Repay Me

Chapter 4 - Fei

The rest of the week went well and I met up with Ichika a couple of times after classes. Luckily, I haven't faced Fei ever since the first day, which was a big relief. I didn't have anything to say to him and didn't want to hear his words. The damage that was done to me by him was beyond fixing.

As for my classes, the first class was always awkward because of Akaashi. Everytime we made eye contact I would feel really embarrassed and feel my cheeks go hot but Akaashi had no certain expression towards me anymore assuming he brushed the incident off.

I was thankful.

Applying for Tokyo University, I knew exactly what I'd wanted. Art field was my top priority, specifically ancient Japanese art but due to some problems during the last two years, I wasn't able to pick it so I lingered around oil painting. Of course there were some required courses that were to be taken every year but for this year, I decided to finish one of them during the summer. Kiyoko heard about it and instantly requested me to take her spot in the library so she can catch up with her work as the marriage between her and Tanaka took a bunch of her time.

I'd always felt comfortable when it came to art. Not only did my hands know exactly where to trace but I've always had a creative and imaginative mind. Mostly I would paint sceneries or anything related to nature because it was a challenge for me to always try and make it look the most realistic.

As the weekend arrived, I grabbed my bag and headed out of analysis of Japanese economy 2, my last class for the day. I planned to meet Ichika in the main longue and waited for her as I scrolled through my phone. It was a little crowded there but if I moved from the spot then she would take hours just looking for me.

"Ece!" A voice yelled out as I turned and smiled.

"Finally," I stepped and hugged her. "How'd the test go?"

She let go and took a deep breath. "Good, I think. I'm so doomed knowing I'll be here for a long time."

"Medical sucks," I scoffed while she reached into her pockets.

"Wait," she looked inside them. "Where did I...oh, shoot."

"What? Your phone?"

"Yes! I left it! I'm gonna quickly go back and get it," she handed me her heavy bags.

"Matte, let me come with you!" I shouted but she was already jogging off. I sighed and moved to an empty seat on the couch where I placed the bags. A coffee wouldn't sound too bad, I've had a tiring day.

I ordered a coffee from the canteen in the longue and payed for the coffee before making my way back to the spot until a man was walking towards me.

Fei.

I froze and panicked, reaching my hand out to somebody who walked past me before I stopped myself.

You can't kiss another stranger you idiot!

I stumbled back a little, widening my eyes at Fei who now stood in front of me. My heart was beating loudly.

"Ece," he said, pretending-smiling. "How have you been?"

"Fei, I don't have time for small talk," I said as I was just going to turn and walk away but he grabbed my wrist.

"Wait, only a minute."

"Let go," I tried wiggling my wrist out of his hand but his grip was strong.

"Ece, just a minute alright? I only want to know some things," he requested as I stopped trying to get away. He pulled me in a little.

"Why'd you leave?" He frowned.

"The marks speak for themselves, now let go," I pulled back but he held it tighter. It was hurting now. "What the hell, Fei?"

"Ece, who were you kissing?" He glared into my eyes.

"None of your damn business, now let go!" I raised my voice a little.

"You slut, you left me for that little boyfriend of yours right? Who even is he, huh?"

I felt hot, I was sweating. I stared at Fei but never said a word. Eventually I felt a grasp of my other hand as Fei let go of my wrist and stared at the man behind me who soon locked his hands with mine. With my teary eyes I looked up at him.

"That would be me," Akaashi Keiji spoke calmly, glaring at Fei.

I shifted my eyes back at Fei who was mumbling swears under his breath.

"Is there something you were saying?" Akaashi asked Fei as Fei took a step back. Then another. Until he walked off.

My sweaty hand was still held by Akaashi as I stared down in embarrassment as he turned me to face him.

"Ece," he said my name so lightly. "Was that..?"
"Yes," I replied feeling weak. "That was him. My ex."

He let go of my hand just to gently grab the other and examined the harsh mark Fei left. Akaashi traced his thumb over it. "What an ass. Does he hurt you?"

"...most of the time," I mumbled uneasily.

"Oh."

His gaze didn't move from my wrist as we stood in the middle of the crowded lounge.

"Don't be embarrassed about this, Ece. You're the victim. Have you reported it to the authorities?"

"No," I replied swiftly.

"Why not?" He gave me a look.

"I...can't bring myself to. Please don't do it either."

"It's alright, I understand. I won't," he let go of my hand. The man's calmness was impressive, but there was a hint of sadness in his face. "If he comes again, I want you to come to me."

"I don't want to trouble y-"

"Come to me. Please."

I blinked and nodded a yes. Akaashi pressed his lips together and I bowed to him a little before he left. I was so grateful that he was there. Fei would've done worse and I wouldn't be able to fight it. My teary eyes dried up and I spotted Ichika who walked right past Akaashi. Ichika widened her eyes at him, looking up and down before reaching me.

"He's hot, I've never seen him before."

"Yeah," I weakly smiled. "Let's go."

After having a picnic in the evening with Ichika at the park, my body felt tired but my eyes wouldn't close. The scene earlier at the longue repeated in my head several times and every time I thought about what would've happened if Akaashi wasn't there, and every time I was thankful that he actually was there.

He practically saved me.

I felt my heart calm down from the thought of Akaashi as I turned and hugged my blanket. I was asleep within seconds.