Jay-jay's POV
I didn't sleep well. My eyes had yet another set of parting gifts—eyebags.
I was out of it again. Staring blankly, I had been standing in front of the mirror, brushing my teeth for nearly an hour. I was probably wearing my teeth down at this point.
I heard a knock on my bedroom door, followed by a shout.
"Hurry up! We're gonna be late!"
That was Aries. I let out a deep sigh, rinsed my mouth, and washed my toothbrush before stepping out of the bathroom.
I went straight to the door and opened it.
His eyebrows immediately furrowed when he saw that I hadn't even taken a bath yet.
"What the hell?! Do you know what time it is?!" he asked irritably.
I looked at him, bored. "I don't know. Don't you have a watch? Why don't you—OUCH!"
I almost fell to the floor from the strength of his flick on my forehead.
Both of my hands clutched my head, my eyes welling up from the pain. Damn this guy! He hits like he's not even human!
"That really hurt! That was too much!" I complained.
"Can you just stop it already?!" he snapped. "...You're letting that guy affect you too much!"
Damn it!
He thought it was easy NOT to be affected?
Even he still hadn't moved on from Ella. He probably thought I didn't know, huh? If they're going to get back together, they should just do it already! So much unnecessary drama!
Fine! Go ahead and enjoy your love life!
"This is annoying! Just go ahead without me! I'll have the Snakes pick me up!"
"What Snakes?" he asked in confusion.
"My classmates."
He hesitated, clearly unsure whether to agree or not. But if he didn't leave now, he'd really be late. And being in a higher section, lateness wasn't an option for them.
"Fine. Do whatever you want. But text me, okay? And don't leave the house until your ride arrives." He gave me a stern warning, pointing a finger at me.
"Yeah, yeah! Now get lost!"
He turned his back on me, so I shut the door. I headed back to the bathroom and continued my ritual—I mean, my bath.
The truth was, I had no intention of calling any of the Snakes to pick me up. I wasn't going to drag them into my lateness.
As for Sato's threats? Whatever. I had to face my fears. Nothing would happen if I kept letting myself get intimidated by him.
I didn't even know him—what if he was all talk?
I stayed under the shower for so long that my fingers wrinkled. After drying myself off, I checked my face in the mirror. The redness had faded, and only a few scratches remained. I fixed myself up and got dressed.
While putting on my shoes, my phone rang. A text message.
I finished what I was doing before checking it.
It was from Yuri.
From: Pres. Yuri
Message: Where are you? Why aren't you here yet?
I quickly typed a reply.
To: Pres. Yuri
Message: Still at home. I'm gonna be late.
From: Pres. Yuri
Message: You're already late. I'll come pick you up.
He was probably already at school, judging by his message. It would be embarrassing if he had to come back just to get me.
To: Pres. Yuri
Message: No need. I'm leaving now. See you there.
I didn't wait for his reply. I gathered all my things, double-checking if I had forgotten anything. Once I was sure everything was set, I finally stepped out. I informed one of the maids before leaving.
As I exited the gate, I noticed a taxi approaching. That was odd—taxis didn't pass by this village often. People here were loaded. They had their own cars. But still, I flagged it down. It probably just dropped someone off nearby.
The taxi stopped right in front of me. I figured I might as well get in rather than wait on the corner.
What if Sato was lurking around again?
As I got inside, I didn't immediately notice someone sitting beside the driver. I had already closed the door when I saw there was another passenger.
"Oh, sorry. I didn't realize—"
I didn't get to finish my sentence.
I heard the click of the door locking.
I immediately tried to open it, but it was too late.
The car sped off.
"W-who are you?! What do you w-want from me?!" I screamed, pounding on the window.
Neither of them spoke. They didn't even turn to look at me. Both were wearing beanies and black shirts or jackets.
I quickly grabbed my phone and dialed a number.
One of them must have noticed.
The guy in the passenger seat turned to me, reaching for my phone. I blocked him with my leg to keep him from getting closer.
"Give that to me!" he ordered.
"No! Stay away from me!"
I kicked at him repeatedly, keeping him at bay.
I glanced at my phone and saw that Yuri was calling. I answered it immediately.
"YURI!" I screamed, holding the phone away.
"...HELP...ME...! HELP...ME! SOMEONE IS...KIDNAPPING...ME!"
"I SAID HAND IT OVER!!" the guy shouted, snatching my phone.
"GIVE IT BACK! YUUURRRIII!!!"
That bastard ended the call and angrily threw my phone onto the dashboard.
I was so furious that I kicked their seats repeatedly.
"Make that stop! We might get into an accident!" the driver yelled at his accomplice.
Before the guy who took my phone could make another move— I wrapped my arm around his neck from behind.
I had him in a headlock.
My arm ached, but I tightened my grip as much as I could.
"P-Pre! H-He's g-going to k-kill m-me!" he said with difficulty.
The other one tried to stop me, but he couldn't concentrate because he was driving.
