Jay-jay's POV
How do you slap a Horoscope?
If I Google it, will I find the answer? I've been irritated by these two for a while now. I want to slap them.
I'm not going to say it's Ella who's one of them.
"Do you want some, Jay?" Ella suddenly asked me while reaching out the container of spaghetti.
Finally! She offered some.
I guess she felt it because of the look I gave the food in front of her.
I was ready to nod and say a crisp "yes." But damn my sibling. He grabbed Ella's hand back.
"Don't give her any." He said, then took a bite of the sandwich Ella brought.
I quickly scowled at them. Stupid Horoscope!
"You're so selfish!" I said angrily, and he glared back at me.
Are you going to argue? Are you going to argue? It's true!
Even if he curses me, I don't care if I'm unlucky in the days to come. As long as I make him realize how selfish he is.
I heard Ella's soft laughter from across the room, right in front of this Horoscope. I glared at her.
You too!
For all the wrongs this woman has done to me, this is the first time I can truly say she's got a bad attitude.
She's so selfish! When she arrived, she only fed Aries. And what about me? What am I here for? A display? Does she think I don't know how to get hungry?
Then, they even seem to be teasing me. They thought of eating in the room today, even though they ate outside yesterday. What? Are they just messing with me?!
"I hope you choke on that!" I said, almost about to cry from frustration.
I only heard a loud laugh from Aries, while Ella just shook her head.
You're so selfish!
I just want to eat! Is there no food falling from the sky? Or can you slap me with ham instead? But it would be better if you hit me with some grilled chicken. I'm already crying from hunger, lack of sleep, and frustration.
I wasn't even allowed to sleep by that King of the Dimonyos, pesty, idiotic, snake-like Ulupong. And now I can't even eat.
"I just want to eat." I said, rolling around on the hospital bed.
I almost fell because the bed was so small. I even got mad at the pillow and started biting it.
I heard the door open, so I quickly got up.
Food?
I thought it was Kuya who had arrived. He told me he was going to talk to our doctor and find out if we could go home. I asked him to get food, so I've been waiting for him.
Yuri came over to me, smiling. "Why do you look like that?"
I immediately glared at the two people on the other bed, but strangely, they turned their backs on us and ate quietly. Ella looked at Yuri for a moment but quickly returned her gaze to Aries.
Why does this feel so awkward?
I faced Yuri. "Come with me to buy food."
He smiled and nodded. "Let's go."
I stood up and quickly put on my slippers when I found them under the bed. I grabbed Yuri's arm and pulled him out. But before I closed the door, I peeked at the two of them.
Looks like there's some tension. I don't know, their conversation doesn't seem over yet.
Anyway, I slowly closed the door. I faced Yuri, who was looking at me curiously.
"Did something happen? Why did you have to peek at them?" He asked as he started walking.
I walked alongside him. "Nothing. They're just so selfish."
Selfish, eating their food. They probably think it doesn't taste good.
He chuckled a little. I told him everything that happened with the two of them until we got to the canteen. There weren't many people, probably because it was still early.
My eyes sparkled as I looked at all the food. There were so many dishes, and even desserts. I was about to go get a tray when Yuri stopped me.
"Why?"
He smiled at me. "Can you treat me? I don't have my wallet."
Speaking of wallets, I didn't have mine either. Great timing.
I had no money.
I laughed awkwardly. "Looks like the food here isn't that great. Let's not eat. Let's just starve to death."
He laughed too, but his laugh sounded like he was really enjoying himself. I quickly scowled. Looks like this fool is messing with me.
"Joke lang." He said and pinched my cheek. I immediately swatted his hand away. "You!
Did you wash your hands?**"
"I washed them." He said, showing me both his hands.
I immediately noticed the small scars on his hands, which I think he got from facing Sato's group. Also, his nails looked so nice.
Wow! Manicure care.I wish I had that too.
