Jay-jay's POV
What's the correct angle for slapping? Should the person I'm slapping be facing me? Or can they be turned away?
My palm had been itching to slap Mayo for a while now.
"Stop it already!" Kit shouted at him. "I told you, it was just a graze."
"Please stay still," said the nurse attending to him.
Mayo still wouldn't stop crying as if it were the end of the world for Kit—when in reality, he only got a graze compared to the security guard, who had already been taken by ambulance to the nearest hospital.
"I was scared!" Mayo replied while wiping his face.
The nurse looked at them with confusion, probably baffled by their behavior. "How are you related to each other?" she asked as she bandaged Kit's stitched wound.
Mayo shot her a sharp look. "Father and son."
Idiot.
It seemed like the nurse sensed that he didn't like nosy people, so she just kept quiet. Kit thanked her before stepping down from the ambulance and walking toward us.
Mayo was holding both of their white polo shirts, now stained with blood. He draped them over his shoulder to cover the blood still clinging to his undershirt.
I was grateful for that because, honestly, my stomach was about to turn at the sight of all the fresh blood.
"Are you okay, Kit?" I asked as they got closer.
"Yeah. How about you?"
"I'm fine. I wasn't hit." I replied, but they didn't seem convinced.
Do I look like a joke?
Kit sighed before looking at me with concern.
"We know your problem with blood. A phobia isn't a joke, Jay," Mayo said.
I couldn't blame them. They had seen my fear earlier. I hadn't even been able to help Kit. I couldn't even call for help. I just stood there, frozen, as if I wasn't allowed to move.
"E-even so… This is the second time."
Kit slung his uninjured arm around my shoulders. "Don't think about it. This isn't your fault."
I forced a smile and nodded. But deep down, I had a strong feeling that the shooter had something to do with me.
Right in front of the school, of all places—where there were so many students. As if they didn't care if innocent people got caught up in it. And why did it happen just as we were at the gate?
I looked toward the guy approaching us, his brows furrowed—again. But then, he was always like that. Probably because Ella was far from him.
"Hands off," he told Kit, forcing him to drop his arm from around me.
I faced my brother, Horoscope. "What did the police say?"
He pointed to David, who was still talking to the officers. He had the clearest view of the car and saw exactly when the gunman pulled out the gun, the bastard who wanted to kill all of us.
But one thing was clear—
The security guard wasn't the target.
My brother turned back to me. "They believe the guard was the target."
Bullshit. If that were the case, they would've shot or killed him long ago. That guy never left the guardhouse. Even when he was off duty, he still showed up—just to sleep or play Mobile Legends.
"You didn't tell them the truth?" Calix asked. "What if this happens again?"
Aries turned to him, irritated. "Do you even know who your enemy is? Clearly, they're no ordinary person if they managed to rain bullets here. If we tell the cops…" He gestured at the officers behind him. "It won't be to them."
"You're right, but they still need to know," Rory interjected. "I know someone—"
Aries immediately cut him off. "It's better not to use influence. Because like I said, you don't know your enemy." He turned to me. "You all might've just gotten caught up in someone else's fight." And with that, he started walking away.
We watched him leave, probably heading to grab his stuff so we could go home. Because of the incident, the students had been dismissed early. Only the witnesses—us—remained to talk to the police.
"David's done," C-in said, making us look at David as he approached.
He forced a smile and looked at us all. "Are you sure no one else was hurt?" he asked as he got closer.
"My butt got hurt," answered—who else? That troublesome brat.
At least he still had energy.
We all sighed before heading back to the classroom to grab our things so we could finally go home. The best thing to do was to rest after what happened.
As we neared the building, I noticed Drew approaching Kit. Mayo suddenly stopped walking, so I stopped too. I knew they still weren't okay, so I couldn't help but worry that they'd start another fight right here.
"You shouldn't have saved me," Drew said irritably.
Saved?
Kit straightened his stance to face him properly. Mayo immediately tried to step forward, but I was faster and grabbed him to hold him back.
"Let them talk," I whispered, relieved when he actually listened.
We both watched Kit and Drew. Kit still looked serious—one wrong move from Drew, and he'd probably smash his face in.
With a hair-pulling bonus.
"If I hadn't, you'd be dead," Kit replied.
Kit saved Drew? I glanced at Kit's bandaged arm. Did he get hurt trying to save this ungrateful fool?
