Chapter-303 Longing

Keifer's POV

I had a nightmare about my Jay-jay and it sent chills down my spine. I kept splashing water on my face over and over, trying to wash away the scary images from my head.

But they kept roaming in my mind.

I grabbed the face towel beside the mirror. I wiped my face and looked at myself in the mirror afterward. I was dripping in sweat even though I wasn't even wearing a shirt. I threw the towel into the dirty clothes basket before heading back to bed.

I looked for my secret phone. I couldn't calm down after that dream. Everything I saw felt so real.

Jay-jay running toward me while calling my name. Behind him was a tattooed man with a gun pointed at her. Before she could reach me, I heard a gunshot, and she slowly fell while crying and begging for me to help her.

No! Not my Jay-jay.

I picked a number from my phonebook and pressed the call button. After a few rings, someone finally answered.

["Hello, if you're here to collect, Drew's not here. If you're offering a loan, state how much."]

It was obviously Drew pretending to be an answering machine.

"I will take your house as a payment." I said, and I heard him snort.

["You're so serious! Can't even joke with you. Why are you calling?"]

"Do me a favor. Double your attention on Jay-jay."

["Loan me first."]

I immediately hung up. Seriously? I don't think he can go a day without trying to borrow money. It would be fine if he actually had a job to pay it back, but he gambles away whatever he gets.

I picked another number. Just one ring, and it was answered.

["Keifer, you're calling early."] Eren sounded sleepy.

"Can you do me a favor? Pay more attention to Jay-jay, please."

I heard him groan. ["Seriously, Keifer? You woke me up just for that? I can't even pay attention to my girlfriendssssssss."]

He intentionally dragged the "S." I sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of my nose.

"Eren." I said firmly, knowing he'd take it seriously now. "I know all of your girlfriends."

["So what now?"] he asked arrogantly.

"And I have their numbers."

He let out a humorless laugh. ["Just kidding. Don't worry, we got Jay covered. I'm even getting up now to head in early."] I heard some rustling from his end.

"Please make sure that she is safe."

I ended the call but immediately dialed another number. My chest was tightening with anxiety.

["Keifer."] David didn't sound sleepy, but I could hear something frying in the background. ["I'm not trying to hit on Jay-jay, if that's why you called."]

"No. It's something else." I sighed. If it weren't for Jay-jay, I wouldn't even call him. "Her safety is bothering me."

["There are already three people watching over her from her house. Do you want me to add more?"]

"If you have to."

["I'll talk to them later."]

"Thanks," I said and was about to end the call, but then I heard him laugh. "What's so funny?"

["You. I can't believe you'd turn to something like this."]

I rolled my eyes. "Fvck off, David." I heard him laugh again before I finally ended the call.

He can't believe it? And what does he mean? That I'm incapable of falling in love? He seriously underestimates me.

I set aside my irritation with that guy. My focus should be on my Jay-jay only. Her safety… and that bad dream.

I dialed another number again. It was Kit's number, and it took a few rings before someone answered.

["Hey Keifer! Stop calling Kit so much!"] It wasn't Kit who answered.["Do you like him or something? Huh? Just go ahea—ow!"] I heard a few ruffling sounds, like the phone was being snatched away. ["Stop messing with my phone—."] It was Kit's voice. ["—Hello, Keifer? Sorry, that was Mayo. Why'd you call?"]

Mayo? They're together this early in the Philippines?

"What is he doing there?" I asked out of curiosity.

["Crashing my breakfast."]

I raised a brow. I heard what happened between them from our friends, and Jay-jay is really worried about their situation now. I don't know how our friends will take the truth.

"Crashing your breakfast, or are you the breakfast?" I asked nonchalantly.

["Eww! No way! Where did you even get that idea?"] He sounded pissed.

"From Mayo. Can you do me a favor?"

I heard something hit, followed by Mayo's whimper of pain.

["Is this about Jay-jay?"] I could sense his shift to seriousness.

"Yes."

["Leave it to me. She's always sticking around us anyway, so it won't be hard."] he explained.

