Jay-Jay's POV
"Shit," I whispered, my voice trembling as my heart pounded against my chest.
"Which hospital?" I asked Rory, almost shouting.
"Benedict Hospital," he replied quietly.
My eyes widened. The same one Kiko went to? I didn't even think twice—I ran straight out of the classroom, past the confused faces of my classmates, and bolted toward the school gates.
"Taxi!" I shouted, waving frantically until one stopped. I opened the door and jumped in. "Take me to Benedict Hospital, please. Fast!"
The driver glanced at me through the mirror. "M-miss, are you oka—"
"Just take me there!" I snapped, my voice cracking as tears welled up in my eyes.
I saw the Ulupong gang from the corner of my eye—they were trying to follow the cab in their cars—but I didn't care. I couldn't think about anything else. Please, God, tell me he's okay. Please.
My hands wouldn't stop trembling. Every red light felt like torture. My heart was in my throat the entire 30-minute ride. When we finally reached the hospital, I shoved money into the driver's hand before he could even give me change.
I sprinted to the entrance, but of course—the same security guard stopped me.
"ID," he said flatly.
"Bro, you already know me!" I wanted to scream. Instead, I forced myself to breathe and handed him my school ID. After he checked my bag—again—he finally waved me through.
The moment I stepped inside, I ran straight to the reception desk.
"E-excuse me, miss!" I gasped, barely catching my breath. "Do you have a patient named Mark Keifer Watson?"
The receptionist blinked at me, probably startled by how close I was to breaking down. "Y-yes, we do. Are you okay, miss?"
"Just—just tell me the room number," I said, my voice shaking.
"ID first, please," she insisted.
Oh my lord—why does everyone here want an ID? I handed it over with trembling hands. She typed something quickly and then gave it back.
"Room B3, second floor."
"Thanks," I managed before rushing off.
I knew exactly where the elevator was—how could I forget? I'd been here before, when Kiko was admitted. As the elevator doors slid shut, I clutched my bag to my chest, whispering prayers under my breath.
When the doors opened, I darted down the hall. "A10... B1... B2..." My heart pounded louder with each step. "B3!"
I pushed the door open—and froze.
There he was. Keifer. Lying motionless on the hospital bed, pale, wires attached to him. My breath hitched.
Keigan and Keiren were sitting beside him, their eyes red and puffy from crying.
"Keigan, Keiren… what happened to him?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
"K-kuya got into an accident," Keigan said, his voice breaking halfway through.
I felt my knees weaken. I rushed forward and hugged them both, my tears finally spilling over.
"It's okay," I whispered, even though I didn't believe it myself. "He's gonna be okay."
Keiren wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. "I-is he really okay?"
I nodded quickly, forcing a smile. "Of course. Everything will be alright."
They both nodded too, though their faces said otherwise. For the first time, I felt a strange warmth toward them. Maybe this was how Keifer always wanted us to get along.
A doctor entered just then. "Wait—who are you?" he asked.
"His clas—"
"His girlfriend," Keigan interrupted.
I blinked in surprise. His girlfriend? So he accepts me now? I felt my chest tighten, but I nodded. "Yes."
The doctor smiled faintly. "Well, good news. The patient will be fine. No serious injuries—just mild trauma. He should wake up in two or three hours."
The relief that washed over me almost made me collapse. I covered my mouth, sobbing quietly. "Thank you... thank you so much."
The doctor explained a few more details and left. A few minutes later, the rest of Section E burst into the hallway, panting and worried.
"What took you guys so long?" I asked, wiping my face.
"Traffic," David said.
I nodded weakly.
"Is he okay?" Ci-n asked, his voice gentle.
"Yes," I said, forcing a small smile. "He'll wake up soon... in a few hours."
"J-Jay?" Ci-n said again, his tone different this time—quieter, softer.
I turned toward him. His eyes were filled with worry, but there was something else too—something that made my chest tighten again.
"Yeah?" I whispered.
He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he looked past me, at Keifer—then back at me.
And for the first time, I realized how fragile everything really was.