A/N : Please don't hesitate to correct any grammatical errors or typos. Enjoy reading!
...
Third Person's POV
The next morning, Jax still have two hours before the first class start. His gunshot wound was treated by Violy when he stayed at the hideout last night. He didn't see Kernel and Veign that night so he doesn't have a choice but to stay there with Violy, only to get insulted by her because of the wound. Yet she insisted to treat him.
He went to the student council's office to finish his paper works yesterday, and he was a bit impressed when he saw Caryll opening the room.
She smiled when she finally saw him coming towards her. Jax just did not show any reaction.
"Maaga ka pres!"
"Hmmm, how about you?" walang gana niyang tugon. Jax doesn't want to be rude in front of any member of the student council that's why he must reply like he usually does when it comes to school staffs and professors.
"Graduating po kasi kaya ang daming gagawin. Timing pala may papipirmahan ako sa 'yo."
Nang hindi nagsalita si Jax, muli niya itong tinanong, "Kumain ka na?"
"Don't have time," maikiling sagot ni Jax at pareho na silang pumasok sa loob.
Bumuntong-hininga si Jax nang makaupo siya sa desk at kinuha ang mga papers na kailangan niyang i-review. Mabuti na lang at natapos na niya 'yong iba kahapon kaya kaunti na lang ito.
Naramdaman naman niyang sumakit ang kanyang braso kung saan natamaan ng bala. Hahawakan na sana niya ito para tingnan pero naramdaman niyang nakatingin sa kanya si Caryll.
Kinunutan niya ito ng noo nang makitang parang may sasabihin ito sa kanya. Ilang segundo ay ngumiti lang ito tsaka ipinakita ang papers na papipirmahan nito.
Tinanggap ito ni Jax tsaka binasa at tungkol ito sa school funds para sa activity sa paaralan na gaganapin next week.
Jax looked at her again when she pass him a bread, questioning what it is for.
"Kainin mo 'yan. Marami pa kasi tayong gagawin mamaya at magiging busy ang council kaya kailangan natin ng lakas."
Jax doesn't have a choice when she place it on his desk. He took it and nodded. "Thank you," he said as to not look rude.
Ngumiti naman ang dalaga tsaka hinintay na pirmahan ni Jax ang papel na pinasa niya. Pagkatapos n'on ay nakangiti itong bumalik sa table nito.
Binuksan ni Jax ang drawer ng kanyang desk na nasa ilalim para itabi muna 'yong pagkain dahil wala pa siyang ganang kumain.
Nang makita niya ang box ng bandaid, muli niyang naalala si Kitkat at ang pagbabanta niya rito kahapon. He felt guilty. He know what Kitkat felt that time but he even added her pain by insulting and threatening her.
'I wonder how is she?' sa isip niya.
Pero muli siyang napatingin kay Caryll nang maramdaman niya ulit itong tumitingin sa kanya.
"What is it?" inunahan na niya ito dahil alam niyang may gustong sabihin ang dalaga.
He saw her flinch and she looks hesitating.
"Kahapon... malapit sa gym..." pagsisimula nito na hindi makatingin sa mata ng binata. "N-nakita ko kayo ni Clark. Narinig ko rin lahat ng pinag-uusapan niyo."
Kumunot naman ang noo ni Jax dahil sa sinabi nito. Hindi dahil sa nakita sila ni Caryll kundi dahil sa nagtataka siya kung bakit ito sinasabi sa kanya.
Yumuko naman ang dalaga nang hindi nagsalita si Jax at damang-dama niya lang ang mga titig nito sa kanya.
"W-wala akong pinagsasabihang iba. Gusto ko lang ipaalala na ikaw ang gumawa ng rules na iyon kaya sana ikaw ang unang susunod."
Jax smirk. 'She made sense.'
"Sorry," maikli niyang tugon para matapos na ang usapan.
'She's this professional and matured.'
Pareho na silang busy sa kanilang ginagawa at 'di na nila namalayan ang oras. Lalo na at occupied ang isip ni Jax tungkol sa mga Summit at sa nangyari sa The Blues club kagabi.
"Pres, bibili ako ng pagkain, may ipapabili ka ba?" tanong ni Caryll dahilan na tingnan ni Jax ang oras.
"I'll go with you," simpleng sagot nito tsaka niligpit ang mga gamit. Palihim namang napangiti ang dalaga.
