With a slumped Ren in his arms, Furayu's mind was swirling with thoughts.
What could have happened to her? Was she being abused at home? Had she inflicted self-harm upon herself? His mind went through the countless possibilities, each worse than the last.
"First things first," he mumbled to himself. "I need to put her to bed and make some food for her." He sprang into action, every movement fuelled by his worry.
Furayu struggled as he climbed the stairs with Ren's fragile body clinging to him. Her body emitted a feverish warmth that continued to fill Furayu with fear of how bad her condition truly was.
Being barely able to hold onto consciousness, Ren tried looking around, but the weight of her eyelids kept them half shut. However, she felt a strong arm wrapped around her, forcefully carrying her up the stairs.
"Dad?" Ren had used almost all the strength in her body to form those words.
"Ren…" he spoke softly. "After I put you to bed and feed you, you're going to explain everything to me." He spoke with such care and firmness that it gave Ren the feeling of absolute safety, making her entire body relax.
What is this feeling?
Ren wondered. A comforting warmth spread across her. It felt like nothing she had ever experienced before; it was so soothing and so safe. Her thoughts were in disarray, unable to fully grasp the situation. Her body, heavy with pain and hunger, now felt light and free from those pains. For the first time in what felt like eternity, the agony had left her body, leaving a sense of peace.
Furayu sat by her side from the late hours of the night until the first chirping from the birds of early morning, carefully checking her temperature and feeding her small mouthfuls of food.
Is this what it feels like to have a girlfriend?
The thought shocked his mind a little, but he couldn't shake the deep sense of responsibility he felt for Ren. She had always been there for him, someone to talk to no matter the situation, a presence that kept both his physical and mental health in check.
"I really hope I'm misinterpreting what happened…" he murmured, his voice shrouded by fear. He rubbed her forehead, his hand shaking.
"Whatever happens, I'm gonna be here for you. I'll be backing you up no matter what."
What am I even saying?
Furayu's face became hot and red as he glanced at her peaceful face.
Why am I acting like she's my girlfriend?
The only reason I'm touching her forehead is to monitor her temperature… Right?
Who am I even trying to convince?
He sighed with defeat, running his fingers over her hair once more.
Fine. Maybe I just wanted an excuse. It's not my fault her forehead with the bangs looks so fucking cute!
Warmth trailed through her hair, stirring something deep within Ren's consciousness. The feeling tickled her ever so slightly, causing her to toss and turn a little.
Furayu froze in fear.
What if she thought I was taking advantage of her?
The idea struck him hard, and his hand retreated as quickly as if it had been burned.
He fumbled awkwardly, faking being preoccupied with something on his phone. Even though his heartbeat hammered in his chest, he had to act like nothing happened.
The sudden absence of the comforting touch made Ren stir. Slowly, she sat up on the bed, her eyes blinking as she adjusted to the lighting of the room. The air was heavy with awkwardness as she realised the situation…
Furayu sitting at her bedside while she remained in her pyjamas.
Ren stared, her eyes wide with embarrassment. Her face turned a deep red as she pulled the duvet to cover herself.
Her voice was muffled as she quietly asked, "What are you doing here?"
She had no idea how he entered her room or home. "How did you get in?" she added bashfully, though there was no actual anger in her voice.
Huh?
Furayu thought, bewildered by her reaction.
She's not angry that I let myself into her house… and her bedroom? She's really trusting of me.
He nervously responded, "I actually came over to check on you, but you collapsed at the front door when you opened it… so I kinda let myself in."
What have I done? What have I done? Anxiety filled his mind. She's most definitely going to think I did something weird to her!
Ren looked at him, her voice barely audible as she murmured, "I don't mind that it's you…" She hid her face behind the duvet.
Furayu couldn't make out what she had just said, but he felt it was best to ask her what had happened to her.
"Ren, I've been meaning to ask, what happened to your face?" he asked, his voice shaking with concern. "You know, it's okay to tell me if anything's wrong." he added, hoping it would help her open up and feel safe in his presence.
She seemed hesitant, her eyes racing between Him and the head of her bed. She seemed to be deep in thought before answering.
"Furayu…" She whispered, lowering her head.
"Mhmm."
