Jay-Jay's POV
"Let your mother rest," Auntie said while cooking porridge. "She's been overworked at home."
"I feel like it's my fault," I replied.
She glanced at me. "Why? Did you infect your mother with an illness?"
I shook my head. "Maybe she got stressed from me asking about Dad."
She chuckled slightly. "I don't think so."
Since Monday, when Aries and I returned, Mom has been sick. Two days have passed, yet she hasn't recovered. I keep pacing outside her room because I can't go in—I might stress her out even more.
Is this because I kept bringing up Dad?
"What are you doing here? Are you done reviewing?" Kuya Angelo asked as he entered the kitchen and saw me with Auntie.
I looked at him. "I'm done. Aries helped me."
"Your exam is tomorrow, so sleep early."
I didn't respond. It was still too early for him to be sending me to bed—I haven't even had dinner yet.
Kuya went straight to the fridge, grabbed a Chuckie, then briefly checked his mom's cooking. Auntie looked so small compared to my cousin.
I wonder who he got his height from. Maybe from his real father.
I wish I were taller too. If I drank his Chuckie, would I grow? Maybe—but not because of the drink. Probably from all the running I'd have to do after stealing the one thing he treasures most.
Kuya walked past me when the maid called for him. He went to the living room, and I accidentally overheard them mention a name. I think I heard "David." I turned to look, trying to listen again, but they were too far away, so I had no choice but to stand up and follow them.
I was surprised but lit up when I saw who the annoyi— I mean, the visitor was.
"Ci, why are you here?" I asked.
I looked at the person beside him, who was talking to Kuya—David. He gave me a small smile and greeted me before turning back to my cousin.
Ci approached me, sobbing like a child before wrapping his arms around me and crying. Ouch. Like a kid who just lost their candy.
"D-Drew," he stammered between sobs, making me nervous.
"Why? Did something happen?" I asked, worried.
This is exactly what I feared. Drew must be in trouble. We had no clue what was happening to him—that's why he betrayed us. And now this? We couldn't even help him.
"Drew… Drew…"
He still wouldn't speak, and my mind started conjuring up all sorts of worst-case scenarios. I felt like I was about to cry too.
Dear God, please, no.
"Ci…" I called out weakly.
"Drew… Drew…" She sniffled and wiped her face. "Drew doesn't want to pay his debt."
Oh, for f*ck's sake.
I lightly smacked the little brat on the head. "You idiot."
"Ow," he muttered, moving away and wiping his face again.
"I was being serious here, and you were messing with me again."
"Hey, my crying was serious too, just not about the debt. I was really worried," he said sincerely.
"Worried?"
"He's telling the truth. he's been calling me for the past few days, worried about Drew," David added.
I turned to him, then to my cousin, who seemed to be reading my mind.
Kuya really has telekinetic abilities.
I couldn't help but feel sorry for the little brat. She had been silent when we found out who the traitor was. It was clear he couldn't accept Keifer's decision either. I understood why he was worried.
"But why did you guys come here?" I asked.
I couldn't remember us making any plans or them mentioning anything. It didn't make sense for them to visit just for me—nothing bad had happened to me since I went to see Sir.
"We have something to talk about," Kuya answered, even though I wasn't asking him.
I was about to ask more questions, but I stopped when I heard a car honk outside. Through the open gate, I saw an SUV pull up, and Mam Cindy, Sir Alvin, and Yuri stepped out. Following behind them was an expensive sports car. I could already sense who this was.
Yuri approached and greeted me.
"Good evening. How are you feeling?"
I smiled. "I'm fine. I still have some scratches, but they'll heal. How about you?"
"A bit tired. We had a hard time finding a new house."
"What about me? You're not even going to ask how I am?" Ci interjected, pointing at herself, making us look at her.
"Or at least greet us first," David added, arms crossed.
Yuri grimaced while I laughed. He reluctantly greeted both David and Ci.
I turned to look at Sir Alvin and Mam Cindy, who were now talking to Kuya. Then my gaze shifted to the man who just entered our gate.
My feet moved on their own to meet him.
I wasn't excited to see him.
I was excited about the paper bag he was holding—the one with a famous restaurant's logo.
