Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hi, everyone! This is my second fanfiction after The Last Words of A Shooting Star (You can also check it out), and this a BajiFuyu one. I really like Baji and Chifuyu's dynamic, so I decided to make a story.

Here are some pointers that I want to clarify before starting:

1. English is not my mother tongue. I grew up talking in Tagalog, so expect some grammatical errors.

2. I am open to any constructive criticism and suggestion in my works.

3. Please leave if you are going to be hateful towards my works and others.

4. It is a fluff/angst story and nothing more. I do not condone the sexualization of any characters, especially when they are minors.

That is all, thank you so much!

Chapter Text

Since he was a child, Chifuyu had struggles sleeping at night. He feared the darkness of the night, so he spends his nights staring at the ceiling as his mind tortures him with the need for sleep. His innocent mind feared the void, mystery, and emptiness of it. The serenity of the night bugs his mind with apprehension that he can not stand. 

__________

The ringing of an alarm clock wraps the almost empty room, a constant reminder that a new day has begun its wake. Like any other day, Chifuyu is yet to catch his sleep. Tired body sluggishly walks towards the alarm clock, Chifuyu turned it off. 

"Another night has passed. For now, let's cheers to the new day," he muttered to himself, walking towards the shower to wash off any accumulated dirt he has. 

He prepared warm milk for himself, ready to go to school. Dread is evident on his features since he didn't catch even a wink of sleep last night. He plans on napping by the first class and catches up with whatever the lesson is. 

It might not be evident, but Chifuyu takes pride in his studies. He is well-rounded and one of the top students in his class. Lack of sleep is a thing he mastered to deal with, so it's not much of a hindrance for him.

"Chifuyu, you still look like a dead beat. Are you sure you're okay?" His friend asked concern plastered on their face. Chifuyu only chuckled as a response and draping an arm around his friend. 

"Since when did you start being this nosy, huh? Are you sure that you should be asking me that?" he retorts, trying his best to change the subject. His friend only gives him a concerned look before flicking his forehead. 

"Since I don't know when maybe ask God?" 

"Man, stop that. I can't magically change for your sorry ass." Chifuyu nonchalantly said, playfully pinch his friend's cheeks. 
__________

The ring of the bell indicates that it is lunchtime. Chifuyu's head pounds, forcefully woken up by the noise. He groans softly, hoping something could ease the throbbing pain. He noticed that his surrounding didn't help, so he decided to go to the rooftop. His tired feet drag him up to the sweet oasis of the school's rooftop while his mind runs with nothing but sleep. 

I'll try catching up with the lessons later, he assured himself while taking the last step of the stairs. 

He made it to the rooftop, and Chifuyu could swear he could smell the sweet scent of rest. 

"I don't know who to thanks but at last," he said, taking himself to find a corner to sleep in. Chifuyu found one, and he immediately positions himself. Almost stepping into the welcome hug of sleep, he heard a couple of footsteps walking towards him. 

Annoyed, he bats one eye on the rude intruder. Ebony locks neatly gathered into a ponytail, eyeglasses thick as a magnifying glass, and a tall stature that can swallow him whole. Chifuyu believes that he is the dumb nerd mentioned in the books he'd read. 

"The fuck you want?" He rudely questioned, still upset by the fact that his precious rest was interrupted. 

"I haven't made any friends, and I just transferred here last week. Can I sit beside you?" the nerd requested, hesitantly scratching his cheeks. His question fumed Chifuyu because this weird-looking guy interrupted his rest to ask if he can sit beside him? Not on Chifuyu's watch. 

"You interrupted my sleep because you want to sit?" he asked, and the boy nods in response. 

"You're pretty shameless asking that while deciding to interrupt someone resting," he retorts, voice brooding with so much annoyance, "If you think I'm letting-" the man interrupted Chifuyu.

"I don't think you'll have your rest anytime soon," the strange man said, deciding to sit beside Chifuyu, "You look far from someone who even had a wink of sleep," he added and proceeds to open his lunchbox in which Chifuyu found weirder since it's yakisoba.

"I'm Baji Keisuke, and you are?" he casually said, slurping his yakisoba. Dumbfounded, Chifuyu can only look at the man beside him. 

"Chifuyu, Matsuno Chifuyu." he quietly answered,

"Well, Chifuyu then. Want some half of this Peyoung Yakisoba?" 

Chapter Text

Baji is a carefree spirit, living his days with no fear of what's to come. He never feared the night, or the void of sleeping, or the lady next to his apartment. Baji believes that good things will come to those who face their tomorrow. Since he was a child, Baji never struggled with sleep. Baji loves the night. It's comforting, he said. 

After his juvenile, Baji is finally allowed to attend school. Given another chance to start anew, but he never let himself forgot why he skipped a year. Baji could still remember his mom's face as she cried her heart out when she found out about his past incident, but Baji can't bring himself to leave his friend alone. 

He said to himself that he'll never that kind of mistake ever happen again, and he swears it to any God that exists above. 

On his first day, he expected the murmuring to spread across the room. A student that skipped a year because of a juvenile is considered such news, right? But, Baji could care less about what they spread around since he knew speaking against it would only fuel the fire.

This is so troublesome, he thought. 

He can describe his first day as rougher than any sandpaper they had at home. It did not help how other gang members started spreading his name among the school's students. He could only sigh as he walked home that day. 

Even though he could care less about their groundless rumors, Baji still likes to make some friends. Well, it will be last on my list for this school year, he thought, considering his situation. 

"People are so complicated," he complained, tugging his hair in frustration. 

"I'm just gonna spend the night writing to Kazu," he muttered, silently walking home.

Now, offering his half to the guy beside him, he could see the confusion in Chifuyu's face. Did this guy hate sharing food, or is he touched that Baji offered him his food? Baji ponders on the answer while he waits for the latter to take his offering. 

"If sharing food is-" he was interrupted when Chifuyu took the yakisoba from his hands. He could only look at him as Chifuyu decided to eat half of the yakisoba. 

He's not bad, Baji thought, staring at the blonde. He might be my first friend here, he continued. 

"You're weird," he claimed, taking his lunchbox from his newfound friend. Chifuyu furrowed his brow in response, baffled by Baji's statement. 

"You're one to talk," he says back, letting the comfortable silence falls between them. 

Unexpectedly, Chifuyu felt comfortable in the presence of this new person. Wondering if the guy beside him has some potion, or maybe it's because Chifuyu can sense Baji's sincerity. Without noticing, Chifuyu's eyelids fell heavy, and his body relaxed under the atmosphere. Baji took notice of this and chuckle. . 

"Gonna sleep?" he asked, "you must be tired, looking like a walking corpse." Baji laughs, not even minding how it pisses Chifuyu off.

"Can you shut up?" Chifuyu asked annoyance laced his voice. Baji stops his action and smiles at him. "Sure," he answered, 

"You can sleep if you want, I'll be here," Baji assured Chifuyu, 

Taken by surprise, Chifuyu once again glanced at the man. Is he for real? No one tried offering their presence when Chifuyu tried sleeping, not even his considered friends, dismissing it as childish. 

"If you're planning on capturing this moment, I can lend you some good camera." Baji nonchalantly teased, earning a punch from the tired lad. 

"Try anything funny, and I will not hesitate to kill you." Chifuyu threatened, lying down to sleep. 

"You can try your hardest." 

Chapter Text

Chifuyu never felt this well rested for years, considering it a foreign feeling of haze. Throbbing in his head is no longer present, and clarity sweeps in every fiber of his body. For the first time, Chifuyu feels light. 

"That was fast," a voice said behind him, "I thought you're going to sleep for hours." looking back, Chifuyu's eyes widen like saucers. Staying true to his words, Baji is still sitting a few feet away from him. 

"It's only been 10 minutes and-" 

"How come you are still here?" Chifuyu asked, surprised that this weird man put up with him. 

"Me? Well, I was writing my friend a letter. Do you want to see it?" Baji said, obviously turning a deaf ear to the blonde's question. Chifuyu ponders with what could be Baji's business is because his eccentricity annoys the hell out of him.

"Can you answer my question-" interrupted again, his face drowns in the crippled paper of the weird lad. Chifuyu throws it away, ready to shout curses to the man. However, he stood still when he saw the genuine expression displayed on Baji's features.

