Jay-Jay's POV:
If I weren't feeling so heavy because of what happened or if I weren't so guilty about what I did, I'd probably spend the whole night admiring my brother's unit.
I thought it was just an ordinary condominium unit.
It seems like his unit takes up half the floor. I'm not even sure if the door I saw last night before we entered belonged to a neighbor. I barely feel the presence of people in this building, but there's a lot of security on the ground floor.
I hugged the two Snorlax plushies I brought tightly. I can't sleep without them. I could leave my cellphone behind, but not these.
They help me sleep.
I stared for a while at the large window in the room. Since we're in a high-rise building, it's fine even without curtains or blinds. I think it's already dawn because the sky is starting to light up. I sighed deeply.
I got up and grabbed my phone from the bedside table. I was right; it was already 5:29 AM. I didn't sleep well. It took me a long time to fall asleep, and I woke up several times. Even in my dreams, my guilt and the memories of Aries' father chased me.
I decided to get up and fix the bed. The bed here is much bigger compared to my bed at home. Since I didn't sleep well, the sheets and blanket weren't really messed up. I couldn't help but admire the entire room. It's obvious a man lives here because of the masculine colors of all the furniture and walls.
I approached the study table where I placed the things I brought. I managed to drag a fairly large travel bag and stuffed most of my clothes in it. I took out my uniform and tried to smooth out the creases.
Looks like I'll need to borrow an iron from my brother.
I stepped out of the room, hoping he was already awake. I wasn't disappointed because he was already in the kitchen preparing breakfast. He was also talking to someone on the phone.
"She'll be fine with me…" He shifted the phone to his other ear, holding it between his shoulder and cheek. "…I'm not sure. It depends on how long she would like to stay here."
It seemed like he was talking about me to whoever was on the other end. I sat on one of the high stools in front of the island table and waited for him to finish his call.
His kitchen is huge. Like his room, the colors are very masculine. It's fully equipped with a large oven, a double-door refrigerator, and all the high-end appliances you'd see in those fancy cooking shows on TV.
"Please look after Aries and Aunt Jeana. Bye," he added before finally hanging up.
He glanced at my side and paused when he saw me.
"Good morning," I greeted.
"Good morning. You look like you didn't get enough sleep," he replied, making me instinctively touch my face.
"I kept waking up."
He continued preparing breakfast. It didn't take long before he finished and placed the fried rice, hotdogs, ham, eggs, and bacon in front of me. I was a bit surprised because the amount of food he prepared seemed too much for just the two of us.
I know I eat a lot, but this is still too much.
"Please move it to the dining table," he instructed, and I complied.
He followed shortly after, carrying three cups of coffee.
The table was already set with placemats, plates, and utensils. Given the amount of food and tableware, it was clear that we were expecting a guest.
"Who's the other one for?" I asked.
"Someone you know."
I pouted. Who could he be talking about? I don't know anyone close enough to him who'd dare visit here for breakfast. Most of the people I know who know him are scared of him. And no one would have the guts to come here just to eat.
Could it be Ci-N?
That's unlikely—he doesn't even know I'm here, nor does he know my brother's unit address. Besides, he has plenty of food at home, unless he somehow ran out.
He turned away and went to his room. When he came out, he was holding his iPad and sat back on the stool. I was about to take a bite of my food when the doorbell rang.
Here they are—who could it be?
My brother stood up to open the door through the intercom. The first thing I heard was a loud squeal followed by the sound of the door closing.
"I miss you, handsome!" a familiar female voice said.
My forehead creased. Did I hear that right? Why did that sound like Honey's voice? But why would she be here?
My feet moved on their own as I quietly walked closer to see who had arrived. My steps were quick but light. As I neared the entrance, I stopped in my tracks, completely shocked by what I saw.
My jaw dropped as I stared at them—busy kissing each other. My brother's hands were on her waist. I wanted to scream, but only air escaped my mouth.
