Jay-jay's POV
I spent the whole night thinking about the Ulupongs and Keifer. The whole night, to the point that I only fell asleep at 4 AM. So, the result? I was completely out of it!
Young, damn, and brokkkeee... My voice was even cracking while I was singing.
"Jay... Eat now. You might be late." Aunt Gema said.
I just sat there with my mouth open, my eyes blinking sleepily. I was so out of it that I thought I was just imagining someone laughing in front of me. When I tried to look, my eyes widened when I felt bread in my mouth.
"Who put this here?" I asked as I chewed.
What a waste! It's already in my mouth.
Kuya Angelo and Aries were laughing. I glared at both of them.
"Don't stay up late so you don't get pranked at the table."
Kuya's remark.
Did I want to stay up late? I was just thinking about what I could do about the Ulupongs. And I was also thinking about their demon King.
I just ate and kept quiet. We really might be late, and Aries was almost done eating, so I hurried up even more. I didn't even chew properly—just swallowed when necessary. When Aries stood up, I stood up too. But before I could leave the table, Kuya called me. I turned to face him.
"Why?" I asked.
He looked at me strangely. As if he was observing me, like he had something to say that I couldn't understand.
"Nothing, just be careful." He said and went back to what he was doing.
Whut?!
Even though it was puzzling, I chose to ignore it and went to my room to take a bath. Maybe Kuya was also sleep-deprived. Before I could enter the bathroom, I heard my phone ring. I had a text. I grabbed it from the top of my bed.
It was just a usual message. One from Yuri and another from GagongBaliw. The president of the Shunga Lovers Club just greeted me 'Good Morning.' But this one...
From: GagongBaliw
Message: I am loving you more each day!
I grimaced. He must be high again. Maybe he didn't get any sleep either, like me. I chose not to reply.
Lately, no matter how many times he texted, I never replied. Not because I didn't have mobile credit—charot! I just didn't feel like replying to him. I was still thinking about how to figure out who he really was.
Once I find out who he is, I'll throw a shoe at his face.
I continued taking a bath, hurrying up because I could already feel the aura of the horoscope. It carried my fate. I wasn't wrong because while I was getting dressed, I heard my name being shouted from outside the door.
"Hurry up! Jay! You're so slow!"
"JUST A SECOND!" I shouted back.
It's because he's a guy. He only needs a little time to get ready before going out. I even feel like Aries just pours water over himself once, and that's it. Maybe he just spritzes on some cologne to hide it.
In my rush, I only noticed at the last moment that my socks didn't match. I didn't bother changing them since it would take too long to find the other pair. Hopefully, it's not noticeable.
I left my room and almost ran straight to the living room. Aries was there, searching his pockets for something.
"Let's go!" I urged.
"Wait a minute!" He said, annoyed. "You're always in such a rush."Oh wow!
Excuse me. So, I shouldn't rush him, but when it's me, it's okay? Unbelievable!
"Found it." He said while holding his phone. "...Let's go! You're so slow!"
Oh, really?! I just pointed at him while following behind. I didn't want to argue and risk having a bad day. Remember, he's the Horoscope, and he holds my fate for today. I hope he gives me advice about my problems.
I silently got into his car, and so did he. I had planned to sneak in some sleep, but the noisy honking of the cars around us ruined that.
Okay, okay! You guys have cars with horns, we get it!
Right now, I regret even thinking about that stupid person. Why do I have to suffer like this? Why are you making me suffer? You snake! SNAKE!
But at least I gained something from staying up late. Aside from my eyebags having their own eyebags, I decided to become a K-Pop Idol—charot!
Being sleep-deprived is tough. Someone give me SLEEP!
I decided to forgive the Ulupongs. Yes! I will forgive them. Enough with the dramatic days—they're out of style. It's time to forgive and forget.
I know it's only been a few months since the truth came out, but I think the few days I made them feel the pain of what they did were enough. I know they regret it, even if it's not obvious with some of them.
What should I expect? They're Ulupongs.
Lack of sleep is rough! It makes me speak in English even when it's not needed.
