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Chapter Text

Takemichi thought today's sky looked like one of those postcards his dad sends him sometimes from America. Those 'wish you were here' postcards of a blue sky with some fluffy clouds above a beach with an umbrella and chair. Sometimes you can see the ocean in the background too. Maybe his dad wants to go to the beach more? Perhaps they can go when he comes back?

If not, his grandma can take him.

"Takemichi!" Speaking of her, she calls him. Takemichi descends from his perch on his desk near the window and rushes out of his room. He carefully goes down the stairs, though. He isn't used to the stairs in this house, having lived in a one-floor apartment, so he didn't want to fall.

"Yes?" Takemichi sticks his face in between the railings. He can't fit his head since they are narrow, settling on squishing his cheeks against it.

It makes his grandmother laugh regardless.

"Are you unpacking upstairs? Want to have lunch now?" She walks towards the kitchen, leaving a box on the coffee table. The movers are gone now, so it's as good a time as any to make something to eat.

“I put my toys in my chest box,” he announces, “I want a daifuku mochi.”

"That's not lunch," she chuckles as she looks in the fridge, clicking her tongue against her teeth. Unfortunately, there weren't many groceries they managed to bring from their old place, but they had enough to make fish, rice, and miso soup. "We'll have to go grocery shopping sometime today."

Mrs. Hanagaki takes whatever ingredients she can and starts looking for dishes. She cleans them as Takemichi walks around the room, unable to sit still before he gets the urge to peek in the kitchen, watching his grandmother cook. Takemichi finally settles on sitting at the dining table. He hums in the background with his grandmother as she has the radio playing on the counter. It is an AM/FM portable radio she had for a few years but is enough to fill the room with a station playing pop songs.

"Grandma, are we having fish?" Takemichi smells the aroma of the fish she's currently grilling in the air. The circulating fan resting on the floor is helping to blow the smell around the living room area.

"Yeah." She responds." Is there something you want for dinner? I'll make a list of stuff we need from the store." She starts working on the soup as the rice and fish cook.

“Oh, how about cream puffs?!” Takemichi exclaims, sitting up on his knees as his hands rest on the table.

“Still not food.” His grandmother shook her head. “What about grilled eggplant?”

"Yuck, vegetables!" Takemichi scrunches his face as if it was a personal offense to mention vegetables in this household.

Mrs. Hanagaki points her spoon at him as her lips curve into a smirk. "Not how I cook them! I make it taste great!"

Takemichi hums in thought. “How do you make it taste good?”

She goes back to stirring the soup. "I put ginger, bonito flakes, green onions, and soy sauce on top. It's pretty good if I do say so!"

“You always talk about your cooking.” Takemichi grins, and his grandmother smiles back.

“Well, I got to compliment it. My grandson doesn’t. He wants sweets and snacks all the time instead of home-cooked meals.”

“You haven't cooked this week. We had takeout!” Takemichi cheekily replied.

His grandmother scoffs. “Oh, you remember that, but not to unpack your things?”

Takemichi sat back in his seat, becoming quiet. Mrs. Hanagaki turns around. The food finishes as she starts to set the table. She runs her hand over Takemichi's head, smoothing down his curls despite sticking back up again anyway.

"Why'd we move?" Takemichi asks, resting his chin on his arms as he lays his head on the table. "I miss our old home."

Mrs. Hanagaki sighs, brushing back a piece of her dark hair that matches her grandson's. "I know, but your father thought you should grow up in a house because you've lived in an apartment since you were a baby."

"He's not even here to enjoy the house with us," Takemichi mumbles, but his grandmother hears.

She frowns. "Your dad visits. He works a lot."

"It's not the same. Dad's not here."

She sighs. "You're right. It's not the same."

They sit down to eat lunch. As they eat, Takemichi's mood picks up again as they talk about school starting again soon, his birthday coming up - anything to distract him. Again, his grandma tells him they'll go to the store. He wants six snacks. She tells him he can get one snack. Compromise.

When they finish, they get ready to head out. The neighborhood is still new, and Takemichi hesitated as he walked, holding his grandmother's hand. He looks around, eyeing the different houses. One neighbor, an older woman sweeping outside her home, nods in their direction and says 'good afternoon.' Mrs. Hanagaki smiles and nods back. Takemichi looks up at the sky, still blue, as he sees some birds flying overhead and feels the warm breeze from the May air. As they walk, Takemichi sees a playground coming into view. He gets excited, tugging on his grandmother's hand to gain her attention. She looks over to see he has stopped in front of the park. She smiles.

“Grandma, can I play?”

"We have to go to the grocery store, Takemichi." His mouth turns into a frown. She looks down at him, heart-squeezing in fondness. "But if we hurry before it gets dark, you can play when we get back, okay?"

Takemichi's face brightens, and he pulls his grandmother along. She tells him not too fast, or she'll trip as she watches him in amusement.

Manjiro looked up at the sky, he sat on top of the jungle gym. Not that watching the clouds drift isn't relaxing, but it's more like counting sheep to him, and eventually, he'll get sleepy after a while.

He's bored, to be honest. That boy with dark hair named Baji Keisuke, who usually fights him, isn't around today, probably recovering from his last bruises. It was annoying the first few times but eventually fell into a rhythm that would end in a scuffle when they did see each other around the neighborhood.

Shinichiro was working his job as an apprentice at a bike shop, so he couldn't hang out with him today, so the playground it was.

Manjiro thought about going to get some snacks from a store, but before he could, he saw something out of the corner of his eye. It's a boy. If it was any other time, any other circumstance, Manjiro might not have paid it any mind, but he's only intrigued because he had never seen this boy before in the neighborhood.

And then the interest is gone as if a small flame that barely flickered before being puffed out.

He sighs. Corner store it is then.

As he makes his way off the jungle gym, holding on and slowly climbing down until his feet touch the sand, he hears a yelp. He sees that same boy who walked to the playground, taking residence near the swings, shoved off, hitting the ground with a thud. Some bigger kids, probably at least sixth grade, are picking on someone weaker. Manjiro often saw kids like that. One constantly tried to fight him whenever he saw the blond boy (read: but doesn't realize or care Manjiro is stronger). Unless they fight back, these kids keep getting picked on, becoming punching bags to those people. Just at the 'wrong place at the wrong time.'

However, even as they kicked him, and shoved him when he stood back up, the boy kept getting back up.

There's nothing special about him, Manjiro figures. He has dark, messy hair and the bluest eyes that threatened to spill tears as he glared. He's small, scrawny, staring up at kids bigger than him. Yet, despite the scrapes on his arms, he clenched his tiny hands and stood his ground.

He was nothing special. But Manjiro couldn’t stop staring.

The boy gets punched in the face and knocked again to the ground. Before the kid can hit him more, Manjiro's rushing forward, jumping into the air and swiping his foot across the bully's face. The kid goes flying to the side, face into the ground. The boys with him look between their friend on the ground and Manjiro, terrified. The dark-haired boy is no better, looking at the boy who isn't moving except for some groaning on the ground. But, Manjiro sighs. It isn't that bad. He didn't even knock him out, just a bloody nose.

That scares the trio enough to leave, running as if their lives depended on it. In a way, it did if Manjiro kept attacking them. Watching them go, he turns his gaze toward the dark-haired boy trying to make himself smaller, hiding behind the pole of the swing set as if it'd make him disappear.