I couldn't help but admire what he did. Despite all the hurtful words he had received from this debt-ridden idiot, his concern for a friend still won out.
Kit, you are a true Barbie—I mean, friend.
"And besides…" he added, making us all pay attention. "Who's going to pay your debt if you die?"
Drew scratched the back of his head roughly. "Thanks for the reminder," he said sarcastically, making me chuckle. "I almost wish I had gotten hurt instead."
Kit laughed loudly and patted his shoulder. A small smile appeared on Drew's face, and at that moment, I knew their fight—which I thought would last much longer—was finally over.
I glanced at Mayo when I noticed he was still silent. Out of everyone involved in this mess, he had been the angriest. I wouldn't forget that, especially since he had slapped me like an animal.
Instant blush-on.
"Hey," I called to him softly. "You're so quiet."
He didn't respond and just waited for the two to reach us. He crossed his arms, staring daggers at Drew.
"What, you can't pay up, so you're sucking up to Kit again?"
I wanted to slap him. Hard. If I could pull his hair out, I would've done it already. Seriously… haizt!
Does he really have to think the worst of Drew's attempt at making peace? Has his anger from their fight really run that deep?
"Mayo, that's enough," Kit warned.
Mayo didn't reply and just stormed back to the room.
The three of us exchanged looks. We all understood why he was acting this way. It seemed like we'd have to be extra patient with him.
Mayo's crazy—June, July, August crazy.
We all walked back to the room almost at the same time. Most of the students were already packed up and had left. They each said their goodbyes and reminded one another to be careful and go straight home.
I fixed my things before zipping up my bag. Slinging it over my shoulder, I stepped out of the room almost simultaneously with David and Felix. Meanwhile, Ci-N was ahead of us, still pestering Drew.
"When Keifer arrives, tell him about Drew's debt," Felix said.
I immediately scoffed, hearing something unpleasant.
"Why would I do that?" My voice had a tinge of irritation.
"Keifer has already paid off all of Drew's debts to us—except for what he owes Ci-N," he explained.
"Then why are you still asking him to pay?"
"So he doesn't get used to it. And to make sure he doesn't borrow money from us again," David interjected. "Drew is a good guy, a bit short-tempered, but reliable. He just has a lot of problems."
I nodded. What he said was true. But this idiot really seemed to be struggling with money. He could just stop gambling, but it seemed like he was already addicted to it.
"If he didn't gamble, he wouldn't be drowning in debt," I commented.
"That's exactly what we told him," Felix replied with a chuckle. "But all he says is, 'That's why I gamble—so I can pay off my debts.'"
That logic was completely backward.
I didn't really know Drew's life story. I didn't want to say anything bad about him, but he could be annoying sometimes. And gambling was definitely not the answer to his financial troubles.
I didn't say anything more and just continued walking. Meanwhile, Ci-N was still relentlessly demanding the eight pesos. David just shook his head at the stubborn brat.
"It's just eight pesos! Do you really have to keep asking for it?" Drew said in frustration.
"Every cent counts! Especially when you're missing eight!" Ci shouted back.
It was clear they were on the verge of a fistfight. I didn't know whether to pity the stubborn kid who couldn't get paid or Drew, who couldn't even afford to pay eight pesos.
Goodness! If I were in Drew's shoes, I'd walk out of embarrassment.
David quickly stepped in to separate them. As soon as he grabbed Ci by the collar, Drew took the chance to run away.
"My eight pesos! Give it back!" Ci shouted, but the one he was chasing had already disappeared.
We could only shake our heads at their antics. Ci looked like he was about to cry as David held him by the back of his collar.
"You should've grabbed him instead," Ci grumbled with a pout.
David let him go. I turned my head toward a parked car and noticed Horoscope leaning against it, along with Ella, the insufferable brat. It looked like they were waiting for me.
"I'm leaving now. That's my ride. Take care, okay?" I bid them farewell, and they nodded at me.
I half-walked, half-ran toward them, sensing that some sort of disaster was about to unfold just from my brother's expression. Ella was sitting beside him, but for some reason, he still looked pissed.
Maybe he had indigestion.
"You move so slow," he grumbled as soon as I got close.
I scowled at him. "Then why don't you move faster?"
