JAY-JAY'S POV
Couldn't they have chosen another day to pretend? And now, they even decided to argue. I guess they've lost their minds—Yuri needs help.
"How did you get in?" Aries asked the two, clearly annoyed.
"Through the gate," Percy replied.
"The gate," the King answered.
They could at least answer properly.
If it were me, I might have slapped them. I turned to look at my brother as he asked again.
"Didn't anyone see you?"
"Your maid. She even led me here," my stepbrother explained.
My brother, Horoscope, let out a frustrated sigh. "When Big Brother finds out—"
"He's not there," the two responded at the same time.
Where is he?
"I saw him leave before I came in," Percy added.
"I saw him in his car, driving away," the angry King replied.
Aries sighed again, briefly glancing at me and Yuri before turning back to the two.
"If you're here for Yuri, take him with you," he ordered.
I flinched. Just like that? Yuri isn't some object you can just throw to the dogs.
"I'm here to see Jay-Jay," the so-called King of Serpents quickly clarified.
"Same," Percy added, raising one hand.
I frowned. "Why me? Yuri is the one who needs help."
"Because Felix said something happened to you and Yuri." He looked past me, scanning the room. "And judging by the situation, it seems like something else happened," he added with a mischievous grin.
He was obviously hinting at something. I was about to respond, but someone beat me to it.
"NOTHING HAPPENED TO THEM!" The furious King snapped.
We were all equally surprised by his sudden outburst. Percy clutched his chest as if he was about to have a heart attack. Aries raised an eyebrow, and I just stared.
"Chill... No one is attacking you," Percy reassured him. "Just calm down, okay? Relax."
"Nothing really happened. I was just dressing Yuri's wounds when you arrived," I explained, hoping to put an end to my stepbrother's wild assumptions.
"See? I was right. I trust My Jay-Jay, so I knew she wouldn't do something like that," the overly proud, arrogant, and annoying so-called King of Snakes said.
Jay-Jay what?
"My sister is not yours. If you're so confident, then why are you here?" Aries challenged him.
"I just wanted to know what happened," he defended.
"What happened?" Percy asked, as if trying to bring them back to the actual issue.
They both looked at me, clearly waiting for an explanation. I scratched my head under their expectant gazes.
"He came here covered in blood. He said someone attacked him. Then he lost consciousness," I explained.
"Attack?" Aries was about to repeat.
I nodded in response.
"Why did he come here? What if he was followed?" Percy asked worriedly.
"Yuri isn't careless. This house is probably the last place they'd expect him to run to," Keifer defended.
"He also said he didn't even realize he had come here," I added.
The King obviously considered what I had said. He must have also been thinking about what happened to Yuri and why he was attacked. That's what had been on my mind since earlier.
"What kind of mess did he get into?" Percy asked with a mixture of concern and annoyance.
He stepped closer to the sink and quickly noticed the bloodstains on our clothes. He rubbed a finger over one of the stains and examined it.
"Is this… blood?" he asked, confirming his suspicion.
"I told you, didn't I? He came covered in blood, but he was unharmed."
The King of Serpents looked at me. "Did you do this?"
I knew he was referring to the blood. I shook my head.
"I vomited. That's my vomit. Percy stepped on it."
Percy suddenly jumped back with a squeal. His reaction was more dramatic than a girl spotting a frog.
"That's disgusting, sister!" he complained.
"Is it my fault you don't watch where you step?" I asked sarcastically.
"You didn't even give a warning! It would've been better if you were throwing up gold like me!"
Gold?
I frowned. "Since when do people vomit gold?"
"I'm not human." He flicked his hair dramatically. "I'm so handsome that I might as well be Aphrodite's son."
I winced. Aries shook his head, and Keifer took a deep breath. With all the problems piling up, Percy's nonsense was the last thing we needed. It felt like he had brought a storm stronger than the South Wind to the Philippines.
A deluge.
We decided to ignore him. The King of Snakes turned to me and was about to approach, but Aries quickly switched places with me.
"She's obviously fine now. You don't have to worry about Jay-jay. You can take Yuri home," my brother said, stepping aside so they could get to the unconscious Yuri.
