Keifer's POV
"Keigan…" I called Keigan, who was currently busy staring somewhere.
"W-what?" he asked.
"May problema ba?" (Is there a problem?)
He just looked at me while slowly shaking his head. I nodded shortly before walking away.
It's hard to talk to him when he's like this. It's like there's always a wall protecting him. He doesn't want to let anyone in, and he doesn't want to come out either.
"Keifer!" Honey called me while waving her hand.
I quickened my pace to get to her faster. She handed me a thick catalog. I glanced at it briefly before walking away.
"This was sudden, so just tell me what you've picked so we can get the paperwork sorted," Honey added, following me.
"You have until tomorrow to finalize this."
"Wow… Such a generous deadline," she said sarcastically. "Like ordering a plane is so easy, huh? And you even want it custom-made."
We went straight to the basement, where my friends and I usually hung out. I set the catalog down on the counter table before pouring myself a glass of liquor.
I downed it in one go before taking a seat on one of the stools. I pulled the catalog toward me and flipped through it. It's a catalog for private airplanes.
This was the only thing I could think of as a good gift for Ci-N. It's his birthday tomorrow, and I wanted it to be special—the most memorable celebration for him.
I don't want him to be disappointed, especially if Jay-Jay doesn't show up. She's still mad at Ci-N. I wouldn't be surprised if she decided not to come.
But it'll be great if she does.
"I just want a simple private jet for him," I said while flipping through the pages.
So hard to choose when I only see pictures. The seller and I might not even be on the same page.
I closed the catalog and finished the rest of my drink.
"Didn't find anything?" Honey asked.
"It's hard to explain what I want. Maybe I should pay them a visit," I said, standing up.
She immediately followed me, still holding the catalog. I knew one of the owners of Plane and Jet Corporation was in the Philippines right now. They're a popular supplier of private planes.
I didn't waste any time. As soon as I got in the car, Honey hopped in too. I drove fast—I might miss him if I don't hurry.
"I messaged his secretary. I told her you're a sure buyer," Honey said, typing on her phone.
"Thanks."
I headed straight to the Business District, where the person I needed to see was staying. He was at a well-known hotel under Hanamitchi's name. As I parked, Honey told me he was at the restaurant.
I moved quickly. Honey stayed close behind me, still typing on her phone. When we got to the restaurant, he was the only one sitting there, eating quietly.
I heard he doesn't like noise while eating. That's why he pays to reserve the whole restaurant just to dine alone.
The moment we stepped inside, two men blocked us—his bodyguards, obviously.
"I'm here for Mr. Moskovosky," I said, and we heard him call out from a distance.
"Let them! That's my customer!" he shouted.
The men stepped aside, and we quickly approached him.
"Mr. Watson, have a seat," he said, gesturing to the chairs in front of him. "Do you mind?" He was referring to himself eating while talking.
"No. Please continue," I said before pulling out a chair for Honey.
I helped her sit before taking the seat directly across from Mr. Moskovosky. His last name sounds weird because he's from Russia. I heard he's half-American.
"So, have you seen the catalog? Those are the newest models of private jets. Some of those aren't even out on the market yet," he said before shoving more food into his mouth.
"I've seen it. I like the Bizliners," I said, and he smiled.
He set his fork down and picked up his glass of water. He took a sip before wiping his lips with his napkin.
"The most expensive private jet. I suggest the Airbus A318 Elite. Most of our luxury customers choose it because of its large capacity. Amenities can also be customized. You have great taste," he said, giving me a playful smile.
"Exactly why I like it. But there's a problem," I said, and his expression turned serious.
"Mind telling me?"
"The thing is… It's a gift for a friend who's turning 15 tomorrow. I want to make sure he's the only one who can use it."
He leaned back in his chair, giving me a skeptical look.
"That's quite impossible. A 15-year-old isn't allowed to fly, let alone pilot a plane. So how is this kid going to use it? And what will he even do with a private jet?"
I smirked. This is exactly why I chose his company to buy a jet from.
"Customize a private jet for him. I'm willing to pay 100 million upfront."
He immediately straightened up in his seat, all hesitation gone. He even adjusted his coat.
"Now we're talking!" he said, laughing. "But you know it'll take years."
"Don't bother. You said it already—he can't fly it yet. I just want the certification and papers that prove his ownership."
He nodded shortly, giving me the 'I understand' look. He took his phone and dialed someone's number.
"Ready a special contract for a customized jet plane… Yes… Make sure to complete the details. Send it to Mr. Watson's assistant immediately… Yes… That will do." He ended the call.
