Keifer's POV
"She said that?" Honey asked. "So fierce." Why am I even chatting here? I can't believe I actually endured talking to this girl.
"Why are you having breakfast here again?" I sounded irritated. "Because Denise Leah's cooking is good. Your cook." she said before taking a bite.
I looked at her while sipping my coffee. Who the hell is that? "What are you talking about? Her name is Abigail Mabaza."
She dropped the utensils she was holding. She looked at me, full of confusion. "You don't know your own cook? What's wrong with you?!" Maybe it's because so many people work for me. How could I possibly know all their names? I don't even face each one of them personally.
Speaking of them— "How's the new Maid of Keigan?" I asked Honey.
He changed maids again. I still haven't found the previous ones who took care of him. Which is very weird. It's as if someone's hiding them so I won't be able to find them.
"She looks good. Seems like she and Keigan are getting along." I nodded briefly. That's a good sign. We had a hard time looking for a nurse who would agree to become a maid.
I know my brother has issues. That's why I chose someone from the medical field to take care of him. Maybe she can figure out what's wrong with him.
I know Keigan will be mad once he finds out what I did. I just want to make sure he's alright. I hope he'll understand me.
I looked at the approaching Keiren. Keigan followed behind him, his uniform messy. His hair was unkempt. He also wasn't wearing his glasses.
"What's on the menu?" he asked before sitting down.
Honey and I exchanged glances because of how he was acting. He's not the usual Keigan we see every morning.
"Good morning." Honey greeted him.
He smiled and looked at her. "Good morning to you too."
I lowered the fork I was holding. I crossed my fingers and rested them near my lips, observing him silently.
This is not the Keigan I know. He's eating heartily and keeps smiling at us and the maids serving him food. This is the first time I've seen him like this. He's usually quiet unless we're talking about something important. Sometimes he's holding a book while eating, and he never takes off his glasses.
"I like the food today. Kezha really cooks well," he said—and that made us all stop.
Who's Kezha?
"Who?" Honey asked him.
"The cook. Isn't that Kezha? Kezha Keith Rosal. I remember her for cooking delicious food for me."
Honey looked at me, then at the maids. I did the same, and I saw confusion on all their faces.
"Why?" he asked when he noticed we were all staring at him.
"S-sir," one of the maids spoke up. "Ms. Kezha doesn't work here anymore. You fired her... it's been six months."
Keigan paused from eating. "I did? Why?"
"W-we don't know, sir."
He looked very confused, as if trying to recall whether he really did that. I glanced at Keiren when I noticed he was looking at me. It was obvious he wanted 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 for us—except for Honey, who probably wanted a second round. We just left her at the dining room.
We were about to head to the garage when I noticed Keigan wasn't carrying any bags or 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 know is an achiever. He would never skip school because he doesn't want to lose his top rank.
He must've gotten what I meant. He even snapped his fingers before heading back inside the house.
"Speak now," I said to Keiren when Keigan was gone.
"He doesn't know me," he answered, and I looked at him. "He said something like, 'Who are you again?' Then he smiled and walked away."
I ruffled his hair and forced a smile. "Your Kuya Keigan is just stressed. Maybe he's messing with you."
But I know it's more than stress. I have a bad feeling about the way he's acting. One more strange thing and I might start thinking he's losing his mind. But I don't want to get to that point.
I opened the car door so Keiren could get in. I hadn't even shut it yet when Keigan suddenly appeared, now carrying his bag and wearing his glasses.
"Let's go!" he said with a smile before hopping into my car.
As I closed the door, my phone rang right on cue. I grabbed it and answered the call.
It was Edrix.
["You read it! You read it!"] he said 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 still part of the initiation! I think they want to take you or Jason down first!"]
Most likely I'm their target. Jason wouldn't show up knowing I'm around. That guy owes me. It's clear to me now—he's the one on the motorcycle who endangered Jay-jay.
"Ram's still alive, why did they already replace him?"
["I don't know either! But word is he's out of the hospital already! Jay-jay is in danger!"]
No! I won't let him get my Jay-jay!
"Accept the fvcking invitation! I'll show them who's the real boss here!"
["Keifer agreed!"]
