Are You The One Jo Togame?

Chapter 14 - The Past (Part 6) I Don't Want You Back

"Breathe and have some water.
What's this about Togame? You finally see him for who he is? Finally awake from your daydream...," Ayato continues.

Ruby: "Oh God! Be quiet! Listen, Ayato! You weren't there!" The images replay once again

Horrified by them, I speak with a shaky tone.

"Do you remember those guys we were hanging out with? The tall blonde-haired one and the guy with black hair?"

"Ayato nods.

I pause and think for a moment. "I suddenly think of the body that was lying on the ground. Did he have something to do with that?

"He was beating them up, punching and kicking both of them in the face," I say.

Ayato: "WHAT? But aren't they friends? I mean, aren't they in the same gang? Why would he hit them for no reason? There has to be one, don't you think? Ah, who am I kidding? He's a psycho; he doesn't need a reason to hurt people."

Ruby: "But that's not all. The way he beat up that Furin guy—it was terrifying. He..." I pause, "He stomped on the guy's head with his wooden sandal. Can you believe it? Who does something so inhumane? I'm just surprised that Furin guy survived."

Ayato: "Huh? What? Furin? What were they doing there?"

I realized I forgot to tell him about the two gangs clashing. I give him the background story.

Ayato: "Why would you even agree to go? What did you think it was going to be?"

Ruby: "Oh my God! I didn't think it would turn into a full-blown fight. Who is so cruel these days to beat people up like that?"

I pace up and down while talking to Ayato.

Ayato: "Well, you got your answer, didn't you? I've been telling you from day one. These guys are bad news."

I plonk myself on the sofa, spacing out and resting the back of my head.

Ayato: "Rest your eyes. There's no point thinking about it if you've already made up your mind about him."

I stare at the ceiling, feeling extremely disappointed.

Ruby: "You are right. This should be the reason for us to split. I have to take that step."

Ayato: "Also, he's just a kid. This is typical kid behavior. Why would you want to lower your standards? You can do so much better. You have to think about it practically. He's not going to be able to take care of you. Come on! He's going to keep doing what he's doing. What kind of life is that? I get that you like him and all, but think long-term, Ruby. I shouldn't have to tell you these things."

He gets up and heads to the kitchen, pouring himself a cup of coffee. He looks in my direction.

Ayato: "Besides, I think you guys are not meant to be. All the signs from the universe are right in front of you."

Those words hit hard. I lie on the couch, replaying his words over and over again. 

In no time, I fall asleep.

I wake up to a dark room. I reach out to the lamp on the table.

Ah! I'm still in Ayato's apartment. I look at the time and it's 3:00 AM.

Checking my phone, I see a string of missed calls and messages from Togame. Curious to see what he texted, I read a few.

Togame: "Hey Darling! I didn't see you at our base. Were you busy at work?"