A flower in distress

After the events at the restaurant, where Akemi, part of the group that bullied Akira, had unexpectedly reappeared. The unexpected encounter had left Akira on his knees, his face lifeless, it was as if his soul had been removed from his body. Naomi panicked when she saw her husband in such a state. It really took a toll on her mentally, because she didn't know what to do. While she was still processing what had just happened, her body instinctively moved toward her husband in need, she didn't waste a second to be by his side.

"Akira! Akira!!" she called out to him, but he did not respond. She shook him slightly, but he still did not respond.

Fear continued to consume her from within, as tears began to form in her eyelids. She shook him again, but this time she had used a bit of strength. A few people began to surround Naomi, wondering what had happened.

A certain someone had just left his office when he heard the commotion. It was the manager. He made his way through the crowd, looked around and demanded an explanation. No one had answered his call because they were more interested in the couple. The manager turned his gaze to Naomi and asked her what had happened. Naomi looked up, her gaze fixed on the manager. She was about to answer him, but...

"...." his question was answered with silence as Naomi couldn't say anything, her words stuck in her throat.

The pressure of the stares from the crowd made it almost impossible for her to speak. She could never handle this kind of pressure; it made her stiffen. Naomi began to gasp for air as it became extremely difficult to breathe. Her arms began to tremble and her legs began to shake. Her mind was slowly being eaten away.

The situation was getting worse by the second, as the manager had lost his patience. He had reached out to Naomi and when his hand came close to her, perhaps instinctively, she slapped it away with all her strength, her eyes devoid of any life and her teeth gritted.

Her sudden action had caused the manager to fall on his butt, the crowd around them taking a few steps backward. The air around them turned cold as a dark aura manifested around Naomi. As he was engulfed by her lifeless gaze, his hair stood on end and his heart raced. He gulped as sweat began dripping from his forehead.

When she saw how terrified the manager and bystanders had become, it helped clear her mind, as the vagueness in her mind disappeared. Shame had spread through her core and her face immediately turned red. Unable to handle this situation, her mind came to a decision. I have to get out of here! And so she stood up, lifting Akira and supporting him, his arm around her neck. After Naomi was sure her grip was firm, she ran for the exit.

As she arrived at the door, she heard the manager curse her. After making things worse than necessarily, she couldn’t just leave like nothing had happened. That wasn’t what her mother had taught her. Her father would also give her an earful if he were to find out. Some might find it like wasting time, but to her it was something very important. She couldn’t just ignore it.

Before she opened the exit door, she stopped. Naomi turned her head, her gaze directed at the manager running towards her, the crowd behind him was still covering in fear.

“I’m sorry!” Naomi screamed as loud as she could. She had thrusted the door open, and left as fast as possible.

The manager had already hastened his speed, but it was for nothing. Once he arrived at the open door, he was completely out of breath. It seemed that he wasn’t as fast as he used to be, his bald head was completely soaked. Once he steadied his breathing, he yelled at the couple, who were now further away. As their shadows vanished in the distant, he begrudgingly returned back to his office, but not before letting out: “Damn kids these days!”. The bystanders all went back to their seats and continued with their day. Business continued as if nothing had happened, but many would wonder what they had witnessed today.

Meanwhile several streets away, Naomi was still sprinting with Akira on her shoulder. She had sprinted the entire route, and was now at the center of the city. As she passed the mall, she got out of breath and stopped, she inhaled heavily. Her entire body ached as she felt stabs in her stomach, both her arms and legs trembled like crazy, she was only moments away from collapsing. But one thing held her together and keeping her forward. In the corner of her eye she saw someone she had pledged to protect no matter what. That someone was her husband, Akira.

Seeing his unconscious body, it brought back many fond memories from the past. She reminisced about the times she would carry him home when they were little, a smile slowly formed on her face. Those moments were precious to her, as it deepened their relationship together. Naomi thought back on the first time they had met. She remembered it clearly, as if just happened yesterday.

