Chapter 1

One year later

Gabriel's

"Gab!" I was awaken by the loud knock outside my room and judging from the loud voice of the owner, I'm damn sure that it's my best friend Mike. But for goodness' sake! It's Sunday! Why on earth would he even dare to disturb my precious sleep?!

The loud knock on my door continued and I had no choice but to grunt as I get up from my bed and walked towards the door. Not even minding the fact that I'm actually shirtless. All that matters to me now is to be able to smack Mike's head for ruining my Sunday rest! 

And so, I opened the door with a grumpy face only to see my best friend smiling brightly at me. Totally unaware that he's in for some scolding for disturbing me. 

"Rise and shine, Boss!" He greeted with such a jolly tone but I was too pissed to greet him back and just gave him a death glare. 

"You had the spunk to tell me to rise and shine after ruining my sleep? Do you wanna die?" I said with a menacing tone as I was too pissed right now. Realizing that I woke up from the wrong side of the bed, he immediately took a few steps back. Seems like he now knows that I'll hit him any minute. 

"Aow, I bought you your favorite breakfast and yet you're snapping at me?!" He tried to look upset but I ignored his remark and stared at him suspiciously. 

Someone like Mike who would be up early in a Sunday morning and come at my door with my favorite breakfast is not a usual thing for me. Hence, he only does that when he wants to bribe me to do something. So I looked at him while frowning. 

"What do you want?" I asked him and he immediately shifted his gaze towards somewhere else as if I had caught him red handed. 

"N-nothing."

"Then you can take your breakfast with you while I go back to sleep." I said before pretending to close the door but he's quick enough to block it. 

"O-okay, okay! Fine!" He said and I remained looking at him. "I need to ask you a favor!" He then flashed his smile as if he's trying to look cute before pushing me aside and going inside my room acting all at home and all I can do is shook my head. 

He proceeded to my dining table to prepare the food that he brought for me while I grabbed my towel from my coat rack. My room's quite a mess right now as I was too busy with the first week of classes and barely had time cleaning my room. 

So I also expect Mike to clean it while I take a bath and do my morning routine. 

And gladly, he did. I tried to hide my smile as I looked around my room while drying my hair with the towel. The dirty clothes are now inside the laundry basket, my bed's also done. Even my study table isn't chaotic anymore as I saw my papers neatly arranged on one side. 

'Hmm. I always know I can count on Mike when it comes to this.'

"Aow, just in time!" I looked at Mike and he's now sitting on the dining table. He had brought a breakfast for two so I'm guessing he hasn't eaten his breakfast yet when he came here. It made me think how important the favor he's going to ask for crashing at my place this early without having his breakfast at home. "I've already reheated the food. Let's go." He added as he placed a set of spoon and fork on each plate. 

I walked towards the dining table and sat across him. But instead of digging in, I looked at him intently. He was about to grab the spoon when he noticed that I'm just looking at him. 

"What is it?" He asked. 

"Spill." I said as I put my arms across my chest and leaned back on my chair. He's now trying to look clueless and I sighed. He's not really a good actor. "What is it that you want?" 

"Aren't you going to eat first?" He asked while wincing. But instead of answering, I just stared at him that made him feel uncomfortable causing him to scratch his temple. "Hehe, it's about Top." I frowned when I heard our senior s name. 

Top is one of our close senior at the faculty of Psychology. We're quite close cause we both used to enjoy the same thing. Which is flirting with different girls. I heard that he's opening the MT bar tonight. But I have no plans to go tonight since it's Monday tomorrow and we have morning classes. And besides, going out for clubbing on a Sunday night is never a good idea. 

And I think I now know the reason why Mike is here. But then again, I chose to play along. Just to tease him. And so I cleared my throat before looking outside the window.

"What about him?" I asked.

"W-well, he invited us to come tonight at the opening of his bar." He answered and I snorted before looking at him. 

"You know that I don't do parties at Sunday nights, Michael." I said and he immediately pouted while showing me his puppy eyes. 

"C'mon, Gabriel. Aside from Top's invitation, I also want to watch the band that will perform tonight. Kevin, Marvin and Barry will be there also. So please, come with us." He pleaded and I snorted once again.

"You already had the three idiots to come with you and yet you still want me to come with you?" I said sarcastically and I heard him stomped his feet under the table. 

"Ehhh! Top said that he'll give us free snacks and drinks if I can make you go with us tonight. So please go with us."  He continued acting like a kid who's throwing tantrums and I had to look away from the disgusting view. Sulking never really suits him. And I sighed once again before looking at him. And he looked back at me with such dreamy eyes as if he's expecting a good answer. 

"No."

°°°°°°°°°°°

But of course, Mike didn't stopped pestering me all day until I agreed to go with them. He would really to anything just to get freebies. 

