Chapter-313 My turn

Jay-jay's POV

Yuri didn't come to class. I texted him, but I didn't get a reply.

"Let's hang out later," Ci-N suggested while playing on his phone.

I wanted to go out, too, but my brother had strictly told me to come straight home. They were worried that what happened yesterday might happen again.

I wasn't even supposed to go to school today, but I already had too many absences, which wasn't good—especially with exams coming up.

What a waste...

"Jay-jay can't go out yet," David said while writing in my notebook.

"Why not?" Ci-N asked with a pout.

"She still has an enemy—Ram, remember?" he reminded.

Honestly, I didn't feel Ram's presence anymore. I hadn't heard any news about him, and he wasn't even sending threats like before.

David closed both his notebook and mine before handing it back to me.

"There. Study that," he added.

So strict!

"Thanks!" I said cheerfully, and he just nodded.

I was planning to borrow notes from Yuri, but he wasn't here. Ci-N was my next option, but turns out, the little rascal didn't even take notes. He said everything he needed to remember was already in his "brilliant" brain.

His brain was full of nonsense, though.

So in the end, I turned to David. And because this good-hearted Goliath's rival was a decent person, he volunteered to write the notes for me. Truly a noble soul, even though he always looked like he was sleep-deprived.

I quickly glanced at my notebook. I was excited to flip through it with a smile, but that smile turned into a grimace. I was grateful for his effort in copying the notes into my notebook. But I really wished he had at least tried to write neatly.

David had his own alphabet.

I admit my handwriting looks like my pen and I are constantly fighting, but his handwriting? It was like Arabic! Even an actual Arabic speaker wouldn't be able to read it.

"Ew, your handwriting is ugly," Ci-N commented, peeking into my notebook.

I immediately shut it and pulled it away from him, widening my eyes at him as a warning. I didn't want David to feel bad.

But of course, Ci-N's IQ must have taken the day off, because he completely missed the hint.

"Why are your eyes so wide?" he asked.

I wanted to slap him with my notebook just to shut him up. I had no idea what other signals I could give to make him stop talking.

"Is my handwriting really that bad?" David suddenly asked, making me turn to him.

I was about to say "no" to avoid hurting his feelings—because, of course, I had a bit of shame—but before I could answer, he suddenly snatched my notebook from me.

"I-it's not that bad. It's just a little messy, but still readable," I said while watching his reaction.

He seriously stared at his own handwriting. I thought he was offended by Ci-N's comment because he didn't say anything for a while. But then, he suddenly lowered his head and scratched his eyebrow.

"Oops, this is actually my own notebook," he admitted and pulled out MY notebook from his bag.

He handed it to me, and I took it. I immediately flipped it open, and this time, the handwriting was still messy—but at least it was readable. Unlike earlier, when not even an alien would have attempted to decipher it.

"Thank you." I said, then put my notebook back in my bag.

How does he even read his notes?

Well, I guess they can understand their own handwriting. If someone can't read their own writing, then I don't know what to say. Maybe a ghost wrote it and just used their hand.

Good thing I can understand mine. I'll read my notes at home. I need to prepare for the upcoming exam. I'd be doomed if I couldn't answer anything. I'd fail, and if I fail, I won't graduate.

If I don't graduate, it's over for me. Kuya Angelo will literally end my life.

I glanced at Ci-N, who was now staring up at the ceiling with his mouth wide open. I grimaced at his expression. Hopefully, no fly enters his mouth.

Lucky him—despite looking like a complete fool, the Brat Kid still has something to show for himself. He could probably get a perfect score even with his eyes closed. I pouted. I wish I could get a hundred even with my eyes shut. A hundred pesos.

"Ci-N." I called out to him.

He turned to me without closing his mouth, causing his drool to drip down. Disgusting.

"Eket?" he mumbled without fully closing his lips.

"What's your secret? Why are you so smart?" I asked, ignoring his ridiculous expression.

He sat up properly and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He looked at me with a puzzled expression.

"I'm serious about my question." I confirmed.

He scratched the back of his head.

"That question caught me off guard," he said, smiling. "But I'll answer it anyway."

I straightened up and leaned a little closer to him. Even if I wasn't sure whether he was going to give me a serious answer or just another joke, I still wanted to listen.

"Here's the thing. Do you like music?"

I nodded.

"Pick a song whose melody you're really familiar with, then replace the lyrics with our lessons," he explained.

Nonsense.

"I'm going to kick you. That's the most useless advice I've ever heard." I threatened, but he just scratched his head roughly.

"I'm serious, Jay." He sat up straighter. "Or how about this—when you read your lesson or notes, put a tune to it. That way, when you hear the same music again, instead of the original lyrics—"

"You'll remember the lessons instead." David—who had apparently been listening—finished Ci-N's sentence. "I did that before. Quite effective for me, but I'm not sure if it'll work for you."

I nodded thoughtfully.

So that was the Brat Kid's secret… and David's too, the guy with posh instincts. Now I want to try it. I'll pick a really catchy song—one that'll make me want to dance when I remember it. Ayy Macarena.

"I'll give it a shot. Better than going home in tears."

