Jay-jay's POV
I AM NOT STARVING!!
Why would I be tempted? It's just chocolate. I can buy that—maybe not now, but next time for sure.
"Get that out of my face." I ordered irritably.
"Don't you dare touch anything!" one of the idiots snapped back.
I was really starting to lose my patience. I was this close to throwing punches. That's actually one of my dreams—to punch Kei—kwanan—over and over. Until his face swells up beyond recognition. Even his siblings wouldn't recognize him.
I picked up one box of chocolate and saw the faces of the Ulupong light up. Their faces followed the movement of my hand like vultures.
I was planning to move it to another table, but I froze when the teacher walked in. The idiots instantly sat up straight, while I was still left stressing over this chocolate pile in front of me.
"Let's get started," the teacher said, not even sparing a glance at the situation I was in.
Eh? Seriously?
Teachers really don't give a damn about us. Sometimes it feels like they only show up because they have to. They don't even teach properly. Only Sir Alvin actually seems to care about us.
Left with no choice, I set the chocolate down and pulled out my notebook. The scent of chocolate filled my nose, making it even harder to concentrate. It was like being offered a million bucks.
I am not starving!!
But this smells so good!
I swallowed hard when I caught sight of a black box with a golden ribbon. I'd seen it once on TV—they said it was a limited edition, usually only found in royal households. It tasted different from other chocolates because of its long, careful production process, and it had no preservatives added.
I am not starving!!
But the smell!!
I tried to take a deep breath, but the aroma hit me so hard I started coughing. This chocolate was really testing me.
I am not starving!!
There's just… so much of it!
I held my chin high, eyes fixed on the board, but my gaze kept drifting down to my desk. I couldn't help but notice a small piece of chocolate, wrapped in gold foil, that had rolled away from the rest and was lying there on its own.
He probably wouldn't notice if one went missing, right?
Just one. I'd be happy with just this tiny one. If I could sneak just this little bit without anyone knowing, I'd be totally satisfied. I'd be so, so happy! Especially if that scheming so-called King of the Ulupong didn't find out I gave in.
I subtly pushed my notebook forward, both hands casually resting on top. My face was still up, pretending to look at the board, but my eyes were focused downward.
Just a bit more.
I was barely breathing, all concentration locked on executing my plan. And when my fingers brushed the target, I almost burst into a wide grin. Good thing I held back. No one could notice.
I was this close to pulling it off— But I stopped when I heard Ci-N softly call my name. When I peeked at him, I nearly jumped out of my seat because of how he looked.
He was slumped on his desk but facing my direction. His eyes were wide open, unblinking. His mouth was hanging open too, and drool was just steadily dripping out.
I had no choice but to let go of the chocolate I'd snatched. I wanted to cry. These chocolates were torturing me. I couldn't even write properly because my notebook and arm had nowhere to rest.
I knew David was taking notes. Maybe I could just copy from him again later. I glanced at him subtly—my neck still aching.
He was awake and active, his legs bouncing like he was getting impatient. I couldn't tell if he was writing, though, because one of his fists was pressed against his mouth and nose.
My eyebrows knit together when I noticed his repeated glances at my table.
Oh, so it's not just me.
Damn that Kei—kwanan! I'm not the only one suffering from what he did. Even his fellow Ulupong are struggling now. I bent over a bit, rubbing my neck. My stiff neck just got worse.
This is hell!
I really wanted to cry. I'd been irritated for a while now and I couldn't even understand why. If I had seen him at the door earlier, I probably wouldn't have entered the classroom at all. I should've checked first. Then I wouldn't be this stressed.
On the other side, maybe it's for the best. Because if Kuya found out I skipped class, I'd be rewarded with the glorious ear flick, complete with a bonus sermon.
Kuya Angelo, please try to understand me.
Honestly, this isn't how I imagined our reunion would go. I thought they'd tell me ahead of time, but it seems like they all conspired against me. Once again, I was the only one left in the dark. If they had just told me he was coming, I could've prepared for it.
Long gown, full makeup, and my hair done at a proper salon.
I would've strutted in like I was on a ramp! I would've looked gorgeous welcoming him back. I'd even do a little catwalk. Then I'd flip my hair right in front of him— With tantalizing eyes and a seductive lip bite. Then boom! —swing my fist right into his face. Follow it up with an elbow jab and a kick to the chest. And once he's down, that's Undertaker move right there. If he's still alive, I'd slam a chair or a table on him. And if he's still breathing, might as well stab him with a ballpen.
If only I had time to prepare.
The scent of chocolate hit me again. I probably smelled it more times than an addict on a high.
No one's going to raid me for sniffing chocolate, right? I may look like an addict—but I swear I'm not.
I'd already let out several deep sighs. I've reflected on my supposed sins more times than I can count.
And I still couldn't figure out why I was being punished like this. I mean, I've been a good person—
Well, minus the occasional mischiefs!
That's why there's only one person to blame for this suffering— The Demonic King of the Ulupong. And I'll blame his fellow traitor devils too for keeping me in the dark. Let's all suffer together!
