Chapter 200 - Drunk Percy

Jay-Jay's POV

I don't want to drink tonight. I don't feel like it. I'd rather sit and think about what Ella told me earlier.

She made a mistake…

And because of that mistake, she lost the person she truly loved. Aries lost her, believing that Yuri was still the one in her heart.

I don't want to listen to what she has to say. What does she want to know from me? And what do I want to know from her? On top of that, I'm still too affected by what she said about Section E.

Ugh, this is so frustrating!

"More, Isha!" Percy shouted at the bartender. "Put out allll... your best... wine!"

I sighed, shaking my head at the sight of him. He said he'd only have a little. And this—this—is his idea of a little? He's already wasted.

"Alright, that's enough," I said, reaching for his glass, but he quickly pulled it away.

"No! Don't... don't touch it! It's mine! Get your own," he slurred, pointing toward the wine shelf.

I shook my head at the bartender, signaling that I wasn't ordering anything. I feel like I've seen this guy before. He keeps glancing at me.

Then again, it's only been a few nights since my last visit. And I came back today just because of this idiot friend of mine.

"Love… hurts… ughh..." Percy mumbled, lowering his head.

That's it. Enough.

People are starting to stare at us. Not only is he being loud, but the place where he's sitting is a complete mess.

"Jay…" He called out to me. "…Have you ever been in love?"

As if he doesn't know the answer.

I didn't respond. I just let him continue. He looks like he's about to spill all his emotions.

"I thought… I still had a chance… with her." His voice wavered, and then—tears. "…But she doesn't want me."

I grabbed a tissue from the table and handed it to him. He took it, wiping his tears and runny nose.

He signaled the bartender for another drink and poured it into his glass.

"That's enough. No more," I told him.

He smiled at me. "Aww, my little sister is worried about me." He teased.

No! I just don't want to deal with your drunk self.

I sighed and looked toward the dance floor for a moment. As usual, it was crowded. Loud music, flashing lights, people dancing like there's no tomorrow.

When I turned back to Percy, he was staring at his glass.

"It's beautiful…" he said seriously. "…So beautiful."

Me?

"…The first time I saw her, I knew—'She'll be mine.' And I wasn't wrong…" He smiled as if reliving the moment. "…They were practicing a dance, and her hair clip fell off. It landed right at my feet. I wanted to keep it, but she saw me."

Freya must have had some serious charm.

"…Her voice was so beautiful when she spoke to me…" He tilted his glass slightly, watching the wine swirl. "…I watched her for a long time. I even became a stalker for a few weeks before I finally got the courage to talk to her." He chuckled softly. "…That's when I found out—I wasn't the only one who liked her."

Yeah, no surprise there. She must have been the town's ultimate crush.

He finished his drink and motioned to the bartender again, but I immediately stopped him. I shook my head, signaling, no more.

"Let's go home," I told him.

"Later… It's too early," he muttered, still lost in his thoughts.

I got up from my seat and walked over to him. I grabbed his arm, ready to drag him out of here. He was so drunk, he could barely sit still.

I turned to the bartender. "H-how much?"

He shook his head. "Have you forgotten? You and the boss drink for free here." He nodded toward Tiger's office.

FREE?!

Oh, come on! Queen, why didn't you tell me earlier?!

Damn it! If I had known, I would've ordered more. I thought it was just a one-time thing, not a forever deal!

I just smiled and thanked him before helping Percy walk. But of course, in the middle of the crowded club, this idiot stepbrother of mine started swaying his hips like some dancer.

I was struggling to keep him steady.

"Stop moving around!" I scolded him.

It's already hard enough to support him with all these people in the way, and now he's making it worse. Seriously, it's tempting to just let him fall.

We finally made it outside. I was out of breath, exhausted from dragging him along.

"You suck! You're impossible!" I yelled at him.

And then, suddenly, he raised one hand and sang, "Just like animals, animals… Awooooooooh!"

Oh, hell no.

I glanced around, embarrassed. No taxis in sight. It was already past 10 PM.

Damn it, Kuya Angelo!

Percy didn't bring his car since he planned on getting wasted. A taxi had passed by earlier, but now the street was empty.

I had no choice. I leaned him against the wall and pulled his phone from his pocket.