The King of the Snakes brought gifts.
"Is that for me?" I asked.
He chuckled slightly. "No, this is for your mom."
Oh.
I did mention in my text that my mom was sick. I should've said I was sick too—then maybe he would've brought something for me as well.
Too late. I'm sad now.
Still, I took the paper bag and brought it to the kitchen for Auntie.
"Who brought this?" she asked.
"Keifer," I answered.
She nodded and started transferring the food into other containers. I left her and returned to the living room, but everyone was gone. They were already walking up the stairs. Ci was at the back, waving at me.
Where are they going? Is there a field trip inside the house? I immediately followed them. They went straight to Kuya's room.
"What's going on?" Aries asked, just stepping out of his own room. "Why are they here?"
I was about to answer, but Kuya called him. "Come here and join us."
I turned to Kuya, about to ask if I could join too, but he stopped me before I could even try.
"You stay out of this," he said, then looked at Ci. "You too. Stay outside."
Ci pouted and walked out with a scowl. I wanted to insist on staying, but Kuya was already giving me a sharp glare, so I had no choice but to step back and watch him shut the door in my face.
Ci and I looked at each other. We both felt like we'd just been kicked out of a classroom—utterly humiliated. he grinned and showed me his phone. There was an ongoing call with David.
Wow. Impressive.
We ran quickly to my room and immediately shut the door. It was like we had the same thought. he pressed the mute button and put it on loudspeaker.
"I accidentally called him earlier before we entered your brother's room. And it looks like he answered it without noticing," Ci said, giggling. "I didn't end the call because I kind of had a feeling about what would happen."
"Can we hear what they're talking about?" I asked, and we both leaned in closer to his phone.
They were all speaking at the same time, so at first, we couldn't understand anything. They only stopped when someone asked a question, and David responded.
"I didn't get to talk to Drew, but thankfully, it looks like Rory and Edrix listened to me," he started. "It's good that the shark loan still doesn't know that we're all aware of the truth. He also doesn't really care much about Ram since he already got what he wanted."
"Did he really send Drew back?" my brother asked.
"I wouldn't say he sent him back—more like he let him return. Thanks to Rory and Edrix, who managed to convince Drew to follow our plan," David replied.
What plan?
I looked at Ci, but he seemed just as clueless. I continued listening to his phone.
"So what did they discover?" The King's voice.
"They have a different target now. They want Drew to monitor you and gather information."
He was referring to Keifer as the next target of the shark loan. But why him?
"For what?" It was Ma'am Cindy's voice.
"The shark loan is also working for someone close to Keifer's dad. It's like a network. Someone knows someone," David explained.
Keifer cursed repeatedly. Who was that "someone"?
But why did they send Drew back to the shark loan in the first place? I was confused. I didn't know they were having this kind of discussion.
"It looks like your suspicions were right. According to Rory, that 'someone' is funding Ram, which is why he was able to recover quickly and gather people to get revenge on Jay-Jay," David added.
I covered my mouth. Did this mean Keifer's dad was involved? It was impossible for him to know Ram personally, but if it was a network, that meant he could also be aware of their plans for us, with this 'someone close' to him acting as the middleman.
I couldn't understand why they were getting involved. He shouldn't be interfering in our mess. I couldn't help but feel scared.
I felt like my world was shrinking. The size of a marble.
"Did I hear that right? They forced Drew to go back to that shark loan to continue his job? Didn't they consider how dangerous that is?" I said angrily, but Ci signaled me to keep quiet.
We kept listening.
"Maybe we can pull Drew out now? It's too risky," Yuri suggested, but my brother Angelo disagreed.
"It can't be sudden," he said, sighing. "Let him go back to your class and section."
"What for?"
"Let him provide information first. Then, once they start reducing contact with Drew, pull him out and make sure he cuts ties with them. Make it look like he almost got caught and is no longer useful to them."
I was suddenly impressed with what my brother said. He seemed to know exactly how to get Drew out of the shark loan without getting him hurt.
I thought he was furious because I got into trouble, but it turns out he does care.
Carebear, my brother.
