I'M SORRY!

And here I am, where I don't belong, and yet the tides of bad luck always pull me into unchartered territories.

How did I end up here? I don't know.

Am I enjoying myself? No, I'm not!

"Nao! How's this?"

"Yes, it's good."

"How about you say that with your eyes open?"

"I'm good. Besides, it's your husband who must be here, not me. Just have mercy on me!"

"Hmph! I don't do this with any guy you know. You're so mean. Too mean!"

"That's rich! Coming from you, who just pulled a young teen to such a place and now making him go through this ordeal."

"Oh! And yet people of your age group would give up a limb or two to have your seat right now."

"I'd gladly let them have it if it means I can get away from here."

"Why are you like this? Do you hate this...or me?"

"Both!"

"Hmmm..."

There was a hint of sadness in her voice, though I will not fall for it!

"Whyyyy?..."

Don't drag it in such a cutesy way. You're trying to tempt me to have a look at that face, which in turn will make me look at your body. Truth be told, she's a fine specimen and fits the "age like fine wine" expression. She might be in the top 10% of the world. Personally, she's No.1 for me. And in such a scenario, if I were to even take a peek at her, in this clothing, I can never go back.

"I feel guilty, I guess if that's how I have to put it. Accompanying you here, while Harumi-sensei is at work, and leaving my girlfriend, it doesn't feel right."

I got an impulsive reply.

"And you think I don't feel all those stuff? Just how shallow do you think I am?"

Oh my, she's taken a major hit, It was super effective. Glad to know that. Or else I had to storm through the 17 contingency plans I had prepared for this situation, and end up making a mess of things. Code Red, Code Purple, Code Scarlett, Code Emerald... I have to work on my naming skills. It sounds like a 7-year-old's.

"Well, I never meant that. It's just that, you know."

"No, I don't!"

"Look, please don't misunderstand this and try not to make a scene of this, alright?"

She acted like she was sobbing.

"But...It's your fault. Take responsibility!"

"Alright, I'm sorry. But I'm at my end. My conscience will not allow me to go any further."

"Hooh! You are a gentleman. I'm proud of my teachings and the fact that I raised you."

"Thank you very much, Sensei!"

This time, it was my turn to be cheeky.

"Hey, cut that out..."

She was feeling shy.

"Hehe...Why? I'm enjoying it."

"You cheeky bastard..."

Thank you for the praise. Feel free to praise me more.

"Anyway, since that's the case, looks like we'll have to improvise!"

"Improvise?"

"Yes, since you can't see them, then you'll just have to feel them."

"Feel...Feel them?"

I gulped. This ain't right by any standards. But then again, when did she ever heed to my feelings. Looks like I'll have to dance in her palms. This body was starting to act weird. Look! I'm not trying to do anything obscene here, alright? Cut me some slack! And if you're trying to do that, then I will fight you!

"Hmm...That doesn't sound bad. I'm game"

"I was just kidding. I didn't think you'd really like me Nao. Hooh! So that's what your intentions are. You could have been a little more honest, you know? Hehe..."

She whispered those words sweetly. This wasn't off the mark from how I envisioned. And luckily it ended well.

"It's your favorite..."

Huh? What was that? Wait!

"I'll have this!"

Finally, after the ordeal's ended. Wait, why are there two separate pieces of baggage?

"Umm... Why are there two bags?"

"Here?"

"What's this?"

"That's for your girlfriend."

"Huh!"

"You're pretty bad at this stuff, so I thought it'll be a good reference point for you to take notes on."

"Right!"

You say that and yet, this is something you've tried on. My young heart can't say no to this! Damn! I'm a hopeless existence.

"Well, let's go home now. It's already getting late."

"Understood."

I was starting to lose my energy. Maybe it's because of all the dopamine that was present in my head, and now that's cooling down. We were heading back towards her home when we experienced an unpleasant encounter. The two guys from the convenience store were stalking us, more precisely, they were interested in Rinko-san. We were at a small junction where we were the only people present.

"Oh, what's this? She's the only one here. Where's the other chick?"

"Man, what a bummer. Looks like we have to just enjoy with her for now."

The two chumps were leering around and pouncing on Rinko-san.

"Let's go!"

She grabbed my hand and pulled me as she didn't want any of this.

But one of the chumps grabbed her arm.

"C'mon ma'am, what's the rush?"

"Yeah, we just wanted to talk."

They were clearly crossing the boundaries. I was considering my options. Right now, I'm more of a handicap to Rinko-san, so how do I act? But before I could process anything, it was Rinko who made the first move. She kicked one of the guys in the nuts. Oof! That was a clean strike! Too clean. I was lost in admiration. But a part of me was scarred by that scenario. I have made sure that I'll not cross her, ever. Period!

Meanwhile, the other guy caught hold of her from behind by restraining her arms.

"You think you can get away with this. We'll ruin you now!"

This guy actually meant it. Welp! Looks like I have to get involved. Thinking wouldn't cut in. I have to use my head. My head! I snuck in from behind, pulled the guy towards me, and headbutted him, twice. Twice! That should have knocked him out.

Sigh!

"You certainly have a lot of admirers. I don't think you'll need me."

I just slid those words and went ahead.

"Why?... Why did you save me?"

"Don't ask for the obvious. Let's get going."

She followed me slowly. I turned behind for a moment.

"You guys can feel free to try this stupid act again. But the next time you do, just remember to leave a last will behind for your family."

I took Rinko by her hand and started walking away from there, while they were left agonizing in pain.

See, as long as I'm involved, there's trouble. We got caught up in this mess in the first place because of my presence. If we didn't come here, she wouldn't have gone through something so horrific. But what if, just what if, it was still the same scenario if I wasn't around? I don't like that thought one bit. Let's not think about it any further.

"Just stop it, ok?"

"Huh?"

"Stop pushing yourself this much. It's just tiring."

"What do you mean?"

"Whatever you do, it won't change anything. So just be yourself."

"I think you got the wrong idea about this. In the first place..."

"Do I now? And what about what just happened now?"

"That's..."

"I won't be there with you forever. You know that. Just accept it."

"No!"

"Then...I'M SORRY!"

BUT I HAVE TO MOVE ON!!!