Jay-jay's POV
I didn't get any answers from Yuri. In the end, I left disappointed and upset. Even when I got home, I was wrapped in frustration, so much so that even when Kuya flicked my forehead—hard enough to make me cry—I was still fuming.
What hurt more was that the things I'd found out about Freya kept replaying in my head. It turns out that Yuri was the guy she was obsessed with — the guy who almost got her pregnant. And Aries knew about all of it.
"Jay-jay! Get up and eat breakfast!" Aries yelled from outside my room.
I had been awake for a while and had already washed my face. When I opened the door, my horoscope-obsessed brother looked at me, puzzled.
"Your eyebags are huge," he commented, staring at my eyes.
"Just ignore them. I need to ask you something," I said.
"What?"
"It's about Freya." I waited for his reaction. "Is Yuri the guy she's crazy about?"
He paused and stared at me. "Did she tell you that?"
I shook my head. "It's just a guess."
He sighed. "Go eat breakfast. Kuya's driving us today."
What?
I wanted to push him for more answers, but he was already gone. I had no choice but to follow him — I couldn't be late, and I definitely couldn't complain about our early-morning rides.
Kuya Angelo was our driver today. It wouldn't look good if I showed him I was grumbling about going to school early.
It'd be like complaining to a wall.
When I got to the dining table, I noticed that Tita Gema, Tito Julz, and Kuya Angelo were deep in conversation. But the moment they saw me, they fell silent and started pretending to be busy with other things. They didn't need to say it — I knew they'd been talking about me.
"Eat up. You and Aries might get late," Tita Gema said with a smile.
I nodded and quietly ate my breakfast. The adults started chatting again, but their topic had clearly shifted to something else. Even when I finished eating and said my goodbyes, they stayed careful with their words.
Now I was itching to find out what they'd been saying about me. What if they were planning to pass down their wealth to me, and I'm still clueless?
No need for that — I already have an island.
I hurried through my shower and getting ready because I didn't want to cause inconvenience to Kuya Angelo—though it could also be because I didn't want him to get mad at me for being slow. If Aries is annoying when he rushes me, Kuya is downright scary. So, I finished faster than my usual prep time.
When I stepped out of my room, I noticed my horoscope-loving brother was still tying his shoes. Take that! I beat him this time.
I deliberately waited for him by his bedroom door just to rub it in his face that, for once, I was faster than him. I didn't have to wait long though.
"What?" he greeted me.
I flashed him a wide grin while looking at him. After all the times I've ridden in his car, I could finally say this.
"You're so slow. Hurry up," I said, laughing loudly.
He just shook his head. "Looks like you didn't eat enough breakfast," he remarked before walking off.
I followed him, my grin still stretching from ear to ear. I wished I could record this day just so I could throw it back at him that, for once, I was the one who got ready first, and he was the slow one.
"You two ready?" Kuya Angelo asked us as he adjusted his necktie.
He gave me a weird look because of my expression but just ignored it and turned away. We all filed out and got into the car — Aries riding shotgun while I sat in the back, still grinning.
"We still need to pick up Ella," my horoscope-obsessed sibling said, and my smile instantly vanished.
Seriously?. Why did we have to pick her up?
"Aren't we going to be late if we pick her up", I asked. Aries glanced back at me slightly.
"No. We'll be fine," he replied.
You're not the driver—how would you know?
I just rolled my eyes before looking out the window. Honestly, I didn't have any bad feelings toward that girl at first, but damn, she's done so many things that have affected me. One of those was her stinginess with food when my brother and I were at the hospital.
She can shove her food down her throat for all I care.
Add to that the fact that her motives are unclear to me. She's too mysterious, and the way she thinks is downright scary. Most girls are easy to figure out, but with her? it's like cracking a code.
I really don't like how she keeps hanging around our section. Especially around Yuri and Keifer. What if she still has feelings for Yuri? My poor brother—even with his knack for reading fortunes, he wouldn't be able to handle that kind of heartbreak. And if it's not Yuri, then maybe it's Keifer.
Oh, that would be a total mess.
