Howling Wind

Before, I didn’t know where I’d go once I turned eighteen. In the orphanage, they let us live on our own once we reached that age. At first, it was really hard. But eventually, I got used to it and grew to like living alone.

“Sandy!”

I looked toward the source of the voice. It was my boyish co-worker, Chun. She signaled for me to come over while holding her tray.

Sunday at the Red Moon Bar was always a whirlwind. It was the go-to spot for the city’s most affluent crowd looking to blow off steam. With its reputation for high-end, overpriced cocktails, the place was a magnet for the 'Elite Society'—a clique of wealthy heirs and socialites who practically ran the country.

As for me, I’m just a waitress. I’ve been working here for a few years, so my salary has grown a bit. I rely on tutoring and my bar job for my daily expenses. My tutoring income pays for my studies, while the bar job covers my food and rent. I can say my life has turned out quite well, even though I didn’t grow up with a family.

“You deliver this over there first,” Chun said, pointing to the table of a Chinese man I knew she was actively avoiding.

That guy was always trying to get close to Chun because he had a massive crush on her. Chun is bisexual and, honestly, gorgeous—especially when she actually tries to dress up. She definitely pulls in more admirers at the bar than the rest of us, but she’s taken and totally faithful to her girl.

“Oh, boy! Your admirer again, I see.” I teased her with a laugh.

She acted like she was going to gag and immediately turned away. I brought the beer the man wanted. And as expected, he started touching my backside again, but I’m used to him. I didn't want any trouble, so I just let it slide. Aside from that, he doesn't really do anything else to the waitresses.

After the groping, he handed over hundred bucks. I couldn't help but smile whenever I got money from this man. Now I had allowance for school tomorrow. The man is a regular customer and tips the staff generously. He’s actually kind—he’s just a pervert.

“Thank you, Sir,” I said in a sweet voice, giving him a wink.

“Thank you, honey.”

I left his table laughing, but I froze when I felt eyes watching me. I felt the heaviness of that gaze, and it made me uncomfortable. I immediately scanned the surroundings. I couldn’t find the owner of those eyes, so I just shook my head and continued working.

My shift is six-to-six. Even though I’m exhausted, I still have to go to my other job the next day. I tutor a grade school student for two hours, and after that, I can finally relax. In reality, I barely have a break in my entire life. But I’ve grown used to it and accepted it as my daily routine. Maybe someday, once I graduate and get a stable job, that’s when I’ll finally be able to rest.

“That’s for the VIP,” the bartender, Jules, reminded me as he set a cocktail down in front of me.

“Noted!” I gave him a thumbs up.

I delivered the cocktail to the VIP room first before heading to the second floor, where the dance floor is located. Some people on the second floor called for me because they needed help. Since it wasn’t too busy downstairs anymore, I decided to stay upstairs for a while.

The second floor is spacious compared to the ground floor, but it was chaotic because of the crowd dancing. Just as I reached the top, I almost fell down the stairs when a girl running down bumped into me. Luckily, I caught the handrail.

I was puzzled when I noticed more people running and panicking.

immediately moved to the side to let the customers pass. When I saw an opening to go up, I continued. But just as I turned my head, I saw a heavy glass table flying straight toward me.

I couldn't do anything but stare blankly and wait for the table to hit my body. Whoever threw that table must have been incredibly strong. Not even five people could throw something like that.

I squeezed my eyes shut. I waited for several seconds for the impact. But instead of being hit, I heard the sound of something shattering in front of me. When I slowly opened my eyes, I was met with the face of a man I never expected to see there. His eyes were serious as they locked onto mine; his jaw was clenched while intently staring at my face. But what was more shocking was seeing him holding that incredibly heavy table—the one that should have hit me—with just one hand.

My eyes widened in shock, my gaze darting between him and the table he was holding. I gasped when he let go of the table and put on a black face mask. The entire glass table shattered when it hit the floor, and in an instant, he vanished from my sight.

