Jay-jay's POV
Ugh! I'm really boiling with anger at that idiot. He better not show up in front of me or I swear I'll smash a table on him.
"Jay-jay, calm down." Ci said.
I turned to him without changing my expression. Now he was the one who looked away, probably scared I'd take it out on him.
"How? Me. Calm down." I glared at him. "Teach me."
"Jay-jay, come on."
"Teach me, now. Or I'll bite you."
He pouted as he scratched his ear. I knew he couldn't think of a way either. Even I had no clue how to calm myself down without punching that guy.
I just rolled my eyes when I didn't hear an answer from him. I turned my attention instead to the box I had set aside earlier. I was itching to open it and see what was inside.
Whether it's for me or not, I'm opening it anyway. Maybe it'll help cool my head.
I pulled the blue ribbon so I could easily remove the box's cover. At first, I was puzzled because it was full of cut-up paper. Until I finally saw what was really inside.
Snorlax.
I smiled. It was a mug with a Snorlax design. I took it out of the box and examined it closely. Even if it wasn't meant for me, I'd still take it.
Well, It worked—my anger vanished. All my attention shifted to Snorlax. Looks like their family's getting a new sibling.
"Look, Ci!" I bragged.
"It's so cute," he said, taking it from my hands. "Are you collecting your own kind?"
My anger returned.
"Want me to smash this on your face?" I asked irritably.
He just laughed before giving the mug back. I turned to David to show off my new treasure, but the idiot was already asleep.
I was so tempted to flick his ear while he slept. What does this guy even do at night?
I let him be and went back to the box where the mug came from. I was hoping to find a name of the sender, but there was nothing. Not even a company label or manufacturer.
Thank you so much to whoever gave this.
I carefully placed the mug back in the box, tied the ribbon again, and smiled as I slipped it into my bag.
But my smile faded when the next teacher came in and reminded that annoying, pestilent, demon Kei—kwanan—that he needed to catch up on his lessons.
"Sir Alvin already assigned someone to help me," the pest answered.
"Alright. Tell them to get the lessons from my table later."
I wanted the ground to just swallow me whole. Why me, of all people? I'm not even smart! I can barely study for myself, and now I'm supposed to tutor someone else?!
"You review him," I whispered to Ci, pointing at their so-called king at the back.
"Huh?!" he replied, startled. "Why does he need a review?"
"He's catching up on lessons."
"Let Yuri do it instead. He's more diligent with teaching."
I glanced at Yuri, who was quietly reading his notes. He looked better now compared to earlier.
I'll talk to him later.
I adjusted my seat as the teacher started the lesson. I kept writing even though I wasn't really understanding anything. And I probably wouldn't even read it later. I just wanted to write.
Until class ended and we finally had a short break. I took my phone and texted Yuri.
To: Pres. Yuri
Message: Let's talk outside.
I got an immediate reply.
From: Pres. Yuri
Message: Sure.
I put my phone back in my bag before standing up and walking out of the room. I went a bit farther so those nosy snakes wouldn't notice us.
I was near the stairs when I saw Yuri following me. He smiled at me.
"Is something wrong?" he asked as he approached.
I glanced up the stairs when I heard a door opening. The door was ajar, and I could see outside. It looked like someone was on the rooftop.
"Let's go up there," I suggested, and he nodded.
We climbed the stairs one after the other. Even before we stepped out, I could already feel the strong breeze. Good thing the weather was cool today. When we stepped outside, I didn't see anyone around. It seemed like the wind had just blown the door open.
"No one's here?" he asked, and I nodded. "What do you want to talk about?"
"You."
He seemed to understand what I meant. He lowered his head. I knew he didn't want to talk about it, but I couldn't stop worrying.
"Yuri—"
"I don't want you to worry. You already have so many problems. If I add mine—"
"You're not just anyone to me, Yuri," I cut him off. "You were there when I needed someone. Why is it that now that it's you, you want me to stay out of it?"
He looked at me, and I saw how tired he was. He took off his glasses, and I was surprised when he started crying. I quickly approached him and held his face.
"W-why? Did something happen?" I asked, full of concern.
"I'm so tired," he whispered and hugged me while continuing to cry.
I hugged him back while listening to his soft sobs. I couldn't help but cry too. It was like the heaviness of his emotions was being passed on to me. He had cried in front of me before, but never like this.
"I don't want to be Hanamitchi anymore," he said, and his words gave me an idea of what his problem was.
My heart felt like it was being squeezed. This was the first time I'd seen Yuri so drained. Even if he didn't say it out loud, I knew he had been fighting a huge battle with his family for a long time—starting with his mom.
"Cry it out. If you can't scream it out, just cry first," I said, trying to sound strong even though my voice was breaking.
