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Chapter 35 - A PAWN WHO REFUSED TO FALL

JAY'S POV

After the conversation with CI-N, classes went on as usual. But Section E was still buzzing—overflowing with excitement. They still couldn't believe it.

I won't lie… seeing them this happy made me feel something too. A small, quiet kind of happiness. But of course, I wasn't going to show it. The wounds were still fresh.

Keifer's words kept echoing in my mind—"No, you are not…""This is what you want… flirting with everyone in Section E…"

I shut my eyes for a moment, trying to push the thoughts away.

Then my phone buzzed.

CCTV.

I accepted the call.

"Yeah, CCTV?"

"Jay, come to my office after school," Kuya Cris said, his tone serious.

"What happened, Kuya? Is everything okay?"

"We need to discuss Sato. Percy and Aries will be here too."

"…Yeah. Okay. I'll be there."

"Good. Bye."

"Bye."

The call ended, leaving me staring at the black screen.

Why am I the one being targeted?

I have nothing to do with Yuri anymore… yet I'm still getting dragged into his mess. All because his enemy wants to use me to get back at him. Tsk. Am I really just an object for everyone to use whenever they want?

No.

Not this time.

I won't let it happen again.

I was still lost in my thoughts when the bell rang. I grabbed my bag and started packing, but something caught my eye—a letter. It had little heart designs on it.

Familiar.

I frowned. What the hell is this? Another death threat? But… it looked like a love letter. God. I'll read it later. packed up and headed straight to my car. Once I sat down, I took the letter out and opened it.

Dear Jay Jay…

First of all, this is not a love letter. It's a friendship letter… or more accurately, an apology letter. I'm not good at writing, so please bear with me—and read until the end. 'm so, so sorry.

I'm sorry I became part of that plan, even after you helped me. At that time, I was consumed by anger—everything in my life was falling apart, especially my love life. And instead of dealing with it properly… I took it out on you.

When you helped me, I wanted to back out. I really did. But I couldn't. I was afraid of Keifer. And the truth is… we all are. None of us had the courage to go against him. So I stayed silent. And I hate myself for that.

I thought about telling you everything, but I stopped. Because I could see something changing… the concern he showed you—it was real. He fell for you.

We all thought the plan had stopped. But then suddenly, something changed in him. And he said those cruel words to you… We were all shocked.

Jay… you have a big heart. Even after everything, you still helped me when I was getting beaten. I know you'll deny it—you'll say you did it for Mica—but I know you better than that.

I won't make this any longer. I've said what I needed to say. Now, the decision is yours. I love being your friend… and I hope you'll give me a second chance. I promise, you won't regret it.

With love, as your friend,– Handsome Calix

"Son of a—"

I let out a quiet scoff. Why the hell is his handwriting so feminine? I seriously thought it was Mica.

I reread the part about Keifer. So… it wasn't just me. Even they noticed it—how he fell into his own trap. A small, almost reluctant smile appeared on my face. Maybe… giving him another chance wouldn't hurt.

I'll think about it.

I folded the letter and placed it back in my bag, then drove to Reyes Corp.

When I arrived at CCTV's office, Percy and Aries were already there.

"Sorry if I'm late," I said as I walked in.

"You're right on time," Kuya Cris replied.

"Alright, let's start," Aries said.

We all took our seats.

Kuya Cris began, "Ryosuke Sato—the only son of a powerful Yakuza family in Japan. He's Yuri's enemy. And right now… he's targeting Jay."

Aries slammed his hand lightly on the table. "What the hell? Why does Jay have to deal with this? This is all because of that bastard."

"Blaming him won't change anything," Percy said calmly. "Our priority should be Jay's safety."

Kuya Cris nodded. "Percy's right. I've received information that Sato is already in the Philippines. He's been moving around… close to her. We need to make sure she's safe. Otherwise, it won't take long for him to try something—like kidnapping."

A cold silence filled the room.

"Jay, I think you should stop going to school for a while," Aries said. "At least until we deal with him."

"Yes," Percy added. "We need to make sure you're safe."

"Jay Jay?" Kuya Cris called. "Are you listening?"

I was.

But my mind kept replaying his words—He's trying to use her to get back to Yuri.

I let out a bitter laugh.

"Everyone tries to use me for revenge…"

The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted them. I looked up.

Their faces… filled with worry. Concern.

"Jay, don't say that," Percy said softly.

"Please," Aries added.

"Jay Jay," Kuya Cris said gently, "nobody is using you. We're here. Remember that."

"…Sorry. I didn't mean it."

I exhaled. "And about staying home… I'll do it. But I'll go to school tomorrow. I have something to finish. After that, I'll leave things in your hands. And if after one week he still doesn't stop…" I continued, my voice turning cold, "I'll deal with him myself."

"But Jay—tomorrow is Saturday," Aries pointed out.

"And what do you mean by 'deal with him yourself'?" Percy asked, frowning.

"First," I said calmly, "Section E is shifting to the main building tomorrow. I didn't move my things today, so I'll do it then."

"And second…"

I met their eyes.

"Sato is looking for me. And as far as I know… he won't stop until I face him."

Kuya Cris leaned forward slightly. "Jay Jay, don't take him lightly. If you fail, he won't let you go easily. The Yakuza are known for their cruelty."

"I know, Kuya," I said quietly.

Then my lips curved into something sharp.

"And trust me… I'll make him regret ever thinking of using me."

Aries shook his head. "Not until we handle this first. Let us do our job."

I leaned back in my chair.

"…Fine. Have it your way."

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