"I'm writing for my friend," Baji muttered, "If I were to ask, he's my ride or die," smiling at Chifuyu. Baffled by what the fuck Baji is spouting, he could only listen. 

"He's not dead, of course," He laughed, standing up to take the thrown-away paper. "I just want him to know how I am doing," 

Chifuyu huffed a sigh, scratching the back of his head. He doesn't know what to do with Baji's weirdness, so he might as well deal with it as gratitude for staying with his sleep-deprived ass. 

"Your letter," Chifuyu trailed, "I saw you misspelled some words. Let me see and fix it," he said, offering his help to the glasses lad.

Baji's face plastered confusion, "Did I? I know I was doing so well." 

The blonde decided to walk up to the man and took the paper from him. He went back to his original position, looking at the letter. Chifuyu could swear he almost faint at the errors, even the handwriting did not help. Is this Baji dumber than he thought or what? 

How can a first-year mess up this much? he thought, 

"You, come here and look at your mistakes," Chifuyu ordered, and Baji immediately complied with the younger. Baji's eagerness radiates to Chifuyu, and the latter pays no heed to it. 

"You see this?" pointing a character to which Baji nods, "This is not how you write tora.  You write it like this." Chifuyu instructed, skilfully showing Baji the Kanji character.  

Baji tried imitating it, and the two began fixing the letter. The whole time they spent writing, Chifuyu couldn't help but admire Baji's eagerness. His mind runs with questions as to who this Tora is and where he is right now. His eyes continue to observe baji's calloused hands, mindlessly looking at his careless attempt of writing the characters. 

Why am I even invested in this person's business, Chifuyu thought. He mentally shoos his thoughts away, awkward about how the man suddenly bugs him. 

"Here, is it okay now?" Baji asked, giving his paper for any revisions. Chifuyu took it from his hands and examined the letter. Surprised, he smiled and gave it back. 

"So far, so good. You can probably send it to your friend now," he stated, and he did not miss how Baji's features lit up. He could swear he saw the sun, eye to eye. 

"Really? Man, I'm excited to send this to Kazu." 

"It must be a relief for him to see how much your writing improves," Chifuyu whispered, looking away from the literal sunshine beside him. 

"Thanks, Chifuyu! You're a great help. I'll be going now!" he said while the bell rings indicating the end of an hour and a half lunchtime. Before Chifuyu could say anything, Baji's back turned to him, immediately dismissing the blonde's presence. 

Once again, Chifuyu could only sigh and walk to go back to his classes. 

By the time he made it to his classroom, the class was rowdier than usual. Rumors from left to right, constant bantering, and flying papers revolve around the room. Confused, Chifuyu makes his way to his seat. He wonders what could be the cause responsible for this chaos. 

"There you are, Chifuyu!" one of his classmates, and almost everyone's attention went to look at him. This sudden action caught him off-guard, thinking that he did not cause any fighting at the moment. 

The silence almost killed him, but then they immediately tackled him. Bombarding him with questions about a certain black-haired man. Chifuyu could only pick up few words from the interrogating crowd, so he shouts as loud as he can. The crowd's rowdiness went to a halt, intimidated with him since he's a delinquent after all. 

"What the fuck do you want?" he questioned, evident annoyance in his voice. 

"We saw you came from the rooftop, the same place the rumored guy went," his classmate uttered in fear, "So, did you talk to him?" 

"Who the fuck is the rumored guy?" Chifuyu continued, mind still filled with confusion. One classmate attempted to get close to him, probably whispering his answer.

"Baji Keisuke, the one who came from the juvenile." 

Chapter Text

Chifuyu's ears rang by the sudden name, surprised at the revelations whispered to his ears. The idea of juvenile never passed his mind as he wondered who Baji Keisuke is. However, now that it is mention, Chifuyu could agree and see Baji spending his time in a juvenile. 

That was the reason that dumbass had problems writing characters, he thought to himself. 

"Now, what did you say?" he asked, trying to get some clarifications. His classmate can only comply, fueled by fear. 

"Baji Keisuke, the student that transferred last week, is rumored to be the kid that spent a year in juvenile." his classmate said without any plans of annoying Chifuyu further. Chifuyu clicked his tongue at the news. 

He did get his peaceful rest in exchange for such rowdiness. He kicked his desk, gathering the attention of his classmates. 

"We talked about nothing, and I didn't even get to see who that motherfucker is. I just spent my time sleeping there. Now, are all of you satisfied? Get the fuck out of my face." he harshly spat, feeling a familiar headache attempting to resurface. His classmates, somewhat satisfied with his answer, one by one started dissipating from his seat. 

Considering their age and situation, Chifuyu could only agree that coming to school after a juvenile is a big talk around the campus. Not that it bothers him, given that he's familiar with violence and the consequences that you can gain from it. 

Chifuyu concluded two things: 1) Baji was a member of a gang, or 2) he is just a problem child.  

The day ended with rumors going around that Chifuyu befriended that ebony male, and Chifuyu paid no heed to such groundless rumors. He believes that it will eventually die down. Chifuyu only wishes to go home, study, and do whatever he wants. But, something about the black-haired guy seems to occupy the crevices of his thoughts.

But fate must be a fucking clown to Chifuyu. On his way home, a couple of men from what he deduced as a gang awaits his arrival. It must be an act of revenge from a delinquent upperclassman that he'd beaten to a pulp. Chifuyu pays attention to people worthy of his respect, and that man is far from getting even an ounce of it. 

"Yo, Matsuno!" one of them called, "This guy is the boss of the biker gang named Mandala! You messed with us, so now your life is over!" his do-called upperclassmen claimed, chest popping out with pride. 

Chifuyu wonders if it's the right time for his senpai to be popping out with pride when he needs a backup to beat Chifuyu. 

He just displayed his patheticness, and he's prouder than anyone here, he thought. 

"You think you can get away after you messed with one of my underlings?" the boss claimed, asserting some dominance, "I'm gonna beat some-" Chifuyu didn't even bother letting the guy finish when he heads butt him. Taken aback, the boss could only hold his nose. 

"You-" 

"Oh, sorry. I was trying to bow down. You know, pay my fucking respect." Chifuyu said, his voice laced with so much provocation. 

"Sending a bunch of lamers to beat one guy? You even pride yourselves as a biker gang." and to that, Chifuyu started attacking his pathetic opponents. 

Minutes passed, and Chifuyu is almost reaching his limits. How can he even fight with twenty guys ganging upon him? His headache finally resurfaced, and he cursed any God that exists in this universe. 

Fucking great, he thought, feeling pathetic for letting such bastards win. 

"Now, how about we split your skull wide open, eh?" the boss threatened, carrying a mop on his hand. Chifuyu's mind starts rampaging with panic and thought of how low can these motherfuckers can go. 

"Gathering a bunch of men and carrying a weapon to beat one guy? You, guys, are so pathetic." A voice behind all of them said as eyes fell on a certain tall stature. In a spur of a second, Mandala's boss has taken hold of Baji's collar. Dismissing the gang's presence, Baji glances in the blonde's direction.

"Hey, Chifuyu! I finally sent the letter!" he claimed like a dog in front of its owner. Chifuyu can only stare at his carefree spirit again, and no thoughts even bothered popping out his throbbing head.

"Thanks, man." he genuinely said, "Now, would you mind letting me join?" Baji asked, acknowledging the annoyed man holding his collar. Before anyone could utter a word, the image of the boss' face meeting the wall flashed before them.

"First Division Captain of Tokyo Manji Gang," the ebony man trailed off, 

"Baji Keisuke." 

And, with that, Chifuyu swears everyone's life flashed before their eyes. 

Chapter Text

Blood splatters along with several unconscious bodies littered the alleyway. Baji stood tall among the knocked-out men of Mandala, not even breaking a sweat after fighting a bunch of useless goons. Chifuyu, with wide eyes, admired the scene before him.

It must be an exaggeration to say, but Chifuyu can say that Baji looked ethereal at that moment. A man who is worthy of respect and admiration.

Damn, he's so cool, Chifuyu thought to himself.

"Then, Chifuyu." Baji trailed off,

"Do you like some Peyoung Yakisoba?"

"Y...Yes!" Chifuyu answered with all due respect towards the man that single-handedly saved his life. Chifuyu's bugging thoughts about this man suddenly dissipate his mind and are replaced with admiration and respect.