"Where am I supposed to take Yuri?" Keifer asked with clear irritation.
I raised an eyebrow. "To his house, of course."
"He doesn't go home anymore."
I straightened at his words.
"What do you mean he doesn't go home?"
"I waited for him once to talk, but he never came. I asked his housekeeper, and that's what she told me," Keifer explained.
I glanced at Yuri for a moment before turning back to the King.
"Since when?"
He looked at me meaningfully before shrugging. "I don't know."
I looked at Yuri again, concern growing inside me. The fear of not knowing what was happening to him crept back. What was he really up to?
I had a strong hunch that he had simply chosen not to go home. I had even visited his room once, where I met Freya.
"You don't have to worry about him," Aries reassured me, following my gaze. "He's a smart guy. He won't give up, especially if something depends on it."
"Do you know something about him?" I asked. He hesitated before barely nodding.
"Kuya told me a few things, but he doesn't know everything."
"What's going to happen to him?"
"Who knows," he answered in a near whisper.
We stopped for a moment when the cellphone rang. He showed me the name of Kuya, who was currently calling him.
I immediately shut my mouth as he answered the call.
"Brother..." He looked at me for a moment. "Yes, he's right here in front of me." He remained silent, just listening to what Kuya was saying. "I understand."
When the call ended, he turned to the two of us. I followed his gaze, sensing that what he had to say was important.
"You need to get Yuri out of here before Big Brother arrives," he said worriedly.
"I don't want to," the King replied.
"Why now?" Percy asked.
"Why?" I echoed at the same time they spoke.
"The people who attacked Yuri aren't ordinary. They are members of the Yakuza, and they're after his head," he explained. "Kuya will be furious with us when he finds out that Yuri came here."
I instinctively ran my fingers through my hair. I had heard the word "Yakuza" before, but I wasn't entirely sure who they were. All I knew was that they were ruthless toward their enemies.
Was Yuri really being hunted by the Yakuza? But why? My mind was a mess. I knew Yuri was Japanese, but I never imagined he would get involved with such people.
"If I leave now, will I avoid Boss's wrath?" Percy asked innocently.
Just as he was about to leave, I grabbed his clothes.
"You can't leave us," I said urgently. "Help us lift Yuri first." My eyes were wide with desperation.
"Sis, my clothes! I know I'm handsome, but I never dreamed of becoming a porn star," he complained, trying to pull his shirt back into place.
I let go of him but stayed close, ready to grab him if he tried to run.
Together, we turned to the King of Snakes. He had to help—first, because Yuri was his best friend. Second, because we couldn't handle this alone. Third, he was already here, so it would be a waste of time if he didn't.
"I'm not helping him," he replied quickly, as if anticipating our request.
"It's Keifer," I said, slightly annoyed.
"Look, Angelo can help him. We should just tell the truth—that he's here with us."
"Have you forgotten how Big Brother thinks?" Aries questioned him. "Besides, Yuri wouldn't ask him for help either." He pointed at Yuri.
The King sighed before looking at me. I stared back at him, and we locked eyes for several seconds. Then, an idea crossed my mind.
I used my secret weapon—I winked at him.
I saw him quickly look away, his cheeks slightly reddening. He turned around, washed his face, and then faced us again.
"Fine... I'll help. But how?"
"Take him home with you. Take care of him, feed him, bathe him, dress him, put him to bed. If you feel bold enough, marry him," Percy suggested, referring to Yuri. 😂
I immediately elbowed Percy in the stomach. He let out a weak groan before shooting me an annoyed look.
"Fine," the King finally agreed, and I almost choked in shock.
Was he really going to marry Yuri?
"I'll take him home and have my butler look after him," he clarified, calming my nerves.
For a moment, I actually believed he was considering Percy's suggestion. What was wrong with me? My mind was running wild because of this whole situation.
"Good. Now, pick him up," Aries ordered, glaring at Percy.
"He's heavy," Percy complained.
"You haven't even lifted him yet," I retorted.
"He just looks it! I bet he weighs 50 kilos."
