Chapter 161 - Words

Jay-Jay's POV

I feel like kicking something. If not literally... Haizt!

"It hurts..." Ci-N whispered while rubbing his ear.

It's his fault! He was eavesdropping on my conversation over the phone. I was so annoyed that I pulled his ear. Even after sleeping and everything, the pain still lingered.

Screw you!

"That's fair… To be even," I said, and he immediately covered his other ear.

"I don't want to," he replied.

I scoffed, giving him a hard time, and walked out of the room. We were about to have breakfast, and we still had school. Honestly, I didn't feel like going—especially after what happened yesterday.

Just thinking about Dylan's face when he pointed that gun at me made my knees shake again.

My courage disappeared. Bad trip!

Ci-N suddenly started pulling me along. He was still covering his ears, looking like a fool who was starving.

I stopped walking when I saw Aries. He looked at me as if I had done something wrong—not that it was anything new.

I kept walking, intending to pass him, but then he spoke, forcing me to turn and face him completely.

"Yuri," he said.

What the...

"You're going to marry him."

Those words hit me hard, reminding me of the cheating I was doing to Yuri.

My chest tightened. I felt like I was suffocating just looking at him.

Aries let out a bitter laugh. "You're something else..."

Of course! Are you jealous?!

The tone of his voice felt insulting. My eyebrows furrowed.

"You're going to marry Yuri, yet you're still with Keifer? That's low," he said, shaking his head before walking away.

Aside from being annoyed with this guy, there was only one thing on my mind now—I needed to tell Yuri the truth. I didn't want to keep deceiving him. That was never my intention, and I didn't want my guilt to grow even more.

Breakfast felt meaningless. Even when I showered and got ready, I wasn't myself. I didn't know how, but somehow, today, I had to tell him.

"Jay-Jay," Ci-N called out while we were walking. "...You're not listening."

"S-sorry. Were you saying something?"

"Oh, nothing…" he said sarcastically, which annoyed me a bit. "...I've said a lot. I've practically run out of good looks here."

I scratched the back of my neck. What?!

"Are you saying you're handsome?"

His eyes suddenly widened. "Don't shout too much. That's my secret."

I rolled my eyes at his thick-skinned attitude and kept walking.

When I arrived at school, the students were practically rioting because of my beauty—Just kidding!

The school retreat was coming up. Great timing! Right before Valentine's.

Upon entering the classroom, my eyes searched for Yuri. She wasn't there. This was probably the first time I had arrived before him. He was usually the first to show up.

I sat down and immediately took out my phone, something I should have done earlier. He had texted me.

📩

From: Yuri

Message: 'Can't go to school. I have a fever. Please take care of yourself.'

Damn it!

Seriously?! Of all days! What the hell?!

I was supposed to tell him today. It shouldn't be delayed any longer. Looks like I need to go to his place instead.

Is it a sin to ask heaven for a—huh?!

Suddenly, I started humming. Before I even realized it, Sir Alvin and Keifer had arrived. My mind was far, far away—probably on Pluto.

Then, out of nowhere, something snapped right in my ear.

"Shit! That hurts!" I shouted.

Everyone immediately turned to look at me. Even Sir Alvin glared at me. I turned to Keifer, who was trying to hide his smile.

Bastard!

What does he think I am? He covered his ears like an idiot, trying to hold back his laughter. I lowered my head. Keifer was such a troublemaker—doing things out of nowhere like that.

I wanted to retaliate, but that wasn't my main concern. I was more worried about what I was going to say to Yuri. How should I start?

Even during the next subjects, I wasn't myself. I kept asking Ci-N things, but I couldn't focus on his answers.

Even Keifer seemed curious about what was on my mind.

By the time school was over, I packed up my things and was about to leave when Keifer suddenly grabbed my hand.

"Stay," he ordered.

I wanted to refuse—I had to see Yuri—but the serious look on his face made me stop. I hesitated before sitting down again.

"Jay, let's go?" Ci-N asked.

Keifer answered for me. "You go ahead. We have something to talk about."

Ci-N looked surprised but nodded and left. The classroom was empty now. I turned to Keifer, waiting for him to speak.

"W-why? What do we need to talk about?" I asked.

"What's wrong? We've noticed that you're not yourself."

I hesitated. I didn't want to say it, but maybe he should know too.

"Because… I've been wondering how to tell Yuri the truth," I admitted.

"What do you mean?"

"Because I feel guilty. I don't want to keep deceiving Yuri."

Keifer lowered his head. "I understand. Even I feel ashamed in front of him." He took a deep breath. "...Why do we always end up liking the same girl?"

I bit my lower lip as Yuri's image flashed through my mind—hurt, just like when Ella had betrayed him. And now, it was happening again.

"I was about to go see him," I said. Keifer gave me a meaningful look. "...I'll tell him."

He suddenly stood up and walked out of the room. I immediately followed him.

"I'll take you," he said, continuing toward the exit.

We reached the parking lot, where I spotted Aries and Ella walking nearby. It was as if they had deliberately parked next to Keifer's car.

I glanced at them, as did Keifer, but he showed no sign of being affected by their presence. He got into the car without a word, so I followed.

For a brief moment, my eyes met Aries'. I also noticed Ella stealing a glance at Keifer.

Can I just poke her eyes out?!

The car started. The entire drive was silent.

I wanted to ask if Keifer was still affected by those two, but I didn't want to start a conversation that might turn into an argument.

