Ang Mutya Ng Section E (Book - 2) English

Jay-Jay's POV

The boy, Garlic, was out of breath. Or was it just my breath that was bad?

Eww… didn't brush your teeth?

Stupid! You're supposed to be my conscience, but you don't even know that I brushed my teeth. I did! Yes, tooth. Just one.

I came in with an empty stomach. I didn't have breakfast at home, thinking I'd buy something at the mini-mart. But fate was cruel to me—my allowance was running low, and I had to make it last.

I was forced to enter class on an empty stomach. But the heavens took pity on me because, when I sat down, there was a bag of snacks on my table. I had no intention of paying attention to it, but my hunger got the best of me.

It was a good breakfast!

I ate it without hesitation. Whoever left food on my table, I thank you today.

"Hey! You're such an idiot," Ci-N said while taking some of the snacks.

I couldn't wait anymore. He had already opened it and was happily eating.

"Do you know who left this here?" I asked him while opening a pack of Pillows.

He shook his head. "No."

I narrowed my eyes at him. Why do I not trust his answer? This little brat once kept a secret from me—it's not impossible that he's doing it again.

"The truth?" I pressed.

He took another bite before speaking. "Not really… but—" He swallowed his food first. "...but I heard them. They said they were going to trick you, just like Yuri and I did. So, this is probably one of their ways of fooling you."

They're trying to win me over?! Just like that?!

Do they really think I'd just give in? I gave Ci and Yu a chance because, aside from being dry, they admitted their mistakes. But these pests? These traitorous snakes?! They even have the audacity to face me sometimes.

And now they think a bag of snacks is enough to sway me? No way! If I ever forgive them, there will be a snack shortage across the entire Philippines first!

Ci-N stood up and went to the back to get water from the dispenser. I also got up because my sickness started acting up again.

I'm sick… Tamaritis! Only lazy people suffer from this! Hehehe.

Sir Alvin arrived, so I was forced to clean the mess on my table. Class started, and everything seemed back to normal with Ci-N and David.

The usual—Sir would turn his back while teaching, and David and I would play around. When Sir looked our way, David would pretend to be asleep, acting like nothing happened when he woke up.

As funny as it was, I couldn't help but feel like something was missing. I looked back and saw the King's empty seat.

What if he never comes back?

My gaze shifted to Yuri, who was busy writing—his red hair slightly bent forward as he focused on the board. A true nerd.

I looked forward again and pretended to listen to Sir, though I wasn't really paying attention. After class, Sir told us to review because the fourth exam was next month.

After that, we'd have the Post-Final exam. That's when they decide whether a student can graduate or not. Why does that even exist? What if you pass all the exams but fail that one? Then you can't graduate?

I think that's emotional torture.

While waiting for the next teacher, we suddenly heard a commotion outside. Denzel, who was sitting near the window, peeked out.

"Section D," he said.

The troublemakers were about to get up and check what was happening outside when someone suddenly threw a firecracker into our classroom.

It was the so-called Belt of Judas.

We were all shocked, and our fear intensified when we saw the wick was already lit. Panicked, we quickly covered our ears as the firecracker exploded one after another.

Smoke filled the room, and we ran toward the back to get away.

Ci-N kept shouting something, but I couldn't hear a word.

"We're under attack! It's the end of us! We're about to die!" he shouted, and that was when I finally understood.

It's just fireworks! Not gunfire!

The explosions continued, and to make things worse, the thick smoke made it hard for us to breathe. I wanted to go outside, but I couldn't—the fireworks were too close to the door.

I glanced at David and noticed he was still curled up on his desk, fast asleep. I couldn't tell if he was just numb or truly oblivious to the deafening noise around him.

"HEY! DAVID!" I screamed, but the fireworks drowned out my voice.

"DAVID! I THINK HE'S DEAD!" Ci-N shouted right into my ear.

I flinched as his saliva sprayed all over my face—practically giving me a bath.

Ugh! Rabies again!

Since David still wasn't moving, I grabbed a notebook and threw it at his head. He flinched and coughed, clearly struggling to breathe because of the smoke. Finally, he stood up and removed the headset from his ears.