"There are two of you," I reminded him, pushing him toward the door.
Keifer followed, and together, they lifted Yuri. They positioned themselves on either side, locking their hands to support him properly.
"Sleep, sleep," Percy said and pinched Yuri's nose.
I hit him to make him stop, but he just laughed at me. Aries walked ahead, followed by Keifer, Yuri, and Percy. I stayed behind to support them in case there was a problem. The maids exchanged glances, probably wondering where we had come from and why the red-haired guy was unconscious.
We were about to leave through the gate when Aries suddenly turned back. He looked pale and visibly nervous.
"Kuya is just around the block," he said.
What? Why was he so fast?
Percy and I were both confused until Percy suddenly let go of Yuri's arm and pushed him closer to Keifer. The two almost fell, but I managed to support them just in time.
"What should we do?" Percy asked nervously, as if he had committed a great sin.
Aries clearly couldn't think of anything until his gaze landed on the house's door.
"Inside. Get inside," he instructed.
Even though we were confused, we followed his lead. Percy quickly helped open the door, and we all rushed inside. Once inside, we stopped, waiting for Aries to give us further instructions.
"Where?" I asked.
"U-upstairs," he stammered, pointing towards the stairs.
We did as he said, and just as we started moving, I heard the sound of Kuya's car horn outside. A maid was about to step out to open the gate, but I quickly ran after her and grabbed her arm.
"Sister, please! Don't say anything to Kuya," I pleaded.
She looked at me in confusion but nodded.
"Just do what she says," Aries added, making her nod even faster.
I quickly ran upstairs to follow Keifer, only to be shocked when I saw them heading straight into my room—even though Aries had opened the door to his own.
"H-hey, that's my room!" I called out, but Keifer had already entered, followed by Yuri and Percy.
"I know," the King replied, making me frown.
How did he know my room?
Aries and I entered right after them. I quickly shut the door and discreetly locked it.
Good thing my door lock had been changed a long time ago. Aries is so strong that, in a fight, he could probably break the lock.
All three of them collapsed onto my bed. The two looked exhausted from carrying Yuri's weight and walking so fast. I felt a little sorry for them.
"Now what?" Keifer asked irritably, but his eyes quickly landed on my open closet.
I hurried over and stuffed my clothes inside before closing it properly. When I turned back, I caught him smirking as he glanced down at my feet.
Following his gaze, my face burned with embarrassment—I had left a bra on the floor.
It's from Avon.
I quickly grabbed it and shoved it into the closet. I also scanned the floor, making sure no other underwear was lying around.
"We'll wait for him to enter his room. Then you all can leave," Aries instructed.
"What time is it?" Percy asked, grabbing one of my Snorlax plushies to use as a pillow.
That's from you.
"Who knows," Aries replied flatly.
"What the fuck," Keifer whispered. "What if he doesn't go to his room and decides to stay up instead?"
"Let's just hope that doesn't happen."
I held my breath and glanced at Yuri, who was still unconscious. I approached him, and Keifer moved aside, allowing me to fix my friend's position on the bed. I also adjusted his slightly disheveled clothes.
When I looked up, I caught Percy staring at me. His eyes were serious, but there was a small smile on his face.
"Are you quick to forgive?" he asked.
"M-maybe... yes," I answered, surprised by his question.
"Could it be me? Could you forgive me?" he murmured, glancing at Yuri for a moment before lying back down.
My brow furrowed, but I chose to ignore it. I know he holds a grudge against Yuri, but the real reason is still unclear to me. I feel like it's not just because of what Yuri did to Freya—there seems to be more to it.
"I'll go out first. Keep your phone with you at all times so you can read my messages," Aries told me, and I nodded.
He left the room and quickly closed the door. Silence immediately filled the space. I continued to take care of Yuri until I thought of wiping his face.
I grabbed a towel and went straight to the bathroom to wet it. When I came out, I immediately approached him and wiped his face. There were still some traces of blood around his neck.
"Slowly wipe it so it shines," said the King of Serpents.
"You might have a genie come out. You have three wishes," Percy added, flashing a goofy smile.