"Let's go to my place, then!" He offered to the latter, to which Chifuyu can only agree. How could other students taint Baji's name, and Baji not even saying anything about it? Chifuyu mentally questioned.

For a delinquent, pride and reputation are considered precious things. That could only mean that this tall man before him could care less about it. As long as he has the power to protect his friends, that is all that matters to Baji.

Chifuyu noticed the familiar walk to his home. Looking up from staring at his feet, he saw his apartment complex.

"Is that apartment building where you live, Baji-san? I also live in that apartment building! I'm on the second floor." Chifuyu claimed enthusiastically, happy that he finally had someone to hang around it.

"That's cool, man! I live on the fifth floor!" Baji said with the same energy as the latter, excited to be near his newfound friend.

Arriving at his place, Baji offered Chifuyu his unexpectedly normal room. Chifuyu thought of something edgier than what he displays, but looking at Baji's poindexter style, he never questioned it again. He decided to sit and observe the odd things that Baji had.

Baji's room consisted of a shelf full of manga, a collection of pictorial books such as National Geographic, stuff for cats, and weights that rest in the corner. His martial arts uniform and gang uniform hanging on the side did not go unseen by the blonde kid. With that, Chifuyu concluded that Baji is way cooler than any delinquent he encountered.

"Hey, we only got one Peyoung. Would you mind if we share it again?" Baji asked, surprising the observing lad. Chifuyu cleared his throat because he could swear his heart jumped out of his throat the moment Baji opened the door.

"You can take it," Chifuyu told him, "I'm all fine," he assured,

"Are you sure?" Baji asked, concerned about his beaten-up friend. Chifuyu nods in response. Baji immediately took off after the blonde's answer and came back with his yakisoba together with other stuff.

The scent of alcohol whips through the air as Baji opened the medical kit. He took out several bandages and antiseptics. Chifuyu wonders why Baji had it, staring at his skillful hands preparing the ointments.

"Here," Baji said, offering the bandages to the bruised blonde, "Clean your wounds,"

"No, I'm fine-" the bruised lad's refusal muffled by the alcohol shoved in his face. Chifuyu swats it out and throws it at Baji.

"I said I'm fine, Baji-san."

"Your face says otherwise,"

"Please, listen-"

"Take it, dumbass. Don't you see how bruised your face is?" Baji questioned, annoyed at the fact that Chifuyu continues refusing his offers. Standing up, he took the mirror from his study desk and put it in front of Chifuyu.

Chifuyu immediately felt sorry for his face. A black eye, busted lips, and cuts that littered his cheeks decorated his face. Somehow, Chifuyu felt ashamed. He let those bastards beat him up to this sorry state.

If I was only strong enough, he thought to himself.

"See that? You're not okay like you said," Baji scold the younger, offering him again the alcohol.

"But, you look cool with all that bruises," Baji whispered, embarrassed about what he said. Red tinted Chifuyu's face at the sudden confession of the black-haired guy, a foreign feeling of giddy blossoms in him.

"Damn, you know how to stir people up," Chifuyu said and started tending his wounds. Stinging pain soon wraps his senses as soon as the antiseptic solution met his wounds. Chifuyu admits that he can stand sleep deprivation than the pain of tending his wounds.

"By the way, Baji-san," Chifuyu muttered, eyes still fixated at the mirror as he cleans the cut on his lips. Baji hum in response, eating his yakisoba in silence.

"The black jacket on the side is that your-" interrupted by the sudden tackle of the older guy, Chifuyu caught himself locked in Baji's arms. A wide grin is evident on his face, proud that Chifuyu noticed his uniform.

"Yeah, that's my uniform. It's so cool, isn't it? Mitsuya designed that uniform for us," he claimed enthusiastically, reminding Chifuyu of his current headache. Baji's carefreeness is contagious enough to whoever is near, but in Chifuyu's state, it could be the cause of his death.

"Yes, your uniform is cool," Chifuyu said, trying to get away from the thrilled man, "Can you let go of my head now? I still need to clean my wounds," he begged, and Baji let him go. The older one muttered an apology about his sudden actions, and Chifuyu only dismissed him by continuing his activities.

"Tokyo Manji, was it?" he asked, and Baji nods.

"How about you, Chifuyu? Are you in a gang or something?" Baji questioned, going back to his unattended yakisoba.

"I'm not a part of a gang," the blonde answered, "I'm just your typical delinquent," he added while adding a bandage on his forehead. Baji hesitantly nods to Chifuyu's answer, thinking that there could be more to his yellow-fried hair.

"Oh, right," Chifuyu said, breaking Baji from his thoughts.

"What?" he asked, staring at Chifuyu as he cleans himself after tending to his wounded face.

"About the Kazutora guy, are you guys in the same gang?" Chifuyu questioned, curious about him since the latter did nothing but spat his name multiple times.

Baji smirked.

"Yeah, we are," he said, putting down his container of yakisoba,

"Kazutora is an important friend of mine,"

Chapter Text

"An important friend, huh," Chifuyu trailed off, finishing the last bandage on his face. Baji looked at him suspiciously as if he's trying to see if the latter is mocking him or not.

"Yeah, I told you he was one of my ride or die!" Baji claimed, popping his chest with pride. Chifuyu chuckled at the stupid display of pride, earning another object thrown at him.

"Why are you laughing? How dare you belittle Kazutora!"

"I'm not laughing at Kazutora," The blonde answered, "I'm laughing at you, Baji-san," he added and continues to laugh at his friend.

Baji would be one of those sentimental dramatic guys in movies. Chifuyu finds it fitting altogether with his poindexter style, and the latter laughs at the thought.

"Of course, you would be a sentimental guy," Chifuyu claimed, stifling his laugh at the image he created in his mind.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Baji questioned, tilting his head in confusion.

"That you look stupid," the blonde kid said, mocking the older one, and now they're chasing one another in the confined space of Baji's room.

Tired from their banter, they decided to sit, and silence fell between them. Chifuyu was thankful the rowdiness cease. The one thing he needs right now is silence since his head starts aching again. Cursing to himself, Chifuyu can only do what he is currently doing.

"You are cool, Chifuyu," Baji finally breaks the silence, finishing the last bites of his yakisoba. Surprised, Chifuyu stop from staring at the mirror.

"What did you say?" he asked, red tinting his face again. He gulped the imaginary lump on his throat, flustered at what the lad said.

"You're cool," Baji repeated, eyes boring Chifuyu's forehead.

"What the fuck?" Flabbergasted, Chifuyu stops at his actions and looks at Baji. Just how many times will this person surprise Chifuyu? With Baji, he realized he has no stale moment. Everything is so unexpected that Chifuyu needs mental preparation with Baji's boldness.

"Because I saw you put up a fight against those Mandala guys," Baji confessed, looking at Chifuyu. "And, I never beat around the bushes, so I said what I said."

"Well, you're way cooler than I am. You knocked the air out of those Mandala goons," Chifuyu admitted, comparing his and Baji's difference in fighting.

"If I was cool, I shouldn't have lost that fight." He said, feeling ashamed from earlier. Baji throws the yakisoba container at Chifuyu, annoyed at the latter's words.

"Can you stop throwing things at me like a child in a tantrum?" Chifuyu yelled, rubbing the part that hits the container. Baji huffed like an upset child to its parent, earning a couple of curses from the blonde kid.

"By the way, Chifuyu, can I ask you something?" Baji asked with concern plastered on his face. Suddenly changing the topic as if he wasn't neck-on-neck with the blonde lad earlier. Chifuyu blinked at him, curious about what can be Baji's question is.

"You have pale skin, you have a pile of bags under your eye, and you look like you came straight out of the walking dead," Baji trailed off, listing Chifuyu's noticeable features,

"Are you sure you're sleeping fine?"

"Baji-san, do you want to find out?" Chifuyu questioned seriously which Baji nervously chuckled. His eyes wandered the confined space, afraid that he stepped on a sensitive topic about the blonde kid.

"Oh, sorry. It's just that it's been bugging me since-" Baji's excuse was interrupted by Chifuyu's laugh, wondering what's so funny about the thing he said.