So that's why he wasn't waking up!

His eyes darted around in confusion before he spotted us all huddled in the back of the room. He quickly rushed over.

"What happened?! Where did that come from?!" he demanded.

Suddenly, Ci-N jumped on his back, screaming at the top of his lungs.

"WE'RE UNDER ATTACK! IT'S A TERRORIST! WE'RE GOING TO DIE!"

David couldn't even respond—Ci-N was choking him while shaking him violently.

I rubbed my eyes. The smoke was unbearable. It felt like my lungs were being crushed, and I was starting to struggle for air. Am I really going to die here… from suffocation?

A loud crash behind us made us all turn. The water dispenser had been knocked over as Blaster grabbed the gallon. Struggling at first, he finally lifted it with all his might and hurled it at the fireworks.

Within seconds, the explosions stopped. The floor was now wet, but the danger was gone.

"It's over! Let's get out of here!" Eman shouted, and we wasted no time.

Yuri helped me to my feet and supported me as we rushed outside. Everyone was gasping for breath, desperate for fresh air.

"What?! Are you getting down now?!" David asked, clearly irritated as he tried to shake Ci-N off his back.

"No! I'm going to live here behind you!"

Seriously?! What does David's back look like—a house?

Even after everything that happened, Ci-N still had the energy to mess around. Meanwhile, the rest of us were barely able to breathe. Luckily, Blaster had acted quickly, or things could have been worse.

"Did you like our gift?"

We all turned toward the voice. It was Mykel, standing with some students from Section A—and, of course, their henchmen from Section D.

"What's your problem, Mykel?!" Yuri snapped.

"It's just payback!" he sneered before laughing with his group.

My fists clenched. Will this guy ever stop?! He was still salty because Kuya Angelo had embarrassed him before.

Suddenly, someone threw a stick at us. We barely dodged it, stumbling in the process. The others burst into laughter, as if watching us struggle was the funniest thing in the world.

"David! They're terrorists!" Ci-N shouted, shaking David again.

"Stop! I can see them!" David growled in frustration.

Where did Ci-N get all this energy? And why was he still clinging to David like that? It wasn't like he was light!

Must be either Boy Bawang… or the smoke's effect!

"Can you guys just leave?!" Rory snapped.

"Oh, acting all tough now? Don't get cocky just because Keifer isn't here!" Mykel taunted.

"Even without Keifer, we won't back down!" Kit shot back.

"What are you waiting for?! Let's fight!" one of Mykel's lackeys yelled.

The Serpents were just about to charge when

"SECTION E! ARE YOU ALL RIGHT?"

Sir Alvin suddenly arrived, accompanied by several teachers.

"We heard reports of smoke coming from your room! Was there a fire?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

Sections D and A immediately scattered. The teachers didn't bother chasing them and instead focused on us. Thankfully, the smoke inside had finally cleared.

"It's not a fire. Someone just threw a firecracker inside the room," Yuri answered.

"Fireworks?!" one of Sir's companions asked. "…Did you bring fireworks to school?"

"It's not us… Mykel's group did it," Edrix replied.

"And why would they do that?" another male teacher asked.

Josh smirked. "Why wouldn't they?"

The teachers—except for Sir Alvin—exchanged glances, their expressions subtly shifting. It was as if they had already chosen a side. Just from their tone and demeanor, it was obvious.

This was well known.

"Is anyone hurt?" Sir asked again.

The Serpents looked at one another, waiting for someone to speak. When no one did, Rory finally answered.

"Nothing—"

But before he could finish, Ci-N suddenly interrupted.

"There is!" he screamed, still clinging to David's back.

"…My heart hurts! I'm brokenhearted! Rakki was ignoring me earlier!"

Sir just scratched his head. He was already used to Ci-N's antics, so he didn't bother responding.

"If anyone is hurt, go straight to the clinic to get checked out," Sir instructed before walking into the room.

He glanced around and winced at the mess on the floor.

"We'll take care of that, Sir. We're fine. Thank you for your concern," Yuri assured him.

Sir smiled and nodded before asking one last time, then finally left with the other teachers.

