Jay-jay's POV
I waited. I waited to be scolded for what I did. To be confronted and blamed, but nothing. Not a single one of them did that.
I watched them in confusion as they set the dining table. Grandma was laughing while chatting with that annoying Andy.
I'm recording a video here! Annoying!
"Jay-jay!" Aunt Gema called me. "...help your Mom in the kitchen."
I nodded reluctantly. "O-okay."
Andy and I almost walked to the kitchen at the same time. He was slightly ahead and was immediately greeted by Mom with a kiss.
Suddenly, the word kiss just disgusted me. Yuck!!!
"Jay... Sweetie. Please take this." Mom instructed.
She smiled at me while pointing to a large bowl full of rice. I rolled my eyes at her before taking it and heading straight to the dining area.
When I looked up, I nearly dropped the bowl in shock.
Son of a shutanginames!
"Hi..." Yuri greeted me awkwardly.
Bad luck really poured down today. But why does it feel like I was the only one hit by it?
I placed the bowl on the table and stared at him in confusion. I wanted to curse out loud. So loud that heaven itself would disown me.
He was holding a bouquet—one that would have looked beautiful, but I felt like it would look even better on top of his future grave. I glared at him. I wasn't happy about his arrival, and I wanted him to feel that.
The truth is, I was still upset with him. After he admitted that he was the one who arranged the choke—I mean, the wedding. I don't know, I just felt like they all ganged up on me. I was already stressing over Mom, and now he had to join in too.
Great! Let's give him a round of applause!
"And who is this handsome young man?" My mother—ahem, Mom—asked flirtatiously.
Yuri's smile stretched from ear to ear. Wow! Handsome—the floor! The floor is handsome. I'm mad at him, so I shouldn't compliment him.
"Good evening, Ma'am. I'm Yuri Hanamitchi..." he introduced himself, handing the bouquet to Mom. "...this is for you."
She accepted it quickly, even giggling as she smelled the flowers.
Wew!
"So, you're the one who's going to marry my child." Mom said to Yuri with a smile. "...You can call me Mom too."
The way she said it felt different to me. A very different Mom! We suddenly heard someone clear their throat. We turned to see Andy standing right behind her.
"Oh! And this is my fiancé, Andy Estrada." She introduced him.
Yuri extended his hand. Andy stared at it for a moment before shaking it.
And just like that, I vanished from their view. Could I be a ghost now? No one paid attention to me the moment this Yuri guy arrived.
But I wasn't sad about it. It worked in my favor, allowing me to slip out of the house unnoticed. My brother, Angelo, was busy with his phone. Grandma was still chatting with Aunt Gema while they set the table.
The sky was dark, starless, and the wind was cold. It looked like it was going to rain again. I checked my phone, hoping there was at least one reply to my texts. But still, nothing.
Just great!
I'm starting to regret it. Why did I even let Yuri kiss me that day? Why didn't I make sure we were okay before we went back to our own homes?
I felt someone's presence behind me. I turned slightly and saw him also looking up at the sky. I let out a deep sigh.
"What are you doing here?" I asked Yuri.
"I'm keeping you company—"
"Not here!" I cut him off in annoyance, pointing at the street. "...Here, in our place, in this house!"
He lowered his head slightly. "Angelo texted me. He said he wanted to introduce me to your Mom."
I didn't respond. Instead, I looked back up at the sky. I let the wind wrap around me again. The quiet surroundings somehow cleared my mind.
It was carrying a broom.
"Your mom..." Yuri broke the silence. "...she looks like you."
I looked at him with fake amazement. "Really? I didn't know that."
Instead of getting annoyed by my sarcasm, he just laughed. I said that to annoy him, not to amuse him. Obviously, I'm her child, and many people have told me that I look like her, so hearing it from him wasn't anything new.
"She looks so young... How old is she?" he continued, ignoring my irritated expression.
"I think 34." I answered lifelessly. "...I never really asked, so stop asking."
"34? You mean... she got married at 16 or 17?"
"Yeah... Kind of like us now if you go through with the wedding." I answered sarcastically.
He chuckled. "I wouldn't get you pregnant right away."
Damn!
A chill suddenly ran down my spine when he said the word pregnant. That was creepy as hell! He could have used a different word first. What's with this guy?
