Frozen Rose (Langa x reader)

Chapter 46

(Y/n)'s POV

Reki finally decided to show up at school. He seemed to be trying; however, he remained uncharacteristically quiet. I took his hand, not having let go least he disappeared into a place I would never be able to go to.

Langa walked beside us, skateboard in hand. Clouds hung low in the sky, blocking out the sun. It seemed that it would rain soon. Reki suddenly stopped, pulling me to a halt. Ruka stepped forward, a large pretentious smile gracing her face.

"That's Yamada Ruka, isn't it? What's she doing here?"
"Damn, she's hot."
"Oi, you're abandoning the (Y/n) fanclub for the Ruka one?"

I internally rolled my eyes at the other students' comments. Ruka took a few steps towards me. Langa immediately came forward but she paid no mind to him, casually twirling around his body to talk to me.

"I've come for a visit," she exclaimed.
"What do you mean you've come for a visit? What do you want?"
"My father has agreed to hold a special prom festival to celebrate our school's anniversary. Naturally, ambassadors from other schools are allowed and I'm choosing you to represent your school."

She paused to glance at my two friends standing beside me.

"And of course bring them along too if you really want. Oh, I almost forgot. Langa, you already have a partner. If you don't do as I say, I'm afraid (Y/n) will face serious consequences," she told him, hooking a finger under his chin.
"Ruka-"
"I will ruin you so bad, no one will ever talk to you again," she whispered against my ear.

She strolled away after making her announcement. I frowned. Now that the 'queen' had spoken, no one could refuse. Now that her father had made this official, no one could ditch the party.

"(Y/n)," Langa started.
"It's okay. Go with whoever she has decided for you."
"...I don't want to though..."
"Someone should really kick her in the ass, maybe teach her a lesson."

Reki snorted at the idea. I laughed too, having just imagined it playing out in my mind. We began walking, only to be stopped by a couple of boys from our grade.

"(Y/n), take me to the prom."
"No, me! I got here first!"
"Oi, stop pushing. I'm asking her!"
"Guys, I'm sorry but I already know who I'm going with."

I gave Reki's hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Reki."
"But-"
"I'm going with him, no matter what anyone says. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have somewhere we need to be."

The boys hurriedly parted as I dragged Reki and Langa away. Neither spoke for a time as we headed towards their part-time job. The walk there was quiet yet a heavy tension hung in the air.

If I went, Ruka would do something to ruin my reputation. If I didn't, it'd not only tarnish the school's image, but it might cause repercussions for my dad. Ruka's father did make this into an official event.

I heaved a great sigh. The clouds gathered and darkened, as if to match the gloom that had collected in our hearts. Reki suddenly squeezed my hand, offering an encouraging grin.

"It'll be alright," he said.
"Yeah..."
"It won't be that bad. Come on, Langa and I will be there."
"Only because you got dragged into this. Only because Ruka hates me," I whispered.

No one's POV

Reki held (Y/n) by her shoulders, speaking from his heart. It was as if their drift had melted away and all that was left was his voice reassuring her, taking away her worries. A small smile graced her face.

"(Y/n), you're not what Ruka thinks you are."
"Reki-"
"I have you with me. Don't you dare say I shouldn't come."
"...you idiot."

He smiled, a genuine unburdened smile. (Y/n) returned it, happy that her friend was returning. Langa watched their interaction, feeling a rift in his heart. It was filled with overwhelming relief that Reki was becoming himself again, yet he found an unwanted emotion lingering.

He was becoming ever so slightly jealous. The ease with which Reki could calm her, make her laugh, make her smile. The two remained oblivious to his feelings, making him shove them down deeper into a place he wished he could keep hidden.

"Langa, come on," (Y/n) exclaimed.

She grabbed his hand, instinctively intertwining their fingers. A pale pink blush coated his cheeks as he stared at their hands. He looked up to notice her staring back, her eyes big and curious.

"I always find you staring. Is that a habit?" she asked.
"N-no," Langa replied.
"Then do I look weird or something?"
"No..."
"Hmm...do you need something then?"
"No."

A sigh escaped her lips. She heard a snicker behind her, realising it would have been Reki laughing at their conversation. They arrived at their destination before they could continue to talk.

"Will you stay?" Langa asked.
"I-"

(Y/n) received a call at that moment, flashing an apologetic look before picking up. She heard arguing on the other end, eventually voicing a 'hello' when it seemed that the caller had forgotten that he had made a call.

"(Y/n), come over. We need to discuss something with you. No excuses," Cherry announced.
"Hey-"

He hung up before she could protest. A sigh left her mouth as she smiled apologetically and shook her head at Langa. The male simply stared as if deciding on his next words. All that came out was a simple 'see you later'.

In truth, he hadn't wanted her to leave. She was like a star, that one peak of light within the darkness. He hadn't wanted his light to disappear, the spark he felt whenever she touched him.

"Reki! Come help me with this," called their manager.
"Alright, just give me a moment!" Reki replied.

(Y/n) pulled him in for a brief yet tight hug, whispering softly into his ear.

"I missed you. Don't leave me again."

He wasn't yet himself, but he would be soon. She was counting on it. Langa froze when (Y/n) suddenly pulled him in for a quick hug as well, clearly not expecting anything from her. He continued to stare even as she became a speck in the distance.