(Guys, I'm skipping all that mica and Calix problem, because all of it is same except Jay will me a bit cold to Ella)
JAY'S POV :
Bastards! Assholes! Motherfuckers! I got into a brutal fight this morning, and those idiots actually thought they could misbehave with me. Who the fuck dares to cross me like that?
Only my sworn enemies… and Keifer, of course. He gets a pass—he amuses me. Hehe.
Okay, enough sidetracking. Let me get back to what happened. Those thugs from earlier tried their pathetic stunt, and I handed them the lesson of their lives. But damn it all, my entire mood is completely spoiled now.
I stormed into the classroom, the door banging shut behind me, and the buzz of chatter hit me like a wave. Everyone was talking animatedly, clustered in little groups, their voices overlapping in excitement.
My eyes scanned the room until they landed on Ci-N, who was leaning against a desk with that trademark goofy grin plastered on his face. He looked way too relaxed for my liking.
"What's all this noise about?" I demanded, planting myself right in front of him with my arms crossed tightly over my chest.
Ci-N's smile widened, unfazed by my tone.
"It's the Monthly Assembly, Jay."
I narrowed my eyes at him.
"Refresh my memory. What's that supposed to be?"
He straightened up a bit, gesturing vaguely with his hands as if explaining something profound.
"Every class president from all sections has to report directly to the head teacher and the principal. They go over everything—suspensions, any student issues, academic performance, you name it. It's also the time to voice concerns and list out the needs for each section, like classroom repairs or supplies."
Needs? Oh, Keifer had better pipe up about our disaster of a room. It looks like a goddamn warehouse exploded into a dumpster. We need a full-scale cleanup operation, and while they're at it, they should drag Keifer's brooding ass out with the trash.
The thought almost made me smirk.
Before I could fire off a retort, Yuri's sharp voice cut through the room.
"Everyone, let's go! If we're late again, the whole assembly will be whispering about us behind our backs."
I whipped around to Ci-N one last time.
"So, where exactly are we heading?"
He shifted uncomfortably, scratching the back of his neck and avoiding my piercing gaze.
"Well, Jay… umm… you're actually not—"
"You're not coming," Keifer interrupted smoothly, his voice laced with that infuriating finality as he stood by the door, arms folded just like mine.
What the hell was this? My blood heated instantly. Why would they pull this now?
Yuri chimed in, backing him up without missing a beat.
"You've got nothing to do there anyway, Jay. Just stay here and hold down the fort."
They started filing out of the room one by one, acting like I was some irrelevant side character they could sideline. Huh! They had clearly forgotten who I was. I fixed my smirk on Keifer's tense shoulders and called out sweetly,
"Oh, Keifer. Have you already forgotten who I am?"
That did it. He stopped dead in his tracks, his entire body radiating irritation like heat from a furnace. I could practically see the steam rising from his ears.
"Fine," he ground out through clenched teeth.
"You can come along."
I raised a single eyebrow, letting the challenge hang in the air.
"Can? Who exactly gave you the authority to grant me permission like some lowly servant?"
I could tell he was barely holding it together—his face was a mask of controlled fury, veins pulsing in his neck, eyes flashing dangerously. He took a deep breath, then delivered the line in the most irritated, sarcasm-dripping tone imaginable.
"Ma'am, would you please grace us with your exalted presence at the monthly assembly?"
I tilted my head, pretending to weigh the offer seriously, tapping my chin with one finger. Then, with perfect timing, I sighed dramatically.
"No, thank you. I'm too tired right now."
God, you should have seen his face. It was the funniest, most hilariously irritated expression I had ever witnessed in my life—twisted in pure, unfiltered rage, like I'd just kicked his favorite puppy. I had to bite my tongue hard, hold my breath, look away, and clench every muscle to stifle the laughter bubbling up inside me. Casually, I sauntered back to my bench, slumped down, and stretched out like I was lounging on a throne, completely ignoring his fuming glare. Secretly, I was reveling in it. Annoying Keifer was pure bliss, my new addiction. I planned to torment him forever.
