Jay-jay's POV
They're definitely hiding something from me.
I couldn't help but feel intrigued. I wanted to know what it was about. But I already had a hunch it had something to do with what happened to Yuri.
"Thank you, Jay. The soup was delicious," Yuri said, smiling at me.
I took the empty bowl from him and placed it on my study table.
My eyes landed on the King, who had been subtly watching me since earlier. Even while chewing, he kept his eyes on me.
I hope your tooth fall out.
"Do you guys want anything else to eat?" I asked lifelessly.
"Nothing. Angelo might notice if you go out again," the King replied.
I nodded and leaned against my study table with my arms crossed. My eyes darted back and forth between the three of them. I wasn't pleased that they weren't including me in their conversation.
Whatever it was, it was important for me to know the truth. I didn't care if it was dangerous. I was used to getting caught up in trouble anyway.
"Dalia... Baby sister. Go to sleep now, don't wait up for me," Percy said sweetly to the person on the phone while lying down.
"I'm with Ate Jay-jay. Is Kuya Felix there?"
I wanted to laugh at the way he spoke. He was so affectionate with Dalia, even though she wasn't in front of him.
"Sleep now, Baby. Tomorrow, I'll buy you a talking doll. Its name is Chucky," he added, and I playfully swatted at him, making him look at me.
He glared at me before finally saying goodbye to the person on the phone.
I won't deny that Percy really looks out for his siblings. From Felix, to me, to Dalia, he always makes sure we're okay. He probably wouldn't be here if he didn't care about me.
"I'm bored," the King said loudly. "Do you have anything to play with?"
I thought for a moment. "I have Uno cards."
He adjusted his sitting position slightly. "That'll do. Let's play cards."
I took the Uno cards from my study table drawer and handed them to the King. Yuri and Percy then moved closer to join us.
"Are you feeling better?" I asked Yuri.
He nodded and smiled. "I'm fine now. You're good at taking care of people."
"Want her to take care of you again?" the King asked, pointing at me. "Want me to punch you?" he offered casually, as if just inviting someone to eat.
I quickly swatted at him to shut him up. Yuri let out a soft laugh while shaking his head.
He doesn't seem worried about his friend.
"Do you guys even know how to play that? That game's only for smart kids," Percy chimed in and sat on the floor.
Keifer and Yuri sat down, so I did the same. While the King shuffled the cards, the door opened and Aries walked in.
"No good. He's staying in the living room, working on his laptop," Aries announced.
"Okay, looks like we won't be going home until dawn," the King said glancing at me. "Guess we are sleeping together." He added then winked.
Gago!
I grimaced. "Dream on! I'm not sleeping."
"And you're not sleeping next to anyone either," Aries added as he sat beside me.
We formed a circle with the cards in the middle—me, Percy on my right, Aries on my left, and beside him were Yuri and Keifer, who kept glancing at me.
"Do I need to explain the rules?" the King asked, and we all shook our heads.
The game started with a red number 4 card. We all played red cards with different numbers until the color changed.
The game went on for hours. Percy won multiple times—and I'm pretty sure he was cheating. Yuri and Keifer each hit Uno a few times, but someone always dropped a +4 card on them. I only won once, while Aries managed three victories.
And thanks to this game, it became clear that tensions were brewing.
"You cheated!" Keifer accused Percy, clearly annoyed.
I wasn't the only one who noticed.
"Your face cheated," Percy retorted.
"You drew two cards earlier," Aries pointed out as evidence.
"Keep making excuses just because you losers can't accept defeat," Percy said smugly, slapping down a card. "Uno."
"That was way too fast!" I complained. "I think you dropped two cards at once!"
He didn't answer, just smirked at me arrogantly. I was close to losing my temper, but revenge would come at the right time. I played a reverse card, and it seemed like the color of his remaining card didn't match because he had to draw again.
Keifer played next, but then Yuri dropped another reverse card, shifting the turn back to the King. He played a +4, making Percy groan in frustration.
It looked like he wouldn't be able to cheat this time. We kept hitting Uno one after another, and he ended up losing.
"You guys are such dumb players," Percy grumbled, tossing the cards down in irritation.
"Sore loser," Aries said, rolling his eyes at him.
"One more round," Keifer urged. "Loser gets a smack on the head." He gave me a meaningful look.
I glanced at Aries, who was also looking at me and Yuri. We were all thinking the same thing—we all wanted Percy, that little brat, to lose. There was no way we'd let him cheat again.