It all happened when she was five years old on a Saturday. She was out playing with her friends at the park. They were playing hide and seek at the time. They had just finished their first round, but since Naomi wasn’t satisfied yet, the group decided to play another round. As no one wanted to be the one searching for the others, they settled it with a game of rock, paper and scissors.

As the group all counted from three, as if decided by fate, the unfortunate soul had already been chosen. As they looked what the others had chosen, it became clear who had lost this battle.

“No!” from withing the group, someone began screaming, unable to accept this outcome. It was Naomi.

“Not fair!” she screamed, but the other didn’t seem to care one bit. It was made clear by one boy in particular who said “It’s just a game, quit being a crybaby.”. What he said made her angry, as her cheeks turned red. She pouted.

That one boy was having none of it though, he dragged her to a nearby tree, and demanded that she began counting; As young as she was, she complied and slowly began counting down from ten. When Naomi finished counting, the search finally began.

While searching in the area, she was disappointed to find no one there. All of her friends were gone, they had left here behind. Saddened, she walked around the park. She walked passed the sandbox, and thought about playing in it, but she had grown bored of it. And so she wandered off, looking for something interesting.

And there at a small lake, she found a boy quietly inspecting the water. She had gone towards him. When she came close, she began speaking to the boy.

“Hey you, what are you doing?”

The boy jolted in the air, as he fell almost in the water. He turned around to the one speaking to him, flustered he responded.

“Huh, fish hunting.”

“What’s that?” Naomi asked.

“I’m looking for fish.”

“Oh.. And, caught any?”

“No…” the boy looked dejected, his eyes were glued to the ground.

Naomi wanted to help this boy, she was curious about how he would smile. Then Naomi had an idea.

“Wanna come play with me?” she asked him.

“Uh..” the boy didn’t know how to respond, that question came out of nowhere. But after seeing her smile like that, he couldn’t possibly decline.

“Sure.” he said, a smile formed on his face.

Naomi took his hand, and showed him around the playground. Maybe it was chosen by fate, or destiny, but the two became inseparable. From that day onward, they were always together, in both good and bad times. It was like they were meant to be together. The shy boy, who used to cry over everything was now a fully fledged adult. That boy she had met in the park was now her husband. And she couldn’t think any other way of it.

Thinking about it brightened her mood, her smile returned on her face. As her mind drifted back into her memories, she felt several taps on her shoulder all of a sudden. It startled her. Her entire body jolted, as fear had temporary took hold of it. Nervous as she was, she looked behind her, a sweat began dripping from her cheek.

“Excuse me..” a young lady in formal wear stood there, she wore a wide smile and her eyes were almost shut.

“Can I help you with something?” she said, her tone was formal, but a hint of fear could be heard behind it. The lady took three steps backwards.

Naomi blinked a few times, as she mind was still processing. She looked around, and saw several people stare at her. By their looks, she had already figured out why she was the center of attention. Naomi’s gaze returned to the lady, as her cheeks turned red.

“N-n-no, we-we’re fine.” Naomi said, her tone hinted her embarrassment, she couldn’t help but force a smile.

“Alright then.” the lady said, as she entered the store to her right. The people she saw staring at her were now also going away. Naomi sighed, as she didn’t feel that immense pressure anymore. Having recovered her stamina enough, she decided to run again, but the problem was that her arms were still tired.

Running recklessly would only cause trouble, and Naomi was tired from being stared at by the masses. But she didn’t know were to go. Every other path she could take would lead to the center of the city, that was what Naomi wanted to avoid at all cost, she really was at a death end. Her expression darkened, as her smile vanished.

It was then that she suddenly heard the voices of little children, her gaze turned towards the voices. There she saw two children playing tag with each other. Seeing them play together like that, she couldn’t help but see herself and Akira in them. It was like they were playing in the past, she couldn’t help but smile.