"You're so pretty with your hands and nails." I said, looking at my own hands.
Suddenly, I felt disgusted with my own hands. I think I need to stop biting my nails. They're literally disappearing. My teeth are my actual nail cutter.
"I'll just lend you some money. Then you treat me next time."
Yuri said, making a face at me.
"I have trauma with debts."
That stupid debt. It's worse than my ex-boyfriend.
He looked at me curiously. "Why?"
I don't know if he knows about the debt I owe to that fool Drew. I just shook my head as a response before walking up to the display glass cabinet. I looked at the food.
"You pay first. I'll get you back next time." I said to Yuri.
I heard his soft laughter before he came over to my spot and started looking at the food.
"You don't have to repay me. Your love is enough for me," he said without looking at me.
I just stared at him in confusion. I know he still has feelings for me. But sometimes, I'm so comfortable around him that I forget about that.
Ah… if only the heart could be taught.
He's probably in college by now.
"Let's eat first. We can talk about love later." I said, looking for the vendor.
We both ended up ordering at the same time. We waited for a moment before three trays of food were handed to us.
Two for me, one for him. I felt shy about asking for more. I didn't want him to think I was spending his money. Also, the doctor said I need to eat slowly.
While we were eating, we kept chatting, and the conversation drifted to the incident with the group of idiots that afternoon and the people affected.
"Rakki's fine now. She didn't suffer any trauma. Mica is still being observed by Calix. Ella, obviously, won't leave Aries' side." He explained, and I suddenly remembered the two of them when he entered the room earlier.
"...Freya doesn't answer my calls. Honey, on the other hand, left with Keifer."
I stopped eating. That idiot left again. I gripped my spoon tighter before bowing my head.
You idiot. After stealing a kiss from me, you just walk away like that? Maybe he has Indian blood in him. He's got some melodramatic act going on. It makes me wonder if it was all just a dream, and the water on my cheek was just gecko pee.
I wish I had tasted it to know if it was actually tears.
"W-when did they leave?" I asked, almost in a whisper.
He paused as if I had said something wrong. Did I curse?
He cleared his throat. "Early this morning."
After his visit to me?
I put down the spoon I was holding and faced Yuri.
"Early this morning—" I stopped.
I saw the confusion on his face, but his eyes still held sadness.
I probably shouldn't tell him what that jerk did. Yuri has done so much for me, and the least I can do is not hurt him. Even though he knows how I really feel.
"I-it felt like there was a ghost in our room," I said, forcing a smile.
He looked behind me. "Like the one behind you?"
I immediately turned around, terrified. I didn't see anything but the woman cleaning the table. I turned back to Yuri, about to retort, but I immediately noticed the cupcake he was eating.
"That's mine!" I said in annoyance, but he just laughed at me.
This is great. What a jerk.
"It's just a trick." He said, reaching for my tray again.
I immediately slapped his hand. "Go ahead, don't stop. Your next destination is the X-ray room."
"What will I do in the X-ray room?"
"I'll break your bones." I threatened, but he just laughed again.
He's happy. I bet he slept well.
Lucky him.
I just scowled at him and continued eating. Occasionally, he would tease me, and I played along. It felt like nothing happened.
I prefer days like this. No problems. Just chill. No idiot threatening me or kidnapping me to get revenge on whoever from these snakes.
No one is going to rush at me on the street or stop me. No one will force me onto a motorcycle and take me to the gambling den. No one is going to take a photo of me, and then threaten me in the background.
But life's not like that.
"Any news about Ram?" I asked while resting after eating.
Of the three people threatening my life, Ram is the last one left. I just hope he's the last and no one else is coming after me.
"They changed hideouts. He cut off his connections with other gangs. Looks like we're back to square one, looking for him again." He explained. "Maybe he felt what happened with Jason and Sato."
I sighed. "So, it's still the same. I still have to be careful. I can't even go out."
"You can still go out, but it's better if you're with all of us so we can ensure your safety."
