Jay-Jay's POV
Have you ever woken up feeling like you don't want to? Not because you're lazy, but because you're exhausted—not from sleeping, but from living.
I never thought this day would come. I feel like my life has lost its purpose, and there's no point in continuing like this. This feeling is all too familiar…
Just like before.
I tried to get up when I heard Mama's voice outside my room.
"Wake up... You might be late," she said, knocking on the door.
"All right," I responded lifelessly.
I went straight to the bathroom and did my morning routine. After pinning my hair, I changed into a t-shirt and headed to the dining room, where everyone was already gathered.
Mama was talking loudly, telling a story. Kuya Angelo and Tito Julz listened while Aunt Gema prepared the food. As usual, Aries looked irritated.
"Jay-Jay…" Mama called out, smiling. "What course are you planning to take?"
I don't even know if I'll make it to college.
"Nothing," I muttered.
"What do you mean? You're about to graduate from high school. Your grandmother told me you wanted to go to college."
I stayed silent and kept eating as if I hadn't heard her. The food in my mouth felt tasteless.
"Your mom is talking to you," Kuya Angelo said.
"I don't want to talk to her," I mumbled, barely above a whisper—but they still heard me.
"Jay-Jay!" Kuya snapped.
Great.
I was suddenly exhausted from listening to them. I didn't want to hear my name coming from their mouths.
"Aren't you tired?" I asked Kuya, still staring at my plate. "Because I'm getting sick of your lectures."
"Jay-Jay!" Mama and Aunt Gema scolded in unison.
Even without looking at Kuya, I knew he was thinking poorly of me. I could also feel Aries staring.
"What do you expect me to do? Forget everything you've done?" Kuya asked, his voice full of authority.
I didn't answer, though, in truth, that would be the best outcome for me. I forced myself to chew my food, but it felt like gum—flavorless and impossible to swallow.
"Answer me!" he demanded.
Right…
"What's wrong with you, Jay?" Mama asked.
Or don't ask.
"Jay? Is something wrong?" Aunt Gema asked, her voice filled with concern.
Don't bother me…
"Crazy," Aries muttered, but loud enough for everyone to hear.
You're crazier.
"Are you provoking me again?!" Kuya's voice rose with anger. "Do you want to see me mad?!"
"I don't want to," I whispered.
"Again?"
"I said I don't want to! I don't want to hear your lectures anymore! Just stop! Stop acting like you're my father!" I yelled, slamming my hands against the table.
I took a deep breath, glaring at Kuya. It felt like I was fighting a wall. I was scared, but my anger overpowered my fear.
"Jay-Jay!" Aries shouted. "Stop it!"
"Aries!" Aunt Gema scolded him.
I locked eyes with Kuya, and I could tell—without a doubt—he was imagining killing me in his head. No need to ask. It was obvious in his gaze.
"I'm not acting like your father," he said calmly. "I am your big brother, and it's my job to discipline you. If you don't want to hear my lectures... then fix yourself."
He stood up and walked away. The others followed him, leaving me sitting there with my head lowered.
"What was that, Jay-Jay?! You're not even ashamed of how you treat your brother!" Mama yelled.
I got up immediately and left. I didn't want to hear another lecture. My mind and heart were exhausted. I wasn't sure how much more I could take.
I just wanted to disappear.
After taking a shower, I got ready for another day of suffering—school, where the same traitors continued ruining my life.
As I stepped out of my room, Aries was already waiting for me, arms crossed and one eyebrow raised.
He looked like he was about to predict my fate for the day.
"What's your problem this time?" he asked without making eye contact.
Even if I wanted to answer, I couldn't. I didn't even know the answer myself. It felt like waking up from a bad dream, only to be slapped with an even worse reality.
I just shook my head and started walking away when something suddenly crossed my mind.
"Aries," I called.
He looked at me, annoyed.
"T-thank you," I stuttered.
His eyebrow lifted slightly as if he didn't understand what I meant. But I knew exactly why I said it.
Of course, I did.
"I-I meant... for saving me… Kiko." I explained, my voice shaky.
His expression changed immediately. He quickly turned his back to me and walked away in a hurry. I heard him mutter something under his breath, but I couldn't understand it.
I just stood there, watching him go.
Weird.
As I walked to the living room, I heard a familiar voice. My ride to school had arrived.
I glanced at Yuri, who smiled at me.
Lucky him—he could still smile after everything that had happened. I couldn't even bring myself to try.
