Chapter 194 - The Last Cry

Jay-Jay's POV

Tita keeps knocking on my door. I know they want to talk to me, but I choose not to face them. I turn up the music volume on my cellphone.

The headset presses against my ears. I don't want to hear anything. These days, all I want to listen to is rock music.

Hey... Just like before.

I glance at my phone when a message pops up.

📩

From: Ci-N

Message: Come in, please...

I delete his message immediately. I haven't been in for two days. I've lost my appetite for everything—including going to school.

For what? To see them? To see him? Not anymore.

Sometimes, I think about ending my life, but that's not possible yet. I want to see Papa and be with him… even just for a while.

I look at the door when it suddenly swings open. I locked it—damn it, the doorknob is broken! Aries storms in, his face filled with anger. He wastes no time before yelling at me. I pull off my headset and wrap the cord around my fingers.

Fighting?! Fighting?!

"You knew Percy was alive, and you knew our story too! Why didn't you tell me anything?!" he yells, shoving me against the wall.

I push him back with all my strength, gripping his shirt. I meet his furious glare with my own.

"Why?! Did you tell me that Papa was just around the corner?! Did you tell I was the outsider?! DID YOU TELL I'M SISTER?!" I shout back at him. "…So don't complain! Let's be fair!"

His anger intensifies. I shove him against the wall again, but he pushes back. We keep pushing each other, neither willing to back down.

"STOP IT!" Kuya Angelo shouts, rushing towards us.

Tita Gema follows closely behind, looking just as alarmed. They step in, trying to pull us apart. Kuya positions himself between us, blocking us with his arms. But I still glare at Aries, my fists clenched.

"Explain yourself, Aries," Kuya demands calmly.

Aries doesn't answer. He just keeps glaring at me. If Kuya hadn't arrived when he did, we probably would've come to blows.

Even if he's my brother…

I wouldn't hesitate to break his nose. After all, he and Mama are the reason I'm suffering now. At the very least, I should be able to land one good punch.

"What's going on?" Mama suddenly appears, looking at us with furrowed brows. "...Why is the doorknob like this?"

Your dear son broke it!

"You're really not going to talk?" Kuya asks, clearly annoyed, before turning to me. "…What did Aries do?"

I don't answer. Instead, I walk straight to the bathroom and lock myself in. I don't want to stay in this house, but I also don't want to live like this.

And Percy still hasn't called or texted me.

I quickly take a shower and get dressed. By the time I step out of the bathroom, they're all gone. The door is closed—but the doorknob is still broken.

Aries must've lost control earlier. That's the only way he could've stormed in like that and spoken to me that way. He and Percy really are best friends. They're both insane.

Percy is just crazier.

I put on my school uniform but pack a change of clothes in my bag. I'll pretend I'm going to school so they won't question me. But in reality? I'm not going.

What for?! To be made a fool of?!

After getting dressed, I head downstairs. The first person I see is grandma.

"I'm going," I tell her as I pass by.

She softly calls my name, but I ignore her. The slap she gave me still stings. Not just physically, but emotionally. It hurts because she was the one person I expected to comfort me. Maybe I just pushed her patience too far.

I tilt my head up and take a deep breath. I'm tired of crying, so I'll hold it in.

Crying won't solve anything, anyway.

I stop by a Mini Mart first. I haven't eaten yet, so I need to buy food. While browsing for a drink, something catches my eye.

San Miguel Beer.

I don't know why, but I feel tempted to grab it. I bite my lip, staring at it for a few moments before making up my mind. I grab two bottles. Two isn't that bad!

I step into the cashier line.

"Miss…" The female cashier calls out to me hesitantly. "...I can't sell this to you. You're still a student."

Seriously?!

"You're joking, right?" I ask sarcastically.

I'm already getting irritated by his words. Students?! Plenty of people in uniform buy alcohol here.

"I'm sorry," he says, reaching to take the bottles from me.

I glare at him. My body feels hot—like I need this drink. Do I really need it?!

"If I punch you and make your nose bleed, will you still say no?"

I see the shock on his face. He even drops the bottle he was holding.

"M-Miss… I-it's really against the rules," he stammers.

"Ugh, this is so annoying—!"

"Miss!" A voice calls out from behind me. "...I'll pay for it."

I raise an eyebrow and turn around. I don't know if this is just a coincidence or if I somehow willed this person into existence.

"I know I'm handsome, but no need to stare at me like that," he says with a grin.

I suddenly have the urge to punch him in the face.

Why does he look familiar? …Ah, right! The Pest King of Vipers. I still remember him.

"Oh…" Percy drawls, looking bored as he hands me the things I wanted to buy. "...Morning wine? Have you even had breakfast yet?"

