One-eyed Ronin

Chapter 11

Antonnia's POV

I'm always fond of my best friends, Ronin and Ran. However, I'm quite clingy to Ronin as we have been close since childhood in Italy.

Even when we were young, she was always overprotective of me. When I saw her dance with Ran, I decided to learn how to dance as well so that I could more time with her. From then on, we practiced together. I was also happy when Ran was busy, giving me solo moments with her.

During our teenage sparring matches, she showed no mercy to her opponents, but with me, she would simply avoid my attacks and hold me captive. She was scolded and punished repeatedly for this, but she accepted it gladly.

In our twenties, as the daughter of a high-ranking member in the Maranzano, my father assigned me to be with Ronin always. From there, I found myself drawn to her, especially her eyes. Although she's nonchalant, she never failed to make me feel like she was always interested in what I had to say. The night she lent me her jacket when I was cold confirmed my feelings for her.

Whenever I called or texted her, she would reply instantly. When I invited her out, she always agreed, though I felt guilty upon learning from Ran that she was being punished for it. Ronin never shared this with me.

When we danced for her intermission at an event, I found her incredibly attractive as she waved her body against mine. It was so sensual that I almost lost control. I appreciated how she held me gently by my waist.

When she revealed her six-pack abs, I was jealous because girls are now looking at her abs. I also felt a pang of jealousy when she offered a rose to an investor's daughter.

I gasped when she took off her sweater, revealing her muscular arms and tattoos. She looked so hot in her black sando, looking cool, masculine, and beautifully handsome.

When she joined a dance workshop, we decided to follow her. While there, I found Michael attractive. When he asked to be my dance partner, I accepted.

We danced to "Say You Won't Let Go," a song I used to practice with Ronin. Comparing them, I felt more comfortable with Ronin, who was gentle in her movements, while Michael focused more on looking at me than expressing the dance.

Michael was charming, and I was thrilled when he asked to court me. I thought my feelings for Ronin were just a crush, a phase, as I always envisioned having a natural happy family – where Ronin cannot give me.

Eventually, I spent more time with Michael, and we eventually got engaged.

When I watched Ronin's last dance cover, I felt she was hurt. Her choreography was amazing, but I sensed she was leaving me. Learning about the tragedy that befell Ronin's family, I rushed to her, ignoring everyone else, and hugged her tightly, wanting her to feel my support. When one of her men called me her girlfriend, I blushed, wondering why it felt right.

After Ronin resolved the chaos in the underground, I tried to reach out to her again. She was often the reason Michael and I fought; he was jealous of her because I always sought her out. Michael changed, becoming possessive and limiting my freedom, suffocating me. I eventually broke up with him.

I missed Ronin terribly and tried to reconnect, but she no longer answered my calls or texts. I thought she was grieving, but then I saw her frequently out with Samantha. Despite my efforts, she politely rejected all my invites.

Why do I feel she's avoiding me? Why do I feel she's no longer the Ronin I once knew? Why does it hurt that she makes time for someone else but not for me?

Did I take everything she did for me for granted? Did she love me too? She never confessed, so I didn't want to assume. But I'm not dense; I felt loved when she was around. Her constant presence, the way she listened, and how she always made time for me—these were signs of care and affection. But was it love?

Reflecting on our past, I realize that her actions spoke volumes. She was always there for me, overprotective and attentive, even risking punishment to be by my side. Her gestures, like lending me her jacket or replying instantly to my texts, made me feel cherished.

Maybe I overlooked these signs because I didn't want to complicate our friendship or because I was focused on my traditional dreams of a family. Now, seeing her with Samantha, I can't help but wonder if I missed out on something special between us.

Ronin, I don't know what to do anymore.

Ronin's POV

I hung out with Samantha today and her friends. While we were having dinner, I noticed how some of her friends had teasing looks in their eyes.

"Hey, Samantha, your ex is here."

I saw a good-looking guy, about the same height as me, walking towards her. She held my hand, seemingly informing me that she'd just talk to him for a while. I nodded, thinking it would be fine.

However, as Samantha talked to her ex, her friends started having their own conversations, leaving me feeling out of place in this resort where I didn't know anyone. They began talking about how good Samantha and her ex looked together, speaking loudly enough for me to hear.

"You know what, I hope Samantha and her ex get back together."

"Yeah, I hope she ends up with a real guy."

"True, knowing how beautiful she is!"

Although their comments weren't directed at me, I could sense their homophobia. Their words stung, making me feel uncomfortable and unwelcome.

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I think I would rather go home. I'm just a friend of Samantha, but it's uncomfortable that she left me here for quite some time. She knows she's the only friend I have here. I waited for her, and it's starting to frustrate me.

I looked for her and saw her talking happily with her ex. It almost took them an hour. When she finally saw me, I awkwardly smiled at her.

She's indeed beautiful. Her friends were right. She should end up with a real guy—not with me, a woman. After all, she looks straight. Why did I even entertain the idea that there might be something between us? I'm such a fool.

Hey, Ronin, sorry it took me quite a while. Let's go inside?" She was referring to the bar where we were supposed to drink and eat.

"I have to go home, Sam. I'll try to catch up next time. I'm sorry." I smiled apologetically, hoping she would believe my lie.

She stared at me for a moment, then gently held both of my cheeks. "Did my friends do something?"

I immediately shook my head. I didn't want her to feel guilty, and maybe what they said earlier was just my assumption.

"I know them. I'm sure they did something. Did they indirectly comment about you?"

I refused or shook my head again.

"Did they talk out loud about something and seem like they wanted you to hear it?"

I shook my head once more.

"Did you feel uncomfortable?"

Her question caught me off guard. Could she read my mind? I hesitated, unsure of how to respond.

"Okay, we'll go somewhere else where you are comfortable."

"Sam, you don't have to. I'm fine. Just enjoy yourself. Update me when you get home safely."

I waved goodbye and walked away from her. I admitted to myself that I was hurt by her friends' remarks. They knew Samantha and I had been on dates.

As I was about to open my car door, Samantha held my hand, making me face her. She looked up at me since I was inches taller.

"I'm sorry. But please, don't walk away from me. I know my friends did something. They are homophobic, and I'm sure they said something that made you uncomfortable. Ronin, I don't care about what they say. I also apologize that it took me quite a while talking to my ex. We were just talking about business, and we are really just friends. Nothing is going on between my ex and me. We were long over. Please, stay."