Chapter 187 - Start With A Kiss

David's POV

Smoke, sweat, perfume, and alcohol—that's what I can still smell, even though I'm no longer in the bar.

I'm so confused.

I shouldn't have done that. My car shouldn't have stopped near their house. I shouldn't have waited for her to come out. I shouldn't be messing with them.

What the hell is wrong with you, David?!

I'm just drunk. Just bring more alcohol. I'll stop when I get bored. It's too late now. When Cheon comes back, I won't wait for her anymore. I won't steal glances at her again.

"So please, Jay, come out. Even for a moment. I just want to see you," I whispered, keeping my eyes fixed on their gate.

My grip on the steering wheel tightened. There were two fancy cars parked outside their house. I knew one belonged to Yuri, but I wasn't sure about the other.

What are they doing there?

The alcohol mixed with my emotions—strange.

My phone rang. I glanced at the screen. It was Percy calling.

I hesitated to answer. A part of me was afraid he'd tell me something about Jay-jay that I wasn't ready to hear.

"Hello," I said as I picked up the call.

["Can you tell me your location?"]

I cleared my throat. "I'm driving. Can you call me later?"

["I will. But since you're driving, do me a favor—go straight to Jay-jay's house. Text me when you're there. Thanks."]

He didn't wait for my response before ending the call.

I hadn't planned to lie, but I also didn't tell him the truth—I was already near Jay-jay's house.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Jay-Jay's POV

"What's the truth, Jay?" Grandma asked me calmly.

I trusted grandma. I could tell her the truth, but a big part of me hesitated.

"G-grandma, because…" I whispered.

I'm on a diet now!

"They're in a relationship," Yuri said emotionlessly.

"…even though we're engaged."

Even though his voice lacked emotion, and he didn't say much, I knew it hurt. He was hurting because of our situation.

"You let him?" grandma asked.

"We're not married yet—"

"So you didn't do anything?" she interrupted, her voice laced with irritation. Wrinkles deepened on her forehead as she frowned.

"Yuri can't stop us either," Keifer chimed in.

Grandma shot him a sharp glare.

"…I love your grand-daughter."

Come on!

"You're still young! You don't understand what you're talking about yet," grandma scolded, then turned to me. "Jay! You're sailing on two boats."

"N-not like that."

"Please… Don't blame Jay-jay for this," Keifer said. "In our current situation, he's the one who looks bad, but…" He turned to Yuri. "…after all, his relationship with Yuri was forced. That's why I'm his only official relationship."

"Official? You don't even have a label. So how is your relationship official?" Yuri asked, irritation clear in his voice.

"We do have a label," Keifer responded quickly. "We're husband and wife."

Face palm!

I smacked my forehead against the table. My head hurt—I wasn't sure if it was from Keifer's nonsense or the actual impact.

"My blood pressure is rising because of you kids," grandma muttered, shaking her head.

Just then, Aunt Gema walked in, drawing everyone's attention.

"Mom! We're heading to the hospital. We're going to see Aries," she announced.

"Oh, okay… Leave us here. Take care," Grandma replied, standing up.

Aunt Gema hugged her before leaving.

I wanted to go too—I was worried about Aries. But at the same time, I didn't want to see him.

The others left to go to the hospital together.

Why did Mama and Andy have to go?

"Let's talk in the living room," Grandma said suddenly.

We got up and followed her. Sitting on the sofa, I found myself once again caught between Yuri and Keifer. Grandma sat across from us.

"Keifer," she addressed him. "I want you to break up with my grandson."

H-huh? Why?

"Grandma…" I almost choked on my words.

She looked at me. "It's not that I don't want him for you. You're young—you shouldn't be getting married yet. That's why this is necessary."

"But… Jay-jay and I can't be separated," Keifer insisted. "What about our baby?"

Son of… Here we go again!

My eyes widened as I slowly turned to Keifer. Was he insane?! Where did this baby come from?

"B-baby?" grandma repeated in shock.

"Jay-jay is pregnant," Keifer added. "…it's been a few months."

Grandma clutched her head, pretending to feel dizzy.

I knew it was just an act, but Yuri still supported grandma. Meanwhile, I didn't need to act—I actually felt dizzy.

"Are you okay?" Yuri asked, concerned.

"My blood pressure is… r-rising," grandma stammered.

High blood pressure? Rising?

I knew she was faking it. She used to pull the same trick at home. I had learned to tell the difference between her acting and reality.

"Poor baby," Keifer continued. "If it's a boy, he'll grow up without a father."

This idiot won't stop!

I slapped him—hard. His head almost snapped to the side from the force. I glared at him.

