Touch Me Not

"Mic, you're up next," called David, the floor manager of the high-class bar where she works— Neon Nights. David was reminding her of her special set as a singer. She worked as a waitress most nights, but every Wednesday and Saturday, at midnight, she got to perform with the bar's exclusive band. Neon Nights wasn't just any bar. On the surface, it looked like any other luxury lounge — soft lights, expensive bottles, well-dressed patrons. But if you listened close, you'd hear more than just music. Deals whispered between clenched teeth. Guns tucked behind tailored coats. Every smile was a mask, every toast a warning. The bar wasn't just a place to drink; it was a marketplace for power. Delikado, yan ang una niyang naisip when she applied here as a waitress. This place was absolutely not her cup of tea, but the pay was too good to ignore. So, when her best friend, Candy — who happened to be David's cousin — introduced her, and David mentioned the salary, she hesitated for a moment, but then upon careful calculation of their situation, she decided to accept the job. She needed the money badly. Sabihin na nating siya ang breadwinner sa kanilang pamilya. Her sister was studying law, and her mom was sick — constantly in need of funds for hospitalization. Her doctors called it Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy. She called it what it really was — a broken heart. Years of grief had twisted her mother's chest until her heart simply couldn't take the weight anymore. Now, she lived on borrowed beats, waiting for someone else's heart to replace the one that had loved too much. The illness began not with symptoms, but with sorrow. When her dad — a kind and honest man — was wrongly accused of a crime he never committed, their world collapsed overnight. They watched him taken away in handcuffs, humiliated and helpless. Five months later, news came that he'd died inside his cell. The official cause was "heart attack," but they knew it was despair. That same night, her mom's chest began to tighten. Doctors thought it was a heart attack, too, but angiography showed no blocked arteries. Instead, her heart had ballooned and weakened — a textbook case of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy, a "broken heart." Over the years, the damage became permanent, leading to heart failure. Her mother's heart could no longer pump enough blood, forcing her to depend on daily medication, oxygen therapy, and frequent transfusions. Back then, her sister was in eighth grade, and she was a sophomore studying architecture like her dad. But when her mom got sick, their entire family savings were drained. At eighteen, she had no choice but to drop out of school and find a job that could support them and keep them all alive. Candy, her closest friend since high school, urged her to apply at Neon Nights. Six years later, sa kabila ng mga hindi kanais-nais na naririnig at nakikita niya sa lugar na ito, here she is — still standing beneath the neon glow. David adviced her to keep a deft ear and blind eyes if she wants to keep the job. Napabuntong hininga na lamang siya nang maisip kung paano siya napalagay sa pinagtatrabahuhan. She removed her tailored leather apron, revealing a black, short-sleeved leather top that fit snugly around her small waist, hugging her curves — not exaggerated, but beautifully defined. The top was paired with a short, fitted leather skirt. She had never worn anything this daring before, but her job required alluring and stylish attire — the kind that matched the bar's upscale yet seductive atmosphere. She walked up on stage nodding to Max, the band's bass guitar player. He started strumming and the drum followed as all the instrument. As Michaeyla began singing Control, originally by Halsey, the crowd suddenly stopped dancing to the upbeat music the band had been playing. In the middle of the floor, a group of people watched her closely, swaying slowly to the rhythm of her voice. The lights in the bar flickered with each beat, while Mic and the band infused the song with a new intensity, making every word cling to the hearts of the audience. The atmosphere in the bar became tense and electrifying—every eye fixed on her as the noise of chatter and dancing gradually faded. She sang five songs in all of her sets. Tinapos niya ang kanyang set sa kanta ni Demi Lovato na Neon Lights, na muling nagpabalik sa mga tao sa pagsasayaw. "That was one hell of a set, Michaelya," puri ni David sa kanya nang salubungin siya nito pagbaba ng stage, offering his hand. She noticed David's glances since day one — his eyes were always filled with admiration and respect, pero katulad ng advice nito sa kanya, she'd been turning a blind eye to everything, including his obvious feelings toward her. Pinagpapasalamat na lang niya na sa kabila ng mahabang taon nilang magkasama sa trabaho, he'd never been vocal about it. But everyone