The inspector asked a lot of questions. He was merciless. But what I didn't expect was the flashes of cameras and a mob of media people as we walked out of the hospital on the day of my discharge.

"It's been two days na, I swear mababaliw na 'ko 'pag hindi ako hinayaan lumabas ng bahay!" I screeched through the phone, and I can already imagine King wincing on the other line. "Wala pa rin pasok hanggang ngayon?"

I was hospitalized for three days, including the day that I was attacked. I was supposed to stay for a whole week but I'd probably hit Dr.Gomez with the IV stand if he insisted. The day of my release, a bomb threat was sent to the school, and yesterday another bomb threat was sent - but to the office of the governor instead.

Our school was a street away from the capitol building, so naturally classes were cancelled.

"Oo, bukas din wala nanaman pasok. The police insisted to conduct an interview with the SBC and the staff of the university." King exhaled a little too deeply which caused me to stay silent and wait for his follow-up. "Still haven't seen the news?"

Ah, the freaking news.

"Nope." I even shook my head even if he can't see me. "Ayaw din nila Auntie Anne na manuod ako. They say I'll get too stressed. They even tore off the cable sa t.v sa room ko, I'm forced to rewatch the movies we downloaded last time."

He chuckled and I heard him shuffle "Dahil mabait ako, I'll tell you. And I know part of you is dying to know anyways." He cleared his throat. "They're speculating that it was a political plot."

What the actual-?

"Says who?!" I shouted, inhaling sharply "'Yan ba yung nabuong conclusion ng media? Who gave them the rights to play Sherlock?!"

"Easy there, Ace." He soothed. I put a hand over my chest and the fast drumming of my heart greeted my palm. "They'll spread anything even without solid proof. Baka nga may nag-bayad pa sa kanila para masabi 'yon. Hindi malabo."

I grabbed a pillow and burried my face there. I wanted to scream my head off to vent out my frustration.

I'll freaking throw a snapping king crab at the inspector! I freaking gave my statement! Papa and my family gave their statements too! How dare he let the media spread a lie that this was because of politics!

"Ace.." I sighed and felt defeated. "I know you feel bad kasi mai-issue ang pamilya mo. The inspector was interviewed in school, he actually gave them the truth. Pero malamang may nag feed sa kanila ng information or kung ano."

"That's bull.." I bit my lip, trying to fight the tears that threatened to fall. "I heard Tito Jun was mobbed outside the D.E's office yesterday. I accidentally heard Yaya Ruth telling Yaya Fe."

"Oh Ace. It's not your fault." I felt even more sad as he comforted me. His voice was all gravelly and he sounded tired too. I wonder if they had it hard like my family did. "Alam mo naman na gagawin lahat ng pamilya mo para sa'yo, 'di ba?"

"That's what worries me." I hated being like this. Being so vulnerable. "Their peaceful life and simple lifestyle is suddenly compromised because even our family friends are coming over para lang mang-usyoso sa amin. They think one of my tito's actually plan on running for governor. Crazy right?"

"Crazy but possible." Okay, I hated how he was right. "Kilala ang family n'yo. Businessmen and lawyers and doctors. For a rich family, you guys sure know how to stay lowkey."

That was the truth. Both the plausibility of any of my relatives to enter politics, and the very huge chance of them winning - and the fortune of the Archangels.

Albeit being a rich family, Papa taught his children and everyone else to live simple lives. To take only what is needed, and share what we had in abundance.

I've only stayed with them for a year and a half now, but I've easily adapted to their ways. It was a tough feat, especially since it was a new adjustment all over again, but I was determined that this family would be my last and my forever.

The Archangels were kind - that being an understatement on so many levels. That's why it really frustrates me to think that people would think we were plotting anything or hiding anything.

"Azenith, ano, nadakip ka na ba ng aliens d'yan?" King 's voice was a bit raised, he probably thought I couldn't hear him.

"Che!" I countered, sticking my tongue out even if I knew he can't see it. Knowing King, he already knows I'm doing it anyways. He knew me like he knew the European wars - and that's saying a lot.

