CHAPTER 366 - SMALL TALKS
JAY-JAY'S POV
"SHUT UP, BAG!" cried the Little Kumag while trying to grab my stepbrother.
"I'LL SHUT YOU UP, STUPID!" Percy shouted angrily, struggling to break free from Felix's grip.
I've said it before—it's really impossible for those two to get along. But Kuya will be mad, and the Ulupongs probably won't understand them. They were only forced to leave because Kuya Angelo was already fond of them.
Go ahead, pay attention.
I looked at Kuya, who was sitting next to me. "water."
He shook his head. "No. The one I gave you earlier was enough."
As much as it hurts to admit, my cousin doesn't really love me. He doesn't think of me as family. My feelings don't matter to him.
He doesn't care about what I want. My request was simple, but he still denied me. He doesn't love me.
"Maybe tomorrow, you can have as much water as you want," he said, and I smiled.
My cousin still loves me. He still thinks of me as family. I only get dramatic when I'm hungry. But I can really feel his care for me. Just keep me full, always.
"You two need to stop," Sir Alvin said to the two still facing off, but they ignored him, so he turned to the Serpents.
"Just take them outside. They don't seem like they'll stop anytime soon."
The other Ulupong followed his order and dragged the two out of the room. Ci tried to throw a flying kick, but it didn't land.
"Because your legs are short—you're stunted!" Percy sneered before finally being dragged out.
"Stop it!" Felix yelled at him as he tried to calm him down.
Even Felix is irritated of them now.
Once the door closed, silence filled the room. I guess this is peace of mind. Or maybe, a piece of brain.
"I'm really sorry," David said to me and Kuya. "I shouldn't have let them stay in the same room."
Kuya shook his head and laughed. "They're not your responsibility. Percy is old enough to know he shouldn't be picking fights with someone younger."
Is Ci-N an old man with a young mind?
David just smiled. He turned to me and tucked some hair behind my ear.
"I hope you get better soon so you can join us," he smiled gently before pulling his hand away and glancing up at Kuya.
I saw him swallow nervously and look away, while Kuya just raised one eyebrow at him. Even David is scared of him. Angelo really is something else.
"I'll head outside. They might need me there," David said as he stepped out.
After the door closed, I turned to Kuya to ask something, but he spoke first.
"He doesn't agree with Keifer."
Is Kuya a fortune teller now? How did he know that? He really has a lot of talents.
So much skill.
I used to think only horoscopes could predict the fate of this family. But I've always noticed—Kuya really has a gift. Especially when it comes to what I'm thinking.
He has some kind of tele-keneme.
"It's nothing serious. He's the former president of Section E, so he's a bit... hehe."
I couldn't say outright that the King of Serpents was jealous of him. "But David has a lot of patience, so they rarely clash."
Emphasis on rarely.
"How does he treat you?"
"He often frees me and Ci-N. He's also good at giving advice. He always makes me copy notes—sometimes even answers to tests or quizzes," I answered with a smile, though it turned into a grimace when I saw Kuya's expression. "W-what's the matter…? He also defend myself when people pick fights with me."
"Did he flirt with you?" he asked, surprising me.
"What? Flirt?"
"You know what flirting is."
He did, but I didn't understand why he asked that—especially after mentioning David.
"I know. I mean, David—why did you ask if he was flirting with me?"
"Just answer."
"No! David is kind, but I never once gave a different meaning to what he does," I answered.
Right?
Sometimes I won't deny that I thought about it, but it's better to just set it aside. He always showed clean intentions. Just friendship... I guess. The way he treats me isn't much different from how the Ulupongs treat me, so there's no reason for me to see him any other way.
Besides, maybe I'm the only one who thinks like that. Poor David. His intentions were good, and I just went along with them.
He never said anything when we were together. There were many times when it was just the two of us talking. So I believed he wasn't flirting with me.
Even if he kissed me.
Kuya raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, right."
"Why?" I asked, but he just shook his head.
My eyes narrowed at him. I could tell he was thinking something again—probably feeling sorry for David. Whatever it is, I hope it's not bad. Gulayat's rival is too gentle.
Kuya walked over to the table and began cleaning up the mess left behind by the good Ulupong. He put it all in a plastic bag.
"Aries is looking for you," he said while tidying up. "I haven't told them you're in the hospital yet."
I lowered my gaze and started playing with my nail. It was right of him not to say anything. It's not good for them to know I ended up like this. I don't want my brother thinking I'm seeking sympathy after pranking them. But he might think what happened to me was karma.
Maybe it really is karma.
I looked up when the door opened. Kuya and I turned at the same time, waiting to see who would enter.
