Ang Mutya Ng Section E (Book - 2) English

David's POV

["How is she?"] Percy asked over the phone.

"She looked absolutely terrified when I found them. At first, I thought she was the one who got stabbed because of all the blood, but she was just hugging Rory," I explained.

At first, I assumed the whole situation was just a typical school brawl—something both schools were involved in. But then, I overheard someone mention Keifer's name… and his girlfriend.

Good thing I trusted my instincts. When I arrived, I saw Jay-jay sitting frozen on the floor, staring at his blood-covered hands. She wasn't even moving. Meanwhile, Rory looked pale and exhausted but was still trying to fight, despite clearly being on the verge of collapse.

If I hadn't shown up, who knows what could have happened to them?

["Why did this even happen?! What kind of reckless thing did Keifer do this time to get Jay-jay hurt?!"] Percy demanded angrily.

I wasn't entirely sure, but I had a strong suspicion that Keifer's old enemies were resurfacing—especially now that Ram had lost his position of power.

"It seems like Jay-jay is just a target in their plan to get revenge on Keifer."

["Ha! That idiot Keifer is completely out of his mind!"] Percy scoffed.

"What are you planning?"

["Nothing for now. But once I get back, Yuri better be ready for me,"] he said before ending the call.

Another clash! His resentment toward Yuri was only growing. I didn't know the full story behind their friendship, and honestly, I wasn't interested—it wasn't my concern.

But one thing was clear: Yuri owed him something, and Keifer's anger toward him revolved around Jay-jay. Oddly enough, he never mentioned Aries.

Maybe, one day, I'd finally understand what really happened between them.

As I turned to head back inside the hospital, I noticed my classmates leaving. Rory and Ci-N were in wheelchairs, while Keifer and Yuri walked ahead, supporting Jay-jay.

Watching them, I couldn't shake the feeling that history was repeating itself. The same events, the same section, and the same person. I could only hope Jay-jay would eventually come to terms with the reality of who those two—and all of Section E—truly were when things took a turn for the worse.

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

Jay-Jay's POV

"Karate! Karate!" Ci-N kept chanting while kicking the air.

I swear, I'm about to slap him!

He sounded like a broken plates, and my ears were practically ringing. It felt like I had completely lost all my drowsiness. This was insane!

Since May, they had been insisting that I learn at least some basic self-defense—not necessarily to fight back, but just enough to escape and call for help.

No matter how much I tried to argue, they wouldn't let me engage in a real fight… even if I was capable of it.

"Pfffttt... It is a cheating!"

"Karatey! Karatey!"

I slapped my forehead, frustrated by his antics. We were just sitting in front of the classroom, and I had taken a seat on one of the stacked benches nearby.

"Ci-N!" I called out. "If you don't stop, I swear I'm going to fight you!"

He immediately froze mid-motion, his exaggerated movements coming to a halt.

"It's because they took Keifer," he muttered.

"Oh, don't start hoping too soon for that shameless guy. He even managed to skip the principal's class."

Ci-N just shrugged in response. I glanced at my phone to check the time. It was still early, and there were no classes today since the teachers had a meeting.

By chance, my eyes wandered toward the rooftop of the main building. I hadn't noticed before, but I could actually see it from here, even though it was a bit far.

And there was someone standing there...

Who is that?

It looked like they were watching Ci-N. I was sure it was a girl—her uniform gave it away.

"Do you see that?" I asked, still staring at the rooftop.

"Hmm?" Ci-N followed my gaze. "...Yeah, why?"

"Nothing... Just curious."

"That's Ella," he replied flatly, absentmindedly playing with something on his finger.

"Ella? How can you be so sure?"

"She always does that... She even used to wave at me."

Right, they were friends before. But I never really understood why Ci-N seemed so indifferent about it now.

"Did something happen between you two? Why don't you pay attention to her anymore?"

I glanced at him, but he just went back to fiddling with whatever he was holding.

"She feels guilty towards me," he finally said, his gaze shifting to the rooftop.

Ella was still there, watching us. And now, she wasn't alone—I had a feeling the person with her was Aries.

"What do you mean?"

"Her classmates hurt me, and she didn't do anything to stop them. I even asked for her help, but she just looked away," he explained.

There was a hint of sadness in his voice. That must have been tough—getting ignored by someone he once considered a friend, especially in a moment of need.

"It was still her fault," he continued. "...She was the one who accused me of being a thief back then."

Oh, right! I remember that now. Imelda Maldita. When will she ever stop causing trouble? I was able to step in that time, but by then, the damage was already done.

Yeah! They have been beaten!

"Yeah... I still remember that."

"She's up to something," Ci-N muttered, lowering his head.

