6.) Atlanta and Back

November 17th, 2020. Hajime's car

Hajime looked over at his best friend from childhood a moment, noticing Toru staring out of the window with a far off daze, his hand supporting his chin and his elbow on the passenger door armrest. "You ok?" He asked, Toru turning to face him. "Do you think Takeru will crash my Tesla?" Toru asked him, bored. "No I don't. I also don't think that's what you were just thinking about over there. Spill it." He urged him firmly.

Toru sighed softly and looked back out the window again. "I need to be careful around Kaya, she's way too observant sometimes." He told him plainly, thinking back to their interactions that day and how he struggled to keep her on the outside, where only the things he wanted her to see lay. Hajime reached his hand over and smacked Toru in the side of the head.

"Dumbass! You want her to be your friend don't you?" Toru rubbed his head softly and nodded at his best friend. "Then you have to stop acting like a dumbass. Stop trying to hide everything about yourself dumbass. The only way she's going to truly be your friend is if you do this the right way. I'm not saying you have to tell her everything right away, but you need to at least start somewhere." He told him firmly, rolling his eyes at Torus' insistence to keep everyone at arm's length.

Toru nodded, then pulled out his phone, sending a text message that Hajime couldn't see, but assumed was to Kaya. "What did you think of her now that you've seen her Iwa?" He asked with a hint of nerves in his tone. Hajime smiled softly at the use of his childhood nickname, recalling how Toru couldn't pronounce either of his names and decided to shorten his last name rather than his first.

"I think she's very nice, smart, and not likely to take your shit. She seems to be having trouble getting a read on you, which is leading her to not know how to feel about you nor your desire to be friends. The more important question is how well are you getting it into your head that you will have to be happy with her friendship?" Hajime asked, cocking his eyebrow up at the brunette.

Toru sighed and pushed his hair back, ruffling it as he placed his head back on the headrest. "I'm working on it ok." he defended, sinking more into his seat. "This sucks, I've not cared about giving anyone so much as a second thought all this time, why is it that now that it's happened she has to be engaged. She'd probably still hate me right now if not for you beating some sense into me like you always do. Fuck Iwa, why can't I stop thinking about her?" He asked, groaning, looking up at the car ceiling.

Hajime spared a sympathetic side glance to his best friend, the question was rhetorical, they both knew that it was because not only was she exactly his type, but she put him in his place. Of everyone who knew Toru, Hajime and Takeru were the ones he felt most close to, the only two not afraid to tell him to his face about the shit he pulls. For the first time in his life he'd actually met someone willing to do the same, not someone who's known him his whole life or his nephew he'd let get away with anything.

The moment she defiantly told him she only went along with getting him coffee so she could spit in it Toru was lost, he wanted to know everything about her, wanted to be near her, wanted to make her his. He didn't like hearing she was engaged, having the possibility of being with her out the window. So what did he do with his Friday, night all of Saturday, and most of Sunday? Hit on every woman he came into contact with, unable to stop thinking about Kaya even if he was balls deep in some girl whose name he couldn't recall.

Toru's phone notification sounded and he quickly opened his message, smiling at it softly. Hajime was happy to see a genuine smile on his face and knew the message was from Kaya. "Must be good." Hajime teased. "She told me to be safe, I almost believe she cares about my safety." Toru said sadly, placing his phone on his lap unsure what to say in response that didn't sound stupid.

Hajime took Toru's phone from him. "She does care about you dumbass. And since you struggle to accept that all the time I'll prove it to you. I'm holding on to this until you hear from her again, only then can you have it back." He told him sternly, feeling a little guilty that he was leaving Kaya with no response, but also feeling there was no real warranted response from a 'be safe' message.

Toru nodded at Hajime and sat in silence the rest of the ride, looking at the countryside turning into suburbs and then the city starting to come into view. Once they'd arrived he teased Takeru about a scratch on his Tesla that wasn't actually there as they walked into the building that housed Seijoh Corp, headed to the 15th floor. Takeru noted the change in his uncle's demeanor since leaving Athens, the smile that graced his lips faded to nothing once again.

The three men sat at the table with the Attorney, going over the list of Date Tech employees they'd be letting go and getting down to work on contracts. They worked quickly as the in-house Attorney was very used to the process and Toru was anxious to return to Athens soon, finding himself looking forward to work knowing Kaya would be there. Hajime observed the way that Toru often touched his pocket, searching for his phone and a small frown coming over his face.

Hajime had checked every notification that hit his friends phone, a few from girls with quick descriptions like "red head" or "nice ass" came through, as well as email notifications, and a text from Takeru that said attachment he could only assume was a picture, but nothing from Kaya. Hajime started to feel nervous and hoped he wasn't wrong about her truly caring about his old friend and that she would indeed text to check up on him if she hadn't heard from him for a time after telling him to be safe.

The meeting ended and Hajime took Toru back to his apartment in Buckhead, helping him to go through his things one last time to ensure he had everything he needed to start showing up to work looking more like the CEO he was supposed to be and less like the slacker son of a huge corporation who did the minimum to get by. That of course wasn't actually true, anyone who knew Tour or worked with him knew he worked his ass off, just not usually before 11 AM. Though truthfully Toru liked having everyone in the outside of his circle think he was some carefree rich boy.

