Keifer's POV
I had a nightmare about my Jay-jay and it sent chills down my spine. I repeatedly splashed water on my face, trying to wash away the scary images from my head.
But they kept roaming in my mind.
I grabbed the face towel beside the mirror. I wiped my face and looked at myself in the mirror afterward. I was drenched in sweat even though I wasn't wearing a shirt. I threw the towel into the dirty clothes basket before going back to my bed.
I looked for my secret phone. I really couldn't sit still after that dream. Everything I saw felt so real.
Jay-jay was running toward me, calling my name. Behind her was a tattooed man with a gun
pointing at her. Before she could reach me, I heard a gunshot and she slowly fell, crying and begging for me to help her.
No! Not my Jay-jay.
I chose a number from my phonebook and pressed the call button. A few rings passed before someone answered.
"Hello, if you're here to collect money, Drew isn't here. If you're here to lend me some, tell me how much." It was obviously Drew, trying to act like an answering machine.
"I will take your house as a payment." I said, and I heard him snort.
"Oh, come on! Can't even joke with you. Why'd you call?"
"Do me a favor, double your attention to Jay-jay."
"Lend me some money first."
I immediately ended the call. Seriously? Can he even breathe without asking for money?If only he had a job to pay off his debts—but no, he wastes it all on gambling.
I picked another number. Just one ring and it was answered.
"Keifer, why are you calling so early?" Eren sounded sleepy.
"Can you do me a favor? Pay more attention to Jay-jay please."
I heard him groan. "Seriously Keifer? You woke me up just for that? I can't even pay attention to my girlfriendssssssss."
He purposely added too many "S." I sighed heavily and held the bridge of my nose.
"Eren." I said, and I knew he'd start paying attention.
"I know all of your girlfriends."
"So what now?" he asked smugly.
"And I have their numbers."
He let out a humorless laugh. "Just kidding. Don't worry, we've got Jay covered. In fact, I'm getting up now so I can head out early." I heard a few rustling sounds from his end.
"Please make sure that she is safe."
I ended the call, but dialed another number again. My chest tightened with worry.
"Keifer." David didn't sound sleepy, but I could hear something frying. "I'm not trying to hit on Jay-jay if that's why you're calling."
"No. It's something else." I sighed. If it weren't for Jay-jay, I'd never call him."Her safety is bothering me."
"There are already three people watching over her from her house. Do you want me to add more?"
"If you have to."
"I'll talk to them later."
"Thanks." I said, about to end the call when I heard him laugh. "What's so funny?"
"You. I can't believe you would turn into something like this."
I rolled my eyes. "Fvck off David." I heard him laughing before I finally ended the call.
He can't believe it?And what does he mean by that? That I'm incapable of falling in love?He really underestimates me.
I set aside my irritation with that guy for now. My focus should only be on my Jay-jay. Her safety… and that bad dream.
I dialed another number again. It was Kit's, and it took a few rings before someone answered.
"Hey Keifer! Stop calling Kit so much!" It wasn't Kit who answered.
"Do you have a crush on him? Huh? Just go—ow!" I heard a bit of a scuffle, as if the phone was being taken away.
"Stop messing with my phone—." It was Kit's voice.
"—Hello Keifer? Sorry, that was Mayo. Why did you call?"
Mayo? They're together this early in the Philippines?
"What is he doing there?" I asked out of curiosity.
"Crashing my breakfast."
I raised a brow. I heard what happened to them from our friends, and Jay-jay is really worried about their situation now.I don't know how our friends will take the truth.
"Crashing your breakfast or making you his breakfast?" I asked nonchalantly.
"Eww! No, he's not! Where'd you even get that idea?" He answered, clearly annoyed.
"From Mayo. Can you do me a favor?"
I heard a thump, followed by Mayo whimpering in pain.
"What about? Is it about Jay-jay?" I could sense his tone shift into seriousness.
"Yes."
"Leave it to me. She's usually around us anyway, so it won't be hard." He explained.