I saw Honey typing something on her phone.
"My assistant will send the details. Just don't forget to list all the added amenities you want for the jet," he explained. "After signing the contract, you'll receive the ownership certification in a few weeks."
"Make it a day. I want the certificate tomorrow."
"You want me to pull some strings?"
"I'm willing to pay extra."
He smiled and shook his head. "A Watson will always be a Watson." He offered his hand for a handshake, and I accepted it. "Send it back immediately after signing, and I'll handle the certificate."
"Thank you, Mr. Moskovosky," I said, standing up.
We were about to leave when he stopped me. I turned back to look at him.
"Before you leave, I want to ask—do you know someone named Rafael Mosk or Angelo Fernandez?"
I almost flinched hearing their names. What does he want with Angelo? And Rafael Mosk? I'm not even sure if he's still alive.
"May I know why?"
"Just prospective buyers," he said, smiling. "Forget it. Thank you for doing business with us."
I forced a smile and left. Honey followed me. My steps were quick as I walked away from that place. I didn't like the feeling I got when I heard those two names.
Rafael was Angelo's friend who disappeared back then for reasons I didn't know. I don't understand why he and his friends never looked for him. Maybe they knew where he was, or maybe he just left and said goodbye to them.
Rafael Mosk.
"Why didn't you say you knew Angelo?" Honey asked once we were inside my car.
"There are a lot of Angelo Fernandezes in the Philippines."
She simply rolled her eyes. She knew exactly which Angelo Fernandez that man was talking about—the one I knew. There was only one who made noise in the business industry.
And he was connected to Rafael Mosk.
"Tell me everything you want added to the customized jet. I'll type it down to send to them," she said, typing on her phone.
I listed everything I wanted, including voice recognition to make sure only Ci-N could use the jet in the future.
I don't like his siblings' attitude. I know they meddle in everything he owns. It wouldn't surprise me if they tried to claim it too.
I also want him to fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot. I know he's going to medical school, but he's still young—he'll have plenty of chances to study aviation.
We arrived at the house, and Honey immediately ran inside. She said she'd print the contract so I could sign it.
I ignored her and went inside to wait. It didn't take long before she came back with a few papers and a pen. I read through them first before signing.
"Lend me your car. I'll deliver these to them now," she said, hand outstretched.
I arched a brow. "Not familiar with a fax machine?"
Her lips formed an O. She smiled after realizing what a fax machine was.
"Sorry. I just really wanted to use your car," she said before leaving.
Excuses.
I knew she didn't actually know what a fax machine was. I just shook my head as I watched her go.
My phone rang. I pulled it out of my pocket—Edrix's name flashed on the screen.
"Yes?" I answered.
[ "One of your new 'toys' called me! They said they saw Jason following someone!" ] he said hurriedly.
Only one person came to mind—who else would he be following? Is he finally making a move to get back at me? That asshole is getting on my nerves.
"Can you trace him?"
[ "Can't. But the guy who called said the last place he saw Jason was at the mall!" ]
"Which mall? There are too many malls in town!"
[ "I'll text you the name!" ] He laughed like a kid. [ "This is so cool, Keifer! I feel like a boss with people reporting to me! It's pretty awesome having other groups allied with us now!" ] He laughed again.
I shook my head. "Just send it! I need to get there now!"
I could still hear him laughing before I ended the call. He's way too happy about having people to order around now.
Not long after, I got his text. I immediately went to the garage and got in my car. If that Jason guy dares lay a finger on the one I love, I'll burn his motorcycle right in front of him.
I drove fast, reaching the mall Edrix mentioned. I circled the parking lot, checking every entrance and exit, but I didn't see Jason anywhere.
Last round—then I spotted a guy in a black helmet sitting on a Ducati near the mall exit where people usually wait for taxis. And then I saw Jay-Jay with Rakki standing there, waiting for a cab.
I didn't leave. I needed to know what Jason was planning. I had to make sure what he was up to. I didn't want to overreact and tip him off, but if I didn't act, who knows what he might do?
Fvck this!
I had no choice but to follow them. He started his motorcycle when Jay-Jay and Rakki left, tailing them shortly after. I did the same to him.
It was hard not to be obvious. I couldn't get too close, but I couldn't stay too far either.
I kept following them. Almost an hour passed when I noticed something—there was no taxi for Jason to follow anymore.
I'd been tricked! And right after realizing it, he revved his engine and disappeared from sight. I slammed the steering wheel in frustration.
But where did Jay-Jay go? She probably wasn't home yet—they were heading in the opposite direction of their subdivision. Too far.