My brother was kissing someone. What the hell?!
And when they finally stopped, my shock only deepened. I wanted to feel disgusted, terrified, worried, and cry all at the same time. That familiar voice was indeed Honey's. She even went for another kiss while clinging to his neck.
"Didn't you miss me, handsome?" she asked sweetly.
I wanted to puke. I hadn't eaten anything since last night, so I'd probably end up throwing up my guts. If they were unlucky, my lungs and heart might come out, too.
Maybe even my brain.
"I guess I did," my brother answered, sounding forced. "My cousin is here, by the way."
"Who?" she asked, but quickly got her answer when she saw me standing not far from them.
My jaw was still hanging open from the scene I had just witnessed. That image was burned into my brain. I wanted to gouge my eyes out because it felt like they were to blame for what I saw.
If I ever lose my memory again, can this be included? Because if I carry this to my dreams, I won't survive. If this stays in my mind until I grow old, I'm doomed.
Should I slam my head against the wall?
They finally let go of each other, and Honey approached me with a smile.
"Now you know. Should I start calling you cousin-in-law?"
Oh, hell no!
I quickly turned to my brother, silently begging him to kick this woman out of his unit. But he ignored me and went straight to the dining table.
Honey winked at me before swaying her hips as she followed him. My eyes burned with frustration as I followed them to the table and sat back down. My brother focused on his iPad while Honey fussed over his food. She even fed him.
He didn't seem to care about what she was doing—too absorbed in what he was reading.
I just ate even though I wanted to kick her in the face. She kept smiling and doting on my cousin. I couldn't help but watch them, even as I tried to focus on my food. I choked several times when Honey started sniffing my brother's shoulder.
"You smell so good," she said, then moved to sniff his neck. "You smell like trouble in bed."
I literally spat out the rice in my mouth. Aside from burning my tongue with the hot food, I couldn't handle what I had just heard.
This nonsense needs to stop!
I quickly drank some water and stood up. "I'm done eating," I said, taking my plate.
I set my dish in the sink and left them at the table. I rushed back to my room. The moment I closed the door, I shook myself off as if trying to rid myself of bacteria. I flailed around like I was disgusted by the air that touched me.
This was the first time I felt this way. It's not like I hate Honey or my brother, but I just can't handle this—especially since I know that woman. No wonder she got tired of chasing Percy—because now she's all over my brother.
I froze.
Could my brother Angelo be the boyfriend she was talking about?
IMPOSSIBLE!
Kuya never hinted to us that he already had a girlfriend. It wasn't even an issue with Aunt Gema, so there was no reason for him to hide the fact that he was already in a relationship. It was hard to believe.
I just fixed my clothes before heading straight to the bathroom to take a shower. I got used to rushing because Aries always waited for me, but now I didn't have to do that. He didn't have to wait for me anymore.
I bowed my head. At least now, there was nothing holding him back. No one was slowing him down. No one would pester him. And most of all, he didn't have to put up with my company. He was free to be angry about everything I did.
I would never complain.
After showering and getting ready, I didn't even manage to iron my uniform. How could I even borrow the iron when they were so busy flirting? It would be embarrassing to disturb them. I just tried to smooth out my blouse with my palm.
Once I was sure everything was ready, I finally stepped out. I winced when I saw Honey already sitting on Kuya's lap.
I pretended not to see what they were doing and walked straight toward the door.
"I'm leaving, Kuya," I said without even glancing at them.
"Wait, who's taking you to school?"
"My classmate," I answered quickly and immediately opened the door to leave.
I knew he'd still ask who exactly. I also knew it was still dangerous for me, which was why he was being careful. But answering his questions would only take longer, and I really didn't want to see them and that annoying bee anymore.
I sighed before starting to walk, but I froze when I heard a door open.
I thought Kuya had followed me and that it was his unit's door, but when I turned around, I saw it was a different one. I was right—Kuya did have a neighbor, and there were two units on this floor.