around them noticed. Hindi niya lang alam kung sinasadya nitong maging obvious, or if he's really oblivious that his eyes and actions give it all away. "Have I ever disappointed you, Dave?" she replied, accepting his hand. He only chuckled in return before heading back to his post near the sound booth. Michaelya returned to the counter, only to catch Vince's teasing smirk waiting for her. She didn't even have to ask — she knew that look. "Kailan kaya aamin yang tropa ko na 'yan?" Vince laughed, shaking his head. "Shut it, Vince!" she shot back, trying to hide the grin tugging at her lips. Vince was one of the bar's pioneers — and one of the few people David truly called a friend. "There's nothing wrong with it, Mic. Come to think of it, sino pa bang babagay kay David? Sa tagal naming magkasama, I know too well — nothing and no one ever came close to his standards. Only you, the one and only Michaelya Alvarez, tamed the wolf in him and made him hold his breath — speechless. Nawawala ang angas ng isang David Mariano," Vince said, his tone suddenly turning serious. "Stop exaggerating," she muttered, tying her apron back on. "Sarilinin mo na lang yang naiisip mo, Vince. Baka marinig ka ni Sir Dave." Only she called him Dave. "Don't play dumb now," Vince chuckled. "Everyone here knows how head over heels he is for you. Siya na lang yata ang hindi nakakaalam noon sa sarili niya." She only shrugged before heading back to take the customers' orders. The bass from the performer hummed through the air, the lights bathing the bar in soft neon blues and purples. The smell of whiskey and citrus filled the space, wrapping her in the familiar chaos of Neon Nights. It's not that she doesn't like Dave. What's not to like? David Mariano is nothing but a gentleman. Sure, he seems arrogant and confident — the kind of man people notice without even trying — but those who truly know him understand that beneath the poise is loyalty and depth. He's sharp, composed, and sometimes intimidating, but never cruel. Though often perceived as the "wolf" in the room — strong, protective, a little untamed — Michaelya Alvarez is one of the few who can disarm him with just a look. Around her, the sharp edges of his personality soften, revealing the man behind the pride — still fierce, but undeniably human. Even Vince noticed it — and it shocked him. The David he knew used to be quick-tempered, guarded, allergic to sentiment. But the first time he saw how David's gaze softened whenever Michaelya laughed, he nearly dropped the glass he was polishing. Gone was the intimidating boss who could silence a room with a single look. In his place stood a man who looked like he'd forgotten how to breathe. "Putcha," Vince once whispered to himself, "since when did David Mariano learn to smile like that?" He'd seen it all — David defending her from rude customers, lingering a little too long when handing her mic cables, even volunteering to stay late just so she wouldn't close up alone. For Vince, it was almost unbelievable. The wolf he once knew had found his reason to stay still. Noong unang magkaharap sila, when Candy introduced them, ni hindi man lang ito umiimik kahit ang dami nang nasabi ng pinsan nito. Neon Nights wasn't even hiring at that time, but when he learned what had happened to her, he didn't hesitate to help her get the job. She'd been intimidated by his presence at first — who wouldn't be? — but she never let it show. Over time, as they worked side by side, the distance between them slowly thinned. David eventually opened up to her, letting her see pieces of him no one else ever did. But this was never part of her priority list. At sa kabila ng magagandang katangian ni Dave, she knew deep down that all she could offer was something purely platonic. Maybe if her situation were different, she'd see him for who he really was. Because as she had said earlier — what's not to like? She took a quick glance at David, who was busy giving instructions to the bouncer. Then, as if sensing her eyes on him, he looked back and smiled. She smiled in return — a small, fleeting one — before letting out a quiet sigh. "Uy grabe naman sa titigan nyan, Friend", siko sa kanya ni Diane, isa sa kasama niyang waitress. At ang pinaka-kasundo niya. "Isa ka pa, wala ka rin pinagkaiba kay Vince", she volted. "Kailan mo ba kasi sasagutin yang si Sir David?", she asked, habang sabay silang pabalik sa counter para kunin ang mga inorder ng mga bagong dating na customer. "Alam mo kung ako sayo, unang tingin pa lang nyan sakin, sinunggaban ko na eh", Diane giggled, "ano pa bang hahanapin mo dyan, gwapo, matipuno, mabango at mayaman, huwag nalang natin pansinin ang mga nagtataasan niyang kilay. Pero sabagay, never mo naman naranasan ang kasungitan niya. Ikaw lamang ang natatanging may immunity sa Mamang Lobo", dagdag nito bago tumalikod bibit ang isang tray ng pinagsama-samang cosmopolitan, tequila at