I heard C-in yell, followed by cheers. It sounded like the phone was on loudspeaker and they could all hear our conversation. Edrix ended the call.
I quickly jumped into the car and drove off. I stayed quiet despite Keigan's endless questions—the ones I knew 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, obviously hesitant to get out.
"Keigan. Please hurry. Keiren will be late." I said calmly.
He nodded shortly before opening the door. He stepped out with his bag and shut the door behind him.
He looked so innocent while looking 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 rushed inside.
I was in a hurry because I wanted to talk to the entire Section E. Except for her, of course. I wasn't disappointed, since I arrived at school earlier than expected. I even got there before her.
When I reached the room, it was obvious they had been waiting for me. What I didn't understand was why there was a ridiculous amount of pancake mix boxes in the classroom.
"What is that?" I asked, irritated.
"Pancakes for Jay-jay," C-in answered, all smiles.
I looked at Edrix, who seemed like he was also waiting for Eman to cook.
"Can we talk about the invitation first?" I said to them, and they all looked at me. "When will it be?"
"Later!" C-in answered again.
Didn't know they were in such a rush. Maybe they think we'll lose if they catch us off guard.
"Who among you is coming?"
All of them raised their hands except for Josh, Mayo, and Drew. We all looked at them, waiting for their explanation.
The three exchanged glances before one of them spoke.
"I just don't get why we need to join." Drew said. "It's a trap. I have a strong feeling they're planning something."
"We'll show them who's stronger," I explained plainly.
"And then what?" It was Josh.
Then what, Keifer?
That thought hadn't even crossed my mind. What should I do? If I beat them, then what? What happens next?
I sighed deeply. I stepped closer 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 we're stronger! Defeating them will show who's the real boss!" Everybody looked at one another. "We'll also use them. Make them our allies or our underdogs."
"Are you planning to claim Ram's position?" David asked, arms crossed.
Am I?
One of our original plans was to gain more allies. This might be one of the keys to that plan. Having gang members as allies isn't bad. All I have to do is make them obey me.
And that's by claiming Ram's position as leader.
But I want more than that. More than an ordinary gang leader. I want something else. Something greater than what Angelo achieved.
"No. I'm planning to be more powerful."
"That's a long shot. I know this is still about Jay-jay, but I think you don't have to join that anymore." Mayo said.
"It's better if we do join," Kit said. "This will be a good experience for us too. It'll 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 petty gang war among loser apes. We have goals." Felix agreed, and everyone nodded.
"We're joining. It's been a while since I got into a fight." Calix said, cracking his knuckles.
"Maybe someone's girlfriend will be worried." Rory teased Calix, and instantly got a dirty look in return.
"Enough talk! We're all joining!" That was Eren.
Josh shook his head. "What else is new!"
"Yay! Fighting!" It was C-in, punching the air.
"To be honest, I'm hesitating. I'd rather just tell Angelo everything," Drew said, which made me glare at him.
"Don't you dare." There was a clear threat in my voice.
He shook his head and turned 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 by my side to talk about the invitation.
"Does Yuri know about this?" I asked Edrix.
"I texted him but he hasn't replied."
Maybe he's with Jay-jay... again. I shook my head and continued discussing our plan with them.
It wasn't long before I saw Jay-jay. She came in, followed by Yuri as I expected. Yuri even looked at me before sitting down in his seat.
Meanwhile, Jay-jay chose to listen to music with 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 is.
Stop texting! Who are you texting?!
I didn't like this feeling. I wanted to know who she was texting. Was it a guy? When did she start having a textmate? She just changed her number! How did she already find someone to text?
Damn this feeling!
"Stare any longer and she might melt." Felix muttered while pretending to look in another direction.
I heard Rory, Kit, and Edrix chuckle quietly. I wanted to shove them away from me.
But more than that, I wanted to grab Jay-jay's phone. Even though I was quite far from her, I could see the light from her screen flickering with every incoming text message.
I said stop texting!
I took my phone out of my pocket. I was thinking of calling her—but what for? She'd find out I knew her number. She'd just change it again. She'd also wonder why I even looked for her number in the first place.
I had to make up another story. Another reason for her to hate me.
Stop texting whoever that person is!
