I got startled, but I didn't scream — because I already knew who it was. Aries.
"What are you doing here? It's almost…" He checked his phone, then looked back at me. "1 A.M."
Well, that's obvious. You're the one who gave me such a tiny amount of food, and now I'm starving.
"You really had to scare me like that?" I muttered, but of course he still heard me.
"I asked first," he said, eyes locked straight on me.
I decided to stay quiet. He sighed — I thought he'd drop it, but no, he had to ask more questions. Seriously? Do I look like I have the energy for an interrogation at 1 A.M.?
"At least tell me where you were this evening," he said again. I stayed quiet, trying to think of a believable answer.
"Tell me, or I'll smack you."
Clearly, blackmail. I wasn't planning to fall for it, but also… I didn't want to go to school with a red forehead.
"W-we were having a st-study session," I stammered, lying through my teeth. If he knew I'd gone to Drew's house, he'd either tell Kuya Angelo or give me one of his never-ending lectures.
"Seriously? Try something else, Jay."
What? Section E can't have a study session? Exams are in three weeks, my guy.
"Fine," I said, pretending to give in.
His face brightened just a little — too bad for him.
"I-I w-we went out wi-with…" I paused mid-sentence, trying to choose from the Ulupongs. Keifer? Oh, heck no — my entire family would bury me alive. Yuri? Same thing. David? Nope. Ci-n? Hmm, that might actually work. "Ci-n," I said finally.
"Really?"
I nodded quickly.
"Okay, then I'll just ask him." He already had his phone out.
"Are you sure? He's probably asleep right now," I tried.
"I know Ci-n. He's probably playing on his PS5." He started dialing.
I'm doomed.
"Hello, Ci-n."
[ Hello, Mr. Grumpy. ]
I couldn't help but laugh. This kid really had no filter. Last time, he called Kuya Angelo "grumpy," and now Aries? I kept laughing until Aries smacked me lightly on the head.
"Ow! That hurt," I hissed, rubbing the spot.
"Was Jay with you today?" Aries asked through the phone.
[ But Mr. Grumpy, it's already 1 A.M. So it's yesterday. ]
We both checked the time — yep, 1 A.M. exactly.
"Just answer the question," Aries said, trying to stay calm.
It took Ci-n a few seconds to respond. Oh no. He's thinking. Dear universe, help me.
[ Ye-yes, she was with me yesterday. ]
Aries turned to look at me. I swallowed hard.
"Okay, bye."
[ Bye, Mr. Grum— ]
He hung up mid-word and turned back to me. "You could've just told me," he said, then walked away.
Phew. That was a close call. Thank you, Ci-n! I swear I'll give you ten pesos — because that's literally all I have. Or maybe a few chocolates. Yeah, chocolates sound better.
I opened the fridge to check if we had any. None. Ugh. Fine, ten pesos it is.
I headed back to my room, brushed my teeth, turned off the lights, and collapsed into bed. Within minutes, I was out cold.
☀️ The Morning ☀️
Sunlight streamed through my window, shining right into my face. Ugh. I dragged myself up, brushed my teeth, and opened my door.
Downstairs, Aunt Gema and Mama were busy cooking breakfast. Kuya Angelo sat on the couch, eyes glued to his tablet. Aries was nowhere to be seen — probably still asleep after playing detective all night.
"Good morning, Jay!" Mama and Aunt Gema greeted.
"Good morning!" I replied cheerfully, even though I was half-asleep.
A quick glance at the clock — 7:23 A.M. Oh no. Time to get ready.
I rushed back to my room, took a quick shower, and changed into my HVIS uniform. Thankfully, I didn't wear mismatched socks today. Progress.
Too lazy to use an actual comb, I ran my fingers through my hair and called it a day. Grabbed my bag, went downstairs, and plopped onto a chair.
Mama handed me kape at pandesal — black coffee and bread — along with fried rice and scrambled eggs on top. Heaven. I started eating like my life depended on it.
"Jay, slow down," Mama warned.
No time for that, Mama. I'm on a mission. I stuffed the last bite, grabbed my bag, and dashed for the gate.
When I opened it, I was greeted by Keifer's handso— I mean, annoying face.
"Huh? Why are you here?" I asked.
"I knew you'd be late, so I came to pick you up," he said smugly.
That smirk on his face? Suspicious. "Why are you smirking?" I narrowed my eyes.
"So I can't smirk now?" he shot back.
Ugh. It's really hard to like this man sometimes.
"Get in," he said, opening the car door for me.
I climbed in. The car smelled brand new — like straight-out-of-the-dealership new.
"Keifer," I said as he got in.
"Mhm?"
"Is this car new? It smells like one."
He smirked again. "Yes. It's actually for my wife."
Wife? My brain froze.
"Who?"
"My wife," he repeated, still smirking.
"Her name?" I asked, trying my best not to sound jealous. (I totally wasn't. Nope. Not jealous at all.)
Keifer's POV
"Her name?" she asked again, pretending not to care — but her tone gave her away. She was jealous. And honestly? It was adorable.
"You're cute when you're jealous," I said.
She looked like she was about to explode. That's my Jay.
"Answer me," she demanded.
"Jasper Jean Mariano Watson," I said, smiling. "Jay-Jay for short."