Chapter 7

Gabriel's

"Okay, Guys. Make yourself at home!" Top exclaimed jokingly as we all settled on our seats. They all laughed except me as I was too busy looking around. My eyes lingered around the  bar, trying to cope up with the wild lights surrounding the place as it started to become crowded. 

"We have just arrive but the predator is already looking for a prey." Mike blurted out, clearly pertaining to me as soon as he noticed that I can't stop looking around and I winced. Of course my friends teased me for being a natural sex predator that I am but little did they know that the one I'm looking for was actually more deserving to be called a predator rather than a prey. 

Who else could it be aside from the coldblooded Maze? 

I hadn't seen him on our afternoon class, and even his friends doesn't know his whereabouts when Mike asked Top. It's just his first day yet he already had the spunk to ditch classes. Well, it's not that I'm concerned about his grades or about him, I just simply find it audacious. 

"Hey, Gab." Top called me so I looked at him and raised my eyebrows, signaling him to go on with what he has to say. "You can tell me if ever someone had caught your attention. I can introduce you to anyone here. Adan is right. It's been a while after Jen, yet you still haven't dated anyone. It is so not you." Don't know if he's teasing me or he's just simply being the matchmaker that he is. Well, Top has also been the bridge to most of my flings. Whenever I like to hit on someone and he happens to know the girl, he would simply introduce me and viola! We've also been on several double dates, so you can really tell that we play the same game. 

But it's been months since I last heard of him dating. We really thought that he finally decided to tie a knot with someone but it turns out that he just lost the drive to play among girls. But that would be ridiculous? What kind of man can ever be tired of playing around at the peak of his youth?

"Says someone who hasn't dated anyone for months now. C'mon, Top. Wouldn't you go to rust?" Marvin teased him. Among us, he's the very eager one when it comes to finding out why Top has finally decided to behave. But Top just simply shrugged Marvin's statement and didn't even look like a bit bothered. 

"Oh, by the way. Thoughts of Midnight will be performing first, right?" Mike asked and he quickly got my attention as I wait for his question to be answered by Top. I dunno but I felt relieved just by seeing Top nod his answer. 

"Have you found out why he ditched our afternoon class?" Furthermore, Mike couldn't stop asking about Maze and instead of feeling irritated, I am actually thankful cause at least I don't have to voice out my curiosity about that cold guy and simply get answer by Mike being the nosy guy that he is same with Marvin. I am so done embarrassing myself for today. But then, we failed to get the answer as Top remained closemouthed and just shrugged. 

"Anyways, the drinks are here and so does the foods. I want you to enjoy yourselves as I check the band backstage." Top patted my back after voicing his exit and we all nodded and thanked him for treating us again.

I looked at my friends as Barry and Marvin started munching on the foods on our table. Kevin is at the corner, gulping his beer while looking around as if scrutinizing the interior of the bar. I looked at Mike and saw that he's staring at Barry and Marvin as they continue eating. I can see him puckering while gulping his beer and I can't help but laugh. He then looked at me and shook his head.

"These two really has a thick skin." He snorted and the two didn't even bother to snap at his insult. Seems like they had long accepted the fact that they have a thick skin. "Can't you at least leave some for the three of us, you pigs?" He asked and the two just glared at him.

"Uh." We all looked at Marvin when he suddenly made that sound. But then, it seems like he got choked by the food so he hurriedly drank his beer and we waited for what he has to say. "Okay, ha!" He said that in front of Barry's face and I can't help but laugh when the latter winced and moved his face away from Marvin as if he had smelled a very disgusting scent. 

"Damn it, Marvin! You reek of alcohol!" Barry whined but Marvin simply smiled at him before looking at us.

"What is it?" That's the first sentence that ever came out from Kevim tonight. I hope there will be more. 

I'm still actually confused as to why he didn't choose to study Psychology with me and Mike. He is a good observer and also quite a good listener. He can be a really good Psychologist if ever but then, he chose to study Sports Science and I'm dying to know how is he able to handle the craziness of Barry and Marvin. Bet he had a lot of migraine just by listening to these two's conversation. As to Mike, well we simply connect and compliment each other. He can easily get what I'm thinking and would always ride with my craziness.

"I'm still curious as to why Top had stopped dating and just lure all the girls to Gab as he's telling him that he could have them all by himself." Marvin said and we all fell silent as we think of the possible answer.

Well, it could be because I'm his favorite among his juniors that's why he wants me as his successor. But my reason is also flawed, cause aside from me, Top had been trying to lure Kevin with some girls but the latter refused as he remained not interested to anyone.

"Maybe someone had knocked off some senses to Top that's why. Maybe he finally decided to walk to the right path." Among all the reasons that I've think of, I can say that Kevin's answer is the most valid. I've actually didn't think about it.