My vision practically darkened when I saw Ella's house. I glanced to my side as the car door opened, and I reluctantly scooted over to make room for her.
My brother and I exchanged looks through the rearview mirror. I chose to look away. I stayed quiet the entire ride, and it was mostly just them talking among themselves. Even when we reached school and got out of the car, I didn't say a word.
As we entered the gate, I stopped in my tracks when I saw Yuri. He straightened up when he noticed me.
I didn't want to avoid him just because I was angry. All I wanted was for him to tell me the truth. Slowly, I walked up to him and forced a smile.
"Good morning," he greeted. "Can we talk... about... yesterday?"
I nodded, "As long as you're going to tell the truth."
He looked down for a moment before smiling and starting to walk. We walked slowly so we wouldn't reach the room too soon. I was hoping he'd finally tell me the truth—what was really going on in his life.
"Sorry if there are things I haven't told you yet. But everything I told you on the rooftop was true," he began.
"I know that was true. But what else is going on with you that I don't know about?"Why are you with Freya?
He let out a heavy sigh. "A lot of things, Jay. A lot." He looked away in another direction. "And I needed an escape—which is what Freya's helping me with."
The question I hadn't been able to voice finally got an answer. I didn't even need to ask what else they'd done besides dyeing their hair. I felt a pang in my chest just imagining it— what would happen if I found out everything they did in her room?
What a mess.
"W-why?"Why Freya?
I was frustrated because I couldn't voice the questions swirling in my head. I used to feel comfortable asking him anything, but now it was like fear was eating me up.
"I need a little break from all the crap happening to me, or it'll be the end of me," he answered, not looking at me.
I understood that part. With all his problems, he really did need a break. Who wouldn't be tired of facing their issues? Even I would need to take a breather. But why Freya?
Can't I help you?
I looked down. "I get it. But don't hesitate to come to us. We're your friends too."
He was quiet for a moment, so I looked up at him. He was staring blankly ahead, so I nudged him lightly. He blinked several times, snapping back to the present.
"I-I will... Of course. You guys are my friends," he said, nodding.
But he went back to staring at the path ahead of us. His thoughts seemed so deep that I couldn't help but feel anxious. I wanted to ask more questions, but I chose to stay silent. I remained silent until we reached the classroom and settled into our seats.
I looked up when C-in waved a hand in front of face. "Spacing out," he teased before sipping his shake.
My eyes immediately sparkled at the drink he was holding. "Gimme some!" I said, reaching for it, but he quickly pulled it away.
"Buy your own."
"Just a little."
The stingy brat shook his head and moved farther away. So selfish! I was about to stand up and chase after him when someone set a glass full of shake down in front of me.
When I looked up, David was there, also holding his own shake. "I knew you'd want one too," he said, taking his seat.
I smiled before accepting the drink he gave me. "Thank you."
"You seem really out of it—you didn't hear us earlier." he added.
I gave him a puzzled look while sipping my shake. I was confused by what he said—I didn't recall anyone talking to me besides Yuri.
"C-in and I ran into you before you entered the room. Ci asked if you wanted a shake, but you just walked straight ahead," he explained.
I thought hard about what he said, and only then did I remember seeing them before I entered the classroom with Yuri. I really was out of it.
I scratched my head. "I was just deep in thought."
"About what?"
I quickly shook my head. "It's not important."
"If it's not important, why think about it?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
There it was—his instincts kicking in again.
Sometimes, it's annoying talking to David. It's so hard to lie to him—his instincts are too refined, and his intuition is too strong.
"I-it's not like that. It's just..."
"You can try me. Maybe I can help," he said with a smile.
He had a point. He was easier to talk to than his fellow Ulupongs. There was probably no harm in telling him—maybe he really could help.
I leaned in slightly toward him, and he did the same.
"It's Yuri... I feel like he's distancing himself from us," I whispered. He nodded thoughtfully. "It's like he's having a hard time reaching out to us."
He took a sip of his shake before adjusting his chair to sit closer to me.
Looks like this is going to be a long gossip session.
"Now that you mention it, I don't remember Yuri reaching out to us lately. I don't know about Keifer, but you know him—if someone's in trouble and needs help, he'll call us," he said, as if he'd really thought it through.
