Jay-Jay's POV
I can hear Ella sobbing behind me. Even I want to cry out loud. Percy hasn't said anything yet, but the serious look on his face is enough to make the atmosphere heavy.
"Where is he?!" Ella's voice trembles with desperation.
"P-Percy… where's Aries?" I ask.
He lowers his head for a moment before sighing. "Aries… he…" He hesitates, making me hold my breath, afraid of what he might say next. "...Aries… because…" He suddenly looks behind us. "...There! He's coming!"
I immediately turn to see what he means. Aries is walking toward us, his clothes dirty and stained with a little blood, almost as much as Percy's. But his posture is steady—he looks unharmed. Ella instantly runs to him, wrapping him in a tight embrace.
Alright… girlfriend first, sister later.
Once I make sure he's okay, I turn to face that devil Percy. But the traitor is already running away. All I hear is his crazy laugh.
"YOU'RE INSANE, PERCY! THAT WASN'T FUNNY!" I shout angrily.
"Mwuhehehehe..." is all he responds with.
Queen! I almost passed out from the anxiety. I really thought something had happened to my brother.
I turn back to Aries, who is still holding Ella in his arms. I stay quiet, not wanting to interrupt them. I'm just relieved that he's safe, that nothing bad happened. After a few seconds, Aries finally looks at me. He lets go of Ella and immediately walks over. Without hesitation, I pull him into a hug.
"That was insane, Percy! I really thought something had happened to you!" I say, pressing my head against his chest.
I'll deal with that crazy guy later.
"It's okay… It's over. No one will mess with you now," he whispers before pulling away. Then, his eyes darken as he examines my face. "...What happened to your face?"
"T-That was Sato… The guy I tried to keep away from me earlier. The marks are only now starting to show."
He hugged me again and place a light kiss on my forehead. "Sato is dead."
I freeze, pulling away. D-Dead? How? Who—? Wait! I haven't even gotten back at him yet. It's hard to believe. Yes, I hated him, but I never wished for him to die. I'm not that cruel… just cursed.
"W-Who—?"
"He killed himself," Aries cuts me off before I can finish my question.
That idiot took his own life.
"Again?!"
"Apparently, Yuri called the Japanese Embassy to have him arrested. I guess he didn't want to live with all the cases against him," Aries explains.
I nod, still processing everything. I thought one of them had done it. Speaking of Yuri… I smirk at Aries. They were together earlier, so does that mean—?
"If you're thinking we finally got along, the answer is no," Aries says flatly, making my smirk disappear.
"Then why were you together?"
"Because you needed us. That's all."
Oh dear…
I sigh, patting his head before walking away to check on Ella again. I'm happy they're both okay, but do they always have to be so stubborn? With Aries safe, my concern shifts back to Percy. Did he really have to pull that prank on us?
And then there's Yuri and their so-called Pest King. Why are they taking so long? I can't shake the bad feeling creeping into my chest. I pace back and forth, my eyes glued to the road they took. I keep hoping I'll see them walking toward us any second now.
Then suddenly—
"Ugh… Get away! You bastard!" Percy's voice echoes, what I thought it was for Honey
"Wow, you're really close to me! You're thick!" Honey responded.
"There you go! You steal praise—OUCH!" Percy shouted.
I think that crazy guy just got slapped. It's obvious that the others are getting impatient too. I even heard someone snoring. Meanwhile, Ci-N kept throwing pick-up lines at Rakki.
"Are you fine?" he asked.
"Why…" Rakki was forced to reply.
"Because you're the center of my solar system," Young Snake answered excitedly.
It was obvious that he was the only one thrilled with his own pick-up line. Rakki just sighed in response. At least they're having fun, while I'm here restless with fear. And to top it off, I'm hungry. Being hungry makes everything worse.
I might just end up biting someone…
"Are we calling the police?" I heard Drew ask.
"Let's wait for Keifer first," Eren replied.
"That's exactly why we should call the police. What if it's too late?" Drew argued.
I immediately shot him a glare.
