JAY'S POV
I was busy drowning myself in books, but after studying for around four hours straight, I decided to give myself a break.
And by break, I meant food. I was starving. It was already late, and I didn't even have any snacks in my room. Seriously, how was I supposed to survive without snacks?
And I couldn't even go outside. Sato was already following me everywhere like a puppy, and honestly, it would be unsafe. So, I decided to listen to some songs and distract myself from my thoughts about food. I picked up my phone and was about to open Spotify when my eyes landed on the date.
29 February.
…Keifer's birthday. His eighteenth birthday. He would finally receive his inheritance and officially become the CEO of the Watson Group.
While we were together, I always imagined celebrating his birthday with him. We would spend time together. We would be happy. But here we are. He was in London, far away from my reach.
"At least I should wish him," I muttered to myself.
Because even after everything that happened between us, a birthday wish wouldn't hurt anything… right?
Or maybe it would serve as a final goodbye. I scrolled through my contacts before realizing I didn't even have his number anymore. But then an idea popped into my mind.
I quickly called GagonBaliw. He picked up on the second ring.
"Hey, GagonBaliw, I need your help. I know you're close to Keifer, so can you convey my message to him… please?"
I waited for a response, but all I got was a long hum in approval, which was enough for me.
"Wish him a happy birthday. Today is a very important day for him, so… I wish him luck. And tell him to come back. Not for me, but for his fellow snakes. Without him, Section E doesn't feel complete anymore. They miss him, even if they don't say it out loud…"
I paused for a moment before continuing softly.
"And also tell him to be honest with himself… about how he feels. That's also my birthday wish for him. That's it. Just tell him that."
For a while, I stayed silent, not knowing what else to say. But eventually, I spoke again.
"I used to hope he would come back for me… but now I don't anymore. Because there's no point hoping for someone who has already moved on from you… right?"
My voice cracked.
"I just wish him happiness. That's all. Maybe it'll take time… weeks, months, even years… but I'll move on from him too. I'll try for as long as I can because waiting for him here, knowing he already has someone else in his life… hurts more than anything."
I didn't even realize I was crying. Pathetic, Jay. Stop crying over him. How long are you going to keep doing this? I finally composed myself and wiped my tears.
"Just tell him the parts I asked you to. Nothing else, okay? I'll be counting on you. Bye… and thanks."
After that, I cut the call.
Tears blurred my vision once again.
I didn't know how long I stayed sitting on the floor like that. When I finally opened my eyes, I realized I had fallen asleep there last night. I glanced at the time. It was already six.
"I should go to school before those Ulopongs send a search party for me."
Dragging myself to the bathroom, I somehow got ready for school.
Just as I was about to head to my car, my phone started ringing. It was Eman. Yeah, I had their numbers now. They had practically begged me to save them.
I answered the call.
"Hello?"
"Jay! Jay! Don't come to school. Come to my restaurant," Eman said excitedly.
"Why? What happened? Is everything alright?"
"Everything's fine. Just come, please. We're all here."
"Wait… mass bunking?"
"Well… yeah."
I chuckled softly.
"Fine. I'm coming. Better than those boring lectures anyway."
"Good. Come fast."
After ending the call, I went back to my room and changed into casual clothes before finally driving to Eman's place.
When I arrived, there were already dozens of cars outside. Of course. The entire Section E was here. The moment I stepped inside, loud screams echoed throughout the restaurant.
"JAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!"
I winced dramatically.
"Are you all insane? Stop shouting. You're making my ears bleed."
"I don't know about them, but I'm a genius," Ci-N said proudly.
"You're a brat."
Ci-N clutched his chest dramatically.
"Hoy, Jay! You're hurting me."
"Stop being dramatic. Now tell me, what are we all doing here?"
"We're celebrating, Jay Jay," Eman answered with a grin. "You wanted lechon, right? So we made a buffet for you."
I blinked in surprise.
"Wait… really? You made food for me?"
"Yes, we did," Yuri said warmly. "Because you finally forgave us. A celebration is necessary. And as promised, I personally cooked sushi for you."
"I made the lechon," Eman added proudly.
"I made the chocolate cake," Kit said.
"I made the drinks," Rory chimed in.
"And I helped all of them," Drew said with a laugh.
"Yeah, us too," Josh and Eren added together.
I couldn't stop the smile spreading across my face. Because finally… I got my friends back.
"You know I love you all, right?"
They all grinned warmly.
"We love you too."
Then Felix suddenly threw his arms into the air.
"GROUP HUGGG!"
And just like that, everyone pulled each other into a giant hug. At that moment, it felt like I had finally found the missing piece of my happiness again. When we finally pulled apart, I dramatically held my stomach.
"Now move. I'm starving."