But her gaze slowly shifted towards something else, it was the green grass they were stepping on. Isn’t that the park? Her face lit up slowly, as an idea came to her mind. With all the strength she had left, she hastened herself towards the park. When she entered, she looked around, and when she saw that it was mostly empty, she sighed.

She searched around, until she had found an empty bench. She carefully layed Akira, who was still unconscious, at the edge. Seeing him there reminded her of something, you could call it a déjà vu. It was when the two went on a date three years ago.

After Akira had confessed his feelings towards her, he passed out on the ground. At the time she panicked, and quickly lifted him up, and sat him on the bench they had found. That moment held a special place in her heart, as it was that moment she had realized her feelings towards him.

As she thought about it now, it was truly amazing how he had been able to pull it off. She knew that he didn’t think highly of himself, but he still went out of his way to make that date memorable. Even today, when they were arguing in their kitchen, Naomi had played him to take her out shopping. She knew that Akira saw through her scheme, but he still decided to play along, and it wasn’t for himself that he did, it was for her. That was what she loved about him. He would make sure the ones he loved were first in line.

But because of his selflessness, she couldn’t deprive this worry deep inside her heart. What if he one day decides to quit, and leave her behind. The mere thought of it was enough to break her mentally. She didn’t want it, she couldn’t absolutely stand it. And yet, despite her love for him, she couldn’t help but wonder. As her anxiousness increased, another question had posed in her mind.

Who was that guy? She was talking about the one that talked to Akira in the restaurant, the one who caused him to fall on his knees. When she was waiting for her snacks to be ready, that man walked up to her and started talking to her. Naomi thought that he was hitting on her, and promptly ignored him, until he said something that caught her ears.

‘How’s Akira doing?’, those words took her aback, but that same moment Akira had come. She had latched onto him, indicating that she wasn’t interested. However, she couldn’t help but wonder who he was. From their conversation that they had, she noticed that he knew Akira but the same couldn’t be said of him.

But then came the moment when that man flustered something in Akira’s ear, that was when Akira’s behavior changed. As his face turned pale, and fell to his knees. Naomi didn’t know what that man had said to him, but whatever it was, one thing was curtain. He had created this mess they were in, and ruined their third anniversary. Anger began enveloping Naomi’s mind, and she wasn’t wrong for that. She thought back at what Akira said before he fell down. She was sure that Akira muttered that man’s name.

Akemi, huh. I’ll make sure you’ll come to regret this. She declared, making a mental note of it.

It was then that Akira finally opened his eyes, his consciousness slowly returned. He blinked a few times until his eyes adjusted, his vision became clear. He saw Naomi stand before him, his right eyebrow raised.

“Naomi?” he said, as his eyes scanned around the area. “What happened?” it seemed he didn’t remember, Naomi sighed.

Here we go again, Naomi thought. Despite her inner complaint, she couldn’t help but smile. It was so like him, after all. “Back at the restaurant…” Naomi took a seat beside Akira, and began explaining everything.

“And that’s why we are here.” after Naomi was done explaining, Akira hunched forward, his hand against his mouth. He didn’t say anything, he sat there in complete silence for a while.

After five minutes or so, he began breathing in heavenly. When he breathed out, he removed his hand from his mouth and turned towards Naomi, his gaze staring right at her.

“Did he say anything to you?” his tone was serious, it lacked any sign of emotion and his pupils were completely dark. It did sent a chill down Naomi’s spine seeing her husband like this. She wanted to tell him about her conversation with Akemi, but held back as it would undoubtedly anger him even more, and that was something she didn’t want.

“No.. He said nothing in particular.” Naomi lied, it pained her deep down. Akira looked at Naomi suspiciously, as he squeezed his eyes close, almost shut. Unable to bear his stare, Naomi had turned her head away.

“Alright, I’ll believe you.” Akira said, with a smile. He placed his hand on her shoulder. Hearing him say that hurt Naomi more. She looked back at him, and forced a smile.

