Chapter 9
1218 Words
WHILE her cousin Mara was going wild, Bella sat calmly across from her. They were currently watching a concert at one of the bars in Adam’s Island Resort, where Danger Zone was set to perform. Bella wore a simple white crop top blouse with a slight gothic design, paired with denim shorts and black strap sandals. Her jet-black, waist-length hair was left down, and her only accessory was a pair of feather-designed earrings.
Bella couldn’t help but shake her head as she watched her cousin go crazy. Honestly, there was nothing wrong with what Mara was doing, especially since she wasn’t the only one acting that way. Almost everyone was hyped. The music was great, and the colorful lights added to the mood of the crowd. Everyone was enjoying themselves. Bella felt like she was the only one sitting quietly, sipping her cocktail drink.
“Bella! Are you just going to sit there?” Mara shouted amidst the noise.
She raised her glass in response and smiled. “Just enjoy yourself. Once you’re back in Manila, it’s back to reality. Don’t mind me,” Bella shouted back. She wasn’t sure if Mara actually heard her because of the loud surroundings, but her cousin nodded before turning back to the stage.
“Oh my God! JG is so handsome!” Mara squealed, her eyes sparkling as she focused on the band’s vocalist. It was as if she was about to run up on stage and hug him. Well, they were seated near the front, so it wouldn’t be hard for Mara to do so if she lost her mind. Because of her obsession with the guy, she had dragged Bella here early just to secure a good spot. She wanted to see JG up close.
“JG! You’re so handsome! Marry me!” Mara shrieked again. When the guy looked her way and winked, she almost fainted from excitement. She grabbed Bella’s arm and squealed again. “Did you see that? He winked at me! I can die happy now!”
‘Seriously? She’s insane!’
Bella scowled and pried Mara’s hand off her arm before smacking her on the head. “Calm down!”
“Ow!” Mara pouted, rubbing her head.
“What do you mean you can die happy now? Have you lost your mind?” Bella scolded.
“Oh, come on! It’s just a figure of speech! You’re such a killjoy!” Mara whined. But within seconds, her attention was back on the stage, squealing again.
Bella sighed and shook her head before scanning the surroundings.
Honestly, she couldn’t blame people for being drawn to the members of Danger Zone. Their vocalist was undeniably attractive. But beyond that, the other band members were also good-looking. Plus, their musical talent was undeniable, making their looks just a bonus.
The band had five members—JG, the lead vocalist, a drummer, a keyboardist, and two guitarists. Watching them, it was clear that they weren’t just skilled; they were genuinely enjoying themselves. They were passionate about their craft, and that’s what made them shine even brighter on stage—it made them more charismatic.
Bella took another sip of her cocktail and excused herself to Mara, saying she needed to go to the restroom. Mara just nodded and waved her off without taking her eyes off the stage.
The crowd was packed, and people were pushing against each other, making it difficult for Bella to leave. Truthfully, she had been feeling a slight headache for a while and was starting to feel suffocated, so she needed to step out.
When she spotted the restroom sign, she immediately headed there. She sighed in relief upon entering, grateful that there weren’t many people inside. She simply washed her hands and dried them under the hand dryer. She lingered there for a few minutes before finally heading out. Before leaving, she took a moment to stare at her reflection in the mirror.
As soon as she stepped out the door, she froze in place upon seeing who had just exited the men’s restroom.
It was that mysterious jerk of a stranger again.
They exchanged glances for a few seconds before Bella emotionlessly walked past him.
‘Why do I keep running into him?’
She no longer felt embarrassed or awkward about what had happened between them in the past. But she still held a grudge because of the harsh words he had said to her. She admitted that he had a point, but it wasn’t enough to justify his judgmental attitude and cruel remarks.
She had only taken a few steps when she suddenly felt someone grab her arm. Turning around, she confirmed her suspicion—it was him.
Bella’s expression remained blank as she stared at his hand gripping her arm. He immediately let go.
When he just stood there, staring at her, Bella raised an eyebrow. “Are you just going to stand there and stare at me? What do you want?” she asked bluntly.
It wasn’t long before he flashed that infamous smirk of his.
‘What’s with that smirk? Seriously?’
“About what happened—”
He didn’t get to finish because Bella raised her hand to cut him off.
“If you’re just going to insult me again and judge me for it… just cut it off, mister! I am not going to listen to any more of that,” she warned, looking at him sternly.
“No, miss. Look, I just wanted to say sorry.”
“There’s no need to talk about it. Let’s just forget everything.”
“If I offended you with what I said, I apologize. And about that kiss—”
Once again, Bella raised her hand to silence him.
She bit her lower lip in frustration. Why did he have to bring that up again? That was Bella’s first kiss, and she wanted to forget it ever happened. It was a moment she wanted to bury deep in her memory.
“If you have nothing else to say, I’m leaving. Excuse me.”
“But… miss!” he protested.
Their attention was suddenly drawn to another man who appeared out of nowhere, panting as he approached them.
“So this is where you are! We’ve been looking all over for you,” the man said, catching his breath.
Bella frowned, recognizing him instantly.
‘Isn’t he one of Danger Zone’s members?’
‘Wait, isn’t he JG? Their vocalist?!’
Bella’s mouth slightly parted in shock, and she almost jumped when he suddenly turned to look at her. He caught her staring.
“Oh, you have company?” JG asked, looking at Bella before smiling at her. “Hi, miss! I’m—”
Bella waved her hand to cut him off. Not only did she already know who he was, but she also had no intention of getting acquainted with him. She didn’t return his greeting.
“A-ah, actually, we don’t know each other,” she said quickly. “I’ll be leaving now.”
That was all she said before hastily walking away.
She hadn’t gotten far when she heard JG speak again.
“Beast! Come on, we’re about to start!”
Bella unconsciously slowed her pace upon hearing that name and absentmindedly muttered under her breath.
“Beast…”
- Writer
