Frozen Rose (Langa x reader)

Chapter 53

(Y/n)'s POV

Ruka's dress was a glimmering purple with a bodice that clung to her curves and accentuated her cleavage. The skirt was tight-fitting, harbouring a slit that reached her upper thigh. Her hair was styled in large curls and pushed over one shoulder.

She smiled devilishly towards me before another girl waved her over, with Azuto escorting her. The Ruka lookalike donned a cream-coloured dress, similar in style to her 'other self' with the only exception being she had no straps or sleeves whilst Ruka's did. Her hair was fashioned into a beautiful bun, small strands framing her pretty face.

"Oh, she came too," commented Sumiko.
"Who did?"
"Ayaka, Ruka's twin sister. Ruka is the supposed pride of the family so Ayaka doesn't get as much attention but she still has that elegant aura about her, don't you think? Very sophisticated."
"Huh..."

Twin sister. All these years and I had never known she had one. Ayaka met my gaze, smiling politely whilst clinging to Langa's arm. Langa, however, paid no mind to her. His eyes were on me, searing me alive with his hot gaze.

"Do you know him? Ayaka's date?" Sumiko asked.
"He's a friend of mine."
"Well, you better tell him to stop giving you all these loving stares. I wouldn't be surprised if he wanted to eat you alive, oh how scandalous! You do look gorgeous, you know that, right? Anyway, I digress. Ayaka will get what she wants no matter what so be careful, ne?"
"I see. Thanks for the warning."

My cheeks flared red against my will. This girl could really say anything without batting an eye. She waved before taking her leave with her partner. I took a deep breath. Reki offered me another drink, which I downed within seconds.

"(Y/n), they're coming this way," he said.

I steeled myself for the conversation that was to come. The sophisticated smile she had donned did nothing to quell my nerves...and jealousy. She was an encapsulation of elegance and beauty, a stark contrast against my ragged edges. Her and Langa appeared like royalty from a fantasy novel.

She stopped before us, a kind princess before her subjects. Reki tightened his grip on my hand. We hadn't forgotten the first time we had met her, the time she sent her guards to assault us simply to see for herself the kind of person I was.

"Hello, I don't believe I've properly introduced myself yet. My name's Yamada Ayaka. Pleasure to meet you, (Y/n)-san."
"Was it you who asked for Langa or did Ruka arrange that?" I asked, my voice all knives and steel.
"I can understand why you don't like me but don't you think you should exchange greetings first? One rumour and your reputation is ruined. But to answer your question, I asked for him. I told you, didn't I? I find him attractive."
"I see."
"Let me tell you this. I don't necessarily despise you like my sister does. You are someone who I find vaguely interesting but you're still insignificant."
"Certainly brutally honest, your highness."

Langa's gaze lingered on my face before moving down to the rose on my wrist. He lifted his hand as if wanting to closer inspect it, only for Ayaka to grab it and intertwine her fingers with his. He immediately closed off all his emotions.

"Langa, you're my date. Don't go on chasing after other girls," she exclaimed.
"Is it customary for all wealthy people to behave like arrogant monarchs or is it just you and your family?" Reki questioned, hinting at irritation.
"Tell me, do all common people fight and kill for fun or is it just (Y/n)?" she countered.

I immediately clung to Reki's arm, indirectly holding him back from an outburst. The polite smile never left her lips even as she inclined her head and made to walk away. It seemed as if our conversation had not been a fight, just a mere talk like how one'd converse about the weather.

Langa held my gaze as he left, moving his lips ever so slightly so as to only be noticed by me. You look beautiful. I wish I could be with you instead. A bittersweet ache tore at my heart.

Reki naturally stepped closer to me, if that was even possible. He made the movement natural, as if he made to step closer to inspect the myriad of drinks available to the guests. It was a signal. Ruka was coming.

"I'm so glad you could make it,"she exclaimed with feigned happiness.

Azuto's eyes widened ever so slightly in surprise before he schooled his expression into one of boredom. I pulled on a polite smile, allowing the fierceness to show behind my gaze.

"This is my childhood friend, Azuto. Though I doubt I had to tell you that. You clearly live under a rock if you don't know him," Ruka said.
"I do know him. He's your childhood friend, huh?"
"Azuto, did I ever tell you? This is the girl I've wanted to ruin. The one who made my brother disappear."
"You..." he started, startled by the fact that I had killed his best friend's brother.
"She didn't do anything to your brother," Reki stated.
"She practically offered him to the grim reaper," seethed Ruka.
"Listen, Azuto or whatever your name is. Ruka has gotten the story all wrong. (Y/n)'s innocent."
"And you are?" questioned Azuto.
"(Y/n)'s childhood friend."

The two glared at each other like they were sworn enemies from a centuries long war. I quietly slipped my hand into Reki's though he didn't back down, not when I squeezed his hand and not when he had an internal struggle that was still occurring.

"I have no reason to question the word of my best friend," Azuto finally said.
"Ruka's not the only one who lost family that day. (Y/n) did too," Reki replied quietly.
"Yes, she did...because she also made her own brother disappear that night," exclaimed Ruka.
"I'm sick of this. I was clearly wrong about you. You're involved with rough gangsters. That should be reason enough for me to doubt you," Azuto said coldly.
"Hey-"
"It's fine, let him believe what he wants."

My fist clenched tight. The yakuza were not merely rough gangsters. They kept the peace and helped the weak in the shadows. He had insulted my uncle. I was wrong to think he'd ever be a friend.