JAY-JAY'S POV
They are definitely hiding something from me.
I can't help but be intrigued—I wanted to know what it's about. But I already have a hunch about what happened to Yuri.
"Thank you, Jay. The soup is delicious," Yuri said, smiling at me.
I took the empty bowl from him and placed it on my study table.
I glanced at the King, who had been watching me the entire time. Even as he chewed, his eyes remained fixed on me.
He might as well lose his teeth at this rate.
"Do you want anything else to eat?" I asked without hesitation.
"Nothing. Angelo might notice if you go out again," the King replied.
I nodded and leaned on my study table, folding my arms. I looked at the three of them. I wasn't happy that they were excluding me from the conversation.
Whatever it is, I need to know the truth. I don't care if it's dangerous—I'm used to getting into trouble.
"Dalia... Baby sister, go to sleep. Don't wait for me," Percy said to the person he was speaking to on the phone while lying down.
"I'm with Ate Jay-jay. Is Kuya Felix there?"
I wanted to laugh at the way he spoke. He sounded so gentle toward Dalia, even though she wasn't in front of him.
"Go to sleep, baby. Tomorrow, I'll buy you a talking doll. Its name is Chucky," he added. I immediately hit him, making him look at me.
He glared at me before saying goodbye to the person on the other end.
I won't deny that Percy really looks up to his brother. From Felix to me and Dalia, he always makes sure we're okay. He probably wouldn't be here if he didn't care about me.
"I'm bored," the King suddenly said. "Do you have anything to play with?"
I thought for a moment. "I have Uno cards."
He sat up slightly. "That will do. Let's play."
I took the Uno cards from my study table drawer and handed them to the King. Yuri and Percy moved closer.
"Are you okay?" I asked Yuri.
He nodded and smiled. "I'm fine. You're good at taking care of people."
"Maybe you want to take care of him again?" the King teased, pointing at me. "Should I spank you?" he added, as if he were simply offering food.
I immediately smacked him to make him stop. Yuri chuckled softly, shaking his head. He doesn't seem too worried about his friend.
"Do you even know how to play this? This game is only for smart kids," Percy taunted as he sat on the floor.
Keifer and Yuri also sat down, so I did the same. As the King shuffled the cards, the door suddenly opened, and Aries walked in.
"Not good. He's staying in the living room, working on his laptop," Aries informed us.
"Alright, we'll leave early in the morning," the King said, then turned to look at me. "Let's sleep next door," he added with a wink.
Idiot!
I winced. "As if! I can't sleep."
"And yet you have nothing to say," Aries muttered as he sat beside me.
We sat in a circle with the cards in the middle. Percy was on my right, Aries on my left, and next to him were Yuri and Keifer, who kept staring at me.
"Do I still need to explain the rules?" the King asked. We all shook our heads.
The game began, and the first card played was a red four. One by one, we placed down red cards with different numbers—until the color changed.
Our game continued, which also took several hours. Percy won a few times, which he think was cheating. Yuri and Keifer also went first a few times, but someone always dropped 4 cards for them. I won once, and Aries won three times.
And because of the game, I have proven that someone really cares.
"You cheated!" Keifer scolded Percy in annoyance.
I'm not the only one who noticed.
"You look like you're cheating." This one is blocking.
"You took two cards earlier." Aries is the proof.
"Bintang, you just can't accept that you're the losers." He said proudly and played a card. "One."
"How fast!" I complained. "I think you played two cards!"
He didn't answer and just grinned arrogantly at me. Very soon.
I'm sorry for what he's doing, but there's a right time to retaliate against him. I played the reverse card, and it looked like the color of the card he was holding was different because he was forced to draw again.
Keifer followed by laying down a card, but Yuri laid down a reverse card. Back to the King again, and he dealt a card with a four-card draw.
Percy frowned.
And it seemed he couldn't cheat anymore. Until we won in a row and he lost.
"You guys are stupid," Percy said annoyed, throwing the cards.
"Short-tempered," Aries said, tormenting him.
"One more," Keifer said again. "Be defeated with grace," he added, looking meaningfully at me.
I looked at Aries, who was also looking at me and Yuri. We all had the same thought: we both wanted to beat Percy at his own game. He must not be able to cheat.
Just look at your skills.
