Ang Mutya Ng Section E (Book - 2) English

Jay-Jay's POV

Percy is sick. Felix's mother told me over the phone that he had a fever.

I feel sick myself because I didn't sleep last night. He kept calling me, sounding anxious. Sometimes, he would whisper something and repeatedly say, "Ang puri ko" (My honor).

I don't even know if he has one. I called his phone to check on him. It rang three times before he finally answered.

["Jay..."] he said in a hoarse voice.

"Seriously? What happened to you and Honey?" I asked, but all I heard was his sobbing again.

Every time I ask him, he reacts like this—crying, screaming, and saying something incoherent before hanging up.

["My honor, Jay!"] He sobbed. ["I drove her away!"]

I couldn't tell if he was serious or not.

I took a deep breath. "Seriously? If you don't tell me, I'll go see Honey."

["DON'T!!"] He yelled so loudly that I had to move my phone away from my ear. ["Don't do that! That girl..."] His voice trailed off.

It sounded like he was about to say something important. And with his hoarse voice, he was starting to sound like Gollum.

Maybe he really does have a part!

"What did they do to you?"

He let out a deep breath. ["They… grinded, released, went home."]

I frowned. I had no idea what he was talking about. If he were in front of me, I probably would have slapped him.

"What the hell? I didn't understand a thing you just said!" I said, annoyed.

["Ugh! It's her… she tricked me!"] he said while I heard noises from his side.

It sounded like he was rolling around on the bed. I grimaced in disgust.

"Ew… What exactly did you do?!"

["Nothing! But I made her happy—uh, I mean, she tricked me!"]

I didn't even want to ask. I'd let my imagination figure out the rest. It was better not to tease him.

"Alright… Get some rest. You might get worse."

I didn't wait for his response. I immediately ended the call. This guy was driving me insane. He sounded like he was telling the truth, but at the same time, he wasn't making any sense. I didn't know what to believe anymore.

That's why they took so long in the restroom. That's why Honey smiled at him like that. That's why… that's why…

He should just rest.

I was about to put my phone down on the table when I got a text message.

I frowned when I saw the sender's name.

📩

From: Gagong Baliw

Message: My life… I miss you.

I never reply to him, yet he keeps texting me nonsense. He's so consistent in being crazy. It even feels like I know him.

Instead of replying, I placed my phone on the table. I lay down on the bed, and after staring at the ceiling for a long time, I fell asleep.

I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing. Someone was calling. I sat up, grabbed it from the table, but just as I was about to answer, the call ended.

It was Yuri.

I just shrugged and checked the time. Turns out, it was already 6 PM—I had slept for so long.

I felt hungry. I put my phone back on the table and walked towards my bedroom door. Just as I opened it, Yuri's hand reached out to knock. It looked like he was about to knock just then.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, slightly irritated.

"W-what... W-because..." He said while looking away.

The arrangement seemed semi-formal. It felt like there was some kind of event. I raised an eyebrow while waiting for his answer.

"How long do I have to wait for your answer?"

He sighed. "Remember? Dinner with the Head Master."

The Head Master?

I slowly shook my head. I didn't remember anything. Who is the Head Master? Why is there even such a title?

"I'm doomed," he whispered, bending down.

I could tell this was a serious problem. I was about to push him away, but the word dinner rang like a bell in my ears.

Food... Free food...

"Please... I can't go back home without you. Please talk to him."

I narrowed my eyes at him.

There! I'm Japanese too.

"Done? What should I do?"

"I'll introduce you to the Head Master, and then we'll have dinner."

Dinner... Dinner... Dinner... Food!

"What if I don't want to come?"

His shoulders slumped as he forced a smile. "I understand."

He was about to step away, but I immediately stopped him.

"Come on!" He looked at me strangely. "...My sushi?"

Even though he was surprised by what I said, he slowly nodded.

"Wait for me. I'll just get dressed," I said and quickly closed the door.

I went straight to my cabinet and rummaged through my clothes, looking for something that matched Yuri's outfit. At the very least, I wanted to look like I belonged.

Semi-formal dress...

I combed my tangled brown hair, frowning at the mess. It looked like a witch's hair. No matter what I rubbed on it, I felt like I had even managed to put deodorant in my hair.

After finishing my routine, I stepped out. Yuri was still leaning against the wall, bent over slightly.

"Come on! I'm waiting for sushi," I said, motioning for him to walk ahead.

He followed me reluctantly. In the living room, Aunt Gema greeted us with a smile while talking to someone on the phone.

"Are you leaving?" she asked.

"Yes..." Yuri answered. "...I'll drop her off at 10 PM."

"Alright. Be careful."

"Okay, Auntie," I said before stepping outside.

No one spoke after the car started. He focused on driving while I stared outside.

Food! Food! Food! Food!

We were nearing their building when he suddenly stopped. At first, I thought it was because of a traffic light, but it wasn't. I turned to him and noticed he was gripping the steering wheel tightly, his head slightly bowed.

"Jay-Jay..." he whispered. "...Please do me a favor."

I frowned slightly and waited for him to continue. He swallowed a few times before raising his head and facing me.

