JAY-JAY'S POV
Maybe if the nurses saw me inside the nursery, they would be mad at me. I kept looking at Freya, then back at the babies she was looking at. Then I looked at him again, then back at the babies, then at him again, then at the babies once more, then at him again.
"You won't stop?" Freya asked without looking at me. "You look crazy."
I scratched my head. I didn't know how to talk to her. I wanted to apologize for what I said before she slapped me. But I was having second thoughts because her slap hurt so much that she should take back what I said.
There's more.
She took a deep breath before turning to face me, her eyebrows raised high. I knew she was about to attack me again, so I needed a counterattack.
"Eyebrow stabbing," I said, and she looked fed up with me.
"Seriously?" She asked sarcastically.
I pressed my lips together. I really should think before I speak. I often get hurt because I don't know how to hold my tongue.
"W-what is..." I scratched my head.
"Are you jealous of my eyebrows?" She asked bluntly.
I didn't like that. It stung.
I shook my head. "I-I just wanted to apologize for what I said before you hit me."
I could see the seriousness on her face. I had heard this from Yuri before and read about it in his conversation with Aries, but it still felt different to have one of them confirm it.
"Really? He actually gives you money?"
A part of me didn't want to know the truth because I couldn't understand why Keifer did that. I felt like there was a deeper reason behind it.
But I also knew it was easy for the King of Snakes to hand out money. I didn't know if, back then, that was just his way of helping.
"Yeah, he did give me money." She blinked before turning to face me. "But thanks to you, he suddenly stopped."
I pointed at myself. "Why me?!"
It felt like I was being accused of a crime I had nothing to do with.
"Well, I don't know! It just happened that when he started falling for you—no, when he started messaging you consistently—he stopped sending me money," she answered, annoyed.
"Well, I don't know either! How was I supposed to know about you two—!"
I stopped when a nurse suddenly stood in front of us.
"Maybe you could lower your voice? This isn't the street," she said calmly but with irritation.
"I-I'm sorry," I said, and she nodded before walking away.
I hadn't realized how loud we had gotten. I bit my lip to keep myself from speaking.
She felt guilty.
We went back to watching the babies inside the nursery. They all looked so cute, sleeping soundly. But I couldn't seem to spot Grace's baby.
"Where is Grace's baby?" Freya asked.
"She's not here. Since she was born outside the hospital, she can't be placed with the other babies. They consider her contaminated or exposed to bacteria," she explained.
I couldn't help but be amazed by what she said. It was like she knew a lot about childbirth and babies.
"Guess what... Her?"
"Grace's daughter?" I asked in shock.
She raised an eyebrow at me. "You were already holding the child earlier, and you didn't even notice?"
I shook my head. "Because he's so small, I was afraid to move his legs."
She sighed, exhausted. "Girl. She looks healthy, even though she's premature. I really hope nothing bad happens."
"It's your fault because you fought me," I said under my breath.
She immediately shot me a glare. "Wow, coming from you."
I was about to respond when a doctor approached us. I thought we were going to be scolded again for making noise, but Freya looked at him with concern.
"Did you assist Ms. Miller in giving birth?" the doctor asked. Freya simply nodded in response.
"Where did you learn? You handled everything well. But it was still dangerous because both the mother and baby were exposed. In addition to the baby being premature, we can't be sure if the umbilical cord cutter you used was sterilized. Next time, it's better to call an ambulance."
"I know. I was just caught off guard when she felt the baby's head. How are she and the baby doing?"
The doctor, who was still holding a chart, glanced down to read something before turning to Freya to answer.
"They're safe. Ms. Miller is most likely just exhausted, but her blood pressure is normal. The baby, however, has sepsis."
Sepsis? Is that an illness?
"W-what is sepsis?" I asked worriedly.
This is exactly what I feared—something bad happened to the baby. What am I supposed to say to Denzel? I made a promise, and now we're in the hospital with his son in trouble.
"It's an infection," the doctor explained. "It can be treated with antibiotics. It's not that serious—many babies develop sepsis because they contract it from the mother."
So, it turns out Grace is at fault.
I sighed in relief at the doctor's explanation. I had completely thought the baby was in grave danger because he was born prematurely.
