CHAPTER 5: GOT LEFT BEHIND

We were surrounded by liquor bottles and women. The table that had been between us earlier was replaced by a pole where two women were hanging.

Two women were serving that jerk who introduced himself as Stephen.

Three women sat next to me too, even though I didn't need them. They'd been forcing me to tell stories for a while, and even though I kept telling them over and over that I'm just a beta and a lowly parking attendant, they wouldn't leave me alone.

"You know Neo, I've really wanted to talk to you for a long time, but I was scared because you look grumpy."

"Me too, the first time I saw you here in the club, I was immediately attracted to you."

"Neo, just tell me, I'll serve you."

I winced at what they were saying. Are these women serious? It’s like they’re in heat right now and they decided to mess with me.

"Sorry girls, I have no money," I told them seriously, and then I downed my drink.

Don't mess with me, girls. I might even end up asking you for money instead; I've got a pile of debt, so I might end up making you pay.

I felt the hand of one of the women wrap around my arm. "Neo, don't worry about money, I..." She pointed to herself. "I'll be the one to give it to you."

Suddenly, someone grabbed my other arm. "Neo, don't listen to that girl."

The two women wrapped around my arms shot dirty looks at each other.

What is the problem with these women? They're acting like they're going to run out of men. Yeah, I know I'm handsome, but I didn't know women would go this crazy over me.

I heard Stephen’s soft laugh. "Damn, women are still all over you, even with those bruises on your face; your charisma hasn't faded one bit."

I just raised an eyebrow at him. Am I really like that? Why don't I remember any women coming up to me before? All I know is that they were scared of me because I was a brawler.

I felt his gaze linger on my face. "Why do you have bruises on your face, anyway? Don't tell me you're still a brawler?"

I brushed off all the hands wrapped around my arms and crossed my arms. "What do you think?" I replied sarcastically.

He just smiled at me, as if my sarcasm didn't bother him at all. "You know, they’ll be really happy when they see you."

"Whoever you're talking about, I don't care," I retorted.

His mouth opened slightly, and he looked up as if thinking. "Maybe when you see them, you'll remember them."

I raised an eyebrow at him. "Can't be sure about that," I countered.

Honestly, I only remember a little bit of high school. I can't even remember the faces of my followers back then, the ones I was always with, or even the people I fought. All I remember is that I was a troublemaker and always getting into fights. Maybe I really didn't have any friends back then, because if I did, it'd be impossible not to remember them.

"You know, I came here to have fun, and then I saw you. I wanted to pay you back for what you did to me, but it looks like it's going to be difficult," he mentioned, his voice filled with resentment.

I don't remember what I did to him back then. But with the way I acted, it probably wasn't good. Maybe I beat him up, or bullied him. Or maybe I used him as a chair or an errand boy back in high school. Those are the kinds of things I might have done to him. So it's possible he's planning to get revenge, but I'll make sure it stays just a plan because I won't let it happen.

"Even if you guys have moved up in life, you still can't take me down," I retorted, gritting my teeth.

He nodded at my response. "That's true. But I never said I wanted to take you down."

My forehead wrinkled. Why does that sound even more annoying? If he doesn't intend to do anything bad to me, then what? Don't tell me he pities me? Ha! Just let him try, I might have him taken care of. The thing I hate most is being pitied. I've heard it from others so many times, and the pity they show is fake, it feels like pity is just the same as karma.

My jaw tightened. "If you're pitying me, stop it."

He let out a mocking laugh. "Never in my life would I feel pity for you."

I rolled my eyes. "Good."

He just smiled at me before drinking his liquor. The women next to him were also feeding him pizza.

As for me, I took another cigarette from my pocket and lit it. I really can't handle the smell here anymore. The pheromones are all mixed up.

"You know Jeno? He's a pole vaulter now, rank no. 3 in the world rankings," he said, swirling the glass in his hand.

"Alejandro is a professional volleyball player now, he represents Japan," he added.

I stretched my head while trying to listen to what he was saying.

"And Marcus, he's a baseball player, he's playing in Korea now," he said, sounding like a father who was so proud of what his son had achieved.

"And me? I'm just a racer," he said proudly, his head slightly raised as if looking down at you when he stared.

Seriously? What do I care about what they've achieved? Will that make me successful or rich? It would be nice if it did, but it doesn't. Maybe this jerk just talked to me to show off what he's achieved. He probably thinks I'm upset about it.

"What do I care about you guys? Are you telling me this to make me jealous?" I asked bluntly.

I saw him bite his lip slightly before answering my question. "Kind of."

"Asshole," was all I could say.

He's really just wasting my time here.

He laughed. "I'm loving your reaction right now."

I shook my head. This guy is really testing my patience. "I'm leaving." I was about to stand up when he stopped me.

"Relax," he stopped me with a hand gesture downwards. "Girls, give us more to drink, and add more snacks, please." "Let's make the most of this, okay?"

I rolled my eyes. He better give me a tip after wasting my time, or he's going to be in big trouble.

"I MISS YOU MAN."

What the hell is this jerk talking about? He must be so drunk, just saying whatever comes to his mind.

"I hope you're proud of me."

What is he saying that for? Does he even know I'm the one he's with right now? Tsk. He must have lost his mind.

So here I am, half-carrying this jerk out of the club; he’s pretty heavy, but thankfully I'm strong. The asshole is totally wasted. With all the stories he told earlier, I didn't understand a thing because he was rambling. He gets drunk so easily; good thing I'm the one with him, otherwise, who knows where this guy would end up.

When we reached where I parked his car, I immediately grabbed the keys from his pocket and opened his car door. Once I opened it, I snatched his wallet first before shoving him inside.

I heard him groan in pain because his head hit the steering wheel.

I just rolled my eyes. Serves him right.

I immediately opened his wallet. I saw black cards, IDs, and thousands of pesos inside.

I took the money and counted it. As I counted, my smile widened and my eyes lit up when I found out it was ten thousand pesos.

Talk about being lucky. I immediately tucked it into my pants. I threw his wallet back at him—now empty of cash—and left the parking lot without looking back.

I didn't rob him. In fact, I deserve this 10k because he wasted my time, so this money I got is my tip.

My smile widened. This night wasn't bad after all.

"You've got a different smile on your face now." Jude greeted me when I got back to the club entrance.

I shrugged. "Just lucky," I replied simply.

"Wow, how much?" he asked, his voice full of excitement.

He probably thought I’d split it with him, but sorry Jude, I have too many debts, so I need this more right now.

"10k," I replied shortly.

He covered his mouth while his eyes widened in surprise. "Seriously?"

I crossed my arms and nodded arrogantly.

He put his arm around me. "Damn! Must be nice, treat me, okay?"

I rolled my eyes at him. "It's already gone."

He pulled away from me and hit my shoulder. "You're stingy."

I looked at him seriously. "I'm desperate right now, bro."

He laughed. "Okay, okay... I forgot how much debt you have." He gently pushed me from behind. "Let's go back to work."

I sighed. Argh, I still have work? So annoying! Why is this night so long? I'm tired, I want to sleep. Sigh...