"Thank you for helping me—and for not being a straight guy."
"Wow. And I'm thankful for your thank you."
He replied sarcastically.
I smirked before ending the call. But the people I've contacted still don't feel enough. It still feels like it's not enough.
I dialed Rory's number, and he answered right away.
"Bro…" he said while clearly brushing his teeth.
"Any leads with Sato?"
"None—" he stopped brushing.
"Nothing yet. He's really hard to find. And it feels like Yuri doesn't want me to get involved."
What's wrong with him?
"Tell me if you need more resources. Work with Edrix if you have to."
"Got it. I'm going to shower now." He said and ended the call. To be fair, it's still really early in the Philippines.
But most of them wake up early since they need to work with the other gangs.They have to do it before heading to their real jobs, so Jay-jay won't suspect anything.
And speaking of Edrix, he was the next one I called. He didn't answer at first, so I was forced to call again, and it took several rings before he finally picked up.
"Keif—." He yawned like a cat.
"—er. Why the early morning call? Did something happen?"
"No, but I'm looking for an update."
"Still nothing. It's like there's a block in the Japan Embassy database—or more accurately, someone's blocking me. Try talking to Yuri."
Why isn't he helping them?
I have a strong feeling Yuri doesn't want us getting involved in their rivalry.But Jay-jay is caught in the middle of this, so I'll definitely get involved.
"I will. Work with Rory, please."
"Alright. Leave it to me."
I ended the call and looked for another number to dial. If I have to call the whole nation, I'll do it.
I chose Calix as the next person to call.
"Oi. Bro…" he greeted me.
"You're up early. Are you in the Philippines already?"
"No. But maybe I'll be there soon."
"Is it because of Jay-jay? Want me to check in on her?"
"No. Just make sure she's safe for me."
"No problem. That's exactly what we're planning to do." He said, and we both said our goodbyes.
Like I said, I'll call the whole Nation if I have to.
Felix's name shows up, but I'm having second thoughts. Percy might interrupt my plan. That guy is always such a nuisance.
Whatever. This is for my Jay-jay.
I pressed the call button, and in just a second, it was answered—but not by Felix.
"Helllow…" said a young girl slowly.
Dalia? The kid with blue eyes like Percy.
"H-hi Dalia, can I talk to your Kuya Felix?"
"He's—he's taking a shower." she said and giggled.
"Who are you?"
"It's me, Keif—." I heard someone calling her.
"Dalia! Who are you talking to?" It was Percy.
Dalia giggled again before answering her brother.
"My boyfriend." she said and I nearly smacked my forehead.
"What boyfriend?! You're not allowed to have a boyfriend! I'll kill any guy who gets near you! Give me that!"
I heard Dalia cry, which gradually faded away.
"Hello! Who is this?" This time it was Percy.
I sighed in disbelief, but before I could say anything, Percy started talking nonsense.
"Aaahhh! She really has a boyfriend!—Who are you?! Oh my God! My sister is still a baby! Stay away from her or I'll kill you!"
I heard a door open.
"Is that my phone?" That was Felix, and Percy immediately started sobbing.
"Our baby has a boyfriend! She's still a kid! She's not ready yet!"
Even if I couldn't see it, I knew Felix must be confused by what he was hearing.He's lost it again.Maybe he skipped breakfast.
"You're crazy! Give me my phone!" I heard the familiar sound of a scuffle.
"It's you. Why'd you call?"
"About Jay-jay."
He chuckled slightly.
"Of course. I shouldn't have even asked—what the heck?!" He sounded like he was struggling.
"Tell Dalia's boyfriend I'll kill him!" It was Percy again.
"My towel! It's slipping!" Felix sounded irritated.
"Why? Is it shrinking—ow!" Percy was clearly hit, and I didn't need to see it to know.
Too much information.
I was forced to end the call since it was obvious they were fighting. I just texted Felix instead, leaving instructions about Jay-jay. I know he'll read it after they're done arguing.
