Chapter 278 - Text mate

Keifer's POV

"She said that?" Honey asked. "So fierce."

Why am I even talking right now? I can't believe I managed to have a conversation with this girl.

"Why are you eating breakfast here again?" I asked, sounding irritated.

"Because Denise Leah cooks well. Your cook." She replied before taking another bite of food.

I looked at her while sipping my coffee. Who is that?

"What are you talking about? Her name is Abigail Mabaza."

She suddenly dropped the cutlery she was holding. I stared at it, full of curiosity.

"You don't even know your own cook? What are you?!"

Maybe they just work for me too much. I know all their names. I haven't even met each of them properly.

Speaking of them…

"How's Keigan's new maid?" I asked Honey.

Because, once again, he had changed maids. I haven't been able to track down the ones who used to take care of him. It's strange—almost as if someone is deliberately hiding them from me.

"She seems fine. Looks like she and Keigan are getting along well."

I gave a slight nod. That was a good sign. It had been difficult finding a nurse who would agree to work as a maid.

I know my brother has issues. That's why I specifically chose someone from the medical field to take care of him. Maybe she can figure out what's wrong.

I know Keigan will be furious when he finds out what I did, but I just want to make sure he's okay. Maybe then I'll finally understand what's really going on.

Just then, I noticed Keiren approaching. Following him was Keigan, dressed in a messy uniform. His hair was unkempt, and he wasn't even wearing his glasses.

"What's on the menu?" he asked before sitting down.

Honey and I exchanged glances at his attitude. This wasn't the Keigan we usually saw every morning.

"Good morning," Honey greeted him.

He smiled and looked at her. "Good morning to you too."

I dropped my fork, crossed my fingers, and rested them against my lips. I silently observed him.

This isn't the Keigan I know.

He was eating properly, smiling at us and at the maids serving him food. I had never seen him like this before. He was usually quiet unless we had something important to discuss. He would often have a book in his hand while eating and never took off his glasses.

"I really like the food today. Kezha cooks so well." he said.

That made us stop.

"Who?" Honey asked.

"The cook. Isn't her name Kezha? Kezha Keith Rosal. I remember her because she always cooked delicious meals for me."

Honey looked at me before turning to the maids. I did the same and saw the shock on their faces.

"What's wrong?" Keigan asked, noticing our reaction.

"S-sir," one of the maids spoke hesitantly. "Kezha no longer works here. She left six months ago."

Keigan froze. "She did? Why?"

"W-we don't know."

His expression was full of confusion, as if he was struggling to recall. I glanced at Keiren, noticing that he was staring at me. He obviously had something to say.

"Maybe we should get ready. We might end up late for school." I said, picking up my fork and continuing my meal.

Breakfast ended quickly—except for Honey, who still planned to have a "part two" of her breakfast. We left her in the dining room. As we were heading toward the garage, I noticed that Keigan wasn't carrying anything.

"Where's your school bag?" I asked.

"What do I need a school bag for?"

I raised a brow. He can't be serious! The Keigan I know is an achiever. He never misses school, and he wouldn't allow anything to stop him from maintaining his top rank. He seemed to realize my point. He snapped his fingers before heading back inside the house.

"Speak now," I said to Keiren once Keigan was out of sight.

"He doesn't know me." Keiren answered, making me look at him. "He said something like, 'Who are you again?' Then he just smiled and walked away."

I ruffled his hair and forced a smile. "Your Kuya Keigan is just stressed. Maybe he's messing with you."

But deep down, I knew it was more than just stress. I had a bad feeling about all of this. I was starting to think he had a mental illness—but I wasn't ready to accept that possibility yet.

I opened the car door for Keiren. I hadn't even closed it when Keigan suddenly arrived, now carrying his bag and wearing his glasses.

"Let's go!" he said cheerfully before getting into my car.

Just as I was about to shut the door, my phone rang. I picked it up and answered.

It was Edrix.

"You have to read this! You have to read this!" he said urgently.

I could hear voices in the background—probably our friends. He was likely at school.

"What is it?"

"We got an invitation from Ram's group! They're inviting us to a fight for their new leader!"

They found a new leader already?

"Who's their leader?"

"They didn't say! I feel like this is just an invitation. I think they want to take down either you or Jason first!"

I was probably their main target. Jason wouldn't even show up if he knew I was scattered. That guy still owes me money. I was sure he was the one on the motorcycle that wrecked Jay-Jay.

"Ram is still alive. Why did they change leaders?"

"I don't know either! But they say he's out of the hospital now! Jay-Jay is dangerous!"

No! I won't let him take Jay-Jay from me!

"Accept the fucking invitation! I'll show them who the real boss is!"

"Keifer agreed!" I heard someone shout, followed by loud cheers. It sounded like the phone was on speaker, and they all heard our conversation.