I pouted. How can I enjoy going out if they're all snakes? I'll probably just get caught up in whatever they do. Instead of enjoying myself, I'll just cry out of frustration.
"Maybe after the exams or graduation. Let's have a party. Let's go have some fun somewhere." He suggested.
"Where?"
"Anywhere you want."
I thought about it. His idea was great. Then, we could invite Mica and Rakki to make it more fun. But I'd be happier if Kuya Angelo allows me.
I'll sneak out if he doesn't.
"I'd love to go to Palawan or Batanes. I also want to see the big cross in Bataan."
"We can do that. Then we can crucify you there." He said, laughing loudly as I raised my fist at him.
"You're such an idiot." I said, standing up.
"Let's go back."
He followed me, teasing me the whole way. I don't know why he's being extra annoying today. He's always been playful, but now he's just teasing me nonstop.
Maybe it's because we've moved past the problems.
When we got to the room, Kuya Angelo was already there. Meanwhile, Ella was organizing her things, and I couldn't see Aries anywhere.
"Kuya, what's going on?" I asked as I approached.
Kuya turned to face me. "The doctor gave the go-ahead. You guys can go home now."
Yes!
Finally! We can go home, which means I can finally eat properly. But where's my idiot of a sibling?
My question was answered when the bathroom door opened. He was dressed and ready to leave, unlike me, still in my hospital gown.
"I'm ready." He said, looking at me. "You, on the other hand, need to stay. You need to be transferred to the mental ward. You're getting worse." He teased.
"Eh?" I replied, and he chuckled slightly.
"Get ready now, J ay. I'll wait for you outside." Kuya said as he walked out.
Kuya forgot something. He forgot the food I asked him to buy. He asked me to get it, but he had no intention of following through.
I pouted as I approached my bag and took out a change of clothes. I entered the bathroom, but I still heard Ella saying goodbye as she went out. Aries and Yuri stayed behind, quietly.
That's what I thought.
While changing, I could hear their voices from outside the bathroom. I hadn't closed the door properly. I wasn't eavesdropping, but I couldn't help but hear my name and Ella's.
"Don't you trust her? Why did you get back together if you're like this?" Yuri asked Aries.
"That's none of your business, Yuri. Why don't you focus on J ay-jay? Feeling confident because Keifer is not here?" My brother's tone seemed to tease.
But why did he have to mention the King of the Ulupongs in their conversation? What did he mean by feeling confident? Does he think Yuri's still that determined with me?
"Here or not, I don't give a fvck. J ay-jay will still get to do what he wants. At least I know I gave my best."
I couldn't help but smile at Yuri's words. It's something I envy about him. I wish I could also give my best and accept the results in the end.
The best I can give is when it comes to food.
Aries chuckled slightly, but it sounded like an irritated laugh.
"You're only saying that because he's not here. But how long will your confidence last? I heard Hanamitchi is having a hard time."
I could feel the tension even though I was in the bathroom. I didn't know if it was okay to just step out or if I should wait for them to finish.
"Our company is still in good shape. So, I don't know what you're trying to say."
"I'm talking about your family."
Family?
I couldn't help but feel anxious. Did something happen to his family?
"News really knows how to fly." Yuri said, and I could sense the bitterness in his words.
They became quiet, so I took the opportunity to step out.
Surprise!
"I'm done." I said as I placed my change of clothes on the bed.
Yuri smiled at me, but Aries just rolled his eyes.
"Fix your things." He said. I pouted and walked over to my bag.
I put away the scattered things, most of them clothes. I glanced at the bedside table and noticed my cellphone. I immediately grabbed it.
There were no messages except from Percy, Ci-N, and David, all asking how I was and when I'd be out. I opened my conversation with GagongBaliw.
It had been a long time since his last message to me. I didn't know why, but my fingers seemed to have a mind of their own as they typed a message to him. I almost clicked send, but I quickly changed my mind and deleted it. I pocketed my phone and grabbed my bag.
