Jay-jay's POV
The retreat ended ahead of schedule. Because of what happened to Aries, Yuri, and the other students caught with alcohol and cigarettes, the organizers decided to cut it short.
Aries was rushed to the hospital, and so was Yuri. We left Camp keneme in total silence. The entire Section E refused to talk about what had happened.
No one wanted to discuss it.
The retreat was supposed to last a week, but it was cut down to just three days. The remaining days turned into an unplanned vacation.
Today is Saturday, two days since Aries was hospitalized. Two days of ignoring Yuri's texts and calls. Two days of being ignored by Keifer.
"Is that so?" I asked Keigan.
"Yeah... Sorry about that," he answered, forcing a smile. "...If he gets home, I will call you immediately."
"Alright. Thanks."
"Take care."
I walked away from Keifer's house, shoulders slumped. I had been going back and forth to their house since yesterday. He wouldn't reply to my texts, and every time I called, his phone was unreachable.
I couldn't help but worry. I knew he was mad about what he saw.
I pressed the brakes of my bike—the same one I used yesterday when I went to see him.
Keigan gave me the same answer he did yesterday. "He hasn't come home since he left." It was frustrating. I wanted to blame Yuri, but... what for?
My phone rang. I pulled over to check it. A text message from Kuya Angelo.
From:Kuya Angelo.
Message:"Where are you? Come home now."
I sighed. Kuya didn't even know I had left the house. He wasn't there earlier, so I didn't bother telling him.
I pedaled quickly, heading home. Keifer's house was quite far from ours, but I was a reckless biker.
And this was just a bike... What if I were driving a car?
When I arrived, a fancy car greeted me. Yayamanin!Bongga! I stared at it for a moment before parking my bike in Tita's garage.
Inside, I finally saw who the car belonged to—Yuri's mom, along with what seemed to be her driver.
"Konnichiwa..." she greeted me with a smile and a bow.
I bowed back, remembering that it was their way of showing respect. "Konnichiwa."
"Oh, you're here." Kuya Angelo suddenly spoke, carrying a tray of juice and sandwiches. "...Mrs. Hanamitchi has been waiting for you."
He placed the tray on the table, then looked me up and down, raising an eyebrow.
"Go change... You have somewhere to go." Kuya ordered.
I looked at myself. What's wrong with faded jeans and a loose T-shirt?
"No. It's okay," Yuri's mom interjected. "...It's not necessary."
"But—"
But Jay-jay looks like a rag.
"We won't be gone long, so I don't think it's necessary." She cut Kuya off.
Kuya had no choice but to agree. Yuri's mom smiled and stood up. She walked over to me and linked her arm with mine as if we were super close.
Oh? Since when were we close, sis?
"Shall we go?" she invited me.
"O-okay." I answered hesitantly.
She looked at Kuya Angelo and smiled. "We'll go ahead."
We walked outside straight to their fancy car. I felt so awkward that I stayed completely silent throughout the ride. I wanted to ask where we were going, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.
What is this about, really?
"Anything wrong, Jay?" she broke the silence.
"N-no, ma'am."
Even though it was cold inside the car, I was sweating. My heart was beating fast. Why did it feel like I had committed some huge crime against Yuri's family?
We stopped in front of a massive building. Yuri's mom was the first to step out. I followed her, taking a moment to look at the building before us.
She linked her arm with mine again, practically dragging me along with how fast she was walking.
Seriously? Is she mad at something?
We reached the elevator. Fortunately, the doors were already open, so we didn't have to wait.
"Sorry if I'm rushing. We're already late," she told me.
Late for what?
She pressed the button for the 20th floor. There were only two other passengers with us, and they looked like foreigners. I didn't want to say anything because aside from feeling awkward—I WAS REALLY FEELING AWKWARD! But I also didn't want to be rude.
"H-how is Yuri?" I asked.
Damn it, Jay!
I probably shouldn't have asked that. Idiot! Now she'll think we haven't been talking.
"He's okay... Fully recovered already," she answered.
The elevator bell dinged, and the doors opened. Yuri's mom walked ahead, and I followed. What greeted me was an unusual-looking floor.
There was a receptionist, and the place looked like an office. We approached the women at the reception desk. They spoke for a moment before we were told to wait.
I had no idea who or what we were waiting for.
Where even is this place?
"Mrs. Hanamitchi!" a flamboyant voice suddenly called out.
