Chapter 276 - Letting Go

Keifer's POV

"Did you give her the phone?" I asked Percy.

He was standing next to his car, looking at me. He was about to leave, but I stopped him.

"Yeah, Felix told me she broke her old one."

I took my phone out of my pocket. "Give me her new number."

He grinned widely before sticking out his tongue like a child. "No way!"

"I'm not in the mood to play with you." My tone was almost threatening.

"I'm not playing with you!" He rapped, moving his hands like a real rapper.

I held my breath. This guy had a near-death experience, and he's still acting like an idiot. What will it take for him to grow up?

Do I have to smash his head against a rock to knock some sense into him? Whenever I get serious, he's always there to tease me. Nothing has changed.

"Percy," I called in a serious tone. "...Just give me her number so I can leave."

He stopped fooling around and looked at me, probably sensing my frustration. He scratched his cheek before speaking.

"Sorry, I don't trust you. Honestly, I don't want you getting close to Jay-jay after what you did to her." He shook his head.

"...And then there's the whole incident with Freya that you still haven't explained."

"You don't understand my situation with Jay-jay, and I have nothing to explain about Freya." I put my phone back in my pocket. "...If you don't want to give it to me, fine. I can still get her number another way."

I turned to leave when he called out to me. I glanced back at him. He frowned like a child and pulled out his phone.

"You're so demanding. It's annoying!" he said while typing something on his phone. "...Good thing I'm still more handsome than you."

I don't see the connection. I stepped closer, waiting for the number. His nostrils flared as he huffed.

"I have one condition."

I raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"Just explain what happened with Freya. That's all I'm asking."

Like I had a choice. I nodded briefly. He handed me his phone, but there was no number on the screen—just the dial pad.

"Type in your number. I'll send it to you once you give me what I asked for," he assured me.

I shook my head but typed in my number anyway. He clearly didn't trust me either. I guess it's a tie—I don't trust him either.

I handed back his phone and let him do his thing. He slid it into his pocket and smirked at me like he was mocking me.

Asshole.

"See you later at KingsGround," he said before getting into his car.

I let him go, watching his car disappear into the distance. Unconsciously, I clenched my fist. Pain shot up my arm.

Looks like I overdid it last night. I was so furious after running into Kiko and Jay-jay that I probably cracked some skulls. It was supposed to be a warning for the other gang who claimed to have touched Jay-jay—anyone who dared to try again.

I wasn't satisfied even after beating them down. Edrix almost laughed at me, recording a video and snapping pictures. He said I looked like a demon ready to devour the human race.

Tsk… It pissed me off.

At least it was worth it. I haven't heard from those guys since. They must be scared.

I headed back to school. Lunch break was almost over, and I hoped Jay-jay had eaten. She still refused to eat with me.

If Percy doesn't give me the number, I'll have to use a different tactic. Maybe stealing her phone and letting Edrix install the app would work, but she might get suspicious if it gets stolen and then returned.

She's gotten sharp—too cautious.

I reached the classroom door and saw Yuri standing in front of Jay-jay. My forehead creased, but when I noticed her blouse, I nearly lost it.

"What the...?" I muttered, catching Yuri's attention.

He looked worried.

"Why is she like this?" I asked, my voice firm.

"She's tipsy," Yuri answered quickly.

I turned back to Jay-jay, stunned as she slowly unbuttoned her blouse. My instincts kicked in—I quickly took off my polo shirt to cover her. Yuri did the same.

I knew she'd protest. Before she could say a word, I scooped her up and threw her over my shoulder.

"Damn it! Put me down!" she shouted.

Damn! Profanity

"Keifer..." Yuri called out. "...What are you planning to do?"

What should I do? I had no idea. I just needed to get her out of here and stop this. Whatever she drank, I knew she couldn't handle it.

"I don't know!" I snapped, letting out a heavy sigh. "...I just have to make her stop!"

I had no clue what to do. I glanced at our friends, who were all staring at us.

Screw it.

I walked out of the room, Jay-jay still crying on my shoulder. I was about to put her in the car and take her somewhere safe when I caught sight of the stairs leading to the second floor.

That room.

It would be better than driving off somewhere. I climbed the stairs, sensing Yuri following close behind.

"Where are you taking her?" he asked.

I didn't answer. I kept walking until I reached the room at the end of the hallway.

"Put me down! I'm gonna puke on you!" Jay-jay shouted again.

I fumbled in my pocket for the keys, my movements clumsy. Frustrated, I tossed them to Yuri.

"Open this goddamn door!" I barked.

Yuri quickly unlocked it, and I stepped inside. I carried Jay-jay to the sofa and set her down.

"Damn it! You're always so full of yourself!" she yelled again.