We were greeted by the tired face of the King of Snakes.
"Hey…" he greeted me, walking past my cousin.
Kuya Angelo quickly raised an eyebrow at him, but went back to cleaning.
"Do you feel better now?" he asked me.
"Somewhat." I quickly covered my mouth, remembering how bad my breath probably smelled.
Keifer chuckled a bit before sitting beside me. "I already smelled it. It's nothing to be ashamed of."
Still embarrassing. It would've been better if it were just simple morning breath—but this smell? It could dry out someone's lungs. A few more days and the stench of the sewer and my breath would be at the same level. I really should brush my teeth.
I moved my hand slightly from my mouth but kept it half-covered so the person in front of me wouldn't smell it.
"K-Kuya… Is there a toothbrush?" I asked in a whisper. My cousin stared at me for a moment, clearly annoyed I called him "heee." He turned around and rummaged through the paper bag next to his things. He pulled out a new toothbrush and toothpaste before handing it to me.
Before I could grab it, the King got there first. He also opened the door for me.
"Let me help you," he said, standing up.
He seemed to understand what I meant. Or maybe he just wanted me to brush my teeth because of the smell. I can't really blame him.
He took two glasses and filled one with water. Then he came over to me, and I quickly stood up. He opened the toothbrush and squeezed on some toothpaste. He was about to brush my teeth himself, but I grabbed his hand to stop him.
When I tasted the toothpaste, I just wanted to swallow it all. I'm so hungry, I feel like eating everything I can. My stomach can't take this kind of patience anymore.
After brushing my teeth, he handed me two glasses. I gargled with water and spat into the other empty glass. After me, Keifer took everything except the glass of water.
I smiled widely.
Water. It's my turn.
I was about to drink what I was holding when that brother suddenly snatched it from me. My nose tried to chase after the glass, but it kept getting away from me. I felt like crying.
"Nope. You're not allowed to have this," he said, walking away with the water.
The King looked at us strangely. "What's wrong?"
"She's not allowed to consume too much water. Doctor's orders," Kuya explained.
Keifer came back and sat next to me again. "Don't worry. Maybe you can drink water later."
"Why not now?" I asked, clearly in a bad mood.
I felt really awful.
"Calm down. We'll go out on a date and eat anywhere you want once you get out of here."
What he said made me feel better. Maybe I could make up for all the food I missed while in the hospital at an eat-all-you-can buffet.
"Wow, your mood really lit up after hearing the word 'eat,'" Kuya Angelo said.
I snorted. Who doesn't enjoy food—especially after going so long without it?
I didn't even notice Sir Alvin's entrance because I was so distracted by thoughts of food.
"Hey, can I talk to you?" he asked, looking at Kuya Angelo.
It looked like they were going to have a serious conversation, judging by Sir's aura and Kuya's sudden change in mood. The King slowly stood up and was about to follow my cousin, but Sir stopped him.
"Stay here," he said, pointing at me.
Keifer stopped and just watched them go.
"Why?" I asked, concerned in my tone.
The King of Snakes immediately turned to face me and smiled. "Nothing."
Why does it feel like they're hiding something?
I wanted to know what it was about or if something bad had happened, but I knew they wouldn't tell me. I let it go and chose to ask something else.
"How is Keiren?"
"He's feeling better. He was sleeping when I left him."
I nodded at his answer. "K–Keigan, how's he doing?"
He looked sad when I mentioned his brother's name, but he quickly masked it with a forced smile.
"He locked himself in his room when we got home."
Suddenly, I thought about how both of his brothers were in the same house again. I don't think it's good for them to be together right now. I know Keigan seems to be doing well, but we still shouldn't be too complacent about the situation.
It's not that I'm thinking badly of him, but—didn't he just make us drink glue?
"L–Look, is it okay to leave Keigan at home with Keiren? It's not that I think badly of your brother, but..." I was having a hard time saying what was on my mind.
I didn't want to make him feel bad, and I might end up hurting him. I'm thinking about and worrying over his brother. It's scary to just blurt it out.
"I know what you mean. Honey is there to watch over them," he answered, and I winced.
The miracle I saw him and Kuya doing came back to me. I rubbed both my arms violently out of horror.
He is the son of —.
I was satisfied when Keifer said Kuya wasn't taking the relationship seriously because he was in love with someone else. But what if he does get serious with Honey? Then she'd be introduced to the family. Then they'd get married, have kids, maybe live near me or at Aunt Gema's house. Then we'd see each other at reunions or parties. Then I'd see them drinking together—while I was eating—and then I wouldn't be able to stomach it anymore. Then I'd vomit. Food would suck.