Edrix ended the call.

I quickly got into the car and drove. I stayed silent, even though Keigan kept asking me things I knew he already knew the answers to. When I stopped in front of his school, he didn't get out immediately.

"We're here! Go to school!" Keiren shouted at him.

"This is school?" he asked, hesitating to step out.

"Keigan, please hurry. Keiren will be late." I said calmly.

He gave a brief nod before opening the car door, stepping out with his bag, and closing the door behind him. He looked so innocent as he glanced around.

I started the car and drove straight to Keiren's school. He didn't say another word until we arrived. He quickly got out and rushed inside.

I was in a hurry because I wanted to talk to all of Section E—except for her, of course. I wasn't disappointed since I got to school earlier than expected. I was also ahead of him.

When I arrived at the room, it was obvious they had been waiting for me. The only thing I didn't understand was why there were a bunch of boxes of pancake mix in the classroom.

"What is that?" I asked irritably.

"Pancakes for Jay-Jay," Ci-N answered with a smile.

I looked at Edrix, who seemed to be waiting to see what Eman was going to cook.

"Can we talk about the invitation first?" I said, and they turned to look at me. "When will it be?"

"Mama!" Ci-N answered again.

I didn't know they were in such a hurry. Maybe they thought we would lose if they caught us off guard.

"Which of you will come?"

They all raised their hands except for Josh, Mayo, and Drew. We looked at them, waiting for an explanation. The three exchanged glances before one of them spoke.

"I don't get why we have to join," Drew said. "It's just a trap. I strongly suspect they have a plan."

"We'll show them who's stronger," I explained plainly.

"Then what?" Josh asked.

Then what, Keifer?

I hadn't thought about that. What should I do? What if I beat them? What will happen? I held my breath. I walked toward the board and faced them. It caught their attention.

"Here's the thing! We're going there to prove that we're stronger! Defeating them will show who the real boss is!" Everyone exchanged glances. "We'll use them too—either making them our allies or our underdogs."

"Are you planning to take Ram's position?" David asked, crossing his arms.

Am I?

One of our goals was to gather more allies. This seemed like a key opportunity to achieve that. Having gang members as allies wasn't a bad idea. All I had to do was follow through. And that meant claiming Ram's position as the leader.

But I wanted more than that—more than just being an ordinary gang leader. I wanted something greater than what Angelo had achieved.

"No. I'm planning to become more powerful."

"This is a shot at the moon," Mayo said. "I know it's still for Jay-Jay, but I don't think it's necessary to join."

"It would be better if we did," Kit added. "It's also an experience for us. It will expand our skills. And when the time comes that Jay-Jay needs us, we'll know what to do."

I saw Mayo looking at Kit—worried and doubtful at the same time. But why?

"I agree with Kit. This isn't just some simple gang war of defeated monkeys. We have goals," Felix said, making everyone nod.

"We'll join. It's been a while since I've been in a fight," Calix said while cracking his knuckles.

"Maybe a girlfriend would be worried," Rory teased, and Calix immediately shot him a glare.

"Alright then! We'll just give it a try!" Eren added.

Josh looked shocked. "What else!"

"Yay! Fighting!" Ci-N cheered, punching the air.

"Honestly, I'm hesitant. I'd rather tell Angelo everything," Drew said, making me glare at him.

"Don't you dare." My voice carried a clear threat.

He shook his head and turned away. The others went back to what they were doing—like Eman, who continued cooking. But Felix, Edrix, Kit, and Rory sat beside me to discuss the invitation.

"Does Yuri know about this?" I asked Edrix.

"I texted him, but he didn't answer."

Maybe he's with Jay-Jay… again. I shook my head and continued discussing our plan. Not long after, I saw Jay-Jay. As expected, Yuri followed her inside. Yuri glanced at me before taking his seat.

Meanwhile, Jay-Jay put on her headset and started listening to music. But that wasn't all she was doing. She was texting. I could see her typing a message—who was she texting?

Stop texting! Who are you texting?!

I didn't like how I felt. I wanted to know who she was talking to. Was it a guy? Since when did she start having a textmate? She just changed her number! That was fast.

Damn this feeling!

"Just keep staring, and maybe she'll melt," Felix said, smirking as he looked in another direction.

I heard soft laughter from Rory, Kit, and Edrix. I wanted to push them away.

But instead, I wanted to snatch Jay-Jay's phone. Even from a distance, I could see the screen flickering with incoming messages.

I said stop texting!

I pulled my phone from my pocket. I was about to call her, but for what? She'd realize I knew her number. She might change it again. She'd also wonder how I even got it. I needed another story. Another reason for her to hate me.

Stop texting whoever that is!

I clenched my phone. I couldn't believe I was reacting like this over a text. If only she hadn't smashed her old phone, I would have had access and known exactly who she was messaging.

