JAY-JAY'S POV
Piglet! The sheep actually has a mother!
But look at you, Watson. That's it!
"Shit," I whispered, trying to wipe the ink that had spilled all over my desk.
"Tissue?" David offered me a tissue he had somehow gotten from somewhere.
I took it and tried to wipe away the remaining stain. It couldn't dry out now, or else it would be even harder to remove.
I hadn't even realized I had broken my ballpoint pen. The ink had immediately spread across my hands and the desk. Thankfully, Ci managed to move my other stuff away before the ink could ruin them.
"Are you alright?" Sir asked me.
I looked at my ink-covered hands. This was going to be a nightmare to clean off.
I stood up and looked at Sir. "I just need to go to the restroom."
I didn't wait for his response. In my rush to leave, my chair scraped against the floor, and my desk nearly toppled over. Since class had already started, the hallways were empty. I hurried straight to the restroom and turned on the faucet, vigorously scrubbing my hands.
The stinging sensation intensified with every wash. I used multiple rounds of soap and rinsing, but the ink refused to fade. Instead, my skin started to burn.
Damn it! This is so annoying!
I pressed my palms against the sink and bowed my head. I wanted to scream. I wanted to cry. Anything to relieve the tightness in my chest.
A whole month. That's how long he disappeared for his inheritance. That's how long I waited. That's how long I hoped. That's how long he left us hanging. And now, after all this time, after being consumed by the thought that he would never come back—he suddenly reappears?
I feel like I'm losing my mind with all this anger trapped inside me. Everyone else knew he was coming home. Aries knew. Ella even saw him. They were talking about me over the phone.
I turned off the faucet and looked at myself in the mirror.
Great. Just great.
I walked into class looking like a mess! And he saw me like this. I groaned in frustration.
"It's Yuri!" I grumbled to myself.
I didn't even look human when I entered. If I had known, I would've at least fixed my hair beforehand. Maybe put on some lipstick.
"I look awful," I muttered, nearly collapsing from embarrassment.
Seriously?!
My hair was an uncombed, frizzy mess. My uniform was wrinkled. To top it off, my lips were chapped, and a pimple was peeking out from my forehead.
"You look like a disaster," I told my reflection.
I don't want to go back. I can't go back. I'll tell my brother I dropped out. Maybe I'll return next year.
But of course, that's not an option.
Ugh! They're probably laughing at me right now. And Sir Alvin? He must be enjoying this. This was all planned, wasn't it? A setup! A trap!
I tried to shake off my thoughts, but then I remembered the way he looked at me earlier. I barely glanced at him. It didn't feel real. Or maybe… it wasn't real? Maybe I was just hallucinating. Maybe my mind was playing tricks on me.
Yeah! That must be it!
He wasn't actually there. That wasn't him sitting in class. It wasn't him! IT WASN'T HIM! I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Calm down.
I straightened my appearance and left the restroom. With a forced sense of normalcy, I walked back into the classroom as if nothing had happened.
As I returned to my seat, I noticed the tissues were gone, and most of the ink had been cleaned, though some stains remained. I sat quietly, aware of the lingering stares.
"Are you okay?" Sir asked when I sat down.
"O-okay," I replied.
Sir nodded and unfolded his lesson plan. Ci handed me my things and gave me a small smile. I just raised an eyebrow at him—he was obviously up to something.
I dug through my bag, searching for another ballpoint pen. I found only one left, meaning I had to be careful. No more breaking pens.
I handed David's notes back and thanked him. Sir was about to start when he suddenly remembered something. That's when I felt like a kettle about to whistle.
"You missed a lot of lessons, Watson. Do you need a recap, or should I just give you a copy of the notes and let your classmates help you?"
Sir, do you think you're funny? Are you meditating, Sir? Are you bald, Sir? Do you think this is a joke, Sir? Well? Answer me, Sir!
I was on the verge of exploding—anger, frustration, and even hunger all mixed together. That Watson is not real! Stop making fun of me!
"Just give me a copy, and I'll ask someone to help me," He muttered.
