Chapter 212 - Motorbike

Jay-Jay's POV

I suddenly found myself staring at Rakki's family picture. They are five siblings—four boys and one girl. Rakki is the middle child and the only daughter. But what I don't understand…

Why is Ci-N in their family picture?

"Rakki..." I called out to her while she was busy tidying up the mess we had made. "...Why is Ci-N here?"

She chuckled before walking over to me and looking at the picture.

"Because he said he would be part of our family one day. He insisted on joining the picture," she explained, still laughing.

I laughed too. The confidence he had in staying by Rakki's side was almost ridiculous. His boldness made me shake my head in amusement.

"Have some snacks," a voice interrupted.

We both turned to see a woman carrying a tray of food. She smiled warmly at us.

Rakki's mom.

"H-hello," I greeted, waving awkwardly.

"Hi... Are you Rakki's classmate?"

"Schoolmate, Mom," Rakki corrected.

Her mom set the tray down on the coffee table. I watched her with a smile. She looked a little eccentric, but it was kind of funny.

"Go on, eat," she encouraged, laughing.

Rakki sat down again, so I did the same. She glanced at the large jar next to me.

"What's that?"

"A gift!"

I picked it up and showed it to her. "It's for a friend. I asked Rakki to help me wrap it and decorate it."

She read the words on the card aloud. "Happy... Birthday... Ci-N!"

A smile spread across her face as she read Ci-N's name. "You and Ci-N know each other?"

"H-he's my classmate."

Her reaction was immediate—her eyes widened in surprise, and then, suddenly, she clapped her hands like an excited child.

"That's my future son-in-law! He and Rak—"

"MA!" Rakki cut her off before she could finish.

"What? It's true! Ci-N is so cute! If you two have a child, I'm sure the baby will be just as adorable—"

"Mom! Don't say that in front of Jay-Jay!" Rakki protested, looking flustered.

Wow. Looks like Ci-N has already won over Rakki's mom!

"Why not? I already talked to Ci-N's mom. I told her not to let Ci-N date anyone else—he should only be with you. I also spoke to your older brothers and told them not to accept anyone else as your boyfriend," she declared proudly.

Rakki groaned and slapped her forehead, looking utterly embarrassed. Her mom was obviously a huge Ci-N supporter. It seemed like Rakki wouldn't be allowed to date anyone unless it was Ci-N.

"Mom! Ci-N is still young!" Rakki argued.

"Then wait for him! As long as it's Ci-N, I don't mind," her mother insisted.

I smiled as I watched them. Their bond was obvious, and their playful arguments were heartwarming.

I suddenly thought of my own mother. If I hadn't let her go, would we have had moments like this?

Maybe she'd scold me for being so distant.

"What if he falls for someone else? What if I end up waiting for nothing?" Rakki asked, looking worried.

Her mother immediately frowned. "That's impossible! Ci-N only wants you."

"He has a crush"

Rakki and her mom turned to me at the same time, their expressions unreadable.

Wait… did I just say that out loud?

I tried to smile, but it probably came out looking like a grimace.

"He has a crush?" Rakki asked, her voice suddenly sad.

I scratched the back of my neck awkwardly. "I-it's just a crush… j-just admiration."

But the sadness on Rakki's face didn't disappear. Oh no! I didn't mean to make her feel bad. I was just trying to be honest.

"...B-but he said that... you're still the one, Rakki," I quickly added.

Rakki's mom beamed and playfully poked her side.

"See! Ci-N still wants you. So, wait for him, okay? No dating anyone else! I'll be mad at you if you do."

The sadness on Rakki's face was gone, replaced by a grin. They teased and teased for a while. I had run out of snacks for us, but they still didn't stop.

I heard my cellphone ring. I looked at the screen and saw a message from Aunt Gema. She was asking what time I would be home.

I didn't want to leave, but it seemed like they were worried about me. I had already said goodbye to Rakki's mom and to Rakki as well.

"Thanks for the snack," I said.

"You're welcome. Are you coming back here? Ci-N is with you," Rakki said, smiling.

Nak! Vote by vote.

Rakki immediately snorted but quickly changed to a smile when she saw me looking at her.

"Be careful, Jay! Text me, okay?" She said, waving.

I waved back and walked away. I left the gift with them for now—we had planned to go to Ci's birthday party together.