I can't believe I'm doing this. I stared at my phone and typed a message.

To: My Future Mrs. Watson

Message: My life.

I saw her looking at her phone before replying. Looks like I got her attention now.

"Is that done? We're starving," Felix said as they all crowded around Eman.

I was left alone. That was better—no one could disturb me.

📩

From: My Future Mrs, Watson

Message:You are wrong

(You texted the wrong person)

I smile while reading her text message. She really likes messing with her words through text.

To: My Future Mrs. Watson

Message: Jasper Jean Mariano.

I see her surprise. She even turns around, causing me to immediately hide my phone. She looks like she's searching for the possible sender. When no one seems to notice, she looks back at her cellphone.

It's a good thing I decided to buy a new phone and SIM card last night. I plan to call her using the new number because she might recognize my old one and refuse to answer. I also want to get a new phone so Keigan won't wonder why I'm changing my number.

📩

From: My Future Mrs. Watson

Message: Who are you?

She texted me, and I quickly typed a response.

To: My Future Mrs. Watson

Message: You're my everything.

She doesn't get a chance to reply because Ci-N approaches her, holding a plate of pancakes.

I hold my breath. Taking the opportunity, I set a password on my phone. I was too tired last night, so I hadn't fixed anything or added any contacts except Jay-Jay's number.

"I didn't want to say it!" I hear her shout.

The plate of pancakes flies through the air and crashes onto the floor. Everyone falls silent, staring at them.

"O-it's okay… I-I'll just get you a new one," Ci-N says, trying to hold back tears.

He forces a smile, but that doesn't stop his tears from falling.

"Stop it! Can't you see it's obvious?! We're never going back to the way things were before, so just give up!" Jay-jay shouts again.

I want to step in and stop her, but it would be the wrong move, especially in our situation.

"Jay-jay," David interrupts, but she just glares at him.

Suddenly, we hear someone sobbing. I look at Ci-N, who is crouched down, wiping his eyes. I feel sorry for him. He's suffering because of our foolishness. Jay-Jay has become so harsh, even toward him.

"W-why? Why should I give up?" He looks up to face her. "…Did you give up when I was accused of being a thief? Did you give up on Calix and Mica, on Denzel and Grace? On Drew? Did you ever give up on any of us?"

I see Jay-Jay avoid his gaze. She's affected! She's still in there! My soft-hearted, hot-headed, and strong-willed Jay-Jay is still there!

That's a good sign!

For some reason, I feel a rush of excitement. It's like I'm being pushed to move forward with our plans. I want to act fast before the one I love is gone forever.

"…So don't tell me to give up! Because you never did it for us, and I won't do it to you either," Ci-N adds. "…You're right there! I'm going to get another pancake."

He walks toward Eman. The others pat him on the arm as a way of acknowledging him and showing their pride. Jay-Jay, however, is quick. She leaves the room without anyone noticing.

"Is it just me, or has she gotten even tougher?" Yuri asks, observing the situation.

I shrug before sitting back down.

"Who were you texting earlier?" he asks.

I shake my head. "Nothing important."

He nods slightly. "About last night… Are you really giving up on Jay-Jay?"

"Let's not talk about it anymore."

He stays silent, but I can feel his eyes on me, studying my reaction. It's so hard to have a friend who's always observing.

Not long after, Sir Alvin arrives. Jay-Jay enters the room as well, but she doesn't even glance at Ci-N, who is sitting next to her. I don't notice who cleaned up the mess on the floor.

I can't help but keep looking at her. She's isolating herself. I let out a deep sigh. She doesn't look at any of us for almost the entire morning. She leaves only when she goes to the restroom, but other than that, she does nothing.

Ci-N tries to get her attention, but it's clear that she's not interested. By lunchtime, the others invite her to eat, but she quickly walks away.

So slick.

"Kuya is with her again," Felix comments while helping Eman.

"At least someone is feeding her," Yuri says before standing up. Most of them gather around Eman to get food. I choose to stay behind. I'm not really in the mood to eat anything.

I want to prepare myself. There's still time, but I want to smash their faces with my fists.

Relax, Keifer. You'll get your chance.

I close my eyes, and the first thing I see is her face. Her eyes—full of misery and pain. I want to touch her face, to wipe away her tears.

But I'm afraid I'll only cause her more pain. I feel like my hands are covered in thorns, and if I touch her, I'll wound her again.

Even so, I'd take that chance. If holding her means hurting her, then I'll do everything to ease her pain. If I have to cut off my hands just to be with her, then I'll cut off my whole arms.

"Keifer!" Someone calls out to me.

I open my eyes to see who it is. Everyone is staring at me like I just said something weird.

"What?"

"Come on! The fool is having wet dreams!" Rory shouts, and they all laugh.

