JAY-JAY POV
"Yuri, what are you doing?" I snapped, stepping into the room.
He stepped back, hands raised like he was innocent. "Nothing, Jay. I was just looking around."
My eyes narrowed, locking on the album in his hand. "What is that—an album?"
"Yeah," he said, smirking.
I snatched it from him, clutching it tight against my chest. "It's mine."
"Nice," he muttered, eyes gleaming like he'd just uncovered treasure.
"What are you doing here?" I demanded, my voice sharp.
"Nothing. Just wanted to talk to you," Yuri said, his tone shifting.
"About?" I pressed, my voice sharp.
He opened his mouth, but before he could speak, Aries barged into my room.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Aries demanded, glaring at Yuri.
"Nothing, just wanted to talk," Yuri muttered, stepping back.
"Well, Kuya is calling you," Aries said flatly.
Yuri nodded and slipped downstairs without another word.
Aries shut the door behind him, his eyes locking on me.
"Nothing—he was about to say something when you came," I explained quickly, clutching the album tighter.
Aries sighed, his voice softer now. "Jay, I know you're scared because of the Hitlist. But nothing will happen to Keifer."
Relief flickered in my chest. "Thanks. I know that."
He nodded, already turning toward the door. "I'm going to the park with Ella. I'll be back in thirty minutes or so."
I rolled my eyes but smiled faintly. "Fine. But bring me something to eat."
Aries smirked, hand on the doorknob. "Fine"
I locked the door, shoved the album back where it belonged, and unclasped the necklace Aunt had given me.
The hidden slip of paper slid out, the symbols staring back at me like they'd been waiting.
I spread my notebook open, scribbling, crossing out, rewriting.
My pulse raced with every line I cracked.
After almost an hour, my head pounding, I finally decoded the first part.
It wasn't a warning.
It wasn't a phrase.
It was an address.
I stared at the words, my breath catching.
An actual location.
A place Aunt wanted me to find.
My chest tightened.
Why would she hide an address in a necklace?
The silence in the room pressed down heavier than ever.
Because this wasn't just a code.
It was a destination.
And whatever waited there… was tied to everything I'd been running from.
Should I tell Keifer about this?
It was his mother who gave me the necklace. Aunt Serina.
It's still hard to believe sometimes — that Aunt Serina and Papa, Jaspher Mariano, were best friends
But everything broke when Aunt married Kaizer.
Papa hated him.
He knew Kaizer was a monster, and he tried to stop her.
He tried to protect her.
But Aunt Serina had already promised the head of the Watson she would marry Kaizer, and she kept that promise even when it destroyed everything.
After the marriage, Papa stopped talking to Aunt even when it wasn't her fault
She tried to explain, tried to mend the bond.
Papa finally spoke to her again when he found out Aunt Serina was pregnant with Keifer.
Even then, he tried to warn her, tried to explain—but she didn't listen.
She believed Kaizer would change.
She was wrong.
Aunt Serina used to come to our house often, and we built a bond so strong that even Papa noticed.
He wasn't angry about it — just jealous in that funny, dramatic way only he could be.
He'd grumble whenever I clung to Aunt more than him, muttering things like, "So now your favorite parent is your Aunt, huh?" or "Guess I'll just sit in the corner while you two laugh without me."
She tried to bring Keifer with her once, desperate to let him meet us, desperate to let him see the family she'd lost.
But Kaizer stopped her.
He always stopped her.
I remember the way her eyes dimmed when she told me.
The way her smile faltered, like she was carrying a secret too heavy to share.
I loved Aunt Serina too much, and when we found out she had died, we were all heartbroken. I cried until I couldn't breathe.
"Jay—hello? Earth to Jay!" a voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
It was Ci‑n.
"Ci‑n, what are you doing here?" I asked, only to realize the entire Section E crew was crowded into my room.
"We came because we were bored," Felix said casually.
"Why my house?" I demanded.
"Because it's more fun here," Drew grinned. "And your Aunt makes good cookies."
I rolled my eyes, though a small smile tugged at my lips. At least things with Drew were finally settled.
"Anyway… what's that?" Keifer asked, pointing at the necklace in my hand.
"Nothing," I said quickly, shoving it away.
"It looks like a necklace," Keifer pressed.
"Well, yeah. It is," I muttered. "I was just looking at it."
He nodded, but before he could push further, Rory's voice cut in.
"Jay, what the hell is this?" he asked, holding up my notebook.
"That? Just something crazy I scribbled when I was bored," I said, trying to sound casual.
"But it looks like a code," Edrix said, eyes narrowing.