"Gab!" Top called my name as he walked towards us after we came inside the bar. "Good thing you came!" He said excitedly and I smirked before looking around and saw a lot of girls. 

"Make sure to give me the best view, Top." I warned him jokingly and he acted so proud as we all laughed. 

"But of course! Come, come! I've already reserved a table for you guys near the stage cause I know how much Mike loved to watch live band performances." He said. 

"Aow, thanks, Top! You the best!" Mike jested nd he winked at him as he ushered us towards our table. To uur surprise, Top already had the food and drinks served on our table which made Barry and Marvin want to kiss Top. 

"Eww, geez! Get off me, pervs!" Top screamed in horror while trying to get away from Marvin and Barry and we just watched them while laughing. 

But Kevin, being the keen observer that he is, looked around to check on the bar's interior and I did the same. And as I look around, I can't help but applaud the bar's designer for such beautiful interior. 

It gives out a cozy vibe for the customer who just wants to chill and forget how chaotic the first week of classes is. 

"You've really spent a lot on this bar, Top." Kevin said and we all agreed as it was too obvious that Top has spent a lot of money to build such beautiful bar. 

I heard Top chuckled before opening all the bottle of beers and giving each and everyone of us. But of course, Marvin and Barry didn't wait for us as they started digging in on the food served for us. 

Top seems not to mind. Looks like he's willing to give away free treats for his juniors. 

I looked at him and he seemed so proud as he looked around the bar whilst gulping down his bottle of beer.

"Well." The other guys looked at him when he spoke and he smiled at Kevin. "It's not just me. In fact, the one who really spent a lot to build this bar with me is my business partner. He invested all his savings just to make sure that the bar will be in good shape before we open it." He said and we all nodded. 

"Then where is he? Aren't you both supposed to entertain the customers?" Marvin asked and he grinned at him. 

"I'm afraid that he's everything but a good host." He said before chuckling. "He's quite introverted so he doesn't really like interacting to people and talking to them. But I'm sure you'll see him later." I don't know but Top's words seems to have other meanings for me which made me curious aboutabout who his co owner is. "So, Gab." He called my name and I think I already had an idea about what he's going to say when I saw that familiar grin on his face. "Have you found someone you want to hit on for tonight?" He asked and I laughed when I saw how Mike and Kevin winced because of his question while Barry and Marvin busied themselves with food. 

I looked around the bar and no doubt that there's really a lot of beautiful and hot girls, most of them are from the same university as ours. And also, most of them had already gone through my hand and none of them seems to have my delight for tonight. 

Which is kind of weird. Or maybe I'm not just really in the mood as I was still in a run from fling this week. 

I've been looking for someone to replace her but none of these girls seems to suit my taste as my new prospect. 

It was then I remembered that there's a band that'll perform tonight. 

I suddenly felt livelier! 

I've been wanting to have band member fling as I think that they're cool to be with. 

But all I've got was spoiled university girls who just wants to dig on my pocket and tie the knot with me. 

Which is horrifying if you ask me. 

Commitment is horrifying. 

And so I looked at Top who's enjoying while way thing Marvin and Barry fight over the last piece of chicken wings. 

"Uhm, Top?" I called his name to get his attention and he raised both of his brows at me. "W-what's the name of the band again?" I asked him. 

"Ah, the first band to perform tonight, which is my personal favorite is Thoughts At Midnight." Top answered and we all nodded upon hearing such cool name. 

"Nice name you got there." Mike said and we agreed.

"Hmm!" We all looked at Barry when he snapped his fingers while drinking his beer and we waited for him to talk. "And I heard that the vocalist's versatility is no joke!" He exclaimed and I snorted. They all looked at me curiously but I focused on Barry. 

"By versatility, you mean, she can swing both ways?" I said while grinning and I heard Kevin grunted. He never really liked this kind of conversation. 

"Stupid, perv. By versatility, he means that the vocalist can either play different instruments or he can sing different genres. It's not all about sex, you horny prick." Kevin said in annoyance and I can't help but laugh as I also enjoy hearing him say more than 5 words in a sentence. 

But hearing what he said, it made me more excited to know about my target for tonight.

"But you're actually wrong, Gab." I frowned when I heard Top and we all gave him a curious look. "He's actually a guy. And all the band members are also boys." He added and I can feel the disappointment creeping my whole system. 

'Now, that's an epic fail, Lil Solzeek.'

"Aow, why the long face?" Mike asked so I looked at him and he finally had an idea. "Don't tell me that you're planning to hit on the vocalist tonight but he turns out to be a guy?" He teasingly said and Top laughed. I remembered that I used to tell him how much I wanted to date a musician. But now that I had the chance, it turns out that I was aiming for the same specie. How frustrating is that. 

I can't help but to sulk a bit.

It was then Top patted my shoulder while still smiling sheepishly. 

