Are You The One Jo Togame?

Chapter 4 - Thinking Of You

I gaze at my laptop screen, lost in thought. It's been nearly a week since THAT happened.

What's wrong with me? Why can't I stop replaying that kiss in my mind? The visual images of that night have been on repeat ever since.

I glance at my text messages from Ayato.

Ayato: Hey weirdo, why have you been avoiding me? 

Ayato: Hellloooooo? 

Ayato: Ruby? What's wrong?

Ayato: I'm coming over tonight.

The messages continue. I haven't told him about what happened that night. Ayato has this habit of confronting men who bother or upset me. He can be so cringe sometimes. The thought of Ayato going up against Togame makes me chuckle.

Oh, stop laughing. I don't have time to deal with Ayato right now. I'll get back to him later.

Suddenly, a knock on the glass door interrupts my thoughts, and it swings wide open.

Boss: Ruby?

Ruby: Yes? I look towards my boss leaning against the door frame.

Boss: What are you up to? Where has that smile of yours gone? It's been a while since we had lunch together.

Ruby: Ugh, why does he always have to bother me? Read the room, dude. Just go away. Ah, yes, Mr. Yu. I stand up to greet him. How are you today? I quickly shift the focus from myself to him.

Boss: I'm doing very well, thank you! Good job on that presentation, by the way. The clients are very pleased with your work. So keep it up! He grins.

Ruby: Oh, I'm glad to hear that, Mr. Yu! I put in a crazy amount of overtime just to get it done. Dropping subtle hints about my hard work.

Boss: Of course! Your hard work won't go unnoticed. We're considering you for a promotion. I have high hopes for you. Anyway, I'll take my leave now. Let's catch up for lunch or dinner sometime, whenever you're free, busy lady. He smiles in a somewhat creepy manner. Bye for now. He leaves the cabin.

Ruby: Bye, Mr. Yu! I sigh. I can't stand these corporate types.

I continue working on my pending tasks, and time passes quickly.

I check the time; it's already 6:30 PM. I stretch my arms and let out a small groan. Well, time for me to get out of here.

I call Ayato on my way out.

Ruby: Hey, bum! It's Friday. Want to do something? 

Ayato: Finally, you got back to me, Ruby. Why were you so quiet this whole week? 

Ruby: I'll tell you all about it when we meet up.

We discuss where we'll meet up. I make it clear to Ayato that I don't want to go to any pubs where the Shishitoren gang might hang out; despite being on this side of town, those pubs are better than the ones on this side.

I reach the bar closest to work. While waiting outside for Ayato, I hear a familiar voice call my name. I look to my left and see Kai.

Kai: Hey, Ruby? It's been a while.

Ruby: Oh no, it's you.

Kai: Hey, don't be like that. I've been waiting outside your office building just to see you. I grabbed a coffee and was heading towards your workplace when I spotted you here. Lucky me.

Ruby: Could you please leave? I have no interest in speaking to you.

Kai: I'm sorry. He leans in closer. I've changed, and whatever happened was a mistake. Let's move on from the past. Let's start fresh.

Ruby: Uncomfortable with his proximity, I step back. We've been through this already, Kai. Please, just keep walking. I'm done with you.

Kai: He starts taunting me. Give me another chance, babe. I'll be the best thing you can imagine. I'm still in love with you, I can't get over you. You're my soulmate, after all. His tone becomes unsettling.

Ruby: His words trigger a surge of anxiety. I'm leaving.

Kai grabs my hand and pulls me towards him. He stares at me with that unsettling look. Panic starts to overwhelm me, and memories I'd rather forget flood back.

Ruby: Let go of me, Kai! I yell in fear.

Kai: Damn it! You're making a scene. Do you want me to treat you like before? Huh? He begins to threaten me.

Before he can finish, someone throws a punch at Kai from the side, sending him flying.

I hear another familiar voice.

Togame: Are you okay, Ruby?

I look at him, seeing concern and anger in Togame's eyes. But I've never been happier to see him.

Togame: He walks towards me, taking off his jacket and placing it on my shoulders. I'm sorry, but can you wait here for a minute? Let me take care of this punk first.

He stands protectively in front of me, facing Kai.

Kai: What the hell are you doing? That's my fiancée. Stay out of this, you bastard. He gets up and moves towards Togame, aiming a punch.

Togame waits, then delivers a swift kick to Kai's torso. Kai hits the ground, groaning in pain.

Kai: You... damn... bastard... He screams in frustration.

Ruby... Ruby, are you okay? I hear Ayato calling for me.

I turn towards Ayato's direction, and he quickly holds onto me.

Ayato: Kai? What the hell, man? What's gotten into you?

Kai: Groans in pain, glaring at Togame. I won't forget your face, you prick. He notices the Shishitoren Jacket on me. I'll come back for you Ruby. He struggles to walk, heading towards his car and drives away recklessly.

I take in everything that just happened. Anxiety grips me again, and my knees buckle, sending me to the ground.

Ruby: Ayato! I need my pills. Can you get them for me, please? Kai threw my bag while manhandling me.

Togame: Here's her bag. He hands it to Ayato.

Ayato, looking at the tall, dark-haired person holding my bag, thinks to himself, "He must be from the infamous Shishitoren Gang, judging by the jacket." He thanks Togame for handing over the bag.

Ayato notices how Togame cared for me, and then it hits him. Was "he" the reason for my strange behavior?

Ayato: Here, take it! Let me take you home, and I don't mean your place. Kai might come back to torment you again. You'll stay with me tonight instead.

Ayato feels a big hand on his shoulder.

Ayato: Hey, what gives?

Togame: He pushes Ayato aside, annoyed that he had his arms around me a few minutes ago.

I look up at him, and...

Ruby: Togame! Thank you! I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't been here. Tears well up as I think about the worst.

Sits on the ground in front of me.

Togame: Reaching for my face, he wipes away the tears. I haven't been able to stop thinking about you.