Questions like that no longer bother Chifuyu, given that he looked like that since he was a child. However, he finds it funny that people asked about it from time to time. He wondered if he looks so much alike with zombies from the mentioned TV show.

"I looked like this since I was a child, so don't even bother worrying about something so shallow," he answered, dismissing the fact that he's been neglecting his sleep. Baji frowned, not convinced by Chifuyu's answer, but he never questioned it again.

He respects Chifuyu's boundaries. If his friend doesn't want to talk about it, then he'll accept that choice.

"If you want to capture this moment, I can give you some good cameras," Chifuyu said, copying what Baji told him. Surprised at Chifuyu's boldness, Baji could only smirk to the latter.

"You like me, huh?" he teased,

"Oh wow, fuck you," Chifuyu sassed, "where did you even get the fucking idea?" he questioned, trying to push Baji off the high pedestal he put himself. Baji's laugh filled the room, and Chifuyu sighed.

Baji-san is so carefree, and it might take five years of my life span, Chifuyu mentally notes to himself.

"Well, if that's what you said, then that's it," Baji agreed, going back to his seat.

Night fell, and Chifuyu decided to go back home. Finally, arriving at his room, Chifuyu flop himself to his soft bed. His cat welcomed him with a purr, rubbing its head on Chifuyu's shoulder, which he adored. He offered his arms for his pet to cuddle with, and they lay in his bed in silence. 

"He's an interesting person, Peke J."

Chapter Text

Weeks had passed since Baji saved Chifuyu's life. Chifuyu learned many things from the infamous kid that got himself in a juvenile for a year. Chifuyu noticed certain mannerisms of the lad, like how he almost lick the last bit of the yakisoba from the container or when how often he lost his hair ties.

Chifuyu also learned about the Tokyo Manji Gang. He almost knew them like the back of his hand just by how often Baji would tell him stories about them. He heard about the Invincible Mikey that turns out to be one of his childhood friends, much to Chifuyu's surprise, and promised him to introduce them once they got the chance.

The rumor that spreads, like a wildfire, immediately died down after weeks, and Chifuyu thanks God for keeping things low. The blonde had enough stuff on his plate to even entertain made-up dramas.

However, along with the current events, it did not help Chifuyu's problem with sleeping. The blonde kid finds it harder to sleep, his mind bugging him with gruesome thoughts. Dark bodies started appearing at the corner of his room, together with their scratchy noise.

The dark hallucinations started manifesting in Chifuyu's mind. Every night before everyone goes to sleep, different anonymous figures stayed in his room. Sitting beside him, laying down at his feet, appearing behind him, or bang his window. Millions of things happened in his room, and Chifuyu can't do anything but watch in horror.

This night, the latter can hear their petite arms violently knocks on his window sill and their voices that sang endless songs of horror. His fear began as small as a seedling in a forest, but now Chifuyu can say that it's as big as the forest.

His tired body, distracted mind, and constant headache stop him from doing his daily tasks. It made Chifuyu hyperaware of his surroundings, usually going on a defensive mode when someone tried something suspicious near his perimeter. His actions caused everyone to fear going near him, afraid of what he could do to them.

His friends noticed this but didn't bother helping the latter since they thought it's nothing new. Baji, on the other hand, tried his best to help him. It became a routine, Baji knocking on his door with a bag of essential oils in hand. He even told the man to stop sending him oils since bottles after bottles started piling up in the corner of his room.

The ebony-locked guy only dismissed his request and continues sending him stuff that helps with sleep. Baji also recommended Chifuyu spend the lunchtime at the rooftop and sleep while the latter study. The blonde kid agrees with his suggestion.

"Well, are you fine there?" Baji asked, turning the page on his textbook. They're in the corner where they met since Baji said that Chifuyu slept there peacefully before. Chifuyu turned his body to look at the man beside him, eye boring to the black-haired guy.

"How do you expect me to sleep in this kind of situation?" Chifuyu said, disinterest lacing his voice. He is currently lying in a made-up hammock that he didn't know where Baji got, curious about how the latter installed the poles that support the whole thing.

"Man, is it helping you or not?" Baji questioned, dismissing Chifuyu's disinterest,

"I read on an article hammocks creating that comfort feeling like a baby in the womb," he added, eyes still fixated on the textbook in hands.

Annoyed, Chifuyu threw himself out of the hammock. He huffed as his blood boil at the stupid idea Baji came up with. He darts his finger on Baji's forehead and shouts a bunch of curses.

"Did you finally use the essential oil I bought last night?" Baji questioned, not even bothered at how mad the blonde kid is. His thick glasses stared into Chifuyu's soul, and it immediately shuts him up.

"Yeah, I have it right now," Chifuyu answered, taking it out of his pocket. It's the fifth bootle for this week, and Baji is far from stopping. He always made sure that Chifuyu used them when the latter had a headache or trying to sleep.

"Good, if you feel a headache then-"

"Can we take a breather? It hurts my head," Chifuyu questioned, pinching the bridge of his nose, trying to calm down the throbbing pain in his head. Before Baji could say a thing, Chifuyu interrupted him.

"But, I appreciate the thought," he trailed off, "I am just shocked that you even installed this," he mumbled, sitting beside Baji. Feeling lightheaded than before, he clicked his tongue. Baji noticed this and offered him tea that's been sitting in his bag.

"Here, it's chamomile tea. I've read on the internet that it's good, so I prepared it early in the morning." Baji said, shoving the hot drink on Chifuyu's face. His face shows no hint of joking around, serious about helping Chifuyu.

"Why are you doing this?" Chifuyu whispered, taking the hot drink from his friend's hands.

"What did you say?" Baji asked, muttering a small apology for not listening to what he said.

"I'm asking why are you doing this? Aren't you bothered?" Chifuyu repeated with desperation thick in his voice. He feels sorry for his friend, putting up with him because he can't sleep. In this kind of moment, Chifuyu feels pathetic.

"Chin up, Chifuyu," Baji claimed, "Your tea won't drink itself, so bottoms up," he continued, putting his hand on the latter's shoulder. Surprised by this, Chifuyu lifted his head and looked at him

"Didn't you hear me? I said-"

"My ears are working just fine, dumbass," The man scoffed, flicking Chifuyu's forehead."It's not a bother when you're trying to help a friend in need," he continued, smiling at Chifuyu's tired features.

Chifuyu swears that if Baji didn't replace the sun anytime soon, Chifuyu would gladly do it. Baji's uniqueness radiates him effortlessly, infecting everything that he touches. Baji is the opposite of the night in Chifuyu's head. He offered nothing but warmth, radiance, and sincerity from the day they met.

"You gotta drink it before it gets cold, then you can try sleeping." He said and went back to reading his textbooks.

Like the tea in his hands, warmth envelopes his chest going throughout his body. Chifuyu did nothing but bawl his eyes out.

Chifuyu's eyelids slowly opened themselves, adjusting to the bright light of the afternoon sun. Once his eyes adjust to the light, he thought of an image of Baji sitting by his side, and they will banter as they used.

However, his eyes saw the deep dark horrors of black resembling him of the dark creature. The darkness stares into his soul, eating what's left of Chifuyu's composure.

"Holy fucking shit,"

Chapter Text

Baji was sitting down beside the sleeping Chifuyu, trying to understand the context written in his textbook. He was relieved that after Chifuyu drank the tea he prepared, his tired body decided to rest. 

It's been weeks since they tried testing different solutions that could help Chifuyu's problem. Baji suggested solutions like using a white noise before going to sleep or drinking lettuce water, and he even tried singing the teenager a lullaby which annoyed Chifuyu. 

Unfortunately, none of them worked to favor Chifuyu. Now, the blonde is sleeping peacefully beside him without a care for the world or anyone. However, Baji's mind kept pondering about the reason for Chifuyu's problem. His friend seems to have a healthy relationship with his family, he has a good reputation in and out of school, and he even had a cat (which he adored). 

Chifuyu seems to balance it all out, and he knows the fuck he's doing. That is why Baji couldn't believe that he's been dealing with a sleeping crisis. Frustrated, Baji took his hair out of the ponytail and decided to comb it. A way of destressing for the teenager whenever he felt overwhelmed. 

We really can't judge people based on what they display, he thought, 

Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice Chifuyu woke up, facing his deep dark hair that resembles the teenager's biggest fear. 

And it happened in a blink of an eye. 

