Chapter 167 - Paper

Jay-Jay's POV

"Hey! Pay up! You're not running away!" Rory shouted as he charged forward.

The payment for the retreat is due on Monday. They say the school won't cover our expenses.

Only for Section E, of course!

I felt for my wallet inside my bag. I had to pay too—there's no point in being late; it's hard to collect from others.

"I'll pay!" Felix shouted and looked at me. "...Have you paid yet?"

"No—"

"That's paid!" Rory cut me off.

I stopped searching my bag and looked at him. "Hey, not yet!"

"Keifer already paid for you earlier."

That guy again?!

I immediately walked over to Keifer, who was sleeping. I smacked him on the chest, making him jolt awake and glare at me.

"Why did you pay for me?" I asked, annoyed.

"Because I wanted to," he replied, bored, and went back to sleep.

I hit him again. "I'll pay for that myself."

He looked surprised by what I did. Maybe I hit him harder than I meant to. But I was irritated.

Suddenly, he stood up and grabbed my wrist, dragging me out of the classroom to the side of the building.

We stopped a little farther away, and he stared at me with clear annoyance. "What's your problem? I always pay for you."

"It's different now… It was different before."

He crossed his arms and studied me for a long moment. "The real reason?"

The truth... Because... Haizt! Because ever since he told me about his life, I realized just how rich he really is. And how poor I am in comparison.

Last night, after they left the restaurant, Yuri's parents started discussing Watson Enterprise. They said that on Keifer's birthday, the CEO position would be handed over to him, giving him full control of the company.

At just 18 years old, he already has his own company. How is that even possible? He's one of the youngest billionaires in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, I'm almost 18 and still debating over which ice cream flavor to choose.

Our lives couldn't be more different. It made me sad. It made me feel like Honey suited him better.

Cocky bastard.

"Why aren't you answering?" he asked.

I shook my head. "I just want to pay my own dues."

I was about to walk away when he suddenly stopped me. His eyes locked onto mine, but I quickly looked away. I didn't want him to see what I was thinking.

"Why didn't you answer my calls last night?"

I swallowed hard. He called and texted me multiple times, but I ignored him. I was too annoyed at him—and Honey.

I don't like Honey!

"W-what… I was busy."

"And what exactly were you doing?" he asked, stepping closer.

I took a step back.

"Hmm… Cleaning my room."

That's true! I really was cleaning—especially when I found all the snack wrappers under my bed.

"Ms. Mariano… are you lying to me?" He stepped even closer.

"No! That's the truth!"

"Is that really the reason? Because it seems like there's something else." Another step.

I backed up again, nearly tripping over a rock. Luckily, I caught myself just in time.

"W-what are you implying?"

He kept his eyes on me and smirked.

"I don't know… maybe jealousy?"

I suddenly laughed, frustrated. Jealous? Me? Where is he even getting that idea from? Honey? Please!

"As if! Who would I be jealous of? Honey? No way!" I scoffed.

He laughed while closing the distance between us. I tried to take another step back, but—damn it—there was a wall behind me.

Could I phase through it? Like Harry Potter?

Keifer reached for my chin, tilting my face up to his. My cheeks burned on their own.

"You're too obvious, you know that?" he murmured, his voice smooth and teasing.

Damn it. Why does his voice sound so attractive?

Are you falling for him?!

No! Absolutely not!

"...Honey almost sued you for what you did to her nose," he added.

My eyes widened, and my knees nearly buckled. Sue me?! Am I going to jail?!

"S-sue me?"

"Yeah… But we already talked it out. So, no need to worry," he said with a smile.

He traced his fingers over my lips, and for a moment, I was lost. I knew exactly what he wanted.

"Jealous."

"Aren't you jealous? Shame on you!"

He chuckled. "So, you just admitted that you're jealous."

Did I admit it? No way! That's not what I meant! I was just messing around.

"I'm not—"

He cut me off by placing his thumb over my lips.

"Stop explaining," he murmured, slowly bringing his lips closer to mine.

Before he could notice, I took in his scent—no trace of cigarettes. Nice.