The room fell silent.
Wait.
Did… did Watson just answer?
Friend! Watson answered. He actually answered! These hallucinations are getting worse. This isn't a good sign. This is mental!
"Alright. You have plenty of classmates who can help you," Sir said.
"Yeah, but one is enough," Watson replied.
He spoke again.
This isn't just hallucination anymore.
What?!
I need to confirm what's happening.
I tore a piece of paper from my notebook, scribbled something down, then folded it.
📝 "I'm not crazy yet, am I?"
I simply handed it to David. Ci doesn't seem to be in the mood, so I'll just ask him instead.
Although surprised, he still accepted the letter, opened it, and began to read. He chuckled a little before answering.
📝 "It depends on your definition of crazy, because mine is—yes, you are definitely crazy."
I read his response when he returned the paper to me. I felt like stabbing him with a ballpoint pen. My question was serious, yet he still teased me.
📝 "I'm hallucinating. I can hear him in the room."
I wrote on the paper again before folding it and handing it back to him. As he was reading my note, the Serpents started making noise behind us.
"You just came back and already ran into someone," Felix said, lightly stomping on his elbows.
David lost the will to answer my letter. Instead, he turned to me and smiled. I thought that was the end of it, but of course, this was David—the one who always closes his eyes yet has a sharp social instinct. He refused to be caught off guard in front of his Ulupong fellows.
He approached me and motioned for me to come closer. I did and listened to what he had to say.
"No, this isn't a hallucination. He's here, and if you really want confirmation—" He pinched both my cheeks with one hand. "Turn around."
At the same time, I turned my head toward the direction where I had been facing earlier.
My heart felt like dynamite when our eyes met. One eyebrow was raised, and his head was slightly tilted, as if questioning my assumption. A faint smile played on his lips for a moment.
Queen! He's really here!
I immediately slapped David's hand away. I sat back properly and looked straight ahead. Sir and I locked eyes as he chuckled at me. I quickly opened my notebook and waited for him to write on the board.
My mind was floating. It's real! It's not a hallucination. That thing is really here. Or maybe David is just as crazy as I am? But that seems unlikely, considering he's usually more asleep than awake.
And here's the stupid part. Oh, he's here. Shameless is here! That bastard actually came back! While he's been out there studying, buying whatever he wants. He probably owns his own school by now. If he can buy a plane, he can buy a building. He could even buy a teacher. A classmate. A friend. And, of course, a woman—the only thing he truly needs.
Lies!
I would have liked it if he came back. But what does it even matter now? Does his return change anything? Will this thing lessen my guilt? No—it only makes it worse.
First of all, the bastard tricked me. "I used you. I used you", he said. Crazy! Then he left us hanging. Abandoned like stray puppies. We fought so much after he was gone because there was no one left to keep them in check. And then—then—THEN HE EVEN PRETENDED TO BE MY TEXT MATE, THAT BASTARD! His name fits him: Gagang Baliw.
I want to hit my head against the desk. Just remembering our text conversations makes me want to be buried alive and never see him again.
Sweetie! WHISIT! WHISIT!
"Mariano," Sir called out.
I immediately looked at him, and he seemed slightly startled by my reaction. I knew I looked ready to commit murder, but I didn't care. I might actually end up doing it later.
"Yes, Sir? What is it now?" I asked calmly, though the threat in my tone remained.
Sir Alvin has been watching me for a while now.
"Do you have a problem?" he asked, glancing at my hand.
I followed his gaze and immediately let go when I saw that my ballpoint pen was buried into my desk, snapped in half from the pressure. Luckily, the ink didn't spill. I quickly composed myself. I needed to calm down. There was no reason to be this angry.
"N-nothing. I just felt like stabbing something," I replied.
He nodded and returned to what he was doing. But now, I had a new problem—I had no pen.
I tried borrowing one from David, but he was already slumped over, knocked out. I didn't want to wake him up, considering how hard he'd been fighting off sleep.
I glanced across the room and noticed Batang Kumag munching on something, still smirking at me.