"...Just kidding," he added quickly after seeing my expression.
"That wasn't funny!" I said, annoyed. "...Can you be me forever?"
"Go joke around with a drunk person instead... Don't worry about Jay-jay," David interjected.
I turned my back on them. These idiots aren't helping. My fear is only getting worse. I want to go there, but every time I take a step closer, Kit and Mayo block my way. I ran my hands over my face multiple times. I'm so frustrated! I feel like crying again.
Damn you, Sato! You better not be dead. I haven't even had a chance to get back at you for what you did. My scalp still hurts, and I haven't even given you a single smack in return. Just one flick to the forehead—that should be enough.
I turned my gaze back to where Percy and Aries had come from earlier. A weight seemed to lift off my chest when I saw Yuri walking towards us. I smiled, ready to meet him, but then I noticed his clothes. They were covered in so much blood that, at first glance, I thought it was his.
I swallowed hard. I can't handle this right now. I thought my fear would turn into worry, but I was wrong. Earlier, I hadn't really paid attention to Aries and Percy's clothes. They were just covered in dirt, so I wasn't immediately alarmed. But Yuri's… it was too much. Yuri greeted me with a smile, but when he noticed I was staring at his clothes, he stopped in his tracks.
"Is that blood yours?" I asked, worried but still trembling with fear.
"No, it's not mine," he answered and took off his polo shirt, but his inner t-shirt was also stained with blood.
We both looked at each other, unsure of what to say or do. He knows how I react every time I see blood.
"I-I'd like to h-hug you," I admitted, looking away. "...I was worried about you."
He also looked away. "I-I'd like that too."
Wait… what?
He glanced at his clothes for a moment, and an idea seemed to cross his mind. He dropped his polo shirt and took off his t-shirt. My eyes widened. Crap, he's topless. Worse, my eyes are glued to his body. How many times have I seen him shirtless before? But for some reason, this time feels… different.
Get a grip, you idiot!
Before I could process it any further, he moved. His steps were fast and determined, like he was in a hurry—like he was racing against time. In just a blink, I found myself pressed against his bare chest. His arms wrapped tightly around me.
"Please ignore the fact that I'm topless," he said.
How am I supposed to ignore it? His body is so warm. But that's not what's important right now. I just want him to know how worried I was about him—I know he was worried too.
"Currently ignoring," I replied. He chuckled softly. "...Why did it take you so long? Percy and Aries came back a while ago," I asked.
"Sorry, I had to call our embassy… and Otosan."
"You scared me," I said and hugged him tightly.
He didn't speak, but I felt his kiss on my forehead. I don't know why, but his hug felt strange to me. It was as if he was afraid. I was about to ask, but the snakes suddenly shouted something.
"What a shame!"
"There are so many innocents here!"
"It's terrible! You guys are so shy!"
"These two are crazy!"
"Don't look at them, Mica!"
We had no intention of paying attention to them, but Ci-N suddenly stood near us, his eyes still wide as he pointed toward the same place Percy, Aries, and Yuri had come from.
"Keifer! Keifer!" he shouted. Yuri and I quickly moved away in an instant.
We also looked in the direction he was pointing, and I almost screamed—brilliant! But there was no one there! What was he pointing at? Animal! My heart nearly leaped out of my chest in fear. But why should I be afraid? He's the one who has committed a serious sin against me.
Yes! Yes!
I immediately lunged at the young snake, but he escaped quickly, even managing to laugh out loud with his friends.
"You're one to talk! I'll catch you and Percy!"
Speaking of Keifer… why isn't he here yet?
"Yuri..." I called out to him as he was picking up his clothes. "...Did something happen to Keifer? Why isn't he here yet?"
Yuri didn't even look at me. He walked over while holding his clothes. I patted him on the shoulder with concern in my eyes.
"M-maybe he's just talking to someone. Just wait a bit," he said, forcing a smile.
I wanted to ask more, but he walked past me, clearly not wanting to continue the conversation. I wasn't sure if I should apologize. I knew I had hurt him. But if I apologized, it would feel like admitting I did it on purpose.
