Chapter-333 Home

Jay-jay's POV

"Jay-jay." Someone called. "Wake up."

I forced my eyes open, and the open window greeted me. It was still dark outside, so I couldn't understand why they were waking me up already.

"Get up. We're going to watch the sunrise," Ci-N said excitedly. "Then we're going home."

Oh, right.

Before we went inside to sleep, we agreed to watch the sunrise before heading home. We all agreed because it might take a while before our next outing.

I forced myself to get up. Kei—kwanan appeared, wiping his face with a towel.

Did he sleep here?

"Get up already! I'll wake the others," Ci said with a grin before leaving the room.

I got up as he told me to and glared at the King of the Snakes. He raised an innocent eyebrow at me.

"Did you sleep here?" I asked, my voice laced with threat.

"No. I just washed my face here," he replied, calming me down.

I stood up to get ready. I locked the bathroom door as soon as I got inside. I washed my face and freshened up, then changed my clothes.

I stared at the remaining clothes for a moment. What would happen to these when we leave? There's no one else on this island, so no one would use them or take them.

Should I take them home?

After fixing myself up, I left the bathroom and the room. I was busy tying my hair as I went down the stairs. The Snakes were in chaos.

Felix, David, Eman, and Yuri were rushing the others. Ci-N was running in and out of the door, clearly beyond excited.

"Hurry up! The sky's starting to light up!" the Cheeky Kid said, brimming with energy.

Kit was still half-asleep, trying to wake Mayo beside him. Eren was already looking for his phone. Blaster was about to go back to sleep, but Eman hit him with a pillow. Drew was already up, racing Josh to the bathroom.

"Can we atleast have coffee first?" Calix asked after stretching.

"Later. Wash your face first, hurry!" Eman rushed them.

Everyone was forced to get up and line up for the bathroom. Some went upstairs, while Eren dragged Kit to the back where there was a faucet. Mayo and Denzel followed them.

"Good morning," Yuri greeted me with a smile.

"Good morning. Did you guys even sleep?" I asked him.

We went to bed late, and some of them stayed behind to finish their conversation and drink the remaining alcohol.

"Three hours. But I woke up because of Ci-N," he answered, yawning.

That guy's excitement is unreal. I just shook my head before excusing myself from Yuri and heading outside first. I saw Ci-N pacing back and forth between the shore and the house's terrace.

True to his word, the sky was starting to light up. I hadn't noticed the time earlier, but I guessed it was around 5 a.m.

"It's coming! It's coming! We're going to miss it!" he shouted, sounding like he was in a total panic.

"Here we come…" Felix replied lifelessly as he walked out of the house.

Following him were the other Snakes, clearly dragged along against their will. I wanted to smack them for their attitudes. They were so eager to agree last night, and now they looked like they didn't want to go through with it.

"Let's go to the cliff," Kei—kwanan said, leading the way.

We all followed him until we reached the large rock where he'd slipped before. We each climbed up to reach the top.

I was almost at the top when Yuri offered his hand to help me. I took it, and I climbed up faster. Since the top of the rock was uneven, we each found our own comfortable spot.

The sky was growing brighter. Ci-N was at the far end of the rock formation. Meanwhile, I was at the other end, next to Kei—my buddy. He yawned briefly, so I glanced at him.

He met my gaze when he noticed me looking. He smiled and winked. I rolled my eyes in response.

It's too early for this! Be quiet!

"My morning is better now coz I know you're just by my side," he said, and I suddenly heard retching noises.

"So corny!"

"I'm gonna puke!"

"Dude, are you pregnant?"

"Idiot! Do I even have a uterus?"

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is an example of someone who forgot to eat breakfast," Yuri teased, making the Snakes laugh.

Kei—kwanan picked up a small rock and threw it at Yuri. He didn't mind and just laughed, shaking his head.

"It's here!" Ci-N shouted, making us all look ahead.

The sun was starting to peek out. We inched closer to get a better view. I couldn't help but smile as the light and darkness blended. But the light quickly took over because of the sun's rays.