I glared at him in irritation. "Tsk! Just go inside!"
"W-why?"
"I don't want to be with you... Go inside."
His face turned serious, mixed with sadness. "Jay-jay... I know you're mad at me. I can't change that. But I will still apologize."
I covered my face with my hand before moving it to my cheek. I sighed again, trying to lighten the weight in my chest, even just a little. I didn't want to be completely mad at him.
"If you don't realize it yet, let me explain it to you... If you hadn't arranged that wedding, we wouldn't be like this. I wouldn't be confused, and most of all, I wouldn't have hurt you." I explained calmly.
I should have been inside, eating by now.
"From the beginning... I had already prepared myself for pain. I knew that you saw Keifer differently, so I had a clue that your feelings for him were different." He looked up briefly. "...but I still hoped, especially when you agreed to this engagement."
"Because I thought there was no other way. Angelo and I would just keep fighting over this forced wedding. And besides..." I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should say it, but he needed to hear it too. "...l-like your mom. I also couldn't bear to see you get hurt again. I wanted you to experience being happy too..." I lowered my head. "...but I guess I'm not the one who can make that happen."
If only you knew how much I wanted to love you the same way you love me.
But I just can't force myself. I can't order my heart to feel differently. No matter how hard I try to push it into my head, Keifer is always the first thing that comes to mind. Waving at me and saying "tss" inside my head.
Overflowing with perversion, flirtation, and handsomeness while holding a bottle of alcohol in one hand and a cigarette in the other. Wearing red boxers with a reindeer's head—Wait!
Why the hell am I thinking about that?!
"I understand... But there's no turning back. I won't take it back. I won't give up, and I won't let you end up with Keifer." He said it so seriously.
My lips parted slightly. Once again, my tongue refused to cooperate. At the exact moment when I had so much to say, it betrayed me.
Enough, Yuri!
"Jay-jay? Yuri?" My mom called from the gate.
Yuri looked at her while I remained still, not moving an inch.
"Come inside... It's time to eat." Mom invited us.
"Alright, Ma'am. You go ahead, we'll follow." Yuri replied.
Mom smiled at him and went inside. Yuri turned his gaze back to me. I still hadn't moved from where I was earlier.
"Let's go... They're waiting for us inside." He said, stepping closer to me.
I quickly took a step back. "I-I don't understand you."
He took a deep breath. "For now, you really won't understand."
I shook my head. Everything was already a mess, and now he was making it worse. I stomped my way inside and left him out there. I knew he would follow anyway. Or maybe he wouldn't. That would be even better!
I went straight to the dining area where I could hear loud laughter and conversation. There were plenty of empty seats, but the one next to Mom already had a plate set up.
I didn't want to sit beside her, so I sat next to Grandma instead. There was no plate or utensils prepared there. Grandma gave me a puzzled look, but I ignored it.
"Jay-jay... Sit here next to me." Mom ordered.
"I'll just stay here... I'd rather sit next to Grandma." I answered seriously.
She could only respond with a smile. I knew everyone was looking at me, but I chose to ignore it. Especially Kuya Angelo's stare.
I might die from it!
Yuri also sat down next to Grandma, where I was supposed to sit on the other side. I didn't look at him and just focused on the table. A maid handed me a plate and utensils.
"Let's say grace first..." Grandma said, making the sign of the cross.
We followed her and started praying. After that, they all began eating. I had no appetite. No matter how much food was in front of me, no matter how delicious it looked, I couldn't feel any hunger.
"Eat, my dear." Grandma whispered to me.
I smiled and was about to take some food when suddenly, Auntie's maid entered.
"Excuse me." She said. "...There's someone outside looking for Miss Jay-jay."
They all looked at me. I had no idea who that person could be. I didn't know why they would come looking for me at this hour.
"Are you expecting a visitor?" Auntie Gema asked.
No, I wasn't. I shook my head.
"Who is it?" Kuya asked the maid.
"T-they don't want to say." The maid answered.
"You should go check, Jay. It might be important." Grandma told me.
Yuri stood up at the same time as me. I looked at him in confusion. Was he Jay-jay now?
"I'll go with you." He said.
"No need... I'll go alone." I replied indifferently.
I didn't wait for his response. I left and headed outside immediately. A lot of thoughts ran through my mind as I walked.