My eyes widened when I saw who came out of the other door. In his uniform, hair still messy, was the King of Snakes himself. Behind him were his two siblings, who looked like they had been rushed to get ready.
They stopped when they saw me looking at them.
"Jay? What are you doing here?" the King asked, glancing toward Kuya's door. "Oh, are you with Angelo?"
I nodded. "You? Why did you come from there?" I asked back, pointing at the door they had just exited.
"We stayed here last night. There were some casualties at home."
I kept nodding as if I understood. I couldn't miss the way Keigan was staring at me—like he was examining my soul.
"Come ride with us. I'm just dropping them off," Keifer offered.
I couldn't take my eyes off his siblings. "I-Is that okay with them?"
"Like I have a choice," Keiren answered grumpily.
"It's fine," Keigan replied shortly and smiled.
I couldn't help but feel like there was something behind his smile—like he was thinking something nasty or judgmental about me.
What's his problem?
"Let's go," Keifer said, leading the way.
We followed him, and since Keiren was already walking beside him, I ended up next to Keigan. Just like earlier, his eyes were still on me. All the way to the elevator and down to the parking lot, I kept catching him looking at me.
When we reached the car, we started arguing over who would sit where. In the end, Keifer decided.
"Keigan and Keiren, sit in the back. Jay-Jay will sit next to me since we're heading to the same destination," he said, and I could see the annoyance on Keiren's face. Keigan, on the other hand, didn't seem to care.
As soon as we got into the car, I felt something strange—like someone was watching me. I glanced at the rearview mirror and quickly caught Keigan's eyes. He smiled at me, but it was clearly fake.
You've been doing that for a while.
"Hey, are you okay?" Keifer asked, noticing my silence.
I nodded and forced a smile.
We first dropped Keiren off at his school. Even though it was still early, there were already so many cars, and we got stuck in traffic. In the end, Keiren and Keifer had to get out and walk to the entrance.
I was left alone with Keigan—and I immediately regretted it.
"You're trash, you know," he suddenly said, shocking me.
I quickly turned to him but froze when I saw he was talking on his cellphone. I just sat back down properly.
Why did it feel like he was talking about me?
"You're so disgusting. I don't understand why you're even with us."
A strange feeling crept over me as I listened to his words. I saw him still on the phone through the rearview mirror, but it really felt like he was talking about me.
"You're an eyesore."
"You're a worthless piece of shit."
"You smell like rotten trash. I can smell you from here."
"You're more disgusting than a dead, rotting animal."
"Someone like you shouldn't even be near us."
"We shouldn't be breathing the same air."
"I really hate seeing you walking, alive and smiling. You don't deserve it."
The things he said made me so uncomfortable. Even though he wasn't looking at me, it really felt like his words were meant for me. I couldn't help but become self-conscious.
Do I smell bad?
I discreetly sniffed my clothes, but I wouldn't even know if I did—my nose was already used to my scent.
Keifer returned and quickly got into the car. "Hey, is everything okay?"
"E-Everything's fine," I answered, even though I knew it wasn't.
"Yeah, we're good," Keigan replied with a sweet smile at his brother.
I glanced at him through the mirror, and our eyes met again. He made a gesture like something smelled bad, and my forehead creased.
But all he did was flash a sickly sweet smile.
I just chose to stare out the window even though I was already really irritated.
I didn't know what his problem with me was, but I wasn't stupid—I could clearly feel that he didn't like me. And those harsh words he had supposedly said to the person on the phone? I was sure they were actually meant for me.
Honestly, the Keigan with us now was so different from the one I had met before. The first time we met at their mansion, he was so kind and polite. The person with us now in the car was the complete opposite.
There was definitely something wrong with him.
Our next stop was Keigan's school. Unlike earlier, the traffic was light, so he was able to get down and enter the school gate quickly.
"You've been quiet for a while. Is something wrong?" Keifer asked while driving.
I pursed my lips. "Do I smell bad?"
