Frozen Rose (Langa x reader)

Chapter 101

(Y/n)'s POV

I immediately straightened my body, wiping the wince off my face as I turned to see my art teacher, a box of supplies tucked under her arm. Her wavy auburn hair was loose around her shoulders, her lipstick a little smudged and her dress shirt disheveled.

"Ma'am, had a little fun?"
"*blush* D-don't tell anyone," she ordered, a hint of a shy smile slipping through her confidence.
"My lips are sealed."
"What happened to you? Did you get into a fight?"

She dropped the box, rushing forward to inspect the small bruise on my jaw and the blood oozing out of a cut on my lip. I turned my head away, offering a casual grin to dispel her concern, holding back from bending over as pain ricocheted across my stomach from a sharp movement.

"I'm fine, it's just a small injury."
"This looks serious! You need to get it treated!" she exclaimed.

I shot her a quizzical look.

"This isn't serious at all. I'm really fine. Anyway, I have to go. Reki's waiting for me at the park."
"You're coming with me to the infirmary. Your friend can wait a little."
"*sigh* You might wanna tidy up first before we go."

Her face flushed red in embarrassment before she hurriedly fixed her shirt and reapplied her makeup. I reluctantly followed her, contemplating how mad she'd be if I decided to bolt.

We eventually reached the infirmary. She opened the door but there were already students inside...or rather, Langa had brought Ayaka here, who had a large wound on her knee. I ignored their gazes, instead quietly following my teacher as she told the nurse what she assumed had happened.

"Come here, we'll disinfect that wound and put some cream on it. You'll also need some ice on that bruise and the one on your arm," said the nurse.

I sat on one of the beds, letting her do her work. My gaze drifted towards the windows as I aimlessly watched birds fly past and clouds drift away. The sky was darkening with thick clouds, a sign that a storm was approaching.

"Did my sister teach you a lesson?" Ayaka suddenly asked.
"Yep, I even scored 100% on the test she gave me."
"Stop with the jokes. I want you to stay away from Langa."
"Sure, sure. Why are you even here? You don't go to this school."
"I came to get my boyfriend, but some ruffian rushed past me and made me fall."
"*snickers* I would've loved to see how clumsy you were."
"You guys, don't fight in front of me," said my art teacher.
"Ruka hurt you?" Langa asked me, though his expression was devoid of emotion.
"I don't know, did she? It doesn't even matter if she did or not. It's the same old relationship we've always had."

My phone vibrated as a text from Reki came through, asking where I was. I thanked the nurse and my teacher, who flashed a smile, ignoring the stabs of pain in my abdomen when I moved and twisted.

I hopped on my skateboard as soon as I left the building, wishing to escape the tense atmosphere. My body groaned in defiance of my wanting to skateboard but I simply shoved those pestering sentiments into the corner of my mind.

The wind felt light and refreshing against my skin. The feeling of travelling faster and faster increased the beating of my heart though I knew it would never be the same. The thrill, the rush, it would disappear with time.

It wasn't long before the park came into view, a certain redhead sitting on one of the swings in the nearby playground. I hopped off my skateboard just before reaching the sand, crashing into Reki as he stood up to catch me.

"(Y/n), what happened to you? Another fight?" he asked.
"Yeah but I'm fine."

He didn't bother saying anything, instead just pulling me closer. I was content to stay as we were, not wanting to return to reality where everything was against you and the world was your enemy.

"Want to get some food?" he asked.
"Sure."

I winced, sucking in a breath when his hand pressed against the side of my waist. This unfortunately did not escape his notice and before I could play it off as nothing, he lifted my shirt just enough to view the ugly bruise decorating my skin.

"Who did this to you?" he demanded.
"It doesn't matter."
"Of course it matters! You think I'm gonna just sit back while my best friend pretends like her pain is only natural?!"
"Reki-"
"Don't 'Reki' me. Tell me who did this."
"There's only one person bold enough to beat me at school."

He frowned. I offered a small smile, taking his hand as I began leading us to the city. A resigned sigh left his lips as he let me lead the way. Others who did not know me as well might as well be fussing and lecturing though Reki knew me well enough to know that I knew what I was doing.

We headed into my dad's cafe. I opened my mouth, about to greet him; however, noticed a man he was currently holding a conversation with. He noticed me first before dad turned and flashed a typical huge grin.

"My favourite daughter," he exclaimed.
"Your only daughter."
"*laughs* Go get a seat. I have a new menu item I want you and Reki to try out."
"Sweet! I'm so glad we decided to come today," Reki replied.

As dad chuckled and walked away, I turned towards the man who had been watching our exchange. He flashed a predatory grin, his gaze both questioning and intimidating. I sat down across from him, unfazed by his stature. Reki looked confusedly between us, hesitantly taking a seat beside me.

"We need to talk."
"What about?" asked Adam.
"There's a woman you know. Her name's Yamaguchi Aoi."
"Don't you dare say that name in front of me."
"Would you be willing to challenge her?"
"Dude, this is Adam?!" Reki whisper-yelled.
"I suggest you keep this a secret lest you get your tongue cut off."
"Y-yes sir!"
"And to answer your question, Rose, no."