**Jay Jay's POV**

I finished showering and started picking out clothes, but honestly, I didn't have a single decent dress. I seriously don't get why Keifer picked me out of all the girls out there. They're all dolled up in dresses and makeup, while I dress like a guy, don't wear makeup, eat a lot, am super gluttonous, moody, and mischievous. He must be crazy... or maybe he sees some kind of hidden beauty in me. I *am* pretty, okay? It's just that not everyone can see it.

Tita Gema knocked on my door and came in holding a pastel pink dress. Honestly, it looked kind of cheesy, but the color was super cute.

**Tita Gema:** "You still haven't picked out anything to wear, have you? Try this on."
**Jay:** "Yes, ma'am. I'll give it a try."
Even though I didn't really want to, I figured I should behave a little. After all, the whole family was going to a fancy place for dinner. I'd totally embarrass the Fernandez family if I dressed like I usually do.

I put on the dress but felt something was missing, so I decided to add some feminine accessories.
**Jay:** "Hmm... Percy's necklace. It *has* to be that one."
I immediately thought of the necklace from that narcissistic "brother" of mine, took it out, and put it on. Luckily, I had already returned Yuri's proposal ring a long time ago—otherwise, it would've stirred up old memories.

**Jay:** "So pretty! I *am* pretty. I *do* match Keifer. I shouldn't feel insecure, right?"

**"JASPER JEAN MARIANO!!!"**

Aries had been standing at the door—since when?! That ghost-faced brat just barged in.

**Aries:** "Why did you tell Kuya Angelo that I didn't take you home?"
**Jay:** "But that *was* the truth."
I wasn't scared of him. I just told it like it was.

**Aries:** "Then I'll tell him about you and Keifer. ANH ANGELOOOOOOOO—"
Crap! I realized he was holding some of my secrets too.

**Jay:** "Hey hey wait wait, shush. I'll buy you ice cream and late-night snacks tonight!"
I had to bribe him with food.

**Aries:** "Fine."
He only shut up after that? Cursed brother, I swear I won't let you attend my wedding someday. And even if you do, I'll tie you to a chair and make all the guests tickle you for ten minutes straight.

**Jay:** "But you have to drive me to go buy it."
**Aries:** "What? You said you'd buy it for me."
**Jay:** "I said I'd *buy* it, not *go alone*. Don't forget Ram is still on the loose—wanna end up like last time with Sato?"
**Aries:** "Alright. Everyone's waiting, let's go or we'll get scolded."
**Jay:** "Okay."

Wow! Honestly, ever since I started dating Keifer, my English has improved a lot.

The car was ready by the time we got to the front door. I stepped in feeling confident. I looked so pretty—even if I was slightly uncomfortable in a dress. It was worth enduring for this one fleeting moment of feeling beautiful.

We arrived in 15 minutes. Today's dinner was at a newly opened Chinese restaurant. Aries and I went in together, and the place felt unfamiliar. It was beautiful but *so cold*.

**Jay:** "It's freezing..."
I whispered, tugging at Aries's jacket.

**Aries:** "Hang in there. I'll give you my jacket once we're in the room."
I placed my hand on my forehead and then on his, like I was checking his temperature.

**Aries:** "What are you doing? I'm not sick."
**Jay:** "You must be—normally you're mean to me."
**Aries:** "Who said that? If I were *really* mean, you wouldn't be standing here right now."
**Jay:** "Y-Yeah well..."
**Aries:** "Come on, don't be childish."
He patted my head gently and smiled. It was the first time I saw such a soft look in his eyes in public—especially when nothing bad had happened to me. Normally, he only looked at me like that when something serious was wrong.

We walked into the VIP room. Grandma was already there waiting.

**Grandma:** "Oh my sweet Jay Jay!"
**Jay:** "Hi Grandma!"
I ran up to hug and kiss her.

**Jay:** "Did you miss me?"
**Grandma:** "I miss you every single day."

Aries also greeted her and quickly sat down. As soon as I sat, he took off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders.

**Grandma:** "Why are you giving her your jacket?"
**Aries:** "Jay was feeling cold, that's all."

Everyone stared at us in shock—even Kuya Angelo looked surprised by Aries's behavior.

