Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The air around Takemichi was suffocatingly thick.

Everything around him was in absolute chaos.

Rowdy delinquents were fighting left and right trying to satisfy their twisted feelings of pride to overpower the other.

The battle of the three deities they said?

It was no more than a glorified kid’s brawl than anything.

The only thing is, as immature as they come, they decided to take it too far.

Takemichi could only stare at his friend lying before him.

The aftermath left Draken soaked to the bone in the rain, his body riddled with holes and stained red with his own blood.

Just what fuck was happening?

Grunts and shouts of the commotion behind him fell deaf on his ears

He came back to fix everything right?

Draken tried his best to stay awake, but was over all resigned to his fate

Why was this happening to him?

Was wishing for everyone’s happiness too much to ask?

He couldn’t understand.

Why?

Why?

Why?

Takemitchi wracked his brain for answers. He dwelled into the inner workings of his mind to find out why, but his panic and inner hysteria left him empty handed.

He couldn't process anything anymore.

It was too much even for him.

Takemitchi was helpless against his own despair yet again.

—---------------------------

Draken craned his neck to look at Takemitchy, heaving small shallow breaths.

This was it for him. He was at the end of the line and he knew his time was up.

He thought that Emma would scold him for being so reckless….

Getting himself shot like this in the middle of the street.

It has been two years already, but Draken thought she’d definitely cry over him. But he did not regret his decision. Takemichi saved his life after all, so he supposed it was the right thing to do.

Draken blinked once, twice, his vision was getting blurry.

Memories flashed before his eyes. It was a short yet eventful life, Draken pondered with smile.

His glory days during Toman were the happiest he has ever been.

What he found there was something more than friends.

It was family.

Toman was his treasure, and the memories that they shared will be with him even in the afterlife.

Draken just hoped leaving them behind would not affect them too much.

He knows they would understand his choice, of laying down his life for their crybaby of a friend.

He has honorably repaid his life debt.

And so, Draken supposed, it was his time to go.

He has lost the feeling in limbs.

It was just a matter of minutes now, with the amount of blood seeping out of him like an oil spill, it was a no brainer that he was, in fact, about to die.

He was just thankful that what little adrenaline left in his body distracted him from feeling the bullets in his body.

It was quite a peaceful way to go, Draken thought, despite it all.

His eyelids were getting heavy.

With the last of his energy, he looked at Takemitchi.

It was now or never.

"Take care of Mikey for me." Draken muttered to Takemitchi beside him. His worried voice muffled in his ears.

He gave his last long meaningful stare at his friend, smiling gently, before closing his eyes for the last time.

He had no regrets.

He’s had a good life, and like they always say, all good things must come to an end.

Ever so slowly, against the will of the people that cared about him the most, Draken embraced his death.

A vision of the woman he loved appeared before him-

Emma

She was still as beautiful as he remembered.

There she was, offering him her hand like she always did, beckoning him to rest with her in the afterlife.

Draken can’t really deny her anything, and so, he took her hand, eager to be with her again.

Smiling at each other, the two departed into the light.

At long last, they were finally together.

—---------------------------

It was cold, Takemitchi decided.

But not as cold as Draken's lifeless body.

His wet clothes clung to his body like glue, chilling even the deepest crevices of his soul.

Somewhere, something within Takemitchi snapped.

The tears just wouldn't fall from his now dead eyes.

He's done and fucked up again. In the worst way possible.

How was he supposed to look at his friends anymore? Knowing that he was the cause of this?

If only……he wasn’t selfish.

If only……he made the right decision.

If only he didn’t drag people into his suicide mission to somehow get Mikey to understand reason and stop this nonsense, then Draken would’ve still be alive.

Takemichi was slowly losing his grip on reality.

Everything started morphing around him, nauseating him to the core.

Right here, right now,

For the first time in a while,

Nothing mattered.

Takeomi’s screams of vengeance, Senju’s worried calls, and the whole stupidity of the shitshow in front of him was tuned out from Takemitchi’s head.

He didn’t care for anything else except the blood on his hands.

Another mark of his irreversible failure.

There was no going back, and now, he had to face the consequences of his actions.

Takemichi can't take it anymore.

Just how many times must he repeat this endless cycle?

Why was he even given the power to go back, if the things he so desperately tried to change for the future just turn for the worse

Every.

Single.

Time?

What was even the point anymore?

It was starting to get real tiring.

“How about I just end it all?” Takemichi thought, entertaining the idea that screamed at the back of his head.

Creaking his tired joints he stood up from what felt like hours sitting and staring at his friend’s corpse.

He could vaguely hear Senju asking him if he was alright, as he was being unresponsive for the last five minutes now.

“Minutes? It definitely felt longer than that.”

He felt as if he was in a state of limbo, blanking in and out of consciousness, but not exactly.

He just.

Didn’t want to think anymore.

He just wanted to be stuck somewhere he could run away from everything.

Like he has always done.

Or maybe he already was,

The idea of time was no longer as fixed as he thought it to be.

And that way of thinking was what led him to his downfall.

Takemitchi has grown accustomed to the mentality that he could always fix things with his ability, with zero repercussions.

That there would always be a way to change the future, and that if he ever did find a happy future, it would stay that way even if he decided to go back.

Oh how wrong he was.

Did he not learn from his previous mistakes?

Baji.

Emma.

Izana.

And now, a new addition to the group, Draken.

Has the feeling of death not solidified his fears of failure anymore?

Apparently not.

And so, one Hanagaki Takemitchi will learn his lesson today, for the very last time.

—---------------------------

Senju was seriously regretting her decisions.

Her carelessness caused someone's life.

Sure she left those on the receiving end of her kicks with bruises, or broken bones at most.

But losing a life?

That scenario was something that was unprecedented, yet at the same time, highly probable.

It was a situation involving ruthless gangs such as Rokuhara Tandai and Kanto Manji Gang after all.

So maybe death was the anticipated ending of this war.

But what Senju didn’t expect was the death being Draken’s.

She could only watch as her brother lost composure and started raising hell towards the opposing gang.

Voice loud and seething in anger.

Rough punches, deadly kicks, and spiteful shouts all thrown against those involved with the shooting.

Senju tried to get her brother to calm the fuck down and think but no, of course not. He doesn’t listen to her at all.

Her concerns were growing by the second, as she glanced at the still boy a few meters away from her.

Hanagaki Takemitchi was his name.

They’ve only been friends for a short while, but she was very fond of the boy. He went along with her antics, and provided good company.

He even promised to eat choco mint ice cream with her again.

She found his determination charming, quite the character really, which is why she was feeling very anxious looking at him.

He stood as still as a rock unresponsive to anything and everything around him.

He looked paralyzed.

A part of her understood the shock of death, she herself was very unfamiliar with it. But what scared her the most was his eyes.

The difference between his eyes a few days ago compared to now was as different as night and day.

They looked so lost- so……

Lifeless.

Their shine long gone and was left with the empty husk of the character he used to be.

Funny how people change in an instant.

“Hanagaki! Are you……..alright?”

There was no response. Takemitchi only stood there in a daze, uncaring of her concerns.

Senju approached the forlorn boy tentatively.

Takemitchi looked relatively volatile right now. She didn’t want to push his buttons. He’s gone through so much, it was the least she could do.

She put her hand on his shoulder turning him towards her, still no response.

Senju gently shook his shoulders to effectively snap him out of it, which thankfully worked.

“Hanagaki, are you alright?” She asked him once more, this time actually earning a response.

“Huh, uh, yeah I guess….?” Takemitchi whispered, now looking at the white haired girl emptily.

It sounded more of a question than an answer really.

She wanted to ask him if he truly was, but he interrupted her before she could speak.

“Hey Senju..?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m tired”

“I know.”

Takemitchi looked so defeated, and yet, somehow relieved at the same time

He looked as if he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, but he was no Atlas.

Takemitchi walked away from her without a word, and his destination was something that really set off alarm bells in Senju’s head.

He was heading towards the devil himself.

Mikey.

Chapter Text

Takemitchi knew he was signing his death certificate the moment he started walking towards his former friend, and commander.

Each step towards him felt like knives stabbing at the soles of his feet.

He was a nervous wreck, no doubt about that. 

He was about to confront the man that would not hesitate to shoot him dead on the spot in the future after all. Future Bonten Mikey or not, he was still the one to pull the trigger, not once, but thrice.

But, despite the bile rising up to his throat, and his hand getting clammy, he was also strangely invigorated.

Like he was zapped by lightning, providing his energy-deprived body with unknown strength.

His much anticipated freedom never tasted so tantalizingly sweet.

“Hanagaki don’t do it!”

Senju ran after him and locked his wrists with her tiny yet unbelievably strong hands.

“Don’t do it…please….!”

She looked like she was about to cry, or was it just the rain?

Making her face look tear-stained without actually shedding a tear.

“It’s not what you think, Senju,” Takemitchi turned to answer her, slightly tugging at his wrists. He already felt a bruise forming from how tight Senju was holding him hostage.

“Huh?” Senju unconsciously let him go surprised at what she heard.

“I said, it's not what you think.” The blonde boy clarified, wrists finally free from Senju’s clutches.

Takemitchi heaved a sigh. He was more exhausted from this whole ordeal than he thought.

“I’m not trying to convince Mikey to stop anymore. I’m not….” He tried to formulate his words. 

I’m not gonna save him anymore.

Was left unsaid, but completely understood.

Although he had made up his mind, it was still a bit hard to actually come out and say it.

It was a life changing decision that he won’t ever have the chance to regret.

“I just- I want to talk to him one last time. To end things, you know? after that, he’ll never have to deal with me again.”

Takemitchi supposed that explanation would suffice. 

Senju’s eyes widened in disbelief.

To say she was shocked at his revelation was an understatement.

Up until a few moments ago he was as determined and stubborn as a mule to bring Mikey back, to make him stop the Kanto Manji Gang from becoming the “bad guys”.

But now, that driven person was nowhere to be seen.

He had made up his mind.

He was actually giving up.

“Hanagaki Takemitchi………..…giving up? It can’t be…! ” Senju thought in denial.

This-

This wasn’t like him at all.

But then again, she couldn’t blame him. After everything that had happened, she thought that it was an appropriate reaction. 

People had their limits, and Takemitchi was no different.

It just so happened that he had long surpassed his and was at the point of breaking.

Or maybe he was already broken? and that he was just barely keeping himself together

Senju didn't know.

He was ready to turn his back from the delinquent world with finality. 

And Senju respects his decision.

Mikey didn’t even look like he wanted to be pulled back into the light.

So she could only let it go.

She once thought of defeating the infamous ‘Invincible Mikey’ but with how things turned out, the idea was no longer that appealing to her.

There was more to life than testing one’s strength.

Besides, Mikey was in it too deep and this doesn’t concern her anymore.

Brahman didn’t need to go in the same direction as the Kanto Manji Gang. 

Mikey going astray was not her responsibility.

Maybe she’ll take a page from Takemitchi’s book and leave things as it is. She could always go forward without the burdens of her past holding her back.

She could go home, take Brahman out of this godforsaken war and be done with it.

Senju could live with that.

“So please……..”

Takemitchi’s pleading voice pulled her back to their conversation, remembering that she wasn’t just organizing her thoughts out in the pouring rain, in the middle of a fucking war.

“Alright” The girl conceded.

“Just….promise me you’ll be careful, alright?”

“I will” 

Takemitchi turned his back to leave.

“We’ll go get ice cream again……..……won’t we?”

Senju’s voice, soft and hopeful. 

Sure she was letting him leave and go on with his life without delinquency, but she still wanted the both of them to be friends,

There was a pause.

“Sure”

That was enough of a confirmation for her. Senju watched his back getting further and further away. 

She was resisting the urge to just pull him back and leave this place along with Brahman unscathed -

God knows Mikey won’t hesitate beating him into a bloody pulp if he even looked at him wrong.

Unfortunately, he still had some unfinished business left, so she let him be as much as she didn’t want to.

But at least she’ll hopefully get some choco mint ice cream with him soon. 

Now where was that awful big brother of hers?

Senju looked around before spotting a familiar figure spewing curses like a sailor and ramming his fists repeatedly on a poor soul.

The guy looked like he was barely breathing too.

Senju would have felt guilty if the guy wasn’t a member of a gang that took part in murder.

The girl clicked her tongue in annoyance.

She’ll have to drag his big brother’s banshee screaming ass out of here. She was wet, cold and was in dire need of a hot shower.

“Oi Benkei! Waka! We're getting out of here!”

—--------------

Takemitchi can faintly remember the feeling of falling down from the roof of a twenty story building-

The chilly evening breeze hitting his sore face caked in blood, the stunning city lights below getting brighter and brighter as he was nearing the ground, the pain coursing through his body, and the death grip he had on the man he spent countless times chasing after.

“Save me, Takemitchy”

Bonten Mikey looked at him with empty eyes. His platinum blonde hair swayed erratically against the wind, tickling his cheeks.

Tired and wishing for death, what he yearned for was salvation.

And Takemitchy would give it to him.

He remembered those words loud and clear.

That was the first time Mikey had said it out loud to him. He was opening up the deepest chambers of his heart to him, raw and vulnerable.

Of course Takemitchy would save him.

He always had.

He was his motivation to go back.

Takemitchy cannot recall just how much he’d sacrificed for the man.

He had risked it all like a gamble.

His life.

His future.

His happiness.

But even so, he was willing to go to hell and back for him, because he was his friend. 

He was the reason why he continuously spent bending the laws of time.

Now that he knows that Mikey acknowledges his need for outside help, all that’s left for him to do is reel him back in and become his moral compass.

They were even given the chance to return to the past despite Mikey not being the original trigger for the time leap.

Easy…………….right?

It wasn’t

It really wasn’t

And sometimes, giving certain things up is for the best. 

It didn’t mean that he was a coward, it just meant that he was mature enough to understand the true value of things. 

Some things were unattainable.

Some things were not worth it, despite how badly he wanted it.

Some things were best left behind so he could look forward and move on with his life.

He doesn’t want the pain anymore. 

He doesn’t want to lose anyone anymore.

And if Mikey, his cause, his reason- persisted in letting himself be consumed by his impulses, 

then so be it.

Takemitchi didn't want to be their crybaby hero anymore.

Everyone had been entrusting Mikey's life to him since day one.

Why the fuck was it always like that?

Have they ever stopped to consider just how much that request weighed?

They did not.

It was always ‘Take care of Mikey’ or ‘Take care of Toman’, but what about him?

What

About

Him..?

When will people ask him to take care of himself?

Never, he figured.

So this time, he would be the one saying that to himself.

This time, he would put himself first.

This time, he will choose to put his own happiness first.

—----------------------------------------------------------

The battle raged on, unrelenting despite the brutality of it all. The Kanto Manji Gang stood there with their leader, some members taking part in the beating, basking at the sheer thrill of the fight.

Sanzu in particular seemed a tad bit too happy bashing Kakucho’s head in with his newly acquired weapon, claiming how easy it was fighting with it. His diamond scars now visible, moved gleefully as he cackled in twisted delight-

Before getting his face smacked with a baton.

Sanzu tsk-ed as he looked to see who did a hit on him.

It was the Anabelle-looking braided bitch Ran, with his grinning toothpaste-haired brother, Rin, in tow.

“Easy indeed” Ran replied, as a smirk tugged on his lips.

Rindou barked a laugh behind him incredibly amused at the irony of Sanzu's words.

Koko watched from the sidelines with morbid curiosity. Draken’s death didn’t seem to bother his new boss as he thought it would. Now, Koko was just waiting patiently for the conclusion of the fight, and complained in his head how he had better things to do.

Rokuhara Tandai’s members were as crazy as their rumors said.

South, their top dog, wore his best smile as he belted ‘Fortissimmo’ out loud like a mad man every time a person passed out on the wet concrete from his punches. 

He was undoubtedly enjoying the carnage before him. The screams and shouts of pain were like music to his ears.

One of his own men even managed to kill that stubborn brat, Draken, who refused their generous offer. 

Serves him right. 

Those that were of no use to him were as good as dead.

Brahman on the other hand was trying to regroup themselves so that they can finally leave as per their commander’s orders, but Takeomi was being a bitch and refused to leave without pummeling Rokuhara Tandai to the ground with his bare fists.

“Let’s just go big brother! It’s not worth it! Brahman no longer has any business with either Rokuhara Tandai or Kanto Manji Gang and that’s final!!”

Senju was getting frustrated. Her asshole of a brother decided that now was the best time to be difficult.

“Are you fucking hearing yourself Senju?!” Takeomi snarled at his sister, evidently unhappy with her decision to back out of the fight they started.

“I won’t let you become a murderer if that’s what you’re thinking! We already lost Draken, and I take full responsibility for that! I just don’t want to lose you too!” Senju screamed back.

That seemed to ease Takeomi’s anger, just a little bit, but not enough.

“That’s exactly why we need to fight them! We need to get back at them for murdering Draken..!!” 

Takeomi was being held back by Benkei and Wakasa, the two more in favor of Senju’s decision.

“Listen to Senju, Omi.” Wakasa said, his voice placating.

“We didn’t come here to kill. We came here to set the Kanto Manji Gang straight. But since the leader doesn’t want to anymore, then there’s no reason for us to participate in this fight”

Wakasa drawled out, his hands still planted on Takeomi’s clothes to keep him from going berserk. 

He tilted his head to look at Benkei for his approval, and the man nodded in response.

“It’s not worth it, Omi. Let’s not get Brahman involved with this any longer.” The tallest of the three added, patting his free hand on Takeomi's shoulder.

“You don’t get it Senju! We need to-”

“Urk!!!”

Takeomi didn’t finish his sentence as he was gracefully silenced by the power of Senju’s foot.

The impact knocked the wind out of him as he collapsed on his knees.

He forgot how strong Senju actually was.

It was a painful reminder of what his little sister was capable of. 

She always did have the potential.

He just refused to acknowledge it. If he recognized that sooner, then maybe things would have been different. 

He shouldn’t have lost faith in her.

That seemed to get him back to his senses.

“I……..” 

“I’m sorry.” 

Takeomi finally gave out.

When had he become this stupid? Wasn’t he supposed to be the calm and sensible one?

Waka smiled in approval, and Benkei grunted.

Finally, 

They thought they had to smack his head and send him to yesterday if the man didn’t stop yelling.

They all sighed in relief.

The white haired girl then announced at the top of her lungs,

“BRAHMAN WILL NO LONGER TAKE PART IN THIS BATTLE!!”

That seemed to halt the chaos.

Everyone turned their heads toward the source of the voice.

“WE FORFEIT”

The Kanto Manji gang was mildly surprised, they didn’t prepare for this outcome. 

They really didn’t think that Brahman, of all people, would run away with their tails in between their legs.

“What’s this? Leaving already when we’re just getting started?” South, who, upon realizing that his fun was about to be cut short, replied with a mocking tone.

He approached them and a slight tremor was felt in each step.

The tall man stopped in front of Senju. His tall frame loomed before them, aggravating Takeomi who has now recovered from being kicked in the stomach, the tough bastard.

“I said, we’re leaving.”

“Hah? Who said you’re going to bail out on this momentous occasion?” South lips split into a bloodthirsty grin.

“Yeah..no.”

Without any warning, Senju cupped her hands around her mouth and yelled,

“BRAHMAN, SCATTER!!!”

One could hear a pin drop, before the loud thumps of Brahman, running away was heard.

“Wha?!”

South was left with his mouth agape as he watched the entirety of Brahman just up and left them, like they just left a ball game and not an all out war.

Senju glanced to look back at Takemichi one last time for good measure, before sprinting away and hopping onto Takeomi’s motorcycle.

The two, along with the rest of Brahman escaped with all their glory.

She wasn’t a religious person, but she prayed to every god out there that whatever Takemitchi was going to do, he’ll make it out alive.

When South finally recovered from the stunt Brahman pulled, he whipped his head and immediately commanded pursuit.

“GO AFTER THEM!!!” 

Rokuhara Tandai then proceeded to scramble at their feet, hop onto their bikes and chase after their retreating opponents. 

This was a first for them.

Delinquents didn’t settle fights like this. 

It was either they win, or they lose.

No running away.

Doing that would effectively kill the reputation of any gang if they decided to so. 

It will take away all of their hard-earned street cred.

There was a first for everything, South thought to himself, grinning maniacally, 

He found this new option of chase and kill rather thrilling.

Now all that’s left was the Kanto Manji Gang, still stunned at what just happened.

“What the fuck was that?”

Someone decided to point out.

“What in the fuck just happened?” Koko repeated their gang's collective thoughts, his  eyebrows furrowed, still confused as hell at the unexpected turn of events.

“What do we do now, Boss?” Koko turned to look at Mikey beside him.

He was silent the whole time, he seemed to be staring at something, or rather, someone, approaching them.

It was Hanagaki Takemitchi, his former boss in the flesh, taking his time walking towards them.

The sharp-eyed boy examined his features. Not much had changed in terms of his appearance, still sporting the same piss-yellow colored hair but this time, it was let down.

But then he noticed his eyes.

Ah, so he did change.

“What are you doing here Hanagaki? You know you have no place here” Koko spoke up, catching the other’s attention towards the incoming trouble magnet. 

He just hoped he wouldn’t do anything stupid.

"Ahhhh what the hell.  This is Hanagaki Takemitchi we’re talking about- the very definition of stupid."

Koko unconsciously readied himself to haul his sorry ass and dump him on Inupi if things go south. 

Which it inevitably will-

And that'll take care of that. 

He did owe Hanagaki to some degree, so he’ll help him out.

Just this once.

“So the stinky little shit is still running around looking for my King huh? And you still reek of desperation even now, Hanagaki. It’s disgusting.” 

Sanzu jeered at Takemitchi, who didn’t seem phased by his insults at all. 

He had this tunnel vision set on one person, Mikey.

Sanzu reached out for his weapon, tapping it against his palm, ready to strike the boy dead in his tracks. He began to approach the other, but Mikey stopped him.

“Sanzu.”

One monotonous word, and he let go of the metal bar, walked back, and took his position behind his proclaimed king.

Unquestionably obedient, like a rabid dog that was tame only for its master.

Takemitchi finally reached his destination.

“What are you doing here, Takemitchy?” Mikey’s voice was heard, it was hollow like an echo, and hauntingly detached.

“Let’s end it here, Manjiro. This means goodbye.”

Chapter Text

“Let’s end it here, Manjiro. This means goodbye.”

Eight words, eleven syllables.

Despite the tremor in Takemichi’s raspy voice, he managed to say it without stuttering.

The blue eyed boy then proceeded to wait for the other’s response.

It was deathly quiet. 

No one dared to speak.

The wind blew past them, ruffling Takemichi’s already disheveled hair.

His heart was beating hard against his chest and beads of sweat rolled down from his forehead, and into his clavicle.

This is it.

Takemichi leaned on his other foot, the lack of sound and response was deafening. 

A small part of him was slowly regretting this stupid idea of personally cutting ties with Manjiro for ‘closure’, when he could just ditch him for good and never speak of him again.

If he did, then he would’ve been spared from feeling this uncomfortable in his twenty six years of existence.

But he had pushed that thought and slammed it into the farthest corner of his mind.

He can’t back out now. 

Not when he might be tempted to have a change of heart and repeat the cycle again.

Takemichi didn’t want that.

He had to go through with his decision like a man. 

This, ladies and gentlemen, was his best and worst example of misplaced bravery, throwing away any rational thinking just so he could prove a point.

Everyone had their eyes on him, like he was a specimen being observed under a microscope.

It was suffocating. Takemichi could barely breathe.

Mikey looked like a blank slate, he was just standing there, menacingly .

Takemichi couldn’t decipher what was going on inside his head.

He couldn’t then, and he couldn’t now.

Sanzu looked like he was about to pop a vein, he grit his teeth, barely containing his righteous anger.

The absolute nerve of that sewage rat?! How dare he address his King by his first name?! 

If he wasn’t told to stay put, then he would’ve strangled the boy to death and thrown his fetid carcass in the ocean already.

But for now he would hold it in. He may be impulsive but he takes pride in being the best servant his King could ever have. 

Besides, a little holding back won’t hurt, because the moment his King says otherwise, he’d take the time to enjoy tearing the persistent rodent’s body limb by limb.

Koko’s eyes widened by a fraction of a millimeter.

‘This means goodbye’, what exactly did he mean by that?

He knitted his brows and chewed on his lip in contemplation.

So you’re telling him, Hanagaki went out of his way to return to delinquency despite being retired, joined forces with Brahman just so he could say goodbye? 

Surely someone must be pulling his leg-

Why say goodbye now? 

As far as Hajime knew, the two didn’t see each other in the last two years.

Something didn’t add up.

And whatever that is, it will be settled here today.

A few seconds passed and still nobody said a word.

The rest of the Kanto Manji gang were antsy.

They were either confused, ready to commit homicide, or waiting for an order to dispatch the guy.

Or maybe all three.

No one addressed their leader like that. 

Not if you had a death wish,

Something the puny looking brat in front of them definitely had-

The silence was going on for about twenty seconds now.

Both parties stood there in a standstill.

The tension was so thick you couldn't even cut it with a knife.

“What do you mean by that?”

Mikey finally muttered a response.

His cold eyes stared back at Takemitchy, peering into his soul. It was empty like static and was analyzing his every move.

“You know exactly what I mean, Manjiro.”

—-------------------------------------------------

When was the last time someone called him by his first name?

Mikey couldn't remember.

Was it when Shinichiro was still alive?

No-

That can’t be right.

He felt like it was not too long ago in the past,

or was it in the future?

Mikey was confused.

Ever since he decided to disband Toman, he couldn’t really understand what the hell he was doing. 