Without waiting for him, I headed straight outside. I was about to open the backseat door when Yuri stopped me.
"Sit here. Keifer won't be joining us anymore."
YES!!
Finally, something good happened today.
I moved to the passenger seat beside the driver. Yuri shut the door for me before walking around to get in. He started the car, and like before, I remained silent during the drive.
"Jay?" he called out. "Are you okay? You seem… different today."
I just shook my head and turned toward the window. Everything feels different now. But deep down, I'm still the same. I'm still angry with them—and his best friend, the so-called King of Dimunyun Ulopong.
When we arrived at school, I got out first, leaving him to park the car. Smart move.
Terrible!
Super kind...
I was almost at our classroom when I stopped in my tracks. Here we go again. Here I go again! About to enter the room where it all began. It feels like punishment. If only I could just quit studying—it's been dragging on forever.
Just a little more patience. A few more months, and I'll finally graduate. I won't have to put up with their nonsense anymore. So even though my gut told me to turn around, I forced my feet to move forward.
"Good morning," Ci-N greeted me.
I ignored him and sat down in my usual seat by the door. Yuri walked in after me. I knew someone else was missing—but why do I even care?! Why am I wondering if he's sick? Honestly, it's a relief he's not here. At least I won't have to deal with his mood swings.
I rested my head on my arms, pressing my face into them. If only I could sink into my desk and disappear. I was dozing off when I sensed someone near me.
Ci-N again...
I didn't want to acknowledge him, because, of course... it's Ci-N Peralta. But where's—?
"Jay-jay," he called me. "Don't sleep, I have something to tell you."
I turned my head to face him, unamused. He was grinning as he leaned in closer.
"My birthday is coming up," he said excitedly. "You're coming to my party, right?"
Oh, right...
He handed me an invitation. His face looked like that of a child excited for their birthday. His birthday is on Valentine's Day—the Day of Pure Hearts.
I didn't answer. I simply turned my head in another direction, avoiding him. But I wish I hadn't. Because just as I did, the King himself walked into the room.
Our eyes met immediately. Great. Just great. The one time I try to avoid him, and fate has other plans.
Well done! Well done! Well done!
Luckily, he walked off without a word. Soon after, Sir Alvin arrived, and class began. I should have been paying attention, but as usual, my mind was elsewhere.
"Who wants to attend Career Orientation?" Sir Alvin asked.
"What's that, sir?" I heard Denzel ask.
"Will there be free food?" Ci-N added.
Sir chuckled before answering. "It's a session to help you choose the right career path."
"We don't need that, Sir," Calix replied smugly. "We can choose our careers just fine. Denzel—house husband, Drew—gambling, Edrix—computer shop owner, and Eman—chef."
"You're crazy, Calix!" Denzel shouted, while the rest of the Ulupongs burst into laughter.
You're good at that!
Even Sir Alvin shook his head, laughing at their antics.
"It's easy to pick a career, Sir," May said. "We probably won't go."
"That's up to you," Sir said with a smile. "What courses are you all planning to take?"
"PILOT!" Ci-N shouted, raising both hands. "I want to be a pilot!"
"But aren't your parents and sister doctors?" David asked.
Ci-N nodded. I already knew his whole family were doctors. He once mentioned that his parents wanted him to become one too.
"Don't they want you to be a doctor as well?" David pressed.
Ci-N looked up at the ceiling, thinking. "I want to... but I don't want to."
"As if you could go against your parents' wishes," Felix challenged him.
Ci-N flashed a wide grin. "Did they ever say I couldn't?"
Oh wow. So confident.
The others shook their heads, scratching their necks. Even I had the same reaction.
"What about you, Jay-jay?" Sir Alvin turned to me. "What course are you planning to take?"
Even without looking, I knew everyone was staring at me. I was used to it by now.
I averted my gaze. "Nothing, Sir."
"Why not?"
He actually asked...
"I'm getting married after I graduate," I answered, bored.
Silence.
I could feel the weird looks being exchanged behind me. Even Sir was glancing at them.
I had a strange feeling about what was happening, so I turned slightly—and was shocked. Keifer had grabbed Yuri by the collar. The King was glaring at him, while Yuri simply stared back.
"What are you doing?" Sir asked.
Keifer released Yuri and adjusted his uniform. I looked at Sir Alvin for answers, but he just shrugged. Class resumed, and I kept glancing back occasionally.
Maybe they're trying to kill each other.
Not that I care. It's fine if they do. It'd actually solve some of my problems. If the King dies, it's Happy Together for me. If Yuri dies, I'll still be a Filipina girl when I turn 20.
