Chapter-305 Guessing Game

Jay-jay's POV

How do you even slap a Horoscope? If I Google it, would I find an answer? I've been annoyed at these two for a while now. I want to slap them both. I'm not saying one of them is Ella.

"Do you want some, Jay?" Ella suddenly asked me—ahem—while handing over a container of spaghetti.

Finally! She offered.

Maybe she sensed my murderous stare at the food in front of her.

I was ready to nod and give a loud, crispy yes, but— Damn this brother of mine. He pulled Ella's hand back.

"Don't give her any," he said, then shoved a sandwich—also from his girl—into his mouth.

I immediately scowled at them. Stupid Horoscope!

"You're so selfish!" I said irritably, and he shot me a dirty look.

Gonna argue? Huh? Gonna argue? It's true anyway!

Even if he curses me, even if I get unlucky the next few days— As long as I get to point out how selfish he is.

I heard Ella's soft laugh from across the selfish Horoscope. I rolled my eyes at her.

You too!

Of all the sins this girl has committed against me, this is the first time I can confidently say she's truly mean.

She's so selfish! When she arrived, she only fed Aries. And me? What am I here? A prop? Just part of the decor? Doesn't she think I can get hungry too?

And it's like they're doing it on purpose. They chose to eat here in the room, while yesterday they ate outside. What? Are they just messing with me now?!

"I hope you both choke!" I said, nearly in tears from frustration.

All I heard was Aries laughing out loud. Ella, on the other hand, just shook her head.

You're both so selfish!

I want to eat! Is no one going to drop food from the heavens? Or maybe someone could slap me with some ham. But actually, it would be better if I got pelted with grilled chicken. I'm about to cry from hunger, lack of sleep, and sheer frustration.

As if it wasn't enough that I didn't get any sleep thanks to the King of Demons—that cursed, pestering, insect-like, pathetic Snake. And now I can't even eat.

"I want to eat," I said as I rolled back and forth on the hospital bed. I almost fell off since the bed was so small. Even the pillow caught my wrath as I began biting it.

I heard the door open so I sat up quickly. Food?

I thought it was my brother. He said he was just going to talk to our doctor to check if we could already go home. I told him to bring food, so I've been waiting for him.

Yuri walked in with a smile. "Why do you look like that?"

I immediately shot a glare at the two on the opposite bed, but strangely, they turned their backs to us and quietly continued eating. Ella looked at Yuri for a second, but then quickly turned her attention back to Aries.

Why does it feel so awkward?

I faced Yuri. "Come with me to buy food."

He smiled and nodded. "Let's go."

I stood up and looked for my slippers. I quickly slipped them on when I saw them under the bed. I grabbed Yuri's arm and pulled him out the door. But before I closed it, I peeked at the two again.

Looks like there's going to be a lovers' quarrel. I don't know, maybe their conversation isn't over yet.

Anyway, I slowly shut the door. I turned to Yuri, who looked at me curiously.

"Did something happen? Why did you have to peek at them?" he asked as we started walking.

I walked beside him. "Nothing. They're just selfish."

Shove your food into your lungs. Doesn't even look tasty, anyway.

He chuckled a bit. I told him what those two did to me until we reached the canteen. There weren't many people, probably because it was still early.

My eyes sparkled as I blinked at all the food I saw. There were so many dishes and even desserts. I was about to walk up to grab a tray, but Yuri stopped me.

"Why?"

He smiled at me. "Can you treat me? I didn't bring my wallet."

Speaking of wallets… I didn't bring mine either. Wow, what a moment. I don't have any money.

I forced a laugh. "Looks like the food here isn't even good. Let's not eat. Let's just die of hunger instead."

He laughed too, but his laugh sounded way too happy. I frowned right away. Looks like this fool is messing with me.

"Just kidding," he said and pinched my cheek.

I immediately slapped his hand away. "Hey! Did you even wash your hands?"

"I did," he replied and showed me both of his hands.

I quickly noticed a small scratch that I assumed he got while facing Sato's group. Add to that his perfectly kept nails.

Damn! Manicured and pampered. Must be nice.