whiskey. The hum of laughter and clinking glasses filled the air as Diane disappeared into the crowd. Across the bar, David's deep voice carried as he gave orders, his presence magnetic even from afar. "Ano na, Girl? Hindi mo ba siya type?", ani nito ng muling makabalik sa tabi niya sa gilid ng bar counter. Mic rolled her eyes, "quit it now, Diane. Marinig ka ng mga fan ni Dave", she was referring to their co-waitresses who keep on throwing hate glances on her. "Isa pa, hindi naman nanliligaw yung tao, we are good friends." "Good friends my ass, ikaw lang ang natatanging first name basis kay Sir David, with special nickname pa. Sige ikumbinsi mo ang sarili mo na magkaibigan lang kayo kahit alam ng lahat na malakas ang tama sayo noong tao." Pinili niyang hindi ito sagutin. "Bagay na bagay kaya kayo, no?", but Diane seems not to give up the topic. "Maganda ka, may pinag-aralan, kahit na dropped out ka, matalino ka at may class. Hindi ko nga alam kung bakit nagtyatyaga ka sa pagwi-waitress eh, hindi nababagay ang kagaya mo sa ganitong trabaho. Ang mga kagaya mo ay nababagay kay Sir David." "You know too well why I needed the job, Diane", she said firmly. "I mean pakasalan mo lang si Sir David, solve ang problema mo sa datung, Girl." saka ito tumawa. "Eh ikaw, puro ka reklamo sa ingay at gulo dito sa Neon Nights, bakit nagtyatyaga ka pa, I thought your cousin was asking you to come with her to Japan?" "Syempre bakit pa ba ako magtyatyaga dito, kagaya mo, dahil din sa datung no! Hindi ako pwedeng mag-Japan, hindi ko pwedeng iwan si Leo", tukoy nito sa limang taong gulang na anak. Only her, in Neon Nights knew about Leo, tinatago nito ang tungkol dito dahil pwede itong mapatalsik sa bar. Neon Nights has a reputation to keep, and kasama doon ang malinis at magandang record ng mga staff nito. And Diane is a single mother. She's glad Diane was able to drop Dave's topic. Halos sabay nilang dinampot ang kani-kanilang notepad nang may dalawang grupo ang dumating. They both went back to their job. Another hour passed before she moved beside Vince. "Break muna ako, Vince," she said softly. Vince only nodded, still busy shaking another cocktail, the sound of ice clinking faintly against the glass, blending with the mellow hum of music and laughter around them. She slid off her apron, the leather brushing lightly against her uniform, and made her way to the kitchen. From there, she slipped out the back door and into the alley — the quietest place she could find. The night air hit her skin like a small relief. Outside, the thumping bass of Neon Nights was muted, replaced by the buzz of distant traffic and the occasional clatter of bottles from the dumpster nearby. She took out her phone and dialed Gail's number. It rang three times before her sister answered. "Ate?" Gail's voice had a trace of sleep in it — soft, heavy, tired. She must've fallen asleep while studying and watching over their mom at the hospital. They practically lived there now. Ever since they sold the house three years ago, the three of them had been renting a small studio-type apartment near the hospital. "How's Mom?" Michaelya asked, even though she already knew the answer — nothing had changed. "She asked for you kanina," Gail said softly. "Tinanong niya kung umuwi ka na raw ba." Her voice sounded tired, probably from juggling schoolwork and their mother's care. "Ate, remind ko lang din about the tuition fee balance ko. Last day of due na bukas, and exam week na rin namin. I won't be able to watch Mom tomorrow." "Don't worry about it," Michaelya replied gently. "Ako nang bahala. Just make sure she takes all her meds, okay? I'll be out in about an hour. D'yan na ako dideretso para makauwi ka at makapagpahinga." "Thank you, Ate. You take care," Gail murmured before the line went silent. When the call ended, Michaelya lowered her phone and sighed — long, weary, and quiet. For a moment, she just stood there, staring at the glow of her screen before locking it. Then she opened her banking app, hoping her half-month salary had already been credited. Her chest tightened when she saw the balance. It wasn't much — it never was — but she could make it work. She always did. She leaned against the cold brick wall, the neon light from the bar's sign flickering faintly against her face, painting her skin in shades of pink and blue. She could still hear the laughter and music from inside, so alive and distant — a different world from the one she carried in her heart. She rubbed her temples, forcing herself to breathe, to steady the weight pressing on her shoulders. She'd already planned everything — the schedules, the shifts, the medication times — because that's what she did. She kept things together. For a moment, the silence comforted her — the muffled thump of bass behind the walls, the hum of the city beyond. Then, somewhere down the alley, a sound broke through — faint, but sharp enough to