I Fear Blood

Both Ayame and Kiyo's eyes remained fixed on Shiori. Kiyo’s eyes opened wide in surprise, while Ayame remained calm, keenly observing Shiori’s reaction.

Tears streamed down Shiori’s cheeks as she looked at them both. Kiyo and Ayame stood up from the bed.

Kiyo’s face was a blend of shock and concern.

Overwhelmed with emotions Shiori began walking towards Kiyo.

Without warning, Shiori’s hand struck Kiyo’s cheek with a sharp, resounding slap. Ayame froze in stunned silence, her expression mirroring Kiyo’s astonishment.

"I hate you!" Shiori cried out before fleeing from the apartment, her sobs echoing down the hallway.

Ayame, stunned by the sudden turn of events, attempted to chase after Shiori, but Kiyo halted her by gently holding her hand.

Kiyo stared at the door with a tinge of sadness, Ayame pleaded, "Kiyo, please, let me go after her. She completely misunderstood the situation."

Kiyo sighed heavily, “Let her go,” his heart weighed down by sorrow.

Confused and concerned, Ayame implored, “What’s her issue? Please, tell me what’s going on.”

Kiyo, overcome with sadness, took a seat on the bed and gestured for Ayame to join him.

Ayame complied, settling beside him, as Kiyo began recounting the events including his upcoming boxing match with Goro.

Upon hearing Kiyo's story, Ayame's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? You're scheduled to fight him? And he threatened you to stay away from Shiori, and you agreed?" she exclaimed incredulously.

“I had no choice,” Kiyo clarified, his voice tinged with despair. “If I didn’t agree, he would have killed me.”

"Do you genuinely have feelings for Shiori?" Ayame pressed further, her tone gentle yet insistent.

“I’m not sure,” Kiyo replied hesitantly, his voice tinged with uncertainty. “Everything is just so confusing.”

“You need to tell Shiori everything, for both your sakes,” Ayame advised, sensing the urgency of the situation.

Kiyo’s face went pale with fear. “No, Goro will kill me,” he said, his voice shaking. “I’m ready for Shiori to never speak to me again, but I just can’t bring myself to confront Goro.”

“Then just forfeit the match,” Ayame suggested.

“I wish I could, but school rules don’t allow the challenger to back out once the challenge has been issued,” Kiyo explained.

“What’s your plan then?” Ayame asked, clearly perplexed.

“I honestly don’t know,” Kiyo replied, his voice heavy with uncertainty. “I feel trapped. I can’t escape this, and I can’t see a way out.”

Ayame placed a comforting hand on Kiyo’s shoulder. “I’m here to support you in any way I can.”

Kiyo managed a faint smile. “I appreciate that, but there’s not much anyone can do in this situation,” he said.

Understanding, Ayame nodded, "Alright. If you need anything, just let me know. I'll come by tomorrow to check on your wounds." With that, she and Kiyo both stood up.

Kiyo extended his hand for a handshake, but Ayame took it and pulled him into a warm embrace. “Take care of yourself,” she said softly, gently rubbing his back.

Kiyo smiled and nodded. “I will,” he said. As Ayame broke the hug and began to walk away, she waved at him. Kiyo returned the wave with a smile, but as she exited the apartment, his expression shifted to one of sadness……

The following day, Kiyo entered his classroom and took his seat, stealing a glance at Shiori. Her downcast expression and avoidance of eye contact indicated her sadness.

Kiyo's mind raced as he watched Shiori’s somber demeanor.

“She’s clearly upset. I suppose it worked, she won’t want to speak to me again,” he mused, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he observed her……

Five days passed, and the day of Kiyo's boxing match with Goro finally arrived.

Seated on a couch in an unfamiliar home, Kiyo joyfully played with Kiri. “I’ve decided not to go to school today,” he said softly, a gentle smile on his lips as Kiri nuzzled against his hand. “I know people might think I’m a coward, but I’m used to it now.”

At that moment, Ayame entered the room, balancing a tray of coffee, indicating that it was her home.

