Keifer's POV
"Keigan..." I called Keigan, who was currently busy staring off somewhere.
"W-what?" he asked.
"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 immediately. She handed me a thick catalog. I looked at it briefly before walking away.
"This is a rush thing, so let me know what you choose so I can start processing the papers," Honey added while following me.
"You have until tomorrow to process the papers out anyway."
"Wow... That's a really long deadline you've given me," she said sarcastically. "Like it's that easy to order a plane, right? You even want it custom made."
We headed straight to the basement, the usual hangout place for me and my friends. I placed the catalog on the counter table before grabbing a glass of liquor.
I downed it before sitting on one of the stools. I pulled the catalog and opened it. It was a catalog for private airplanes.
This is the only gift I can think of that's good enough for C-in. It's his birthday tomorrow, and I want it to be a special and most memorable celebration for him.
I don't want him to be disappointed—especially if Jayjay doesn't come. She's still mad at C-in. I wouldn't be surprised if she decided not to show up.
But it'd be great if she did.
"I just want a simple private jet for him," I said while flipping through the pages.
So hard to choose when all I see are pictures. We might not even understand each other when I talk to the people selling this.
I closed the catalog and finished the contents of the glass.
"Didn't find one?" Honey asked.
"So hard to explain what I want. Maybe I should pay them a visit," I said and stood up.
She immediately followed me, catalog in hand. I knew one of the owners of Plane and Jet Corporation was in the Philippines right now. It's a famous seller 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 didn't want to miss him.
"I messaged his secretary. I said you're a sure buyer," Honey said while typing something on her phone.
"Thanks."
I went straight to the Business District, where the man I needed to see was staying. He was at a well-known hotel owned by Hanamitchi. As I parked my car, Honey told me he was in the restaurant.
I moved quickly. Honey was still following me, still typing on her phone. When we got to the restaurant, he was the only person seated, quietly eating.
I heard he doesn't like noise while eating. That's why he pays for the entire restaurant so he can eat alone.
As soon as we entered, two men blocked our path. Obviously his bodyguards.
"I'm here for Mr. Moskovosky," I said, and we heard him speak from afar.
"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 talking about eating while talking.
"No. Continue, please," I said before pulling the chair out for Honey.
I helped her sit before I sat 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 shoveling food into his mouth.
"I've seen it. I like the Bizliners," I said, and he smiled.
He put down his utensils before grabbing the glass of water in front of him. He took a sip before wiping his lips with the table napkin.
"The most expensive private jet. I suggest the Airbus A318 Elite. Most of our luxurious customers choose it because of its large capacity. Amenities can also be customized. You have a great taste," he said and gave me a playful smile.
"Exact reason why I like it. But there's a problem," I said, and he started to turn serious.
"Mind telling me?"
"The thing is... it's a gift for a friend who's turning 15 years old tomorrow. I want to make sure he's the only one who can use it."
He leaned back on his seat and gave me an uncertain look.
"That's quite impossible. A 15-year-old is not yet allowed to fly nor take piloting lessons. So how will this kid use it, and what will he do with a private jet?"
I smiled. This is the reason I chose his company to purchase a jet plane.
"Customize him a private jet. I'm willing to pay 100 million here."
He sat up properly again. The doubt disappeared from his face, and he even adjusted his coat.
"Now we're talking!" he said with a laugh. "But you know that it'll take years."
"Don't bother. You said it yourself, he can't fly it yet. I just want the certification and papers that prove his ownership."
He nodded slightly, 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 said and ended the call.
I saw Honey typing something on her phone.
"My assistant will send the details. Just don't forget to give all the added amenities you want for the jet plane," he explained. "...After signing the contract, you'll receive the certification of ownership 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 do my thing for the certificate."
"Thank you, Mr. Moskovosky," I said and stood up.
We were about to leave when he stopped me. I turned back to look at him.
"Before you leave, I want to ask if you know someone named Rafael Mosk or Angelo Fernandez?"
I almost flinched hearing their names. What does he need from Angelo? And Rafael Mosk? I'm not even sure if he's still alive.
"May I know why?"
"Just prospect buyers," he said with a smile. "Forget it. Thank you for doing business with us."
I forced a smile and left. Honey followed after me. My steps were quick as we left that place. I didn't feel good the moment I heard those two names.