Let's see how good you are.
The King shuffled the cards and dealt them out. I couldn't help but grin when I saw my hand—I had plenty of ways to get back at my tornado of a stepbrother.
The game started, and before long, it ended exactly as we planned—Percy lost. Though, the outcome didn't seem to sit well with him.
"You guys cheated!" he accused angrily.
"You just lost fair and square," Aries replied. "No one cheated against you."
"Ha! It's obvious, and you're still denying it!"
"None of us cheated," I defended. "We wanted you to lose, but no one cheated."
He pointed at me. "See? It came straight from your mouth! You all wanted me to lose!"
"Take it easy, it's just a game," Yuri interjected.
"Exactly! It's just a simple game, and you still cheated!"
"No one cheated here but you," the King replied calmly.
"And yet you're all accusing me? Nice going!" Percy sneered sarcastically.
It seemed like losing really got under his skin. He was obviously very upset.
Because of UNO, it looked like a fight was about to break out.
"Calm down," I told him. "You're getting way too worked up over losing."
I started picking up the scattered cards in front of us.
"Fine, gang up on me! That's what you all always do! Just admit you don't want me around!" Percy's words made me freeze.
"Where is that coming from?" Aries asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Why? Isn't it true? Now I'm no longer surprised you never looked for me after the accident," Percy said seriously, and I saw a flicker of pain in his eyes.
"I did look for you. I spent millions just to find your dead body," Keifer replied just as seriously, which alarmed me.
It really seemed like a simple game of UNO was about to turn into a fight. I never imagined it would escalate like this.
"Of course you didn't find me—I wasn't dead!"
"We searched for you in hospitals too," Yuri added. "But you weren't there."
"What kind of search did you even do? It only took my mom a few days to find me!"
"Maybe that's why we didn't find you—because she got to you first," Aries said, and Percy turned to him.
"Or maybe you just didn't really try hard enough!"
I couldn't help but get annoyed at his words. How did a simple card game turn into this?
"It's not like I even matter that much to you!" Percy continued.
"Would we have mourned you if you didn't matter?" Aries retorted angrily.
Percy gave a fake laugh. "Of course, you'd mourn because I Died."
He was being sarcastic.
"What makes you think we don't value our friendship with you?" Keifer asked irritably.
"Isn't it obvious? You all wanted me gone so you could get closer to Freya, to Felix, and to my family! You wanted to take them away from me!"
"We looked after them because that's what you asked us to do before you disappeared," Yuri explained calmly.
"But you took advantage of them! What happened to Freya? Why did Felix learn to pick fights and get kicked off the school basketball team? And mama? She can't say no to Keifer because she feels indebted to him for his help!"
He listed off the three standing beside me. I was confused by what he was saying, but I knew what he was referring to.
Felix once mentioned that Keifer was the one who got his mom a job. Percy was fully aware of whatever was going on between Yuri and Freya. And it wasn't entirely clear to me, but I knew Aries was the reason Felix got removed from the basketball team and only got back in during the Festival with my help.
Percy clearly saw their efforts as interference. I couldn't blame him. It's really upsetting when you have no control over what's happening to your family, especially in his situation back then.
I felt a little pity for him. But if he was going to air his grievances, I wished it wasn't like this.
"What's wrong with you? Why bring up past issues here? We were just playing UNO," I interjected before their argument could escalate further.
They all fell silent. Percy rubbed his face and looked away. He stood up and decided to lie on my bed, pulling the blanket up to his neck.
"Just wake me up when it's time to leave."
I looked at Aries, who sighed deeply. Yuri and Keifer did the same. I quietly finished gathering the cards. It was better to stop playing—any more rounds might just bring up more resentment.
As I put the cards back in my drawer, there was a knock on the door. We all looked at each other. Even Percy, who had been lying down, sat up abruptly.
"Jay-Jay?" It was Aunt Gema's voice. "Aries is there, right? I'm coming in."
We all panicked. I immediately signaled for them to hide. Percy frantically pulled the blanket over himself, but it was still obvious he was there. Keifer tried to squeeze into my closet, but it was stuffed with clothes, so he gave up. Yuri checked under the bed, but it was too low for him to fit.
I could only grab my own hair in frustration. Auntie knocked again, and we panicked even more.
"Jay? Open up. The door is locked."
"J-just a second, Tita."
Aries quickly pointed to the bathroom, and they all ran inside. Percy almost tripped, but he managed to stand up right away.
