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 feel like Keigan is acting older than us now?
"Why are you acting 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 looked puzzled by his behavior. It was early in the morning, and he was 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 eating.
"Babylyn!" he called one of the maids, and we all flinched at the tone of his voice. "...Please follow the diet given by the doctor for Kuya."
"Yes, Sir—."
I cut them off. "You don't have to."
"No! You have to," Keigan insisted.
I was starting to get annoyed with the way he was acting. He was acting like he knew better than me, as if he were the boss of this house.
I drank my water vigorously and looked him straight in the eye.
"I said, you don't have to." My tone was calm but still carried authority. "...Are you seriously going to meddle with even my food?"
"It's the doctor's orders so your wound will heal faster."
"It's not like this is the first time this has happened to me. I've been stabbed and had broken bones before, but I never followed that diet plan. I didn't even take my medications."
He wiped his lips with the table napkin after putting down his spoon and fork. He looked at me seriously, not showing any sign of backing down.
"Things are different now. You can't show any weakness. We already talked about this before."
"I have no weakness—."
He chuckled bitterly. "Really now? Then what do you call that wound? Why did you get stabbed in the first place?"
I looked away. He didn't know that I saved Jay-jay. What he knew was that I got into a simple fight. He thought the guys we had fought before came back for me and ganged up on me while I was alone.
"I was occupied. I didn't notice the knife," I simply explained.
I saw him mouth 'bullsht'*. I didn't like him speaking like that in front of me. I crossed my arms and my forehead creasing.
"Yeah, it is really bullshit. Especially since you weren't there and didn't see what exactly happened!" I was starting to raise my voice.
He looked guilty before averting his eyes. I looked at 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 so uncomfortable. Maybe because of our conversation. Keigan and I were almost fighting right in front of him.
"I-I'm done," he said, almost in a whisper.
I forced a smile. "Your personal butler will drive you to school."
"Why not you?"
I pointed to the part where I was 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 Keiren. The butler helped him get his bag, but my youngest brother was being stubborn. He insisted on doing it himself.
Keigan followed them afterward.
"Make sure you won't do something crazy again," he said before leaving the dining room.
I signaled the maids to leave. I wanted to be alone.
I rubbed my face with both hands. I had given Keigan my full trust when it came to our plans, but why did it feel like he was using the situation to make me follow his will?
I was confused by the way he was acting. But for now, I chose to focus on the bigger problem at hand.
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.
["Keifer..."]
"Are you heading out now? I'm riding with you again."
I heard him sigh. ["You know I'm picking up Jay-jay, right?"]
I smiled mischievously. "I know. That gives me 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 started walking out of the house when I noticed a few bodyguards in the garage. I quickly walked up to 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 dad's men. They've been 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 simultaneously. I sighed deeply and held my temple.
"Did you go to see Jay-jay?"
"Sir, Keigan blocked us."
Damn it!
I knew it—he'd get involved. He thinks Clyde and his people will notice if they see I still have ties to Jay-jay.
Our only hope now is really just our friends.
This whole thing is so frustrating. It feels like we're stuck on an island in the middle of a vast ocean. Resources are scarce, and the only way to save Jay-jay is to put her on a boat off the island.
What should I do now?
I saw Yuri's car at the house gate. I just signaled the bodyguards to return to their post before walking straight to the car waiting for me.
I knocked on the car window. I heard the door unlock, so I opened it and got in immediately.
"You're good now, right?" he asked.
I gave him a short nod as an answer.
"This is your last time riding with me, okay?"
"And why?"
His forehead creased. "You're getting in the way between me and Jay-jay."
"Wow... how embaraasing," I said sarcastically.
He started driving while still talking.
"How will I make her mine when you're always around? She's already dealing with mixed emotions—so it's not good for her to see you."
"Around her or not, if she'll be yours—she will be. But the thing is, she won't... because you're a loser."
"Tss..." He sounded pissed.
I couldn't help but grin. He probably had something planned today for Jay-jay, but now he obviously had to postpone it because of me.
It wasn't long before we arrived at our destination. He opened the car door and got out.
"Behave!" he said with a warning glare before slamming the car door shut.
Sometimes it's really fun to annoy your friends. I couldn't help but think of another prank.
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 heading into school."
["Whatever. Uncle said we should set another meeting. He said we're leaving soon."]
Leaving soon? How? Why?