Rafael is Angelo's friend who disappeared for a reason I still don't know. I don't know why he and his friends never looked for him. I just thought maybe they knew where he was, or maybe he really just left and said goodbye to them.
Rafael Mosk.
"Why didn't you say you knew Angelo?" Honey asked when we both got inside my car.
"There are a lot of Angelo Fernandezes in the Philippines."
She simply rolled her eyes. I knew she knew that there was only one Angelo Fernandez the man was referring to, and it was the same Angelo I knew. Only one person ever made noise in the business industry.
And he's connected to Rafael Mosk.
"Tell me everything you want to add to the customized jet plane you ordered. I'll type it down and send it to them," she said while typing on her phone.
I listed everything I wanted to add—including voice recognition, to make sure only C-in would be able to use the jet in the future.
I don't like his brother's attitude. I know they meddle with everything he owns. That's why it's not far off they'd try to claim it.
I also want him to fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot. I know he's going to enter Medical School. He's still young, so he still has a lot of time to study piloting.
We arrived at the house and Honey immediately ran inside. She said she was going to print the contract so I could sign it right away.
I didn't pay any more attention to that and went inside to wait for what she printed. It wasn't long before she came back carrying a few papers and a sign pen.
I read through them first before signing.
"Let me borrow your car. I'll deliver this to them now," she said, holding out her hand.
I arched a brow. "Not familiar with fax machines?"
Her lips formed into an O. She smiled when she realized what a fax machine was.
"Sorry. I just really want to use your car," she said and left.
Excuse.
I knew she didn't really know what a fax machine was. I could only shake my head as I watched her walk away.
I heard my phone ring. I pulled it from my pocket, and the name "Edrix" was the first thing I saw.
"Yes?" I asked as I answered his call.
["Someone from your new toys called me! They said they saw Jason following someone!"] he said in a hurry.
There was only one person I could think of that he'd be following. Is he making a move to get back at me? That asshole is getting on my nerves.
"Can you trace him?"
["Can't. But the caller said they last saw Jason at the mall!"]
"Which mall? There are too many malls in town!"
["I'll text you the mall's name!"] he said, and I heard him laugh like a kid. ["This is so cool, Keifer! I feel like a boss with so many followers! This alliance with other groups is really working out!"] He laughed again.
I shook my head. "Just send it! So I can head there!"
I could still hear him laughing before I ended the call. He was clearly thrilled that he had people he could now boss around.
It wasn't long before I received his text. I immediately went to the garage and got into my car. Jason better not make the mistake of touching the person I love. I'll burn his motorcycle right in front of him.
I started the engine and drove fast. I arrived at the mall Edrix mentioned. I'd already scouted the parking area and checked every entrance and exit, but I hadn't seen Jason.
I was on my last round when I spotted a man in a black helmet sitting on a Ducati near the mall's exit—right where people usually wait for taxis. And then I saw Jay-jay with Rakki standing and waiting for a cab.
I didn't leave just yet. I wanted to know what this Jason was planning. I wanted to make sure of what he was up to. I didn't want to overreact and risk alerting him, but if I didn't act, who knows what he might do.
Fvck this!
I had no choice but to follow them. He rode his motorcycle as soon as he saw Jay-jay and Rakki leaving the area. It didn't take long before he started following them. I followed him in turn.
It was hard to tail without getting noticed. I couldn't be too close, but I couldn't be too far either.
I kept following them. Nearly an hour had passed when I noticed something. Jason wasn't following a taxi anymore.
I've been tricked! And not long after realizing that, he suddenly sped up his bike and disappeared from my sight. I slammed my hand on the steering wheel and cursed.
But where did Jay-jay go? She probably hasn't gone home yet because they were headed in a different direction—too far from their subdivision.
Maybe she's still with Rakki. But where could they be going?
Maybe I should check Rakki's house.
I wasn't sure of the address. I was just trying to recall the house that C-in always described to me. But it was no use.
I decided to stop the car on the side of the road. I grabbed my phone and texted Rory, asking for Rakki's address. Thankfully, he replied quickly.
It was like I was in a daze while driving toward the address he gave me. But it seemed like I didn't have to check every house.
Even from afar, 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 I'd do the same.
But waiting wasn't a joke.
