CHAPTER 369 - DINNER PARTY
JAY-JAY'S POV
I'm very hungry.
I thought I could eat as soon as I got home. After dropping my things off at Kuya Angelo's unit, we went straight to the house. I hugged my two Snorlax plushies while Aries carried my bag. We were both dumbfounded by the commotion inside the house.
"Hello, Jay!" Ci-N greeted me while waving.
I simply waved back.
"Hey, help me here!" Eman shouted, walking toward the kitchen.
Felix, Denzel, and Kit followed him. Rory, Edrix, and Calix were fixing the sofa in the living room. The others were obviously just messing around like kids. Is there a renovation happening in the house?
"What is this? What's going on?" Aries asked.
I looked over my shoulder when Kuya Angelo walked by. We both looked at him, expecting him to be mad about the mess the Ulupongs were making, but he didn't seem to care at all.
"You don't seem to fit in here. I'll just take the cars out— you guys go to the garage," Big Brother suggested, but David immediately refused.
"We're okay here," he said.
"It would be better if it were in the garage," Mama said, suddenly appearing with a foldable table.
Eren immediately helped her.
Wow. Gentleman.
"Alright, I'm going to move the cars," Kuya said and stepped outside.
David and the Ulupongs were about to come in again, but my cousin disappeared from sight. Then Tito Julz appeared, holding some car keys, probably to help Kuya move the cars outside the gate.
"Let's go back—let's just stay outside.
"This is it. This is it."
The Ulupongs returned the furniture they had moved. Even the sofa and coffee table were rearranged. They even put back a small plant on top of the table.
What is really going on?
"David," I called, and he stopped to face me. "What's happening here?"
"We would have eaten at a restaurant or fast food place, but your brother Angelo didn't agree. He said we should just eat here at home. That's why we're setting up a place for all of us to stay," he explained.
I looked at Aries, who was already frowning. He obviously didn't like the idea of the Snakes eating here again. But just like that, the entire Section E visited me with food, and he could do nothing but silently complain.
I'll just give him food.
I turned to David again and said goodbye. "I'll be in my room. I'm just going to put my things down."
David smiled at me and continued what he was doing. I walked to my room and Aries followed me. When we got there, he dropped my bag and turned to leave.
I snorted. I'm sure he's pissed. We haven't even finished talking about his plan to move to Kuya's unit, and now this again. I can't tell if we're okay, or if I'm okay with him.
I won't deny that I still feel heavy. Sometimes it's hard for me to look at him. The guilt is still there. I'm not even sure if it was the right decision to come home now, even though he insisted I should.
I changed my clothes after arranging my things. I also checked my phone, but there was nothing important—no messages—so I just put it in my shorts pocket and left the room.
I went to Aries' room. I knocked first, and when I heard him answer, I entered. He was sitting at his study table, reading something on his laptop. He looked at me for a moment before returning to what he was doing.
"Do you need anything?" he asked.
"You're not going to continue with your plan, are you?" I asked.
"Which one?"
"Moving to Kuya's unit," I clarified.
He shook his head. "No, you might cry."
I snorted. I know I will cry, but I won't cry just to convince him not to move to Kuya Angelo's unit.
Maybe just a few tears.
"I just want to say... there's a chance I'll avoid you."
He stopped what he was doing and faced me. "We already talked about this, right? I don't blame you for what happened, so why are you avoiding me? As for you..." he hesitated. "Ares, forget it."
"I understand, but the feeling is still there for me. I still blame myself and I still feel guilty. It won't just go away," I explained, bowing my head.
He sighed. "Okay, I understand. If you think you need space, I'll give it to you. But you can't go too far."
I smiled slightly and nodded. "I know. I'll try to let go of that feeling."
He stared at me for a moment before taking out his cellphone. "Maybe to ease your guilt, you should know that I've been trying to contact that Ares for a long time," he said, showing me his call history.
I took his phone. The calls had been filtered to show only one number—the same number I answered the other day when we were in his car. The memory of the kidnapping came back to me.
Were you forced to come back? Jay-Jay, idiot.
Since last year, his dad had been trying to contact him. He took the phone back and tapped on the screen before showing it to me again. Now he was showing me the inbox.
From the same number, all the text messages were for him. [Is this Aries? I'm your father. Can we talk? I read in one of the messages.] Again and again, his father asked to meet or talk—but there wasn't a single reply from him.
I understood why he never responded.
"Why didn't you just block his number?" I asked as he placed his phone back on the table.
"He'll know it's my number. I want him to think he sent it to the wrong one or that he got the number wrong."
I lowered my head. "But I answered the call."
"Which I don't think caused our problem. You didn't really answer, did you?"