“What a hectic day, isn’t it?” Akira said, sarcastically.

“It sure is.” Naomi responded.

Both looked at each other before giggling a bit. Moments later, when Akira stood up, he stretched his arms before turning to Naomi, he held his hand out to her.

“Let’s go home, then.” Akira said, a smile pasted on his face. Naomi was hesitant at first, but after her worries were calmed down by his gentil yet sweet smile, that was when she took hold of his hand, she squeezed it tightly.

The married couple began walking towards their home. As they walked past the children playing tag, Naomi had wrapped herself around Akira’s stomach, embracing it tightly. Akira looked at her, his smile shone even brighter. Both continued walking towards the exit.

When they arrived there, it was then that Naomi had gathered the courage to ask Akira something that had been on her mind. She had let go of her embrace, and now stood before him.

“Akira, can I ask you something?” she asked, her eyes glittered with resolve.

“Sure.” he responded, his gaze turned towards her.

“Who was that guy at the restaurant?” Naomi asked him.

Upon hearing that question, Akira’s expression darkened, his smile slowly faded, as the air around him became cold. Naomi hair stood on end, as she was slowly engulfed by his lifeless stare. He hadn’t said anything for a while, he stood there in complete silence. After what felt like an eternity was when he finally spoke up.

“Nobody..” he answered. He forced a smile, it lacked the light from moments ago, even Naomi could sense it. Akira began walking forward, leaving her behind. But Naomi wasn’t going to leave it at that, she knew he was hiding something from her.

“Are you sure? It sure looked like he knew you.” she pressed him further, part of her felt guilty but she had to, she needed to know for certain.

Akira stopped in his tracks, as he slowly turned his head slightly. His lifeless gaze started freaking her out, as goosebumps began spreading across her body.

“Leave it at that.. It’s for the better.” he said, as he continued walking.

You freaking… Naomi cursed under her lip. What do you mean it’s for the better? Naomi asked herself, since she didn’t really get what he’d meant. Why was he so evasive about it? That was the question inside her mind. Maybe he didn’t want her to be involved with his private matters, but if that’s the case, then he’s basically admitting that he does know him.

Curiosity got the better of Naomi, as she wanted to know more about that man. If she can’t find out through him, then she’ll have to find it on her own. Her face lit up, as she grinned from ear to ear. However, as she looked at Akira’s back moving further away, it was then that she had a realization.

“Darling!” Her eyes sprung wide open, as she began calling out to Akira. He stopped, and turned around.

“What's wrong?” he said, as he looked surprised at her.

“Our stuff, I completely forgot about them!!” Naomi yelled out, as she began sprinting towards the restaurant they dined at. As she passed Akira, she held his hand, and dragged him to the place.

Once they arrived there, they opened the door, and entered. Most people had already left the place, it was almost vacant, except for the staff. Naomi had gone to one of the employees, and began explaining their situation.

After that employee told Naomi he didn’t know, despair began spreading through her core; She fell on her knees. Akira went towards her, and comforted her. Another staff member had come up to them, and urged them to come to the managers office.

When the manager presented them with their bags, Naomi had prostrated herself on the ground. The manager urged her to stand up, and gladly handed the bags to Akira. He placed his hand on Akira's shoulder, and said: ”Seems like you’ve found yourself a keeper. Make sure you protect her, alright?”.

As the couple left the building, the words of the manager were stuck in Akira’s mind. I have to protect her, huh. He smiled at the statement, hadn’t he already promised her that. Akira thought back about what happened an hour ago, he now knew that his childhood bullies were back in town. He’ll have to be extra careful now, so he can protect her. I’ll make sure of it. His resolve was now sturdier, as he began preparations for the worst to come.

No one knows how this will end, as it could only be decided by fate, but if it isn’t in Akira’s favor, he would make sure to change that with everything he’s got.