‘Let’s end this all, while we’re at the top’

All he knew was that he had so much grief, anger, hate -

“As of this day, Toman is disbanded!”

And he needed to push others away. 

He felt his sanity slowly fade away at his fingertips, his mind ready to surrender his existence to pure instinct alone.

He needed to distance himself so that he wouldn't drag another person down with him, specifically those who were foolish enough to try and save him.

He knows he’s not okay.

He knows that ever since that day, there was something dark and putrid latching onto his heartaches.

There was definitely something wrong with him. 

It started out small, like most things do, until it began to spiral out of control.

Mikey was scared.

He fears that thing - a parasite feeding off of his tragedies was going to swallow him whole. 

He needed to get rid of it.

And so, he turned to the only thing he knew best.

Violence.

Violence gave him many things. 

With violence he had become strong.

With violence he had made friends and formed a gang- his family.

With violence he had made it to the top of the delinquent world, before he decided to end it all.

To Mikey, violence also served a different purpose.

If he couldn’t process how to handle certain things, he’ll leave it to his impulses to decide how they’ll deal with it.

His brother got killed by the hands of one of his closest friends?

A rampage would do.

His vice commander got knifed in the stomach because of a petty ex gang member?

A nuclear kick sent to the enemy will take care of it.

His best friend committed suicide right in front of him because he felt responsible for something he didn’t do?

Beating the guilty person would get rid of the pain.

Both his sister and supposed brother died because of his jealousy?

Just go on a killing spree.

That would keep his mind off of things.

Unfortunately, anyone who uses violence as an emotional outlet will always succumb to whatever darkness they so desperately tried to get rid off.

Mikey was fascinated by violence's flames,

But it hadn’t been kind to him and took more than it gave.  

It had scorched his hands, ate away at his fingers and lit his entire being on fire.

Consumed by his agony, Mikey lost himself to the devil, extinguishing what little light he had left.

What remained was not a person, but a vessel of unparalleled strength with no means to control it.

He was like a mindless fool whose only purpose in life was to feed his thirst for blood.

And he continued to live like this for two years. 

Nothing but adrenaline fueled his will to live, until one day, starting exactly a week ago, nightmares began to plague his sleep.

Now, night terrors weren't an uncommon experience for Mikey, it was a rather frequent occurrence.

But there was just something about those recent nightmares that were more unsettling than anything he has ever experienced before.

—---------------------------

Mikey found himself talking to someone he can’t recall, inside an empty bowling alley. The details were unclear, but he had an inkling it had something to do with the future.

They had conversed for a while until he no longer wanted to continue.

The sound of three gunshots followed soon after, a light stream of smoke was emitted by the barrel of his gun.

The smell of gunpowder lingered in the air, and then there was red.

Why was it so ………red ?

The blood was viscous and within seconds it pooled onto the floor.

He paid no heed to the man dying behind him, muttering something about saving.

Saving him perhaps? 

He didn’t dwell on it any further.

He found himself staring at the edge of the building, facing the bustling nightlife below him.

“Everyone, let’s do this!!!”

He announced to the people there as if he was welcoming them to a show.

And not a second later he jumped.

He felt his nerves go haywire, screaming at him to hold on

To something… .!

Anything………… .!!

And then, someone caught him by the hand.

“I WILL NOT LET YOU DIE!!!”

A black-haired man with familiar eyes screamed at him with conviction. 

He was a persistent one, he’ll give him that.

But he was still stupid. He tried to kill him hadn’t he?

“Mikey-kun, there’s not much time left, I’m losing consciousness”

The other man uttered, his tiredness evident in his hushed voice.

He didn’t get why he was so adamant to save him, seeing as he shot him and all.

There was absolutely no reason to be kind to him.

He can’t recall if this was a dream or reality anymore. But he was certain about one thing though, 

He just wanted everything to stop.

“Let go of your hand. I want to end everything here and now.” He replied

“Come on, you’ll regret doing that” The other man  said with a melancholy tone and was still gripping his arm like a lifeline.

“Quick….I will definitely save you”

He blinked back. 

Why? 

Why was he saying such hopeful things?

Like he was worth saving?

“No matter what, I’ll go back to the past as many times as I can” The other man reasoned.

“What are you talking about? You can’t go back anymore right?”

What was this about going back? 

Going back where? 

He couldn’t understand.

“This is why I didn’t want to meet you. I didn’t want this to happen.”

What did he mean he didn’t want to meet him? 

Was he someone he knew? 

Either way, it was too late for that. 

He could feel the other man’s grip start to loosen.

“So please,,,,,put me in peace”

Something that he said must have triggered him because the bleeding man didn’t like what he said one bit.

“SHUT UP!!!” He hollered,

“WHY ARE YOU ALWAYS LIKE THIS?! ALWAYS AND ALWAYS- YOU ALWAYS PUT ALL THE BURDEN ON YOURSELF!!!”

His tears dropped and landed on his face. It was warm.

“OI MANJIRO!”

His eyes widened. 

Ah-

He remembered now.

The man that was so desperate to save him, 

“JUST SAY IT ONCE-”

How could he forget? 

Memories came flooding in. 

Of bruises, awkward smiles and bright blue eyes, always looking out into the future.

His determination was comparable to none.

His strength lies in the people he wanted to protect

And his warm presence, that always made him feel like everything will be alright as long as he’s there with him.

“JUST SAY ‘PLEASE HELP ME’ DAMN IT!!! AND I’LL DEFINITELY COME SAVE YOU……MANJIRO!!!”

He could feel his own tears form on his dry and tired eyes.

Of course it was him.

It was always him

His hero.

“PLEASE HELP ME………"

And his name was-

"TAKEMITCHY !!!”

After years of drowning in his own sorrow, he could finally feel himself resurface back into the light.

He felt safe in his grasp,  despite being mere seconds away from death.

With him,

He felt peace.

.

.

.

.

.

But just when he finally remembered what it feels like to be human , the reality of the situation before him decided otherwise.

He was pulled back from the confines of his mind and stared in absolute horror at what he had done.

He was sitting on top of someone, his hands paralyzed in the air like he had been shocked. Only then had he realized the warm syrupy liquid coating his fists up until his forearms.

The face of the person beneath him, even though it was severely disfigured, was the face of someone he could recognize in a heartbeat.

“T-Takemitchy?”

Mikey stuttered in disbelief as he looked at the damage that he had done.

One eye swollen shut, a broken arm, a broken nose and the entirety of his upper body battered and bloodied.

Takemitchy looked absolutely horrible. 

He was barely breathing because of his now disfigured nose.

“Takemitchy I-”

“That’s enough, Mikey! You’re seriously gonna kill him!!” 

Koko, with all the strength he could muster, peeled him off of Takemichi

“No wai-”

*Cough* *Cough* *Cough*

Both turned to look at the beaten boy relieved that he was somehow still alive. 

He must’ve been built differently if he managed to survive what seemed to be an endless barrage of Mikey’s hits within the short span of sixty seconds.

Takemichi spat out the blood that mixed in with his saliva. It’s metallic taste made him wanna gag in reflex.

He was a glorified punching bag for only a solid minute, but it felt like hell on earth.

Mikey was absolutely ruthless.

“Takemitchy I’m s-”

Takemichi didn’t let him finish.

“Tha-thank you”

“What are yo-” 

“Thank you……..for making it easy to hate you.”

That was the last thing he said before blacking out from exhaustion.

Redemption was earned not given, 

Mikey had come to learn that today, as he watched the ambulance Kokonui called take Takemitchy away, with Inupi frantically calling someone over from his phone.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

A good thought simply isn’t enough. 

One must act upon it lest it would be a worthless endeavor.

Chapter Text

“Where…….am I?” 

Takemichi blinked back to reality.

He squinted his eyes to adjust them from the fluorescent lights that hung above him. 

He breathed in slowly, his breath clouding the oxygen mask that was strapped onto his face.

The brace around his neck, the cast on his arm, and the various tubes placed on and in his body began to feel a bit itchy, but it was not unbearable, just…..... uncomfortable .

The adrenaline that distracted him from the pain was long gone. 

He felt like he was just hit by a truck, and was this close to being reincarnated into another world.

Every part of him hurt like hell, but the steady beating of his heart, accompanied by the constant beeping of the heart monitor beside him was the undeniable proof that he was here to stay.

They can’t get rid of him that easily.

The room smelt of antiseptic, with slight undertones of artificial fragrances.

It left him feeling oddly clean, despite knowing he probably hasn’t showered the whole time he was there, given his set of circumstances.

With nothing else to do but stare at the plain white ceiling, Takemichi’s thoughts went over the events that had transpired.

The rain, the awkward silence, getting absolutely wrecked, the blaring ambulance sirens, and at long last,

Freedom .

A sudden surge of euphoria enveloped his entire body.

Takemichi couldn’t help but smile.

He actually pulled it off.

He was finally free .

He got his closure, and even though he got beat up in the process, (something that he fully expected knowing how gang fights usually are) he had successfully burnt his bridges, leaving nothing behind but ash.

He was no longer obligated to save a certain someone this time around.

Contrary to popular belief, Takemichi doesn’t enjoy getting his ass handed to him like he was some masochist, rather, he absolutely despises it.

Sure he was sturdier than most people, but that doesn’t stop him from feeling the black and blues the day after.

Takemichi doesn’t want to continue teetering on the edge of life and death. 

It was about damn time he removed himself from living a life of danger. 

So from now on, he’ll stay clear from fights, everything else be damned. 

He’s not going to try and continue feeding his hero complex.

It was incredibly exhausting .

He’s had enough of that already, and now, he was ready to turn over a new leaf.

—---------------------------

Takemichi decided that he’ll stay here in the past for good. 

He thought It was safe to assume that both he, and the leader of Bonten, had not survived the fall (the two were human, not immortal), and so there wasn’t a future to go back to even if he tried.

No more of that time leaping shenanigans.

No more stress.

No more pain.

Takemichi felt like he was on top of the world.

He had reached the summit, and it was his triumphant win.

He could feel a prickle in his eyes.

Ah, he was getting all emotional again.

But Takemichi supposed he could let this one slide.

After all, crying does not make him any less of a man. It is but a normal physiological response, not a weakness.

And so, he let his tears fall.

But it was vastly different from his usual cries of frustration.

These were tears of joy .

Satisfied, he let out a small chuckle. 

It was a bit awkward at first because his throat was currently drier than the Sahara desert, and his bruised cheek hurt from being agitated, but he didn’t care.

He was a free man.

With a giddy feeling in his heart, his small chuckle evolved into boisterous laughter, the sound filling up the entire room.

He has never felt this elated in his life.

Takemichi, in his dopamine-induced state, failed to notice the door swing open, along with the person that was making his way towards him.

“So you’re finally awake.”

Takemichi immediately ceased his laughter and wiped away any stray tears before turning to look at the source of the voice.  

“Damn, did you mess up your head that badly? Why the hell are you laughing? The situation you’re in is no laughing matter, Hanagaki.”

It was Kokonoi.

The sharp-eyed man sported a loose long-sleeved shirt, with a few buttons undone and a pair of black slacks.

It made him look effortlessly classy, just like the type of guy he was.

He brought with him what seemed to be a basket filled to the brim with fruits- most of them looking far too expensive for Takemichi’s pockets.

He could even see a melon tucked underneath the mangoes and peaches.

Kokonoi then proceeded to place the goodies on a table, and dragged a chair for him to sit on.

“Well?”

The other man propped his chin on the palm of his hand, and waited for his reply.

Takemichi could only scratch his cheek in embarrassment. He didn’t expect someone to walk in on him laughing like a maniac.

They were missing out on some much needed context, damn it!

“A-Ah, well about that, Koko-kun, I-”

But before Takemichi could explain himself, Kokonoi decided that he wouldn’t bother with it anymore.

“You’ve been unconscious for two days now. I thought for sure you were gonna stay out of it for at least a few more days, but eh, color me surprised.” 

“I’ve been only out for that long, huh?” Takemichi muttered to himself, slightly agreeing in his head with what the other had pointed out.

With the injuries he had received, he should’ve been out for far longer, but he wouldn’t put it past himself to wake up earlier than anticipated.

He had always healed faster than others after all, not that it was a good thing-

Maybe his body decided to compensate for other things (his smarts) to keep its host alive despite being nearly beaten to death almost every other day.

“Although you’re weak as shit, your endurance is honestly kind of amazing, Hanagaki.”

Leave it to Kokonoi to insult him first before complimenting him with his only redeeming character trait.

“I-” 

Takemichi tried to defend himself, but inevitably admitted defeat.

“Yeah, you’re right,” Takemichi replied, his cheeks slightly red, and feeling a bit mortified.

The two then let out a lighthearted laugh.

“And for the record, I wasn't laughing because I got hurt, Koko-kun,” The beaten boy reasoned.

“Oh? What is it then? I don’t think I’ll be laughing my ass off like I just won the lottery, when I literally just got a one sided beating from Mikey , of all people.” Hajime asked, wearing a shit eating grin.

Takemichi rolled his only functioning eye, amused at the other man’s deduction

“I was laughing just because - I don’t need a reason to be happy you know,” He explained, a lingering smile present on his lips.

Kokonoi observed the way the other had phrased it. 

He looked relieved and happy just like he said. 

But for fuck’s sake, he was almost killed the other day, so why was he so happy? 

It made him want to question him further, but decided against it. 

He wasn’t the type to pry, so he let it be.

“My entire body feels like shit. It kinda makes me want to stay blacked out, honestly.”

Takemichi added, wincing slightly as he smiled a little too wide and his cheek started to sting.

“He doesn’t pull his punches does he?” Kokonoi said jokingly,

It was a bit insensitive on his part, but was overall well meaning.

“He sure doesn’t” 

The two continued to casually talk with each other as if they weren’t on opposite sides a few days ago. 

Even going as far as cracking jokes imbued with dark humor like they were friends.

Or at least, that’s what Hajime thinks. 

He had always thought Hanagaki was too friendly for his own good. 

Kokonoi had been a witness to it plenty of times.

His lack of self preservation was concerning, yet incredibly endearing if you happen to be the reason why he was like that.

He would even dare say it was quite charming, but you didn’t hear that from him.

The two then sat in comfortable silence.

Koko reached from his chair, grabbed a weird looking orange, peeled it, and offered half to Takemichi and left the rest for himself.

The blue eyed boy gently removed his oxygen mask first, before gingerly taking the fruit with his free hand.

He placed it in his mouth, and chewed slowly to savor its saccharine taste.

“So this is what quality tastes like.” Takemichi thought to himself.

He was so used to eating instant ramen and cold convenience store bentos that he had completely forgotten what fresh food tasted like.  

“It’s good.” 

“Of course it is, that’s a dekopon citrus.”

Now, Takemichi had zero knowledge on what kind of fruit rich people eat nowadays, but he could only guess it was something he couldn’t afford.

And he was right, because a single dekopon citrus costs about 1500 yen or about 13 US dollars each.

“Anywho, why are you here, Koko-kun?” Takemichi glanced at the neatly dressed boy, schooling a confused expression.

Kokonui deadpanned. 

“Why for you of course- who else do you think I came here for? Inupi ?? Man, you lost more brain cells than I thought”

The black-haired boy snorted, his earring swaying back and forth from the movement.

“Yeah, you’re right, that was a stupid question-”

“ Anyways , I just came here to fill you in on some important details-”

—---------------------------

So apparently, the conclusion of the battle of the three deities went like this:

After Takemichi was taken away by the ambulance, Mikey had decided then and there to disband the Kanto Manji Gang. 

Their members, Kokonoi included, were beyond shocked. 

They did not expect this kind of plot twist. 

Of course many were outraged at the sudden disbandment (More so Sanzu than literally anyone else), but their ex-leader refused to elaborate further. 

He then left them all to eat the dust from his motorcycle as he went on his way before going MIA. 

No one had seen him since.

As for Rokuhara Tandai, their leader, South, was found guilty for orchestrating the murder of Ryuguji Ken, and was now serving time in jail.

He, along with the rest of its members were either in juvie or in hiding.

How were they arrested that quickly? 

It probably had something to do with Arashi “God of War” Takeomi. 

That man had some pretty useful connections, and managed to find footage of how the whole thing went down from a conveniently placed backalley security camera.

Which was then used as evidence.

With the Kanto Manji Gang disbanded, and Rokuhara Tandai behind bars, Brahman was hailed as the sole winner by default, despite having forfeited. 

They were now the leading gang in all of Japan, controlling every square meter of the country.

And right now, they were conducting a serious purge in their ranks. 

Senju, who had enough of the dirty businesses they involved themselves in, decided that they needed to clean up their acts and try to become a more respectable group- 

Or, as respectable as any gang out there was in terms of obeying the law.

“Aaaaaaand that’s about it, you got all that?” 

Kokonoi turned to look at the Hanagki, observing his reaction.

“Uhhhh I think so?” 

Takemichi’s eye almost bulged out of its socket. 

That was probably the best outcome he could ever hope for. 

With the Kanto Manji Gang out of the picture, Bonten of the future would no longer exist, eliminating the last imminent threat to him and the people he cared about.

He was relieved that it was Brahman who came out on top, considering they were the best option out of the three rival gangs. 

Their leader also had a working moral compass, so that’s a plus.

Takemichi trusted Senju enough to know that she would steer Brahman in the right direction. 

And if what he heard from Koko was true, which he undoubtedly knows it was, then he had nothing to worry about.

Damn .

If giving up meant that he could accomplish what he needed to do in less time, then he should’ve given up sooner. 

It could’ve spared him all the trouble-

“Welp! I better get going-” Kokonoi announced as he stood up from his chair, stretched his limbs and straightened the crumpled sleeves of his shirt.

“Where are you headed?” Takemichi asked the other person earnestly.

“Geez, have you always been this nosy?” The visitor complained, but remained standing there, deciding to humor the bed-ridden boy.

“I was just curious Koko-kun, I actually didn’t expect you to visit me at all.” He explained, looking away sheepishly.  

“And just who do you think called that ambulance for you hm?” The other asked with a playful tone.

“A-ah?! It was you?? S-Sorry and uh thank you!- You helped me out big time” 

Takemichi was quick to stutter out his thanks, his arm flailing in flusteredness.

Now that was a surprise, 

Takemichi didn’t think of Koko as someone who would come to his rescue, after being so mercilessly beaten by the leader of the same gang he was a part of.

He also wasn’t included in the list of people he thought would have his back in times of need, but he was a very welcomed addition. 

But then again, he always knew Kokonoi was a good person, even if he didn’t show it all that much.

Just because one cannot see it doesn’t mean it's not there.

Hell, he even took the time to go visit and bring him a gift, with the addition of being his personal informant when he could’ve just left Takemichi in the dark.

Anyone who would do that much for him already earned his brownie points.

Takemichi made a mental note to buy him something nice, to repay him once he’s healed. 

Hopefully Kokonoi would appreciate whatever gift his meager wallet could afford.

God knows the guy had expensive tastes.

“Eh, don't think too much about it.” He waved his hand in dismissal.

“Besides, if Inupi found out I left you for dead, he would strangle me with a wrench.”

“I-is that so?”

Takemichi didn’t think Inupi would go that far, but the image of an angry Inupi wielding the metal tool in his hand, and ready to jump at Kokonoi was pretty funny.

“Still, I wouldn’t be here if not for you, so, thank you. ” The blond haired boy could only offer his sincerest thanks. 

He really owes him one.

“Like I said, it's no biggie” Hajime replied as looked at his manicured nails uninterestedly.

“I would bow, but as you can see, I can't at the moment”

Kokonoi barked a laugh at that

“Yeah yeah, now I really need to get going, I’ve got places to go, and people to meet, money doesn’t grow on trees you know?”

“About that, Koko-kun”

Kokonoi was about to exit the room, but stopped when he heard the other speak.

“What is it?” He asked, as he tapped his foot against the tiled floor.

“You’re…….. no longer in a gang……right?”

Takemichi said softly, almost like a whisper, as he fiddled with the hem of his hospital gown.

“Well duh since you ruined my business, I’ve got to go find another one.”

“I’ve got to go join another gang”, were the words left unspoken between the lines.

“I know this isn’t my place to say, but I just had to ask you…”

Kokonoi arched his brow.

“You know you can always turn back right?”

Hajime had only joined the Kanto Manji Gang because of the ridiculous amount of cash he was earning from being their financial manager, but a part of him knew it was also because he felt partially responsible for the gang’s descent into madness.

But that wasn’t his first priority, was it?

It was, and always will be, 

Money.

Money was his king, and he was the slave.

And he will follow through it to the bitter end.

Kokonoi knew fairly well that this unhealthy obsession of his was rooted in his inability to cope with the loss of his first love from a fire, but he just couldn’t bring himself to stop.

Money was like a drug, and he was addicted.

The incessant need to gain stuck to Hajime’s skin like old paint he couldn't scrub off.

He just couldn’t let go.

Kokonoi clung to the past like it was his present, deluding himself into thinking this was his only way of living.

Or did he consciously choose not to? 

Takemichi must’ve struck a nerve because the next thing he knew, Kokonoi had already stomped his way back to him and shouted at his face,

“And who are you to tell me that, huh, Hanagaki? What I do with my life is none of your damn business!” 

Kokonoi’s tone was laced with venom, but remained decent enough to restrain himself from punching the boy. 

He wasn’t that much of a scumbag to hit a person that was already hospitalized, but boy was he tempted to. 

Takemichi remained unaffected by his outburst.

“I know most people scout you for your talent , but you don’t need to go back to that kind of life, don’t you?” Takemichi said sadly, understanding of the pain he himself went through.

That seemed to take the black-haired boy aback, not expecting those kinds of words from him. 

His anger dissipated just a little bit, but his furrowed brows and tight lipped frown remained.

“Look, you’re not just some money maker that they make you out to be. You’re, well........…….”

He struggled to find the words,

“You ”

Takemichi always hated that ‘money maker’ title, because of how dehumanizing it sounded.

It implied that all there was to Hajime was his uncanny ability to make money, 

Which he wasn't. 

He was a person with emotions, not an atm machine ready to pump out yen at anyone’s disposal.

“You don’t have to be used like that again, Koko-kun”

Kokonoi stood as still as a rock with both eyes wide open, his mind wandering to places he swore he would never visit.

“So I don’t have to be used?”

He willed himself not to cry.

His silence urged Takemichi to continue.

“You’re free to do whatever you like, Koko-kun.”

The blondie explained, unknowing of the effect it had on Hajime.

“You’re young and you have all the time in the world to find something you’ll truly enjoy doing.”

Hanagaki had this distant look in his eye that Kokonoi can’t help but wonder,

He was talking based on his own experience, wasn't he? 

“So don’t let that chance go to waste, you’ll regret it.”

At that moment, his battered face aside, Takemichi appeared much older than he seemed.

From Kokonoi’s perspective, he didn’t look like a regular high schooler with teenage angst, but rather, a wise man in his late twenties.

So maybe he was wrong about him being a mere idiot that always stuck his nose into other people’s business and constantly got into fights he couldn’t win,

Was he physically weak? No doubt about it, but mentally ? That guy was far stronger than anyone Hajime ever knew, and he could appreciate that.

He liked strong guys after all.

“There’s more to life than making money, Koko-kun. You just have to find the right people and the right angles to look at.”

Kokonoi could finally understand why Hanagaki was Inupi’s chosen person. 

With just one talk, he was able to rethink things and make better decisions for once.

He hasn’t felt this liberated after pretending to be okay in a very long time. 

Inupi chose a good person indeed.

Finally calming down from the flurry of emotions he felt within that conversation, Kokonoi allowed himself to heave a sigh,

“You’re such a noisy man.”

“Huh??” was Takemichi’s intelligent reply, an imaginary question mark floating above his head.

“It’s nothing, thanks for the unsolicited advice I guess.”

Kokonoi combed his hair back and took a deep breath.

“I’m leaving for real now, yeah? And who knows, I might take you up on that offer about change and shit.”

Hajime turned his back and began walking away, his shoes clacking against the floor.

“See ya”

He waved his hand, and closed the door behind him.

Out in the hallway, Kokonoi pulled out his phone from his back pocket and dialed a number.

The person from the other line picked up,

“Hello? Koko?”

“He’s awake, you can go and visit him now.”

“Really? Thank goodness.”

“Well, that’s all I wanted to say. I've got some thinking to do.”

“Alright, thanks for letting me know”

Hajime ended the call, and headed to the place he always found solace in,

He arrived at his destination, and brushed the dust that settled on top of the Inui family grave.

He said his prayers, and stared at the words 'Inui Akane' engraved on the stone monument for a while, before deciding to head back.

Maybe, just, maybe, it was time to move on.

Chapter Text

Business was slow in D&D Motors.

Aside from a few bikes that required an oil change, and another with a dent to be fixed, there wasn’t anything too taxing that needed to be done.

Inupi had just finished applying wax to one of the motorcycles, making the vehicle look sleek and electric.

He wiped his oil-stained hands clean with a towel, and patted the dust off of his pants. 

He walked towards his work desk, reached out to grab a bottle of water, and took three large gulps.

Inupi had a lot on his mind recently, and the work he had done has not eased his worries whatsoever.

It seemed that the worst things to ever happen decided to condense itself into one big clusterfuck.

Draken, his friend and coworker, was shot dead.

Inupi attended his funeral yesterday, recognizing familiar faces, all in varying degrees of grief and denial. 

The gravity of the situation has not fully sunk in yet,

He was so accustomed to the normalcy of today, that he forgot how things could go wrong at the flip of a switch,

And now, Hanagaki, the person who he entrusted his life to, was currently at death’s door.