"Just take the baby to Ms. Miller's room," the doctor added, then turned to Freya again. "You could be an obstetrician—you have the skills."
The doctor left, and we thanked him. I noticed that Freya's earlier concern had faded slightly. But she still seemed deep in thought about the baby and Grace.
Because, really, this was her fault.
Only now did it become clear to me that she was also worried about her former friend. I wasn't sure if her teasing and insults toward Grace had been genuine or just an act.
"I was so nervous—I thought something terrible would happen to them," I murmured.
"It's a relief that nothing did," she replied before shooting me a playful glare. "But, oh! I almost didn't catch you."
I immediately scowled at her. "Why me? Maybe you were the one who rushed."
"You never back down, do you?"
"Neither do you."
"Can you two argue outside?" a nurse snapped. "You've been causing a disturbance for a while now."
That shut us up.
I bowed my head in embarrassment, while Freya lifted his chin defiantly. Neither of us wanted to say anything back or respond to the nurse standing before us. We might get kicked out.
"One more word, and I'll call security to escort you out," she threatened.
I immediately pressed myself against the wall to avoid her piercing glare. I was already humiliated from being scolded earlier—it would be even more embarrassing if we got thrown out.
The nurse walked away, still glaring at us. I turned back to Freya to speak properly, but I stopped when I saw her staring at her phone.
Someone was calling, but the name displayed was "Blacklisted." She didn't answer. She just stared at the screen, as if she were watching a video clip.
I suddenly wondered who was calling her.
"Aren't you going to answer?" I asked.
"What for? He'll just say the same thing over and over again."
The call ended, but only a second later, the same name appeared on the screen again. She ignored it once more.
"Is… is Percy not here?"
I felt embarrassed to ask, but I wanted to confirm. Thankfully, she didn't seem irritated by the mention of that name.
My stepbrother's name always carried a certain weight.
"I've changed my number multiple times, but here he is again. Does he really not know how to give up?" she said, her tone calm but laced with annoyance.
I quickly felt sorry for my stepbrother. I knew, and I could see, how much he was trying to win Freya back because he still loved her.
Why couldn't Freya see that those blue eyes were filled with sincerity? That he was serious about making things right? I knew Percy had been gone for a long time, but he was willing to fight for the people he had lost.
"Does Percy really have no chance with you? Can't you at least give him one more try? At least you know he truly loves you," I said, my words carrying a mix of emotions.
She ended the call, turned off her phone, and slipped it back into the pocket of her uniform. Then, she looked at me with irritation. This time, I could tell her anger was real—different from when we were simply talking before.
"If Yuri loved you so much and you didn't choose him, why should I be expected to choose your stepbrother?" she gave me a fake smile. "Percy tricked me before. He promised to help me get close to Yuri, but only if I become his girlfriend first. He said it would give me a reason to be around them. But in the end, he never let me talk to Yuri. I later found out he was keeping me away from him on purpose." she raised an eyebrow at me. "Do you think I'd let him deceive me again? Hell no."
So that was the reason she rejected Percy so easily? Because Percy had betrayed her from the very start?
I knew Percy could be stubborn, but he wasn't the type to act without reason. He must have had his own motives for doing what he did.
"Did you ever consider that he did all of that because he truly loved you? That he was serious about you?"
She let out a soft laugh. "The only man who's ever taken me seriously is your boyfriend. No one else. Everyone else has a hidden agenda."
Did Keifer really value her that much? Wait—hold on. We're not even together!
"He's not my boyfriend," I groaned, but she ignored me.
I suddenly remembered Edrix. I couldn't help but think about what he had said and how much he liked Freya. I had seen the admiration in his eyes.
"What if someone else, like Keifer, happened to like you too?" I asked cautiously.
She laughed sarcastically. "You mean Percy?"
I shook my head slowly. "No…"
She raised an eyebrow again. "Are you setting me up with someone?"
I shook my head again. "No…"
Her expression was skeptical. "Your face says otherwise."
"This is ridiculous! You're embarrassing me!"
"You again!" The nurse shot me a glare.
I quickly turned and walked away before she could call security. I could feel Freya following me. We stopped in a hallway far from the nursery, where the nurses wouldn't hear us.
