**Keifer's POV**
"Are you sure about this?" Yuri asked, his voice laced with concern.
I looked at him, already halfway through putting on my school uniform. I was determined to return to school. I felt like I was getting sicker staying in the hospital.
"Yeah. I'm feeling much better now," I replied.
"The doctor said a week. It hasn't even been a week yet."
"The doctor's job is to treat me, while my body's job is to heal itself."
He threw his hands up in the air, surrendering. He couldn't handle my stubbornness.
I finished changing and grabbed my belongings that Keigan had sent over. He still didn't want to let me go, but he couldn't stop me.
"Why didn't you have Keigan send your car?" Yuri asked again.
"I'm not sure if I can drive yet. My wound still hurts when I raise my arm."
He raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Who are you planning to get a ride from to school?"
I looked at him and smiled. "You. I'm not going to go far. You're already here."
He smirked, shaking his head. "Tss… What are friends for?"
He helped me carry my things. We left the room and headed towards the station where the doctor was waiting for me.
"Mr. Watson, you know this could worsen your condition, right?" Dr. Peralta said, his voice laced with concern.
"Thank you, Dr. Peralta, but it's my body. I know its capabilities," I said, flashing a confident smile.
He handed me a pen and the waiver to sign. This was the only way to get them to let me leave without the doctor's official clearance.
"I apologize. This one is stubborn as a mule. I'll bring him back if he gets worse," Yuri said, bowing his head.
Suddenly, I remembered a chicken because of his actions. His red hair and constant bowing made him look like a pecking chicken.
I held back my laughter. He would definitely get mad at me if he knew what I was thinking.
I focused on the waiver and returned it after signing. They also gave me some medication to help me recover.
After Dr. Peralta's father gave me some final instructions, we left immediately. Yuri had to go home to shower and get ready. It was still early, so he had plenty of time.
"Ci-N's Dad is a great doctor," Yuri commented as we got into his car.
"Yeah. All the Peraltas are, I guess," I answered, bored.
We continued talking as he drove. The sky was still dark, and there were only a few cars on the road.
"Do you think Ci-N will become a doctor like them?" he asked.
I looked at him, then turned back to the road. "If he doesn't show his rebellious side, he'll definitely become one. He might even surpass his siblings."
He chuckled. "Maybe."
We continued our conversation until we reached their building. He parked and got out of the car. I decided to stay and catch some more sleep.
I slept for almost an hour until he woke me up by knocking on the car window. There was something different about him. He looked restless.
"Is it okay if we pick someone else up?" He asked nervously.
"It's your car. Why are you asking me?"
He scratched the back of his neck, unable to speak. He just started driving. He remained silent even after we left their building and the business district.
I was comfortably leaning back when I noticed something on the road. I knew this route.
"Y-Yuri… where are we going?" I asked, my voice laced with horror.
I saw him bite his lower lip, fear evident in his eyes.
"Yuri," I called out, my voice firm.
"Look! This wasn't my intention! I just have to pick her up because Angelo asked me to," he explained, pulling over in front of Jay-jay's house.
Knowing I was just a meter away from her made me incredibly nervous. It was true that I desperately wanted to see her, but I needed to set boundaries. Even if I didn't know what those boundaries were!
"It's okay if we pick her up, right?" he asked, a strange smile playing on his lips.
I looked at him like I was about to kill him. "You're doing this on purpose."
"N-no, really… It's just a coincidence."
"Go get her. Let's get this over with."
He got out of the car and walked towards the gate of her house. I felt a cold sweat breaking out, even though the air conditioning was on.
I just stared at the gate of her house. It felt like I was waiting for an enemy, the way I was looking. I couldn't help it. It made me crazy knowing I was going to see her.
How long had it been since we last saw each other? It had only been a few days, but it felt like years.
And my world stopped…
He was walking towards me, his face grumpy. I couldn't help but smile as she walked closer. But the smile quickly faded when I saw Yuri's red hair.
He ruined it.
I slumped back in my seat, the pain in my wound flaring up, but I chose to ignore it.
The back door opened, and I could feel her reluctance to get in. But she had no choice. Yuri looked at me when he sat beside me. I just glared at him.
"Jay…" Yuri said, looking at Jay-jay through the rearview mirror. "Sorry. I didn't mention that Kei—."