Nang nasa cafeteria na sila, nagulat si Caryll nang bumili si Jax ng isang cheesecake at naka-take out lang ito. Pagkatapos n'on ay umalis na ito sa cafeteria nang walang sabi. Na parang hindi siya nito kasama.
Dumiretso naman si Jax sa building ng kanilang classroom at doon na lang mag-aantay sa hallway sa labas ng room sa 1st subject. He just wanted to see Kitkat as soon as she arrive.
Pero nang paakyat pa lang siya sa hagdan, bigla siyang nakaramdam ng tuwa at excitement nang makita ang dalaga na naglalakad papunta rin doon. Nag-iisip siya kung paano niya ibibigay ang cheesecake rito or baka palihim niya na lang ilagay sa bag nito.
Kumunot ang kanyang noo nang biglang sumulpot si Alfonso at basta-basta na lang kinaladkad ang dalaga papunta sa rooftop. Susundan na niya sana agad ito nang makitang may isang lalaki pang sumusunod sa dalawa. Isang member ni Franz.
Bigla siyang nakaramdam ng inis at pagkairita. Kahit hindi niya alam kung sino sa dalawa ang pakay nito.
Mabilis niyang sinundan ang member ni Franz. Dahil papunta ito sa rooftop, agad na nahila ni Jax ang lalaki bago pa ito makaakyat sa 3rd floor.
Sobra ang pagkagulat ng binata nang makitang si Jax ang humila sa kanya. Hindi pa nga siya nakapag-react nang mabilis siyang ikinaladkad sa pinakamalapit na vacant room at tinadyakan.
"Why are you following them? Didn't I tell you to stop messing people around me?"
Hindi pa ito nakasagot at tinuluyan niya ng suntukin ito sa sikmura nang sobrang lakas dahilan na nahihirapan itong bumangon.
Aalis na sana siya at sundan ang dalawa nang marinig niyang tumunog ang cellphone ng lalaki. Agad niya itong kinuha at nakita ang pangalan ni Franz ang tumatawag.
Sinagot agad ito ni Jax at itinapat sa kanyang tenga habang sinasamaan ng tingin ang lalaki. Lalo na't alam na ng mga gangsters ang tunay na pagkatao ni Jax, takot na takot ito.
"Finish that traitor and bring that girl to me! Make sure that Jax Blaine won't see them!" gigil na sabi ni Franz mula sa call.
Hindi nagsalita si Jax at pinatay lang ang tawag. Nang balingan niya ang isang myembro ni Franz, umaatras na ito sa takot. Ibinato ni Jax ang cellphone sa mukha nito.
"Tell your idiot leader to look up at this building's rooftop before the bell rings!"
'Damn!' sa kanyang isip nang mapagtanto niyang ginagamit pa rin nina Franz si Kitkat laban sa kanya. He wonder if Noreen told Franz that Kitkat isn't useful to him anymore.
Umalis na si Jax sa room na iyon at agad na sinundan ang dalawa, curious kung anong ginagawa ng mga ito at kung bakit parang ninja pa si Alfonso habang kinakaladkad ang dalaga kanina.
He secretly get in there and saw them at the very side of the rooftop. But when hearing their nonsenses, Jax sighed at took a cigarette and lit it. No one will know if he's breaking his own rules. He needs to calm himself.
They're not facing at his direction that's why they didn't notice him.
"Ibig sabihin nito nilagyan niya ng drugs ang softdrinks no'n? Eh hindi siya uminom n'on, kumain lang."
'It's really nice seeing them that serious as if they got plans on how to stop the world war. They look ridiculous,' sa isip niya.
Palihim niyang sinilip ang sa gilid ng bakod ng rooftop na hindi kita sa gawi ng dalawa. Nang makita niyang paparating sina Franz, napangisi siya at bumalik sa pwesto niya kanina.
"Ano? Totoo naman sinabi ko! Hindi niya sinabi kung anong ginawa niya sa 'yo. Pero ngayon alam ko nang may ginawa siya sa 'tin! Nagka-heart to heart talk pa kaming dalawa tas ito lang igaganti niya? Tanginang Jax Blaine na 'yan!" naiinis na sabi ni Alfonso.
"Wag mo ngang murahin si Jax!"
