Keifer's POV
"Ci..." I called him in a low tone.
He turned around and faced me. "What?"
"Let's talk." I said and walked away from the clinic.
Almost everyone was inside the clinic, waiting to hear what the nurse would say. I chose to stay outside, keeping a distance from them. That's where I saw Ci-n, unable to get in because our friends were blocking the door.
He followed me until we were far enough from the clinic. I stopped once I was sure no one could hear us.
"What is it?" he asked innocently.
"How long are you going to keep trying to win Jay-jay back?"
"Until she forgives me." he answered quickly with a slight smile.
He looked proud of his answer. I couldn't help but smile back. I definitely chose the right person to talk to.
"I'm leaving."
His smile disappeared instantly. "Huh?"
"I have to go back to London. It's about my inheritance." I explained briefly.
"What?! What about Jay-jay?" His eyes widened at me. "...You haven't even apologized to her yet. What if she finds someone else? Then she gets pregnant. Then they always fight because she's feisty. Then they break up. Then her child grows up without a dad! Then we see her again! Then she looks for you because it turns out she still loves you—but it's too late because you're already married to someone else!" he said, almost without breathing.
I crossed my arms and looked at him in disbelief. Where the hell did he get that idea?
That's such an unlikely series of events. Like I'd let Jay-jay be with another man. And why would it ever reach the point that I'd be married to someone else?
That one's just impossible.
I won't agree to marry anyone else if it's not her.
"Wow... You're so smart you can even predict the future," I said in a sarcastic tone.
He made a peace sign and gave a wide grin. "Just in case..."
"That's why I'm entrusting her to you. Make sure she's safe and make sure no one tries to make a move on her." I sigh. "...Yuri and David are already giving me headaches, and it might just get worse when I leave."
He looked at me curiously, lowering his hand. "Why even David?"
Clueless.
He had no idea that his so-called partner in crime was also crushing on Jay-jay. Maybe he was just too preoccupied to notice it.
"Nothing," I replied flatly.
He looked down, fidgeting with his fingers. I saw his lips pout slightly.
"When are you leaving?" he asked in a sad tone.
"Maybe after your birthday," I answered, and his mood instantly lifted.
I knew he was worried about whether I'd make it to his big day. I remember he used to call me first 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's honestly unbelievable that he ended up with us all because of a simple accusation.
And because of his height, the boys decided to make fun of him. They ended up using his intelligence. He became everyone's homework guy. I didn't care about him at first. But watching him every day reminded me of someone.
He reminded me of Percy. The childish ways and clever thinking. It felt like I'd found his reincarnation. Maybe it's also because of how much I missed the friend I thought I'd lost, I just 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 also followed in my footsteps, thinking he could become strong like me. He even studied taekwondo or karate when he found out I knew a bit of it. He learned how to fight and started joining us on the streets.
His older brother totally disagreed, but he couldn't do anything about it. C-in badly wanted to belong with us. We got closer and sometimes he even reminded me of my younger brother Keigan. Sometimes, I'd even mix up their names when calling one of them.
"You really love Jay-jay, don't you?" he asks, bringing me back to reality.
I give a short smile as an answer.
"You love her, so why did you do that?"
"I can't tell you yet. But you're the safest bridge of communication I have for her."
He scratches his head. " What if she asks me where you are? What should I say?"
"Don't you know how to lie?"
He bites his lip while smiling. "Nope."
As if I didn't already know the answer to my own question. He's talkative. He'll definitely tell Jay-jay everything. Looks like I'll have to limit what I tell Ci.
"That's fine. As long as I can trust you, I won't care how you keep secrets."
"Please come back soon, okay? Jay-jay will be miserable if you're gone too long." He sounds like he's begging.
I nodded briefly. "I'll talk to the others about my departure, too. But I'm giving you a different job. Make sure your line is always open so I can call you anytime."
He suddenly stood up straight and saluted like a soldier. "Yes sir! Yes!" he shouted in a baritone voice.
I looked toward our friends who were approaching. Rory was at the front, 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 walked past, head down. Blaster gave me a quick glance before continuing on. I saw Kit also approaching, trying to avoid Mayo, with Eren following behind.
They looked at me for a moment and then glanced at Ci, who still hadn't moved from where he was standing.
"Is Jay-jay pregnant?" I hear Denzel ask.
I raise an eyebrow when I notice everyone left is looking at me.