The person was definitely gay—I was sure of it. Sophisticated-looking, despite the way his fingers flicked. He seemed rich, too.
"Gertrude!" Yuri's mom greeted back, and they exchanged cheek kisses.
"You still look pretty," said the one called Gertrude.
Yuri's mom responded, "Thank you."
Then, Gertrude suddenly looked at me, so I forced a smile. He raised an eyebrow, scanning me from head to toe.
"Shinken ni? Kono shōjo?" (Seriously? This girl?)" he said, and Yuri's mom just smiled.
Huh?!
I felt like I was either insulted or cursed at. I had no idea how to react. If I fought back, I might look rude.
Should I just punch him and say it was an accident?
"Yeah... She's pretty. Right?" Yuri's mom said and motioned for me to come closer.
I did as told, forcing a smile at Gertrude. He simply sneered and rolled his eyes.
What's his problem?
I have no problem with gay people, but now, maybe I do. I wasn't even bothering this guy, so why was he treating me like this? If I get annoyed, I won't be able to hold back.
"Fine, whatever." he replied sarcastically. "...Let's go."
He walked further inside. What greeted me was a row of office tables stacked with piles and piles of papers.
I spotted a white sofa set where several people were engaged in conversation. Some were holding magazines, while others were handling fabric samples.
But what really caught my attention was the headless mannequin. Because it was wearing a gown. A wedding gown!
I felt an icy chill crawl up my spine as I realized why we were here. I glanced at Gertrude and Yuri's mom, who were in front of me, happily chatting and laughing together.
They stopped for a moment and opened a glass door labeled VIP. Yuri's mom entered first, followed by Gertrude.
They left me behind?!
I just pushed the door open and entered on my own. The first thing I saw was a circular sofa set—big enough to fit about 15 people. In front of it was a large curtain.
"Beautiful!" Gertrude called out sarcastically.
As I approached him, he also moved toward the curtain.
Rude?!
"Madam Yakito! Here it is! Feast your eyes!" he exclaimed excitedly and suddenly pulled the curtain open.
Before five rows of massive mirrors, a dazzling white wedding gown gleamed before my eyes. I almost went blind.
"Oh my..." Yuri's mom said joyfully as she immediately walked over. "...Look at this! You did a great job."
I couldn't bring myself to step forward. I had no reaction. The only thing I could manage was a forced, plastic smile.
"I'll have my assistant come to help you get dressed," Gertrude said before quickly walking away.
Yuri's mom turned to me with a bright smile. I forced myself to return it.
"Isn't it beautiful? This is what you'll wear for your wedding with Yuri," she said happily.
I can't do this.
I can't be happy like she is. Not after everything Yuri said to me. Not after everything that happened. I just can't...
A woman arrived and immediately approached the gown. She unfastened it from the mannequin and signaled for me to come closer. Yuri's mom left and closed the curtain.
"Please remove your clothes," the woman instructed.
I hesitated, staring at her. "A-all of it?"
"Just the top... including your undergarment."
Oh, hell no... I have to go topless?!
Hesitantly and slowly, I took off my T-shirt. I was about to remove my bra, but… damn!
I stopped and looked at the woman with a pleading expression. "C-can I, um… wear that first before taking this off?"
She smiled and nodded. With the size of the wedding gown—looking like it was trying to outdo Marian Rivera's—it was a struggle to put it on. Once it reached my chest, that was when I finally removed my undergarments.
She adjusted the back and the rest of the dress, then fixed my hair, which had been a constant nuisance on my face.
Once everything was set, I looked at myself in the mirror. I stared at my reflection, almost unable to believe that the person I was looking at… was me.
The gown was just that beautiful.
So this is what it feels like to choose a wedding dress. It was thrilling and heart-fluttering. It felt like I could walk straight into a church wearing this.
But slowly, my smile faded. And one by one, the thoughts crept in. I was marrying someone I didn't love. I was marrying someone who had lied to me. Someone I trusted. Someone I thought was just another victim of their family's business schemes.
"You don't like it?"
I flinched slightly, quickly looking up to see Yuri's mom behind me. The curtain had already been drawn open.
"I-I like it." I forced the words out.
"That's great to hear." She turned to the woman who had helped me dress. "...Leave us for now."
The woman nodded and walked away, leaving my clothes on the sofa before stepping out completely.
Yuri's mom moved in front of me and took out her phone. She tapped the screen a few times before pointing the camera at me.
"Smile," she said. I forced a smile. "...I'll send this to Yuri."