Class finally ended. The moment the teacher left, it felt like I had a choir of consciences whispering behind me.
"Jay, Keifer doesn't deserve your anger." Rory whispered.
What's that got to do with anything?
"He loves you, promise." Edrix whispered next.
That love is fake.
"Just take some already. Stop punishing him." Calix whispered. "I'll give some to Mica too."
You can just buy some yourself.
"I've got a wife and kid depending on me," Denzel whispered like he'd just lost his job.
It's just chocolate, not a livelihood.
"Jay..." whispered Josh, almost making me jump out of my seat. It felt like a ghost whispered to me with how cold his voice was.
I turned to look at them and had to twist my body too because my neck hurt. My brows furrowed when I saw almost all of them standing behind me. The idiots were all grinning, and some were even trying to look pitiful.
I was about to curse them out, but their King stole my attention.
He casually walked over to my desk and grabbed a small piece of chocolate wrapped in gold.
Without a care in the world, he peeled it open and ate it—like we weren't all here suffering watching him.
You Demon!
He chewed slowly, savoring every bite, and I couldn't help but swallow. My mouth was watering. Then he grabbed another one and ate it, too.
For some inexplicable reason, I found myself staring at his jaw. Damn, it was sharp. Has it always been like that? Then my gaze drifted to his neck—Girl, what the heck?! Snap out of it! What do you care about his jaw and neck for? You have those too!
Chill out, guuurl! Every guy around here has those.
He was about to grab another when he noticed me staring. I quickly looked away and subtly massaged my neck, pretending nothing has happened.
"You want?" he asked, offering the chocolate toward me.
I weakly shook my head. "N-no. It's bad for the health." I mumbled.
"What?"
"It's bad—that!" I said irritably, pointing at the chocolates.
That smug grin crept across his lips again. I rolled my eyes hard. This guy must've packed extra arrogance when he flew in from London. It's a wonder the bridge there didn't fall down because of him. Smiling like he's the only one with soft, red lips.
Kiss the—kiss the floor! Kiss the damn floor! Damn it!
He took another one and unwrapped it again. I honestly thought he was going to eat it, but instead, he brought his hand holding the chocolate closer to me. I slightly pulled my head back, but thanks to my stiff neck, I froze in place.
"Say ah," he said, bringing the chocolate right to my mouth.
Dear God! He's trying to feed me.
I bit down on both lips just to stop my mouth from opening. I can't lose to this annoying creature Kei—kwanan in this game. He even twirled it around in front of my face. The scent hit me hard, and my mouth watered instantly.
"Here comes the train, open your mouth!"
"You're being fed!"
"She's gonna eat it! She's gonna eat it!"
The damn Ulupong kept egging me on like wild animals. They think they can trick me that easily?
It's just chocolate! My pride is way more worth than that! Even if he buys me an entire factory! Even if he plants the cacao himself! Even if he harvests and grinds it into chocolate himself!
I WILL NOT SURRENDER!
I glared at their King with my head held high. When he realized I really wasn't going to open my mouth, he pouted a bit and pulled his hand back.
"Maybe you'll eat it this way," he said, then placed the chocolate between his lips before leaning in toward me.
Hold up! I'm not ready for this!
My eyes widened, and I tried to pull away, even though I could already hear my neck cracking. Feels like I won't have a neck tomorrow.
"Here it comes, Jay! Open wide!"
"Ohh, so the lips are the preferred delivery method, huh?"
My nostrils flared with how deep I was breathing. He smiled again, and my eyes involuntarily landed on his lips.
They looked so tasty—THE CHOCOLATE!!
I quickly looked away. Why the hell am I staring? What do I care about his lips—uh, I mean, the chocolate in his mouth?
It's already in his mouth, it's dirty. I might catch some germs from him if I take that— If! I said if I take it. Of course I won't, even if I kind of want to, I shouldn't, I must not take it.
He must've noticed that I really had no intention of taking it, so he went ahead and ate it himself.
I let out a small sigh of relief as he finally backed off a little. That irritating smirk of his was still there, though.
He was forced to go back to his seat when the next teacher arrived. My stomach had already started to grumble. I barely ate breakfast too—just four hotdogs, three strips of bacon, four slices of ham, one egg, and two scoops of fried rice. So little, really—normally I'd have five of each.
If I had only known their damn King was going to show up, I would've brought the whole fridge with me. Or ordered a buffet and eaten it all right here. But then again, I'd probably have to fight off these starved vultures for it.
Class started, and I could barely see— Not because I was hungry, but because I was about to cry from sheer annoyance. I felt so oppressed, and these damn Ulupong were the ones fueling this torture.
They're bullying me!
Once again, I couldn't write because there was nowhere to properly place my notebook or arm.
I just sat there, blankly staring ahead until the teacher began writing on the board. Nothing was sinking into my brain anymore. I just wanted to grab all that chocolate and devour it in one go.
Time passed without me noticing, until the teacher started packing up. I could literally hear the ticking of the clock as I watched him slowly put his things into his bag.
I've made up my mind! I won't let myself be oppressed like this. No one—no one—gets to treat me this way. Even if it's the president or some king, I won't allow myself to be trampled on like this.