He raised a hand, threatening to smack me, so I quickly lifted my arm to block him. Luckily, he didn't go through with it because that would've hurt.
"Don't talk back. Get in the car," he ordered.
I rolled my eyes at him before getting into the passenger seat. I wanted to sit next to him, but of course, Ella the leech would take that spot.
She kept leaning closer and closer. She might as well sit on Aries' lap! Their umbilical cords might as well still be attached.
They'll break up soon. There's no such thing as forever!
I hadn't even realized the car had already started moving. I was still busy glaring at the two people in front of me. Good thing Aries didn't catch me—otherwise, I might've lost an eye.
"So, did you grab it?" Ella suddenly asked, making my eyes widen.
I heard Aries chuckle softly. I wanted to smack both of them. Seriously? They just had to bring that up again.
"Answer, Jay," Aries ordered, making my nostrils flare.
"I-I didn't—I didn't grab anything!"
Damn it! Why was I stuttering?
Ella laughed, which only annoyed me more. She was so happy—I hope she gets indigestion.
"You didn't grab Aries'… you know?" she teased.
I pursed my lips. These two wouldn't let it go.
Maybe I should remind her of what she said about Kei—.
Hmpf! That was something awful.
"No. I'd rather grab Kei's—."
I blurted it out without thinking, and the car suddenly came to a screeching halt. Since I wasn't wearing a seatbelt, I lurched forward, hitting Aries' seat before falling onto the floor.
"Owww! Aries, seriously?!" I snapped as I slowly sat up.
My head hurt from the impact, and my vision was a little blurry. As if my brain wasn't empty enough, now I hit it even harder.
"Careful, Aries. We might get into an accident," Ella said seriously.
"Sorry. I'll take you home first, but I need to beat someone up," my idiot brother replied, restarting the car.
I had a feeling I knew what was going to happen. I prayed for heavy traffic on the way to Ella's house, but of course, that wasn't happening. I could only sigh, convincing myself that there must be a good reason this was happening to me.
The car stopped in front of Ella's house. The lovebirds said their goodbyes—complete with a kiss on the lips.
Eww… disgusting.
The car started moving again, but we hadn't gone far when Aries suddenly stopped. He unbuckled his seatbelt, and I discreetly moved to the farthest side of the seat, away from him.
I had a bad feeling about this.
"Jay…" he began, making me nervous. "...You're a girl. Watch what comes out of your mouth."
Then, out of nowhere, he lunged at me.
I screamed, pressing myself into the corner of the car, swatting at his hands. He couldn't reach me—I knew whatever he was planning would hurt. I even lifted both my feet to keep him away.
"O-okay! I won't say things like that anymore!" I stammered, desperately swiping his hands away.
"Oh, really? You're so stubborn!" he growled, still reaching for me.
And because his arms were longer, he finally managed to grab my wrist. I kept struggling until his clumsy hands slipped, and he accidentally let go of me.
He had been pulling too hard, so when he suddenly released me, my body snapped back, and my head slammed against the window.
It was so loud that even Aries looked terrified.
Shit, my skull must be cracked.
"Shit!" I heard Aries curse, followed by the sound of the car door opening and closing.
I held the part of my head that had hit the glass. It hurt, and I felt dizzy, but aside from that, there was something else I couldn't quite describe. I felt lightheaded—though I always did. But this was different because my entire body felt weightless, too.
I heard the door next to me open.
"Hey… look at me," Aries commanded.
I turned to him. I could still see him clearly. He still looked like Horoscope. At least I still had some brain cells left.
"Are you still dizzy? Do you want to go to the hospital?" he asked, full of concern.
"I… I want…" He waited for my answer. "I want ice cream."
I saw him frown. He looked like he wanted to slam my head into the window again just to knock some sense into me.
But I was serious—I really wanted ice cream. We passed by a shop earlier with an ice cream banner.
Aries stood up and shut the car door. I thought he had gotten mad and was about to return to the driver's seat, but then… he suddenly disappeared.
Because of the pain and dizziness, I couldn't turn my head to look for him.
I leaned back for a moment and stared out the window. Once I was sure I wasn't feeling dizzy anymore, I planned to open the car door to step out and look for my brother, who was busy shaping his destiny.
I wonder if he knows Feng Shui?
Before I could even raise my hand, the door opened on its own, and Aries appeared, holding a plastic bag. He handed me a popsicle, making me smile.