"What are you doing?" he shouted.

Oh, for crying out loud…

I immediately hit him because of his noise. What will those who hear him think of me? They might think I'm a bigot, but this guy feels like someone I can grab.

"I'm taking your cellphone! It's a gag... Your mouth is making noise!" I said, annoyed.

He snorted while rubbing his neck. Frustrated, I reached into my bag and took out my cellphone. I just hoped I had enough balance to make a call.

While tapping on my phone, Percy remained beside me.

"What?!" I asked, irritated. "...I'm going to kick you."

"I have a joke, listen," he said, laughing. "...What do you call a banana mom?"

"Eh?!"

"Wrong!" he said, laughing even harder. "...Train!"

Facepalm.

I can do this! I can handle this! I've been through a lot, so I know I can get through this—even corny jokes!

I pretended not to hear anything and quickly searched for a contact I could call. David was my first thought, but when I tried calling him, the call was cut off after a single ring.

Maybe he's busy?

If he can't help, then who can? I don't know anyone else. I don't know his roommate, and I don't have their number either.

Could it be Felix?

Thank goodness! It's not that I'm stubborn or anything, but it seems like David can't help me now either.

As I was lost in thought, this crazy guy beside me spoke again.

"What now?!" I snapped.

"What is the egg test called?" he asked, laughing.

Here we go again!

"Tsk!"

"It's called an egg-xam!" he exclaimed, laughing at his own joke.

I can do this! I can handle this! I can even handle corny jokes! Jusme! I feel like banging my head against the wall already.

Annoyed, I didn't realize I had accidentally pressed "Call" next to Felix's name. Before I could cancel, he had already answered.

["Hello? Jay?"] I heard Felix say.

I looked at Percy, who was still laughing. This was all his fault. I had no choice but to talk to Felix—my balance would go to waste if I didn't.

"F-Felix."

["Jay-Jay... Why? Is there a problem?"]

"We are here at KingsGround, just come and pick us."

There was a brief silence before he responded.

["Alright. We're on our way."]

I was about to ask who "we" referred to, but he hung up immediately. I just shrugged.

I put my cellphone back in my bag. I was about to tell Percy to lean against the wall when three men approached us.

"Hi, Miss!" the tallest among them greeted. "...What's a beauty like you doing here?"

Sleeping!

I was about to open my mouth to answer and send them away, but Crazy Percy beat me to it.

"Is she beautiful?" he asked the guys, pointing at me. "...You've been fooled!"

We all stared at him. It was obvious he could barely stand straight from the alcohol.

"You're drunk, bro..." one of the men said to Percy.

"Me?! Drunk?! No!" he replied arrogantly.

I covered my face in embarrassment. He was making a fool of himself in front of strangers.

"Miss... Is that your boyfriend?" the man in front of me asked.

I quickly shook my head. "He's my stepbrother."

"Miss? Who's Miss?" Percy butted in, stepping between us. "...This is Miss? No, she's a Mister!"

Oh great! Now he's making me a man!

The men laughed, though they clearly didn't believe him.

"Transgender, bro! Transgender!" Percy added, making them laugh even more.

I give up!

I feel like banging my head against the wall. I can't take his nonsense anymore! I thought I could tolerate his corny jokes, but this is a whole new level.

"You seem to need someone to take you home," one of the guys said to me.

I nodded in agreement. "Please bear with me."

"It's okay... We had a good laugh," he said as he stepped forward. "...Alright? We're heading inside now. If you need help with your partner there, just call us."

As if I could find you right away inside!

"Alright... Thanks."

They smiled and walked away. Only when they were far off did Percy realize they had left.

"Hey! Where are they?! I was about to tell them my killer joke!" he said, looking around.

I tried pulling him back to the wall he was leaning against. "They're gone! They knew it was corny, so they ran away!"

He pouted, lowering his head. "Oh..."

If this is how he gets when he's drunk, I will never let him drink too much again. Or better yet, I just won't go with him. I might give up too early because of his corny jokes.

"I'll tell you my joke!" he said enthusiastically.

Oh no!

"Shut up!"

"What do you call a winged horse?" he asked, then laughed once more.

"Tsk!"

"Stupid! It's Pegasus..." he said, laughing even louder.