I knew I was on the verge of crying too, but I didn't want that to happen. Right now, I was the only one he could lean on. If I crumbled too, who would he hold on to for strength?
"They took my Hahaoya away," he said like a child complaining. "My Otosan turned his back on me. And I'm no longer the heir of the clan. Everything's gone."
I closed my eyes upon hearing all that. They left Yuri just like that. Without anyone to hold on to or stand by his side.
"I-I'm still here, Yuri. I won't turn my back on you," I said, tightening my embrace around him.
He continued crying until something in my peripheral vision caught my eye. Someone was standing by the door, watching us.
When I looked closer, I became clear who it was. He had no expression as he watched us. Then he shook his head slightly before looking up and turning away. I didn't know why, but I felt a sense of dread crept over me.
So what if he saw us? So what if it the King of the Ulupongs saw us?
He began walking away. I wanted to let go of Yuri and run after him. My chest tightened as I watched him take steps farther from us. But I didn't really have a good reason to do so.
I felt Yuri loosen his hug, so I let go as well. He wiped his eyes before putting his glasses back on. I discreetly wiped away the stray tear that had escaped from me, too.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know I'd end up crying. I have no one to talk to about it," he said and took a deep breath.
"It's okay. At least you let it out," I said, forcing a smile. "How long has this been going on?"
"Almost a month now. At first it didn't really affect me. But when they took Hahaoya, everything got more complicated." He gave a bitter smile. "If we were still engaged, they probably would've taken you too. The cancellation turned out to be a blessing in disguise."
I almost got dragged into it too!
Yuri's family really was so complicated — from their position in the clan to the bloodlines and the arranged marriages—everything had layers. It made me feel like they weren't just any wealthy family.
"But why did they take your mom?" I asked with concern.
Even though I wasn't exactly close with his mother, she had always been kind to me. I knew how much she loved Yuri—especially when she cried in front of me and begged me to choose her son.
"Remember when I told you that I take advantage of my situation in my family?" he asked, and I nodded. "The whole clan had enough. They worked together to remove me from the list of successors. They used the opportunity when I insisted that I wanted to marry you." He let out a sigh. "They were just waiting for me to make another mistake."
I was at fault too. I insisted on breaking off the engagement. That was probably the opening they'd been waiting for.
"S-sorry—"
"It's not your fault. I got too complacent because Hahaoya was there. She always found a way to save my ass," he said as tears started falling again. "But now, when she needs me... I can't even save her."
I held his hand. "I-it's not like that. It's just that you can't do it yet, but you will. W-what are they planning?"
"Somewhere in Japan, there's a hidden village the world doesn't know about. It's owned by the clan. I know she's there, but they won't let me see her."
"How long will they keep her from you?" I asked, my voice filled with fear.
It's hard not knowing her mom's condition. And now, he's fighting this battle all alone.
"Until I bring honor to the family,"
He shook his head, as if the task ahead of him was impossibly heavy. It looked like it would be a long time before he could see his mother again.
"Sorry I can't do anything to help you." I said.
He shook his head and reached out with one hand to cup my cheek.
"Staying by my side is enough." He smiled, and I smiled back.
I knew it — his problem was heavier than he let on. It was just so heartbreaking that his father turned his back on him and left him all alone—especially now when he needed someone the most.
I felt like no one was taking care of her at home. Maybe that's why her uniform was sometimes wrinkled. When I had the time, I planned to visit her house to check if she was okay.
We heard slow clapping that caught our attention. When we turned around, Freya was walking toward us, clapping slowly.
Wow. Someone's quick to paint her face this early.
"I feel sorry for you." she said flatly, eyes fixed on Yuri.
Yuri gently pulled me behind him.
I understood the gesture, but he didn't need to protect me from her.
How many times had I already gone head-to-head with this girl?
"Freya—."
"Why are you so scared?" she taunted Yuri. "I already know."
Freya knows? How?
I looked at Yuri, hoping he had an answer for the colorful book said. But he just stared at her, as if waiting for Freya's next jab.
"Next Level." she said.
I thought she was still talking to Yuri, but then she was looking at me now.
"People are calling me a flirt, a slut, or a whore — yet in reality…" she smirked arrogantly. "I'm not alone."
"Stop it—"
She immediately cut Yuri off. "What makes us any different?" she shouted, startling me.
"They point fingers at me when in reality, we're just the same! He's stringing you both along!"
What's going on? I couldn't understand anything.
"FREYA!" Yuri yelled, furiously.
If Freya's outburst surprised me, Yuri's sudden rage shocked me even more. I almost flinched.
"You praise that girl so much!"
"What's your problem with me?!" I asked, irritated.
I couldn't understand where her anger was coming from. I knew we'd never gotten along, but this anger was different.