The lad frantically moves away, throwing his hands in defense. Panic evident on his pale features while he tried getting away from what could be the potential danger. 

Chifuyu's actions caught Baji off guard, and he tried reaching out for the blonde kid. He tried coaxing him with words, and questions hoping it will ground Chifuyu. His helpless shouts, along with a couple of scratches he earned, echo inside Baji's worried mind.

"Hey, Chifuyu. Man, it's me, Baji." He softly said, repeating his name towards the panicking man. He tried closing their distance, but Chifuyu kept throwing punches. He winced when the younger one hit him on his side and kept swinging in full force. 

"Fucking go! Why are you even here?!" Chifuyu shouts, mind still in dazed of what is happening. He tried standing up, failing to do so given his current state. He did this multiple times, shouting at his legs whenever he falls. 

Baji didn't know what to do, and for the first time, his mind is blank. His feet froze on the concrete floor while his eyes stared at his friend having a panic attack about God knows what. He tried pushing himself forward, trying to overcome the panic. 

Don't be fucking pathetic now, Baji, he thought to himself. 

The older guy desperately clenched his fist until they turned white, a silent prayer to Gods, before stepping forward. 

"Your friend needs you, and it's now or never," Baji assured himself.

While everything is happening, Chifuyu's ears rang while his thoughts remained silent. His dazed state can only sense his tired and aching muscles, wondering if he'll get the rest he had the first time he met Baji. 

Where am I? he questioned, eyes still closed. His senses were on mute, and he can only focus on the muffled but rapid thumping of drums around him.

What am I doing? he still questioned, thinking that he was about wake up and see Baji beside him. His confused mind tried remembering what happened between his sleep and by the time he was about to wake up. 

The rapid thumping gets louder and louder, distracting Chifuyu from his thoughts. 

Such a nuisance, he thought, still trying to remember the current of events. The thumping continues on, and on, and on until an image struck his mind. 

The gruesome image of the night that he geared since he was a child. 

"Hey, man. It's me, Baji." a gentle voice slowly wraps his senses, overlapping with the rapid thumping in his ears. Light starts collecting in one focus, and a blurred image of a person came into view. 

"Baji-san," he mumbled, body adjusting after the shock of a panic attack he had. Slowly, Chifuyu saw Baji's obsidian hues stared into him. Relief washes them with a crystal finish. 

"Finally, you're back," he said, relief evident in his voice, "I thought I lost you for a minute there," Baji laughed as if he wasn't panicking about his friend earlier. Chifuyu tried fixing his posture, taking notes of sore places appearing on his body. 

"What happened?" Chifuyu aksed in his voice, throat scratchy from minutes of shouting. 

"You had a panic attack," Baji answered, 

He helps Chifuyu sit up straight. The aquamarine kid mumbled thanks and proceed to observe the guy. His eyes widen when he saw Baji's distressed clothes with few scratches on his arms and face.

Deep and shallow cuts, littering Baji's skin, had blood clots accumulated in them. His uniform had few missing buttons, definitely torn by hand. His hair is not in its neat manner but flowing beautifully against the mercy of the sun. His face also had some bruises and cuts.

If Chifuyu's feelings of resentment can go any further, he would gladly take and claim it. 

"I did that, didn't I?"

Chapter Text

It's been five days since Chifuyu had a panic attack, and his mind still can't remember what happened during his episode. He's scared to hurt the person who showed him nothing but care again. 

He blamed himself for letting things like that happen, but moments when he saw his biggest fear staring back at him, he completely lost any composure left in him. 

Other than drowning in his resentment, Chifuyu spends less and less time sleeping. He wonders if sleep will serve him in his favor. His mind runs tirelessly while his body begs him to rest, but the blonde refused. He refused even to let himself rest for what he did, calling it a punishment. 

A knocked on his door caught his attention, breaking him away from his bashful thoughts. Chifuyu can only stare at the door from his bed, too tired to move his aching muscle. His puffy eyes lifelessly linger on the door, hoping that his mother opened it for him already.

"Chifuyu," his mother's soft voice felt like a velvet blanket on his throbbing head, "Son, I know you're in there." her voice cracking up with worry and concern, further feeding Chifuyu's dilemma. 

Don't cry for me, mom, he thought, biting his bottom lip. 

"It's been days since you went out of your room," she trailed off, taking deep breaths to keep her composure, "Did something happened?" 

Chifuyu's mind immediately went to a certain thicked-glasses lad. 

"I'm," he tried speaking, but the attempt scratched his parched throat, and it hurts Chifuyu in the process. His hands reached for his throat, trying to ease its pain. 

"Your friend kept visiting you every night," his ears perked up with the sudden mention, lifting his head to listen attentively. 

"He said you liked this lavender essential oil the most, and chamomile tea helped you sleep last time."

Those words hit him like a bucket of cold water in the middle of winter. Baji did that and still doing that. Even after Chifuyu's episode, he did not hesitate to come every night and bring him his essential oil. Chifuyu wondered what he did to gain someone like Baji, questioning every possible thought about the lad in his mind. 

In that night, Chifuyu felt crying. His body, tired from days of no rest, finally gave him its last energy to express his built-up emotion. 

"Mom," his hoarse voice speaks through, hoping it reaches its mom's ears. 

"I met a weird person," 

_____________________

His door opened, the soft sliding sound caught the blonde's attention. His mind stops from whatever scenario it's playing and waits for whoever to speak. He heard objects that littered his room move, followed by a thump behind him. The room stood still as two bodies refused to break the silence until Baji decided to speak. 

"Hey, dude," a familiar deep gentle voice said behind him, dipping on the edge of Chifuyu's futon. He wanted to say something or anything to his visitor, but his body won't listen to his pleas. So, Chifuyu can only listen as Baji speaks to him.

"Your mom knocked on our door, close to crying," he told him, eyes glancing at the cocoon of blankets beside him. Baji didn't mind if Chifuyu wouldn't answer, seeing his friend okay is enough answer for him.

"She said that I have to come and coax you out there,"

Baji thought that the latter might beat himself with what happened the other day, seeing how devastated he was when he saw Baji's state. Baji tried assuring Chifuyu that it was nothing, and he didn't mind it since the boy needed help during that time. But, Chifuyu immediately went home and locked himself up from that point on.

When he noticed Chifuyu's sudden disappearance, he did not waste any time and visited his place. He thanks God that they live in the same apartment complex, taking out the problem of wasted time. Every night Baji tried handing essential oils to Chifuyu's mom, asking questions about his friend's wellbeing.

He also tried asking Chifuyu's mom to tell him that he is fine, and the blonde teen has nothing to worry about him. 

Now, sitting beside his tired friend, Baji wants Chifuyu to know that he wants to help him. The man knows that what happened is out of their control, and Chifuyu did nothing wrong.  It frustrated him how the teen beat himself up over something he couldn't control. 

"I'm," Chifuyu's hoarse voice cracked as he desperately tried to speak to the man,

"I'm a mess right now. Please leave."

Further encaging himself to the confinements of his blanket, Chifuyu shamefully hides. He wants to end the conversation and be left with nothing but the comfort of his thoughts again. When he thought Baji left—having enough of his pathetic self, but his laughter exploded the whole room.

"Man, you're funny," he claimed, wiping the tears formed in his eyes.

"I'm not the type of person who will leave their friend at their lowest point, and you better remember that."

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

"What?" eyes set on the man, tilting his head.

Baji's cheeks bloom into those of bundles of roses, hiding under his translucent skin. His adam's apple bobbed up as he adjusts the collar of his shirt, eyes wandering anywhere but the boy in front of him.

Why the fuck did I tell him that? He questioned, mentally punching himself, blaming it on the tremors of synapses in his brain like he suddenly created electricity.

"I want you to join Toman, Chifuyu," he said, voice faltered yet unwavering.

Giving it another thought, Baji could picture the latter joining Toman. His perseverance is a point, and strength only comes second when it comes to Toman. Like a pack of wolves, they stand as a group and never as one, priding themselves to protect and help each other.

"Are you joking?" He asked, "That's stupid, Baji-san," turning to his cat with eyes casting an emotion that the black-haired man couldn't decipher but immediately understood his boundaries.

