Jay-Jay's POV
I haven't changed. I didn't lose consciousness. I didn't hurt what I didn't know. But why?
"Jay-Jay." Kuya Angelo called me.
Oh, frog!
I didn't realize he was coming. I thought he was just one of the nurses or doctors coming in and out of our room.
"Huh?" That was the only response I could give him.
"Where's Aries?" he asked as he placed the briefcase he was carrying on the sofa near Aries' bed.
"In the canteen. With Ella."
Kuya walked closer to me and sat on Aries' bed, which was right next to mine. He looked tired again from work.
But of course, still handsome.
"Sorry, Jay… I didn't look after you properly, so this happened."
I quickly shook my head. "I-it's not your fault. Sato is the one who did this. That's why we're in the hospital now."
Although, honestly, we didn't need to be admitted. Kuya just couldn't handle it when he saw that Aries and I looked the same. He almost sent us to the ICU.
So, Big Brother is the reason we're in the hospital. Mind-blowing!
"Why did you come here? You should go home and rest first," I said when I noticed him rubbing his temples.
"Sato…" he started. "...Tiger knows him."
Son of… PPAP?!
My eyes widened at what he said. That crook who owns Kingsground? I'll make his yellow hair black.
"H-how?"
"That fool knows a lot of people. I wouldn't be surprised if they knew each other." He sighed.
Acquaintances? Well, that arrogant guy can't have a good reputation. His wanderlust must have eaten his brain.
I watched Kuya's troubled expression. It was like he was thinking about something deep. Like he was suppressing flatulence or trying not to burp.
"W-is there a problem?"
He shook his head and forced a smile. "Nothing serious."
I wasn't convinced. I could feel something was wrong. I was getting nervous. Maybe something crazy was about to happen in my life.
Shit! Did I win the lottery without even placing a bet?!
"Kuya… the truth? You're making me nervous."
I looked at him seriously, and that's when I realized something bad was on his mind.
"I'm thinking about how I'm going to break his skull," he said seriously. "...He gave Sato information about you."
Terrifying!
I blinked. "Let me handle this. Please."
"Why?" he asked, surprised.
"I'm going to break that sneaky Tiger's skull! That traitor!" I said, annoyed.
Kuya shook his head. "He's not a traitor."
"What do you mean, he's not? He's the one who gave Sato information about us!"
That's probably why Rakki and the others sympathized even when they didn't need to. Maybe Tiger told Sato something. Of course, that's why Sato believed him.
Heaven help us!
"Tiger is talkative. He's like a walking newspaper. I think he told Sato about you unintentionally," Kuya explained.
Even if it wasn't intentional, he still shouldn't have shared that kind of information. What if next time, it's Death asking the questions? That could be the end of us.
"I'm still going to hit him!"
"I'll do it for you," Kuya replied.
"Haizt!" I shouted, messing up my hair in frustration.
Sato is always consistent in gathering information about us. That's why Gago always seems to know what to do. That's why he knows every possible place we could go.
"I heard what happened to you," he suddenly said, making me stop in my tracks.
"Wh-which one?"
"You panicked again when you saw blood."
I looked away. I didn't want to talk about it. Even Aries teased me about it, but I just chose to ignore him. Kuya seemed to notice my reaction and let out a deep sigh.
He stood up and walked toward the door. "I'll just go see Aries."
"S-sure."
I only heard the door close before I lay down on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
I was relieved that I didn't change after seeing blood. But why? That was the question running through my mind ever since we were both rushed to the hospital.
At that time, I wanted to get away from them all. From him... from Keifer. I really wanted to help him. I wanted to do what Yuri was doing, but fear overcame me—the fear of blood and the fear that my vision might go dark, that I might do something I wouldn't be aware of.
I rolled over on the bed, feeling ashamed.
After everything Keifer did to save us, this was how I repaid him? I had no right to judge the Snakes anymore. They were right—I deserved it.
Even though I was worried about him and really wanted to see him, I decided not to. I'd just stay here in our room and wait.
"Shh!"
I froze in bed.
There was no one else in the room but me. Kuya Angelo had just left, so no one could have made that sound.
"Psst! Jay-jay," someone whispered my name.
I clutched the blanket wrapped around me, my stomach tightening with fear. Jusko! This is exactly why I hate hospitals—too many bad vibes.
I suddenly felt a presence behind me—someone coming closer. I squeezed my eyes shut tightly. You are pure! Don't show yourself to me! Then, out of nowhere, something hit my arm.
I screamed and almost jumped off the bed.
"GET AWAY FROM ME! GHOST!" I shrieked, feeling lightheaded.
"Who's a ghost here?!" a familiar voice retorted.
I stopped and looked up—only to see them.
Young Snake grinned widely beside me, standing next to Felix, who wasn't far away. And, of course, his brother, who always acted so high and mighty.
"Didn't you hear us knocking and opening the door?" Felix asked, laughing.
"Of course not! I was alone!" Percy answered for me.
He walked over to Aries' bed and lay down. If Horoscope caught him there, he'd probably get smacked. Ci sat beside me, prompting me to sit up as well.
"I thought you were asleep," he said.
