Are You The One Jo Togame?

Chapter 8 - The Past (Part 1) The Villain

I stand there frozen, replaying his words in my mind.

What did he just say? How can he fall for me so quickly? But do I feel the same way? I stare at him, bewildered and unsure of how to respond.

Togame: He steps towards me, reaching out and pulling me into his arms.
What about you? Do you feel the same way?

Ruby: Pressed against his chest, unsure of my response. I... I think... I feel the same way too. My voice is shy and uncertain.

Togame lifts my chin gently and smiles. He looks genuinely happy as he kisses me passionately. I hold onto him tightly. He stops and kisses my forehead—something no one has done before. In his arms, I feel safe. This is it. This is what I want. I've fallen for someone I've hardly known. Is this fate? I smile, hugging him tightly, not wanting to let go.

Ayato: Ahem! Hello, you two.

Startled, both of us turn. I'm embarrassed, wondering how long Ayato has been there.

Togame: Hey, Ayato! What's up, buddy? He seems annoyed by the interruption.

I quickly step in.

Ruby: Hey, Ayato! Walking towards him.

Ayato: Uh, I think you guys need to come back down. He looks at Togame. Your little friend is trying to pick a fight with some people.

Togame: Choji? He clicks his tongue in annoyance. You guys stay here. In a bold voice, I'll handle this. He looks at me. I'll be right back, DARLING. We'll pick up where we left off. He winks cheekily.

I blush deeply.

Ruby: Stay safe. We'll be right here.

Ayato and I watch Togame exit through the terrace door.

It feels like forever since Togame left. I start to worry and glance at Ayato for reassurance.

Ruby: Hmm, do you think they're okay?

Ayato: Yeah, I hope so.

Ruby: I think we should check on them. I'm starting to wonder what's taking so long.

Ayato: You might be right.

We head towards the door and begin descending the stairs. As we near the bottom, we hear commotion. Ayato and I freeze as we see five members of the Shishitoren Gang attacking numerous people. Ayato and I stare in disbelief, our hands trembling, and my breath quickening. I can't believe what I'm witnessing—the bodies scattered, the violence unfolding. Fear grips me, and Ayato holds me tight.

Ayato: Ruby, I don't think you should see this. He quickly covers my eyes.

Ruby: What's happening, Ayato? Did I make a terrible mistake again?

Ayato stands in silence, staring at the horrific scene unfolding before him. His eyes remain fixed on Togame, who is taking on several attackers.

Ayato: Let's leave. We shouldn't be hanging out with these guys. You need to stop seeing Togame. I'm serious. He's dangerous. Stay away from him. He's not good for you, Ruby.

Ruby: Eyes still shut. You're right. Let's go. I start walking quickly, trying not to be seen by the gang. We spot the exit and breathe a sigh of relief. Before leaving, I glance back one last time and widen my eyes. Togame has spotted me, and I read the expression on his face—distraction, followed by a sudden punch to his face. I stop, horrified, but Ayato grabs my hand and yells, DON'T LOOK BACK! We hurry through the exit door.

Ayato and I finally emerge from the building, greeted by chaos outside.

Ruby: I'm worried Ayato. What's happening? Is it a rivalry fight?

Ayato: I DON'T KNOW, BUT WE NEED TO GET OUT OF HERE, RUBY! He shouts loudly.

Ayato grabs my hand and leads the way. As we navigate through the panicked crowd in the street, Ayato is stopped by a group of men.

Gang Member: Look what do we have here?

Ayato: Gritting his teeth. Hey, man, we don't want any trouble. Let us pass through.

Gang Member: looks at a picture. It's them. Call him and tell him we have them.

The gang surrounds us, trapping us in the middle. Panic rises within me as I regret running. Was Togame trying to warn me? What's happening now?

Ayato and I see a tall figure approaching—the gang parts to let him through.

My eyes widen in disbelief. Why is he here? What does he want from me?

Kai: Ha! I told you I'd find you.

Ruby: What do you want, Kai? My voice trembles.

Ayato steps in front of me protectively. What are you planning, Kai?

Kai strides towards Ayato, pushing him aside.

Ayato: No! You have to stop th—

Kai punches Ayato, who falls to the ground, groaning in pain.

Kai: Take him away! I'm not interested in this wimp. She's what I want. He looks at me with malicious intent.

Ruby: Kai, please stop! I plead, but he grabs my arm roughly, causing me to flinch. He slaps me across the face, my head snapping to the side. My ear rings, and I try to shake off the shock. He continues dragging me.

He unlocks the car and throws me into the backseat, driving off.

I lie there, terrified, reliving my past. I don't dare lift my head. I simply submit, letting him have his way.