She cut him off immediately. "Yuri," she said, her voice emotionless. "Please." It didn't sound like anything. "PLEASE!" Definitely pissed. "Just drive."
I saw the pain in Yuri's expression before he started the car. While I, on the other hand, was still feeling tense. My palms were sweating, and I kept wiping them. I tried to focus on the road, but it was pointless.
My whole body knew she was close to me. It felt like it wanted to jump out of my seat and hug her tightly. It made me feel irritated.
I knew Yuri didn't mean to do this, but I wished he had, so I could punch him.
I had been restless in my seat for a while. I needed some distraction.
I opened the glove compartment without asking the owner. I was shocked to see what was inside.
I looked at Yuri, who was doing the same to me. I discreetly glanced at Jay-jay. Thankfully, she was focused on the road.
Why the fvck does he keep a gun in here? I decided to ignore it and find what I was looking for.
Cigarette.
I knew Jay-jay hated it, but I needed it. I fvcking needed to calm down. I might not be able to control myself and just jump into her arms.
After closing the compartment, I quickly grabbed a stick and lit it. In my haste, I forgot to open the window. The smoke quickly mixed with the air conditioning.
Yuri didn't seem bothered, but Jay-jay was different. She coughed loudly because of the smoke.
"What is this?! Smoking inside the car?!" She said, sounding annoyed.
I slapped myself discreetly before opening the window slightly. I saw Yuri frowning at me. I pointed to the road and signaled him to concentrate on driving.
I was so flustered that I didn't think about what I was doing.
Stupid Keifer!
When we reached the school, Jay-jay got out before Yuri had even finished parking.
"That's dangerous," Yuri said after parking his car.
I was about to get out when he child-locked the door. I frowned at him. "Seriously, Yuri?" I pointed at the car door.
"Do you want Jay-jay to die of lung cancer?" I could sense irritation in his tone.
He grabbed the remaining cigarette from my hand and threw it out the open window beside him.
"I'm fvcking tensed! Okay?!" I said defensively. "You know me when I'm tense!"
"Yeah, right," he said sarcastically. "While the window is right there."
"Don't you dare accuse me." I glared at him. "What about the gun in your compartment?"
I opened his glove compartment to grab the gun, but he immediately stopped me. He even slapped my hand.
"For protection!"
"Protection my ass! Don't tell me someone's trying to kill you too."
His forehead creased as he pointed at himself. "Do I have to wait for death threats? The heirs of the Hanamitchi clan."
"Tss…"
He unlocked the door, and we both got out of the car. He was about to guide me as I walked, but I quickly pushed him away.
He just laughed, shaking his head.
"Suit yourself," he said, smiling like a lunatic.
He knew I could walk properly, but thanks to my wound, which was still giving me pain from time to time, I had to slow down.
I reached the classroom without waiting for the red-haired lunatic. I could imagine him laughing at me as I walked.
I saw Jay-jay sitting at the first table beside the door. Ci-N was beside her, trying to get her attention.
I continued walking until I reached my table.
"I thought you couldn't leave the hospital." Edrix asked, observing me.
"What are you talking about? This is Keifer. He knows more than the doctor," Rory said, chuckling.
The whole class wasn't the same anymore. It wasn't exactly what I imagined, but it was almost the same. Jay-jay was trying her best to ignore Ci-N and the whole class.
After morning class, Eman prepared a very special meal for Jay-jay. He had been working on it since morning. He had carefully planned and prepared it. He even bought expensive ingredients, according to Denzel, who helped him.
But Jay-jay chose to eat outside. I saw how painful it was for Eman. He was the type of person who hated wasting his effort.
"It's okay! She'll eat with us eventually! Just be patient!" Ci-N said, trying to cheer everyone up.
"Ci's right! Next time, let's get her favorite food, something she can't refuse!" Eren added.
Eman just forced a smile. He was one of those who had grown close to Jay-jay. I knew this situation was hard on him.
While everyone else ate, Eman sat near me. I heard him mutter something.
"Maybe this is my karma for joining the bet," he said, looking down.
I chose to remain silent. I didn't want to make a wrong move and let them notice my problem, the real reason behind my actions. For now, they only knew our plan to protect Jay-jay. Nothing else. It was better that way.