I nodded. He was right. I was the only one affected by picking up the call—but maybe that wasn't the reason he went to visit Aries at school.
He stood up and came to me. "Don't be hard on yourself. Yes, you've made a lot of mistakes, but it's my job to guide you as your brother. And we both know I've only recently started playing the role of big brother to you," he smiled and put his arm around me. "For now, get out—I have to review." ❤️🥺
I laughed at his last remark. He walked me to the door of his room and pretended to push me out. He smiled teasingly before closing it.
I felt a little embarrassed—we're in the same year, but he's the diligent one. And now, he's even got more things to review.
Why doesn't he just guess the answers? I went downstairs to see what was going on and saw Felix coming from the kitchen carrying plates and utensils. I immediately followed him outside. I was surprised to see everything already set up. Tables and benches were arranged neatly.
"Hey, help Eman inside."
"Water jug! Don't forget it!"
"I think there aren't enough benches."
"Do they still have another table?"
The ones with upcoming birthdays were even better at organizing everything. Calix and Rory entered the house after greeting me.
I looked at Kuya Angelo, who was closing the main gate but not the small pedestrian one.
"Better if the gate's closed. We don't know what could happen," Kuya said to David, who immediately helped him.
Extreme caution.
"Jay-Jay! Sit here next to me!" Ci said, pointing to the seat beside him.
I walked over and sat down. He smiled broadly at me.
"What were you thinking when you came up with this?" I asked.
"It's not us. It's really Keifer's idea, but your cousin didn't agree, so it's just here," he explained, taking a bite of the cornic he had hidden in his pocket.
Well, there's definitely something to hide.
I tried to grab it, but he quickly hid it again. He even moved away to keep it from me. It was really annoying. I would've insisted on getting it—if only I had the energy.
We turned to look at the gate when we heard a knock. We thought someone had crashed into it, but it turned out Percy just bumped into it. Keifer and Yuri followed him, laughing.
"What were you looking at?" Yuri asked.
"It's the gate's fault—it was in the way," my stepbrother said, clearly annoyed.
Oh, really?
I looked at the stuff they brought in. It looked like they bought food. My heart almost jumped with joy.
The Ulupongs who were with us quickly scattered. Others were still clapping. I also shouted with excitement. We're going to eat.
"Nice! Nice!"
"Yes, time to eat!"
"Hey, Eman is cooking something else too."
I was starving. It's a miracle I was still standing. On a normal day, I'd probably be crawling from hunger. I'd only had water since being discharged from the hospital. I tried to buy something on the way home, but Kuya told me to wait until we got there. Turns out Sir was right—water really does keep you going. Good thing I paid attention in class.
They approached the table and started putting things down. I almost jumped with excitement. I was drooling, even though the food was still wrapped. I would've eaten the plastic if I had to. My stomach growled on its own—my pet (aka stomach) was definitely losing weight.
Yuri looked at me while holding a lechon. He gave me a smug smile. I glared at him. Did he hear my stomach growl?
That's an alarm, bro.
Keifer placed five still-warm roasted chickens on the table. It didn't look like enough. I hoped Eman was cooking more in the kitchen. I could hear Mama and Aunt Gema talking inside, so I knew they were there.
Percy came in carrying two large plastic bags, each with five 1.5L bottles of soda. He looked like he was struggling, but he played it cool. The guy even winked despite the sweat and veins popping from his arms.
I really wanted to grab some food, but I held back. We had to wait and eat together. It would be disrespectful to the ones who prepared all this.
The others immediately helped set up. Ci helped too, but he clearly had something else in mind.
There was the little boy.
He pinched the skin off the lechon's neck and stuffed it into his mouth. He moved so quickly that even Blaster, who was right next to him, couldn't stop him. He was about to go for another bite, but the others glared at him.
Damn, I had my eye on that lechon.
Mayo quickly scolded him—we hadn't even started yet, and the food might run out. I wanted to sneak a bite too, but I didn't want to get yelled at. Maybe later. For now, I just looked around, swallowing my saliva.
"Hey, help us out here!" Eman shouted from inside the house.
The Ulupongs immediately went in to help. Yuri and David followed—looked like there was still a lot to do inside. I was about to follow too. I had to keep an eye on Ci—he might sneak more food again. Gotta stay alert.
That sneaky kid.
"Hey stuntman! Shut up over there!" Percy shouted.
"Bag," someone replied quickly.
And of course, they started chasing each other. I just hope they don't come into the house because Kuya might get upset and angry. I don't think their fight will end anytime soon.
"How are you feeling?" the King asked me before sitting down next to me.
"It's alright, alright. There's food."
"It's okay. Thanks for this," I said and smiled.