"You're crazy! Nothing has ever happened between us! What you're saying is impossible!" I snapped.

Keifer smirked mischievously. "Not yet… So, does that mean it will happen?"

Son of...!

I smacked my own forehead multiple times.

I couldn't believe it. Why did I even like this person?

I turned to see grandma leaning against Yuri's chest, her eyes closed as she took deep breaths.

"Calm down, Grandma… What this snake is saying isn't true," I assured her.

Lola opened her eyes and stared at me seriously.

"Really?"

"Widow."

"You're not pregnant?"

"No."

She took a deep breath and looked at Keifer. "You crazy kid."

Keifer just smiled at her. Maybe I was too shocked by this crazy person's words. I could just knock him against the wall or the table.

Grandma got serious again, and so did we. I knew she wasn't joking anymore.

"I want you three to fix this mess. I'm not against Jay-Jay being in a relationship. She's grown; she knows right from wrong. I also have confidence in her." She looked at Yuri. "I know you don't want to force Jay-Jay into this marriage either, but if you can do something—do it! It's ugly when you two force your wants on each other." Her gaze shifted to Keifer. "And you! Get yourself together! Talk seriously instead of acting impulsively!"

Keifer just scratched the back of his neck. Yuri, meanwhile, had no reaction; he simply lowered his head and looked at his hands.

Grandma turned to me. "And you, Jay... I know you don't want to get married, but don't do something you'll regret later."

If this had been in the past, I might have argued with her. But now, I understood. I knew it was for my own good.

Silence filled the room. No one spoke. Even Grandma fell quiet, though she continued to look at us. I could feel what the others were feeling too.

"Ahem..." Grandma finally broke the silence. "It looks like they're going to stay the night, Gema. Maybe we should give them some space."

She stood up, and we followed. I had barely eaten, and after everything that had happened, I completely lost my appetite. All because of this PEST—KING of Snakes' ridiculous antics.

We put the food away. Yuri and Keifer helped, but they remained unaffected by the tension. After cleaning up, we let the maids take care of the dishes.

"I'm going to rest," Grandma told me. Then, in a whisper, she added, "Talk to them."

I just nodded with a small smile, unsure of what to do with these two.

Grandma went straight to her room while I walked into the living room, where the two were waiting. Keifer sat on the couch, and Yuri stood near the door.

"Sorry... about what happened," Yuri began.

"S-sorry too. Grandma gave you a lecture as well," I replied.

"It's okay," he said with a smile. "By the way, you looked pretty in your wedding gown."

Come on! Did he really have to bring that up?

I felt a bit flustered, and Keifer must have noticed, though he didn't react. I wasn't sure if Yuri had meant for him to hear that.

"T-thank you," I managed to say.

Yuri lowered his head slightly, as if he didn't want to continue this conversation in front of Keifer.

"I think it's time for me to go," he suddenly announced, catching me off guard.

"Huh?"

He glanced at Keifer before looking back at me. "I'm leaving. Take care of yourself," he said and, without hesitation, kissed me on the cheek.

Keifer instantly shot up from his seat, glaring at us furiously. Yuri didn't say another word, just smirked and left.

I stood frozen at the door, watching stupidly as his car disappeared into the night. The last thing I saw was his taillights before turning back to face Keifer—who was now staring daggers at me.

"W-what?"

"Are you thrilled?!" he demanded, clearly annoyed.

Ah. That's jealousy.

"Huh? About what?"

"About Yuri kissing you!"

"No," I answered innocently.

Keifer stepped closer and wrapped his arms around my waist. Startled, I pressed my hands against his chest, trying to put some space between us. I had a feeling I knew where this was going.

"As you should be," he said seriously. "...Now, can I have the kiss I've been waiting for?"

Ahihihi... No way!

"In your dreams."

"And why is that?" he asked, clearly irritated.

"You smell like cigarettes."

He immediately sniffed himself. "Do I still smell like smoke?"

Obviously, he had been smoking!

"Yes… So let go of me before Grandma comes downstairs and sees us," I warned, trying to pry his hands off my waist.

"One kiss… please," he begged.

"Not happening. Someone might see us."

He scowled as if frustrated by my answer. My mind suddenly flashed back to the last day of our retreat—when Yuri kissed me. I didn't want to mention it. Keifer would just get angry again.

"If you don't kiss me… I'll force you," he said seriously.

I smacked his chest—hard.

"Ow! That fucking hurt!" he complained.

"I know, right?" I mimicked a commercial jingle, making him glare at me.

I walked over to the couch and sat down. Suddenly, I felt hungry again. But I didn't want a proper meal—I craved something sweet. Rice just wouldn't cut it.