“You okay?” Manjiro asks.

The blue-eyed boy nods, still looking uneasy. “Yeah.”

Manjiro starts to walk away before he says anything else. He shouldn't stay out too late. He can probably still make it to the corner store before it gets dark.

“Wait!”

Manjiro turns around, slightly annoyed. What did the boy want? The bullies were gone.

“T-Thank you!” The boy says, bowing.“You’re really strong.”

He wants to thank him. And praise him. He walks up to the boy, forgetting his plans. He grabs his head, fingers tangled in his dark curls. The boy looks petrified. "What's your name?"

“H-Hanagaki Takemichi.” He squeaks out.

Manjiro gives a smile." I'm Sano Manjiro." As he stared into blue eyes, blue like the sky earlier in the day, he thought to himself that maybe he did find someone interesting? "Okay, Takemitchy, let's be friends."

Takemichi looked at him, confused, "T-Takemitchy?"

"Yeah," Manjiro quickly says, smiling as if leaving no room to argue about the nickname.

"You want to be friends?" Takemichi asked hesitantly.

Manjiro nods. "Yeah. Don't you want to?" He didn't care if he did. He would probably still declare it regardless.

"Well, we just met!" Takemichi exclaims, gesturing wildly with his arms. "I don't even know anything about you. Like what you like to eat!"

“Dorayaki, omurice and taiyaki too.” Manjiro says matter-of-factly.

Takemichi makes a face as if dumbfounded. He said the fact so quickly. "Okay. I like potatoes. Also, potato chips are good too."

At that omission, Manjiro laughs. It's dumb, not even remotely funny, but Manjiro can't help the laugh stumbling out of his mouth. Maybe it was the expressive movements on Takemichi's face as he yelped, panicked that he said something wrong. Or the fact this blue-eyed boy stood up no matter how many times he got knocked down. But it was a sight. So maybe stepping in was a good idea.

"You're kind of strange." Takemichi's face fell at that. Manjiro only felt slightly sour. "Not in a bad way. Just strange, like you like simple things."

Takemichi shrugs, "I only like stuff I've had. Like you like stuff you had."

It was simple, but it was true too. Takemichi had things he experienced just as much as Manjiro. So they would just have to bond over some stuff together then."Then let's be friends and find stuff we like together."

Takemichi smiles at that. It's the first time Manjiro saw a smile from his new friend. Of course, Manjiro smiled too, but he hadn't recalled himself smiling that bright like Takemichi in a long time. Even if the gesture was directed at him, he was almost jealous of Takemichi's unbridled joy.

Takemichi jolts, dropping his smile, and another look of panic appears on his face. "I have to get home. I told my grandma I wouldn't be out too long." He starts to run for the entrance before rushing back and taking Manjiro's hand, shaking it. "Thanks for your help! Do you come to this playground a lot?"

When Takemichi lets go of his hand, Manjrou can still feel the warm sensation linger. Manjiro just nods.

Takemichi grins, "I'll come back tomorrow, and we can play!" At the declaration, Takemichi runs to the entrance, only stopping to wave back at him. "Bye Manjiro!" and dashing off down the street.

Manjiro stood there, realizing the sky turned from the blue earlier to a tinge of oranges and purples. The sun was slowly setting. He might just want to head home instead since helping Takemichi took longer than he thought, and he got distracted while chatting with him. As Manjiro left the park, he stared down at his hand, the one Takemichi shook. He's likely new to the neighborhood. Manjiro wonders if he just moved here? Maybe to Tokyo? He didn't know who Manjiro was, not yet privy to how he was becoming known as a strong fighter. He liked Manjiro just for the sole fact that he helped him.

Maybe it was a good idea to go to the playground today?

Chapter Text

When Takemichi returns home from the playground, his grandmother, coming from downstairs to greet him, is indeed shocked.

"Takemichi!" She shrieks, losing her usually relaxed composure, carefully making her way down the rest of the steps to walk over to him at the door.

"Hi, grandma!" Takemichi smiles at her, but his face slowly drops as she inspects him.

She sees a bruise forming on his cheek, shirt littered with sand and dirt smears, cuts and scrapes on his arms and legs. What in the world happened to him?

"Takemichi," Mrs. Hanagaki spoke carefully. She didn't want to upset him, so she held out her hand, bending, eyes looking into his. "Let's go sit at the table for a few minutes, okay?"

Takemichi carefully took his grandmother's hand as she led him to the table. She pulls out a chair for him, and he sits down. His grandmother pulls out a seat and sits in front of him. "Now, Takemichi, sweetie, how did you get all those scrapes and bruises?" But she smiles. "It's okay, you can tell me."

Takemichi thinks about it. What if his grandma won't let him go to the park anymore if he tells her what happened? But then he won't see his new friend Manjiro again. But he promised to play with him tomorrow. He thinks he won't be able to play with his friend. Takemichi wonders if maybe he shouldn't tell his grandma what happened?

"I-I…fell off the swing?" Takemichi mumbles, but she hears him. She notes how he hesitates and says the statement as if it was a question.

She looks at him, not judging, eyes softening a bit. "You fell off the swing?"

He nods, blue eyes widened, looking back.

"That's a big bruise and lots of scrapes on your arms and legs from falling off the swing." She carefully says.

"I hit a rock." He adds.

"Oh my, a rock!" She exclaims, voice feigning shock, "If you hit your face, we should take you to the doctor!"

He gets panicked, looking like he's processing what she's saying. At possibly being found out, Takemichi caves."Uh, besides falling, I also got into a fight." He adds, lowering his head.

Mrs. Hanagaki looks at him as he looks down at the table, unable to meet her eyes. She thinks to herself about why he wanted to keep it to himself. She feels a vague memory filling her mind of when Takemichi's father used to get bullied. Kids sometimes hide it for whatever reason. They can be scared they'll get in trouble. They think it's their fault. But, no matter the reason, she didn't want to scare him. She wants to let him know she's on his side. But she's worried.

"Takemichi, has this happened before? If you don't mind telling me, of course." She wants to make sure.

But Takemichi shook his head.

Okay, this was enough now. Mrs. Hanagaki doesn't want to say something that will make it worse.

"Takemichi," She starts. "Thank you for telling me. That was very brave!"

Takemichi looks up at her, eyes threatening to spill over. Then, Takemichi gets out of his chair and goes around to her side. He hugs her, burying his face into her floral dress. She wraps her arms around him in a side hug.

"I'm sorry," Takemichi mumbles.

"It's okay. It isn't your fault. Just know it's important to tell the truth, especially if you get hurt too." She explains softly.

Takemichi looks up at her, tears streaming down his round cheeks, "But I thought if I told you, I couldn't play with my new friend!"

"Friend?" She asks.

Takemichi nods, smiling again as if he wasn't crying. "He saved me from the bullies."

She smiles. "Well, that was very nice of your friend. What's his name?"

"Sano Manjiro!" Takemichi proudly exclaims.

Sano? Mrs. Hanagaki thinks to herself. She recalls that surname. She used to know someone named Sano from the neighborhood she grew up in Yokohama. She also thinks there's a 'Sano Dojo' in Tokyo.

"I promised him I'd play with him again tomorrow!" He puts on his best puppy dog face as he tells her, and Mrs. Hanagaki looks at him fondly, lips curving upwards.

