Ang Mutya Ng Section E (Book - 2) English

Jay-Jay's POV

I didn't sleep well. Dark circles have formed under my eyes again. I'm not myself anymore. Stupid. I've been standing in front of the mirror, brushing my teeth for an hour.

I think my teeth are going to rot.

A knock on my bedroom door startled me, followed by loud yelling.

"Hurry up! We're going to be late!"

That's Aries.

I took a deep breath, rinsed my mouth, and washed my toothbrush before leaving the bathroom. I walked straight to the door and opened it. His eyebrows instantly furrowed when he saw that I hadn't taken a shower yet.

"What is this?! Do you even know what time it is?!" he asked, clearly annoyed.

I stared at him, bored. "I don't know. Do you have a watch? Why don't you—AHH!"

I nearly fell to the floor from the force of him shaking me. I grabbed my head with both hands, tears welling in my eyes.

Damn it! Is he trying to break my neck?!

"Oh no! That hurts!" I snapped at him.

"Cut it out!" he yelled back. "You're letting that guy affect you too much!"

Damn it again!

I thought it would be easy not to care. If he's still with Ella, he thinks I don't know? They're not even officially back together yet, and he's already acting like that. What a drama king!

"You have a love life! Stop bothering me!"

"You're so frustrating! Just hurry up and get ready. I'm going ahead. See you at school."

"What about the Serpents?" I asked.

"Who?" he asked back, confused.

"My classmates."

He hesitated, clearly unsure if he should leave me alone. But if he stayed any longer, he'd be late, and that wasn't an option for someone in a higher section.

"Fine. It's up to you. But text me, okay? And don't leave the house until your ride arrives," he instructed firmly, still staring at me.

"Yes, yes! Now go already!"

I turned my back on him and shut the door. Heading back to the bathroom, I resumed my morning routine.

The truth is, I have no intention of making amends with anyone from the Ulupongs. I wouldn't even blame them if they ended up being late.

If Sato wants to threaten me, let him. I need to face my fears. Nothing will change if I keep letting him get to me. I don't even know him that well—maybe he's all talk.

By the time I finished my shower, my fingers were wrinkled from being in the water too long. I dried off and examined my face in the mirror. The redness had faded, leaving only a few faint scars. I got dressed and prepared for the day.

As I put on my shoes, my phone rang. A text message. I finished tying my laces before checking it. It was from Yuri.

📩

From: Pres. Yuri

Message: Where are you? Why aren't you here yet?

I quickly typed a reply.

To: Pres. Yuri

Message: Still at home. I'll be late.

📩

From: Pres. Yuri

Message: You're already late. I'll pick you up.

He's probably at school already, judging by his message. It would be a hassle if he had to come back just for me.

To: Pres. Yuri

Message: No need. I'm on my way. See you there, bro.

I didn't wait for his response. Instead, I double-checked my belongings, making sure I had everything. Satisfied, I finally stepped out of the house.

I informed one of the maids before leaving through the gate. Just as I did, I noticed a taxi approaching.

That was surprising—taxis rarely passed through this area. Most people here were rich. They all had cars.

Still, I decided to take it. Maybe the driver had just dropped someone off nearby. The taxi stopped in front of me.

I figured I'd rather get in now than wait around the corner. Who knows? Sato might show up again.

As soon as I got inside, I realized there was already someone in the front seat. I reached for the door handle.

"Sorry, I didn't notice you already had a—"

Before I could finish my sentence, I heard the door locks click. I immediately tried to open the door, but it was too late. The car sped off.

"W-Who are you?! What do you want from me?!" I shouted, banging on the car window.

Neither of them moved or turned to look at me. Both were wearing bonnets and black t-shirts or jackets. Seizing the opportunity, I quickly took out my cellphone and dialed a number.

One of them seemed to notice me. The man sitting next to the driver turned and tried to grab my cellphone. I blocked him with my foot to keep him from reaching me.

"Give me that!" he shouted.

"I won't! Get away from me!"

I kicked at him to stop him from getting closer.

Glancing at my phone, I saw Yuri's name appear on the screen. He was calling. Without hesitation, I answered.

"YURI!" I screamed, holding the phone away from them.

"...HELP...YOU...ME! HELP...YOU! SOMEONE...KIDNAP...ME!"

"I TOLD YOU SO!" the man yelled and snatched my phone from my hand.

"Give it back! YUUURRRIII!!!"

Frustrated, I slammed my fists on the dashboard. I was so angry that I kicked their seats.

"Stop that! We might get into an accident!" the driver shouted at his companion.

Before I could react, the man beside him took my phone. Enraged, I wrapped my arm around his neck from behind, putting him in a chokehold. My arm hurt, but I tightened my grip as much as I could.

"P-Pre! P-Kill-yin a-me!" he choked out with difficulty.

