Chapter 214 - Happy Birthday

Jay-Jay's POV

Happy damn day!

I think it's Valentine's Day today. I placed a hand on my chest—maybe because I don't have a heart, I don't know.

I looked at my cellphone when it rang. At first, I expected it to be Rakki, so I hurriedly checked, but it turned out to be Gagong Baliw.

📩

From: Gagong Baliw

Message: Happy Heart Day! My Heart!

I winced. The nerve of this guy. I should really start changing my number bit by bit. I took my time crafting a response before sending it.

To: Gagong Baliw

Message: Please!

I chuckled when I didn't get an immediate reply. Shaking my head, I put on my shoes and tied the laces. I stood up and faced the mirror, taking in my new haircut.

My long waist-length hair was gone. I decided to cut it to shoulder length because I wasn't used to having really short hair.

I traced my fingers over the scars and bruises still visible on my face despite the medication I was taking. They were remnants of the trouble we got into with Jason's group. It only happened a day or two ago, but it already felt like a distant memory.

Today is Ci-N's birthday. Lucky for him, we had no school yesterday or today. There's a special visit at school, and Section E students were strictly not allowed in—to make sure the so-called stains disappear for a while.

How kind of them.

My cellphone rang again. I grabbed it, and this time, it was the person I had been waiting for.

📩

From: Rakki

Message: Ready? Where will we meet?

She had the gift I planned to give Ci-N. Honestly, I was still debating whether to forgive him or not. I understood that Ci was forced to follow the Dimunyung King's wishes… but it still hurt.

I quickly typed my reply, telling her to meet me on the ground floor of Ci-N's condo unit. We'd wait for him there.

Slipping my cellphone and wallet into my pocket, I stepped out of my room. I hesitated in front of Kuya Angelo's bedroom door, debating whether to knock or not.

Deep breath...

Finally, I knocked and waited for his response.

"Come in," he called out.

I slowly pushed the door open. He was at his desk, facing his laptop, surrounded by stacks of papers. He turned his swivel chair slightly to look at me.

"Uh... K-Kuya, I'm going to Ci-N's birthday party," I said hesitantly.

I expected him to remind me of something like he always did, but he simply nodded, his gaze cold.

"Take care," he added.

It felt... distant. Cold.

I lowered my head, fiddling with my fingers. "C-can you take me there?"

He turned his chair away from me. "I have a lot of work to do. Just ask Aries to take you. Tell him it's my order."

It felt like being stabbed ten times over. That cold look in his eyes—it was my fault, wasn't it?

"O-okay. Sorry for the bother," I murmured before stepping out.

My shoulders slumped as I bit my lip. Did what I say to him hurt that much? I didn't think it would affect him like this.

"Jay-Jay! Where are you going?" Mom asked.

"To the birthday party," I replied lifelessly.

"What time will you be home? Don't stay out too late."

"Alright," I muttered before heading out.

I knew she'd be mad at me again. Just like when she found out I got into a fight at the gotohan. Instead of arguing back, I just stayed silent.

I glanced around, making sure no one was waiting to ambush me. My wounds and bruises hadn't even fully healed yet.

Coast is clear…

Once I was sure there was nothing suspicious, I finally stepped outside.

"Jay-Jay!" Aries called out to me, stopping me in my tracks.

I looked at him. "W-what?"

"I thought you were going to ask me to deliver you?" he asked, sounding bored.

Did he hear us?

"B-because..."

"Come on. Big brother might get mad if I don't take you."

I was confused by his attitude. Could it be that he was possessed by some mischievous spirit? Or an angel? This was so sudden.

Maybe he forgot to take his medicine.

He opened the car door and was about to get in but stopped when he saw me still standing in place.

"What? Are you just going to stand there like an idiot?" he asked, a little irritated.

Still confused, I walked over and got into his car. He was silent, his gaze fixed ahead as he drove.

Come on! Aries the Horoscope must be going crazy!

"Where are you going?"

I blinked, processing what he had just said. He asked... normally. No anger, no annoyance. Just normal. Normal. Normal…

Something's wrong! Maybe he has a fever.

I leaned slightly toward him and reached out to touch his forehead. He immediately slapped my hand away in shock.

