Chapter Five: Reminders

The rest of the week followed a seemingly normal routine. Kazuya would go to work and see Ruka some days, studied some materials preparing for the next semester, and had a date or two. Wednesday night rolled around and while sitting on the couch eating dinner alone there was a knock at the door. Opening the door he saw Chizuru in full girlfriend-mode attire and confusedly greeted her asking what was up.

"Oh...oh God...I am sorry. Forget I came here, please, it was a mistake," Chizuru said.

Kazuya responded the way most of us would and said, "What? What are you talking about?"

"I came over thinking we were seeing our families tonight. I just am so used to the routine I guess. I didn't even think twice dressing up tonight. Please don't tell Ruka. I don't want her angry with you or me," Chizuru said worried.

Kazuya told her to relax and after looking both ways invited her inside and told her to sit down.

"Don't worry about it. I nearly did the same thing. I am kind of glad I wasn't the only one. As long as you're dressed up...want to go somewhere? Give me a moment and I'll put the rest of this in a container," Kazuya said as he stood up.

Chizuru wasn't sure if she should accept as she was still processing what happened, but Kazuya had already started to get up and she figured there was nothing wrong with going out as friends. Kazuya left to his bedroom and put on something nicer and the two left. Unsure really where to go they decided to head to the tavern where Mizuhara had first met Mami.

Sitting down Kazuya said again not to worry saying, "It's a 'conditioned reflex', a routine. We always check our phone when it vibrates or rings, we always look up to the sky when we hear thunder, and we always put on oven gloves before handling what we're taking out of an oven. We each simply saw it was our normal 'date night' and each got dressed up thinking the other would come out and be ready to meet them. We each felt that it was the other family's turn to chose somewhere. It happens. Don't worry about it. I actually feel better not being the only one."

"I guess. It sounds right. Do you ever feel differently?" Chizuru asked.

"What do you mean?" Kazuya asked dumbfounded.

"I dunno. It's the proverbial 'being off the leash.' I am telling you this with concern and also since I know getting it out in the open could help. Hopefully this can help me 'step down' more, step back. I mean...I don't feel like we're trapped in a mutual lie anymore...we're not. I don't feel I'm a rental girlfriend to you anymore...I'm not and perhaps most importantly: I don't feel like we're out on a 'date' with money being exchanged as we're not. It is just a weird feeling...like I said: 'off the leash.' Ever put your cell phone down for an evening, agree not to use it if you're with family or friends, or lose it? I once had my phone suddenly 'die' in the midst of a conversation-static and everything. I took it to the store as I was on my way there to get the battery replaced, really I was. It was time for a new battery anyway. They told me the phone's battery couldn't be replaced, but it didn't matter since the phone was dead too. I asked what he meant and he said my entire phone was dead because when the battery died it also burned out the recharging component in my phone. They said they needed to replace the entire phone and, thankfully, it was covered under my insurance plan. They transferred everything I had on my old phone and said a new one would be mailed to me in a few days time. This happened just over a year before we met...I keep a careful eye on my phone's battery health at all times now."

Kazuya laughed, "I bet. Battery health is important to a phone's-"

Chizuru continued looking a little scared, "No! There's more to it. You see they told me there was nothing they could do in the meantime: No loaner phone and then the agent said something like, 'Miss Mizuhara...we rarely get the freedom from a cell phone. You're too young to likely remember hard line or 'land line' phones, but I bet your parents and grandparents do. They were before 'cell phones' and if you went to the movies you simply couldn't be reached for a few hours. We all lived quite well before cell phones. They are a leash! With convenience sometimes comes being bound to whatever provides it. We get dependent, sometimes too dependent. All my customers who went through similar situations come out with a reminder of what it was like 'before cell phones.' It got me thinking. I went home and there were no text messages to reply to, no emails, no calls to miss, and it was just quiet. Quiet. Relax: you can't answer texts or miss them. I grabbed one of my friends and contacted the others and told my grandmother in person worried I couldn't reach her. My grandmother looked at me strangely and said not to worry. My friends on the other hand had the same reaction at first, but said they knew where I lived and that it would only be for a few days. They said if the worst happened they could tell the school and they'd contact my grandmother.

"I think I understand now. You're feeling so 'reset' you're facing things in a whole new perspective. It is scary, but also enlightening. It is causing a whole new sense of freedom and perhaps being bound to something else is also making you feel limited. There are walls around things which are being kept out. Sometimes boundaries can, paradoxically, give us new freedoms," Kazuya before taking a sip of tea.