"Takemichi, I am glad you made a new friend. Tell you what, I'll walk you to the park and pick you up after you're done playing. Is two hours enough time?"

"Okay!" Takemichi says. Glad he can still play with his friend.

She is still worried about it, but keeping him from experiencing life wasn't good either. Sometimes she thinks about how she should've let Hanzou experience things more growing up. But, for now, she'll put that in the back of her mind for later. Right now, she stands and holds out her hand for Takemichi to take, which after a moment, he does.

"Come on, sweetie. We got to treat all those scrapes and bruises." She leads him upstairs. Now she wonders which box the first aid kit is in again?

Manjiro must really be interested in his new friend if he came to visit him at the playground. Shinichiro offered to hang out with him on his free day today, but Manjiro said he promised a friend he'd play with him. Manjiro notices the teasing look in his brother's dark eyes as he tousles Manjiro's hair, saying it's nice he made a new friend.

So Manjiro waits for his new friend again on top of the jungle gym. He was eyeing from his height to see if he was coming down the street. When a kid got too close, about to climb up, all it took was a glare, and they went scrambling back down. He is saving a seat next to him for Takemichi. As if summoning him like magic, Manjiro saw a mop of dark curly hair rushing down the block, followed by an older woman with the same hair color. The woman managed to stop the boy, putting a hand on his shoulder, and bending to tell him something.

Takemichi smiles at the woman, excitedly telling her something before waving at her as she walks away. Manjiro didn't miss the look she gave back as Takemichi rushes into the playground. When Takemichi looks around, his eyes drift to the jungle gym, and he smiles brightly seeing Manjiro at the top. He waves as he hurries towards him, climbing up carefully. Once he got to the top, Manjiro offered him a hand as Takemichi climbs up, sitting next to him.

"There you are!" Takemichi says. "I wasn't sure you were here!"

"You said you wanted to play today." But, unfortunately, that was all Manjiro offered as an explanation.

Takemichi stares but ends up smiling again. Manjiro thought this kid sure does smile a lot."What do you want to play?" Manjiro asks.

"Um," Takemichi thinks. Then he perks up. "Let's play on the see-saw!"

Before he can even respond, Takemichi is climbing back down. Manjiro sighs, following the blue-eyed boy. He has a lot of energy, and he's thrilled to play. Most of the time, Manjiro knows he gets strange looks from kids and adults sometimes at how apathetic he appears at first glance. He isn't overly expressive. The most is a smirk, a laugh, and maybe something shining in his obsidian eyes. But Takemichi doesn't pay any heed to it. Instead, he rushes over, waving Manjiro to come to sit at the other end of the see-saw, and plays with him unabashedly as if they'd been friends for years.

The movement is repetitive and not Manjiro's favorite thing, but the happiness radiating from Takemichi is enough to distract him. He watches as Takemichi rises, then Manjiro feels himself rise. It is up and down for about five minutes before Manjiro declares they do something else.

Takemichi is taken back but begins to think of something. "The swings!"

Getting off, they head for the swings next. It seems, Manjiro's personality does not deter Takemichi. Manjiro sits on the swing, and Takemichi takes it upon himself to push him.

"Okay, I'll push! Ready…1…2…3!" And he's pushing barely, but enough to get him started. He realizes Takemichi isn't that strong based on that push, but Manjiro realizes most kids aren't. He's an exception only from the training he received living at the Dojo with his grandfather.

He hears a breathy laugh from Takemichi as he finds a rhythm pushing the swing. It gets a little higher. Manjiro feels a small smile curving on his lips. It's like that for a few more minutes before Manjiro declares for Takemichi to try it now.

"Huh?" Takemichi asks.

"Get on the swing. I'll push you now." Manjiro gets off, and Takemichi sits where he just was. Manjiro gets behind him.

"1…2…3!" He offers a countdown only because Takemichi did.

Suddenly Takemichi is pushed, very high, into the air. He yells as he gets high enough that Takemichi feels his stomach drop as he goes back briefly, only for Manjiro to push him again. Manijro's really strong! Takemichi thinks.

Takemichi takes a moment to look at the sky, sun high with the clouds slowly moving over it, letting the light peek through. He sees other kids playing by themselves, and some notice him being pushed, relatively high, on the swings. He can even barely see over the fence of the entrance. Takemichi is excited.

"This is fun, Manjiro!" He tells the blond boy, who, caught off guard, stops—letting Takemichi slowly come back down to the ground. Once the swinging stops, Takemichi gets off. Slightly dizzy, he almost falls to the ground, but a hand grabs his arm to hold him up.

Manjiro eyes him warily. "Careful. Otherwise, you'll fall."

"Oh, right." Takemichi stands back up again, grinning. "What do you want to do now?"

Manjiro shrugs. "I don't know. What do friends do?"

What? That’s strange. "You don't know what friends do?"

Manjiro eyes him, face neutral. "I think they get to know each other, right?"

Takemichi nods hesitantly. Did Manjiro not have any friends? Or did he have trouble making friends? Whatever the reason, it made Takemichi feel the tiniest bit sad.

"Let's talk about stuff we like!" Takemichi smiles, offering his hand out to Manjiro. After a few seconds of deliberating, Manjiro takes it. Takemichi even offers a small squeeze like his grandma does to reassure him everything would be okay.

They sit down on a nearby bench and talk. The two boys learn they go to different schools. Also, Takemichi learns that Manjiro is a year older than him. Takemichi tells him his birthday is next month and Manjiro's birthday is in August. Takemichi even invites Manjiro to his birthday party, which causes a surprised look on the dark-eyed boy's face. It was the first time Takemichi saw such a visible expression from his new friend.

"What's your favorite color?" He asks.

"Red?" Manjiro responds. "What about you?"

"I like green!" Takemichi states.

"I thought it would be orange."

"Huh, why?"

Manjiro points. "Because you're wearing an orange shirt."

Takemichi looks down at the shirt his grandmother bought him. Takemichi laughs. "Nah."

Manjiro smiles. "What do you like to do?'

Takemichi didn't know how to answer. However, he liked a few things. "I like cartoons and playing with my GameBoy. Oh, and I like putting together puzzles!"

"Puzzles?" Manjiro asks.

Takemichi nods. "My grandma got me a bunch of puzzles, so I put them together with her sometimes!"

"Your grandma?" Manjiro remembers the lady from earlier. "You mean the lady that brought you to the playground?"

"Yeah! That's my grandma!" Takemichi says proudly. Then a thought bubbles to the surface. "She'd really like you! Do you want to come over for lunch next Saturday?!"

"I have to ask my grandpa." Manjiro doubts it would be a problem since they didn't have school and if he didn't stay too long. And the Dojo is not far from here either.

"Great! I'll ask my grandma if it's okay!"

At the mention of her, Takemichi's eyes travel to the entrance. Manjiro turns to see the same lady from before. She's older, but not enough for her hair to be completely white or silver. Most of it is still dark, except for a small streak of gray on her bangs. She's wearing a blue shirt, brown capri pants, and sandals. She waves as Takemichi rushes up to her. Manjiro follows along, too, unsure if he should say hello or not.

"Grandma!" Takemichi, tugs at her pants leg to gain her attention. "This is my new friend, Manjiro!"

Takemichi's grandmother smiles down at Manjiro. It's a warm smile. It's different from her grandson's but still makes Manjiro feel the kindness radiating from the gesture. "Why, nice to meet you, Manjiro. Takemichi told me you helped him yesterday with some bullies. I wanted to thank you for that and for being his friend!"

