"- Promise? - Promise."
Shohei Ohtani, a baseball superstar worldwide, carried the weight of an injury that threatened to shatter his dreams. He now faced not only the painful physical injury, but also a disease that posed threat to his mental healt...
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Shohei's POV
I saw her, frail and vulnerable, enveloped in Yoshinori's coat. I couldn't fathom the horrors she had endured, but the sight of her weakened state ignited a storm of emotions within me. My fists tightened, and an intense rage coursed through my veins. I wanted to rush towards her, to reclaim her from his embrace, and bring her back to the safety of my own arms.
Yet, in that critical moment, I hesitated.
My feet felt rooted to the ground, and my courage faltered. Doubt seeped into my thoughts, whispering uncertain questions into my mind. Was I truly capable of being the one she needed? Could I provide her the solace and protection she sought?
As Yoshinori carried her into the lobby, a surge of regret washed over me. I had hesitated, allowing him to take the lead, and now my chance to intervene had slipped away. The weight of my indecision settled heavily upon my shoulders, haunting me with the realization that I had failed to seize the opportunity to be there for her when she needed me most.
I leaned against the car door, my gaze fixed on the distance. The faint sound of a passing breeze filled the silence, carrying with it a sense of melancholy. Deep down, I knew that my desire to protect Y/N, to be there for her, was undeniable. But was it enough? Could I truly offer her the love and security she deserved?
With a heavy heart, I started the car and drove away, leaving the scene behind. It wasn't an easy decision, but I knew deep down that rushing into the situation without thinking thoroughly would only hurt me, and her.
Y/N's POV
A group of mysterious men surrounded me, their identities unclear. They were the shadows that filled me with fear. Their touch was repulsive, sending chills down my spine. I struggled to break free, but they held me back. From a distance, I saw Shohei. I tried to call out his name, but my voice was stifled. Helpless, I could only cry out. Their dark presence closed in on me. I screamed.
I woke up abruptly, feeling as if I had just escaped a terrible nightmare. Sweat streamed down my face, drenching my body. I reassured myself that if it was real, Shohei would come to my rescue. Yet, unease lingered, causing me to shrink back. I noticed scratches and bruises on my body, evidence of someone tending to me. It was then I realized this was not my room.
The first thing that hit me was a scent, wafting from the blanket and pillow, enveloping me. It transported me back to lonely nights in cold London, where his embrace brought comfort to my weary soul. In those moments, it felt like I had someone who could bear the weight of the world with me. I will never forget that scent.
Cinnamon. The smell always soothes my heart.
It's Yori's room.
I tried to remember what happened last night. As that despicable person tightly embraced me, fragments of memory emerged. I faintly recalled someone delivering a powerful blow to his accomplice, causing him to release his grip out of sheer terror. I tumbled to the ground. The final image imprinted in my mind was Yoshinori's voice. He must have come to my rescue and brought me to his home. Without him, I would likely be in the emergency room by now, or worse, subjected to media coverage as a victim of thugs. The mere thought sent shivers down my spine.
