Are You The One Jo Togame?

Chapter 5 - Giving ''US'' A Chance

Ayato looked at both of us with a puzzled expression.

Togame kept his eyes on me, focused and concerned. He reached out and helped me up.

I brushed some debris off me and realized Togame's arm was still around me, but strangely, I didn't remove it.

Ayato started to say something, interrupted by a group of guys calling out Togame's name.

Unknown 1: Hey Kame, there you are! We've been looking everywhere for you! He rushed over excitedly.

Unknown 2: Togame, Choji's been running around town trying to find you. Why didn't you respond to our texts or calls?

Unknown 3: Hey, you've been hanging out with others? Why didn't you let us know?

Ayato and I instantly recognized them as part of the same gang.

Unknown 1: Kame, who's this? He noticed Togame's arm around me.

Unknown 2 and 3: Togame, is that...?

Togame removed his arm and cleared his throat.

Togame, hesitantly: Um, this is Ruby. I met her at one of the Shishitoren hangout bars.

The three looked at each other in surprise, noticing Togame's jacket on me. Realizing, I quickly took off his jacket and handed it back to him. He seemed confused.

Togame: Uh, and this is... um, looking towards Ayato.

Ayato: Oh! I'm Yuta Ayato, Ruby's friend.

Ruby: Hi, I'm Murshene Ruby, nice to meet you all. I smiled awkwardly.

Tomiyama: Hi there! I'm Choji Tomiyama, leader of the Shishitoren gang. This is Arima and Kanuma.

Kanuma: Hello! I'm Minoru Kanuma, also part of the gang.

Arima: Hey there! Yukinari Arima, part of the same gang.

Togame: Great! Now that we're all acquainted, how about we go out for a few drinks? He glanced at me. Wasn't that the plan?

The gang members eagerly agreed, discussing which bars to visit.

Tomiyama: Let's call Sako too, I'll text him. But I doubt he'll show.

Arima: Yeah, he's a bit of a wet blanket.

Ayato quickly pulled me aside.

Ayato: What's going on? Who are these punks? We can't hang out with them, can we? Look at them, Ruby.

I glanced at them. They were laughing and energetic, especially Choji, who couldn't stay still.

Ayato: Why are you staring at them? Say something.

Ruby: I don't know, give me a moment. This isn't what I planned.

Ayato: Yeah, what happened last week?

Ruby: Stop it. I looked towards Togame.

Togame had been watching me. He walked towards Ayato and me.

Ruby: Shhh, he's coming.

Togame: Hope I'm not interrupting.

Ruby: No, not at all. What's up?

Togame: We decided to go to a bar called Gyna. Great music there. Shall we head over?

Ayato: Yeah, why don't you guys go ahead? We'll meet you there.

Togame: I'm not talking to you. In a cold tone.

Ayato froze, intimidated by Togame, especially after seeing him handle Kai.