Keifer's POV
"Ci…" I called him in a low tone.
He turned around to face me. "What?"
"Let's talk." I said and walked away from the clinic.
Almost all of them were inside the clinic, waiting for what the nurse had to say. I chose to stay outside, keeping a distance from them. That's when I saw Ci-N standing outside, unable to enter because our friends were blocking the doorway.
He followed me until we were far from the clinic. I stopped when I was sure no one else could hear us.
"What is it?" he asked innocently.
"How long will you keep trying to win Jay-jay over?"
"Until she forgives me." He answered quickly with a slight smile.
He looked proud of his answer. I couldn't help but smile. I definitely chose the right person to talk to.
"I'm leaving."
His smile immediately disappeared. "Huh?"
"I have to go back to London. It's about my inheritance." I explained briefly.
"What?! What about Jay-jay?" His eyes widened. "…You haven't even apologized to her yet! What if she finds someone else? Then she'll get pregnant! Then they'll always fight because she's feisty! Then they'll break up! Then her child will grow up without a father! Then we'll see her again! Then she'll look for you because she still loves you, but it'll be too late because by then, you'll be married to someone else!" He said all in one breath.
I crossed my arms and looked at him in disbelief. Where did he even get that idea? That scenario is way off from what's actually possible. Like I would ever let Jay-jay be with another man. And why would it ever reach the point where I'd be married to someone else?
That one is impossible.
I would never agree to marry someone else if it's not her.
"Wow… You're so smart you can predict the future now." I said sarcastically.
He made a peace sign and grinned widely.
"Just saying…"
"That's why I'm entrusting her to you. Make sure she's safe, and make sure no one else tries to make a move on her." I sighed. "…Yuri and David already give me enough of a headache; I don't need anyone else adding to it while I'm gone."
He looked at me in confusion while lowering his hand.
"Why David too?"
So dense!
He has no idea that his dear partner-in-crime has been looking at Jay-jay differently. And they're always together! The three of them used to sit next to each other all the time.
Maybe he's just too preoccupied to notice.
"Nothing." I answered in a plain tone.
He looked down, fiddling with his fingers. His lips pouted slightly.
"When are you leaving?" he asked in a sad tone.
"Maybe after your birthday." I answered, and his mood instantly brightened.
I knew he was worried about whether I'd be there for his important day. I still remember how he used to be the first one to call me just to remind me about his birthday party.
I suddenly remembered the first time I talked to him. He looked like a lost puppy inside our classroom. It was unbelievable that he ended up with us just because of a simple accusation.
And because of his height, the boys decided to make fun of him. They also took advantage of his intelligence—he was the one doing everyone's homework. At first, I didn't care about him. But watching him every day reminded me of someone.
He reminds me of Percy.
His childish ways and smart thinking… It was like I had found Percy's reincarnation. Maybe because I was still longing for the friend I thought was dead, I couldn't stop myself from approaching him. Even Yuri was surprised by what I did.
And we became friends. He started to idolize me—which I found weird. He even followed in my footsteps, thinking that if he did, he could become strong like me. He started learning taekwondo and karate when he found out that I knew a bit of it. He learned how to fight and eventually joined us on the streets.
His older brother was completely against it, but there was nothing he could do. Ci-N badly wanted to belong with us. We grew closer, and sometimes, he even reminded me of my younger brother, Keigan. There were even times when I would accidentally call him by my brother's name.
"You really love Jay-jay, don't you?"
His question snapped me back to reality.
I gave a short smile as an answer.
"If you love her, then why did you do that?"
"I can't tell you yet. But you're the safest bridge of communication I have for her."
He scratched his head. "What if she asks me where you are? What do I say?"
"Don't you know how to lie?"
He bit his lip while smiling. "No."
I don't even know why I asked that. He's so talkative. He'll definitely tell Jay-jay everything. Looks like I'll have to limit what I say to Ci.
"That's fine. As long as I can trust you, I won't care how you keep secrets."
"Come back soon, okay? Jay-jay will be miserable if you're gone too long." He sounded like he was begging.
I nodded shortly. "I'll talk to the others too about my departure. But I'm giving you a different job. Make sure your line is always open so I can call you anytime."
He suddenly stood straight and saluted like a soldier.
"Yes, sir! Yes!" he shouted in a baritone voice.
I looked at our approaching friends. Rory was leading them, followed by Edrix and Blaster.
I looked at them plainly.
"I hope nothing bad is happening to her." Edrix said. "…I feel like it's my fault."
Rory just nodded at me while Edrix continued walking with his head down. Blaster glanced at me briefly before continuing as well. I saw Kit approaching, trying to keep his distance from Mayo, followed by Eren.
They looked at me for a moment, then shifted their gaze to Ci, who was still standing in place.
"Is J ay-jay pregnant?" I heard Denzel ask.
I raised an eyebrow when I noticed that all of them were now staring at me.
"Why are you asking me that?" I asked, sounding irritated.