The teacher finally stood up and left the room. As soon as he was out of sight, I stood up too. I knew everyone was watching me now, waiting to see what I'd do.
I took a deep breath before stepping away from my seat. I stopped beside my desk.
"Jay?" Ci called out, confused.
I glanced at him briefly before looking down at my desk where the chocolates were.
I took another deep breath. I even closed my eyes for a moment before quickly grabbing the boxes of chocolate.
As soon as I did, the Ulupong erupted into chaos and rushed toward my desk.
"THERE SHE GOES! COULDN'T RESIST EITHER!"
"HEY! HEY! SAVE SOME FOR ME!"
"WE GOT THE GO SIGNAL!"
"SHAAAREEE!"
"MOVE! RAWR!"
Good thing I managed to sprint out of the room fast enough. I slumped against the wall just outside the door, still clutching the chocolates I managed to grab. I peeked inside the box and silently celebrated when I saw I got the black one I had been eyeing.
Yesss, score!
"You want more?"
I nearly jumped in surprise. My eyes went wide as I turned to see who spoke— And the moment I did, I wanted to slam the door in his face.
Leaning casually against the doorframe was that cursed, demonic King of the Ulupong. I quickly stepped away from the wall and hugged the chocolates tighter. He took that chance to step fully out of the classroom.
Did he get taller?! —Like I care?!
With my head held high, I faced him, like some landlady about to collect overdue rent.
"Later, we'll talk," he said.
"Why? Why? Did I agree to that?" I shot back smugly, hiding the chocolates behind me.
He chuckled briefly, shaking his head. What, does he think that laugh makes him more attractive?
"C'mon. You accepted the chocolate."
Damn that accent!
"So what?"
"You can't resist me."
"Only chocolate is irresistible."
"I'll give you more chocolate," he said with a smile.
His words rang like a bell in my head. More chocolate, more chances of winning. But no- I won't give in. I'm not desperate. And I know this sly man is definitely up to something.
I narrowed my eyes at him. "You can't fool me."
"I brought back a lot of presents for you." he said with a smile still on his face.
If his English accent already made my brain short-circuit, hearing him speak in Tagalog completely threw me off. It felt like it had been a hundred years since I last heard him speak our language.
His voice sounded even deeper in Tagalog—like I care?!
"Keep your presents to yourself! Just don't talk to me anymore!" I said irritably, rolling my eyes.
"You don't want my presents?"
I raised my eyebrows so high they could've reached the ceiling. "I don't! No matter what it is! I don't want it!"
"Even if it's food?"
Wait… food?
My eyes rolled again and I turned slightly away from him, my pout almost reaching cartoon level.
This Ulupong is too smart. He knows my weakness.
"What kind of food?" I asked warily.
That annoying smile of his crept up again. He stepped closer, and I instinctively stepped back—
But he was faster, and in one swift motion, he had grabbed a strand of hair that had fallen over my face.
My body froze instantly. I might end up like Yuri's victim at the mall. He moved in closer.
"W-what?" I stammered, unable to stop my voice from shaking.
Damn you!
When we were close enough that only a short distance separated us, he gently tucked my hair behind my ear. My heart nearly jumped out of my chest.
What is this?! Why are you doing this?
"I'm glad to hear that you're still the same Jay. The same girl that I adore and love so much." he said, his hand now resting against my cheek.
Adore and love? What am I, a puppy?
I blinked several times from the coldness of his hand. I found myself just staring into his eyes as his face moved closer to mine. He didn't look away either, and when there was barely a handspan left between us, he closed his eyes.
My eyes narrowed, and I quickly raised the boxes of chocolate I was holding and shoved them right in front of his face. I heard him grunt.
"Here's the chocolate you brought. Go ahead! There! Lick it all you want!" I snapped and pushed the box against his face. "Go kiss that! You snake!"
Just got back and already trying to score? The audacity!
Seriously infuriating. Did he think it would be that easy? I'm not about to waste over a month's worth of tears and cursing just for one kiss. With the amount of crap he's done to me, he's not gonna get away with something like this that easily!
I shoved the box hard into his face, pushing him back. My breathing was heavy from a mix of nervousness and anger.
He held his nose and mouth.
"Nice making out with chocolate, huh?" I said sarcastically, and I heard his soft chuckle.
"As expected from my queen." he replied, shaking his head slightly.
My queen? Where have I heard or read that before? It sounds familiar.
I shot him a glare as he lowered his hand and smiled again. His nose was red.
"Stop it. I'm not amused." I said with a warning tone.
"How I miss your feistiness." (in english)
What did he say?
"I didn't miss you."
"I didn't ask."
"Fvck you!"
The jerk's grin only widened. Meanwhile, I was fuming and seriously wanted to punch him. If I could've roundhouse kicked him, I would've done it already.
I swear, I'm holding back as best as I can. But if I snap, I will flip this entire school over his face. Let's see if he can still smile after that.
"Keep cursing. Always remember that I'm counting it." he said, then winked again.
Keep winking! I'll gouge your damn eyes out.