He remembered almost having a heart attack after receiving a call from Kokonoi, whom he hasn’t heard from since the Kanto incident, shouting at him from the other end how Hanagaki was beaten half to death by Mikey.

Hajime had already called an ambulance for him, but of course, they needed someone else to deal with the aftermath.

Seishu didn’t need to hear the rest of the message, because the moment he heard the words ‘Hanagaki’, and ‘beaten’, he was already out the door and running for his motorcycle. 

He was sure he ran at least three red lights, but he was too preoccupied with his thoughts to care.

Road safety be damned, he had more pressing matters to attend to.

The thought that he was about to lose another person in his life didn’t sit well with him.

Finally arriving at the scene, he was greeted by the sight of a bloody Hanagaki Takemichi, out cold and wet from the rain.

Seishu thought he had already seen enough to make him resistant to nausea,

But the dread that gathered in his stomach the second he saw his friend, unmoving, and seemingly dead, almost made him wanna puke. 

The ambulance arrived moments later, and out came the paramedics. They gently put the boy on a stretcher before hauling him inside the emergency vehicle.

He couldn’t understand the jargon that the medical staff were talking about while they worked on stabilizing Hanagaki’s condition, but from their rigid movements and fast paced orders, Inupi could only deduce that his injuries were far from minor. 

He glanced over from his shoulder and spotted a group of men that stood atop an uphill street, just a few meters away from them,

They would’ve passed off as curious passersby if not for their gangly appearance and intimidating uniforms.

Seishu could make out the form of Mikey, staring back at him with remorse, but did nothing to approach him.

His lips contorted into a nasty scowl. 

Out of all of them, Mikey was the only one covered in blood, and Seishu was damn sure it was Hanagaki’s.

If he were younger, he might’ve blown his fuse, and fought the manchild then and there to avenge his friend,

But he didn’t.

Hanagaki needed him first,

His fury can come second..

Inupi settled with the nastiest glare he could muster, purposefully making eye contact at the perpetrator who was observing them from a distance.

Whatever the latter’s reaction was, Inupi didn’t bother to see it. 

He turned his back on them and began to call Hanagaki’s girlfriend, Hinata, to inform her about the situation.

He got a hold of her number a while back because Hangaki kept pestering him to add it in his contacts just in case something bad happened to him.

Inupi told him that it was the paranoia talking, but did it anyway to appease his worries.

Now, he was seriously thankful that he did, because Takemichi’s worries were justified. 

Hinata had answered her phone after a few rings.

She was confused and a little bit irritated as to who would call her in the middle of the night, and from an unknown number to boot. 

Inupi had quickly introduced himself and explained what had happened to her boyfriend.

It was a hard conversation, but he managed to fit in all the necessary details.

After the staff applied first aid to Hanagaki, another asked him if he were to join them in the hospital, which he most certainly agreed. 

Everything after that was a blur, and now, he had just received an update regarding Hanagaki’s condition from Kokonoi.

It seems that Hanagaki had woken up earlier than expected, and he was currently on his way to visit the boy.

He stopped by the nearest convenience store to buy some of those potato chips Hangaki loved so much.

It was not the healthiest option, so he decided to buy other snacks that were somehow of nutritional value.

He decided to buy umeboshi onigiris, an egg sandwich, a bottle of water, and some tea.

Inui arrived at the hospital, and went straight to the medical receptionist to ask which floor and room number his friend was in.

After receiving instructions, he went on his way, his arms full of convenience store items.

He knocked on the door labeled ‘071’, 

“Hello? Hanagaki? It’s me, Inupi” 

“Come in”

Inupi entered the room and saw Takemichi lying on the bed that was slightly raised so he could somehow sit.

“Hello, Inupi-kun, how are you?” The latter looked up to him with a wave of his hand.

“I should be the one asking you that, Hanagaki”

Seishu eyed the mosaic of bruises on his face as well as the cast on his arm and neck.

“Hehe, well, everything still hurts, you know, the usual” Takemichi replied with a shameless smile.

“At least you’re awake, here, I brought you something” He rolled his eyes with fake irritation, and handed him a bag full of snacks.

Upon hearing the familiar crackles of plastic wrappers with bright packaging, Takemichi let out an excited gasp.

“Thanks so much Inupi-kun! You shouldn’t have!” 

Takemichi’s standards for happiness might have taken a nosedive– not that it was a negative thing though, it just meant that he appreciated these little gestures of friendship more so than he did before.

Besides, who wouldn’t be delighted at the prospect of receiving food? 

“Don’t eat them all in one go. Drink plenty of water afterwards too. Those chips are too salty-” Inupi scolded, but his words didn’t really pack any heat.

Takemichi chuckled in response and nodded enthusiastically.

He dug his hand inside the plastic bag, took his favorite brand of chips, tore it open, and ate a piece.

The taste of sodium was comforting in a way.

It truly was one of Takemichi’s guilty pleasures.

“Don't worry, I just ate one of those fancy shmancy oranges that Koko-kun bought for me so it’ll balance out.” The latter commented whilst chewing, as he pointed at the basket of fruits left behind by Hajime.

Inupi was surprised by that, sure he knew Kokonoi had visited the boy earlier, but he didn’t think he'd buy him a gift.

“And I’m also pretty sure it's more expensive than anything I’ll ever buy from my own wallet”

Seishu snickered, agreeing with the other that Kokonoi could be a little bit too excessive when it comes to his spendings.

But hey, who was he to say that? 

Not when he knew the other could back it up with his God given talent in making money.

This also made Seishu wonder, because for as long as he could remember, Kokonoi had only spent his money on the two of them (but mostly himself), back when they were still attached to the hip, and no one else.

And by the looks of the contents inside the basket, Kokonoi had spent a lot.

He knew Kokonoi like the back of his hand, and he was quite certain that this was his way of showing gratitude, 

because Hajime sucked at communication like that.

He was used to letting money do all the talking for him, hoping for the best that his message was received and understood as intended. 

Thankfully, Hanagaki did appreciate it, if the few pieces of orange peel on the side were any indication.

Inui shook his head and smiled. He propped onto the chair next to him and leaned back.

The two conversed for a while, mostly about lighthearted things, but the topic eventually led back to the events that happened a few days prior.

“I……..I just…I didn’t think that-”

Inupi had a hard time formulating his words. 

He hadn’t had the proper time to grieve yet, and so his body decided that right now was the perfect time to do so. 

“I didn’t think that we'd lose Draken, he was such a nice guy, you know?”

He gripped his fists into a tight ball, unable to hide his anger that rolled off of him like waves.

Takemichi’s face looked grim, the guilt once again taking a hold of his heart. 

He was suddenly reminded of the consequences of his actions.

Free man or not, he still lost someone very important to him, someone who was nothing but kind, no matter the timeline.

“Yeah. He was.” The other replied, with a downcast expression.

“I just don’t understand why they would go so far!” 

A snarl formed on Inupi’s lovely features, his rage boiling like water in a pot that was just about ready to overflow.

“I’m sorry, Inupi” Takemichi muttered silently and refused to meet the other person’s eyes.

“I- huh?” 

Seishu stuttered as he knitted his brows in confusion.

“It's all my fault.” The blue-eyed boy clarified, his hand shaking from gripping the metal rail too hard.

“Why are you apologizing? It’s not your fault Hanagaki.” Inupi replied with a frown. He did not like what the latter was thinking.

“No- I” Takemichi let out a long, suffering sigh.

“It was supposed to be me.”

“What do you mean?”

“ I was the one who was supposed to be shot, Inupi-kun. Draken-kun died because he took the hit for me.”

Inupi went silent.

Hearing that Draken saved Hanagaki’s life in exchange for his own sounded very much like him, because he was just that good of a person.

He looked at the other boy and saw the tears that threatened to fall from his eye, but the other was adamant that he hold it in.

Seishu knew the tell-tale signs of survivor’s guilt, and it was a feeling he’s far too familiar with even after all these years.

Guilt can hold someone captive for a very long time.

It’s heavy chains ensnared the person in an endless cycle of grief, unable to break away from its grasp.

Guilt had also been the one that made Inui Seishu question his own worth.  

Did he actually deserve to live? 

Knowing that he was only saved because of a mistake?

His doubts stuck to him like cobwebs, latching onto his clothes, and never seeming to come off.

He found some semblance of comfort in the form of Sano Shinichiro, and his gang, the Black Dragons, who welcomed him with open arms.

But by the time he had officially joined, the gang was already in the hands of Kurokawa Izana.

Tainted with greed and power, he sullied the ideals and principles of the first generation, drastically changing the gang for the worst.

It spat on everything Shinichiro had worked so hard for, but Inui couldn’t do anything.

Seasons changed and the ninth generation was formed under the control of Shion Madarame, but nothing had changed, it followed the footsteps of the previous leader, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake.

The Black Dragons continued to commit heinous crimes until Mikey, the commander of the newly formed Tokyo Manji Gang defeated its leader, effectively putting a stop to their era of brutality. 

Panicked that the gang he loved so much was dying, and his long suppressed guilt began resurfacing, Inupi quickly went on to find a way to resuscitate it.

He had met Kokonoi again, and the latter suggested an unbeatable force; Shiba Taiju to be the next head.

And so, he did. 

He had rebuilt the Black Dragons from scratch, but Seishu was naive.

The gang still turned out to be a criminal organization, far from the respectable group it once was.

Inupi was so desperate to pick up the broken pieces that it had slit his fingers, and its shards burrowed deep into his skin. 

He didn’t want to let go.

And not once did his commitment waiver.

He was willing to do anything to bring the gang back, even going as far as to use his best friend’s ability to fund his goals.

But he supposed Kokonoi was using him too. 

He was the closest thing next to Akane after all. 

Inupi looked almost identical to her, but Hajime claimed his sister was much prettier.

He felt like he was some sort of rebound in a relationship that didn’t exist.

Their friendship was toxic, that much he knew, but it was not like he had anyone else to turn to.

The two stuck together, both needing something from the other, and unknowingly preventing either of them from moving on.

Fast forward and Shiba Taiju was defeated, by the hands of one Hanagaki Takemichi.

For the first time in a while, he felt hope.

He had the same smile, the same urge to protect, and the charisma as someone he knew that would make anyone follow him.

They were similar in that aspect, but the two were not the same.

Takemichi had this different brand of comfort that only a person close to his age could provide. 

If Shinichiro was like the big-brother figure he never had, then Hanagaki was that person who he would not hesitate to entrust his life to. 

Sure enough, after he sought the boy to become the eleventh generation leader of the Black Dragons, Seishu’s life finally took a turn in the right direction.

He felt at ease, and he’s learned to take care of himself more. 

Slowly but surely, he’d come to terms with his grief and guilt over time.

Don’t get him wrong, he still missed his older sister dearly, sometimes going through sleepless nights yearning for her warm touch and light feathery smiles, 

But he’s learned to live with his losses, and is now able to continue living without having second thoughts.

Hanagaki didn’t know the extent of the effect he had on him, and so Inupi made it his life’s mission to repay him.

Which is why he cannot stand the idea of Hanagaki falling into the same pit of despair he himself went through.

It hurt to see him like this, broken and unsure. 

“It’s not your fault.” Inupi said firmly, leaving no room for argument.

“You don’t understand, Inupi-kun. I-”

“Are you seriously going to question Draken’s decision to save you?! Were you the one who pulled the trigger?! No! So stop blaming yourself because it's not. Your. Fault!!”

Seishu had unconsciously raised his voice, getting a bit frustrated at the other’s way of thinking, it sounded so much like his past self, and it was not having any of it.

Something must’ve snapped within the boy, because his face turned bright red in anger.

“No, but I might as well have!! I was too selfish!! I even saw how happy he was with everyone else in the future but I still decided to go back and ruin it because I was a stupid fucking idiot trying to save someone who didn’t want to be saved!!!”

Hanagaki shouted, his voice cracking because of the dryness of his throat.

His pent up frustration erupted like an active volcano, and the tears he tried to hold back fell from his eye, staining his cheek.

“Hanagaki……I- What ?” 

To say Inupi was confused, was an understatement.

Future? 

Going back??

What exactly did he mean by that?

One could pinpoint the exact moment when Takemichi realized what he had just said. 

His eye widened in panic as he immediately slapped a hand on his mouth.

As if that would take back the secrets he laid out in the open for the world to hear.

“No- I- that’s not what I- FUCK !”

“Hanagaki-”

“It’s- It’s nothing, Inupi-kun. I’m sorry I shouted at you, I didn’t mean to”

“No, no,  it’s alright, I shouted at you first, I shouldn’t have done that, I was just frustrated.”

There was a pregnant pause before Seishu decided to break the ice.

“So……..will you tell me what that was all about? I don’t think I’ve ever heard you that angry.”

“It’s really nothing to worry about, Inupi-kun, just– word vomit. It won’t make sense anyway.”

Inupi gave a look of disapproval.

”It's bad to bottle up your emotions, Hanagaki, trust me, I know.”

Takemichi looked a bit guilty but said nothing.

“Also, what did you mean by seeing Draken and the others in the future, and something about going back?”

He knew he was being persistent but he couldn't help it.

He was worried, and with him being hospitalized, and probably still in a lot of pain, 

Hanagaki needed someone to be there for him, just like he did for Seishu.

‘Curse Inupi’s sharp hearing’ The blue eyed boy thought, as he contemplated on how to deal with his blunder.

Should he feign ignorance? 

Persist on denial?

He looked to see the other waiting patiently for his answer.

He’s not getting out of this, is he?

Inupi wasn’t gonna budge.

Takemichi let out a sigh.

“It’s-..........It’s a long story.”

“I’ve got time to spare, so don’t worry. I’ll listen to your worries.”

“Promise you’ll believe me? This story’s gonna make me sound like a lunatic.”

“I’ll always believe you.”

Seishu said with utter conviction, ready to believe even the stupidest lie and take it as the absolute truth so long as it came out of Hanagaki’s mouth.

The blonde boy thought that Inupi was a bit too willing to listen to the trainwreck of a life he got himself into, but he has always been like that.

He was loyal to a fault, but Takemichi appreciated the trust he had for him.

He just hoped he wouldn't get sent to a mental hospital afterwards.

“Alright, here goes……”

Inupi got comfortable in his seat and leaned forward with interest. 

“It all started when I was pushed off of the train tracks.”

—--------------------------

Seishu couldn’t believe what he was hearing. 

Hanagaki was from the future?

He couldn’t wrap his head around the things he was saying.

But he explained them so in extreme detail, that it made it hard to believe it was all made up. 

His rational mind refused to believe the sheer absurdity of it all, but he continued to listen intently.

Multiple time leaps

Hanagaki had failed countless times to save others.

Different timelines

He had to face a different future every time hoping for the best that he’d changed it enough to keep them safe.

Tragic deaths and failed promises

How he had to witness multiple suicides, watch his girlfriend burn to death, and attend the funeral of the friends he cared so much about,

And Mikey

The root of it all, everything bad that had happened all ties back to him.

Slowly, everything began to make sense.

The reason why he always looked desperate, how he always had this drive to push through despite not seeming to have much to hold onto.

He always felt the other was fighting something bigger than he was.

Hanagaki was constantly working, planning and worrying about how he’ll save everyone else without them knowing.

The amount of stress and anxiety to have their fates lie in his hands must’ve felt agonizing.

He couldn’t even handle the loss of one person, so he could only imagine how hard it must have been for him.

Inupi had always admired Hanagaki.

But after hearing the other side of the story, told from his perspective and all the hardships he went through without ever gaining recognition for his deeds made his initial admiration multiply tenfold.

Hanagaki was shattered time and time again, but he always made sure he put himself back together for everyone’s sake until he couldn’t anymore.

The pieces were just too small to fit into the right places like it used to.

And now here they are.

Hanagaki finished his story with how he ended up here in the hospital.

It took Takemichi two hours to retell his story from start to finish, and he appreciated Inupi’s patience in letting him explain everything.

He noticed how the older boy wanted to ask multiple questions throughout the duration of his talk, but remained quiet and let him finish, because Inupi was considerate like that.

“So, uh, do you have any questions? I know everything sounded crazy that you might think I’m high on something but-”

“You don’t have to defend yourself or anything, I told you I’ll always believe you, right?”

“Well, yeah, but still-

“Before you say anything else, I just wanna say…………thank you.” 

“For what?”

“For everything. You’ve been carrying this burden on your own for a long time, and without anyone knowing too, so thank you, for saving our lives, Takemichi.”

Inupi said softly, a gentle smile curling at his lips.

Takemichi had already done so much, and Seishui will make damn sure the other will be happy from here on out because he also deserved the same happiness he wished for everyone else.

Ah shit, Takemichi was getting teary eyed again.

Inupi said it so sincerely, and he could feel that he meant every word.

“You’re welcome, Seishu”

*Ring* *Ring* *Ring*

The kind of sappy atmosphere that the two created was suddenly interrupted by the ringing of Inupi’s phone

“Oh uh, sorry about that, Takemichi, I’ve got to take this call-” The older said, standing up from his seat.

The latter nodded in understanding, as he watched the other walk out the door. 

Today was quite the day for Takemichi.

He didn’t think he’d be spilling his secrets, but he was glad it was Seishu who heard it.

It was a stroke of luck really, if it had been literally anyone else, then it would’ve landed him a one way ticket to the mental hospital.

He was really thankful he had such understanding friends, who would take his words seriously and not jump to conclusions.

Takemichi only ever told his secrets to one person willingly, and that person was Chifuyu, his partner.

“I wonder what he’s doing right now, it has been a while since I last saw him.”

The door creaked back open, and Takemichi would be forgiven into thinking it was Inupi who came back from his call, but the person who entered the room was a different blonde.

Speak of the devil and he shall appear.

“Chifu-”

Takemichi wasn’t even spared a greeting as his new visitor went to sit down with his head lowered, not meeting his gaze

.

“I went to Draken’s funeral”

Chifuyu started, putting his hands together in contemplation.

“Everything that has happened……..It's hard to take in.” 

Takemichi couldn’t find the words to answer him, so he let the other continue talking.

“It got me pondering”

There was a tense silence.

“Takemitchy. What’s wrong with you?”

Chifuyu finally had the courage to face him, his tears freely flowing from his eyes.

“You met Draken in the future right? So……..why is he gone?”

Takemichi couldn’t really find the words to argue, because he was right. 

“Why did you have to come back, when things were going so well in the future!?”

The boy with the green eyes was so busy pouring out his conflicted feelings that he didn’t notice the person slowly creeping up on him from behind with his fist raised.

“IT’S YOUR FAULT THAT DRAKEN-KUN IS-”

Chifuyu didn’t have time to rethink his words when a heavy fist was hurled into his unsuspecting cheek.

BAM!

Chifuyu was knocked down from his chair, his head feeling a bit dizzy from the impact.

He quickly turned around to face the person responsible, but the attacker’s hands made their way to his collar, gripping it tightly.

Chifuyu was dumbfounded as he came face to face with a fuming Inupi. If looks could kill, he would already be 6 feet under. 

“Don’t you fucking dare say that, Matsuno . Takemichi isn't to blame. You of all people should know that.” Inupi spat disdainfully through his clenched teeth.

“Inupi-kun what the hell?!”

“Try to put yourself into his shoes for once. He didn’t mean for any of this to happen– He only wanted everyone to be happy. Draken would be so disappointed in you”

And Seishu would be right.

Draken would be rolling in his grave. 

He didn’t die saving Takemichi, only to have people blame him for his death, thank you very much.

“Wha? But how did you-”

Chifuyu turned to look at Takemichi for confirmation, the latter only heaving a sigh for the nth time that day.

“It was an accident.”

Chapter Text

It took a bit of time before the three blondes decided to settle down and iron themselves out.

Inupi was being particularly difficult because he was still salty at what Chifuyu had said, but overall conceded after the latter apologized.

He had somewhat of a protective streak, Takemichi concluded.

Seishu socking his partner’s face honestly startled him.

The guy was usually calm and collected– never the one to throw the first punch even if provoked.

But now that he thought about it, Kokonoi had told him that if he didn’t save him that night, then Inupi would strangle him dead.

It sounded more of a joke than a threat, but with how things turned out, the probability of it actually happening rose to about 75%

Seishu reminded him of Sanzu in a way– albeit a much tamer version.

But what the two had in common was their unyielding loyalty, hence the comparison.

Now, Takemichi wasn’t a fan of violence (he didn’t experience the thrill of it because he was always on the receiving end of a beating and not the other way around) and even more so when it involved his friends.

But Chifuyu’s words stung a lot, and so he tried his best to ignore the immense feeling of satisfaction when he got hit in his defense.

Anywho, the two did make up eventually, and quite easily too, as it only took one heartfelt apology from Chifuyu for Takemichi to forgive him.

Takemichi couldn’t picture himself holding a grudge. It just wasn’t in his nature to be a hateful person, and besides,

He couldn’t stay mad at Chifuyu for long, they were partners after all, and partners forgive each other for their mistakes. 

Easy as that.

Inupi had to return back to the motor shop, as he had clients to attend to, leaving the two other blondes to their own devices.

“So you’re really staying here for good?”

Chifuyu asked, now sitting beside him, with what little space left on the bed that was clearly not made for two people.

“Yeah, it's not like I have a future to go back to anyways” Takemichi replied, looking at the ceiling as if it had been the most interesting thing at the moment.

“What are you gonna do now?” The other boy inquired, genuinely curious.

“Nothing”

“Nothing?” Chifuyu repeated back like a parrot.

“I’m not gonna involve myself in any gang related matters anymore, Chifuyu, I’ve had enough of them already” The blue-eyed boy explained with a dry humorless laugh. 

“But I thought you still wanted to save Mikey?” 

Takemichi cringed at the name like it had personally offended him. 

Chifuyu peered through his bangs and noticed the look of disdain that came across his partner’s face.

What used to be admiration for their ex-commander was now reduced to that of utter resentment. 

“Yeah, no . I’m done trying to save him.” Takemichi spoke with finality, effectively sealing away any loopholes from his decision.

The green-eyed boy was flabbergasted, the Hanagaki Takemichi giving up ?

He couldn’t believe his ears.

“Are…………are you sure about this, Takemitchy? We could always help you out, you know? Me, Hakkai and the others, I’m sure they’ll be happy to lend a hand”

Chifuyu offered, thinking it was just a lapse of judgment on Takemichi’s part, 

He could already hear him barging into his classroom yet again proclaiming his need to save Mikey like he always did.

But he was wrong.

“Mhm, I’m a hundred percent sure.”

Chifuyu wasn’t really against his partner’s decision, rather, he was actually quite relieved.

That choice meant he would no longer put himself in trouble, but this change in demeanor took a little time to get used to. 

This Takemitchy felt more reserved and, well, mature– considering he was technically 26 even if he was in the body of his 16 year old self.

He always had this youthful charm to him that made Chifuyu forget he was actually a fully functioning adult in the body of his 16 year old self.

Now, it seemed like his boyish spunk had mellowed out, leaving him relaxed like a spring that was finally allowed to uncoil.

It was obvious he had been under a lot of stress, and Chifuyu was the biggest idiot and the world’s worst friend to say all those mean things to his face.

He really needed to make it up to him somehow.

“I see, well, I’m happy that you’re here to stay. Again, I’m really sorry for what I said, I’m sorry I’m such a terrible friend.”

Chifuyu glanced at his palms before looking back at Takemichi

“I’ve already forgiven you, partner. I understand how you feel. If I were you, I would’ve blamed me too, but let’s not talk about that anymore, here-”

Takemichi pulled out a stange orange from his side and gave it to him.

“An orange?”

“It's really good, I promise” Takemichi peeled it for him and handed him a piece.

Chifuyu’s face brightened as chewed, pleasantly surprised at the taste.

“It’s really sweet!”

“I know right? Koko-kun bought it for me earlier when he visited. Here, have some more, I can’t finish all of this by myself anyways- Ah, I should’ve given some to Seishu as well”

The blue-eyed boy added as an afterthought before handing Chifuyu a variety of fruits.

“Holy shit is that a melon?? And the really expensive one too– Man, Kokonoi’s freaking loaded! Damn him and his rich boy privileges! Wait no– scratch that, let’s resell this for twice the price and use our earnings as pocket money. We’ll split it 30/70, you getting the 70, ofcourse”

Chifuyu elaborated with a serious expression as if he just crafted the most ingenious plan to ever exist.

There was a snicker, then a snort, then full out laughter.

“I’m gonna tell Koko-kun you wanted to profit off of his gift” Takemichi said in between his fit of giggles.

“You wouldn’t dare !” Chifuyu exclaimed with an overly dramatic gasp.

The two then laughed like hyenas as they ate their fruits, and enjoyed each other’s company. 

They conversed for a while, and then there was a knock, indicating yet another person that came to visit.

The door opened to reveal Hinata, who wore a simple striped shirt, denim shorts, and her hair pinned into a cute little bun.

She carried with her a vase full of carnations, daffodils and hydrangeas, as well as a sling bag that hung on her shoulder.

“Hello Takemichi-kun, Matsuno-kun, I'm glad to see you boys having fun.”

“Hina!” Takemichi greeted with a smile, instantly feeling happier than he already was the moment he saw her.

She was the walking-talking definition of comfort, well, in Takemichi’s point of view at least. 

Like a fresh breath of air after a tiring day.

“Hello, Hina-chan, its nice to see you too, but I guess that’s my cue to leave”

Chifuyu replied back as he left the bed, leaving the mattress warm from his presence.

“Eh? You don’t have to go, Chifuyu” Takemichi said, confused.

“That’s right, you can stay here with us Matsuno-kun.” Hinata added as she walked closer to the duo.

“Nah, you two need some alone time together, plus, I have to go and run some errands for my part time job, so I was about to leave anyways-”

The green eyed boy explained as he fixed his collar and readjusted his tie.