Manjiro bows slightly, "It wasn't a problem. And I don't mind being friends."

That made her give a soft laugh as if realizing her grandson can be a lot, but overall, Takemichi is a kind person.

"Grandma, can Manjiro come over for lunch next Saturday?" Takemichi asks.

"Well, I don't see why not?" She glances at the blond boy again. "As long as it's alright with your family."

Manjiro nods. "I'll ask."

Then, reaching into her purse, she pulls out a pen and a piece of paper. "Here's our address." She makes sure to look it over to make sure it's right. She's been trying to memorize it since they moved. "You can stop by at noon. That's the time we usually eat. Are you allergic to anything?"

"Thank you. And no." Manjiro takes the paper, staring at it. Of course, he'd have to show his grandpa, but he doesn't think it's that far. The playground is a middle ground between Takemichi's house and the Sano family's residence.

Takemichi cheers. His grandmother gently holds her hand out for him, which he takes. Takemichi waves back at Manjiro, smiling. "Bye, Manjiro!"

Manjiro watches them leave, stuffs the piece of paper in his pocket and heads back home. If Takemichi’s leaving and Baji isn’t around, it seems dull being at the playground any longer.

Chapter Text

If Manjiro makes it a point to show up on time when Mrs. Hanagaki said to stop by for lunch, it's because he was interested in hanging out with his new friend. Besides Baji, he didn't interact with most kids. He kept to himself at school, whether because no one was interesting to him or because the kids were scared of him. Baji likes to fight him, but were they friends? He'll see whenever the dark-haired boy comes back around the playground. He also hung out with Takeomi's siblings Sanzu and Senju, but Takemichi was the first person to call him his friend, though. He walked into Manjiro's life as if they were close already, happily following along, taking his hand, and playing games together.

So maybe he was happy his new friend invited him over for lunch?

Knocking on the door, Mrs. Hanagaki greets him, hair up in a bun today, smiling down at him and welcoming him in. "Hello, Manjiro. You're right on time!"

She turns around, calling up the stairs. "Takemichi! Manjiro's here!" She closed the door and told the boy he can have a seat at the table.

Once he sat, he can hear the creaking down the stairs and sees messy hair blur past, rushing to hug him. Takemichi pulls back to look at him. "Hi, Manjiro!"

Manjiro gave the tiniest smile. "Hi, Takemitchy."

Takemichi's grandmother sets the table, eyebrows raised at the display. "Take…Mitchy?"

Takemichi gives a slight frown. "He calls me that."

At that, Takemichi's grandmother covers her mouth, coughing (read: discreetly laughing). "That's interesting, Michi."

"Michi?" It's Manjiro's turn to look surprised.

Takemichi sat down next to his friend at the table. "My family calls me Michi too."

And a fun idea filled Manjiro's mind. "Fine. I'll call you Mitchy too!"

Takemichi makes a confused face, trying to understand what he’s saying. "Mitchy? Why do you keep saying my name with a 't'?

Manjiro shrugs. "It's easier to add a 't' to it."

Takemichi frowns more if possible. "No, it's not!"

Mrs. Hanagaki could hear the pre-eminent argument about to start. "Boys, let's not argue." She walks over, carrying the lunch, sitting it on the table. Manjiro's eyes widened. It’s omurice. As if hearing his thoughts, Mrs. Hanagaki smiles. "Takemichi told me you like omurice."

His eyes drifted to the blue-eyed boy next to him, who started digging in, kicking his legs under the table. Finally, he turns as if feeling Manjiro's stare. "What?"

"You told her I like omurice?"

"Well yeah, you said you liked it! My grandma said it was okay because we had the ingredients here."

And it’s as easy as that, and the three settled into silence. Manjiro usually likes omurice with a tiny flag that he asks for when going out to eat and at home, but he doesn't have any. So he'd make an exception today.

"Manjiro, I want to thank you again for helping Takemichi at the playground." She smiles. They finish eating as Mrs. Hanagaki starts to collect the dishes.

"It's okay," Manjiro says as she walks to the kitchen.

"I also wanted to ask something." She says. "Does your family own the Sano Dojo in Tokyo?"

Manjiro nods, and she gives a smile, a plan forming in her mind. "I see."

Mrs. Hanagaki suggests Takemichi and Manjiro play upstairs, which the boys do. Then, quickly dashing up the stairs. "Careful on the steps!"

It's just a thought, but Mrs. Hanagaki assumes it wouldn't hurt to ask Hanzou about judo lessons for Takemichi, would it? So, while the boys were upstairs, she walked to the house phone. She almost tripped over a box nearby and sighed. It will take a bit to get rid of all the moving boxes. She goes to the phone and types in her son's number. It took three rings before he answered.

"Hello?" Mrs. Hanagaki smiled at the sound of his voice. She wished she could talk to him more often.

"Hanzou. It's mom."

"Oh, hey. How are you?" He asks, voice perking up. "I didn't expect a call this week. Usually, you call every two weeks."

"I know. I want to ask you something."

Hanzou hums into the phone as if giving her a signal he’s listening.

"So remember I said Takemichi got into a fight on the playground?"

"Yes?" He says hesitantly. "Did he get into another fight?!"

"N-No!" She says, trying to reassure him. "It's just I'm worried he might get into one again. Wouldn't it be better for him to take judo lessons? You know, just in case?"

"You expect he'll get in more fights?" His voice sounds panicked.

"No, but just in case. Takemichi's kind, and he does like to help people." His grandmother remembers him finding stray cats, being kind to students at school, getting picked on, and even helping out around the house as much as a seven, almost eight-year-old can. He's a good kid, but not everyone is good to good people.

"Yeah." Hanzou was aware.

"Look, son. If he's going to get beat up, he might as well know how to throw a punch, right?"

"Mom!" Hanzou chastised. She laughs, and he can't help but snort. "I hear you. I can pay for lessons if you really want him to. But Takemichi's got to agree to it too."

She winks even though he can't see. "Don't worry. I'll ask first."

"Great…" He sighs, knowing when his mother's set on something, it's just a waiting game before it happens. "Is he okay otherwise?"

"Yep, he made a new friend. They are hanging out today and had lunch. I think he's the grandson of someone from that Sano family. You know the family I mentioned in the neighborhood I grew up in. I didn't know them really, just knew of them. I saw the son in town before. I guess he eventually moved to Tokyo too."

"Wow, that's a big coincidence." Hanzou says, surprised. "But he'll at least have a friend there at the Dojo."

"Yeah." She smiles. "He will."

Manjiro inspects Takemichi's room, noting the bareness. It's not cluttered with posters like Shinichiro's room, but instead has bland walls. Instead, most of his stuff is on the floor or in the toy chest. A bed, desk, and rug were the rest of the furniture.

Takemichi has a GameBoy in his hands, playing a Pokemon game. Manjiro sits next to him, peeking over his shoulder to see him battle.

"Did you just move here?" Manjiro notes the box in the corner of Takemichi's room that says 'Takemichi's clothes.'

Takemichi nods, eyes not moving from the screen. His tongue sticks out, and his brows furrowed in concentration. "Yeah. We lived in an apartment before."

Manjiro stretches his legs out, back leaning against Takemichi's bed. "Are you from Tokyo?"