"Wait! What do you mean 'soon'?"
["Hhmm... well, since you're not talking to me, you wouldn't know."]
I ran a hand down my face. Looks 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 even talked things through properly to our friends. I haven't taken down the people who want to hurt her. My plan for her isn't even complete yet.
I looked toward their house and stood up straight when I saw her walking toward Yuri's car.
It's not time yet.
"I'll talk to you later." I ended the call without waiting for her response.
I saw Jay-jay bowing her head as she walked toward Yuri's car. She looked like she was about to crawl. I slowly walked toward her. I stopped just a meter away from her.
From behind the car, she stood up and tried to peek inside. Maybe spying, trying to check something. Looks like she was trying to see if I was inside.
"What are you doing?"
She froze when she heard me speak. Clearly, she wasn't expecting it.
"Again... What are you doing?" I asked again.
She slowly turned around to face me, but her head stayed slightly down. I wanted her to face me. I wanted to see her eyes. I wanted to take in all of her, even though I knew I'd only see anger.
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 go the other way, but I did the same thing. Both arms blocking either side of her. She was trapped, and just a little closer and I could already steal her lips.
But I won't deny it—my wound was aching from raising my arms like that. I hid the pain I was feeling. She couldn't know.
"W-what nnow?!" she asked, sounding irritated while avoiding my eyes.
I didn't want her to avoid me. I badly wanted to see her eyes. I know there's emotion inside her and I wanted to see it. Yes, she's angry at me—but I want to see that too.
I'm really getting weirder.
I can't even explain why I want so badly to see her emotion. 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 smiled faintly. She's still as stubborn as ever. She really is the type that—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 mixture of emotions—anger, pain, and what I was looking for... longing. How I wish that was for me.
That was all I wanted to see, to make sure she was still mine. But this girl is something else. She really has a different way of doing things.
She played with her own eyes—crossed them. I don't know why she had to do such a thing.
My forehead creased slightly. "What the hell."
But it didn't last long. Looks like she hurt herself with her own foolishness. She shut her eyes tightly and held them with her hands.
"Serves you right," I said.
She opened her eyes after a few seconds. She glared at me like she was ready to go to war.
"Get lost!" she shouted, but I didn't listen. "Damn it! I said get lost!"
Profanity.
My lips automatically formed a smile. Sometimes I feel like she curses just so I'd kiss her. But I know, right now, she's not doing it on purpose.
"Keifer."
I almost rolled my eyes. But this Yuri is the other way round. He really disturbs us.
"...Let's go," he said.
I didn't move a muscle. My eyes still looking at Jay-jay. I am still smiling like a lunatic. I really miss being this close to her.
If only I could always do this. If only I could stay this close to her all the time. I don't want to let go. I can't let her go.
"Get lost!" she shouted again.
I slowly moved closer to her. I saw her back away, trying to avoid me, but it only made me move closer to her ear.
"Profanity," I whispered, then kissed her neck.
I was about to kiss her lips too, but that was impossible. I quickly stepped back and got into Yuri's car. I leaned back and held onto my wound.
The pain lingered longer than usual. I often ignored pain like this, but this time it lasted. I really needed to be more careful — this could cost me dearly.
Yuri and Jay-jay finally got into the car. The ride was silent the entire way. When we arrived at school, Jay-jay got out of the car even before it had fully parked.
Yuri sighed beside me.
"What's your plan, Keifer?" he asked lifelessly.
"Huh?!"
"You pushed her away and now you kissed her."
Shit!
I really should think before I act. This was such a huge oversight. 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 his car and walked away. I went ahead to the classroom.
When I got there, I caught C-in pestering Jay-jay again. As expected, they were bickering as usual. I feel bad for this kid. Looks like he's going to have a really hard time winning Jay-jay over.
Maybe later I should talk to him. I'll need his help when I leave—
"I said No! What part of 'I don't want to' don't you understand?!" She suddenly shouted.
Everyone turned to look at them. C-in looked down. I could tell he was about to cry, but he tried his best to hold it in.
"Alright, I'll just put it away. We can eat it later," he said in a low voice.
Jay-jay's eyes swept over the room, and everyone quickly looked away, pretending to mind their own business. Then her eyes landed on me. My heart skipped a beat when our gazes met.
Damn this heart.
Thank goodness I didn't react right away. She just rolled her eyes at me before going to her seat. I went to mine as well.