He finally calmed down after what felt like an eternity—or else I would have been a dead girl walking. Our classmates deserve the credit; they swarmed him, murmuring soothing words and distractions until the storm passed. Once the coast was clear and they all shuffled out, I slumped heavily onto my seat, burying my head in my arms on the scarred wooden desk. Exhaustion hit like a truck.
I only lifted my head when I sensed the door creak open again, followed by heavy footsteps that didn't belong to anyone familiar. Three guys entered, their postures cocky and unfamiliar—they definitely weren't from Section E. My hackles rose instantly.
"Who the hell are you?" I shouted, jumping to my feet.
No one answered. My voice echoed uselessly off the walls. Damn it.
The leader approached with a smug grin splitting his face.
"Jasper Jean Mariano?"
I gave a small, wary nod, confusion mixing with rising anger. Who were these assholes, and how did they know my name?
The other two closed in fast, flanking me like predators. Before I could fully react, the leader's hand cracked across my cheek in a vicious slap. The impact was explosive—my head snapped sideways, and I crashed to the floor. My cheek went completely numb, a burning throb spreading like wildfire. Damn it all!
I glared up at them from the tiles, and they were doubled over laughing, as if this was some hilarious prank.
"You sons of bitches! What the hell did I ever do to you?!" I shouted, fury propelling me to struggle back onto my feet, legs shaky but defiant.
The two behind me lunged, grabbing my arms in iron grips and yanking them back. I thrashed wildly, kicking and twisting, but I was still drained from the morning's brawl, my muscles protesting every move.
The leader stepped forward, eyes gleaming.
"This is a message straight from Freya."
Oh, so it was that bitch's plot. I opened my mouth to spit venom back at him, but he cut me off with a powerful punch straight to my stomach.
"Ugh!" I gasped, the air exploding from my lungs.
My whole body trembled violently. It felt like my guts were twisting into knots, my eyeballs bulging from the sockets, every nerve screaming in agony. It was utterly unbearable!
Arrgghhh… Damn it! I couldn't stop the coughing fit that followed, hacking and wheezing as I tried to suck in air.
I thought that was the end of it, but no—another brutal punch landed, then another. My knees finally buckled completely, and I collapsed to the floor in a heap.
"Ugghh! You bastards!" I forced out through gritted teeth, yelling with every ounce of will I had left.
Enough was enough. The pain was excruciating, sapping my strength drop by drop. My throat tightened like a vice. Come on, Jay, I screamed internally. You're not weak. Fight back.
"Bro! She can still talk!" one of them laughed mockingly.
The leader wound up for yet another gut punch, fist cocked.
No more. Rage and adrenaline ignited like a bomb. I summoned every scrap of energy, twisting savagely against the guy on my left—his grip slipped just a fraction. Seizing the moment, I drove my knee upward with explosive force, slamming it directly into his groin. He let out a high-pitched howl, releasing me as he crumpled, clutching himself.
One arm free now. I spun on the second holder, channeling morning fight fury, and drove my elbow backward into his throat with pinpoint accuracy. He gagged violently, staggering away, hands clawing at his windpipe as he choked for air.
The leader roared and charged like a bull. I dodged left at the last second—my jacket, half-slipped off in the struggle, tangled briefly on the bench. I ripped it free and whipped it hard across his eyes like a makeshift flail, the heavy fabric snapping with a crack. Blinded and cursing, he swung wildly into empty air. I sidestepped fluidly, then stomped down on his knee with my full weight—heel grinding the joint. A sickening crunch echoed; he screamed, collapsing in a writhing mess.
They were all down now, but not out. The groin guy lunged weakly from the floor. I grabbed the edge of a nearby desk—heavy, bolted but loose enough—and swung it like a battering ram into his exposed ribs. Wood met flesh with a dull crack; ribs gave way, and he wheezed, folding into fetal position.
The throat guy recovered enough to stumble forward, arms flailing. I met him head-on, ducking his clumsy grab and delivering a vicious uppercut straight to his jaw. His teeth clacked together audibly; his eyes rolled back, and he crashed down hard, out cold.
Leader last, crawling now, groaning. I towered over him, grabbed a fistful of his shirt, and kneed his face—precise, shattering nose with a wet snap. He joined the pile, all three—no, four counting the straggler—groaning pitifully on the floor, clutching stomachs, groins, knees, faces. Blood smeared the tiles.
