Slithering Snake Moves
Jay-jay's POV
My lungs hurt! But why? How?
I didn't understand anything from what Tita Gema and the doctor talked about. All I caught was something about "damaged tissue."
Since when?!
"Jay..." Keifer called out. "A penny for your thoughts."
"Huh?!"
"You're thinking about it again, aren't you?"
I shook my head. I knew he was referring to Yuri. Honestly, his absence just added to my worries. I tried texting and calling him, but his phone was off.
But what's really bothering me is Aries. I thought he got hospitalized because a suitcase fell on him. But when the doctor mentioned a lung problem, I started getting suspicious.
I don't remember Aries ever smoking. He even jogs every morning—so how did he end up with a lung problem?
"Aries is in the hospital..." I muttered under my breath.
"Why?"
"They said it's a lung problem."
Keifer went silent. I don't know why, but something in my gut started to turn. I stared at him as the thought of "secondhand smoke" hit me.
"Did you ever smoke in front of Aries before?"
"You shouldn't be asking me that," he replied with a roll of his eyes. "Ask his classmates. He was with them more often than with me."
He paused. "Besides, I only started smoking a few months after Percy died."
So that means they weren't even hanging out anymore by then. But still... how did Aries get a lung issue? I just hope it's not the disease I'm thinking of. That would be terrifying.
Suddenly, Keifer took my hand. "Aries will be okay."
I smiled at him—but immediately flinched when I heard Ci-N coughing like he was about to have an asthma attack. His cough was followed by the word, "So sweet."
You little rascal!
The snakes—uh, I mean, the class—started staring at us. I had to let go of Keifer's hand. He probably figured Ci already knew.
Our next teacher entered after Mr. Alvin. During the lesson, I kept glancing at Yuri's seat.
What if he went back to his old ways?
What if he's with Leo again—aka Tiger? Please, no!
Suddenly, someone kicked my chair. I almost screamed. I glared at Keifer—he's the only one beside me who could've done it.
He looked innocent, eyes locked on the board.
Why is he like this?!
I tried fixing my chair, but the legs were now uneven and wobbly. I struggled to fix it, and of course, people started staring.
"Ms. Mariano? Is something wrong?" the teacher asked.
"Sorry, Ma'am. Just fixing my chair," I replied, standing up. She just nodded and let me continue.
While I was standing, someone yanked me—hard—and I ended up sitting straight on... Keifer's lap?!
What the heck!
Everyone turned to look. I tried to get up, but the jerk had the nerve to wrap his arms around my waist.
I was mortified. My cheeks were burning, and my heart was pounding.
Chill out, heart!
"Mr. Watson and Ms. Mariano," the teacher called.
Ci-N raised his hand. "Correction, Ma'am. It should be Mrs. Watson."
The whole class roared with laughter. Wild animals!
"Keifer... seriously? I'm going back to my seat," I whispered, almost begging.
"Stay here," he commanded, then turned to the class. "Eren! Fix her chair."
What now?!
Eren came over and started fixing it. I had no idea how long I sat there, but I hated it.
Seriously?!
I want—I mean, no!
The whole class's attention was on us. Some were squealing like Ci-N, but I noticed a few serious faces too—ones that weren't happy at all—and others like Josh and David, who couldn't care less.
Once Eren was done, I returned to my seat and bowed my head. I wasn't thrilled or giddy. Who would like that kind of attention?
Class ended, and I didn't talk to the snake king.
I honestly felt like he did all that on purpose.
The next teacher came in and lectured for a long time.
"Mr. Watson! Are you listening?" she asked.
I turned and saw that he was staring at me.
He looked at her and smiled. "Yes, I am."
"Then explain this," she pointed at the board.
He stood and began explaining. Honestly, I didn't understand a thing. I wasn't listening to the lesson at all.
Suddenly, he paused and turned to me. "What's the Tagalog for profit?"
Profit... Kita?