"Why are you asking me that?" I ask, sounding irritated.
"Who else would know?" David asks sarcastically.
"Nothing happened to us, if that will help you sleep at night."
"Idiot, bro... What made you even think she's pregnant?" Felix asks Denzel.
"That's how Grace was before. We fought, then she fainted," he explains.
They all shake their heads, maybe thinking Denzel's idea is stupid.
"Maybe she's just not feeling well. I'll cook for her so she can eat when she wakes up," Eman says and walks off.
The others followed after him. Yuri was the very last one to walk back to the room. He left a few meaningful gazes at me.
I was about to head toward the clinic when I noticed Ci was still beside me. He hadn't moved.
"Ci. Go back to the room," I said and waited for him to walk.
He kept his straight posture but lowered his hand and began walking with exaggerated strides. He was marching like a real soldier. I could only shake my head at how ridiculous he was. I knew it—he really did get worse when Jay came into our lives.
I went ahead with what I really intended to do. I walked toward the clinic.
There was no one else there but the nurse, who was writing something on a sheet of paper at her desk. She looked up as she sensed my presence.
"Yes?" she asked.
"I'm not feeling well. I have chest pain," I said while pointing at my chest.
One of her brows arched. "You don't look like you're in pain."
Tss...
"B-because I can still bear it, but it's making me uncomfortable. I might suddenly faint on the way," I explained.
Even though she didn't look convinced, she took her stethoscope and plugged it into her ears. Just as she was about to place the end of it on my chest, I leaned away slightly.
She gave me a suspicious look. I didn't know how else to convince her.
"A-aw... It hurts again. I feel dizzy," I said, pretending like I really felt faint.
Wow... worst acting skills.
I backed away until I ended up sitting on one of the hospital beds. Then I lay down fully and looked at her.
"I will sleep for a while. Don't disturb me," I said and pulled the curtain closed.
I heard her put her things down on the table, followed by the sound of her pulling a chair. I knew she was fully aware I was just acting. Maybe she thought I was one of those students trying to skip class.
I stayed alert and, once I was sure she wasn't going to bother me, I got up and quietly walked to the next bed. I slowly pulled the curtain aside to see if the one I was looking for was there.
No one.
And still no one in the next one. I finally found her in the last bed.
She was fast asleep, her left hand resting on her stomach. Her brows slightly furrowed.
I checked the curtains to make sure the nurse couldn't easily see us. Once I was certain it was safe, I lay down beside her on her left side. I turned on my side, trying to squeeze myself into the narrow space on the bed. I used one of my arms 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 moment. 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 own pain. And I only added to it.
I'm good for nothing.
"But it's okay, because it's nothing compared to what you feel," I added before kissing her knuckles.
I gently returned her hand to its original position. I brushed a few strands of hair from her face.
"I know you're struggling so much. 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'll make all the pain you've felt worth it."
I know I can make up for all the pain I've caused. But I can't promise that I won't hurt her again.
Because that's what love is.
I will make it up to her for all the pain I've caused. But I can't promise I won't hurt her again.
Because that's what love is.
Pain is not the counterpart of love. Just because you love someone doesn't mean you'll never feel pain. Pain will always be there—it's part of the process of love. Either it kills you inside or wakes up your senses.
After all, how would you know it's love if you never feel pain?
That's why I don't believe people who say, "I'll never hurt you." The person you love will hurt you—intentionally or not. But what matters is knowing how to ease that pain, how to heal it, how to endure it. How to make amends and learn from it.
Use it as a life lesson, but never use it as a grudge to hurt others.
Maybe love shows your best, but pain shows your better—especially when you overcome it.
And that's what I'll do. I will learn from this pain. And when I do... it'll be your turn, Jay. We'll take back 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."
Just hold on, my Jay-jay.
I glanced down at her slightly parted lips. I gently touched them with my thumb. I bit my own lip. I knew it was disrespectful to kiss her while she was sleeping, but I missed kissing her so much.
Just one... and I'll leave. Just one.
I moved my lips closer to hers and was just about to kiss her when 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 stayed alert, listening to what they were doing.
"Which friend? There are two students resting over there," the nurse answered.
"The girl. The one we brought in earlier."
"Ahh... she's at the end. Do you want to see her?" she offered.
I almost flipped over because of what she said. I immediately looked for a place to hide just in case they came this way.