"What the hell?!" he snapped.

I tried again, but he swatted my hand away once more.

"You must be sick," I insisted.

He frowned and looked at me for a moment. "I'm not sick! Maybe you are!"

I let out a sigh. He was acting normal again.

"Okay... You're not sick," I whispered, but he still heard it.

"What's your problem?!"

"Nothing… I'm going to Ci-N's condo." I pointed to the tallest building I could see.

He let out a deep sigh. I didn't say anything else. He was acting normal again—no need to overthink it.

He's normal when he's acting like a jerk.

We arrived in front of the building I had pointed out. I spotted Rakki standing by the entrance, holding our gifts.

"Hey!" Aries called out to me, annoyed. "...Don't call me crying again."

"W-why?"

Was he... worried?

"Your voice is so shrill! It hurts my ears! I feel like all the pearls in my ears have fallen out!" he complained.

Idiot.

"I'll only call you if I'm dying," I replied before quickly getting out of his car.

I waved at Rakki. When she saw me, she smiled and waved back. I ran over to her.

"Aries gave you a ride?" She asked, a little surprised. "...A miracle!"

"Yes! So come with me later. I'm going to pray at the church," I said, laughing. She laughed too.

I picked up my gift from the floor, and she did the same with her.

"Maybe someone's sick?" She asked.

I chuckled. "There was... but they got better real quick."

We kept laughing as we walked. When we reached the elevator, we waited for it to open.

"Do you think Ci-N will like this?" She asked.

I smiled. "Of course! As long as it's from you, even if it's just a rag, he'll accept it."

She grinned, looking excited. It was fun to watch her. She had put in so much effort just for Ci-N. Rakki was taller than me and had beautiful legs—she could totally be a model with her figure.

The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open. David stepped out, wearing a simple white t-shirt.

"It's over there," he said. "...We thought you weren't coming. I was about to come pick you up."

Rakki and I stepped inside, letting David press the floor number.

"Why?" Rakki asked, slightly annoyed. "Won't the party start without Jay-Jay?"

"That's how it is," David answered with a laugh.

Ci-N is probably being hit on again—that's why David said that. I glanced at the top of the elevator door, checking the floor number as if we were headed to the wrong floor.

I know Ci's unit is on the 8th or 9th floor, but we're on the 12th.

"W-where is Ci's party being held? Why does it feel like we're far from his unit's floor?" I asked David.

"On the rooftop," he replied quickly while fiddling with his cellphone.

So blunt...

We reached the very last floor. Rakki was like a restless child, and David was still leading the way.

The only way to the rooftop was through the fire exit, so we headed there. Rakki opened the door and stepped out first, but I stopped. Hugging my gift tightly, I lowered my head.

"Is something wrong, Jay?" David asked as he immediately turned to me.

I looked at him, then at the glass jar I was holding. Slowly, I handed it to him.

"I-I can't face Ci... Maybe you could give this to him?" I requested him.

"But why?"

I just shook my head. I didn't even know the reason. It felt like something was holding me back, stopping me from going any further. My original plan flashed in my mind—

The last time I would see him natural smile. David took my hand and looked at me sadly.

"His birthday won't be happy then" he said, forcing a smile.

I tried to return his smile but couldn't. He turned away and walked straight to the fire exit door. When he disappeared from my sight, I slowly walked down the stairs.

I ended up back on the same floor we had come from. My shoulders slumped, and I couldn't help but feel sad about what I had done.

Because some things can never be undone...

I was about to reach the elevator when I suddenly heard someone screaming. At first, I ignored it, but it happened again and again until the words being shouted became clear.

"JAY-JAY!" Someone's hoarse cry.

I turned my head, and to my shock, I saw Ci-N in mid-air. Literally in the air—because he had suddenly jumped toward me.

What the—?!

He looked like a bird, arms and legs spread wide. The only problem? He couldn't fly.

Which meant he was going to fall.

On me?!

It was too late to dodge. Before I knew it, we both crashed onto the floor. Pain shot through my elbow as it hit the ground, sending an electric shock up my arm.

"Ugh! Oh my—"

"Jay-Jay!" he shouted, hugging me.

"Ugh—get off me! You're heavy!"

