Keifer's POV
I think something is wrong. As far as I remember, I'm the oldest among the three of us. But why does it seem like Keigan is acting older than me now?
"Why do you act like you know better than the doctor?" he asked while glaring at me.
I couldn't even swallow my food because of what he was doing. Even the butlers and maids were puzzled by his behavior.
It's early in the morning, yet he's already lecturing me. He was angry because I left the hospital even though I wasn't supposed to.
We were supposed to have a normal breakfast, but my brother chose to scold me while we were eating.
"Babylyn!" He called one of the maids, and we all flinched because of his voice. "…Make sure to follow the diet that the doctor prescribed for my brother."
"Yes, Sir—."
I cut them off. "You don't have to."
"No! You have to." Keigan insisted. I was starting to get annoyed by his attitude.
He acts like he knows better than me, and now it seems like he's the boss of the house.
I drank my water vigorously and looked at him straight in the eye.
"I said, you don't have to." My tone was calm, but it still carried authority. "…Are you seriously going to interfere with what I eat too?"
"The doctor said it's necessary for your wound to heal quickly."
"Like this is something new to you. I've been stabbed and had broken bones before, yet I never followed any diet plan. I don't even take my medicine."
He wiped his lips with a table napkin after putting down his spoon and fork. He looked at me seriously, showing no sign of backing down from the conversation.
"Things are different now. You can't afford to show any weakness. We already talked about this before."
"I have no weakness—."
He chuckled bitterly. "Oh really? Then what do you call that wound of yours? Why did you get stabbed in the first place?"
I looked away. He doesn't know that I was saving Jay-jay. What he knew was that I got involved in a simple fight—that the people we previously fought came back and ganged up on me when I was alone.
"I was occupied. I didn't notice the knife." I explained simply.
I saw him mouth 'bullsht'*. I didn't like that he spoke that way in front of me. I crossed my arms, my forehead creasing.
"Yes, it is really bullshit. Especially since you weren't there and didn't see what exactly happened!" My voice was starting to rise.
He looked guilty before avoiding my eyes. I checked my wristwatch and let out a heavy sigh.
"Get ready, you're going to be late for school." I said, looking at Keiren.
He looked uncomfortable—maybe because of our conversation. Keigan and I were practically arguing in front of him.
"I-I'm done." He said, almost whispering.
I forced a smile. "Your personal butler will drive you to school."
"Why not you?"
I pointed at the part of my body where I got stabbed.
He tilted his head slightly to look at it.
"Still giving me trouble to drive." I explained, and he nodded.
I signaled his butler to approach him. The butler tried to carry his bag, but my youngest brother was stubborn. He insisted on carrying it himself.
Keigan followed them after.
"Make sure you won't do something crazy again." He said before leaving the dining room.
I signaled the maids to leave as well.
I want to be alone.
I ran both my hands over my face. I gave Keigan my full trust for the plans we made, but why does it feel like he's taking advantage of the situation to make me follow his orders?
I'm so confused about his behavior. But for now, I should focus on the bigger problem we have.
For now, I have to go to school.
I took my phone and dialed Yuri's number. It only took a few seconds before he answered.
"Are you heading to school? I'll ride with you again."
I heard him sigh. ["You know I'm picking up Jay-jay, right?"]
I smiled mischievously. "I know. That gives me even more reason to ride along."
["Fine. I'm on my way."] he said, and I ended the call.
I stood up and grabbed my bag, which only had a single notebook inside. I walked out of the house and noticed some bodyguards in the garage. I quickly approached them.
"I told you not to show up here. What are you doing?" I asked, sounding irritated.
"Sir… Just reporting. We saw some of your father's men lurking around the house."
"Any casualties?" This time, I sounded formal.
"None, Sir. But we suggest having bodyguards for your protection."
I shook my head. "No. I don't want bodyguards."
"But Sir—."
"I said no!"
They all bowed their heads simultaneously. I let out a deep sigh and rubbed my temple.
"Did you check on Jay-jay?"
"Sir, Keigan stopped us."
Damn it!
I knew he'd interfere. He thinks Clyde will suspect something if he finds out I'm still connected to Jay-jay.
Our only hope is our friends.
This situation is frustrating. It feels like we're stranded on an island in the middle of the ocean. Resources are scarce, and the only way to save Jay-jay is to put her on a boat and get her off the island.
What should I do now?
I saw Yuri's car waiting at the gate. I simply signaled the bodyguards to get back to work before walking towards the car.
I knocked on the car window. I heard the door unlock, so I opened it and got in.
"Are you okay now?" he asked.
I gave a short nod as my answer.
"This will be the last time you're riding with me."
"And why?"
His forehead creased. "You're a nuisance to me and Jay-jay."
"Wow… How embarrassing." I said sarcastically.
He started driving while still talking. "How will I make her mine when you're always around? She's dealing with mixed emotions right now, so it's not good for her to see you."
"Around her or not, if she's meant to be yours—she will be. But she won't because you're a loser."
"Tss…" He sounded pissed.
I couldn't help but smile. He probably had something planned for Jay-jay today. But obviously, he has to postpone it because of me.