Jax open his mouth slightly to exhale the smoke and to suppress his smile because of what Kitkat said.
"Tsk! Engot! Narinig ko eh ginamit ka lang daw niya. Nalaman ko lahat ng nangyari sa 'yo kahapon at sa issue n'yo ni Jax. Alam naman nating tatlo na walang nangyari sa inyo pero pinapalala niya ang issue! Tsk! Hindi ka mahal n'on!"
Agad namang nawala ang excitement at tuwa na nararamdaman ni Jax nang marinig ang sinabi ni Alfonso. Ipinagpatuloy niya ang pagyoyosi habang tumitingin sa oras.
"May sasabihin ako sa 'yo. Theory ko lang ito pero malapit ito sa katutuhanan... Jax Blaine is a member of a mafia."
Natigilan naman si Jax.
"Mafia? 'Yan ang theory mo?"
"Yes! A mafia that is selling someone's organ!"
'Idiots!' iyon na lang ang kanyang nasabi sa kanyang isipan.
At ipinagpatuloy pa ni Alfonso ang mga theory niya. Alam pa naman ni Jax kung gaano kabilis maniwala ang dalaga sa mga pinagsasabi nito. Muli niyang tiningnan ang kanyang wrist watch.
"It's not kidney. It's your ribs that were sold!"
Nagulat ang dalawa nang magsalita ang binata. Napatingin naman si Jax sa nanglalaking mata ng dalaga, sinusuri nito ang reaction. When he saw her pouting and her two brows meeting, Jax smiled to suppress his laughter but he exhale the smoke so they won't notice.
...
Jax Blaine's POV
'They're very well matched when it comes to stupidity.'
When Alfonso recovered himself, he bombarded me with questions. I'm also waiting her to ask questions or even talk to me, but I can feel something unfamiliar with her treatment.
I sighed and throw the cigarette. I yanked him to the fence and just what I did last time, I threatened him to push him off.
"AHHH! TANGINA MO JAX BLAINE! TANGINA MO! 'WAG MO 'KONG BITAWAN! GAGO KA!"
We quickly got the attentions of everyone from the students below because of his shout. And I grin seeing Franz looking at us.
"Finish that traitor and bring that girl to me! Make sure that Jax Blaine won't see them!"
Tss! I wonder what that asshole is thinking right now! He really pissed me!
I must do this to show them they're all under me! That they cannot threaten me! They're just bunches of gangsters!
"Tell your boss to stop planting a spy on me!" I purposely said that so Kitkat wouldn't know the real reason why I did this. That their lives were in danger. Knowing her, she'll easily analyze stupid things.
Seeing Alfonso's confused look, it shows that he doesn't know that Franz tried to kill him.
"Hindi naman kita ini-spy! Alam mo namang kahapon lang ako nagising dahil sa kagagawan mong hayop ka! Hindi pa nga ako nagpakita kay Franz kasi 'di ko alam pa'no magpaliwanag sa kanya!"
"Spy ka ni Franz?" Kitkat asked shockingly.
'See? She'll believe I did this because I found out he's Franz's spy!'
"I know! He planted another idiot on me so that means you're not useful to him anymore," I lied and just said something for an excuse.
I look at Franz and grin. Though I wasn't sure if he can see me grinning. I wave hands to them to annoy them more.
But...
Behind them, I saw that guy with black cap and a mask, obviously looking at me. That guy I saw when Noreen and Kitkat were fighting.
And then I saw him walking towards a girl, it's Caryll. He gave something to her and left that made me frown.
'I know he obviously showed it to me!'
After the show, I help Alfonso get back up. The moment he stand on the ground, he attack me and I just welcome him.
"Jax! Sumusobra ka na!" I stop when I heard her.
I glared at him while he's on the ground after I kicked him. "Is that what you've got for training in a year? Fight me real next time if you can. Show me if you're worth my time!"
Knowing he was already abandoned by Franz and knowing that he'll do anything for money, he will be useful to me.
I stared at her when she helped him and was taken a back when she glares at me.
I sighed. "The class has beed started!"
I turn around and walk out. When I saw a student in the 2nd floor's hallway, I stop him and ask for a paper and a pen.
*Franz wanted to kill you! I am being watched by many so call me if you decided to join me.*
I give the student his pen and waited for them to get down.