"Let go of my friend!" he said, trying to pry my arm off.
He dug his nails into my skin, making me cry out, but I tightened my grip even more.
"You b*tch!" the driver shouted, eyes still on the road.
"F*ck you too, asshole!"** I shot back.
Did he think he was the only one who could curse?
His nails dug even deeper. It hurt so much that my grip started to loosen. I immediately kicked his side, not caring if he was driving.
The car swerved sharply because of my attack. I did it again and again, making the car weave dangerously. Horns blared from the vehicles behind us.
"You little sh*t!" the driver yelled.
"Argh! Damn you all!" I shouted back.
I kept kicking when suddenly, something crashed into our car. I lost my grip on the guy I was choking and fell back onto the backseat.
"Who the hell was that?!" the driver yelled, trying to check the vehicle behind us.
That's when I realized—we were on the highway. I sat up and peeked outside to confirm.
We really were on the highway!
I turned to the two men. The driver was focused on dodging the car behind us, while the other was still gasping for air from my chokehold.
"Where are you taking me?!" I demanded.
Neither of them answered. Then another crash came from behind. The impact nearly sent me flying forward. I turned to look and saw a familiar car.
"YURI!!" I screamed.
I knew he couldn't hear me, but I yelled anyway. He glanced in my direction, and his expression quickly changed to one of concern.
He signaled something to me, as if telling me to move to the other side.
Even though I was confused, I obeyed. He rammed into the taxi again. The force was so strong that I almost screamed.
I was scared of getting into an accident, but if this was the only way—I was ready to go back to the hospital.
But then, something even more terrifying happened. The taxi suddenly reversed—intending to hit Yuri's car instead.
I panicked and looked at Yuri, but he didn't seem fazed.
I couldn't just sit still! I had to do something! I turned to the driver and kicked him again.
"Hey! Stop that!" his companion shouted, trying to restrain me.
So I kicked him too.
Yuri rammed the taxi once more, and this time, something unexpected happened—the car spun out of control.
The screech of tires against the asphalt filled my ears. I shielded my head with both arms, bracing for impact.
The car kept spinning, but no crash came. When it finally stopped, the air smelled like burning rubber, and smoke filled the surroundings.
I heard a car door open. I lifted my head. The driver and his companion were gone. I sat there, dazed, unable to process what had just happened.
I almost died—again!
The door beside me opened, and I turned. Yuri stood there, his face full of concern.
"Jay! Are you okay?" he asked worriedly.
Without thinking, I threw my arms around him. My whole body was trembling, drenched in sweat.
"I-I almost d-died back there!"
"Ssshhhh… It's okay now. I'm here." he whispered.
"Y-Yuri…" I was on the verge of tears.
He just held me tightly, as if afraid to let go.
It was hard to wrap my head around everything that had happened.
Yuri slowly pulled away from our hug and cupped my face with both hands, forcing me to look at him.
"Are you hurt anywhere? Did they do anything to you? How are you feeling?" he asked, rapid-fire.
I shook my head. "N-no, I'm fine."
I looked around the taxi and spotted a wallet on the driver's seat. I grabbed it and handed it to Yuri.
"M-maybe this could help us."
He nodded and took the ID from inside.
I scanned the taxi again and saw my phone on the floor. I picked it up, along with my bag.
"Let's get out of here," I pleaded.
"Alright," he agreed, stepping out first.
I followed, but as soon as I took a step, my knees gave out.
I would have collapsed if Yuri hadn't caught me in time.
He helped me to his car, making sure I was steady before settling me inside. He then stepped away to make a call, signaling that he was contacting someone.
I just nodded.
I stared at the wrecked taxi in front of us. It was hard to believe—even public transportation could be used for a kidnapping.
I had no solid proof, but I had a gut feeling—Sato was behind this.
Who else would be trying to kill me? This was infuriating!
There was no way I would let fear win. I had to fight back against that bastard. Damn you, Sato! I swear, I'll kick you back to Japan with one strike!
My thoughts were interrupted when I heard the car door shut.
I hadn't even noticed Yuri getting in.
"I called the police to report what happened. They'll need your statement," he explained. "...Will you tell them someone is trying to kill you?"
I shook my head. "That will only make things more complicated. Let's just say it was a simple case of robbery."
He nodded in understanding. Not long after, the police arrived.
We told them what we had discussed, and we spent about 30 minutes giving our statements.
The police wanted to summon our parents since we were minors, but Yuri introduced himself and said he would just send a representative to their precinct.
"The taxi was reported stolen. Someone reported it to them a day ago."
That was the first thing Yuri said as he got into his car. "...It looks like this was really planned."
I clenched my fists. They had been waiting for me. It seemed like they had been planning for a while to get me into that taxi.
Damn it! Just when I decided not to ride with Aries!
Yuri started the car. "I'll take you to the hospital so—."
"To school instead," I cut him off. "...I wasn't hurt earlier. I'm fine."