"It's because you were being too loud!" she scolded me.
"You talk too much," I shot back, catching my breath. "Anyway, back to what I was saying."
She gave me a small nod, though she was clearly avoiding eye contact. She kept fidgeting with the ends of her hair, showing her curiosity despite trying to hide it.
Ayeih!
"He's real," I continued. "It seems like he's liked you for a long time, but he hasn't approached you."
"Why?"
"Because he feels like he has no chance."
She let out another sarcastic laugh. "Then why are you telling me this if he already knows he has no hope?"
"You're looking for seriousness and no hidden agenda, right? Well, he's like that. That's why he doesn't approach you—because he knows you're just playing, and he's not like that. He wants a serious relationship, and you're probably not that type," I explained.
She fell silent for a moment, seeming to process what I had said. At least I proved she has a brain.
Congratulations! I hope everyone has one.
Suddenly, she snapped her fingers and pointed at me. I thought I had committed some kind of crime, so I clutched my chest.
"What exactly is this about? Let's say what you're saying is true—what do I gain from it?" Her eyes narrowed at me.
"Maybe you're doing this to keep me away from Yuri?"
Err... Partially.
"N-not at all... I-it's so you can prove that someone out there is still serious about you. If you end up liking him, it could be a happy ending."
"Happy endings are for kids. And we're not kids anymore."
I blinked at his response. Clearly bitter, as if the simple beliefs of childhood had long been shattered.
You too. What a waste of a chance. My conscience nagged at me.
I was making things difficult for her, but it was clear she was considering my words. She stroked her chin, then bit her lower lip, lost in thought.
It took her a while, as if her brain was being squeezed dry of ideas.
"Alright!" She finally answered boldly. "I'll give him a chance, and then what? Does he magically become my lover?"
I was stunned. I hadn't thought that far ahead. I didn't even know if Edrix would go along with this. What if he backed out? That would be embarrassing.
"Maybe. But if you're too shy to flirt, we can find a way," I said with conviction.
"Fine."
She turned her back and walked away. The moment she disappeared from sight, I wanted to punch myself.
Why did I push so hard for Edrix to get a chance? And what about Percy now? I was the one who pulled him away from the girl he was seeing.
Because…
Whether I wanted to admit it or not, Yuri was one of my reasons. I knew he wouldn't love Freya because I could feel it, but why were they still seeing each other?
Haizt! I'll just leave it up to Batman.
Besides, I was already thinking of a way for Percy and Edrix. For now, at least Freya was willing to give it a chance.
I froze when I saw a man standing at the end of the hallway, breathing heavily while staring at me.
"K-Keifer..."
He shook his head before taking long strides toward me.
"Hey, wait—" I couldn't even finish my sentence before he suddenly hugged me.
"Y-you—wait a second."
"I was worried sick," he whispered. "I thought someone had KIDNAPPED you earlier."
His words sent a warmth through my heart. I couldn't help but smile. After everything that happened today, only now did I feel exhausted.
Without thinking, my arms wrapped around him. "Grace gave birth because of us. The baby was premature," I murmured like a child, feeling the weight of the situation. "I'm scared of Denzel."
"Sshh... No one wanted this to happen."
"Freya and I fought because we didn't want Grace to stop teasing us. Then, just like that, her water broke, and she gave birth in the car on the side of the road." I closed my eyes, remembering the tiny baby. "Their child is so small."
"But I heard they're safe now, so you don't have to worry."
"Denzel might be furious."
"If he gets mad, I'll deal with him," Keifer joked, making me lightly slap his back.
He ran his fingers through my hair before pressing a soft kiss on my forehead. "Don't overthink it. We'll talk to Denzel if it comes to that."
I nodded, but I couldn't shake off the possible consequences of what had happened. He had every right to be angry at our negligence.
But I didn't want to lose our friendship.
I buried my face in Keifer's shoulder. His scent was intoxicating, drawing me in with its familiar fragrance. I couldn't help myself. ❤️
"Jay? Why are you sniffing my shirt?"
His question startled me. My eyes widened before I quickly pulled away and pushed him back.
Counterattack.
"You! You're abusive! We're not okay yet!"
He looked at me curiously before a mischievous smile appeared on his lips. "Really? Okay then."