I glanced at Yuri as he also sat down. He gave me a strange, meaningful look. It was like he was telling me he was going to find out what I was hiding.
I wished he wouldn't. I didn't want him involved — it could destroy his family. Things weren't the same for him with his clan. Even if he didn't admit it, I knew.
I just don't want to force him to speak. Because just like him, I'm thinking the same thing. Damn! After all this time, it's only now that I'm starting to second-guess being friends with him. We're starting to become too much alike in too many ways.
I let out a few heavy sighs until I noticed Jay-jay walking toward Edrix.
They were talking about something I couldn't hear. She even handed him her phone, but he declined it and looked 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 the icon logo. It's password-protected, so it's hard to uninstall.
They continued talking until Jay-jay suddenly yelled at him. She looked really pissed. Edrix, on the other hand, clearly didn't know what to do. He even looked at me like he was asking for help.
"Answer me! I'm starting to lose my patience!" she shouted.
All eyes were on her again. It was obvious that nobody liked what Jay-jay was doing. Until finally, she slammed her hand on the table.
Some students stood up in alarm. I saw Edrix's shoulders rise and fall before he finally took Jay-jay's phone.
She looked a bit shocked when she realized he could access to her phone without needing her permission.
Damn! Edrix didn't have a fvcking choice.
"OTJ101 stands for Operation Tracking Jay-jay Version 10.1," Edrix said, setting the phone down. "I-I programmed that app so we could track your phone's location. It uses a signal-based system, so it's easier to use than what the police or ordinary people have."
I saw Jay-jay's lips part slightly. She was definitely shocked. Now she knew how we kept finding her.
"A-and aside from that..." he continued. "...The app is also linked to another phone." He looked at me, which made Jay-jay turn and meet my eyes.
"All your text messages and phone calls also go into that app. So whoever has the linked phone can read your messages and listen to your phone calls."
I almost hissed.
Now she knew even that. I admit—I read some of her messages and conversations, especially the ones between her and Yuri. But I never once listened to her actual conversations or calls with others. I only checked the call logs.
Jay-jay was clearly trying her best to calm down. She's really amazing. She could still control herself even after learning all that.
"Whose phone is it linked to?" she asked, almost draining the blood from my face.
"I-it's Keifer's," Edrix answered.
Dammit!
Jay-jay suddenly grabbed her phone and threw it at me. I knew where it was going to hit, so I just tilted my head to the side. I heard it hit something and break.
"You're unbelievable!" She's furious. "You really have no limits!"
I remained calm and expressionless. I needed to be careful with my words—anything I said could just cause more chaos in the room.
"You're really determined with your plan, huh?! You even invade my private matters!" she shouted. "...Are you really this cruel?!"
For some reason, I enjoyed watching her get mad at me. Even though I know I shouldn't—because she's clearly furious—that's still what I feel.
No wonder men are called assholes by women. Because we tend to enjoy seeing them pissed.
Now I'm a class A asshole.
I rolled my eyes at my own thoughts. Suddenly, Jay came up to me. With her fist clenching she's about to punch me but Yuri immediately hold her from 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 be the one stepping in for her.
"Let go of me!" she shouts while struggling to break free.
When they stepped outside, everyone immediately looked at Edrix. He was looking down, massaging his nape.
"You idiot, bro!" Eren said angrily.
"What he did was right." Eman defended him. "...What now? Are we going to deceive Jay-jay again? It's already too late!"
"What now then? What if something happens to her again? What will we use to track her?" Denzel asked.
Edrix didn't react to what they said. He walked toward Jay's phone, which was on the floor behind me. He bent down and picked up some of the shattered pieces of the cellphone.
"Let's just install it on her new phone," Rory suggested.
"That's impossible now! Of course, she won't allow anyone to touch her new phone if she knows there's an app like that that can be installed without her noticing." Blaster said.
"We're totally on bad terms with Jay-jay now." Calix commented.
Almost all of us sighed at the same time. Losing that app was a big blow to us. We're going to have a hard time finding her again.
"Jay-jay fainted!" Blaster suddenly shouted.
He was standing at the door, peeking outside. He immediately ran in the direction where Jay-jay was. The others followed suit.
I badly want to follow them. But if I did, Yuri would confirm what he's been suspecting about me.
I have to be careful.
I'm sorry, Jay.