"Don't worry, Gab. I'm sure you can find someone you want to hit on tonight. Especially now that I'm not into flings anymore. The variety of choices just widened." He jested and I smiled at him wryly. 

"I am Gabriel Solzeek Thornton. And you will see. No one could ever resist my charms." I pointed at each and everyone of them but they all just snorted at me. Looking so done with me playing around. Top laughed once again because of their reactions. 

"Anyways, I'll go check on the band at the backstage. And I will also ask the waiter to serve you another set." He said and we all nodded. "You guys, enjoy! I'll join you later." He said as he walked away. 

The five of us started minding our own business as Mike joined Marvin and Barry's bickering about the food while Kevin silently drink his beer while still looking around and I feel bored. 

And so I also looked around and saw a sign that states the direction towards the rooftop. 

And I suddenly felt the need to breathe some fresh air as the whole place started to smell mixture of liquors. 

And so I looked at my friends and cleared my throat to get their attention. 

"I'll just go to the rooftop." I said and they all nodded as I stood up from my seat. "Text me if the band's about to perform." I told Mike and he nodded once again. 

And so I paved my way towards the rooftop and I can feel the stares from other girls. And usually, I would play along and stare back at them but right now, I seems to not be in the mood. Hence, I ignored all of them and proceeded to the rooftop. 

I heaved a deep sigh upon reaching the rooftop. And I can't help but smile and close my eyes as I feel the cold breeze of the night fanning my skin. 

I opened my eyes and saw that the moon was full and is serving us bright light. And it's beautiful. As always. 

I tried heaving another set of fresh air but ended up coughing as I smelled cigarette smoke. 

I looked around to look for the smoker and saw a guy with a broad back and shoulders and he's talking to the phone. He seems not to notice my presence. But I can't stop examining his built as it was well built if you ask me. I'm still taller than him, though. But I have a feeling that he'll manage to carry me if he dares to. 

'But why the heck am I thinking like this? Especially for a guy?'

I brushed off the thought but stopped on my track when I heard his deep voice. 

"Just make sure that he won't find out where I am or else, you'll be doomed." Even his menacing tone sounded alluring and I think I've gone mad as his cold voice sent shivers down my spine. 

"Gabriel!" I stiffened when I heard that familiar voice. The very same voice that I've been trying to avoid for a week now. 

I saw how the guy slowly turned to look at us. I saw him frowning and I immediately avoided his cold daunting gaze by looking at Jen. 

"J-jen." I called her name with such uneasiness in my voice as I can feel the guy looking at us. 

She crossed her arms against her chest and she started sulking again. Which is one of the reason why I started ditching her as she was too childish for me. Not to mention that she started talking about future such as the wedding songs that she would like use for our wedding which brought me in deep horror. I met her through my friend on the faculty of Science and we had a thing for almost one week. And now, my hiding comes to an end as she cornered me here in the rooftop in front of the mysterious guy. 

It was then Jen ran towards me with her arms wide open but good thing I'm quick enough to dodge her hug. 

She looked at me incredulously and I winced. 

"I knew it." She said, I can see her lower lip trembling as if she's about to cry. "You don't want me anymore. Have you found someone else?" She asked and all I can do is scratch my temple. 

Sadly, I haven't found someone else to replace her like I always did to my other flings once I get bored. But then again, I prefer to stay silent to show her that I don't want her anymore. 

But I didn't expect to receive a big slap from her. 

It's so strong that it made my head turned towards the guy. 

And why the hell is he smiling like that?!

Is he enjoying the view?!

"You cheating bastard! Go to hell!" Jen cursed at me as she walked out of the rooftop and I was left dumbfounded while feeling the sting on my left cheek.

I saw how the guy shook his head as he took a last hit on his cigarette. His eyes shows no emotions. And I know that this is not the right time to think about this but I really find that cool. 

But then again, he gave me such an insulting smirk before walking towards the rooftop door. 

But he stopped halfway and turned to look at me with indignation.

"You kinda deserve that." I frowned at what he said. 

His phone started ringing and he even rolled his eyes at me as he took the call. 

"Yes, Dude. I'm actually on my way there when I stumbled upon a not so interesting incident." He glanced at me when he said that and I frowned. "I'll be there in a minute."

Was I the one he's pertaining to about the not so interesting incident?! Ha! The audacity of this guy! Who the heck did he think he is?

"I must be very unlucky to interact with a cheater tonight."

I didn't get the chance to say something as he already left even before I get to collect myself. And if Mike hadn't called me to say that the band's about to perform, I'm pretty sure that I'd still be standing there for I don't know how long. 

But what I saw on the stage is enough to stop me on my track once again. The mysterious guy with emotionless eyes that I met on the rooftop. The guy who called me cheater. Was actually the vocalist of Thoughts at Midnight.

My supposed target. 

'What the hell?!'