"You and your pretty hands and nails," I said as I looked down at my own hands.

Suddenly, I felt disgusted with them. Maybe I should stop biting my nails. They're practically gone—literally gone. My teeth have basically become my nail clippers.

"I'll lend you money. Then you can treat me," Yuri said with a grin.

I scowled at him. "I have trauma when it comes to debt-debt situations like that."

Debt, my ass. Worse than my love life.

He looked at me in confusion. "Why?"

I don't know if he knew that that fool Drew still owed me money. I just shook my head and walked toward the glass food display. I stared at the dishes.

"You pay this time. I'll make it up to you next time," I told Yuri.

I heard him chuckle softly before he stepped up beside me and also looked at the food.

"You don't even have to make it up to me. Your love is enough," he said without even looking at me.

I just stared at him like an idiot. I already know he still has feelings for me. The thing is, sometimes I get too comfortable around him that I forget all about that.

Ugh... if only the heart could be taught—he'd probably be in college by now.

"Let's eat first. Save the love talk for later," I said and looked around for the vendor.

We ended up saying our orders almost at the same time. We waited a few moments before they handed us three trays of food.

Two for me, one for him. I actually felt shy about adding more. He might think I was draining his wallet. Plus, the doctor did say to take it easy on food.

While we were eating, we kept chatting until the topic shifted to the incident with that Idiot group from that afternoon and those who got caught in it.

"Rakki's fine now. He didn't really get any trauma. Mica's still being observed by Calix. Ella, obviously, hasn't left Aries' side," he explained. That suddenly reminded me of those two earlier when he entered the room. "...Freya hasn't been answering my calls. And Honey left with Keifer."

I paused mid-bite. That fool left again!

I gripped my spoon tightly before bowing my head. You damn fool. After stealing a kiss from me, you just leave like that?

He had the nerve to pretend he was about to cry. I can't stop thinking that maybe it really was all just a dream, and that the tears on my cheek were actually just lizard pee.

I should've tasted it to know if it was really tears.

"W-when did they leave?" I asked in almost a whisper. He paused briefly—

He paused for a moment, like I had just said something terrible. Did I curse?

He coughed slightly. "Early this morning."

Right after he visited me?

I set down the spoon I was holding and faced Yuri.

"Early this morning—" I stopped mid-sentence. I could see the confusion on his face, but the sadness in his eyes was still clear.

Maybe it wasn't a good idea to tell him what that fool did. Yuri had done so much for me, and the least I could do was try not to hurt him. Even if he already knew what I truly felt.

"I-it felt like there was a ghost in our room," I said and forced a smile.

He looked at something behind me. "Like the one behind you?"

I instantly turned around, full of fear. But all I saw was a woman wiping the table. I faced Yuri again, ready to snap back at him, but then my eyes landed on the cupcake he was eating.

"That's mine!" I said in irritation, but he just laughed at me.

Unbelievable. Total snake.

"Just being resourceful," he added and reached again for something on my tray.

I smacked his hand right away. "Go ahead, keep pushing it. The X-ray room will be your next stop."

"What am I gonna do in the X-ray room?"

"I'm gonna break your bones," I threatened, but he just laughed again. He looked so happy. Must've had a great sleep.

So unfair.

I just scowled at him and went back to eating. He kept teasing me from time to time, and I played along. It was like nothing bad had happened between us.

I preferred days like this. No problems. Just chill. No idiot threatening to kidnap me to get revenge for whatever grudge they had against these Snakes.

No one waiting to jump me in the street or block my way. No one dragging me onto a motorcycle and taking me to some porridge stall. No damned person rushing to take a perfect photo of me with a threat written on the back.

But things aren't that simple.

"Any news about Ram?" I asked while resting after eating. Out of the three people threatening my life, only Ram was left. I just hope he's the last, and no one else follows.

Next time, I'll be the one doing the kidnapping.

"They changed hideouts. He also lost contact with other gangs. Looks like we're back to square one searching for him," Yuri explained. "Probably felt something after what happened to Jason and Sato."

