Are You The One Jo Togame?

Chapter 3 - A Mistake

My heart races and I'm on the verge of freaking out.

Togame: Relax, would ya? He stares at me with his piercing green eyes He strokes my head gently, smiling to himself.

Ruby: OMG! This guy is such a creep. I need to get out of this car.

Togame: He withdraws his hand, buckles his seatbelt, and starts the engine.

Perplexed by his sudden shift in behavior. I turn towards the window, feeling a bit relieved, and roll it down, letting the wind hit my face. Ah, I needed this. This guy has no idea how anxious he's making me feel. I don't know if he's playing with me, but I hope I never see him again. Out of curiosity, I glance at him to gauge his expression.

He looks at me questioningly.
Annoyed, I turn away. I really can't wait to get home. But I can't let him drop me off there; he'll know where I live. Think, Ruby, think of something. You're such an idiot in situations like this.

Togame: I'm sorry.

Ruby: Huh? I look at him; he seems genuinely serious. I sigh. It's alright. I'm just not used to this kind of thing, you know? Maybe it's because I'm not a teenager anymore. I'm a grown adult. I'm sure a normal teen would find all this exciting and fascinating. But really, what do you expect from a 30-year-old, Togame?

Togame: Huh? Do you really think age matters here?

Ruby: What am I even doing here with you? Ugh, all of this happened because I was high. If I were sober, things would've turned out differently.

Togame: He stops the car and gets out.

Ruby: Hey, what are you doing now? Come on, Togame, I'm not playing your dumb games anymore.

Togame: He opens the passenger door. Are you okay to drive? If so, go ahead. I'll walk back home from here.

Ruby: I get out of the car, furious, and slam the door shut. What the hell?

He starts walking alone down the lonely road.

Ruby: HEY! STOP! WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU? I yell, rushing towards him, yelling his name.

Ruby: TOGAME! STOP! Let me at least drop you home, damn it. I grab his arm, and in an instant, he turns around, grabs me around the waist. I gasp, my mind racing, unable to collect my thoughts.

He gazes down at me, our eyes meeting. His droopy eyes—why do I find myself drawn into them? No, stop it, Ruby. I try to squirm out of his grip. 

I notice the size of his arms, the breadth and firmness of his chest. These thoughts overwhelm me. Is this really happening? We're in the middle of this deserted road, surrounded by rustling leaves and the constant wind blowing. Lost in my thoughts, I fail to notice his hand already on my chin, gently lifting my face to kiss me. His eyes remain closed while mine are wide open in disbelief. 

I can't believe what's happening. He opens his eyes, a peculiar expression on his face. I recognize that look—I've seen it before. My eyes widen. Has he... fallen for me? That can't be possible.. I push him away forcefully.

Ruby: You... you jerk! My voice trembles. I can't believe you. How could you even consider doing something like that? I don't know you at all. Is this what gangsters do? You think you're so cool and entitled to do whatever you want just because you're untouchable? Tears well up in my eyes out of frustration. Were you taking advantage of me? I bet you do this with other girls too, don't you? You're the worst. I hope I never see you again, Togame.

I rush to my car, tears streaming down my face. I start the engine, realizing the seat is pushed back. I quickly adjust it and drive off. Glancing in the rearview mirror, I see him still standing there, motionless. But I don't care. I just want to leave and never cross paths with him again.

The thought crosses my mind: Why did I allow it? Did I secretly want it too?