"Are you okay with Drew returning to Section E?" Yuri asked, and I guessed it was directed at the King.
They were silent for a few seconds before someone spoke.
"I know you're mad at him, but he clearly told Rory and Edrix that he wants to make up for what he did. That's why he agreed to your plan," David said.
But Keifer just chuckled softly.
"I don't have a problem with him making amends. My problem is Jay-Jay's safety."
"I also want Drew to come back, but I agree with Keifer. It's just too risky, and I can't shake the thought that he might be giving information to someone else too," Yuri said.
They fell silent again, as if they were carefully thinking through their next steps. I heard someone sigh, but when I looked beside me, it was just Ci.
Ci-N, you fool!
"For now, at least let him back. The exams are tomorrow, and he needs to catch up on his grades. He's at risk of not graduating," Sir said, and it seemed like they had reached their final decision.
Ci and I looked at each other and let out a sigh of relief.
I liked the idea of him going back to Section E. But I couldn't deny that I was a bit worried. Now, Keifer was the one he had to watch and gather details on. What if he ended up getting hurt this time?
Ci ended the call when se noticed they had moved on to another topic.
"So, all this time, they had a plan for Drew?" Ci asked, deep in thought.
It was really unexpected—his confession about what he did, Keifer's decision to kick him out, and most of all, the fact that they immediately came up with a plan on what to do.
"I guess so. You heard them—they already gathered information," I replied, and she nodded.
"I also prefer it if Drew stays in Section E," she said, pouting.
I felt the same. I didn't know why, but I believed that snake needed us. What he was going through was unfair—he was facing it all alone. If anything, we should have been the first ones to help him.
But fear consumed him, so he grabbed onto whatever help was in front of him.
That's why I really didn't agree with Keifer's decision back then.
"Honestly, Drew is an idiot when it comes to money, but he's reliable," the brat added. "Did you know they used to be rich?"
I paused, thinking. I had heard the Snakes talk about that before. I also learned that he had been to other countries, but he never confirmed if it was true. He just joked about it.
"Really? Then why did they become poor?"
"I don't know, but his mom was a gold medalist in the Chess Olympiad and even competed in the World Chess Championship several times," he explained, and my jaw dropped in amazement.
That idiot—his mom was so skilled, yet he ended up gambling. Even small bets, he couldn't resist. He even got into trouble multiple times. He didn't inherit any of his mom's talent.
"What happened to them? Have you met his parents?"
He shook his head. "He doesn't let anyone go to his house. I know Blaster has been there before, but they ended up fighting."
I fell into deep thought. As deep as a well. Maybe he was just embarrassed. Maybe that's why their lives turned out this way. But I couldn't help being annoyed.
Imagine—they were already struggling financially, and yet he still gambled. If only he had saved his money instead, he could have had something to support himself. Now, he had all sorts of debts—even with the shark loan. I really hoped that after all this, he would finally learn his lesson and stop gambling.
We were about to continue our conversation about Drew's life when we were interrupted by a knock on my bedroom door.
I quickly opened it, and standing there was the King of the Snakes.
Handsome, though. Lol.
"What?" I asked, and he smiled.
"Nothing. Is it wrong to visit you?"
I glanced at Ci, who was still sitting on my bed, casually picking her nose and wiping it on my blanket.
I was about to scold him when Keifer gestured for him to leave the room.
He looked back at us before flashing a teasing smile.
What the hell is this idiot thinking now?
He stepped out slowly and closed the door, but I quickly opened it again. My cousin might suddenly appear and get the wrong idea because of the closed door. Surprise, Death! We're being fetched.
"How was your day?" the King asked as he approached me.
I felt his hand on my waist, and it was like an electric shock ran through me. He even laughed at my reaction.
"Not good, because I feel like my mom got sick because of my stubbornness. I kept mentioning my dad to her, turns out she's allergic," I explained.
"I don't think it was because of you. You also told me in your text that she might have overworked herself here at home."
We text each other all the time, but yesterday, he was slow to reply, so I stopped responding. He didn't look for me either, so I thought he might be busy. But the truth is, I was annoyed that he took so long to reply.
Too busy, so I didn't want to bother him.
