Keifer's POV
"She said that?" Honey asked. "So fierce."
Why am I even talking to her? I can't believe I actually tolerated having a conversation with this girl.
"Why are you having breakfast here again?" I sounded irritated.
"Because Denise Leah's cooking is delicious. Your cook." She said before taking another bite of her food.
I looked at her while sipping my coffee. Who is that?
"What are you talking about? Her name is Abigail Mabaza."
She dropped the utensils she was holding and stared at me with complete confusion.
"You don't even know your own cook? What's wrong with you?!"
Maybe it's because I have too many people working for me. How am I supposed to know all their names? I don't even interact with each one of them.
Speaking of them…
"How's Keigan's new maid?" I asked Honey.
He had changed his maid again. I still hadn't found the previous ones who used to take care of him, which was very strange. It's as if someone is hiding them so I won't be able to find them.
"She looks good. It seems like she and Keigan are getting along well."
I nodded briefly. That's a good sign. We had a hard time finding a nurse willing to work as a maid.
I knew my brother had issues. That's why I chose someone in the medical field to take care of him. Maybe she can figure out what's wrong with him.
I knew Keigan would be furious once he found out what I did. I just want to make sure he's alright. I hope he understands me.
I looked up and saw Keiren approaching. Behind him was Keigan, whose uniform was untidy. His hair was messy, and he wasn't even wearing his glasses.
"What's on the menu?" He asked before sitting down.
Honey and I exchanged glances at his behavior. This is not the usual Keigan we see every morning.
"Good morning." Honey greeted him.
He smiled and looked at Honey. "Good morning to you too."
I put my fork down, crossed my fingers, and placed them near my lips. I observed him silently.
This is not the Keigan I know. He was eating heartily, smiling at us and at the maids serving him. I've never seen him like this before.
He was usually quiet unless we were discussing something important. Sometimes, he would be reading a book while eating, and he never took off his glasses.
"I like the food today. Kezha's cooking is really delicious." He said, making all of us pause.
Who's Kezha?
"Who?" Honey asked him.
"The cook. Isn't her name Kezha? Kezha Keith Rosal. I remember her for cooking delicious food for me."
Honey looked at me before glancing at the maids. I did the same and saw the confusion on their faces.
"Why?" He asked when he noticed that we were all staring at him.
"S-Sir." One of the maids spoke hesitantly. "Kezha doesn't work here anymore. You fired her six months ago."
Keigan stopped eating. "I did? Why?"
"W-We don't know."
His expression was full of confusion, as if he was trying to remember if he had really done that.
I glanced at Keiren and noticed that he was looking at me. It's obvious he wants to say something.
"Maybe we should get ready. We might be late for school." I said before picking up my fork and continuing to eat.
Breakfast ended quickly—except for Honey, who seemed to be planning to have a second round. We left her at the dining table.
As we were heading to the garage, I noticed that Keigan wasn't carrying anything.
"Where's your school bag?" I asked him.
"What do I need a school bag for?"
I arched a brow. He can't be serious!
The Keigan I knew was an achiever. He would never allow himself to be absent from school because he hated losing his top rank.
It seemed like he finally got what I meant. He even snapped his fingers before going back inside the house.
"Speak now." I said to Keiren when Keigan was gone.
"He doesn't know me." He answered, looking at me. "He said something like this: 'Who are you again?' Then he smiled and walked away."
I messed up his hair and forced a smile. "Your Kuya Keigan is just stressed. Maybe he's just messing with you."
But I knew it was more than stress.
Something about the way he's acting isn't right. If this continues, I might start thinking he has a mental illness. But I don't want to jump to that conclusion yet.
I opened the car door for Keiren to get in. Just as I was about to close it, Keigan suddenly arrived. He was now carrying his bag and wearing his glasses.
"Let's go!" He said with a smile before getting into my car.
As soon as I shut the door, my phone rang. I took it out and answered the call.
It was Edrix.
["Did you read it? Did you read it?"] He asked in a hurry.
I could hear the voices of some of our friends. He's probably already at school.
"What?"
["We got an invitation from Ram's group! They're challenging us to a fight for their new leader!"]
They already found a new leader that fast?
"Who's their leader?"
["They didn't say! I think it's just their initiation! They probably want to take you or Jason down first!"]
They're definitely targeting me. Jason wouldn't come out if he knew I was around.
That guy has a grudge against me. It's clear to me now that he was the one on the motorcycle who put Jay-jay in danger.
"Ram is still alive, why did they change their leader?"
[ "I don't know either! But they said he's already out of the hospital! Jay-jay is in danger!"]
