Jay-Jay's POV
"Aaaarrrrgggghhhhhhh!!!!"
I have such a headache! I didn't even get drunk last night, but this hangover is killing me. I pressed my head, trying to ease the pain, but it was useless.
I groaned, rolling around in bed. Ugh! If this is the price I have to pay for drinking, I might as well swear off alcohol!
It hurts so much!
A knock on my bedroom door pulled me out of my misery.
"Jay…" Aunt Gema's voice came from the other side. "...Get up. You have to go to school for lunch."
"Y-you go ahead!" I called back.
I forced myself to sit up, even though my head felt like it was glued to the pillow. Dragging myself to the bathroom, I suddenly felt how heavy my body was.
I was exhausted. I felt sick.
Sitting back down on the bed, I ran a hand through my hair.
Queen.
A sudden memory flashed in my mind.
Last night, while I was dancing, I thought I saw him—the King of the Dimunung Serpents. He was standing in the middle of the dance floor, staring right at me.
Impossible! It must have been the alcohol messing with my head. What would he be doing at Kingsground? He's not the type to party.
Shaking off the thoughts, I tried to pull myself together. I headed straight to the bathroom, hoping a cold shower would wash away the headache. I stayed under the water for a long time, too sluggish to move quickly.
Once I was done, I got dressed and walked out of my room. The first person I saw in the living room was Aunt Gema.
"Are you going to school?" she asked.
Nope. I'm going home. Home!
"I think I'm running late," I lied.
She nodded with a small smile. "Be careful."
I didn't respond and just walked out of the house. I could see the worry in her eyes, but I couldn't blame her. Ever since everything happened, my heart had distanced itself from them.
Grandma had already left too. She didn't even say goodbye properly because I wasn't home when Kuya took her. It hurt, knowing she left before we could talk about what happened… about the slap.
She always had an explanation whenever she hurts me. Even after everything, I still wanted to hear it. I didn't want to hold a grudge against her.
First, I stopped by a store to buy some medicine. My head was still pounding.
"A painkiller," I told the shopkeeper. "...Something for headaches."
He nodded, smiling, and quickly grabbed the medicine I asked for.
As I waited, I noticed a couple talking at the counter.
Tch. Thank you! But you won't last long! He's just fooling you, sis!
The shopkeeper returned with the medicine. "That'll be 17.50."
"Do you have anything else?" I asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Do you have medicine for a broken heart?" I asked seriously.
His eyes widened in surprise. "W-what?"
"A cure for the brokenhearted?"
He chuckled, shaking his head. "Nope."
"How about medicine for someone on the verge of going crazy because of heartbreak? Do you have that?"
This time, he laughed outright.
Pfft. What an idiot.
I handed him the money and took the medicine. Useless! That's why it's so hard to buy medicine—because they don't even sell the ones I really need.
After getting my change, I headed to the Mini Mart. I bought some water and food since I hadn't eaten breakfast yet.
As I was eating, someone suddenly sat on the bench in front of me.
That idiot Percy. He was grinning from ear to ear.
"Man, look at that stubble!" Percy greeted me. "...Good thing I'm handsome!"
What the hell is he talking about?
This guy's shamelessness is getting worse. I should take him to a doctor—no, scratch that! He's already crazy!
"Are you ready?" he asked.
"For what?"
"Seriously?! You weren't even listening last night! I told you we're going out!" He sounded annoyed.
I don't remember him saying anything like that!
"W-where are we going?" I asked.
He groaned, scratching his head. "The amusement park!"
I immediately frowned. I wasn't in the mood for that place. I had too many memories tied to it. I'd rather go somewhere else.
"I-I have work," I lied.
"Oh, come on! You're not even in school right now," he pointed out, completely unimpressed with my excuse.
Damn it! How did he know?!
"You knew?!" I asked, annoyed.
"Of course! Me too!" He winked at me.
Ugh. Probably because of David. That snitch! Why does he always have to report everything? It's so frustrating! I feel like someone's watching my every move.
I ignored Percy and continued eating. After taking my medicine, I rested for a bit. My headache was getting worse—probably because of this idiot sitting in front of me.
I'm losing my mind, just like him!
I sighed, staring outside. Days like this were boring. Skipping school made everything feel empty. Kuya Angelo and I barely interacted anymore—I felt like a mosquito, just existing in the background.