"I want ice cream," I mumbled, then turned to Keifer, who was still glaring at me. "...Buy me ice cream, and I'll kiss you."

His expression immediately brightened. In an instant, he bolted out the door.

Nice! Haha…

"Wait for me!" he shouted as he ran.

I heard his car speed off, and I couldn't help but laugh. He was unbelievable! Just for a kiss, he was willing to run errands. What if it were for something even more—hoizt!

Stop thinking like that.

Memories of the retreat flooded back. Ella's confession, Aries' anger. If things had gone differently, Yuri might have fought for me. Maybe they'd still be happy together. Maybe Yuri wouldn't have dyed his hair. Maybe the engagement wouldn't have happened.

And maybe… whatever's happening between Keifer and me would've remained nothing more than a fleeting flirtation.

Or maybe we'd still be like cats and dogs—constantly bickering over the smallest things, hating each other's presence.

It's crazy. Why did I fall for the bad boy? I used to be into nice guys like Yuri. But somehow, without even realizing it, I ended up falling for Keifer.

I don't know what to do. And now that Kuya Angelo knows…

He's going to kill me!

Just then, I heard the sound of a car pulling up. I knew it wasn't Tita, but I stood up anyway. Keifer was fast, but not that fast. Could it really be him?

I peeked outside, but no one knocked or rang the doorbell. It was strange—something told me to take a look.

I stepped out of the gate, my hands behind my back.

"David?" I asked, surprised to see him standing next to his car. "...W-what are you doing here?"

His hair was messy, and he looked completely out of it. He pulled out his phone and held it out to me. We weren't even that close, but I could smell the alcohol on him.

"He wants to talk to you," he said flatly, his voice void of emotion.

I know who he is referring to. I know it's Percy. My hand hesitates to accept the phone, but I also want to talk to him. It's like I want to hear what he has to say.

Queen! Piss off!

"H-hello?" I say, holding the phone to my ear.

["Jay-Jay."]

I close my eyes when he says my name. For so long, I had wished to hear his voice again. The days when I wanted to see him flash back in my mind. The days I hoped he would show up and answer all my questions.

But you just got hurt!

"P-Percy."

["I'm coming home. I can answer—"]

"Don't show me that," I cut him off.

I don't know where that came from, but I know it's right. He shouldn't show me anything anymore.

["Jay?"]

"You're just messing with me! You're just messing with my life!" I snap, my voice filled with frustration.

["Look… I'm sorry—"]

"I don't need your sorry! What I want is to know who you really are! Why is it that whenever my life is peaceful, you show up and throw it into chaos?!" I don't want to get angry like this, but I can't help it.

I feel like I'm going to explode. Every bit of resentment I've held in comes pouring out. The nights I cried. The nights I thought about him.

That he might be the answer to all my questions.

But just thinking about him brings back another truth—I found out that he was with Papa. That my father used him.

Envy. Disgust!

["Jay… I'm just asking for a day. Let's meet."]

Please, talk to him.

"I DON'T CARE!" I scream as tears stream down my face. "I'm done! If you're just going to keep messing with me—"

["DAMN IT! Listen to me!"] he shouts angrily.

I don't know why, but it feels like I heard four voices at once. That's right… They're friends. They sound almost the same when they're angry.

["…Give me three—no! Two days. Give me two days, and I'll answer all your questions."]

No! Don't believe him!

"That's enough…" I whisper. "...Please."

I don't wait for his response. I let go of David's phone and sit down, hugging my knees. I feel weak. I want to believe him, to be happy, but fear lingers.

The fear that he might not show up again. That I'll be left waiting for nothing. That I'll never get my answers.

"Jay-Jay," David calls softly.

I don't look at him, but I see his hand pick up the phone from the floor. He stands there for a moment, staring at it.

"Come inside… It looks like it's going to rain."

I remain in my curled-up position, still crying. I want to yell at him, but I no longer have the strength. I feel his hands gently grip my shoulders, slowly pulling me up.

I stay hunched over, avoiding his gaze. Thunder rumbles faintly in the distance, but even that doesn't stop my tears.

"Come inside," he repeats.

"W-what exactly are you and Percy?" I ask in a whisper.

He doesn't answer at first. I hear him sigh, and I think he'll stay silent like Percy did, but then "We have a contract. I work for him in exchange for his help with my girlfriend." He speaks plainly.

My tears start falling again. I feel like a child who was promised something but never received it. The weight on my chest is unbearable. I think I've already cried enough for Mama.

I feel David's hand and arm wrap around me.