“Oh, okay then, see you, Matsuno-kun” “See you later partner”

“Bye you guys!”

Chifuyu waved his hand as he went on his way.

Hinata replaced the flowers from the day before with the ones she'd brought with her, and arranged it in a way that looked pleasing to her.

“So, how are you feeling now, Takemichi-kun?” The girl turned to look at him with a kind smile.

“I feel much better now, thanks for asking,” Takemichi replied with a matching smile of his own.

Hinata rummaged in her pocket for something, before pulling out a small heart shaped candy, and gave it to him.

“What’s this?” Takemichi asked as he studied the dainty treat on the palm of his hand.

“Its candy, silly, I got it from the newly opened candy shop downtown, we should totally go there when you’re all healed up”

Hinata suggested, as she unwrapped the sweets for him and took another one for herself.

“Oh uh, sure”

The boy answered, sounding quite unsure contrary to what he said.

On the outside, Takemichi looked cool as a cucumber, but on the inside, he was panicking like an unprepared college student taking their finals.

“Hey, Hina?” He felt his hand turn clammy and his feet turn cold.

“What is it, Takemichi-kun?” Hinata sat down on a nearby chair and scooted closer towards his boyfriend.

“I uh, there’s something I need to tell you” The boy said with a serious tone.

Takemichi felt like he was a sinner in church about to confess his deepest darkest sins to the priest.

“What is it?”

“You know how I said that I came back here to save Manjiro, right?”

The change in the way his boyfriend addressed his former commander didn’t go unnoticed by the girl, but decided not to comment on it and let him speak his mind.

“Mhm”

“Well, I’ve decided I won’t anymore”

Hinata was obviously shocked as she let out a gasp, her hand covering her mouth.

“How come?”

“It’s just, I don’t think I can anymore. Manjiro, he- he’s not the same person I came back to save.”

Takemichi elaborated, trying to justify his actions.

“He’s……he’s too out of it, Hina, he didn’t even care about Draken’s death!”

The boy let out an exasperated shout, but immediately reeled himself back in, remembering sweet Hina was next to him. 

“I’m just so tired , and I want to stop time leaping for good.” Takemichi concluded with a whisper.

Now here comes the hard part,

“And– I………I also want to give time for myself.”

Hinata sat there silently, looking at Takemichi with confused eyes.

“But, if I do that, I won’t be able to give you as much time as I used to, and you don’t deserve that, not from me nor anyone else. So I was thinking we should……..”

It was like there was a large lump of coal blocking the words from his throat.

He couldn’t even say it out loud, it hurt just thinking about it. But he had to, for the both of them.

“Takemichi-kun?” 

There was a crack in Hinata’s voice, followed by a sniffle.

The peach haired girl looked like she was about to break, lips wobbly, and eyes misty with tears.   

Fuck .

Takemichi could hear the sound of her heart breaking.

The blonde boy fiddled with the fabric of his hospital gown, unable to look at her, afraid he might just throw himself off of a cliff because he made Hinata cry again. 

“I……....I don't want you to be set aside like you’re a second priority, because you deserve so much more than that, and I won’t ever forgive myself if I let you feel that way-”

“I don’t mind being second” 

Takemichi suddenly felt something warm pressed against his side.

Hinata reached out to hug him in a tight embrace.

Her arms wrapped around his frame perfectly, like a puzzle piece that was made to fit him and him alone.

“You don’t have to worry about not being able to spend time with me. It’s more than okay to make take time for yourself, especially after everything you’ve been through but please, Takemichi-kun don’t -” 

‘Don’t leave me’

Hinata knew she was being selfish, but she couldn't help herself.

Takemichi was her special person. One that she cannot afford to let go of.

She couldn't bear the thought of him not being by her side, not after she decided he’s the one she’ll marry ages ago. 

If he left her, he’d be taking a piece of her with him, leaving a gaping hole in her heart that will never grow back.

“Hina…….”   

“Did…………did you get tired of me too?”

Horrified at the implications of her words, Takemichi immediately turned to her and shouted,

“NO! NEVER !!”

“Then why?” Hinata asked, as she raised her hand to wipe the tears off her face.

“It’s not what you think Hina! I swear! I love you so much that I feel like my heart’s gonna burst!”

Takemichi’s words caused her face to bloom into a pretty shade of red. 

“But I also know that right now, I can’t be a good boyfriend for you. I want to make myself better first. I was planning to get into therapy after I’m discharged, and I don’t exactly know when I’ll be better.”

Ah, of course.

Thoughtful, loving, selfless Takemichi.

Everything he did was for her sake, wasn’t it?

It always was.

Hinata felt ashamed that she even thought of the boy leaving her for no reason. 

She really shouldn’t jump to conclusions that quickly. It’s a negative trait she still hasn’t gotten rid off, but will be working on from now on.

Hinata released the boy from her arms and cupped his cheek tenderly, making him look directly at her.

“Takemichi-kun, I will always support you and whatever it is that you decide to do, but what on earth made you think I can’t wait for you until then?” She asked with a small chuckle.

Oh.

“ Oh ”

That makes sense.

“Ugh I’m so stupid”

Takemichi facepalmed. 

He was one stupid fucking idiot.

“I’ll wait for you no matter how long it takes, and I’ll always choose you. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, it’ll always be you. So don’t go thinking I’ll be better off with someone else you big dummy.“

And there goes the water works.

“Uhuuuuu I’m so sorry Hina, what did I do to deserve you?” Takemichi said with a hiccup and tears freely flowing on his cheeks

“What did I also do to have such a thoughtful and caring boyfriend like you?” Hinata giggled as she placed a swift kiss on her boyfriend’s forehead.

“Thank you for putting up with me, and always being there for me, Hina.”

Takemichi was truly grateful to have such an amazing person as his lover in his life. 

With Hinata, he felt like he could be his true self. He didn't have to pretend, nor did he have to put on a facade. 

All his walls came crashing down as she wormed her way into his heart effortlessly, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

She was his anchor that grounded him when he felt like he was getting carried away by the tides of time.

And he was the strongest when he was with her.

“You’re welcome, Takemichi-kun”

And the two remained there until it was time for Hinata to go. 

Visiting hours were now over.

They didn’t even realize how late it had gotten.

The sun was just about to set, painting the skies with strokes of yellow, orange and purple.

Hinata left him with a loving gaze, and a promise to visit him again tomorrow.

That night, Takemichi slept soundly, with a heart free of worries and a clear mind.

Chapter Text

It had been exactly one week since the incident, and Takemichi was well on the road to recovery. 

Most of his injuries were healed, apart from the fading bruises and his broken arm.

He was incredibly lucky that it had been a transverse fracture; the easiest type to heal, and so there weren’t any further complications.

They still needed him there to monitor his condition though, as internal bleeding might occur even days after the injury.

Slowly, he had been accustomed to the less than mediocre hospital food, and the bland white walls he unironically stared at for hours.

He thought he was gonna be bored out of his mind during his stay, but his friends made it their personal agenda to drive his boredom away.  

The guys from Mizo Mid Five visited him almost everyday, often bringing along various snacks and little trinkets to entertain him.

Makoto (the perverted bastard) even tried to sneak in a porn mag, only to have it shoved back to his face by a flustered Takemichi.  

And yesterday, the boys even gave him a 1000 piece puzzle set from their own money that they’ve set aside, just so he could feel more at home at the hospital.

So to say Takemichi was touched was an understatement. 

He appreciated the kind gesture so much that he could only express his thanks by bawling his eyes out exclaiming they were the best friends he could ever have.

But as much as he was happy, Takemichi also felt kind of guilty. 

He barely hung out with them anymore (because he dipped himself in gang related shit all the time) and he was sheepish to admit he missed them so, but they were also quick to reassure him that they didn’t mind.

“It’s alright Takemichi, we can always hang out later. We haven’t visited the arcade in a while, so how about we go there sometime? You know, just to make sure we still got it?”

Atsushi said, with a wide grin showcasing his pearly white teeth. He bobbed his head over to look at the others who agreed at the notion.

"Sure will, Akkun"

“And also, please stay away from trouble this time, alright, Takemichi?” Takuya added with a sigh. 

His childhood friend was a trouble magnet through and through, and the gentle boy didn’t know how much more he could handle. 

As if learning from someone else that Takemichi was almost pummeled to death hadn’t sent him to his early grave already.

“I won’t Takkun, I won’t.” Takemichi reassured with a shake of his head. 

Their friends were seriously becoming more and more like Seishu.

He wasn't made of glass for pete's sake

But Takemichi knew they meant well, it was their way of showing that they cared. 

Plus, it also felt kind of endearing that many people looked out for him, so he let them be. 

The visit was short this time as their midterms were right around the corner. Their requirements would pile up soon if they didn't finish it by the end of the week, so it was a pretty urgent matter. (In their case at least)

“Well, we gotta go now, Takemichi. We got a project due tomorrow and I got this idiot for a partner, so you know I really need to put some time into it.”

Yamagishi explained as he jerked his thumb at Makoto’s direction, who then elbowed his stomach in retaliation. 

“Hey! Who are you calling an idiot?!” 

“See what I mean?”

The four laughed out loud while Makoto grumbled to the side, embarrassed.

“Oh, right, I almost forgot,” Takuya spoke out loud as he searched his bag for something.

“What is it, Takkun?”

The dusty blonde then pulled out a binder, skimmed through its pages, and showed its contents to the boy.

“Our homeroom teacher wanted to give you this, it’s all the homework—“

“ Takuyaaaa ” Takemichi cut him off with a whine, not ready to be reminded of school and school work in general just yet.

“—That you’ve missed, it's a lot but I’m sure we’ll finish it in no time.” 

Takuya continued without a hitch as he put the dreaded paperwork back in his backpack.

“Wait, We ?” He asked, as his head tilted in confusion.

“Yes Takemichi, we . I’ll help you with the homework, so don’t worry. We’ll answer them later after you’re discharged, so just focus on getting better for now.”

Takemichi knew he was falling behind, thankfully, he had Takuya to help him. It was the next best thing he’s received this week (the puzzle being the first). 

He now looked at his childhood friend with glistening eyes, ready to accept and worship him as his new lord and savior.

“Thank you so much Takkunnnn!!!” 

The blue-eyed boy thanked, latching onto his friend’s torso and rubbing his cheek against his shirt.

Takuya just chuckled lightheartedly as he patted his back.

“You’re welcome”

They all said their goodbyes and left Takemichi with a content smile.

‘They grow up so fast’

He jokingly thought, as an imaginary tear rolled off his face.

His next set of visitors came in just a little later after the first.

This time, it was the guys from Toman, which consisted of Hakkai, Nahoya, Souya, Pah-chin and Peh-yan.

“My condolences”

Pah-chin said with his lips turned downwards, his stitches following its movement. 

“We heard that you took care of Draken all this time” 

Hakkai included, standing beside the Kawata twins, all looking rueful.

“Sorry that we didn’t know anything” Angry told him as he stared at the floor. 

He felt disappointed at himself for not knowing the troubles his friend was going through.

“The one in the most pain now must be you” Smiley supplied, no longer as smiley as his name suggests. 

He leaned closer towards his younger brother to provide him with a sense of comfort.

“If anything, you can count on us, okay? We’ll definitely be there for you.”

Peh-yan concluded, as he put his hand atop Takemichi’s forearm, giving it a light squeeze to emphasize his words. 

“Thanks you guys, I really appreciate it.”

Takemichi felt his eyes water.

Seriously, how many times was he gonna cry this week?

He blinked his unshed tears away. 

He had to save some face sooner or later. He doesn’t wanna be labeled as a crybaby anymore.

Seriously, they're in highschool already. 

He thought for sure that title would die down eventually, but no, Takemichi didn't get nice things, so he was stuck with that ridiculous nickname even now.

The blonde boy cried internally,

What about his nonexistent reputation?

“No problem, Takemichi, anytime.”

The ex-toman members then took their time to catch up.

After Pah-chin was released from juvie, he took on his father’s real estate company with Peh-yan as his assistant, and together, they were slowly getting the hang of it.

Angry and Smiley were both busy with their side jobs as helpers at a nearby ramen shop in Shinjuku. 

The two had taken a liking for cooking, and were now working hard under one of the head chefs with a dream of opening a restaurant of their own.

Hakkai landed himself a modeling gig, and things were looking good, except for the fact that he still can’t talk to women (which was a problem because he was often paired with female models) but Yuzuha was there to help him, so that was that.

“Come visit us at the shop when you’re free! Angry and I will give you a discount” Nahoya offered, his smile covering his eyes.

“Can we do that though?” Souya asked his brother. He wasn't quite sure if they were able to pull off what his brother suggested. 

They were the workers , not the owners.

“We can always try,” Smiley replied, already thinking of ways to score a discount meal for the boy.

“Don’t forget about us, Takemichi, if you need a room, just give us a call, right Peh?”

Pah-chin added, giving a nod towards his assistant, who shared the same sentiment.

“Yupp”

“Wow, Takemichi sure is popular huh.” Hakkai chuckled as he pushed his hair to the side,  “Oh, and by the by, let’s go bowling too. I think we’ll be able to break the tie since you’re so rusty.” 

“No way that’s gonna happen Hakkai, I’m still good at bowling even in my sleep!” Takemichi corrected with a glint in his eye, ready to prove his point as he imitated rolling a bowling ball with his arm.

This caused the others to laugh heartily

Truly, Takemichi was blessed with such amazing people he’s able to call his friends.

———————————————————————

A few days rolled by and Takemichi was finally discharged from the hospital. 

Good grief, the food was terrible . 

He may be used to it, but that doesn’t mean he liked it.

If he was forced to stay a day longer, Takemichi feared he would lose his taste buds.

He walked out of the building with Hinata clinging to his arm like a leech. 

A very cute leech, Takemichi might add, for he was the type of person to say yes to ridiculous questions like ‘Would you still love me even if I was a worm?’ that girlfriends tended to ask.

Anyways, the peach-haired girl was buzzing with excitement, because why wouldn't she? Her boyfriend was out of the hospital and was healing well, therefore, everything was going great!

The two went inside the Tachibana's family car, and off they drove towards his house.

Now, Takemichi didn't plan to hitchhike on their family outing like this, but they were the ones who offered in the first place, so who was he to refuse? 

Within a few minutes, they arrived at his place in record time. Mr. Tachibana was a swift driver, the blonde boy concluded.

They dropped him off at the gate, and Takemichi was about to turn around and thank the man, but Hinata was quick to peck his cheek, effectively immobilizing the poor boy. 

Takemichi touched the side of his face where his girlfriend’s lips were just seconds ago, before turning red.

Naoto, who saw everything in 1080 p, 60 fps, gagged in disgust as he grumbled about their public display of affection.

Mr. Tachibana looked like he had something to say, but held it in once he saw the stern look his wife gave him. She even went on to playfully complain why they weren’t as lovey-dovey as the couple before them.

Takemichi, who was momentarily too stunned to speak, managed to thank them for their generosity albeit fumbling with his words.

The family fared him goodbye as the sound of their car engine went off, leaving him alone once more.

After opening the door with the spare key he had with him, Takemichi was immediately greeted by the cold.

No lights, no warm welcome, no body .

The room was dark and desolate, as it formed a gloomy atmosphere upon Takemichi’s arrival. A striking contrast compared to the resident’s bright and peppy personality.

The blue-eyed boy heaved a sigh before entering.

He trudged through the hallway, not bothering to even change his clothes, he collapsed on his bed face first on the mattress. 

He found a note on his study desk along with some money attached to it.

The paper crumpled a bit in his grasp, before he smoothed it out to check its contents. 

There was a total of 200 000 yen at his disposal, and with a bit of budgeting, he could have 30 000 yen for his miscellaneous spendings, give or take.

He turned from his position to face the ceiling, his nose wrinkling at the dust caught in his nose.

He was hopeful that he might catch his parents home for the weekend so that he’ll have some help taking care of himself with his condition, but no-

They weren’t here as usual.

He should’ve known.

Hope was inevitably linked to disappointment after all.

Why did he even bother?

The lack of parental support and guidance was not an unusual occurrence.

He accepted it long ago that he couldn’t depend on them for his emotional needs. 

They stuck to the bare minimum and decided that was the fullest extent of the love they could give.

Takemichi’s parents were busy people with even busier schedules. They didn’t have the time nor luxury to stop and check on his well-being. So as long as they handed him money to pay for everyday expenses, (as well as his hospital bills) then that was enough.

They weren’t the best guardians, Takemichi admits this much, but at least they were decent enough to give him a roof over his head and provide him their financial support.

But what if he wasn’t so lucky?

Takemichi figured he’d be homeless, or an orphan with abandonment issues, whichever one came first.

So that was enough.

He couldn’t ask for something they couldn’t give.

But there was a time where he yearned for something more– 

Back when Takemichi was a child, he remembered how he seeked, yearned, and craved warmth from his parents, but he was always cast aside.

He came in last in their endless list of priorities.

Other kids began to notice.

Why did kids have to be so mean?

It started with light teasing, a mean comment here and there, nothing too harmful just yet.

But then it evolved into bullying, where he was shoved, picked on and ostracized.

So now, be it at school or at home, 

Little Takemichi was alone .

But during his time of solitude, he had come across excited whispers of the underground buzzing all throughout the district.

It was the golden age of delinquency, and he’s heard of many stories about them. 

The neighborhood moms often complained about their poor life choices and gaudy appearances, but the youth couldn’t care less.

These delinquents gathered together and formed unbreakable bonds of brotherhood as they stood in solidarity against a common enemy.

They were the textbook definition of young, wild, and free.

And for an impressionable Takemichi, they were living the dream.

He was completely enamored by the thought of being accepted by his peers regardless of his background.

These gangs garnered an awful reputation, and many dissuaded others from joining one,  but who cares? 

Because for them, opinions of others didn’t matter, and Takemichi was ready to be a part of it.

Ready to be part of that world he dreamed of………………!

.

.

.

.

.

Takemichi caught himself lost in his thoughts.

Why was he remembering his long forgotten childhood?

He didn’t know, he was getting distracted again.

He hauled himself into a sitting position and pondered.

So many things had happened, and now he was free to do as he pleased– 

Freedom he bought with his own two hands, with no strings attached.

Takemichi wanted to change.

He’s mulled over that thought many times back at the hospital.

But change is hard to do when you're stuck in a loop.

So he decided he’ll break off the cycle, by chipping its edges, and start with something small: cleaning.

He assessed the situation before him.

Okay, maybe , it wasn’t so small.

From corner to corner, everything within the vicinity looked dusty as hell. 

Heck, even his furniture was looking brown from all the layers of grime that stuck to it. It was honestly a surprise as to how Takemichi wasn’t sneezing up a storm the moment he stepped inside.

There were piles of trash littered all over the floor, spoiled and moldy food from the leftovers he forgot to eat, and what appears to be an unknown species of mushroom growing in a damp spot underneath his kitchen sink.

Takemichi grimaced, he needed to take care of that first.

His laundry heap towered over him like the eiffel tower, and the ceiling was a spider’s paradise.

In conclusion, Takemichi’s house was a complete and utter mess .

One could even mistake it for a landfill.

He couldn’t fathom how his younger self managed to live in this dumpster of a house. 

Takemichi pondered why he hadn’t contracted any disease from all of the filth yet.

Wait no– 

On second thought, he didn’t wanna know,

Nor did he want to take any chances.

Takemichi took a deep breath.

“It’s gonna be alright Michi, you can do this. You just have a little bit of housekeeping to do, that’s all. You can do it.” The blonde boy thought out loud. 

He wanted to hype himself up for the grueling task he was about to partake in.

Takemichi really wanted this to work. 

He wanted a fresh new start, and what better time than now?

Also, didn’t some people say cleaning was therapeutic? 

Something about having a clean home that made people feel more in control of their lives– 

Or was it organized home, organized thoughts?

Well, whatever that was, Takemichi was willing to try. 

Who knows? Maybe it’ll be the same for him.

He found himself some gloves and an apron from his long forgotten closet, with a bandana to match, unintentionally recreating the stereotypical housewife look.      

So with a broom in his hand, and the newfound determination for change, Takemichi was off to war.

———————————————————————

“What do you mean he's not there?” 

Wakasa inquired, looking up from his watch as he faced a pouty Senju walking towards him.  

He was sure they were at the right place, he’s heard it from Seishu, and Seishu was never the one to lie.

Benkei, who was beside the slender man, took notice of their commander’s annoyance. She was practically puffing steam out of her ears.

“They said he was discharged a few hours ago! We totally missed him! I can’t believe we didn’t even get the chance to visit, Waka! Benkei!”

Because of Brahman’s current affairs, and all the paperwork Senju had to deal with (who knew gangs had to do that sort of thing?), prevented the girl from seeing her friend for almost two weeks.

The hell their gang went through after she learned it was (undoubtedly) Mikey’s fault that Hanagaki landed himself in the hospital was something they did not want to experience again.

Senju was ready to square up and give the guy a piece of her mind (using her kicks), only to find out that he had gone missing was– 

Great, just, great .

She had all this pent up anger, but no outlet to put it through….

Let’s just say the purge had been extremely effective under the might of an angry white-haired girl. It didn’t take too long to flush out all the bad rep and business Takeomi got themselves into.

Brahman learned a valuable lesson that day. If their leader wasn’t happy, nobody’s happy.

Back at the hospital, the two men sweatdropped at their commander, who was openly whining in the reception area, catching the attention of other people in the room.

Some were visibly irritated at the commotion, while others opted to stay silent.

Wakasa was quick to apologize on Senju’s behalf while Benkei went over to placate the girl.

“We came all the way here for nothing!” Senju cried out as she sulked.

“Why don’t we visit him in his home then?”

The girl quieted after that, her mental gears grinding at the suggestion, before turning bright as a light. 

Of course !

If he wasn’t at the hospital, then he was at his home, and lucky for her, she already knew the address!

Now all she needed to do was go there– 

“Benkei you’re a genius ! Let’s go there right away! Common! Common!” Senju shouted excitedly like a child that was promised candy as she dragged the two Brahman executives outside the building.

The muscle man gave a silent prayer. He had inadvertently shifted the responsibility of a hyperactive gal to a probably resting Hanagaki.

The trio went over to their bikes to head over to their newest destination: A certain blue-eyed boy’s residence.

“Ah! Wait! WAIT!! ” Senju, who was on a pillion behind Benkei suddenly yelled, causing the bulky man to screech his vehicle to a halt.

“What is it, Senju?” Wakasa asked, before temporarily stopping his own bike.

“I can’t go there empty-handed, he promised me we’ll go get chocomint ice cream again, but I don’t think we’ll be getting some soon so I was thinking we’ll just bring the ice cream to him! Oh- but that means, hnnnnngg I wanna see him noww ” Senju was close to throwing a tantrum.

A crease formed on her forehead, getting increasingly irritated that there was yet another obstacle preventing her from seeing Hanagaki.

“I’ll go get the ice cream then, you two go ahead.” Wakasa proposed, as he bit down on the lollipop stick placed between his sultry lips.

“Really??” Senju practically bounced on her seat, as her mood did a full 180. 

There was nothing stopping her now!

“Mhm, now go on.” The alluring man encouraged, as he tucked a stray purple lock behind his ear.

“Okay!! Thanks, Waka! Let’s go, Benkei! Hanagaki’s waiting for us!”

Technically no, Takemichi was not waiting for them, as Senju didn’t bother telling the guy they were coming over– 

But Benkei did not voice that out, fearing he might trigger her ire.

Women can sure be scary sometimes.

The tanned man nodded at the other Brahman executive before speeding off with Senju in tow.

Wakasa watched the two of them leave, their figures getting smaller and smaller by the distance.

He turned the corner and revved his engine as he went in search of where to buy that particular ice cream flavor.

His droopy eyes scanned the buildings, and through his long lashes, he found what he was looking for.

‘Bingo’

———————————————————————

It was about three in the afternoon, and Takemichi still hadn't finished cleaning.

Granted, cleaning the entire house was a big enough task as it is, but the boy felt the need to finish everything in one fell swoop.

He had already discarded the trash from the kitchen, rid his ceilings of cobwebs, dusted every inch and corner of the floor, and even got the laundry going in his washing machine.

Takemichi felt very satisfied with his work.

Who knew cleaning could be this gratifying?

He allowed himself a break after working for almost three hours straight. 

His lunch (it had been takeout, but Takemichi swears it will be his last in a while) was already digested and he was feeling kind of peckish.

He hasn’t gone to the grocery yet, so his fridge was empty at the moment (and in dire need of a clean too, but that was a chore for another day)

“I think I’m gonna have to head out for some snacks, and something for dinner too– ”

Takemichi said to himself as he prepared to leave. He opened the door and came face to face with an excitable girl.

“Hanagaki!!!”

“AHHHH!!!”

Takemichi yelped and stumbled back in surprise, clearly not expecting visitors.

“S-Senju?” The blond boy asked dumbfoundedly.

Senju had the audacity to laugh at him as if she didn’t scare the living daylights out of him.

“Yup! It’s me, I was supposed to visit you in the hospital, but they said you were already discharged, and so we came to visit!” The girl exclaimed looking slightly smug at herself.

“Hold on, we?”

“Ah! I brought Benkei and Waka with me, but Waka will be a little late, I hope you don’t mind the extra company.” Senju added with a smile.

“I don’t mind, but a little heads up would’ve been nice, I almost had a heart attack!”

“I told you you should’ve texted him first” 

Benkei finally came to view, coming back from parking his motorcycle outside. 

“Hello Hanagaki, pardon the intrusion.” Benkei added with a gruff, his eyes shifting back and forth from Senju and Takemichi.