The feeling was strange.
As I stepped out of the gate, I froze. It felt like everything around me had stopped. Even time itself seemed to pause—inside my mind.
Almost four days. Almost four days since he stopped answering my calls and texts. Almost four days of me going back and forth to his house just to check on him. Almost four days since he last showed himself to me. Almost four days of sleepless nights, thinking about him.
"Keifer..." I whispered.
His hair was messy, his eyes were sunken, and his clothes were wrinkled. But even so, he still looked undeniably handsome. He gave me a faint smile. I slowly walked toward him.
I wanted to yell at him and curse him. I wanted to punch him in the face. I wanted to be mad at him for making me worry. My mind had been filled with all sorts of horrible thoughts. I thought his dad had hurt him.
But my tongue failed me again under his gaze. Almost four days, but it felt like ten years had passed. I had so many questions for him. Why did he disappear? Why didn't he come to see me? Why didn't he even call?
But out of all the questions in my head, only one managed to escape my lips.
"H-have you e-eaten yet?"
He let out a small laugh and took a step closer to me.
"W-why—?"
Oh no!
I didn't get to finish my question. He grabbed my hand and pulled me toward him. I stumbled against his chest in surprise. His embrace was tight.
"I miss you..." he whispered.
I closed my eyes, savoring each word he said. His voice sounded new to my ears. My arms wrapped around him on their own. I matched the tightness of his embrace, as if making up for all the days he was gone.
"I miss you more." I whispered back.
The longer we stayed in each other's arms, the more his scent reached my nose. It was a mix of alcohol, cigarettes, and an obvious attempt to cover it with cologne. The smell was annoying. But at this moment, it was the sweetest fragrance to me.
"W-where have you been?" I asked, still holding onto him.
"London." He answered shortly.
I pulled away from his embrace and looked at him in confusion. Seriously?!
"London?"
"London. England. United Kingdom." He clarified.
"W-what were you doing there?"
"I went to meet my cousin." He answered seriously.
"Can you explain it properly?" I pleaded.
This was going nowhere. We were stuck in a one-question, one-answer pattern. If this continued, we wouldn't be done talking until tomorrow.
"It's about Kaizer—my dad. I visited my cousin and other relatives, hoping that one of them could help me..." He took a deep breath. "...but they refused. They don't care about us anymore."
So that's why he disappeared. He must have been struggling with his issues with his dad. Even I would find it hard to deal with that kind of situation.
"W-why?" I asked, my voice laced with concern.
They were his relatives. They should be helping each other. Now that Keifer had no guardian by his side, they should be there to support him.
"That's the problem with the Watsons. If they have nothing to gain from you, they see no reason to get involved..." He smiled, but it was bitter. "...they see no benefit in helping me, so they refuse to do so."
I lowered my head. He had no mother anymore, and now he had no family to rely on. His situation seemed so difficult. And here I was, complaining about my own life.
I didn't have a father, and I barely felt the presence of my mother, but at least I had Auntie Gema to make me feel like I had someone to turn to. I had no right to complain compared to Keifer's life.
But he's rich... You're not.
"W-why didn't you even text me?" I changed the topic. "...I was worried about you."
He held my hand. "I had to do that in order for me to stay longer in London. If I read your texts or heard your voice, I would have come home right away just to see you."
I didn't know whether I should be happy about what he said. I thought he was still mad at me, which was why he hid from me. But it turned out he left because of a family matter.
You're being paranoid, Jay!
"Did you just get back?" I asked as I studied him.
He looked exhausted, as if he had done so much. His eyes also looked tired, as if he hadn't been sleeping well.
"Yeah... I came straight here because I wanted to see you." He answered with a smile.
Wew...
"Idiot... You should've rested first. We have school tomorrow."
"Let's skip school."
My forehead creased at what he said. He seemed possessed again, spouting nonsense as if he wasn't in his right mind.
"No way... What's wrong with you!"
"Why not? Let's go somewhere. Let's have a date."
A date?!
I kind of wanted that. We hadn't even gone on an official date yet, this fool and I. But if we skipped school, my brother Angelo might find out, and I'd be in trouble.
"Maybe on the weekend." I suggested.
"No. Tomorrow. Please..." He pleaded. "...I'll take you to the beach."
I want that!