Soon, we arrived at school. As soon as Aries parked the car, I was about to get out when I noticed he was looking for something again.
"What? What is it?" I asked.
"Did you see where I put my phone?" That phone again.
"No. Maybe it fell under your seat." I said, pointing under his seat. He tried feeling around under his seat. A few moments later, he lifted his hand—his phone in it.
"You're so careless!" I scolded before getting out.
I didn't wait for what he was going to say because I knew he would have a comeback. I didn't give him a chance. He might end up cursing me later. I can't afford bad luck today.
Oh my God! No way. I have a great plan today!
As I was walking, I saw Yuri not far away. I ran towards him and put my arm around his shoulder. He was startled at first but smiled when he saw me.
"Good morning." I greeted him with a smile.
"Good morning too. Looks like someone is in a good mood today." He greeted back with a smile. "...care to tell me why?"
I let go of my arm around him and walked beside him. Holding onto the strap of my backpack, I beamed at him.
"Because.....I'm ready to forgive the Vipers." I answered him.
He stopped and stared at me before flashing a wide grin. "You're saying that.....shit! This is good news. They'll be happy when they hear this!"
He was about to run towards the auditorium when I stopped him. I grabbed his arm tightly, which made him wonder.
"W-why?" He asked.
"Wait a minute! Don't be so eager!" I said before letting him go. "...I need to find the right timing before telling them."
He nodded. "Okay. You have a plan, right?"
I raised a finger, about to answer with a firm 'Yes.' But I stopped when I realized something.
What was my plan again?
Son of a monkey! I was so sleep-deprived that I forgot. Damn it! I stayed up all night thinking of a plan, and now this.
I forced a smile at him. "I have one.... I think?"
He quickly raised an eyebrow at my answer. "Seriously, Jay."
"Trust me! It's hard to explain! I really have a plan, but I'm just so sleep-deprived today. No sleep, so my brain is all over the place."
He nodded in understanding. We walked together towards the auditorium where our classroom was. Haizt! When will we finally escape from this place?
"Hello Jay!" Ci greeted me.
I noticed that he seemed to be doing okay, like he was returning to his old self. Maybe he wasn't thinking too much about what happened to his cousin anymore. Or perhaps he just chose to keep his feelings to himself.
One of these days, I'll talk to him about it. It's tough to bottle up pain. Speaking from experience, of course!
"How are you?" I asked as I approached.
I glanced at Kit and Mayo. Eren and Josh were still with them, but this time, some other Vipers, like Rory and Edrix, were also there.
They were chatting like old times. That was a good sign—it meant they were getting more comfortable with Kit and Mayo's situation. But of course, not everyone had warmed up yet. Like Drew, who was talking with Denzel instead.
"Jay... Why are your socks mismatched?" Felix blurted out, pointing at my feet.
I thought it wouldn't be noticeable. The other Vipers around us started looking at my socks.
"Maybe she's still sleepy." David said with a chuckle.
"Probably picked them while half-asleep." Ci-N added.
I scowled at them. These guys were really good at teasing. I swear, I wanted to smack them with my shoe. Maybe I'd make them eat my socks later.
I saw Yuri smirking at me. His smirk was different—it was like he knew something. I just rolled my eyes at him. I still didn't know how to time my announcement. But I knew it wasn't going to be now, especially since I could already see Sir Alvin approaching us.
We all took our seats. I couldn't help but glance at everyone. I felt like there were butterflies in my stomach from the excitement.
I'm excited!
I think everyone was present. Of course, except for their damn King. Haizt! Damn that guy! I swear, if I see him again, I'll punch him. I won't be scared this time. You think you're all that?! I'll yank out your nose hairs!
"Mariano?" Sir Alvin suddenly called my name.
Whut?!
"Nose hair, Sir." I blurted out absentmindedly.
The Vipers erupted in laughter. Of course, led by those who loved to tease the most. Even Sir Alvin laughed while shaking his head.
"He was just taking attendance." Yuri whispered.
