the lap cat || WIND BREAKER FANFIC ||

e I g h t || "acceptance"

"acceptance"

- × -

"a monster!"
"r-run-! she'll kill us all!"

the remaining survivors didn't hesitate to heed the shout of trembling fear, the unconscious body lay uncaring and abandoned. rain still falling harshly like an endless waterfall. long red hair cascaded down, obscuring her face. her mind buzzed with numbness, devoid of any remorse for the brutal beating she had inflicted on the gang that dared to hurt her.

slowly, dull eyes took in the sight of her hands, decorated with bruises, scrapes, and blood that nearly lost its color away by the pouring rain. it felt like an artwork, a haunting reminder of her ugly episode with just a single glance at her own hands. yet, there's nothing different going on her usual routine she adapted with.

amidst the pitter-pattering rain, ears perked up at the faint tapping sound from behind. it was likely a new set of gang members seeking revenge. she craned her neck, teal eyes swipe across the group, but they looked different from the ones she had dealt with a while ago. still, the distinctive dark green jackets gave away her guess.

the bofurins.

"hey. you okay?" hiragi's rough, ragged voice of concern cut through the rain, bringing chaine's train of thought back to reality. blinking, she glanced to her side where the platinum-haired male situated beside her, smiling. "you suddenly left. you just missed bofurin's victory."

chaine looked back at the rain. "it was expected for that goofball to win anyway. plus, I just need some fresh air. you can go back. I'll follow you inside," she insisted, her eyes drifting to the puddles as if they were the only thing that kept her entertained from the state of boredom. hiragi stared at her for a moment before following her gaze.

"do you remember our first meeting, chaine-chan?" hiragi brought up. chaine's idly form remained unfazed, but the hum of confirmation from her allowed him to continue. "back then, when we were alerted by one of the concerned citizens, I honestly didn't expect you to handle most of them singlehandedly."

/f l a s h b a c k s/

hiragi stepped into the scene, umbrella in hand to shield himself from the relentless downpour. using his free hand to gesture for his team to hold their position, moving slowly and cautiously toward the motionless figure encircled by scattered, unconscious bodies.

as he drew nearer, her stature and her unmistakable cascade of long red hair; it was a girl. yet, his guard must remained high, for the rumors about certain dangerous gal whose alias given as red viper.

"i would be lying if I said I thought you were some kid with bad news that caused nothing but trouble."

the red-headed girl swiveled around, and hiragi froze for a moment just in case she might strike for an attack. however, sensing no immediate threat nor sign of movement from her, he cautiously proceeded his approach. with each careful step, the details of her visage became more distinct the more he stepped closer.

by the time she fully turned to face him, he halted, his golden hues widening slightly as he took in the striking clarity of her features, the unexpected depth of overwhelming emotion reflected in her droopy, tired eyes under her messy bangs.

/e n d o f f l a s h b a c k s/

"but you weren't what I imagined at all. you were pretty shaken up and scared , like you thought I'd be just another guy with malicious intention to break you like other gang. it was then I realized-you weren't what they made you out to be. you weren't born hardened. you were shaped by the reality's harsh treatment that gives you no choice but the need to survive, forced to learn how to guard yourself against to those who never showed you mercy." hiragi's words carried a deep-seated memory that's more weight than time could erode.