"Thank you for helping me—and for not being a straight guy."

["Wow. And I'm so thankful for your thank you."] He turned sarcastic.

I smirked before ending the call. But even with all the people I called, it still didn't feel like enough. I still feel like something's missing.

I dialed Rory's number, and he answered immediately.

["Bro..."] he said while brushing something—which was obviously his teeth.

"Any leads with Sato?"

["None—"] he stopped brushing. ["Nothing yet. He's really hard to track. And it's like Yuri doesn't even want me involved."]

What's wrong with him?

"Tell me if you need more resources. Work with Edrix if you have to."

["Got it. I'm gonna shower now."] he said and ended the call.

Technically, it's still too early in the Philippines. But most of them wake up early because they need to work with the other gangs. They have to do it before Jay-jay sees them—so she won't get suspicious.

And speaking of Edrix, he was the next one I called. He didn't answer at first, so I was forced to call again, and it took several rings before he finally picked up.

["Keif—."] He yawned like a cat. ["—er. You're calling way too early. Did something happen?"]

"Nothing, but I'm looking for an update."

["Still nothing. It's like something's blocking the Japan Embassy database—more accurately, someone is blocking me. Talk to Yuri."]

Why isn't he helping them?

I have this feeling Yuri doesn't want us involved in their rivalry. But Jay-jay is already caught up in this, so whether he likes it or not, I will interfere.

"I will. Work with Rory, please."

["Sure. Leave it to me."]

I ended the call and looked for another number to dial. If I have to call the whole nation, I will do it.

I chose Calix as the next one to call.

["Oi. Bro..."] he greeted. ["You're calling early. Are you in the Philippines already?"]

"No. But maybe soon I will be."

["Is this about Jay-jay? Want me to check on her for you?"]

"No. Just make sure she's safe for me."

["No problem. That's exactly what we plan to do."] He said, and we both said our goodbyes.

Like I said—I'll call the whole Nation if I have to.

Felix's name showed up, but I was having second thoughts. Percy might interrupt my plan. That guy is always such a disturbance.

Whatever. It's for my Jay-jay.

I pressed the call button, and within a second it was answered—but not by Felix.

["Hellllow..."] A little girl said slowly.

Dalia? The kid with blue eyes like Percy.

"H-hi Dalia, can I talk to your Kuya Felix?"

["He—he's taking a bath."] she said and giggled. ["Who are you?"]

"It's me, Keif—." I heard someone calling her in the background.

["Dalia! Who are you talking to?"] It was Percy. Dalia giggled again before answering her brother.

["My boyfriend."] she said, and I almost hit my head against the wall.

["What boyfriend?! You're not allowed to have a boyfriend! I'll kill any boy who tries to get near you! Give me that phone!"] I heard Dalia cry, which slowly faded away.

["Hello! Who is this?"] This time it was Percy.

I sighed in disbelief, but before I could say anything, Percy started rambling nonsense.

["Aahhh! She really does have a boyfriend!—Who are you?! Oh my God! My baby sister already has a boyfriend?! Stay away from her or I swear I'll kill you!"] I heard a door open.

["Is that the phone?"] It was Felix. Then Percy started to sob.

["Our baby has a boyfriend! She's just a kid! She's not ready yet!"]

Even though I couldn't see him, I knew Felix was already confused by everything Percy was saying. He's gone crazy again. Probably didn't eat breakfast.

["You're insane! Give me back my phone!"] I heard the familiar ruffling sound. ["Oh, it's you. Why are you calling?"]

"About Jay-jay."

He chuckled slightly. ["Of course. Why did I even ask—what the hell?!"] He sounded like he was struggling.

["Tell Dalia's boyfriend I'm going to kill him!"] It was Percy again. ["My towel! It's slipping!"] Felix sounded pissed. ["Why? Is it shrinking or—ow!"] Percy was obviously hit and I didn't need to see it.

Too much information.

I was forced to end the call because it was clear they were fighting. I just texted Felix instead to remind him about Jay-jay. I knew he'd read it after they were done arguing.