I scratched my head in frustration. Damn it! How would I know?! I was thinking, okay?! You interrupted me, Sir!
"Mercado." Sir Alvin called next.
Drew quickly responded. "Nose hair!"
Oh, you bastard! Here we go again!
"Peñaflor!"
"Nose hair!"
This was their new thing! They replaced 'present' with 'nose hair.' These guys were such menaces!
"Peralta!"
"A lot of nose hair!"
Laughter filled the room as the Vipers kept answering like that.
I bowed my head in embarrassment, pouting. Damn you all!
"Ramos!"
"Nose hair!"
I noticed Yuri laughing non-stop beside me. I was so close to elbowing him in the stomach if he didn't stop.
"Venites!"
"Nose hair!"
I didn't know whether to cry or what. I couldn't take their teasing anymore.
Damn you all!
"AaaAaaAyyyy... Stop it already!" I whined, almost on the verge of tears.
They laughed even more, clearly enjoying how frustrated I was.
The attendance check finally ended, and Sir Alvin started teaching. I focused on him now because I didn't want him to call on me again and make me blurt out something even worse. Who knows? I might end up mentioning hair from some other place next time. The class with Sir ended, and I decided to start with my plan.
I didn't really have a proper plan on how to tell them that I had forgiven them.
I stood up from my seat and started walking around like I was campaigning. I even played with my hands, swinging them with every step.
I didn't realize that Josh was about to stand up from his seat. Just as I swung my hand, it hit his face.
"Ouch!" he shouted and sat back down.
"Sorry, sorry! I didn't see you!" I said in a panic while holding the part of his face that got hit.
"Whoa! Jay just punched Josh!" Eren said in a teasing tone.
"I didn't mean to! I didn't know he was going to stand up!" I explained.
"You did that on purpose. I saw it." Felix teased, so I immediately glared at him.
"She's mad at Josh, that's why." Blaster added fuel to the fire.
You guys are such a big help.
I just held my forehead in frustration. Talking to these troublemakers was really hard. Instead of helping me, they were just making the situation worse.
"I'm okay, Jay." Josh said as he stood up. "...Just be careful next time."
He turned his back on me and walked away. I had no choice but to go back to my seat and hug my knees.
So frustrating! So frustrating! SO FRUSTRATING! How was I even supposed to do this? Should I just shout it out?
I stood up from my seat again.
"HEY! YOU SNAKES!" I shouted while putting my hands on my waist. The idiots turned to look at me, staring curiously.
"What?" The Brat asked innocently.
Suddenly, I felt shy under their stares. My tongue got tied, and I forgot what I was supposed to say.
What was I going to say again?
"T-the weather is n-nice today, isn't it?" I said, scratching the back of my head.
They kept staring at me, blinking in confusion. Then suddenly, Ci-N stood up with a wide smile.
"The weather is nice, but this is even better!" he said and ran off.
He even bumped into me. I looked at where he was running and saw Rakki approaching, carrying a huge pile of papers.
Ci-N stopped not far from where I was standing. He raised both his hands as if welcoming a hug. I saw Rakki grimace and avoid him like he had a contagious disease. He walked straight toward us and smiled at me.
"How are you?" he greeted.
"I'm fine, you?"
"I'm good too... I have good news for you all." he said, catching everyone's attention.
"What is it?"
"Is it free food?""Is someone giving away money?"
The troublemakers started nosing in, coming closer to us. I almost fell over because of how they suddenly lunged forward.
"Can you guys back off a little?" Rakki said in irritation.
"Just tell us the good news already." David ordered.
Rakki scowled as he organized the papers he was holding. While he was busy, I noticed Ci-N still had his hands raised, smiling.
When will he get tired of that?
"Put those down. They might start smelling." Rory told him.
But he didn't listen. We just let him be since it would be a waste of energy trying to convince him.
"Here..." Rakki said, showing us a paper filled with signatures.
I was about to read it, but these troublemakers were such attention-seekers. They shoved me aside, and my face almost landed on Rakki.
"Let me see! Let me see!"
