Chapter 5 – Christmas, Kidnappers, and the King in a Santa Suit
Jay's POV
Aries cornered me right before Christmas break like he was about to offer me a cursed deal.
Which, honestly?
Accurate.
We were outside the school gates, decorations everywhere, fake snow taped to windows, students screaming about gifts and freedom. Aries leaned against the wall, arms crossed, jaw tight.
"You get two choices," he said.
I blinked. "What do you mean, cousin?."
He sighed like he hated that I was right.
"Choice one," he said. "You leave Section E. Transfer. Clean break."
My chest tightened.
"And choice two?"
He hesitated.
"Or… you ask for your father's info I have it the last copy your father left. Stole it from kuya Angelo."
Silence.
The comments didn't wait.
"DON'T DO IT."
"DO IT."
"SECTION E IS SAFER."
"HER FATHER'S SIDE IS CRAZY."
"KEIFER HAS A WAY TO CONTACT HIM LATER ANYWAY."
I stared at Aries. "You already know what I'll choose."
He grimaced. "Yeah."
I exhaled. "I'm staying."
The comments lost their MINDS.
"THE KING HAS A MOTTO: I HAVE MY WAYS."
"KEIFER DOESN'T NEED HER TO DO THIS."
"SHE'S PROTECTED."
Protected.
That word followed me all the way to the Christmas party.
On the Way to the Party
I was halfway down the street, mentally preparing myself for tinsel, loud music, and boys doing stupid things in ugly sweaters—when three guys stepped into my path.
Bad vibe immediately.
"Your Jay?" one of them asked.
I slowed. "Depends who's asking."
He smirked. "Keifer's girlfriend."
I blinked.
Girlfriend?
"OH NO."
"THIS IS WHY HE TOLD EVERYONE."
"HE SAID IT SO NO ONE WOULD TRY TO MAKE OUT WITH HER."
"HE WANTED TO SAY WIFE BUT—"
I actually stopped walking.
…WIFE?
"So," the guy continued, "you're coming with us."
My stomach dropped.
"Why exactly?"
"Revenge," he said casually. "Keifer's pissed off a lot of people."
The comments went from feral to explanatory real fast.
"Rival gang."
"Old beef."
"They know hurting her hurts him."
Wow.
Amazing logic.
Ten out of ten stupidity.
"I think you're confused," I said slowly.
"I'm not—"
They lunged.
I turned to run.
Didn't get far.
Someone kicked my legs out from under me and I hit the ground hard—not injured, just stunned, breath knocked out of me.
And that's when—
"GET AWAY FROM HER."
I looked up.
And nearly blacked out from confusion.
Keifer was sprinting toward us.
In a Santa costume.
Full red suit. White trim. Hat slightly crooked.
Absolute murder in his eyes.
Behind him?
Yuri.
In a green elf costume.
I wish I was joking.
Cin was right behind them, breathing hard, face furious.
"What the—" I started.
Keifer didn't slow down.
"I'LL BREAK YOUR LEGS FOR HURTING MY WIFE."
The world stopped.
The comments exploded so hard I thought my brain would melt.
"HE SAID WIFE."
"HE DIDN'T EVEN THINK."
"SANTA KEIFER UNLOCKED."
"ELF YURI IS TRAUMATIZED."
The guys backed off instantly.
"Bro—Santa's insane—"
They ran.
Actually ran.
Keifer dropped to his knees in front of me, hands hovering like he didn't know where to touch.
"Are you hurt?" he demanded.
I shook my head, still staring at him.
"…Why are you dressed like Santa?"
He blinked.
Yuri groaned behind him. "School theme. You fainted before we could explain."
Cin crossed his arms. "You okay, Jay?"
I nodded slowly.
Keifer helped me up, his grip firm but careful.
He looked straight into my eyes.
And then—so softly it felt like it belonged only to us—he said:
"Merry Christmas, Jay."
Something in my chest cracked open.
The comments slowed.
Quieted.
"She's done for"
"No matter the engagement."
"She falls for him here."
I swallowed.
I could see the future.
I could manipulate fate.
I could outthink everyone in the room.
But standing there—dusty, shaken, staring at a boy in a Santa suit who had sprinted across town for me—
I understood the one thing I couldn't change.
No matter how this story twists…
I'm going to fall in love with him.
And there's nothing I can do about it.
End of Chapter 5