"...Where did you learn something like that? That's quite fitting. How...how did you come to learn something like that?" Chizuru asked dumbfounded.

Kazuya smiled and said, "From Kobi. You know why? He went through something similar not too long ago. It was just his phone, not with a relationship like ours bound inside it, but a similar set of circumstances. How did you feel after we spoke in my apartment and you joined me for a corn muffin and milkshake? I bet you felt a lot better."

Chizuru smiled, "I felt a lot better. I felt my appetite return and slept peacefully. Thanks again."

Kazuya, "You just had weights lifted from your shoulders. I will tell you a little secret: I feel the same way right now and am happy to be here tonight. Remember: I nearly did the same thing. I feel this is actually a healthy 'step back' or step down. You're letting me know what's on your mind...couples who are in love or deeply in a relationship don't always communicate things so well."

"I would about to ask you where you learned that...but I am sure it is also Kobi. He does seem to know a lot about relationships. Guess he does read a lot, he just needs someone special. Maybe I could introduce him to someone nice. Who knows? Maybe Sumi would like him as he's kind, strong, compassionate, and likely someone she'd trust since he's your friend," Chizuru said as she smiled.

"How is she? How is my favorite little my favorite 'cutie pie'? I had a great time with her. She felt so shy and afraid, but at the end of the evening she seemed so happy and a little more confidant. It felt great to be there for her. I think I finally learned the meaning of companionship from you and being with her cemented it,"Kazuya said while smiling.

Chizuru nodded and said,"She's doing better. She's not turned 180 degrees around, but she is a little more confidant now, and continues to grow. She is talking to clients more or is being more responsive at the very least and is even taking the hand of a few clients at the end of her dates, but only people around our age."

"Really? That's wonderful! I am very proud of her. Please pass that onto her," Kazuya said while smiling broadly.

Chizuru smiled warmly and said, "I will. You should know she spoke especially highly of your savings her from the 'thugs' at the bowling alley. She said you didn't blink as they insulted you and challenged you, but just walked with her with nothing but a determination focused on getting her out of there."

Kazuya smiled with pride, "I admit I was scared, but I thought of you for confidence and knew I had to stand up for Sumi's sake. I couldn't let such an angel be cornered by three demons."

Chizuru swooned a little and said, "You were very brave. She was truly 'over the moon for you'."

"I was dumbfounded by her at the end of the night. She was able to say my name with a happy and glowing 'See you'. Did she tell you that?" Kazuya asked while blushing.

"Yes. That means she likes you," Chizuru said smiling in full girlfriend-mode.

"Don't tell me these things! I liked her a great deal and thought of renting her moments after she ran down the steps of the subway," Kazuya said smiling and shaking his head.

Chizuru smiled again looking left and right and said, "Don't let that go to your head. She's crushing on you. Make no mistake she does like you, but it's just a crush. I wouldn't ask her out. I'm sure she'd freeze on the spot."

Kazuya laughed and Chizuru thanked him for being so open about talking about these things. Saying she felt even better than before she ordered some chips and salsa and asked how things were going with Ruka.

"Oh she's the funniest. Each member of her support group helps with a humor segment at the end of the night. One teenager is a children's magician, but always astounds the entire room, and makes everyone laugh by being amazed. A woman a few years older than us is an amateur stand-up comedian and she's really funny. Some little girls always tell funny, uplifting, stories they've read online about people with their condition, and more," Kazuya said with a smile.

"What does she do? I am almost scared to ask," Chizuru asked with a sly smile.

"She does sketch comedy with some other people our age and I can't wait to see her in a do it a week from Thursday when it is her group's turn to entertain. I've attended a few of her sessions. Those close to those in the group are always welcome. She appreciates my being there greatly. It is something I asked to do first. I have no doubt in my mind that it was being with you that awakened that sense of closeness and being there for another. Truly I do," Kazuya said smiling widely.

Chizuru smiled and blushed a deep red thanking him.

Two weeks later on a sunny Thursday afternoon Ruka and Kazuya sat at his apartment finishing a simple rice and fish lunch when they heard a knock at the door. Standing up from the table Ruka took the dishes to the kitchen.

Without thinking twice Kazuya opened the door figuring it may be a delivery when he gasped seeing it was Mami. Before Kazuya could respond Mami pushed her way inside.