Now, Takemichi was not gonna lie, he still wasn’t used to his larger than life stature, and quite frankly, he was intimidated.

Benkei was built like a fucking tank.

He towered over him by more than a few inches, and the man’s muscles were the size of watermelons– 

Muscles that could easily bench press Takemichi into tomorrow if he wanted to.

“I- uh It’s alright, Senju, Benkei-kun, please , come inside.” 

The boy sidestepped to allow his unexpected guests inside. 

“Alright!” Senju cheered with a skip in her step.

The three headed inside, and the two settled on the not so dusty couch.

“Sorry it’s still a bit messy, I haven’t finished cleaning the house yet. I was also about to go and buy some snacks, but well–”

“Hanagaki, you’re gonna go out….looking like that ?” Senju asked the boy, squinting her eyes as she did.

“Looking like what? Wait–”

Takemichi then took the time to reevaluate himself. He was still covered head to toe with grime with a dirty apron to boot.

“ Ah –”

He covered his face with his hands,

How embarrassing .

Senju could only laugh at her friend. She could definitely picture him going out looking like he had just raised a personal war against dirt and won.

“Don’t laugh, Senju, I was so caught up in cleaning that I completely forgot I wasn’t uhhh, presentable . Sorry bout that”

Takemichi replied as he scratched his cheek, ah this was so humiliating. He almost wanted the ground to swallow him whole already.

“Wait– aren’t you supposed to be resting? You just got discharged from the hospital right?”

Benkei spoke in a low voice.

“Huh? Well I–”

“That’s right! Don't tell me you forgot you’re still hurt, and in no way should be working and straining your muscles?? If you are, then I’m gonna have to kick you–”

Senju stood up and cornered Takemichi, with her hands on her hips.

“About that I-” The blue-eyed boy was sweating bullets. 

‘Please don’t– I’m injured enough as is!’

“Don’t scare the boy, Senju”

“Aww you’re no fun, Benkei, I was just kidding Hanagaki, didn’t I tell you I was gonna protect you?”

Okay ouch , he could hear his manly pride shatter into a million pieces.

Not that he doesn’t think Senju isn’t strong, god no - she was a monster in her own right, and Takemichi respects her very much,

But come on, he was a guy- leave some room for him to at least act the part.

“I know, Senju, oh and by the way, do you guys want some tea? I can go fetch you some right now if you want”

Takemichi offered, wanting to steer the conversation away from the previous topic.

“Oh no, we’re fine, why don’t you freshen up a bit? Aren’t you itchy with all that dirt on you??” Senju asked.

“But you’re my guests , I can’t leave you unattended”

“We’ll be alright, Hanagaki. I’ll keep Senju here company.”

“Well, if you say so, Benkei-kun”

Takemichi surrendered and excused himself upstairs.

Senju was right, a bath would do him good, especially after practically rolling in dirt– hopefully his guests wouldn’t mind a few minutes without him.

Takemichi opened the faucet and let the water fill the bathtub. He discarded his dirty clothes and sat inside the fixture.

The warm water hugged the boy in a comforting manner, immediately shedding off the tension in his muscles after a long day.

“Man, I forgot how relaxing this was”

Takemichi felt himself melt as he washed his face along with his hair and body.

After a few minutes of vigorously scrubbing himself, Takemichi was squeaky clean once again.

He put on some clothes, placed a towel on his hair, and headed downstairs to where his guests were.

“Hey guys, sorry I took so long – ”

Takemichi’s words were cut short when he saw Senju, Benkei and Wakasa (when did he get in here?) diligently cleaning where he left off like they were glorified maids.

“Hope you don’t mind us digging through your stuff,” Senju explained, raising a rag with her right hand. 

“We figured we’d make ourselves useful. You did look kind of busy when we got here, so think of it as payment for barging in on you unannounced.” Benkei added while he held a mop.

Was Takemichi tripping on acid? They were Brahman’s top dogs!

Certainly people of their caliber wouldn’t reduce themselves into doing this right? 

Right??

“H-Hey what are you guys doing? You’re not supposed to–”

“It’s alright, don’t bother with it anymore Hanagaki, we’re almost done anyways. So take it easy will ya?”

Wakasa interrupted, as he put down his broom and sauntered his way towards him without a care in the world, Benkei and Senju following suit.

“That’s right! Waka even got us chocomint ice cream! Let’s go eat some now, I’m hungry”

Senju declared, unable to hide her excitement.

And that’s how Takemichi spent the rest of the day with Brahman’s leader and executives; eating cold refreshing ice cream after a productive day.

Chapter Text

“Help me dye my hair black, Akkun.”

“Excuse me, what ?”

Atsushi gawked at Takemichi, who was currently in the salon he worked at, on a lazy Sunday morning, with said dye in his hands and smiling at him as if he didn’t just drop a bombshell the size of Shibuya on his pompadour.

“I said, could you help me dye my hair black.” The blue-eyed boy repeated before sitting criss-cross applesauce on one of the empty benches.

“No no, I heard you the first time, I was just shocked” Atsushi clarified. 

He put down the window wiper he was holding, rubbed his hands clean with a rag before facing his friend.

“Is it really that surprising?” Takemichi laughed out loud, before a lazy grin settled on his features.

“Yeah it is you little rascal, I never thought I'd live to see the day you finally came back to your senses and realized how bad your hair was!”

Atsushi pulled him into a headlock and gave him a noogie.

“Hey! It’s not that bad!” Takemichi retorted, looking mildly offended. 

His hair was cool damn it! 

“Nu-uh Takemichi, you gotta hear the truth, it is that bad.” Atsushi teased with a knowing grin and Takemichi wanted nothing more than to wipe that stupid look off of his face.

“Anyways, what’s the occasion? You barely tamper with your hair nowadays.”

“You’re so mean Akkun! I just wanted a change that’s all, and besides, my roots are showing–"

Takemichi complained as he bowed his head and pointed at the black strands of hair that were peeking from his scalp.

“Would you look at that, well, Takemichi my friend, you came to the right place!” Atsushi replied with a grand gesture.

“I only go to the best!”

“Oh stop it with the flattery already, you know I’m just an apprentice. Now let me see that dye you got there” 

Takemichi showed the item obediently, looking at his red-haired friend for signs of approval.

“Oh wow, you actually got the good stuff this time, this is the same brand we use here at the beauty parlor."

“Heh, I just asked the lady at the store which one's good, and that’s what she recommended. You know I don’t know much about this kind of stuff” The blonde admitted with a slight chuckle.

“And that’s why you have me, Now let’s get to it shall we?" 

Atsushi declared as he grabbed his friend from the bench and put him on a salon chair.

"I’m so excited to get rid off that piss blonde hair”

He whispered that last part, but he was heard loud and clear, earning a weak punch from Takemichi, to which he laughed in reply.

Not like his punches actually held any damage, his arms were weak as hell, even for the redhead's standards.

The two then prepared for Takemichi's pseudo makeover.

Atsushi first prepared the dye, laid out his tools and wrapped a black cloth around the boy’s neck to prevent stains.

Next, he applied a layer of petroleum jelly along his hairline to protect his skin from getting any dye.

He then divided Takemichi’s hair into sizable chunks using sectioning clips and parted his hair in the middle, creating four sections from ear to ear and down the back.

Atsushi slowly applied the dye at his roots, and ran it through the rest of his strands with a comb. 

Then it was time to let it set for 45 minutes. 

They talked idly during the wait as there were no other people besides them. It was a miracle the salon wasn't as crowded as it was during the weekdays. 

Time flew by quickly and Atsushi led him to a shampoo bowl to rinse out the dye with conditioner.

Takemichi hummed as his friend worked through his hair.

It was a relaxing experience. 

He should really treat himself more often.

Atsushi moved to get his hairdryer, switched it on and began drying Takemichi’s hair. 

The machine whirred gently with a strange comfort, almost lulling the boy with the blue eyes to sleep.

And for the final touches, Atsushi styled his black locks into soft curls that swept to the side and framed his baby face adorably.

He now looked like one of those j-pop boy groups his female co-workers gushed about every now and then during their break time.

“So, what do you think?”

Atsushi handed him a mirror as he smiled proudly at his work. 

“Akkun I-”

Takemichi was speechless. 

He touched his hair and turned his head from side to side to inspect his new look.

He resembled his older self now, albeit much better.

Wow

He didn’t think he’d ever find himself looking this good.

Hair really does affect your entire appearance. He felt stylish, classy even!

Talk about a major confidence boost.

“Told you you should’ve gotten rid of that shitty hair, look at you now! Man, I gotta show the others!” Atsushi laughed while praising Takemichi. 

He took a picture of the boy (who was still busy checking himself out) and sent it to their group chat, and a sudden barrage of pings soon followed.

Takemichi was a diamond in the rough alright, and Atsushi was glad he was the one to make his friend shine. 

“Thanks for helping me out, Akkun.”

“No problem.”

————————————————————

Takemichi didn’t think seeking professional help for his trauma was going to be this hard.

You see, when Takemichi decided he’ll get into therapy, he forgot about one crucial detail– 

It was currently 2007, not 2017, meaning all the progress and advocacies for mental health was practically non-existent during this time in the healthcare industry.

Seriously, he was turned down by four hospitals already, and some even had the gall to prescribe him pain-killers and shoo him out of the room as if his pain was physical.

Someone must be pulling his leg. 

His wounds may have healed but the mental scars were still there.

He has neglected that part of himself and sooner or later it might just come back to bite him in the ass,

But it was better late than never, right?

He really wanted to improve himself, and getting help from a psychiatrist or a psychologist was a step towards that direction.

Now how should he deal with this setback?

Should he go and find help in places other than Tokyo? 

No, that would be too expensive. Therapy was costly enough and  his budget can’t handle it.

How about volunteering as a test subject in studies for therapy instead? 

He knows there are some niches out there that he could apply for, maybe that’ll help?

Who was he kidding, that idea was ridiculous. 

The black-haired boy groaned in frustration.

As he was weighing his options he heard his doorbell ring.

‘Who could that be?’

He didn’t get a text from anyone, so he thought today was a free day, but he guessed not. 

He has been getting a lot of surprise visits lately.

Takemichi walked towards his door and opened it.

“Takemichi, How are you?” “‘Sup, Hanagaki”

Two people spoke at the same time, their voices overlapping.

At his door stood Seishu, wearing a loose turtleneck sweater paired with off white pants and black Christian Louboutin heels with the red soles, as well as Hajime, who wore a red oversized shirt, baggy cargo pants and sandals.

If Takemichi didn’t know any better, he would’ve assumed they were models that were given the wrong address for a photoshoot.

Their fashion sense was unmatched .

He now felt kinda underdressed in his own home.

‘These guys I swear- stop making me look poor in my sweatpants. I already know I'm a peasant, no need to rub it in!’

“ Woah , you changed your hair, it looks good on you, Takemichi” Inupi complimented with a handsome smile.

“I see you finally decided to ditch that god-awful hair, good job. The color suits you” Kokonoi added, the tip of his tongue peeking through his smirk.

“Will everyone be reacting that way about my hair now? Look, my last dye wasn’t that bad. Right, Seishu?” Takemichi tilted his head to face the sunflower blonde, hoping to get some sort of validation.

“Uhhhhh, I uhm- ehem” Seishu coughed into his hand and looked everywhere except Takemichi. 

He didn’t have the heart to tell him that it really was as bad as everyone claimed it to be.

“Not you too! Common man, give me a word in this– I’m fighting a losing game here!” The blue-eyed boy exclaimed. 

There has to be someone other than Hina that found his old hairstyle cool!

“ Pfft - Face it Hanagaki, your blonde hair was shit” Hajime cackled in between his words.

“Sorry Takemichi” Seishu appeared somewhat apologetic as he nudged Kokonoi by his side to stop him from laughing so hard.

Takemichi faked being annoyed and let out a loud ‘hmp!’

“Awww don’t take it to heart, we’re just being honest, but hey, look on the bright side, you look good with the black hair so stop looking so angry, you’ll get wrinkles.” 

The former black dragons’ elite guard captain teased as he poked a well manicured finger on Takemichi’s forehead.

“You guys are lucky I’m so nice.” 

Inupi snorted, unable to hide his amusement.

“Yeah yeah, so, are you gonna let us in or not?” Kokonoi (the cheeky bastard) asked while leaning against the door frame.

“Oh uh, yeah, of course, come in.”

Takemichi led his uninvited guests inside his humble abode and served them tea.

“So, what are you guys doing here anyway?” 

“Well, I actually came here alone, but then Kokonoi saw me and decided to tag along, and here we are.” Inupi explained as he crossed his legs and jabbed his finger at Kokonoi's direction.

“That’s right, and also because you need to take responsibility for what you did to me." Kokonoi added, before taking a long sip from his drink.

“ Pardon ?” 

Both Takemichi and Seishu gaped at Kokonoi like he’s grown a second head.

The two questioned themselves silently, "Am I missing something here?? What is this guy talking about???"  

“You wound me, Hanagaki. Did you already forget? Weren’t you the one who told me I can do what I want? That I can change and shit? Well, here I am, so take responsibility for it.” 

Seishu's eyes widened.

So that’s why.

He wondered for quite some time now how he and Hajime managed to salvage their crumbling friendship within the span of last week compared to the literal years of dilly dallying around their issues.

The last thing Inupi expected on a cloudy Saturday was Kokonoi at his doorstep wanting to actually communicate and patch things up.

They knew very well that their friendship was built on guilt. 

It was toxic and unhealthy, and Inupi has never been happier to finally move past that stage in their lives.

He was no longer Inui Akane in Hajime’s eyes, nor was Kokonoi a source of doubt in valuing his life.

They had a rocky start, but he was proud to say they’ve reached asphalt roads.

And the person responsible for this development? 

None other than Hanagaki Takemichi

Who else would it be?

Seishu cannot count the blessings he’s received just by sticking by his side. He was like his lucky charm: someone who brought the better things in life and laid it all out on his feet.

He was more than ready to worship even the pavement his soles walked upon, for he was a deity among men and he was his most devout follower.

“Ah, I see, I did say that,” Takemichi replied sheepishly, feeling kind of embarrassed, now that it was mentioned out loud.

He didn’t mean for it to sound that way, he just blurted things out and hoped for the best.

He was elated that he managed to convince Kokonoi into listening to his half-assed advice.

They look genuinely happy in each other’s company now.

The subtle strain and unspoken tension in their friendship was nowhere to be seen.

And Takemichi couldn’t be happier.

“Okaaaay, well, what is it that you wanted to do, Koko-kun? I’m kinda busy at the moment though–.” 

“Oh? What for?” Inupi asked, definitely curious as to what he was up to nowadays.

“It’s kinda embarrassing to say actually…” Takemichi turned his head whilst rubbing his nape.

“Just spill it, will ya?” 

“Alright alright, geez . I was trying to find a therapist here in Tokyo–”

The blue-eyed boy elaborated,

“But every single hospital I visited turned me down! I can’t even get a word in! All they do is give me analgesics and send me on my merry way- As if that’s gonna help– like, seriously people!? How am I supposed to get better in these conditions???” 

Takemichi complained as he ruffled his hair in exasperation.

Inupi and Kokonoi shared a look. While their friend ranted, they too were communicating, but only with their eyes.

It was a skill closest to telepathy that only childhood friends can achieve. 

“So I was thinking if I should find either a psychiatrist or a psychologist outside of Tokyo, but I couldn’t afford that. Therapy is expensive as is, I don’t wanna be emotionally damaged and broke at the same time. And now, I don’t know what to do.”

So long story short, Takemichi wanted professional help, Seishu deduced.

To be able to admit and recognize his needs while openly showing vulnerability to his friends– 

Takemichi was truly a man among men.

But as much as this guy loved to help others, he sure was hesitant to ask for it. 

Many people were eager to repay the kindness he gave, but were never given the chance.

And so, Seishu and Hajime are going to take advantage of this golden opportunity and aid him in his quest to find a suitable therapist.

“Tsk tsk tsk. Takemichi, did you forget who your friends are?” Inupi said, pride evident in his tone. 

“I- huh?” 

“Don’t worry about it anymore, Hanagaki. Seishu and I will handle it.” Kokonoi grinned like a Cheshire cat while rubbing the palms of his hands together like a sleazy businessman (which he kinda was, probably). 

“...”

Takemichi trusted the two very much, but he was kind of scared of the matching shady expressions they wore on their faces.

Hopefully there won’t be any bribery or dubious activity involved in their ‘help’ , but given their track record…

Yeah, well, Takemichi can turn a blind eye for once. 

What he doesn’t know won’t kill him. 

————————————————————

Mitsuya couldn’t remember the comfort of the sun’s rays on his waxen skin.

He only felt the cold that seeped through the window sill inside his dimly lit room.

How long ago has it been since then?

Days?

Weeks?

Months ?

He found himself completely unbothered by it.

Time only continued to pass by, uncaring of the things it left behind.

When the news of Draken’s death reached his unsuspecting ears, he was utterly devastated.

He didn’t know what to think.

He didn’t know what to feel .

He didn’t know what to do .

Mitsuya couldn’t imagine a life without him, but now, here he was, forced to recreate a version of reality without his existence.

It left him to whimper helplessly in the dark and eat the eraser shavings off of his desk as he drowned himself in work, hoping it’ll somehow relieve him from the pain.

But it did absolutely nothing .

It didn’t fill the void that was forcefully carved out of his chest.

The cavity in his heart was still bleeding, still missing, still grieving for a part of itself that will never grow back.

As a duet quieted into a solo, his laments intertwined with somber tones,

His regrets flared like a turbulent drum that deafened his ears, disrupting his thoughts with a cacophony of noises he couldn’t suppress.

He just couldn’t accept that after growing up alongside him through thick and thin,

His twin,

His half,

His friend,

Was gone.

He didn’t even get the chance to say goodbye.

In his last moments,

Did he think of him? 

Of all the people he inevitably left behind?

Mistuya wished he could turn back time.

Back in that familiar shrine that held so much of his precious memories.

He remembered the snow falling atop their heads, the puffs of their breaths suspended in the air, and their faces flushed red from the cold winter breeze. 

“Have you grown accustomed to living life without Toman?”

Was what he said, and truthfully, Mitsuya didn’t know the answer. So he remained silent, urging him to continue.

“Because I can’t seem to move on from it.”

Draken’s eyes held a look of longing, as he glanced around the scenery reminiscing of their glory days with a gentle smile.

“That’s why, I think I’m gonna go back to the life of a delinquent.”

Mitsuya’s brows pinched together in confusion.

Was it the adrenaline? The thrill of the fight? The camaraderie, perhaps? 

That kept Draken craving the taste of delinquency at the back of his tongue even after all these years.

“I’ll continue following Mikey, and you better become a fashion designer, okay?”

So Draken hasn’t given up on their former commander. 

Mitsuya expected this much. 

He wanted to go after Mikey despite making it clear he wanted nothing to do with them.

Still ,

It was a promise.

One that Takashi placed carefully inside his heart and along the borders of his mind.

A vow he fully intended to keep so that maybe someday, when they’re a bit older, they’ll talk once more over a couple of drinks boasting to each other that they’ve made it.  

In retrospect, it was all wistful thinking.

For life was a fickle thing,

Uncontrollable, unpredictable, and out of anybody’s grasp.

Mitsuya entertained a series of what ifs.

What if he stopped him?

What if he talked him out of it?

What if he convinced him to stay and continue to live peacefully with him and the others?

Would that bring him back?

He was sure he could get him to falter in his decision, because Draken valued his opinion, and he was his dearest friend.

But could he really? 

Hypothetically speaking,

Can he, in good conscience, stop him from pursuing his happiness?

.

.

.

No.

No he can’t.

Because like the dragon that was inked on the side of his head, displayed proudly for the world to behold,

Draken was free .

Free to do whatever felt right, even if it told him to jump back into a basin of violence and uncertainty.

It was his choice.

And he had no right to say otherwise.

He couldn’t trample on his wishes like this,

Not when he looked so hopeful to be living life as a delinquent like he used to.

And so, Mitsuya let him.

He let him go, watching quietly as his figure blurred out of his vision.

A part of him wanted to reach out his hand and pull him back,

Back to the safety of normalcy and far from the dangers of the life he so desired.

But his arms were too heavy.

“DRAKEN!”  

A scream broke him from his stupor.

His mind scrambled to check who it was,

Only to find no one but himself.

It was him who pitifully cried out his name, waking him up from the chambers of his slumber.

He fluttered his eyelids and rubbed the sleep off of his sunken eyes.

He was drenched in sweat, panting heavily, and shaking like a leaf in the wind at the vivid dream.

It felt so real, that he could almost grab the back of Draken’s jacket and reel him back in.

But it was only that,

A dream .

He slumped back on his bed, exhausted as he sighed heavily against his pillow. 

A few minutes passed by and his alarm clock set off, signaling the start of yet another monotonous day.

He got up and accidentally got a glimpse of himself in the mirror and saw the terrible state he was in.

There were prominent dark circles clasped underneath his eyes, his hair was oily and unkempt, his stubble left unshaved, his skin was pale as a sheet from the lack of sunlight, and his body, frail and weak from weight loss.

He looked nothing like the man he used to be.

It was as if his life was sucked out of him, leaving an empty husk behind.

Mitsuya grunted at his reflection before covering the mirror with a towel.

He didn’t need to be reminded of how awful his life had become after his passing.

Without even bothering for breakfast, he made his way towards his work area, which looked as messy and disorganized as its owner.

Scraps of fabric were littered on the desk and on the floor, crumpled pieces of paper and pencil shavings were scattered all over his portfolio and stacks of empty instant cup noodles were stacked into a tall pile.

It was like a typhoon visited his room.

He should’ve cleaned up even a little bit to make room for his sketches and other materials, but he just didn’t have the motivation to do so.

He continued to work in a dump, making him feel like it too.

The sounds of a pen skidding through paper, and the clanking of the sewing machine filled his room until a quiet knock interrupted his flow.

“Big brother?”

“What?” He called out in a hoarse voice.

He couldn’t hear what the other was saying and so he grumpily stood up from his seat and yanked his door open to see his little sister fidgeting with her dress.

“What is it, Luna?” Mitsuya repeated as he clicked his tongue.

He failed to hide the irritation in his voice, causing the girl to curl in on herself and gesture at their front door instead.

Mitsuya turned his head to see what the fuss was all about– .

Lo and behold,

There at his doorstep, with the radiant sky as his backdrop, stood one Hanagaki Takemichi.

His hair now obsidian black, contrasted pleasantly against his lemon custard jacket with splatters of the sun decorating his cheeks like the morning dew.

He looked almost ethereal, and if he wasn’t currently feeling like shit, then he might’ve complimented his upgraded get up.

He just stared blankly at his visitor, unable to find the words.

“Hello, Mitsuya-kun”

————————————————————

Takashi did not know what the other did to make him open up the deepest layers of his heart like this, but he supposed it was about time for that emotional talk anyway.

Maybe it was the sweets he brought with him to share with his sisters, or the genuine look of concern he had in those ocean blue eyes, but the moment those words left his lips, he was sent crashing to the floor.

It was just a simple question, really.

“What happened?”

But he burst like a dam on site.

All the pressure he’s held back for so long finally gave out until there was nothing left to spill.

He felt arms wrap around him, and mutters of comforting words reached his ears.

Mitsuya would’ve been ashamed to let his sister witness this side of him, but at that moment he didn’t care.

He sobbed uncontrollably while being cradled like a baby as Takemichi traced imaginary circles on his back to calm him down.

When he collected his thoughts and the rest of his tears dried up, the two of them talked.

About anything and everything, but that was all he needed.

It was like a cathartic release that left him feeling considerably lighter than before.

There was just something so comforting about the boy’s nature that made it difficult to keep things from him.

He resembled a fuzzy blanket that he and his sisters used to cuddle together during the cold weeks of late December.

And Takashi decided that he liked that.

Takemichi stayed for a while longer and even helped him tidy up the place, as embarrassing as that was (he let a junior clean up his mess– what kind of senior was he??).

He was a delight to have, and his sisters have grown quite attached to the guy if their refusals to let him leave and offer to stay the night meant anything.

Takemichi was blushing furiously as he tried to peel off Luna (not Mana) that clung to his knees like an oversized koala, afraid that her big brother was gonna revert back to his depressive state once he left.

Mitsuya reassured her that he wouldn't, and that made her let go. (He needed to apologize to them for being such a jerk brother, and also make a new set of toys for them to play with to show he’s really sorry)

It was currently 5:45 p.m. and Takemichi waved them goodbye, promising to visit again sometime after the competition, (which he swore to attend, the sweetheart), and that he owed him a sewing lesson.

Apparently the boy was now picking up new hobbies like pokemon, and Mitsuya was more than happy to help, it was his specialty after all.

Later that night he picked up an old razor and began shaving half of his head, as a hidden tattoo finally resurfaced.

He still intended to keep his end of the bargain.

Only now, he’d do it in a healthier, less destructive way.

Chapter Text

Hello everyone, I’m sorry that this chapter is not an update you were expecting, I am just announcing that I will be on hiatus for the time being. As you all know, I have been consistently updating once a week for the last month, and as much as I want to keep doing so, I can’t. Reality has come back to punch me in the face and I need to get my act together. I have my major subjects to attend to and I cannot compromise my studies. It’s gonna be a difficult one too, and so for that reason, I’m gonna put this fic on hold.

I am NOT abandoning this fic, I am only taking a HIATUS. Who knows, I might be able to sneak in a short chapter here and there but no promises. Any free time I have will be put into making my thesis.

So yeah, for all those who have commented and supported this fic since the very beginning, thank you 💝💖💘 especially Cidezro_UwU (seriously thanks so much for all the love and support) and I hope you’ll wait for me until then.

