Part Two End - Gagang Baliw

Jay-Jay's POV

1,000 pesos worth of load. That bastard! Felix the Serpent actually believed what I said. But the real question is—where do I even use it? I don't need that much.

There's an unlimited call promo for just 100 pesos. Felix the Cat really is something else. Anyway, at least I have the load. Now, I can do what I need to do to catch Gagang Baliw.

If you're not Keifer, I wouldn't know who else you could be.

First, I sent a text.

To: Gagang Baliw

Message: Hoy!

He replied in less than a few seconds.

📩

From: Gagang Baliw

Message: Yes? My life.

Come on! Seriously? He's like this again.

To: Gagang Baliw

Message: Call me!

He didn't reply, so I figured he was waiting for my call.

I dialed his number and pressed the phone to my ear. It rang a few times before he picked up. As usual, he remained silent.

"Hey! Gagong Baliw! I know you're listening!" I said, but of course, he didn't speak. "...I have a secret to tell you. Just between us! Don't spread it."

I heard a soft chuckle, but it was brief. I turned serious and continued speaking.

"I have someone I love, but I won't say who. He told me he loved me, but I later found out he was just deceiving me. He used me, but he didn't succeed." My breathing grew unsteady.

I know I've repeated this story so many times, but I just can't help it. The memories alone bring me to tears. Annoying! I took a deep breath to stop myself. I can't cry—I need to execute my plan properly.

"...I tried to find out if he really loved me despite everything, but he said he didn't. It hurt so much, but what could I do? That's just how it was. I thought it was over, but he wouldn't stop. He kept showing up, making me feel like he still had feelings for me—even after he said otherwise."

I couldn't hold back my tears anymore. I kept looking up at the ceiling, hoping they wouldn't fall, but it was useless. Damn it! My eyes aren't waterfalls!

"...He won't let me forget him. That's his trick, isn't it? And then, he said goodbye—said he had to leave for a while. He made me wait. I was fine with that, but what I don't understand is why he calls others but not me."

I wiped my eyes in frustration. I was furious because that wretched King of Serpents had made me cry again.

You owe me big time, you bastard.

"Then he went home, but I didn't confront him. He didn't even explain himself to me. I feel like he doesn't really love me." I cried after saying that. I hadn't meant to say it, but the words slipped out. "…Maybe I should give up. I should let him go."

The call suddenly ended. I couldn't stop myself from crying. I have so many reasons to give up, but deep down, I don't want to. I'm willing to hold on if I can find just one reason to wait for him.

But then, something happened one day—something that made me feel like I had no reason to wait anymore. I didn't even help him after he saved me.

I'm not the girl for him. It doesn't matter. I was foolish to expect him to stay after everything I did. I have to stop this, too.

If you're Keifer, you'll come here. That's what the King I know would do.

I gripped my phone tightly, staring at the door. If he walks through it now, I'm ready to make up for my past mistakes and fight for him. But if he doesn't… I'll give up.

Time passed, but no one came. My tears had dried, but I couldn't tear my eyes away from the door. No messages from Gagang Baliw either. Prove to me that you're Keifer.

Darkness filled the room, but still, he didn't come. The nurses came and went for my check-ups. Aries arrived with Kuya and Ella, but they went out again for dinner. They invited me, but I chose to stay. I was expecting him.

But Aries returned, and Kuya and Ella went home. Keifer still hadn't arrived. He wasn't even texting me.

"Go to sleep," Aries said when he noticed I was still wide awake.

I turned my back to him, lying down and hugging my pillow tightly. Any moment now, I was going to cry.

It was 2 AM, and Keifer still hadn't come. I tried to force myself to sleep, even though my heart refused to.

He's not coming.

I woke up several times from my restless sleep. I thought I had fallen asleep, only to wake up again, over and over. After a while, I heard Aries moving. He was talking on his phone as he walked out.

I closed my eyes again, forcing myself to sleep. Maybe if I did, the heaviness in my chest would be gone when I woke up.

My sleep was still shallow when I felt someone sitting beside me. He gently stroked my hair and whispered something.

"Don't give up on me, please." 🥺

Was I dreaming? Or was this real? I knew that voice, but I wasn't sure. I wanted to wake up if it was a dream, but my body refused to move. My eyes wouldn't open.

Then, I felt a kiss on my forehead.

"…I can't live without you…"

Tears slipped down my cheeks.

"…When I come back, I won't just make promises—I'll fight for you."

Another kiss, this time on my lips. It was brief, hesitant. ❤️

"…But please, don't give up. I love you, Jay." ❤️

His presence beside me faded. I heard him stand up.

"I love you until scientists find the end of the universe."

I struggled to wake up, to move even a little. When I finally opened my eyes, the first thing I did was look around for him.

But no one was there. Only darkness greeted me. A dream? Was I dreaming? I touched my cheek. It was wet. I wasn't dreaming!

It was real! I know it was real!

Whether it was tears, saliva, or even snot—I don't care! I know it was from him! And that's it.

That Gago stole a kiss from me!

[END OF BOOK TWO]