I don't answer. I just take the bag and look for a table to sit at. I eat first since my stomach is empty.

Once I finish, I turn my attention to the beer. I stare at the bottle for a moment, and suddenly, the cap pops off.

Oohhh… The power of staring.

Just kidding! Percy must've opened it when I wasn't paying attention. He sits across from me, watching me with amusement.

"What time do you plan to go to school?" he asks.

I take a sip before answering, still looking at him. Argh! It burns!

"I'm not going," I mumble.

"Then why are you in uniform?"

"So they won't ask questions."

He chuckled. "That's bad!"

I gave him a lot of trouble—the one who cuts with the blade. This person is boring. He didn't make me feel anything for days, and now he's teasing me.

"I don't know about you... You're a nuisance!"

Suddenly, he burst into laughter, even slapping the table. I'm really infatuated with him, and he seems to enjoy tormenting me.

I opened the wine bottle I was holding again, but nothing came out. Turns out I had run out without realizing it. My abnormal stepbrother is attention-grabbing.

"You even bought it!" I ordered, and suddenly, he became serious.

I thought he was shocked by what I said, but his lips slowly parted into a wide grin. His gums were on full display. What a face!

"I don't want to... Force me," he said.

I just smacked my forehead. He really is something else.

Can I request another sibling? Even a sister would be fine—as long as they're normal and mature, not like this abnormal and immature one.

Please... A normal sibling! A normal conversation!

"Don't buy it from me... I might get sick. I'd rather hit you with the bottle," I said and stood up.

I left the mini-mart, leaving him behind. I knew he would follow—there he is!

"Where are we going?" he asked from behind me.

See?!

"I don't know..." I whispered and walked away.

Honestly, even though he's a fool, I'm happy he's here. He makes me forget my problems for a while, even if he gives me a headache.

I stopped when I noticed something on the other side of the street—a couple walking sweetly together. I don't know why, but I think I heard something break inside me.

"Shit! I hit the window!" Percy suddenly shouted, grabbing my hand and running.

Unbelievable! I thought my heart had broken, but he was the one making a scene.

We stopped at a park with a playground. I bent over, holding my knees, gasping for air. My legs ached from all the running.

"What are you doing?!" I asked, annoyed.

"I was throwing stones at a rat on the roof! That's why it hit the window," he explained.

He's really crazy!

I just shook my head, looking for a bench to sit on. I walked around for a bit but stopped when I noticed someone—a guy in a Superman sweatshirt and a hoodie, wearing headphones while jogging.

Keifer.

My feet instinctively stepped toward him, but I stopped immediately. Why would I approach him?

I have to admit, a part of me wants to see him. I haven't gone to school for two days, so I haven't seen him either. What he did hurt me, but I can't deny it—I still have feelings for him.

"Oi... Why?" Percy asked, following my gaze. "...Ahh."

My vision blurred with tears. They started falling again—unrestrained.

I hope you turn into a pearl!

Because this hurts! The pain of believing I was loved. Believing his words. Because they felt real. I could see it, touch it. When I kissed and hugged him, it was real to me.

"Percy..." I called, still staring at the fading figure of Keifer. "...how do you know if someone loves you?"

"When they say it..." he answered quickly.

I looked at him, and when he noticed my tears, his expression turned serious. I think he understood what I was trying to say.

"...It's hard to explain. You just feel it, especially when they make you feel it."

I took a deep breath and looked at Keifer again. He was getting farther away.

I don't want to assume, but if I don't ask, I'll never know the truth. I started walking in his direction.

"Hey! Where are you going?" Percy called, following me.

"I just want my question answered," I replied, walking faster.

"Are you sure about this? Maybe it's just the wine talking."

If it is, then fine. At least I have the courage to ask. Just this once, I want my question answered.

Do you love me too?

Even if it was a lie... Was there ever a moment when it was real? Even for a second? Maybe that's possible—like in the movies.

As we got closer, I realized too late that he was already near his house. He was right at the gate, saying goodbye to his companions. He removed his headphones and suddenly spoke.

"The next time you follow me, at least try not to be obvious."

Great! He really knows everything!

He turned around and looked at us, bored. His hair was damp with sweat, making him look even more handsome. I really didn't know how to talk to him. I had no idea how to ask my question.

"What do you want?" he asked.

"W-what... W-because... W-there's—" I couldn't finish my sentence.

Suddenly, Percy stepped inside Keifer's house. Yes, he just walked in like he owned the place!

How bold!

"Hey!" Keifer shouted, immediately following him.

"I need to use the bathroom!" Percy replied and ran inside.

I was forced to step inside too—being left outside alone wasn't an option. Keifer stood near me, looking irritated.

"When your stepbrother comes out, you leave," he said calmly and was about to walk away.

