Jay-jay's POV
Sometimes, when life gets too messy, you just want to slam your head against a wall. Really hard—hard enough to just fall asleep and never wake up again.
Go ahead and slam your head! I support you!
But sometimes, it's even more satisfying to slam the head of the person who's been making your whole life a mess. And that's exactly what I want to do to the person in front of me.
"You can't do that! You can't move on and forget everything that we've done!" he snapped, pointing at me using Snorlax's hand. He was still wearing the mascot costume, only the head had been removed earlier.
I was stunned. It felt like my tongue had shriveled up and my whole body refused to function.
I just couldn't understand this person! This Devilish GagongBaliw Nuisance of a Pest—King of all Ulupongs!
I was so confused by everything he was doing. And why was he the one inside the Snorlax mascot? Where was Clefford, the one we had been talking to earlier? My face was filled with questions.
"Hey! Listen to me!" he said, waving Snorlax's arms right in front of my face.
Instead of letting him say another word, I turned my back and quickly walked away. Where was I going? I didn't even know.
"Jay! I'm not done talking to you! Get back here!" yelled the Annoying King.
I glanced behind me and saw him trying to catch up, but because of the costume, he couldn't even walk properly.
Serves you right! Struggle all you want, you idiot!
I picked up my pace and squeezed myself into a group of kids playing nearby. Then I jumped into a pool filled with colorful plastic balls.
I looked like a complete fool swimming in a pool without water. But I didn't care, as long as I could get away from that devil.
Just keep swimming, just keep swimming!
When I got out, I saw a bunch of kids crowding around him. He looked like he was one breath away from yelling curse words just to get them to back off.
I kept moving away from him. I approached the inflatable slide and climbed up. It was hard to move since the slide wasn't stable at all.
I was already at the top when I realized that annoying jerk was waiting at the bottom.
"We need to talk!" he shouted up at me.
I shook my head and was about to come down when I glanced at the kid behind me. He was scowling—looked like he was about to push me.
I had no choice but to slide down. I knew he was waiting, so I stretched out my legs and used all my strength to kick him as I landed. He flew into the pool of plastic balls and didn't move.
"Darn it! Remove this thing from me!" he shouted.
That's your problem, not mine!
I just laughed while running away from him. That's how it should be. I was too confused by him. I didn't understand what he wanted from me. But one thing was certain—I shouldn't listen to him anymore.
"Jay-jay." someone called me as they grabbed my elbow.
I frowned as I looked at him. "You need something?"
Why did his face look so gloomy?
"Can we talk? Please..." he said, full of pleading.
I was about to snap back with a sarcastic "You're already talking," but I stopped when I saw his eyes. I could see how sincere he was.
Maybe this really is how this best friend duo operates. After one of them annoys me to the edge of sanity, the other one swoops in next. I just don't get what their deal is.
Road trip? Bad trip? Field trip?
I nodded to him slightly, and he lowered his hand from my arm. He guided me toward the fire exit. We went inside and moved a little farther so we could talk properly.
"What do you want?" I asked, and my voice immediately echoed throughout the fire exit.
He seemed to notice that. He opened the nearest door and gestured for me to go in. What greeted us was a wide ballroom. The lights were only on in the corners, so it was a bit dim.
"Jay… Please. Let me explain." he pleaded again.
I didn't really want to listen, but here I was already. It would be a waste to walk all the way here only to ignore him.
"Fine. Explain." I said lifelessly.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Yuri's POV
I'm so thankful right now. I don't even know why exactly, but I'm grateful that Jay-jay is now willing to hear me out.
Honestly, I had no intention of talking to Jay-jay today. I knew what happened between her and Keifer at the gotohan a few days ago. It was still fresh, and it would feel like a slap in the face if I talked to her about it.
But earlier...
When I saw Keifer all restless, frantically searching for the Snorlax mascot, my feelings shifted.
His jealousy was eating him up again.
And mine was eating me too.
"Letting go, but here you are searching for your next victim." I muttered toward him.
He gave me his usual death glare. I just shrugged and continued looking around. Ci-N's party was for children, not for teenagers like us. What was I even expecting from Ci-N Peralta?
"Found you! You Animal!" Keifer shouted angrily as he chased after the mascot.
I could only shake my head. Why did it seem like Keifer was starting to act like Ci-N? It was supposed to be the other way around. But clearly, that wasn't what was happening.
I let out a heavy sigh and looked around again. I saw Jay-jay with Rakki and Mica. She still looked pretty, even though she had cut her hair. But at least I could see her smiling again.
I miss you, Jay.
Now that Keifer has let you go, I can finally make a move. I can finally do something without hurting you.
If I have to stop the engagement, I will. As long as it means you can be happy again.
That's what was on my mind at the time. But everything changed when I heard them.
I didn't even know Keifer was the one wearing that mascot costume. That's why I was so shocked by what he did. And things only got worse when I heard what he said.
"I won't let you move on. I won't let you fall out of love. I won't allow it."