Ci-N slowly rolled off me, grinning as he waited for me to get up. I frowned at him.

"Are you crazy? Do you think you're Superman?" I snapped, shaking off the pain.

"That's Eman…" He pointed at Eman's real name. "...At least I caught up with you."

Yeah, well… now my body hurts.

He grabbed my hand and pulled me up. "Come on, let's go to my party."

Even on our way to the fire exit, I kept playfully kicking him. I didn't even give him a chance to speak or protest.

As soon as I opened the door to the rooftop—cue the music.

It felt like I had entered another world, like stepping into a funhouse.

There was an inflatable slide, a pool filled with colorful balls, mascots dressed as various characters, a long table overflowing with candy and chocolate, balloons scattered everywhere, and vibrant, colorful lights decorating the space.

I spotted David grinning at me while sipping his juice. He must have known that this lunatic would chase after me.

You're crazy, David!

"Jay!" Rakki called as she approached. "Where did you go? You suddenly disappeared!"

"J-just went to the restroom," I lied.

I glanced beside me—Ci was gone. He was already mingling with his young guests, who looked around seven or nine years old. I also saw a few adults, but they were standing off to the side, away from the playing children.

Watch your kids! If something happens, the party will be blamed.

"Let's go," Rakki said, pulling me along.

We approached a round table, and I almost stopped when I saw the Ulupongs—all of them, including their King.

"Hi, Jay!"

"New haircut!"

"Long hair looked better!"

"What's wrong? Why did you cut your hair?"

They each bombarded me with questions, but I chose to ignore them. Instead, we found an empty seat a little farther from them.

I didn't know why, but I couldn't help feeling nervous. I had convinced myself multiple times that I needed to move on. Yet, now that I was facing him, I felt like retreating again.

"Hi, Jay!" Mica greeted me as I sat down next to her.

I hesitated, wondering who she was talking to.

"Hello..." I greeted back and glanced at the person sitting on her other side.

Calix wasn't there? I quickly scanned the room and found him sitting far away with his fellow Ulupongs.

"They're at war," Rakki whispered to me.

She must have noticed me searching. Mica, on the other hand, kept her head down, pretending to be busy on her phone—just playing...

As we watched the kids happily playing with the mascots, my eyes widened when I spotted a familiar one nearby.

"It's Snorlax!" I exclaimed without thinking.

I shot up from my seat, pointing excitedly. Without hesitation, I ran toward Snorlax and hugged him tightly.

"Come on, Jay! You look like a kid!" Rakki laughed as she followed me.

"It's adorable! Let me take a picture of you... Come on!" Mica said excitedly, already aiming her camera at me.

I wanted a big Snorlax.

I hugged it tightly as Mica snapped pictures. I didn't want to let go. I wanted to take it home!

"Can I take him home?!" I asked Rakki and Mica eagerly.

They just shrugged.

Then, out of nowhere, Ci-N walked up to us, carrying a plate full of food. He looked at me twice before stopping.

"Hey! Are you crazy?!" he scolded me. "...There's a man inside that costume!"

My gaze automatically shifted toward the Snakes' area. My eyes widened when I saw the King walking toward us, his fists clenched—ready to attack the mascot.

"Come on! Come on! We have to get him away!" Rakki and Mica screamed in panic.

Without wasting time, they helped me push the mascot away. The kids around us watched in confusion.

"What are they doing?!" I heard one child exclaim.

"Sorry!" Mica apologized quickly as we nearly bumped into him.

We kept moving until we found a secluded spot filled with stacked benches, tables, and decorations like cloth and balloons. We hid there until the King was out of sight.

"He's gone! He's gone!" Rakki gasped, struggling to catch her breath.

The mascot—now revealed to be a young man—removed the Snorlax head, sweating profusely as he faced us.

"W-why did you bring me here?" he asked, wiping the sweat from his face. "...My boss might scold me."

"It's fine... We'll talk to your boss if needed," Mica assured him. "By the way, what's your name?"

"Clefford Mills."

He looked young, about the same age as us, yet he was already working.

"You're lucky," I said, wiping my forehead. "If we hadn't pulled you away, you might've ended up going home with a bloody nose."

"W-what?" he stammered, looking alarmed.

