Frozen Rose (Langa x reader)

Chapter 15

(Y/n)'s POV

"I know. I'm already on it. My very own special edition skater gloves and modified skate shoes," Yuu exclaimed proudly.
"Thanks Yuu."
"Anytime, (Y/n)."
"Wait you also make personalised skating equipment?" asked Miya.
"Yep, I'm an inventor. As long as I deem it possible, I can make anything," replied my cheeky brother.

Miya's large eyes slid slowly between the cheeky grins decorating our faces. Clockwork whirled in his head as his chin came to lean on his hand. He considered us, the two siblings who seemed so different yet so alike.

"You two must be from a perfect family," he commented.
"Hmm? Why?" Yuu asked.
"Genius inventor, genius skater, a CEO for a dad," he began listing things off.
"Hold it, Mr skating champion of Japan. We're not perfect."

Thoughts of Luke took my mind like a tsunami drowning a city. Guilt gripped my heart, robbing it of the lightheartedness that had just before permeated its beating structure.

Yuu suddenly gripped my hand, sending me a subtly worried look. He knew the story. He knew my guilt. He was my brother despite not knowing the depth of my feelings...he knew how to comfort me. My breathing calmed.

"Anyway, let's go get some food. I'm starving," he exclaimed.
"We're in a cafe," Miya pointed out.
"Yeah but you know what I mean. It's almost dinner time."
"And don't worry, middle schooler. We've got your meal fee covered."
"I can pay for my own food," replied the black-haired male.
"Now what would that say about me? I'm not a heartless teenager. What do you guys want?"
"Ramen," said Yuu.

We headed outside, looking as the sun hid behind the large structures in the distance. Yuu collected his bike, pushing it along the busy streets. I nonchalantly scanned the paths, the people, before stopping myself. A stupid force of habit.

I let Yuu and Miya take the lead as they discussed their various options for ramen places. The two seemed to be lifelong friends meeting up after spending a lifetime apart. A smile touched my lips.

A man shoved my brother to the side, spitting at the floor beside his feet. A fierce anger rose in my chest, threatening to break free. Miya hurriedly steadied him.

"Tch, watch it brat!" growled the sour man.

I levelled a glare at him. His eyes met mine, his lips tweaking up into an irritated smirk.

"You're kinda pretty. Glare at me some more and I might just eat you up," he threatened.
"Oh? Try me."
"Oi (Y/n), what are you doing?" Miya whispered-yelled.
"Teaching that man a lesson."

I swung my skateboard, knocking his head back before jumping up to kick his chest. He stumbled back but quickly followed with a steady punch. I swerved back, effortlessly avoiding his attack.

His fists became quicker despite his formerly slow movements. A faint pant there and a loud gasp here. A smirk picked my lips up into a curve as he struggled to match my attacks.

I jumped up and kicked the knife from his hand, earning a melodious curse. The knife landed in my hand, twirling around my fingers like a spinning top. He was visibly scared.

"Y-you're from...y-you're the..." he stuttered.
"Shoo."

He wasted no time at all, and was gone without a second thought. I turned back to see Miya gazing at me with an open mouth as if he had just seen an alien eating a human.

"Earth to Miya."
"You can fight," he said simply.
"Uh duh, she was part of a yakuza clan," Yuu informed.
"Just a family member of one to be exact."
"You're seriously full of surprises," Miya exclaimed.

Langa's POV

I had only gone to drop off a parcel for the manager. I had said I'd be back within a few minutes...but my feet hadn't moved. I couldn't move. My eyes were locked on the girl standing across the street.

Her fighting was beautiful, her form graceful. She was fearful yet charming, careful yet strong. I hadn't even known she could fight like that. She had me mesmerised.

My heart was pounding in excitement. An underlying emotion remained hidden, unwilling to unlock with the key I had so desperately tried to twist into my heart.

"Hello Langa."

I reluctantly dragged my eyes away from the beautiful girl who was now walking away. Ruka met my gaze, donning an arrogant smirk that seemed to contradict the sharpness of her eyes.

"Interested in that girl?" she asked casually.
"Yes."
"Ne, you're kinda my type."
"What?"

She made a full circle around me as if assessing my appearance.

"You're cute," she whispered against my ear.

I subconsciously took a step back but she simply caught onto my wrist. Her hand came to my face as she gingerly took my chin within her fingers. A scent of lavender and vanilla drenched the air.

"Oi, don't even think about manipulating him," Reki stated fiercely, pulling me away from her grasp.
"Manipulating? You watch too many movies," Ruka replied.
"That's the same with (Y/n). Don't harass her anymore."
"Me? Harass? She killed my brother."
"No, she did not. You should know. You should know the pain she went through!"
"No, how can I sympathise with a murderer?!"
"Don't speak of her like that. She's nothing like a heartless murderer," I said.
"Oh? How can you be so sure?"

I didn't know her past. I didn't know her charms. Yet I knew her well enough to be able to say that she was not heartless nor was she cruel. Reki was suddenly walking up to her, standing a mere inch away from her face.

"I can't wait to see (Y/n) kick you to the kerb when you're skating against her," he exclaimed in a low, quiet voice.
"And I can't wait to see you get yourself killed whilst skating against Adam," she whispered back.
"Langa, we're leaving."
"Just face it. You'll never win against him. You're a nobody."

Reki grabbed my arm, pulling me away from the smirking girl. I glanced worriedly at the red-haired male beside me, expecting a look of irritation and resignation...but all I saw was a pure raging form of determination and excitement.

He was determined to win. That much was enough. A soft smile graced my face as we headed back to the shop. Ruka couldn't beat (Y/n). A small part of my heart also hoped she'd one day...tell me her past...her story...