"Yep. We didn't move that far." Takemichi explains. He now puts the GameBoy in Manjiro's hands, letting him take a turn.

"What about you?"

Manjiro focuses on throwing a Pokeball at a wild pokemon, eyes only glancing over to acknowledge Takemichi briefly. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, are you from Tokyo too?"

Manjiro pushes the buttons harder than necessary as he selects an attack. But then, he thinks about how he came to Tokyo. "I came to live with my grandpa and brother."

Takemichi doesn't delve further. Instead, he looks at him, startled. "You have a brother?!"

Manjiro smiles. "Yeah! He's really cool. He works in a bike shop fixing motorcycles."

Takemichi's eyes gleamed, starstruck. "Aw, so cool! Does he ride them too?!"

Manjiro nods. He likes to brag about his big brother. But, to him, Shinichiro was so cool, so he appreciated Takemichi's enthusiasm about him.

The two switch to playing with action figures. Takemichi makes a whooshing noise as he makes a caped hero 'fly' as he holds the figure's waist, raising it in the air.

Manjiro fiddled with the joints of another figure. He wasn't used to playing with toys like these. He kept making the arm go up and down, breaking it off.

Manjiro's eyes widened, and he panicked. He broke Takemichi's toy.

Takemichi's eyes followed Manjiro's gaze and saw the arm of the toy between his tiny fingers.

"I'm sorry, I-" He didn't finish before Takemichi took the toy and managed to realign the arm after a few attempts.

"There!" Takemichi smiles. "Sometimes, the arm falls off. But it's okay!"

Manjiro looks at him, and Takemichi hands him back the toy. "It's okay even if it did break. I got other toys you can play with!"

At that, Manjiro feels a small joy. Maybe Takemichi's kindness was rubbing off on him too.

"Takemichi! Manjiro!" Takemichi's grandmother is calling them. They set the toys down, left the room, and walked down the stairs.

Once they come back to the living room, she smiles at them. "Manjiro, it's been about two hours. Do you want to call home now?"

He nods. He goes to call his grandpa, taking out the phone number he gave him to call when heading home. Manjiro is talking while Mrs. Hanagaki and Takemichi waited off to the side.

When he hangs up, Manjiro turns to them. "Thank you for lunch." He bows toward Mrs. Hanagaki. Manjiro looks over at Takemichi. "I'll see you around Takemitchy."

"Bye!" Takemichi, instead of a wave or handshake this time, gives Manjiro a hug. It is quick, and he lets go before the blond can react.

Mrs. Hanagaki can't hold back the laugh now as she opens the door and wishes Manjiro a safe trip back home.

Once Takemichi's friend is gone, his grandmother turns to him. "Takemichi, I want to ask you something. How would you like to take martial arts lessons at Sano Dojo?"

Chapter Text

Takemichi and his grandmother walk to the Sano Dojo. Since it wasn't too far and the weather is nice, they decide to walk. Mrs. Hanagaki isn't feeling too bad today, so walking didn't seem terrible. It's a way to get some exercise too. Once they arrive, Mrs. Hanagaki notices an older man outside talking to someone. They have uniforms on, ready to start the martial arts classes.

It's then Mrs. Hanagaki remembers. She heard of the Sano family where she grew up. She didn't see them officially until she was eighteen and about to go off to university in Tokyo. She only heard of a family with the surname Sano because they had a Dojo in the Azamino neighborhood. They were a family that owned a martial arts school that closed down after about three years. She remembers seeing the family when she was out shopping. There she saw the oldest son. He looked older than her by a few years. The son even came once to her family's bakery where she worked on weekends - the only time she interacted with him.

Mrs. Hanagaki recollected they were closing the Dojo that day she was out. Maybe not able to keep it afloat? But it seems Sano opened a new one he leads in Tokyo. He looks similar to how he did but much older - more wrinkles, a mustache, and gray hair now. His eyes are still the same - dark eyes like his grandson's. She never even got his first name, she realized.

"Hi," She starts. "I enrolled my grandson in judo lessons here. So I'm dropping him off."

The older gentleman nods at her "Alright." Then, a spark of recognition flickers in his eyes. "I'm sorry, have we met before?"

At that, she smiles. "I think we lived in the same neighborhood in Azamino."

Once hearing that, the two started to talk. She introduces herself as Ume Hanagaki. And he introduces himself as Mansaku Sano. They talk about growing up but not knowing each other. Ume mentions the bakery she worked at and that they officially met there. About the area they lived in, how they both feel about Tokyo. It is as if no time passes while they talk. absorbed in the conversation. Takemichi still stands next to his grandmother's side, watching them talk. Eventually, he sees Manjiro peer outside, probably hearing the chatter. When he sees Takemichi, he waves, and Takemichi waves back.

"I moved to Tokyo after getting married and stayed, raising my family."

Mr. Sano nods. "I moved to Tokyo to open my Dojo here. It's going well, and I raised my family here too."

"That's great! Well, I'm glad I heard about the place."

Mrs. Hanagaki thanks Mr. Sano, saying she's glad they could officially talk. She waves goodbye to Takemichi, saying she will pick him up after his lessons. Leaving, she looks back at him, but he is already heading inside.

Takemichi's grandmother had registered him already, so he could get his uniform when he arrived. An assistant helps him with it. Once he puts it on, he is brought into the class, where he sees Manjiro off to the side. He isn't sitting near him, but it's okay. At least Takemichi can see him. There are other students there, and he sits in the middle of the room, kneeling, waiting for the class to begin. Takemichi notices a blond girl come in with a ponytail that sits near Mr. Sano. She looks familiar to Takemichi but he can't place why.

Takemichi leans in as Mr. Sano greets them, and they begin with basic things. Then, they do stability exercises and warm-ups. Takemichi works to keep up as they move on. He notes that Manjiro does falling techniques, running, and other activities with ease. Takemichi remembers how when he met Manjiro, he flew in the air, knocking down the kid that was picking on Takemichi. And how he pushed him really high on the swings at the playground. He must've been training for a while to get that good.

As they do exercises like crawling on their stomachs across the mats, Takemichi realizes this isn't as fun as he envisioned. He didn't get to interact with Manjiro, and he is building up a sweat. But, on the other hand, this feels like exercise as he spreads his legs out, trying to reach for his toes, stretching. As a class, they watch Mr. Sano as he teaches techniques with his assistants' help, instructing the students. Takemichi tries to listen while observing the movements. And he thinks if he learns this, maybe he'll have more stuff in common with his friend.

But when the students begin to practice, he rubs his arm, stepping up to spar. He tries his best, mimicking what he sees. He manages, though he isn't used to it. They aren't actively trying to hurt him. It's to help him improve and learn how to defend himself. So when he falls to the ground after a student uses a technique, he gets back up and tries it himself. When he manages to swipe behind someone's leg, after the fourth attempt and they fall because he did a movement correctly, he feels some pride.

Maybe this isn't a bad idea?

After lessons finish, Manjiro comes up to Takemichi afterward. "Mitchy, are you thirsty?"

Takemichi thinks for a second before nodding.

"I think there are some water bottles in our fridge." With that, he waves Takemichi over to follow him.

Takemichi looks around as Manjiro brings him around from the Dojo towards the family residence. When they enter a room, he tells Takemichi to sit in the middle where there is a Kotatsu. He leaves while he gets them something to drink. Manjiro shuts the door, and Takemichi sits, noting the table lower to the ground. They didn't have this at home, opting for a dining table. It was nice of Manjiro to bring him and get him something to drink, but he couldn't stay too long. His grandma might get worried.

