- twenty-four -

〚 third person 〛

☾☾☾

Momo glanced at her father who was busy packing to leave for a business trip once more before she exited the house. Pulling her scarf closer to her face, she began her journey to the convenience store which was a bit far from her home.

She found the walk quite satisfying, seeing as it was dark, cold and quiet. Since it was way past 8, majority of the people were already in their homes, leaving the streets empty.

Her feet patted against the concrete as she walked down the sidewalk, keeping her eye trained on the street ahead of her. The convenience store was in view, making her pick up her pace a bit.

As soon as she entered the store, she bowed to the cashier and made her way towards the ice cream section. She rocked on her heels, scanning the items within the small freezer.

"Ooo!" She exclaimed quietly as she opened the door, standing on her tippy toes to reach the tub of cookies n' cream ice cream. When she couldn't reach it, a hand appeared above her to get it for her. "Oh, thanks..."

Upon seeing this man's face, she felt chills run down her spine as her gut filled with a bad feeling.

"No problem, little girl." He smiled sweetly, almost disgustingly sweet as he placed the tub of ice cream in her hand.

Quickly, Momo bowed and scurried off to another isle to retrieve whatever she needed. The man seemed to linger, hanging around the isles she was in.

'Maybe I'm being paranoid.' Momo thought as she mentally slapped herself. Walking over to the counter, she placed her things on top and smiled at the cashier.

Quickly enough, all of her purchases were put into a bag, and she was on her way out. She let out a breath of relief when she was out and away from that creepy guy. 'He was full on staring at me in there. Eugh.'

As she walked down the dark, empty street, she felt the hair on the back of her neck rise. A shiver ran down her spine as she felt a presence behind her. Before she could even turn around or react, a hand flew around her to cover her mouth while the other hand grabbed her.

She was dragged backwards, ending up in a small alley that was darker than the street. Her back was pressed against the wall as a man pressed up against her, pulling at the bottom of her shirt.

Muffled screams came out of her lips as she struggled, feeling his nasty hands come in contact with her skin. His disgusting breath fanned over her neck, making her body instantly stiffen like a board.

"A little girl like you shouldn't go out dressed like this. You look like a whore just asking for it." The voice belonged to the man from the store, making her feel even more revolted by this. 'I knew this sicko was shady!'

His hands slid upwards, nearly reaching her breasts. Instinctively, her leg jerked forward, kicking him in his shin.

His grip on her mouth loosened, allowing her to scream loudly for help. While he tried to recover from the blow to his shin, she escaped from his grasp and ran out of the alley.

He chased after her, catching her by the back of her shirt. He yanked her backwards, nearly sending her flying into his chest.

"HELP!" She screamed, feeling tears prick her eyes as he covered her mouth again, trying to drag her back into the alley. 'Help, Senpai...'

"Shut up! You're being fucking annoying!"

'That's right...He won't come and save me...'

Momo closed her eyes, allowing a tear to slip past her eyelids as she stopped struggling.

"Now that's a good little girl." The man muttered, smirking as he leaned in to kiss her lips. "EUGH-"

The man was yanked back forcefully, so hard that he hit the opposite wall of the alley. He hit the wall, sliding down onto the ground with pain written all over his face.

"What the hell is your proble-" The man stopped himself when he looked up, finally seeing how hovered above him. The male was considerably taller than the man who was in his mid thirties. "F-Fuck! Whatever!"

As the man dashed for it, the familiar blonde male turned around to face Momo who stood against the wall with her hands covering her face.

Angry, Tsukishima slammed a hand on the wall beside her head. "What the hell? Why the hell would you stop fighting? Why would you just let that bastard do what he wanted?!"

Hearing the sob of distress and pure anguish leave her lips, his anger soon subsided as he reeled back into reality. He knew this was no time to be angry at her since it wasn't her fault that she was molested.

"I-I," Momo cried openly, struggling to speak through the choppy sobs that racked her body. "I didn't think you'd come! I was s-so scared! I t-thought you hated me."

Hearing those cries made him wrap his arms around her small body, hugging her tightly. His hands rubbed her back soothingly as he rested his chin on her head, pulling her into his chest.

His familiar warmth, scent and aura made her feel safe, reassuring her that she was in good hands.

"Don't be stupid. You think I'd really believe something a random girl told me? You really think I'd believe her over you?" Tsukishima questioned, scoffing slightly at the thought of believing the bullshit story Konno told him. 'I know damn well this girl would never sleep with her "boyfriend's" group of friends. She barely even knows how to kiss.'

"And before you say anything, you don't even have to tell me your side of the story. I found out that her brother was actually the kid that started everything." Tsukishima pointed out, recalling how he met Reiji by chance when he went to Konno's house. When Tsukishima was left alone, Reiji was quick to explain the entire ordeal from junior high and apologize for it.

"Masaki-san wanted to break up with me. I got pretty upset and spread a bunch of rumors that she messed around with my friends. I was such a prick to her, and I'm so sorry. I can't force her to talk to me, but I just want her to know I'm so sorry for ever ruining her life like that. She didn't deserve it. She was perfection itself, and I couldn't see that."

Her hands clutched onto his shirt as the shaking of her body slowly calmed.

"We should head home." Tsukishima muttered, noticing that it was getting pretty late, and he was supposed to be home soon.

As he tried to step away, Momo held onto him, feeling tears prick her eyes again the moment he moved away.

"N-No..." Momo whimpered, keeping a tight grip on Tsukishima's shirt. He could tell by the tone of her voice hah she was still shaken up by what happened.

With a short sigh, he bent down a little and slid an arm under her legs, scooping her up bridal-style. Usually, she'd babble endlessly about how much she enjoyed being carried like this, but instead, she buried her head in his shoulder. He carried her light body, taking long strides along the sidewalk.

"It's fine now, shorty. You're safe."

Momo inhaled familiar scent, closing her eyes to allow her sense to bask in his soothing aroma.

'I'm okay. I'm safe. Because Senpai's here.'