My jacket lay discarded nearby amid the chaos. I snatched it up, tossed it onto a bench, and collapsed onto another, chest heaving. I fumbled for my pills—quick swallow, eyes shut, forcing relaxation. Breathe in, out. Energy crept back slowly. Once steady, I shifted my gaze to the whimpering heap. Still groaning, clutching guts.
I leaned down to the nearest one, yanked him close by the collar—my elbows braced on my knees for leverage—and pulled out my phone. Hit record, camera on his battered, sweaty face.
"Who are you?" I demanded, voice low and lethal.
"W-We… we're from Section D," he stammered, eyes wide with terror.
Of course. Section D—Section A's sniveling slaves.
"What exactly did Freya tell you to do?"
"She… she told us to hit you. Brutally."
I leaned closer.
"And?"
He swallowed hard, sweat beading.
"…And she told us… to… to…"
"Tell me fast!" I yelled.
He flinched like I'd struck him.
"And she told us not to stop until you begged for mercy," he blurted, stuttering through it.
I threw my head back and laughed—a bitter, chilling sound that echoed off the walls.
"Beg? Me? Begging scum like you?"
I laughed again, harder, until tears pricked my eyes. When I stopped, my voice dropped to ice.
"Do you have proof of her orders?"
"Y-Yes!"
Trembling, he pulled out his phone and unlocked it with bloody fingers.
The video played:
Freya in a dim corner, handing him cash, jabbing a finger emphatically.
"Don't let her miss a single hit. Jay needs to know exactly who I am."
He nodded eagerly; they parted ways.
Video ended.
"Why did you record this little exchange?" I asked, my voice a dangerous purr, camera still rolling on his terrified face.
"F-For blackmailing… in case she tried to deny it later," he admitted, voice cracking, eyes darting like a trapped animal.
I chuckled low, a chilling sound that made him flinch. Perfect—his own words sealing their doom.
I stopped recording, snatched his phone, airdropped the files to mine, then faced him again.
"Beat me until I beg, huh? Her genius plan."
He clasped his hands in desperate prayer.
"Please… mercy."
I chuckled darkly and delivered one final, devastating punch to his jaw. He collapsed bonelessly.
I stood tall, lit a cigarette with steady hands, inhaling deep as I plotted Freya's utter destruction. Smoke curled lazily.
Voices approached from the hall—Section E, no doubt. I stubbed the cig under my shoe, casual as ever on the bench.
They burst in, eyes bulging at the carnage.
"What the hell happened here?! Why are Section D losers sprawled like roadkill?"
Keifer demanded, shock cracking his cool.
"Freya dispatched them to beat me senseless. Their plan backfired spectacularly." I smirked, leaning back.
Jaws hit the floor across the room. They'd never seen a girl dismantle boys like this—let alone three hardened thugs.
"Y-You took down all of them? By yourself?" Ci-N asked, voice laced with disbelief, eyes darting to the groaning bodies.
"Four, actually. And yeah, I did." I shrugged like it was nothing.
Keifer shook off his stupor first, nostrils flaring as he sniffed the air.
"Why do I smell cigarette smoke reeking everywhere?"
"They lit up before jumping me—cowardly last rites."
Lie smooth as silk.
He dropped onto the bench beside me, assessing.
"Throw them in front of their own classroom door. Make damn sure no one sees you—not teachers, not cams, nothing." I ordered.
They nodded sharply, hoisting the moaning trash like sacks of garbage and dragging them out efficiently.
"You okay, Jay? That looks rough," David asked, concern etching his face as he eyed my cheek.
"Are you hurt bad? We should hit the clinic right now," Ci-N added, hovering anxiously.
"I'm not hurt much, but yeah, I need to handle something first." My tone turned arctic, gaze fixed on the empty doorway.
"What do you mean?" Ci-N frowned, utterly confused, while the others exchanged puzzled glances.
I pushed to my feet slowly, every muscle protesting, and snapped my fingers sharply at Keifer. He looked up, meeting my eyes steadily.
"Beat me," I commanded flatly.
"Huh? What the hell are you saying?" His brow furrowed.