"Whatever happens, don't tell them our exact status," he said, his eyes locked onto mine. "...If the Head Master finds out the truth, he might do something to you. So please... don't talk about our situation."

Even though I didn't fully understand what he meant, I just nodded.

For sushi!

He restarted the car and drove straight to the basement parking of their building. I was about to open the door when he stopped me.

"Don't get out yet," he said before quickly stepping out and coming to my side.

He opened the door and helped me out. I wanted to smack him because I didn't understand why he was acting like this. Was he trying to act like a gentleman or something?

He even held my hand as we walked toward the elevator. I was honestly baffled by his behavior. We weren't even on good terms, and I only agreed to come because of the free food and sushi.

Food is life!

Even inside the elevator, he kept holding my hand. I shot him a glare.

"I-I have to do this. Sorry," he said, looking away.

All I can think about is food. Thanks to him, I'm hungry—otherwise, I wouldn't have come with him. Food all the way!

When the elevator doors opened, no one greeted us. There were no women in kimonos welcoming us in their language.

Yuri took off his shoes, and I did the same. He held my hand again as we walked.

That's a lot! I'm going to slap it!

We stopped in front of a wooden sliding door made of paper—just like in traditional Japanese houses. I heard loud laughter coming from inside. Yuri sat down and was about to bow, but then he suddenly looked at me.

"You have to do it too," he whispered.

"I don't want to," I answered lifelessly.

He held my hand and tried to pull me down to sit. I resisted.

"Jay… what?!" he said, annoyed.

"My leg hurts. I don't want to!" I protested, pulling my hand away.

"Don't be difficult!"

So annoying! I only came here for sushi.

He pulled me again, and in my frustration, I kicked him in the face—just as the door suddenly slid open.

Shit!

I froze as I looked at the people inside. Their laughter stopped, and they all turned to stare at me and Yuri.

I shifted my gaze to Yuri, who was now lying on the floor, also staring at them. Resigned, I sat down as he had asked. The person beside me stood up briefly before returning to his seat.

We both bowed.

It looks like my sushi will turn to stone before I get to eat it.

"Konbanwa. Chikoku shite sumimasen." ("Good evening. Sorry for being late.") Yuri said.

I didn't understand a thing. Can I eat now? I'm really hungry.

"Anata no fiancé?" ("Is that your fiancée?") asked the man sitting at the end of the long table.

I didn't know him, but I was sure he wasn't Yuri's grandfather. He looked even scarier than the one Yuri called grandpa.

"Hai, heddomasutā." ("Yes, Head Master.") The man beside me replied.

What are they talking about?

Suddenly, the old man Yuri was speaking to burst into loud laughter, clutching his stomach as if he had just heard the funniest joke.

Are they laughing at me?!

"Tsuyoi on'na! Kare wa anata o utsu koto ga dekimasu." ("Strong woman! She can beat you down!")

I was getting irritated with the old man. I had no idea what he was saying, but he sounded so confident.

"Come, eat with us," Yuri's dad said.

I looked at Yuri as he slowly stood up. I did the same, immediately supporting him. We bowed again before stepping inside. Yuri showed me where to sit.

"Long time no see. How are you?" Yuri's mom asked.

"I-I'm good. I hope you are too," I answered politely.

I'm starving! Can I eat now?

Yuri's mom laughed. "Yes, I am."

I tried to smile, but I knew it came out more like a grimace. Annoying! Where's my sushi?

Suddenly, the old man in the middle spoke again. I didn't understand what he said, so I just stared at him blankly.

"He's asking for your full name," Yuri whispered.

"J-Jasper Jean Mariano," I replied nervously.

Yuri translated my answer, and the old man smiled and nodded.

I finally started eating when Yuri handed me a bowl full of rice. I struggled to eat with the chopsticks, barely managing a few bites.

Where's the sushi?!

The old man kept talking while we ate. Every now and then, the others laughed, making me feel completely out of place. Am I the topic of conversation here?

After a while, the old man turned to me again and said something. I waited for Yuri to whisper the translation, but he just stared at me, blushing.

"Hey... What did you say?" I asked him.

"W-what... W-well, if it's possible... we'll have a b-baby after the wedding," he said, avoiding my gaze.

I looked at the old man, who was smiling at me, while Yuri's mom and dad were laughing continuously. I turned back to Yuri and frowned at him.

"It depends..." I said, looking him in the eye. "...depends on whether I attend our wedding," I added sarcastically.

Yuri winced before forcing a laugh.

"Kanojo wa itta, kanojo wa sore ni tsuite kangaerudarou." (She said she'll think about it.)

The old man laughed loudly again. He continued babbling until the end of dinner.

No sushi! Yuri is a liar!

I nervously followed Yuri as the old man kept talking about something. He turned to me and smiled.

"He said he wants to talk to you. Please... fix your answer for him."

I furrowed my brows. "How am I supposed to do that? I don't understand what he's saying."

Yuri scratched his neck and then faced the old man, responding to him in Japanese. After the old man gave a reply, he walked away, leaving us. Yuri held my hand again and led me forward.