"Kita or kinita, I think?" I said uncertainly.
He went back to explaining, but I noticed he was using English. What did that have to do with his question?
He stopped again. "And what about expensive profit?"
Is that even a thing?
I shook my head, unsure, but he waited for an answer. I was barely thinking when I blurted:
"Mahal na kita?" (It also means I already love you.)
He smiled. "I love you too."
Oh, hell no!
The class erupted again. I couldn't even look up. My face was on fire. I bit my lip to try to stop myself from feeling things. So annoying!
Ma'am resumed the lesson. I refused to even glance at that ridiculous snake king. I knew if I did, he'd just pull another stunt.
Lunchtime came and I avoided him again. I kept saying I had to help Eman. Even if we had nothing to do, I'd pretend—just to stay away.
Maybe he noticed. During the next subject, he kept calling me and tapping me, but I ignored him.
"Jay..."
Don't look! He's just trying to start drama again.
"Jay-jay..."
Attention-seeker Keifer!
"Jasper..."
Whatever!
"Jean..."
Not listening!
"Mariano..."
That's me, but still no!
"Jasper Jean Mariano Watson."
Huh?!
Even without looking, I could feel his grin. I could also feel myself slowly losing my temper.
"My wife..."
Shut up!
"My life..."
Hmp!
"My everything..."
WHAT ARE YOU EVEN SAYING?!
"Notice him already, Jay... or he'll probably sing next," said Calix. I glared at him.
He just laughed. Apparently, everyone else was also watching us. Why is our teacher taking so long?
"Hey..." Keifer called again.
This time, I turned to him. "What do you want?"
"Do you want lips?" he asked, smiling.
My eyebrow shot up. This guy is insane.
"Here!" He pulled out four Lips Candies from his pocket and offered them to me.
Seriously? Candy?
I actually wanted something sweet, so I reached out—but he pulled it back. I leaned in a little to grab it.
The jerk seized the chance—he moved his face close to mine.
Holy. Crap.
The room exploded with cheers and table-slamming.
But I didn't go deaf from the noise. I went deaf from the way my heart raced like a stampede.
"Lips are sweet, right?" he grinned.
Idiot!
I stood up in shock. I tried to speak but couldn't find my voice. I stomped away and stormed out of the room. I headed straight to the second floor of the building.
Seriously!
Yes... we kiss. But not in front of everyone! I don't like it. And even if Yuri's not around, I still feel like I'm hurting him.
I lost all motivation to return. I sat on the floor, leaning against the wall.
"Jay..." someone called.
I turned and saw Drew and Denzel. I thought it was a ghost for a second.
"What?"
They walked over and sat beside me.
"You and Keifer—are you guys together now?" Drew asked.
I noticed Mayo was also there, standing behind them. He looked serious.
"Is it true? You and Keifer?" Mayo asked.
"N-no..."
"Ci-N said so. That there's something going on," Drew said, shocking me.
That kid!
There's nothing she doesn't spill. I'll get her later.
"You chose Keifer? What about Yuri?" Denzel asked with concern.
"You should've picked Yuri," Mayo added.
"I... I can't teach the heart who to love," I whispered.
"Oh, really? Says the one who's still chubby and eats like a beast!"
"Oh yeah? Let me pinch your fat and see if it—OUCH!"
I punched him hard on the arm. He just had to insult my belly!
"Jerk! Stop hanging around Keifer!"
"Ayyiieeeehhh... She misses him—"
We both stopped when the classroom door opened. It was Kuya Angelo with an eyebrow raised.
D-did he hear us?
"Ci-N..." he called, making my heart race. "Your mother is on the line."
He pointed outside.
The anxiety in me shifted to worry for Ci-N.
He looked at me with sad eyes before standing.
He stepped out, holding the phone cord like he wanted to yank it out.
He hung up after a few minutes of talking.
"W-what did she say?" I asked.
He looked down. "She said... my condo unit is ready."