When I was sure they were all inside, I finally opened the door for Tita Gema. Aries stood beside me and greeted her.
"It's 11 PM, and you still haven't had dinner," she said as soon as she saw us.
No wonder my stomach was growling. We got so caught up in playing that I lost track of time. Good thing the beast in my belly didn't go on a rampage.
It's an anaconda, after all.
"Sorry, we were playing cards and didn't notice the time," Aries said casually.
Meanwhile, my heart was pounding like crazy, worried that the three idiots in the bathroom might get caught. My palms were sweaty.
"There's still food in the kitchen if you want to eat. Bring your guests along too," Tita said, making my eyes widen.
"W-what?" Aries asked, confused.
"Angelo left — his friend picked him up. You don't need to hide them anymore," she added with a smile.
I didn't know what to say. I just stood there dumbfounded, as Tita Gema walked away.
It looked like we didn't have to stay holed up in my room anymore. I glanced at Aries, and he looked back at me — we were clearly thinking the same thing.
He went to the bathroom to let the three out while I started cleaning up the mess they left behind.
"Are you sure? It's safe now?" Percy asked as he stepped out of the bathroom.
"Yes, stop nagging," my brother replied.
"I thought I'd be sleeping here tonight. What a shame," Keifer said, and I grimaced.
As if! That guy's crazy!
"Maybe I should leave. It's getting embarrassing, I've caused enough trouble already," Yuri said to me as he came out.
"Have dinner first. Besides, your clothes are still in the laundry," I replied, and he looked down at what he was wearing.
"If the food isn't good, I'm going to complain," Percy announced before brushing past me.
I tried to jab him, but he dodged and even made a face to tease me.
Annoying brat!
I followed them, carrying the tray and their used dishes. We all headed to the kitchen. I placed the tray in the sink before going to the refrigerator to check what we could eat.
Aries joined me, peering in as well. Since it was late, I figured we could skip rice. So, I immediately aimed for the sansrival I spotted, but my fate-obsessed brother swatted my hand.
Ow. That hurt.
"Let's just cook. There's ham in the freezer," he said, opening the freezer.
I pouted before speaking. "I'll cook."
"Definitely not a good idea," Keifer quickly countered.
"I don't dream of eating burnt food," Percy added with a huff.
"Maybe… we should handle it instead," Yuri said hesitantly.
"Go build your own kitchen first," Aries shot back and pulled me away from the fridge.
He positioned me in a corner like some wind-up doll. I blinked rapidly, suddenly feeling embarrassed. It really stung how they'd banished me from cooking like I was completely hopeless.
I can cook, okay? as long as I'm not distracted by playing or forgetting what's on the stove.
That was an accident!
The four of them handled everything while I just stood and watched. For the first time, I saw them working together without fighting. They talked casually like normal friends.
I smiled. It would be so nice if they really could get along again. I knew they missed each other too. They wouldn't still be carrying this grudge if they didn't hold on to something from their past.
"What juice do you want, Jay?" Yuri offered while mixing something in a pitcher.
"Mango flavor."
"You still eating rice?" Aries asked me.
"Nah."
"There's still some chicken curry. Want some?" Percy asked me.
"Sure."
"Would you like me for dessert?" Keifer asked with his signature mischievous grin.
This guy!
"Keifer's being gross again!" I tattled on him to the others, and they immediately started cursing at him.
The deranged King of Ulupongs just laughed softly, clearly unbothered by their insults. As long as he could tease people and amuse himself, he didn't care.
No doubt about it, he really is the king.
I clapped when Yuri finished preparing the juice. He looked around for plates and glasses, so I pointed him to the cupboard. He took them out one by one.
"Bring them to the dining table," Aries instructed.
Yuri complied. A moment later, the microwave dinged, signaling that the dish Percy had reheated was ready. He arranged it and followed Yuri to the dining area. My brother and the idiot King did the same, carrying the food they'd prepared.
I clapped again as I followed them. The dining table was all set, so I quickly sat down.
"Excuse me, but why are you eating? What exactly did you contribute here?" Percy blocked me with a smirk.
I blinked. "You've got some nerve eating here and then questioning me to eat!"
Yuri let out a quiet chuckle. "Eat up, Jay." he said, handing me a plate before filling a glass with juice and setting it in front of me.
I shot Percy a glare before scooping the food and starting to eat. He asked me earlier what I wanted, and then questioned my contribution.
Wierdo.