"Everything for my girl," he answered and took my hand to kiss it. ❤️
Ayane, sweetness! Did I wash?
Suddenly, someone dropped a pitcher in front of us. We looked together to see who it was, but I quickly turned away when I saw the sharp gaze of my cousin, Devil. He placed a pitcher of ice down but didn't take his eyes off me.
"You two settle down," he said before finally walking away.
We looked at each other and laughed quietly. Kuya is really like a CCTV. Always watching what I do. Even at school, he was on guard and probably always reporting to his lackeys. Maybe when I'm an adult, he won't be like that with me anymore.
I looked around and then heard Ci and Percy. I turned and saw their chase had reached the road. The King and I were the only ones left in the garage, since all the Ulupongs were inside helping.
Well, it's my chance!
I've been thinking about this for a while now. I even told myself that when the time comes, I'll say it properly.
"Keifer," I called as he nibbled on the lechon. "Sit down, I'll tell you something."
He held up a piece of lechon skin and smiled.
"Look, this looks tasty."
I suddenly grabbed his hand. I was really hungry. I was about to bite what he was holding, but he moved away.
The skin! What?
"You were about to say something?" he asked.
"That's mine, first," I said and tried to grab what he was holding.
He moved away again.
I was shocked, but maybe I should just say what I have to say first.
"That thing I wanted to tell you earlier..."
He nodded and bit into the lechon skin. I swallowed hard.
I wanted that too.
"What is it?" he asked.
I stared at what he was holding and almost forgot what I wanted to say. I winced. I really wanted to eat.
I stared at him. "Let's go."
"What?"
"Let's go eat. I'm so hungry!"
I wanted to slap myself—hard enough to shake the stupidity out of my brain. I'm not even that desperate for a boyfriend, but still. It's frustrating.
He laughed before handing me the piece of lechon skin he had. I immediately took it and ate it. I could hear the crunch in my mouth. I couldn't wait any longer. I needed to eat. Maybe they'll understand if I cut the lechon in half.
We're both starving.
Fortunately, another Ulupong arrived with food. Others brought out new tables and benches. It looked like there wouldn't be enough space for all of us and all the food.
"Here! Here! Eat!" Eman said and set down the tray she was holding.
I clapped while watching them unload the food trays. There was spaghetti, baked mac, carbonara, noodles, fried chicken, lasagna, and more. I didn't even know what to eat first. They also brought out the food Keifer had brought earlier. Everyone was taking their places. Mama even brought rice and Aunt Gema brought chicharong bulaklak. We looked at Kuya Angelo.
Aries pulled him over.
"I need to study," my brother complained.
"You need a break," Kuya replied.
He was forced to sit next to me. I smiled, seeing he had no choice. It didn't seem to be a problem with the Snakes either that my brother joined us.
"Wait, where's Ci-N?" David asked, unable to catch his grandson.
I pointed outside the gate—timing it just right, because Ci-N was about to enter, followed by Mica, Ella, and Freya. Percy smiled widely as he looked at his ex while following them all. I winced. Rory and I looked at each other, clearly unsure of what to say.
"Baby," Calix called to his girlfriend before welcoming her.
Ella went straight to Aries and kissed him on the cheek. Umay.
I looked away—afraid they might see my reaction and get mad. I focused on the plate Keifer placed in front of me. He also picked up the utensils and poured water into my glass.
"I said we should've just done the group study online," I heard Aries say to Ella.
"Mica's visiting her boyfriend here, so I tagged along to see you."
Another L.Q.? (Lover's Quarrel?)
Aries was about to stand up, but Yuri stopped him. The rest of us—Ulupongs included—looked at him.
"Why don't you invite Ella to eat with us?" he asked.
What?
I looked at Yuri, who seemed completely innocent despite his teasing. I turned to Keifer, who also looked confused by Yuri's actions.
"I mean, Mica's eating here with us, so why not let Ella join too?" The Ulupongs were watching us, clearly waiting for Keifer's response. It would be awkward to say no. With all this food, we're definitely not running out.
"I don't think that's a good idea," Ella replied.
"No. It's fine. There's plenty of food. Let Freya sit too," I said, almost breathless.
I'm not picky with food—it just doesn't show. I'm just not used to having Freya and Ella around when the Serpents are all here. It still feels strange. But maybe this is a good thing—so they won't feel out of place or like they don't belong. They're part of the Ulupongs. I don't own them—I can't always keep them away.
Jay? Is that you?
Why do I sound so... nice? It doesn't suit me. Maybe this is what happens when you haven't eaten all day and are just running on water.
Scary.
"Jay's right. Sit and eat with us," Keifer said, and I pushed him aside and gave him a look.
You like it too, huh.