It’s not a ‘goodbye’, just a ‘see you later’ 💗

So with that out of the way, see you all later, my lovely readers, and I hope you all have an amazing day! 🌻✨💛

Chapter Text

“Hmmmm……should I get the spicy one, or not?”

Takemichi muttered to himself as he looked back and forth between two packets of seasonings in his hands. One was bright red, while the other was plain yellow.

“Maybe I’ll go with the spicy one today, though it's a bit more expensive than the original, I think I deserve a treat."

Takemichi hummed in delight as he placed the item in his basket.

He strolled through another aisle, this time stopping at the dairy section.

He was currently inside a supermarket picking up his groceries for the week as his supplies were running low.

The speakers were playing some generic jpop song from an artist he doesn’t recognize, and the air conditioning was on full blast as usual.

There was something about the ambiance of the place that made Takemichi feel at ease.

He minded his own business, recalling his mental list of ingredients, while not even batting an eye at the kids that zoomed past him, and their furious mother that ran after them.

Nothing would break his focus, for today, he had an important mission at hand. 

Takemichi stopped and peered through the selection of meats in front of him. After a few seconds of careful deliberation, he came to a decision and picked up a package of pork shoulder.

Tonight, he was going to make a spicy pork curry from the recipe Mitsuya had been kind enough to share with him.

Backpedalling to just a few weeks ago, Mitsuya had won the fashion competition he took part in by storm.

It was an obvious conclusion though, as Takemichi knew he had the talent and eye for all things fashion related.

To celebrate this achievement, he had invited ex-Toman captains (and vice captains) to eat with him at his place.

He had offered to cook something special, and Mitsuya's homemade meals were known to be notoriously good.

And so, Chifuyu, Hakkai, and Takemichi (also known as the dumbass trio) accepted the offer and came over immediately because, 

“Who would turn down Taka-chan’s cooking?!” 

As Hakkai so passionately proclaimed, which earned him a hearty chuckle from his idol (Mitsuya).

Others wanted to join in on the celebration, but were either occupied with work (Pah and Peh) or too far away (Smiley and Angry).

They sent their regards though, and congratulated him on his win, which was more than enough for Mitsuya.

When the food came and each was served with their portion. It was, without a doubt, delicious .

It was a simple dish, just rice and curry, but there was something magical about it.

Maybe it was because it was homemade that made it taste so good.

Or that they knew it was prepared with much love and care, as expected from a man like Mitsuya.

Whichever it was, it made the food all the more delicious.

Takemichi wasn’t embarrassed to ask for seconds, as did the others.

Hakkai was crying as he ate, claiming how good it was and how he was blessed to be able to taste Taka-chan’s cooking while Chifuyu laughed at him for being overly dramatic.

The atmosphere around the table was homey, as laughs and cheers were present all throughout the meal.

Soon enough, the pot was scraped clean, bellies were filled, and everyone was satisfied. 

Takemichi offered to help clean the dishes while Hakkai played with children for the time being, Chifuyu had to leave soon after though, because he was called in unexpectedly for work. 

While scrubbing plates, Takashi asked Takemichi when he’d want those sewing lessons he’d asked for.

Takemichi had honestly forgotten about that deal for a hot minute, but was glad Mitsuya was still open to help him. 

Feeling a little bit bold, he also asked for another favor.

“Mitsuya-kun, will you also teach me how to cook? It's just that the food was so good I thought I want to be able to make something like that too…”

His voice trailed off as he looked away sheepishly. 

He thought the man was going to refuse because of the new projects he had after winning the competition, but to his surprise the rejection never came.

Instead it was a very welcomed, ‘Sure, why not?’ with a gentle encouraging smile.

The two agreed to meet up every Sunday, and just like that, Takemichi’s Sundays became a working progress to amp up his skill set.

He may have almost set his entire kitchen on fire one time trying to recreate a dish that was too advanced for him because he was impatient, and that time when he almost gotten himself stitched by a sewing machine because he was careless- 

But we don’t talk about that.

Right now though, after successive trials and errors, he was proud to say he was now an okay- bordering decent cook. (His sewing needed a bit more work though)

He was no Michelin starred chef, but it was enough.

Feeling confident, he wanted to try and make some curry later, and if it all went well, then he’ll make a cute bento box to give to Hina. 

Hopefully it would be half as good as the one Mitsuya made.

“She’ll be so proud!”

Takemichi grinned to himself, excited to impress his girlfriend, as he walked out of the supermarket with a skip in his step and arms full of plastic bags.

The sun was starting to set and the world had turned dark, revealing the stars that decorated the vast skies.

Takemichi glanced down at his watch which read “6:37 p.m.”. He was inside the store longer than he thought.

Anyways, Takemichi decided to take a shortcut because his hands were itching to see if he could pull this off.

Turning the corner, he passed through a narrow street and found himself in an unfamiliar alley.

He knew the roads well, and he wasn’t directionally challenged, so how did this happen??

Takemichi squinted his eyes to get a better look at his surroundings. 

It was indeed the same street he once went through before…

Maybe his eyes were just playing tricks on him, because the place looked very different at night than it was during the day.

The street lamps were flickering, and there was an absence of honks and busy chatters associated with the city.

Takemichi felt like he was in one of those cheesy slasher films he used to watch-

A poor unfortunate soul walking down the streets at night, all alone, just waiting to get jumped at by a psycho killer.

Shaking the thoughts from his head, Takemichi speed-walked through the place as fast as he could whilst hugging his groceries tight on his chest.

Call him paranoid but he doesn’t want to be mugged or be in any of the situations his brain supplied him at the moment, thank you very much.

A few minutes later, he arrived at a much brighter area. 

It was the park where he first met Naoto during his first time leap.

There were a lot of memories in this place, and quite frankly, this is where it all began.

“Ah, how nostalgic.”

Takemichi spoke out loud as he let himself be filled by the nostalgia of the scenery before him.

With calmer nerves, he allowed himself to roam the place for a little while, for old times’ sake.

He could picture out a little Naoto getting bullied by some punks, and remembering the broken bottle he used to threaten them with.

Good times.

He sat on a nearby bench, and placed his groceries on the seat.

Walking while being ready to sprint at the drop of a hat was unexpectedly tiring.

“Man, am I that out of shape?”

Takemichi spoke to no one in particular as he wiped the sweat off of his forehead. 

Maybe he should add exercising to his schedule. It wasn’t like he was doing anything else in his free time.

(Who was he kidding? He already got his hands full from Mitsuya’s lessons. The man was strict when he wanted to be, and that included his punctuality. He couldn't, in fact, take another hobby at the moment.)

He closed his eyes for second, and inhaled the cold night's breeze.

It was getting a bit chilly.

"Maybe it's time to head home. The curry isn’t making itself…”

Finally preparing to leave, Takemichi dusted his pants and was about to reach for his groceries when a sudden groan came out from behind him.

“Urgh…..”

“EEK!!”

Takemichi screeched as he immediately turned around, causing him to fall flat on his bum.

“Do-Don’t hurt me….!!” Takemichi pleaded as he curled his arms over his head in a defensive position. 

He readied himself for an attack, but it never landed.

What came, however, was a pitiful cry.

“Why……*sniff*........why did you leave me my *hic* uhuuuu…….”

“H-Huh?”

Takemichi said dumbfoundedly.

Gathering his courage, he stood up from the dirty ground to check who it was wailing behind the bench he was sitting on.

Takemichi had to do a double take because what he saw was so bizarre, that never in a million years did he think he’ll be able to witness such a thing. 

There, sprawled underneath the tree, just a few meters away from where he stood, was Sanzu Haruchiyo , surrounded by empty beer cans, and looking absolutely miserable.

He also reeked of alcohol and despair with his sagged shoulders and pained expression. His pink hair was disheveled, and judging from the red that rimmed his eyes, he had been crying quite for some time too.

What on earth happened to him?

Takemichi bit his lip. 

What was he supposed to do in this situation?

Should he approach him? 

But this was Sanzu-kun he was talking about. 

One wrong move and he’ll be mauled to the ground.

Silently, Takemichi tried to back away slowly, as if trying to escape from an apex predator (which Sanzu righteously was), but his clumsy ass somehow managed to trip on thin air because the next thing he knew he was sitting down on the dirty ground yet again.

Reacting to the noise, Sanzu lifted his head and looked straight at source, but his eyes seemed unseeing.

Takemichi understandably froze in fear, afraid of what’s to come as he let the other crawl his way towards him, like the monster in the ring with his hair covering his face and everything.

Truly, it was something straight out of a nightmare.

"Oh dear God "

He was going to get beat up wasn’t he?

Panicking, Takemichi tried to bargain with a clearly intoxicated man, as if he was in his right mind.

“I-I’m so sorry, p-please spare me! I-I didn't see anything….!!”

Takemichi stuttered, while scrambling (and failing) to get away from the man, but Sanzu was quick to grab him by the ankle, effectively locking him in place.

Takemichi was just about ready to scream bloody murder when a few intelligible mumbles stopped him.

“Are yo…….lea……me…..too?” 

“S-Sorry what was that?”

Takemichi dared to lean in closer, like an idiot . 

“Are you leaving me too?”

Haruchiyo replied in the softest voice he’s ever heard him speak. 

He sniffled while rubbing his puffy eyes with the back of his free hand, but the tears kept flowing down like a leaky faucet.

Takemichi felt bad. 

They were not close by any means, and he was kind of rude to him at every interaction they had, but still…

Hearing him plead and ask not to leave him hit a little too close to home. 

Takemichi gulped, unsure of what to do next. 

They were now lying in an awkward position as the other refused to let go of his ankle.

“Why did you leave me, my king? Was I not good enough for you?” 

Ah-

It was bad enough that he stumbled upon Haruchiyo in his most vulnerable state, but now he thinks he’s Manjiro .

Takemichi halted for a moment. 

He hasn’t even thought of that name since the incident, and if he remembered correctly, Kokonoi told him he was missing.

So he had left his comrades behind without a trace too huh? 

Guess some things never change no matter how hard you try. 

Good thing he let things go their natural course this time around.

No point in changing the inevitable after all.

From how heartbroken Sanzu looked right now, he could’ve at least offered a bit of closure for his most loyal follower and vice commander, but no-

Of course not.

And if Takemichi was being honest, he didn't expect much from him anyways.

If he can cut all ties once, he can do it again.

Easy peasy.

Solidifying that fact made Takemichi’s mood sour. 

It was clear Sanzu was the one who took his disappearance the worst. He turned to unhealthy vices to cope with his developing abandonment issues, all the while seeking answers he cannot find, much like the person that caused it.

“I am not your king.”

Takemichi replied bitterly, uncomfortable at being addressed as the person he wanted completely out of his life.

“But you promised me that you’ll create a new era for us! You- You promised !!”

Sanzu sniveled as he shook his frame back and forth like a child throwing a tantrum, and Takemichi would have laughed if he wasn’t in such a precarious position.

Takemichi opted to stay silent for the time being and let the other man speak his heart out. 

He knows how tiring it was keeping it all in. The least he could offer was a lending ear.

So he listened, listened wholeheartedly to whatever Haruchiyo’s drunken self would tell him, and Takemichi wasn’t prepared to learn some very disturbing things about the mysterious man.

Turns out the twin scars carved into his mouth wasn’t caused by an enemy gang or even by accident, no -

It was all because of a deranged Sano Manjiro that even in his elementary years proved to be mentally unstable.

Did he not have proper parental guidance?

Sure Takemichi didn’t have that as well so he can’t say for certain, but at least he didn’t resort to violence, and over an airplane model no less!

How on earth did he pick up such a bloody method at that age!??

Nevertheless, even after that horrifying experience, Haruchiyo continued to follow Manjiro, and look at where it got him-

Wrecked and debilitated in the middle of the park all alone for who knows how long.

He was destroying himself over a person that didn’t give two shits about him.

Haruchiyo was the type of person that needed someone to follow. He lived by the orders of another and that was how he functioned. 

Now that his previous master left him, he was left to rot in the dirt and eat the worms in his absence.

Takemichi gave a wry smile

Great , another reason to hate that person.

When Sanzu finished trauma-dumping his entire life story, he promptly passed out on the pavement, finally letting go of Takemichi’s ankle in the process.

Good grief.

That experience was surely something .

It was now about 7:20 p.m. and Takemichi was debating what he should do next.

He couldn’t just leave Sanzu to camp out here in the night- he wasn’t heartless, but at the same time if he dragged him over to his place, he wasn’t sure if he would see the light of day again.

Sanzu was unpredictable, and he might try to kill him if he found himself in a completely different place from where he last went.

It was going to be such a mess- he could already feel it.

Ruffling his hair, Takemichi let out a frustrated shout,

“ARGHH!! WHAT THE HELL ”

He slapped the sides of his face with his palms, before gathering Sanzu in his arms and putting him on the bench.

Consequences be damned, he did not have the heart to leave him alone to shiver in the cold. 

Sanzu can kill him later, for now, he’ll take care of him.

Takemichu pulled his phone out of his pocket and called for a cab. 

In the meantime, he picked up the scattered beer cans lying around that Haruchiyo drowned himself in. 

He can’t just leave the place trashed like this…

Takemichi let out a sigh. 

“I can’t believe I’m cleaning up after him, when I’m supposed to be eating my dinner right about now.”

Dispatching the rubbish in a nearby trash can, Takemichi searched for any belongings Sanzu might’ve brought with him.

“Huh? What’s this?”

Takemichi bent down to grab a blue ziplock bag that was placed near the tree Haruchiyo previously sat under.

“Is this Sanzu-kun’s?”

Opening the plastic container to inspect it, Takemichi found brownies, but upon taking a whiff of the sweet treat, he accidentally dropped the bag like it had burned him.

“Oh my God are those edibles ?!!”

Takemichi silently screeched, he looked at the unconscious man and back at the seemingly innocent baked goods.

Just where did he even get such a thing? Was he dabbling in illegal drugs now?!

Takemichi was furious .

Was he seriously planning to let himself go to waste because of Manjiro!?

Un- fucking -believable.

Gritting his teeth, Takemichi dumped the spiked brownies in the trash and wiped his hands clean from the crumbs.

He was not letting anyone be a druggie, not even Sanzu, who clearly despised him with every fiber of his being.

It’s not worth throwing your life away, not if it was his fault Sanzu ended up like this.

A little while later the cab he called arrived and the driver kindly helped him with hauling the passed out drunk into the car with him, along with his groceries.

When he arrived at his home at last, Takemichi settled Sanzu on his couch in the living room and placed a blanket over him to keep him warm while he cooked.

Takemichi also figured a hungover Haruchiyo wouldn't appreciate being served spicy foods, so he thought of a way to reduce the spiciness of the curry using cream. 

That way he can cut out the heat while adding a creamy texture as a bonus.

Good thing he had some leftover cream from the fruit sandwiches he made a few days ago.

Takemichi smiled at his problem-solving skills and put on an apron,

It was about damn time he started cooking.

------------------------------------------------

About half an hour later, Haruchiyo woke up to the smell of curry.

He rose up from his seat, causing the blanket that was previously draped over his frame to fall onto the carpet below.

“Huh? Where…….am I?”

Sanzu was still in a daze when he turned to look at his surroundings. 

He was greeted with a comfy looking setting. 

Haruchiyo supposed he was inside of a living room, from the low oak table in the center, the small tv playing an obscure sports game in a corner and the various plants that decorated the room.

Wait-

Shouldn’t he be outside?

He thought for sure he went out drinking, but where he did it was hazy.

Before Sanzu could comprehend the discrepancy between where he should be and where he was currently at, a headache stopped him in his tracks.

“Ugh..” Sanzu groaned as he massaged his temples, hoping to alleviate the pain.

Why did he even decide to drink again?

Then, as if his brain decided to cooperate just now, he was flooded by the memories of the past month up until a few hours ago in a series of flashes.

Kanto Manji Gang’s disbandment……………….

Mikey……………...

“MY KING !!”

While Haruchiyo screamed in realization, Takemichi, who was just about to check up on him, yelled back in surprise.

“AAAH!”

Sanzu craned his neck and saw a terrified Takemichi holding a tray, visibly spooked at the sudden noise.

“ YOU !”

Sanzu seethed as he stomped his way towards Takemichi, grabbing him by the collar, not caring at all if he dropped what he was holding or not.

“S-Sanzu-kun I see you’re finally awake-” Takemichi replied fearfully.

He was positive he was about to shit his pants. He forgot how terrifying this person was.

Takemichi was beyond stupid for inviting a vicious lion inside his sheep’s den.

“Where am I?! And what did you do to me!?” 

Haruchiyo snarled, his grip getting tighter and tighter, crumpling Takemichi’s shirt in the process.

“Nothing!! Y-you're in my house-”

Sanzu looked absolutely livid. 

First he’s got a splitting headache, and now this?!

What the hell was he even doing in the shitty bastard’s place? 

He should’ve woken up somewhere else damn it! Now he wasn’t sure what kind of dirt he had on him.

“Where did you find me huh?!”

Takemichi held his breath for a second before answering,

“I was walking home from the market when I saw you passed out in the park and so I figured-”

“Figured? Figured what, huh!? Trying to be a good samaritan aren’t ya you little shit?!”

Sanzu sneered, not getting the logic in his statement. What was he getting at anyway? 

“I’m not trying anything here Sanzu-kun. I was just trying to help-”

Takemichi reasoned, his neck was starting to hurt from having to look up at the other man whilst still being held by the collar.

“Well I don’t need anyone’s help, much less yours ” 

Sanzu spat out with so much vitriol before roughly letting go of Takemichi.

“Just what did I do to make him hate me so much? Or does he hate everyone except his ‘king’ ?”

Takemichi swayed a bit before steadying his feet on the ground.

“Alright Sanzu-kun, I understand, just- here.”

Takemichi placed the tray he was holding down onto the table in front. 

On it was a tall glass of water and an advil.

“You drank a lot and-”

“And what!? Are you trying to blackmail me, Hanagaki?!” 

Haruchiyo challenged while crossing his arms over his chest; a self-soothing gesture.

Won’t he ever let him finish?? He just wanted to help him out damn it!

Takemichi frowned. 

Why was he being so difficult? 

You sure needed to have the patience of a saint to be able to handle a person like Haruchiyo.

“ NO !- I- look, I just thought you might need it for your headache. You drank a lot so you're probably hungover. You can also join me for dinner if you want. I made curry.” Takemichi offered while wiping his hands on his apron that he forgot to remove.

“I’m not hungry and I don’t want your stupid ass food! Tsk what am I even doing arguing with you? Forget it. I’m out of here.”

Sanzu exclaimed as he hurriedly walked past Takemichi, and was about to leave when a sudden downpour struck, effectively trapping him in the Hanagaki household.

Now this was awkward.

Haruchiyo stood by the door frame unmoving when a low grumble broke the silence.

“Uhmm…..the offer still stands, Sanzu-kun, I also don’t think the rain is going to let up anytime soon…..”

Takemichi replied as he waited for a response. 

He thought the other might stubbornly leave despite the rain because he hates being in his presence so much, but he was wrong.

After what looks like a face of contemplation in the man's eyes, Sanzu gave in, but not without a rude remark.

“There better not be any poison in that.” 

Just who did he think he was??

“Of course not?? Why would I poison something I would also eat??” 

“Don’t be smart with me now Hanagaki, or else I’ll punch your face”

“!!”

Takemichi did not utter a word after that, only gesturing his awful guest to the dining room.

Sanzu sat on one of the empty chairs with a thud, and let the other do his thing.

Takemichi grabbed two plates and set them on the counter. He then took a paddle and placed a hefty amount of steaming white rice from his rice cooker onto both plates.

Next, was the star of the show, he took a ladle and stirred the pot full of creamy curry one last time before placing a generous portion on and over the side of the rice.

Takemichi then set both of the plates on the table, placing one in front of Sanzu, and the other near his chair.

Finally, he opened his kitchen drawer to fetch the chopsticks and spoons.

Takemichi sat down and after muttering a small ‘Itadakimasu’, he ushered the other man to help himself with his food.

Sanzu looked at the curry before him, skeptical. 

Quite frankly, it looked appetizing to a famished Haruchiyo, but he wasn't going to say that. 

He wasn’t going to let Hanagaki take a W and be smug about his mediocre cooking.

No way in hell .

The two proceeded to eat their meals quietly, just barely making a sound except for the occasional clanking of the silverware hitting their plates.

The rain did nothing to drown out the silence of the room.

Takemichi was sure this was the most awkward dinner he’s ever had, and his body was on the verge of triggering his fight or flight response.

He could even feel himself chew weirdly because of how tense he was. 

Haruchiyo on the other hand chose not to focus on the fidgeting Takemichi opposite of him, and instead focused on the food he was eating

It was begrudgingly, really good.

The curry tasted earthy with hints of umami, and all of the flavors blended together nicely with a mild spicy kick- just the way he liked it.

Haruchiyo had to restrain himself from eating too quickly lest he make a fool of himself.

Now, the stubborn man may try to mask his body language, but his facial expression says it all. 

He looked relaxed and almost content from what Takemichi saw when he stole a glance at him.

Hiding a smile, Takemichi considered that a win, and continued on to enjoy his food.

He was quite satisfied with how it turned out, and from his guest’s reaction, his curry was pretty good!

Takemichi made a mental note to jot down the recipe change after this, so that he'll be able to make it exactly like this for Hina later.

“So? What did I say and how much do I have to pay you to shut your mouth?” Sanzu said casually, in between his bites.

And just when Takemichi thought things were finally going well– 

“W-what do you mean, Sanzu-kun? I don’t understand”

“Don’t you dare lie to me. I remember a little bit of what happened but it's not clear. So I’m giving you a chance right now to come clean. What happened and what did I say?”

Haruchiyo repeated, uncaring of how agitated he made the other feel.

Takemichi sweated visibly. 

He was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Should he really tell him everything?? Even if it’ll probably embarrass him?? He’ll take this secret to his grave either way, so no need to address it…….!!

Sanzu’s left eye twitched impatiently.

“Oi. I’m asking you a question.”

Seeing no way out of his dilemma, Takemichi gave into his demands.

He told him everything from when he first found him, to the sobbing, wailing, ankle-grabbing, and finally, the trauma dumping.

“But I swear to you I really didn’t mean to stumble on you like that….It was an accident…!!”

“Plus, If I’d known you were there then I wouldn’t have gone to the park in the first place…!”

“Why?” Sanzu asked with his head down and a shadow cast over his face.

“Why what, Sanzu-kun?”

“Cut the bullshit already will ya? You know who I am! Hell- I’m asking you why did you help me!?”

Sanzu shouted and pointed an accusatory finger at Takemichi.

Takemichi frowned at his words.

Did he think he was undeserving of help?

That no one should offer him a helping hand?

Why was it so hard for him to accept that it was just the right thing to do??

That there were no ulterior motives nor favors he wanted from him?!

“It’s because I just wanted to help! I can’t just leave you out there alone- you were going to get sick! What was I supposed to do?”

“You were supposed to ignore me, like a normal person you dumbass. What are you, stupid?”

Haruchiyo replied with a dry laugh whilst shaking his head, finding humor in the other man’s naivety.  

“I don’t know what else to tell you Sanzu-kun. If you find it so hard to believe me then don’t .” Takemichi barked back, having enough of the man’s distrust.

That last statement seemed to shut the man up and finish his dinner but did not mive from his seat 

When Takemichi finished his plate, Sanzu stood up and began collecting the dirty dishes.

“What are you doing? You don’t have to-”

“Shut it. Now where’s the soap?”

Takemichi was taken aback at the sudden change in behavior, he didn’t think he even had it in him to somewhat be nice albeit crudely masked with many rude remarks.

He took the dish soap from under the sink and gave it to Haruchiyo, who worked on getting the sauce stains and rice grains off the plates before scrubbing them clean with lather.

This situation was one hell of a fever dream.

He’s got a prickly person like Sanzu to accept his help, eat his food and wash his dishes?? Chifuyu would surely laugh at him if he told him this story. 

That's how absurd it sounded

While Haruchiyo was busy cleaning, Takemichi took it upon himself to make a bento box out of the leftover curry and rice for the man to bring home. 

He looked like he enjoyed it and well, Sanzu would never admit something like that and even though he obviously wanted to ask for seconds, his pride wouldn’t let him, so Takemichi would do him a favor and give the rest for him to eat later.

He also put in that advil that Sanzu ignored. He'll thank him for that. (He won't)

There was a comfortable silence that settled between the two for a few minutes. 

Sanzu was the first to finish his task and called out to Takemichi,

“I’m leaving.”

His voice broke Takemichi’s train of thought as the man walked away from the kitchen and out to the front door.

“Wait, Sanzu-kun! It’s still raining!”

“I don’t care.” Sanzu replied, dismissing Takemichi and preparing to get drenched in the rain going back to his place.

“I said wait a second !!” Takemichi shouted from the inside.

“What!?” 

“Here! Take my umbrella and this-”

Haruchiyo’s hands were then given an umbrella and something wrapped in a handkerchief, which was still warm.

“What’s that?”

“Oh it's the curry, I thought maybe you'd want to eat some of it again later when you get home.” Takemichi answered, rubbing the back of his head with his hand.

Home , huh?

“...”

Sanzu merely stared at him for a few seconds before opening the umbrella and leaving without a word.

Takemichi stared out in the rain until he could no longer see Haruchiyo’s back. 

“Geez, he could’ve at least said thank you- AH! I even gave him my only good tupperware!! NOOO !!”

Takemichi complained, thinking he’ll never get both his umbrella and beloved tupperware back, and he would be forgiven for thinking that conclusion-

But he was proven wrong when exactly one week later, Haruchiyo returned with the borrowed items along with a set of assorted macarons.

