JAY-JAY'S POV
How do you get a horoscope?
If I Google it, I'll find the answer, right? I've been struggling with these two for a while now. I feel like slapping them.
I won't say Ella is the one.
"Do you like Jay?" Ella suddenly asked me while handing over a Tupperware of spaghetti.
Finally! She offered me food.
I think it's because of the way I was glaring at the food in front of them.
I was ready to nod and answer with a resounding "yes"—but my brother intervened. He pulled Ella's hand back.
"Don't. Give it to me," he said, taking a bite of the sandwich his wife had also brought.
I quickly fell out of love with them. Animal horoscope!
"You're so hateful!" I snapped in annoyance, and he shot me a glare.
Am I awake? Am I dreaming? It's real!
Even if he curses me, I'll still be lucky in the next few days—as long as I keep annoying him.
I heard Ella's soft laugh, completely opposite to my horrible horoscope. I shot her a glare.
You're one to talk!
Of all the sins this girl has committed against me, I can now confirm—she has a terrible attitude. I hate it!
Ever since she arrived, she's only been feeding Aries. What about me? What am I? A decoration? Does she think I don't get hungry?
And to make matters worse, they seem to be teasing me on purpose. Yesterday, they ate outside, and now they decided to eat in the room? What am I supposed to do? Just watch?!
"I hope you choke!" I grumbled, almost crying out of frustration.
Aries just laughed loudly, while Ella shook her head.
Idiots!
I want to eat! Will no one drop food from the sky? Or at least slap me with a challenge? Actually, I'd rather get hit with grilled chicken. I might cry from hunger, sleep deprivation, and pure frustration.
The King of Demons—that pest, that gnat, that viper—kept me awake all night, and now I still can't eat?
"I want food," I whined, rolling over on the hospital bed.
I nearly fell off because it was so small. I even hugged the pillow for comfort.
I heard the door open and quickly sat up.
Food?
I thought my brother had arrived. He said he'd just talk to the doctor and check if we could go home. I had asked him to bring food, so I was waiting for him.
Instead, Yuri walked in, smiling.
"Why do you look like that?" he asked.
I immediately glared at the two on the other bed, but strangely, they had turned their backs to me and were eating quietly. Ella glanced at Yuri for a moment before turning back to Aries.
Why does it feel awkward?
I faced Yuri. "Come with me to buy food."
He smiled before nodding. "Let's go."
I stood up and searched for my slippers. When I found them under the bed, I quickly slipped them on, grabbed Yuri's arm, and dragged him outside. Before closing the door, I peeked inside at the two.
Looks like an LQ (lover's quarrel) is brewing. But honestly, I don't care. Their never-ending drama isn't my concern.
Anyway, highway...
I slowly closed the door and turned to face Yuri, who was staring at me.
"Did something happen? Why did you peek at them?" he asked as we started walking.
"Nothing. I just think they might fight."
May they choke on their food!
He let out a small chuckle. I told him about what those two did to me as we made our way to the canteen. It wasn't too crowded, probably because it was still early.
My eyes sparkled as I stared at the food on display. There were so many dishes—and desserts! I was about to grab a tray when Yuri stopped me.
"Why?" I asked.
He smiled mischievously. "Can you pay for me? I didn't bring my wallet."
Speaking of wallets... I don't have mine either. This is a disaster.
I laughed awkwardly. "The food here doesn't look that good. Let's just starve."
He laughed too, but there was something playful about his smile. I narrowed my eyes at him.
"You're messing with me, aren't you?"
"Just kidding," he said, pinching my cheek.
I immediately swatted his hand away. "You! Did you even wash your hands?"
"I did." He held out his hands for me to see.
I noticed a small scar—probably from dealing with Sato's group. I also noticed his neatly trimmed nails.
Wow. Manicure care. Hope all.
"You have nice hands and nails," I commented, glancing down at my own.
I suddenly felt self-conscious. Maybe I should stop biting my nails—they were literally disappearing. My teeth were basically my nail clippers.
"I'll lend them to you if you treat me to food," Yuri said, smirking.
I scowled. "I have a problem with debts."
"That's a debt?" he teased.
I gave him a dramatic sigh. "Fine, you pay first. I'll pay you back next time."
He chuckled softly before stepping up to order.
"Don't bother paying me back. Just love me, and I'll be happy," he said without looking at me.
I stared at him, dumbfounded.
