Jay's pov
Kuya Angelo wants us to come home… why does my heart already feel heavy?
Kuya Angelo (on call): "Jay, Keifer, come to my house."
That tone… yeah, we're definitely getting scolded.
(We step out of the unit)
Cold air… familiar faces… why today?
Horoscope Brother: "So, London girl is back."
Same teasing voice. Some things never change.
Me: "Missed you too."
Percy: "Jay."
That soft voice… Percy never changes.
Me: "Percy."
(Brief hug)
I didn't know I needed that until now.
Aries: "Wow. Big comeback."
Here we go.
Me: "What's that supposed to mean?"
Aries: "Means you disappeared and came back like nothing happened."
Why does he always sound like I committed a crime by being happy?
Me: "I didn't disappear. I lived."
Aries: "With him?"
That hit a nerve.
Me: "Yes. With him."
Percy: "Aries, stop."
Aries: "No, let her talk."
My chest tightens. But I won't back down.
Me: "You don't get to question my choices anymore."
Aries: "I'm your brother."
Me: "Then act like one, not a judge."
(Silence for a second)
Why does every truth hurt people who never wanted to understand it?
Percy: "Enough. We're not doing this here."
Horoscope Brother: "Kuya Angelo will explode if we're late."
Finally, something we all agree on.
Me: "Let's go."
Aries: "This isn't over."
Neither is my life.
Me (thinking): Maybe not… but today, I'm choosing peace.
(We leave for Kuya Angelo's house together)
(Inside the car. Back seat = chaos.)
Percy: "Move, Aries. You're invading my personal space."
My mind: Says the guy who steals fries without asking.
Aries: "Your personal space is imaginary."
My mind: Like your maturity.
Percy: "At least I think before I speak."
My mind: Yeah, for three business days.
Aries: "Thinking didn't save you from being annoying."
My mind: Pot calling kettle loud.
(I stare out the window, pretending I'm not entertained.)
Percy: "You always react first and regret later."
My mind: He's not wrong… but he's also dramatic.
Aries: "Better than acting superior all the time."
My mind: Ooo, that one landed.
Percy: "Someone has to be the mature one."
My mind: And yet, here you are arguing in a moving car.
Aries: "Don't flatter yourself."
My mind: Please don't stop. I needed this free show.
(Keifer clears his throat in the front. They ignore him.)
Percy: "You don't even listen when Jay talks."
My mind: Excuse me? I talk plenty. You people just fight louder.
Aries: "I do listen."
My mind: To your own voice, yes.
Percy: "Then prove it."
My mind: Popcorn moment.
(Silence. Rare. Powerful.)
Aries: "Fine. Maybe I overreact sometimes."
My mind: Screenshot this. Frame it.
Percy: "Wow. Character development."
My mind: Season finale energy.
Aries: "Don't push it."
My mind: Too late, he always does.
(I bite my lip to stop laughing.)
Percy: "She's smiling. See? Peace restored."
My mind: Not peace. Entertainment.
Aries: "She enjoys chaos."
My mind: Only when it's not mine.
(The car slows. Kuya Angelo's place is near.)
Percy: "Truce till we reach?"
My mind: Thank God.
Aries: "Truce."
My mind: Temporary, obviously.
(I relax into my seat.)
My mind: They're exhausting… but they're mine.