Under the Veil of Night

(Special mention for web novel [without space between the two words] reader Helpful2468)

…

Bang!

"I'm back!" Patrick informed loudly.

Ryukalin Clan members who were practicing nearly cursed out loudly when they saw Patrick returned. How come this harbinger of destruction returned so early? They were already secretly rejoicing that he didn't stay in the clan today.

Swish! Bam!

Patrick frowned at the piece of stone that was thrown to his face. He looked up and saw his older brother. The two of them had similar countenance, but Patrick's brother, Kevin's father, was a few years older. He also had a more menacing aura compared to Patrick even though he looked far more amiable.

Kevin's father shook his head. "Where have you been, Patrick?"

"I'm just teaching a lesson to that **** Jack from…"

"Go back and stop creating trouble!"

"I'm not creating trouble," Patrick complained, but seeing his brother's gaze, he knew that it would be impossible to say anything else. He dragged his body back to his quarter.

At this time, he saw Lou, who was still a teenager too, sitting in front of his quarter.

"What are you doing here, Lou?"

"Master told me to watch over you," Lou replied calmly.

"You?" Patrick looked at Lou from up to down. At this time, Lou still had a scrawny figure that didn't seem to be suitable for someone who came from a clan. "How can someone so weak possibly watch over me?"

Lou's face darkened. "I'm not weak, Patrick."

"Right~"

The tone that Patrick used only made Lou wish to kick this young master. However, he restrained himself and focused on the work that he was given.

Patrick noticed the laptop that Lou had been using. "Lou, do me a favor."

"What?"

"I want you to search for information about this girl. Her name is Yuki, she's around 16 years old. Black hair and works in Bar F."

Lou frowned. "Fine. I'll give the information to you later."

"Great!"

After that, Patrick returned back to his quarters. Of course, he didn't forget to drag several people to accompany him to practice. Those who were chosen could only lament on their bad luck because Patrick noticed them among many others who were present.

At night, Lou gave him the document and Patrick started to read it.

Yuki, 16 years old, second year high school student in Nolen School B. She had good grades, living with her aunt because her parents died when she was young. To earn some pocket money, she worked in Bar F as guitarist and singer…

Patrick read the information about Yuki. She was not any different compared to many other high school girls that he had seen before. However, the young woman's fearless attitude when she met him attracted his attention.

"Young Master, tomorrow it's time for…."

"I'm going to Bar F tomorrow."

"Ah?" the man was stunned at Patrick's response. Master had just told him to tell Patrick that there would be a meeting between clans tomorrow, so Patrick should attend to broaden his views.

Patrick shrugged. "I'm not interested in any political meeting."

The man smiled bitterly. He could only return to report back that Patrick was not interested to attend.

'Now, I wonder what kind of song I should ask tomorrow. Love song is obviously a big no… hm, maybe some lighthearted song?'

At this time, Patrick could only think about what he planned to ask Yuki to sing as he did his night routine.

…

*present time*

Kanae looked at the wasted Patrick before turning her head to look at the row of bottles. She estimated that there were at least 30 bottles. Patrick kept drinking while he continued to tell the story. However, he was too drunk to continue the story, so he fell asleep.

"Father drinks a lot."

"That's the only way if you wish for him to tell the story himself. If you want to, you can also ask the others," Kevin said simply. His eyes held a complicated glint because he understood that talking about Yuki would only make his uncle feel sad. The only method to make him willingly talk without affecting much of his wellbeing was by making him not fully sober.

Kanae nodded. "That's a peculiar meeting. The song feels as if it's written for Father."

"There's a similar event that occurred to them like the song. Miss Yuki had a boyfriend at that time but they broke up a few months after she met Uncle. At that time, Uncle immediately abandoned everything he was working on just to be able to accompany her."

"That's so sweet."

Kevin arched his eyebrows. "Do you want it too?"

"I don't want to have a breakup with my husband," Kanae replied almost immediately and looked at Kevin with a dangerous glint. "Besides, if you dare to find another woman, I'll make sure that you'll regret it in your entire life."

For a moment, Kevin felt a shiver on his back. He stood up quietly and pulled Kanae to his embrace. "Don't worry. I won't ever leave you."

"En."

"Anything you want to ask?"

"Miss Yuki…. Why was she not afraid of Father?"

"Oh. Her aunt was not really a good person. She often hit Miss Yuki whenever she made a mistake. Because of that, Miss Yuki had already gotten used to seeing someone get hit. And in this city, it's hard to take her aunt to court because the child's protection law is not really effective."

"True…"

Kanae had to admit that it was true. Even she herself knew that it was not easy for children who had lost their parents to live. They were told just to be grateful that someone still wanted to take care of them. No one cared whether they suffered or anything.

"Come on, help me clean up the bottles."

"Ah, ok."

As she passed Patrick's side, Kanae couldn't help but to pat her foster father's arm lightly. She knew that Patrick and Yuki must be very happy during the time they dated together. However, the difference between life under the light and under the night prevented them from being together.

Their happiness was short-lived.

Kevin moved Patrick to the couch and covered him with a blanket. Afterwards, he left with Kanae to their bedroom because it was already night time.

Lying on the sofa, Patrick slowly opened his eyes. He was still feeling lightheaded, but he felt as if he could see Yuki's face in front of him. She was smiling beautifully and waved her hand to him. Through her song, she confessed to him with all of her heart.

'I love you, Yuki.'

Their first meeting was simple, but it was that short meeting that brought the two of them together.

…

(End of Side Story 7)