I gripped my phone tightly. I couldn't believe I was getting this worked up just because of whoever she was texting. If only she hadn't thrown her old phone, I'd still have access and I'd know who she was texting now.
I can't believe I'm going through this. I faced my phone and typed a message.
To: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: My life.
I saw her stare at her phone before replying. Looks like I finally got her attention.
"Is it done cooking? Give us some." I heard Felix say, and they all went to Eman.
I was left alone. Better that way—no one could disturb me.
From: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: wrong send.
I smiled as I read her message. She really likes playing around with her words when texting.
To: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: Jasper Jean Mariano
I saw her frown in confusion. She even looked around, which made me quickly hide my phone.
She looked like she was trying to find whoever was texting her. When she didn't find anything suspicious, she stared back at her phone.
Good thing I thought of buying a new phone and SIM card last night. I really planned to call her using a new number since she might already recognize my old one and just ignore it.
I also figured I should have a different phone so Keigan wouldn't wonder why I keep changing numbers.
From: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: who r u?
She messaged me, and I quickly typed back 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 of pancakes.
I sighed. I took the opportunity to set a password on my phone. I had fallen asleep last night without setting anything up, aside from saving Jay-jay's number.
"I said no!" I heard her shout.
I saw the plate and pancakes go flying in the air and fall to the ground. Everyone went quiet and turned to look at them.
"O-okay... I-I'll just get y-you a new one." Ci-N said, trying to hold back his tears.
He even forced a smile, but it didn't stop his tears.
"Stop this already! Don't you get it?! We're not going back to the way things were, so give it up!" Jay-jay shouted again.
I wanted to go to her and stop her, but that would be the wrong move—especially in our situation.
"Jay-jay." David tried to stop her, but she only glared at him.
Suddenly, we heard someone sobbing. I turned to Ci-N, who was looking down and wiping his eyes.
I felt sorry for him. He was hurting right now because of our—my—nonsense. Jay-jay had grown cold, even toward him.
"W-why? Why should I give up?" He looked up to face her. "...Did you give up back then when they accused me of stealing? Did you give up on Calix and Mica, on Denzel and Grace? On Eman? On Felix? Did you give up on any one of us?"
I saw how Jay-jay avoid her gaze. She's affected! She's still there!My soft-hearted, hard-headed, and fist-fighter Jay-jay is still there! That is a good sign!
For some reason, I felt bliss. It was like I got the motivation again to push forward with our plans.
I wanted to hurry things up before I completely lose the girl I love.
"...So don't tell me to give up! Because you never gave up on us, so I won't give up on you." Ci-N added. "...Just stay there! I'm going to get more pancakes."
He walked over to Eman. Everyone gave him a pat on the shoulder to show their support and let him know they were proud of him. But Jay-jay was quick. She slipped out of the room without anyone noticing.
"Is it just me or did she just get even tougher?" Yuri said. He was just observing like I was. I simply shrugged before sitting 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 him staring at me. Observing again—trying to catch my reaction to his question.
So hard to have an observant friend.
Not long after, Sir Alvin came in. Jay-jay returned to the room too, but she didn't even glance at Ci-N, who was sitting next to her. I didn't even notice who cleaned up the mess on the floor.
I couldn't help but look at her. She was making herself an outcast.
I released a heavy sigh.
For almost the entire morning, she didn't even glance our way. She only left when she needed to go to the restroom, but after that, she did nothing else. Ci-N kept trying to catch her attention, but she was clearly uninterested.
Then lunch time came. They were about to invite her to eat with us again, but she quickly walked away.
So slick.
"It's her brother again, probably." Felix said while helping Eman.
"At least someone's feeding her." Yuri said before standing up.
Most of them walked over to Eman to get their food. I chose to stay. I wasn't really in the mood to eat anything.
I wanted to get myself ready. There's still a lot of time before it happens, but I already want to smash their faces with my fist.
Relax, Keifer. You'll have your chances.
I closed my eyes, and the first thing I saw was her face. Her eyes—full of pain and misery. I wanted to hold her face and wipe away her tears.
But I was scared I'd only cause her more pain. It felt like my hands had thorns, and if I touched her, she'd only bleed again.
I would take that chance. If holding her meant hurting her, then I would do everything to ease the pain. If I needed to cut my hands just to be with her, then I'd cut off my whole arms.