That's right... Please...

I'm begging you, I hope our ride arrives soon. With all this corniness around me, I might just collapse from sheer frustration.

"Here it is! Here it is!" he exclaimed, trying to hold back his laughter. "What do you call a flying ant?"

He leaned closer to me, clearly waiting for me to play along with his ridiculous joke. Wanting him to get it over with, I indulged him.

"What?" I asked, my voice flat with boredom.

"I don't know... That's why I'm asking you!"

Sergeant! I give up!

I should just leave him here and be done with it. I really can't handle him anymore. His jokes are even crazier than what I've been through.

"Haha... My jokes are hilarious. And I'm handsome," he said with a wink.

I suddenly burst into laughter. "Hahahahaha... That's the only funny thing you've said!"

I laughed so hard that I slapped my thigh. It took me a while to stop, and that's when I noticed he had gone completely still, staring at me seriously.

"There was no joke in what I said," he muttered.

"There was! The 'you're handsome' part! That was the real joke!" I teased, laughing even harder.

I crossed my arms, trying to contain myself. "I'm not joking! You're making fun of me!"

I just shook my head at his expression. Finally! His corny antics had ended. I thought I was going to be forced to leave because of him.

Hahaha... What an idiot!

Just then, we heard a car horn. We turned around as an SUV stopped in front of us. The passenger-side door opened, and Felix got out.

I was about to help Percy into the car when I froze at the sight of the person stepping out of the driver's seat.

So that's why he said 'us'—because he brought another idiot with him!

"Jay-Jay," Yuri called my name.

I only answered with a cold stare. He seemed to realize I wasn't happy to see him here because he lowered his gaze slightly, avoiding eye contact.

"Hey! Toothpick!" Percy suddenly shouted, making us all turn to look at him. "What are you doing here?!"

He was glaring at Yuri as he said that. He tried to step forward, but his drunkenness made him stumble. He immediately grabbed onto me for support.

"Get off! You're heavy!" I groaned, struggling to keep him steady.

Felix quickly came over to help me.

"Let me go to Palito! I'll wrap him up!" Percy slurred, trying to move forward.

Toothpick?!

"Stop it!" Felix scolded.

Percy looked at him, his expression darkening. "You're on his side now?! You're siding with him too?!"

"You're drunk, bro! Just come with us first!" Felix pleaded.

"I'm asking you! Are you on that idiot's side?!" Percy shouted, making us freeze.

There was something different about his tone—like someone was provoking him. I glanced at Yuri, but he remained unbothered, showing no reaction.

"Percy… It's okay," I said, trying to pull him away, but he wouldn't budge. "...Percy."

"Everything... You're just taking everything from me?!" he yelled furiously.

He pushed forward, determined to get closer to Yuri. No matter how hard we held him back, he kept going, forcing us to support him. Before we knew it, he grabbed Yuri's collar.

"Stop it, Percy!" I pleaded.

Yuri didn't fight back. He just stood there, letting Percy do as he pleased. Instead of backing away, he remained still, allowing himself to be grabbed.

"Where's your arrogance now?! Coward!" Percy yelled in his face.

Felix and I struggled to pry his hands away, but his grip was too tight, and he kept shaking Yuri violently.

"Big brother, stop it!" Felix pleaded, but Percy ignored him.

"Are you happy now?! Huh?! You took everything from me! Keifer's trust! My sister! And Freya!" Percy shouted, leaving me confused.

What does he mean? He's saying Yuri took what was his?

"I never took anything from you," Yuri responded calmly. "...I tried to protect everything you left behind."

"Idiot! Protect?! Was what happened to Freya your idea of protection?!"

So he knows about that too...

"I-I didn't mean for that to happen," Yuri replied weakly.

Suddenly, Percy punched him in the face.

I stood there, frozen, unable to process what to do. I wasn't even the one who was drunk, yet I felt like I was losing myself.

Yuri fell to the ground, and Percy moved to punch him again, but Felix quickly intervened. Percy, still intoxicated, lost his balance and collapsed from exhaustion.

Yuri got up, wiping the blood from his lips. He looked at me for a moment before lowering his head.

I don't know why, but he no longer seemed like the Yuri I once knew—the one I had a crush on, the one I had even asked to marry me.

