Jonathan caught sight of his cousin's tear-streaked face as she clung helplessly to her brother.
They still don't know that Kelly and I are cousins, he thought grimly.Kevin knows… or at least, he used to. I'm sure he's forgotten by now.
He scratched his head, frustration boiling beneath his calm exterior.
"Stop crying and answer me," he said sharply. "Where are they?"
"T–They went home," Kelly replied, her voice breaking.
Jonathan's jaw tightened. "Then why didn't they take you with them?"
She stayed silent.
"What happened to you?" he demanded. "You look like you were in a fight. Your hair's a mess. And why was your phone turned off?"
"It ran out of battery," she whispered. "I couldn't call you."
"Your phone," Jonathan said, extending his hand.
She handed it over. It was dead.
He checked her pockets next and pulled out her wallet. She tried to resist, but his glare stopped her.
"Why is this empty?" Jonathan asked coldly. "Didn't your mom give you allowance?"
"Kelly," Kenjie finally spoke, worry thick in his voice. "Dad gave you money earlier. What happened to it?"
She didn't answer.
"If you don't talk, I swear I'll lose my temper," Jonathan warned. "And don't you dare lie to your brother."
Her tears fell harder.
"Jonathan, ease up," Kevin muttered quietly.
Right on cue, Kelly's stomach growled.
Jonathan checked the time. The nearby club was about to close.
"Stay here," he said curtly, turning away.
When Jonathan returned with food, Kelly had already fallen asleep in Kenjie's arms.
He sighed, tapping her gently. "Hey. Wake up. Eat."
She stirred weakly.
"Your brother's worried sick," Jonathan added, ruffling her tangled hair. "Don't worry—Mom doesn't know yet. Melissa's been anxious too."
Kelly ate quietly, hands shaking.
"Kelly," Kenjie said softly, noticing her injured palm. "This wound—it's fresh. Tell me what really happened."
Her lips trembled.
"They dragged me to a bar," she sobbed. "I wanted to go home. I had assignments tomorrow. But they were already dressed up… and I had no choice."
Jonathan stiffened.
"They forced me to pay for the alcohol," she continued. "That's why I had no money left."
Jonathan snapped. "What?! How did you even get inside? You're all minors!"
"They lied about their age," she sniffled. "Someone older was with us. They started a fight… they wanted me to join in. I refused. I slipped away and left my wallet. When they gave it back… it was empty."
She swallowed hard.
"They said it was payment… because I didn't do what they wanted."
Jonathan clenched his fists, shaking.
All she wanted was friendship.
"Kelly," he said tightly, "tell them you're my cousin. I'll protect you. No one will dare touch you again."
She shook her head violently. "N–Not yet. What if Kevin remembers? What if he realizes I was the kid who hurt him before?"
Jonathan ran a hand through his hair. "That doesn't matter! What matters is keeping you safe!"
She suddenly threw her arms around him.
"Please… not now," she cried. "I promise I'll stay out of trouble. Kevin's still around. Please… Jonathan."
He held her tightly, exhaling slowly.
"They'll twist everything," he said quietly. "You don't have proof. Kenjie wants to protect you so badly—but how can he without evidence? It's frustrating."
Kenjie nodded. "It is. I couldn't defend you properly in the office either. They asked for proof."
He sighed deeply. "But the truth will come out. I just hope one day you'll tell everything—not just that Jonathan is your childhood friend… but that he's your cousin."
He ruffled her hair gently. "Until then, we're here. Cry at home. Lean on us."
Kelly nodded weakly. "Thank you… Brother Kenjie. Jonathan."
Jonathan wiped her tears. "You're hopeless," he muttered fondly. "You're really in love with your best friend."
Kenjie chuckled. "Well… Kevin does seem interested."
Jonathan only sighed.
When they arrived at Jonathan's house, Melissa rushed out and hugged Kelly tightly.
"Sis Kelly!"
"Why are you still awake?" Jonathan asked.
"We couldn't sleep without her," Melissa replied.
"Go to bed," Kenjie said firmly. "Kelly, change and rest."
Kelly nodded and went to her room—the same one she always used when her parents were away.
Later that night, Jonathan lay down, exhaustion finally catching up to him.
A long sigh escaped his chest.
This isn't over, he thought.