Don't Let Go, I Need You

~3~

I leaped back and stared at the other two guys behind the one I punched. "So... who's next?" I clicked my tongue in a delinquent manner. This reminded me of the old days when I watched Megumi brawl a lot in junior high. The students at his school respected him out of fear.

"I-I'm good!"

"Y-yeah same!"

They picked up their friend on the ground and scrammed as they should.

I chase behind them to scare them even more. "Hey, bother this boy again, and I swear I'll hunt you down!" I threatened in annoyance, watching their figures disappear in the crowded street of Tokyo.

Grabbing my tote bag, I swung it over my shoulder and walked to him. "Hey, why didn't you fight back?" I crouched down to his level as he leaned against the unsanitary wall in this alley. "Isn't it tiring to let it happen to you?"

The boy sighed heavily, avoiding eye contact with me. "You won't understand. Even if I did fight back it's useless. I'm only one person, whereas they can gang up on me." His soft voice was filled with deep depression. I can't imagine the trauma that he must have gone through. His bright future could possibly be bleak if this goes on.

"I know my words aren't much, but learn self defense in order to protect yourself. Never let them break you; show them how you can thrive and become a stronger person in this." A gentle expression casted on my face, as I reached out and pushed his long bangs aside.

Just when my fingertips lifted a hair strand, he shuttered and turned his whole body away from me. He looked so afraid. What did the bullies do to him?

"Hey... Don't be afraid. I don't discriminate," I spoke in a benign manner, allowing him to know that I'm not a threat. "I saved you because you were calling for help when others wanted to turn a blind eye." I cautiously touched his rough hands and held it in mine. "Your skin may not be soft, but it shows you're a survivor." My thumb rubbed the back of his hand. "You can evolve and become a fighter."

Our eyes met for a split second before he ripped away in shyness. His timid state was very cute. I wondered what he's thinking?

My hands let go of his as my left hand began pushing his bangs back so I could see his beautiful face. "Deep down I know you have a good and loving heart." When his bangs were tucked behind his ear, I concealed my surprisement from showing in my eyes. He had a circle burn mark on his forehead. I'm really going to hunt those bullies now... "Don't let them diminish the light inside you." My thumbs swiped over his burn mark to heal it as he was focused on my words. His brown eyes were shining as if he was graced by an angel. "A beautiful person like you should take your life into your own hands instead of letting fate do it for you." I stood up and stuck out my hand for him to grab. "Until we meet again," I pulled him off the ground and walked off to the exit of the alley.

"W-what's your name?!" He shouted, and I stopped in my tracks and turned over my shoulders.

"Kana,"

"I'm Junpei!" This time his voice sounded more light and airy than mottled in his own pool of darkness.

"I hope the next time I see you, you'll be a changed person!"

Finally, I arrived at my parents house.

"Kana's home!" My two little brothers ran over to hug me. Their bodies wrapped around mine as I missed them so much. It's been so long since I've last seen them.

"Hi, Hoshi, Taiga! How are you guys?" Hoshi was the middle child, and Taiga was the youngest child. "How's training going?!" I know Hoshi has been texting me lately about my technique. To me, it seemed like he's struggling with forming his own identity. He doesn't have to be like me.