"A lot! You and Ella are the only flirts everyone favors!" she screamed at me. "I thought you wouldn't be a problem—."
"It's not her fault that Keifer stopped giving you money!" Yuri cut her off.
So… he really did know.
Something in my chest tightened. So Kei—kwanan really was giving Freya money. But why? For what? Or maybe what Aries said wasn't true. What if they were still seeing each other, and that's what the money was for? My imagination started running wild. I didn't know what to think anymore. I couldn't stop replaying their conversation with Aries in my head.
"You think this is all about his money? Fvck you!" Freya grew angrier at Yuri's words. "You should be thanking him. He's the only one who's been responsible for you. Meanwhile, you're the one who—!"
"Shut up, Freya!"
"—calls me every night!"
I let go of Yuri. Were they seeing each other? Why did he need to call Freya? And every night, really?
He looked at me when I pulled away. Fear was written all over his face.
"Now you're afraid! I was the one by your side when your father left you, but you still wanted that girl! ven while she was seeing you and Keifer at the same time!" Freya kept going, but Yuri wasn't listening to her anymore.
He just kept looking at me as if pleading with me not to believe what she was saying. But my head was filled with nothing but questions.
"And you—you're just another girl—!"
"F*CKING HELL! JUST SHUT UP ALREADY!" I screamed.
I was getting more and more confused with every word she spewed. I hadn't even gotten answers to my first questions, and now she was piling up more.
But it looked like she had no intention of stopping. After I screamed, something seemed to snap inside her. She suddenly charged at me—but before she could reach me, an arm wrapped around her waist.
"Oy! Chill out!" said Rory, who was the one holding Freya back.
Edrix followed behind him, his gaze sharp and fixed on Yuri.
"Let me go!" Freya started struggling. I saw Rory flash a mischievous smile before turning to Edrix.
"Rix, help me calm down our friend here."
Friend?
Edrix rolled his eyes at him before facing us again. He looked at me.
"Ma'am's already here. Keifer said to head back."
I grabbed Yuri by the arm to get him moving. Thankfully, he got what I meant. He nodded at me and started walking.
"That girl's not going to choose you either!" Freya yelled out as we neared the door.
"So loud! Edrix, kiss her to shut her up!" Rory said.
"Fvck you!" Freya shouted back at him.
"Edrix would like that!"
"Damn it, Rory!"
I stopped understanding what they were yelling about after that—especially when Rory burst into loud, obnoxious laughter. He was clearly teasing Edrix.
I let go of Yuri when we reached our classroom floor. I stayed quiet because I didn't know what to ask, but I wanted to hear what he had to say. I stopped, and he did too.
"Jay, please," he pleaded.
I wanted clarity, but he looked beyond stressed. I exhaled heavily before giving him a nod.
"Fine, let's talk about it later."
He looked visibly relieved at what I said. We went back into the classroom, and nearly every pair of eyes from the Ulupong group followed us.
Hope your eyes fall out.
As I sat down, Ci nearly broke his neck turning to follow Yuri with his eyes. He was practically flaring her nostrils when he faced me.
"Where did you two go?" he asked accusingly.
"Rooftop," I answered without looking at him.
He clutched his chest and dramatically feigned shock.
"That's a lovers' rendezvous spot!"
I slowly turned to him, raising an eyebrow.
"What are you trying to say?"
"What did you and Yuri do? You're cheating on Keifer."
Now he's accusing me. Cheating? I have no one to cheat on. I don't even have a boyfriend.
"Are we a couple?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
He mimicked my expression. "Don't you want to be?"
I quickly raised my hand to smack him, but he dodged and blocked it with him arm.
This kid is so annoying!
Thankfully, he quieted down when our teacher arrived.
I was spaced out the entire class, my mind still stuck on what Freya said earlier on the rooftop. Even during the next class, those words kept replaying in my head.
I didn't even realize class had ended until I heard the bell signaling lunch break.
I was about to stand and head to the canteen when Felix walked in, followed by the delivery staff.
PIZZA!!
There was also spaghetti, fried chicken, nuggets, chicken fillet, lasagna, and all sorts of food that could clog an artery and fatten a belly.
"Don't eat. You're a traitor," said Ci, making my annoyance spike.
But it didn't matter. I had no plans to eat here anyway. Even though the pizza, chicken, and lasagna were calling my name.
I forced myself to turn away and fix my things. As painful as it was, I'd just had to accept that this wasn't meant to be.
But that dilemma ended when someone placed a box of pizza in front of me. I could've jumped for joy if I hadn't seen who did it.
"What's this?" I asked, a little irritated.
"Your lunch," answered the King of the Ulupong.
I was ready to snap back when Rory suddenly slung an arm over my shoulder while opening the pizza box.