"We'll talk later," I whispered. "Lend me a ballpoint pen."
"Promise. I wouldn't dare hide it from you," he whispered back after swallowing his food.
He rummaged through his bag and pulled out a ballpoint pen. But when he tested it on his palm, no ink came out.
"It's dry. I'm using this one," he whispered.
I had only one option left—the person who was always prepared for things like this. Unfortunately, just thinking about it gave me a stiff neck. I couldn't even turn properly.
I had no idea how to borrow a pen from him. I didn't expect him to have one, considering these idiots rarely write. Except for Eren and Josh—who are diligent but annoying.
I considered texting him instead, in case he didn't notice me. But maybe I should just stop writing altogether since I had no pen. Besides, what else could I do? If I wasn't distracted, I might actually go insane thinking about what was happening behind me.
I was tempted to turn around.
I really needed a ballpoint pen. I could wait for David's, but I had no idea where he had put it. As for Sir, he probably wouldn't lend me one—he was too protective of his ballpoint pens, and I'd only end up breaking it. He might not even let me leave to buy a new one.
I really had no choice.
I sighed, touched the side of my neck, and slowly turned to face Yuri—just enough to see him while avoiding eye contact with the person next to him.
He was hunched over, flipping through his notebook. I wanted to call his name, but I didn't want to make a scene. I observed him for a moment. He said something to the person next to him—words I couldn't hear.
They talked for a while before Yuri finally looked forward again. I subtly waved my hand to get his attention. Thankfully, he noticed me right away.
"A ballpoint pen," I said, but no sound came out.
He frowned and leaned in slightly. I repeated myself, but he looked even more confused. I was close to collapsing, and my neck was killing me. I gestured with my hand as if writing and spreading out my palm.
He looked at the ballpoint pen he was holding, raising it with a questioning look. I quickly nodded but winced from the pain in my neck.
He reached into the bag and pulled out the pen. I was still staring at it when I realized—I was going to love it.
It can't be used to stab.
He was about to stand up to hand it over, but this animal next to him was faster! I almost pinched myself in frustration. I didn't want to face him, but I really needed that pen.
Stab him! Animal!
I used my humor to mask my discomfort and lessen the pain in my neck. He held the pen as if someone was watching him.
He said something to Yuri, but I couldn't hear it.
Then, he turned to face me, making my heart jump. If I could, I would have punched it just to calm myself down. I looked up at him, even though every part of me wanted to run and scream. I held my ground and met his gaze.
I will not back down from you.
He looked like he wanted to run a hand through his hair.
What now?!
His face seemed smoother.
Well, so is mine!
He looked paler now.
Why do I care about his skin tone?!
His lips were redder.
Is he wearing lipstick?!
It felt like a lot had changed about him.
Well, so have I!
It had only been a month, yet it felt like years had passed.
I never really felt like he was gone.
"Melt," Ci commented, making me turn to him quickly. I grabbed my neck for a moment.
Damn it, my neck is broken.
He was obviously holding back laughter. His nostrils flared slightly as he tried to keep a straight face.
I made a face at him before turning back to Yuri. I signaled with my hand for him to find the ballpoint pen. He immediately pointed at the person next to him—the one now sitting down and watching me.
A smug smile played on his lips as he twirled the pen in his hand.
I had a bad feeling about this.
I had no intention of torturing myself just for that sneaky thief's pen.
If you don't want to give it, then don't.
I adjusted my seat and turned to Sir. No pen? No writing. I'll just borrow notes again.
I was getting very close to learning David's handwriting style. It was impressive how he took notes—barely awake in class, yet still managing to scribble things down before passing out again. Maybe that's why his handwriting looked rushed.
As Sir continued teaching, I couldn't help but overhear the conversation behind me. I frowned.
"Don't we get a welcome gift?" Drew asked.
"I'd be happy with chocolate," Eren said.
"Even if it's just for my baby," Denzel added.
"Don't they have shoes over there?" Rory chimed in.
"I want a double-decker bus," Blaster said.
The audacity of these people. A whole different level of begging.