They ordered a bunch of dishes I'd never tried before: Chinese-style Lechon, Peking duck, chicken feet with black bean sauce, dim sum... The adults talked about politics, business, and the economy. I didn't understand a word. I just focused on eating.

Why couldn't they talk about food or games or something fun? The food was amazing, though. One dish really caught my attention. A staff member came and carved up a Lechon into slices, peeling off the glossy skin and wrapping it in Chinese-style rice paper.

Then he poured some thick black sauce into small bowls for everyone—it smelled amazing.

**Jay:** "Aries, what's this?"
I pointed at the sauce.

**Aries:** "That's black bean sauce. It's usually served with Chinese-style Lechon or Peking duck."
**Jay:** "Ohhh, I didn't know—I've never had this kind of food before."
I scratched my head and smiled.

**Aries:** "Here, eat mine too."
I thanked him and took a bite—it was incredible. The crispy skin, the soft rice wrap, the rich sauce...

**Jay:** "Wow, so good! You have to try some too!"
**Aries:** "Is it that good?"
**Jay:** "Yes! Eat before it gets cold!"
**Aries:** "You go ahead. I don't eat this kind of stuff."
He handed me his portion, and I legit almost cried. Who knew the ghost-boy I cursed every day could be such a sweet older brother?

**Grandma:** "Jay Jay, eat your veggies too. I know you don't like them."
She gave me a portion. I expected bland boiled greens, but no—these were delicious. They were coated in oyster sauce, with crispy fried garlic on top. I might actually start eating vegetables here.

Just when I thought the food train had ended, more dishes arrived—shrimp with pineapple sauce, steamed fish with soy sauce...

**Aries:** "Want more? I'll get it for you."
Wait, did he just call me *em* (the Vietnamese term for a younger loved one)? What the heck?

**Jay:** "What did you just call me?"
**Aries:** "I don't like repeating myself. Want more? I'll get it."
**Jay:** "Yes, please."

Soon my plate was full of fish, shrimp, and dim sum.

The shrimp dumplings had soft, thin skins and springy, flavorful fillings. The xiao long bao was juicy and piping hot—I accidentally burned my tongue.

**Jay:** "Ouch! Too hot!"
Everyone laughed, even the usually serious Kuya Angelo burst out laughing.

**Kuya Angelo:** "Jay, you're supposed to *sip the soup first* before eating it! Or you'll burn your tongue off, haha!"
He kept laughing—what a jerk. He's now officially the second person I'll curse every day, after Aries.

I tried another dumpling, this time sipping the soup properly—it was sweet and savory, full of meaty flavor with a hint of pepper.

Next was the shrimp in pineapple sauce—fresh and sweet, lightly battered and fried, topped with tangy, slightly creamy mayo sauce. Every dish was amazing.

**Aries:** "Here, more fish."
What is wrong with this guy? Ever since that shopping trip with his girlfriend, he's been acting weird. I should probably report him to Kuya Angelo for a mental health check.

The steamed fish in soy sauce was my favorite—tender fillet with no bones, sweet and savory with a bit of chili heat.

Everyone had finished eating—well, mostly me, actually. Aries occasionally joined in the grown-up talk. I didn't have a clue.

I noticed Mom wasn't here. I was worried but didn't dare ask or Kuya Angelo would scold me and not give me any answers. I know him too well.

**Tita Gema:** "Ah, right. How do you want to plan Grandma's birthday party?"
Oh no, I totally forgot—it's almost her birthday!

**Grandma:** "I think Jay Jay should decide. She's been so quiet—just eating all this time."
She looked at me, smiling.

**Grandma:** "What do you think, Jay Jay?"
I wanted to say, "Whatever you all decide is fine," but I knew that wasn't a proper answer.

**Jay:** "I'd like something simple, just with our family. I want everyone to be together like today."

I knew it wouldn't be the same without Mom. As tough as she is, she's still my mother. She gave birth to me and Aries, even if she abandoned us. Deep down, I still see her as family.

Mom, are you okay? Will you come? I'll wait for you. I'll wait for you just like I did when I was little. Please... let this time be different.

**From your Jasper Jean.**