"I write in this kind of method when it's secret," Edrix added, leaning closer.
"Yeah… looking at it now, I realize that too," Rory said, studying the page more carefully.
Then his eyes widened. "Jay… I think this is an address."
My stomach dropped. "Rory, stop looking at it!" I lunged forward, snatching the notebook back.
"Woah, chill," Ci‑n said, smirking. "You're acting like it's the FBI's top secret file."
"Maybe it is," Felix said, grinning like he'd just uncovered the world's biggest secret.
"Okay, just shut up," I groaned, snatching the notebook back. "Let's do something different"
"Like what?" Blaster asked, bouncing on the bed like he was waiting for a concert.
Before I could answer, Keifer's voice cut through the noise. "Like not turning Jay's room into a circus."
"Fine. Truth or Dare," Josh said, grinning.
I nodded, and soon we were all sitting in a circle.
Keifer slid down next to me, his shoulder brushing mine, steady and grounding against the chaos.
The bottle spun, clattering across the floor before stopping on Edrix.
"Truth or Dare?" I asked, smirking.
"Truth," he said, adjusting his glasses.
I leaned forward, teasing. "Do you have our friend's number?"
Edrix froze, his face turning red. He nodded quickly, eyes darting away.
The room erupted.
"Wait, wait, wait—he does?" Ci‑n laughed, pointing at him.
Keifer chuckled softly beside me, leaning in just enough for only me to hear. "Did you do something?" he asked, his voice low.
I nodded, grinning.
"My cute little meddler," Keifer teased, his smile warm.
Heat rushed to my cheeks—I couldn't stop the blush.
"Hey, hey, lovebirds!" Felix suddenly shouted, throwing his hands up like a referee. "Please, we're also here. Blush somewhere else!"
The circle erupted in laughter.
Ci‑n smirked. "Finally, someone said it. I was about to gag."
Drew leaned back, grinning. "Nah, let them have their moment. It's kind of cute."
"Cute?" Blaster groaned dramatically. "This is supposed to be Truth or Dare, not a rom‑com."
Keifer rolled his eyes, but his hand brushed mine under the circle, subtle and protective.
I shot Felix a glare. "You're just jealous."
Felix gasped, clutching his chest. "Jealous? Of what? Watching you two turn into a cheesy drama? No thanks."
The laughter swirled around me, but Keifer's quiet smile anchored me.
Even in the chaos, it felt like he was only looking at me.
The bottle stopped in front of Keifer again, and everyone leaned in like vultures.
"Truth or Dare?" I asked, smirking.
"Truth," he said calmly, though his eyes flicked toward me.
Felix grinned wickedly. "Alright, Keifer… truth is—are you still a virgin?"
The room exploded with laughter, whistles, and gasps.
I looked at Keifer basically glaring at him
I looked at Keifer, basically glaring at him. If he said no, he was dead meat.
Keifer's gaze flicked to me for half a second before he answered. "Pass."
"Pass?!" Ci‑n laughed, clutching his stomach. "No passing allowed. That's cheating."
"Yeah, rules are rules," Drew added, grinning like he'd just won the lottery. "Come on, Keifer. Spill."
Blaster leaned in, drumming on the floor. "We're waiting, man. Don't leave us hanging."
Felix smirked, wagging his eyebrows. "Oh, this is gold. Jay's glare could kill, and Keifer's sweating bullets. Someone get popcorn."
Keifer sighed, running a hand through his hair. His eyes locked on mine, steady but teasing. "Fine. Yes."
Then he leaned closer, his voice low, meant only for me. "It is saved for you."
My cheeks burned instantly
"What are you two talking about?" Ci‑n asked, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.
Felix immediately jumped in, smirking. "Oh, come on, Ci‑n. Do you really need subtitles? Look at Jay's face. She's basically glowing red."
Blaster laughed so hard he nearly toppled over. "This is better than any drama series. Jay's blush could power the whole city."
"Guys, shut up!" I snapped, covering my face with my hands.
Keifer chuckled softly, his shoulder brushing mine. "Ignore them. They just like making noise."
"Noise?" Drew grinned. "This is called entertainment. And you two are the main act."
The bottle spun again, clattering across the floor until it landed on David.
"Truth or Dare?" I asked.
"Truth," David said softly.
I tilted my head, teasing. "Do you have a girlfriend or a crush?"
He paused, thinking carefully before answering. "Yes… but she's already dating someone. And I'm happy for her."
The room went quiet for a moment.
His voice was so calm, so genuine, it cut through the usual chaos.
I smiled at him, warmth blooming in my chest.