She offered a cup to Kiyo, who accepted it with a grateful smile. “Thank you for hiding me here,” he said warmly.

Ayame settled beside Kiyo, holding a coffee cup, her smile soft and comforting as she inquired, "Are you sure this is the right decision? Do you believe things will improve by hiding?"

“I can’t say for certain, but at least I won’t have to confront Goro in a fight,” Kiyo replied, his tone filled with uncertainty.

“Let’s hope for the best,” Ayame responded, her voice tinged with concern.

Kiyo’s smile turned wistful as he remarked, “You’re probably thinking how weak and pathetic I am.”

Ayame’s hand gently rested on Kiyo’s shoulder, her touch offering reassurance. “I’ve never thought that about you,” she said softly. “What truly matters is your kindness, It shines brightly.”

Kiyo's smile widened, touched by Ayame's understanding. "Thank you," he whispered softly.

"Shall we watch some TV?" Ayame suggested, breaking the moment. Kiyo nodded in agreement, and Ayame reached for the remote, switching on the television and selecting a news channel.

The news channel reported on a violent altercation between the nation's largest criminal organizations, resulting in the Death of two prominent criminals and a police officer.

The footage displayed the battleground, soaked in blood, illustrating the grim aftermath of the confrontation.

“Goodness, what a chaotic scene,” Ayame remarked, her voice reflecting astonishment. “The country’s two largest gangs clashing, and those notorious criminals meeting their end. Some might call it a victory, but it’s just more violence.”

Her gaze then turned to Kiyo, whose sweat-drenched and fearful expression drew her concern. With a worried expression, she approached him and gently asked, “Kiyo, are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m just afraid of fights, especially when there’s blood involved,” Kiyo replied with a trembling voice.

Upon hearing Kiyo's confession, Ayame reached over and turned off the TV. "I'm really sorry to hear that. You're scared of blood?" she asked with genuine concern.

Kiyo nodded, his expression softening as he explained, "I used to be scared of my own blood, but I've gotten used to it over time. It terrified me at first, but now I'm not afraid of my own blood anymore. However, the sight of someone else's blood still makes me uneasy."

Ayame tightened her grip on Kiyo's hand, offering comfort, and they exchanged a warm smile……

The next morning, Kiyo prepared for school in the comfort of his home, radiating happiness.

Addressing Kiri, he remarked, "You must be wondering why I'm feeling so happy today. Well, here's the reason, I no longer have to face Goro in that fight. And as for Shiori, she's grown to despise me. But perhaps it's for the best. Goro can provide her with the protection she needs… he's strong, after all."

A hint of sadness clouded Kiyo's expression as he added, "As for me... I'm weakest, I can't protect anyone”

Kiyo's tears silently cascaded down, he struggled to conceal his inner turmoil beneath a facade of joy.

Sensing his distress, Kiri moved closer and gently perched on Kiyo’s shoulder, offering silent comfort with tender nuzzles against his cheek.

With a tender touch, Kiyo reassured Kiri, "There, there, Kiri. I'm happy. Truly grateful for your presence and the bond we share." Kiyo was smiling, gently rubbing Kiri’s head…..

Later, Kiyo entered his classroom and took his seat, his forced grin masking the weight of his emotions.

With all eyes on him, Kiyo’s gaze shifted to Shiori, who sat on her bench, her gaze downcast.

Kiyo thought to himself, “Since Ayame’s ordeal, she hasn’t smiled at all. I wonder if she’s okay.”

In an instant, Kiyo’s eyes widened as a deluge of water poured over him. The room erupted in laughter, punctuated by taunts of “Coward! Coward!” from his classmates. In a moment of disbelief, Kiyo’s eyes remained wide with shock.

Shiori sprang from her seat, determined to rush to Kiyo’s aid. However, Goro’s friends grabbed her from behind, halting her mid-stride and preventing her from reaching him.

“Stop it! Please, just leave him alone!” Shiori pleaded, her voice desperate as she struggled to break free.

Meanwhile, Kiyo remained frozen in his seat, stunned, with water still pouring relentlessly over his head.