Are You The One Jo Togame?

Chapter 2 - Seeing You

I finally arrive at the location and scan the area for parking, but to my surprise, there's none available. The place is bustling with people, including several members of the Shishitoren Gang.

Ugh, why can't those punks find something better to do? I mutter under my breath.

Among them, I notice a tall, dark-haired man with a small braid and round shades slightly tinted who locks eyes with me.

"Eek, I hope he didn't catch me staring," I think to myself, feeling a bit self-conscious.
"Especially since it's unusual to see someone wearing shades at this hour.

Oh well, I guess it's a fashion statement these days." Rolling my eyes at the passing gang members, I'm still aware of the dark-haired man's gaze fixed on me.

After finding a spot in an alley, I manage to park my car. I step out and head toward the bar, spotting Ayato waiting outside.

I wave excitedly, but his response is less enthusiastic—no surprise there.

Ruby: "I'm so sorry, Ayato, for keeping you waiting. Oh, and happy birthday, you handsome hunk!" I reach out for a hug, but he remains stiff, clearly annoyed.

"Come on, can you at least hug me back? Don't leave me hanging here, buddy," I joke, trying to lighten the mood. Finally, he responds with a slight movement, returning the hug.

"Sheesh, finally! Here you go." I hand him the wrapped gift. "I hope you like it, Ayato," I grin, feeling a bit silly.

"Huh? Oh man, you didn't have to, Ruby. I wasn't expecting anything. Come on, you shouldn't have," he protests lightly.

"Hey, just say thank you and let's move on. Come on, let me make it up to you. It's time to celebrate! Woo-hoo, let's party till morning. This is the least I can do for you," I insist playfully.

"Alright, alright, let's go. It's my treat—order whatever, dumbass," Ayato laughs, shaking his head.

"Hey, you're the dumbass! Why are you calling me names for no reason?" I retort with mock indignation.

"Well, because you made me wait yet again, so I think it's fair for me to curse you out," Ayato chuckles.

"Err, alright. Since it's your birthday, I'll let you have it your way for once. Yeah?" I grin, teasing him.

As time passes and we become quite tipsy, we reminisce about our younger days in school and college, recalling how life used to be easier and carefree.

Ruby: laughing uncontrollably "Do you remember when I asked you out?" I slur a bit.

Ayato: awkwardly laughing "Oh no, here we go again. Please don't start, Ruby."

Ruby: "Why not? Oh no!" hiccup "Oh no!" Ayato passes me a glass of water.

Ayato: "Hey, are you okay? Man, looks like you're really high." He chuckles.

Ruby: takes a deep breath and holds it

Ayato: "I swear, I have so much fun with you. I don't think even Miko can keep up with you."

Ruby: coughs "Oh yeah, how is Miko doing? I hope she doesn't mind us hanging out."

Ayato: "Ah, you know how she is. She just doesn't get you like I do."

Ruby: "Well, in that case, you should have chosen me instead of Miko." I giggle.

Ayato: "Hey, Ruby, you know why, right? Come on, don't play dumb."

Ruby: "Err, right, because your best bud at the time was into me. Jeez, and look how that ended." I sigh

Ayato: "I didn't know it would end so terribly. That guy was a real asshole, huh? I didn't expect him to cheat on you and he pauses not wanting to say more. I'm sorry; I know it took you a long time to get over whatever happened, and I'm to blame for introducing you guys. That son of a bitch begged me to hook him up, saying you were the love of his life, his soul mate—those were his exact words."