She typed something again before her phone chimed. She chuckled before facing me.
"He's asking if we can take you straight to the altar right now." She laughed loudly.
I laughed along—hopefully, it didn't look too fake. She observed me for a while, as well as the gown I was wearing.
When her eyes met mine, I immediately looked away. It was incredibly awkward—I wasn't used to making eye contact with her.
"To be honest… I don't want you to be my daughter-in-law." She said it with a smile, but her voice was serious.
That's fine… I don't want to be your in-law either.
"...But I love my son so much, and I'm willing to sacrifice everything..." she said sadly. "...The whole Hanamitchi clan doesn't like me. From the moment I married Yumori, I kept trying to please them. I tried to prove that I was worthy of being part of their family, but… they never accepted me."
Yuri actually mentioned that to me before.
She forced a smile and tucked my hair behind my ear. "I thought it would be like that forever. But when Yuri was born, half of the clan thanked me. To them, he was lucky. He was born at a time when the family business was collapsing."
Honestly, I didn't understand why she was telling me this. But I stayed quiet and listened.
"Smart, cheerful, and obedient—that's my Yuri… I gave him everything, even when he didn't ask for it. From the very beginning, he never got along with my father-in-law, but he never backed down from proving himself."
I wanted to ask why she meddled in Yuri's decisions. Why she talked to Ella. But my tongue held back, refusing to cooperate.
"I also treated his friends like my own children, especially Keifer, who was the closest to him, even though I was completely against their friendship." She took a deep breath, and that's when I noticed the tears welling up in her eyes. "...But when he introduced Ella to me, everything changed."
Damn. Here it comes.
"...I did not accept her, and the same goes for the rest of our clan. So I did what I thought was right. I talked to Keifer and told him to keep Ella away from Yuri. But I had no idea that they were already fighting over the same woman." Her tears finally fell. "...My son came home as a different person. He was often drunk, wounded, and his clothes were a mess. He even dyed his hair, which shocked everyone. He also started talking back to us, especially to his grandfather."
Even though I wasn't sure, I hugged her and let her cry on my shoulder. I could feel how much pain she was in over what happened to Yuri.
"Please..." she said, still sobbing. "...love my son."
Just Stop!!
Ask for anything else. Just not that. Please, don't ask me to love him.
"...I can't bear to see him miserable again. I beg you... Love my son."
Tears started falling from my eyes as well. I hugged her tightly. I wanted to do what she was asking. I wanted to. I really wanted to.
But I couldn't.
I loved someone else, and no matter what I did, he was the one I truly wanted. The one I truly loved.
Keifer.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
David's POV
["She's okay... In a few weeks, she can go home."] Percy said on the other line.
"Are you going back with her?"
["I might leave first. I really want to see Jay-jay and Felix."]
I looked up at the sky. My contract was almost over. I would finally see Cheon—my girlfriend. And the thoughts that had been haunting me would finally disappear.
"T-thanks, by the way," I said awkwardly.
["I should be the one thanking you. Thanks for looking after Jay-jay. I just really hope..."] He paused for a moment. ["...I just really hope you keep your promise."]
I lowered my head. "Y-yeah."
He ended the call. I looked at the gate of their house. Jay-jay's house. Percy didn't tell me to come here. I just really wanted to.
To see her.
The gate opened, and I quickly got inside my car. I didn't want anyone to see me. I wasn't disappointed in waiting. Jay-jay came out of the gate carrying a garbage bag. He placed it next to some other sacks of trash.
He was about to go back inside when Angelo suddenly came out and seemed to be scolding him. Jay-jay just kept his head down, but as soon as his cousin walked away, he made a face and started mimicking what his older brother had said.
He really is something else.
I chuckled. That was enough. I started the car and drove away.
I don't exactly know what I'm doing. I'm head over heels for my girlfriend, but after getting close to Jay-jay, I suddenly felt confused. And everything got worse because of my agreement with Percy.
If I hadn't agreed to it, would this have happened?
Flashback...
My foot was tapping against the floor. We had been waiting here in front of the O.R. (Operating Room) for almost four hours, yet we still hadn't heard anything from the doctor.
I sighed and lowered my head.
"David..." Cheon's mom called out to me. "...Go home first. You've been here since last night."
I forced a smile. "I-I'm okay, Tita... I wouldn't be able to stay at home anyway."
"Eat something first, son. I'll buy you something. What would you like?" Cheon's dad offered.