"He's just going to ask you some questions. I won't be there, but someone else will help you communicate with him," he explained.

We stopped in front of the same type of door as before. All the doors here looked the same. As it opened, I saw the old man already seated behind a large table.

Who is he really?

He gestured for us to enter, and without warning, Yuri left. I stepped inside and noticed another girl in the room. She closed the door before sitting next to the old man. I took my seat on a pillow placed on the floor.

"Ms. Mariano?" the woman called out. "...I'm Alliah Mata. I'm your translator."

I smiled and nodded. The old man kept staring at me as if he was evaluating me. He turned to Alliah and spoke.

I didn't understand a single word, so I waited for the translation.

"The Head Master is asking if you know him," Alliah said.

I blinked. Head Master? That's what he is? I expected an old man with a bald head and a samurai. But this one just looks scary.

"Kind of… not," I answered hesitantly.

Alliah translated my words into Japanese, and the Head Master let out a small laugh. He responded with a lengthy reply. It felt like I was watching an anime straight from Japan.

"I want you to know that I am the Head Master of the Hanamitchi Clan. The balance of the entire family depends on me. I ensure equality among all members..." the old man spoke, and Alliah translated. "...Yuri, the man you are about to marry, is my grandson from my youngest brother."

I was dumbfounded. Even though Alliah translated it into Tagalog, it still felt like another language to me. What a mess! Did I just step into trouble?

I could feel a headache coming. And still, no sushi!

"Okay... I-I know you now."

Alliah translated my words again, and the old man responded. Before he even finished speaking, Alliah translated it for me.

"I don't really like you. You're nothing like the kind of girl we wanted for Yuri. You're not Japanese, you can't be influenced, you're illegitimate, and you're nothing but trouble..."

My fists clenched at his words. I wanted to respond with something sharp, but he was old, so I held back. I had no idea how he even knew these things about me.

Alliah continued translating. "...you also lack manners. If it were up to me, I wouldn't allow my grandson to marry you."

The old man took a deep breath and continued speaking, while Alliah faithfully translated.

"...Yuri is just smart. He learned his skills as an heir early and used them to get what he wanted."

I didn't know if I had the right to respond. The old man had just insulted me. I really wanted to snap back, but I held my tongue. I was in their house, and he had just called me ill-mannered. I wouldn't give him a reason to prove his point.

The old man spoke again, and Alliah translated.

"I want you to come to your senses. Compose yourself, because once we take you to Japan, no one in the family will accept you."

"Queen! There's no more sushi, but there's still some milk with it."

"That's okay... I never expected to be part of your family anyway," I kept saying.

Alliah was visibly shocked and hesitated to translate my words. I begged him to continue.

I didn't want to be rude, but what else could I do? My pride had already been trampled by the old man's words. It would feel good to slap him back-to-back.

Alliah finally relayed my words to the old man. Suddenly, his eyebrows furrowed, and he shouted words I couldn't understand.

Alliah was still shaking when she turned to me.

"You have no respect… You don't respect me anymore. Where did Yuri even find you? You have no manners." His voice was gentle, but his words were sharp.

Wow… You really think you're someone important, don't you?

I didn't want to make him angrier—who knows, he might have a heart attack. So, I stood up and looked him straight in the eye.

"If all you have to say are insults, then I'll take my leave..." I bowed slightly. "...Thank you for dinner."

I didn't wait for his response. I quickly walked out and headed toward the elevator. I saw Yuri on the way, but I ignored him and kept going.

While waiting for the elevator to open, I struggled to put on my shoes. I was so frustrated that I couldn't even wear them properly.

Ugh! I should just throw them away!

"Jay-Jay!" Yuri called out. "What happened? What did you say to the Head Master?"

I shot him an irritated glare. Just then, the elevator doors opened. As I stepped in, he followed. Annoyed, I pressed the button.

"Jay-Jay, what?! What did you say to him?!"

I took a deep breath. I was already on edge, and if this didn't stop, I was going to snap.

"Stop it," I said calmly.

"Jay—"

"End this marriage now."

He fell silent, just staring at me. I couldn't tell if he was shocked or what. The elevator doors opened, and I quickly stepped out, but he immediately grabbed my arm.

Without thinking, my fist moved on its own—landing straight on his face. He stumbled to the floor, clutching his cheek. I wanted to hit him again, but my body was exhausted, and worst of all, there was still no sushi.

Bad trip! Seriously, what a bad trip!

He slowly stood up. "Jay… W-why?"

"Why?! Damn! Is that even a question?!" I shouted angrily. "Stop it! You're the only one who wants this! Your family doesn't want it, I don't want it, and Aunt Gema is being forced into it!"

He lowered his gaze, clenching his fists. He already knew that. I didn't even have to say it.

"Is that really what you want?" he asked quietly.

I took a deep breath. I needed to calm down, or I might end up hitting him again.

"Yes."

"Alright," he answered quickly. "...I'll stop."

I wanted to scream with joy. Just like that, my earlier frustration disappeared—even without sushi.

"...But on one condition…"

I froze. My excitement was instantly interrupted.

"...Let's start all over again."