It was hard to say no to this guy. He brought my hand to his lips and kissed the back of it, along with my fingers.
"But Keifer... My brother might find out." I reasoned, and he looked at me sadly.
"Please, Jay... I really, really miss you."
I bit my lower lip and glanced at the house. I really wanted to go with him, but I was scared of my brother. He wanted us to go on a date on a school day. But I also didn't want to disappoint him, so I was confused.
Keifer continued kissing my hand, and I felt like that was his way of convincing me. A mischievous smile crossed my lips. I wanted to be with him, so...
"Fine. Let's go on a date tomorrow." I whispered.
He smiled and was about to touch my cheek when he suddenly looked toward the gate and stopped. I immediately looked too, scared that it might be Kuya Angelo, but it wasn't.
"So, you're back." Yuri said in a bored tone.
He knew?
"Yeah..."
"Hhmm..." Yuri hummed with a nod.
Then, his gaze shifted to Keifer's hand holding mine. I tried to pull my hand away, but the King tightened his grip. I just lowered my head and bit my lip.
This lunatic!
I didn't know if he was doing this on purpose. They might end up fighting right here in front of the house. If that happened, Kuya Angelo would find out everything. I'd be doomed!
"Yuri! Have you seen Jay-jay?" It was Mama's voice.
The idiot still wouldn't let go of my hand. I felt like a kid trying to snatch a toy from him. I was practically yanking my hand away, but he just wouldn't budge.
"Yuri... Where is----?" Mama's question was cut off.
Shock was written all over her face as she looked at mine and Keifer's hands. Even I was surprised that she saw us like this. Yuri, however, remained expressionless and silent.
Let go, bro!
"Jay-jay." Mama called my name, her tone demanding an explanation.
"Keifer..." I whispered. "...let go. That's my mom in front of us."
He looked at me before finally releasing my hand. I walked toward Mama, who was giving me a strange look.
"Good evening." Keifer greeted Mama and walked closer. "...You're Jay-jay's...?"
"Mother." Mama completed his sentence.
"Are you sure? You look more like her sister." Keifer said.
I saw Mama's lips twitch into a small smile, but she quickly wiped it away, obviously trying to appear tough. Though I wasn't sure how long she could keep it up.
What chance do you have against this King of Flirtation?
"I'm Mark Keifer, by the way." He extended his hand to Mama.
Mama accepted it, and immediately, the TRAITOROUS KING kissed the back of her hand. He didn't even take his eyes off her, as if showering her with silent praises.
Her cheeks instantly turned red—ugh! Damn this flirt! Even though she was trying not to smile, I could see it in her expression—she was thrilled.
So this is where I got my flirty side from?!
"Ahem H-have you eaten?" Mama asked.
"Not yet. I just came home from a trip."
"Then have dinner here." Mama offered, making my eyes widen. She turned to Yuri. "...That should be fine, right?"
"Yes, of course. Besides, Keifer is also a friend of mine." Yuri answered with a smile.
That moment when you just want to scream to object—
NO, THIS IS NOT OKAY! What if Kuya Angelo found out the truth? What if things escalated and a fight broke out?
Mama entered the house, and Keifer followed. Yuri trailed behind them, leaving me standing there, dumbfounded.
Damn this flirt!
First, he victimized my grandma. Now, it was Mama. Great! Who's next in my family?
Try Aunt Jenny.
I stomped my way inside. Yuri was already seated in his usual spot, but Grandma had changed seats. I glanced at Kuya and Aunt Gema. Their shock was evident as they silently questioned why this fool was here. Thankfully, Aries was still in the hospital with Uncle Julz watching over him. He would have been the first to protest.
"Sit here." Mama ordered—and pointed at… my seat?
Wait, what?! Where am I supposed to sit?!
I looked at the bench between Keifer and Yuri. Grandma wasn't there anymore, and when I searched for her, I saw she had moved to a seat beside Mama.
"Thank you." Keifer said and winked at Mama.
Mama turned to me, her cheeks visibly red. I grimaced at her expression. She looked like she was about to pull out a Mamon and act all cutesy.
Seriously?! A teenager?!
"Sit here, son." Mama said to me, pointing at the bench between Keifer and Yuri.
I sat down, and Mama returned to her seat. I glanced at Andy, who didn't seem pleased with Mama's behavior.