I immediately hit him with the towel, making him stand up in an instant. The King chuckled at what he had witnessed, so I hit him next.
"What?" he asked in shock.
"You tripped me up!"
He smiled slightly, and I couldn't stop myself from staring at him. There was no end to the charm of a fool. I wanted to hit him again, but I hesitated, not wanting to leave a scratch on his face.
Scratching his body was fine, though.
I cleared my throat to focus my thoughts and went back to what I was doing. But I stopped when I noticed Yuri moving. I also heard a soft moan escape his lips.
I leaned closer and gently shook him. "Yuri..."
He stirred and slowly opened his eyes. He blinked a few times before fully regaining consciousness.
"J-Jay?" he called out weakly while trying to sit up. "W-where am I?"
I helped him and adjusted the pillows for support.
"In my room," I answered.
He looked around and frowned when he noticed the two idiots with us. Keifer raised an eyebrow at him, while Percy greeted him with a fake smile.
"What happened? H-how did I end up here?"
"I think that question is meant for you," Keifer said, grabbing our attention.
He had a point.
Yuri massaged his forehead, clearly trying to recall what had happened and how he had ended up in this house.
"Jay, can I have a glass of water?" he asked.
I quickly stood up and left the room, walking fast before heading downstairs. I slowed down when I saw Kuya and Aries talking in the living room. I hesitated for a moment.
Kuya noticed me and asked why I was there.
I gestured for water with my hand. He nodded, and I went straight to the kitchen without Kuya Angelo noticing.
I grabbed a jug and three glasses before quickly returning to my room, avoiding any interaction with the people in the living room. When I arrived, the three inside were silent.
I handed Yuri a glass of water, which he accepted.
"Don't you have any food? I'm hungry," Percy complained while rolling on the bed.
I sighed and turned back toward the kitchen.
"I wish you had said that earlier," I grumbled, annoyed, before leaving the room again.
I went back to the kitchen to find something to feed my annoying stepbrother. I found some cake and carbonara. That should do. I grabbed a plate and a fork before heading back to the room.
Once again, the three were silent when I arrived. My shameless brother immediately dug into the food while the other two remained quiet.
"Would you like something to eat, Yuri?" I asked.
"Maybe some soup."
I blinked. Wow. Now I have to cook soup? I didn't want to refuse—it would be rude.
"S-sure." I turned to the King of Serpents. "And you? What do you want to eat?"
"Th-"
I immediately cut him off. "I'm not food!"
"Pizza,"
I snorted and quickly left the room, heading straight to the kitchen. Since I didn't know how to cook, I went to the maids to beg for help.
"Manang, it's just homemade pizza and soup. Please?" I pleaded.
She scratched his head. "It's almost time for dinner."
"I just want a snack first."
She sighed but eventually gave in to my request. However, the preparation took longer since she was already busy with dinner.
While waiting, Kuya suddenly entered the kitchen, followed by Aries. We were both startled.
"What's that, Manang?" my brother asked.
"It's pizza, made by Miss Jay-Jay. She says it's just a snack," Manang replied.
Kuya raised an eyebrow at me. "We can tolerate you being greedy, but we won't accept you if you start acting like you weigh 70 kilos."
How terrible!
"I don't even weigh 60 kilos yet," I retorted.
"When was the last time you weighed yourself?"
I shook my head. "I haven't checked."
"Then you don't even know that you look like you weigh 60 kilos," he said, making me stare at him in disbelief.
I covered my mouth in mock offense. There's no way I weigh 30 kilos! I was just carrying something heavy, but it wasn't that much. I had simply folded it. I could even pinch a coin while walking—a special talent, really.
"Go ahead and get fat with all your gluttony," Kuya scoffed before turning away.
Thankfully, he left. Just then, the oven timer rang. The pizza I had "cooked" was ready, along with the soup. I carefully carried them to my room.
Before I even entered, I could hear the three of them talking inside. But the moment I opened the door, they went completely silent—as if they hadn't been speaking at all.
Why do I feel like they didn't want me to hear their conversation?