I know he still has feelings for me. Sometimes I get so comfortable around him that I forget about that.
Sigh... If only the heart could be trained like a student. It would already have graduated by now.
"Let's eat first. We'll talk about love later," I said, looking for the cashier.
We placed our orders almost simultaneously. After waiting for a few minutes, three trays of food were handed to us.
Two for me, one for him.
I wanted to take more, but I was too embarrassed. He might think I was wasting his money. And besides, the doctor told me to eat slowly.
As we ate, we talked nonstop. Eventually, the conversation shifted to the incident with the Gunggong group earlier that day and their victims.
"Rakki is fine—no trauma. Mica is still under observation with Calix. Ella, as expected, hasn't left Aries' side," Yuri explained. Then, as if remembering something, he continued, "Freya hasn't answered my calls. Honey left at the same time as Keifer."
I stopped eating, my grip tightening on my spoon.
That bastard disappeared again?
After stealing a kiss from me, he just left? Typical. He must have some Indian ancestry—always disappearing before finishing a conversation.
It never crossed my mind that maybe it was just a dream, and that the water on my cheeks was actually lizard pee.
I should taste it to check if it's really tears.
"W-When did they leave?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Yuri hesitated for a moment, as if I had said something offensive.
After coughing awkwardly, he replied, "Early this morning."
Right after visiting me?
I set my spoon down and turned to Yuri.
"Early this morning—" I stopped myself.
I saw the surprise on his face, but there was something else there—something sad.
It wasn't right for me to tell him what that snake Keifer did. Yuri had done so much for me, and the least I could do was spare his feelings.
I forced a smile. "It's like there's a ghost in our room."
Yuri glanced behind me. "Like the one standing behind you?"
I immediately turned around in fear—only to see a woman wiping down the tables. I turned back to Yuri, only to see him stealing my cupcake.
"Hey! That's mine!" I complained.
He just laughed.
Sneaky snake!
"That's just a method," he said and was about to take food from my tray again.
I immediately smacked his hand. "Alright, don't stop. Your next destination is the X-ray room."
"What do I do in the X-ray room?"
"I'll break your bones," I threatened, but he just laughed at me again.
He's happy. Maybe he slept well.
Jealousy.
I just scowled at him and continued eating. Every now and then, he would complain that I was picking on him. It's like we never went through any trouble at all.
I prefer hot days—no worries, just chilling. No idiots trying to threaten me or kidnap me for revenge. No one is blocking my way on the street or forcing me onto a motorcycle. No one is dragging me to gotohan. No creepy, threatening messages with my own picture attached.
None of that.
"Any news about Ram?" I asked, resting after my meal.
Of the three who threatened my life, Ram was the only one left. I really hoped he would be the last. I didn't want to deal with another chase.
Next time, I'll be the one kidnapping someone.
"They changed hideouts. His connections with other gangs have been cut off. It's like we're back to square one in the search for him," he explained. "I guess he felt what happened to Jason and Sato."
I held my breath. "So, it's still the same. I still have to be careful. I can't even wander around freely."
"You still can, but it's better if we're all with you for your safety."
I scoffed. How could I enjoy sightseeing with a bunch of snakes around me? I'd probably end up consuming what they made instead. Instead of feeling satisfied, I'd just cry in frustration.
"Maybe after the exams or graduation, we should have a party. Go somewhere fun," he suggested.
"Where?"
"Anywhere you want."
I thought about it. It was a good idea. We could bring Mica and Rakki along for more fun. But I'd be even happier if Kuya Angelo allowed me.
If he doesn't, I'll just run away.
"I bet you'll pick Palawan or Batanes. I'd love to see the big cross in Bataan too," he added.
"That's possible. Then we'll nail you to it," he joked, laughing loudly as I raised my fist at him.
"I'm talking to you too," I said, standing up.
"Come on, let's go back."
He followed me, teasing me the whole way. I don't know what's gotten into him. He's always been annoying, but this was different.
Maybe because we'd solved our problems.
When we reached the room, Kuya Angelo was there while Ella was packing up. Aries was nowhere in sight.
"Kuya, what's up?" I asked, walking closer.
Kuya turned to me. "The doctor gave the go-ahead—you can go home."
Yes, finally!
At last, I could eat properly again. But where was my idiot brother?
My question was answered when the bathroom door opened. He was already dressed and ready to go, unlike me, still in my hospital gown.