That made me think, too. They'd all been together much longer than I had, so he noticed these things more easily. For me, Yuri had always managed his problems on his own, so maybe that's why he didn't confide in them.
"Maybe he just doesn't want to bother you guys," I defended.
"Maybe. Or maybe he doesn't really consider us his friends," David replied, sitting back properly.
I was left stunned by his words. David had the broadest perspective among all of us, so if he said something like this, it meant he'd been observing this for a while.
But what if it was true? It was hard to accept that Yuri might not see our classmates—the people he'd shared laughter, chaos, and pain with—as friends. What was the point of all those moments together then?
Impossible.
Maybe David just hasn't noticed. But I knew Yuri also saw our classmates as his friends. After all the time they'd spent together, wouldn't he have learned to value them by now?
I forced myself to push David's words out of my mind. I quickly sipped my shake, only to get a sudden headache. It felt like my tiny brain literally got a brain freeze.
It was small enough already—now it was frozen, too.
Good thing I finished my drink before the teacher arrived. He took attendance and then announced some good news.
"It's only a half-day today. You can go home by lunchtime, but don't forget your lessons for your afternoon class. It's self-study for now."
The whole class cheered, but they quickly quieted down when the teacher shot them a glare. He still seemed bitter about us not showing up the other day.
Poor Sir Alvin got pranked.
I felt like time stretched longer because of our waiting. So when our last morning class ended, it was like there was a fiesta in the room because of the noisy celebration of the crazy Ulupong group.
I was standing while packing my things. I was about to glance at Yuri when the King of the Ulupong suddenly appeared beside me.
"Lunch?" he offered.
I shook my head. "I'm heading straight home."
"Eat-all-you-can buffet."
I quickly slung my bag over my shoulder. "Let's go. I'm ready."
He shook his head while laughing. I turned to the side when Yuri passed by. I immediately stopped him by grabbing his arm. He looked startled at first but paused his steps.
"W-where are you going? Come with us. We're going to eat," I invited him and briefly glanced at Keifer.
He smiled at me. "I can't. I have a guest from Japan."
I let go of him and nodded. "O-okay. Text me if you want to join or catch up later."
He smiled and nodded before turning away. My mind started racing with all sorts of thoughts again. I wanted him to join us in our outings so he wouldn't drift further away from us.
Or to keep an eye on him?
I turned to Keifer when I noticed him staring at me. It was obvious he was trying to figure out what I was thinking. So I resorted to the most effective defense.
I crossed my eyes at him.
He immediately protested and tried to cover my eyes with his hands.
"Stop that!" he said, his palm pressed over my face.
I struggled to remove his hand and moved my head back, but he wouldn't budge.
"What the heck?! Let go already!"
I heard his quiet laughter, so I reached out to hit him but only managed to grab his arm. I started pounding and pinching it repeatedly.
"Ow! S-stop!" he complained before finally releasing me.
I could clearly see his skin turning red where I'd pinched him. A twinge of guilt surfaced, but my envy overpowered it.
He had such fair skin.
I paused when I realized we were the only ones left in the room. It seemed like the Ulupong group had already slipped out without us noticing. Those guys were always lightning-fast when it came to dismissal time and food.
"Let's go… They've already left," I said and started walking ahead.
As soon as we stepped out of the room, we saw Denzel looking obviously stressed while talking to someone on the phone. He looked like he was about to cry.
"Grace, come on! It's dangerous!" he said, almost crying.
It looked like Grace was the one stressing him out.
"I really can't! I have work!" he added, running his fingers through his hair in frustration. "Just listen for a sec—hello? Grace?"
He looked at his phone and seemed like he was about to curse. It seemed like the pregnant woman must have hung up on him.
"Still holding up?" Keifer asked, catching Denzel's attention.
Denzel looked at us, startled. "Y-you're still here?"
"No, we've been gone for a while. You're just imagining us," I teased, and he scratched his head. "Why are you so stressed, anyway?"
"It's Grace… Remember how I promised her you'd accompany her this week?"
Oh, right.
"I forgot about that."