Hajime checked the time to see that it was 7 P.M. and they still hadn't heard from Kaya. He sighed as he pulled out his own phone to order food to Toru's apartment, hoping that Kaya would text Toru soon. After he'd ordered he walked through the living room, down the hall, and to Toru's room where he found him lying flat on his back tossing a volleyball into the air over him and catching it again, his mind clearly troubled. "Dinner should be here in about 40 minutes. Want to leave tonight after dinner or in the morning?" He asked him

Toru didn't move to look at Hajime, nor did he cease playing with the ball. Instead he took a deep breath. "It doesn't matter. Kaya will be there no matter what. She agreed to try to be my friend, remember? I still have a lot of work to do to get her to truly befriend me, apparently seeing as you still have my phone." He told him. Hajime sighed and crossed his arms not liking the way his friend was sulking.

"You know, I thought you'd let your Tesla charge, head back to Athens, and I could just go home to my pregnant wife. I forgot how insecure you can be and that you second guess everything and refuse to believe anyone can truly care about you. So she hasn't texted you yet. She's likely busy with her own stuff. It doesn't mean she doesn't care about you. And even if she doesn't I obviously do or I wouldn't be here right now." He told him.

Toru turned his head and gave Hajime a weak smile, closing his eyes and inhaling deeply. "Can I just text her and tell her I hope she had a nice day or something? It's nearly 8. It's not like I bothered her all day." He complained. Hajime looked at his friend closer, realizing he was desperate just to communicate with her on any small level. He sighed and was about to give in, letting the brunette have his phone back when his phone rang.

Hajime pulled Toru's phone from his pocket and looked at it, his eyes widening to see Kaya's name on the screen. "It's her." He told him quickly with excitement. Toru's entire mood shifted, the tall man standing quickly and moving to get his phone from Hajime's hand. He smiled briefly at her name appearing on the screen before he answered it, Hajime's heartwarming to see how happy his lifelong friend looked in that moment.

"Hello." Toru greeted her happily. "Hey, I didn't think you were going to answer." Kaya responded, her voice soft and broken. "You sound well. Glad you made it up there ok. Will I see you in the morning?" She asked, a sniff coming from her as she finished her sentence. Toru froze in place, listening to her it was obvious she'd been crying and she sounded like she was still rather upset, it couldn't be because he hadn't texted her again.

"Kaya, what's wrong?" He asks her, trying to keep his heart from breaking. Hajime notes the serious tone Toru uses as he speaks to her on the phone, how the tall brunette looks to be shattered. "It's nothing. I'm fine." Kaya lied, her voice still quiet and the sound of a sob being held back. "Nope, not going to play that game. You said we could be friends. You can't call me after you've been crying for I'm assuming at least two hours and expect me not to ask. What's wrong." He asks her again, his voice firm.

He listened to the sound of Kaya blowing her nose, a small sob following directly after. "I'll be fine I promise." She answered, trying to add a little cheer to her voice. "Not good enough. See you in 40 minutes an hour tops." He told her, hanging up his phone. He looked at Hajime with a determined face. "I need you to get me back to my car, now Hajime. Don't argue." He demanded.

As the two sped back to Five Points, Hajime noted the nerves of his friend, the way Toru kept rubbing at his legs and seemed agitated. Kaya kept trying to call Toru back, but he refused to answer her call, determined to check on her in person. Realizing they would soon be back at Toru's Tesla, Hajime spoke up. "I want you to text me when you get there Speed Racer." Hajime teased, Toru giving a smile and a nod. "I'll see you in the morning. I'm staying home tonight." Hajime told him. Toru nodded at his friend and ducked into his Tesla, turning the engine and taking off.

As Toru sped back to Athens he thought about Kaya and wondered what could have happened since he left to upset her so much, he gripped his steering wheel tightly each time Kaya called his phone, which seemed to be once every five minutes or so. 20 minutes from Kaya's place the phone stopped ringing. Toru started to worry and drove even faster, finishing the last 10 minutes of his drive in just under 6.

Reaching her building, Toru jumped out of his car and jogged up to the door while sending a 'here' to Hajime. He turned the handle and cursed to himself when he found it locked. He knocked impatiently, banging at her door until it became open. Feeling the door swing away from his hand Toru felt relief wash over him, until he saw a man near his own height with brown eyes and brown hair swept to the side staring at him angrily.

"Where's Kaya?" He asked without hesitation, annoyance and distrust dripping in his tone. "None of your business. Go away." The man responded. Toru set his jaw, his fist clenching at his sides, he hated this guy already and had a bad feeling he knew exactly who it was. "I need to see her." He pressed. "You can see her at work tomorrow. She should have been more specific with you when she said she'd try to be your friend. She meant at work. You get her time at work. Not outside of it. Which reminds me, you need to find someone else to show you around." He answered coldly.

"Kenji." Kaya let out from within the apartment, her voice sounding even smaller than it had on the phone and somewhat afraid. Toru landed his eyes on her small form, noticing first that her eyes were puffy and she looked completely drained of color. Then he noticed the hickies that covered her neck, red handprints around her thighs under the too large shirt that fell over her frame. Kenji kept his gaze on Toru, watching his eyes go from relief, to concern, and then anger.