I ended up calling the others to tell them what I needed to say. Eman, Denzel, Blaster, and Josh all agreed. Then I dialed the number of the last person I was thinking of.

["Feed me! Feed me! Feed me!—Good morning Keifer!—Feed me!"]

Yup! C-in is fully awake.

"It's night here."

["Manang, my breakfast please!—Oh really? Okay then, good evening Keifer!—Manang! I'm hungry!"]

Honestly, it's like he just moved houses. He still does the same things—being fed by that woman he calls Manang, from the mansion to his new place.

"Enjoy your breakfast. I know you already know why I'm calling—"

["It's about Jay-jay, right? I actually have something to tell you—Manang! I need more hotdog!"]

I sighed. He kept calling for Manang and now I wasn't sure if he was saying something to me or to her.

"Are you telling me or Manang?"

["You—Manang, water please!"]

Oh, come on!

"Who are you really talking to?"

["You, of course! It's about Sato."] I shut my mouth to let him continue.

["My cousin just came from Japan, she studied there to be a doctor—do you know her? Lianah Saguirer? She's the one who became a surgeon and then—"]

"Please, get to the part about Sato?" I almost begged.

Like seriously? What do I care about his cousin? I already know medicine runs in their family. So I'm not surprised one of them went to medical school abroad.

I heard him laugh. ["She said the Sato family are known torturers. They don't care about age or gender. She also said that family has hurt a lot of people but they never get caught by the police. The only ones they expect to stop them are the Hanamitchis—sounds familiar? Oh right, that's Yuri."] He laughed again.

And he was saying all this while eating. Like he was just telling a story about his cousin's adventure. Has it not occurred to him that Jay-jay is the target of that torturer? And if Sato gets to her, she'll definitely be in danger.

I ended the call and immediately got ready. I'm about to get changed when someone knocked on my door. I hid my secret phone and let that person come in.

"Kuya?" It was Keigan.

I came out from my walk-in closet. "Keigan."

He faced me and handed me a piece of paper. "Good thing you're awake. We need to travel to Australia now. That's an order from Clyde."

I almost cursed at that. I was planning to return to the Philippines. Jay-jay needs me more.

"I have to go somewhere else," I said and went back to my walk-in closet, but he followed me.

"This is important. Where are you planning to go?"

"Someone needs my help."

"And who's that someone? That Jay-jay again?" I could sense the irritation in his tone.

"None of your business."

I heard him sigh. "I won't stop you, but I hope you fulfill your obligations here first before thinking about her," he said, then walked away.

I paused and rested one hand against the wall. Keigan is right. I still need to take care of things. I still have obligations I haven't completed.

But my future needs me too.

If I prioritize her, I'll definitely disappoint Keigan and the Elders. They'll find a loophole and use it against me.

I was still thinking about what I should do when I received a message from an unexpected person.

Yuri.

I immediately called him, and it only took one ring before he answered.

["I heard you called them, but not me? Why is that?"]

"Feel jealous?"

["Well I should be. I'm your best friend."] He said mockingly.

I shook my head. "What do you want?"

["Ask Rory and Edrix to stop investigating. They're putting themselves in danger."]

"Why is that? Don't you trust them?"

["It's not that I don't trust them. Sato is second to the biggest Yakuza family in Japan. They have lots of connections—"]

"I already know that part."

["Leave it to me. It's my job to catch him."]

"And Jay-jay? How will you protect her?"

["The same way you're protecting her. Silently."]

I felt slightly relieved. Yes, Yuri is my rival—but he's still my best friend who never left me after everything that happened.

Protect her no matter what.

"I'm almost done here. Sooner or later, we'll see each other again and finish what we started."

["Then I'll wait."]

He ended the call. I sat on the floor, feeling so weak. After this, I'll tell the Elders I need to go back. This will be the last, and I'll finally carry out my original plan.

For my brothers. And for my Jay-jay.

I followed through with my plan. I changed into my outfit for the business meeting that was waiting for me. I also packed the things I needed. When I stepped out of my room, I found Keigan drinking coffee.