Mami shouted, "Kazuya we need to talk! My boyfriend and I are a day away from breaking up. I know this since I am going to be the one dumping him! I caught him cheating. I KNEW he would eventually. The part that angers me is that 'girlfriend' of yours likely caused it all. I want to be with you again. I need to be with you. That little 'pixie-bitch' caused the whole thing and if I ever catch her I'll-"

Mami stopped cold as Ruka came out of the kitchen, knelt down at her backpack, and said in a calm voice, "What? You'll do what?"

Mami looked shocked, but couldn't say anything, and wasn't sure whether to get ready for a fight or ready to take flight. At that moment Ruka calmly took out of her backpack two sandals, placed them on the floor, and reached back in her backpack with a cold look.

Looking Mami over she said calmly, "I warned you. I gave you fair warning. I told you not to come to try to get Kazuya back. Ruka started to look at Mami with a cold stare and once again Kazuya saw Ruka narrow her eyes like a hawk about to swoop in on an unsuspecting field mouse. Mami felt scared, but didn't flinch.

"So here you are again. I have no where to run off to this time. I'm not scared of you!" Mami said attempting to bluff.

Ruka looked at her again as she removed her hand from her bag an empty bottle of Coco Cola and said coldly, "You should be."

As she brandished the bottle she stood and started to walk towards Mami ominously.

Mami stood frozen unable to speak until Ruka, with fierce eyes, broke part of the bottle against Kazuya's table and shards of glass landed on the floor. A sharp edge remained and Ruka continued to advance towards Mami with the look of a killer.

Kazuya was shocked beyond regard and yelled,"Ruka! Stop! There's no reason to-"

Stay out of this, Kazuya! This is between me and her!", Ruka said angrily, without looking towards him.

Ruka started to run towards Mami holding the bottle as Mami screamed and took off so fast you'd swear there was a cartoon dust cloud. Ruka went to the door and shouted to stay away.

Mami yelled back she was insane and told Kazuya he should run too. Ruka closed the door and laughed at Kazuya, who was shaking with fear, and told him to calm down.

"Relax! It's a prop-bottle! It's 'break-away' glass...sugar-glass. I use them in my sketch comedy with other girls. Look," Ruka said while smiling.

Ruka proceeded to break the rest of the bottle over her head with a gentle hit. She took out another one and smiling calmly told Kazuya to relax. Ruka smiled softly as he calmed and she broke it over his head with a light swing to his giggling. He said it scared him for a moment, but didn't hurt for more than a second and really was just like a playful smack someone may give if you tried to take something off their plate saying "No!"

Kazuya then said with the smile of a ten-year old, "Mami was really scared. I doubt she'll ever come back here again. You really scared her-"

Ruka laughed as Kazuya figured it all out: The power of perception is really quite strong.

"There is a question the teacher once asked in a class I took: 'Is perception stronger than or weaker than reality?' The instructor said it was a trick question and in reality perception is reality to someone.' I wonder...should a nickname for you be 'bottle boy'? No...with that you'll always think I mean what is below your belt," Ruka said while laughing as she saw Kazuya turn as red as the sun.

"I'm still shaking on the inside. That was incredible...even knowing what I know now I am still shaking. Mami thought you would cut her throat. She must fear you more than anyone in the world right now. Oh god! What happens if she tells our friends!?" Kazuya worried.

"Relax Kazuya. First she'd have to explain why she went over to your apartment in the first place. Then she'd have to explain why I brandished a bottle...and when confronted we can simply say we were kidding and she ran off before we could explain the joke. Or we can say she's crazy and she mistook my taking a bottle of Coco Cola as a threat to attack her. She perceived I would and that's all that mattered. She had already seen me be tough to her at the tavern, again at the movie theater, and by today she was ready to believe I was capable of more. It is all about continuing a path of perception," Ruka said while smiling.

Hugging Kazuya Ruka felt he was still shaking just a little and gave him a small kiss telling him once again to relax. She followed up by saying he may still look shocked tonight when she performs as even though those at her support group have seen her and her fellow performers smash prop-bottles against each other it can often be unexpected and get a shocked laugh from everyone.

Mami was in shock and shaking heavily in a taxi as she went back to her place. The driver asked twice is she was okay. She just said an old boyfriend's new girlfriend is insane and threatened her pretty hard. While laughing hard the driver said new girlfriends are often very protective of their men and especially so from an ex before adding perhaps she should stay away. Mami rolled her eyes and gave that, "Really? I'd never have thought that" look in the backseat. She remarked that the two of them won't be together long. The driver said it wasn't really his business, but again warned her to stay away as it likely wasn't worth it. Mami knew it was worth a great deal to her and stayed focused as the driver took her home.