"Sir! Pay attention to me! My feelings are hurt!" Ci-N shouted dramatically.

I turned to David and noticed that he had gone pale. Ci-N was choking him again while screaming. I smacked Young Kumag hard on the arm, irritated.

"My feelings hurt!" he yelped.

"You're strangling David!" I snapped.

Panicked, he quickly let go and jumped off David's back. David gasped for air.

"You owe me for this," he muttered to Ci-N.

Young Kumag just grinned, flashing a peace sign. Meanwhile, the other Ulupong members entered the room, and we followed. Eman grabbed the nearly empty water gallon and returned it to the dispenser, which Kit and Eren had just fixed.

"Those Section D guys are the worst! They even tried to trip us up!" Felix complained, annoyed.

The firecracker was still burning, with about half of it left. Eren picked it up and started taking it out of the room, but before he could leave, Ci-N stopped him.

"Don't throw it away. I can think of something to do with it," he said, flashing a mischievous grin.

"Hey! What stupid idea are you thinking of now?!" I glared at him.

He just giggled and turned his back on me. I didn't see where Eren went, but I just hoped he threw that firecracker away.

Drew and Mayo grabbed a mop and a rag and started cleaning up the mess on the floor. I helped them, too. It seemed that, because of what happened, the teachers had stopped coming to check on us—maybe they decided to just let us rest.

"We need to give Mykel an ultimatum to stop," I heard Eren say.

"Oh, like it's that easy!" Mayo scoffed, clearly annoyed.

"It is that easy. You're just a coward," Eren shot back.

Mayo dropped the rag he was holding.

"What did you just say?!" he growled, stepping forward, but Denzel and Edrix quickly intervened.

"That's enough! Let it go!"

"We're about to fight!"

"Stop, stop!"

"Stand down!" Calix shouted.

They obeyed, though they exchanged sharp glares, silently threatening each other. Their tempers were clearly flaring.

Once the room was clean, we all went our separate ways. It seemed like no other teachers were coming to check in, so Eman decided to cook lunch.

While they were talking casually, I took out my cellphone. I received a text message from Gagong Baliw, but he wasn't my target.

I texted Percy to bring me lunch. I had no intention of repeating yesterday. What are they trying to do? Bringing me down little by little? Do they think I'm foolish?

Ugh… it smells like pickles!

I glanced at Eman. Ulupong was being cooked like adobo. I just wanted to eat here.

Let's stay here!

But that wasn't an option. It would be as if I had forgiven them—and that was a definite no!

Alas! I had been completely infected by the dead guts of the Snakes. But I wouldn't give in. I wouldn't eat here! Even if Eman was cooking lechon.

"Let's eat, Jay!" Ci said.

I stared at him. "I have something for you to do."

"What is it?" he asked, smiling as he stepped closer.

I whispered, "Get me some food—but don't give it to me."

He scratched his head, looking confused. "Huh?"

"Just take it. Be discreet and bring it to our hangout upstairs."

He nodded slowly. "Alright."

Yes! My intelligence truly shines when it comes to food.

Just as Eman finished cooking, the bell rang. It was lunchtime. I stood up to leave, but Felix immediately stopped me.

"Eat here," he said with a smile.

I shook my head. "I texted Percy. He's bringing my food."

"You two are still—"

"Not anymore," I cut him off seriously.

He lowered his head, forcing a smile. It seemed he finally understood that he couldn't persuade me. I walked past him and left. Before stepping out completely, I took one last glance at Ci.

Pickles! Pickles! Ahihihi…

When I reached the second floor of the building, I heard a door close. My attention immediately shifted to the end of the room, where pictures of the former Section E were displayed.

No one else could open that room—Keifer had the key. Unless he left it with Yuri, but Yuri was in the classroom.

I walked over and pressed my hand against the door, trying to sense if someone was inside. I also tried turning the doorknob, but it was locked. Knocking, I waited, hoping someone would open it.

Weird. But I did hear a door close…

I shrugged it off. Maybe it was just our classroom door shutting a bit too hard. Ci-N arrived at our hangout spot near the stairs, but he wasn't carrying anything.