No! I won't let him get my Jay-jay!
"Accept the fvcking invitation! I will show them who's the real boss here!"
["Keifer agreed!"] I heard Ci-N shout, and they all cheered.
It seemed like the phone was on loudspeaker, and everyone could hear our conversation. Edrix ended the call.
I quickly got into the car and drove off. I remained silent despite Keigan's constant questioning, asking things he already knew the answers to.
When I stopped at his school, he didn't get out right away.
"We're here! This is your school!" Keiren shouted at him.
"My school?" He replied, clearly hesitant to get out.
"Keigan. Please hurry. Keiren is going to be late." I said calmly.
He nodded briefly before opening the car door.
He stepped out with his bag and shut the door behind him. He looked so innocent while glancing around. I started the car and drove straight to Keiren's school. He didn't say a word when I stopped. He just got out on his own and hurried inside.
I was in a rush because I wanted to speak with the entire Section E. Except for her, of course.
I wasn't disappointed, as I arrived at school earlier than expected. I was also earlier than her.
When I got to the classroom, it was obvious they had been waiting for me. What I didn't understand was why there were so many boxes of pancake mix inside the room.
"What is that?" I asked, irritated.
"Pancakes for Jay-jay." Ci-N answered with a big smile.
I looked at Edrix, who seemed to be waiting for Eman to start cooking.
"Can we talk about the invitation first?" I said to them, and they turned to look at me. "When will it be?"
"Later!" Ci-N answered again.
Didn't know they were in such a hurry. Maybe they thought we would lose if they caught us off guard.
"Who among you is coming?"
Everyone raised their hands except for Josh, Mayo, and Drew. We all looked at them, waiting for an explanation.
The three exchanged glances before one of them finally spoke.
"I just don't get why we need to join." Drew said. "This is a trap. I have a strong feeling they're up to something."
"We'll show them who's stronger." I explained plainly.
"And then what?" It was Josh.
Then what, Keifer?
That question never even crossed my mind. What am I supposed to do? If I defeat them, then what?
What happens next?
I took a deep breath, walked over to the board, and faced them. That got their attention, and they all looked at me.
"Here's the thing! We're going there to show that we're stronger! Defeating them will prove who's the real boss!" Everyone exchanged looks. "We will also use them. Making them our allies or our underdogs."
"Are you planning to claim Ram's position?"
David asked while crossing his arms.
Am I?
One of our plans was to have more allies. This seemed like one of the keys to making that happen. Having gang members as allies is not a bad idea. All I have to do is make them obey me.
And that is by claiming Ram's position as the leader.
But I wanted more than that. More than an ordinary gang leader. I wanted something else. Something greater than what Angelo achieved.
"No. I'm planning to be more powerful."
"This is like shooting for the moon with what you want to happen. I know this is still for Jay-jay, but I don't think we need to join that." Mayo said.
"It's better if we join." It was Kit. "This is an experience for us, too. It will expand our skills. And when the time comes that Jay-jay needs us, we'll know what to do."
I saw how Mayo looked at Kit. He looked worried and doubtful at the same time, but for what?
"I agree with Kit. This isn't just some simple gang war of sore losers. We have goals." Felix agreed, making everyone nod.
"We're joining. It's been a while since I've been in a fight." Calix said while cracking his knuckles.
"Maybe there's a girlfriend who will worry." Rory teased Calix, who quickly shot him a glare.
"Enough talking! We're joining, period!" It was Eren.
Josh shook his head. "What else is new!"
"Yay! Fighting!" It was Ci-N, punching his hand in the air.
"To be honest, I'm having second thoughts. I feel like I'd rather just tell Angelo everything." Drew said, making me glare at him.
"Don't you dare." There was a threat in my voice.
He shook his head before turning his back on us. The others chose to go back to what they were doing—like Eman, who continued cooking. But Felix, Edrix, Kit, and Rory stayed with me to discuss the invitation.
"Does Yuri know about this?" I asked Edrix.
"I texted him, but he didn't reply."
Maybe he's with Jay-jay… again. I shook my head and continued talking to them about our plan.
Not long after, I saw Jay-jay. She came in, followed by Yuri, as I expected. Yuri even looked at me before taking his seat.
Meanwhile, Jay-jay chose to listen to music using her headset. But that's not all she was doing. She was texting someone! I could see her typing a message to whoever that demon was.
Stop texting! Who are you texting?!
I didn't like what I was feeling. I wanted to know who she was texting. Is it a guy? When did she start having a textmate? She just changed her number! How did she get a new texting buddy so fast?
Damn this feeling!