They were definitely mad at Kei-Kwanan for leaving us hanging. Maybe that's why he sent Ci-N a plane—to pick us up.
Where are all those people who swore their King would never return? Now that he was right in front of them, they had nothing to say.
Wow. So fake.
Our class with Sir Alvin ended. I knew the next teacher would arrive soon, so I still had time to buy a pencil and a ballpoint pen.
I gathered my things and was about to stand up when a hand holding a ballpoint pen blocked my path. I stepped back and immediately looked up to see who it was.
The most, most, most unique of all the Snakes stared at me without any expression.
My chest tightened as something stirred inside me. My thoughts went haywire, and I could feel sweat forming on my forehead.
Why is it suddenly hot in here?
I quickly noticed the silence around me and glanced at the others. They had all turned their backs, coughing awkwardly as if trying to escape the scene.
I turned back to their King, who was clearly waiting for me to take the pen from his hand.
"N-not anymore. I'll just buy one," I said, standing up.
"I'll buy it for you," he replied, lowering the pen onto my desk. "What brand?"
I couldn't ignore the slight shift in his voice. It had deepened a little, like he had matured overnight.
"Don't," I said briefly and made to leave, but he grabbed my wrist.
Excuse me?!
It was like electricity shot through me. I yanked my hand away immediately, eyes wide in disbelief.
GERMS!!!
A small smirk formed on his lips. "What?"
"D-don't... what… d-don't… hold," I stammered before coughing to cover up my nervousness.
What is wrong with me? Why am I acting like this? It's just Kei-Kwanan.
I could hear the quiet snickers of the Ulupongs even though their backs were turned.
You guys are not helping.
"Just tell me the brand name," he said, pulling out his phone.
I blinked at his brand-new, high-end model. Is it his face or his phone that will break first if I throw it at him?
"W-what for?" I asked, irritation creeping into my voice.
"I'll buy you. Is the whole factory okay?" he asked arrogantly.
Whore!
I want to strangle him right now. Nothing will change the fact that he's a Serpent. It looks even worse because he inherited his wealth.
"Alright. As long as I get to stab you with everything," I said, annoyed, and turned my back on him.
I continued with my plan to buy a ballpoint pen—a whole box—so that when I'm down, I can really stab him with one.
When I returned to the classroom, I immediately noticed how quiet it was. At first, I thought it was because the teacher had already arrived, but it turned out he came later. Their King was gone, and it seemed like the plan to buy the whole factory was real.
I sat down and began arranging my things. I also returned Yuri's ballpoint pen to him. I noticed his crooked smile, so I immediately smacked him.
As I settled into my seat, that fool, Kei-kwanan, walked in.
He was carrying a big red bag, looking like Santa Claus ready to hand out gifts. I didn't pay him any attention until he stopped in front of me.
"After class, we need to talk," he said, and I immediately felt drained.
"Who said I was willing?" I asked bluntly.
He smirked arrogantly. "I knew you'd say that."
Without warning, he emptied the contents of his bag onto my desk. The fresh scent of expensive chocolate filled the air. There was so much that some fell to the floor, and the starving ones quickly picked them up.
"Put it back," he ordered, and his Serpent friends scrambled to obey.
I literally drooled at the mountain of chocolate in front of me. Some brands were familiar, while others I had only ever seen on the internet. There were big ones, small ones, fancy containers, simple cartons, and, of course, the assorted-flavor collections that I could never afford.
Take it!!
"Listen up! No one is allowed to take their share until Jay-Jay gets hers!" he shouted, and his Serpent friends immediately protested.
"Jay-Jay!!"
"Take it!"
"Come on! You'll regret it later!"
They yelled in unison. It wasn't enough for them to just shout in my face—they also pushed me, urging me to take the chocolates and forget my anger.
Wait… Am I even angry? I don't remember being angry.
Kei-kwanan leaned close to my face. I instinctively moved back, avoiding any potential disaster.
"Let's see how long you can hold onto that ego of yours," he said with a wink. ❤️
I'm dead.