Convincing a man is a thing Baji has done, but never to a turtle hiding in its shell. He might be etching words on a rock with the actions he took but is willing to do so if it is to win the boy's favor.

"They don't need me, Baji-san," Chifuyu said, "This is a stupid idea,"

"Tokyo Manji is my pride, you know," he said, a small smile adorning his face, "And they will continue to be," tables have turned, and attention served a plate in front of him.

"You know the reason why I got held back?" he asked, expecting an answer. But, considering Chifuyu's widened eyes and eager ears, the answer won't probably come to appease him. 

"An accident," he said, "Causing death," 

The memories were still fresh as a newly released movie, vibrant and vivid in the expanses of his mind. He could still smell the crude oil mixing with blood and the tingling in his hand when he saw the lifeless eyes staring into his soul.

"It wasn't in the plan, and everything happened so fast," he said, "It was a theft at first, stealing and whatnot," shrugging off the idea of theft casually, maybe too casual to his liking.

"It's should be a gift for Mikey's upcoming birthday,"

Minutes had passed, and the infant of silence turned into an adult in the four-cornered room. Shock lingers through the air, thick and tense on the bumps of their skin. No one dared to say a word or at least break from the thoughts of their mind.

"No matter what we did," Baji said, breaking Chifuyu from his thoughts, "Toman is still my home,"

"I'll let you meet them," he said, standing up to dust himself. He walks to the door, but a halting before twisting the doorknob in hand.

"Three days from now, we'll see Toman."

____________________

Three days have passed, school is the same as how Chifuyu left it. A whole zoo, in his opinion. Sticky bodies stuck together with the humidity of upcoming summer—causing his fried yellow hair sticks up, and the air trailed a scent of dryness and sweat from its active students. Voices fill the halls like a bunch of messed-up choir singing the inaudible sounds of merry. A whole zoo, indeed.

But the faux blonde prefers it rather than invasive mouths in his face, running to ask how he's been or where did he go, pleased by the idea that he became invisible to their eyes, resembling a ghost, feasting on the entertaining show his classmates' display. But, his mind wanders still on the inevitable end he had to meet.

Meeting Tokyo Manji.

"I told you, Mikey wouldn't even mind if you join," Baji said, flying spits were sticking to the latter's face.

The smell of eggs, marinated meat, and room temperature rice hog their noses as the two eat atop the school. The blare of the sun glints to their eyes, and the air was stagnant, suffocating in their throat. The unending spiral of words coming out of Baji's mouth fell on a deaf ear, which Chifuyu learned to master. If you can't stop the annoying whirring outside, you can endure, or so he said.

"Am I talking to you or the wall?" The black-haired man asked, raising an eyebrow.

A halt in Chifuyu's regard to his food and sigh, "Wait for it to answer, and you'll be best friends,"

"You're cruel,"

"Thanks,"

"Chifuyu-"

"I'm leaving. I've lost my appetite," Chifuyu said, organizing his bento box, and stood up to dust himself. A huff escaped his mouth before glancing at the man and started walking.

"Hey, are you-"

"You're a bastard," Stopping his tracks to gape upon the surprised lad. Chifuyu's lips were eager to move upward and sing  bubbles of laughter, but his feet move faster as they hurriedly thump on the concrete floor, tackling his friend in a chokehold.

Swirls of giggles and curses dance the ebony male's lips, sweet and tangy to his mouth while locked in the arms of the small guy.

"Then, let me treat you," he said,

"Where?" Chifuyu asked, judging eyes darted on him.

Chifuyu should have known better at the offer laid on the table. He should have been suspicious about the latter's actions. Face scrunching up and pinching his nose to ease any pending aches in his head. He should have expected it, but he could only curse himself for being naive.

The pungent smell of old wood and fresh air lulls his senses. The empty hollow darkness inside of the shrine ensues a rattle to his little heart resembling the hanging bells dancing through the gentle breeze of the wind. He gaped on the tall woods, dull and dim despite the harsh rays of the sun.

Baji brought him to Tokyo Manji's meeting place.

Chapter Text

If sleep deprivation wouldn't decrease his lifespan, the blond boy is sure that Baji would. At that moment, Chifuyu turned into an ostrich, hands collected to his face, burrowing into the void he created himself. An attempt to hide his skin flushed with the idea of meeting two of Tokyo Manji's founding members. 

"You will be the death of me, Baji, you know that?" There was a crack in his voice, a falter, indicating his predicament, but the boy standing beside him could only laugh. A shameless act of mocking the latter's state 

"I know that," Baji sassed, "And, I'll be glad to cause your death," winking at him that didn't help his situation. 

"Fucking die in my place, then! I told you, I'm not joining." Chifuyu said, standing up with force. 

"No, I am not here to convince you to join anymore," Baji answered, eyes gleaming with pride, "I said I want you to meet Toman," 

Amongst the greenery, a mop of yellow hair bounced from their field of vision. Their steps matched the pounding heart encaged in Chifuyu's chest, and loud it was. It was deafening his ears, to be exact. It was the upcoming summer, humid and dry, but his muscles froze over like a lake in the mid-winter. 

A guy with hair long blonde hair walks, which he assumed as Mikey, casually with skips on his step while still holding an air that would cause you to suffocate. The tall man beside him, whom he guessed as Draken, nonchalantly walks beside Mikey with evident boredom and disinterest plastered his face. 

These people are Baji-san's friends, and they're so fucking cool, he thought to himself, trying his best to hide the jitters in his knees. 

His friend took a step, and a two, waving his hand to the visitors, "Yo, Mikey! Draken!" 

They are puzzle pieces molding to each other, fitting like they do all the time. It is a show worth gaping up for, where your eyes would glow and mesmerized their divine mercy. It is an exaggeration, Chifuyu agrees to for the first time in his life. However, Baji stood out in the picture of three, his luscious hair whips diverting attention to him. His face glows despite the dull atmosphere around the place, like the sun he usually displays. 

So this is Baji-san when he's in a gang, Chifuyu thought, admiring the trio from the sidelines.

"So, who's the bastard you wants us to see?" A deep voice said to what he can assume Draken, standing with the pride of being the tallest among the three guys. 

"Is that the Chifuyu guy?" pointing in his direction, Mikey's eyes bore into his soul. His eyes were an abyss you would not dare to stare at, afraid it would consume you whole without reluctance, and Chifuyu fell victim to its advances.

"You scared him, bastards," Baji said, breaking the silence that blanketed them. Hands were hot with friction as they met the heads of the mischievous duo.

"This is Chifuyu Matsuno. A delinquent in our school and a pretty strong dude."

"Eh? Looks dead," Mikey said with a voice so monotonous, you would practically beg for an ounce of emotion. If he had some, of course. 

"Oh, yeah. I haven't been sleeping recently," Chifuyu said, deflated at the stinging criticism darted to his body. 

"Man, I thought you were going for an emo look," Draken said, scratching the naked skin on the back of his head. 

Is this the evaluation? he wondered if they are plotting something against his back or came here to mock him and his figure. His heart sank to the idea he can't fathom, standing there like a child lost with strangers minding their business. But, a slap reached his ears, popping his bubble with the scene before him.

The mop of black hair was on the ground, making noises to that of a broken record. Baji clutched his hands to the affected area while staring up at the small blonde guy standing beside him with hands in his pocket. Laugh fills the air with lightness as they watch the ebony male curse in pain.

Walking up to aid his dying friend, he asks questions about needing ice or leaving him be. He tried helping him stand, but the latter's knocking knees and pained grunts might give Chifuyu an option of calling the ambulance. 

"What happened?" he asked, 

"Don't even ask about it," 

"Let's go, Kenchin. I want to eat Dorayaki," Mikey said, turning around to walk away from the scene he created. His ears would feign ignorance to the boy calling him, words asking how he could betray such an old friend. 

"Wait, is that it? Aren't you evaluating me?" He questioned, looking at Mikey's back walks away. 

The latter stops in his tracks and looks back to meet his confused eyes.

"When Baji said you're strong, then you're strong."

_______________________

"There's no fucking way they just accepted me," Chifuyu said under his breath. 

The jitters of the aftermath of their meeting still linger on his body, electrifying his senses. His legs bob restlessly on the metal floor, and he felt every bump on the tracks the train passes by. His eyes glimmer under the fluorescent lights and dilated pupils with delight.