" I didn't remind you either, because of what happened to you guys yesterday. I thought we could reschedule to next week, and go with her myself," he explained.
That made sense. Honestly, It's not exactly safe to go out so casually right now, especially with someone trying to come after me. Even Aries and Ella, who had nothing to do with it, got caught up as well. How much worse would it be for Grace, who was pregnant?
I wouldn't be able to handle it if something happened to her because of me.
"What did she say? Did she agree?" I asked.
He shook his head. "No. And she said she's leaving the house anyway."
"Oh no! That's dangerous!"
"There's one more problem," he added, and I waited for what he'd say next. "I have work. It'd be a waste if I didn't go—there's a good tip waiting for me."
I couldn't help but be impressed with Denzel. He was really becoming responsible. Unlike before, when he kept pushing Grace away and didn't want to take responsibility for her pregnancy. Now, he was working hard for his future family.
I smiled. I wanted to help him, even in a small way.
"We'll go with Grace instead," I offered, but he immediately shook his head.
"No need. Besides, it's dangerous for you."
"I'm with them. If you still disagree, don't go to work and accept my money," Keifer said, reaching for his wallet.
I'll accept it.
Denzel quickly protested. "No way! Don't!"
"Okay then, Jay-jay and I will take care of her," the King of the Ulupong said and suddenly put his arm around my shoulder.
My elbow automatically flew up and hit him in the stomach. The idiot let go and doubled over, clutching his stomach.
"Don't worry. No one would probably target a pregnant woman," I reassured Denzel with a smile.
He nodded. "Thank you so much, Jay. And I'm really sorry. It's just that this job opportunity is too good to pass up."
My smile widened. "Come on, what are friends for?"
Friends.
My smile faded when I remembered what David said about Yuri. I'd rather believe Yuri just didn't want to drag us into his problems. I knew we were important to him, too.
"Just text me when you're with her. Thank you so much!" Denzel said as he walked away, waving.
I turned to the King of the Ulupongs, who immediately flashed me a grin, eyes twinkling. I wanted to punch him for that simple attempt at being cute.
I just rolled my eyes instead and took out my phone to text Grace, asking which mall she went to. Thankfully, she replied right away.
Next, I texted Kuya and Aries to inform them. I spent a while thinking of what to say just to get their approval.
To: Kuya Angelo, Horoscope
Message: Jst gng 2 mall😁😁. W/ preggy frnd🤰. Safe, got bodyguard💂💂💂.
(Just going to the mall. I'm with a pregnant woman. I'm safe; I have got a guard.)
They both replied almost at the same time.
From: Horoscopes
Message:I don't understand your words. Fix it.
From: Kuya Angelo
Message: I understand nothing.
I grinned. That was good enough. At least I informed them. If they complained later, I'd just say they didn't say "no" in their texts.
I put my phone back in my bag and nudged the King, who was obviously getting impatient. We headed straight to the parking lot where his car was. Since his fancy sports car got wrecked yesterday, he was using a different one today.
Still expensive and still intimidating to ride. The kind of car you wouldn't even breathe in, just so you wouldn't get any bacteria on it and risk damaging it.
Where would I get the money to pay for that? An island?
Once inside, I sat stiff as a board, staring straight ahead. He chuckled a bit at my awkwardness, and when he noticed I was struggling with the seatbelt, he fixed it for me.
The drive to the mall Grace mentioned was quick. Luckily, she chose a restaurant to meet up in, because I was really hungry.
"Are you two a thing?" Grace greeted us the moment we sat across from her.
"Does it matter?"
"No!"
We answered at the same time, making her raise an eyebrow at us. Even with her swollen face, her sass still showed. And even without makeup, she was still beautiful.
She was beautiful. I was just extremely beautiful...in my own eyes.
We stayed in the restaurant for a while. Grace was busy looking up the names of shops she wanted to visit. Meanwhile, we were getting dirty looks from other people waiting to eat.
We decided to leave quickly. Grace and I walked side by side while Keifer silently followed behind.
I couldn't help but glance at Grace's belly because She kept touching it and wincing, like something inside her was bothering her.
This didn't look good.