Are You The One Jo Togame?

Chapter 21 - The Past (Part 12) I Hate You

I sit next to Megumi while the nurse tends to his wounds, troubled by his earlier words. I'm haunted by questions: Why would Shishitoren do this? Is Togame really capable of ordering his men to hurt someone? It doesn't seem like him, but do I even know him well enough? Why do I still think he's a good person? I shake off these thoughts.

I look at Megumi, who is clearly exhausted. They really got him good. I can't help but feel a pang of sympathy. Am I starting to care for him?

Suddenly, I feel his hand on mine.

"I'm fine. Don't worry about me," he says with a reassuring smile.

I smile back, holding his hand. "I'm sorry this happened to you," I say softly. "It could be my fault that you're in this position. I don't think I mentioned my past to you, but..."

He gently interrupts, "Hey, don't say that. This isn't your fault. You're probably just overthinking it. Please, don't blame yourself." He smiles warmly.

He takes my hand and kisses it. The gesture is sweet but leaves me feeling a bit awkward. I choose to smile and remain quiet.

After the nurse finishes dressing and patching up his wounds, we head out. I decide to drop him off at home. During the drive, Megumi finally breaks the silence.

"Is it okay if I stay with you for a while? I'd rather not go back home like this," he asks, his voice tired and hesitant.

I agree without hesitation, understanding why he'd want to avoid his family's reaction. "Of course. You can stay as long as you need."

His face brightens with relief. We arrive at my place, and I help him inside, making sure he's comfortable. I try to hide my own discomfort about having him stay over and focus on making him feel at ease.

As he looks around my apartment, he gives a small, appreciative smile. I notice but decide not to comment. Instead, I head to the kitchen to make him a hot cup of black coffee. I also offer him something to eat, but he declines, saying he'll let me know if he gets hungry.

He's scrolling through his phone but quickly hides it when I approach. I hand him the coffee and sit down, trying to avoid bringing up the phone.

He accepts the coffee and takes a sip. "Why aren't you having anything to drink?" he asks.

"I don't usually drink coffee or tea. This is actually Ayato's," I explain with a smile.

Megumi looks a bit surprised. "Oh, I hope he doesn't mind?"

"I doubt it," I reply with a playful grin.

He lets out a small laugh but stops himself, wincing as the cut near his mouth prevents him from smiling fully.

I ask him if he's doing okay and if he needs some ice to help with the pain. He declines but instead says, "Why don't you come and sit next to me? I'd like that," he chuckles.

I feel a bit awkward about the request but decide to sit next to him. He turns to me, looking concerned.

"Why are you still so uncomfortable around me?" he asks softly.

I feel a pang of guilt. It's true—despite everything, I'm not fully relaxed. I wonder why it's so hard for me to be myself. Have I really not moved on completely?

He cups my face with his hands and gazes at me with a mixture of sadness and affection. 

"I hope you know how much you mean to me," he begins, pausing for a moment. He sighs deeply. "I love you, Ruby."

I'm taken aback by his words, not sure how to respond. I don't feel the same way about him yet. Is it okay to admit that? My mind races as he continues.

"I don't expect you to say it back right now, but I hope that someday you'll feel the same way about me." He leans in, closing the gap between us, and kisses my cheek.

I sit there, processing his confession, unsure how to react. The weight of his feelings hangs in the air between us.

To avoid further awkwardness, I suggest he get some rest. He agrees, and I prepare the guest room for him. I'm not ready to have him share my bed yet, and I think he understands.