I saw the surprise on his face, but he immediately shrugged it off.

"I thought you had other plans."

"I guess I have to set it aside and prioritize this business meeting," I said and began to walk.

"Thank you, Kuya." He said, which made me stop.

I turned and looked at him. He pursed his lips and looked down.

"These past few weeks, I kept trying to control you, thinking it was the best for us. But you still looked at me like I never did anything to hurt you. Thank you for still trusting me."

I smiled at him and gave a small nod. Then I stepped out and headed straight to the lobby, where my driver was already waiting. He approached me and took my things.

As soon as I got in the car, I took out my secret phone. I still wanted to make sure that Jay-jay would be safe. And I'm thankful for our friends who keep updating me from time to time.

When we arrived at the airport, the private jet was already prepared and ready for takeoff. I was the only one they were waiting for.

During the hours of our flight, I still couldn't stay calm. The same image of Jay-jay crying for help still haunts me. For some reason, I suddenly felt nervous.

I pressed the intercom to contact the pilot. "Change route. To the Philippines now!" I said, and I was thankful he didn't question it.

Good thing we were already somewhere in Asia. He asked for landing clearance and in almost an hour, we were at the airport. The pilot spoke to me personally. Keigan doesn't know about this, and I had no choice but to inform him.

I didn't stop him, as long as I could leave now. He didn't say anything more when I got off the plane. I chose to take a taxi instead of waiting for the service they called.

I need to see my Jay-jay now.

I immediately called Rory, and my suspicion was confirmed when he answered.

["Mica, Freya, Ella, Rakki, and Honey were involved. We don't know how—they say there were no guards at the gate."] he said, and I almost threw my phone.

No wonder Honey wasn't with me—she got home ahead of me. If her Uncle found out about this, I'm sure she's definitely dead.

"Send me the address. I'm on my way." I ended the call and waited for the address.

As soon as I received it, I gave it to the taxi driver. I asked him to drive faster, and his eyes nearly popped out when I told him I'd pay triple.

I'm on my way. I will save you.

I reached the address. As expected, that Sato wouldn't hide in a crowded area. It was an old building used for Japanese wood products. I'm not even sure if it's still functioning.

I entered and saw the others—helping the girls—but I couldn't find Jay-jay.

"Where is Jay-jay?" It was Percy from behind.

Looks like he just arrived too. Everyone turned toward us because of how loud his voice was.

"Keifer?" It was Calix. "He took Jay-jay with him."

"Why are you the one here? I mean, I'm clearly the more handsome one." I heard Percy say.

I looked at him sharply. Is he seriously joking at a time like this—while his stepsister needs help? I can't believe him. I saw Ella and Yuri assisting Aries, but he pushed them away.

"My sister needs me!" he shouted, and ran off.

I immediately followed him. He knows where Sato is.

"Aries, stop—Keifer?" It was Yuri, and we all stopped.

"I'm here too," Percy said.

"What are you guys doing here?" Aries turned and glared at us.

But I faced Yuri. "What? You didn't plan to tell me about this?!"

"We were in a rush to find them. You think I had time to report to you?"

"You could've at least asked our friends to do it if you couldn't. If I didn't follow my instinct, all of this would've ended before I even found out."

"Sorry to interrupt, but if you're here to fight, do it later. Jay-jay needs help and you two aren't helping," Aries said, clearly pissed.

"Wow! Fine, go home! Aries and I can handle this ourselves," Percy added, pushing us aside.

He walked ahead, and Aries followed. We exited the building. I wanted to slap someone—looks like we got lost thanks to this damned Percy.

"Oops! I think it's the wrong way," he said and was about to turn around, but stopped when he saw us.

"The hell, Percy!" I shouted at him.

"How would I know?! I just got here too!" he defended himself.

I was about to hit him when I noticed Aries. He had gone quiet. He raised a finger, signaling us to be quiet. We did, and he listened to the sounds around him.

"This way." He said, and we followed.

And that's when I saw the nearly identical image from my dream.