When I met her eyes shockingly staring at me, I feel awkward for no reason... and conscious.
"Done with your dramas? Let's go!"
I gave the paper to him and grab Kitkat with me when she's about to look at the paper.
"Ano 'yong binigay mo?"
"None of your business!"
I grip her hand as we walk to our room. I sighed. I miss playing with it.
...
"Pay first before going out."
I was instructed to collect money for the t-shirts and fees for the upcoming event next week. I saw her pouting while paying. She didn't even look at me.
She didn't bother me like she usually does. She didn't even talk to me and obviously avoiding me for the remaining classes. This is what I want but I'm not quite used to it.
For eight months, this is the first time she's not bothering me for a day. I sighed and convinced myself that it's better this way.
Lunch time and I went to the cafeteria to buy the cheesecake again to give it to her. I didn't able to give her this morning because of what happened.
But when I arrived there, I saw Caryll when she waved her hands then walks towards me. I suddenly remember the mysterious guy earlier.
"Pres! May nagpapabigay pala sa 'yo nito." She handed me the white envelope and I frown when taking it.
I quickly put it inside my pocket without bothering to open it. I know that that bastard are observing us here.
I nodded at her as my response. I was about to buy the cheesecake again when she insisted to buy it for me.
"Hindi ko alam na mahilig ka pala sa ganito, pres! Libre ko na."
"No need."
"Sa'yo na 'yan. Ngayon lang naman!"
"Hayaan mo na siya pres. Ganyan talaga 'yan, mabait sa mga members. Lalo na sa 'yo! Ehem!" One of the council's members commented. They are all here.
"Yiieeehh!"
I don't have a choice but to accept it to not look rude. As I look around, I didn't see Kitkat.
'Did that idiot eat something? Is she with Alfonso?'
Caryll suddenly tap my shoulder and lean closer to me. "Lumalabag ka na naman sa rules mo. Anong ginawa mo sa estudyanteng 'yon sa rooftop?" she whispered then sit on the chair across me as she place her food on the table. I did not bother to reply.
After eating in the cafeteria together with the student council members, I helped them bring the materials for the event from the stock room to the councils office.
For the first time, I did not encounter any of the gangs. And the campus is peaceful.
When we're placing the boxes and stuffs, Caryll suddenly lost her balance when she's about to place one of the boxes in the upper cabinet.
Because I was behind her, I quickly grab the box to support her. "Careful!"
"S-salamat pres!"
After helping them, I walk out to go to our next class. I immediately took the envelope from my pocket when no one's around.
I absentmindedly stop walking when seeing what's inside of it!
I could not suppress my expression when it's a stolen pictures of Kitkat days before the recruitment. And a recent picture of her from outside of her house! Seeing the outfit she wore, this was taken today!
I trembled because of mixed emotions. Fear and anger! Damn it!
I saw a piece of folded paper and immediately open it.
*How's life traitor? Bet you're investigating us with your new accomplice?*
And there was an eye tattoo below. The tattoo that we've been investigating until now!
'Shit!'
...
I'm crossing my arms and tapping my right foot as I was anxious when she's already 10 minutes late! Where the hell is she?
Just then, she arrives while gasping on air. Her hair is a mess from running up to here.
I frown when she quickly glance at me then act like I did not exist.
Well, what I was expecting for? But it is a relief nothing bad happen to her.
How can I make those stalkers believe that I did not care for her? Not knowing who are the enemies or how many of them is the hardest part.
...
For four consecutive days, she's obviously avoiding me. I don't want to mind but I am worried, yet still satisfied. The more we interact, the more she'll be in danger. Up until now I haven't caught that bastard who gave me the envelope.
I was excused in my class to help preparing for the event. I am very busy in the council, checking stuff, signing papers, reviewing, and etc.
But I always attend 4th period just to see her even if Mr. Espayo and Caryll told me that I don't have to. I always eat lunch with them. I'm always with Caryll since she's the vice and she really works hard for the event. I can sense she became too comfortable with me. I did not mind at all but I am vigilant.
Thinking that asshole might give her another envelope or whatever things to perfect his drama. At first, I was suspicious at her, but for days of observing her, she doesn't really have an idea about that guy.
Every lunch time, I always tried to look around but Kitkat's not in the cafeteria. She's always late for class after lunch. I even think she's doing it on purpose to avoid me. But everytime she arrived in the room, I can see a glint of happiness in her eyes and I wonder why.