It was obvious he was just teasing. I struggled before finally walking away. I intended to visit Grace, but I didn't know her room number. Besides, I still hadn't returned Freya's car key.
I turned to face the King of Serpents with a frown, but my irritation only grew when I noticed he was still smiling.
"Get ready. I'm going to punch you."
"What?" he asked playfully.
"What do you want me to do?" I snapped in frustration. "Do you know where Grace's room is?"
"VIP ward. 4th floor," he answered quickly.
I immediately searched for the elevator to reach the 4th floor, but thanks to that annoying slinky snake, Ulopong, I ended up taking the stairs. Every time I looked at him, his mischievous grin remained.
"Stop!" I said, annoyed, but he just laughed at me.
Sweetie!
Even when we reached the 4th floor, he was still teasing me. I approached the nurse's station and asked for Grace's room. They quickly pointed it out, and just in time, because Freya was stepping out.
She immediately looked at me before shifting her gaze to the man behind me. I couldn't help but feel irritated. She raised an eyebrow and was about to say something when I held out her car keys.
"Here. I forgot to give them back to you," I said, forcing a smile.
Freya stared at me before taking the keys from my hand. "You're weird," she muttered before turning and walking away.
As soon as she disappeared from sight, I turned to glare at the King of Snakes, but he was already focused on his phone.
What's so interesting on that phone of yours?
"They say Felix is on his way. With him—" He stopped mid-sentence when he saw me staring at him.
"What?"
"What, what?" I asked.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
Only then did I realize I had been frowning at him.
I shook my head. "Nothing."
I quickly walked to Grace's room before he could say anything else. Knocking first, I then opened the door. The moment I stepped inside, I saw Denzel adjusting Grace's blanket.
I froze as memories of past events flooded my mind. The things he might say, the scolding I was sure to receive—all of it played out in my head. I knew he would be angry, and I was prepared to accept it.
I glanced at Keifer and motioned for him to wait outside. He nodded and closed the door.
"D-Denzel," I called out softly.
He turned to me, his eyes locking onto mine before he walked toward me with quick, purposeful steps.
I thought he was going to hit me when he raised his hand. I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing for impact. But instead, I felt his arms around me.
"Thank you, Jay!" he said, his voice breaking with sobs.
He pulled away and wiped his tears. I blinked in surprise. I didn't understand what he was thanking me for.
"Denzel... Are you okay?" I asked, worried.
Had he lost his mind from being so angry with me? Maybe I should call Keifer.
"Yes, sorry," he said, taking a deep breath. "I don't know how to thank you. You stayed with Grace until she gave birth."
"B-but Grace gave birth because of us..."
"The truth is, the doctor told us about that. So, Grace hurried to buy baby supplies, but I didn't realize until now that today was the day—and we were still outside the hospital."
"But even if Freya and I hadn't fought, she still wouldn't have given birth early."
Denzel smiled at me. "It doesn't matter to me anymore. As long as the mother and baby are safe, that's all that matters."
I held my chest and smiled back at him. I knew his smile was sincere. The fear and anxiety I had been feeling earlier started to fade.
There's something different about being forgiven by a friend for a serious mistake. Maybe they felt the same way when I forgave them for cheating on me.
"Don't be dramatic," I heard someone say.
Denzel and I both turned to see Grace looking at us teasingly. We immediately approached her.
"How are you feeling?" I asked.
"I'm fine. Thanks for yelling at me," she said with a small laugh.
Was that a reminder?
I think I screamed even louder than she did while she was giving birth. She was gripping my hand so tightly that I thought my bones would break.
We turned toward the door when we heard a knock. A moment later, it opened, and two nurses entered—one pushing a hospital crib with a built-in lamp, the other holding a chart.
"The baby is here," one of the nurses said.
She adjusted the crib and turned on the lamp. I squinted against the brightness and the warm glow of the light.
"The baby needs to stay warm, and his temperature can't drop. That's why he has to be under the lamp," the nurse explained.
Meanwhile, the other nurse checked on Grace with some medical device before leaving.
Denzel didn't waste a moment. He gently lifted his baby from the crib and brought him closer to Grace.
"Hello, Grazel Jay."