I closed my eyes as I waited for—ahhihihi! Is it January?

Why am I acting like this? This is so annoying!

And then, it happened. Money rained down from the sky. Just kidding! Our lips met.

Honestly, I missed this.

The kiss deepened gradually. My hands were on his chest, my arms wrapped around his neck. One of his hands was on my neck, while the other was braced against the wall. ❤️

I matched his every move. And then—

"That's so sweet."

We immediately pulled away. I turned to face the wall, pretending to inspect it. Keifer, on the other hand, turned his back to the speaker.

"I-I thought this was the way to Platform 9 ¾?" I blurted out without thinking.

Platform 9 ¾? That's from Harry Potter!

"It's in London… not here," he replied dryly.

I bit my lip. We got caught.

"Ayyyiiiieehhh... Jay-Jay is such a girl!" someone teased.

I turned to see who it was, and just my luck—almost our entire class was watching us.

Leading the group was Ci-N, followed by Kit, Edrix, Rory, and Felix. The others were either smirking at me or pretending not to care. Thankfully, Yuri's fan club wasn't around.

"Tss..." Keifer scoffed, clearly annoyed by Ci-N and the others. "...Do you guys need something?"

"Nothing... Just calling Jay-Jay to the Guidance Office," Kit said.

Guidance?!

Did I do something stupid recently? Did I get into a fight with Freya? With the Section A students? Or Section D? Did I talk back to a teacher?

Why am I being summoned? I glanced at Keifer.

"You want me to come with you?"

"Ayyyiiiieeehhhh…" Ci-N and the others teased again, making Keifer flip them off.

"N-no, it's fine... I can go by myself."

I walked slowly, trying to recall anything that might have gotten me in trouble. But no matter how hard I thought about it, I came up blank.

Think, Jay-Jay!

I bit my lower lip. With every step, my heart pounded faster. I wasn't scared of the Guidance Office itself. I was more terrified of them calling my older brother.

Aaaahhhh!! That would be a disaster. I need to find a place to hide!

As I continued walking, someone suddenly bumped into me. I nearly fell, but a passing student caught me.

"S-sorry..." I mumbled to the person who helped me.

They just nodded and walked away. Then, I turned to see who had bumped into me.

Great. Just my luck.

"ARE YOU BLIND?!" Freya yelled at me, furious.

I was not in the mood for this. What a bad trip.

"If I'm blind, what does that make you? Stupid?" I replied flatly.

She crossed her arms, staring me down. Other students had stopped to watch us.

Great. Just what I needed.

"If I'm stupid, then you're useless!" she shot back.

I chuckled. "So, you admit you're stupid?"

As soon as I said it, I realized my mistake.

Her expression darkened. Oops. That definitely pissed her off.

Not wanting to escalate things, I turned and continued walking toward the Guidance Office.

When I reached the door, I hesitated. Should I knock? What if they really did summon me because of something I did?

Come on, Jay-Jay, stop being dramatic.

This is ridiculous. I feel like I need to pee from the nerves. I shifted restlessly where I stood, fidgeting.

I kept glancing at the office door, wondering if I should just run.

Too late. The door opened.

Standing there was Aries, along with some of his classmates. He raised an eyebrow at me.

"Weirdo," he muttered before walking past me.

Excuse me?! Thank you very much! You just got out of the hospital! You want me to send you back?

His classmates snickered at me. Laugh while you can! Your time will come.

I sighed and stepped inside the office.

The Guidance Counselor met me—wait, what was her name again?

"Ms. Mariano?" She called.

"Y-yes, ma'am… You called for me?"

"Yes. Come in," she said, leading me into her office.

Once inside, she gestured toward the chair in front of her desk. I sat down, waiting as she rummaged through a drawer.

Her nameplate caught my eye.

Mrs. Reality.

Okay… Thanks for the reminder, nameplate. Now I remember her name.

After finding whatever she was looking for, she sat down and handed me a few sheets of paper.

"Have the Guidance Counselor of Holy Saints High School sign these."

My old school?

"Huh? Why?"

