Ang Mutya Ng Section E (Book - 2) English

Yuri's POV

I didn't wake up feeling well. Keifer's words were still on my mind. I know he's hiding something, and the frustrating part is that I have to figure out what it is.

I was about to go to Otosan's office to say goodbye before heading to school. Even though I was still sleepy, I couldn't afford to be late. I also had to pick up Jay-jay.

I stopped when I noticed a group of maids gathered outside Otosan's office. Auntie, the eldest among the servants, was also there.

"Good morning, Young Master," Auntie greeted me with respect.

"Good morning," I replied. "What's going on?"

Auntie was about to answer when I heard a familiar voice from inside.

"Yuri-kun, is that you?" grandpa called out.

Uh-oh. This is bad.

I raised an eyebrow as I opened the office door, but the moment I saw who was inside, I felt like a meek little lamb.

"Yuri…" The Head Master called my name.

I hadn't expected him to be here. He was grandpa's older brother and the current Head Master of the entire Hanamitchi Clan. Without hesitation, I kneeled, placing my hands on the floor, and bowed until my forehead touched them.

I remained in that position until the Head Master permitted me to stand. My legs and knees ached, but I didn't dare move until he allowed it.

Why now?!

I had no idea why the Head Master was here, but for some reason, I felt nervous. Please don't call me back for training—it's not possible yet!

Jay-jay and I aren't even married yet. If I return to Japan without her, I might not be able to come back to the Philippines. That would be a huge problem.

A very huge one!

Especially now that I have no rivals for Jay-jay. I had already decided to help her move on, to forget...

"Tachiagaru." (Stand up.) the Head Master ordered.

I stood up but kept my head lowered, sweat forming on my forehead as I stared at my feet.

"Anata no kami ni nani ga okotta no desu ka?" (What happened to your hair?)

Oh, crap.

I completely forgot about my hair! Why haven't I dyed it back yet?

"W-Watashi wa tanoshī tame ni sore o chakushoku shimashita." (I-I colored it for fun.)

I wanted to slap myself for that answer. Stupid, Yuri! I'm going to end up returning to Japan bald, aren't I?

But then, to my surprise, the Head Master suddenly laughed. I hesitantly raised my head to look at him. He was sitting behind the desk, while Otosan and grandpa remained kneeling respectfully on the floor.

"Sore wa watashi no tame ni yoku mieru. Iro no subarashī sentaku da." (It looks fine to me. Great choice of color.) he said, still laughing.

I didn't know whether I should feel relieved or suspicious. This was the first time he'd ever laughed at one of my antics. But what if he found out about my other nonsense? I might have to face him in a samurai duel.

"Ani." (Big brother.) Grandpa interjected. "Naze koko ni iru no ka tazuneru no wa daijōbu desu ka?" (Is it okay to ask why you're here?)

The Head Master stopped laughing and turned to grandpa with a calm smile.

"Yumori... Watashi wa anata no kazoku o hōmon shitai." (Yumori, I just wanted to visit your family.)

Then, he looked at me.

"Watashi wa mou wakaku nai." (I'm not getting any younger.)

We looked at him at the same time. I could see grandpa's concern. He seemed to be indicating that he was resigning from office.

No!

I am next in line to become Head Master. I'm not ready to take over. If the training starts now, he will be able to step down early. But if that happens… I will have to be away from Jay-jay.

"Oji. Anata wa sore o itte imasu ka—" (Uncle, are you saying that—)

The Head Master immediately interrupted Otosan. "Ie, ie. Son'na koto wa omowanaide kudasai." (No, no. Please don't think like that.)

Grandpa smiled at him. "Anata wa watashitachi o kowagatte iru." (You're scaring us.)

The Head Master immediately burst into laughter. Grandpa and Otosan laughed along with him, but I just kept watching them.

The entire Hanamitchi Clan is led by the Head Master.

The position is usually passed down to the eldest son, granted once the heir's training is complete. It was handed over to grandpa's brother early. He was the same age as me.