Trembling, I sank to the floor, my eyes fixed on the shattered table. I couldn't stop wondering what kind of being he actually was. His family was famous for their wealth and status within the 'Elite Society,' but they were clearly hiding a secret far more powerful than money.

When all the staff made it outside, we found the police already there interviewing our manager. They said the owner of the Red Moon Bar would be arriving any moment now.

“The head officer will speak to our boss. Because of what happened, the bar might not operate for a month. She said she has to renovate. A lot was damaged because of the fight,” their manager said with a lowered head. Even she would be out of work for the time being.

“I don’t know if humans were really responsible for that. Based on the destruction, it looks like it was done by heavy construction equipment.”

I wanted to speak up and say I saw who it was. But if I spoke without proof, I might be the one to get in trouble. I’d be going up against a prominent family. I don’t even have my own house, and I’m struggling through school. If I spoke up, I’d just be adding to my problems.

“I’ll start looking for another job for now,” I said, making some of them look at me.

“Don’t you know how to relax?” Jules joked.

“That’s not in my vocabulary. Especially now—I really need the money.”

Others were starting to tear up, realizing they had lost their temporary source of income. Like me, they relied on this for their daily house expenses.

With a sigh, we all headed home. Instead of thinking about where to transfer, my mind was occupied with my male schoolmate. I felt like I wanted to know his true identity. It’s my habit to be curious about strange things.

Sometimes I get annoyed with myself because I shouldn't be focusing on it. I have so much to do, so I should probably prioritize those things.

......

“Hey! You’re spacing out again.” It was Demie, snapping her fingers in the air.

I turned to her and remembered we were currently studying for a report later. I looked down and continued my work.

“Just thinking about something,” I made an excuse.

“About your job? Everything will go back to normal, don't worry.” She patted my shoulder.

I gave a forced smile. “I hope so. It’s hard to find a high-paying job these days. That’s why I hope we can go back soon.”

But that wasn't really what I was thinking about. I was thinking more about the guy at the bar. And speaking of that guy—I saw him entering the library, causing Demie to shake my shoulder again.

“There he is.” Demie was practically squirming with kilig (excitement).

I gave another forced smile. I’d be happy if Demie ended up with that guy someday, but after seeing his strange nature last night, I just wanted Dem to forget her feelings for him. I was scared for my friend.

She needs a boyfriend who is normal, not an alien like that guy.

“Is Daniel Zeldorgue really that hard to reach?” she asked, lifting her hand in the air like she was dazed.

“Why him, anyway? Is it just because he’s handsome?”

She frowned as she looked at me.

“No way. His looks are just a bonus. But the truth is,” she rested her chin on her hand, daydreaming again, “I really crush on his personality. The type where everyone knows he’s handsome, but he acts like he doesn't care. He’s not arrogant, and he’s such a mature thinker.”

I looked in Daniel’s direction. I swallowed hard when our eyes met. I remembered again what he did at the club. I get goosebumps every time I recall it.

I wanted to focus on what I was reading, but I felt uncomfortable. I felt like someone was watching me. And when I turned toward Daniel, our eyes met again. I swallowed and took a deep breath. I couldn't stand those drowning eyes.

“Oh! Where are you going? Are you finished?” Dem noted when she saw me suddenly stand up.

I immediately gathered my things from the table. I wasn't done yet, but if I forced myself to study here while feeling that awkward gaze, I wouldn't understand anything anyway.

“Uh... yeah, I’m done. I’ll head to the canteen ahead of you. I’m hungry,” I lied. I wasn't hungry yet, but we had planned to eat after reviewing.

I’m just going to be early.

“O...okay. Order for me too, I’m almost done.” I noticed she was still puzzled. She was used to us always going together.

“Sure!”

Every day at school felt different. I didn't spend as much time with Demie anymore because I was busy avoiding Daniel. Every time he looked at me, I felt a sense of guilt. There’s something strange about Daniel, and I wanted to tell someone because the thought was weighing on me. But Daniel’s life might become messy, and he doesn't deserve that. He saved me; I owe him my life, and is this how I’d repay him after everything he did? Besides, if I spoke up, no one would believe me anyway, and I’d gain nothing from it.