I waited for hours until the sky started to darken. The streetlights were beginning to light up. And then, someone's gate opened.
The one I was waiting for finally came out. She said goodbye to Rakki and to an older woman.
I saw Jason getting ready. He started the engine, and when Jay-jay walked closer to him, he turned his head beam on high—so bright it could blind someone.
Jay stopped in her tracks. Jason walked closer to her and they started talking. My grip tightened on the steering wheel, but before I could make any mistakes, I texted Rory. I told him to prepare and to message the Ulupo—I mean the whole section E.
I froze when I saw Jay-jay get on Jason's motorcycle. He had that flashing smile on his face that I would love to wipe off with my fist. I burned even more when I saw Jay place her hand on his shoulder.
I will fvcking kill this guy!
Jason drove off quickly. I followed from a distance, never letting them out of my sight.
I saw them stop in front of a gotohan. I chose to park across the street where there was a small sari-sari store. They were already inside the eatery.
I know Jason didn't invite Jay-jay just to have dinner with him. It seemed I was right when, not long after, a group of guys on motorcycles arrived—his crew.
My gut's telling me to run to them. But if I make a move now, there's a huge chance it's a trap. But what if they're doing something to my Jay-jay right now?
Make a fvcking decision now.
I can't afford to be wrong. Jay-jay cannot be harmed. I grabbed my phone and sent my current location to Edrix. I told them to wait for my go signal.
I'll be the one to face that bastard.
I got out of my car and ran toward them. Even from a distance, I could already see chaos inside. I saw Jay trying her best to fight back. But my heart dropped when she fell and they started kicking her.
I'm here to save you!
I entered, and they all stopped. Jason smiled at me, looking so damn satisfied.
"Took you long enough... Don't tell me you got stuck in traffic, when you've been outside this whole time." he said.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Jay-jay crawling to the nearest wall.
Seeing her like that made me want to kill Jason. My fist clenched, ready to strike his smug face.
"Oops... Looks like we went a little overboard," he added, pretending to care.
"...You took so long, so she became our plaything."
I looked at everyone inside, including the ones she'd already knocked down. I'm always amazed at how easily she can take down men.
You're really my strong woman.
"What happened to you?" I asked, trying to keep my tone flat. "There were just a few of them, and you couldn't beat them?"
I saw her glare at me, clearly 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 both said in unison.
She's my future Mrs. Watson.
"Ouch... Looks like the rumors are true. Keifer used a girl just to get back at his enemy," Jason mocked.
"Shut the fvck up, Jason."
He just chuckled while taking off 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."
Like you can.
He suddenly threw a chair and ran at me to punch. I dodged and quickly blocked his hit. I kicked him hard before he could recover. He flew quite far.
His men were about to charge, but Jason signaled them to stay put as he got back up. He charged again and we exchanged punches. I'm not that easy to beat.
I grabbed one of the chairs and smashed it over him. I saw him wince in pain.
"Keifer! They have knives!" Jay suddenly shouted.
Jason stepped aside, and one of his men charged at me with a knife, ready to stab. I managed to dodge, getting only a small cut. I quickly punched him in the jaw and he fell unconscious.
But I didn't see Jason's kick coming. I wasn't able to dodge in time, and I was thrown back hard. The pain shot through me, and I struggled to breathe.
I noticed Jason's men approaching Jay-jay. Fvck! I couldn't even get close to her because I knew Jason would beat me to it. But my worry eased a little when I saw Jay fight back.
You're doing a good job!
"Your enemy's right here." Jason said and attacked me. I fought back. We exchanged punches and kicks, hitting each other's bodies and faces.
I knew Jay-jay was doing her best to fight back. But she can't take on all of them alone. And my hope started to crumble when I heard someone call my name.
"Keifer..."
Someone was holding Jay-jay. I just said this would happen! What the hell was I doing?
I focused too much on Jason.
If I charge the guy holding her, Jason will use the opportunity. I'll lose, and God knows what he'll do to Jay-jay.
She has no choice but to cooperate with me. I trust Jay-jay. I know she can do this. She's stronger than me—I know she is.
I looked back at Jason. We'll fight together. No one leads, no one follows. Or we 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 asked again.
I don't think she understood me.
"Can you do it?"
Her expression suddenly changed. She got it!
I positioned myself to attack. Jason still had no idea.