He laughed, and his carefree laugh sounded like music after all the stressful days. I just wish Queen and Jack had time to laugh too.

"Oh s'ya." I could hear him move, probably off of bed. "Maliligo muna 'ko. I have errands to run."

"Oh shit, is it doom's day? Maliligo si King De Leon kahit walang pasok?!" I feigned surprise, but really though, it was weird! Even I've gotta' admit that I rarely take a bath when it's not a school day.

"Gago." He laughed and ended the call.

Well. I guess I'll have to go back to watching this cool Korean Drama.

I reached for the t.v remote on the side table, careful not to jossle my shoulder too much. It still stung a bit when I moved too much, but it was a little less painful than it was a few days back.

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo played in the flat screen.

As the recap was playing, someone knocked at my door.

"Pasok po!" I said without looking at whoever my visitor was.

"Hindi ka naman ba nabo-bore dito?" Yaya Ruth walked in, a bowl of what looked like cheese flavored nachos and some dips along with a pitcher of juice and an empty tall glass was on the tray she carried. "Pinapadala dito ng Auntie Anne mo, baka daw nagwawala na yung mga alaga mo d'yan." She smiled, gesturing to my stomach.

"My pet dragons are fine." I patted my tummy and laughed. "Salamat po!" She gently laid down the food and drinks on the side table.

She nodded and left me to watch on my own. I wanted to invite her to stay with me, but during these hours she's usually busy cleaning the other rooms.

I was well immersed in seeing Hae Soo and Prince Wang So interact when my phone's screen lit up and the ding of a Messenger notification caught my attention.

Quinzel Ravena: Hey, kamusta ang favorite sister ko? (You're my only sister though, pero kiligin ka pa rin)

I rolled my eyes and laughed. Geez, this annoying mad hatter.

Me: Watching Scarlet Heart rn, you guys been busy?

I hit send and chowed down a cheese dipped nacho. Sweet mother of cheese~! I love cheese nachos dipped in cheese, it's just perfect!

Queen Ravena: Hay nako! (emoji with slit eyes) ilang oras ka na siguro nanonood! Anyway, yup. Nakakainis, 'di makalabas ng dorm dahil sa mga threats. Stuck with take home activities tuloy.

I read her chat through the preview.
I noticed the time on the screen of my phone and gods, I've been watching for 3 hours!

Damn it! Wang So, Wang Jung, Wang Eun! You three made me forget my life!

I unlocked my phone to type a reply, and also to view the other messages in Messenger, Viber and the messaging app that I "accidentally" (yeah, total emphasis on the air quotes) ignored this morning, I just wasn't in the mood to reply. I mean, it happens okay? Socializing is tiring, even if it's just virtual.

"Ace!" A knock and then the door opened, revealing Yaya Ruth again. "May bisita ka."

"Ha? But I don't want any-"

"Now if that ain't rude."

King was smiling as he leaned on the door frame. Yaya Ruth placed a box of donuts and pizza on my bed, and a few more bags of groceries that were filled with junk food on the carpetted floor.

"I am such a spoiled ass lucky awesome nerd." I chanted.

"Salamat po." King nodded to Yaya as she exited. "Sooo." He began walking towards me and settled himself on the carpet, sitting just beside my bed. "No 'thank you my awesome best buddy'?"

I rolled my eyes and threw a yellow skittle at him. (Don't hate me, I just really didn't like the yellow skittle) "Panget ka pa rin."

"Tsk!" He picked up the skittle and popped it into his mouth. "Ang sama nito, porke ayaw itatapon agad basta basta." He made a fake frown. Yes, a fake frown, he's just guilt tripping me! "You wound the poor skittle." See!!

"Ugh! 'Di bagay 'ted! Ang panget mo!" I laughed and let myself fall to my right side- the uninjured side- as I happily embraced a pillow while laughing.

I realized I called him 'Ted a moment ago. It was an endearment we agreed on - and by agreed on I mean I sort of forced it on him. It was a shortcut for "kapatid", since the four of us were pretty much like siblings. Especially me and King, he was my boy version after all.