But when I glanced at Keifer, he was basically glaring at David.
His jaw tight, his eyes sharp.
What is his problem?
David hadn't said anything wrong.
He was just being sweet.
But Keifer's stare was like daggers, and it made the air between us heavy.
The bottle spun again and landed squarely on me.
Oh hell to the no.
"Truth or Dare?" Rory asked, his grin way too wide.
"Uhhh…" I stalled, my stomach twisting. "Truth."
Because if I picked dare, they'd definitely make me do something dirty. And I was not about to let Section E turn my room into a scandal.
Rory leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "Did you and Keifer do the thing?"
I blinked, confused. "What thing?"
"She is too innocent for this," Denzel muttered, shaking his head with a smirk.
"Wait—what thing?" Ci‑n asked, eyebrows raised.
The circle erupted in laughter.
Felix clapped his hands together. "Ohhh, this is priceless. Jay doesn't even know what Rory's talking about."
Keifer came close to me, his voice low. "They're talking like we already planned to create a caretaker… or a watcher."
"My cheeks burned instantly. "You idiots," I muttered, blushing.
Felix's head snapped up, eyes gleaming. "Wait, wait, wait—did she just call us idiots? Or Keifer? Or both?"
"Jay, I have to go," Denzel said, standing. "Grace wants help with Gracezel."
We nodded. "Bye."
One by one, the circle broke apart—laughter fading, footsteps echoing down the hall.
And then it was just me and Keifer in my room.
The silence was heavy, almost too heavy after all the noise.
Keifer laid on my bed, his arms folded behind his head like he owned the place.
"What are you doing?" I asked, stepping closer.
"Sleeping on my wife's bed," he answered smoothly.
"Keifer," I muttered, blushing furiously.
"Come here," he said, his voice low, coaxing.
I shook my head quickly. "No way."
But before I could retreat, he caught my hands and tugged. I stumbled forward, landing against his chest.
Suddenly, we were too close—like lips away from each other.
My heart hammered in my chest, every nerve on fire.
Keifer's gaze locked on mine, steady and unyielding.
Then he kissed me.
And I kissed him back.
His hand slid to the back of my neck, gentle but firm, holding me like he'd never let go.
I melted against him, my blush deepening, my fingers clutching his shirt.
When we finally broke apart, my chest was heaving, my face burning.
Keifer's eyes stayed on mine, softer now, but no less intense. "See? You're mine."
I swallowed hard, my voice barely a whisper. "You're impossible."
He smirked, brushing his thumb across my cheek. "And you love me for it."
"You should go before Aries comes," I whispered, trying to sound firm.
"No, I don't want to," Keifer said stubbornly.
I rolled my eyes, slipped beside him, and lay down. His arms wrapped around my waist, holding me close.
"The necklace," he murmured suddenly. "Who gave it to you?"
I looked at him, startled. "Why would you ask that question?"
"I don't know… it looks similar to something my mom gave me," Keifer said, his voice softer now, almost thoughtful.
I touched the pendant lightly, feeling its familiar weight. "It was… a gift. From someone important."
His eyes searched mine, steady but curious. "Important enough that I should know?"
The silence stretched, charged, as his thumb lingered against the chain at my collarbone.
"Keifer, I will explain everything when the right time comes," I whispered, my voice trembling. "Please… until then, don't ask."
His eyes narrowed slightly, searching mine. "You're hiding something."
I swallowed hard, clutching the pendant. "It's not like that. It's just… complicated."
Keifer's jaw tightened, but his arms stayed wrapped around my waist. "Complicated doesn't scare me. Secrets do."
My blush deepened, my heart pounding. "I promise, when I'm ready… you'll know."
For a moment, he didn't speak.
His gaze stayed locked on me, steady and unyielding, like he was trying to read every thought I refused to say.
Finally, he sighed, brushing his thumb across my lips. "Fine. I'll wait. But don't make me wait forever."
I nodded, my chest tight. "You won't."
He was about to kiss me again when the knocking shattered the moment.
"Jay, who is there with you?" Aries called.
"Who else? It's just me in my room," I said quickly, panic rising.
"Keifer, get up and hide," I whispered urgently.
"But—" Keifer started, his voice low and annoyed.
"No buts. Closet. Now." I hissed, shoving him inside.
"Jay-Jay, open this door before I break it," Aries barked.
I rushed to the door, heart pounding, and pulled it open.
"What took you so long?" Aries asked, eyes scanning the room like a detective.
"I was changing," I said, forcing a calm smile.
Aries narrowed his eyes, stepping inside. He yanked open drawers, peeked under the bed, even lifted the blanket like he was searching for contraband.