His son was supposed to inherit the position, but he died in an accident when I was young. They searched for a replacement within the entire clan, but no one met the wishes of the current Head Master. Then, they found me—the so-called lucky boy—and he chose me.

I haven't made up my mind yet, but my name is already listed as the next Head Master. This is also why grandad didn't interfere with what I wanted. I quickly learned what I could do.

"Yuri… You can leave now. You'll be late for school."

I nodded before bowing slightly while stepping backward. I was about to leave when the Head Master said something that made me freeze.

"Raishū, anata no fianse o tsurete kuru koto o wasurenaide kudasai. Watashi wa kanojo ni aitai." (Don't forget to bring your fiancée next week. I would like to meet her.)

I'm dead!

"Hai, Heddomasutā." (Yes, Head Master.)

I had no choice but to bring Jay-jay and introduce her to the Head Master. That was his wish, and I had to obey.

I rushed to the elevator, almost forgetting my shoes and gear. My throat felt dry as I shifted anxiously inside the elevator.

I was going to present Jay-jay to him.

Even now, when there was already a problem. I wiped my forehead several times with the back of my hand. I was still sweating despite the cool air from the air conditioner.

As soon as the elevator doors opened, I hurried to my car. I still had a wife about to give birth at any moment. I barely had time to rest.

Bad trip! Bad trip! Bad trip!

I drove as fast as I could, rushing to Jay-jay's house. When I arrived, their maid greeted me.

"Did she leave already?" I asked.

"Yes… Angelo isn't home, so Jay-jay is like a bird that just escaped its cage. She disappeared quickly," the maid replied.

"Okay. Thank you," I said before immediately heading back to my car.

I just hoped she wouldn't do anything reckless—something that could cause trouble for grandpa and the Head Master.

I first stopped by Mina Mart, hoping she would be there, but she wasn't.

I continued driving until I suddenly hit the brakes, nearly running over a group of men who were running.

Damn it! Just when I'm in a hurry!

I let them cross, but something caught my attention. They were chasing a girl.

IT'S JAY-JAY! Fucking hell!

I immediately turned the car around, causing a series of honks from other vehicles. I didn't care. I had to catch up with Jay-jay.

They ran into an alley. I tried to drive in, but my car couldn't fit, so I quickly got out and chased after them on foot. I ran fast and managed to catch up with a few of them.

"Hey!" one of them shouted after I struck him.

I ignored them and kept running to reach Jay-jay. When I finally saw her, she was fighting off some of the men.

"Jay-jay!" I shouted as she punched one of them in the face.

She glared at me before shifting her gaze behind me. I turned to look as well. The men I had passed earlier were approaching.

I quickly moved closer to Jay-jay and positioned myself in front of her, slightly shielding her.

"Hanep! You made us tired!" one of them said, catching his breath.

"Why did you chase us?!" Jay-jay shouted angrily.

I looked at her and signaled for her to be quiet, but that only seemed to frustrate her more. I turned back to the men. They were unfamiliar to me, so I was sure we hadn't fought them before.

"Sirs… maybe you should leave this to me so you won't tire yourselves out," I said calmly.

It wasn't a good time to fight, especially with the Head Master around. He would definitely hear about it.

"That's not possible! That woman is crazy! We were just asking for a name, and she immediately punched one of our guys!"

"You look like a monkey!" Jay-jay yelled, making the boys even more annoyed.

"What an idiot!"

I quickly stepped in before things escalated.

"Sir, please understand," I said, trying to smooth things over. "She just has a strong… unique approach to life, which is why we're always fighting."

My words didn't seem to convince them. Instead, one of them slapped me.

No choice!

Before they could get past me, I grabbed the arm of the guy I had been talking to earlier. He looked at me, trying to free himself from my grip.

I stared at him seriously. "I tried talking to you, but you refused to listen."

"Let go of me! I have no intention of wasting my time with you!"

"Don't worry… I won't waste your time," I said before punching him in the face.

He fell, looking at me in shock. I turned to the others, who were equally surprised by my actions. As I stepped forward, they suddenly rushed at me.

