JayJay POV
"So," I said, turning to Kuya Jare with my most weaponized puppy-dog eyes — the kind that usually melt hearts and cancel responsibilities. "I can stay home today, right?"
It works every time.
Except today.
"No," he said, straight to my face. No hesitation. No mercy.
I blinked.
Excuse me?
I think this is revenge.
Because I ruined his romantic lip-lock with Luna and now he's channeling his inner dictator.
"Asshole," I muttered under my breath.
He heard it.
Of course he did.
And next thing I know, my ear is being yanked by this lovestruck war criminal.
"What did you just call me?" he asked, voice all big-brother authority.
"My beautiful Kuya," I said instantly, smiling like a hostage trying to charm her captor.
He pulled harder.
"Ow!" I yelped, flailing like a dramatic soap opera lead.
He finally let go.
I rubbed my ear, glaring at him like I was plotting his downfall.
This man went from brother to ear-pulling tyrant in 0.2 seconds.
Love really does make people violent.
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I changed into my uniform, did my makeup — because I'm fabulous — and headed downstairs.
(Her uniform and make-up natural)
Sat and started to eat.
"Jay, eat faster," Kuya Percy said, checking his watch like he was the CEO of Time. "We can't have you ruining my entrance."
Kuya Jare smirked. "Your ears are still red."
I grabbed a banana and launched it at him.
"This is your fault," I said.
They both burst out laughing.
Percy flipped his hair. "Honestly, I look good in red."
Jare dodged the banana like a ninja.
And me?
I kept eating.
Because in this house, breakfast is served with drama.
_____________________________ *AT SCHOOL * ______________________________________
I reached school. Barely.
Slid into my seat between David and Ci-n.
David was awake.
A miracle.
"I wonder if it's gonna rain," I said.
"Why?" he asked.
"Because you're actually conscious."
He smirked. "You're underestimating me."
"Sure," I said, grinning.
"Anyway, why are you late?" David asked.
I told him everything
I showed him my ear.
"Damn, Jay. He really took it serious."
"He did," I said. "Made me come to school because I ruined his romantic Luna time."
David blinked.
Then smirked.
"Tragic."
I nodded. "My ear agrees."
I felt it.
Someone was in his seat.
Keifer's.
Probably one of the snakes — testing me, waiting to see if I'd crack.
Nice try.
I didn't flinch.
Because there's no way that gago's here.
He's gone.
Sir Alvin started roll call.
"Ci-N Peralta."
"Present."
"Superman Eman."
"Present."
Names flew by.
Then—
"Mark Keifer Watson."
I scoffed. "What the hell are you talking about? He's not—"
"Present."
I snapped my head so fast I nearly dislocated something.
And there he was.
Sitting there.
Smirking.
Waving at me like he didn't rip my heart out and serve it with a side of betrayal.
Like nothing ever happened.
Like we weren't a war.
And my stupid heart?
Still skipped.
Traitor.
The snakes started whispering.
Snickering.
Sir Alvin raised an eyebrow. "Are you okay, Miss Mariano?"
I turned, smiled like a liar.
"Of course, Sir. Why wouldn't I be?"
Inside?
I was combusting.
But outside?
I was flawless.
Class started.
I couldn't concentrate.
"Miss Mariano," Sir said. "Please help Mr. Watson catch up on his missing work."
"I can't, Sir."
"You have to."
"I don't have a choice, do I?"
He nodded like it was the most normal thing in the world.
Ci-n leaned over, barely holding in a laugh. "Jay, you okay?"
"Why?"
"You look like you're about to kill someone."
"I'm about to throw this chair at you."
The class exploded.
Even Sir chuckled.
Keifer?
Still smirking.
Still breathing.
Unfortunately.
The ball rang and I went outside for some air
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