"One!" I shouted. Jason looked at both me and Jay-jay.
"Two!"
"THREE!" we shouted in unison.
I jumped and turned to give Jason a high kick. I hit him square in the face and he went down—at the same time, the guy holding Jay fell too.
She did it! My girl did it! I'm so proud of her!
We stood in silence. I looked around to check if anyone was still up and ready to fight—but no one was.
Jay and I locked eyes and burst into laughter. For the first time, we fought together. But little by little, the laughter faded.
I don't know how it happened, but the next thing I knew, we were hugging each other.
Ow fvck! I missed hugging her!
I felt her start to pull away and push me. But I didn't want to let her go.
"H-h-hey... W-why are you hugging me?" she asked while pushing against me.
Tss. You hugged me back, remember?
I hugged her tighter. "You wanted this... I'm just giving in."
And I want it too... So bad.
"Y-you can let go now." she said, but I didn't.
"You sure? Feels like you want more."I know you want it too.
"I'm sure... L-let go." she pushed again.
"I can feel it... You still want more." I held her head and rested it against my chest. I didn't care if she heard how loud my heartbeat was.
She stopped moving and relaxed in my arms. I knew it. She wants it the same way I do.
"I know... you really want it." I couldn't stop my lips from forming a smile.
"Let go. I'm asking nicely." she said in a serious tone.
I knew something was wrong, so even though I didn't want to let go, I did. She pushed me away, and immediately—I saw the pain in her eyes.
Damn it! Did I mess up again?
"What are you doing?"
My forehead creased. I had no idea what she was talking about.
"...What are you doing? Why are you getting close to me again? Why are you showing signs again? Why are you making it feel like there's something? Why? Why are you doing this?"
Fvck!
I'm so reckless. I forgot to watch how I was acting. Why didn't I think that she might notice? I didn't even consider that she would ask questions. That she would want to know the reason behind everything I was doing.
I looked around, searching for any kind of answer. Nothing came to mind. I might end up saying something I shouldn't. I might even tell her the truth.
It's better if I avoid her for now.
"It's late... I'll take you home." I said and reached out to her, but she stepped back.
"Leave if you want. But I'm not going with you."
"Jay... Don't be so hardheaded right now."
"Answer my question first! Why are you making this so hard for me?! Haven't you done enough already?! And now here you are again—making it feel like there's something between us when there's really nothing!"
Why so stubborn? Just follow me. Please.
I wanted to tell her that this was for her own good. That it's better if she didn't know what was going on.
"Answer me, Keifer. Do you really have feelings for me?" she asked, and I saw the tears falling from her eyes.
I DO! I FVCKING DO HAVE FEELINGS FOR YOU! I'M SO IN LOVE WITH YOU THAT I'M READY TO SACRIFICE EVERYTHING JUST TO KEEP YOU SAFE!
I looked down before she could see the tears forming in my own eyes.
"I-I heard you... you and Yuri... what you were talking about..." She was crying now. "...I want to believe what Yuri said—that you were lying. That you really do have feelings for me. But I want to hear it from you."
I quickly turned my back to her before my tears could fall. I can't stop them anymore. Seeing her like this makes me want to regret everything. Makes me want to take it all back. Makes me want to cancel the plan. Makes me want to give up.
I want so badly to be with her.
"I'll take you home." I said in a flat voice.
I left her and quickly crossed the street to get to my car. I kept wiping my eyes. I started the engine and parked next to Jason's motorcycle. I knew she wouldn't come out right away.
I tried to calm myself, but the tears wouldn't stop. I want to be with her so badly. I want to hug her tight. I want to hear her voice again—without the anger, without the pain.
I'm struggling so much! I can't take this anymore. Please...
I leaned my head against the steering wheel. I took several deep breaths. I wiped my face when I heard a car horn. I lifted my head—and the first face I saw was Jay-jay's.
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 with pain in her eyes before walking away.
I don't want to see her like this. Why do I feel like I'm losing her?
She looked back one more time before finally leaving. Her eyes looked like they were saying goodbye.
It felt like my whole world collapsed the moment they left. I'm losing her! I can't... I can't lose her just like that!
I looked at the parked motorcycles. I immediately grabbed my phone and called Rory.
"Same place. I want to burn Jason's motorcycle... In front of him."