Karamatsu has had it with his brothers constantly berating him, and he can't take anymore abuse or neglect. But what is this feeling he has resonating from inside, and why does it feel so incapacitating?
Cover art by blacklimes (aka senpai) on Tumbl...
The next morning, I skipped over breakfast. I decided to take Rie through town and get a leash and collar for her. It felt weird coming through town with a purpose, other than to stand around. I picked out a sparkly blue collar with a darker blue leash. I had just enough money to make the purchase, making sure to smile a resilient smile to the cashier. I set Rie on the ground and clipped the collar around her neck, then attached the leash to her.
"Alright, my little pup. Let's go for a walk," I smiled. Rie started pulling me forward and I followed as quickly as I could. It was a little chilly out, considering the fall season was beginning to take over. I looked around as people rushed by in their own conversations. A few people stopped to compliment Rie, and even fewer people asked about my patched eye, but I didn't really get into any other conversations with anybody. I didn't expect to, I don't really have any friends. I ventured to the park by the time lunch rolled around. A few people were walking around, so I sat down on the edge of the fountain. Rie sniffed at my legs before jumping up next to me. I smiled and pet her small ears.
"Heh. At least I have you now. Maybe now I won't be so lonely," I sighed.
"Well, that sounded sad," a voice called out. I flinched and let out a screech as I fell backwards into the freezing water.
"Cold! Ah, cold!" I hissed, shivering as soon as cold air hit me. I heard sweet laughter echo gently in my ears.
"A-Are you okay? I didn't mean to scare you that bad," a young woman said through giggles and chuckles. I looked up at her. She had a kind face, lovely deep brown eyes, and beautiful dark hair. She honestly made me a little nervous, especially since she started talking to me first. I stood up and shivered with a confident smirk.
"Y-Y-Yes, I'm o-o-okay, th-thank you m-miss."
"I'm sorry, you're probably freezing. Take that jacket off, you're gonna freeze to death before it dries off," the woman helped me take my soaked leather jacket off. She examined it.
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"Where did you get this?"
"That old th-thing? Ah, I c-c-couldn't t-tell you, my h-honey. It's pretty p-painful, I know.." I trailed off. She just gave me a warm smile.
"I think it looks cool! I wanted to get one myself! Anyways, I greatly apologize for scaring you into the pond like that," she gave me a slight bow before looking back up at me with a smile. In all honesty, seeing that made my heart flutter. Not in a love way, just something I couldn't quite place.
"I-It's quite alright. I've b-b-been through much w-worse, believe me." The woman handed me my jacket back.
"May I at least get you something warm to drink? It's the least I can do. You look like you could use some company."
Did I seriously seem that lonely?
"O-oh, that w-w-would be l-lovely!" I smiled genuinely. The woman nodded before turning on her heel and walking down the road. I followed close behind with Rie in tow. There was a slightly awkward silence between the two of us, I cleared my throat as I began to warm up a bit.