See? That's the reason why I adore Kevin's level of thinking.

"But why would he not include Gab and take him to the right path with him?" Barry asked jokingly and Kevin just shrugged before drinking his beer. It was then I heard Mike snorted before smirking and pointing at me.

"Then look at Gab, does he look like someone who would follow anyone's steps?" He countered and the three of them laughed while Kevin shook his head and I remain silent. I tried flashing a smile as I try to remove this uneasy feeling within myself. Because of what Mike said, a memory about a person suddenly came back to me and I can feel my grip at the bottle tighten as I remember him.

'I did follow someone's steps that's why I'm being like this. And it's my Dad's.' 

"Okay, everyone!" My thoughts were interrupted when Top finally get on the stage and spoke. We all looked at him as he flash his playful smile towards the crowd. And of course, who wouldn't swoon over such guy? 

Giggles and screams from the girls can be heard around the bar. Top's charms hasn't diminished even a bit.

"Are you guys ready for another wonderful night with out wonderful bands?!" He asked and suddenly, the crowd is in uproar and Mike joined them as they started chanting 'Thoughts at Midnight'. "Well, seems like everyone has the same favorite band." Top added and the crowd cheered. "Well then, I won't make it any longer and let you have the dose of your favorite band. Please, give it up for Thoughts at Midnight!" Once again the crowd cheered to welcome the band. A few more seconds, I've already caught a glimpse of Maze's smile as he walked towards the microphone and his band mates towards their instruments. Mew's smile didn't left his face as he adjusted his mic same with his friends who's working on the bass and the guitar.

"Good evening, everyone." His voice is enough for the girls to go mad as if they are being tickled with all their giggles and scream. But I couldn't care less. My whole attention is on that guy in the middle of the stage. 

I continued staring at him as the weird feeling within me rises. I can't seem to take my eyes off his smile cause it's the only time that I can see it. I tried looking at his eyes and saw something on his dark orbs.

Weird.

His smile is wide. Dazzling and bright. Yet it didn't reached his eyes. It was then our gazes met and I saw how his smile faded and his jaw clenched. It's obvious that he's not happy upon seeing me. But that would be the least of my concern as I was too drawn looking for answers in his depths as to why his eyes can clearly show something that I can't fathom. 

For a minute it looks cold and indifferent. 

The next, it was full of something that can make you feel as if there's something heavy within yourself. It can make you feel as if you're so sad. He has that effect towards someone who will focus on his depths.

And it's drowning me.

But it also makes me want to dive deeper in his world. 

"Our first song for tonight is requested by one of our guests for tonight. Gale, where are you at?" Didn't know that Maze can sound so friendly while saying that. Suddenly, the attention was temporarily drawn to that petite girl near our table. She waved at Maze and it's obvious that she's interested in him.  I frowned as I felt a pang of irritation as I saw how she stared at Maze with a flirty smile.

"This is Nightingale by Demi Lovato." Maze said as he withdrew his look from the crowd and looked at his band mates. They all nodded at each other and a soft music starts to conquer the whole bar. 

"I can't sleep tonight

Wide awake and so confused

Everything's in line

But I am bruised

I need a voice to echo

I need a light to take me home

I kinda need a hero

Is it you?"

I know for a fact that the song was actually requested by a random costumer but why do I feel like it's clearly coming from Maze? 

It's more emotional than his past performance. It's as if he can feel the message of the song and he understands it as he goes on.

"I never see the forest for the trees

I could really use your melody

Baby I'm a little blind

I think it's time

For you to find me."

Is there really such thing as gravitational pull between two people? Cause the moment Maze had started singing the chorus, his gazes met mine. 

"Can you be my nightingale?

Sing to me

I know you're there

You could be my sanity

Bring me peace

Sing me to sleep

Say you'll be my nightingale"

Dunno how he was able to convey such emotions towards me. But it's creeping in my whole system as I listen to him. His voice is enough for me to feel such emotions yet his eyes is causing me to feel more sad as I stare at it. 

And I can't help but to ask myself what makes his eyes sad. What makes him sad? 

And I swear my head is going to explode just by thinking about it as he finish the song. 

'What made you look so sad, Maze?'

The crowd clapped their hands because of his heartfelt performance and he smiled at them. But his eyes didn't. It's clear that he's just putting up a facade.

He's sad.

And that's the truth. 

It was then I came upon a conclusion.

That Maze became involuntarily vulnerable as he sings. 

And it makes me want to watch him even more.

By then, I can have a glimpse of his deepest feelings. 

Even just a glimpse.

I want to see what's beneath those cold and indifferent mask.

If only he would let me, I would want to delve deeper just so I could finally understand the reason behind his arrogance and stoic personality. It may sound ridiculous, but I have decided. I want to know him more. And that's what I'm going to do.

I will get to know more of Maze.