Chapter-356

Choose a friend

Jay-Jay's POV

"You give Freya a letter and a gift
tomorrow." Rory whispered. Because I couldn't go in earlier, I couldn't give Freya the gift and letter like we
originally planned and were doing. "Okay. But who gave you the gift earlier?" "Me. He looked at me like he
thought I was tripping him." He explained. "So tomorrow it's your turn. Maybe I'll fight him then." I laughed a
little while shaking my head. He didn't seem trustworthy. Add to that he was always tripping Freya so I wasn't
surprised by his reaction. That's it. I glanced briefly at Kuya Angelo who was talking to Sir Alvin and Ma'am
Cindy. I noticed that they had been looking at me for a while. I wouldn't be surprised if Kuya already knew what
Ma'am and I talked about. I just have to do my best so Kuya doesn't catch me. I won't abandon Yuri no matter
what happens. "Time to go home." Keifer said while carrying his brother's things.Keiren followed him with a
rown, glancing at Ma'am before finally approaching his brother's car. It was obvious that he didn't want to
leave this place. He seemed to be enjoying himself here. In that case, I shouldn't worry about Yuri's condition.
He can be taken care of here like Keiren and he won't be left without company. I just hope no one follows him
here and stalks him. After Keifer closed the car door, he came to me. "We're heading home. You'll be safe
right?" he asked. I nodded. "Maybe Kuya Angelo will be with me." I was bragging. He laughed a little. "Please
call me when you get home." I was about to answer but the Ulopongs who were watching us beat me to it.
"Yes Keifer, we'll call you." said Edrix. "We'll be careful, thanks for worrying." Rory smiled and was clearly
teasing. "We exist, Keifer. Thank you for not forgetting us." Felix said and laughed a little. "Thank you for
everything." Ci-N smiled broadly. I laughed and looked away. Why do they seem to be sulking that Keifer didn't
tell them that? Even a young woman is better than a man
sulking at her boyfriend.
The Ulopongs are strange, demanding.
"Sure. Thank you for following us here."
Keifer's sarcastic reply sounded and Edrix looked at him weakly.
He paused for a moment and seemed to remember something. He immediately faced
me.
"You were saying something earlier, right? Before they arrived."
he asked and I stared at him. "Something about what you see and then you
mention courtship and something likeâ€"."
He couldn't finish what he was saying because
his car horn was honking loudly. Keiren looked bored inside the car.
He waved his head to his brother.
I was nervous.
I didn't think I would be able to repeat what I had said to him.
I felt so embarrassed and nervous while
what I was about to say was so easy. I guess I needed to gather my courage before saying
that.
He let out a sigh before facing me. "We'll talk about it some
other times. We need to go now."
I nodded and was about to kiss my forehead when
Kuya's palm suddenly blocked my face. We almost backed away at the same time.
"That's not needed. Go away." He ordered Keifer angrily.
It was really annoying.
I wanted to be annoyed by his tone. It was like he was letting a puppy off the street.
Keifer briefly faced the Sirs who were right behind Kuya.
He said goodbye and thanked them before facing us again.
"Jay, please call me." he ordered before completely turning his back on us and
going to his car.
I followed his gaze but I immediately looked away when I felt
Kuya's evil gaze from beside me. He was like an eagle
watching his next prey. He
was watching.
"Okay, flirt more." he whispered to me.
"No one flirts with you." I replied in a whisper but it seemed like
he heard it because of his sudden tap on my ear. "Ouch..."
I complained softly.
I grimaced while holding my ear. If I hadn't noticed
Ci-N and David approaching me, I would have probably cried.
"We're going home, Jay-Jay!" The young kumag said goodbye to me. "Be careful, and
so are you, Kuya." he also reminded Kuya Angelo.
Oh, are you and Kuya siblings?
Kuya just nodded at him. Ci and I hugged each other before walking
away. But the cruel thing was that he chased after Kuya Angelo for a hug.
We were surprised but his response was just laughter. He
was also brave.
"Call us if there's another emergency and please be safe."
David said and patted my arm.
"Yes, I will. Be careful." I replied before he turned his back on me.
Even the other Ulopongs said goodbye. Others like
Josh just waved and joined Eren on the walk.
I wondered for a moment. How did they get here when there were obviously
no vehicles passing through this area? My question was answered when
they got into a pick up truck driven by David.
The kumags huddled together just to get home.
I waved before they could leave.
"Bye! Be careful!"
"You naughty ones." My brother whispered. "Like you."
I pouted. He reached into his pocket and took out a
cigarette stick but since he didn't have a lighter he just put it back where he
had taken it.
He sighed deeply. I could feel the huge
problem I had caused him.
I'm sorry.
"Are we going home?" I asked.
"Yes, I'm just waiting for Yuri I want to ask
him something." He replied and stared at me for a moment so I quickly looked away.
I hope I'm wrong in thinking he suspected Yuri. I
left no clue to Ma'am Cindy so there was no reason for her to think about
the President of the Shunga Lovers club. I simply nodded.
We waited a few more minutes when Yuri came out.
He had already changed his clothes.
"Have they left?" He asked us.