It didn't take long before we arrived at our destination.
He opened the car door and stepped out.
"Behave!" he said, with a warning look in his eyes, before slamming the door shut.
Sometimes, annoying a friend is just too much fun. I couldn't stop thinking of another prank to mess with him.
My phone suddenly rang. I took it out and stepped out of the car before answering.
"What?"
["Grumpy… Where are you?"] It was Honey.
"Obviously, I'm heading to school."
["Whatever. Uncle said we should set another meeting. We're leaving soon."]
Leaving soon? How? Why?
"Wait! What do you mean by 'leaving soon'?"
["Hhmm… Well, since you never talk to me, you wouldn't know."]
I rubbed my face with one hand. It seems like there's been a change in the plan.
"What is it?"
["We have to leave earlier than the original plan."]
No! No! It's not time yet.
I can't leave yet. I can't leave Jay-jay behind. I haven't properly talked to our friends. I haven't taken down the people who want to hurt her. My plan for her isn't complete yet.
I looked at her house and immediately stood straight when I saw her walking toward the car.
Not yet.
"I'll talk to you later." I ended the call without waiting for her response.
I saw Jay-jay lowering her head as she approached Yuri's car. It was as if she was crawling.
I slowly walked toward her and stopped just a meter away.
From behind the car, she stood up and peeked inside, maybe trying to spy on something. She's probably checking if I'm inside.
"What are you doing?"
She froze when she heard my voice.
She clearly didn't expect this.
"Again… What are you doing?" I asked once more.
She slowly turned around to face me, but her head was slightly looking down. I want her to face me. I want to see her eyes. I want to see all of her, even though I know anger is the only reaction I'll get from her.
I miss staring at her.
"None of your business." She answered.
She was about to walk away, but I stopped her by blocking her way with my arm. She tried to pass on the other side, but I did the same. My arms were blocking both of her sides. She's trapped, and just a little closer—her lips would be mine.
But I won't deny it. My wound hurts from raising my arm. I hid the pain I was feeling. She can't know.
"W-what are you doing?!" She asked, sounding irritated while avoiding my eyes.
I don't want her to avoid me. I badly want to see her eyes. I know there's an emotion inside her, and I want to see it. Yes, she's angry at me, but I still want to see it.
I'm really getting weirder.
I don't even understand why I want to see her emotions so much. Maybe I'm waiting to see something.
"Look at me." I commanded, but she didn't move a muscle. I released a heavy sigh. "Look. At. Me."
She still didn't do anything. I smirked slightly. She's still stubborn. She's really the type—if she doesn't want to, she won't. I have to be persistent.
"Look…" I held her chin and forced her to face me. "…At…" I looked at her straight in the eye. "…Me."
There it is.
I saw it immediately. I saw different emotions and feelings. A mix of emotions—anger, pain, and the one I was looking for—longing.
How I wish that longing was for me.
That was the only thing I wanted to see, to make sure she was still mine. But this girl… She's really something else. Always unpredictable.
She played with her own eyes, going cross-eyed. I don't know why she had to do such a thing.
My forehead slightly creased. "What the hell."
It didn't last long, though. It looked like she hurt herself with her own stupidity. She closed her eyes and pressed her fingers against them.
"Serves you right." I said.
She opened her eyes after a few seconds. She looked at me with annoyance, clearly ready to challenge me.
"Leave already!" She shouted, but I didn't listen.
"Damn it! I said leave!"
Profanity.
My lips automatically formed a smile. I feel like she swears on purpose just so I would kiss her. But I know that right now, she's not doing it intentionally.
"Keifer."
I almost rolled my eyes. But this Yuri, on the other hand, he just loves to interrupt.
"…Let's go." He said.
I didn't move a muscle. My eyes were still locked on Jay-jay. I was still smiling like a lunatic. I really miss being this close to her.
If only I could always do this. If only I could always stay this close to her. I don't want to let go. I can't let her go.
"Leave already!" She shouted again.
I slowly moved closer to her. I saw her backing away, trying to avoid me, but that only made me move even closer to her ear.
"Profanity." I whispered and kissed her neck.
I was planning to kiss her lips, but that was impossible. I quickly moved away from her and got inside Yuri's car. I leaned back and clutched my wound.
It took a while before the pain subsided. Normally, I wouldn't pay attention to this kind of pain, but this one lasted longer than usual. I should really be careful—this might be the reason I lose.
Yuri and Jay got in the car. The ride was completely silent.
By the time we arrived at school, Jay-jay stepped out even before the car fully stopped.
Yuri sighed beside me.
"What's your plan, Keifer?" He asked lifelessly.
"Huh?!"
"You pushed her away, and now you kissed her."
Shit!
I should really think before I act. That was a huge mistake. Now, this guy won't stop asking me questions.
"I'm just playing around."
I didn't wait for his response. I stepped out of the car and walked away. I went straight to the classroom.
When I got there, I saw Ci-N bothering Jay-jay. As expected, they were already bickering again.
I feel sorry for this kid. It looks like he's going to have a hard time winning over Jay-jay.