I knew he heard about me skipping classes. So far, I was just lucky that I hadn't run into him yet.
"He's here," Percy suddenly said, making me turn to him.
Who?! WHO?!
"But—"
Before he could answer, the bell at the Mini Mart's door rang—someone had just walked in.
I tensed up, my mind immediately racing.
Then, he stepped inside.
David. With all his social instincts intact.
"What are you doing here?!" I asked angrily as he walked toward me.
He lowered his head and avoided my gaze.
But I had to admit—I let out a small breath of relief.
For a second, I thought it was Kuya Angelo. Damn you, Percy! Stop messing with my head!
"Relax… You're too tense," Percy teased, standing up and patting David's shoulder. "Chill out, man."
David sat in front of me, but I continued to glare at him.
Feel it, David. FEEL THE HATRED.
If only it were possible to attach a laser to my eyes—I've wished for it for a long time. The word anger is not enough to express my feelings.
"Jay-Jay," he called me. "...I want to apologize—"
I didn't let him finish. I immediately stood up to leave, but his hand quickly grabbed mine, stopping me.
"Please, Jay... Listen to me first."
Please, talk to him.
I don't want to listen. He'll just tell another lie. I can't believe him!
"Then what?! Are you going to use this opportunity to fool me again?!" I shouted angrily.
"I have no reason to do that," he said calmly.
I was stunned. He had a point—he had no reason to lie. Unless... he just wanted my forgiveness.
I tried to pull my arm away from his grip, but he tightened his hold.
"Let go, or I'll scream," I threatened.
I looked around. We were the only ones here, except for the two Mini Mart employees. If I screamed—it wouldn't make much of a difference.
"Look... I'm sorry. I'm sorry for kissing you."
Shit.
I was stunned by his words. Why does he need to apologize for that? That kiss was one of the reasons—one of the reasons for the pain I feel.
I sat back down in front of David. His eyes were filled with sadness as he looked at me.
"I'm sorry for everything. For lying to you and for kissing you," he began. "...I know you won't accept my apology, but I'm willing to take a chance."
Questions had been forming in my mind since that night. Now, the opportunity was right in front of me, and I wanted answers. Just like he said, he was willing to take a chance—so he should also be willing to answer my questions.
I took a deep breath, clearing my mind of all distractions. Looking him directly in the eyes, I asked:
"Why did you kiss me?"
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
David's POV
Why, David?!
Why did I kiss her that night? Maybe because of her tear-streaked eyes. Maybe because of her lips—those lips she kept biting. Maybe because I took advantage of the situation.
Maybe because I wanted her.
Her gaze is full of reproach, as if she blames me for what happened that night. But the truth is, I should be the one to blame.
I can't answer. I don't know how to explain it to her.
"Do you want something from me?" she asked next.
Yes, I do!
I wanted to scream it out, but I couldn't. I looked away for a moment before facing her again.
"I don't," I said, looking directly into her eyes. "...I don't want anything from you."
"Then why did you kiss me?!" she demanded angrily.
Because I ficking like you. Because I'm starting to fall for you.
"I had to make Keifer confess the truth. Kissing you was—"
"I don't understand," she cut me off. "...Keifer cheated on me. He didn't love me, then why was he so angry about what you did?!"
If only you knew.
I shrugged. "But it made him angry."
She fell silent, seemingly deep in thought. Keifer was furious that night. He nearly killed me for what I did. He was just as angry with Kit when he found out the truth. I almost ended up in a coma—it took me a long time to wake up.
"I'm sorry, Jay. We weren't involved in that plan at first because we didn't even know you then. But we kept everything a secret—we hid the truth from you," I explained.
I still remember the day I came back. After the incident between Jay-Jay and Freya, I returned to regular classes.
*Flashback*
"Who?" I asked.
"Jay-Jay," Drew replied. "...We have a bet. Want to join in?"
That girl.
I didn't think it was a good idea—especially since Jay-Jay had helped me. Sure, I saved her from the bucket of mud and worms, but I still owed her a lot.
"I'm not interested," I said and leaned back to sleep, but someone poked me.
"...What?"
"W-Well, b-because..." Ci-N stuttered, pressing his index fingers together. "...I-I have something to ask."
I sat up straight, crossing my arms as I looked at him. He had that childish mannerism again.
"Do you agree with their plan to hurt Jay-Jay?" he whispered.