I couldn't help but be amazed as the sky's colours showed off even more.

I glanced at the Snakes, and they were all in awe too—except for one. The shameless King of Snakes was looking at me. I gestured him to look forward, but he just reached for my hand and held it.

"I love you," he mouthed.

It felt like my heart was kicked and it started pounding wildly. Thankfully, all the other snakes was looking ahead. I tried to pull my hand away, but this snake just laughed.

If I get annoyed, I'll slam him against these rocks.

I briefly closed my eyes when the sun's rays hit my face. I raised one hand to block the light, but Kei—kwanan's broad hand did it for me, so I turned to look at him.

His serious, expressive eyes met mine.

"Jump!" they shouted, but I didn't manage to see what they were doing partly because of the blinding light—or, more accurately, because I couldn't tear my eyes away from this damn snake.

Then I heard their shouts and the sound of them hitting the water.

"For the economy!"

One.

"I love you, Mica!"

Two.

"More debt!"

Three.

"I love you, Friend!"

Four.

"You're crazy, Rory!"

Five.

"Kit and Mayo! Forever!"

Six.

"There's no forever!"

Seven.

"I want a mermaid girlfriend!"

Eight.

"A whale for Eren!"

Nine.

 "I'm going home, Edy!"

Ten.

"More sleep!"

 Eleven.

"I hope I get a girlfriend!"

Twelve.

"Grace and our baby!"

Thirteen.

"More food!"

Fourteen.

"Wait for me, Hahaoya!"

Fifteen.

No one was left. It was just me and the King of Snakes, still staring at each other. I knew we should follow those Snakes soon, or they'd wonder why we were taking so long.

"Kei—"

"I'd bet all my wealth, as long as you're the first thing I see when I wake up in the morning," he said, his tongue twisting over the Tagalog words.

Same here, except I don't have any wealth.

"K-Keifer—"

He suddenly smiled, stopping me in my tracks. I saw his eyes glisten and a tear slowly fall.

I wanted to ask why when I'd only just said his name.

"Why does my name sound so lovely when it comes from your lips?" he asked.

What?

Before I could say anything, his hands cupped my face, and his lips pressed against mine.

I don't know why, but I felt a surge of longing. Like something I'd been searching for forever was finally right in front of me. My arms wrapped around him on their own, my eyes closing as I surrendered to his kiss.

The wind blew strongly, carrying strands of my hair. And because of the wind, I felt the cold touch of water on my cheeks.

Tears?

Tears, but not from Keifer… from me.

My heart pounded faster and louder. My chest tightened, and countless thoughts flooded my mind. I didn't know what the right thing to do was — all I knew was that letting go would be hard.

I was holding the person I loved, the one I had waited for so long — but why did I feel afraid?

I didn't know how long we stayed wrapped in each other's arms, but all I knew was that time belonged to us, and we held it in our hands. When he finally pulled away, he pressed our foreheads together.

My eyes stayed closed, fighting back another wave of tears.

"Let me keep you," he whispered.

I searched desperately for the right words to respond. A big part of me wanted to say yes, but fear and doubt still lingered. I couldn't think of anything else to say.

"Idiot," was all I managed to get out.

I heard his soft laughter. He was about to respond when we heard the other Ulupong calling out.

"Hey! Jump already!"

"What are you two doing there?"

"Jump, Jayjay!"

He let go of me and wiped his face. He took a deep breath, followed by a smile.

"They're looking for us," he said, walking toward the edge of the rocks.

"Keifer! Jump already!"

"Come on over here!"

Kei--Keifer waved at them before turning to look back at me.

Keifer.

Why was I so hesitant to say his name? Maybe because every time I heard or spoke it, my heart would leap. The feelings were still there. But now? I wasn't afraid to say his real name anymore.

"I'll wait for you," he told me before positioning himself.

"I love you, Jasper Jean!" he shouted before jumping.

 I walked toward the edge of the rocks and immediately spotted the Ulupong looking up at me. They waved, so I waved back.

I could jump. I had done it the other day when that fool fell — but I stopped when I saw him with the other Ulupong.