The driver tried to stop me but struggled to concentrate on both driving and dealing with me.

"Leave that one to me!" he yelled, trying to pry my arm away.

He dug his nails into my skin, making me scream in pain, but I refused to let go. Instead, I tightened my grip even more.

"Fuck you, girl!" the driver shouted, eyes fixed on the road.

"You're a coward!" I shot back.

Did they think they were the only ones who could play dirty?! The pain intensified as his nails pressed deeper into my skin. My grip loosened slightly, but I quickly kicked his side. I didn't care if he was driving—I just needed to fight back. The car swerved violently from my kicks. Horns blared from the vehicles behind us.

"You lunatic!" the driver yelled.

"Argh! You're the crazy one!" I screamed back.

I kept kicking when suddenly, something slammed into our car. The impact threw me backward, and I collapsed onto the backseat.

"Who the hell is that?!" the driver shouted, struggling to control the car.

Dazed, I glanced outside and realized where we were. We were on the highway!

I turned back to the two men. The driver was focused on maneuvering the car while his companion coughed and gasped for breath.

"Where are you taking me?!" I demanded angrily.

Neither of them answered. Before I could react, another collision sent a violent jolt through the car. I nearly fell from the impact.

I turned to look behind us—and then I saw it. A familiar car.

"YURI!!" I screamed.

He couldn't hear me, but I still yelled his name. The moment he saw me, his expression shifted from determination to concern.bHe gestured for me to move to the other side of the car.

Despite my confusion, I obeyed. Yuri hit the car again, this time harder. The impact shook the vehicle, and I nearly screamed.

Fear crept up my spine at the thought of an accident, but this was my only chance. I was ready to go back to the hospital if that's what it took.

But before I could do anything else, the taxi suddenly reversed, slamming into Yuri's car. My heart pounded. I peeked at him, but he didn't seem fazed.

This can't go on! I need to do something! I turned back to the driver and kicked him again.

"Hey! Stop it!" his companion shouted, reaching to restrain me.

I kicked him too. The taxi jerked violently before spinning out of control.

The tires screeched against the asphalt. Bracing myself for impact, I curled up, covered my head with my arms, and held my breath.

The car stopped spinning on its own, and no impact occurred. The smell of burning rubber and smoke filled the air. I heard a door open, so I got up.

The driver and his companion were gone. I was stunned, unable to comprehend what had just happened. I was so close!

The door next to me opened, and I turned around. Yuri stood there, his face full of concern.

"Jay! Are you okay?" he asked worriedly.

Without thinking, I threw my arms around him. My whole body was trembling, drenched in sweat.

"I almost—"

"Sshhh... It's okay. I'm here," he whispered soothingly.

"Y-Yuri..." My voice trembled as tears threatened to fall.

He hugged me tightly in return. I was afraid to let go, as if my mind refused to process what had just happened.

After a moment, Yuri gently pulled away. He cupped my face with both hands, forcing myself to focus on him.

"Are you hurt? Did they do anything to you? How do you feel?" he asked, firing questions one after another.

I shook my head. "N-nothing hurts."

I glanced at the taxi. A wallet lay on the driver's seat. I picked it up and handed it to Yuri.

"Maybe we can use this to help."

He nodded and pulled out an ID. I looked inside the taxi again and spotted my phone on the floor. Grabbing it along with my bag, I turned back to Yuri.

"Let's get out of here," I said firmly.

"Alright," he replied, stepping out first.

I followed, but as soon as I took a step, my knees gave out. I nearly collapsed, but Yuri caught me just in time.

With his support, I managed to reach his car. He helped me inside before pulling out his phone to make a call.

I simply nodded, my eyes fixed on the taxi in front of us. It was hard to believe they had used a public vehicle to kidnap me.

I had no proof, but deep down, I had a strong hunch—Sato was behind this. Who else would want to take me?

Annoying!

I refused to let fear consume me. I had to fight back. You're Japanese, Sato! One kick, and I'll send you straight back to Japan!

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the car door closing. I hadn't even realized Yuri had already gotten in.

"I called the police to report what happened. They'll need your statement," he explained. "...Do you think someone is trying to harm you?"

I shook my head. "That'll just make things worse. Let's say it was a simple holdup."

He nodded. Soon, the police arrived, and we spent nearly 30 minutes explaining everything.

Since we were minors, the officers wanted to summon our parents, but Yuri introduced himself and assured them he would act as a representative.

"The taxi was reported stolen yesterday," Yuri said as he got into the car. "...Looks like this was planned."

I clenched my fists. They had been waiting for me. It seemed like they had been planning to take me in that taxi for a while.

Bad luck! If only I had gone with Aries!

Yuri started the car. "I'm taking you to the hospital for—"

"Take me to school," I interrupted. "I'm fine. I wasn't hurt."