"What the fuck did you do to her?" Toru bellowed at Kenji, punching the door jamb next to his face, his knuckles bleeding and Kaya jumping at the sound. "Whatever do you mean?" Kenji asked innocently. "Don't you fucking play stupid with me asshole. What did you do to Kaya?" Kenji moved to look behind him, smiling at the display of ownership all over her for Toru to see in all its glory. "Nothing she didn't enjoy, not that that is any of your concern." He replied with a sly smirk on his face.

Toru swallowed hard, looking at Kenji and not liking the sickening look in his eyes. He moved his attention back over to Kaya, tears streaming down her face again. "Kaya, please, are you ok? Tell me what's wrong." He pleaded. "I'm fine Mr. Oikawa, I'll see you at the office in the morning." She told him. Toru felt his heart sink, fear for her safety coming over him. "Let me talk to her alone or I'm calling the cops over here for a well check on Kaya right now. I wonder what other marks a lady officer might see if they examined her." Toru threatened.

Kenji opened his mouth to answer, Kaya interrupting him. "No, don't. Please I'm fine and just want to go to bed." She pleaded. Toru landed his gaze back on her, making eye contact with her grey eyes and seeing that desperate look on her face to just let it all go. "I'm tired is all Mr. Oikawa I swear. No need to worry, I'll be right as rain for work in the morning." She insisted, giving a small weak smile. Toru nodded at her, happy he hadn't eaten and left before his food arrived lest he regurgitate it onto her porch at the realization she was in a toxic relationship and either didn't realize it herself or was for some reason resigned to be in it.

Toru nodded at her, swallowing hard and stepping away from the door unable to speak. Kaya felt her heart break when she saw the tears that just started to fall right before he turned away from her and back to the car. Kenji shut the door triumphantly and pulled Kaya into a hug. "Better be happy I wanted him to see who you belong to, otherwise I'd be mad right now that you just walked out here dressed like that." He told her.

Kaya opened her mouth to apologize, finding her words drowned out by the banging on the front door. Kenji sighed in frustration and opened the door again, Toru pushing past him without a word, an overnight bag in hand. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Kenji yelled at him, anger flashing in his eyes as Toru stopped in front of Kaya and wiped a tear from her cheek before walking into the apartment more.

"Being an insufferable asshole." He called behind him bitterly. Kaya chuckled for half a second at his answer before she quickly stopped herself, Kenji glaring at her angrily. Kenji made his way back down the hall and into the living room, seeing Toru pull out a blanket and blow-up travel pillow sitting them both on the couch. "I'm staying here tonight, and every night until I decide otherwise." Toru tells a confused looking Kenji with a smirk on his face.

Kaya looked at Toru worriedly then to Kenji, unsure how he would react to Toru's tendency to just do as he pleases not caring what anyone else thinks. "You can't just invite yourself to stay." Kaya yelled at Toru. "So you can stick up for yourself with me, but whatever it was that happened here with you and Koti, well that you just sit here and take." Toru snapped back at her, Kaya retreating back into herself at the truth he's dumped on her.

"Who is Koti?" Kenji asked, confused. Kaya looked at her fiancé with wide eyes, realizing he wouldn't be too happy if she didn't correct Toru. "I told you before it's Kenji." Kaya told him just above a whisper. "You know, earlier today I meant what I said, but as of now, I don't care what the hell his name is. It's obvious he has something to do with why you were crying earlier and if you truly enjoyed whatever he did to you while you became covered in those marks you'd be smiling, not still having tears come down your face." He answers.

Kenji, understanding the accusation and seeing that his fiancée was making no real moves to throw Toru from her apartment, decided to take a different approach. "Fine, stay here then. At least now I'm starting to see what she meant about you not really taking no for an answer and feeling like she has to do your bidding." He bites out at Toru, grabbing Kaya's arm roughly and pulling her away.

Toru felt his heart pounding, seeing nothing but red as Kaya winched in pain, Kenji leading her into the bedroom and not closing the door all the way, a sizable crack in it. He heard the unmistakable sound of Kaya being pushed to the bed. Whispering immediately followed, while he couldn't understand the conversation he felt Kayas voice sounded to be unhappy and pleading. Kenji sounded firm and unrelenting.

A few minutes later he heard the sound of the bed squeaking, his heart aching to realize they were in the next room having sex and that Kenji likely gave Kaya little choice in the matter, most likely wanting to make Toru jealous, or at least to point out that he can't have her, as she'd promised her heart to another already. Either way, Toru found himself wiping tears from his face and trying not to think about it, saying a silent prayer that Kaya was ok.

Soon his prayer was answered, the unmistakable sound of Kenji reaching his climax in the next room, the squeaking stopping abruptly. He could hear a little talking, the sound of footsteps, then the toilet flushing and the footsteps moving closer again, the bed moving under a small weight, Kenji already snoring loudly. Toru said a silent thanks that Kenji was too tired to go all night and closed his eyes laying on the couch to sleep.