"Who else here had plans with her?" David asked sarcastically.
"Nothing happened to us, if that will help you sleep at night."
"Dumbass, bro… What even made you think she's pregnant?" Felix asked Denzel.
"Grace was like that too before. We had a fight, and then she fainted." He explained.
They all shook their heads, probably thinking that Denzel's idea was ridiculous.
"Maybe she's just feeling unwell. I'll cook something for her so she can eat when she wakes up." Eman said and walked away.
The others followed him. Yuri was the last one to walk back to the room, leaving me with a few meaningful glances.
I was about to head to the clinic when I noticed Ci was still standing beside me, in the same position.
"Ci. Go back to the room." I said and waited for him to walk.
He still stood straight, but he lowered his hand and started walking with big strides. He was marching like a real soldier.
I shook my head at his antics. I knew it—he really got worse after Jay came into our lives.
I continued with my plan and walked to the clinic. There was no one there except the nurse, who was writing something on a piece of paper at her desk.
She looked up when she sensed my presence.
"Yes?" she asked.
"I'm not feeling well. I have chest pain." I said, pointing to my chest.
She raised an eyebrow. "You don't look like you're in pain."
Tss…
"B-because I can still bear it, but it makes me feel uncomfortable. I might suddenly faint while walking." I explained.
Even though she didn't seem convinced, she picked up her stethoscope and placed it in her ears. She was about to press it against my chest when I slightly moved away.
She gave me a scrutinizing look. I had no idea how to convince her.
"A-aw… It hurts again. I'm getting dizzy." I said while pretending to feel lightheaded.
Wow… Worst acting skills.
I stepped back until I sat on one of the hospital beds. I lay down completely and looked at her.
"I will sleep for a while. Don't disturb me."
I said, pulling the curtain closed.
I heard her put her things down on the table and pull a chair. I knew she could tell I was just faking it. Maybe she thought I was just another student trying to skip class.
I listened carefully, and once I was sure she wouldn't bother me, I got up and walked towards another bed. I carefully pulled the curtain aside to check if the person I was looking for was there.
No one was on the first bed, nor the next. I finally saw her at the farthest one. She was fast asleep, her left hand resting on her stomach, her eyebrows slightly furrowed.
I checked the curtains to make sure we couldn't be seen easily by the nurse. Once I was sure, I lay down beside her on her left side. I turned on my side, trying to fit myself into the bed. I used one hand to support my head.
I hope she won't wake up soon.
I was worried about her condition, but this was the only way I could be with her, even for a short while. I miss her so fvcking bad.
I took her right hand, which was resting beside her, and placed her palm over my chest.
"Can you feel it? I'm in pain too." I whispered.
It was true that I had chest pain. It was because I couldn't do anything to ease her pain. And I was making it worse.
I'm good with nothing.
"But it's okay, because it's nothing compared to what you feel." I added before kissing her knuckles.
I placed her hand back in its original position.
I brushed away a few strands of hair from her face.
"I know you're suffering… But please, hold on for us…" I whispered again and kissed her forehead. "It's okay if you curse me out of anger, but I swear, I will make the pain you feel worth it."
I could promise to make it up to her for all the pain I caused, but I couldn't promise that I wouldn't hurt her again.
Because that's what love is.
Pain is not the counterpart of love. Just because you feel love doesn't mean you will never feel pain, or that you should never feel pain. Pain will always be there—it's part of the process of love. Either it kills you inside, or it wakes up your senses.
Well, how would you even know it's love if you never felt pain at all?
That's why I never believed in the saying, "I will never hurt you." The person you love will hurt you, or you will hurt them, whether intentionally or not.
But what's important is that people should know how to ease the pain, how to heal it, and how to endure it. How to make up for it and how to learn from the pain they felt or caused.
Use it as a life lesson, but never use it as a grudge to hurt others.
Maybe love will show your best, but pain will show your better self, especially when you overcome it.
And that's exactly what I will do. I will learn from this pain, and when I do… it will be your turn, Jay. We will take away the pain in your chest. And I will never stop. Even if it costs me my life.
I kissed her forehead again. "I love you… I love you… I love you…" I whispered. "…I love you, and I love you until scientists find the end of the universe. I will never stop loving you, and I will never get tired of saying that to you."
Hang in there, my Jay-jay.
I looked at her slightly parted lips. I touched them gently with my thumb. I bit my lip. I knew it was disrespectful to kiss her while she was sleeping, but I really missed kissing her.
Just one, and I'll leave. Just one.
I leaned in, about to kiss her, but then I heard a familiar voice speak.
"Can you please give this to my friend when she wakes up?" It was Eman.
He probably brought food for Jay-jay. I didn't move and just listened to what they were doing.
"Which friend? There are two students resting there." The nurse answered.
"The girl? The one we brought earlier."
"Ahh… She's at the end. Do you want to see her?" She suggested.
I almost turned over because of what she said. I quickly looked for a place to hide in case they came here.