I just nodded. He gently pulled me closer to him. I leaned against his chest, so I quickly put my arms between us.
"Hey, my cousin might catch us," I whispered.
"He's busy talking to Sir Alvin and Mam Cindy," he replied, shaking his head.
I bit my lip discreetly. Damn, we both want to be alone together.
"What were you guys talking about earlier?" I asked, even though I already knew the answer. I just didn't want to make it obvious that I knew the truth.
I was going to tell him what I had found out, too. I just wanted to see if he would share with me.
Because sharing your gossip is caring.
"About Drew. We just assigned him something," he answered.
"What is it?"
"Can't tell you yet, but it has something to do with the Shark Loan. He wants to make up for what he did to you… to us."
I couldn't help but worry for Drew. It's too dangerous for him to go back there. What if he gets caught?
"He's not going to get hurt, is he?"
He didn't answer. He just stared at me as if weighing whether his answer would be right or wrong.
Damn you! Choose your words wisely.
"Keifer?" I called his name, my tone carrying a slight warning.
"I-I can't confirm," he replied, avoiding my gaze.
I pulled away and hit his arm, making him flinch.
"Keifer, come on! That Shark Loan isn't just any ordinary group; they're already dragging his sister into this, remember? If only they were just like the gangs we used to fight before."
"Calm down. Rory and Edrix are making sure Drew is careful with his movements."
I sighed. "What if he's not?"
"Of course, he can do it. He already managed to move around undetected—except by Rory and Edrix. But if you think about it, he was careful enough not to get caught before, so why not now?"
He has a point. About 0.5 points.
If he hadn't confessed, we wouldn't have even found out. I just hope the King of the Vipers is right about what he said. I feel like that Shark Loan group is a huge syndicate. What chance do we have against them? Our toughness only goes as far as street fights.
He held my hand and pulled me closer to him again. "Don't worry too much."
"Of course, I can't help it. I haven't even talked to Drew or properly forgiven him yet, but to me, he's still our friend."
He rolled his eyes subtly. "Sometimes, your kindness annoys me. But then I remember—that's one of your best qualities."
I blinked. "Who's kind?"
"You," he said with a laugh. "You're too soft."
"Really? Am I that kind?"
He laughed loudly but then turned serious.
"It's actually scary. Sometimes, people forgive and let go quickly because their minds are seeking peace."
"What do you mean?"
"Your mind has been through a lot. It's exhausted, so you just let go of betrayal, abuse, pain, and anger—so your brain can have its peace of mind," he explained.
I couldn't respond. I just hugged him, resting my head on his shoulder. Because it was true. Sometimes, I wonder why I forgive so easily. It's like I just want everything to be over. I just want things to go back to how they were before all this chaos—before I felt this anger.
Now I understand.
"Please learn to set boundaries. I'm not saying you shouldn't forgive Drew or anyone else who hurts you. You can still forgive them or anyone in the future, but please, put yourself first before others."
I let out a small laugh. "That sounds like you're telling me to stay away from you too."
He fell silent for a few seconds, making me panic. I quickly faced him. He was smiling, but there was no trace of pain or anger.
"If that's how you feel it should be, then so be it," he said, about to let go of me.
I immediately smacked him on the head. "Then you should've stayed away from me a long time ago. You shouldn't have gone out of your way to make me forgive you."
He laughed loudly. "I'm just saying, just in case."
I was about to pull away, but he hugged me again. I was getting annoyed, so I pushed him lightly.
"You're pissing me off," I said, irritated.
"I'm just saying… I wasn't—"
"AND YOU'RE FLIRTING HERE IN MY ROOM?!" my cousin's voice boomed like thunder.
We quickly pulled away from each other. I stepped back fast in case my cousin's arm suddenly grew long enough to reach my ear.
"Get the f*** out of here!" he ordered Keifer, who didn't want to go at first, but I signaled him to leave.
I tried to distance myself when my cousin pointed at me and glared.
"Behave yourself. Or else, no dinner for you."
Why was he dragging dinner into this?
He signaled me to leave too. I took big strides to quickly get away from my cousin.
I didn't expect Keifer's words, but I did learn something.
The King of the Vipers really is smart.