Sk8 the Infinity; Young Days

Seven: Skateboarding

Kojiro grabbed my hand and Adam's skateboard. He put it in my hand. "Before anything else, I want to see what you can do!"

"No, Kojiro, I..."

"Come on. I'll help you."

I sighed. "Fine. Fine! Let's go then, because I'm hungry! I haven't eaten today."

The four of us went downstairs. I had Ainosuke's old skateboard in my hand. I put it down. I remembered the lessons Tadashi gave me when I was little. The simple things. I looked up to Kojiro.

"What?"

"I don't know what you want me to do."

"How about a back kick flip?"

I laughed. "I don't know what that is. I don't know the names of things yet."

"Than just do whatever you feel like doing. Just feel it in your heart."

"Nanjo, she's going to fall on her ass." Rozuka told him. "Be careful, Hikari!"

I stepped onto the skateboard. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I started skating around, just to get some momentum. Just do what I want? Just feel it in my heart? I had to do a jump. I flipped the board up. I did a big jump, but when I came down, my footing slipped. I fell on my butt and scrapped up my hands. Kojiro tried to help me up, but I refused.

"Rin, are you okay? Let me help you."

"No! If I'm going to beat Adam, I need to do it myself!"

"Whoa, beat Adam? Where's that coming from?"

I looked down, tears stinging my eyes. "Our argument last night... You don't understand, he'll do whatever it takes to get what he wants. I need to be able to fight back."

"You don't need to fight him. I'll protect you from him."

I shook my head. "No, this is something I need to do. I'm not putting anyone else at risk. This is my battle, and I'm going to fight it."

"You're impossible, Rin."

"I know, but it's something I have to do."

Kojiro shook his head. "But you don't! He's going to end up killing you! Kaoru can barely handle him anymore!"

"I saw Kaoru with Adam! I saw what happened, and I know you're lying to me! I do have to do this myself!"

"Why?"

"Because I don't want to be Eve. I wish I could just run away from my problems. But I made a mistake and now he knows who I care about, and he will do anything to get what he wants."

"You're trying to protect Kaoru and I?"

"Kojiro, I'm doing more than just that. You won't always be there to protect me, I know that. I've lived through that already."

He took a step back. "You're right. I wasn't there for you. I was too focused on being there for those other girls, and the time you needed me, I was stuck just watching."

"I know guys like you. And I judged too quickly. I'm sorry, but I have to do this on my own."

He put a hand to my face, where Ainosuke had hit me. I didn't turn away, but I winced when he touched it. "What can I do, Rin?"

"Nothing. Not until I can get out of this stupid arranged marriage. You and Sakurayashiki are in danger. You take care of him, and I'll take care of myself."

I trusted that he'd do as I say. After school, I invited Rozuka over to my place to study. It was a little awkward. I was in a whole other class of wealth after all. But she absolutely loved it and didn't judge me for it. She even said she knew it wasn't my choice, but we should enjoy it while we've got it. That was the best advice that I'd gotten my whole life. And it made me so happy.