At the sound of the doors opening again, Takemichi turns, thinking it's Manjiro, but instead sees a tall man peering at him. He looks surprised, likely seeing a kid he doesn't know in their living space. His eyes look familiar - dark like deep space. It reminds him of Manjiro, except the man's hair is black.

Takemichi swallows, breaking eye contact when he hears a noise behind the man. His eyes drift lower to see a small girl behind his leg. She's the same girl from the class. Her dirty blond hair reminds him of Manjiro's too. "Uh, hello?" The man asks, careful not to startle the boy. "Are you one of the students at the Dojo? Are you lost?"

Takemichi's mind starts to catch up, "Uh, I'm Manjiro's friend."

At the mention of his name, Shinichiro's confused face morphed into understanding, and he chuckles. "Ah, so you're Takemitchy!"

Takemichi's gives a tiny smile. He's made peace with it at this point with the nickname. He's just glad he isn't in trouble. "Actually it's Takemichi. Hanagaki Takemichi."

The girl came to sit next to him, staring at him as if deciding if she wants to talk to him. Takemichi feels nervous for a second, before she settles on a nod, as if satisfied by what she sees and holds out here hand. "Hi, Takemichi. I'm Emma."

The name is foreign, but Takemichi thinks it's cool. He doesn't pay it much mind and shakes her hand. "Nice to meet you, Emma!" At him smiling at her, Emma looks startled and despite the poker face, gives a tiny smile back.

Shinichiro bows his head a little. "And I'm Shinichiro. Nice to meet you, Takemichi."

A few seconds later, Manjiro comes in, moving carefully past Shinichiro and Emma, who were talking to Takemichi, introducing themselves and getting to know him. His friend seems to be soaking up the attention. Manjiro's lips upturn as he hands Takemichi a water bottle. "Here."

"Thanks!" Takemichi smiles brightly at him.

Manjiro isn't sure why Takemichi suddenly wants to take lessons, but he's glad to have more time to hang out with him.

It has gotten better over the two weeks since he started. The students spar more. Takemichi is more focused, really trying to learn in his classes. Eventually, even he and Manjiro work together. Though Manjiro is more advanced, he helps assist in the beginner classes. Since he is doing lessons on weekends, sometimes Manjiro and Takemichi met on weekdays after school to play together. Either Takemichi's house, Manjiro's house or at the playground where they met.

On this particular day, as Takemichi's rushing to the playground, he's confused to see Manjiro fighting with another boy. The boy tried to throw a punch before Manjiro side stepped and kicking him in the stomach, knocking him back. Takemichi, panicked, hurried over. He was not once concerned about himself as the dark-haired boy tried to charge forward again toward Manjiro. Instead, Takemichi jumped in between them, stopping the boy's movement. It's not that Takemichi didn't know that Manjiro could defend himself. But he was his friend. So he should still try to help regardless. He didn't like seeing his friends and family hurt, sure. But he thought it might be a bad idea for this boy, otherwise he might get beat up even worse.

"What're you doing? Move!" The dark-haired boy said, teeth clenched. Takemichi notes he already has scrapes on his face.

"Why are you fighting?" Takemichi asks.

"I'm trying to fight him. If I beat him, then I'm the strongest!" The boy proclaims, pointing his thumb at himself.

"He's just some kid that keeps trying to pick fights with me." Manjiro offers, watching Takemichi.

Takemichi lowers his hands. Unsure if they were friends or not? "Are you guy's friends?"

The boy in front of him scoffs. "What? No!"

"But you could be. I'm friends with Manjiro!"

Manjiro looked confused at Takemichi, offering his friendship as if negotiating a service. The brunet boy also looks at Takemichi before a thought crosses his mind. "Wait, you're friends? Are you strong like him too?!"

"Huh?"

The boy raises his small hands, clenching them. "Fight me then!"

"I don't want to fight you!" Takemichi waves his hands in front of him.

"Why not?! I'm strong too!"

"No, it's not that! You didn't do anything to me. So why would I fight you? You seem nice?" It comes out as more of a question.

His brows shoot up for a moment in surprise. He's staring as if trying to understand what Takemichi said. "You think I'm nice?"

Takemichi nods."How am I nice?" The boy asks, moving closer.

Manjiro comes closer to stand next to Takemichi. Takemichi only now notices that he and Manjiro are the same height, despite the blond being older.

"You're…" Takemichi tries to think of something that might calm the boy. "You asked us before trying to fight." Manjiro turns his head, snickering.

The chestnut-haired boy looks at Takemichi, unblinking. "You're really weird." Takemichi is about to protest before the boy starts laughing, wiping at the corner of his eyes before he speaks. "Okay. Let's be friends then!"

What? Takemichi didn't mean for them to be friends. This kid seems too intense for the blue-eyed boy, though.

"What's your name?"

"Hanagaki Takemichi."

"I call him Takemitchy and Mitchy," Manjiro adds. Takemichi whips his head around, instantly feeling betrayed. Manjiro smiles as if he didn't add another person to the list that calls him 'Takemitchy.'

"Okay, Takemitchy! We're friends now!" The boy throws an arm over his shoulder. “I’m Baji Keisuke!”

Baji, huh? Takemichi thought. Well, he didn't mind having new friends. "Nice to meet you, Baji!"

“What?! You call him Manjiro! Call me Keisuke!”

Before Takemichi can respond, Manjiro comes over to his side, holding onto his arm and glaring at Baji.

"What?" Baji asks.

"He was my friend first."

"So, we can share!"

"Are we friends now too?"

Baji shrugs. "I guess."

Manjiro huffs."That's it? After you kept trying to fight me."

"You should be thanking me for being friends." Baji sticks out his tongue.

Manjiro balls his hands into fists. The two boys glare at each other while Takemichi is in the middle. Sensing the tension, Takemichi turns to Baji. "Uh, Baji, do you want to play with us?"

It's heartwarming the look that forms over his face, mouth parted before changing into a smile, teeth and all. It's one of the rare times someone asked to play with him. If Baji was honest, he didn't have many people to hang out with and no close friends. Most people are intimidated by his boisterous nature. Maybe this would be different? Baji gets in between Takemichi and Manjiro, no longer riled up and excited to play with them. He made two new friends that day. "Yeah! Lead the way!"

Chapter Text

It's a hot day today, especially with the sun beaming down. Takemichi holds his hand over his eyes as he glances at the sky. He and Manjiro are trying to hide in the shade near the trees at the playground. Some kids were playing in the sandbox, running around trying to catch each other or hanging from the jungle gym bars. Manjiro didn't feel like playing because of the heat, opting to sit on the ground, so Takemichi joined him. Maybe they should've stayed home playing in his room today and taking residence near his grandma's circulating fan? Manjiro is wiping at his forehead that’s accumulating sweat, when Takemichi remembers something he wants to ask him.

"Hey, Manjiro, are you coming to my birthday party on Wednesday?"

"Yeah, I said I would go." Manjiro pauses for a moment. "Did you invite Baji?"

Takemichi nods. "He said okay, and he'd bring me a great gift, so I'm excited!"

Gift? Manjiro wasn't sure what to get Takemichi. "What do you want for your birthday?"

