Frozen Rose (Langa x reader)

Chapter 31

(Y/n)'s POV

The men stilled, as did the girl I held at knifepoint. My friends watched this interaction silently, waiting to see what would happen. Satisfied that neither the girl or the men were going to move any time soon, I urged her forward.

"Who are you?"
"My identity is of no concern to you," she replied matter-of-factly.
"Why did you target us?"
"I did not mean to cause harm. I simply wanted to test your skills."
"My skills?"
"Your fighting skills. I heard that you were quite well trained in combat so I was curious."

She tested my abilities simply due to her curiosity? An uneasy feeling swirled around in my stomach. I did not know why she bore an eery resemblance to Ruka but it had to do with the identity she was intent on protecting.

"I was...also curious about him," she exclaimed, her hand gesturing towards Langa.
"Why?"
"He's attractive."
"...you're shaking. Are you scared?"
"...yes," she whispered.
"I don't think threatening people would make for a very good first impression," said Cherry.
"I didn't mean to- I wasn't trying to threaten you," she answered.
"Leave. Don't try to hurt my friends again."

I released her before she hurriedly took her leave with her men, risking a last glance towards Langa. Once they were out of sight, I dropped the knife and held onto the wound oozing blood out of my arm.

A large, dark, sickly-looking bruise marred my skin on the other arm. A headache had started to form, credit to the small tender area where the man had punched my jaw. Reki was already stepping forward, catching me in his arms as I struggled to shake the thundering in my brain.

"I'm fine."
"I'll bet $5 that that's a lie," he replied.
"Hmph, idiot."
"You can act tough but I'll always see through your defences," he murmured, so quiet so that only I could hear.
"...I know..."
"I think we should get you patched up."
"Kaoru-chan, get your car," said Yuu.
"Do not call me that," Cherry gritted in annoyance.

~Timeskip to night time~

I reluctantly opened the front door, letting Yuu enter first. Both my parents were home, seeing as how their cars were just outside but a third vehicle was also stationed at our driveway.

Upon entry, voices filtered through the air. Dad's gaze met my mine before he gestured for me to hurry to the living room, when Yuu decided to escape to his room. A sigh left my lips as I headed over.

"Ah (Y/n), pleasure to see you again," greeted Adam.
"Shindo-san, I didn't think you'd come visit," I answered, a hint of sarcasm in my voice.
"I was just telling your parents how close we were. No need for formalities."
"(Y/n), you didn't tell us you knew such a great man," dad exclaimed.
"Please forgive our daughter. She tends to keep things to herself," said mum.
"Isn't that how it is with all teenagers? Don't worry, I actually appreciate it. It would be a problem if my enemies were to target you as a means of bringing me down."
"Is that how it is?..." I muttered.
"Anyway, I just came here to introduce myself. Do not worry, I took necessary measures so that no one will know I was here tonight. I hope we can meet again."
"Contact me anytime. As-"
"Sorry dad, I have something to discuss with him."

Before either of my parents could voice a single word, I had dragged Adam to the games room. He didn't seem at all surprised by my pulling him out of conversation with my parents, willing to entertain me a while longer.

"What are you doing?"
"Rose, you haven't given me an answer," he replied simply.
"Are you here to threaten me?"
"You understand why I'm here then."
"Adam, I-"
"Can't win? Since when has that ever stopped you?"
"You don't know anything about me."
"*grins* When shall we have the beef-"
"(Y/n), Reki's here to see you!" called Yuu.

A heavy sigh left Adam's lips. The sound of Yuu taking Reki upstairs filled the tense silence like a pool filling with water. Dad entered the room before I took my leave, where I gave no answer to the question Adam had come to ask.

Reki immediately broke out into a smile upon seeing me, dispersing the darkness clinging to my body. My arms were around him within seconds, my head resting against his shoulder.

The light didn't dim, shining once hitting the fractured surfaces of my broken self. His warmth didn't fade, it only became a soft embrace covering the stains of my past, removing the sorrow lining my eyes.

"I came to check your skateboard, like I promised," he said softly.
"...okay."
"What's wrong?"
"Would you go against someone knowing you're bound to lose big time?"
"You? Losing? Am I dreaming right now? Pinch me. I don't think I came here in reality."

A giggle escaped my mouth before turning into laughter. I pulled away, matching his gentle grin with one of my own. He went to sit on the floor, setting my skateboard in front of him.

I moved to sit down as well, watching him work. A peaceful silence enveloped the room, the soft clinking of tools creating a rhythmic sound that echoed quietly into the night.

Eventually we were both lying on our stomachs, watching videos on my laptop with the lights off, fluffed blankets draped over our bodies. His hair tickled my cheeks as his head drooped, his eyes closed.

"(Y/n)-"

I shushed Yuu with a finger to my lips.

"I need help with my art," he exclaimed.
"*sigh* When's it due? I'm too tired now."
"In a week, don't worry. I thought I'd come here to annoy you for a bit but I guess that'll have to wait."

Reki suddenly grabbed my arm, startling both Yuu and I. His eyes remained closed as he brought it to his mouth and bit down, muttering something about a burger. I snatched my arm back and pushed him so that he rolled to sleep beneath my bed.

Yuu's laughter reverberated across the entire house before mum's 'go to bed' came back as a reply to his never-ending chuckles. I rolled my eyes but not before a small smile slipped onto my face.