Playing the Role

“Aki! You’re Aki, aren’t you?” Ayano exclaimed, her eyes widening with recognition as she leaned forward toward Akari. Immediately, the maroon-haired boy lifted his hands up to hide his face, turning his head away from the class president.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he tried to play off, his voice hinting at a bit of nervousness.

“You can’t fool me. You’re clearly Aki!” Ayano stated confidently before Akari slowly rose to his feet, careful to keep his back turned to the class president.

“You should head back,” Akari muttered as he took a step away to leave. “It’s not safe here,”

“Wait!” Ayano attempted to stand and follow him, but as she got up, she winced in pain and collapsed back to the ground. Noticing her distress, Akari turned around and knelt down beside her.

“Are you alright?” He asked concerningly as Ayano gently placed her hand on her ankle.

“I think I sprained my ankle,” she stated softly, rubbing the spot.

“Let me see,” Akari moved her hand aside to examine the injury. It was slightly swollen and bruised red. Akari deduced Ayano would need an ice pack and it would be a good idea for her to keep pressure off her foot for a while.

Letting out a sigh, Akari turned around and nonchalantly placed his hands behind his back, prepared to carry Ayano.

“Come on,” he gestured, encouraging her to get on. Ayano hesitated for a moment, causing Akari to shoot a glance back at her. “You can let me carry you or I can leave you here.”

Seeing not much of a choice, Ayano finally obliged as she scooted over on Akari’s back. As Akari placed his hands underneath her and lifted her up, Ayano instinctively wrapped her arms around her to prevent herself from falling off.

“You’re quite light,” Akari remarked as he felt her weight on his back. “Are you eating enough, class prez?”

“O-of course I am!” Ayano refuted, pouting slightly. She glanced her head away as Akari began to walk down the alleyway.

Before turning each corner, Akari cautiously peeked his head to ensure no rival gang members lurked nearby, having sneaked away from the main battle. Together, they ventured until they reached a main open street, deserted and quiet as the sun set, painting the sky with shades of twilight. A gentle breeze brushed their hair, the only sound in the peaceful silence.

As they strolled along the road, Ayano couldn’t help but shyly steal glances at Akari, who remained focused on their safety, ever vigilant of their surroundings.

“Why did you follow me?” He suddenly asked, breaking the silence.

“I’d thought you were mad at me for having to share a room with me,” Ayano confessed. “You left without saying a word, after all.”

Akari let out an amused chuckle upon hearing her explanation. “So you followed me to apologize?”

“What do I have to apologize for?” Ayano rolled her eyes. “I was doing it out of the kindness of my heart.”

“You sure are kind, class prez,” Akari sarcastically replied with a sigh. Ayano tightened her grip around him as she leaned forward

“I guess you’re really a gangster after all, eh?” Ayano whispered into Akari’s ear, teasing him back.

“That’s not exactly right—” Akari fell silent as he turned his head and realized that his face was just inches away from Ayano’s. Both of them suddenly fell silent as they were locked in a daze before Akari averted his gaze. They resumed walking down the road in silence.

“Hey, Aki—”

“I’m Akari,”

“But you look like Aki right out,” Ayano pointed out with a teasing grin.

Akari pretended to drop Ayano, causing her to flail before wrapping her arms tightly around Akari’s neck.

“Alright, alright! I’ll call you Akari,” Ayano let out a defeated sigh.

The sun had completely set by the time they arrived at the front gate of the home. The lantern’s lights were on, illuminating the front yard brightly. Several members from the fight had already returned home with Naoki among them. As the glasses-wearing gangster spotted Akari, a relieved smile appeared on his face as he rushed over with wide-open arms.

“Akariiiii!” Naoki dived forward to give the young boy a hug only for Akari to kick his leg sharply. The man clutched his shin as he collapsed on the floor in pain. “W-what did you do that for?!”

“I’m sorry. I thought you were an attacking Viper member,” Akari made up an excuse as he strolled past him.

“Misha, could you please grab some aid?” Akari asked as he walked by Misha who gave him a quick polite bow.

“Young Master, are you alright?” Misha asked.

“I’m fine but she isn’t,” Akari gestured at Ayano. “She sprained her ankle.”

“Understood,” Misha quickly walked inside to retrieve another set of medical aid for the young girl. Naoki hurried over to Akari’s side with a humbling smile.

“Would you like me to carry her—” Naoki was cut off as Akari kicked him again and he fell to the ground.

“I’m sorry. I thought you were an old pervert,” Akari said again in the same calm tone. He gave Naoki a smug smirk before strolling toward his room.

Akari gently lowered Ayano on the couch before letting out a sigh. He plopped down upon his futon, allowing his legs to finally rest after the long battle and carrying the class president home.

“Pardon me, young master, Miss Ayano,” Misha said to the two of them as she entered through the open door carrying a wooden tray. Upon it laid an ice pack on top of a white towel, some antiseptic, and gauze.

Placing the tray down next to the couch, Misha gave a polite bow before beginning to leave the room.

“I’ll leave her in your care, young master,” she stated before sliding the door behind her. “Please take care of your girlfriend.”

Akari winced upon realizing the emphasis Misha had placed on the last word. He had forgotten about the lie he said that Ayano was his girlfriend. And it was clear that Misha didn't trust his words. She was a keen observer, after all, and if Akari wanted to fool her, he would have to play his role well. If anything, the serious gangster was probably staring at them through the door that was just slightly ajar.

Taking a deep breath, Akari picked up the ice pack and wrapped it in the white towel Misha had provided. He then sat down in the empty space next to Ayano, sitting as close as he could next to her, causing her to eye him cautiously.

“You’re too close,” she stated, trying to back away. In response, Akari wrapped an arm around her and leaned in close to her ear, surprising her.

“I’m sorry but Misha’s observing us right now,” he explained to her in a hushed whisper. “Could you please play along, Miss Girlfriend?”

Ayano hesitated before nodding. “Sheesh, I can’t believe you would pretend to be the boyfriend during a time like this.”

“It can’t be helped,” Akari replied as he got off the couch. Kneeling down, he gently applied the ice pack to her ankle. Ayano stared at the young gangster in silence as he used the gauze to adhere it in place.

“Aki,”

“Yes?”

“I forgot to thank you for saving me earlier,” she paused to take a deep breath. “So um, thank you.”

“Of course,” Akari gave her a playful smile. “I have to protect my precious girlfriend after all.”

“Don’t take it too far,” Ayano huffed as she kicked him lightly with her other leg. Akari let out an amused chuckle.