Crimson strands || Kenji

Chapter 6.

Silence wrapped around me like a suffocating blanket. For the first time, I didn't think it was a good sign. I didn't remember much of what happened that day. Some flashing images haunted my mind - the chaos of the field, the soldiers, Rowan, and Kenji's bruised and beaten body.

I slowly opened my eyes. I needed some minutes to adjust to the darkness of the room. I was in my room alone, probably the girls left for training or work. I didn't mind, at least I had some private moment to collect my thoughts before the interrogation.

I tried to sit up. As I gently pushed myself off the bed, dull throbs of pain radiated through my body. At every move, my muscles cried out in protest, aching from the pain. But there was something else too, a warm wet feeling trickling down my back.

I gently tried to lift my shirt, but it was clinging to my skin, damp and sticky. I could softly lift the front of it and I saw bandages wrapped tightly around my torso. I followed the winding path of the bandage with my fingertips and winced as I touched the tender, wounded skin.

I slowly stood up from my bed. I needed to steady myself against the wall as dizziness was trying to consume me from the crucial pain.

I was wondering the corridors, trying to find the right one that led to the medical wing. My head was pounding, my vision started to blur. Sweat drenched my forehead as I tried to fight the pain and continue to move. At some point, my body started to tremble, and I could feel the strength draining from my limbs. Just when I thought I was going blackout, fell unconscious to the floor, hit my head and died a strong arm wrapped itself around my waist.

"Are you out for a walk, sweetheart?" With clenched teeth, I looked at his stupid grinning face, only a sparkle in his eyes revealed the genuine concern.

"Fuck. Off." I muttered, pushing against him weakly. He looked at me with disappointment in his eyes but didn't let go. I stopped in my tracks to face him.

"Don't look at me like that! Don't dare to pity me or feel sorry for me! You know nothing about me, Kenji! Don't you think that your filthy life matters something to me. I didn't do it to save you, it was my chance for vengeance," My voice laced with bitterness and anger. My heart raced inside my chest, my breath came out in ragged gasps.

Kenji's expression was neutral, for a brief moment, I saw a flash of hurt pass through his eyes before it was swiftly replaced with indifference.

He didn't say anything which made me even angrier. I stepped forward, our mouths inches apart as I glared into his eyes. His gaze dropped to my mouth for a split second before meeting my fiery gaze again.

"I hate you." I picked him in the chest with a trembling finger. His lips cured into a smirk as he leaned closer, his warm breath tickling my lips. "Is that so?" I glared at him, my eyes narrowing as I held his gaze.

I rotated on my heels, determined to walk away from him, but before I could take a single step his hand shot out and he gently lifted me up off the ground and threw me carefully over his shoulder. I squirmed and struggled against his hold, my protests falling on deaf ears. I pound my fists against his back but he didn't flinch. He carried me effortlessly, his grip firm yet gentle, as if he was holding something fragile.

"Kenji, put me down! Now!" Kenji's grip tightened slightly as he continued walking, paying no attention to my demands. I could feel my frustration boiling inside me.

"Imposibile. You couldn't even make it to the next corner without passing out." His voice held a teasing tone. I knew he was right, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of admitting it.

"You're wrong. I'm totally fine, I don't need your help," I argued. After all why he would help me? I hurt him. I broked him, just to feel some semblance power. I was selfish and cruel and I knew I didn't deserve his kindness. I hated that he saw me like that, like a beaten dog. I vowed that no matter what, I would never be vulnerable in front of anybody again. And here I was, wounded and carried to the medical wing.