Howl Silva. The man I saw before me was the same as the one I’d met when we were just five years old. Just as our father’s were best friends, so were we. Just by looking at him you could tell what a suave guy he was. Many would approach immediately for his good looks, get sucked in by his infectious smile then lose themselves completely. Finding him extremely likable and easy to talk to, you would suddenly find yourself indulging him in answers to all of his questions. By the end of the conversation you would have given him your whole life story without ever receiving the same information in return. 

Yes, Howl Silva was just that kind of special person. He was so uniquely himself. From the well taken care of wolf cut he had sported as his signature hairstyle for the past few years to his well tailored business style with a rocker edge, he was unlike anyone I’d ever met. Everyone would likely state the same. Everyone wished to be friends with him, but he drew a clear line. He had many acquaintances, but few friends. He was quite picky and ironically enough, a little anti-social past business hours. 

While he was gifted in skills similar to that of Astrid’s having graduated with the same degree, he wasn’t particularly taken with the work. Day to day in an office working on computers was just too boring. He made sure to let this fact be known to all that were present the day we graduated. His parent’s didn’t even bat an eye at his nonchalant proclamation. I would say they were even thrilled. 

Howl’s mother was a beloved baker. She was actually the proud owner of the café that my father had invested in. He had one day gone with my mother and Howl’s father to her family’s small bakery at my mother’s request. She had become friends with her after visiting a few times. It was said that Iori, Howl’s father, fell for her upon first sight and courted her for the longest time before they dated and eventually married. He was so smitten that he even took her last name, Silva, after marrying. Ironically enough, Howl’s found himself in a similar situation himself with Tatum, another member and friend I need to talk to as well. 

“What are you thinking so hard about?”

He said it in a playful tone, but he seemed somewhat hesitant, not quite meeting my eyes.

“Nothing important. So, the elevator is this way?” I finished with a smile to reassure him. 

“Hey, what’s the rush? Is something wrong?”

He blocked my path immediately and the very forced playfulness he exhibited a moment ago was gone. His already extremely dark brown eyes seemed to deepen as he remained fixated on my eyes.

He had kept me on the phone for over two hours nervously talking about random things. It was a rare occurrence, very unlike him. He wasn't the chattiest in the slightest when it came to himself. He only did such things when he was nervous. In that two hours, I understood how terrified he was that I wouldn’t forgive him. 

At this point, I wasn’t mad. Everything that was occurring at this point of time and for many years, was necessary. I just needed to figure out why. All I could do was hear him out, which felt sad in some way. I always wanted him to speak freely, but not in the nervous way he did then. He wasn’t the type to openly speak on his feelings, which is why I couldn’t directly tell him more than I already had that everything was okay. That’s why I simply tried to brush over this awkward encounter. 

“Oh, did you hear I got into some trouble earlier? I guess I’m a little on edge. Think you could help me out?” I said while patting his shoulder. 

His dark eyes lightened immediately and the biggest grin slowly drew across his face.

“I’m the best at that. No wonder you were nervous. Did you think I wouldn’t help you because you were talking to Salvatore? I’m here for you.” 

“How did you end up involved with a fox like Salvatore anyways?” 

“He just started showing up begging me to work for him. It’s been like that since my internship.” 

He just nodded along without questioning anything.

“Of course, you’ve been the crown jewel of investing and on top of that you're his enemy’s son. How rich would that have been if you had joined him? I’m sure he would’ve died of pure joy to shove that in Asher’s face.”

He seemingly stopped himself after finishing the last sentence, feeling he said too much. He walked quickly to the elevator and pressed his thumb to a small touchpad. It immediately recognized his fingerprint and opened. 

Howl being Howl, bowed and gestured for me to enter the elevator. At this point, he’d pulled out a cigarette case I’d never seen before. 

“Ah! I can finally use this one in front of you. Look, it’s my card.” He proudly showed me his engraved case with his card, two of spades. Again, he uncomfortably gave me a little grin like a kid.

“So, I’ll get something cool like this too?”

With a sigh of relief, he nodded and handed my one of his prized possessions, a chocolate in the shape of a cigarette.

“Don’t worry, I don’t think your dad will kill you. I won’t let him.” He winked and suddenly we had arrived at the top floor.