I landed punches on their faces one after the other. One of them tried to fight back, but I dodged easily. Clearly, they were new to this kind of trouble. I even kicked one who managed to dodge my punch.

They all collapsed, their anger now replaced with fear.

"P-Pre! Let's go!" one of them shouted before running off as fast as he could, despite struggling to move.

I turned to Jay-jay, who didn't look happy at all. Her eyebrows were furrowed, and her arms were crossed.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"You're such an idiot!" She snapped irritably. "That was my fight! Why did you interfere?"

I scratched the back of my neck, lowering my head. "I was just protecting you."

"I don't need your protection! I'm not a princess who needs a prince to save me!"

No, you're not a princess… but soon, you will be.

"Yes… but—Jay!" I couldn't finish because she suddenly walked away.

I quickly followed, jogging to catch up with her. She was still upset, but I wasn't going to let her fight alone. Even if she never asked for help, I would still be there for her.

I needed to think of something to say to the Head Master.

I glanced at my car, which was blocking the road and causing a line of honking cars. I walked over and opened the passenger-side door.

I looked at Jay-jay, waiting for her to get in. I gave her a pointed look. She hesitated, clearly debating whether to ride with me or not.

"We might be late… Let's go!" I urged.

She sighed deeply before finally getting in. I rushed to the driver's side, knowing my car was already causing enough trouble on the road. Luckily, no police were around.

As we drove, she stared out the window like she always did. I needed to talk to her about the Head Master.

"Jay-jay… can we talk?"

"You're already talking," she replied flatly.

Patience… patience.

"Do you remember our Family Tree? The Hanamitchi clan and the Head Master?" I asked.

I had explained our Family Tree and traditions to him before, but she said she didn't understand any of it. Our family was a mess.

She slowly turned to me, raising an eyebrow. Despite her expression, I felt a little relieved.

"Well… something came up," I continued, trying to explain quickly and clearly. "...The Head Master is at our house. And he wants to meet you."

Her straightforward reaction to me disappeared, but she kept looking at me. I don't know if she's afraid of the Head Master of the clan.

"Yuri..." She called my name, and I looked at her for a moment. "...May I, please?"

"A—what's that?"

"Please, find what you're talking about. I can't see it," she said sarcastically.

I held my breath. I knew it. I could feel that she had something to squeeze out of me. So even though I was surprised by the word favor that she dropped, I just let it go.

How long will you be like this?

I know it's our fault, but I can't help searching for the Jay-Jay we used to know. I guess this is what illness does—it changes people.

We arrived at the school. Before I could even park properly, she got out of the car like she always does.

It's sad. If things continue like this, maybe I'll talk to grandpa and Angelo. I might postpone the wedding.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Jay-Jay's POV

Red-haired nerd!

It's Yuri! He ruined my day. I thought I would be able to avoid him, but I still ran into him.

Another class with them!

He and his best friend are the same. Always together, like a bank line—you'd think they were inseparable! Annoying! Both of them should be cursed.

Whether they have three eyes or one nipple.

I hadn't even entered our classroom yet, but I could already smell something familiar. I quickened my pace, curious about it.

When I stepped inside, I saw a group gathered at the back where what looked like a kitchen should be—but we didn't have one.

"Pancakes! Pancakes! Pancakes!" Ci-N chanted repeatedly while banging on the table.

"Pancakes! Pancakes!"

"Yeah! You're like a broken record!" Eman snapped in irritation.

So, that familiar smell… They're making pancakes. It smells delicious and makes me hungry, but I have no intention of joining them.

I sat down in my seat and took out my phone. I put on my headset and blasted music at full volume, just like I always do.

I think I prefer my old phone.

It had tons of games, movies, and everything. It's frustrating! It's all because of that Earthly King of Serpents—I was forced to change my phone and number.

I decided to text Percy. I'm really bored here.

To: Percing...

Message: Can you tell me?

At first, I thought he wouldn't reply, but then my phone lit up with a message. I smiled.

📩

From: Percing...

Message: The door, you.

And this idiot even tries to be cryptic.

To: Percing...

Message: Looking handsome?

📩

From: Percing...