And going home only to be greeted by death, whose name is Angelo.

"Do you want help?" Ci-N asked, but before I could answer, he was already standing up like he was looking for something. "Ah, there! Blaster!"

Blaster turned to us and walked over. The other Snakes who overheard the Brat Kid calling out also followed. All of them—just for Blaster.

"What do you need, shorty?" he asked, ruffling Ci-N's hair.

Ci-N immediately scowled and almost threw a punch, but Blaster dodged just in time. We all chuckled at their usual bickering.

"You're so hot-tempered." Denzel added fuel to the fire.

"Tch!" Ci-N snapped at them. "Jay-jay needs help memorizing lectures. You're a composer, right?"

I grimaced. Since when was Blaster a composer? The only things he ever did were eat, talk nonsense, and pick fights. Complaining was a bonus.

"Yeah, right." I commented, making him scowl at me.

"You underestimate me too much. I'm not just anybody. I'm a songwriter!" he bragged.

He even coughed and cleared his throat. The other Snakes started gathering around us to see what he was about to do.

"That's just phlegm, bro. Spit it out." Eren said, making us laugh.

"You're ruining my moment! I'm about to impress Jay-jay—she doesn't believe in me." He massaged his jaw, then pointed at me. "Here's one of the songs I composed. Watch out for my rise to fame."

I grimaced at him. He might actually become famous—for his foolishness. I do admit that Blaster is good-looking, but if no one already owned his heart, he'd probably have the same lifestyle as Eren. A certified lover boy.

"Give me a beat." he said.

Ci-N started making sounds with his mouth but ended up laughing hysterically.

"Do it properly!"

Instead of following, Ci-N just laughed even harder, nearly making Blaster lose his patience.

"Where's the song? You don't have one, do you?" I teased, and the Snakes chimed in.

"Here it is!" he snapped, and we all fell silent as he prepared himself. He cleared his throat again and then began his so-called masterpiece.

"🎶A…B…C…D…Elementary…🎶" Damn it! I knew it. The Snakes immediately burst into laughter, throwing insults at him. "🎶High school… College… And you're still not circumcised…🎶" He kept going, and I suddenly had the urge to slam his face against the table. "🎶I dream of being a doctor so I can pull out white—🎶"

"You idiot! You're full of nonsense!" Felix cut him off.

"This isn't nonsense! I put a lot of thought into this!" Blaster defended, looking ready to fight.

They were about to start punching each other—over a song. Sometimes, I really don't know if these guys' brains are wired correctly. I wouldn't even be surprised if they suddenly short-circuited.

Edrix quickly smacked Blaster on the head. "Idiot! I've heard that song before—kids sing it in my neighborhood."

"Obviously, they heard it from me." he insisted, rubbing the back of his head.

We turned to Ci-N, who was still laughing uncontrollably, as if Blaster was the biggest joke in the world. David walked up to him and flicked him hard on the forehead, like flipping a switch to turn him off.

"Ouch..." he complained, rubbing his forehead.

"Your brain is running low on oil again. It's spinning too slow. And you're still laughing." David said, raising his fingers for another flick.

The Brat Kid dodged quickly. "It was funny, okay?" he pouted.

"Ci believes in me, unlike you guys." Blaster pointed at us one by one.

"That's because both of your brains are fried with nonsense." Denzel said.

"I have a lot of talents." Blaster boasted. "I even know how to speak Spanish."

"You mean espasol?" I quipped, making them laugh.

"Food again!" Rory teased, so I threatened to throw my shoe at him.

Too bad my socks didn't match again.

"Spanish? That's bullshit, Blaster." Mayo said.

Blaster laughed smugly. "I'll prove it." He looked for a victim.

Just then, Drew entered the room, drinking a Coke. Blaster approached him, making him stop.

"Oh, wha—"

"Komo estas… mandurugas." Blaster said. "Your debt to me. Pay up."

Debt?

The other Snakes quickly surrounded Drew, all demanding payment. It was only now that I realized how many people he actually owed money to. Maybe I should step in and collect too?

"I don't have money yet!" Drew protested.

"But you have money for Coke?"

"Your debt is the only thing with forever."

"Damn you! You go deaf when people ask you to pay."

"Is your amnesia cured yet? Pay up."

They all started complaining at once. Now I wasn't so sure if I should join in.

Poor me. Why am I so kind? Why did I just lend money to this idiot?

I'm not even rich, and that wasn't even from my own pocket—it was from the allowance my older brother gave me.

If you borrow money, you should pay it back. That's why it's called a loan. But the problem with these borrowers is that they act like you're the villain when you ask them to pay up. We helped them by lending them money, and yet, we're the bad guys when we ask for it back.

I don't think I'm in the wrong here.

"Hey!" Felix shouted at me, shoving me. "Why are you looking at Drew like that? Does he owe you money too?"

I didn't want to say anything because I didn't want to embarrass Drew, but it turns out he owes a lot of people money and doesn't seem to be paying them back either.

"Yeah, 5k actually." I said, and he suddenly gaped at me.

"Are you serious?"

