Troubled heart

Chapter 10: The threat

He was guarded by two men dressed in black, their faces were hidden by dark shades. You were still frozen with fear on the inside and no emotion on the outside. You didn't want to give your father the pleasure of seeing the reaction you knew he wanted, you didn't want the group to see him either. You were thankfully saved by the bell when a nurse called out your brothers name and you left with the others to follow the nurse to his room.

When you got there, you saw he was sleeping and looked peaceful like he didn't want to wake up from a good dream. You heard footsteps getting closer and closer to the room and the door opened. Of course your father would follow, not far behind. The others looked at you in confusion.

"sweetie, why'd you run away from your papa?". He had put on a façade that would make people, who didn't know the real him, think he was charming and a fun guy. The boys were shocked as they didn't expect your father to look so manly. He had a neat but big beard, strong and toned body and had a strong odour of cigars and whiskey. His two men were also right behind him.

"BECAUSE YOU NEVER ACTED LIKE MY PAPA, NOT SINCE MOTHER DIED!!!" You didn't care that you were making so much noise, you were just angry that this manipulative, corrupted, abuser, who decides to finally show up, only to see Max and not care about you when you were in hospital. You broke down and fell to your knees, hiding your face in your hands wanting to hide away and not let anyone see the distress you were currently in. You looked up and saw your father was still the same man that abused you everyday and was about to grab you by the wrist. A wall was formed in front of you and it was your friends, they wouldn't let anyone hurt you again especially a piece of trash that only wanted to take his anger out on you.

"stand aside, this is a personal family matter that I need to take care of". You grew more and more afraid. He was still trying to make your life miserable and you couldn't take it anymore. The door then opened and three figures made their way inside.

"hey, we brought drinks and food from the canteen in case anyone wanted something". It was Gaku-san and Tsumugi. They had walked in the room with their hands full and saw you on the floor, your father with an annoyed look on his face and the other guys standing in front you. You were still crying afraid you would be taken back by your father and felt Riku crouch down to hold you in his gentle arms.

"ahhh Gaku my boy how've you been?". You were astonished. How did your father know him?

"hey Mr L/N, I'm good, what're you doing here?". He was clueless.

"family reunion with my daughter". Gaku's face dropped, he realised that he had been speaking to YOUR father and that he was the reason for your bruises and emotional pain. He fell silent and said no more to him. Instead he took you by the hand, leaving the room with Riku still crouching down.

when the door closed behind the both of you, you were pulled into a hug that was tight, but also warm and comforting. He rested his chin on your head and rubbed one of his hands up and down your back, making you feel like all your worries were drifted away by his soft touch. He lifted one of his hands up to your face and used a finger to wipe away the tears left on your cheeks. His touch was soft, but also ticklish and you couldn't help but giggle.

"I thought I recognised you". he finally spoke out.

"I don't know what you're talking about".

"you used to come by with your father when he had a friendly meeting with mine". You remembered a timid boy who was always kind to you and looked after you when bruises appeared on your arms never asking questions.

"I...I remember now, you always took care of me when I was hurt". He smiled, pleased that you finally remembered the person before you, who you once called your friend. "so...you have gotten close with Tsumugi now?". You smirked knowing that there was more to this tiny friendship than you thought.

"we went on a date not too long ago and then a couple more after that".

"Uuuuu you need to tell me about it sometime". The door opened and Yamato poked his head out looking serious.

"you need to come back, your father and Riku are arguing"

"what now?". Then you heard your father shouting.

" She's getting married to Gaku and if you want to stay alive and stay friends with her you'll do the right thing by breaking up with her!!". This couldn't be happening, you looked up at Gaku and he looked just as shocked as you,the group and your brother,who had finally woken up. Why was he still able to control your life even when you were no longer living with him? You were scared, ashamed and full of hatred.

"you cant tell me who I can and can't marry"

"yes I can"

"what makes you think I'll listen?"

"because if you don't I'll have to kill your little boy toy". You fell silent why would he threaten to kill someone you love? Why would he call Riku a "boy toy"? Tears welled up in your eyes until everything became blurry. You couldn't see and you ran away, out of the hospital. You ran across the road, before long you were no longer able to breath, you stopped in your tracks unaware of your surroundings. You clung to your heart in pain, wanting to scream out to someone. You heard the shouts of your friends behind you. You heard something come towards you but couldn't move any further. Everything went black. You no longer felt any pain.