Message: No need! I'm already handsome.

I scowled at his reply. His confidence is seriously over the top. Sometimes, he needs to smack his head against a wall to bring it down a notch.

To: Percing...

(No message—just frustration).

I'm sure he's laughing at me again. My phone buzzed. I thought it was Percy, but it was an unknown number.

📩

From: +639*************

Message: My life.

Huh?! Probably a wrong send.

To: +639*************

Message: Wrong send ka ata (I think you sent this to the wrong person).

📩

From: +639*************

Message: Jasper Jean Mariano.

I almost dropped my phone. I immediately glanced around, thinking one of them was messing with me. Maybe they were playing a prank. I checked the number closely, but it wasn't familiar.

To: +639****************

Message: Who are you?

📩

From: +639***************

Message: You're my everything.

I was about to reply to him, but I stopped when a plate was suddenly shoved in my face.

Smiling, Ci-N handed me a plate with only pancakes.

The pancakes still looked hot, wisps of steam rising from them. The butter had melted on top, and syrup was drizzled across them. I took off my headset and turned to face him.

"I don't want any… You eat them," I said, pushing the plate closer to him.

"It's delicious! Do you remember when you made these for me?" he asked excitedly.

I remembered. That was the day our grades were posted—the same day he was accused of being a thief. I only shrugged in response. Of course, Ci-N Peralta could still bring that up…

"Come on, take it!" he said with a smile, pushing the plate toward me again.

I pushed it back. "I don't feel like eating today."

Undeterred, he nudged the plate toward me once more. "But it's delicious!"

Gosh…

I was starting to get irritated. I pushed the plate away again, but he just did the same thing, his persistent smile making me feel even worse.

"Ci, I don't want it. Eat it yourself or give it to someone else," I said calmly.

"It's for you."

"I don't want it."

"Just taste it. I promise you won't regret it."

"I said I don't want it."

I was beginning to lose patience. I tried to stay calm, but if he didn't stop, I might not be able to hold back.

Calm, Jay. Calm.

Ci grabbed the fork and scooped up a piece of pancake. He held it up to my mouth.

"Taste it… Say ahhhh," he coaxed, grinning as he guided the fork toward me.

I turned my head away, but he followed, still trying to feed me. My frustration spiked. I raised my hand to swat his away, but in the process, I accidentally knocked over the plate he was holding.

"I said I don't want it!" I snapped.

His eyes immediately dropped to the plate, now lying on the floor. I followed his gaze.

Shit. Why did this have to happen?

I felt a sharp pang in my chest. I took a deep breath and looked away, only to be met with the shocked expressions of the others around us. Their reactions varied.

"O-it's okay… I-I'll just get you a new one," Ci said softly.

I looked at him again.

His voice was shaky, and I could see the tears welling up in his eyes. He forced a smile, but the tears still fell.

My brows furrowed.

The irritation I had felt just moments ago vanished, replaced by something heavier—anger.

But not at him. At myself. Because I had hurt him.

"Stop it!" I snapped. "Can't you see? It's obvious! We're never going back to the way things were, so just give up!"

"Jay-jay," David murmured, trying to stop me. I shot him a glare.

Then, I heard it—Ci-N's quiet sobs.

Slowly, I turned back to him, and it felt like a punch to the chest when I saw him wiping his tears with the back of his hand.

"W-why?" he asked in a trembling voice. His eyes met mine.

"...Why should I give up?" He took a shaky breath.

"Did you give up on me when I was accused of being a thief? Did you give up on Calix and Mica? On Denzel and Grace? On Drew? Did you ever give up on any of us?"

Stop it.

I bit my lower lip and looked away. I had to admit it—I was struggling, too. I didn't want to carry this burden, but it still hurt.

"...So don't tell me to give up," he continued, his voice firm. "Because you never gave up on us. And I won't give up on you."

He exhaled deeply, composing himself.

"...You're right. I'll go get another pancake."

With that, he turned and walked toward Eman. I watched as the others patted him on the arm, as if silently telling him he had done the right thing.

It was annoying! It wasn't supposed to be like this!