Two weeks passed and summer's break was just about half-way through as the fall semester loomed ahead. Kazuya and Chizuru had gone on two more get-togethers as it no longer felt like a date, but more and more like friends. On one occasion they just went to get ice-cream and walk in the park. Another time out they just studied together at the college library. They each felt a sense of calm and more and more just a being friends. The following Monday afternoon just before leaving for work a knock at the door got Kazuya's attention and looking through the door he saw Chizuru standing on his doorstep in her girlfriend attire. Opening the door he greeted her happily and asked what was going on.

"Kazuya...uh...can you put me in touch with Ruka? I want to talk to her about something," Chizuru asked not fully able to make eye contact.

"Is everything okay?" Kazuya asked a little worried.

"Yes, yes. I just need to ask her a little advice about dating and I have no way to get in touch with her. It's about...it's about a client we both know," Chizuru said while looking up mustering a weak smile.

Kazuya was oblivious to whatever Chizuru meant, but called Ruka and told her what was going, and gave Chizuru the phone before he walked away to give some privacy.

"Ruka. Thanks for speaking to me. I need to talk to you. I need your help on something," Chizuru said sweating a little.

A little taken aback Ruka said, "Calm down. Are you okay? Why...why did you want to speak with me? Is everything okay? Is one of my old client's giving you trouble? I bet it is Ryoto...he can be such a jerk at times. He always wants you to spend extra time with me and never offers-"

"No, nothing like that. Your clients are all very nice, thank you again," Chizuru said calming.

"Okay...then what's going on?" Ruka asked inquisitively.

"Can you meet me in 30 minutes at Donny's?" Chizuru asked.

"..Sure...Kazuya's on his way here to relieve me for the afternoon," Ruka answered still wondering what was going on.

Exactly 30 minutes later Ruka saw Chizuru at a booth looking slightly distressed and sat down asking what was wrong. Chizuru took a sip of cold water and looked at her with some degree of looking scared.

"Ruka...do you remember when you told your everyone at the restaurant you were looking to introduce a guy to me who was 'worthy of me'?" Chizuru asked.

"Sure. Sure I do. Why?", Ruka asked as she signaled the server and asked for a toasted blueberry muffin.

Taking a deep breath Chizuru said,"...I wanted to know if you had one. I am feeling down, scared, and wanted to talk to you. I don't miss Kazuya, but I miss the level of intimacy I had with him beyond being a friend. Do you know what I mean? It took a lot to reach out to you and I am sorry in advance. It is just that-"

Ruka smiled and said, "Just that you were scared to go about it on your own with fears that it could end badly with him or with me making things worse right?"

"Yeah...how did you know that?" Chizuru asked puzzled.

"Because I would feel that same way. First...let me tell you I am very happy you came to me first, it shows you really mean what you said. Second I will help you look for a boyfriend, I do know some very nice guys. I feel a few are worthy of you, I just didn't presume you would really want my help. I know what intimacy truly is and I know it isn't Kazuya you truly miss, but a special feeling," Ruka said as she nodded.

The server returned with a toasted blueberry muffin with real butter and Ruka handed half to Chizuru who graciously accepted and smiled after taking a bite.

Chizuru then bowed her head and thanked her for understanding before saying, "Yes, exactly. You know...I told Kazuya I would help him look for a girlfriend since I knew he really needed one more than he needed me, a mere rental. Part of me wanted to be more than a rental for him, but have a rigid set of rules I live by since he's not the first I've run into like him."

"I have run into guys like him too. I think virtually every rental girlfriend has and it is a reason I am interested more and more going into into possible management at work. My senpai loves me...I bring in a lot of business. I stand outside with flyers and tell couples that I am sure the girl or guy would love to sing for them and give them a coupon. When I see a group of guys I always tell them there are of ladies inside and every woman likes a guy who can sing. He thinks I am a natural and always get smiles from people for normal customer service things. I am getting very soured on the rental girlfriend industry in general. I only do a small amount of dating mainly and only to get a little extra money for dates with Kazuya and ideas for where to go, but am happy with income from Sing Anything...after all I don't have to laugh at jokes which aren't funny and pretend to be interested in boring things."

Chizuru nodded, and said,"I know what you mean. I am hoping my acting career starts to take off and I can end that part of my life. I am really only doing it to learn how to better act and use it to pay for acting classes. Why did you get into it Ruka?"