"Oh, I guess a toy?"

"Okay."

Takemichi stands, suggesting they get something to drink at Takemichi's house. Manjiro realizes he and Takemichi have gotten much closer, to the point he’s invited to his birthday party. And the blond is happy about it, but he wants to get him a great gift too. Manjiro will have to ask Shinichiro to bring him to a toy store before the party.

"So, what're you going to get him?" Shinichiro peers down at Manjiro, holding his hand as they walk through the streets of Shibuya. People walk past as Shinichiro scans the building signs for a toy store.

"He wants a toy."

"So an action figure or stuffed animal or something?"

Manjiro sifts through his mind, remembering things Takemichi said he likes. He knows he likes green. Maybe a green stuffed animal? "Something green. He likes green." Manjiro explains. He misses the grin plastered on Shinichiro's face as they finally walk into a toy store. The first place didn't have anything that met the standards of an eight-year-old, so they checked another store. Shinichiro tries to help look down the aisles to find something green, and that Takemichi might like. It had to be good, the best for Manjiro's self-proclaimed best friend.

Shinichiro felt like this was turning into a day's work. Then while walking a little further, he saw a shelf lined with stuffed toys. Manjiro looked, and he saw something fuzzy. He picked it up, turned it around in his hands, and looked it over. It looks like a dinosaur—a stuffed dinosaur toy.

Shinichiro looked at the toy Manjiro's grasping in his hands. "Whatcha got? That looks cute. And it's green!"

Manjiro smiles, holding it up above his head. He rubs the fabric of the toy. It's soft too. Would Takemichi like it?

"I think it's a stegosaurus dinosaur." Shinichiro holds Manjiro's hand as they go to pay for it.

"Do you think he'll like it?" Manjiro asks, looking to his brother for direction.

But Shinichiro looks down at him, carefully, as if to emphasize. "If it's from you. I'm sure he'll love it."

And maybe when Manjiro goes to Takemichi's house on Wednesday for his birthday party, he holds the toy covered in wrapping paper with balloons on it, clutched to his chest. He’s only the tiniest bit nervous. Shinichiro told him Takemichi would like anything he'd give him, so he's comforted knowing that. As he walks up to the house, he has become accustomed to visiting, he stands at the door about to knock before Baji comes along. Manjiro knows Takemichi also invited Baji. The dark-haired boy stands next to him in front of Takemichi's house with a present wrapped in the shape of a ball.

Manjiro scoffs. "Could it be any more obvious it's a ball?" He says, pointing to the sphere-shaped gift covered in wrapping paper with a bow on top.

"Shut up!" Then he snorts, eyeing Manjiro's gift. "What's your gift, a toy?"

Manjiro turns away, hugging the gift tighter, ignoring the laughter from the other boy.

And maybe when Takemichi comes to the door and invites them in, Manjiro is happy to see him. He didn't think he'd make a friend (read: two friends) and be invited to a birthday party in over a month. And maybe he is nervous about meeting Takemichi's other friends. Manjiro expected that Takemichi had other friends, though, since the raven-haired boy was friendly and outgoing. Manjiro meets Takuya and Kakucho. Both friends Takemichi made when moving to the neighborhood and who go to school with him.

And maybe it's how they gather around the table as Takemichi's grandmother brings them food. Or how Takemichi excitedly blows out his candles on his strawberry sponge cake and opens his presents, grateful to everyone. But when Manjiro feels the happiness radiating from the younger boy, it causes him to be happy too. He didn't expect a friendship this summer or Mrs. Hanagaki taking a picture of them, with Manjiro smiling brightly at the camera.

When Manjiro's birthday arrives, it is very similar to Takemichi's. As if he was reliving it over again. Takemichi, ocean orbs sparkling as he looks at Manjiro, asking what he wants for his birthday.

"A toy."

"Okay!"

It’s different because it isn’t just dinner at home with his family. He has friends to invite over now. And maybe having Baji and Takemichi was something granted to him after having a rough time before coming to live with his grandfather and brother. Perhaps this was thanks for saving Takemichi when he did. So he hopes he gets to keep them in his life. And when Takemichi and Baji arrive, they hand the presents to Manjiro. After eating his chocolate birthday cake, he opens presents. He received an airplane toy from Baji and a red hero action figure from Takemichi.

"Thanks."

"My grandma helped me pick it out. Do you like it?" Takemichi asks, fiddling with his hands.

"Yeah." Manjiro looks it over. "It's red."

"Because you said you liked red!" Takemichi innocently says, and it makes Manjiro smile.

So maybe having friends is another thing that is okay? It means more people he can have in his life, so he isn't alone.

The days kept passing as August almost ends. After a day of lessons at the Dojo, Takemichi sits on the steps with Manjiro. Baji ended up joining their classes after becoming friends, so it feels more exciting for Takemichi. He had his two friends to hang out with often. Though it’s still hot today, a nice breeze is cooling them off as they finish their classes. Baji left when his mom came to get him. Takemichi's drinking water and waiting for his grandmother. As he fiddles to open the cap, Manjiro looks at him, and he decides something.

"Mitchy?"

Takemichi looks at him. Seeing Manjiro wasn’t going to change his mind, Takemichi has already decided to accept and respond to the nickname Manjiro gave him. "Yeah?"

"You can call me Mikey from now on, okay?"

"Mikey?" Takemichi says, "Mikey…" He's trying the new nickname out. It's different. "Why?"

He shrugs, pouting slightly. "So Emma doesn't feel left out."

Takemichi thought back to Manjiro's sister and remembered her name. A name he was taken aback by at first but grew to like. Takemichi remembers Manjiro saying she came not too long ago to live with them. So Manjiro wants to be called Mikey now? Takemichi, innocently, just thought he wanted a nickname too. "Okay, Mikey!"

"I like that we're friends." Manjiro abruptly changes the subject. He looks away. "Like you, me, and Baji. Do you think we'll be friends when we grow up?"

At the question, not noticing the shift in mood, Takemichi grins. "I hope so! I like being your friend!"

Manjiro nods, leaning closer to Takemichi, nudging his arm against his. "Yeah, me too!"

Takemichi's eyes widen as he turns to him. "We'll be best friends forever, Mikey!"

And that's what it took for Manjiro's entire world to shift. Takemichi's absolute certainty they would be together forever. That someone wants to stay with him was loads to handle at once. Someone wants to be a permanent fixture in his life, and even if the full brunt of it didn't hit him then as a kid, he would get older where the words would make sense. That would mean even more and become something he would want to protect.

Chapter Text

Takemichi's words were enough for Mikey, but Mikey showed through his actions that he wanted to stay friends. Even as they got older, Mikey made a point to include him. Even as Mikey made friends with Draken, Mitsuya, Pah-Chin, and Kazutora, he brought along Takemichi and Baji. Night's over at each other's homes, bickering in good fun, birthday celebrations together, hanging out even when they were at different schools. Mikey's friends were important to him, Takemichi came to realize.

Takemichi is considerably less rowdy than when he was a kid, having mellowed out more but still easily flustered. He's still that kid Mikey remembers standing up to anyone. So Takemichi followed alongside his friends, supporting them. However, the one thing he wasn't sure of was Mikey and the others starting a gang. Takemichi was there when Baji formed the idea for Toman, but what Takemichi was hesitant about was his friends wanting him to be a part of it.