"You heard me correctly. Beat me—now."
"Jay, what on earth are you talking about?" Ci-N interjected, concern flooding his voice as he stepped closer.
"Tss. I won't repeat myself." Impatience sharpened my words.
Keifer stared at me intensely, his expression unreadable but serious. After a long beat, he said,
"I can't do that."
I let out a low, mocking chuckle.
"You fought me before without hesitation, but now you can't beat me? What kind of bullshit is that?"
"Think whatever you want about me, but I simply can't beat you." His voice held a strange finality.
"Tss. Fine then. Anyone else willing?" I scanned the room challengingly. They all shook their heads vigorously, averting eyes.
"Jerks," I muttered.
Without another word, I grabbed both my arms, nails digging deep into the flesh—raking downward in harsh, deliberate strokes. Skin split shallowly, blood welling in thin red lines across forearms and biceps, mimicking fresh bruises from a beating. It stung fiercely, hot trails of pain, but not brutal enough for real damage—just visible, damning evidence. I could endure it; the burn fueled my resolve.
God, it hurts a lot. But I gritted through, finishing with deliberate scratches on my neck for good measure.
When I was done, I looked up at Keifer, still standing rigid, staring in absolute shock. Everyone was—wide eyes, frozen. I smirked triumphantly.
Suddenly, my vision blurred at the edges, the room tilting. Legs gave out; I pitched forward, certain I'd smash the floor. But strong arms caught me mid-fall. I blinked up—Keifer, face inches away. Then everything went black.
KEIFER'S POV :
Fuck! Is she completely crazy?! Who the fuck hurts themselves like that, on purpose? Tss.
When she straight-up asked me to beat her, something inside me just… locked up. Yeah, I'd fought her before—that spar was intense—but this? Laying hands on her now felt wrong, deeply wrong. I don't know why, and I hate admitting it even to myself.
She carved herself up without flinching. Where does she even get these guts? I stood there shocked as she turned to me with that devilish smirk afterward. Is hell her native place? Did the devil personally train her? I lunged when she collapsed, catching her before she cracked her skull. She locked eyes with me for a split second—then blanked out completely.
And now… here I sit in the clinic, watching over her like some reluctant guard dog, making sure she doesn't wake up and pull more insane stunts.
Truth is, I admire her. Not because I'm in love or some sappy bullshit—no. It's her moves, her edge. She's calculated to perfection, always three steps ahead. Observant, spotting weaknesses before they form. Calm under fire, ice-cold when it counts. Steady as a rock. Smart—scary smart. Fast as lightning. And yeah, maybe manipulative in the best way. Seriously, she pried at my weakness without even knowing what it was. She didn't demand money, power, property—nothing material. She went for the priceless: my mom's earring. That hit deep. I've never met a girl like her. Hell, forget girl—who fights four guys and leaves them hospitalized? Who yells in the face of someone everyone fears? Who challenges the unchallenged? She did all that. She's something else entirely.
I snapped out of my thoughts when she stirred, eyelids fluttering.
JAY'S POV :
I slowly opened my eyes, disoriented at first. The first thing I saw was Keifer, sitting rigidly beside the bed, arms crossed like he didn't give a damn—but his eyes betrayed him, flickering with unmistakable worry.
I glanced around: the sterile clinic room, whole Section E crammed in every corner, faces drawn with concern. Clinic bed, crisp sheets under me. A small smile tugged at my lips as every chaotic moment flooded back.
"Are you completely crazy?!" Keifer shouted suddenly, leaning forward.
"Tss," I dismissed coolly.
That only fueled his anger, face reddening.
"Tss? After what you just pulled, you still have the guts to brush it off like that?"
I pushed myself upright, ignoring the ache.
"So what exactly should I do instead? Break down crying like some weakling?"
He went speechless, mouth opening and closing, anger simmering without outlet.
"Jay, please don't ever do that again," Ci-N pleaded softly, perched right beside the bed, his hand hovering like he wanted to pat my shoulder.
"We were all so worried sick."
I offered him a rare, soft smile.
"Did anyone spot you while you were dumping those Section D idiots?" I asked the boys who'd handled the cleanup, shifting to business.