He was confused at first but understood what I meant when I sniffed my clothes.
"Well, you smell like 99.9% of dead germs."
I winced. He was probably talking about my soap.
"That's it? I don't smell like garbage or a rotting animal?"
He shook his head. "Of course not. Why would you smell like garbage or a rotting animal?"
Your brother said so.
"N-Nothing. I just smelled something earlier."
He turned his attention back to driving. We stopped briefly at a red traffic light. I quickly noticed his hand—it was wounded and red.
"What happened there?" I asked, pointing at the wounds on his hand.
"Casualties. Someone attacked the house."
Worry immediately washed over me. "Who? No one got seriously hurt, right?"
He smiled at me, as if assuring me everything was fine. He even took one hand off the steering wheel just to hold mine and kiss it.
"No one. Good thing my siblings weren't affected either."
But my concern didn't fade. "Who attacked you?"
"My father's men," he said in a serious tone.
He was referring to his dad. I stared at his hand holding mine. I couldn't understand why there were fathers like theirs—willing to hurt their own children just to get what they wanted.
His father and Aries' father.
It's true that every child deserves a parent, but there are some parents who shouldn't have children. That's why I'm sometimes thankful that my real father and I just drifted apart and couldn't see each other. I don't think I could handle it if both my parents had broken their relationship with us.
I also admire people my age who manage to keep going despite being abandoned by their parents or having a broken relationship with them. They continue even when the people who should be supporting them turn their backs.
"May I know why you were in Angelo's unit?" he asked, interrupting my thoughts.
I slowly withdrew my hand from his. I secretly dug my nails into my palm.
"Because... I made a mistake again," I answered almost in a whisper.
"Aries got mad at me because I brought his father home. I also found out that his father assaulted my mom, which led to my sibling being born." I bit my lower lip, trying to hold back my tears.
Keifer immediately pulled the car over. He quickly unfastened his seatbelt and hugged me. I cried softly in his arms.
"You didn't know that story about your mom and him. You just wanted to see if his apology was sincere, and you also wanted him to apologize in front of your sibling and your grandmother. You never wanted to hurt them."
I clutched his arm and cried harder. I didn't mean for this to happen. I never wanted to hurt them, but I accept their anger. They have every right to be angry.
Especially Aries.
"I feel like I'm a terrible person."
"No, you're not," he said before kissing my head.
He let me cry and cry. I didn't know why, but my weakness always surfaced in front of him. I wasn't afraid to show this side of me to him. I felt like he would never judge me, no matter how much of a mess I became. I had never been this vulnerable with anyone else.
Not even with Aries or the Ulupong siblings. With them, I always held back my tears.
Only with Keifer could I let them all out.
"I don't know if I can go home. I'm so ashamed of what I did."
"Then don't. You can stay with me. I wouldn't mind," he said, and I heard his soft, teasing laugh.
I bit his arm, and he immediately cried out. But he couldn't push me away because he was still hugging me. He only pulled back when I finally let go.
I wiped my face and glared at him. "We were having a serious conversation, remember?"
"I was serious too," he said, still rubbing his arm.
"I'm staying at my brother's unit."
"Then I'll visit you. We're neighbors anyway," he said with a smile.
I pouted. As if my brother would agree to him visiting me. I should probably ask for permission.
Would he even say yes?
I took a deep breath and tried to compose myself.
"Are you okay now?" he asked before starting the car again.
I nodded. "A little. Thanks for listening."
"Anytime. I'm always here for you."
I suddenly fell silent. Once again, I remembered all the reasons why I should say yes to Keifer. He had done almost everything for me—making up for his mistakes, apologizing, proving himself, comforting me, and giving me advice. Plus, I loved him. Yeah, loved.
What was I still waiting for?
"Keifer..." I called his attention. "I just want to say..." I swallowed hard while looking at him.
It was obvious he was waiting for my next words, even if he couldn't look at me directly.
"Let's be... together now."