"Ssshhhh… T-that's enough. It's hard for me to see you like this," he murmurs.

His words confuse me, but I choose to stop crying. I take deep, shaky breaths. I lift my head to face him and pull away from his embrace.

"David—"

Before I can finish, his hands cup my cheeks. And without hesitation, his lips press against mine.

He almost Kissed me!

D-David?!

My heart feels like it's about to explode. It's beating so fast I can barely move. Shock paralyzes me for a moment. Then, instinctively, I push him away.

My hand rises on its own, and my palm lands against his cheek with a sharp slap.

"W-Why?!" I stutter, my voice trembling.

He stays bent over, holding his right cheek where I hit him.

My hands shake. My mind is in chaos. I don't understand why he did that. My life is already a mess—why did he have to make it worse?

Just kidding!

The sound of a car door closing sends chills down my spine.

Fear grips me. It feels like cold water has been poured over me. I slowly turn to the side—

And my entire body freezes.

He's standing there.

His eyes are locked on me, full of questions. Full of suspicion. And then, gradually, his expression shifts— To pure rage.

Keifer.

He saw. He saw everything.

"K-Keifer..." I whisper, taking a hesitant step toward him.

But before I can reach him, he moves. In a blink, he's in front of David. His fist flies.

Shit!

"YOU FUCKING BASTARD!" Keifer roars.

I can't move. I'm completely shocked.

David stumbles back against his car from the force of the punch. He spits out blood.

Keifer doesn't stop. He swings again. David is no longer standing, blood trickling from his nose.

I'm scared. I don't know why, but I'm terrified of Keifer. If I don't do something, David might get seriously hurt. I took a deep breath, gathering all the courage I have left.

"K-Keifer… T-that's enough," I plead, stepping closer.

He glares at me but turns back to David, raising his fist again. Even though I'm trembling, I grab his arm, trying to stop him. He easily shakes me off.

"P-please… That's enough," I whisper, my voice breaking.

Tears start forming in my eyes. …Keifer!

His fist is raised, but this time, he stops.

I watched as he slams his hand against the side of the car instead. He finally lets go of David and slowly straightens up.

I swallow hard, my fear growing.

"K-Keifer…"

He steps toward me, and I instinctively take a step back. His eyes burn with something I can't quite understand.

"Are you hiding something from me?" His voice is calm, but I can hear the underlying suspicion.

"...Are you in a relationship with David?"

What?! Why does he think that?!

I shake my head frantically. "N-no! T-there's nothing like that."

He took another step forward.

"Then what was he doing here?" he demands.

"I—h-he—"

"Don't fucking lie to me!" he snaps.

"S-Percy! He called David and talked to me," I hastily explained.

He stopped approaching me. His gaze turned critical. Every breath I took was deep. My fear still hadn't faded.

"...T-trust me," I whispered.

Please... trust me.

"Did your conversation include David kissing you?"

I slowly shook my head. I wanted to apologize, but it felt like I was admitting guilt. I didn't want to blame David—I didn't even understand the reason myself.

"Keifer..."

"I want to pretend..." he said coldly. "...I want to pretend that I didn't see anything."

Just like when he saw Yuri and me. But if it's the same, he won't talk to me for three days or more. I can handle that—just don't let him be this angry.

"...But I can't. I feel like you're hoping."

I'm not!

I immediately stepped toward him and held his hand. "No! No! It's not like that!"

He suddenly pulled his hand away from mine. It felt like something pinched my heart when he did that.

"Don't touch me! I might not be able to stop myself from hurting you!" he shouted.

Tears welled up in my eyes. I didn't want this! My chest felt so heavy—it hurt.

Please, listen to me!

He shook his head and suddenly walked toward his car. The moment I saw him get in, I ran after him.

"Wait! Keifer!" I called out, knocking on his car window.

At first, he didn't move, but then, suddenly, he slammed his hands against the steering wheel. Again and again, he hit it, taking deep breaths between each strike.

I knocked even louder.

"KIEFER! PLEASE!"

He can't just leave like this. We need to talk.

"Kiefer—just a minute!"

But he suddenly started the car. I tried to chase after him, but my leg hit the wheel. I bent down, clutching my knee for support.

No!

I have to follow him. I need to talk to him. It can't end like this—it shouldn't end like this.

I turned back quickly, but before I could even reach the gate, it started to rain. I looked at David's car—it was gone. It seemed like he had already left.

"Miss Jay-Jay!" one of the maids called out. "...Sir Angelo called. They said they're on their way home."

Tears streamed down my face—not out of fear of Kuya, but because I wouldn't be able to fix everything once they arrived.

Why, David?!