The cards were shuffled and spread among us. I smiled when I saw my cards. I had many tricks up my sleeve for this round.
The game started and soon ended with defeat, fulfilling our plan. The result was not good for him.
"You tricked me!" he said, annoyed.
"You just lost fair and square," Aries answered him. "No one cheated."
"Ha! It's obvious you're going to deny it!"
"No one really cheated us," I defended. "We wanted to beat you, but no one cheated."
He taught me. "See? It came out of your mouth! You guys wanted me to lose!"
"You're easy, it's just a game," Yuri teased.
"It's just a simple game, but you're still accusing us of cheating."
"No one cheated here but you," the King answered calmly.
"Then you're going to teach me how to accuse others? You're good at it!" Percy said sarcastically.
It looks like the effect of his defeat isn't really good on him. It's obvious that he's very weak. Because of UNO, it looks like someone might get kicked out.
"Calm down," I said to him. "I think you're just too angry about your defeat."
I picked up the scattered cards one by one.
"Alright. Help me! That's how you are! You don't even want to admit that you don't like me!" he said, making me stop.
"Where did that come from?" Aries asked with raised eyebrows.
"Why? Isn't it? Now I'm no longer surprised why you never looked for me after the accident." Percy said seriously, and I could see the streak of pain in his eyes.
"I looked for you. I spent millions just to find your dead body." Keifer's serious answer worried me.
The simple game of UNO cards seemed to turn into a fight. It never occurred to me that it would come to this.
"Of course, you couldn't find me because I'm not dead!"
"We also looked for you in the hospitals," Yuri added. "But you weren't there."
"What kind of search did you do? Only days passed before my mom found me!"
"Maybe that's why we didn't find you. Because she got ahead of us," Aries looked at Percy, and Percy looked at him.
"Maybe because you didn't really do everything!"
I can't help but be annoyed by what he says. How did a simple card game end up like this? "Because I'm not that important to you!" he added.
"Would we mourn you if you didn't matter?" Aries said, annoyed.
Percy faked a laugh. "Of course, he died so he will be mourned," he philosophized.
"What makes you think that we don't value our friendship with you?" Keifer asked.
"Isn't it obvious? You wanted me to disappear so you could be closer to Freya, Felix, and my family! You wanted to take them from me!"
"We took care of them because that's what you said before you disappeared," Yuri explained calmly.
"But you abused them! What happened to Freya? Why did Felix learn to fight and why isn't he on the school's basketball team? And Mama? She can't say no to Keifer because she's ashamed of the help you gave her!"
He singled out the three next to me. I was confused by what he was saying, but I knew what he was referring to.
Felix once mentioned that Keifer gave his mom a job. I know Percy knows about what happened between Yuri and Freya. It is not clear to me, but I know that Aries is also the reason why Felix was removed from the basketball team and returned to the Festival with my help.
Percy seemed to regret what they did to his family and Freya. I can't blame him. It's really heartbreaking when you don't have control over what's happening in your family, especially in his condition.
I felt a little pity for him. But if he were to vent his anger, it wouldn't be in this way.
"What are you doing? Why are you bringing up your past here? We're just playing UNO cards," I intervened, hoping to stop the fight from escalating.
They were all silent. Percy washed his face and looked away. He stood up and lay back down on my bed, still covered in blankets up to his neck.
"Just wake me up when you get home," he muttered.
I looked at Aries with a sigh, as well as at Yuri and Keifer. I just continued putting away the cards. We better stop playing; another grudge might surface. I placed the cards back in the drawer of my study table when we heard a knock. We all looked at each other. Even Percy, who was lying down, woke up.
"Jay-Jay?" Aunt Gema's voice. "Aries is there, isn't he? I'm coming in."
We were all confused. I immediately signaled them to hide. Percy threw a blanket over himself, but he was still obvious. Keifer tried to go into my cabinet, but he couldn't do anything because of the pile of clothes. Yuri peeked under the bed, but it was too low for him to fit.
I just straightened my hair. Tita knocked again, and we were even more confused.
"Jay? Open the door. It's locked."
"S-S-Just a moment, Auntie," I stammered.
Aries immediately pointed to the bathroom, so they all ran to it. Percy almost fell over but managed to stand up immediately.
When I made sure they were inside, I opened the door for Aunt Gema. Aries was next to me and greeted her.