Every night, I passed by in her house when she's already sleeping. Checking if someone might lurk around. Since seeing that pictures of her from the envelope, I always feel anxious.
It's always peaceful that I haven't seen any of the gangs for the past few days since that incident happened at the rooftop. Alfonso told me that they're having a funeral of the member that I killed in the club. And I did not care about them.
Yes, Alfonso contacted me that night. I told him everything about what really happened in the hotel, also about what I did in the club. I don't know if I could really trust him, but for now he's still useful that's why I am keeping him by my side. But I did not tell him that I asked Veign to watch her sister. I did not tell him that Mr. Wilder is me and I was the leader of Elites before.
...
This time, I did not able to help the council because I'm meeting up with Kernel and Alfonso inside my coffee shop. Kernel introduced himself as Kendrick. As expected, they became comfortable with each other already.
I told them about the guy who gave me the envelope with Kitkat's pictures and showed them the letter. I and Kernel are exchanging glances when they saw the eye tattoo below.
Kernel's reason he wanted to meet up with me is because of Exseven. He received another envelope from that bastard. But the suspicious thing is he knew what we're doing. As if he's observing us.
After reading Exseven's letter, it left us confused and bothered.
"Damn! Where the heck is that bastard?"
...
When I came back to the campus, I met Mr. Espayo. He's smiling from ear to ear when seeing me, that made me roll my eyes.
'This old professor... Tsk! He's acting like he's close to me.'
"What?" I boringly ask.
"Hmm. Excited ka yata masyadong makita si Ms. Reyes? Ito, dalhin mo sa desk ko. Malapit nang mag-lunch, baka hindi mo siya maabutan."
I frown when he gave me his things.
"How did you know?"
"Minsan na rin akong nakaranas ng ganyan, Mr. Connor. Alam ko isa rin iyan sa dahilan kung bakit nag-insist kang pumasok sa 4th period. Ha. Ha. Ha. Oh siya sige na! Let's take a lunch when you're done."
"Tss! Can you please mind your own business, professor?" I sarcastically ask with a low voice so that no one can hear me disrespecting this old prof.
As I was climbing the stairs, I saw her and we almost bump into each other. She looks hurrying to somewhere. It already made me very curious where the hell she's heading to during lunch time.
Her eyes were sparkling as I stare into it. I wonder what she's thinking right now when seeing me this close.
I wanted to ask questions or just some random words to talk to but I don't know what to say. I don't want to give her hint that I'm missing her presence.
She averted her gaze and continue passing by without uttering a word. I felt embarrassed without a reason so I held her arm to stop her... which I did not know why I did that.
"The next time you'll be late again this afternoon, I'll extend your punishment."
"H-hindi pwede! I-I mean h-hindi na m-mauulit!"
I sighed and let her go. It's hard to explain what I feel and what I really wanted! Even talking to her is difficult.
I continued walking and it's cringe to admit that my heart skip a beat when she called me.
"J-jax!"
I glared at her to act that I am not in a mood to talk. I'm an idiot!
"Miss na kita!"
She didn't see me being shocked because of her words when she hurriedly ran away. She doesn't know that those three words really affected me.
My heart is beating fast out of excitement, or happiness or I don't know what it is. My feelings were all heightened suddenly.
My phone vibrated and I saw Kernel's number calling. I answered it as I continue walking.
"Anong klaseng mga ngiti 'yan, Jaxie? Bwahahahahahahaha yucks!"
I stop and quickly look around to find this fucker. Then at the ground, I saw him laughing so hard while wearing a janitor's uniform. The broom was in his underarm while holding his phone.
"What are you doing?"
"Bwahahahahaa! Hoy! Jaxie kinikilig ka pala! HAHAAHAH!"
"Shut up!"
I'm trying hard to control my expression then look away. I really wanted to throw this phone to this fucker's face!
"Well... Just trying to check on you. I'm bored. You know, I might catch that rat that's been stalking you here... Pero HAHAHAHAAHAHAHA! Ano bang sinabi ni Kitty Katty at para kang tanga ngumiti?"
"Shut up!"
"You should have grab her and drag her to a place where it's only the two of you and... Oh yeah!"
I immediately hung up!
...
Itutuloy...