Why does it feel like my heart's about to explode?

I knew it was wrong to give in. It was wrong to respond to his kiss, but I couldn't help surrendering every time I saw him in pain.

So weak!

I looked down at where I would land. I took a deep breath and gazed at the rising sun.

"Don't be weak!" I shouted with all my might and jumped.

I felt the impact of the water. Someone immediately pulled me up so I could breathe. As I wiped my face and opened my eyes, I was greeted by their loud cheers.

"Nice one!" Eman teased.

"So weak!" Eren laughed, mimicking me.

"You're something else!" Felix said, clapping.

You're all so annoying!

Their teasing ended in a fit of laughter. We stayed in the water for a few more minutes before getting out because we were starving. We hadn't even had breakfast.

We couldn't stop chatting as we walked back to the house.

"Let's come back here after graduation," Ci said.

"How about every summer?" I replied, and he clapped in delight.

When we got back to the house, I headed straight to the bathroom to shower and get ready. I moved quickly, knowing we were leaving the island soon and I still needed to pack my things.

I put on my uniform again — the same one I wore when I arrived here. Keifer had washed it for me using the washing machine. There was a laundry area downstairs next to the faucet.

I felt a pang of regret for the things we were leaving behind. Even though they weren't mine, it still felt like a waste.

When I stepped out of the bathroom, my eyes landed on my bag on the bed. Next to it was the box I had gotten last Friday — the one with the Snorlax mug. Beside that were my phone and a few notes we had used for review.

My mismatched socks were there, too.

The first thing I grabbed was my phone and turned it on. My heart pounded with fear as messages flooded in one after another. I had a strong feeling they were from the so-called angel pretender.

Was it time for me to write my farewell letter?

Once the endless notifications finally stopped, I checked my messages.

Kuya had the most — 529 messages. Aries followed with 413. There were 12 from Aunt Gema and a few others from the Ulupong and my network, reminding me of my load's expiration.

I opened some of Kuya's messages first.

From: Kuya Angelo

Messages: Where the fvck are you?

From: Kuya Angelo

Messages: Are you ignoring my messages?

From: Kuya Angelo

Messages: I can't reach your phone. Call me when you get my messages.

From: Kuya Angelo

Messages: JASPER JEAN! IT'S 12 MIDNIGHT!

From: Kuya Angelo

Messages: JASPER JEAN!!! I'M ABOUT TO LOSE MY TEMPER NOW!

From: Kuya Angelo

Messages: TELL KEIFER THAT HE'S DEAD!!

From: Kuya Angelo

Messages: NO! YOU'RE BOTH DEAD!!

Most of his following texts were full of threats, all in huge letters. I felt like crying. I just lay on the bed, kicking my feet in frustration.

It's not my fault. Why am I getting dragged into this?

I didn't want to end up on this island. If I'd known, I wouldn't have drunk that water. What's the point of this island if I'm going to die young anyway?

Maybe I could trade my life for the island? I'll tell Kuya he can have my island, just don't hurt me. But of course, he wouldn't agree, and I don't want to lose this island either. I already have a place to run and hide when Kuya's temper flares up.

I don't know how I'm going to face him. I'm in for a serious lecture. I need to come up with a counterattack fast.

I've got an island! You don't! Something like that. But I wouldn't be surprised if Kuya Angelo slaps me out of anger.

Next, I opened Aries' messages, which were the second most numerous.

From: Horoscope

Messages: Who are you with?

From: Horoscope

Messages: Don't go with Percy.

My brow furrowed at his text about Percy. I suddenly thought it might have something to do with Papa coming back.

Does that mean Aries knows something too?

I suddenly remembered the first time Papa and I met during a school tour at a university. Papa knew him and spoke to him like they'd known each other for a long time.

I couldn't help but feel suspicious. Are they starting to fool me again? Am I going to be the one left in the dark again?

I checked more of his messages, which only made my brow furrow further.

From: Horoscope

Messages: No matter what he says against me, I have an explanation about it.