The earth could have swallowed me whole.
"What's wrong?"
"Separate Kuya and Honey," I ordered casually, like I was just asking for something simple.
He laughed at what I said. "Are you serious?"
Guess what.
"Maybe because... you know. Let them get serious."
He laughed out loud, still lying on the bed and holding his stomach. I let him be. He looked genuinely happy because of what I said.
I smiled because of how he looked. I'd rather see him laugh. Even if none of his problems have solutions, at least he feels a little better.
"What's the problem if they get serious?"
I was annoyed. "Hey."
He sat up while still chuckling. He had that mischievous grin that made me think he was about to tease me.
"Imagine having an older female cousin you'd call... Ate Honey."
I cringed at the word 'Ate'. I know Honey is older than me, but I wouldn't call her 'Ate' because she acts younger. Sometimes, her brain just doesn't work right.
"No," I replied, shaking my head.
He laughed again. "Go on, practice."
I immediately hit him and he laughed even harder. He was really enjoying teasing me. I probably looked like a clown, but that was okay as long as he was happy.
But honestly...
Earlier, I really wanted to curse because of what I was thinking and what he was saying. But it was better not to. It was just the two of us—something might have gone wrong.
"I feel like I'm going to end up staying in the hospital longer because of what you're saying."
I started fixing my messy bed. He helped, but still kept making annoying jokes.
"You look cute right now. I'm going to pinch your gums," I said, and he smiled wide.
"Do it. Use your teeth," he replied and brought his mouth close, sticking out his gums.
I pushed him. "Settle down."
"What? Come on. As long as there are no villains," he said, bringing his mouth close to mine again.
Who's the villain? Kuya?
"One more time... and I'll stop you." I glared at him.
But he just frowned playfully and then burst out laughing again. I don't know why, but I laughed too.
Can't we just stay like this? Just kidding around? No heavy thoughts. No one trying to kill someone. No one getting hurt. Just peace. Laughing until one of us farts—but hopefully not me.
It's pointless to ask why all this is happening to us. I never got any answers. We don't have a choice but to face it all, because otherwise, the problems won't end. It's exhausting. It would be nice to just stop.
But we can't stop.
With everything that's happened to me? Even now, I survived the glue. Maybe next time, I won't be able to resist if I swallow it again. But I have no intention of swallowing glue anymore. Just in case. Maybe Keigan has another crazy idea.
I want to slap myself for my thoughts. I know I'm a smart thinker, but sometimes I still surprise myself.
Incredible.
But I really won't stop. They say every problem comes with a reward. I hope mine is an all-you-can-eat buffet where every kind of food in the world is served. Maybe there's something like that. With how many restaurants there are in the Philippines now, they should learn how to attract customers.
Or maybe I can ask for a different kind of reward. I wish for just a hundred years of peace—without Kuya. I'm not wishing for him to die, I just want him gone—with all his lectures. If that's not possible, then give him a good love life. Just not Honey. It should be someone who can fully grab Kuya's attention, so he forgets all about us.
"A woman who'll give him amnesia. Charot."
"A penny for your thoughts," Keifer said, grabbing my attention.
He smiled at me and was about to bring his muzzle closer, but I squeezed it between my two fingers.
"Alright, weren't you going to talk to me? I was just thinking about something and then you do that," I said, glaring at him while still squeezing his nose.
He kept looking like a duck with a long beak. The snake is still alive.
Wow, crossbreed.
I immediately let go when I noticed his lips had gone pale. It looked like I'd drained the blood out of him with that squeeze.
"That hurts," he said.
I felt guilty, especially when he touched his muzzle and looked serious. He really seemed hurt by what I did.
"Look," I said, reaching to touch his lips, but he pulled away.
"Don't bother yourself."
Well, now he's sulking.
"Look," I insisted again, but he turned his face away. "Look. Look at me so I can kiss you."
Flash had nothing on him with how fast he turned back and leaned in. I immediately smacked him.
"You tricked me! Don't sulk like that," I said, and he laughed, holding his neck.
I'm still gonna hit him again.
"Seriously, that was my only chance."
I wanted to be mad, but I couldn't stop laughing.
"Can I at least get one kiss?" he asked, and I stared at him.
His accent was different—he sounded like someone from Harry Potter.
"Gago, what a beautiful way to speak."
He suddenly grinned. That's when I realized I'd said that out loud instead of in my head.
He leaned in and whispered, "Profanity."
"Hey, wait—!"
Trying to avoid him, I ended up lying on the hospital bed. I thought he'd stop, but he just kept going.
He smiled. "Finally."