Profanity

"Calm down, Jay," Yuri said, making me arch my brow.

He also tried to approach Jay but she quickly threw a pillow at me. I couldn't help but smile. I looked at my fallen polo shirt, then quickly shifted my gaze to her clothes. I swallowed hard. Her uniform was almost revealing too much.

She suddenly shouted while looking at her clothes. "Why is my uniform open?!"

"You're the one—!" I tried to explain, but she threw a pillow at me.

"Why are you here?! You have a plan for me, don't you?!" she added, pointing her finger at us.

I almost slapped my face in frustration. I had no idea what was going through her mind. Now, I was starting to think she was drunk.

"Are you sure she's not drunk?" I asked Yuri to make sure.

"She's not asking for a virgin to sacrifice, so she's not drunk."

Oh, right. I forgot.

She turns into a witch when she gets drunk. It's kinda weird. Then again, there are people who break up with their boyfriend or girlfriend whenever they get wasted. The joke was getting old, but I also knew someone who thought they belonged in an anime world before passing out—every single time.

Not saying it's Yuri.

But Jay-Jay is even scarier. She might suddenly stab us and sacrifice us to the fire.

Jay-Jay automatically lay down on the sofa, looking exhausted. "It's really hot," she muttered, covering her face with a pillow.

I turned to Yuri and asked, "Who gave her alcohol?"

"I don't know. She was acting weird when she came back after lunch."

After lunch?

She was with Percy the whole time. He's the only one who could have brought alcohol to school. He really went along with it, huh? Since he had no clue what happens to Jay-Jay when she's drunk.

Not long after, she fell asleep. The alcohol must have taken effect. I finally felt at peace for a moment. I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the exhaustion.

"Can..." Yuri started, breaking the silence. "...you tell me the real reason?"

Here he goes again.

"The reason for what?" I said, pretending not to know what he was talking about.

I was aiming for an impossible shot, even though I knew Yuri could see right through me. It was really hard to keep secrets from him. But I had to try my best to hide it.

"I'm not damn stupid, Keifer."

Tss... You definitely aren't.

"If you're not damn stupid, then what are you trying to do? Shouldn't you be happy that I'm out of your way? You can get the girl you want." I stared at him straight in the eyes.

Yes, enjoy the moment that I'm not around. Enjoy your time with Jay-Jay. Because it won't last long. You'll never have her.

He was clearly conflicted. Too proud to take advantage of the situation. He preferred a fair fight, though I didn't feel the same way.

I reached into my pocket for my cigarette. I was restless, so I brought it. I didn't think I'd actually need it, but here we are.

"I still want to know the truth."

"What for?" I asked while handing him a cigarette, but he refused.

"Seriously? You actually quit? I thought you were just joking." I chuckled.

I lit my cigarette, trying to stay composed so Yuri wouldn't notice anything. He was too perceptive. Even the smallest mistake on my part would only raise his suspicions.

"Don't change the subject. Answer me, Keifer."

I exhaled smoke and avoided his gaze.

"You already know the answer. Why are you still asking?"

"I don't, Keifer. I don't know the exact answer."

"You were there when I planned it. I thought you were in on it, but you backed out halfway."

He let out a bitter chuckle. "Your plan. Again?" He shook his head. "That's your reason for all this shit?! That's your reason for hurting Jay-Jay?!"

His voice was starting to rise. I glanced at Jay-Jay and noticed her slight movement. I couldn't see her face properly because of the pillow she was covering herself with.

Was she awake?

She probably was. Maybe because of Yuri's loud voice.

"That's the fucking truth," I said in a bored tone.

I had to be careful. Jay-Jay couldn't find out anything that might give her a clue.

"I was the happiest guy in town when you stayed away from Jay-Jay. It felt good to think that I had a chance with her. But when I saw her hurt..." He paused, clenching his fists. "...I wanted to punch you. I wanted to blame everything on you and make you pay."

You care so much for Jay-Jay that you forget your own pain.

"Why didn't you?" I challenged him, almost daring him to do it.

"Because I know there's something else."

"And that something is?"

"You're lying." He said it with so much certainty that I froze. "...You lied to us, to Jay-Jay, and to yourself."

Damn, he's too good at this. I wanted to insult him for his talent.

"I didn't lie to anyone."

"I told you—I'm not damn stupid!" His breathing was heavy. "...You stopped your plan a long time ago. That's why the entire Section E stopped. We're not numb. We could feel it."

I had already finished my cigarette, the tension making me uneasy. I was about to slip up.

Think wisely, Keifer!

"Keifer," he called my name, almost pleading. "...If you can't tell Jay-Jay and the rest of Section E, at least tell me."

"I have nothing to tell you."