I chose to stay quiet. I didn't want to add to his anger. I didn't want to hurt him even more. I was worried about Keifer, but I was even more worried about Yuri now. The criticism toward me was overwhelming. It hurt too much.
I needed to make sure he was okay.
A little distance away from the Serpents, Yuri stopped to get dressed. I walked closer to him, but before I could get far, I heard the name of the person I had been waiting for.
"Keifer is…."
At first, I thought they were just messing with me again, but when I heard the sound of footsteps, I froze. Each step was slow but heavy.
I turned around slowly, my heart beating in sync with every step he took. I forgot everything I had planned to do.
Not far away, he was already wearing his coat. There wasn't even a trace of blood on his clothes. His necktie was wrapped around his right fist, as if he had used it to punch someone. His face was still the same. It didn't look like he had been in a fight at all.
Here I go again—feeling strange. Why do I feel like this every time I see him? I wasn't like this before. I want to cry, but at the same time, I want to be happy because I'm facing him. I want to hug him, but I also want to slap him.
I think I'm going to lose my mind because of this man!
"Keifer..." Ci-N called him as he greeted him.
Keifer stopped where I had been standing earlier, waiting for them. They were talking about something we couldn't hear.
He glanced at me for a moment but didn't react at all. It felt like something pierced my heart.
You really are an animal!
His conversation with Ci-N ended, and he started walking again—heading toward the exit where he and Freya had gone earlier. I couldn't move from where I was standing.
He walked past me. Not even a glance?! He passed by as if he didn't know me.
Come on! Am I a ghost or something?!
"Oh... Jay-jay is not nedma," Drew said, raising his eyebrows.
I feel like stepping on my own feet. If not—oh, I know! I know I was ignored. There's no need to make it obvious. I just need to wrap my face in a tarp and move on.
I just fell in love with Drew. All I could do was watch the King of Serpents from afar. That's it. I couldn't chase after him anymore.
But I quickly changed my mind when I saw what he did as he passed Aries and Ella. He turned around—looked at her! He looked at Ella Dianne.
He looked! He really looked!
HE LOOKED AT HIS EX-GIRLFRIEND! Wow! That infuriating woman! I just walked by, and he barely acknowledged me, but when his ex was there? He turned around! What?! Is there something going on that I don't know about?!
I am not the jealous type. I don't get jealous easily. Not at all. Nope. NO! Why should I be jealous? Is there a reason? IS THERE?! He just turned around! He looked at his ex! And yet here I am, the one he's supposedly crazy about, and he doesn't even acknowledge me?!
"Are you okay, Jay? Did you poop?" Eren asked, watching my face intently.
I don't care what he says. I'm annoyed! I'm annoyed because I shouldn't be annoyed, but I am! This is frustrating!
When it's your ex, you're not supposed to be jealous. It's over. Done. They're an ex, right? The word 'ex' literally means something that no longer exists. So why should I care?
LISTEN!
LOOK! LISTEN, EVERYONE! This is different! He turned around for his ex! Why?! Why look back at someone who's supposed to be in the past?! He should never look back for the rest of his life! Can I break his neck?
"You're really crazy..." I muttered under my breath.
Frustrated, I took off my shoe and threw it at him. It hit him squarely on the back, making him stop in his tracks.
"Jay!" Yuri gasped.
I ignored him and took off my other shoe, ready to throw it again. This time, it hit his head, making him lower his gaze.
That was when I realized—everyone was looking at me. Even Aries, who raised an eyebrow. Percy, who was just standing there, dumbfounded by my actions.
"Oh, Jay… Your socks don't match!" Ci commented, laughing.
Wow. Thanks for pointing that out!
Now, everyone was staring at my mismatched socks—one white, one black. To make things worse, my little toe was peeking out through a hole in my right sock. I didn't even realize it had a hole!
Rather than letting them laugh at me any further, I pulled off both socks and threw them at their so-called King.
"There! Eat it!" I shouted at him. "…You're an idiot! You show up, and that's it?! No attention, nothing?!"