"Let's go." I said, and they stood up almost at the same time.
"You're slow." Aries said, walking out first.
Here he goes again.
Yuri grabbed my bag and smiled at me as he walked out. I followed him, matching his pace.
"I can't take you home. Rest when you get home." He said, and I gave him a teasing smile. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Nothing."
He tried to hold me, but I avoided him, laughing.
"Hey, why?" He asked and chased after me, so I had to run.
"Nothing." I said while running.
I accidentally brushed past Aries, and he immediately shot me a dirty look, but I didn't stop. I was almost out the exit when I bumped into someone and almost fell if I wasn't caught at the waist.
"What are you doing? Why are you running?" Percy asked as he held me up.
I stood properly, and he let go of me.
"Are you dressed? Is it time for you to leave?" Percy asked.
I nodded. "Sorry I didn't text you."
He nodded slightly. I heard Yuri calling me from behind, and he stopped. Percy looked at him and raised an eyebrow.
They still weren't okay.
"Oh, it's you, Percy." Yuri said.
"No. I'm handsomer than that Percy."
He replied, which made me wince.
"Yeah, that Percy is so ugly."
I snapped back, and Percy looked at me in surprise.
"How can you insult someone, and yet you think you're pretty? Are you pretty?" He angrily asked while getting closer to me, his eyes wide.
I just laughed and moved away from him. I saw Aries pass by, and Percy's gaze followed him.
"Baby! Why aren't you paying attention to me?" He said, causing Aries to raise his middle finger while continuing to walk. "He's in a bad mood again. He's lacking care."
I chuckled slightly. If Aries heard him, there'd definitely be a storm. I felt Percy's arm around me, so I looked at him.
"I'll take you outside." He said, and I glanced at Yuri, who just smiled at me.
We continued walking outside, and I noticed how quiet my companion was. He seemed to be deep in thought.
Does he even think?
When we got outside, I saw Aries standing next to Ella. I overheard him say he'd just go ahead and meet us with Kuya. I knew the two of them heard it too, because they both stopped.
Percy let go of me and rested his elbow on my head.
"That took so long." He said, as if he had been waiting for ages.
I pushed his arm away from my head. "What's wrong with you?"
He chuckled slightly and looked at me. "You, huh? Get it together. You keep getting into trouble because you're so stubborn."
I pointed at myself. "Excuse me! It's really my fault?"
His eyes narrowed, and he smiled smugly. "Oh right, it's all your enemies' fault." He glanced briefly at Yuri.
Why does it feel like there's tension?
Is he planning to start a fight? Even Aries is subtly listening, though not looking at us.
Yuri just coughed and adjusted his posture. But it seems like Percy isn't planning to stop.
"When will they ever stop?" He added, looking at Yuri. "And all the pretending from others. When will that end?"
"P-percy… What's going on?" I asked, holding him by the arm.
Yuri just raised an eyebrow at him. Percy was about to approach him when we heard Kuya's car honk, followed by it stopping right in front of us.
Yuri walked over to the compartment to place my things, and Ella did the same. Once the door was shut, Aries got in, leaving Percy and Yuri with me.
I didn't want to get in yet. If I did, there might be a fight between them.
"Get in, Jay. Bossing might snap, and you'll get admitted again." Percy joked, messing up my hair.
I looked at both of them. "You're not going to fight, right?"
Yuri smiled and nodded, but Percy avoided my gaze, so I immediately pinched his side.
"Ouch!" He said. "That hurts!"
"Get it together."
"Okay, okay!" He replied sarcastically while rubbing his side.
"So slow! Hurry up! Ugly!" Aries shouted from the car window.
Yeah, always in a hurry!
Reluctantly, I got into Kuya's car, but before I could close the door, I heard Percy say something to Yuri.
"Do you want me to tell Aries myself?"