At first, Takemichi wanted to question how exactly he managed to find his place again when he never gave him his address….

But on second thought, he really didn't want to know.

After that second encounter with Sanzu, Takemichi thought that it would be the end of it.

It was only supposed to be a one time thing- because he did return his things at the last visit, and maybe the macarons were a way to keep him silent, but nope-

Haruchiyo kept visiting Takemichi after that with almost military-like precision.

He came by once a week, on the same day, and arrived at the same time on the dot, bringing different desserts each time. (His favorite was the mango pudding)

Takemichi wasn’t exactly sure what was happening- he clearly hated his guts right? He was confused, but didn’t mind the new constant in his life.

He welcomed him with open arms, and even made lunch around the time he would arrive so they could eat together.

They didn’t talk like they were besties or anything, and during the first two weeks, they ate in silence like they did the first time, but after that they began engaging in small talks, mostly about food and well, Takemichi would take that as a sign of friendship…...maybe.

He doesn’t know what to call the times he’s ‘hung out' with the man. 

They weren’t strangers, and they weren’t friends either, eating companions maybe??

Either way, Takemichi didn’t mind the company and Haruchiyo became less and less rude as the weeks progressed, turning docile almost- but you didn’t hear that from him.

He didn’t find anything wrong about Haruchiyo visiting, and it was only when Seishu had caught the man at his doorstep at the usual time he came by with a set of knives with him when the problem began.

Takemichi had to stop his friend from shanking the guy the first time he saw him. 

It was messy trying to convince Seishu that no , he wasn’t there to stab him to death (they were a set of cooking knives that Haruchiyo planned to give him) and Haruchiyo didn’t help deescalating the matter with his taunts.

Seriously they were like rabid dogs barking at each other for Pete’s sake.

One katsudon later and Takemichi managed to appease the two, but Seishu remained distrustful and unaccepting of their relationship (what was he talking about? And what is he? An overprotective dad?), thinking he was being manipulated or something, and Haruchiyo never seemed to run out of mean things to jeer back at him.

Long story short, they hated each other’s guts despite actually having some things in common and refused to be the least bit civil towards each other.

Takemichi could only do so much to separate them when they managed to bump into each other. They turned every place they met into a warzone everytime that happened. His blood pressure was seriously going to skyrocket sooner or later after dealing with a bunch of kids he calls his friends.

Sometimes, Takemichi would ponder whether these connections were good for him or not. 

Chapter Text

“Hey Takemichi, which one of these do you think I should buy?” Chifuyu asked while shoving two, cheesy-looking mangas in front of him with much gusto.

“Uhhh that one?” Takemichi pointed mindlessly at the one sitting on Chifuyu's right hand.

The title read 'My Playboy Prince', and on the cover were two people in their school uniforms: a blonde-haired guy wearing one too many piercings and a blacked-haired girl with rectangular framed glasses.

The girl was locked in a kabedon, and the guy wore a teasing smirk, perfectly content at staring at her blushing face. 

The two were also surrounded by countless cherry blossom petals forming a cinematic yet extremely cliche setting.

“Common man, give me some useful feedback here, this is serious business!” 

Chifuyu replied with a pout as he ranted on and on about how the plot, art style, and characters make or break those shoujo mangas he loved so much.

Takemichi didn't really get the appeal of over glorifying human relationships, but hey, to each their own, right?

“Look, I don’t know what to tell you Chifuyu, you know I’m not an expert with those kinds of things.”

Chifuyu groaned at his partner’s lack of taste, but eventually decided which one he'll take home with him (he chose the one Takemichi picked).

They continued to walk through several lines of shops that never seemed to end. 

It was just store after store, stretching on forever like an infinite loop. 

Takemichi may be exaggerating, but this was how he felt. 

The atmosphere was stuffy, there were way too many people for his liking, and the amalgamation of a hundred different fragrances grated on his sensitive nose.

Thirty minutes in and Takemichi already wanted to go home.

“Ugh, why am I even in here again?” 

Takemichi thought to himself as he watched his partner gawk at one of the motorcycles on display at the mall’s ground area.

He was just inside the comfort of his home a few minutes ago…

And he was about to finish that 2000 piece puzzle set too!

But then, out of nowhere– 

Chifuyu, his best friend, and partner in crime, barged right in like he owned the place–  almost ripping the door from its hinges, and then proceeded to beg Takemichi to go shopping with him at the mall.

After the initial shock wore off, Takemichi, understandably said no.

Today was his day, just him, his puzzles, and no one else.

Not even his partner.

Hell, even Hina knew how much Takemichi loved his puzzle time, so she doesn’t ask him out on Saturdays like this.

But Chifuyu obviously thought otherwise.

Despite giving him the silent treatment, Chifuyu continued to plead while yanking and tugging on his Takemichi's shirt like a petulant child. 

After that stunt he just pulled? 

Ain’t no way he’s agreeing to this idea.

No siree.

Chifuyu sensed that his pleading didn’t work, and so he moved on to more drastic measures.

He conjured up his best puppy dog eyes and made sure he looked extra pitiful to pull at his partner’s heart strings and guilt him into agreeing.  

“It’s not fun going there aloneee, you have to come with!!”

“...”

“ Takemitchyyyyyyyyy ”

“...”

“Pretty pleaaaaaaaase? Do it for me, your partner?”

Chifuyu amped up his game by watering his eyes on command and trembling his lips ever so slightly to complete the ‘kicked puppy dog look’.

“GAH! Fine ! You win! But just so you know, you’re buying me snacks. I want two loaded baked potatoes from Bake and Shake, got that?” Takemichi conceded with a sigh. 

That slimy partner of his just knew he wouldn't say no and extorted that part of him to no end.

"You got yourself a deal, partner!" Chifuyu grinned in victory as he grabbed him by the arms, led him out of his home, and plopped him onto his bike to go to the mall.

Takemichi was displeased his puzzle time was cut short, but he just consoled himself into thinking they’ll only be there for a few minutes (they won’t) and he'll finally be able to get that loaded baked potato he’s been craving recently, so it was a decent exchange.

Back to the present, Chifuyu’s shopping spree didn’t stop at the manga section (surprisingly), and now he was getting dragged inside a sketchy looking clothing store with the premise of ‘revamping his shitty wardrobe’ .

On 9ne hand, Takemichi could've retaliated and punched his partner in the ear for that comment, but on the other  he let him be.

Takemichi chose the latter. He was too tired to even think of a comeback anyway. (He'll get back at him some other time)

The less resistance, the faster they get out of this godforsaken place.

Chifuyu blitzed through a couple dozen shirts on a rack, contemplating which ones he thinks his partner should try on.

While he was doing this, Takemichi was left to sit alone on some bench like he was a kid being told to wait patiently while his mother shopped for his clothes.

Takemichi used this chance to finally breathe .

His legs were starting to cramp from standing too long, and the bench he was currently sitting on was a godsend.

He massaged his sore muscles for a bit before allowing his mind to wander.

Takemichi decided it was about damn time he learned to set some boundaries.

It was just two letters, and only one syllable– so why was it so hard to say ‘no’??

Truth be told, Takemichi’s free time has been dwindling these last couple of months.

It just seems that every other day, someone from somewhere would just magically appear at his doorstep, drag him out of his safe haven, and coerce (more like guiltrip) him into joining their shenanigans– and today's event was no different.

He didn’t have any lessons from Mitsuya anymore by the way, the man claiming he had long graduated and there was nothing left for him to teach (something Takemichi seriously doubts but doesn’t question).

Mitsuya even gave him a congratulatory pie to celebrate his achievement, something Takemichi gratefully accepted like a prized heirloom, but sadly, he never got a taste of that pie.

Because two people (Chifuyu and Hakkai respectively) decided to be little shits and gobble the whole thing up behind his back.

The only good that came after that was seeing their constipated faces from the terrible stomach ache they had after eating that much pie in the least amount of time possible. 

(It took them a sum total of three minutes, and Takemichi would’ve been impressed had it not been his pie they ate)

Takemichi was so upset at Chifuyu and Hakkai that he banned them from entering his house for a week, denying them of any sort of food he made too.

“You’re too cruel, Takemitchyyyy”

“That's right, don't be mean partner, we’re gonna starve!”

But Takemichi already put his foot down, and the two proceeded to sulk for the rest of the week.

(Sometimes, Takemichi wished he had this capacity to refuse people on command, too bad he can only do so when angry)

Thankfully, once Mitsuya heard of what happened to the pie, offered to make it again, which made Takemichi go over the moon.

He even suggested he eat it at his place to prevent two hungry gremlins from stealing it again (and also because Mana and Luna wanted to see him again. It’s been a while) and Takemichi was more than happy to oblige. 

Seriously, was this man an angel?

Takemichi sniffed whilst remembering that promise.

Anyways, back to the topic at hand, he was getting unannounced visits, left, right and centre.

Has his home become a public lounge??

With the amount of people frequenting his home, he wouldn’t be surprised if it were the case.

That everyone else was in on it and he was the only one out of the loop.

First off was Senju, and with Senju came her entire entourage which consisted of Takeomi, Wakasa, and Benkei, but mostly just the latter two.

Takeomi was usually off doing something , as Senju once mentioned, but Takemichi didn’t really care all that much about him if he was being honest. 

It also didn't help that the man was intimidating as fuck– so Takemichi was elated to have one less scary person to deal with.

The Brahman executives visited him from time to time, and he wouldn’t be complaining about them if they didn’t drop by at the unholiest of hours. 

One time, Senju and the gang visited him at 3 in the morning all because she couldn’t sleep and decided the best solution to her problem was to invite Hanagaki out for a night drive.

Pissed off and half asleep, Takemichi just gave up any sort of protest, slumped on her bike and drowsed off. 

The wind was a bit chilly, but it was nothing his sleep-deprived self couldn’t handle.

Thankfully, Senju kept him from falling off the bike, and he was returned to his home safe and sound after the drive (he didn’t ask who tucked him back to his bed though, that was just embarrassing).

Next came Seishu and Sanzu, menace one and two, who, for the most part, were adamant to occupy more and more of his time like it was a competition that Takemichi couldn't understand for the life of him.

Although they visited at different times, there were instances when their schedules collide, and to prevent a pointless war from ensuing, he’d have to empty his fridge and cook something to appease these overgrown children. 

Are they seriously freeloading off of him now?

Also, weren’t they older than him too? 

Takemichi was not getting paid enough for this.

The third frequenter was Kokonoi, who visited his place consistently (in the sense that he comes by every four days) but at the most random of times. 

Sometimes it was 7 am, dropping by for breakfast, sometimes it was 2pm which meant they'll have afternoon tea, and sometimes he'd drop by as late as 11 pm for a midnight snack.  

Was he a vending machine now? Because he doesn't have the capacity to pump out food 24/7 you know.

Takemichi wondered just how much free time that guy had despite claiming he enrolled himself in a business management course three weeks ago.

Whatever the reason, Takemichi will never know.

(It was the awful college schedule)

The sharp-eyed man was also a fan of gossip, always making sure Takemichi was well informed about the latest happenings, both gang related or not. 

Somehow, this development did not surprise Takemichi at all.

Hajime did have a knack of gathering information, even if it was just for funsies. 

Old habits really do die hard.

Not that it was a habit that he needed to get rid of,

It's just that Takemichi could go on with his life without knowing the sheer amount of dirt Kokonoi had on his classmates.

Some of it were so scandalous that Takemichi audibly gasped in disbelief upon hearing it. 

If even a fraction of that information got out– people are gonna get expelled .

From audio recordings to incriminating photographs (How did he even get his hands on those?) Hajime has them all.

He has the power to quite literally end their career and chances of readministration at the swipe of his thumb.

What a terrifying guy.

Putting college drama aside, Kokonoi did provide Takemichi with useful information, like how knew Kakucho would be released from juvie in under two months.

Takemichi decided he’ll come visit his childhood friend in kiddie prison (juvie) even if he’ll be getting out in a few. 

It still doesn’t change the fact that it was a lonely and shitty place.

And mostly because he wanted to reach out and reconnect with him.

It has been a hot minute since he last saw him, and Kakucho was a really sweet guy. It’d be nice if Takemichi could hang out with him again (after he’s out of juvie of course).

He’ll drop by soon enough after he clears his schedule that was currently being occupied by the leeches he calls his friends. 

Speaking of his schedule, his time after-school were reserved for Mizo Mid Five, (he seriously needs to hangout with them more), and the occasional dates he had with Hina, leaving Saturday as his only free day to himself.

Now don’t get him wrong, he loves hanging out with his friends, especially his girlfriend, but people need to understand that his social battery- though usually at full capacity, needs time to recharge too, you know?

This dilemma of his became so severe that at one point, Takemichi left his home at the crack of dawn to go somewhere to be alone for once– 

But that idea backfired horribly .

Let’s just say his friends went on a manhunt, dragging his girlfriend with them and telling her he was kidnapped or some exaggerated shit that Takemichi had an inkling a certain person with a burn mark was the one responsible for the fiasco. 

Takemichi wiped away imaginary tears that pricked his eyes while recalling the memory.

Never again..!

“Partner! Come try these out! The lady said these prints are trending right now!”

Takemichi was pulled out from his thoughts at the sound of his partner’s voice.

He saw Chifuyu running towards him, with arms loaded to the brim with shirts and pants of different colors.

But as soon as he came close enough to get a good look at the items in his hands-

Takemichi realized..

That despite his friend’s pretty boy aesthetic, he too had shit fashion taste when it came to styling people other than himself.

Even Takemichi, who was famous for having non-existent fashion taste, cringed at the sight of the selection before him.

Gaudy animal prints, loud neon colors, and highly inappropriate english sentences decorated the shirts.

(Takemichi will not elaborate on how he knew such foul language)

“I uh………..”

Chifuyu looked at him expectantly, his face eager and buzzing with anticipation.

Takemichi facepalmed, before dragging his hand upwards and off his head through his hair.

“Will you try them on?”

“Sure, partner”

“Great! Personally, I think you should try this one first…”

And off to the changing rooms they went.

After about an hour of trying out different but equally hideous clothes, Takemichi was finally allowed to go home, along with a free baked potato (courtsey of Chifuyu).

Turns out, it was Chifuyu’s first payday, and he wanted to celebrate his earnings by splurging said money on the mall, like teenagers tend to do once they received the benefits of their hard work.

It now made sense why he wanted to go to the mall so badly. (Takemichi could relate, he also spent his first paycheck in the mall, buying premium potato chips that is)

Chifuyu also added another reason why he wanted Takemichi to join him specifically 

The truth was, he wanted to give him a gift, thanking him for being his partner all this time.

At that declaration, Takemichi was obviously touched and was on the verge of crying again because that was so kind of him, but then he remembered he was still in the mall, where other people could see him, so he held it in. (He'll cry again later once he gets home)

That fact alone made all the earlier hassle and annoyance melt away like a popsicle on hot asphalt.

Sure he got him a cheugy looking black shirt with a leopard print, but he’ll cherish that thing forever now.

He won’t be wearing it outside (God no) but he’ll happily wear it indoors as the texture was actually quite comfy– perfect for lounging at home.

___________________________

Takemichi was walking down the street with both arms looped with shopping bags filled with clothes and baked potatoes when he spotted the familiar silhouette of his home. 

His morning was more than a bit hectic, Takemichi admits, but now he can finally rest his aching back, settle on his couch and not move an inch for the rest of the afternoon like he’d originally planned. 

“Ah, but there’s also my puzzle– guess I’ll finish that first and then I’ll lay down and watch tv like a couch potato”

Smiling at the prospect of another finished puzzle and lazing around uninterrupted, Takemichi picked up his speed and began jogging away to reach his destination faster.

When he reached the pale green gates of his abode, he noticed a pair of long legs dangling from the air atop his cement wall.

“Wha-?” 

“Takemichi,”

Takemichi looked up and saw that the legs connected to a person.

A person who-

“You’re back!”

Great, just great .

His excitement of having a free day vanished to thin air and his smile was replaced with a straight line.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Surely, God wasn’t on his side today (or any of his sides on that matter).

The realization that there wasn’t a moment of peace in his household anymore made Takemichi cry a little bit on the inside. 

Only after inhaling and exhaling a couple times did Takemichi finally gain the courage to confront menace number one. 

“Hello, Seishu, what brings you here?”

Takemichi asked, his neck getting tired from looking up at the other man from above.

How did he even get himself up there..?

More importantly, was he planning on breaking in???

No actually–

Scratch that.

Takemichi didn’t want to know. 

He wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt-

That at least, Seishu, of all people, 

Was still a sensible man.

(What Takemichi didn’t know was that yes , Inupi was planning to break in had he arrived a second later.)

“Well, I’m here to deliver you some good news!” Seishu replied excitedly as he jumped off from the wall and landed on the ground with a loud clack from his signature black heels.

If Takemichi wanted to know how Seishu managed to do that without breaking his ankles– he wasn’t gonna ask. 

Because it’s Inupi , therefore no further explanations are required.

That man defies the laws of physics and this spectacle was no exception.

“Oh, well, okay then, want to come inside for some tea?” Takemichi offered, like the good host that he was.

“Sure! I’d be delighted to!”

If Inupi were a dog, then his tail would certainly be wagging at record speed.

“Is Koko-kun not with you today?” Takemichi asked, noticing the lack of a certain beady eyed man with the blonde. 

They were a package deal after all.

“Nope, it's just me this time, he’s kinda busy at the moment” Seishu replied while fixing the crinkles from his satin pink polo shirt.

Takemichi wondered why the man was even dressed to the nines visiting him, but then he thought ‘why not?’ and that shut his brain up from asking.

You don't really need a reason to dress up, if it makes you feel good, then do it.

“I see.”

Takemichi led his spontaneous guest (for lack of better term) inside his home and immediately began to make tea for the both of them.

After a short while the kettle soon whistled, and in one swift motion, poured the scalding hot water on the teabags sitting inside two mismatched teacups.

Takemichi reached for his upper shelf to grab some snacks he’s been hiding away from his friends (mostly Chifuyu) and brought it down to the counter.

Getting a tray, he placed both cups and snacks before bringing it to the living room where his guest was waiting patiently.

With a quick thanks, Seishu took a sip from his drink, and so did Takemichi whilst munching on a piece of melon bread from his favorite brand.

“So uh, mind telling me what the big news is?”

“So you know we’ve been scouring Tokyo to find you a therapist for a while now, right?”

Takemichi’s eyes went wide like saucers and almost choked on a piece of melon pan before hastily replying,

“Uh *cough* yeah! Of course *cough* the- the therapy”

“Are you okay?” Seishu’s brows scrunched up in concern.

“Yeah yeah, the *cough* bread just got caught in my throat *cough* that’s all.”

He coughed out, giving a wobbly reassuring smile before averting his eyes to avoid feeling the guilt that…

He kinda…

Maybe……..

Forgot about that whole ordeal.

He totally let it slip his mind that Kokonoi and Inupi were constantly on the lookout for a therapist that would suit him.

“I can’t believe I forgot about that! Man! I’m kind of a jerk, aren't I?”

Wait- how long ago did they have that conversation again??

About……..

“About three months ago?”

Takemichi’s mind dutifully supplied,

Yikes.

“So sorry about that Seishu, Koko-kun!”

Takemichi internally apologized, while holding back a grimace.

“I’ll make it up to you guys somehow”

“Well, after months of searching, Hajime and I finally found you a therapist!”

“Wait, no way! Are you serious?!”

No freaking way..!

Those two seriously did the impossible!

“Yeah! And we booked you a session this afternoon, so you could go immediately!”

“Wait, WHAT !?” Takemichi shouted flabberghasted, almost falling off his seat from shock.

“That’s right, now hurry up and get dressed, we have about twenty-five minutes before your first appointment.”

Seishu added, whilst grabbing Takemichi by the shoulders and pushing him up the stairs– presumably to get him to change his clothes like they were just going outside for a walk.

“Wait wait WAIT !!”

Takemichi shouted, stomping his feet firmly onto the ground to prevent him from being hauled upstairs.

“Hm? What is it?” Inupi asked, pausing for a second.

“ Seishu ! I’m totally not prepared for this!! Wha-What if..!! Why didn’t you-” Takemichi stuttered out, his mind running a mile a minute.

“Huh? Didn’t you say you want to push through with this though?”

Seishu inquired earnestly as a look of confusion marred his handsome face.

“Well, I did! B-but today is too soon! What if they judge me? O-Or turn me down? Or call me crazy??” Takemichi replied with a quiver in his voice.

He was sweating profusely as his body prepared to trigger his fight or flight response from this stressful situation

And as of right now, it was leaning towards the later option.

“Takemichi….……you gotta calm down first….”

“No, Seishu, you don’t understand….!”

Takemichi stood up and began pacing back and forth in the living room, ruffling his unruly curls even more.

“They’re gonna take one look at me and send me away! I just know it–”

“Takemichi look at me– ”

Seishu caught Takemichi by the wrist and turned him around to face him in the eye.

“I promise you, we found a real therapist this time– not like the ones you’ve encountered. Her name is Emiko, and she’s from our old neighborhood where Hajime and I grew up. She’s a sweet lady, you’ll like her.”

Inupi reasoned, while patting the other man gently with his palms.

“B-But…but you don’t know that……plus, didn’t I already tell you I had… different circumstances? Like you know……the whole time leaping thing……..and how most of my trauma came from that and the different timelines?.....”

Takemichi sighed as he sat back down on his seat with a soft thud.

He thought he’d have a little more time to prepare before confronting the elephant in the room,

But then again,

He did forget about going to therapy

So he can’t really complain.

But…

His cowardice aside,

He really wanted to go– 

He really did!

But all of a sudden, the doubts he tried so hard to suppress sprung out from its hiding place, effectively locking him in a chokehold.

His buried feelings of insecurity found its way outside the hole he carelessly threw them in. 

He wasn’t very successful keeping it under wraps. Leaving it unattended for so long only allowed it to crawl its way out to antagonize him.

Now clawing at his forehead, it continued to mock and taunt him of the million different ways he can fuck this impromptu therapy session up.

What the hell- he wasn’t even sure he wanted to go.

No– 

He wanted to..!

He needed to..!!

But what if things go wrong….

Like they always do?

Such was the way of life through Hanagaki Takemichi’s lens.

Can he really trust himself to push things through knowing his many failures?

What if he quit halfway? 

Will everything be all for naught?

What if he’s just inevitably wasting everyone’s time?

Of his friends, and this therapist he’s yet to meet-

What if he’s a lost cause?

Maybe…

Maybe he can go through his measly life without having to deal with the can of worms he’s been meticulously hiding away.

I mean, he has been doing just that for the last couple of leaps,

What’s a lifetime more of hiding?

(He’s an expert at that)

But can he really take that chance?

After he’d promised Hina?

After going through the trouble of bettering himself?

Did he not feel good getting his life back together?

Was it not rewarding that he’s steering his life for the better?

Was this seriously a lump of coal he cannot swallow?

Of all the things he’d overcome?

He knows he wants to get better

He can feel that need in the recesses of his soul,

Whispering words of encouragement through faint tugs at his heart.

So why was he being so hesitant?

What was there to lose exactly?

Was there anything to lose in the first place?

Why was he making things harder for himself?

After all the effort he and his friends went through-

He can’t back out now…

But in the end, he just didn’t trust himself to get better.

He lacked the ability to envision himself being better.

His fear of failure from the countless lives he lost remained rooted in his heart like ink marks tainting the very essence of his being,

A constant reminder that will continue to haunt him to his grave.

But other than that, the thing he’s most afraid of-

Is judgment .

Takemichi doesn’t want to sit there while he’s being examined for all the things he shouldn’t be.

He’s not a specimen, nor was he a circus freak to be observed.

Was it their eyes that terrified him?

Of pupils that peer into his soul, judging, debating, and contemplating whether or not he was truly sane.

Will they blink away at the cracks of his heart,

Or will they stare at the many gaps inside his troubled mind?

Takemichi cannot control how he is perceived.

He can only be seen in parts that he wished to reveal. 

What if, because of this, he is misinterpreted?

That the image of him they piece together is another person completely?

One that is similar to him, but not authentically him.

Will this discrepancy, between the person they see and the person that he is,

Lower his chances at getting better?

Because essentially, they wouldn’t be able to fully understand him unless he admits to the entirety of his situation.

If he’s to hide certain information, will they invalidate his needs and turn him down just like every other doctor he’s encountered?

And even in the off chance that he did, that somehow he’d fuck up like he’d expected, and spill the beans unintentionally,

Will he be branded as a maniac and shipped off to a countryside mental ward, never to be seen again?

Takemichi doesn’t want that.

He doesn’t even want to consider thinking that.

But there was also the fear of disappointment.

The looming disappointment that would eventually come once they realized he can’t be fixed.

That even after going through this treatment, he’ll remain broken and irreparable. 

The thought of burdening other people with his problems chips away at him little by little.

Takemichi just…

Can’t

“Seishu….I don’t think this is going to work- I know I want to but I-” Takemichi hiccuped, feeling extremely overwhelmed.

Inupi then knelt down and faced his ex-captain with a tender smile.

“But Takemichi…..how will you know if you won’t try?”

Seishu then went to the kitchen to fetch a glass of water before giving the drink to Takemichi, who gingerly placed it in his hands before taking a large gulp.  

“Now I can’t say for myself because I haven’t been to therapy, but what I do know is how scary something is when trying it for the first time.”

Takemichi listened carefully, taking the occasional sip from his glass.

“And because of that, I asked some questions about how your therapy is gonna work beforehand, and this is what she told me…”

“You might think that Dr. Emiko will just give you advice, tell you what to do, or ask how every little thing makes you feel, and that’s what I thought at first too, but it doesn’t work like that at all.”