pull her out of her thoughts. At first, she thought it was just a bottle rolling on the pavement. But then came the voices — male, rough, halata ang kalasingan sa mga boses. A nervous laugh followed, then a small, frightened whimper. Michaelya straightened, her pulse quickening. She took a cautious step forward, peering past the corner of the bar. The music from the back alley was faint — just the steady thump of bass leaking through the walls. Outside, the dim yellow of a flickering streetlight painted the cracked pavement. A young girl, barely eighteen, stood clutching her small bag against her chest. Her trembling hands said what her lips couldn't. Five men, reeking of alcohol and ego, had surrounded her, their laughter too loud, too confident. "Wag ka namang mailang, miss, simpleng usapan lang 'to," one of them slurred, stepping too close. The young girl took a step back, but her heel hit the wall. Her heart raced — she could smell the liquor on their breaths. Their shadows loomed over her like a pack cornering prey. "Aren't you a little too many for just one small girl? Why can't you all pick on someone your own size?", Mic intervene, raising her voice. The men turned. Mic stood steadily at the mouth of the alley. "Ano ka, hero?", natatawang sabi ng lalaking makapal ang bigote at balbas. "Depends.", she replied with conviction. "O baka naman gusto mong sumali, mas marami mas masaya, di'ba pare?", sabi ng pinakamatangkad at mukhang pinakamatanda sa lima. "Pasadong-pasado ka rin naman sa taste namin, mukhang mas ayos ka pa nga rito sa isa", dagdag pa nito sabay lingon sa babaeng una nilang pinagpi-pyestahan, "mas maganda at mas malaman ka, mas mabubusog kami". The men laughed. The air tightened. One of them took a step forward, grinning. Mic's hand slipped behind her back, revealing the small taser tucked under her belt. A sharp c***k of electricity filled the air. "Last warning," she said. "You really want to do this right in front of Neon Nights?" she added without breaking eye contact. "I bet the bouncers would love to teach you how to respect women.". "Bukod pa sa tatlong bouncer sa loob ng bar, may dalawa pa sa entrance—at parehong nakamasid." The men froze, eyes darting to the watching bouncers. Mic didn't move, taser still humming in her hand. "Try me," she muttered. The men hesitated, the tension thick in the air. After a moment, one of them cursed under his breath, grabbing his drunk friends by the arm and dragging them away — realizing how badly things could've ended for them. "You okay?" she asked softly. The girl nodded, voice breaking. "T-thank you..." The girl couldn't have been more than eighteen — small, fragile-looking, with shoulder-length brown hair that framed her pale face. Her eyes, wide and beautifully innocent, shimmered with fear and disbelief, like she couldn't decide whether to cry or run. She managed a weak smile, then glanced at the bar's neon sign flickering above them — Neon Nights. "You shouldn't be out here alone," she muttered. "I was about to take a cab when they blocked my way and forced me to this darker part of this place," she explained, her voice still trembling. "You're lucky I was here. Would you like me to get you a cab?" Mic offered gently. The girl nodded quickly, her eyes glistening with gratitude. Mic stayed until the cab pulled away, watching the taillights disappear into the night. Only then did she exhale, realizing how hard her heart was still pounding. She brushed off the dust from her skirt, straightened her top, and took one last look at the quiet alley — now calm again, as if nothing had happened. With a steady breath, she turned back toward the bar's glowing entrance. Her break was over. Time to slip back into the noise and neon like nothing ever happened. The crowd swallowed her the moment she stepped back into Neon Nights. Music pulsed like a heartbeat, lights flashing across faces half-lost in smoke and laughter. Mic forced herself to breathe, to act normal. She was almost beaten up by five drunken men, at sinong nakakaalam kung ano pa ang pwedeng mangyari kanina. And now she had to serve cocktails with a smile. Lumilipad pa ang kanyang isipan sa mga maaring mangyari kaninahabang naglalakad papalapit sa counter upang muling bumalik sa trabaho, when she bump on something hard. "Watch where you're going," a low voice muttered. Mic looked up, a tall man stood before her, dressed in a crisp white shirt and a black coat that didn’t belong in a place like this. His presence was too polished, too deliberate, like he’d stepped out of a different world entirely. The air around him carried quiet confidence, his eyes sharp and holding more arrogance than apology. She’d been working here long enough to know almost every face that walked through Neon Nights, and this man was definitely new. Everything about him, from his tailored clothes to the subtle watch glinting under the dim