Like a less attractive, less awesome, less super coo-

"Ouch!" A throw pillow landed on me. "Just because it's a throw pillow doesn't mean you should throw it, ugly!"

"It's a throw pillow preciesly because it's meant to be thrown." He shrugged and stole the remote from beside me. "Let's watch something less cheesy."

"Hmp! Kala mo 'di s'ya cheesy! Bading!" I aimed the pillow at his head and despite my injuries, it was a solid bull's-eye! Ha! Told 'ya I'm freaking awesome!

We ended up watching The Great Wall. It was a semi-fantasy movie about some weird lizards who's sole purpose in living is to end the lives of the Chinese people.

I have a weird way of explaining things, but really that movie is a 10/10. Well - unless you're not into action and weird lizards and that bunch.

"They obviously dig each other." I carefully munched on the spicy flavored V-Cut chips. "Kunwari pa sila eh! I shipped them the moment I saw the girl! Gods I'm an awesome match maker."

"Tsk." Was his only response as he flipped through the other folders containing movies. "Match maker your pwet."

"Aba De Leon! Baka gusto mo ma-jombag! I'm a galing match maker naman talaga ah! Look mo sila Kuya Harv at Ate Mitch, I called it!" I crawled to the edge of the bed to peek over at King who was sprawled over the fluffy carpet. "Bitter ka lang kasi wala kang lovelife!"

"Yeah yeah, whatever floats your boat." And he mumbled something incoherrent and barely audible. "Azenith..."

I tilted my head, his tone suddenly became serious that I was afraid I pissed him off or something. King and I never really fought or anything yet. Among us pals, I've only ever argued with Queen. And I'm determined to never let another argument happen.

"Hmmm?" I tilted my head to the other side.

He shifted his position to face me, and he laughed when he saw me. "Muka kang tuta, ano ba 'yan!" He laughed boyishly while shaking his head.

Oh whomever is the god of patience, grant me your virtue or King De Leon will seriously find himself getting thrown off my balcony.

Speaking of balcony.. I think I saw..

*BEEP BEEP*

Ugh, I wish I didn't see or hear that.

King noticed the annoyance in my face, he rolled on his back and stood up to check who the visitor was. "Ah, your least favorite visitor huh?" He nodded towards the balcony where a black sleek Honda Civic 2018 model can be easily spotted. "Well, thank you Inspector Zobel for stealing my title." He drawled on the vowels.

"Hey, I actually enjoy your visits. Ever had Jack come over? Seriously he visits my dorm just to eat and sleep." I smiled. Momentarily forgetting the unwanted visitor. "Kainis talaga!" I grabbed a pillow and threw it to the floor. Geez, I really need to vent out all of my stress.

"Ayusin mo muna itsura mo." His eyes didn't meet mine. I scanned my body and I looked decent to my eyes.

Huh? Problema nito?

He must have sensed my confusion. He exhaled audibly and gestured to my body. "Jogging pants and a sweat shirt for an interview? He's technically a guest, Ace."

"Oh ngayon?" I tilted my head in question "Bisita rin naman kita ah? You didn't mind me looking like some homeless-but still awesome looking- person naman ah?"

I swear I think I saw a ghost of a smile grazing his lips. The kind of smile he shows when he's amused. Yeah, I must really be that awesome.

He helped me get off bed despite my insisting that I could manage on my own. The dude really spoils me despite his constant stand of never accepting my awesomeness.

"Good afternoon Ms.Archan-"

"Cut to the chase already."

We were descending the stairs and Inspector Radleigh Zobel greeted us with a wide smile. Ugh, pretentious.

"Mukang 'di nanaman maganda timpla ng araw ah?" the smile still never fading from his lips. "I have news." and then his face became serious.

My eyes widened. I was expecting that they wouldn't even make progress until tomorrow. I really bet that the whole one week thing would go to waste. I mean, really since when is anything on time in the Philippines?

"I'll go get Papa.." I was about to turn but my knees went week the moment his baritone voice announced his news without any warning.

"I have no solid proof whatsoever. Alam ko rin na posibleng naisip mo na 'to. Azenith, someone very close to you has decided to betray you."