"I can't sleep here. I just want to go home," I complained. "...Why are you here?"
The three of them exchanged glances before answering.
"He's awake," Ci said with a smile. "...And he's looking for you."
I looked away. I was happy to know he was awake, but I couldn't face him. Maybe not anymore.
"P-please tell him I'm resting," I told them.
"No way!" Felix quickly responded.
I raised an eyebrow at him.
"He sent us to pick you up," Percy said in a bored tone, closing his eyes. "...If you don't go, he'll come here himself."
That guy is really stubborn.
"So, let's go! We even brought you a wheelchair," Ci said, grinning as he gestured to it beside Felix.
I frowned. "What am I? Crippled?"
"It's just so we can carefully take you to him," Felix explained.
"He told us to wrap you in bubble wrap," Percy said while scratching his foot and then sniffing his fingers.
That's disgusting!
"Then let's put her in the balikbayan box. Clever!" Ci said sarcastically.
I slapped my forehead. I already knew where this conversation was heading. Even Felix sighed.
"At least I understand the meaning of 'care.' What about you? Wheelchair? You even made Jay-jay crippled!" Percy retorted, annoyed, as he pointed at Ci.
"And you, O.A! You turned Jay-jay into luggage!" Young Snake wouldn't back down.
Percy looked like a boy about to lose a fight. He stopped jumping on the bed and poked Ci.
"I—you!" he stammered, frustrated but at a loss for words. "...TALL!"
And it just got personal!
I could see Ci's nostrils flaring. Percy seemed shocked by what he had just said. He straightened up as if ready to take on his opponent.
"SHUT UP!" Ci snapped.
Suddenly, Percy grabbed his belt and started to unbuckle it.
"You want to put on a show?!" Ci challenged.
I quickly grabbed my pillow to cover my eyes, and Felix immediately turned away.
"Hey! Hey! Hey! Are you out of your mind?! There's a girl here!" Felix shouted at Percy.
Percy smirked mischievously and pointed at Ci like a child. Adjusting his belt, he said, "…Get a bag over there!" Then, with a wicked grin, he added, "After all, you're the bag because you're still not tall enough."
"I'm only 15!" Ci protested.
"Hey! I wasn't that short when I was 15!" Percy shot back.
"Yeah, I heard you were the shortest among your friends," Felix teased, laughing.
"I'm tall now!" Percy defended himself.
I just shook my head at the three of them. They never grow up! What started as them teasing me somehow turned into a prank war. My head hurt just watching them.
Crazy people!
"Can you two argue outside? You're making me dizzy," I said, exasperated.
They turned to look at me at the same time.
"Should I call a doctor?" Percy asked, confused.
I glared at him. "Just get out, and I'll feel better."
"Where's Keifer?" Young Snake asked.
"Just tell him I'll come later when I'm feeling okay," I said, needing a break.
"S-alright. Rest first," he replied, then walked out, followed by Felix and Percy.
Finally! Peace and quiet!
I adjusted my pillow and lay back down, hoping to fall asleep again. But then my stomach growled.
Great. I'm hungry. That's not a good sign.
They said they would buy me food, but so far, nothing. Even my brother went to look for them, but he hadn't returned either.
Then I heard my phone ringing on the bedside table. Luckily, the Serpents found it after Freya and I collided at school. I picked it up and saw the name GagongBaliw flashing on the screen.
📩
From: Gagong Baliw
Message: Can't wait to be with you!
Here he goes again. He keeps texting me even though I never reply. I reread our previous conversations.
With every message, it became more obvious—he was Keifer. But how was that possible? On his birthday, there was a picture of him, yet Gagong Baliw also messaged me. I have one way to find out who he really is. But it will cost me—a lot of load.
Where can I get a load?
I checked my balance. Just a few pesos left. I'll have to text Kuya to send me more. While waiting, the door suddenly burst open—upside down!
The way it swung open was so aggressive, like an attack. I gasped, almost dropping my phone.
"Son of a—" I muttered under my breath, waiting for the shameless intruder to reveal themselves at the door.
And I didn't have to wait long because the Bee appeared!
"Where's Percy?!" She asked angrily as she stormed in.
She didn't wait for my answer. She immediately looked around and even opened the bathroom door. What could this be?
"Where is that Percy?!" She demanded as she approached me.
I raised my eyebrows at what she was wearing. Gaga was dressed in a trench coat while holding her big and beloved bag. Was it cold in the Philippines? Was it raining heavily?
"I-I don't know. But why are you wearing that?" I asked, pointing at her outfit.
She tightened the belt and stepped closer to me. Was this a problem? I could adjust!
"This is as badass as Percy! I even wore my favorite costume for him, and yet he hid from me again!" She complained, sounding like she was about to cry.
I felt a little sorry for her. She always made an effort for Percy, yet Percy kept avoiding her.
That guy is crazy too. He should just talk to her properly instead of running and hiding all the time.
"Why are you still wearing a costume? Are you insane?"
She rolled her eyes. "I'm guessing it's for Percy."
I coughed slightly and got serious. If Percy couldn't do it, then I would. Honey was pitiful too.
