Chapter 23: Defending Julie

When they talked, Jiko found himself drawn to the way she listened—*really* listened—to what he was saying, without judging him. It was so different from how he used to think of her, as just someone who was around because of Tito. There was something genuine about Julie that felt both familiar and brand new. She wasn't at all what he'd expected, and it made him feel uneasy in ways he hadn't anticipated.

At the same time, his interactions with Tito had also changed. Tito had become completely absorbed in his university work—distracted, distant, and not interested in anything else. Jiko noticed how Tito barely even look at him anymore, how he was always busy with assignments and talking about his future. He didn't seem to notice—or maybe he just didn't care—about the growing connection between Jiko and Julie. It was pretty obvious: in this timeline, Tito and Julie had never even spoken. They'd never interacted at all.

That realization stung more than Jiko expected. Tito hadn't even tried to get to know Julie in this version of events. It was like she was free from any connection to him, completely unattached to their shared history. And even though that should have felt like a relief, it just made Jiko feel even more conflicted.

One evening, as they walk home after mock test from school, Julie glances over at Jiko, sensing his thoughts. "You seem… lost in thought," she says softly, tilting her head slightly.

Jiko hesitates for a moment before finally speaking. "It's just weird, you know? How different things are now. I used to see you—" He pauses, shaking his head slightly. "Well, not like this. Back then, it was just… you were part of things because of Tito. That's all."

Julie frowns slightly, her brow furrowing in confusion. "Tito?" she repeats, her voice uncertain.

Jiko notices the confusion on her face and feels the tension rise in his chest. "Yeah, Tito. He's… he was someone from before—someone connected to you. But never mind that," he says quickly, waving his hand dismissively. "It's not important."

Julie stops walking, narrowing her eyes slightly. "Tito? What does that have to do with me?" she asks, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice.

Jiko's face twists, suddenly realizing his mistake. "Look, it doesn't matter," he says quickly. "Forget I said anything."

But Julie shakes her head, looking more confused by the second. "No, Jiko. You mentioned Tito, but I don't even know who he is. I don't… have anything to do with him. I only just know he is your elder brother that's all to it."

Jiko's stomach knots at her confusion. "It's… it's nothing. Just old stuff, things that don't matter now," he mutters, feeling uneasy under her gaze.

Julie frowns deeply, crossing her arms. "Wait—are you saying… you think I was with your brother Tito? That doesn't even make sense. I've never—" Her voice trails off as she tries to piece it together, but it's clear she's growing more frustrated.

Jiko sighs, frustrated with himself. "I didn't mean to confuse you. Forget it."

But Julie isn't ready to drop it. "No, Jiko, I want to know. You're acting like I should already understand something, but I don't. I don't know who this Tito is according to you, and honestly, it feels like you're talking about someone from a past I don't even know."

Jiko's jaw tightens. He knows he's made a mistake, but he doesn't know how to fix it. "It's not your concern, it's my concern," he mutters. "It's complicated, and honestly, you don't need to worry about it."

Julie's eyes flash with frustration. "Complicated or not, I don't want to feel like I'm being kept in the dark. What's going on, Jiko? What does this have to do with me?"

Jiko takes a deep breath, running a hand through his hair. He knows he can't keep dodging the question forever. But the truth feels too heavy, too close to things they're not ready to face.

"I just… I am telling you… it's not something you need to worry about right now," he says carefully, his voice low. "It's something from before. But it doesn't matter anymore."

Julie's frown deepened, her expression unconvinced. "It *does* matter to you," she insisted. "And if it's connected to me in any way, then it matters to me too. Don't forget," she added, her voice firm, "what's yours is also mine."

Jiko looked at her, a complicated mix of emotions swirling inside him. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He gently patted her head and offered a warm smile.

"I'll explain everything—just… not tonight," he said, his smile becoming even more reassuring. "Please, just give me some time."

Julie stared at him, still a little frustrated, but his gesture had also made her cheeks flush and a small smile tug at the corner of her lips. "Time," she repeated slowly, considering his words. "But you'd better not keep me waiting too long, Jiko."

Jiko nodded quietly, his heart feeling heavy. He knew he was walking a tightrope—between letting Julie into his complicated situation and risking losing her completely. And he also knew that the longer he waited, the harder it would be to face whatever came next.

One day, they're walking through the school courtyard after class, and Jiko suddenly catches a group of girls whispering and giggling nearby.

"I bet she's just throwing herself at him because she thinks she can snag him now," one girl snickers, clearly pointing at Julie.

The others chime in, laughing quietly. "Yeah, like she thinks just being slightly prettier than 'some monkey' is enough to land Jiko."

Jiko stops dead in his tracks. His fists clench by his sides, and his whole body tightens with rage. He can feel the heat rising in his chest, his heart pounding. How dare they talk about Julie like that—like she's some kind of trophy to be won or lost?

He turns toward the group, his voice low but sharp. "Hey," he says, loud enough to catch their attention. The girls whip around, suddenly wide-eyed and caught off guard to see Jiko standing there, his usual calm replaced with something sharper.

"Who do you think you're talking about like that?" he asks, his gaze locking on them with cold intensity.

The ringleader of the group stammers, clearly flustered. "Uh, we didn't mean anything by it—just joking around—"