WTF?!

"H-how do you know?"

"From Keifer," Ci-N almost whispered.

So, he knew all along who was behind it. I wasn't surprised—he always had a way of finding things out. But why didn't he tell me anything?

"Why didn't you do something about it?"

Even though I already knew the answer, I wanted to hear it from him.

"Because it's Ella… and Keifer still has a soft spot for her."

I knew it. Pissed off!

A heavy feeling settled in my chest, making it hard to breathe. Even though Keifer told me I was the one he wanted, I still couldn't stop myself from feeling hurt.

I stayed silent and stared off into the distance, avoiding the rooftop.

"Jay-jay!" someone called.

I turned my head. "What?" I asked Kit.

"What do you mean, 'what'? Let's go! Keifer's here," he said, sounding irritated.

Ci-N and I got up and followed him. As we entered the room, I noticed the desks pushed to the side, clearing up space.

Some of the others were already in casual t-shirts—Yuri and Keifer included.

"Karate 101 begins!" Ci-N announced, clapping excitedly.

"We'll teach you the basics," Yuri added.

I scratched my head. Basic, basic… Pfft…

Keifer gestured to the spot between him and Yuri, signaling me to move there. I sighed and complied, standing beside them.

"First, we'll show you what we've learned," Felix announced.

I nodded, letting them demonstrate.

Felix stepped into the center, holding up a notebook. Then, he called for Ci-N.

What are they planning?

Ci-N took his position, striking a stance like Bruce Lee.

"Wooooaaaahhhhh…" he dramatically exclaimed.

That's when I realized—he was going to try and kick the notebook from Felix's hand. No way! It's too high, and Ci-N isn't exactly tall.

Then, out of nowhere, Ci-N jumped and spun mid-air.

Not enough! Not enough! Stretch further!

And—he did it! His foot connected with the notebook in Felix's hand.

"That was amazing!" I clapped in excitement.

"I want to learn that too!" I said eagerly.

"That kind of move takes time to master. Let's start with the basics first," Yuri said.

"I don't want the basics! I want to learn that move!"

"You can do that later! Basics first!" Keifer insisted.

"But that's what I want to learn now!" I argued.

"Oh, come on! That move isn't easy!" Keifer snapped.

"That's why you're supposed to teach me!" I shot back.

"Are you weak?! That's advanced! We start with the basics!"

"Fuck you! Why can't I learn what I want?"

"Calm down, calm down!" The others chanted, egging us on like spectators at a fight.

It was only then that I realized everyone was watching us. Ugh, I hate being the center of attention.

"I'll teach you that," Ci-N suddenly offered.

Nice! High kick lessons, here I come!

"Alright, let's get started," Yuri brought the focus back. "In all of Section E, five of us know martial arts. If we count what Mayo has learned, that makes six." He explained me.

"Ahh... the kapour," I mumbled absentmindedly.

Everyone turned to stare at me. Mayo scratched his head, laughing.

"Jay... it's Parkour," Felix corrected.

Ugh! Now they think I'm an idiot.

It is stupid!

"No, it's Kapoor," I insisted.

"It's definitely parkour," Mayo chimed in.

Huh?!

"Are you sure? I swear you told me it was Kapoor!" I said, annoyed.

I felt embarrassed. I couldn't even tell which of us was right anymore.

"It's parkour," Mayo insisted.

"Kapoor!" I argued back.

"Parkour!"

"You said Kapour!"

"Parkour!"

"Kapoor! Kapoor! Kapoor!" I chanted, refusing to back down.

"I said it's parkour!" Mayo snapped, clearly frustrated.

It was obvious he was getting fed up. This was getting boring fast.

"Kapour! You said Kapour! Kapour! Kapour! Kapour!" I kept repeating, watching him struggle to hide his irritation. He was scratching his head, his brows furrowed.

"For the last time—it's parkour!"

"STOP! STOP! STOP! STOP!" Keifer suddenly shouted, his voice echoing through the room. "Enough! And stop acting like a child!"

I lowered my head, stifling a laugh. Uh-oh, the King was mad at me because of Mayo.

Great, just great.

"One more word, and I'll punish both of you!" Keifer threatened before stomping away.

I glanced at Mayo, who was still glaring at me, clearly irritated.

"Kapour because..." I whispered as if he heard it too.

"You fool! You said parkour!" He shouted at me.

It's crazy! The Fool told me.

"You're more of a fool! Stupid!" I shouted at him angrily.

They suddenly stopped and were obviously shocked by what I said. Wait! What did I say again?!

"Oh... Jay-jay cursed." Ci-N said and they looked at Keifer.

I also looked at him. I already know it. Dead! He suddenly smirked.

"Profanity."