You're not alone.
They all started eating. Even though I had no appetite, I forced myself to join them. With every bite, I kept glancing around, on high alert in case chaos broke out.
"What exactly are you doing here?" Kuya asked bluntly.
Everyone turned to him. His tone was just outright rude. Aunt Gema shot him a warning look, but he ignored it.
"To see Jay-jay." Keifer answered casually.
"What for?" Kuya asked again.
I lowered my head. I could feel something different in Kuya's tone. I wasn't sure if he was starting to suspect something between me and this arrogant fool.
"There's no reason." Keifer replied once more.
The two of them locked eyes. I had to admit, the tension between them was growing. Adding to that, this annoying Snake King seemed to be deliberately provoking Kuya. I knew everyone had noticed their silent exchange of glares.
"Hhmm... If you don't mind, I just want to know your name." Andy suddenly butted in.
Why is this guy always interfering?!
"Keifer... Mark Keifer Watson." The King responded.
Mama's expression suddenly changed. She smiled as if teasing.
"So you're a Watson. No wonder you have a different kind of charm." Mama said, glancing at Aunt Gema.
Aunt Gema shot her a sharp look, as if silently telling her, "Don't start." Keifer's dad once mentioned that he knew Mama and Aunt Gema. That might explain Mama's reaction, but I couldn't figure out Aunt Gema's.
"So, what exactly is your relationship with Jay-jay?" Andy asked.
I nearly choked on my food. If that wasn't the most—ugh! Damn it! Of all the questions to ask! Could he just eat and stay quiet?!
I wanted to bang my head on the table!
"He will be my best man." Yuri suddenly said, looking at me.
"No. You will be my best man." Keifer shot back.
Now they were the ones exchanging deadly glares. And I was sitting right between them—what if I got caught in the crossfire?!
"So, you're getting married?" Yuri asked sarcastically. "...Let us know the date so Jay-jay and I can make sure to attend."
Stop this, please!
"Of course. Just make sure Jay-jay is there." Keifer smirked. "...It would be a shame if my bride didn't show up."
Yuri's brows furrowed deeply, while Keifer looked thoroughly entertained by his own teasing. I couldn't help but lower my head in embarrassment because of their bickering.
"Excuse me... What the hell is going on?" Kuya asked authoritatively.
He was irritated now, clearly not amused by these two. I bit my lower lip. I knew it—felt it—there was no way he wouldn't start suspecting something.
"...Jay-jay!" He called my name, making my entire body tremble. "...What is your relationship with Keifer?"
Oh, shit.
I looked at Keifer and Yuri, both waiting for my answer. But I couldn't respond. I didn't know what to say. I glanced at Grandma, who looked worried about me, at Aunt Gema, who shared the same concern, and at Mama and Andy, who were eagerly waiting for my reply.
"A-a... what—"
"We're more than friends, but NOT less than lovers." Keifer interrupted.
The table shook violently. That was because I slammed my head onto it—right as Kuya Angelo pounded his fist down in anger.
Damn it! That's it! They know!
"Since when?!" Kuya demanded, furious.
I didn't answer. I kept my forehead pressed against the table. I wanted to cry because I knew I was as good as dead.
Better start doing backflips, Jay.
"Angelo... calm down first." Aunt Gema tried to pacify him.
"Calm down?! How am I supposed to do that?!"
While Kuya kept ranting, I suddenly felt a hand on my thigh. When I looked, it was the damn King's hand. I slapped it away as hard as I could.
Damn you, you pest!
"S-sir Angelo?" The maid suddenly spoke up.
"What?!" Kuya snapped at her.
"T-the phone... i-it's from the h-hospital." The maid stammered.
I immediately looked up at her. Was it about Aries? I couldn't stop the nervousness creeping into me. What if something bad had happened to him?
You'd have one less grumpy cousin.
Aunt Gema and Mama stood up at the same time, both looking worried. That was expected for Aunt Gema since Aries was her son. But for Mama... I couldn't help but wonder why she was just as concerned.
Kuya Angelo stormed out to answer the call. Aunt Gema and Mama immediately followed, with the ever-nosy Andy trailing behind.
What, do you expect a video update?
That left just the four of us at the dining table. Grandma was looking at me strangely.