Ang Mutya Ng Section E (Book - 2) English

Jay-Jay's POV

Unbelibubbles—unbelievable!

It's a king! This school really makes me angry. The P.E. teacher sent us out of the gymnasium. We were basically told that we are not important in this school.

And the ending? Everyone just goes home. The Ulupongs are already getting wet, imitating Drew, who went home earlier.

"Jay," Yuri called me. "Have you called Percy yet?"

I nodded. "He said he's on his way."

He smiled apologetically. "Sorry, I just have somewhere to go. I wanted to take you home myself."

I was supposed to go with him earlier, but he suddenly received a text message. He said he was being sent home because his grandfather needed to talk to him. I asked him to call Percy to take me home.

I don't want to commute.

I patted him on the arm. "It's okay. Aries and Percy will be there to take me."

He smiled at me with concern. "I just really want to make sure you're going to be okay. Your life is in danger."

It's because of Sato again! When will my problems with that man ever end?

"I know. But like I always say... I can handle it myself," I replied arrogantly.

Although, to be honest, I feel like someone could kidnap me at any moment. I don't feel safe leaving alone.

I saw Ci-N and Felix approaching us. Good thing Young Snake has taken off his ridiculous outfit. It would be embarrassing if he walked out of school looking like that. What a disaster—he's crazy.

"Are you going home?" Ci-N asked me sadly.

"Yeah, you know my life is in danger."

Just earlier, Yuri confirmed to me that the entire Section E knows about the threat against me. Even the King knows, but why does he act like he doesn't care?

Ci-N hunched over and swayed like a wilted vegetable. He probably wants to do something but can't.

"I wanted to hang out with you," he said, sounding like he was about to cry.

I want to as well.

"It's not possible, Ci-N. We have to ensure Jay-jay's safety now," Yuri said.

"Yuri's right. You can come with us to take Jay home if you want," Felix added.

Ci-N took a deep breath. "Alright, what choice do I have?"

I felt a little down because of his sadness. It shouldn't be like this.

Not long after, my crazy brother arrived—who also happens to be Felix's brother. Oh, right?! Our brother's wealth.

Yuri said goodbye and reminded me to text him immediately if anything happened or if I needed him.

"Why are you going home so early?" Percy asked as we got into his car.

His eyebrows quickly furrowed when he saw Ci-N sitting in the backseat after me.

"Long story, Brother," Felix answered, but his eyes remained on Ci-N.

"Why is that short one with you?!" Percy asked irritably.

"I'm helping take Jay home," Ci-N answered proudly.

Percy scoffed. "So now I have to take you home too? You guys really have no shame, huh?" he said sarcastically.

And just like that, they started exchanging harsh words. Felix and I both chose to look out the window instead.

I don't really want to go home yet. It's too early, and I have nothing to do there. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to go for a little walk first. Besides, I'm with them.

"I don't feel like going home yet," I said, and Ci-N grinned at me like an excited puppy.

"Let's go, then!" he suggested.

Percy looked at me in surprise. "Are you sure about that?"

"Kuya is right. It's dangerous to wander around outside," Felix added.

"But I'm with you guys. You won't leave me alone, right?" I said with a little pleading effect.

Felix and Percy exchanged glances, silently agreeing with what I said. I twinkled my eyes at them for extra persuasion.

"Alright. But maybe we should go somewhere less crowded."

We both looked at Percy. "Where?" I asked.

"Wait, let me think."

I heard Ci mumbling next to me, so I glanced at him.

"We can't leave," he whispered. "...he said he'll think about it. He can't think about it—"

I immediately covered his mouth. If our driver hears him, they'll definitely start fighting again. We might even end up dealing with syam-syam here.

At this rate, we'll still be here by nightfall, and they'll still be arguing.

"I already know," Percy said and started the car.

I looked at Felix, hoping he had a clue about where Percy was taking us, but he seemed just as clueless as I was.

I let go of Ci's mouth and signaled him to stay quiet. Who knows what nonsense might come out of it next?

We waited to see where my crazy stepbrother was taking us. As I looked out the window, I noticed the houses and buildings becoming unfamiliar. I leaned forward.

"Where are we? Where are we going?"

"It's a sightseeing spot. There aren't too many people there," he answered.

I just shrugged and let him do whatever he wanted. Batman can take us wherever he likes. But if he pulls something stupid, I swear I'll poke his eye out.

I'll make those blue eyes red.

The car kept moving. I was looking out the window when something caught my attention—kids running around. They looked about four to six years old, still dressed in uniforms that seemed to belong to a private school.

The car gradually slowed down and came to a stop. One by one, we got out, and almost instantly, we all reacted the same way.

"Seriously? Here?" I asked Percy, annoyed.

He just smiled and nodded. Felix frowned at me, and I could tell he wanted to tease Percy.

I looked at Young Snake —he was the only one who seemed genuinely happy about this place.

"Can we go to the playground?"

"I like it here!" Ci said excitedly, giving a thumbs-up.

"Right? Sightseeing! And hardly any people!" Percy said proudly, gesturing around.