"Because she's his ex..." Rakki began. "He's still trying to figure out his feelings for her."

I flinched. "He's not my ex... We were never together."

"I-I'm sorry... I'm just confused. Can I go back to work now?" Clefford asked hesitantly.

Keifer probably wouldn't do anything to him. I smiled and nodded. Clefford put the Snorlax head back on and slipped out of our hiding spot.

The rest of us remained there, exhausted. I suddenly realized how hungry I was.

"Shall we eat?" I asked, looking at them.

They exchanged glances before nodding and walking toward the table full of food. Their policy is self-service, so we each took a shot. I was too embarrassed to show how hungry I was, so I only took a small portion—about five spoonfuls of rice and a dish. I even brought two plates. It was embarrassing.

While we were eating, Calix suddenly sat next to Mica and placed a plate with a slice of cake in front of her.

"Mica..." Calix's voice sounded like a plea. "...Let's talk."

Mica acted as if she hadn't heard him and continued eating. I almost felt sorry for Calix when I saw the tears in his eyes.

I nudged Mica slightly with my elbow and gestured toward Calix with a sniff. She sighed and looked at me.

"I won't talk to him. He knows the reason," she said before taking a sip of water.

Calix's shoulders slumped as he walked away. Rakki and I continued watching him.

"What about you two? Lovers' quarrel?" I asked.

She shook her head and looked away. I turned to Rakki, but she just shrugged.

"Jay-Jay!" Ci-N called out while holding the shattered jar I had given him. "...What is this?"

I smiled at him and opened the jar. "One surprise egg per day."

I took out a surprise egg and handed it to him. I knew it was his favorite, and he always looked forward to discovering what was inside.

This was equivalent to one message per day for a whole year. The contents of the jar would last for an entire year.

I hope you like it...

Suddenly, he started crying. Rakki and Mica exchanged confused glances.

"Why? Don't you like it?" I asked.

He smiled through his tears. "I loved it!"

Rakki and Mica kept glancing at each other. To them, he probably seemed strange—crying even though he liked the gift.

"I really love it..." he said, wiping his tears. "...Sorry."

My heart clenched at that word. He had never said it before, and now it sounded as if he was begging for my forgiveness after everything that had happened.

"Sorry, Jay... I'm sorry for letting them hurt you. I'm sorry for agreeing to their plan. I'm sorry for not saying anything to you," he said, taking a deep breath. "...I'm really sorry."

Ci-N...

At that moment, I realized the power of the word "sorry." Even though it couldn't undo the past or turn back time, it still had an impact. But the pain I had been holding onto wasn't so easily soothed.

I stepped closer and placed my hand on his head. "It's okay... Sister isn't angry anymore. Happy Birthday!"

He smiled at me again and hugged me tightly before letting go to take his gift.

"I'll keep it safe!" he said joyfully.

We just stood there watching him leave. Mica briefly excused herself to go to the restroom, and Rakki went to check on Ci-N's sister. I was left alone, glancing around until my eyes landed on Snorlax again.

I walked over and was greeted with a hug. "Blind!"

Snorlax's head tilted slightly, and the person inside seemed to be looking at me. I smiled as I returned the hug.

Maybe because I already knew who it was.

"I'm sorry about earlier, okay? The King of Snakes has a way of getting under my skin," I said while still hugging. "...He doesn't even know what he wants from life."

Snorlax continued hugging me, and I felt a small hand slide down my back. I ignored it.

"I wish real Snorlaxes existed in this world," I murmured. "Then I could make one squash the annoying snake messing with my mind and heart."

Honestly, I didn't know why I was saying all this to a mascot. I knew there was a person inside, but I couldn't stop myself from talking.

Maybe it was because I was so used to the Snorlax in my room.

"...But it doesn't matter. I can move on from that pest. I'll lose my feelings for him soon, and I can't wait," I added with a smile.

Suddenly, Snorlax pulled away from the hug, and I thought I heard Clifford's voice from inside.

"I won't let you!"

I stepped back in surprise as Snorlax forcefully removed its mascot head. My eyes widened when I saw who was inside.

You're not Clifford!

"I won't let you move on. I won't let you stop loving me. I won't allow it." 🥺❤️