This can't be! He just said he was letting her go. That he was setting Jay-jay free. So what is this? Why say something like that? Why won't he allow Jay-jay to forget her feelings for him?
I don't understand Keifer. He wasn't lying at that moment. He was serious, and he looked like he really didn't want to let Jay-jay go.
I have to do something.
Keifer should have been the first person I talked to… But I changed my mind. I looked for Jay-jay instead.
And I wasn't disappointed—she's right here in front of me now.
"Jay… I'm really sorry for all the pain that I caused. It's true— I've been an idiot too. You've known that since the beginning." I paused, giving her a chance to speak.
She was the one who told me back then that both Keifer and I were like people possessed.
I knew our first meeting wasn't exactly ideal, but she brought me back to who I was.
Back to my natural self.
She didn't say anything, so I continued talking. "Keifer came up with that plan, and I was right there beside him. I was also the one of the first to go along with it because I was also mad at Aries. But I'll admit—I had my doubts." I took a deep breath. "...That's why, halfway through the plan, I stopped. I had grown closer to you and I saw what you did. When I realized I was falling for you, I tried to come up with a way to save you."
"Save me?" she said almost in a whisper.
I had already explained this to her before, back when we were lost in the forest.
"I was trying to save you from Keifer. From his plan. But I was too late. When you told me you liked him, it felt like I got stabbed by a katana. You had already fallen into his plan, and I was scared that I wouldn't be able to pull you away from him anymore."
That was the night she admitted she liked Keifer. I was worried and heartbroken. I didn't know what to do. I wanted to save her, and I wanted her.
I loved her so much.
"But I didn't give up. I still tried—but of course, I failed. I was desperate to save you and to have you. I didn't want to get hurt again, and I didn't want the same thing to happen to you."
"So that's why you forced that stupid engagement?" she said bitterly.
I looked down."Y-yes."
She shook her head. "So that's what you meant by 'saving me,'" she said sarcastically.
I tried to move closer, but she stepped back. I lowered my gaze and stopped what I was planning to do. I took a deep breath and composed myself to continue.
"I'm not putting all the blame on Keifer. Because I was there when he planned it. I was part of it too. I'm sorry, Jay. I'm sorry for not stopping him. I'm sorry for making decisions that crossed your boundaries." I bowed my head and did something I never imagined I'd be capable of doing.
I kneeled down.
"S-stand up… D-don't do that," she ordered.
But I didn't listen. I really wanted her forgiveness. If I had to stay on my knees until she forgave me, I would do it.
"I'm really sorry… Please, Jay. I want you back."
I saw her step closer to me. I could feel her eyes staring down at me.
"We are not talking about forgiving you," she said coldly. "...What we agreed on was just your explanation. Nothing else, nothing more. So stand up already, you're just wasting your time kneeling there."
Her words hit me hard. It hurt so much, like my chest was being squeezed tightly. I didn't know she could be this cold because of what happened. Or maybe she was intentionally choosing to shut me out.
I slowly stood up, but my head remained bowed. I couldn't understand. Why was she able to cut me off like this, when she managed to put up by Keifer's side despite everything he had done?
"You really love Keifer, don't you?" I blurted out without thinking.
She gave me a sharp glare. It felt like she was just a word away from cursing at me—that's how angry she looked.
"Because it was so easy for you to forgive him, even when he didn't even try to ask for your forgiveness," I said, my voice trembling slightly.
I tried to lower my voice, but I couldn't help the bitterness rising inside me. The whole situation just felt so unfair to me.
"I haven't forgiven Keifer."
Haven't yet? But she will soon.
I couldn't help but feel angry. I laughed bitterly. This hurts. It hurts so much.
"Why him? Why still him? After all the heartache that he gave you. You still love him."
Suddenly, a tear fell from one of her eyes. Watashi ga nani wo shita? (What have I done?)
I wanted to go to her and hug her, but I knew she would only push me away.
"It's not that easy!" she snapped as she wiped the tear from her cheek. "...If even you haven't moved on from me, how could I move on from him? Do you think I want to keep feeling this way?!"
She glared at me angrily. "...I hate this! That crazy guy keeps messing with my head. He says he doesn't like me, but then he acts like he does! And because I have feelings for him, I keep hoping!"
I felt ashamed by what I said. She was right. Because of the pain I was feeling, I forgot that she was hurting too.
Maybe even more than I realized.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"
She cut me off. "Damn it! Sorry again?! Are you a broken record or what?! You and your best friend are both the same! You're both jerks! You keep doing the same things over and over again!"
She wiped her cheek again. "...I don't even know what to do!"
I stepped closer to her, and this time I didn't hesitate. I held one of her hands. She tried to pull away, but I tightened my grip.
"I know what you can do. Forget what you feel for Keifer. I'll help you," I said, bringing her hand to my face.
She paused in silence, deep in thought. Please say yes. I swear I'll do anything to help you.
It hurt me so much to see her suffering because of him. That's why I'd do everything to erase what she feels for him. So she could finally be happy—and never be hurt again.