"Honestly? I was looking for someone who make my heart beat stronger rise, someone who made me feel good enough in life to better enjoy it. I searched for someone who could just make me feel better figuring they'd be a nice guy too. Perhaps actively looking for someone while being a rental girlfriend was the wrong way to go about it as I ran into, literally, Kazuya by chance. It was almost like something out of an anime...all I would have needed was a slice of bread in my mouth at the same time and they could put it into a manga about us. Kazuya makes me feel good on a subconscious-level. I saw how much he cares about you, his friends, how selfless he can be, and overall is a good person. I don't meet many people like that, you don't in general. He has his flaws, we all do, but I see in him...someone who wants to change for the better...even if he doesn't see it. That's why I like him. There are so many out there who want to get better for their own reasons and not just to be better. Ya know?"

"...Yes. Yes, I do. That is why I want you to help me find someone 'worthy' of me. Someone who I would find joy with for the right reason and you're the only person I can really think of and understands me...you're the only other rental I would talk to about this kind of thing. There is one other rental I am close to, but she's far too shy to really be thinking of guys beyond any level beyond a crush."

"...I know what a crush can be like. I truly do, but given the chance to learn more...I will always take it. In the meantime...feel free to enjoy any time with Kazuya. I have all the more trust in you now since you came to me first and if spending some time with him brings you any kind of stability or calm in this world be with him...just make sure to not charge him for it."

Both laughed and Chizuru motioned for Ruka to stand as opened her arms thanking her. Ruka hugged her back as Chizuru said she'd pick up the snack as it was the least she could do. Ruka said she'd have Kazuya reach out when she contacts her future suitors. They parted ways with a wave and smile.

The following Sunday morning saw rain coming down the moment Ruka met Kazuya at the door for brunch at a nice restaurant Ruka had found out about from a former client. They dined on some light fare before heading to the bowling alley. Ruka sat in the snack bar drinking a soda while Kazuya went off to buy a lane and stood in a long line cursing the fact that it was likely league practice and he may only be able to reserve a lane for later. Meanwhile out of the darkness at the far end of the lanes the bowling alley's three favorite thugs saw their newest target, Ruka, sitting alone and approached.

Ruka was texting on her phone when she heard a rather scummy voice say, "Hey little lady you in college?"

Turning around a little shocked Ruka said, "Uh...hi guys. I'm waiting for my boyfriend. He just texted me he's ready to meet me. If you'll excuse me-"

The tall lanky blonde said, "Look at this little girl...she has a ribbon in her hair. She looks like she's a gift, a present for us. No, just for me."

The fat thug in black started to say, "No, she's mine! I saw her first. Back off!"

The thug in the blue tank top jumped in, "No, she's mine...you messed up with that redhead last time!"

Ruka started to shake and said she leaving.

The blond thug put his hand on her shoulder saying in a slimly voice, "Oh honey...stay...I will show you a good time."

The manager overheard the shouting and nodded at the security guard to follow him.

Kazuya heard the shouting and recognized the voices. Angry at himself for leaving Ruka alone, figuring those guys couldn't always be around, he ran to the snack bar.

The tall lanky blonde looked up, "The hell?! You again?! Don't tell me she's with you! What are you doing? Paying them?! She's way out of your league loser. Come on honey...you're better off with me."

"Come on Ruka. Our lane is ready," Kazuya said as he grabbed her wrist and started to pull her away.

The fat thug in the black shirt said to him, "Oh...that cute redhead dump you already? She was out of your league loser. I am surprised you were with her once. How are you here with 'Blue'?"

Ruka snapped her head around at Kazuya and said, "What redhead?!"

"Oh no, not now! Why is every girl like this?!" Kazuya thought to himself.

"Oh you should have seen her 'Blue'...she was this cute little thing. She was so very cute. Your 'boyfriend' here held onto her like she was the most important thing in the world. You should have seen her face as they left...she looked at him like he was her savior. We called him out on his being unworthy of her, too much of a loser, and he didn't flinch. Now...here he is again. Come on...he isn't worth your time. He's not in your league 'Blue'," the lanky thug with blond thug said as he sneered at Kazuya.

The manager, flanked by the security guard, cleared his throat. Ruka angrily asked Kazuya who this redhead is a second time. Kazuya started to explain, but Ruka stormed off.

The manager turned towards the blonde and said,"Seems you're not in 'her league' either. GET OUT! GET OUT NOW! Don't come back!"