I called the rest to give the same instructions. Eman, Denzel, Blaster, and Josh all agreed. Then I dialed the number of the last person I had in mind.
"Feed me! Feed me! Feed me!—Good morning, Keifer!—Feed me!"
Yup. Ci-N is fully awake.
"It's night here."
"Manang, my breakfast please!—Oh really? Then good evening, Keifer!—Manang! I'm starving!"
Honestly, it feels like he just moved houses. He still does the same things—being fed by that woman he calls Manang, from the mansion to his new unit.
"Enjoy your breakfast. I know you already know why I'm calling—."
"It's about Jay-jay, right? I actually have something to tell you—Manang! My hotdog's not enough!"
I sighed. He keeps calling this Manang, and now I'm not sure if he means to talk to me or her.
"Are you going to tell me or tell Manang?"
"You, of course—Manang, can I have some water!"
Oh c'mon!
"Who are you really talking to?"
"I said you! It's about Sato."
I shut my mouth to let him continue.
"My cousin just got back from Japan. She studied there to be a doctor—do you know her? Lianah Saguirer? She's the cousin who became a surgeon and—."
"Please, just get to the part about Sato?" I almost begged.
Like seriously? What do I care about his cousin?I already know being smart runs in their family.So I'm not surprised one of them went to medical school abroad.
I heard him laugh.
"She said the Sato family is known to be torturers. They don't care about age or gender. She also said that family has hurt a lot of people but were never caught by the police. Apparently, the only ones expected to stop them are the Hanamitchis—sounds familiar, right? Oh yeah, that's Yuri."
He said and laughed again.
And he's saying all this while eating. It's like he's just telling an adventure story about his cousin. Didn't it even occur to him that Jay-jay is the torturer's target? And if he gets to Jay-jay, she'll definitely be in danger.
I ended the call and quickly got ready. I was about to change clothes when someone knocked on my door. I hid my secret phone and let the person in.
"Kuya?" It was Keigan.
I stepped out of my walk-in closet. "Keigan."
He faced me and handed me a piece of paper. "Good thing you're awake. We need to travel to Australia now. That's an order from Clyde."
I almost cursed. I was planning to return to the Philippines. Jay-jay needs me more.
"I have to go somewhere else," I said and went back into my walk-in closet, but he followed me.
"This is important. Where are you planning to go?"
"Someone needs my help."
"And who's that someone? That Jay-jay again?" I could sense the irritation in his voice.
"None of your business."
He sighed.
"I won't stop you, but I hope you fulfill your duties here before you prioritize her," he said and walked away.
I stopped and leaned one hand against the wall. Keigan is right. I still have things to do. I have obligations I haven't finished yet.
But my future needs me too.
If I choose her first, I'll definitely disappoint Keigan and the Elders. They'll find a loophole and use it against me.
I was still thinking of what I should do when I received a message from an unexpected person—Yuri.
I immediately called him, and it only took one ring before he answered.
["I heard you called everyone else, but not me? Why is that?"]
"Feel jealous?"
["Well, I should be. I'm your best friend."] he mockingly said.
I shook my head. "What do you want?"
["Ask Rory and Edrix to stop investigating. They're putting themselves in danger."]
"Why is that? Don't you trust them?"
["It's not that I don't trust them. Sato is the second biggest Yakuza family in Japan. They have lots of connections—."]
"I already know that part."
["Leave it to me. It's my job to catch him."]
"And Jay-jay? How will you protect her?"
["The same way you're protecting her. Silently."]
I feel slightly relieved. Yes, Yuri is my rival, but he's still my best friend who never left me through everything.
Protect her no matter what.
"I'm almost done here. Sooner or later we'll see each other again and finish what we started."
["Then I'll wait."]
He ended the call. I sat on the floor, feeling so weak. After this, I'll tell the Elders that I need to go back.This is it—the final move—and I'll carry out the original plan.
For my brothers and for my Jay-jay.