He didn't speak for a long time, as if he was considering what I had said.
"I understand, but please tell me if you feel something."
I nodded without looking at him. I was still annoyed at that damn taxi kidnapping. I don't think I'll ever ride a taxi again.
I stayed silent for the entire ride until we arrived at school. When I got out of the car, I paused.
Where was our classroom again? I was about to ask Yuri, but I decided to just follow him instead. He headed toward the other side of the main building... to the auditorium?
Yesterday was the gymnasium, and now it's the auditorium. They might kick us out of here too. This is embarrassing!
When we entered, the Ulupong were sitting in a corner on the floor, facing a teacher. Their attention immediately shifted to us as we approached.
"Sorry for being late," Yuri said to the teacher.
The female teacher gave us a sharp glare. "Like I care. Just sit anywhere."
I raised an eyebrow. Our teachers are something else. They really bring the attitude. Only Sir Alvin actually cares about us.
I plopped down behind the Ulupong, since that was the only available spot. I looked ahead and noticed Ci-N waving at me with a smile.
I just gave a slight nod in response. I wasn't in the mood to smile back at him. I was still irritated about what happened earlier. If I went home now, Auntie would question me. Then it would reach my older brother, who was overly suspicious.
He'd know I was lying. He might even find out about the taxi incident because of his connections.
What kind of connection does he use? Smart or Globe?
I spent the entire class staring blankly, my eyebrows furrowed. As soon as the teacher turned away, the idiots immediately faced me.
"Why were you late?" Mayo asked teasingly—he was the closest to me.
His smug grin instantly irritated me. I shot him an annoyed glare.
"None of your business!" I snapped, drawing the attention of the others.
Mayo's face showed clear irritation at my response. "What's your problem? I was just asking."
"The way you asked—why? Are we good now?"
He was taken aback by my words before suddenly standing up and pointing a finger at me.
"There! Go ahead, throw it in my face! That's what you're good at!"
I angrily stood up as well, matching his furious gaze.
"And what if I do? I have every right to!"
"Even now? Jay, after everything we've been through? Can't you just forgive us?!"
A loud, crystal-clear… screw you! Forgive?! The audacity.
"How can I when you don't even seem sorry for what you did? And now you're the one acting all arrogant!"
"Your problem is you act like you're so important!" he shouted right in my face.
Something snapped inside me. My fist moved on its own, straight into his face. By the time I realized what I had done, it was too late.
Mayo collapsed instantly, and the other Ulupong quickly rushed to his side.
"Jay!" Yuri called out to me. "...Why did you do that?!"
No reason. Just felt like it.
I didn't like his tone, as if everything was suddenly my fault.
"He threw it in my face first!"
"So what?! You know his attitude, why did you have to hit him?"
Oh, great! So now it's all on me?
I didn't bother responding. Instead, I kicked my bag in frustration and stormed out of the auditorium.
I hadn't gone far when I felt someone grab my arm.
I yanked my arm back and glared at them, thinking it was Yuri following me—only to realize it was someone else.
"Jay, I'm the one apologizing for what Mayo did." Kit pleaded. "...Please, just let it go."
I couldn't help but look into his eyes. They were filled with sadness, slightly red. It looked like he had been crying… and he seemed exhausted.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself, but it didn't work. I wasn't just annoyed—I was angry.
I was furious about what happened to me earlier in the taxi, and now Mayo just added to it. Fantastic. Just great!
"You know what, Kit? What you guys did to me really hurt. The way you ganged up on me—but what hurt even more was what Mayo said. It's like he doesn't even understand that I was hurt."
Kit lowered his head for a moment.
"I'm really sorry, Jay." He took a step closer, but I stepped back. "...Believe me, we really regret it."
I shook my head. "That's not what I see in the others."
"What do I have to do for you to give us another chance?"
I looked away, biting my lower lip. The anger and heaviness in my chest hadn't gone away.
"I don't know... Maybe confess to them that you're gay. Then maybe I'll forgive you." I said thoughtlessly before turning around.
I walked off, not hearing any response from him. I had no plans of going home yet. I went to the bathroom to wash my face and cool down.
Thankfully, the restroom was empty when I entered. I splashed water on my face and stared at my reflection in the mirror.
I really didn't understand myself. Whenever I got carried away by anger, I just said whatever came to mind. I needed to talk to Kit and explain that I didn't really mean what I said.
I grabbed some tissue from the box beside the mirror, quickly wiped my face, and hurried back to the auditorium.
When I arrived, I froze at the sight of Kit standing in front of everyone, seemingly about to say something important.
"Jay-jay! Hurry up, Kit's about to announce something!" Ci called out to me with a grin.
Oh, crap!
I quickly ran towards Kit to stop him. This wasn't how I imagined him coming out to everyone about his real identity.
I did my best to stop him, but it seemed like I was already too late. In an instant, the Ulupong members had mixed reactions.
"This is for real... I'm gay."