I let out a deep sigh. "So it's still the same. I still have to be careful. I can't even go out and hang."

"You still can. But it'd be better if all of us go with you, just to make sure you're safe."

I pouted. How was I supposed to enjoy going out if I'd be surrounded by Snakes? Most likely, I'd just end up getting annoyed by whatever they'd pull. Instead of having fun, I'd probably just cry out of frustration.

"Maybe after the exams or graduation. Let's have a party. Let's go have some fun somewhere," he suggested.

"Where though?"

"Anywhere you wanted."

I started to think. His idea was nice. We could even bring Mica and Rakki along to make it more fun.

But it'd be even better if Kuya Angelo allowed me to go.

If not, I'd just sneak out.

"I'd love to go to Palawan, or maybe Batanes. I also want to see that huge cross in Bataan."

"That works. Then we'll nail you to it," he said, laughing loudly as I raised my fist at him.

"You're such an idiot," I said and stood up. "Come on, let's go back."

He followed me, teasing me non-stop as we walked. I don't know what's with him today—he was extra annoying. Sure, he's always been a tease, but there was something different about his way of pestering me now.

Maybe because we've lightened up a bit. The worst might be over.

When we got to the room, Kuya Angelo was already there. Ella was packing her things, and I couldn't see Aries anywhere.

"Kuya, what's going on?" I asked as I walked over.

Kuya turned to me. "The doctor already gave the go signal, so you can go home now."

Yes panessss!

Finally! We were going home—which meant I could finally eat real food again! But where was my idiot brother?

My question was answered when the bathroom door opened. He was already dressed and ready to leave, unlike me, who was still wearing the hospital gown.

"I'm ready," he said, looking at me. "You stay behind. They said you need to be transferred to the mental ward. You're too far gone." He added mockingly.

"Eh?" I replied, and he chuckled a little.

"Get dressed, Jay. I'll wait for you outside," Kuya said as he walked out.

He forgot something. He forgot the food I asked him to buy. He even made me leave a reminder, only to completely ignore it.

Still pouting, I went to my bag and grabbed a change of clothes. I entered the bathroom, but I still heard Ella saying goodbye as she headed outside. That left Aries and Yuri alone—and quiet.

Or so I thought.

While I was changing, I could hear their voices from outside. I hadn't closed the bathroom door properly. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but then I heard my name—and Ella's.

"Don't you trust her? Why even get back together if that's how you are?" Yuri asked Aries.

"That's none of your business, Yuri. Why don't you focus on Jayjay? Feeling confident because Keifer is not here?" My Horoscope brother's tone sounded mocking.

But why did he have to bring up the King of the Snakes in their conversation? Feeling confident? Does he think Yuri is still that determined when it comes to me?

"Here or not, I don't give a fvck. Jayjay still gets to decide what she wants. At least I know I give my best."

I smiled a little at what Yuri said. That's something I've always envied about him. I wish I could give my best too—and accept whatever result comes in the end.

But the only thing I'm good at giving my best in… is eating.

Aries let out a short laugh, but it was the kind of laugh that sounded irritated. "You're only saying that because he's not here. But how long will your confidence last? I heard Hanamitchi is having a hard time."

Even though I was inside the bathroom, I could feel the tension. I didn't know if I should just walk out or wait for them to finish.

"Our company is still in a good shape. So, I don't know what you're trying to say."

"I'm talking about your family."

Family? I couldn't help but feel nervous. Did something happen to his family?

"News really knows how to fly," Yuri said, and I could hear the bitterness in his voice.

They fell silent, so I took the chance to step out.

"All done," I said and placed my used clothes on the bed.

Yuri smiled at me, but Aries just rolled his eyes in response.

"Fix your things," he added.

I just pouted and walked toward my bag. I started packing up all the scattered stuff—mostly clothes. My eyes landed on the bedside table. I saw my phone and grabbed it immediately.

No messages except from Percy, Ci-N, and David asking how I was and when I'd be discharged. I opened my conversation with GagongBaliw.

It had been a while since he last messaged me. I didn't even know why it felt like my fingers had a mind of their own, typing out a message for him. I was just about to hit send when I changed my mind and deleted it. I pocketed my phone and picked up my bag.