"No need. Just please give this to her. Thank you." Eman said, and I heard his footsteps.
I let out a sigh of relief. I was thinking of sleeping beside Jay, but it looks like I can't. One of our friends might suddenly come here and catch me.
For now, only Yuri has a hint of what I'm doing. While Ci-N understands my situation even though he doesn't know exactly what happened. The rest of them still hate me but are trying their best to understand me.
I looked at Jay-jay and quickly kissed her lips. It was so light, but she suddenly moved, making me panic. Out of fear that she would see me and catch me, I let myself fall to the floor. I managed to brace myself with my arms, but my wound stung.
I glanced at Jay-jay and saw her forehead crease. She seemed to be waking up. Out of fear, I walked away.
I forgot that Jay was at the farthest bed. I just pulled the curtain aside and walked out.
The nurse frowned while looking at where I came from.
"How did you get there?" She asked.
"Sleepwalking." I answered quickly and walked away.
I heard her calling me, but I ignored it. I went back to the room where the teacher was currently standing in front and writing on the board.
Everyone looked at me, but I just went straight to my seat.
"Where did you come from?" Yuri asked, and I could sense the irritation in his voice.
"Outside. I talked to someone."
"And who is that someone?"
My forehead creased.
"Are you jealous that I talked to someone?" I teased him.
"No. As long as you don't talk to Jay-jay while she's unconscious."
"Why?"
"Because you're a jerk. You'll definitely take advantage and steal a kiss from her."
Yup! He's definitely been my friend for a long time. He knows exactly what I would do in that kind of situation.
A wide smile formed on my lips. I couldn't help it.
"And you really did." He said, sounding defeated.
I didn't say anything else. I just looked ahead and forced myself to read what was written on the board.
As expected, the teacher left early, so we had an early lunch. Everyone was chatting while eating. Most of them were talking about Jay.
After eating, Yuri stood up.
"I'm visiting Jay." He said without looking at me.
I just let him go. We're not the same. He doesn't steal kisses from a sleeping person.
Tss…
I chose to just stare at our friends. Felix picked a group to mess with. Everything will be recorded via phone camera. It will be sent to everyone who challenges me and will serve as another warning to them.
I let out a sigh. There's so much to do. And soon, I have to leave.
Damn it! I don't want to leave.
My thoughts were cut off when Yuri suddenly entered the room, sweating and panting.
"Jay-jay…" He caught his breath. "…got into a taxi and left."
Everyone quickly panicked. I tried my best to remain calm, but my heart was beating so damn fast.
"What now? She doesn't have a phone!" Edrix said, taking out his laptop. "…I'll try to trace her through cameras."
"Maybe she's just going home!" Eren said, but I could sense he was worried.
"Her things are still here." Blaster pointed at her bag.
"Where could she be going?" Mayo looked at Yuri.
"She might get into trouble." Ci-N said and looked at David. "…David! Jay-jay!"
"I know. I heard it." He answered him.
Everyone started guessing where Jay-jay might have gone. I had a strong feeling that she didn't go home. Angelo would be mad at her if he found out she went home early while there were still classes.
"Felix!" I called. "…call your brother. Ask him if he's with Jay-jay."
He nodded and immediately took his phone to call his brother.
I turned to Drew, who was looking at me.
"Call Tiger. Ask him if Jay-jay paid a visit."
He nodded and did the same. Those were the only people I knew she could be with or visit.
But my hopes immediately faded when they both shook their heads. She wasn't with Percy, and she was at Kings Ground.
Where the hell are you?
I looked at Edrix, who was still focused on his laptop. He and Rory were our only hope of finding Jay.
"Edrix." I called him in a plain tone.
"I lost track of the taxi at the intersection." He said, sounding worried.
"What's the name of the taxi company?" Rory asked.
Edrix provided the company name, the plate number he got from the video, and other details from the sticker on the taxi door.
Rory took his phone and made a call.
"Hello, is this Fast and Go Taxi company?" He said, and we all listened. "…Can I get the contact number of one of your drivers?" He added the plate number and taxi number. "…I left something in the taxi. I'm just hoping I might have left it with the driver."
He suddenly looked at us, and I could see the relief on his face.
"Thank you. I'll wait for your message."
He hung up the phone and turned to us.
"They said they'll text the name and number."
Not long after, he received a message. He called without hesitation.
"Hello? Is this Mr. Carlo Simson?" He asked and waited for the driver's response. "…You picked up a girl earlier from Higher Value school. Where did she ask to be dropped off?"
He suddenly frowned.
"…I'm from a private investigating company. That girl's life is in danger, so we need to know where she is." I could sense authority in his voice.
Rory's father was a well-known private investigator. Their company was big and even reached other countries. They had extensive connections.
But I didn't know Rory could be more persistent than his father.
"Alright. Thank you." He said before ending the call.
"…She went to Benedict Hospital."
I quickly stood up from my seat.
"She's going to see Kiko." I said, and everybody almost flipped the table.
What are you up to?