"Oi! Oi! You guys!" Drew shouted, running towards us. "Jay-jay and Yuri are fighting upstairs."
Everyone ran outside except for me. I'd just ask Yuri later. They were outside for a few minutes.
I was about to close my eyes to sleep when I heard footsteps. I looked up, and our eyes met.
Jay-jay…
Her coldness sent shivers down my spine. It was my fault she was like this. I deserved it. I deserved her cold treatment.
She immediately sat down after turning away from me. It wasn't long before a few classmates came in. No one spoke, not even Rory and Edrix; they chose to remain silent.
Others followed, their hushed whispers keeping the noise down. Yuri was one of the last to enter. When he sat down, I looked at him.
He took his book out of his bag and started reading. He didn't seem to plan on speaking either. I decided not to ask.
I looked at Jay-jay, and Ci-N was still trying to get her attention. I breathed heavily, holding the bridge of my nose. This wasn't going to be easy for anyone.
The afternoon classes passed in a blur. I was just staring into space, thinking about Jay-jay.
Speaking of Jay-jay, I heard Ci-N asking her to stay, but she firmly refused before leaving.
"It's okay, Ci-N! We can't give up!" Eren said, trying to cheer him up.
Ci-N just smiled and nodded.
I looked at Yuri when I noticed his hurry.
"I'll just walk Jay-jay home, then I'll be back," he said, walking out of the classroom.
I sighed. "Felix!"
"Yes?" He answered, all smiles. "Anything you need?"
"Don't leave yet, we have a meeting," I said, my voice authoritative.
Everyone remaining returned to their seats. They also texted those who had left.
We were just waiting for Yuri to come back—okay, he just did.
"I thought you were walking Jay-jay home?" I asked, and he shook his head.
"Percy's with her now. Looks like he's taking over my job," he said quietly.
I just nodded, forcing myself to stand.
I sat at my table and looked at them all.
"So, how was it?" I asked, and they gave me confused looks. "…I'm talking about Jay-jay."
They started complaining, causing the room to become noisy.
"She's so cold to us now! I didn't know she could be like that!" Blaster said.
"It's true! She rolled her eyes every time our eyes met!" Calix complained.
"Women are scary when they're mad!" Rory added.
They all agreed in unison.
"We can't give up on Jay-jay!" Ci-N said, like he was campaigning.
"She's hurt, so we should understand her!" Eren added.
"Let's court her! Everyone try their own way!" Felix said, and they all agreed.
"Let's give her flowers!" Edrix suggested, but I immediately stopped him.
"What if she throws the flowers at you?"
They all stopped and looked at me.
"You're such a downer!" Yuri said. "Everyone try their own way, right?"
"I'm stating the possibilities." I turned back to Edrix. "What if she throws them at you?"
"Uhhh… I don't know," he answered, scratching the back of his neck.
"How about giving her clothes? The trendy ones that girls are crazy about," Drew suggested.
"What if she uses them as rags in front of you?" I asked again.
"Shoes? The ones with heels," Mayo also suggested.
"What if she kicks them in your face?"
Almost everyone hung their heads and rubbed their necks. They seemed to be running out of ideas.
"How about food…" Ci-N said, and everyone chuckled. "You never know, right?"
He had a point. She was a food lover. It was unlikely she'd refuse food.
After discussing their plans to court Jay-jay—which I badly wanted to disagree with, but couldn't—we got to our main topic, the real reason I called the meeting.
"What's the response from the gangs?" I asked them.
"They've gotten bolder. Some are asking for a date for the fight," Denzel answered.
"I've talked to two groups who are willing to make peace with you," David said. It seemed those groups were scared of my threat.
"But some aren't giving any answers. That's what's dangerous," Rory said worriedly.
"Right now, we can only stop some of them from approaching Jay-jay. But not all of them," Kit said.
This is exactly what those idiots wanted. They wanted me to start a war, so they could gang up on me, on us.
They left me no choice.
"Edrix, send them my answer…" I commanded, and he took his laptop. "…My first warning was just a warm-up. Are you ready to see the second one?"
I let him add to the message.
"Rory! Find a group we can use for the second warning."
"I'll take care of it! Thanks!"
If they don't know how to stop, I'll show them how.