Maybe she's still with Rakki. Where else would they be going?
Maybe I should check Rakki's house.
I'm not sure of the address. I tried recalling the house Ci-N always described to me, but it was no use.
I decided to pull the car over to the side of the road. I grabbed my phone and texted Rory, asking for Rakki's address. Thankfully, he replied quickly.
I felt out of it as I drove to the address he gave me. But it looked like I wouldn't have to check each house one by one—even from a distance, I could already see Jason's parked motorcycle.
I stopped the car and turned off the engine. I knew he was waiting for Jay-Jay to come out, and that's exactly what I'd do too.
But waiting was no joke.
Hours passed until the sky darkened. The streetlights flickered on. Then, someone's gate opened.
The person I was waiting for stepped out, saying goodbye to Rakki and an older woman.
I saw Jason preparing. He started his engine, and when Jay-Jay walked closer, he flashed his high beam—bright enough to blind someone.
Jay stopped. Jason approached her, and they began talking. My grip on the steering wheel tightened, but before I could do anything reckless, I texted Rory. I told him to get ready and alert the whole Ulupo—no, Section E.
I froze when I saw Jay-Jay climb onto Jason's motorcycle. He had that infuriating smirk on his face—one I'd love to wipe off with my fist. My blood boiled even more when I saw Jay hold onto his shoulders.
I will fvcking kill this guy!
Jason drove fast. I followed from a distance, keeping them in sight.
I watched as they stopped in front of a gotohan (noodle shop). I parked across the street near a small store. They were already inside.
I knew Jason didn't invite Jay-Jay just for dinner. I was right—soon, more bikers arrived. His gang.
My gut screamed at me to rush in. But if I acted now, it could be a trap. What if they were already hurting Jay-Jay?
Make a fvcking decision now.
I couldn't afford to be wrong. Jay-Jay couldn't get hurt. I took my phone and sent my location to Edrix, telling them to wait for my signal.
I'd face Jason alone.
I got out of the car and ran toward them. From afar, I could already see commotion inside. Jay was fighting back, but my heart dropped when she fell and they started kicking her.
I'm here to save you!
I burst inside, and they froze. Jason smiled at me, looking smug and satisfied.
"Took you long enough… Don't tell me you got stuck in traffic when you've been out there the whole time."
From the corner of my eye, I saw Jay-Jay crawling toward the nearest wall. Seeing her like this made me want to kill Jason. My fists clenched, ready to smash his face in.
"Oops… Looks like we went too far," he said, feigning concern. "…But you took too long. She became our entertainment."
I scanned the room—everyone here, even the ones Jay had knocked down. I was actually impressed by how she could take down guys like that.
You're really my strong woman.
"What happened to you?" I asked, keeping my tone neutral. "They're just a few, but you couldn't beat them?"
I saw her glare at me, pissed. She even rolled her eyes.
"Your girlfriend couldn't handle us," Jason suddenly said.
"He's not my boyfriend."
"She's not my girlfriend." We spoke in unison.
She's my future Mrs. Watson.
"Ouch… Looks like the rumors are true. Keifer used a girl to get back at his enemy," Jason taunted.
"Shut the fvck up, Jason."
He just chuckled, removing his jacket. I knew he was ready to fight.
So am I.
"What do you want?" I asked.
He gave me a death glare. "I want you dead, Keifer."
If you can.
He suddenly threw a chair and lunged at me. I dodged, blocking his punch and swiftly kicking him back before he could recover. He flew far.
His men moved to attack, but Jason signaled them to stop as he stood up. He charged again, exchanging blows with me. I wasn't easy to take down.
I grabbed a chair and smashed it against him. I saw him wince in pain.
"Keifer! They have knives!" Jay suddenly shouted.
Jason stepped aside, and one of his men rushed at me with a blade. I dodged, but it grazed me. I punched him square in the jaw, knocking him out.
But I didn't see Jason's kick coming. It sent me flying. Pain shot through me, making it hard to breathe.
I noticed Jason's men closing in on Jay-Jay. Fvck! I couldn't even reach her because Jason would intercept me. My fear lessened when I saw Jay fighting back.
You're doing a good job!
"Your fight's with me," Jason said, attacking again.
I fought back, trading punches and kicks, each hit landing on flesh and bone.
I knew Jay-Jay was giving it her all, but she couldn't hold them off forever. My hope wavered when I heard someone call my name.
"Keifer…"
Someone was holding Jay-Jay. Damn it! What was I doing? I was too focused on Jason.