"I'm ready," he said, glancing at me. "You should stay here. They say you need more mental activity or you'll get worse," he teased.
"Huh?" I scowled, and he just chuckled.
"Get ready, Jay. I'll wait for you outside," Kuya said before heading out.
Kuya forgot something—my food! I asked him to wait, but he had no intention of listening.
I sighed, grabbed my bag, and pulled out a change of clothes. As I entered the bathroom, I heard Ella say she was stepping out, leaving Aries and Yuri behind.
Or so I thought.
While changing, I could hear their voices from outside. The bathroom door wasn't properly closed. I wasn't planning to eavesdrop, but then I heard my name—and Ella's.
"Don't you trust him? Why did you come back if you feel that way?" Yuri asked Aries.
"That's none of your business, Yuri. Why don't you focus on Jay-Jay? Acting all confident just because Keifer isn't here?"
His tone was teasing, but why did he have to bring up the King of Snakes in their conversation? What did he mean by "acting confident"? Did he think Yuri was still fixated on me?
"Here or not, I don't give a damn. Jay-jay will still get what she wants. At least I know I'm giving my best," Yuri replied.
I smiled slightly at that. Something I envied about him—he always gave his best and accepted whatever came of it.
Meanwhile, my only skill was eating.
Aries let out a small, mocking laugh. "You're only saying that because he's not here. But how long will your confidence last? I heard the Hanamitchis are struggling."
My heart clenched. I could feel the tension even from inside the bathroom. Should I go out or wait for them to finish?
"Our company is still stable. So, I don't know what you're trying to say," Yuri replied.
"I'm talking about your family."
Family?
A wave of nervousness hit me. Did something happen to his family?
"News really spreads fast," Yuri muttered.
They went silent, so I took that chance to step out.
"Done," I said, placing my hospital gown on the bed.
Yuri smiled at me, but Aries' expression was unreadable.
"Pack your things," he said curtly.
I rolled my eyes and reached for my bag, stuffing my scattered clothes inside. I glanced at the bedside table, grabbed my phone, and checked my messages.
Nothing new except Percy, Ci-N, and David asking when I was getting discharged.
I opened my chat with Gagong Baliw. His last message was long. For some reason, my fingers moved on their own, typing a response.
I was about to hit send—but I changed my mind and deleted it instead. Pocketing my phone, I grabbed my bag.
"Let's go," I said. They stood up almost simultaneously.
"Slow down," Aries warned, walking out first.
There he goes again.
Yuri took my bag and smiled as we walked out together.
"I can't take you home, but get some rest when you get there," he said.
I flashed him a mischievous grin.
"Why do you look like that?"
"Nothing."
He tried to poke me, but I dodged, laughing.
"Hey, what's up with you?" he asked, chasing after me.
"Nothing!" I said, running.
I accidentally bumped into Aries' arm. He shot me a glare, but I kept moving. Just as I was about to reach the exit, I slammed into something—and almost fell.
A hand caught me by the waist.
"What the hell? Why are you running?" the person holding me asked.
It was Percy.
I straightened up as he let go.
"You're dressed? You're leaving?" he asked.
I nodded. "Sorry, I didn't text you."
He gave a slight nod. Behind me, Yuri called out. Percy glanced at him and raised an eyebrow.
Still not getting along, huh?
"It's you, Percy," Yuri said.
"No. I'm way more handsome than that Percy," Percy shot back with a smirk.
"Right, because that ugly Percy would stab you," I teased.
Percy turned to me, eyes wide. "Excuse me? You're calling me ugly?"
I just laughed and stepped away from him. Aries walked past, and Percy's gaze followed him.
"Baby! Why are you ignoring me?" Percy called out dramatically.
Aries quickly flipped him off without looking back.
I burst out laughing.
Percy slung an arm around me. "I'll walk you outside."
But as we walked, he grew quiet—deep in thought.
Did he even have thoughts?
When we reached outside, I saw Aries with Ella. He told Kuya we'd just go ahead. Yuri and Percy stopped, overhearing him.
Percy let go of me and leaned his elbow on my head.
"It's been a while," he muttered.
I swatted his arm away. "What?"
He chuckled. "You should settle down. You always get in trouble because you're too stubborn."
"Me?!"
He smirked. "Yep. Also, when will all this end?" He glanced at Yuri.
Tension. Again.
"Do you want me to tell Aries?" he added.