That’s probably why I always catch him looking at me. He probably thinks I’m going to reveal his secret to everyone. What if he approaches me and talks to me? Can I face him again? I already get nervous just from his stares. How much more if he gets close to me again?

Monday morning, Demie met me with some news. She was clearly overjoyed, holding a card in her hand.

“I was invited to a birthday party!” she said excitedly, waving the card near my face.

I smiled, but there was a bit of doubt in my mind. Usually, she didn't care about things like this. It was just strange that she was so happy now.

“Whose birthday?”

“Ruby’s!”

I blinked. Ruby is well-known on campus, just like Daniel. And furthermore, I often see that girl approaching Daniel. Before, I even thought she might be Daniel’s girlfriend. But I haven't heard of them being in a relationship. That’s good, or else my friend here might get hurt again.

“Daniel is definitely going. Now I don’t know what to wear. You’re coming, okay?” She nudged me.

My eyes widened. “I’m not invited, and I don’t have anything to wear. You know I’m not into those things.”

“Please!” She clung to my arm and acted cute.

“I really don’t have anything to wear.”

“I’ll find something for you, or we can just go to the mall.”

“Are you kidding? I barely have any money, and you want to go to the mall?”

She grinned. “It’s on me!”

I pouted. “You’re really something when it comes to Daniel, huh?”

She grinned with excitement. She eventually managed to force me. There was nothing I could do. I’ll just watch over her that night so my presence will at least be useful. It would be bad if something happened to her. Especially since I know she’ll definitely keep approaching Daniel. She might even be planning to confess her feelings. I hope not; she doesn't even know who that person really is.

Demie was restless as the day of the party drew closer. It was like she was the one having the birthday.

The party wasn't formal; they said it would be a pool party held at Ruby’s house. Ruby’s place is located on private land.

“I’m cold,” she said, hugging herself. She had chosen to wear shorts and a sleeveless crop top.

We were waiting for a taxi because tricycles aren't allowed inside that private land. I was wearing a hoodie and jeans; I didn't wear the backless top and shorts she was insisting on. It was around seven in the evening, so we’d be arriving a bit early.

“Just bear with it. I told you to bring a jacket. You’re so stubborn.”

She scowled. A moment later, we hailed a taxi. She even complained about the taxi’s air conditioning because it was blowing too hard. Eventually, we reached the large gate entering Ruby’s private property. Their family is incredibly rich, and it’s amazing how large the land they own is.

Before we reached the mansion itself, we passed by large trees lining the road. It looked like a preserved forest.

The beauty of the mansion was breathtaking, made even more vibrant by the golden lights scattered around.

​"Holy cow, Ruby’s place is a literal palace." Demie just stood there staring. She was so starstruck by the mansion that the taxi driver actually had to nudge her for the payment, or she would’ve totally forgotten.

A realization dawned on me as I looked at the long, isolated road, with no taxis allowed inside the gates, we were likely facing a very long walk back once the party was over.

“Let’s go! I’m so excited.” She pulled me along, and I followed in surprise. “My God! Daniel and the others might be there already. We have to hurry.”

I swallowed hard. I was praying that Daniel wouldn't be at this pool party.

“Welcome!” I heard Ruby's greetings to those who had arrived. I saw her at the entrance of the party itself. Her party is a combination of black and pink. Loud music echoed around from the speakers. Everyone was standing and the others were paddling in the water. It's not new to me to see people kissing at the party because I often see that at the club where I work.

"Hello, welcome! Enjoy.” Ruby's sounds fussy.

Well, I know that it's just a show to say that she knows how to get along. She eventually shook hands with us and with those who came. When I turned to Demie I noticed that she was busy looking around. Might looking for someone and maybe I know who.

"Tell me? When you see Daniel," she said. I haven't felt any heavy presence yet, so, certainly, what she's looking for hasn't come yet. Daniel brought that heaviness to me.

"Hi, girls." Someone greeted us. One of a ran