"My dad did-"
Before she could finish, Furayu froze. The words that came out of her mouth hit him like a train, and his body acted before he could properly register what she had said. He reached out, pulling her into his chest, his arms wrapping around her protectively.
Ren, completely taken aback, felt her face heat up with surprise and embarrassment. "Furayu, What are you doing?" she stammered, her voice trembling as she adjusted into the embrace.
"How long has this been happening?" Furyau asked, his voice filled with anger but laced with care.
Ren let out a nervous laugh, trying to keep the mood light. "Since I was about six years old."
Furayu tightened his hold, his heart aching as he struggled to fully grasp what she was saying. He loosened his enough just to gently rub her head, pressing her further into his chest.
"You should have never gone through this alone." he murmured, his voice full of painful worries.
"I didn't know how to bring it up… or if you'd take me seriously," Ren admitted, her voice low and awkward.
"Ren…" Furayu whispered softly, his words warming her heart, "No matter what, I'll always take you seriously, even if it seems a little crazy."
Those comforting words, Ren had longed to hear, finally came from Furayu. Tears slowly streamed down her face, she tried to stifle her sobs with her hands. However, with Furayu holding her tightly, offering the reassurance she so desperately needed made it impossible.
"Ren," he said gently, "It's okay to cry. I'm here for as long as you need."
Her sobs slowly quietened down, and her breathing became steady. Tears still on her cheeks, but were no longer as heavy. Ren wiped them away. Steadying herself, the warmth of Furayu's embrace kept her enchanted. She looked at him, offering a weak smile as her fragile body twitched.
Slowly detaching herself from Furayu's grasp, her body function seized as the weight of her actions sank in. I might need to indulge myself in him from now on, she thought, her heart pounding.
"Furayu…" She quickly spoke, with an underlying tone of anxiety, "May I confide within you from now on." She took the chance, believing it would correct the one sided awkwardness between the two.
"Ren…" He softly replied. "There isn't a need to ask, go ahead and tell me whatever is on ur mind."
Hearing those words, a wave of comfort and security wash over her.
Can I really tell him everything?
She debated over it for a second, however the warmth in his voice, that unwavering presence had made her give in to Furayu's comfort.
"My dad." she choked out, struggling to form words. "He's been treating me like a possession since my mum died."
Furyau sat there, too stunned to speak, his hands gripping her shoulders as if trying to anchor her, offering her any support he possibly could.
"She passed away when I was only four." Her voice scared, her weeping broke her words. "Ever since then… he-he beats me with anything and at any time if he thinks I'm being 'unfaithful' to him."
As she spoke, the weight in her chest felt lighter, slowly lifting from her. For what felt like the first time in years, she felt almost completely free.
Furayu choked out the words. "You should have told me this sooner…" His hand gently massaged the back of her head, trying to comfort her.
"I'm sorry…" She mumbled. "I thought you would think I'm lying."
"I would have believed you no matter what, I promise." His voice was calm but firm.
Ren closed the gap between them, her forehead pressing against his chin
"I'm sorry but… could we stay like this a little longer?" Pleading, Furayu didn't hesitate, his arms tightened around her and his hand gently rubbing her head in slow motions.
"Furayu… can I ask you something?" She murmured, lifting her head to meet his gaze
He nodded in response.
"How does someone love?" She asked innocently
"Love…" Furayu hesitated, trying to find the right words. "It's when two people form a deep connection, they can adapt to the other's personality, routines and lifestyle, living harmoniously with one another." He paused, staring at her intently. "That is love."
Ren took his words in, her expression darkened. "I see…" She muttered, depressedly, "So… what my dad did wasn't love?"
Furayu's grip had tightened. "No, that is abuse." He thought of a solution to keep her safe for the time being. "You're staying at my place for a little while."
"W-WHAT!" She stammered, her face turning beet red from the idea. "Y-You want me to stay at your place for a while?"
Furayu held her shoulders firmly "Yes, it's not safe here. I already texted my mum to pick us up. She won't ask any questions, so you don't have to worry."
Ren's heart pounded. Even though his grip was firm, she felt safe. Protected.
She exhaled shakily, "Okay…" In a soft whisper.
And once again, she leant against Furayu, allowing herself, just for a second, to feel tranquility.