"Let me read it! I can't see!"
"Move! You don't even know how to read!"
"What is this? A land title?"
"Ouch!" I complained.
Rakki seemed to be getting annoyed as well. He pulled back the paper and glared at the idiots.
"You guys are so noisy!" he said in frustration. "...This is a permit issued by the Board members and the Principal."
"A permit? For what?" I asked.
"It's a permit allowing you to use one of the vacant rooms in the main building." he explained. "...So gather your things because you're moving."
"YEEESSS!" the fools shouted loudly.
I felt like my eardrums burst from the volume of their screams. Even Rakki covered his ears.
Everyone started grabbing their things. Since Ci-N wasn't moving from his spot, I decided to pick up his stuff for him. Josh arrived just in time, so we explained everything to him.
"What about you, Ci? Are you just going to stand there?" Rakki asked.
"Hug me." he said, pouting.
Rakki and I exchanged looks, seemingly thinking the same thing about The Brat. He was out of his mind again.
"As if I would hug you." she replied and walked away. I forcibly lowered Ci's arms and handed him his bag.
"Let's go... You can ask for a hug later." I said, pulling him along.
We followed Rakki towards the Main Building. As we passed by some students, they looked at us curiously, but we ignored them.
"We finally have a proper classroom to use." Denzel said.
Trulaley...
It was really hard to sit on the floor while using our legs as makeshift tables for our notebooks. It was uncomfortable and made our legs go numb.
Rakki led us to the fourth floor of the main building. We walked to the far end of the hallway and stopped in front of a door.
These idiots, the Ulupong, were fidgeting and grinning like they were being tickled in their backsides. It was obvious how excited they were.
Who wouldn't be?
Okay, fine! I was excited too. A new room with proper furniture! We had endured using those old, worn-out desks in our original classroom for so long.
Although, I had to admit, I'd miss that old room. Even if the furniture was old, it had witnessed everything that happened to us—whether fights or laughter.
"Are you all ready?" Rakki asked.
We were about to respond when Ci-N suddenly shouted at the top of his lungs.
"I'M READY TO LOVE YOU COMPLETELY!" he yelled, flashing a wide grin.
I cringed. Now I was really sure—he was okay. More than okay. He was back to saying nonsense.
Hay... The Brat, bow!
"Let's just pretend we didn't hear that." Edrix said, and we all nodded in agreement.
We turned our attention back to Rakki, who was clearly exhausted from dealing with Ci. I feel you! He just shook his head before gripping the doorknob and twisting it.
As the door opened, the first thing that caught my attention was the bright light streaming through the massive windows. It felt like our classroom was right next to the sun.
I was blinded! Aaargghhh…
"How's it going?" someone asked.
When I looked, I saw Mica holding a broom and a rag. Beside her was Ella, holding a garbage bag.
"Baby!" Calix called as he approached his girlfriend. "...Why are you here? Why are you holding that? Your hands will get dirty."
We entered the room to take a look around. The furniture was brand new, and the entire room was air-conditioned. It looked just like Section A's classroom, except theirs had a flat-screen TV.
"It's fine." Mica answered Calix. "...We cleaned the room for you all."
"You didn't have to do that. It's embarrassing." I butted in.
"A simple thank you will do." Ella said, crossing her arms.
Wew...
"T-thank you." I replied, avoiding eye contact.
I looked over at the Ulupong. They were busy picking their spots in the room. Meanwhile, Calix was already all over his girlfriend, acting like they hadn't seen each other in ten years.
Even though he dropped her off every morning. These two were something else. At least they were fine now—I really thought they were going to break up because of me.
I turned back to Rakki and Ella to thank them. I saw the two of them smiling as they watched these disrespectful Ulupong.
"Please bear with them." I said, scratching the back of my head. "...And thank you for letting us use this classroom."
They exchanged looks before answering.
"Don't thank me. Mica and I only cleaned up." Ella said.
I looked at Rakki, but he immediately shook his head.
"Don't thank me either. I just delivered the news."
Then who should I thank?