"Because your records from your previous school are incomplete," she explained, pointing to a folder filled with papers. "...We've called them several times, but all they ever say is, 'We'll call you back.'"

"Records?"

She nodded. "Yes, we just need to ensure that everything is in order before you graduate."

What's wrong with my records? I swear, the entire Holy Shit-Saints still holds a grudge against me. And now, records are just another excuse to cause me trouble.

"What if I can't get them signed?" I asked.

"Then you won't graduate," she replied without hesitation.

Shh000000000000000tttt!!!

I won't graduate?! Just because of some missing records?!

How is that fair?! My goodness… I really don't want to go back to Holy Saints! Ugh, this is so frustrating!

I looked at Ma'am, hoping she would do something—maybe call them again, send someone else… just anything so I wouldn't have to go back there myself.

"It shouldn't be a problem," she continued, "especially since your retreat next week will be held near that school."

…Next week?!

Son of a Tokyo afternoon! It's happening next week already?! And it's going to be in my hometown?!

Great. Just great.

"...I hope you can get it signed soon," she said with a smile. "I'll inform your advisor so they can allow you to leave for it."

I forced a nod and smiled back. But deep down, I really didn't want to go.

I didn't want to return to that school.

I left behind too many things there. Painful memories. Pieces of the person I used to be. I walked away from all of it for a reason.

I don't want to see them again.

I walked back to the classroom, lost in thought. Can't Sir Alvin just sign it instead?! This is so annoying!

Because I was walking so absentmindedly, I ended up bumping into someone. When I looked up, I froze.

"Sorry… Are you okay?" Yuri asked.

"O-oh... Yeah. I'm fine. Sorry too."

I quickly walked past him and went inside.

That should have been good news—him being back—but I couldn't focus on anything except the papers in my hands.

As soon as I stepped into the room, silence fell. It was too quiet—like an angel had just passed by.

I looked up and immediately locked eyes with Keifer.

His gaze was intense—angry even. It felt like he was melting me with just a look.

Yuri placed a hand on my shoulder before heading to his seat. I followed suit, shoving the papers into my bag.

The air in the room was heavy. Even though everyone was minding their own business, it felt like they were all waiting for something.

What's up with them?

I felt uneasy. As if the tension of the room wasn't enough, I had those damn papers to deal with.

I decided to go to the bathroom to freshen up. I really needed it.

By the time I came back, I had barely stepped into the building when I saw Ci-N running out of the classroom.

Huh?!

Josh ran after him and punched him.

What the hell?!

Panicked, I rushed toward them, about to intervene, but then I caught sight of the chaos inside the classroom.

Everyone was fighting.

As in—everyone.

"What…" I whispered, stunned.

"Look!"

"You're not!"

"Take this!"

"Pay your debt!"

"Nothing lasts forever!"

I stood there, completely confused.

What the hell is happening?! What are they even fighting about?!

I should have stayed in the bathroom!

And then—I saw Keifer and Yuri in the middle of it all.

Yuri was on the ground, and Keifer—standing above him—looked furious. His fists were clenched tight.

Even though I had no idea what was going on, I ran toward them.

Keifer was about to throw a punch, but before he could, I wrapped my arms around him.

"Jay!" Yuri called my name.

I glanced at him for a second before focusing on Keifer.

"What the hell?! What's going on?!" I asked, my voice filled with concern.

Slowly, the others stopped fighting.

Keifer turned away, refusing to answer.

I let go of him and faced Yuri, who was slowly getting back on his feet.

"Why were you two fighting?" I demanded.

I expected a response—but just like Keifer, Yuri simply looked away.

They both refused to answer.

Frustrated, I turned to the rest of the class. But all they did was avoid my gaze.

Ci-N, who had just reentered the room, opened his mouth to say something—but before he could, David covered his mouth and held him back.

The nerve!

Annoyance bubbled inside me. It was obvious that no one wanted to talk.

"No one's going to tell me anything?" I asked, irritated.

Silence.

That was it.

I grabbed my bag and stormed out of the classroom.

They can deal with their own mess!

I've completely lost the motivation to be here.

So frustrating!