Are You The One Jo Togame?

Chapter 17 - The Past (Part 9) The End

I glance at Togame, hoping to read his expression, but he remains motionless, hands resting on his thighs, head bowed towards the ground.

My parents call me inside, and Togame's parents sit beside him with poker faces, not acknowledging me.

Diagonally across from Togame, my parents settle down beside me, while an unfamiliar person occupies the seat to his right.

The silence is abruptly interrupted by the unknown person.

Unknown: "Hello, Ruby! I regret meeting you under such tense circumstances. Togame insisted we all be present when he breaks the news to you."

Glancing at Togame, who still avoids meeting my gaze, I notice his evident unease. I reply calmly.

Ruby: "Alright. What news do you have?"

Unknown: "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Aoi Takashi, Togame's uncle. His father and I are brothers, and I am the eldest son of the Aoi family." He smiles proudly.

Ruby: "Hello, Mr. Takashi." A strange feeling gnaws at me; I'm wary of him.

Dad: "Mr. Takashi and I work closely together. We're good friends."

Ruby: "Oh?" I'm uninterested in this revelation.

Mom: "Yes, dear Ruby! Your father and Mr. Takashi are quite close. Your father is practically Mr. Takashi's right-hand man."

Why are they divulging this now? I glance again at Togame, still avoiding me. I can't help but wonder why he and his parents remain silent.

Takashi seems taken aback by my parents' familiarity with him. I voice my confusion.

Ruby: "So why have we gathered here?" I ask sternly. My parents exchange knowing glances, seemingly prepared for this moment.

Takashi: "I believe it's more about what Togame wishes to tell you. Isn't that right, Togame?" He directs his gaze towards him.

Togame nods silently.

Takashi: "Go ahead, son." He smiles encouragingly, awaiting Togame's words.

Togame avoids my eyes, devoid of emotion. I struggle to understand his unreadable demeanor.

Finally, Togame raises his head to look at me with a cold expression, as though harboring resentment.

Togame: "Ruby, we need to end things. I don't want to be with you anymore." His words pierce through me, leaving me stunned, tears streaming down my face.

I shout at Togame, standing abruptly. "What?"

My parents restrain me as I tremble with emotion, unable to bear the pain. A sinking feeling grows in my stomach.

Ruby: "Baby, why, Togame? What happened? Tell me!" I demand answers amidst the chaos. My parents try to calm me down, their voices firm.

Mr. Jo: "Ruby, please calm down. This is Togame's decision. You need to accept it and not cause a scene here."

Ruby: "Mr. Jo, please! Just let me ask Togame one thing." I plead desperately. Togame turns away, indifferent to my distress.

"Togame!" I call out to him.

Ruby: "Answer me honestly."

He turns slightly, listening silently, tears still flowing down my cheeks.

Ruby: "Don't you love me?" I manage to ask, my voice quivering.

Togame: "No, Ruby. I never have." His tone is flat, devoid of remorse. I stand there, his words echoing in my mind. I stop crying, feeling my world collapse around me. It's like suffocating slowly, struggling to breathe as hope slips away. Darkness descends upon me.

I continue to look at Togame, who remains turned away. I start to speak, but the words choke in my throat.

I leave without looking back, ignoring my parents calling after me. I don't even spare a glance for Togame. All I want is to escape.

Outside, rain pours down, but I walk on, numb and alone. I turn back once, gazing at the apartment. This is the last time I'll come here, I promise myself.

---

Days stretch into weeks. I isolate myself from everyone. Ayato checks on me, the only one worried. Togame hasn't reached out since. Maybe he meant what he said.

Work suffers, but I don't care. What's the point of anything anymore? Those thoughts haunt me, but I can't bring myself to act. Something holds me back, maybe a flicker of hope that Togame will return.

I start drinking heavily, seeking solace in alcohol, numbing the pain. Days blur together. Ayato becomes my lifeline, always there when I don't answer calls, staying with me to watch over.

---

Ruby: "Out of booze again?" I slur, needing more.

I sneak out while Ayato sleeps, not caring about my appearance.

In pajamas, I walk to the nearest bar, grabbing three bottles of wine. Opening one on the way home, I drink straight from the bottle.

Ruby: "Which one is this?" I squint at the label, bumping into someone.

The bottles crash to the ground, shards of glass scattering.

Ruby: "You idiot! Can't you—" He interrupts.

Unknown: "I'm sorry! Let me replace those for you." He smiles apologetically.

Before me stands a tall man with dark, spiked hair and piercing blue eyes. I'm mesmerized by his presence. Is he real? I stare, speechless.

Unknown: "Are you okay?" He leans closer, concern evident.

I step back, embarrassed. Attempting to tidy my disheveled appearance, he chuckles.

Unknown: "Don't you want your wine?" He smiles.

Ruby: "Ah, no, it's fine." Feeling shy, I look away.

Unknown: "Well, let me at least walk you home."

I stare at him, his offer stirring memories of when I first met Togame. I look away sadly.

Unknown: "It's late. I don't—" I cut in.

Ruby: "I live a few blocks away. I'll be okay."

From a distance, Ayato hurries towards us.

Ayato: "Ruby! I was so worried." He notices the stranger.

Ayato: "Who are you?" He pulls me closer protectively.

Megumi: "Oh! My apologies. I'm Sukuna Megumi." He smiles warmly at us.