Aira And Aria

9. Way Home

I decided to take Aira home today. We walked even though the distance that had to be taken was quite far. Aira refused to take public transportation when I took her. Maybe he didn't want to talk about someone else wondering why he came home in soaked clothes. But I can't believe it was the wrong choice.

I loaned my jacket to change Aira's wet jacket. Quite surprised I made it when I saw some obvious bruises on Aira's white arm. It turned out that the reason he was wearing a jacket was to cover it up. That meant, he had not only once gotten such treatment. Even I just understood the words of Mira who said that this was the third time. And it all happened because of me…

“Ra.. sorry yes. Because of me you've become like this. I never meant to make you battered like gini.”

I couldn't even stand to stare at the face of Aira who was walking beside me. But he just held my hand. I saw her lips clearly smiling. It was as if the one who had just been hurt was me, and he was here to calm down.

“Huh,” I grunt. “You are really yes. I'm so embarrassed to squirm you can be so strong like gini. I used to think you must be just a spoiled brat.”

The sky was turning yellow and feeling cold. Aira tightened the jacket as it must have started to feel cold. So I decided to walk faster so I could get to his house.

But again, I was not allowed to be calm. Five motors with a loud familiar sound, shot up quickly and stopped in front of me. I know one of the riders. The other four I never saw at all.

“Wah, wow, even though tomorrow is still school, but this hour is still dating,” said Rio with a annoying tone.

I walked in front of Aira. I mean, hide it behind my body. “Don't look for a reason, Yo.”

“Hah? Don't look for 'cause of what you said? Same with yourself!”

“Gue never felt the same problem lo.”

Rio got off his bike and walked over. I can feel Aira's hand clutching the side of my shirt. But I can't look scared even if I'm outnumbered. I've heard rumors that Rio's joining a dangerous motorcycle gang. I never thought I would meet them at a time like this.

I grunt. “I mean, because I'm out of the basketball club and because I also Mira so ngejauhin lo?”

“Pinter too, lo, motherfucker!”

“That's it, I'm not going to stay like that either.”

‘Duak!’ Rio's fist landed on my face causing my body to fall to the ground. My eyes narrowed slightly to endure the pain. It feels many times more painful than being hit by a basketball.

Rio is approaching. He grabbed my collar and back up his fist which was definitely painful. I can't even see what Aira's reaction is like right now.

“Dead aja lo all of you!” said Rio. He caught an iron plate that had just been thrown by one of his friends. Somehow I had no desire to fight and just fell silent waiting for the pain to come back.

But at that time, I could see Aira actually approaching and trying to pull the arm of Rio who was still holding the iron. Rio pushed Aira who easily staggered. But he did not give up, even further disturbing Rio who was getting more and more angry.

Rio took off his grip on my collar, then kicked my stomach hard. Making a sick feeling didn't let me get up to protect Aira.

One of the most painful of all the blows I got was not being able to do anything as Rio turned around and smashed the iron plate towards Aira's head. I heard clearly what it was like to hit Aira who was now collapsing on the ground. “Ra!” call me with all my energy. But there's no answer whatsoever that I've heard. Only red blood started flowing from the head of the girl before me.

It seems that Rio and his other friends are starting to panic. They chose to leave, leaving me who still did not believe what had just happened. I wanted to chase and beat them, but I couldn't leave Aira. So, I could only sit tight because her legs were starting to feel weak, while looking at Aira who was drooping helplessly, with her red blood soaking my hands.

“Airaaa!!”