lights, screamed money. "Maybe try not standing in the middle of the hallway," she shot back, brushing past him. He turned slightly, tone clipped. "Maybe try paying attention. You work here or just bump into people for fun?" Mic stopped, jaw tightening. "Last time I checked, I actually work. Unlike some people pretending to own the place." The man's brows furrowed, irritation flashing beneath his calm. "You've got a sharp mouth for someone in uniform." "And you've got an ego too big for a guy who can't say sorry." They stared at each other — a silent challenge in the noise and flashing lights. Finally, she turned away, muttering under her breath, "Whatever, rich boy." He almost responded but caught himself. Not worth it. Mic reached the bar counter, still irritated by the man’s arrogance. “You okay?” Hindi niya napansing nakalapit na rin pala si Dave sa kanya. “You seem pissed. Did something happen?” tanong nito, his tone casual but the concern in his eyes betraying him. Tinanaw niya muli ang parte kung saan sila nagkabunggo ng aroganteng lalaki. She spotted him a few tables away, his posture heavy with exhaustion. The man exhaled sharply, eyes scanning the room — irritation tightening his chest. He wasn’t here for the music or the drinks, definitely not for women with too much attitude. He was here for his half-sister. But somehow, that waitress with the fire in her eyes lingered in his mind longer than he wanted her to. “Nothing, just tired and half-asleep,” biro ni Mic kay Dave, forcing a small smile. Napangiti rin ito. “Anyway, would you like a ride home?” Mic stared at him, a little surprised. It was the first time he’d ever offered her a ride. After all, nadadaanan naman talaga ni Dave ang apartment niya sa daan pauwi. Agad itong nagsalita muli, halatang defensive. “I mean, I’ll fetch Candy at the airport. I was thinking you two could catch up while we ride home.” Halos dalawang taon na rin kasing namalagi sa States si Candy, finishing her master’s degree in Architecture. “Candy?” Mic blinked, her expression softening. “She’s coming home?” Dave nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Yeah. Just for a while, though. She said she missed the chaos here.” “Wow.” Napahawak si Mic sa dibdib niya, half in disbelief, half in joy. “It’s been what — two years? I can’t believe she’s finally back.” Her smile grew wider, eyes glimmering as memories of late-night talks and laughter filled her mind. Candy wasn’t just Dave’s cousin; she was one of Mic’s closest friends before she left for the States. “I missed her so much,” she whispered, almost to herself. Dave chuckled. “Then it’s settled. I’ll pick you up later in the entrance. She’ll be happy to see you first thing when she lands.” Mic nodded eagerly, excitement bubbling in her chest. For a moment, she forgot all about the arrogant stranger who ruined her night. Hours later, nearing closing time. The crowd had thinned, lights dimmed to a softer glow. Mic was cleaning up near the hallway to the dressing rooms when a rough voice cut through the music. "Aba, ikaw pala 'yung malakas mag-taser kanina." She froze. One of the men from earlier — the one with the thick beard — staggered from the side door, face red and swollen with leftover rage. "You didn't learn your lesson, huh?" she said, stepping back. "You humiliated me," he growled, gripping a bottle's neck. Before she could reach for her taser, a blur of movement came from behind. A strong hand seized the man by the collar and slammed him against the wall. "You really think that's a good idea?" the new voice said, calm but deadly. Mic blinked — it was him, the man from earlier. The arrogant rich man. "You again?" she snapped. "You're welcome," he said flatly. He twisted the man's arm, forcing him to drop the bottle, glass shattering across the floor. "Leave," Crimson warned. "Before I make you." The drunk staggered away, spitting curses. Mic crossed her arms. "I could've handled that." "Sure. Looked like it," he said, voice edged with sarcasm. "Didn't ask for your help." "Didn't plan on giving it." They glared at each other, tension sharp as the glass around their feet. "Next time, mind your own business," she said coldly. "Funny, that's exactly what I was doing until you started attracting trouble." Mic's jaw tightened. "You really are an ass." "And you're welcome, Miss Trouble Maker." She huffed, turning away. "Don't call me that." Crimson smirked but said nothing more, pushing past her toward the exit. "Stay out of my way next time," he threw over his shoulder. "Gladly," she muttered, glaring at his back as he disappeared through the door. The neon glow flickered against the shards on the floor. Her pulse was still high — partly from anger, partly from something she refused to name. Two encounters in one night. And already, she hated him. He felt the same. Neither of them knew they were already connected by something more than hate.