"Yes, you didn't say goodbye." I answered.
"I did before going upstairs. But I forgot to thank them."
"But tomorrow. We'll see each other again."
He nodded in agreement. I looked at Kuya Angelo who
seemed to be just waiting for our conversation to end. I
stepped back slightly to give them space but he was still staring at me so
I was forced to move further away.
I looked at Ma'am Cindy and Sir Alvin who were just watching us.
I approached them to watch Yuri talk as well.
"It would be better if you just tell the truth." Ma'am told
me so I looked at him. "Maybe Watson isn't the only
target they're targeting."
"If you're afraid of Angelo, we'll explain."
Sir added.
I knew they were referring to the paper I had to read earlier.
I guessed they were going to tease me about that.
Make me do it.
"T-what I said earlier is true. I got it in front of Yuri's building
." I replied.
I had to stand by what I told him. I couldn't
just drop Yuri's name. I was afraid of making a mistake and
hurting him even more.
"You think so?" Sir asked Ma'am.
"Maybe it's from the people Yuri fought with earlier." Ma'am answered.
They stared at each other for a moment and I knew their eyes were filled with something.
That was only interrupted when Sir called Kuya Angelo. Ma'am and I were left alone
and watched them together from where we were standing.
"I'm not stupid, Mariano. If you really picked that up a while ago
before you came here, you should have asked me a while ago."
Ma'am whispered.
I was stunned. I didn't think he would notice that.
I had many opportunities earlier. But I couldn't let myself be late.
"I-because I missed the opportunity." I excused myself.
He stared at me. I met his eyes just to
confirm my answer even though I knew it was hard to believe.
But no one told me that Ma'am doesn't blink when
staring at each other. My eyes almost dried up from wanting to
join him.
My ordeal was only over when Kuya Angelo and I came over
to call me. He said goodbye and so did I. I
said goodbye to Yuri last, who smiled sweetly at me.
Yuri...
I forced myself to return his smile before turning my back on him. I got into
Kuya's car and we were in silence on the ride. I almost
ell asleep if only the cars in our company hadn't honked.
The car stopped for a moment because of the traffic light that was on.
I stared at Yuri's building that I could see from the window. Even though it was far away,
I could still see the black smoke coming from it. It must have been full of news
because the building was in the business district and everyone could see it.
I couldn't get the paper out of my mind and why Yuri had it.
I kept thinking that maybe he had something planned but I didn't want to think that was the
case. They had been friends for a long time. Of the four of them
, their friendship was the only thing left. If Keifer couldn't stand him,
I knew he would be the same way.
"Your silence starts to bother me. Let me know if you're hungry,
there are many drive thrus here." Kuya said to wake me up. I
was wide awake.
"Just burgers, about three." I replied and I heard him
laugh softly.
The car started and turned into the nearest Fastfood drive thru.
He quickly ordered and lined up for pick up.
Kuya's sideline entered my mind. What if he knows something
I don't. What if he and Yuri are the same. There's a lot I don't
know about Kuya's actions, so much that I'm just surprised by
everything I learn. Including the fact that he has a gun.
Bang. Bang.
Sir wants me to tell Kuya the truth. I don't know the
real reason but can he help Keifer? And
if he can do that, he can also help Yuri.
Do I trust Kuya enough to tell him?
"Kuya..." I called his attention and he turned to face me. "What
if someone who wants to try your life is also close to you."
I saw a smile peeking at his lips. "I will personally
congratulate and thank them."
Why the arrogance?
I don't understand what he said. Why would he congratulate
and thank you, he's already trying? It's like
he's still challenging his plan.
"Eh? Maybe they're going to try, you're going to congratulate him?"
He smiled arrogantly at me. "Because they chose to die at
my hands."
Of course. Who would try to do it? It seems
scary enough, what if they had to face him. That's why
the old man was so arrogant.
Kuya Angelo yarn.
He took our order and handed it to me.
He only had soft drinks because he looked full. I was the only one who enjoyed
the burger, fries, and ice cream. I might not finish it because
we just ate with Ma'am Cindy. But of course I will finish it, too bad.
We got home and Aries arrived just in time with
his new car that looked as good as it looked. When I got off,
I immediately went inside and went into the room. I still had the
leftover food that Kuya bought me.
"Where are you from, Angelo? I thought you were coming back after taking Jay-
Jay." I heard Tita ask.
I didn't hear her answer because I closed the door.
I finished the food I was holding. After that, I took out the crumpled
paper I had hidden. I stretched it out on my study table.
I sighed deeply. I had the proof in my hand that
someone wanted to attempt Keifer's life and the painful thing was that it came from
his best friend. I sat up on the bed because of the softness. I didn't know
what to do. I wanted to talk to Yuri about this but what if
he didn't tell me the truth again.
I was having a hard time.
I couldn't ask for help from others because I knew we were talking to a man and
it might just be a big mistake. Yuri would be the one who would be stressed out if
that happened. He was already in a lot of trouble and I didn't want to make it any worse.
I could tell Keifer about this matter but what if
he thought differently. He might also get angry at his friend and start a fight
between them. I only see one solution right now, to watch
Yuri and wait for a chance to confess to him.