If I rushed to her, Jason would take the opening. I'd lose, and who knows what he'd do to Jay-Jay?
She had no choice but to cooperate with me. I trusted Jay-Jay—I knew she could do it. She was stronger than me.
I turned back to Jason. We fought evenly—no one gaining the upper hand. If this kept up, we'd both lose.
"Can you do it?" I asked her without looking. She didn't answer, but I knew she could."Can you do it?" I repeated.
I didn't think she understood.
"Can you do it?"
Her expression changed—she got it!
I repositioned myself to strike. Jason still had no clue.
"One!" I shouted.
Jason glanced between me and Jay.
"Two!"
"THREE!" We yelled together.
I jumped, spinning to deliver a high kick to Jason's face. He crashed to the ground at the same time as the guy holding Jay.
She did it! My girl did it! I'm so proud of her!
Silence fell. I scanned the room—no one else was getting up.
Jay and I locked eyes, and we both laughed. For the first time, we fought side by side. But slowly, our laughter faded.
I don't know how it happened, but the next thing I knew, we were hugging each other.
Fvck, I missed holding her!
I felt her pull away and push me, but I didn't want to let go.
"H-hey… W-why are you hugging me?" she asked, still pushing.
Tch. You hugged me back, remember?
I tightened my arms around her. "You started it… I'm just humoring you."
And I want it too… So bad.
"Y-you can let go now," she said, but I didn't.
"You sure? Feels like you don't want me to."
I know you want it too.
"I'm sure… L-let go." She pushed again.
"I can tell… You don't want me to."
I held her head against my chest. I didn't care if she heard my racing heartbeat.
She stopped resisting and relaxed. I knew she wanted this as much as I did.
"I know… You really want it."I couldn't stop myself from smiling.
"Let go. I'm asking you," she said seriously.
Something was wrong, so even though I didn't want to, I released her. She shoved me away, and I immediately saw pain in her eyes.
Damn it! Did I mess up again?
"What are you doing?"
I frowned. What was she talking about?
"…What are you doing? Why are you getting close to me again? Why are you making it seem like there's something between us? Why? Why are you doing this?"
Fvck!
I'd been reckless. I forgot how my actions could make her suspicious. I didn't think she'd question me—that she'd want to know the reason behind everything.
I looked around, searching for answers I didn't have. What could I even say? What if I told her the truth?
Maybe I should just avoid this for now.
"It's late… I'll take you home," I said, reaching for her, but she stepped back.
"Leave if you want. But I'm not going with you."
"Jay… Don't be stubborn."
"Answer me first! Why are you making this so hard for me?! Haven't you done enough?! Now you're making me think there's something between us when there's nothing?!"
Why so stubborn? Just listen to me! Please.
I wanted to tell her this was for her own good. That it was better if she didn't know what was really happening.
"Answer me, Keifer. Do you really have feelings for me?" she asked, tears in her eyes.
I DO! I FVCKING DO HAVE FEELINGS FOR YOU! I'M SO IN LOVE WITH YOU THAT I'D SACRIFICE EVERYTHING TO KEEP YOU SAFE!
I looked down before she saw my own tears.
"I-I heard you… You and Yuri… What you talked about…" She was crying now. "…I wanted to believe Yuri was right—that you were lying, that you really do have feelings for me. But I need to hear it from you."
I turned away before my tears fell. I couldn't hold them back anymore. Seeing her like this made me regret everything.
Made me want to take it all back. Made me want to abandon the plan. Made me want to give up.
I badly want to be with her.
"I'll take you home now." I said in a plain voice.
I left her and immediately crossed the street to get into my car. I kept wiping my eyes. I started the engine and parked beside Jason's motorcycle. I knew he wouldn't come out right away.
I try to calm myself, but my tears are not cooperating with me. I badly want to be with her. I want to hug her tightly. I want to hear her voice without anger and pain.
I'm struggling so much! I can't take this anymore. Please.
I leaned my head on the steering wheel. I took a few deep breaths. I also wiped my face when I heard a horn.
I lifted my head, and the first thing I saw was Jay-jay's face. She was looking at the newly arrived car. It's Aries.
I got out of the car and looked at them. She looked at me in pain before walking away. I don't want to see her like this. Why do I have this feeling that I'm losing her?
She looked at me one last time before finally leaving. Her eyes are like saying goodbyes.
It feels like my world collapsed when they finally left. I'm losing her! I can't… I can't lose her just like that!
I looked at the parked motorcycles. I quickly grabbed my phone and called Rory.
"Same place. I want to burn Jason's motorcycle… In front of him."