"Keep staring, and she might melt." Felix teased while pretending to look in another direction.
I heard Rory, Kit, and Edrix chuckle softly. I wanted to push them away.
But what I wanted even more was to grab Jay-jay's phone. Even from a distance, I could see the screen lighting up with an incoming message.
I said stop texting!
I took my phone out of my pocket. I was about to call her, but for what? She'd find out I knew her number. Then she'd just change it again. She'd also wonder why I even bothered to find out her number.
I have to make up another story. Another reason for her to hate me.
Stop texting whoever that person is!
I gripped my phone. I couldn't believe I was acting like this just because of her textmate. If only she hadn't thrown her old phone away, I would still have access and could see who she was texting.
I can't believe I'm going through this.
I looked at my phone and typed a message.
To: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: My life.
I saw her staring at her phone before replying. Looks like I got her attention now.
"Is it done? Give us some." I heard Felix say as they all approached Eman.
I was left alone. That was better—no one to disturb me.
From: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: Wrong guess, idiot.
I smiled while reading her text message. She really likes messing with her words through text.
To: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: Jasper Jean Mariano
I saw the confusion on her face. She even looked around, making me hide my phone right away. Is she looking for whoever is texting her?
When she didn't notice anything, she focused back on her phone.
Good thing I thought of buying a new phone and SIM card last night. I was planning to call her using the new number since she might recognize my old one and not answer.
I also made sure to get a new phone so Keigan wouldn't wonder why I keep changing my number.
From: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: Who are you?
She messaged me, and I casually typed my reply.
To: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: You're my everything.
She didn't get the chance to reply because Ci-N approached her, holding a plate with pancakes.
I sighed. I took the opportunity to set a password on my phone. I fell asleep last night before setting anything up. The only thing I've added so far is Jay-jay's number.
"I said no!" I heard her shout.
I saw the plate and pancakes fly through the air before crashing onto the floor.
Everyone went silent and turned to look at them.
"I-it's okay… I-I'll just g-get you a new one." Ci-N said while trying to hold back his tears.
He even forced a smile, but that didn't stop his tears.
"Stop this already! Can't you tell?! We're never going back to how things were, so just give up!" Jay-jay shouted again.
I wanted to approach her to stop her, but that would be the wrong move, especially in our situation.
"Jay-jay." David tried to stop her, but she just glared at him.
Suddenly, we heard someone sobbing. I turned to look at Ci-N, who had his head down, wiping his eyes.
I felt sorry for him. He's struggling because of our—my—nonsense. Jay-jay has become tough even towards him.
"W-why? Why s-should I give up?" He looked up to face her. "…Did you give up when I was accused of stealing? Did you give up on Calix and Mica, on Denzel and Grace? On Drew? Did you ever give up on any of us?"
I saw Jay-jay avoid his gaze. She's affected! She's still in there! My soft-hearted, hard-headed, and fist-fighter Jay-jay is still there!
That's a good sign!
For some reason, I felt a surge of excitement. I feel motivated to push through with our plans. I want to speed things up before I lose the one I love completely.
"…So don't tell me to give up! Because you never gave up on us, and I won't give up on you either." Ci-N added. "…Stay right there! I'll get you another pancake."
He walks toward Eman. They all patted him on the arm as a greeting and to tell him they were proud of him. But Jay-jay was quick. She was already out of the room before anyone else could notice.
"Is it just me, or has she become even tougher?" Yuri said.
He was observing just like I was. I only shrugged before sitting down in my seat.
"Who were you texting earlier?" he asked.
I shook my head. "Nothing important."
He nodded briefly. "About last night. Are you really giving up on Jay-jay?"
"Let's not talk about it anymore."
He didn't say another word, but I could feel his gaze on me. He was observing again, trying to figure out my reaction to his question.
It's so hard to have an observer friend.
Not long after, Sir Alvin came in. Jay-jay also entered, but she didn't even glance at Ci-N, who was sitting right beside her. I didn't even notice who cleaned up the mess on the floor.
I can't help but look at her.
She was making herself an outcast.
I released a heavy sigh.
She barely looked our way the entire morning. She only went out to use the restroom, but after that, she had nothing else to do.
Ci-N tried to get her attention, but she was obviously uninterested.
Until lunchtime came. They were about to invite her to eat here again, but she was already gone in an instant.
So slick.
"She's with her brother again." Felix said while helping Eman.
"At least someone is feeding her." Yuri said before standing up.
Most of them went over to Eman to get food. I chose to stay. I wasn't really in the mood to eat anything.
I want to get my mood ready. There's still a long time until later, but I already want to smash their faces with my fists.