I took my cellphone out of my bag and sent Yuri a message.
I said hello and told him I was home. I stared
at my inbox for a moment when I noticed Keifer's message. There was also a heart emoji and
a smiling face.
I felt even more softened when I remembered his smiles at me.
His teasing and flirting â€" so tender.
Our mischief and fights. All the trouble that happened between us.
I cried on my own at the thoughts I had. The shallow tears turned
into sobs when I thought he would be lost to me.
I heard a knock on the door and it opened.
"Jay, can we â€" what's wrong?" Aries opened when
he saw me.
He closed the door and approached me.
"Keifer! Aries! He'll be lost to me!"
He quickly hugged me. "Will he disappear? Will he leave? Will he leave you?"
"No! Someone wants to kill him!" I sobbed. "
I'm scared, Aries!" I complained and started crying while hugging
him too.
"H-no... stop it. That won't happen. You know that
, right?"
"I'm still scared! I love him! I don't want to lose him
!"
He hugged me tightly. He also rubbed my back.
My crying only got louder.
"Sshh... He won't let me disappear just like that. He won't
win or lose." he tried to calm me down. "That's why you
shouldn't be thinking like that, because it's like you said you don't
trust his abilities."
"But how can I not be scared? We're talking about life
here."
He let go of my hug. He quickly wiped my face
when he saw my tears and cold.
"Think of a plan. He won't let you lose him. So
you stay and cry like a fool."
I slapped him lightly, making him laugh. He was really good
at predicting someone's fate. He immediately predicted what
Keifer would do in these situations.
Yes, horoscope of the day.
I forced myself to stay and wiped my face. What
he said was true. That person won't give up and won't let him just disappear
like that.
"Where did you get the idea that someone wants to kill
him?" he asked.
I stared at him and thought carefully about whether I should
trust him. He had so many secrets from me. He didn't tell me many things,
so it was hard to trust. But on the bright side, he was good at keeping
secrets. He
was very good.
I took the paper from the table and handed it to him. He was surprised by the words
written in Japanese. But it was clear to him that Keifer was on
the paper because of the name and photo.
"It's a list of those to be killed." I said and was about to cry
again but I was stopped by what he said.
"This is the symbol of Hanamitchi." he said while staring at the end
of the paper.
I immediately grabbed the paper and looked at it too. The symbol was blurry but
red. It looked like the letter 'A' but there was no line in the middle or it looked more like a
drawing of two lines in the shape of a mountain. But it wasn't just a line.
It was two swords and inside a circle.
"That's not like that. I've seen their symbol in their house."
"To them, I know it means 'Ha' which is the first syllable
of their last name. But I know only other members of their family
use that." he explained.
"Why would it end up here -?" I stopped when I noticed
that he understood the situation.
He immediately grabbed the paper from me and was about to run out of
my room but I immediately stopped him.
"Jay! You're about to involve yourself into another trouble!"
he lectured me.
"You don't understand!"
"This is from Yuri's family! You have nothing to do with it!"
his tone was filled with pleading.
"But it's Keifer." I pleaded.
"I told you, Keifer can take care of himself. Please don't involve
yourself."
I sat down on the floor because of irritation and tenderness. Why couldn't he
understand? The life of someone important to me was at stake
here. As well as Yuri's name, which he might ruin too. And
I knew he would do the same thing I do if something happened to Ella.
He might do worse.
He also sat down on the floor and faced me forcefully. "Leave
this to Kuya. They'll figure it out."
"What about Yuri? He'll be ruined too. Two people are depending
on this. Please..." I pleaded and held one of his hands.
He stared at me, causing me to plead with him even more. I don't
know what was going through his mind but I hope he'll listen to me.
He took a deep breath before handing me back the paper. "I
will leave it to you but it would be best if you tell this to Kuya."
I immediately took the paper from his hand. I stretched it out before
acing Aries again.
"Please, don't tell Kuya Angelo." I pleaded.
He sighed. "I can't promise. But you need to do it as
soon as possible."
I nodded. "I'll try to tell Kuya Angelo."
He looked at me as if he felt sorry for me. I quickly fixed
myself because I didn't want him to think I was neglecting myself
just because I was worried.
I was still beautiful. He said.
"Please Jay. Listen to me. Let Kuya and I fix this."
he pleaded and pulled me into a hug. "How many more times do you
have to get hurt just to stop?"
"I don't know. But I won't stop for the people who are important
to me."
He laughed slightly. "Of course. You're not Jay-Jay but
you're stubborn."
"You're not Aries but you predicted the future."
He laughed out loud. "Don't be mad at me."
I punched him in the side. He moaned loudly but
he was still hugging me.
"You didn't say sorry and you still haven't made up."
He took a deep breath and pulled away from me. "Okay. I am
really sorry for hiding it from you. I won't tell you the reason
because it's useless but I want you to know that I want to make up."
My face lit up. "How?"
"I will convince your mother to allow you to meet our Dad."
"First of all, our Mom and secondly, my Dad." I corrected
but he just shrugged.
I like what he's going to do to make up for it. He'll help me.