"It's 11 PM, and you haven't had dinner yet," she said, opening the door. That's when my stomach started to churn. We were so engrossed in playing that I didn't realize the time. It's a good thing I didn't care about that.
"Sorry, we were playing cards and didn't notice the time," Aries said awkwardly.
Meanwhile, I was the one feeling the most nervous because I might get caught in the bathroom today. My palms were sweating profusely.
"There is more food in the kitchen if you want to eat more. Bring your guests too," Tita said, making my eyes widen.
"W-What?" Aries asked.
"Angelo left; a friend picked him up. You don't have to hide them anymore," she added with a smile.
I didn't know what to say. I was dumbfounded as I watched Aunt Gema leave.
It looked like we didn't have to endure staying in my room anymore. I glanced at Aries, and he looked at me the same way. We seemed to be thinking the same thing.
He went to the bathroom to let the three out, while I cleaned up the food they had eaten so I could take it out as well.
"Are you sure it's safe?" Percy asked as he stepped out of the bathroom.
"Yes, skinhead," my brother answered.
"I thought I was going to sleep here. Too bad," Keifer said, making me wince.
And he liked the idea? Crazy!
"Maybe I should leave. It's embarrassing—I've been so busy," Yuri said, looking at me as he walked out.
"Eat dinner first. And your clothes are still in the laundry," I replied, watching as he glanced at his clothes.
"If the food isn't good, I'm going to complain," Percy said as I walked past him.
I tried to stab him with a playful jab, but he dodged, even managing to make a face at me in teasing.
Unbelievable!
I followed them with the tray of food they had eaten earlier, and we all headed straight to the kitchen. I placed the dishes in the sink before walking over to the refrigerator to see what else we could eat.
Aries joined me, peering inside as well. Since it was already late, maybe we didn't need to eat again. But then, I spotted a sans rival cake and immediately reached for it—only for fate to strike my hand.
Ouch. That hurt.
"Let's cook. There's ham in the freezer," Aries said as he opened it.
I snorted before replying, "I'll cook."
"Definitely not a good idea," Keifer quickly countered.
"It's not my dream to eat fire," Percy added with an annoyed tone.
"Maybe… Maybe it's just better if we do it," Yuri said hesitantly.
"Build your own kitchen first," Aries muttered before pulling me away from the fridge.
He placed me in a corner like I was a misbehaving child. I blinked in surprise before embarrassment settled in. Did they really think I was such a bad cook?
I can cook—just as long as no one plays around and distracts me. Otherwise-— accidents happen.
The four of them took care of everything while I just stood back and watched. For the first time, I saw them together without arguing. They talked casually, like normal friends.
I smiled. It would be nice if the four of them could get along again. I knew they missed each other, even if they wouldn't admit it. If they truly didn't care anymore, they wouldn't still be holding onto the past.
"What juice do you want, Jay?" Yuri asked while stirring the contents of the jug.
"Mango flavor."
"What else are you going to eat?" Aries asked.
"Nothing more."
"Do you want more of my chicken curry?" Percy offered.
"Say—"
"Would you like me as your dessert?" Keifer grinned shamelessly.
Oh, this idiot!
"It's Keifer!" I immediately reported to the other three, who cursed at him one after another.
The deranged King of the Snakes just laughed softly. This shameless man really didn't care what others thought. As long as he was happy and satisfied, that was all that mattered to him.
No doubt—he really was the king.
Seeing Yuri finish his task made me clap. He looked for the plates and glasses, and I pointed to the cupboard where they were kept. One by one, he took them out.
"Take them to the dining room," Aries instructed.
Yuri obeyed. A moment later, the microwave beeped, signaling that the dish Percy had placed inside was heated. Percy took care of it and followed Yuri to the dining room. My brother and the ever-infuriating King did the same with their dishes.
I applauded as I followed them. The table was set, so I immediately sat down.
"Excuse me. Why are you eating? What did you contribute to this?" Percy stopped me.
I blinked. "You have the nerve to eat here, yet you won't even serve me?"
I heard Yuri's soft laugh. "Eat, Jay." He handed me a plate and filled my glass with juice before placing it in front of me.
I patted Percy before scooping up some food and starting to eat. First, they asked what I wanted, and now they're questioning my contribution? They're really something else.