The jar I put the gift in was fragile. If I got startled and dropped it, my surprise would be ruined.

The streetlights began turning on. It was already dark. I started walking faster but suddenly stopped when a bright light appeared in front of me. My eyes felt dry.

The brightness made it impossible to see anything. I raised a hand slightly to shield my eyes. Then, I heard the loud roar of a motorcycle.

I frowned and looked toward the source of the light. When it finally dimmed, I saw the silhouette of a man on a motorcycle.

A big guy.

I swallowed nervously as he got off the motorcycle and took off his helmet. Slowly, he approached me, stepping into the glow of a nearby streetlight. He was wearing a leather jacket.

One thing was certain—he was tall, broad-shouldered, and… and… and… ridiculously handsome!

"Jay-Jay Mariano?" he asked, looking at me.

I couldn't answer. Not because I was starstruck by his good looks, but because this guy might be planning to rob me.

And I was already broke!

He smirked slightly. "I'm Jason. Ram is my brother."

I took a step back. Oh, Queen!

This is one of the guys that man mentioned yesterday. Is this it? Is my time up? Are they going to kill me? Will they mess with me first before finishing me off? Can they at least make it quick?

"I won't do anything bad to you if that's what you're thinking," he said, smiling.

Don't let that smile fool you! It's probably fake.

"I-I don't talk t-to strangers," I stammered.

"But I'm not a stranger anymore. I just introduced myself."

Damn it! Technically, he was right. He was Jason—Ram's brother. The same Ram who once kidnapped me. The same Ram whose face I accidentally smashed. And Jason? He was one of the three people who wants me dead.

HE'S JASON!—he wants me dead, right?!

"Are you the guy from Friday the 13th?" I blurted out without thinking.

He frowned and shook his head slightly. It seemed like he didn't get the reference. Too bad. That movie is a horror classic—a total package! Complete SPG! Super Piritong Galunggong!

"I'm serious. I won't do anything to you. I promise. Our rules don't allow us to make a move without the group's approval," he explained. "...I just really need to talk to you."

"About what?"

"About Keifer."

SHIT!

"Sorry, wrong number. Please do not call again," I said, frowning as I stared at his forehead. "...Because, Jason, I've already dealt with too many idiots and brainless people because of that pest Keifer. Don't add yourself to the list. Go back to the lake and wait for your next victim on Friday the 13th."

He took a deep breath, clearly annoyed. Why did Jason have to show up? We weren't even close to the next Friday the 13th!

Maybe there weren't enough victims at the lake, so he decided to ride a motorcycle instead.

"I know what happened between you and Keifer," he said, making me freeze.

Wow. That was fast. News really spreads quickly. Those alphabets must have been working overtime, leaking the drama of His Royal Dimwittedness.

"...So if you think I'm going to use you against him, I won't," he added.

I really didn't want to believe him. But if he tried anything, I wouldn't stand a chance against him anyway.

"What if I don't come?"

"Then I will force you," he answered quickly.

We have no fight—he has muscles, I don't.

"I'll hurt you... But remember, don't make any mistakes because I know how to fight," I threatened.

He nodded and approached his motorcycle. I followed him, and when I got a proper look at his bike, my eyebrows immediately furrowed.

"You're the one who raced me before! And also the one at the mall earlier!" I said, annoyed, pointing at him.

He smiled foolishly. "Now you know."

Oh, silly...

"You're crazy! What's wrong with you?! Why did you race me?! My bike is a wreck!"

I just laughed at him when, suddenly, he extended his hand in front of me.

"Before I forget, give me your phone," he ordered.

"And if I don't want to?"

He scratched the back of his neck and sighed. "Look, I need to make sure you won't call for backup. Just give it to me, because if I have to take it, I won't just be grabbing your phone—I'll be holding your thighs too." He winked, sending a shiver down my spine.

Disgusting!

"Here! You talk too much," I said, annoyed, handing him my phone.

He powered it off and slipped it inside his jacket. Then, he grabbed the helmet resting on his motorcycle seat and put it on my head, locking it before wearing his own.

He got on his motorcycle. "Get on."

Honestly, this is my first time riding a motorcycle like this. I hesitated but climbed on, holding onto his back as he started the engine.

"Don't you want to hug me?" he teased.

"Idiot!" I shouted at him, and he burst out laughing.