So it's fine! Let them kill each other!
Class eventually ended, and it was lunchtime. I was too lost in thought to notice my own hunger. Looks like I'd have to endure it again.
"Jay-jay!" Ci-N called happily. "Let's eat!"
Instead of joining him and Eman, I quickly walked out of the room. I planned to pass the time on the second floor, but I hadn't even reached the stairs when someone grabbed my arm.
Felix!
I pulled my arm away and looked at him, annoyed. "What do you want?"
"W-Well... C-Come with us," he stammered, rubbing his neck awkwardly.
Oh wow. He actually invited me.
"I don't want to," I replied flatly.
"Jay... you haven't eaten anything. Come with us," he insisted.
"Why do you care if I starve to death?" I snapped.
I saw the embarrassment on his face. I hadn't meant to humiliate him, but if they keep pestering me like this, I won't hold back.
"You've changed," he muttered before walking back into the room.
No... I've always been like this.
I was left alone. Perfect. I continued my plan to hang out on the second floor. As expected, the wind was strong, and it was pleasantly cold.
I remembered—this was where David and Ci-N used to hang out during lunch. We wanted to avoid them, so we hid here. Eventually, Mica and Calix started joining us too.
It didn't take long because Eman came back to cook for us. We are already inside the classroom eating—except for Calix, who is still upstairs on the second floor.
I never thought I'd say this, but I miss those times. I miss having someone to eat with, even if I'm the one getting the food for them.
"It's like you're in a music video right now," someone suddenly said.
I shot him a glare, ready to curse at him, but I froze when I saw who the blasphemer was.
"What are you doing here?!" I asked Percy, slightly annoyed.
He raised his hand, holding a pizza box and a plastic bag with a drink inside.
Ooooh… pizza!
"Felix texted me. He said you weren't going to eat again," Percy said as he settled in a corner, unloading the food.
I walked over and sat next to him. Between us was the pizza box and the drinks. Without hesitation, I opened the box and started grabbing a slice.
"Who told you to take it? That's not for you," he said, trying to snatch the pizza from my hand.
I smacked his hand—hard. No way was I giving this up.
A civil war was about to break out!
I ignored him and continued eating. He took a slice for himself anyway. At first, neither of us spoke because, well… it was obvious. My brother and I were both starving!
As we ate, Percy suddenly handed me a white box. I was about to ask what it was, but based on its size, I already knew.
"What's this for?" I asked before taking another bite.
"You're still using that old phone?"
The truth was, I still preferred my old phone. Even though I knew there was something better, I liked it more—because all our pictures were there. Well, my pictures and videos!
We already had a phone together!
"Don't you want it?" His question snapped me back to reality.
I hesitated at first but took it anyway. I needed a new phone. Who wouldn't?!
After eating, I reached for one of the drinks he brought—only to pause when I looked at the bottle. The plastic didn't just contain soda.
"You have no shame! Is this alcohol?" I asked, holding up the bottle.
He just grinned before taking one and opening it.
"I know you need this more," he said teasingly.
"You're insane! If we get caught, you won't be allowed back here—and I'll get suspended!" I said, annoyed.
It was like last time with the Holy Sh—Saints! I got suspended even though it was Cyrus who actually brought the alcohol. Haizt! Wonderful. Just amazing.
"Only if you get caught. What if you don't?" he challenged.
He had a point…
No one ever comes to our building, so no one would find out that my abnormal stepbrother smuggled in alcohol. I glanced at the large building across from ours. No one was there.
They couldn't even see us because their building was too far away. It was as if the school deliberately isolated Section E from everyone else.
Maybe… I needed it, too.
I let him open one. My throat felt dry as I took a sip. It hadn't been that long since I last drank, but it felt like a whole year.
"Delicious, isn't it?" Percy asked with a grin.
"It is… and so will Kuya Angelo's smack on my head when he finds out," I muttered.
Percy just laughed as I took another sip. I set the bottle down and opened the phone box. It was the same model as my old one.
"Save my number so you can call me," he said, taking out his own phone.
I turned the phone on and started setting it up. When it was ready, I opened the contacts app.
"Okay, ready," I said.
"0922…" he started, and I typed. "…22—BOOM! It explodes!"
Oh, dear.
I glared at him. I wanted to throw the phone at his face. His ridiculous laugh made it worse.
I seriously wanted to request a different brother. I didn't want this one anymore. I needed to send him back to wherever he came from.