The thugs sneered and turned to leave while the security guard followed them. Kazuya stood shaking.

The manager looked at Kazuya and said, "What are you waiting for man? Go after her!" The manager smiled and gave him the "Get out of her!" move with his hand. Kazuya smiled and ran after Ruka.

Catching up to her outside he explained the other girl was a rental Chizuru asked him to take on a practice date since she was too shy. Ruka calmed a little and said she believed him without looking back. Walking outside they started heading back to Kazuya's apartment with her telling him she just wants to curl up and watch TV or something since she was still shaken up. She still didn't turn towards Kazuya.

"I am sorry, I just feel I am doing constant 'damage control'...if it isn't this girl it is Chizuru. If it's not Chizuru, it's Mami. I just don't know how much more of this I can take," Ruka said resigned as she walked ahead her head looking down.

Kazuya attempted to say something, but she said to just walk with him for now. Kazuya realized the best he could do now was just be there as a companion. As they crossed a large open field in the college quad they both felt the grass squishing under them from the earlier rain. The field was empty except for a single lamppost with a concrete base in the center. As they approached the center of the field they heard the roar of the 'rat bike' gang. They both ran to stand behind the lamp as it was the only thing anywhere near them. They saw two bikes heading towards them.

"Hairpin!" the first biker yelled as he turned his bike hard as water came up from the grass sloshing. The biker had a moment where he almost lost his balance, but turned around and raced off.

The second biker yelled out, "Hairpin!" The biker turned his bike hard and also almost lost his balance taking more effort to right himself and then sped off.

Unable to hear anything else over the noise Ruka turned around checking to see if they could escape the other way when she saw a third bike racing at them.

"Hairpin!" The third biker yelled as he turned right with a lot of water sloshing beneath him and lost control on his larger bike and was thrown off.

The bike slid towards Kazuya fast and Ruka without thinking threw her backpack down and pushed Kazuya out of the way as she yelled. "Look out!"

Kazuya landed on the ground as the bike slid hard into the lamppost taking Ruka off her feet and pinning her under it.

The biker got up and Kazuya yelled, "Idiot! Help me lift your 'brat bike'! Ruka! Are you okay?!"

Ruka looked back at Kazuya frightened and said, "I'm okay, just pinned down! Hurry! I can feel myself fading and it feels like my pulse racing. I can't tell what's happening! I can't tell! I can't see my phone."

The biker got up and walked towards Kazuya clearly banged up and tried to help Kazuya lift the bike, but it was too heavy. At that moment both heard a hissing and looked over to see the tailpipe was hissing as wet grass was touching it. The rat bike was starting to break apart due to the impact into the concrete under the weight of the modified tailpipes and larger engine. Kazuya worriedly looked under the bike to see Ruka's bare legs.

"We have to lift this thing before it falls apart and burns her you idiot! Help me lift!" Kazuya yelled angrily.

Both strained to lift it, but only managed to move it a little. Kazuya asked Ruka if she could wiggle out.

"I can't move!" Ruka yelled scared.

"S-S-Stay calm. Stay with me. Think of...think of us standing together at a shrine," Kazuya said attempting to keep her from passing out.

"A shrine?" the biker asked.

"Shut up! Hold your bike...it's breaking apart! I'll break you in half if this thing falls apart on her!" Kazuya yelled.

Kazuya scrambled to get Ruka's backpack and dumped the contents until he found the adrenaline syringe.

Taking a deep breath with tears in his eyes he said, "Get ready to move fast."

Ruka's eyes got as wide as dinner plates as she yelled, "No! No! Kazuya it could send me into shock!"

Kazuya broke off the plastic tip and looked at Ruka trembling and said, "I love you."

Closing her eyes she looked away as Kazuya swung the needle down into his own arm and pushed the plunger down.

Ruka opened her eyes after realizing she felt no puncture and saw Kazuya grab the bike again.

The biker looked at him incredulously as he yelled to lift and Ruka to move. At that moment Kazuya felt his arm get warm and a pain travel up his shoulder to the back of his head and tingle a lot. Pulling up as hard as he could with the biker he felt his eyes twitch and the bike lift enough for Ruka to wiggle out.

Ruka was getting up when she saw Kazuya suddenly fall to his knees, start to fall towards the exhaust pipes, and put his wrists up to block his face. Falling directly on them he shrieked out in pain from being burned, quickly pushed off them, and passed out in the grass shaking in shock.