"You know… if I were you, I'd stop chasing Percy. He's just making you feel bad. Haven't you noticed?"
She immediately gave me a sharp glare but didn't say anything. I continued.
"We're not exactly friends, and I have no reason to be concerned about you. But you're acting like you don't realize what's happening. People are just making fun of you. It's a shame—you're beautiful, but if you keep doing this…"
Of course, I'm still better!
She kept staring at me until I noticed a tear slip from one of her eyes. She quickly wiped it away.
"This is so annoying!" She muttered before sitting down on Aries' bed. "...I really like him. I don't fall for people often." She sounded like a child. "This isn't something I usually do! I only did it for him!"
She dropped her big bag to the side and took something out—a white T-shirt and short shorts.
I glanced at the bedroom door, relieved to see it was closed. She removed the trench coat, revealing what she was actually wearing.
Gaga was in a bunny costume. Why did that look familiar? I thought for a moment.
Bunny? Bunny? Bunny?! BUNNY?!
Wait a minute! That's from the Halloween party last year! That's where I first saw her—not at Keigan's girlfriend's birthday dinner.
But wait, something suddenly clicked in my memory.
"Honey…" I called out as she struggled to reach the zipper of her costume. "...Did we meet at the Halloween party last year?"
She looked at me for a moment. "Did we?"
"Yes… and then the next time we met was at Keigan's girlfriend's birthday dinner."
"Yeah, the time you punched me! I almost ran to a plastic surgeon after that!"
She was still trying to reach the zipper of her costume.
"Then why did you pretend we didn't know each other when we met again? You told him, you were working."
She stopped what she was doing and sighed. "That was his order. He told me never to greet him in public. Maybe because of this costume or whatever." He struggled again to reach the zipper. "He's so dramatic. You know, he's my type. I didn't want him to be rude to me like that."
So that's why Percy acted indifferent whenever Honey flirted with him in front of me. That guy's mind works in the weirdest ways.
That idiot—he's full of nonsense.
"Help me take this off!" Honey ordered me.
She finally asked for help. I had been watching her struggle for a while. I wanted to help her reach the zipper, but I was afraid she'd get mad at me.
I was just about to reach for it when the door suddenly swung open, and Kuya Angelo walked in.
"Jay-Jay, come eat—" He stopped in his tracks when he saw Honey.
"...Sorry."
"Angelo… nice to see you again," Bee greeted him with a smile.
"Hi." Kuya nodded a few times in acknowledgment.
He tried to shift his gaze to me, but his eyes automatically returned to Honey's body. My eyebrows furrowed. Men are really something else. Even Kuya has no self-restraint.
Seriously, guys!
"My food!" I said, annoyed.
He handed me the paper bag and immediately went back to where he was standing earlier.
"I-I'll head out first," he said before quickly walking away.
I turned to Honey, whose smile stretched from ear to ear. She looked thrilled as if she was enjoying the misunderstanding. Here she goes again! Looks like she has a new target.
"Why do I have this weird feeling?" she mused, and I raised an eyebrow at her.
"…When I look at Angelo, it's like I see Keifer. Especially at Keifer's birthday party. They're like brothers."
Well, that's only natural. They used to be together all the time.
"Also, Yuri and Aries have a resemblance to Kuya Angelo's demeanor."
She looked at me as if deep in thought. "You don't get it. Keifer has this intimidating aura—the same one I feel every time I see Angelo. It's like they're connected."
I thought about it. There was a time when Keifer felt like an older brother, but I also see that in Aries and Yuri. Sometimes in Percy too, but not always.
"Maybe you're just imagining it," I said.
"You know, he could be the brother of the three—Keifer, Keigan, and Keiren. And now, another resemblance? Could he be their missing brother?"
I'm going to hit this girl! She always lets her imagination run wild.
"Does Keifer look like someone who's missing a brother?" I asked sarcastically.
"Whatever. Just take it off," she ordered, turning her back.
I did as she said and was almost finished when the door suddenly opened again. I thought it was Kuya Angelo, but someone else appeared before us.
"What are you doing here?!" Honey asked, glaring at Felix, who was eyeing her from head to toe.
"Why are you wearing that?!" he snapped, closing the door behind him.
He immediately walked over, grabbed the trench coat from the bed, and tried to put it on her.
"Cover up! You're embarrassing yourself!" he scolded.
"What?! I'm getting dressed!" Honey protested.
"Go change! I don't like what you're wearing—it's embarrassing, Jay-Jay! What if his brother comes in?!" He continued, still trying to put the coat on her.
One dew?
Honey had no choice when Felix grabbed her clothes, along with her bag. He also took her hand and tried to drag her out.
"Do you have a problem? Let me go!" she struggled, but Felix was stronger.
Before they reached the door, something suddenly came to mind. I shouted to get their attention.
"Felix! Load me up!" I yelled.
"Alright! 1,000 more!" he answered.
They finally left, and I was left in peace.
Now, it's time to do the most important thing.
Eat! Let's eat!
📝
Note: Friends Chapter 260 is not the End of Book-2, a supplementary chapter is uploaded named "Part Two End - Gagang Baliw" go and read it, this is where Book - 2 Ends. 🤗