"Aim!" I shouted at him. "...But you... Haizzt!"

"You brought us to a kids' playground!" Felix added.

No wonder we saw children on the road earlier. I rolled my eyes and noticed a large building not far away. The name was written in big letters:

Hopes and Joy School of Learning

A kindergarten. And it looked like their playground.

"Weeeeeee...!" I heard Ci shout.

He wasted no time running straight to the swings and playing.

"At least he's happy... unlike my brothers," the mischievous blue-eyed troublemaker said.

I ignored him and went to sit on the swing next to Ci, pushing myself lightly. Hopefully, he doesn't go flying. I started swinging too, though not as high as Ci.

"Jay! Look! I'm flying!" he said, swinging higher and higher.

I looked over at my brothers sitting nearby. They weren't playing, just stubbornly sitting there, acting too cool for this.

Too bad. I'm actually enjoying this!

I swear I'm not being sarcastic. Just a little.

"Idiot!" Felix shouted.

Percy had lifted one side of the swing, keeping Felix stuck in the air. He could jump, but every time he tried, Percy would lower his side just to mess with him.

"Brother! You idiot! Put me down!" Felix yelled again.

I just laughed at them. Their childish sides were showing. At least with Ci, I had no expectations—he is a child.

I kept swinging, gradually going higher. Ci and I were almost racing to see who could go the highest.

"Wweeeeee! Hahahahaha," I laughed, and Ci laughed along with me.

"See? I told you this place is fun!" Percy said, still messing with Felix.

"Yeah! Now put me down!"

We swung even higher until, suddenly, Felix jumped. The force made the swing jolt, and for a second, I thought he was going to crash into the ground. But like an acrobat, he landed smoothly, raising both hands in victory.

Wow… the crazy ones are popular.

"Angas!" Percy complimented him.

He turned to me with a wide grin, raising his eyebrows—clearly proud of what the troublemaker had done.

"You're crazy!" I screamed.

"I'm from!" he bragged.

I wasn't going to let him have the last laugh. "You think that was impressive? Easy, right?"

I've done that before. Even higher. I made sure to swing with more force, ensuring I went even higher than he had earlier.

"Hey, Jay! That's dangerous!" Of course, it was Percy who had to be the voice of reason.

They ignored him and continued playing. Timing it just right, I jumped off the swing.

Dead.

That's when my foot got caught in the seat. Oh no. I was going to fall—face first.

"Aaaggkkkk!" I screamed.

"Shit!" Percy shouted.

"Jay!" Felix screamed at the same time.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" A loud burst of laughter erupted from Young Snake.

I slowly sat up, dazed. The pain in my face and shoulder hit me first—they had slammed straight into the hard ground. As I lifted my head, I saw the three of them barely holding back their laughter.

How embarrassing! How arrogant of me!

"Oh my..." I groaned, holding my forehead, nose, and mouth.

I even tasted a bit of dirt between my teeth. At least I wasn't bleeding.

"Do you… w-want to go to the hospital?" Percy asked, barely containing his laughter.

I glared at him. He obviously wanted to burst out laughing.

"Y-you're not dizzy?" Felix asked, struggling to keep a straight face.

I shot him the same deadly glare. If looks could kill, they'd all be dead by now. Their faces were red, their nostrils flaring as they held in their laughter.

No one spoke—until Ci-N suddenly started singing.

"I believe I can fly… I believe I can touch the sky…"

Like a child!

The troublemakers couldn't hold it in any longer. They exploded with laughter. Felix was already rolling on the floor, and Percy was on his knees, gasping for air.

What else did I expect from these three? I dusted off my clothes and wiped my face with a handkerchief, tears welling in my eyes.

I cried because my face hurt.

I cried because my dignity was slipping away.

I cried because of these three monkeys.

Ugh. I just want to go home.

As I sulked, I noticed someone nearby. The three idiots were too busy laughing to see what was coming.

"Are you okay, Jay?" a voice asked.

Ci-N looked up. "David!" he greeted.

David's eyes were still on me. "I saw what happened. Are you okay?"

Great. Just great. More embarrassment.

I stared at him. Felix, Percy, and Ci-N also turned to him at the same time—because of one word. Saw.

Wait, what? How did he see that? There was no one around earlier. That's why we felt safe messing around here in the playground.

"Where did you see me? Where were you earlier?" I asked as I stood up, still brushing off the dirt from my clothes.

Felix stood up as well.

David pointed toward the school building nearby. "From there."

All four of us blurted out, "Huh?" at the same time.

What is he, an eagle? Even though the building isn't far, he shouldn't have been able to see us that clearly.

"Because I saw you on the CCTV," he added, pointing at the post in front of us. "I ran over as soon as I saw you fall."

What? CCTV?! Oh, come on!

So there's an actual recording of my stupidity?!

"There's CCTV in the playground?" Felix asked. "Why?"

"For the safety of our students," David explained.

"We?" Ci asked.

"The school and the playground are ours," he explained and walked toward me.

He took a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped my face.

"Your forehead and nose are red," he said.