"Keifer!" Someone called me.
I opened my eyes to see who it was. Everyone was looking at me like I had just said something weird.
"What?"
"Damn! This guy just had a wet dream!" Rory shouted, and they all burst out laughing.
My brows furrowed. I did what?! I didn't even fall asleep—why would I have a wet dream? Did I say something weird?
I looked at Yuri, who was currently grinning. "Did I say something?"
"You moaned and said her name." He gave me a disgusted look. "...You're gross."
"I am not wet dreaming. I was just resting my eyes and thinking about something." I explained.
He shook his head, still grinning. They continued eating while talking about me. I couldn't help but get annoyed at them.
Yuri set a plate down in front of me. It was full of rice and viand. I arched a brow at him.
"Eat. We'll need that for later." He said with a smile.
"I don't have the appetite."
"If you get beat up later, I won't back you up."
"Then don't. I'm not gonna get beat up anyway, so I won't need you."
He laughed shortly. "So what's this really about? Us joining later?"
"To show who's the real boss. It's also a good opportunity to finally get those people we fought with to leave us alone."
To get them to leave Jay-jay alone.
"I hope you can pull it off. That would be great—so they finally stop bothering Jay-jay too." He said it while looking straight into my eyes.
Is he trying to catch me? I couldn't believe he still didn't believe what I told him last night. Now I'm hating his ability.
I forced myself to eat just to keep busy and stop him from asking more questions. I felt so heavy, and as the time passed, it only got heavier.
I want this day to be over. I want to take them all down.
We were almost done eating when Jay-jay entered the room. Percy followed behind her.
What now?
She looked like she was searching for something, and her eyes landed on Ci-N, who was just in front of them. I noticed Felix suddenly avoiding eye contact. He even changed seats.
"What's your problem?" I heard Eman ask him.
"We're not on good terms. He might lecture me again if he sees me." Felix explained.
I turned my eyes back to where the three of them were.
The two childish ones were arguing again, this time about who gets to sit beside Jay-jay.
Knowing Ci-N, he won't let Percy win. They kept bickering.
Until...
"This ugly guy's so annoying! And he's not even circumcised."
Yup! Ci-N won just like that. I let out a soft laugh along with everyone else in Section E who was also listening.
"He called me ugly and uncircumcised! I swear, I'm gonna fight this kid!" Percy complained to Jay-jay.
She clearly didn't care. She just left Percy and sat in her seat.
I took out my phone and stared at her number for a while. I badly wanted to text her, but I didn't want to be too obvious.
I tapped the message icon beside her name. I composed a message… But ended up deleting it. Typed again… and deleted again.
I want to smash this phone. I'm hopeless. Maybe a blank message would be a good start. She might respond, and that would start the conversation.
I clicked send without hesitation… and immediately regretted it. What kind of idiot sends a blank message and expects a reply?
Maybe me.
And I was right. She ignored my message! Panicking, I just typed something and sent it without even double-checking.
To: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: ILoveYou my Everything...
What a dimwit?! I typed exactly what was on my mind. On the bright side, she replied.
From: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: Idiot!
So sweet.
To: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: I'm not idiot but maybe an Ulupong.
I quickly hid my phone when I noticed her looking around. I can sense her irritation.
From: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: Who are you? Stop messing with me. You are not funny.
What's "cno kb"? 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 message. I tried to decode it and let out a heavy sigh when I finally understood it.
I composed another message. Maybe this time, a little clue.
To: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: I'm ur saviour. I saved you from your kidnapper and claimed my prize the same day.
From: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: You're crazy man!
So sweet!
Keep cursing, I'm putting it on my list. Profanity.
To: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: I miss ur lips. Can I claim it again?
I know she's pissed.
From: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: Who the fvck are you?
Again! Profanity.
To: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: I told u. I'm ur saviour. I saved you while you were blindfolded.
Come on! It was so easy. Every clue I'm giving, points straight at me.
From: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: Ikw yng humlik skin? (You're the one who kissed me?)
Yes, I am!
From: MyFutureMrsWatson
Message: u got it right. 😉
"Keifer..." Yuri called me, and I looked at him. "Why are you smiling by yourself?"
Oh fvck!