He already let her go. And I won't let him change his mind again. I won't let that happen!
"Y-Yuri… I—I don't want to hurt you. What if it just ends up like before again? I took a chance… but it still ended with Keifer." she said, and tears fell from her eyes once more.
"Is it still Keifer?" I slowly released her hand. "...Are you still hoping for him?"
She didn't answer. Her silence made my chest tighten even more.
"But he already let you go." I said, and she looked at me, full of confusion. "...He gave way."
"W-what are you talking about?"
I didn't know if I should tell her.
"About a week ago, Keifer asked me to keep you safe. I asked why, but he didn't give me an answer." I looked into her eyes. "...He said he was letting you go."
I saw her hands start to tremble. Another wave of tears fell from her eyes.
I immediately regretted what I'd said. I tried to apologize, but before I could, she suddenly turned and walked away.
I couldn't move. I just stood there, watching her slowly walk farther and farther away from me.
I shouldn't have said that. I'm so sorry.
Jay-jay's POV
I didn't know what kind of curse word I should scream just to lighten the weight in my chest.
Every kind… even Japanese and Korean.
I'm going crazy over what Yuri just told me. Keifer already let me go, but then what is he doing now? This is the height of confusion.
My steps were quick as I stomped up the fire exit stairs. I was heading back to the rooftop, and honestly, my fist was burning to land on that jerk's face.
He's playing with me! It'd be better if I looked like Barbie—maybe then I'd tolerate this. But no. I probably look more like a Bratz Doll.
So he let me go, fine, then suddenly earlier, he says he won't allow me to move on? And why?! Who does this animal think he is?! What, I'm supposed to look like a fool clinging to him while he just toys with me whenever he feels like it?
I was nearing the door when it suddenly swung open, revealing the jerk I was just looking for. He stopped when he saw me, but quickly walked toward me.
"We need to talk." he said in a commanding tone and grabbed my arm. You better be ready, you jerk!
I let him drag me. We went through the fire exit door and reached the floor right below the rooftop. He kept pulling me until he stopped—in front of a door.
He hurriedly tapped something into the keypad beside the door. It opened, and he pulled me inside. He let go of me before switching on the lights. We were inside a unit.
But whose place is this?!
It was clean and looked like everything was brand new. Fully furnished, and almost as spacious as Tita Gema's house.
I glanced around briefly before the reason I came here came rushing back to me.
"I will explain to you every----."
I didn't let him finish what he was about to say. From behind me, he was about to walk toward the sofa, but I met him with a strong slap.
Pretending there was a mosquito!
I knew he could feel the rage I had for him. I was supposed to punch him, but I hesitated—so my palm ended up doing the job.
His head turned with the impact, and it took him a while to face me again. He didn't even touch his face to ease the pain. What I saw in him was shock—and anger.
"Did it hurt? Here, let me hit the other side. Just to make it even." I said with irritation.
He took a deep breath. Looked like he was trying to calm himself down.
"I deserve this." he said lifelessly.
I gave a mocking laugh. "Glad you know, because DAMN YOU! I'M BEYOND FURIOUS WITH YOU! I want to break your bones."
He averted his gaze and bit his lip. He stepped closer to me, reaching out—but I quickly slapped his hands away.
"Don't touch me!"
"Let me explain." he said gently.
"Explain what? Go on, let's hear another round of your lies." I challenged him.
His fists clenched, and I could tell he was getting frustrated. I also noticed the way his Adam's apple bobbed up and down several times.
"Jay..." his voice carried a mix of pleading, "...I understand that you're mad, but please listen to me."
"Go ahead! Explain away... Because I want to understand why you're playing with me. Why you keep hurting me over and over again. Why you're here again, messing up my life." I gave him a plastic smile. "...Just explain. Maybe I'll finally get it, and maybe then it'll help me forget what I feel for you."
Suddenly, he punched the wall. I'll admit—I was startled, but I forced myself not to flinch. He was looking down, his shoulders rising and falling with each heavy breath. His fists were clenched tightly.
"I told you. I won't let you." he said firmly.
Damn it! I'm so fed up!
"Who are you to stop me? Why? Aren't you the very reason I want to forget? And now you won't let me? YOU'VE GOT SOME NERVE!" My tears fell as I screamed. "...I don't want this anymore. I don't want to love you anymore."
"You can't." he said almost in a whisper.
"I don't want to anymore!" I shouted.
"You can't." he whispered again.
"Stop it already! I can't love you anymore!"
"You can't."
"Enough! Stop hurting me!"
"You can't!"
"Why won't you let me go?! Why?! WHY?!"
"BECAUSE I CAN'T LOSE YOU!" he yelled, loud enough to shake the entire floor.
I froze. We were both gasping for breath from all the shouting. My lips trembled as I looked at him.
It was only then that I noticed a tear had fallen from his left eye.
His gaze at me was full of anguish and pain.
"I can't bear to lose you. So, please... Don't move on."