"No need. Please just give this to her. Thank you," Eman said, and I heard his footsteps fade.
I let out a deep breath because of that. I was planning to sleep here next to Jay, but it looks like that won't be possible. One of our friends might suddenly come and catch me.
So far, only Yuri seems to be sensing what I've been doing. While Ci-N understands my situation even though he doesn't know the full story yet. And the rest of them still hate me but are trying their best to understand.
I looked at Jay-jay and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. It was barely a touch, but she suddenly moved, which made me panic. Afraid she might see me and catch me, I threw myself off the bed. I managed to catch myself with my arms, but my wound stung painfully.
I quickly peeked at Jay-jay and saw her eyebrows furrowing.
Looks like she's waking up.
In fear, I started to walk away. I forgot that Jay was in the last bed. I just carelessly pushed the curtain aside and walked out. The nurse frowned as she looked at where I came from.
"How did you end up there?" she asked.
"Sleepwalking," I answered quickly and walked off.
I heard her call after me, but I ignored it. I went back to the room where the teacher was currently standing at the front, writing something on the board. Everyone looked at me. I just walked to my seat and sat down.
"Where did you come from?" Yuri asked, and I could sense the irritation.
"Outside. I talked to someone."
"And who is that someone?"
My forehead creased. "Do you feel jealous that I talked to someone?" I teased him.
"No. As long as you didn'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 respond anymore. I just looked forward and forced myself to read what was written on the board.
As expected, the teacher left early, so we had an early lunch. Everyone chatted 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 let him be. We're not the same, after all. He doesn't steal kisses from someone who's asleep.
Tss...
I just chose to stare at our friends. Felix had chosen a new group to pick a fight with. Everything would be recorded through phone camera. That footage would be sent to everyone who challenged me and would serve as a new warning.
I let out a heavy sigh. There's so much to do. And soon, I'll have to leave.
Damn it! I don't want to leave.
My thoughts were interrupted when Yuri suddenly burst into the room, sweaty and panting.
"Jay-jay..." he caught his breath, "...got in a taxi and left."
They all quickly panicked. I tried my best to stay calm, but my heart was beating so damn fast.
"What now? She doesn't have a phone!" Edrix said as he pulled out his laptop. "...I'll try to trace her through the cameras."
"Maybe she just went home!" Eren said, but I could sense he was worried.
"Her stuff is still here." Blaster pointed at her bag.
"Where could she be going?" Mayo asked, looking at Yuri.
"She might get into trouble," Ci-N said and looked at David. "...Dabid! Jay-jay!"
"I know. I heard it," he answered him
They all started guessing where Jay-jay could have gone. I had a strong feeling she didn't go home. Angelo would be mad at her if he found out she left early even though there were still classes.
"Felix!" I called. "...call your brother. Ask him if he's with Jay-jay."
He nodded and immediately picked up 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 could think of that she might be with or go to.
But my hope vanished as soon as they both shook their heads. She wasn't with Percy, and she wasn't at Kings Ground.
Where the hell are you?
I looked at Edrix, who was still in front of his laptop. He and Rory were the only chances we had left to find Jay.
"Edrix," I called him in a plain tone.
"I lost the taxi at the intersection," he said, sounding worried.
"What's the name of the taxi company?" Rory asked.
Edrix gave the name of the company, along with the plate number he got from the video, and other details that were stuck to the taxi's door.
Rory took his phone and made a call.
"Hello, is this Fast and Go Taxi company?" he said, and we all listened to him. "...can I possibly get the contact number of one of your drivers?" He added the plate and taxi number. "...I think I left something inside his taxi. Just taking a chance that I might've left it there." He suddenly looked at us, and I could see the relief in his face. "Thank you, I'll wait."
He put down the phone and turned to us. "They said they'll text the name and number."
Not long after, he received a message. He called it without hesitation.
"Hello? Is this Mr. Carlo Simson?" he asked and waited for the driver's response. "...you recently picked up a girl 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, and we need to know where she is." I could sense the authority in his voice.
Rory's father is a well-known private investigator. Their company is big—so big, it even reaches other countries. That's why their connections are vast. But I didn't know Rory could be even more persistent than his father.
"Alright. Thank you," he said before ending the call. "...she went to Benedict Hospital."
I quickly stood from my seat.
"She's going to visit Kiko." I said, and everyone almost flipped the table in shock.
What are you up to, Jay-jay?