I quickly stood up. "No need. I'll just buy something myself."
He smiled at me and let me go. I knew they were worried about me, too. Ever since Cheon was brought back to the hospital, I hadn't gone home.
I couldn't even eat properly. I started walking away. I was out of it, completely lost in thought. I didn't want to leave. I was afraid of what might happen while I was gone. I thought she would be okay when we brought her to Hong Kong, but I was wrong.
I kept walking when I bumped into someone. I immediately looked at him and apologized.
"S-sorry," I said. "...I didn't mean to."
He stared at me as if trying to recognize me. His eyes were blue, even though he looked Filipino.
"It's okay," he replied.
I continued walking straight to the hospital cafeteria. Even though I had no appetite, I forced myself to eat. I didn't want to be the next one to get sick.
After eating, I received a text from Tita. The operation was over, and the doctor was about to talk to them. I hurried back and found them standing in front of the doctor's office door.
"Come on... The doctor is about to talk to us," Tita said, inviting me in.
We entered the room and were met with the doctor's sad expression. I had a bad feeling that the results weren't good.
"Sit down, please," the doctor told us.
Tita and the others sat, but I remained standing. He took out a tablet and pressed something before showing it to us. It was a video of a heart ultrasound.
"The operation was not successful. We didn't want to take too much risk. The hole in her heart has gotten too big, along with the swelling of some arteries—"
I didn't let him finish. I immediately walked out of his office. I punched the wall out of sheer frustration.
"Tsk! Don't take it out on the wall."
I froze at the voice that spoke. I immediately turned and glared at him. It was the same guy with blue eyes—the one I bumped into earlier.
"What do you care?!" I asked, annoyed.
Why was he interfering? I didn't know him, and he didn't know me—
"David Brewer," he said, making me stop. "...Former president of Section E."
H-how did he…?
"D-do I know you?"
He smiled at me, and honestly, I was beyond confused. I didn't know him. He wasn't a student at HVIS—I was sure of that. But somehow, he looked like he was around my age.
"Maybe you've heard the name... Percy Rey Collins?" he asked.
Collins?
I only knew one Collins—Felix. Then it hit me. He was Felix's stepbrother. But… he was supposed to be dead.
"From the way you're looking at me... I think you already know who I am." He extended his hand toward me. "...Nice to meet you."
I didn't take it. My mind was getting even more messed up. I also didn't understand why he approached me. He withdrew his hand but kept smiling.
"Well... I won't beat around the bush. I'd like to offer you a job."
"E-excuse me? A job?"
"Yes... A job," he repeated. "...We can talk about it now if you have time?"
I shook my head at what he was saying. "Look... Mr. Whoever-You-Are, I don't know you. The Percy I knew is dead, and I'm not interested in your offer. Now, if you'll excuse me—"
"I can help Ms. Cheon Sa Kim."
He cut me off. I was getting more confused. How did he know my girlfriend's full name? And what help was he talking about?
"...Her operation wasn't successful. No other hospital wants to operate on her because it's too risky, and they don't want to ruin their reputation," he continued. "...The only option left is to take her to New York. But her family can't afford it."
Crap!
How did he know all that? The doctors had been insisting that she be taken to New York for a while, but her parents couldn't afford the expenses. We had already offered financial help, but it still wasn't enough.
"You see... I can pay her medical bills. I have a private plane that can take her to New York safely."
I lowered my head. He was a total stranger to me. But I was tempted by his offer. This was about Cheon, so a huge part of me wanted to listen to what he was saying.
"How can I be sure you're telling the truth?" I asked, almost in a whisper.
He smiled widely. "Let me explain it to you."
He started walking somewhere. I followed him until we stopped in front of a patient's room. He sat on the bed and began explaining. He also showed me some photos as proof of what he was saying.
He explained why he was doing this. I was starting to believe him, even though I didn't really trust him.
"...I have only one rule," he said after explaining my job. "...Do not, under any circumstances, fall for her."
I tried to hide my reaction. How? How would I do that? What if I had already started to feel differently?
But Cheon needed me now. So, even though I still had a lot of questions—
"I accept your offer."
End of Flashback...
Now here I am. So fucking confused about my feelings. I shouldn't be feeling this way. I love Cheon. That's why I made sacrifices.
But when I'm with Jay-jay, my heart beats differently.
This is fucking wrong!
I don't want to get involved in Keifer and Yuri's mess anymore.