Relax, Keifer. You'll have your chance.
I closed my eyes, and the first thing I saw was her face. Her eyes, full of pain and misery. I want to hold her face and wipe away her tears.
But I'm scared that I will cause her more pain. I feel like my hands are covered in thorns, and if I touch her, I will only wound her again.
I would take that chance. If holding her means hurting her, then I will do everything to ease the pain. If I have to cut off my hands just to be with her, then I will cut off my entire arms.
"Keifer!" Someone called me.
I opened my eyes to see who it was. They were all looking at me like I had said something weird.
"What?"
"Damn! This guy just had a wet dream!" Rory shouted, and they all burst into laughter.
I frowned. I did what?! I didn't even sleep, so why would I have a wet dream? Did I say something weird?
I looked at Yuri, who was grinning. "Did I say something?"
"You moaned and said her name." He gave me a disgusted look. "…You're gross."
"I was not having a wet dream. I was just resting my eyes while thinking about something." I explained.
He shook his head while still grinning. They continued eating while talking about me. I couldn't help but feel irritated with them.
Yuri placed a plate of rice and food in front of me. I raised a brow at him.
"Eat. We'll need it for later." he said with a smile.
"I'm not in the mood."
"If you get beaten up later, I won't help you."
"Then don't. I'm not going to get beaten up anyway, so I won't need you."
He laughed briefly. "What's the real reason we're joining later?"
"To show who the real boss is. It's also a good opportunity for them to stop bothering me."
For them to stop bothering Jay-jay.
"I hope you succeed. That would also be good so they'd leave Jay-jay alone." He said while looking at me straight in the eyes.
Is he trying to catch me slipping?
I couldn't believe he still didn't believe what I told him last night. Now I was hating his ability even more.
I was forced to eat just to keep myself busy and stop him from pestering me. I felt so heavy, and as time passed, that heaviness only grew stronger.
I just want this day to end. I want to bring them all down.
We were almost done eating when Jay-jay entered the room. Percy followed her.
What now?
She seemed to be looking for someone, and her gaze landed on Ci-N, who was right in front of her.
I noticed Felix suddenly looking away. He even changed seats.
"What's your problem?" Eman asked him.
"We're not on good terms. She might scold me again if she sees me." Felix explained.
I turned my attention back to the front, where the three of them were. The two childish guys were arguing over who would sit next to Jay-jay.
Knowing Ci-N, he wouldn't let Percy win. They kept bickering. Until…
"This ugly guy is so annoying! And he's uncircumcised."
Yup! Ci-N won just like that. I chuckled softly, along with the whole Section E, who were also listening.
"He called me ugly and uncircumcised! I'm really going to fight this kid!" Percy complained to Jay-jay.
She obviously didn't care. She just left Percy and sat in her seat.
I took my phone out of my pocket and stared at her number for a while. I badly want to text her, but I don't want to be too obvious.
I pressed the message icon next to her name. I composed a message but ended up deleting it. I typed again and again, only to delete it in the end.
I want to smash my phone. I'm hopeless. Maybe a blank message will be a good start. She will respond, and she will start the conversation.
I clicked send without hesitation but immediately regretted it. Who in their right mind sends a blank message and expects a reply?
Maybe me.
And I was right. She ignored my message! I panicked and just typed out another message, sending it without double-checking.
To: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: I LoveYou my Everything…
What a dimwit?!
I typed exactly what was in my head. On the bright side, she responded.
From: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: Idiot!
So sweet.
To: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: I'm not an idiot, but maybe a fool.
I quickly hid my phone when I noticed her looking around. I can sense her irritation.
From: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: Who are you? Stop bothering me, you're not funny.
What does 'who are you?' mean? I can't understand her words. Is this what they call Jejemon? She has the same style as Tiger. It's annoying to read.
I kept staring at her text message. I tried to read it and released a heavy sigh when I finally understood it.
I composed a message. Maybe a little clue.
To: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: I'm your savior. I saved you from your kidnapper and claimed my prize on the same day.
From: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: You lowlife!
So sweet!
Keep cursing, I'm putting it on my list. Profanity.
To: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: I miss your lips. Can I claim them again?
I know she's pissed.
From: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: The fvck! Who are you really?!
Again! Profanity.
To: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: I told you. I'm your savior. I saved you while you were blindfolded.
Come on! It was so easy. Every clue that I'm giving her is pointing at me.
From: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: Were you the one who kissed me?
Yes, I am!
From: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: You got it right.
"Keifer…" Yuri called me, and I looked at him.
"Why are you smiling to yourself?"
Oh fvck!