I tightened my grip on his arm when he suddenly sped up. My fear intensified when he leaned into turns, bringing us dangerously close to the road. Where were we going? I had no idea. Now, I regretted coming with him.

The sky had turned dark, and I was sure Aunt Gema was worried about me. I had texted her earlier, telling her I was on my way home. I just hoped this fool wouldn't take too long.

I looked around, still feeling uneasy, until I noticed we were on the highway. My nerves spiked—I had a feeling this ghost had something planned for me. Then, we suddenly stopped in front of a...

A food stall?!

I got off the bike and immediately removed my helmet, my eyes widening as I read the words on the tarpaulin.

"Superb Gotohan!"

Son of a... I wanted to say I was disappointed, but honestly, I felt relieved. For a second, I thought this Judas had something sinister planned.

He took the helmet from my hands. "Come on, I'll order."

I sat down at an empty seat at the far end of the dining area, the spot he pointed out. I didn't want to stay here longer than necessary, so I didn't bother looking around.

Jason sat down on the bench across from me. I stared at him impatiently.

"What do you want to talk about?" I asked.

"I told you... About Keifer."

"Yeah? What about him?"

He took a deep breath, resting his arms on the table and leaning slightly closer.

"We want revenge. And I know you want it too," he said.

I smiled slightly and shook my head. "No."

His eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, no. I don't want revenge," I clarified. "If that's what I wanted, I would have done it already. But no."

"But why?!"

"Simple. Revenge is for the weak. And I'm not as weak as Keifer, to stoop to his level."

He stared at me, his gaze studying my face. The intensity of his stare made me a little uncomfortable, but before I could say anything, our food arrived.

We ate first, and for some reason, the unease I felt toward him started to fade. He wasn't so bad after all. After eating, we rested for a bit before continuing our conversation.

"Did you meet Keifer before? Was it because of Ram?" I asked him.

As far as I was concerned, he should fight because of what happened to Ram. So I was the one who hurt him, and now Keifer is still being charged.

"Nope. Ram and I aren't close," he said and wiped the side of his lips with a tissue. "...Are you familiar with the gangs in this area?"

I shook my head. I knew about those gangs.

"...Let me explain this to you first." He took a cluster of limes from the bowl near us. "...A gang is like a network here in our area..." He lined up the limes in a pyramid. "...From the smallest one, which is controlled by a bigger one, and the bigger one, which is ruled by an even bigger one... until you reach the top, where the ultimate ruler is—Ram." He dropped the biggest lime on top.

"I already know that," I said. "...He's like the leader of everyone."

He smiled and took another lime, lining it up next to the pyramid he had made.

"And then... here is the opposing gang. If you fight one, you fight them all," he said. "...The ruler there is—"

"You," I cut him off.

He laughed, shaking his head. "No. Ryosuke Sato is their leader. Half Japanese, half Filipino."

Half gago and half tarantado?!

Sato?! Wait! That's Yuri's opponent—the one who also wants to kill me! Shit! Okay, that part is clear to me.

I looked at Jason. "And you? Where do you stand?"

He smiled and picked up a yellow lime. Then, taking another one, he placed them between the two lime pyramids.

"Like Keifer... we are often caught in between. We don't join either side, we don't start our own group, and we don't care about the rules of the two gangs."

I stayed silent, waiting for him to continue.

"...This is Keifer." He picked up a yellow lime. "...His name is too loud. Everyone fought and fell at his feet..." He smiled, as if annoyed. "...Everyone thought he would take Ram's place, but he just laughed at the position that everyone wanted."

And you want it too.

I'm not stupid—I can tell he wants Ram's position as well. Keifer could have easily been the leader, but he refused.

But why did they get involved in the gang war if they didn't want to be part of any group? That pest King is really a mess.

"Riyo—Riyokwunan—the shopkeeper!" I groaned, frustrated at the difficult name. "...Why is he targeting me as well? Yuri is his opponent, right?"

Jason gave me a strange look. "Isn't Yuri flirting with you?"

We're engaged, bro!

"N-no."

Jason shrugged. "Ryosuke thinks he's flirting with you." He really emphasized Ryosuke.

I frowned. "Oh no! Make it clear to Riyo—Sato! Make it clear to him so he'll stop!"

"I'll try."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "You! Why do you want me to be tegi-boom?!"

"Tegi—what?!"

"Boom. Die."