My pulse raced—Keifer was in the closet, probably rolling his eyes.
"Changing, huh?" Aries muttered. "Then why does your hair look like you just wrestled a bear?"
I groaned. "Because you're stressing me out!"
Aries's gaze flicked toward the closet. My stomach dropped.
He reached for the handle—
And inside, Keifer sneezed.
Loud.
Aries froze. "What was that?"
"Uh—my… stuffed animal," I blurted. "It's… allergic."
I nodded quickly, trying to look serious.
He was about to open the closet when I blurted, "Aries, I think someone is calling you—maybe Ella?"
Aries froze mid‑step. "Ella?" His eyes narrowed. "Why would Ella be calling me?"
I shrugged, forcing a casual smile. "I don't know… maybe she needs help with something? You should check."
From inside the closet, Keifer muttered under his breath, "Smooth."
Aries whipped his head toward the sound. "Wait. Did your stuffed animal just talk?"
My face burned. "Yes! It's… voice‑activated. Very advanced technology."
Aries squinted at me, suspicious. "Jay, you're acting weird."
I crossed my arms, trying to look annoyed instead of panicked. "You barged in while I was busy. If Ella really is calling, you're wasting time here."
Aries hesitated, pulling out his phone. It buzzed at that exact moment. His eyes widened. "It is Ella!"
I nearly collapsed with relief. "See? Told you."
Aries muttered something under his breath and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
The closet creaked open, and Keifer stepped out, smirking. "Stuffed animal sneezes? Really?"
I buried my face in my hands. "Don't say a word."
Keifer chuckled, wrapping his arms around me again. "You're terrible at lying… but adorable when you panic."
"Go through the window before Aries—or worse, Kuya—comes again," I hissed, glancing nervously at the door.
"I don't want to," Keifer argued, his grip tightening like he was glued to me.
"Keifer, go," I said firmly.
He shook his head stubbornly, lips curving into that infuriating smirk.
So I leaned in, kissed him quick, and broke it before it went too far. My cheeks burned. "Go."
He sighed dramatically, like I'd just asked him to sacrifice his soul. "Fine."
He climbed toward the window, muttering under his breath. "Sneaking out like some criminal… all for love."
I rolled my eyes. "You're not Romeo, Keifer. Just move."
He swung one leg out, then froze. "Jay… it's a two‑story drop."
My eyes widened. "You'll survive."
He shot me a look. "Easy for you to say. You're not the one risking a broken ankle."
I shoved him lightly. "Then climb down the pipe like a normal rebel."
Keifer groaned, but finally eased himself out, clinging to the drainpipe like it was a lifeline.
"Jay," he whispered loudly, halfway down, "if I die, tell everyone I went out heroically."
I stifled a laugh, covering my mouth. "Just go before Aries comes back!"
He grinned up at me, dangling precariously. "Fine. But next time, I'm staying."
I rolled my eyes, watching him finally climb down and disappear into the night. My heart was still racing when—of course—there was another knock.
Aries.
The door creaked open before I could even answer.
"Jay, why are you standing by the window like you're waiting for Santa?" Aries asked, squinting at me.
I froze, forcing a smile. "Uh… fresh air?"
Aries stepped closer, scanning the room like a detective. "You're acting suspicious. Your hair's messy, your cheeks are red, and you look guilty."
"I was… exercising," I blurted.
Aries raised an eyebrow. "Exercising? In pajamas?"
"Yes!" I said quickly. "It's a new… bedtime workout routine."
He narrowed his eyes, then glanced at the window. "Strange. I thought I saw someone climbing down just now."
My stomach dropped. "That was… a raccoon."
Aries stared at me. "A raccoon?"
"Yes," I said firmly. "A very athletic raccoon."
Aries groaned, rubbing his temples. "Jay, you're terrible at lying."
I crossed my arms, trying to look annoyed instead of panicked. "Then stop asking questions."
He sighed, muttering, "If Kuya finds out about this, you're doomed."
I swallowed hard, forcing a laugh. "Good thing Kuya's not here."
But my heart was pounding, because if Kuya did show up… Keifer wouldn't be the only one dangling precariously.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
💙🌌 Author's Note 🌌💙
I know I didn't post yesterday, and I'm so sorry 💔.
My internet wasn't working, but it finally got fixed today ✨📶.
To make up for the delay, I gave you an extra long chapter—3133 words of pure chaos 🌪️💙.
Next chapter will be uploaded tomorrow 🌙💫.
But here's the challenge:
✅ Target = 15 comments
Before the next drop 💬💙🔥