JAY'S POV:
"Don't worry about it," Ci-N said, walking beside me.
Now I felt the full weight of that embarrassment they warned me about. I'd been humiliated before, but this? Next level.
I was heading home with a polo shirt wrapped around my butt like some makeshift skirt. Good thing I always carry a jacket or spare polo. I folded it three times for thickness, tied it tight around my waist with the sleeves.
It blended in sort of—like a weird design on my skirt—but it hugged my butt and thighs so snugly, every step felt risky. One wrong move, and it'd slip right off.
At HVIS's entrance, Ci-N trailed me. Students stared, whispering. I couldn't even blame them.
"You know, you could just change sections if you want," Ci-N said.
Silence. No way. I needed to stay near him, troubles and all.The whispers swelled as I moved.
"Jay Jay!" a voice boomed.
My so-called cousin, the mighty Aries. Worst timing ever.
"What happened?" he shouted.
None of your business. I rolled my eyes and kept walking.
"You know Kiefer won't back down."
That snapped my last thread.
"If he doesn't, neither do I," I shot back, voice steel.
"They messed with the wrong girl."
I marched straight to the Section E parking lot, ignoring Ci-N's shouts to stop. They were laughing—until I stormed up.
"Hey! Kiefer!" I yelled.
He turned, poker face locked on.
"You thought you could kick me out of your section?" I demanded.
"Dream on!"
I yanked off the polo wrap and hurled it at him. It smacked his face dead-on before dropping.
"Game on," I said, calm but fierce, then spun and walked away.
A few steps out, I paused—flipped them the middle finger. My butt's fully exposed now. Fuck, Jay!Ci-N caught up as I bolted.
(That evening)
"Game on, huh?" Ci-N said, strolling with me toward qqqqqhome.
He'd lent me his spare polo.
"Kiefer's gonna hit back hard."
"So what? You think I care? He's just a piece of shit to me."
"Jay Jay, we're here."
"Oh." I blinked at my house.
"Wait, Ci-N—I'll change and return your polo—"
"Nah, keep it. I just wanted to walk you home."
"But—"
"Later. Go in."I smiled. Nodded.
"Bye, Ci."
CI-N'S POV:
"You think we'll let slide what you did to our friends?" one growled, cracking his knuckles.
I could do that too—especially with my toes. I grinned.
"Not really."
I'd been waiting. Figured they'd jump me here, away from Jay-jay's house. Smart of them—less audience for my beatdown. My cuteness would've stolen the show anyway.
"Stop smiling!" another barked.Seven surrounded me.
Could I take them? Whatever.My grin widened. Excitement buzzed—I couldn't help it.
"Let's see you smile after this."
"Even gap-toothed guys smile. Imagine a full set."
They laughed, but it was dark. Menacing.
"That girl with you? Pretty. We'll hit her next—after you."
My smile vanished. Mistake walking her home. Dragged our new classmate into my mess. No choice now—protect Jay-jay at all costs.
"You guys talk too much. When do we start?" I said, feigning boredom.
One lunged, fist flying. I dodged—smooth. But the follow-up clipped me. Shit.
JAY'S POV:
Still pissed about the skirt. Tss. They were grinding my nerves. But damn, his prank was childish genius. I sighed, smirking despite myself
"Miss Jay, time to eat," the maid called.
Miss Jay? Too formal.
I headed to Tita's dining room. She was there with Kuya Angelo and—ugh—Aries. My stomach knotted.
"Sit, Jay," Tita ordered.
I slid in, sneaking a glance at Aries. He stared at Tita and Kuya, blank-faced beside me.
"Starting tomorrow, you ride with Aries,"
Kuya Angelo declared.I gaped at him, then Aries—whose brows furrowed in pure irritation. Damn.
"Kuya... I'd rather walk."
His eyes narrowed.
"No. You ride with Aries."
Oh hell. Aries looked ready to explode. Everyone fears Kuya's wrath. Except me...sometimes.