"Nah, not a soul. We even timed it to dodge every security camera," one confirmed proudly.
The others nodded.
"Good work," I approved.
"What's the next move in this plan of yours?" Keifer asked, curiosity edging out his irritation.
I smirked and handed him my phone, the video queued up.
"Watch and learn."
Everyone crowded in, necks craning desperately—elbows flying.
"Jay, come on, what's on it? I wanna see too!" Ci-N whined, struggling to peek over shoulders.
"I can send it to the group chat—but only if you finally add me to it," I shot back in my most sarcastic tone.
Shock rippled through the room. Someone audibly swallowed.
Bastards—they'd had a group the whole time and never bothered including me? The betrayal stung, but I hid it behind steel.
"Jay…" Ci-N whispered apologetically.
"Tss. They'll fix it eventually. As for the video—patience. You'll all know tomorrow. It's time Section E shows exactly what happens when someone messes with us."
Get ready, Freya. Hell's coming.
THAT EVENING
"Are you absolutely sure you're okay? You look pale," David asked one last time, his car idling in front of the sprawling Fernandez mansion, headlights cutting the dusk.
"Yeah, I'm good. Thanks for the ride."
No way was I letting on how battered I felt.
He'd insisted on driving me home—Aries had cut off rides after the Freya drama. I stepped out, clutching my jacket like a trophy, and headed inside without looking back. Straight to my room; no detours.
THAT NIGHT
Okay, Jay. You can do this. Deep breaths. I descended for dinner, the aroma of adobo and rice wafting up. Everyone was already seated, plates half-empty, forks clinking. I slid into my chair quietly and started eating, acting normal.
"Jay, what are those injuries on your arms and neck?" Tita Gemma asked immediately, her voice thick with maternal worry as she set down her glass.
"Did you get into another fight at school?" Kuya demanded, his tone angry and authoritative, fork paused mid-air.
I shook my head calmly, not looking up from my plate.
"A few guys came after me unprovoked."
"What on earth did you do to them that they'd want to hit you like that?" Kuya pressed, his voice commanding answers.
I finally looked up, meeting his eyes steadily. "They said it was a message from Freya—Aries' friend."
"Not anymore, she's not," Aries interjected flatly from across the table.
My brother turned to him.
"What exactly went down?"
"I just told Aries that Freya insulted Ella. And there's solid proof."
Kuya fixed Aries with a hard stare.
"Is that true, Aries?"
Aries nodded slowly, reluctantly.
Tss. Why does nobody trust my word first?
"What did you do to those attackers?" Kuya turned back to me, unrelenting.
I set down my fork deliberately, appetite gone.
"I had to beat them just to save myself from worse."
Now Kuya was locked—couldn't scold without admitting it stemmed from their circle's mess.
Yes! Good job, Jay. Cornered.
THE NEXT DAY
"Jasper Jean Mariano! You're being summoned to the principal's office immediately. The class president must come too," a random boy announced breathlessly at our door.
"Wow. That was fast," I remarked dryly, grabbing my bag.
"Wow? You expected to get called to the principal?" Keifer asked, eyebrow arched as we walked.
"Yup. Clockwork."
The office was a circus: Section D boys slumped in chairs, sporting casts and slings—fractures from my handiwork. Furious parents hovered, glaring daggers.
We stood tall as the principal, a stern woman in glasses, began.
"Ms. Mariano, these boys' parents have filed a formal complaint. They claim you beat their sons severely. Did you do it?"
"Yes, ma'am," I said without a shred of fear, chin high.
The room erupted in gasps. Parents sputtered; boys shrank.
"What?! Explain yourself fully," she demanded, leaning forward.
"Well, ma'am, they barged into our empty classroom when I was alone and started beating me first. I defended myself. Even I'm injured—see?" I rolled up sleeves, displaying the self-inflicted scratches, now scabbed and bruised-looking.
She examined me head to toe clinically, then nodded.
"Valid points."
"My son would never start violence! He's not that type!" one mother protested hotly.
"With all respect, ma'am, we have irrefutable proof."
Politely, I played the confession video on my phone, holding it for all to see. Gasps again.
The boys panicked.
"No! She lured us there, beat us, and forced those lies out of us!"