Seishu explained with a slight chuckle at his own misunderstanding.

“Therapy gives you a non judgemental space for you to talk about your problems and anything that might be overwhelming you recently. Dr. Emiko will then listen to what you have to say and work with you to make a plan to confront those challenges so you’ll be able to feel a lot better.”

“I….I see….”

“Think of it like setting a goal you couldn’t do alone, whatever that goal of yours is, Dr. Emiko will help you in achieving that.” 

Inupi added, noticing Takemichi’s relaxed posture. He didn’t feel threatened going to therapy anymore, unlike earlier.

“In therapy, you guys work together to find out and break worrying habits on your own. Dr. Emiko doesn’t give you all the answers, but she can help you find the right tools to help yourself.”

“Mn.” Takemichi remained quiet as he continued to listen at Inupi's explanation.

Every sentence that came out his mouth soothed his fears of the unknown making him more comfortable at the notion of therapy.

“Dr. Emiko also said that, most people find therapy uncomfortable, unpleasant even, but that’s a normal part of the process, but when you guys build a strong working relationship and you trust her to support you through it then I'm sure things will work out for you.”

Seishu paused for a while before deciding to ruffle the younger one's hair with much care.

“You control the wheel, Takemichi, you can go as slow as you want and work through it piece by piece. You won’t be forced to tell something you’re not comfortable sharing and also, all of your conversations will remain private. None of what you talk about will reach my ears, nor Hajime’s. Everything is strictly confidential so you don’t have to worry about anything at all. We’ll make sure of it.”

“That’s…certainly reassuring…”

Takemichi admitted as he rubbed the knuckles on his hands.

“It does, doesn’t it? As for the time-leaping thing, I want to say that it would be better to be honest about it, but given the circumstances……”

“I don’t think that’ll be a good idea.”

Takemichi finished his sentence for him, already knowing the implications of sharing his ability to time leap with other people.

“Yeah, I also agree, but no worries, we just have to work our way around it without you having to mention the supernatural.”

“I guess I could, I’m a terrible liar, but most of it is the truth so I guess I can work something out”

Takemichi replied with a weak chuckle. Seishu's presence had definitely soothed his worries significantly.

He would even dare say he felt a touch of confidence settle inside him, but only a little.

(He needed to work on that too)

“Great, now I just wanted to let you know that if Dr. Emiko does something you don’t like, or you feel uncomfortable talking with her, we can always find another therapist. You don’t have to suffer silently because she’s the one we found, alright, Takemichi?”

“I understand."

“That’s good, but promise me, Takemichi.”

“Alright, I promise.”

Seishu smiled at Takemichi, looking very pleased at the outcome of their conversation.

The younger of the two now looked completely relaxed after the previous adrenaline rush subsided.

Seemed like he really gave Takemichi quite the scare. 

If he was a cat, his tail would’ve been all high and frisky from agitation earlier.

And it’s not like Seishu had done so on purpose, he was just excited for Takemichi, and well, he got ahead of himself and planned everything out without consulting the other party, so the reaction was understandable.

Seishu solemnly swears he’ll never do it again.

“Now that you’ve cleared some things, I think I finally get it now. Thanks for explaining everything to me, Seishu, I’m sorry I overreacted earlier.”

“No, it’s alright, it’s my fault for not asking you before and making plans all by myself. I can reschedule your appointment today, so you'd have more time to prepare, does that sound good to you?”

“I think I’ll still go, it would be rude to cancel at the last minute when she took the time to prepare for me. So I’ll go.”

Seishu practically beamed in delight, clasping both his hands together happily.

“That’s great! Well then, we better hurry, because we only got about 10 minutes left before schedule.”

___________________________

A quick outfit change later and zooming through at least 4 red lights, Takemichi and Seishu arrived at a decent looking hospital in Bunkyo City. 

It looked just like any other medical building, having the same white walls that decorated the exterior and interior of the place.

Walking inside, the smell of alcohol and sanitized surfaces immediately welcomed them- a scent Takemichi was well acquainted with.

Inupi went ahead and asked the receptionist for what Takemichi assumes was the Doctor’s room number.

And after an exchange of words, the blondie turned his head and signaled him to follow.

They passed by a few corridors before reaching the fifth door to the right, just near an intersection. 

Seishu knocked on the wooden door, and a lady– presumably the assistant, ushered the two of them inside. 

The office was neat, tidy, and overall well kempt– just as much as you’d expect from any healthcare provider’s unit. 

There were a few paintings on the wall, complete with fake potted plants and a couple of rugs on the floor.

Despite it being a room in the hospital, it felt quite homely, which was always a good sign.

If the room was filled with bulging file cabinets, freakishly accurate anatomical models, or even a newton pendulum then Takemichi would’ve been fidgeting in his seat.

He doesn’t want to be reminded that he was in a hospital, thank you very much.

Because hospitals meant there was something wrong with you, hence the reason you are there.

But Takemichi didn’t want to think about that, he was here to get help- not chicken out and run away. 

He’s run away so much in his life already, and his system was in dire need of an oil change.

Shaking the thoughts from his head, Takemichi zoned back in on the conversation the Seishu had with his supposed therapist.

“Oh, alright, well Takemichi, I’m gonna leave you two alone now, I’ll pick you up in an hour after you’re done, just call me, okay?”

Inupi made a ‘call me’ motion with his hand and patted Takemichi on the shoulder for good luck.

“Sure, thanks, Seishu.”

“Please take good care of him, Doc.”

“Sure will”

Seishu bowed respectfully at the woman before waving goodbye

Once the door closed, Takemichi finally had the chance to take a good look at the person he’ll be conversing with for a while. 

Sitting on a desk opposite of him was a stout woman with short brown hair, and a chubby physique, and on her nose sat round rimmed glasses. 

She was clad from head to toe in dark colors, like a blank screen that faded in the background.

The woman also appeared fairly young, looking almost as old as Takemichi if he was his original age.

“Hello Hangaki-san, how are you? I am Emiko, and I’ll be your therapist for as long as you need.”

___________________________

Takemichi decided that he liked his new therapist.

Not that there were many people Takemichi didn’t like, but, in a general sense, she was great company…

(If you could call your therapist that, then yeah)

Emiko gave off the vibe of someone like your friend’s mother. 

She had a very caring nature that seeped through her with the way she spoke.

If comfort was a person, then she’d definitely meet the criteria.

The session itself was also not as stressful as he thought it’d be. 

She didn’t probe or pry too much, and only steered the conversation with what he’d shared.

There were some obvious boundaries that Takemichi still wasn’t ready to cross, but nevertheless, it was progress.

He’ll get there, he assures himself.

Takemichi liked to think that even with little advancement in his personal goal of becoming the best version of himself he could craft, it was still a cause of celebration.

He found joy in the fact that he wasn’t stagnant water anymore.

He was growing, changing, and evolving into something more than he thought he wasn’t capable of– 

And he couldn’t be any happier.

After the talk, Takemichi realized he had many things to think aboout later, and it really leaned towards strengthening his resolve of having some alone time.

He mentioned how often people frequented his home, and while he enjoyed the company of many, it left him feeling very exhausted and mentally drained.

Emiko mentioned something about emotional burnout, and she suggested he take time for himself, to sort out his thoughts and reflect on some things.

And you know what?

Takemichi will do just that.

He’ll take a whole week off and see how he fares with this isolation period.

Seven days without people materializing outside his door did sound nice.

Maybe he’ll pick up a puzzle or two, or maybe even start journaling like his therapist suggested. He’ll have to stop by a stationary store after this to get started on that immediately.

He could also use hitting the books as his grade has been on a steady decline recently.

He’d have put in some elbow grease if he wanted to get a decent job in the future.

God knows he doesn’t want to be stuck working inside a convenience store for minimum wage.

So many things to do, but so little time.

Takemichi hasn’t felt this excited in a long while, and this was a welcomed change in his otherwise uneventful life.

Anyways, his first ever therapy session was a success. He didn’t screw up like he predicted, and he’s happy he’s taken this step at bettering himself.

He almost feels kind of proud or he’s just high of the satisfaction of proving himself wrong.

That he can actually do things if he pushed himself hard enough.

This made him look forward to his session with Emiko next week. 

He was currently outside at the hospital’s parking lot waiting for Seishu to arrive and get his ass back home.

A few moments later, Seishu arrived with his bike skidding to a stop just a few meters away from Takemichi.

He positioned the kickstand on the concrete before removing his helmet with a swish of his head. (Was he in a shampoo commercial?) 

“Sorry it took me a while to get here, so, how did it go?” Seishu asked with a smile. 

“It’s alright, I think it went well. It definitely didn’t go as horrible as it did in my head.” Takemichi replied with a snicker. 

He approached the other man unhurriedly as Seishu remained seated on his motorcycle.

“That’s great to hear, Takemichi, I’m glad it went well. So when’s your next appointment? Is it the same time next week?” 

“Yeah, that’s what we’ve decided. Thanks so much again, Seishu, for booking the appointment, driving me all the way here and picking me up, Koko-kun too. I really appreciate it.” Takemichi said with much sincerity.

He was so very thankful that he had his friends to rely on for stuff like this, it made him real sentimental.

Really, what would he do without them?

He could already feel his eyes water just by thinking about it. 

Ahhh crybaby Takemichi strikes again.

“You’re welcome, Takemichi, anything for you.”

“Ah- uhm haha” Takemichi could feel the heat seep into his skin.

Wow, this man is too blunt for his own good. How can he say that without feeling embarrassed?

“Oh right! I almost forgot– where do I send the payment for the treatment?” Takemichi skillfully replied, diverting the conversation to avoid making a fool of himself.

He couldn’t figure out if he was embarrassing him on purpose or that Seishu was just painfully unaware.

“Ah, about that, we already paid for the whole duration of your therapy, well, mostly Hajime, either way, we’ve got you covered so you just have to come here every week.”

Seishu replied coolly while rubbing the dirt away from his rear view mirror like it was no big deal. 

“Sorry, WHAT ?!!”

Takemichi’s troubled voice echoed loudly in the empty parking space. He didn’t care if he was unintentionally causing a scene because this was ridiculous– utterly ridiculous.

Therapy was expensive for fuck’s sake! What the hell did he mean they’ve got it all covered???

“Seishu– when I say I appreciate you guys’ help I really mean it, but this is just too much! I know this therapy isn’t cheap, I looked it up!”

Takemichi wore an exasperated expression. He could feel his soul leaving his body imagining the sheer amount of money those two had to spend for him.

“Hey, don’t worry about it, we said we’d help you, didn't we? We just decided to go the extra mile, besides, it’s not everyday you ask us for help.”

“Seishu please don’t do this to me, please take it back and let me pay, it’s my treatment!” Takemichi begged, gripping one of his wrists.

He wasn’t that broke, he had some cash saved over the years from his monthly allowance, and he was sure he had an ample amount to last him for a couple of sessions. 

He’ll even get a part time job if the need arises. That’s how serious he was at being self sustainable. 

But all of that will go down the drain if Kokonoi and Inupi decide to be his benefactors like he was some charity case. 

This was not part of the contract.

“But it’s our decision though” Seishu countered with a smug smile, whilst resting his head on his free hand, looking completely unbothered by Takemichi’s financial crisis. 

“Seishu.”

“Nope.”

“Seishu please– let me take care of this on my own, you guys have already done so much! I can’t possibly ask for more.”

Takemichi was practically pleading now, his conscience won’t seriously let him sleep if they keep this up.

“And for the millionth time, it's fine . What are you so worried about anyways? You know that amount of money won’t even leave a dent on Hajime’s thick wallet, the guy’s filthy rich!”

Seishu reasoned, finding nothing wrong with his proposition, but Takemichi on the other hand, did not find that kind of reasoning logical at all.

“That may be true but it feels wrong. It’s like I’m leeching off of you guys…“

What Takemichi failed to realize was that the two were perfectly fine with him mooching off of their money, no questions asked.

He’s helped them far more than he realizes, and so a little financial aid isn’t all that concerning.

“Look, you really aren’t, we’re just happy to help you, alright? So just accept our help, just like we’ve accepted yours before.”

Seishu offered as he reached out his hand for Takemichi to shake.

“I can’t really win against you guys.”

Takemichi sighs in resignation, but takes Seishu’s hand in a firm grip, shaking it once to seal the deal.

“That’s the spirit” Seishu’s grin stretched wide in victory.

“ But – ” 

Inupi raised an arched brow, only now noticing Takemichi hadn't let go of his hand– meaning there was more to the deal than he anticipated.

“I get to cook something special for you guys once a week, and that’s final.”

“Wha? But you don’t have to-”

“The deal’s done, Seishu, no take backs.”

It was now Takemichi’s turn to look smug, finding extreme humor in the man’s stupefied face.

“Ugh fine, you got me, but don’t go overboard, you hear me?”

“Great! Let’s start today then, do you have something you want to eat?”

Takemichi asked, taking the extra helmet Seishu brought for him to wear and put it on his head.

Inupi thought for a second before answering,

“I guess ramen sounds nice”

“Then ramen it is, now what are we waiting for? That ramen isn’t gonna cook itself”

Takemichi laughed, hopping on the bike as Seishu started the engine.

“Alright, alright”

Seishu chuckled, and with the turn of his handle the two were off.

___________________________

“So this is the place.”

Takemichi looked up from his phone and stared at the ominous looking building.

According to Hajime’s info, this was the place Kakucho was in. 

He had to make a call and schedule two days in advance just to visit him.

Juvenile prisons sure were strict nowadays.

Swallowing his saliva, he walked towards the entrance that was heavily guarded with buff security staff.

He’s been asked for his identification card, and patted down for contraband, but other than that, everything else was smooth sailing.

Takemichi was now patiently waiting on a bench as they called Kakucho over.

As expected, there were a fair amount of scary looking people roaming around in a controlled area wearing prison uniforms.

Most of them had a tattoo of some kind like it was a requirement, and some had big bulging muscles like they were in WWE.

Takemichi looked away from them and instead focused on the infrastructure that somehow felt like it was looming over him, trying to trap him inside its walls.

It also didn’t help seeing the looping barbed wires that screamed ‘you ain't getting out of here even if you tried’

Takemichi failed to suppress the shiver that went down his spine. 

“Mr. Hanagaki?”

“Y-Yes?” 

Takemichi turned to see the person who he assumed was in charge call his name.

“This way please.”

The man in blue led him to one of the many rooms in the juvenile center. They came to a stop once they reached a silver door with a plaque on top that read ‘visiting room’.

He opened the door and instructed Takemichi he did his business with the detainee as the officer remained positioned at the back.

Takemichi tentatively approached the chair, and there he saw just behind the glass panel was his childhood friend, Kakucho.

___________________________

It had been three months since Kakucho was situated here in juvenile prison and he has to say, it wasn’t as bad as other people make it out to be.

Or maybe it was because he had no qualms in following every order that any authority figure told him to do (something most people in prison hate).

He does admit it was a bit tough during the first few weeks because of the sudden change, but he has quickly grown accustomed to his detained life.

He knew that he really had no reason to be there as he wasn’t even aware of the shooting that had happened, but unlike others, he had a strong sense of justice and he felt the need to turn himself in.

Kakucho may have not been the one to orchestrate the whole thing, but he was still part of the gang that committed murder nonetheless.

He was responsible by association.

When he learned it was Draken that got shot– one of Takemichi’s closest friends, he felt extremely guilty.

Another life was lost because of gang violence.

What the hell was South thinking?!

They just wanted to test their fists against others- to see who’s the strongest, but they just had to send someone six feet under.

No- he can’t put the blame on him when he willingly followed the man despite his dubious background.

Kakucho was beginning to think that nothing good ever came out of gangs except Izana.

And maybe a few others during the time he spent in Tenjiku, like Mochi, the Haitani brothers, and hell, even Shion!

They were the handful of people he respected and in turn accepted him in brotherhood.

Would Izana get mad at him if he turned his back on delinquency?

Guess he’ll have to visit his grave and talk to him about it once he’s out of juvie.

He’s had enough already and maybe it was time to get into things other than fights.

He was originally sentenced to longer jail time, but because of the investigations that occurred sometime after the incident, he was proven innocent, however, that also proved his association with the gang.

With that information, the court decided he still served time in juvie though at a considerably shorter duration.

‘To set himself straight', they said.

But in all honesty, Kakucho didn’t mind. A few months in jail doesn't compensate for a person’s life.

He figured he’ll just have to make up for it some other way.

The months rolled by and for Kakucho, it was yet another monotonous day.

He was minding his own business when he was suddenly informed someone was here to visit him.

They didn’t relay who exactly was visiting, only providing him with a time and a date.

This got him restless, his curiosity flared repeatedly wondering who that person might be.

Fast forward to today and Kakucho was sitting anxiously on his chair.

He really didn’t have a clue who could be interested in visiting him, but once he saw familiar blue eyes, it all made sense.

He really shouldn’t be surprised it was his former hero- Hanagaki Takemichi in the flesh, looking completely out of place with his innocent looking face and delicately curled hair.

“Hello, Kaku-chan.” Takemichi greeted happily as he took his seat in front of Kakucho.

“Heh, so it was you, Takemichi.” Kakucho replied, mirroring the other’s movements. 

He observed his appearance and noted the change in hair color.

“Yeah, it’s me, how are you by the way? Are they treating you well?”

Takemichi asked as he leaned forwards from his chair. The glass panel made it a little bit hard to hear as it muffled Kakucho’s voice quite a bit.

“I guess you could say so, no one really bothers with anyone over here, so everything’s decent, a bit boring though.”

Kakucho waved his hand side to side with indifference. There really wasn’t anything more to tell Takemichi other than that, juvie was still juvie, there was no significant change whatsoever.

“I can see that.” Takemichi chuckled, recognizing Kakucho’s ‘bored as hell expression’.

“Oh! I saw some pretty intimidating guys outside. You sure nobody’s pickin on you here? They looked like they could really pack a punch if they wanted to.”

Kakucho’s eyebrow rose in confusion. Ah, he must be talking about the seniors that are allowed to roam the outside from time to time.

They were the ones who’s close to getting out of this place for good conduct. It was true they looked intimidating, but they didn't really bother anyone else. They stick to their own group and don't really interact with others all that much unless necessary.

They’re mostly quiet, which kind of makes it suspicious if you think about it, what if they were conniving something? But that wasn’t really any of Kakucho’s business.

“Nah, like I said, they’re pretty chill as long as you stay out of their way. It’s a known ‘don’t bother me, I don’t bother you’ policy we have around here.”

“If you say so, maybe I’m just paranoid, I do have a history of being someone’s punching bag for a good while, and that feeling sticks.”

Takemichi confessed, shivering from feeling the ghost of Kiyomasa’s fist kissing his face that almost knocked his teeth.

“Pfft- seriously, you? A punching bag?” 

Kakucho snorted, not believing Takemichi’s words. He couldn’t really imagine his spunky childhood hero, who he looked up to be reduced to that of a pushover.

“You don’t even wanna hear about it, it’s embarrassing. Not my greatest moment.”

“I can’t really picture that, but if you say so.”

Leaving the topic at that, Kakucho went ahead and asked something he was curious about for a while now.

“Hey Takemichi, how did you even find me here?”

“Ah, I had a little bit of help from Koko-kun” Takemichi answered sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck with an abashed smile.

Kakucho’s eyes widened in recognition. 

“Kokonoi? Well, he does have his ways, how is he by the way?”

“He’s doing alright, he’s going to one of them fancy shmancy business schools.”

So it seems Kokonoi will finally put his talents to good legal use. Kakucho expects that that man would no doubt bring in the big bucks.

“It seems like everyone’s moving forward these days. You too, since when did you get rid of that awful bleach job?”

Kakucho pointed out, his index finger landing on the glass surface that was near the height of Takemichi’s head.

“ Hey ! There's no need to attack me like this!!” Takemichi cried out.

Months later and he still gets comments about his bleached hair. People need to leave him alone damn it.

“There’s nothing wrong with my previous hairdo, thank you! And it’s been a few months since the change. I thought I needed to spice things up a little, you know?”

“It’s a good change, black definitely suits you. It reminds me of when we were younger.”

Kakucho closed his eyes for a moment as a memory of his childhood appeared in his mind.

“Awww are you having a flashback moment, Kaku-chan?”

Takemichi teased, the corners of his mouth tucking in as he smiled, his face looking irritably smug and very punchable.

“ Hah ? I’m just saying you look more like the Takemichi I remembered. You with the black hair and that corny cape you always wore.”

“I remember you saying it was cool though.” 

The older of the two countered, knowing all too well he was right and that the other was just in denial. Too bad for Kakucho, Takemichi had a fairly good memory.

“I did not .”

“Yes you did, ahhh you were so cute back then.”

Takemichi cooed whilst reminiscing about the tiny Kakucho that followed him around and relied on him all the time when they were kids. 

“Now you’ve grown so big, heck, you’re even taller than me! Tell me, were you on growth hormones when I wasn’t around?”

“What? No ! It’s all natural- it’s called a growth spurt, something you didn’t get to have.”

Kakucho sassed back, with his lip jutting out and his arms crossing over his body.

He looked positively childish right now, but he didn’t care, he enjoyed the friendly banter they have.

“ Wow ” Takemichi gasped, momentarily at a loss of words.

“That’s right. Deal with it.”

“Low blow, Kaku-chan.” 

There was a pause, then loud rambunctious laughter soon followed, the two looking like mad hyenas in the savanna.

Wiping a stray tear from his eye after laughing too much, Kakucho mulled over the words he wanted to say next.

“Hey Takemichi,” He drawled out, voice slow and unsure.

“Yeah?”

“Why’d you come visit?”

This has been in the back of Kakucho’s mind for a while now. He really didn’t see the need for someone like Takemichi coming over to visit, not even on a whim.

“Is there a reason I can’t?”

“Well no, but we haven’t really been in touch so I was surprised when it was you who came.”

“Yeah, you’re right, but that's precisely the reason why I visited. I wanted to reach out to you again, and you know, hang out.”

Takemichi sighed, he knew visiting Kakucho came out of the blue, but he had to start somewhere right?

“You want to hang out with me, in prison ?” Kakucho asked, incredulously. 

He wasn’t making any sense, why would he waste a good chunk of his time here? Juvie certainly wasn’t the most welcoming of places.

“Hey now, the location doesn’t really matter, as long as we get to chat like this then I’m good”

“But won’t it be a hassle coming here? This place is quite far from your neighborhood.”

“Nah, I have business somewhere here anyways, I just dropped by here after that.”

Takemichi explained with a smile, hoping to ease away the other’s unnecessary worries

For a person younger than him he sure is a worrywart.

“That business being?”

Now, Kakucho wasn’t usually this nosy, but he had to admit he was rather curious as to what the other was up to these days. 

“Ah, I actually go to therapy, the hospital’s not too far from here so I can manage.”

Takemichi elaborated, sounding far too casual at mentioning the fact was going to therapy, and the unspoken implications of that visit.

“You’re going to therapy ?”

“Yeah, it helped me with a lot of things..…… but it’s kinda expensive though ”

Takemichi was being truthful when he said therapy helped him a bunch, and so was the last part, which he whispered jokingly.

“ Huh .”

Kakucho was surprised, he didn’t even know Takemichi went to therapy, but to be fair, he didn’t know a lot of things about him. 

With the years they were apart, both of them gathered new things about themselves that the other didn’t know about. Hopefully they can share these facts about themselves and get to know each other again.

“Yeah, I wanna talk to you more, but the ten minutes is almost up”

Takemichi announced after looking at his watch, and true to his word the officer that was behind them all this time told him that his visiting time was over.

“I forgot we have a time limit here when it comes to visiting” Kakucho mused out loud, sounding rather disappointed that their conversation was cut short.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be back again next week so we can talk more. I missed you, Kaku-chan, let’s catch up more next time, yeah?” Takemichi said with a closed eye smile.

“Geez, stop saying sappy things Takemichi…….and yeah, I missed you too, see ya.”

Kakucho muttered his goodbye, his face feeling a little hot at how openly honest they were with each other.

He watched the other stand up and began walking away from him.

With a wave of his hand, Takemichi took one last look at his friend before going on his way. 

It felt nice seeing and talking to Kakucho again. He felt a wave of nostalgia hit him as he remembered the simpler times.

When he was still young and didn’t have a care in the world.

Takemichi sometimes wished he could go back then, to enjoy having his innocence and naivety for a longer time.

But that was all wistful thinking.

He hummed himself a tune while walking down the hallway, thinking of what he’ll do for the rest of the day.

Ever since his talk with Dr. Emiko, he’d been strict about his friends visiting all the time, and to his surprise, they agreed.

Though some did try to rope him into something while he was enjoying his alone time, a good old door to the face was enough to send the message.

Now he had all the free time in the world.

Maybe he’ll bake a treat later? He hasn’t baked in a while, and he didn’t want to get rusty, or all of Mitsuya’s efforts will go to waste.

“I think I have some leftover cookie dough in the fridge, so I can bake some as soon as I get home”

Takemichi said to himself, already thinking of giving some away to Seishu, and by extension, Kokonoi as part of their deal.

He was so lost in his thoughts that he bumped into someone with a larger frame, almost causing him to fall down..

“Ack! I’m so sorry I wasn’t looking where I was- wait, Pah-chin-kun??”

Takemichi did a double take because when he got a closer look, it was indeed Pah, who wore a crisp navy blue polo shirt, straight white pants and shiny black dress shoes.

Seemed like Pah had some business to take care of before coming here (or after?). His hair was even neatly combed and gelled to the side, overall looking very sharp and respectable.