I proceeded with what I intended. I changed clothes for the business meeting waiting for me. I also packed the things I needed. When I stepped out of my room, I saw Keigan drinking coffee.
He looked surprised but quickly shrugged it off.
"I thought you had other plans."
"I guess I have to set them aside and prioritize this business meeting," I said and began to walk.
"Thank you, Kuya." He said, which made me stop.
I turned and looked at him. He pressed his lips together and looked down.
"These past few weeks, I kept trying to control you thinking it was best for us. But you still look at me like I never did anything that hurt you. Thank you for still trusting me."
I smiled at him before giving a short nod. I stepped out and headed to the lobby where my driver was waiting. He met me and took my luggage.
As I got into the car, I took out my secret phone. I still want to make sure Jay-jay will be safe. And I'm thankful to our friends who keep updating me from time to time.
When I got to the airport, the private jet was already prepared and ready for takeoff. They were just waiting for me.
During the long flight, I still couldn't calm down. The same image of Jay-jay crying for help keeps haunting me. For some reason, I suddenly felt nervous.
I pressed the intercom to contact the pilot.
"Change route. To the Philippines now!" I said, and I'm thankful he didn't question it.
Good thing we're already in Asia. He asked for permission to land, and in almost an hour, we were already at the airport. The pilot personally talked to me. Keigan didn't know about this, and I had no choice but to let him find out.
I just let him be, as long as I could leave now. He didn't say anything when I got off the plane. I chose to take a taxi instead of waiting for the service they called.
I need to see my Jay-jay now.
I called Rory immediately, and my suspicion was confirmed when he told me:
["Mica, Freya, Ella, Rakki, and Honey were taken too. We don't know how—they said there was no guard at the gate."] He said, and I almost threw my phone.
So that's why Honey wasn't there—she even arrived home before me. If her uncle finds out about this, she's definitely dead.
"Send me the address, I'm on my way."
I ended the call and waited for the address. I gave it immediately to the taxi driver once I received it. I asked him to drive faster, and his eyes widened when I said I'd pay him triple.
I'm on my way. I will save you.
I arrived at the address. As expected, that Sato wouldn't hide in a crowded place. It was an old building used for Japanese wood products. I wasn't sure if it was still operational.
I went inside and saw the others helping the girls, but I couldn't find Jay-jay.
"Where is Jay-jay?" It was Percy from behind. He had just arrived too. Everyone looked at us because of how loud his voice was.
"Keifer?" It was Calix. "He took Jay-jay."
"Why are you the one I found? I'm better looking anyway." I heard Percy say.
I looked at him with a deadly glare. Seriously? He's worried about that while his stepsister is in danger? I can't believe him.
I saw Ella and Yuri helping Aries, but he pushed them away.
"My sister needs me!" He shouted and ran off.
I immediately followed him. He knows where Sato is.
"Aries, stop—Keifer?" It was Yuri, and we all stopped.
"I'm here too." Percy said.
"What are you all doing here?" Aries turned and glared at us.
But I confronted Yuri instead. "What? You didn't plan to tell me about this?!"
"We're all in a hurry to find them. Do you really think I had time to report to you?"
"You should've at least asked one of our friends if you couldn't. If I didn't follow my instincts, all this could've ended before I even found out."
"Sorry to interrupt, but if you're here to fight, do it later. Jay-jay needs help and you two aren't helping," Aries said, clearly pissed.
"Go home! Aries and I will handle this!" Percy added and pushed us aside.
He walked ahead, and Aries followed him. We got out of the building, but I wanted to slap someone—it looks like we're lost because of this damn Percy.
"Oops! Wrong way, I think." he said and turned back, but stopped when he saw us.
"The hell, Percy!" I shouted at him.
"How would I know?! I just got here too!" he defended himself.
I was about to hit him when I noticed Aries. He was quiet. He raised a finger to signal us to shut up. We obeyed and let him listen carefully to the sounds around us.
"This way." he said, and we followed.
And there I saw an image almost identical to the one in my dream.