(Y/n)'s POV
The scenery blurred as I tumbled across the dirt road. Stars clouded my vision, pain coating my body every time it bumped into a hard surface. The light was too harsh in my eyes, the aches too plentiful.
I pushed myself up, shaking my head to clear my eyes. Adam stood a few metres away, board in hand and an indifferent smile on his face. I spat out the small amount of blood that had gathered in my mouth.
Hands were suddenly grabbing me as I reached for my skateboard. Langa willed me to meet his gaze, not bothering to hide the fear and worry creasing his brow. I offered a small smile, pained as it was.
"Is Ayaka okay?"
"Huh?"
"Your girlfriend. Did she get hurt?"
"You're the one who's hurt. How are you worrying about someone else right now?!" Langa exclaimed.
"I can take this. It's not the first time I've gotten so hurt...but she's different."
"(Y/n), don't you understand? You're the one I'm worried about!"
"...I'm not your friend-"
"That didn't stop me from worrying. I know you don't care about me and I shouldn't care about you...but I was worried to death."
My breath caught in my throat. Warmth and pain swirled in my chest as I stared at the boy I loved. His hands were shaking from where he held me by my shoulders. I resisted the urge to lean into his safe embrace, to pretend there was no wedge between us.
"Adam, let's continue our beef."
"No," Langa whispered.
"(Y/n), are you crazy?! You're forfeiting!" Reki ordered.
"Is no one worried about me?" Ayaka asked.
"Shut up, you're the reason we're all in this mess!" Reki said angrily.
"Little Rose, I'm waiting," Adam cooed.
I stepped towards Adam, my body moving in protesting pain. He waited patiently while I got into position beside him. Reki's continuously yelling drowned out the rest of the cheers though all I offered was a reassuring smile.
Langa appeared stricken with worry, not even bothering to acknowledge Ayaka's presence, who was clinging to his arm like an incurable disease. I took a deep breath, ignoring the aches poking at my flesh.
We were off before anyone else could utter another word. I skated faster, surprising Adam with the speed. He had not expected I could still skate so well after sustaining so much batter. My heart began beating vigorously.
I grabbed onto a boulder as we rounded yet another corner, helping with the turn. Without wasting another second, I leapt off the edge. A smile graced my face as my body flipped several times.
My landing was somewhat rough. The tenderness in my bones was hindering my ability. Adam was suddenly in front of me. He was going for his 'signature' move...his Love Hug.
"(Y/n)!"
My eyes narrowed as I sped forward, spinning my board at the last minute to avoid his arms before kicking up for a jump in the air. A laugh escaped my mouth. I had avoided it.
That was when I noticed Ruka in the crowds, smirking victoriously. Yuu was trapped unconsciously in her arms. Gun shots rang out, scraping my arm and legs. I stumbled, rolling and hitting the ground. I tried to fight it, to do anything to keep myself awake yet darkness mercilessly overtook my mind.
Langa's POV
I watched as Reki took (Y/n) within his arms, my own shaking. She was unconscious. A myriad of cuts and bruises decorated her once flawless skin. My heart was torn, both fearful that the girl I had loved was in such a state and angry that I allowed myself to care.
Adam was staring into the crowds, his eyes burning with fury. Cherry and Joe had headed towards Ruka, taking Yuu back from her arms. She didn't protest. She had done what she came here to do.
"Langa, we've gotta take (Y/n) to the hospital!" Reki exclaimed.
"Artemis...how dare she ruin my beef," Adam muttered.
"We've got Yuu. Adam, the beef with (Y/n) is off," said Joe.
Miya nudged me along, away from Adam's fury, Ruka's triumph...and Ayaka's heart-torn face. Subtle guilt permeated my mind for leaving her with her treacherous sister; however, the sight of (Y/n)'s unconscious form vanquished all thoughts of my 'girlfriend'.
~Some time later~
I was leaning against the wall, watching (Y/n) for any form of movement. My heart pounded a rhythm of worry, unwilling to ease till she woke and smiled that familiar heart-stopping smile of hers.
"Re...ki?"
We all stirred at the sound of her voice. Reki had his arms around her within seconds, shaking with relief. The others all relaxed upon seeing the small smile on her face.
"You reckless, idiotic oaf," Reki exclaimed, his voice cracking at the end.
"Are you crying? Honestly, I'm alright," she reassured.
She winced as she tried to sit up, earning a disapproving 'tsk' from Cherry.
"You're gonna have to stay here for a few days," said the pink-haired male.
"But my parents-"
"Don't worry about them. Just focus on getting better."
I glanced at Reki. The two of us had stopped by (Y/n)'s house to inform her parents that she would not be home for a few days. Reki had asked me to stay back by the road, leaving him to address them alone.
Although I knew (Y/n) had never openly discussed her family situation with me, it stung to know I could do nothing to help. From the distance, I had seen her mother screaming at Reki, calmed only by her husband.
He was now telling stories to (Y/n), attempting to take her mind off everything. An anxious, frustrated feeling hung in my chest. He was willing to take the brunt of her mother's anger and so much more. Why...? Had (Y/n) lied about her 'true' nature?
"Oi, are you gonna continue to stand there like a sad loner?" Miya questioned.
"Come on, we don't bite," Joe teased.
"I...okay."
I sat by the edge of the bed, careful to avoid (Y/n) least I jostle her injuries. The others immediately resumed their conversations. (Y/n) suddenly met my gaze, her eyes hiding a million secrets. Then she offered a small, tentative smile.