He laughed and shook his head slightly. Then, looking at me, his expression gradually turned serious. "If I kill you, Keifer will be distracted. When that happens, I can bring him down."

Just wait… Don't be afraid!

Then suddenly, he smiled. "...But of course, I won't do that. He doesn't have feelings for you, does he? So he wouldn't be affected anyway."

Oh, pot! Fuck you!

I wanted to ask about Ram's plans, but it seemed unnecessary. One by one, Jason returned the limes to the bowl.

"You know... I've been wondering why Keifer doesn't like you," he said, making me stop in my tracks.

If only you knew, that's what I've been wondering too.

"You're not very beautiful, yet somehow, you have something special that captures our interest."

I frowned. What is he trying to say? He better not confess, or I swear I'll hit him hard.

"...Or maybe I'm wrong. Maybe Keifer has fallen for you, but he just doesn't want to get you into trouble..."

His head is broken. Goto is bad for him.

"...We'll never know. Unless..."

I felt a shiver of fear when he suddenly looked at me differently. Before I could react, he grabbed me by the throat, choking me. He bumped into our table, sending some things crashing to the floor.

Packing shit! I'm telling you!

"Hey! What are you doing?!" the saleswoman screamed, but Jason ignored her.

Other diners turned to look, alarmed.

"Outside..." he muttered. "...he's outside."

Even if I wanted to question him, I couldn't. I couldn't breathe, and it felt like my voice was stuck in my throat. I tried to punch his arm, but it was useless. I was getting weaker.

"How could he have followed us?" He pulled my cellphone from his jacket with one hand. "...It's not because of this. Then why?"

It has a banking motto, Gago!

He threw my cellphone onto the table. I tried to reach for it, but I couldn't. I needed to ask for help.

"Are you having trouble?"

An innocent question. Probably... but what a stupid one!

Jason smiled—then suddenly let go of me. I collapsed onto the floor, taking my chair down with me. I struggled to crawl away.

Jason violently shook the table between us, watching me with amusement as I tried to escape.

"It took so long to get in here. I'm getting impatient," he said, stepping toward me. "...He doesn't seem to care about you."

Nothing, really. So stop it!

He grabbed my arm, pulling me to my feet. Even though it was difficult, I forced myself to stand. I gasped for breath, staring at him.

"I thought he would save you, considering he's nearby," he taunted.

Annoying!

That man is really stupid. Just as crazy as his brother.

With all the strength I had left, I kicked Jason, sending him stumbling backward.

I almost lost my balance. Still struggling to breathe, I watched him get back on his feet. Before he could say anything, I forced myself to move away. But luck just wasn't on my side. I was sure of it.

These guys... They were the same ones I saw at the store where Percy and I had shopped. Jason suddenly burst into laughter, shaking off his clothes.

"Hahahahahaha... They were right. You do fight back."

Just wait until I regain my strength.

I stepped back when he took a step forward, his eyes gleaming with amusement.

"But what I really want to see is," he said, smirking, "what Keifer will do when you're completely helpless."

He suddenly kicked a chair in front of him—sending it flying toward me.

"Aaaagghhhh!!" I screamed, ducking just in time.

I heard it crash against the wall behind me. When I looked up, Jason was still laughing. He grabbed another chair and hurled it at me.

I immediately dodged, jumping aside like an action star. My eyes darted toward the exit, but Jason's men blocked the way.

"Why are you running from me? Don't you want to face me?" he mocked.

I almost crawled away, my hands desperately searching for something—

My cellphone!

I grabbed it and tried to turn it on, but then I saw a pair of shoes in front of me.

I scrambled to my feet and tried to run, but his men surrounded me.

They laughed like a pack of lunatics. That's when I realized—the other customers and the shopkeeper were gone. No one was calling the police. No one was helping.

I moved in circles, trying to keep them from getting too close. Jason leaned against a wall, arms crossed, watching me.

"Now we'll find out if Keifer really cares about you," he said.

"It doesn't matter to me! So just stop this!" I shouted.

Suddenly, someone grabbed me from behind. Shocked, I spun around and punched him—sending him sprawling to the floor.

"Pre! There's blood..." one of them muttered.

To be honest, I was exhausted. I wasn't sure if I had the strength to fight anymore. Jason... I knew I couldn't take him on alone.

If Keifer really is out there... I just hope he decides to do me a favor—just this once.