So that's where he went. I thought he had gone off to find someone to give lucky colors and numbers to. My brother really can't stand seeing me suffer.
I unwrapped it and started eating, but I screamed when something cold touched my head.
"Stay still." Aries said, holding the cold object against my head. "You have a bump."
"Am I growing a second head?" I asked worriedly.
"Yes, name it 'Conscience.'" he answered sarcastically.
I laughed at him. "Funny. But you're not even bald."
He chuckled slightly and continued what he was doing. I went back to devouring my popsicle.
It was already dark by the time Aries finished treating the bump on my head. But just like me, he was stubborn—it wouldn't shrink. He handed me the juice bottle he had used. So that was the cold thing he pressed to my head.
"I just remembered, you used to scare me all the time." I said as he adjusted his seatbelt.
He started driving before responding. "Really? What did I say?"
"You told me I'd grow a second head if I got a bump. You also said a train would pass through my wound—I even looked for the tracks." He chuckled softly. "You also told me there were worm eggs under my nails. And that I had to suck the blood out of a wound so it would go back into my body."
We both laughed out loud.
I touched my head again. I wouldn't deny that it still hurt and made me feel dizzy. But what I didn't understand was why I was suddenly remembering all these things as if they had happened just yesterday.
We arrived home. I immediately noticed the car parked right outside. It looked familiar, but I couldn't place whose it was.
Aries and I got out of the car one after the other. I entered the house first and was greeted by Yuri's worried face. He immediately stood up and approached me.
"Hey, I heard what happened. Are you okay?" He looked over my whole body.
"I'm fine. You? Are you okay? Why didn't you go to school?"
He forced a smile, though worry was still evident on his face.
"That's a relief. Something happened, so I didn't go in."
"Funny. The perfectionist boy is absent due to an unexplainable event? That's new." Aries interjected as he entered.
He didn't wait for our response. He just walked straight to his room. I pouted and looked at Yuri, who seemed just as awkward as I was.
"He's got issues." I commented, making Yuri laugh.
I put my bag down and felt a slight dizziness again, but I ignored it.
"Do you want some snacks? Or maybe you can stay for dinner?" I asked him.
"I don't think so. I just wanted to check on you."
"You're already here. Just stay and eat." I insisted.
"I might not even get to eat. I'm sure you'll finish everything."
His response made me pout, while he laughed.
"Want me to flick your gums?" I threatened, bringing my finger close to his mouth.
He quickly grabbed my hand and moved his face away. "Just kidding." He said. "Fine, I'll have some coffee instead."
I pulled my hand back and gave him a sharp look. I turned to head to the kitchen, but I had only taken two steps when my knees weakened and my vision doubled.
I thought I was going to collapse onto the floor, but someone caught me just in time. I looked up and saw Yuri's blurry face. He was saying something, but I couldn't understand him.
His mouth moved so slowly, as if time had slowed down. I could hear noises, voices, but they were just as slow and unclear. There were people moving around besides Yuri, but I couldn't see them clearly.
What's happening?
From the slow-moving surroundings, my vision started to change. At first, everything appeared double, but gradually, it turned dark—and then, I saw someone in front of me. A woman was lying face down, crying. She was screaming something, but I couldn't hear her. Her mouth moved slowly, as if time itself was crawling.
Who—MAMA?
The image became clearer. Mama was on the ground, screaming over and over again. She was covered in wounds, bruises, and blood. What happened?
"M-Mama..."
Slowly, the image of Mama faded away. Darkness took over, then turned into light.
W-wait! M-Mama!
"Ma..."
Everything disappeared.
I was back in the present, facing Yuri, who was holding me and trying to lay me down gently. The people around me started to become clear again, and I could finally understand what they were saying.
"What the hell did you do?!" Aries shouted angrily.
"Aries! Blame me later—get some water first!" That was my older brother's voice.
"Maybe we should call an ambulance." Aunt Gema sounded extremely worried.
"Jay, can you hear me? Please, say something." Yuri's voice trembled, as if he was about to cry. Crying baby.
I managed a small smile. "Crybaby." I whispered, and he heard me.
He smiled and kissed my forehead. "You scared the hell out of me."
I tried to smile, but honestly, I was more scared. I was terrified of the image I had just seen.
Where did that come from? Why did I see that? What else don't I know, Mama?