Everyone else started eating too. It was quiet — no one exchanged looks or words — so I took the chance to observe them again.
I saw something.
I caught a glimpse of Yuri's cleavage. Wait — he has that? He's beating me there.
But more importantly, I saw hope. There was a chance their friendship could be restored. Maybe they just need to clear things up or forgive each other—especially Percy toward Yuri, Keifer toward Aries, and Aries toward all of them. They just needed to be serious and open to understanding each other.
I smiled at the thought.
"What the…" I heard Percy say. "Smiling to yourself? What are you, crazy now?"
"Eat a lot. That's what hunger does to you," Aries said, piling more food onto my plate.
"Maybe you need some water," Yuri suggested, pouring me some.
"Or maybe you just need my kiss," Keifer said, leaning toward me.
I immediately raised my foot, ready to kick him, and he froze in place.
"I was just thinking about something, and you call me crazy?" I snapped.
They all laughed softly, but instead of getting mad, I felt happy. There were no arguments happening. When they got along, the tension between them eased. But maybe that wasn't enough. Maybe they needed something deeper to bond over — like when they saved me from Sato.
Another Kidnapping?
No, no — I don't want that. Getting kidnapped is exhausting. It would only be worth it if they offered free snacks or a afternoon tea. But no, it's scorching hot, and sometimes they tie you up — and that hurts.
Keifer's kidnapping was probably the only decent one. At least he gave out an island as a souvenir. That's how it should be!
We finished eating and started clearing the table. I carried my used dishes to the kitchen sink and was about to walk away when Percy smacked my back, making me wince.
"Ow! What was that for?" I complained.
"You do the dishes," he said.
"Why me?"
"You're the only one who didn't do anything," Aries answered as he set down the plates he was holding. "We cooked."
"I did do something."
They both looked at me, clearly waiting for my answer.
"I ate. That counts as a contribution" I said with a smile.
I quickly got flicked on the forehead and nose by both my brothers.
They even did it at the same time.
"Wash the dishes," Aries ordered before turning away.
Percy followed him.
Pouting, I approached the sink and looked for the sponge. There were quite a few dishes to wash.
I was about to put liquid soap on the sponge when someone grabbed it from my hand.
"Let me help you," Yuri offered. "You just rinse."
I nodded. "Fine, fine."
I felt Keifer stand beside me, and when I looked, he was holding a clean cloth for drying the plates.
"I'll help you too,"
"Fine."
Yuri soaped the dishes. I rinsed them, and the King dried. None of us spoke, so we finished cleaning quickly.
"Done," the King announced, winking at me.
I rolled my eyes at him. I walked toward the living room, and they followed me. We caught Percy and Aries talking—scowling at each other.
"What now? Can I go home already?" Percy asked.
"Please, by all means, get out," Aries replied.
"Keep pretending, but I know you don't want me to leave," my shameless stepbrother teased.
Where does he get the nerve?
"In your dreams."
"I need to leave too," Yuri said, making us all turn to him.
"You sure you're okay?" I asked, and he nodded.
"Thank you, Jay. Even though I caused such a huge hassle, you still took care of me."
"It's fine. I'd be more worried if you'd gone to someone else's house and ended up like that."
"It would be worrying—especially if he ended up at Freya's house," Keifer remarked with a scoff.
I quickly elbowed him to shut him up. My fear spiked when I saw Percy's expression change. The anger in his eyes made it seem like he was ready to end someone's life.
"I'm leaving. I might end up doing something I'll regret," Percy said, storming out of the house.
I was about to call after him, but he was walking away too fast. He clearly didn't want to be stopped.
I glared at the King of the Ulupongs. "Your mouth!" I said, annoyed.
"Kiss it," he replied, and my patience was hanging by a thread.
Damn him!
"You can leave now. Kuya might be back soon," Aries said, turning around and heading inside.
I was about to walk Yuri out, but Aries grabbed the collar of my shirt, pulling me back with him.
"Leave," my brother added.
All I could do was wave as I watched the two of them leave.
Aries only let go of me when he was near his room's door. I headed to my room to find my phone and text Yuri.
Thankfully, I found it right away.
To: Pres. Yuri
Message:Engwats phwease! nhand!tho lhungs kam!ng fw3nds mowhhs 4 yah.
(Take care please! Your friends are here for you.)
Even though I wasn't sure if he had his phone with him, I sent it anyway.
I hope Yuri will be okay. I'm scared that the next time he faces me, it might be his own blood spilling.