I really do feel pain on my forehead. I hope my face doesn't have a scratch. Too bad—I'm beautiful.

"Is there a wound?" I asked.

"Just small scars," he answered and stopped wiping my face. "...We should have the school nurse check that."

"No need," I refused. "...Nothing hurts."

"Are you sure about that?" Percy asked. "...We might end up seeing you at the hospital. I'll have a CT scan done on you."

I'm so tired of him. A CT scan? And yet he was laughing so loudly earlier? I feel oppressed—I almost want to cry out of annoyance. So dramatic. Hospitalization for something this minor.

"No need. I'm fine."

"We'll see." He insisted. "...Your head is already empty, and now it's been hit again."

I quickly walked up to him and grabbed his head.

"You guys are idiots!"

"Ouch! My hair!" He complained before I let him go.

"See? She's fine now!" Ci teased. "...Back to playing. I'm going on the slide!"

The little rascal was already running toward the slide, playing alone, but still grinning from ear to ear.

David just shook his head at him. Percy and Felix returned to the seesaw, and this time, Felix was getting his revenge. I turned to David, who was watching me, seemingly observing me.

"Thanks for your concern. I'm really fine. Promise," I said with a smile.

He nodded. "Good thing nothing bad happened to you. Your face is still fresh." His tone was teasing.

I frowned. "Of course! It's a good thing I have thick skin."

Thick as mammon.

He chuckled. "You really love extreme sports, don't you?"

Oh, go ahead! Get annoyed. Feel it!

"I was just copying Ci," I muttered, looking down.

He shook his head, still laughing. Just don't let him watch the replay of what happened—I'll curse him.

I looked at their school building. "I didn't know you guys had your own school. So rich!"

"That school actually belonged to my uncle, but he sold it to our family," he explained.

I nodded. "I see. So, what were you doing earlier, watching us on CCTV?"

"The security guard pointed you out to me. He said you were wearing the same uniform as mine."

Oh, so it was their security.

"JAY-JAY!"

Ci's voice echoed as if he had a stereo in his throat. He screamed so loudly, it sounded like an accident had happened. Felix and Percy jumped off the seesaw, thinking something bad had occurred.

"What is it? Why are you screaming?!" I asked, annoyed as I approached him.

He ran towards me. "I saw something!"

"Again?!"

"What did you see?"

"A girl?"

Percy and I asked almost at the same time. David just stood there, arms crossed, watching him. Ci was pointing at something in the distance, looking utterly shocked.

"I-I saw it! T-there's... what!"

"What?!" I asked, irritated.

The suspense is killing me!

"I saw someone selling ice cream!" His eyes were still wide.

I raised my fist, nearly punching him in the face. Seriously?! I thought he saw something important—but it was just ice cream!

"Talk to him, Jay. I might actually hurt him," Felix muttered.

"You can hurt him. We won't stop you," David replied.

I noticed Percy getting closer to Ci, his face very serious. When he finally reached him, he stopped and placed a hand on Young Snake's shoulder.

I wondered what he was going to do. I expected that he had lost his temper and was planning to hurt the other guy, but instead, he spoke—something that surprised us all.

"Tell the truth," he said sternly.

Even Ci was taken aback. He looks like he's losing it again.

"Tell me," Percy repeated, his voice laced with anger. "...Tell me!"

"W-what am I supposed to say?"

"Tell me where the ice cream is! Point it out!" he shouted, looking for someone important.

Ci placed a hand on his shoulder, his face sad, as if he was about to cry. I feel like I know where this scene is going.

"It hurts to say this, but..." Ci took a deep breath. "...it's gone! It's far from here!"

Percy suddenly let out a roar, as if he had lost a loved one. He cried, but there were no tears.

"No! Noooo! Why does this have to happen?!" he wailed, falling to his knees.

Ci joined him in his act, and the crook also started crying.

"There's nothing we can do. It's far away!" he said.

The crook, however, was still upset. "Why didn't you tell me right away?!"

"I tried, but it all happened too fast!"

We both slapped our foreheads. Like I said before, these two really shouldn't be together.

"You're so over-the-top!" Felix said, annoyed.

"Stop the drama. The ice cream vendor is right there," David pointed out as we suddenly heard the familiar ice cream jingle.

Both of them seemed to have a stroke in their brains. They immediately stood up, putting on serious expressions. The moment they spotted the vendor, they started running toward him—Percy almost tripping in the process.

"Yup... they're ready to die for ice cream," David shook his head before turning to me. "...Do you want some?"

Who doesn't like ice cream?

"What about me? You're not going to ask?" Felix complained.

"No need. I already know you want it too."

Felix quickly frowned. "With the way you're rushing, you might as well propose. I could report you for—"

He stopped mid-sentence when he caught me staring at him. He simply smiled and walked over to Percy instead.

What does that mean? Does he also have contact with Keifer? Unbelievable!

I turned to David and shot him a glare. "Hey! You! Do you also have contact with that viper pest?!"

He quickly looked away. "Well... he called me once, but it never happened again."

How mature!