And Aries' words still lingered in my mind. I kept convincing myself that I wasn't cheating, but... It's so frustrating!

As soon as Yuri's building came into view, my heartbeat quickened. The closer we got, the more nervous I felt.

When we arrived at the parking lot, I didn't get out right away. I needed to gather my courage first.

"I'll stay here. If I go up, we might end up fighting," Keifer said.

I nodded. "Thank you."

I stepped out of the car and walked toward the elevator. As I waited for it to open, I turned to glance at Keifer. He gave me a small, forced smile.

I hurried inside as soon as the doors opened and pressed the button for Yuri's floor. My hands were sweating—maybe from the heat of the elevator, or maybe from my overwhelming nerves.

As soon as I stepped out, four women in kimonos greeted me. There weren't as many as usual. They bowed and greeted me in their language.

I returned the gesture and greeted them—in Tagalog.

I looked around for their Young Master, and they guided me to his room.

Thankfully, I was already somewhat familiar with the layout of this place, so I had no trouble finding my way. I knocked, but there was no response.

I hesitated. Maybe this isn't the right time. He's sick.

No! It has to be now!

Damn it! I had no choice.

I slowly opened the door, expecting to see him lying in bed, asleep due to his fever. But he wasn't there.

I looked toward the balcony. The sliding door was open, and the curtains swayed as the wind blew through them.

Then, I heard it.

🎶 Everybody loves the things that you do

From the way you talk to the way you move

Everybody here is watching you

'Cause you feel like home

You're like a dream come true 🎶

I walked closer and saw Yuri sitting on a long bamboo bench, his back turned to me. He held a guitar, singing softly.

🎶 But if by chance you're here alone

Can I have a moment before I go?

'Cause I've been by myself all night long

Hoping you're someone I used to know 🎶

Just like before, his voice was soothing. After all, Keifer and Yuri sounded almost identical. They were friends, after all.

🎶 You look like a movie

You sound like a song

My God, this reminds me

Of when we were young 🎶

They were both intelligent, a little bossy, quiet, and had a talent for singing. Both were handsome, stubborn, and impossible to dislike.

🎶 Let me photograph you in this light

In case it is the last time

That we might be exactly like we were

Before we realized 🎶

Tears fell from my eyes on their own. If only I could control my heart. I didn't want to hurt him. I didn't want him to go through the same pain again.

🎶 We were sad of getting old

It made us restless

It was just like a movie

It was just like a song 🎶

This feels like cheating!

I wanted him to be happy, but if I stayed, I would only end up hurting him. I thought I could handle this.

Then, he suddenly stopped playing the guitar and turned around.

"Jay? You're here," he said, setting the guitar aside.

He stood up and faced me with a smile—until he noticed the tears running down my cheeks. His smile disappeared instantly.

"Why? Did something happen?" He reached out to touch my cheek, but I immediately stepped back.

"...Is there a problem?"

"I-I'm sorry, Yuri," I whispered, taking a deep breath. "...I'm sorry. Believe me, I really tried."

His eyes widened in shock. "W-what are you saying?"

"Sorry... I'm really sorry." My tears kept falling. My chest felt so heavy. I could barely breathe. "...I tried."

"Jay..."

"But... it's really Keifer."

Then, I broke down completely.

I waited for him to say something, but he remained silent. I couldn't even bring myself to look at him. The shame was too much.

Minutes passed. My sobs eventually quieted.

And that's when he finally spoke.

"I know," he said, his voice calm.

I looked up at him, confused.

"...I knew it was Keifer. From the very start."

My chest tightened at his words. Countless questions flooded my mind, but I couldn't bring myself to speak.

"...Just like with Ella, I took a chance again. But once more, I was wrong. Defeated by the same guy..." He forced a smile. "...I'm not stupid, Jay. I knew it from the day you said 'yes' to me."

W-what...? I'm confused.

"Mom wasn't lying when she said she saw you and Keifer. She only tried to save us from embarrassment."

Damn it… That was all I could think.

"...And I also know that you made out with him in the restroom." He let out a bitter laugh. "...I was there that night when you confessed to him, too."

My mind went blank.

How…? How did he know all of this?

"If you're wondering how I know," he continued, stepping closer, "the answer is simple..."

He leaned in slightly, his breath warm against my shoulder.

"...Keifer isn't the only one who has his ways." He whispered the words, sending a chill down my spine. My heart nearly stopped.

Straightening up, he locked eyes with me. "...I want you to leave now. I don't want to see you."

"Y-Yuri..." I wanted to say more, but that was all I could manage.

He turned his back to me. "I'll let you continue your relationship with Keifer, but when our wedding day comes, you will say 'I do,' no matter what. Otherwise, it will be the end of Fer Corp." His authoritative tone sent a shiver through me.

Is this really still happening?!

"Y-Yuri... You're only going to get hurt."

"What difference does it make?! You're already hurting me." His voice rose with emotion.

Even though he faced away from me, I knew he was crying. The realization made my own tears fall even harder.

"...Trust me, at the end of the day, you'll still be mine," he added.

I tried to step toward him, but my legs refused to move.

"Y-Yuri... Please."

"Jay... Go away." His voice was firm, heavy. "...Leave. Now!"

I had no choice but to slowly walk toward the door. He didn't even glance at me, not even at the end.

But just before I stepped out, he spoke again—words that completely shattered me.

"You and Ella are the same. Hopeless."