What the hell.

Did I just die or something.

I felt like I was floating in perpetual darkness. I couldn't open my eyes, couldn't move, almost couldn't breathe. Voices started to seep into my mind from the darkness, but I couldn't comprehend what they were trying soo desperately to relay. Pushing against the overwhelming pressure, I attempted to open my eyes. After straining to regain feeling in my wobbily limbs, I was able to peek out through one eye. Searing pain shot through my head as I squinted, my eyes gradually ajusting to my surroundings.

As the fog cleared, I found myself looking into concerned eyes deep and beautiful like the mysterious ocean. My head rested on a soft lap, and a cool cloth was placed gently on my forehead. Having not regained my full composure, my inital reaction was to reach up and touch this face before me.

"Have I died and gone to heaven," I whispered softly. "No, it cant be. I'm not worthy."

The sea green eyes transformed from concern to widened surprise. He parted his lips slightly and replied, "I'm soo sorry." His smooth dirty blonde hair cascaded down to slightly shield his blushing face.

I snapped back to reality when I heard a very angry snort nearby and I regained awareness of my surroundings.

"You don't need to baby him." I heard a gruff voice grumble as I slowly sat up, my head pounding. I glanced over to see Shouta looking off to the side, a scowl on his face.

Ryuu shot Shouta a furious look, "You need to seriously apologize. He didn't hit me with the bike on purpose. You, however..." His words trailed off as he saw me put my head in my hands, still sitting on the floor.

As he moved to reach out to me, my flustered boss rushed over, making him withdraw his hand.

"Is he doing alright?? I brought another damp cloth! Takashi! What happened?! Are you ok?!" Haruki fluttered around like a worried mother hen, and I reached out to take the new cloth.

"I'll be fine, sir," I responded softly, "I'll just need a moment. I'm sorry for the trouble."

Haruki shook his head and replied, "You've had one heck of a day. How about you go on home for today and take care of yourself? Let me know later if you'll be ok to come in tomorrow, ok?" As I looked up at him, I thought to myself how lucky I was to have found such a kind employer. I definitely didn't deserve it.

Reaching for his outstretched hand, I was lifted to my feet. 

"Will you be alright on your way home?" Haruki asked, concern still evident on his face.

I nodded in response as I heard a voice behind me speak up.

"I will accompany him."

Haruki's eyes suddenly turn quite cold as he looks past my shoulder. I turn and see Ryuu now standing, looking straight into my eyes. I couldn't hold his gaze long and averted my eyes.

"Aren't you all the reason this happened? What even happened anyway? If one of you caused this, then why the hell should Takashi go with you." Haruki's ice cold response hit Ryuu like a bullet.

Ryuu winced slightly and responded, "My friend here who caused this issue will stay behind. I mean Takashi no ill will." He faced Haruki with a new found determination. "If Takashi doesn't mind, I will make sure he reaches his home safely."

Haruki regarded Ryuu with distrust. "I guess this is ultimately Takashi's decision." He then placed a hand on my shoulder, "Be safe and let me know you're alright when you reach home." He then made his way back to the counter where a few lingering people loitered after the commotion had cleared out a good majority of the customers.

Ryuu's gaze fell to me and he again offered, "I can call my driver to come by and pick us up. You don't need to be walking home after you've just been hit like that." He shot another infuriated look at Shouta, who was grumbling about being referred to as "friend".

Driver?, I thought. Just who is this person...

"You don't need to go through that trouble for me," I responded, "I'll be alright."

Ryuu insisted, as he reached for my arm, "It will only take a moment. It's no trouble." He turned back to the table where the rest of his companions remained. "I won't be long. Go on home." They started to protest, but he shot them a quick, sharp glance and they immediately silenced, except for Shouta.

"I won't allow you to go alone."

Ryuu turned to face him with an intense stare, however not releasing my arm. "I don't think you have any room to negotiate with me at this point. We will talk later."

I almost felt like I didn't have much of a choice in any of this, as Ryuu lead the way to the door, leaving his group behind. We made our way out and Ryuu removed his phone from his pocket to quickly call his driver.

"I'm really sorry about that," he said softly as he put his phone back in his pocket.

I looked down at him and a small jolt went through me that I couldn't explain as our eyes met. I quickly looked away, "I'm fine. You're going through too much trouble for me."

Ryuu slightly shook his head, his perfect dirty blonde hair swaying, "This is the least I could do."

At that moment, a luxury vehicle pulled up in front of the bar. A man dressed in a black suit exited the drivers side and made his way around to us. He bowed slightly.

"Would you please put this bike in the back for us, Shin?" Ryuu gestured to my bike I had almost forgotten about, leaning against the wall.

"Of course." He moved to do just that as Ryuu opened the door and motioned for me to enter. He slid in next to me as Shin closed the door for us.

What have I gotten myself into... I thought as I gave my address to Shin. I felt Ryuu's arm brush up against me, and I tensed slightly. I need to rebuild that wall I had around myself this morning. I felt almost nothing then, why am I reacting to him this way now? It's annoying.

This night was certainly not going as planned.