I nodded to confirm. His expression darkened quickly, as if he was about to start a fight, before he pointed a finger at Drew, who was already on the verge of being mobbed by his fellow Snakes.

"You bastard, Drew!" Felix shouted furiously at him.

His creditors immediately backed away, moving faster than loan sharks. They exchanged looks before turning back to Felix, anticipating the chaos.

"What's your problem?" Drew asked irritably.

"You asshole! You even borrowed money from Jay-jay! And five thousand at that!" Felix yelled.

The Snakes reacted instantly, as if Drew had committed a grave sin—worse than being caught cheating on a spouse.

"You really are a scumbag!"

"You have no shame!"

They were about to gang up on Drew, so I quickly stood up and stepped in between them. The scamme— I mean, Drew, hid behind me.

"What the hell? Can't we talk this out properly?" I said.

"Oh please! He doesn't even know what 'properly' means!" Denzel snapped.

"Jay, why did you even lend him that much?" Edrix asked. "That bastard never pays back his debts!"

"Hey, that's not fair! I'm going to pay Jay-jay back!" Drew defended himself.

"What about your debts to us?" Josh asked calmly. "Mine has been unpaid for two years."

Drew scratched his head. "I-I'll pay Jay-jay first. That one's bigger."

"Son of a bitch! You still haven't paid me my 20 pesos?" Rory asked, annoyed.

20 pesos? And here I am worrying about my 5k.

"And my 50 pesos!" Eman added angrily.

"150 pesos from me. That was supposed to be for my date with Mica." Calix reminded him.

"Damn it, and my 80 pesos!" Eren said, as if that small amount was a huge loss for him.

Why don't you just ask your ten girlfriends for money?

"What about mine?" Ci asked, pouting.

"How much does he owe you?" I asked.

"8 pesos. Every time I'm short by 8 pesos, I remember he owes me. It's a real struggle."

I felt utterly embarrassed by the amounts they were chasing after. 8 pesos? They're making such a big deal about it? Meanwhile, I've lost 5k—money I was saving for college. And now I have to start saving all over again.

"The most we ever lent him was 300 pesos." David said.

I felt like crying. Why does it feel like I'm the one in the wrong? Should I have just let him rot or get beaten up in KingsGround? I just wanted to help him back then.

"So, what's your plan now?" Felix asked Drew.

I slowly turned to face him. At this point, I was ready to throw myself at his feet just to get him to pay me back. I didn't even try to hide my disappointment.

Son of a… I swear I wanna flick his forehead so bad.

"I-I'll pay you back… in installments. If that's okay?" He asked me.

"As long as you pay me back, it's fine."

He lowered his head slightly as if deep in thought. Then, he reached into his pocket, took my hand, and placed something in it.

"I'll start now." He said. I opened my palm to see what he gave me. The Snakes leaned in to look as well.

5 pesos.

"I'll give you that every day until I reach 5k. Keep track of it so we don't get confused." He said with a grin.

I felt like smoke was about to come out of my nose. This bastard. How long will it take for him to finish paying me back? We'll probably be college graduates by then, and he still won't be done.

"You son of a bitch!" I snapped, and he immediately ran away.

I chased after him, and the other Snakes joined in. I would only accept this ridiculous installment plan if he let me punch him.

We reached the stairs, but he still wouldn't stop running.

"I will pay you! If I get more money, I'll make it 10 pesos a day!" He shouted, which only made me even angrier.

"Damn you!" I yelled.

We ran out of the building, with students watching as we passed by.

"I don't have any money!" He added.

"Is that my problem?! You idiot!"

We ended up outside the cafeteria. But just as I paused for a moment, he quickly turned around to head back inside. Before he could, however, he ran straight into his fellow Snakes.

"You bastard, Drew!" They yelled.

I immediately joined them in chasing him down. We ran past the parking lot and had almost reached the gate when suddenly, gunshots rang out.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

I couldn't even look to see where they came from—I immediately ducked to avoid getting hit.

Screams filled the air. I felt someone cover me. When I looked up, I saw David's worried face.

"Are you okay?" He asked.

I nodded slightly. But the truth was, I wasn't okay at all. For a second, I thought I was going to die. My body was still shaking from the shock and fear.

We looked around, and when we saw that the area was clear, we slowly stood up.

"JAY-JAY!" Someone shouted, and when I turned, Aries was running toward me, panting.

He immediately pulled me into a hug. "What the hell was that? What happened? Were you hit?"

He pulled away and started checking my body for injuries. I shook my head. "N-no. I'm fine."

I looked around and covered my mouth in shock when I saw the security guard lying on the ground, covered in blood and unconscious.

"Stay here." Aries said before rushing to check on the guard. "He's still alive. Call an ambulance." He ordered.

But I couldn't move. His blood was pooling on the ground, and I couldn't bear to look. When I averted my gaze, I saw Mayo hugging Kit tightly.

No. Please, no.

"H-help… Help Kit." Mayo sobbed.

I couldn't move. I couldn't even go near them. Kit's blood was everywhere—on the ground, on Mayo's body.

Why am I like this? Why can't I do anything? Why am I so useless?