"Let's go," I said, and the two of them stood almost at the same time.

"You're so slow," Aries said as he walked out first.

Here we go again.

Yuri took my bag and walked out smiling. I followed after him and walked by his side.

"I won't be able to walk you home. Make sure to rest once you get there," he said, and I gave him a mischievous smile.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Nothing."

He tried to hold my hand, but I dodged while laughing.

"Hey, why though?" he asked, chasing after me, so I had no choice but to run.

"I said it's nothing!" I called out as I kept running.

I brushed past Aries's arm and he gave me a sharp glare, but I didn't stop. I was about to reach the exit when I bumped into someone and nearly fell— if I hadn't been caught around the waist.

"What the—why are you running?" said the person holding me— it was Percy.

I stood up properly, and he let me go.

"You're dressed? Is today the day you're being discharged?" Percy asked.

I nodded. "Sorry, I forgot to text you."

He nodded slightly. Then I heard Yuri calling me from behind and stopping just a few steps away. Percy looked at him—and raised an eyebrow.

They were still clearly not okay.

So it's you, Percy," Yuri said. "Nope. I'm way more handsome than that Percy guy," he replied, making me grimace.

"Yeah, 'cause that Percy is totally ugly," I added, and Percy looked at me in shock.

"Wow, the nerve. You think you're pretty? You really think you're pretty?" he snapped, moving his face closer to mine with wide eyes.

I just laughed as I backed away from him. I saw Aries pass by, and Percy followed him with his gaze.

"Baby! Why aren't you paying attention to me?" he called out, and Aries quickly raised his middle finger while continuing to walk. "He's crazy again. Clearly not getting enough affection."

I chuckled a bit. If Aries had heard that properly, we'd be in serious trouble. Percy slung an arm around my shoulder, so I looked at him.

"I'll walk you out," he said, and I glanced at Yuri, who simply smiled at me.

We continued walking toward the exit, and I noticed how quiet Percy had gotten beside me. He seemed deep in thought. So he does have a brain.

When we got outside, I saw Aries sitting beside Ella. I heard him say that Kuya would just come to pick us up. I knew the other two heard it too because they stopped.

Percy let go of me and rested his elbow on my head. "What's taking so long?" he said, as if he'd been waiting forever.

I shoved his arm off my head. "What the heck?"

He chuckled a bit and looked at me. "You, huh? You need to behave. You always end up in trouble 'cause you're so stubborn."

I pointed to myself. "Excuse me? Me?"

His eyes narrowed, and he gave me a cocky smile. "Oh right. This is all the fault of your friend's enemies." He glanced slightly at Yuri.

Why did it feel tense all of a sudden? Was this guy planning to start a fight? Even Aries was subtly listening, though he didn't look our way.

Yuri cleared his throat and stood straighter. But it didn't look like Percy was planning to stop.

"I wonder when they'll stop," he added, looking at Yuri. "And all that pretending from someone over there—when will that end?"

"P-Percy... what's going on?" I asked, grabbing his arm.

Yuri simply raised an eyebrow at him. Percy looked like he was about to step closer when we heard Kuya's car honk, followed by it pulling up right in front of us.

Yuri walked to the trunk to place my things, and Ella did the same. Once they closed it, Aries got in the car, leaving me outside with Percy and Yuri.

I didn't want to get in just yet. If I left now, they might really end up fighting.

"Get in, Jay. If Bossing flips out again, you might end up admitted back here," Percy joked as he ruffled my hair.

I looked at both of them. "You two aren't going to fight, right?"

Yuri smiled and nodded, but Percy looked away, so I pinched his side.

"Oww! That hurt!" he yelped.

"Behave then."

"Fine!" he snapped back while rubbing his side.

"So slow! Hurry up, ugly!" Aries shouted from the car window.

Ugh, yeah yeah! Always in such a rush!

I was forced to climb into Kuya's car, but before I could shut the door, I heard Percy say something to Yuri—

"Do you want me to be the one to tell Aries?"