Chinny's POV
I was mesmerized as I watched Lucifer's band, called The Heartrender. They had been playing for a while now. They were all so handsome, especially Khairro. Each of them had a unique talent. Just by looking at them, you could easily fall in love.
Earlier, they performed Don't Wanna Know by Maroon 5, Dangerously by Charlie Puth, and Forget About You by R5. They even called Farley to play the keyboard. They're amazing.
"They're so cool," Karma said in awe, smiling as she watched the drummer, Lucifer.
"Yeah," I replied.
"Far's lucky. Did you see her earlier? They even called her to play the keyboard," she laughed.
"This next one will be the best," Karma grinned mischievously.
I had already downed five shots of mojitos. I excused myself to Karma, saying I was heading to the powder room. But before I could leave, Dagger spoke on stage.
"The next song we'll sing is Mercy by Shawn Mendes. This is dedicated to a guy friend who wants to express his feelings to a woman who doesn't care about him. I hope she'll give you the mercy you deserve," he announced.
I shook my head and headed to the powder room. I paused in one of the cubicles when I overheard something. I wasn't one to eavesdrop, but I froze when I heard Angelo and Kilorn's names mentioned.
"That was quick," said Astrid.
"You dated Dagger back then, right before The Heartrender was formed. And now it's Gelo, just because Chinny still loves Kilorn. Don't you think this is wrong?"
"And why would it be wrong?" Jessa's voice responded. "Dagger and I broke up, and I love Gelo. Besides, Chinny is still in love with Kilorn."
"But Gelo is madly in love with Chinny. Super, duper, ultra crazy in love. To the point that he even asked Farley to help him plan a proposal for Chinny," Astrid countered.
"Astrid, you're so negative. I'll get his attention, maybe sooner or later. Chinny hates Gelo to the core and still loves Kilorn. I have nothing to worry about; Gelo will end up with me," Jessa said smugly.
I bit my lower lip. Jessa is as desperate as Angelo. They're perfect for each other—both trash. I continued fixing myself in front of the mirror. As I walked out of the powder room, I closed my eyes briefly when I heard the song's last stanza.
Would you please have mercy on me
Take it easy on my heart
Even though you don't mean to hurt me
But you keep tearing me apart
It felt like a knife pierced my heart. Why does this song hurt so much? Oh, right. Heartrender comes from the word "heartrending," which means to cause great sadness or sorrow. It turns out they're all brokenhearted.
Would you please have mercy on me
I'm a puppet on your string
Even though you have good intentions
I need you to set me free
I'm begging you for mercy, mercy
I'm begging you, begging you, please, baby
I'm begging you for mercy, mercy
Oh, I'm begging you, begging you
I looked around and froze when I saw Angelo staring at me sadly. I quickly looked away.
I walked toward Karma and Farley, who was chatting with Aki and Tinnie. Tinnie is Angelo's ex, while Aki is one of his friends.
"Where have you been? We've been taking pictures here, and you're the only one missing," Tinnie asked with a smile. I sat beside Farley. This is awkward.
"I was just in the powder room," I explained. Karma nodded in understanding. Aki and Tinnie walked away.
"You guys love selfies too much," Farley said, shaking her head.
"Karms, let's try those flaming drinks. I heard from Luci that they're delicious," Farley suggested.
"No, thanks. I'm a lightweight. Maybe I'll just go with you," Karma said, excusing herself. I was left alone at our table, and my thoughts were getting haywire as the seconds passed.
I was rubbing my neck when someone spoke. "How was the song?" I recognized the voice. It was Dagger Lohmeyer.
"Bad," I lied. He smirked as if planning something sinister.
"Here's my advice—don't be so stupid and wake up already. You're getting annoying. Like in the song lyrics, take it easy from hurting his heart. You don't mean to hurt him, but you keep tearing him apart. Have some mercy on him. I don't want to meddle, Monasterio," he said, looking intently at me. "Although I'm a lawyer, I wouldn't help you get an annulment." Dagger continued.
My jaw dropped at his words. I was a bit annoyed, but his words hit the mark.