From: Horoscope

Messages: I have lots of things to explain. Don't make an assumption.

I bit the nail on my thumb. He's hiding something from me, and he's scared Percy will spill it. He also knows I'll think something else. But about what?

It looks like I really need to get home to talk to him. I quickly packed my things. I stuffed everything into my bag and carried it out of the room. My steps were fast as I headed down the stairs.

"Breakfast first, Jay!" Eman shouted from the kitchen.

Right on cue, my stomach growled.

Aries can wait—food can't.

I set my bag down on the sofa and approached them. Since there was nowhere to sit, some of them were eating while standing.

"Hey! Who took the ham?" Rory shouted, annoyed.

"Go look for it with Friend, you jerk!" Edrix snapped back, but the other just laughed loudly.

"More fried rice!" Ci said, holding his plate out to Eman.

"How many times have you gone back?" Felix asked, eyeing the rice being scooped.

"That's your third!" Eren answered.

"Only my second!" Ci corrected, but it was obvious no one believed him.

I quietly grabbed a plate and handed it to Eman. We looked like we were begging for rations with our expressions. When my plate came back, Felix and Ci-N burst out laughing. My plate was overflowing with rice, like I wasn't going back for seconds.

I glared at Eman, who was grinning like an idiot again. He was clearly delighted with his prank.

The jerk did it on purpose.

"That's way too much!" I complained.

"Stop pretending. You always eat that much anyway," Eman teased.

"Where am I supposed to put the side dishes?" I asked, irritated.

Felix's laughter grew louder, making the other Snakes turn to look at us.

"Such a glutton!"

"Are they about to hang you?"

"So you don't have to go back!"

I glared at them. These troublemakers never missed a chance to tease me.

"Time Jay-jay! See how long it takes her to finish that," Yuri told Felix, starting a betting pool.

Some bet five minutes, some ten, and the longest was fifteen. They didn't let me eat until they had settled their bets and started the timer.

No one won because I finished in seven minutes — I rushed because I kept choking from all their teasing.

Breakfast ended quickly. Denzel, Drew, and Blaster were assigned to wash the dishes. It was only when they finished that I noticed Kei—Keifer was missing. I was about to ask when Ci-N came out.

"Keifer's here!" he announced.

We all started walking outside. The King of Snakes pointed to the same path his fellow Snakes had come from yesterday.

I walked up to him to ask a question.

"What about the house and the stuff inside?"

"Someone's coming to take care of all that," he answered with a smile.

He reached out, about to take my hand, but I quickly walked ahead toward David, who was lagging behind.

"Seriously? Until now?" he asked, but I ignored him.

I glanced at David when I heard his soft chuckle. When I looked at him, he just shook his head slightly.

"What's so funny?"

"How long do you plan to treat him like this?" David whispered.

"I don't know. Why?"

"Just making sure I have popcorn ready while watching him suffer," he replied, and we both laughed softly.

I glanced at the King of the Troublemakers and was surprised to see him glaring at us. But instead of being scared, I just laughed.

We walked a good distance until I saw the yacht they claimed they'd used to get here. I blinked in amazement at the size and beauty of it.

Then Eren had the audacity to say his "girlfriendsssss" wouldn't all fit. Just how many girlfriends did he have?

We walked across a long wooden ramp leading to the yacht. We hadn't even gotten that close when my eyes narrowed at the words written on the side of the yacht.

Jay-jay's Rocking Boat.

I immediately searched for the culprit. Seriously, he put my name on the boat?

"What is this? I'll strangle you!" I shouted, pointing at my name.

The ulupong's' laughter echoed as they boarded the yacht.

"What? You should feel flattered that I named it after you."

"Do I look like a boat to you?" I asked sarcastically, and he just laughed.

Shaking his head in amusement, he approached me and tried to help me onto the yacht. I hit him first before following along. I shot glares at the idiots who greeted me with laughter.

Their antics only irritated me more. I decided to sit quietly in a corner. I didn't even realize I had fallen asleep until I felt someone carrying me and gently placing me on a soft bed.

"Sweet dreams, my Queen."