I knew he didn't want the others to hear. I stood up, grabbed him by the collar, and lifted him slightly. I was taller than him, so it was easy—like carrying a puppy.
I dragged him to the side of the room, under a tree. It would be difficult to talk in the classroom.
"A-Ah! What's this about?!" he complained.
"Let's talk," I said directly. "...I don't agree with their plan. But I can't do anything about it."
"Because... I feel sorry for Jay-Jay," he admitted, pouting.
"We don't have a choice. Keifer has turned into a demon again, and we have nothing against what he wants."
"What are we going to do?"
I looked at him. "We?"
"Yes. You're against the plan too, right?" He rolled his eyes. "...So let's come up with our own plan. We'll be like Jay-Jay's bodyguards... or detectives... or something."
I couldn't speak anymore because of the sheer number of words he had said. He knew something about spies and had many spy gadgets. I was shaking because of what he expected from me.
"Look, Ci-N... We can't do anything. We can't join the plan, but we can't speak up either. If we interfere, Keifer will come after us," I explained.
His shoulders fell. "Keifer wants me to gain Jay-Jay's trust and learn her story," he said sadly.
"Are you going to do it?"
"I don't know."
Ci-N couldn't disobey Keifer. He couldn't even fight back. If only I could fight alongside him again. But if this one was small, I might just kick him, and the fight would be over.
I held him by the head and returned to the room. He followed me. As soon as we stepped inside, chaos erupted.
"That will also be given... Keifer even more!" Felix said proudly.
"If not! Be stubborn!" Denzel retorted.
"As long as I have 1,000, I'll bet that too!" Rory shouted.
"2,000 for me!" Edrix added enthusiastically.
"1,500—no way I'm giving that up!" Drew declared.
"Still the same bets as before!" Eman chimed in.
I was shaking. They had already planned everything—even placed bets. I felt sorry for Jay-Jay. What would happen to her?
*End of Flashback*
If only I had known this would happen. If only I had realized how painful it would be for her. If only I had known... I wish I had fought Keifer. I wish I had told the truth sooner. I wish I had defended her throughout Section E.
"I—I don't know," she started, taking a deep breath. "...I don't know if I can forgive you."
I bowed my head. I knew it.
"...But..." I looked up at her. "...I don't want to talk about it. Maybe I can't forgive you right now, but maybe..." She forced a smile. "...in the coming days, weeks, or months, I will."
Those words were enough. She was still the soft-hearted girl we knew. She was still our Jay-Jay.
I took something from my pocket and handed it to him. It was an invitation from Ci-N. She looked at it for a moment before opening it.
"A birthday party?" She examined it again. "...What is this? A children's party?"
I chuckled a little because the design of Ci-N's invitation looked childish. "No. It's Ci-N's birthday party—February 14—and he wants you to be there."
Because I told him we would meet, he wanted to come, but I stopped him. Maybe we wouldn't be able to talk properly if he were there.
I could see the sadness in Jay's eyes. I was sure she missed Ci-N too.
"I—I don't know if I can go," she said, trying to hand the invitation back to me, but I stopped her.
"You still have a week to think about it. I know you're upset with Ci, but he didn't like that plan either." I smiled and stood up. "...I have to go. I still have school."
He looked up at the mention of school. I knew she still wouldn't return. Who could blame her? After everything that happened, I might not even want to study anymore.
"I know Percy will take good care of you," I added before leaving.
As I stepped out of the Mini Mart, I saw Percy waiting for me. He patted my arm when I stopped in front of him.
"You did the right thing," he said. "...Jay-Jay's situation is already a mess. I don't want you getting involved."
I nodded. "I know. I don't want to get into trouble either."
"Maybe in the future, if things settle down, I might even help you court her," he added with a smile.
I smiled back. "Maybe."
He nodded and went back inside the Mini Mart. I walked straight to my car and got in.
I understood Percy. That's why I didn't want to like Jay-Jay. Her situation was too messy right now, especially after finding out the truth about her past.
I pitied and admired her at the same time. She remained standing despite everything. That was the Jay-Jay we knew.
The Jay-Jay I liked.
It was a shame I met her under such terrible circumstances. If only she hadn't been Aries' sister. If only Keifer hadn't used hee. If only Yuri hadn't manipulated her. If only our classmates hadn't betrayed her. If only...
If only I could fight for you. But I can't.