He was silent for a moment, seemingly considering my words.

"Alright, but promise me you'll tell me if you feel unwell."

I nodded, avoiding his gaze. I was still furious about the sneaky kidnapping attempt. There was no way I'd ever take a taxi again. The ride to school was quiet. When we arrived, I stepped out of the car and paused.

Where was my classroom?

I was about to ask Yuri, but instead, I decided to follow him. He walked past the main building and headed straight for the... auditorium?

Yesterday, it was the gym. Today, it's the auditorium. At this rate, we'll be kicked out of every place. How embarrassing!

As we entered, I spotted the Snakes sitting in a corner, cross-legged on the floor, facing a teacher. The moment we approached, their attention shifted to us.

"Sorry if we're late," Yuri said to the teacher.

The female teacher gave us a hard look. "Like I care. Sit anywhere."

I raised an eyebrow. Our teachers keep changing, over and over again. Only Sir Alvin truly cares about us.

I made my way to the back, where the Serpents were seated—that's where we were headed. Just as I sat down, I noticed Ci-N waving at me with a smile.

I simply nodded in response. I wasn't in the mood to smile back. I was still upset about what happened earlier. If I go home, aunt will ask me about it. Then brother will find out—it's inevitable.

He'll know I'm lying. Worse, he might even find out what happened in the taxi through his connections.

What connections, though? Smart or Globe?

The class ended with me still dumbfounded, raising my eyebrows in frustration. The rude teacher turned his back on me without another glance.

"Why were you late?" Mayo asked teasingly, sitting closest to me.

His silly smile instantly irritated me. Just looking at him annoyed me.

"Please!" I snapped, unintentionally drawing attention from others.

Mayo was clearly taken aback by my response. "What's your problem? I was just asking."

"You can ask. But why? Are we even okay?"

I was surprised when he suddenly stood up and pointed at me. "There! That's what you're good at—scolding people!"

I stood up, meeting his angry glare. "And so what if I scold you? I have the right to!"

"Even now? Jay, we've been through so much. Why can't you just forgive us?!"

Forgive?! How bold of him.

"How can I do that when you don't even regret what you did? You're still acting all high and mighty!"

"The problem is you—you think you're so important!" he shouted right in my face.

Something snapped in my brain. Before I even realized it, my fist had already landed on his face. It was too late to stop myself. Mayo collapsed instantly, and his fellow Ulupong members rushed to him.

"Jay!" Yuri called out. "Why did you do that?!"

Nothing. I just felt like it. I didn't like the tone of his question. It made it seem like everything was my fault.

"I scolded him!" I defended myself.

"Even so! You know what he's like—why did you have to hit him?"

Oh, great. So now it's my fault?!

I didn't say another word. Annoyed, I kicked my bag and stormed out of the auditorium. I hadn't gotten far when I felt someone grab my arm.

I yanked my arm away and glared, thinking it was Yuri, but it turned out to be someone else.

"Jay, I'm really sorry for what Mayo did," Kit said. His voice was pleading. "Please... talk to him. Make him apologize."

I couldn't help but look into his eyes. They were red and puffy, like he'd been crying or hadn't slept. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. But I was still furious. No—not just angry. I was disgusted.

I was already upset about what happened in the taxi earlier, and now Mayo had only made things worse. Great. Just great.

"You know, Kit, I do appreciate that you helped me," I said bitterly. "But what hurts even more is what Mayo said. It's like he doesn't even realize that I was hurt."

Kit lowered his head. "I'm really sorry, Jay." He stepped closer, but I backed away. "...Please, believe me. We are sorry."

I shook my head. "That's not what I see from the rest of you."

"What do I have to do for you to give us a chance?"

I looked away, biting my lower lip. I was still angry. My chest felt unbearably heavy.

"I don't know... Maybe admit to them that you're gay. Then maybe I'll forgive you."

The words left my mouth before I even realized it. Without another word, I turned and walked away.

I didn't wait for his reaction. I didn't plan to go home just yet. Instead, I headed to the bathroom to wash my face and clear my head.

Thankfully, the restroom was empty when I entered. I splashed cold water on my face and looked at myself in the mirror.

I really don't understand what's happening to me. Every time I say something, it's out of anger. I need to talk to Kit. I need to explain that I didn't really mean that.

Grabbing some tissue from the dispenser, I quickly wiped my face and rushed back to the auditorium. But the moment I arrived, I froze. Kit was standing at the front, speaking to everyone.

"Jay-Jay! Hurry up!" Ci called out, smiling. "Kit's about to announce something!"

Oh, shit.

I hurried forward, hoping to stop him. This isn't what I meant when I told him to admit his true self to everyone. I tried to reach him, but I was too late.

In an instant, the Serpents' expressions shifted.

"This is for real," Kit said "...I'm gay."