I frown. What?! I wasn't even asleep—how could I have a wet dream? Did I say something weird?

I look at Yuri, who is grinning. "Did I say something?"

"You moaned and said her name." He gives me a disgusted look. "…You're gross." ❤️

"I wasn't having a wet dream! I was just resting my eyes while thinking about something," I explain.

He shakes his head, still grinning. The others continue eating, making jokes at my expense. I can't help but feel irritated by them.

Yuri placed a plate in front of me. It was full of rice and various dishes. I arched a brow at him.

"Eat. We'll need that energy later," he said with a smile.

"I don't feel like it."

"When you get beaten up later, I won't help you."

"Then don't. I won't get beaten up, so I won't need you."

He let out a brief laugh. "Why are we joining later?"

"To show who's the real boss. It's also a good opportunity for me to stop the people we fought with before."

To stop them from messing with Jay-Jay.

"I hope you can do it. That would be good for them—so they'll stop targeting Jay-Jay," he said, looking me straight in the eyes.

Am I catching him off guard? I can't believe he still doesn't believe what I said last night. Now I'm starting to hate his ability.

I forced myself to eat just to keep busy and avoid being teased. I felt heavy, and as time passed, it only got worse. I just want this day to end. I want to knock them down. We were almost finished eating when Jay-Jay entered the room, followed by Percy.

What now?

It seemed like he was looking for someone, and his gaze landed on Ci-N, who was sitting right in front of them. I noticed Felix suddenly avoiding eye contact and even shifting his position.

"What's your problem?" I heard Eman ask him.

"We're about to fight. If he sees me, he might lecture me again," Felix explained.

I looked back at the front, where the three of them were. Two kids were arguing over who would get to sit next to Jay-Jay.

Knowing Ci-N, he wouldn't let Percy win. Their argument continued until…

"It's ugly! It looks like a bag."

Yup! Ci-N won just like that. I chuckled softly, along with the entire Section E, who had also been listening.

"They called me ugly and a bag! I swear, I'm gonna kill this kid!" Percy complained to Jay-Jay.

She clearly didn't care. She simply ignored Percy and sat down.

I took my phone out of my pocket and stared at her number for a while. I badly wanted to text her, but I didn't want to make it too obvious.

I tapped on the message icon next to her name. I started composing a text but ended up deleting it. I typed again, only to delete it once more.

I wanted to throw my phone. This was hopeless. Maybe sending a blank message would be a good start. She might respond, and that way, she'd start the conversation.

Without hesitation, I clicked send—only to immediately regret it. Who sends a blank message and expects a reply?

Maybe me.

And I was right. She ignored my message! Frustrated, I typed another one and sent it without double-checking.

To: My Future Mrs. Watson

Message: I love you, my everything…

What an idiot.

I typed exactly what was on my mind. On the bright side, she responded.

📩

From: My Future Mrs. Watson

Message: Gunggong! (Stupid)

So sweet.

To: My Future Mrs. Watson

Message: I'm not a Gunggong, but maybe an Ulupong.

(I'm not a stupid, but maybe a snake.)

I immediately hid my phone when I noticed her searching for something. I could sense her irritation.

📩

From: My Future Mrs. Watson

Message: cno kB (Who are you?) Stop it, you're not funny.

What's cno kb? I couldn't understand her words. Is this what they call Jejemon? She has the same texting style as Tiger. It's annoying to read.

I kept staring at her text message, trying to make sense of it. I sighed heavily when I finally understood.

I composed another message—maybe a little clue.

To: My Future Mrs. Watson

Message: I'm your savior. I saved you from your kidnapper and claimed my prize on the same day.

📩

From: MyFutureMrsWatson

Message: You're Pervert man!

So sweet.

Keep cursing. I'm adding it to my list—profanity.

[ I can't believe it—our boy is literally counting the profanities he's been receiving from his girl. I'm sure, by now, he has recorded more than 20, and God knows how many more it'll take until Jay-Jay forgives him. Just imagine Keifer giving her hundreds of kisses at a time as payback for all those profanities. I'm sooo ready for this heart attack.] Comment from @dj_peace. 😂❤️

To: My Future Mrs. Watson

Message: I miss your lips. Can I claim them again?

I know she's pissed.

📩

From: MyFutureMrsWatson

Message: The fuck! Who are you exactly?!

Again! Profanity.

To: My Future Mrs. Watson

Message: I told you, I'm your savior. I saved you while you were blindfolded.

Come on! It's so obvious. Every clue I'm giving is pointing at me.

📩

From: My Future Mrs. Watson

Message: You were the one who kissed me?

Yes, I was!

To: MyFutureMrsWatson

Message: You got it right.

"Keifer…" Yuri called my name, snapping me out of my thoughts. I looked up at him.

"Why are you smiling to yourself?"

Oh, fuck!