He felt like a completely different person now.

But I don't regret how things turned out. Because, in the end, this was a mistake. They were best friends—why are we like this now? If anyone should feel guilty, it shouldn't be me.

It should be him.

I helped Percy stand up. I wanted to go home—I wanted to get away from them.

"Let's go home," Felix said.

"No! I'm not done with that Palito yet!" Percy shouted, struggling against us.

I pulled him toward the car with all my strength. Felix did the same, and despite his resistance, we managed to get him inside. I sat next to Percy, while Felix took the passenger seat and Yuri drove.

"Freya..." I heard Percy whisper before his head suddenly fell onto my shoulder. "...she doesn't want me anymore."

I glanced at the front mirror and saw Yuri watching me. I ignored him and turned back to Percy.

The entire ride was silent, except for Percy, who kept challenging Yuri to a fight. At one point, his hand flew dangerously close to my face.

Son of... One more time, and I swear I'll punch him!

When we arrived at Felix's house, his mother was waiting at the gate, clearly expecting us.

"Mama..." Felix greeted her as he got out.

They spoke for a moment while the three of us remained inside. Yuri glanced at me again, but I chose to ignore him.

Felix and his mother approached the back seat and opened the door, helping Percy out. The moment he realized who was pulling him, he stood up willingly.

"Mommy!" Percy shouted, hugging his stepmother. "I missed you, Mom!"

Felix's mother chuckled. "It's only been a week since we last saw each other, hasn't it?"

"For me, it felt like a year," Percy laughed. "...Can I sleep next to Felix again?"

"I don't want to sleep next to you!" Felix quickly protested.

I smiled at the sight of them. Even though Percy wasn't related to them by blood, he was never treated as an outsider. And Felix—though he wouldn't say it—I could tell he was happy to see his brother.

Felix's mother led Percy inside, and Felix turned to us.

"Thanks," he said before heading in. We waited until he was inside before leaving.

That was really sweet. That's it!

Silence filled the car as we drove. We stole glances at each other but quickly looked away. We looked so awkward. Why am I acting like this?

When we reached my house, Yuri stopped the car. He immediately got out to open the door for me, but I didn't wait.

"Th-thank you," I mumbled before walking away.

"Jay-Jay," he called, making me stop and turn back.

"I… uh… I mean…" He struggled with his words.

I noticed the corner of his lip—red and already bruising. I glanced toward the house, where only a few lights were still on. They must be asleep.

"Come inside," I said softly.

I didn't wait for his response and walked in. He followed shortly after. I went straight to the kitchen, turned on the light, and searched for an ice pack.

Once I found it, I filled it with ice and approached him as he sat down. Gently, I pressed the ice pack against his face.

At first, he let me. But then, to my surprise, he grabbed my hand, the one holding the ice pack. I tried to pull away, but his grip tightened.

"My hand..." I muttered.

He didn't say anything. He just stared at me, his gaze intense. I was starting to feel uneasy.

"Yuri, I—"

"I miss you," he interrupted.

I yanked my hand away with all my strength, causing the ice pack to fall to the floor. I glared at him.

"You should leave," I said firmly.

He didn't move. His eyes were pleading.

I regretted letting him in. I had brought him back into my life out of pity.

"Jay... please," he said, stepping closer. "...Let me explain—"

"Yuri," I cut him off. "I want to rest."

He reached for my hand again. I no longer had the energy to argue.

"Just talk to me," he pleaded.

I wasn't sure if I was ready to hear whatever he had to say.

Before I could respond, Aries walked into the kitchen, his expression cold as he eyed Yuri.

"What are you doing here?" Aries asked seriously.

I quickly pulled my hand away from Yuri's grasp, avoiding eye contact with both of them. They were about to start another fight—I could feel it.

"I'll just walk Yuri out," I said hastily, pulling Yuri toward the door.

When we reached the gate, I stopped and watched him step outside. His eyes held a sadness that made my chest ache. But I didn't let him speak.

I—I'm not ready yet.

Without another word, I shut the gate and went back inside. I headed straight to my room, nearly collapsing onto my bed. I didn't want to be rude to Yuri. But I couldn't help it.

Why are you so rude? Don't you know I'm a human too!