"You were scared out of your wits for nothing," bubbling chuckles on his throat when he remembered Chifuyu's face like a deer caught in a headlight, "You were so close to pissing yourself," 

"Said the one who needs ice on his balls," Chifuyu sassed, earning a scoff from the injured guy. 

His skin tinted with red, Baji scoffed, "But, I told you they don't mind it." he said, patting the blonde's head, "You should see your face. It was so hilarious." 

Initially, Chifuyu thought that meeting them would result in a fistfight. The fight would have ended before it began, and he sees nothing more plausible outcome than that reality happening.

"From this day on, Chifuyu. You're a member of Tokyo Manji and my vice-captain." Baji said,

At that moment, somehow, Chifuyu felt proud of himself.

Chapter Text

After his brief ordeal with Toman, Chifuyu is now an official member, under Baji's wing, as vice-captain of the first division of Tokyo Manji. His meeting with other members of Toman was a rollercoaster, unexpectedly this time, Baji wasn't the cause of chaos. He thought their meeting would be blood dripping from a busted lip and swollen knuckles, but it was more of a convenience store invasion, midnight strolls, and riding motorcycles at sunset. 

The more time he spent with them, learning their nature, Tokyo Manji isn't just a mere show of power.

On the other hand, Chifuyu can say that his sleep improved. Constant visits and wacky suggestions from the long-haired lad were helpful as much as he didn't expect it. The dread of lingering dark bodies that appear at night no longer races his heart, finding solace in them when he noticed a resemblance to a man with luscious dark hair. 

A journal was kept at the corner of his desk, a gift from Baji, or so he says. He recommended journaling the latter's emotions and thoughts, an indirect weapon for fighting his demise. Accidentally, it became a routine. 

The autumn came by, and the blonde didn't notice the filled blank space of the journal piles halfway through. 

The sound of scattered dead leaves under his feet was music to his ears. Chifuyu was delighted that his friend, autumn, has come to visit. He loves the earthy smell of leaves and soil dancing in his nostrils and the vibrant colors of red, orange, and yellow amusing in his eyes. Other than delight, Chifuyu feels livelier than usual, guessing that autumn might influence him or that he's doing well in school. 

No, everything feels better, Chifuyu thought to himself as he walks with a skip on his steps.

Indeed, everything feels better. Five months ago, Chifuyu wasn't indifferent to that of a turtle, shy, scared, and hiding, never picturing himself to be the boy he is today. And, he swears gratitude to his friend who had done nothing but help him with his dilemma. He could never wish for anything more than this moment he's living.

"Chifuyu!" a familiar deep voice calls to him, knowing it was none other than the ball of chaos named Baji Keisuke, grinning that it exposes his canine. "Such an early bird, I see," 

"Yeah, too early to handle your bullshit," Chifuyu said, waiting for his friend to catch up. 

Baji acted like a stabbed man, grunting, "You've hurt me, Chifuyu,"

You've hurt me, Chifuyu. 

Baji's words reverberated in his head while he stood at the cashier, waiting for the ecstatic lad to get his favorite treat. Believe it or not, Chifuyu is also baffled by how they went from the sidewalk to the premise of a local convenience store. His aquamarine could see the whole area and the boy jumping on his spot, deciding what variety of yakisoba they should eat.

At one glance, no one will expect the man to be a captain of a growing gang. Chifuyu thought that even though they are reckless goons, no one can take away the truth that they're still children. Passionate, living and enjoying their youth as much as they want.

Blood, violence, and pain are a part of life. It is a part of something bigger, and they're just experiencing them while they can.

"Hey," a deep masculine voice broke Chifuyu from his thoughts, 

"The money," he said, anticipating the money to land on his palm. 

Remembering their objective, a soft oh left Chifuyu's lips, and he took the wallet from his bag, giving Baji the exact amount of money needed for the purchased item.

"I'll prepare the food while you look for seats," Baji commands, taking the food in his hand to go on the other side of the store. 

His eyes fixated on the open window located at the back of the store, it was a little dusty, but a view compensates for its ghastly state. Chifuyu's mind was blank, numb other than the buds of emotions blooming from his chest. It felt tighter than usual, near from bursting such funny feelings. 

"You're out of it today, huh?" Baji said, placing the food in front of them, waiting for the noodles to cook.

Chifuyu stared at the steam escaping the uneven lid of the packaging entertained by the dancing smoke, he failed to notice Baji's face scrunching up and hands itching to comb his hair.

"Hey, are you okay?" Baji finally asked, and the latter turns to him. 

"You. You've been silent and watching," Baji answered, opening the lid of the yakisoba to mix the seasonings. Chifuyu watched him intently, either from hunger or plain amusement.

"It's nothing," he said, still enthralled by the yakisoba, "I'm just thinking," Frown adorns the ebony boy's face and stops his mixing the seasoning of the food. 

"Just hearing the word thinking hurts my head already. Tell me, what is it?" Baji said, one brow raised. 

"The light is still yet to come, huh?" Chifuyu muttered, eyes still fixated on the glowing horizon. His hands went to take the yakisoba, mixing and eating it. 

"No, shit Sherlock," he said, hands to his mouth to hide his planned gasp. 

Laughing at his friend's antics, he could only sigh at his stupidity, "I dread the night before, Baji-san," 

"Since I was a child, I was afraid of it,"

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

After his little confession, Chifuyu and Baji became inseparable. Some did assume curd things about them, though it amuses them; it didn't catch their interest. Foul mouths will work, putting acid through their words, said Baji. 

Everything was doing great, or they thought it was until gangs started targetting Tokyo Manji. Morning after morning, news of several beaten-up members reaches every founding member. Mikey doesn't have any clue as to what group had caused the commotion. That is why the gang has decided to investigate before fighting head-on.

The night envelope the sky with stars, putting up a show in front of them. The growl of Baji's engine reverberated along the empty streets of the city, notifying any delinquent of their presence. Mouths shut as they continued the nightly patrol they are assigned, eyeing every corner for potential danger.

"Hey, Baji-san," Chifuyu sat comfortably at the passenger seat, "Don't you think these incidents happened way too many times?"

"I had my suspicions too, Chifuyu," pursing his lips, he turned to glance at the boy, "I'm afraid it's bigger than we think,"

Baji had sensed it, like the calm before the storm, and it is waiting through the cracks of Tokyo Manji. May the damned befall the earth if Baji's suspicions would fit the objectives of these gangs. Tokyo Manji must prepare for the worst to come.

The bustling life inside the school contrasts with the cold morning outside of Tokyo. Chifuyu's scalp itch with annoyance, classrooms are too loud for him today; desires for the ringing in his ears to stop. The motion of today's events was a blur under the gloss of tiredness in his irises.

"Why is the rooftop restricted for the autumn?" Baji stomps his feet in the soil, "Aren't they considerate enough?"

The yakisoba in his hand is already cold, sitting at the back of the school hidden by the tall building of gymnasium. The school administration heightened the security on the prohibited rooftop and locked them for the entirety of autumn to winter.

"It has been like that since the beginning of July, Baji-san," Chifuyu said, eating the cold lunchbox his mom made him.

The unsolicited visit atop the school has been their thing for a while, after Chifuyu's episode. It has become their sanctuary, resting tired bodies and minds, pretending worries didn't exist. They're not gangsters, nor students. They are Chifuyu and Baji, no more than high schoolers and gangsters.

"Yes, I know about that," throwing the empty yakisoba to the ground, "C'mon, man, back me up,"

"Stop giving me that excuse. You know you're dumb,"

"Chifuyu, did you ever consider my feelings?"

"Probably, at some point,"

The dead trees and whirring generators witnessed banters back and forth, silent while the duo ensued chaos. Once the noises died down, Baji sat, and Chifuyu notices the change in the atmosphere. All their liveliness watered down to the worry in mind, a topic they tried avoiding last night.

"So, about last night," Chifuyu cleans himself after finishing his lunch.

"I think other gangs have been desperate to lay their hands on Toman. I know they want to stir a fight between us, but they might plot something bigger,"

Baji has made his point, and it's been weeks since Tokyo Manji's name flew, carrying news of being the strongest and fastest-growing gang in Shibuya. In the same weeks, the appearance of their battered members begun to increase in number.

