Are You The One Jo Togame?

Chapter 19 - The Present (Part 3) You Are Mine

"Stay with me tonight. I need you," he pleaded, his green eyes searching mine.

Before I could respond, Ayato's voice shattered the moment.

"RUBY? What the hell are you doing?"

Ayato's angry voice cut through the air as he confronted us, his gaze then shifting to Togame.
 
"Sick bastard, you called it off, and now you're playing with her emotions?"

Togame's demeanor hardened, stepping towards Ayato as if ready for a confrontation. Sensing the escalating tension, I hurriedly intervened, pushing Togame back.

"Ayato, I'm sorry, I don't know..." I started, but Ayato interrupted with a pained voice.

"Ruby, things were finally getting better. Why are you doing this to yourself?" His frustration was palpable. "To your fiancé, for that matter."

Feeling overwhelmed and speechless, Togame urged quietly, "Let's go," reaching for my hand.

"Damn it!" Ayato exclaimed suddenly, noticing Megumi approaching. "We need to get out of here, now."

Panicking, I tried to free my hand from Togame's grip. "Togame, Megumi's coming. Let go. You have to leave. This isn't going to end well for any of us. Please."

Ignoring my plea, Togame leaned in close and whispered, "I'll be waiting for you at your place tonight. I won't let go until you give me an answer."

His seriousness unsettled me. "Oh my God, no! Togame," I protested nervously. But he persisted, refusing to release my hand.

As Megumi approached, Ayato realized the urgency to leave. "He's here. We're in trouble, Ruby," Ayato muttered anxiously.

Glancing at Togame, still holding my gaze, I reluctantly whispered, "Okay. I'll see you later."

Togame smiled slightly before finally letting go and disappearing into the darkness.

Taking a deep breath to calm myself, I adjusted my thoughts amidst the chaotic situation.

"Damn it! I hope I don't look too disheveled," I muttered to myself, suddenly self-conscious.

"There you are!" Megumi sounded surprised. "I've been looking all over for you two. You've been gone for quite a while."

He glanced over at Ayato. "Where's Miko?" Ayato seemed to have forgotten. "Ah, she's just around the corner."

I quickly interjected, feeling nervous as I explained, "Ayato asked me to keep him company. The entrance was getting crowded, so we waited here."

Ayato chimed in, "Yeah, sorry for taking her away from you, Megumi. My bad! You guys go on ahead, we'll catch up soon."

Avoiding eye contact with me, Ayato appeared disappointed.

Megumi extended his hand with a warm smile, and I took it, feeling a wave of guilt as we returned to the bar.

The night continued, with Miko eventually joining us. Drinks flowed, and we tried to make the most of the evening.

Ayato and Miko hit the dance floor, clearly enjoying themselves. Meanwhile, I kept my distance from Megumi, who sensed my unease and gave me space.

Occasionally, he asked if everything was alright or if something was bothering me. I wondered if my emotions were written all over my face. I couldn't hide my inner turmoil; I just wanted the night to end.

Shame washed over me. How could I betray Megumi like this? He had been nothing but kind to me, the reason I had found happiness again. The thought sickened me.

Finally, the night drew to a close.

Ayato and Miko bid us farewell. Ayato had been avoiding me, a reaction I couldn't blame.

Megumi and I got into the car together.

"Is everything alright?" he asked, concern evident in his voice, but I remained silent.

"Please, Ruby, talk to me," he pleaded gently, holding my hand. "I'm worried. Did something happen with your parents? Whatever it is, let me help you, sweetheart."

I sighed softly. "Nothing, Megumi," I replied, glancing his way. "I'm just tired and looking forward to getting home."

He seemed surprised. "Oh! I was hoping you'd stay over tonight." Pausing for a moment, he smiled warmly, kissing my hand.

Feeling startled, I shifted uncomfortably. Did he expect something more tonight? The thought made me nervous, and I quickly changed the subject.

"Yeah, I really just need some rest. It's been a hectic week, and I could use some alone time," I said hesitantly.

He smiled to himself knowingly. "Alright then! Maybe next time," he said softly, his expression tinged with disappointment.

I nodded quietly, staring out of the window as I waited for the car to stop at my apartment. 

Finally, we arrived. I glanced at Megumi and waved as I unlocked the car door. "Goodnight," I murmured as I stepped out.

He pulled me into a hug, and I stiffened momentarily before allowing it to happen. When we parted, he looked at me earnestly. "I love you. I'll see you soon. Goodnight," he whispered, kissing my forehead.

I couldn't find the words to respond, so I nodded silently and quickly made my way inside. As his car drove off, he lowered the window, blowing me a kiss before disappearing into the night.

I climbed the stairs and spotted Togame leaning against my door, on the brink of stumbling, his gaze fixed clumsily on his phone. In his hand, a half-empty whiskey bottle revealed he'd been drinking while waiting for me.

He noticed me and his face lit up.

Approaching with my head down, I unlocked the door, ignoring his slurred call of "Ruby!"

"Did he just drop you off?" he asked in his intoxicated state.

I nodded and stepped into my apartment.

Turning on the lights, I encouraged him to make himself comfortable.

He stumbled in, clearly unsteady. Concerned, I hurried to assist him, guiding him to the room where he collapsed onto the bed, his hand over his head.

I prepared hot water for tea and a bowl of fruit, unsure if he had eaten. What was I doing? Did I even have a plan? I was grateful his drunken state made him incapable of  doing anything.

Carrying the tray to him, I was surprised to find him propped against the headboard.

"Togame," I called softly.

He shielded his eyes from the light with his hand.

"Here, please have this. It'll help you feel better," I offered, placing the tray on the bedside table. As I turned to leave, he suddenly wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me onto his lap. I froze, my breath catching. Was he still coherent?

Slowly, I turned my head, trying to read his expression. He rested his head against my back, holding me tightly.

"It's been a year, hasn't it?" he murmured.

I sighed softly. "Yes Togame."

"Do you love him?" His tone held a hint of anger.

"Huh? What are you—" I began, but he sharply cut me off.

"Answer me," he demanded sternly.

I hesitated, carefully considering my response. "I don't know, Togame. But I think I—"

Abruptly, he pushed me back onto the bed, pinning my hands down. Shocked, I stared up at him. He wasn't himself; his gaze was distant, unfocused.

"Togame, please, you're hurting my wrists," I pleaded, struggling beneath him.

Leaning in close, he whispered, "You're mine tonight."

I swallow hard, unable to think clearly. Am I really going to let this happen? This would be our first time, and it's happening when we're not even together. What am I doing? Ruby, you're acting shamelessly. Self-doubt floods my mind.