But my attention wasn't on him anymore. I was staring at the man who just walked in, now angrily approaching me. The next thing I knew, I was about to be sent to the morgue.
"Big Brother! Big Brother!" I yelled at Keifer while trying to push him away, but he ignored me. He probably thought I was messing with him because of my smile.
Then Kuya Angelo's arm wrapped around Keifer's neck just as he was about to kiss me. He yanked him back until Keifer was far from the bed. I immediately sat up.
It's over for us.
"Fuck!" Keifer yelled, struggling.
"I disappear for one moment and you're already doing miracles?!" Kuya shouted angrily, tightening his arm around Keifer's neck.
"Brother! Just a minute!" I yelled, trying to pull him away. I could hear Keifer moaning and saw how pale he looked.
He couldn't even talk anymore—just moved his eyes.
While I was busy trying to pull Kuya off, I didn't notice Sir Alvin entering. He immediately ran to him and hugged him.
"Angelo! Let him go! You're going to kill Keifer!" Sir shouted, trying to loosen his grip.
"That's my problem!"
"Brother!" I cried, and he looked at me with fury in his eyes.
"You too! I'll deal with you later!"
I stopped trying to pry his hands off. I backed away, scared by his threat. This is it. I'm going to die in his hands. I just want to get sick again.
"Jay! Stop your cousin!" Sir ordered.
I had no choice but to help, especially when I saw Keifer's eyes going blank and his face turning ghostly pale. He couldn't even speak—just tapped Kuya's hand weakly.
And before we could even deal with Kuya properly, another mess arrived—Ci-N and Percy rushed in.
My step-brother was very angry, acting like a kid chasing a bet with another kid.
They even slipped under the bed until Ci thought of hiding behind my cousin. They stood in front of us, and because Ci was pulling on Kuya's clothes, he was also dragged along. Big Brother was holding Keifer and following them, and so were Sir Alvin and I.
"Get ready to be stunted!" Percy threatened.
"What? Stop!"
"Percy bag! Percy bag!" the boys teased.
The Serpents also entered, trying to restrain the two mindless kids. Keifer's condition immediately caught their attention, and chaos broke out. Someone pushed Ci away from me, while another tried to pull Percy aside.
"Section E, help Keifer!" Sir ordered.
Even though the others were clearly afraid of Kuya, they still obeyed. Felix and David, the tallest among us, were the first to hold Kuya. When that didn't work, the other Ulupong followed, trying to get away.
"Let me go!" Kuya shouted.
I saw fear in the others' eyes, but they were tough. Seven people held him down just to make him let go—even grabbing his neck and legs—just to restrain the King of Snakes.
When my cousin finally let go, I immediately rushed to help Keifer, who was still gasping for air. He nearly collapsed, but I caught him in time. I had a hard time because of his weight.
"Calm down!" Sir shouted at Kuya several times, still trying to restrain him.
"Calm down! It's not you!" Percy shouted, hugging Kuya Angelo's chest like a girlfriend trying to calm her boyfriend.
What kind of drama is this? The King of Serpents turned to face me, still breathing heavily.
"I'm dying," he said.
"Again?"
"I'm dying… but at least let me kiss you one last time," he said, cupping my cheeks with both hands.
I don't know why, but I willingly leaned in to meet his kiss. Wait—why did I even sniff? Just curious? I knew he wasn't really dying. So over-the-top. He's just like an overdramatic older brother.
Still, I'll hide from Kuya too—I'll make the most of this punishment. He'll kill us all later anyway. That's the logic.
Our noses touched—then our lips. ❤️
Kuya went completely wild, almost throwing off everyone who was holding him back.
"Enough! Look at me! You're not like this!" shouted Percy, who was the first to be dragged along by Kuya's sudden movement. "Stop! For the sake of your hard chest!" He squeezed my cousin's chest.
Despite that sweet kiss, I couldn't ignore Yuri's eyes. His expression showed frustration, pain, and a forced smile. But I knew—there was also anger.
Keifer pulled away and sat on the floor. "I told you, I'm dying."
Nothing bad had happened to him. He was just resting, still catching his breath. His lips were still pale, but he smiled at me. My cousin, who pretends to be an angel, is really up to something.
I immediately went to check if he was okay. I'll talk to Yuri later. I don't know why, but I feel like I owe him an explanation.
I heard the door open, but I didn't pay attention—Kuya's voice still dominated, cursing non-stop.
"Angel..."
Kuya and I froze at the voice. It was Aunt Gema. I turned around, and my heart raced when I saw Mama and Aries walking in behind her.
I was even more terrified now than when Kuya choked Keifer earlier.