I turned to Ella again. She looked at my brother, and after a moment, nodded. The seat next to Aries was still empty, so she sat there and placed her utensils down.
That's it—enjoy, take it easy.
Next, I glanced at Freya, who was currently torturing my step-brother. Doesn't she ever get tired?
"Sit down. Jay-Jay said eat here too," Percy chimed in.
Freya looked at me like she was waiting for confirmation.
I tried to smile and pointed to the empty seats. "Sit down."
She raised an eyebrow at me before pulling my hair. My step-brother tried to drag her to a bench, but she ignored him. Instead, she pointed to the seat next to Edrix.
"Is someone sitting there?" she asked.
Edrix was about to answer "yes," but Rory beat him to it.
"No, sit here," he said, adjusting the chair.
Edrix looked clearly annoyed. Rory had been sitting there earlier, but just so his friend could sit next to her, he gave up the seat. Freya sat down immediately. And just like that, the Ulupongs scattered like phlegm caught in your throat.
So obvious, their instincts.
I looked at Percy as he watched Edrix and Freya. He also glanced at the Serpents, who were obviously teasing. I bit my lower lip. I haven't even told him what I did—or about our mission to get Freya and Edrix together.
"Maybe we can start now?" I asked, trying to change the topic.
They were about to scoop when Ci suddenly shouted, "Hold on!"
We were stunned, but Percy couldn't stop pinching the lechon's skin.
"I sent Rakki. Let's wait for her," said the young kumag.
"Just chase her. He won't run out," said Felix, annoyed.
"Let's wait!" he begged like a child.
I held my breath. "Alright, five minutes."
"Fifteen minutes."
"Too long," said Eman, taking a bite of Shanghai.
"Ten minutes! Let's wait for my Rakki!" he said, stomping his foot.
His Rakki?
We all just agreed, even though the truth was, the food kept disappearing every time the little boy turned his back or peeked outside the gate. Fortunately, we didn't have to wait long because Rakki had arrived—and she wasn't alone.
Ma'am Cindy and Sir Alvin.
"Who has a birthday?" Rakki asked, looking at the tray of fruit salad he was carrying. "Ci said I should bring this."
I chuckled. "No one has a birthday. Just eat. Sit down."
Ci took what she was holding and quickly made her sit. He laughed when he saw the Snakes already eating. We were about to dig in again when we saw Sir standing at the gate.
It would be rude not to invite them.
"Sir! Ma'am! Double cloth!" said Eren.
They quickly declined. "We just want to speak to Angelo."
Keifer and I looked at each other, then at Yuri, but he was already busy scooping rice for himself.
There, turns out he's a Serpent too.
"Eat while you wait for him," I said, and was about to get them a seat when the Ulupongs beat me to it.
"I'll just call Kuya," Aries offered, but someone beat him to it—and stared straight at me.
"Naughty brother! Sir Alvin and Ma'am Cindy are looking for you!" someone shouted from the door.
Naughty brother? Does he have a death wish?
I heard Keifer's soft laugh. Where did he get the courage? Even Sir Alvin laughed too. If my cousin gets sick, I don't know where to pick him up.
Fortunately, Kuya didn't take it seriously. He just walked straight outside to talk to the couple. I was watching them, not realizing my friends had already started eating. I was left behind.
"Hey! Don't eat all the lechon skin!" I almost cried out.
That's the only thing that should be left in the dining room. I wanted to cry. It feels like I haven't eaten in ten years. I was that excited for food. I'm honestly amazed I lasted this long. I'm a very strong creature.
Kuya came over just as I took a few bites.
"Eat now. You should join your students," Kuya said, asking someone to get a plate for the couple.
"Are you teasing us?" Ma'am Cindy asked, annoyed.
"So you'll know the true taste of food," Kuya answered seriously, and Ma'am was about to attack him but Sir just pulled her away.
Oh, pretending to be an angel, huh?
Kuya laughed mischievously, but it disappeared when he saw what was on my plate. We stared at each other before he raised an eyebrow.
"You just got out of the hospital. Why is your whole plate filled with lechon?" he asked, and the Snakes laughed. "Get up now. Tama is here."
I regretted having a body.
"Where's your strength now? The strength to flirt?" he asked, annoyed.
The Snakes laughed again, and Aries joined in. But he couldn't hold up against Kuya. Kuya's gaze shifted to him, and Aries' laughter instantly died down.
You thought I was the only target?
"You too. It's supposed to be a review, but your laptop is full of 'I love you' messages."
Ella, who was next to Aries, lowered her head and my brother looked away. That's why I hurried to leave. That's just what he does.
Great bro, great.
The Ulupongs laughed again—but fell silent when Kuya asked,
"Which one of you called me rude?"