Wait... This is my chance!

"Keifer!" I called, and he stopped. "...I-I just want to ask something."

He turned to face me, waiting for my question. The way he stared directly at me made my knees weak. I tried to stay strong, even though I wanted to crumble.

"What is it?"

"I-I just want to know..." I took a deep breath. "...despite what you did, did you ever love me?"

For a few seconds, he didn't react. We just stared at each other. Then, suddenly, he laughed—like he found my question hilarious.

Has he lost his mind?!

I bit my lower lip, scared of his laughter but even more scared of his answer.

"You followed me just to ask that?" he chuckled. "I can't believe this."

He shook his head, still amused. I wanted to back away because I felt like I already knew the answer, but my legs refused to move.

Damn it! Cooperate, legs!

"Let me guess..." His smirk widened. "You actually thought I developed feelings for you while I was cheating on you?"

I can't answer. I don't want to hear what he has to say.

"What a damn joke!" he added, laughing loudly. "...This isn't a TV series or a movie. Falling for you or realizing that I love you in the middle of my revenge will never happen."

Damn it!

I don't want to hear this! That's right—please, I don't want to. I'm not ready. It was a mistake to come here.

"That's how good I am at acting. You actually believed me!" He was still laughing.

He slowly walked toward me. His laughter now felt more sinister, filled with malice.

"So you don't get your hopes up, let me make it clear to you," he said, stopping right in front of me. "...I will never fall for you. You are just a pathetic little fool to me—just like your brother, Aries."

The tears I had been holding back finally fell. My breathing became tight. I didn't want to cry in front of him, but I couldn't stop myself. His words cut deep.

Thank you. Be a pearl.

He smirked. "If only you had given in on New Year's, you would have known the truth sooner. If you had surrendered yourself, the plan would have ended." He crossed his arms and looked me up and down with disdain. "...What a shame—half of Section E would have won the bet."

Bet?!

His smile widened when he noticed my confusion. He stepped even closer, forcing me to take a step back.

"Come to think of it... the bet isn't over yet," he said before suddenly grabbing me by the waist. "...Why don't we just finish what was interrupted on New Year's?"

One of his hands gripped my jaw tightly. I closed my eyes in pain. I tried to push him away, but he only pulled me closer.

"L-let me go," I stammered, struggling against him.

"I know you want this," he murmured before kissing me forcefully.

I cried as he did. This wasn't right. This wasn't how he used to kiss me. It hurt. He was treating me like I was nothing.

I felt disgusted. He had no respect for me anymore. This wasn't the Keifer I loved—the reckless but kind boy who made me feel cherished.

I was wrong again!

No! I can't let myself hope anymore. It's clear to me now—I don't love him. I only used him, just like he used me.

Summoning all my remaining strength, I shoved him away. He staggered back, and I seized the opportunity to punch him. Hard.

He fell.

Even though my vision was blurred by tears, I rushed toward him and kept hitting him. My fists landed on his face again and again. His nose and mouth bled, but I couldn't stop.

I finally halted when I saw his expression.

Lifeless.

Then, I broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. My tears mixed with the blood on his face.

I stared into his eyes, wanting him to see the pain he had inflicted on me. I wanted his guilt to haunt him, to keep him awake at night.

Then, I noticed something in the corner of his eye.

Tears? Impossible!

I scrambled away from him, glaring as he slowly sat up. He wiped his face, smearing my tears with his blood.

Those are my tears, not his!

He would never cry for me. Never.

Just then, I saw Percy stepping out of the house. I turned away quickly, only to brush past Keifer one last time before storming out of the gate.

"Write this down—on a rock, on your forehead, and even on a dog's butt! Karma will get you! Damn you!" I took a deep breath, my voice cracking. "...And when it does, I'll be the first to laugh in your face!"

I ran. As fast as I could.

I heard Percy calling my name, but I ignored him. I just kept running, not knowing where my feet would take me. I just needed to get away.

But fate was cruel. I tripped and nearly fell.

I froze, then sat down, overwhelmed by fear. That small moment of stillness made all the pain come rushing back.

Like a child who had lost their favorite toy, I sobbed.

"Aaaaaahhhhhh!!!" I screamed, pounding my chest.

It hurts!

Why do I still hope?! I'm so stupid. Why do I always end up crying?! I won't cry. I refuse to be weak.

"Jay..." Percy's voice was gentle as he sat down in front of me. "...Kuya is here. It's okay."

Instead of calming down, I cried even harder. I clung to him tightly.

I don't want to cry anymore. I'm tired. My eyes are tired of shedding tears that will never turn into pearls.

This is the last time.

I will never cry for you again. Never.

I won't waste another second on you, you vile King of the Demon Snakes.