"To pride themselves strong is one, but what could the other reasons be?" Chifuyu asked, looking at the man who slumped next to him. He clenched his fist in anticipation while he waits for his answer.

"I-" Baji raised his hands in defeat, "I don't know,"

There is one thing that Chifuyu knows his friend couldn't stand: Defeat. A boy as stubborn as Baji would lose his wits if he hit a dead end. Baji doesn't know the reason, and it scares him. Chifuyu is scared of what could their potential opponent is, or if it's coming from the other groups.

"Have you told-"

"Telling Mikey is not an option here."

His voice was firm, a tone Chifuyu never heard before, baffling the boy about his change of mood. There's no hint of the carefree boy or the casual voice uses. Baji sounds like a different person, far too different from what Chifuyu sees.

"Why? Aren't they-" Chifuyu tried collecting his thoughts, though confusion appears on his features.

"I want to protect Toman, including Mikey. It's my choice to deal with this myself," Baji said, eyes holding a flame that seers through Chifuyu.

He sighs and smacks the older boy in the head, "Dumbass, do you want to die?"

"Of course, I don't plan- wait, what?" the speed Baji turned his head almost crack the latter, but he did his best, stifling his laugh.

"Count me in," Chifuyu said, offering his fist in front of his friend.

"No, Chifuyu, this is-" another hand met the long-haired male's head, cursing under his breath,

"This is my choice, too. Count me in."

The boy chuckles and bump the blond's fist with his, "Then, don't die on me, fried hair." 

It might be a little promise for the others, but Chifuyu knows it's more than that. Between him and Baji and the words that left their mouths, it's a pact that put their trust and loyalty in each other.

Chapter Text

"Oh? Yeah, we already took care of them," Mikey answered, unbothered by the two people looming over him.

"What the fuck do you mean you took care of them?" Baji grips both of his arms, shaking him, "Do you know how reckless that is?"

They stood in front of each other, unfazed by their surrounding, carrying gazes with rancid heat. The air between them was electrifying, suffocating to whoever dares to interfere with their conflict. Mikey's demeanor resembles a panther, patiently waiting for Baji to unch, while Baji's burst anger put his rational thoughts to his clenched fist, itching to hit the small male.

"Are you belittling me, Baji?" Mikey grabs Baji's hand holding his collar.

Baji ruffled his hair, taking a deep breath, "No, I am not."

"You got nothing to worry about me, and you know that best,"

Chifuyu stood behind them, frozen in place despite the heat radiating from his commanders. Something pounds in him, the same thing that made Baji's skin flush and clenched his jaw, though he couldn't bring his feet to move forward regardless of the lightness of his shoes. Unlike Baji, who is already head-to-head with their leader. Before the storm rains of blood and bruises, Mikey walks past the taller boy, clearly dictating his disinterest in their interrogation.

"I've got this under control. Trust me as your leader,"

The two spent their walks indulging in Baji's grunts and complaints. Chifuyu's mind ride through trains of thoughts, each having their different point of argument, but there's one thing he can sense in the latter's words: tilted. He was never one to accuse someone, especially someone as genuine as Mikey, but his guts churn to believe his intuition.

"I will continue investigating," matching pace with Chifuyu's slowing feet, Baji sigh into the air.

He turns his head to his friend, raising eyebrows, "Are you a fucking mind reader?"

"Dumbfuck, I don't believe in that," Baji smacks the blond's nape, earning curses.

"I trust Mikey. But, we have to carry our objective and be careful around him," Baji said, increasing his pace, leaving Chifuyu behind.

He watches the lad walk forward, noticing how his shoulders slump almost similar to a salaryman's worn-out shoulder, carrying the world's responsibilities.

"Hey, Baji-san," Chifuyu stops in his tracks, mouth forms ghosts of unspoken words through the air.

"Yeah?" Baji asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Would you like to eat some Peyoung on the rooftop?"

It might be childish—Chifuyu agreed that it is—to offer yakisoba to Baji, but a simpleton like him is easy to please. With money in hand and near a local convenience store, there's nothing better to offer.

"We're going to share it, are we not?" Baji asked, ecstatic on his spot.

"For now, it's fine to have each serving of Peyoung,"

It was at sunset when they reached the rooftop with yakisoba in hand, sitting beside each other, gaping at the view below them. The greenery was dull, like the gray buildings hovering the busy people under, but the vibrant colors of yellow and orange compensate for the lack of colors. The whirls of complementing hues of pink, red, and orange painted the sky.

A deep chuckle reached Chifuyu's ears, turning to gaze upon the man beside him. Baji reflected the soft orange rays of the sunset, shining together with the view atop the building. 

For this moment alone, in Cifuyu's eyes, he is the embodiment of youth.

Is this even real, Chifuyu thought to himself, mentally pinching himself to check if he's dreaming.

 "Man, this made me feel better," Baji took a bit of his yakisoba, humming in delight. 

"Let's forget everything for now," the blond said, drinking his hot cocoa.

There was a pregnant pause between them, though it isn't dense with discomfort and worries. The heavy aftermath of earlier events disappears into the fading daylight, replacing with lightness, one they haven't felt for a while.

"Hey, Chifuyu," Baji called, taking another bite of his food.

Chifuyu turns to him, blinking, "Yes?" 

"This brings me back to the time I asked if I can sit beside you,"

Chapter Text

"Yeah, and how we spent the lunchtime writing your letter, it sure is," Chifuyu teased, unbothered by Baji's protests in his ears. 

"I told you I'm good at it, Chifuyu," he smacks the blond in the head. 

"For someone who almost got himself into a fight, you're pretty sentimental," 

Chifuyu noticed Baji's lips pull upward, and he had it engraved in his mind how his face would light up every time he grins. The way it reaches his eyes, forming into crescent moons, his nose that would lightly scrunch up, small wrinkles on the side of his mouth from how big his smile is, showing his canines.

"I just thought of how far we've come," his hand found its way to the blond's head, roughly patting him, almost smacking his head continuously. 

Chifuyu blinks in his direction, meeting his eyes, "I didn't expect we'll end up this far, but I'm glad we do. And, I'm glad you are here," 

"We still have a lot of time to waste, Baji-san," 

Words after words came out naturally like they were waiting for this moment. Chifuyu's tone was light with appreciation, occasionally interrupted when he tried clearing his throat, carrying moments he cherishes. He was so lost in his world that he didn't notice how Baji's features soften while watching him. 

"I'm proud of you," voice as faint as a whisper, but enough for him to hear. 

His lips quivered, an impending well of tears threatens to escape his eyelids, but Chifuyu immediately took a deep breath to keep himself from bawling. Three words spoken in such a genuine tone is enough to break him into a crying river. 

"We're just starting from here, Chifuyu," he said, offering a grin, "We still have a lot of time to waste, and you're spending it with me," 

"I'm already tired of you, Baji-san," Chifuyu teased, to which he received a playful punch. 

Laughter rings through the air, carrying the bond they exclusively share with the other. Unlike the time spent on the school's rooftop, this time is different for them, holding such fondness that causes their cheeks to bear peaches. From the day they met to dealing with his episodes, and now they're here, atop their apartment building, laughing at each other like a couple of idiots. 

'It feels lighter to step forward now,' Chifuyu thought, walking to stand behind the railings, feeling the rush of wind on his body. 

"Seeing you this alive was worth all the efforts," Baji said, standing up from the floor. 

Chifuyu turned to him, "Indeed, it's all worth it," 

Chifuyu feels infinite. A foreign feeling he hasn't gotten a taste of after living with his night terrors his whole life. He could feel the adrenaline in his veins, delight shines in his eyes, his heart thumps in his ribcage, and there's electricity coursing through his skin. To feel everything with someone, especially with the help of Baji, Chifuyu had an epiphany. 

"Baji-san, thank you." 

"I am grateful for everything, from the very first time we met up to this day. I don't know what we'll face ahead, but I will always be here, just like what you did to me. So, please let me stay by your side." 

Chifuyu tried catching his breath after his speech, feeling like he had run a marathon. He could hear his heart in his ears that he didn't care about his surroundings and could only focus on the boy in front of him. 

"Because of you, I'm infinite," he said, chuckling at his little declaration.

Baji walks forward to stand beside him, opening his arms like he's a man on top of the world. 

"Chifuyu, together, we're infinite,"