"Where is it?" I asked irritably.

He sniffed toward the stairs. When I followed his gaze, I saw Felix coming up, carrying two plates full of rice and dishes.

Why!

That's exactly why I told Ci-N to bring the food here secretly—so no one would know it was for me! I specifically instructed him not to make it obvious.

"W-what's that?" I asked, almost annoyed.

"I just helped Ci-N bring it up," Felix replied with a grin. "I know it's not for you."

Damn it! He made me look like an idiot!

"Tse!" I scoffed, then turned to Ci-N, who was absentmindedly fiddling with his ears. "…Eat. I'll wait for Percy here."

Ci-N, looking completely innocent, took the plates Felix handed him. Felix smiled at me again before turning to leave. Before he could go down completely, I stopped him. He looked at me curiously.

"Don't make the mistake of telling your Ulupong friends about this," I warned.

He winked in response.

Ugh, arrogant…

Ci-N started eating while I sat beside him. The little traitor was too busy with his food to even glance at me. Since there was no issue, I ate as well.

Moments later, Percy arrived. He was smiling at me, but his expression shifted into a grimace when he noticed Ci-N—who continued ignoring him.

"Why is he here?" Percy whispered, handing me the plastic bag.

He had brought takeout from a fast-food place. I took it and placed it in front of us.

"Because I ordered him earlier. Eat now."

"I can, but—" he shook his head.

"I ate at home."

I watched his face closely. He looked lethargic, though he tried to hide it with a smile. On top of that, he seemed pale.

"Are you okay? You look pale," I asked, reaching out to touch his neck, but he quickly moved away.

"I'm fine! Really!" He smiled. "...My paleness is just a part of my beauty."

He seems okay! His humor is still intact.

Ci-N suddenly stopped eating. "Is there a storm? The wind feels strong," he said innocently.

Percy shot him an evil look. "Yes, there's a storm... Be careful! The wind might blow you away since you're so small."

Ci followed his gaze. "Don't be too full of yourself, or the wind might get even stronger."

"When did my handsomeness become arrogance?!"

"Every time you mention it!"

"You're just jealous! I'm way more handsome than you!"

Ci studied his face as if examining him. "Which part? I don't see it."

"Are you blind?!"

"It's ugly to be arrogant!"

Instead of stopping them, I just watched. Food was my priority. Those two always made a scene when they were together.

Go ahead! Keep bickering!

After eating, I excused myself to go to the restroom. Since it was lunchtime, there were a few people inside when I arrived.

"They really didn't come in?"

"Yeah... Mykel's group."

I overheard some girls talking while I was in the cubicle. They were talking about Mykel and his friends.

"Wasn't that them? Where are they going?"

"I don't know. Let's not talk about it. Let's go."

The girls seemed to have left. I quickly stepped out of the cubicle and washed my hands. As I exited the restroom, I noticed another student looking at someone before leaving. I followed their gaze, but all I saw was Mykel's group walking out of the school.

What could be going on?

I just shrugged and headed back to our building. As I climbed the stairs, I ran into Percy.

"Where's Ci-N?" I asked.

"Why are you asking me?"

I frowned at him. "Come on! You were together, weren't you?"

"He followed you, and told me that he was too full of himself, so he went after you."

Shit! But I wasn't anywhere near Mykel's group.

Suddenly, my heart pounded faster. A wave of nervousness washed over me. I didn't understand why, but something felt wrong.

I ran toward the school gate, but they were gone. I rushed outside, searching frantically, but they were nowhere in sight. Desperate, I approached the security guard, who was busy on his phone.

"Brother! Did you see a group of students leave earlier?" I asked anxiously.

He lowered his phone and looked at me, uninterested. "Mykel's group was the last to leave."

"Did you see if they had a guy about this tall with them?" I gestured to Ci's height. "...He looks like a kid and has really pale skin."

"Oh, the Section E kid? Yeah, he was with them."

It felt like a bucket of cold water had been dumped on me. What are they planning to do to Ci-N? What if they don't intend to stop this time?

Wait for me, Ci! I will find you.