of the Snakes.
"David and Yuri are there. Let's just leave them to handle it for now" He held my hand and pulled me away.
I didn't argue, even though I was really annoyed. If his reason was still about my safety, then I think we no longer have a problem with that. Ram is gone, and I don't know anyone else who would want to hurt or target me except his Monster of a Father.
That was it. I was pissed off.
I thought we were heading straight to the parking lot, but I was surprised when he took me in front of Section A's room.
"Sorry, I can't take you home. I need to take care of something urgent," he said, kissing my forehead. "I'll talk to you later."
"O-Okay. Take care."
Before leaving, he kissed me twice on the lips and grinned.
"That's for the two profanities yesterday."
I rolled my eyes, making him laugh.
He left, waving and winking at me. I had no choice but to wait for my brother to finish so we could go home together.
I wandered around for a few minutes until I saw the Vipers running off in a hurry.
Lastly, I spotted Rory, Edrix, and Drew. They were talking while walking slowly.
"I'm heading straight home. I need to take care of my sibling and my mom," Drew said.
I pouted. An idea suddenly popped into my head.
I hope I don't get scolded for what I'm about to do.