They also started eating. Almost no one spoke. They didn't even exchange glances, so I took the opportunity to watch them again.
I could see something.
I could see Yuri's cleavage. Does he even have one? I was startled.
But more than that, I saw glimpses of hope in their friendship. Maybe it could be restored. Perhaps they just needed to clear things up and forgive each other—especially Percy and Yuri, Keifer and Aries, and Aries with all of them. As long as they were serious and open to explanations, reconciliation was possible.
I smiled at the thought.
"Son of a—" I heard Percy mutter. "Why are you smiling alone? Are you crazy?"
"Eat more. That's just the effect of hunger," Aries said, placing more food on my plate.
"Maybe you need some water," Yuri said as he poured water into my glass.
"Or maybe you just need my kiss." Keifer smirked as he leaned toward me. ❤️
I immediately kicked him under the table, making him stop.
"I was just thinking, okay? Are you guys insane?" I said, annoyed.
They chuckled softly. But instead of getting irritated, I felt even happier. Nothing major had changed, but at least they were getting along. The tension among them seemed to ease. However, that might not be enough. Their reconciliation needed to go deeper—just like when they saved me from Sato.
Kidnapping again.
I don't want that. Getting kidnapped is exhausting. At least there should be free food or snacks afterward. And why do they always tie people up? It hurts my wrists.
Keifer-Kwanan is probably the only one who knows how to kidnap properly. He even gave away an island. Now that's a proper souvenir.
We finished eating and started clearing the table. I took my plate and placed it in the kitchen sink. Just as I turned around, Percy smacked me on the back.
"Ouch! Damn it!" I complained.
"You wash the dishes," he said.
"Why me?"
"Because you didn't do anything," Aries answered while setting down his plates. "We cooked."
"I did something."
They both looked at me, clearly waiting for my response.
"I ate. That counts as a contribution," I said with a grin.
I immediately got a flick on my forehead and a smack on my nose—from both of them. At the same time.
"Go wash the dishes," Aries ordered, turning his back on me.
Percy followed him.
I groaned, walked to the sink, and searched for the sponge. There were quite a lot of dishes to wash. I was about to pour liquid soap onto the sponge when someone grabbed my hand.
"Let me help you," Yuri said. "You just rinse."
I nodded. "Go ahead."
Then Keifer pulled me aside, holding a clean rag for drying the plates.
"I'll help too," he said.
"Suit yourself," I replied.
Yuri washed, I rinsed, and Keifer dried. Since we worked together, we finished quickly.
"Done," Keifer said, winking at me.
I rolled my eyes at him and walked toward the living room. They followed. When we got there, we found Percy and Aries deep in conversation.
He looked dead serious.
"What now? Can I go home?" Percy asked.
"Just go away," Aries replied.
"You're pretending. I know you don't want me to leave," my shameless stepbrother said.
Where do you get the nerve?
"In your dreams."
"I have to go too," Yuri said, making us look at him.
"Are you sure you'll be okay?" I asked, and he nodded.
"Thank you, Jay. Even though I kept you busy, you still took care of me."
"It's fine. I'd be more worried if you'd gone to another house and the same thing happened to you."
"It would be even worse if he ended up at Freya's house." Keifer's words stung.
I immediately elbowed him to make him stop. I was terrified that Percy's expression would change. The anger in his eyes had nearly cost someone their life before.
"I'm leaving before I do something I'll regret," Percy said and walked out of the house.
I wanted to call after him, but he walked away too quickly, clearly unwilling to stop.
I glared at the King of Snakes. "Watch your mouth!" I snapped.
"Kiss it," he retorted, testing my patience.
Damn it!
"You should leave now. Kuya might come back," Aries said before turning to go inside.
I was about to take Yuri with me, but he grabbed the collar of my dress and pulled me away with him.
"Leave," my brother added.
I could do nothing but watch them walk away.
Aries finally let go of me when we reached his bedroom door. I went straight to my own room to find my phone and text Yuri.
Luckily, I found it right away.
To: Pres. Yuri
Message: Please be careful! We're your friends, and we're here for you.
Even though I wasn't sure if he had his phone with him, I sent the message anyway.
I just hope Yuri will be okay. I'm afraid that next time, it won't just be words—his own blood might spill before me.