"You know, Jay-jay, just eat," he said, bringing the pizza close to my mouth.
"Let go—!" I couldn't finish because the pizza was already shoved into my mouth.
"Tastes Good, right? Come on, chew down!" he teased.
Damn you, Rory!
I just went along with it since almost all the Ulupong were teasing me already. To shut them up, I ate.
I wasn't in the mood to argue with them anyway. Especially since my mind was still clouded with everything that had happened. I couldn't stop thinking that maybe Yuri really was the guy Aries mentioned that Freya was obsessed with.
What if it really is him?
That thought kept circling in my mind all through lunch and the afternoon classes. I was still out of it while packing my things.
"Jay! Sir Alvin wants to see you in the faculty room!" Calix called out.
What now?
I noticed Kei—kwanan looking at me. I rolled my eyes before turning away and walking toward the faculty room. Thank goodness he didn't say anything annoying. I was already running on low energy.
Or maybe... was he affected when he saw me with Yuri? Or maybe I'm just assuming too much.
When I got to the faculty room, there were stacks of papers on Sir Alvin's desk. He was photocopying more and adding them to the pile.
"Mariano, these are the lectures from the other teachers for Watson. You take care of it," Sir said, handing me the entire stack.
I quickly wrapped my arms around them before they almost fell. I didn't even get the chance to complain—Sir had already walked off. I looked like an idiot being stared at by the other teachers.
I just nodded respectfully and left the faculty room. I wanted to throw all the papers into the air out of frustration.
Why does it have to be me?! He's probably smarter than me anyway!
I was out of it while walking toward the parking area. I had no idea where I was even going, so I decided I might as well go home.
I stopped in my tracks when a familiar, flashy, extravagant, and expensive car reversed in front of me. The door lined up perfectly with where I was standing before it stopped.
The window rolled down, and I peeked inside to see who it was.
Of course. Damn it!
Obviously! Who else would own a car like that? I marched over and stuffed the papers into his car.
"Here! They said you should study this!" I said in annoyance.
Suddenly, he grabbed his phone and started calling someone.
"Angelo..." My eyes widened. "Sir Alvin would like me to inform you that Jay-jay is disobeying him again."
Son of a Ulupong.
"Hey! Come on!" I shouted in frustration.
He put his phone down just as my phone started vibrating in my bag. I quickly grabbed it, nearly dropping it when I saw my brother's name on the screen.
I was still shaking when I answered. "K-Kuya..."
["Don't come home until you finish what you're assigned to do!"] he said angrily.
"Wait! Do you even know what—?" The call ended abruptly.
Everyone's ganging up on me!
My brother probably didn't know what I was being asked to do. He wouldn't agree to me being stuck with this King of the Demon Snakes.
I immediately glared at him. "You animal! If I don't get home—!"
"Tss..." I heard him respond before he rolled up the window and I heard the click of the door in front of me.
I didn't know what to do, so I just opened the door.
"What now?!"
"Hop in." He ordered.
Better than not getting home at all. I reluctantly got in. I even adjusted the papers before fastening my seatbelt.
"We're just stopping for a bit! Damn you!"
I saw a smile flicker on his lips. He tried to cover it up, but it was obvious. I really had a bad feeling about this.
He started driving toward... somewhere. I chose to look out the window and had no intention of talking to him.
We must've been on the road for about an hour when I realized the place we were passing through was unfamiliar. I was about to ask when a bottle of water suddenly blocked my face.
"Here. Drink," he said, handing me the bottle of water.
"I'm not thirsty—"
"Just drink," he insisted.
I was starting to really get annoyed with the look on his face. I just drank it to cool my head down. I almost wanted to pour the water on him.
After drinking, I noticed something floating in the water.
"The water's dirty." I complained and handed the bottle back to him.
He took it but just placed it between the seats.
"It's not."
"Damn you! If I get amoebic dysentery—!" I yawned. "—I'm going to slap you!"
I knew I was tired last night, but not tired enough to start yawning and gradually feel sleepy. I leaned back and even rested my head. Why does my body feel so heavy?
His car makes me sleepy.
I didn't know why, but I ended up falling asleep without realizing it.
I don't know how long I slept, but I woke up to the sound of wind chimes and waves. The bed was soft, so I was planning to go back to sleep.
Wait a minute? Waves?
I suddenly opened my eyes wide and almost jumped off the bed. I saw my surroundings neat and intact.
Whose room is this?
I immediately checked at my clothes. They were still intact! I looked for my stuff but they weren't around me. I got up to search but the window quickly caught my attention.
The wind was strong and I could hear the waves. The sun was starting to set. And when I peeked outside.
Damn! DAMN REALLY!
WHY AM I ON THE BEACH?!