I can't. I can't tell anyone.

"Damn it, Keifer! You're in love with Jay-Jay, but you still chose to hurt her! Why?! What's the fucking reason?!"

Because I have to! I fucking have to! I'm sorry, Jay!

"I'm not, Yuri. I'm not in love with her."

Out of nowhere, his fist hit me straight in the face. I stumbled back, sitting on the floor, and quickly wiped my lips. I almost lost my temper, but then I realized—I deserved this.

"You know I can tell when you lie, but you keep repeating yourself!"

"I'm not."

I'm in love with her! I am! I really am!

"If you don't have feelings for Jay-Jay, then why do you get so angry when another man approaches her?"

I shook my head. There was no answer that would satisfy him. Instead of responding, I chose to stand up and walk away. But before I left, I threw out words he could believe.

"I'm just playing around," I said, then walked away.

I sighed as I stepped out of the room. I have to do this. Jay was awake—I saw her, even if just for a moment.

I feel so weak. I can't do anything except hurt her to save her. Damn this family! Damn the Watson family! Nothing matters to them except money. They'll use anything and anyone to get what they want.

This is frustrating. I'm hopeless. I am Keifer Watson—I can do whatever I want. So why can't I do anything for her?

I'm fucking useless.

I don't know who to talk to. I don't know who to turn to. I pulled my phone out of my pocket.

Angelo, the Demon King, is the only one I know who can help me. But there will be a price to pay—a big one. It's not possible! He can't!

If I talk to Keigan, he'll just be practical, like always. He'll give me the same solution he always does.

Get rid of Jay-Jay.

Who else can I talk to? I looked at my phone again when a message popped up from an unknown number.

📩

From: +639************

Message: Don't wait for my appearance. Later at KingsGround.

It's Percy. I held my breath. Another one getting involved. Maybe it's better if I get there before him. Maybe liquor will help me figure things out.

I walked out of the building. I know Yuri will take care of Jay-Jay without taking advantage of her situation. The thought of them together—hugging, comforting each other—it makes me jealous. But I can't do anything if she needs a shoulder to cry on.

So I'll let them be.

I reached my car and got in immediately. Starting the engine, I drove fast. I need a drink. My tongue craves it, my body demands it, and my fucking mind needs it.

But my heart needs Jay-Jay.

When I arrived at KingsGround, I parked my car carelessly. I didn't care if someone stole it. I walked inside and was greeted by the staff on duty.

"S-Sir… we're still closed," one of them stammered. "The Boss is still sleeping."

"It's fine. I'm not here for him. I just need a drink."

I didn't wait for a response and headed straight for the bar counter, where a bartender was wiping glasses.

"My usual," I said, settling onto a stool.

He quickly grabbed a glass, poured the drink, and handed it to me before resuming his task. I took it and downed it in one go. After finishing my drink, I pulled out my phone and texted Percy.

To: +639****************

Message: Don't wait for me. I'm here, dummy!

After sending the message, I shoved my phone back into my pocket and downed another glass. By the time Percy arrived, I had already finished six drinks. His hair was still messy, as if he'd combed it in a rush.

"You're paying for my drinks!" he yelled before dropping onto the stool beside me.

"Whatever."

He signaled to the bartender. "Give me something worthy of someone this handsome."

What the...

The bartender scratched his head, clearly confused.

I turned to the bartender. "Give him poison."

Percy immediately glared at me.

"Alright—just as long as you drink it too!"

I smirked and shook my head before signaling the bartender to pour another round. I handed him his drink before taking another sip of mine. We sat in silence for a while until Percy finally spoke.

"What happened, Keifer?" He asked seriously, staring at his glass.

"With Freya?"

"No. With you, with Yuri, with Aries… and with our friendship."

Our friendship?

I paused, lowering my glass to look at him. He was still staring at his drink.

"If you already know, why ask?" I muttered, taking another sip.

"Because something's wrong. Really wrong." He shook his head before taking a drink.

"What exactly is wrong? That we broke up? Or that we ended up in the same school?"

"Why are you working with Aries?"

"Tss… Don't tell me you have amnesia now."

"I don't have amnesia!"

He emptied his glass and signaled for another drink.

"Then you shouldn't ask stupid questions about Aries," I said, my irritation slipping through.

He shook his head and let out a disbelieving chuckle.

"I thought you were the smartest among us. Well, except for being the most handsome, because that's obviously me."

I nearly rolled my eyes. Even now, he finds a way to say that.

"What are you trying to say?" I pressed, wanting him to get to the point.

"You're so gullible." He gave me a deadpan look.

Whatever he was hinting at, I knew it involved the four of us. It had something to do with our past.

And I knew… it would affect Jay-Jay.