Slowly, he walked toward us, his breathing deep and controlled. His eyes locked onto mine, serious and unreadable. But my anger wouldn't fade.
He had no right to be mad at me!
He bent down, picked up my shoes and socks, and handed them to Felix, who was standing closest to him.
"Done?" he asked, his tone emotionless.
I couldn't answer. That one word made me feel embarrassed. My frustration boiled even hotter. I wanted to rush at him, but my feet wouldn't move.
"…If that's all, I'll leave now," he added, turning away.
Unbelievable!
"Oh, you're so good at that! Turning and leaving!" I yelled. "…Fine! Go! That's all you ever do! You only know how to run away!"
"J-Jay… That's enough," Rory whispered hesitantly.
"Leave Keifer alone, he has something important to take care of," Denzel added.
"Really?!" I scoffed sarcastically. "…'Something important' or just another excuse to run away?"
I looked at him again, and this time, I saw something in his eyes—something I couldn't quite read. But I knew one thing for sure… he wasn't happy with what I said.
Still, I didn't stop.
"…You haven't even faced me about the pranks you pulled on me! And now you're leaving again? What, am I supposed to wait for you all over again?!"
"Maybe this isn't the right time to talk about that," Percy said seriously, which caught me off guard.
When Percy gets serious, it's never a good sign. But I ignored him. Instead, I stood my ground and faced the so-called Demon King.
"If you're going to leave, then leave," I said softly. "…But I can't promise you'll have anything to come back to."
"Done?" he asked again, which irritated me even more. But instead of cursing him, I just nodded.
I thought he was leaving. I thought he was going to turn his back on me again. But I was wrong.
It was as if something clicked in his brain. He took a big step toward me, his expression serious. I was about to step back, but his hands immediately grabbed my face.
"You talk too much," he said, and before I could react, our lips met. ❤️
I heard the gasps and murmurs of the Snakes and others who had witnessed us. But nothing else registered in my mind. All I knew was that I was with him. This was our moment, and we only had this one chance.
No E-SCENE!
But everything is temporary.
I suddenly felt the weight of Keifer's body pressing down on me. Less than a second later, he collapsed. His body was heavy, and we both tumbled to the floor.
"KEIFER!" I screamed.
Something was wrong! Why was this happening?
The Snakes immediately ran toward us, lifting Keifer off me so I could move. As soon as I was able, I looked at him—his face was pale, his lips colorless. I didn't understand. He had been fine just moments ago.
"Keifer! W-what's going on? Open your eyes!" I pleaded, patting his cheek.
Come on! I haven't even gotten back at you yet!
"Let me —!" Yuri's voice cut through the commotion as he pushed past the Serpents blocking his way.
He knelt beside Keifer and quickly turned him over. Though confused, I let him do what he needed to—he might know better.
As soon as Yuri lifted Keifer's coat, my breath caught. Blood. It was pooling beneath him, spilling from his back.
I had thought he wasn't injured earlier, but it was clear now—he had hidden it from us on purpose.
They tore Keifer's clothes open, revealing two deep wounds in his skin. Blood flowed from them like water from a broken faucet.
"Ci-N!" Yuri called. "...What do we do?"
Ci approached nervously. "P-Pressure… We need to stop the bleeding!"
Yuri and Ci quickly pulled off their shirts, rolling them up to press against Keifer's wounds.
"Someone call an ambulance!" David shouted.
"I'm on it!" Percy responded.
While they focused on helping their wounded King, I remained frozen, staring at my hands—stained with fresh blood. The metallic scent filled my nose, making me feel sick.
Move! Keifer needs you!
I couldn't. My head spun, my stomach churned. There was too much blood. It felt like someone was going to die. I didn't want this feeling. I didn't want the fear that gripped me.
"JAY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Yuri's angry voice snapped at me.
"...Help us!"
I trembled violently. "I-I can't… Keep him away from me."
I felt everyone's eyes on me, filled with confusion and judgment.
"...I- I'm talking to you"