"We have proof for that too, ma'am."
I switched to Freya's payoff video—cash exchange, explicit orders. Silence fell heavy.
"Is this accurate? Did Ms. Hidalgo orchestrate this?"
The principal pinned the boys. They nodded miserably, defeated.
"Why would Ms. Hidalgo target you? What did you do to provoke her?" she asked me pointedly.
I feigned wide-eyed innocence.
"How would I know, ma'am? I haven't done a thing to her."
"Call Ms. Hidalgo immediately," the principal ordered her secretary.
Minutes later, Freya swept in, shooting me a venomous glare before composing herself sweetly for the principal.
"Did you summon these boys to assault Ms. Mariano?"
Direct hit.
Freya's face drained of color, panic flashing.
"No, ma'am! I didn't ask anyone to hurt her—I swear!"
"And what is this, then?" The principal thrust the phone forward, replaying the clip.
Freya's composure shattered. She stammered incoherently.
"Ms. Hidalgo, I am asking you directly—why did you do this?"
She stood frozen, head bowed, saying nothing. I smirked inwardly.
"Ms. Hidalgo!"
"B-Because she… I-I'm so sorry, ma'am," she finally whimpered.
"This is your absolute last and final warning. One more complaint like this, and you are out of this school—expelled."
Freya nodded mutely, trembling.
"And you, Ms. Mariano: no more vigilante justice. I don't want to hear another complaint about you fighting, for any reason. Understood? Suspension next time."
What the fuck? Me? I was the victim! But I nodded coolly. We exited; Keifer walked beside me, amusement dancing in his eyes despite his straight face.
Back in class, chaos exploded.
Classmates mobbed us:
"Jay, did they suspend you?!"
"What happened in there—spill!"
"Freya expelled?"
"Those boys pressing charges?"
"Principal buy your story?"
"You in trouble for life?"
"Video evidence—did it work?"
Questions flew like arrows.
I raised my hand commandingly; silence fell.
"They issued last warnings to Freya and those Section D clowns. Case closed."
The room detonated in "Oooohs!" and cheers, high-fives rippling.
"Edrix, post the full video online—straight from Freya's account. Make it viral."
He grinned wickedly, fingers flying on his laptop.
Suddenly, my name echoed from the hall. I slipped out alone.
Freya marched toward me, flanked by her snarling friends, face twisted in rage.
"You bloody bitch! How dare you ruin everything?!"
Her hand whipped up for a slap. I caught her wrist mid-air, twisted it sharply behind her back in one fluid motion, and hooked my arm across her shoulder, pinning her immobile. Section E piled out behind me. I dug my nails deep into her arm skin—hard enough for pain, drawing pinpricks of blood.
"Aaah! Let go!" she shrieked.
"My dear Freya," I hissed in her ear, voice velvet over steel,
"when I said 'don't mess with Section E,' that includes me. I'm the heart of it. I'm never afraid to fight, just like you taunted. Insult Section E again, and you'll see hell firsthand. The next time you plot against us, I'll turn your life into a living hell. Don't take my words lightly. Don't forget them. Because I hate repeating myself."
I shoved her free; she stumbled hard, friends catching her flailing form. Terror widened her eyes—she finally got it.
"And one more thing. You ignored my warning, so here's your punishment. Edrix!"
"Already done," he called from the doorway.
The canvases blank.
"Check your social media—now," I ordered her.
She fumbled her phone, scrolling frantically. Her face went ghost-white as the video—her ordering the hit—blew up on her profiles, comments flooding: traitor, bully, exposed.
"This time, I'm letting you off with public shame. But next time? True living hell awaits."
I turned on my heel and walked away, Section E falling in step like my royal guard. Freya's defeated stare burned my back.
Game over—for now.
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So guys, here is the longest chapter you all asked for. I merged 3-4 chapters for this. It's is of 4,400 words. I hope you guys are happy.
I worked really hard for this chapter, and I hope I get good response accordingly.
And my dear fellow author, please recommend this book in your books if you like it. Not demanding.
And one more thing. Today is my bestie's birthday. I hope you guys wish her. Please mostly wish her to study more. I want her success.
Please comment your thoughts.