After Keifer and I left Hex's room, we went downstairs together.
He stopped near the door and rubbed the back of his neck.
"I should head home."
Aunty Gemma immediately frowned. "You're not staying for dinner?"
Keifer smiled apologetically. "Next time. I promise .Next time I come,I'll stay."
She nodded. "Alright then. Drive safe."
Before leaving,Keifer turned to me."Tell Hex I'm going, okay?"
I nodded. "I will."
And just like that, he was gone.
I dropped onto the couch, exhaling. Today felt longer than it should've been.
Angelo sat across from me, arms crossed. "Jayjay… what have I done to Charles?"
He hesitated."He doesn't seem to like me. Or Aries."
I sighed."I don't know what's going on in his head. But I'm sure he has his reasons."
Before Angelo could say anything else—
"JAYJAY!"
Hex's voice echoed through the house.
I flinched."What?"
"There is a crazy person in my room!"
I closed my eyes. Yep. Aries.
A second later, Hex came storming down the stairs, Aries right behind him—way too calm for someone clearly causing problems.
Hex marched straight to me and leaned down, whispering fiercely into my ear.
"I think your brother has some serious problem."
I blinked."Why?"
"He knows I don't like him,"Hex hissed, "yet he keeps talking. Teasing.Existing too loudly."
I laughed. I couldn't help it—his expression was just too intense.
Then I noticed something else.
I glanced at his shirt. "…Hex."
"What?"
"I think you also have a problem."
He frowned. "Huh?"
I pointed at his chest. "Your buttons."
He looked down. Half of them were wrong.
He clicked his tongue. "It's all because of this horoscope."
Aries tilted his head. "Who's the horoscope?"
Hex shot him a glare. "You. Who else?"
He fixed his buttons quickly, clearly annoyed.
Before another argument could start, Aunty Gemma clapped her hands lightly.
"Dinner's ready!"
We all moved to the table.
Food was served—
Kare-Kare.
Pinakbet.
Pancit Canton.
Hex sat beside me. Aries sat across from us.
Hex stared at the food for a long second… then spoke flatly.
"I can't eat these."
Angelo frowned. "Why not? Eat what's served. Don't be picky."
Hex's jaw tightened."I won't eat it."
The air changed instantly.
Aries spoke up casually. "No problem. There's Sinangag and Egg in the fridge. I can heat it—"
"No,"Angelo said firmly."He'll eat what's on the table."
Hex slowly stood.
"I said I won't."
Angelo stood too. "That's all there is."
Something snapped in Hex's eyes.
His hands clenched so tight I could see the tension running through his arms.
For a split second, I genuinely thought he might lose control—say something unforgivable… or do something he'd regret later.
His voice came out low. Dangerous.
"You said I would like it here," he said, staring straight at Angelo.
"But look."
He laughed bitterly. "Look at this."
I inhaled sharply. "Hex…"
He turned to me, pain flashing through his anger.
"And you told me I'd like it here."
He pushed his chair back.
"I wish I was at the old place."
Then he walked away.
Halfway up the stairs, he said coldly,
"Hope you enjoy your dinner."
I slapped my palm against my forehead. "Hex—!"
He didn't stop.
"I'll be in my room."
"Hex!" I called again.
Too late.
Silence followed.
Aries broke it. "Why doesn't he want to eat?"
I turned slowly to Angelo. "Do you… not know how to ask for reasons?"
Aunty Gemma looked worried. "Jay, what's wrong with Hex?"
I exhaled.
"The Kare-Kare has peanut sauce—he's allergic."
"The Pinakbet has bagoong—he's allergic to seafood."
"And the Pancit Canton has shrimp—he's allergic to that too."
Aunty Gemma gasped, covering her mouth. "Oh my… I didn't know."
"I know," I said quietly. "That's my fault. I should've told you earlier."
Aries whistled. "Wow. My friend has a lot of allergies."
"And a temper," I added. "Which is not a good mix."
Angelo rubbed his face slowly. "I… didn't know."
"It's okay," I said. "Now you do."
Aunty Gemma stood. "Should I heat the Sinangag and Egg for him?"
I shook my head. "Don't worry. Let's finish eating. I'll do it later."
I glanced toward the stairs once more… then looked back at my plate.
Dinner continued