Maybe later I should talk to him. I'm going to need his help when I leave—.
"I don't want to! What part of 'I don't want to' do you not understand?!" she suddenly shouts.
Everyone turns to look at them. Ci-N looks down. I know he's about to cry but tries his best to hold it in.
"Alright, I'll just put it aside. We can eat it later." he says in a low voice.
Jay-jay glances at us, causing the others to quickly look away. Everyone returns to what they were doing. Her eyes turn to my direction. My heart skips a beat when our gazes meet.
Fvck this heart!
Good thing I didn't react immediately. She just rolled her eyes at me before finally sitting in her seat. I also went to my seat.
I looked at Yuri when he finally sat down. He gave me a weird, meaningful look as if he was telling me he'd figure out whatever I was hiding.
I wish he wouldn't know. I don't want to involve him—it might completely ruin his family.
His status in their clan isn't the same as before. Even if he won't admit it, I know it's true.
I just don't want to force him to talk. Because just like him, I'm thinking the same thing. Damn! After all this time, it's only now that I'm second-guessing being his friend. We're becoming too alike in so many things.
I release a few heavy sighs until I notice Jay-jay walking toward Edrix. They're talking about something, but I can't hear it. She even handed her phone to him, but he rejected it by looking down.
I don't like what's happening. I have a bad feeling about this. Did she find out about the app on her phone? Edrix said it's unnoticeable because of its icon logo. It's secured with a password, making it hard to uninstall.
They continue talking until Jay-jay suddenly shouts at him. She looks so pissed. Edrix, on the other hand, obviously doesn't know what to do. He even looks at me as if asking for help.
"Answer me! I'm starting to get really mad!" she shouts.
Everyone's eyes are on her again. It's clear they also don't like what Jay-jay is doing. Until she suddenly slams the table in front of her.
Some people stand up in alarm. I see Edrix's shoulders rise and fall before he finally takes Jay-jay's phone.
She looks a bit shocked when she realizes that he can access her phone without asking for her permission.
Damn! Edrix doesn't have a fvcking choice.
"OTJ 1 01 stands for Operation Tracking Jay-jay Version 1.0.1." Edrix says and puts down the phone. "I-I programmed that app to track your phone's location. It uses signal tracking, so it's more effective compared to what the police and regular people use."
I see Jay-jay's lips part slightly. Definitely in shock. Now she knows how we've been finding her.
"A-apart from that…" he continues, "…this app is linked to another phone."
He looks at me, causing Jay-jay to turn and meet my gaze.
"All your text messages and phone calls go through that app. The linked phone can read your messages and even hear your calls."
I almost hissed. Now she knows even that.
I admit I've read a few of her messages and conversations, especially the ones with Yuri. But I never once listened to her calls with other people.
I only checked the call logs.
Jay-jay is obviously trying her best to stay calm. She's really amazing—she can still control herself despite what she just found out.
"Whose phone is it linked to?" she asks, nearly draining all the blood from my body.
"K-Keifer's." Edrix answers.
Dammit!
Jay-jay suddenly grabs her phone and throws it at me. I already know where it's going to hit, so I just tilt my head in another direction.
I hear it crash somewhere and break.
"You're unbelievable!" she yells furiously. "You seriously have no limits!"
I remain calm, expressionless. I need to be careful with what I say, or it might just start another fight in the room.
"You're really determined with your plan, huh?! Even private things—you just have to interfere with them!" she shouts. "…Are you really this cruel?!"
For some reason, I enjoy watching her being mad at me.
Even though I shouldn't, since she's obviously furious, that's still what I feel.
No wonder women call men assholes.
Because we enjoy seeing them pissed.
Now I'm a class A asshole.
I rolled my eyes at my own thoughts. Jay-jay suddenly approaches me. With her fists clenched, she's about to punch me, but Yuri immediately holds her back.
I almost stood up to separate them, but Yuri quickly pulled Jay-jay away. I have to control myself. I can't always step in for her.
"Let me go!" she shouts, struggling to escape.
As soon as they step outside the room, everyone immediately turns to Edrix. He's looking down, massaging his nape.
"You're such an idiot, bro!" Eren says, annoyed.
"He did the right thing," Eman defends him. "…What? Are we just going to lie to Jay-jay again? She already caught us!"
"What now? What if she gets in trouble again? How are we supposed to track her?" Denzel asks.
Edrix doesn't react to their words. He approaches Jay-jay's phone, which is now behind me. He bends down and picks up some of the broken pieces from the floor.
"Let's just put it in her new phone." Rory suggests.
"That's impossible now! Of course, she won't let anyone touch her new phone after knowing an app like that could be secretly installed." Blaster says.
"We're completely screwed in Jay-jay's eyes." Calix comments.
We all let out deep sighs at the same time. That app was a huge loss for us. It's going to be hard to find her again.
"Jay-jay fainted!" Blaster suddenly shouts.
He's standing at the door, peeking outside. Then, he immediately runs in their direction. The others do the same.
I badly want to follow them.
But if I do, Yuri will confirm what he's been thinking about me.
I have to be careful!
I'm sorry, Jay.