So when Mikey, their proclaimed leader, commanded them to meet regarding the Tokyo Manji Gang, it was summer - a cloudy day with a chill in the air. Kazutora didn't bring a jacket as he rubbed at his arms before he put his hands in his pockets, mimicking Baji. He was following Baji down the street.

"You got called out by Mikey too?" Kazutora asks, quickly running a hand over the buzzed-cut side of his head.

"Yup," Baji answers. The brunet boy turns to him. "Same place as usual, right?"

They walk a few more blocks before someone looks at Baji wrong (read: Baji thought he was glaring at him), getting into a scuffle that Kazutora had to help Baji with before eventually pulling them out of it. It took a bit longer before they arrived at the cafe where Mikey told them to meet.

Kazutora walks inside, Baji behind him. He rubbed at the tattoo on his neck as he walked over to his friends. "Sorry, we're late. Baji tangled with some punk."

"Don't act like it was only my fault, asshole!" Baji snapped, but Kazutora ignored him. If he got some enjoyment out of it, he wouldn't admit it.

Takemichi took in the sight of the two strolling inside, faces with scrapes and dirt. "Isn't that what usually happens? Kazutora dragging you out of a fight, Baji?" He teases.

Baji frowns. "No! And Mitchy, you should be on my side!"

"Whoa! Awesome!" Pah-chin's face lit up, looking over at something else, ignoring the conversation. Baji and Kazutora go to the table to see what he is looking at, forgetting the exchange.

Takemichi places the palm of his hand under his chin, eyes darting over to Mikey, seeing the blond eating Draken's parfait. Mikey glances at Takemichi, and all the blue-eyed boy offers is a lopsided grin. Mikey really likes sweets. Why did he come along again? Oh, yeah, because Mikey insisted, and Takemichi (read: eager to see the surprise) obliged.

"We're going to meet at the usual spot. It's a meeting, and there'll be a surprise." Mikey had told Takemichi yesterday when he arrived unannounced at his home. But, of course, he's only bold enough to do so if Takemichi's Dad isn't home.

Kazutora looks over at the table, beaming. Takemichi notices Mitsuya brought in something and decides to check it out instead of watching Mikey eat the whole time. But when he walks over, his mouth falls open as he sees black uniforms on the table.

"Oh, nice!" Kazutora exclaimed.

Baji came up between Takemichi and Kazutora to see. "What is it?"

Pah-chin turns to look at them, mouth curved into a smile. "Toman's got uniforms now!"

Kazutora glances at Mitsuya. "This rules, Mitsuya!" He could see the boy becoming a fashion designer in the future.

"No, it doesn't. I'm the one who got pushed into making them."

"All right!" Draken announces. "Let's change into 'em and take a commemorative picture! Right, Mikey?!"

Mikey's short blond bangs were getting too long as they brushed over his eyebrows when he looked up. His mouth has smears of chocolate around it from eating the parfait. Draken notices the glass cup holding his dessert is empty, only remnants left. He grabs Mikey by the shirt, twisting the fabric around his fist. "Fucker! Why'd you eat all my chocolate parfait?!"

"Whoops, didn't notice."

"You said you only wanted a bite!"

"Wait," Takemichi interjects, cutting off their bickering. He counts the uniforms. Seven? "There's seven here. I think you made an extra by accident, Mitsuya."

Mitsuya shakes his head. "Nah. Mikey said to make seven."

What? "Why if there's six of you?"

Mikey squirms out of Draken's hold, landing on his feet. The squeak of his sneakers against the tiled floor echoes in the room. He rotates around to look at Takemichi. "No, seven, Mitchy. That one is for you."

Takemichi regards the rest of his friends. Their faces brighten as they watch him. "But, I'm not part-"

Mikey strides over to stand in front of Takemichi, observing him for a moment. Takemichi glances to the side, shifting his weight while on his feet, preparing for Mikey to say something. "Yes, you are. You're part of the Tokyo Manji Gang."

At the declaration, Takemichi's eyebrows rise, and he faces forward to gawk at Mikey. Instead, the dark-eyed boy carefully takes the uniform meant for Takemichi and puts it into Takemichi's hands. He is fighting back tears.

"This is yours." Takemichi eyes the kanji on the front and back. He feels the fabric and, despite being unsure, feels an overflow of excitement through his body. But he comes to his senses as he thinks of his grandma and dad worrying about him.

"You didn't have to. I don't even know if I want to join." His voice sounds brittle.

"What, no way!" Baji protested, sadness clouding his features. "You are a part of this, too, Mitchy!"

"We can't do it without you," Kazutora adds, his expression dulled.

"I don't know." Takemichi really didn't. He's conflicted. He thought of how he visited his grandmother in the hospital last weekend. His Dad explained her health was declining more. He remembered his last visit, with her holding his hand, telling him to be good. So it wasn't wrong to join Toman, right? They were protecting each other. That's the only reason Takemichi fought and the main reason they formed the gang. And most of the time, it would just be them having fun together. But because they started it when Kazutora got beaten up for being unknowingly on the Black Dragons' territory, they might get into fights with other gangs. Would he have to fight then? Didn't he promise his grandma not to seek out fighting?

"I'll have to think about it," Takemichi confessed.

The others observe him for a moment, hoping he might change his mind. But then, Mikey inspects him before his face lights up. "Everyone, get dressed so we can take a picture together."

The group's eyes gleamed before cheering. Takemichi's lips twitch into a smile before Mikey looks back at him. "You too. We want you to be in the picture."

Takemichi glances over as the others nod and mutter in agreement. Takemichi sighs, viewing the uniform in his hands. It wouldn't hurt to try it on, right?

They convince someone to take a picture when they head to Shibuya. The streets are busy, and people look, but they pose in their first Toman uniforms, a flag of the Tokyo Manji Gang in the foreground. Takemichi glides his hands over his uniform. He wipes them on the back as he feels his palms are getting sweaty. Something about this feels like he is part of something meaningful. And it is a treasured moment. A part of history that Takemichi can look back fondly on. His grandmother would understand that. So he stands behind Mikey, between Baji and Mitsuya, to take the photo. Despite being apprehensive, Takemichi feels elated as the camera shutter clicks.

Draken leans to the side of his motorcycle, rounding a corner, as he flashes a smile. "Ocean time!"

"Hell yeah! This is great!" Baji exclaims, smiling delightedly as his hair flows back when he picks up speed on his bike, matching with Kazutora.

"Feel that sea breeze!" Kazutora marveled, staring at the glistening ocean with a radiant smile on his face.

"Hey! Let's pick up the pace!" Pah-chin calls from behind as he rides with Mitsuya. He keeps his hold on the flag emboldened with the name of their gang as it blows in the wind.

"We can't remember!" Mitsuya responds.

At the mention, the members slow down, looking back to see their leader, The Invincible Mikey, moving bit-by-bit behind them on his moped with Takemichi, with the raven-haired boy making the same face as their other friends.

He nods his head toward the pair on the moped." Because he's too slow."

"Mikey." They say in unison.

Takemichi felt bad, mainly because he didn't have his own ride and how slow Mikey's moped was. But it means a lot to his best friend at the same time too." Mikey, maybe I should get off? I might be slowing down the moped if both of us are on it." Takemichi isn't sure if that was true, but at this point, he can walk to the beach faster than this moped can move.

Mikey turns his head slightly to address Takemichi, tossing him a smile. "No, it's okay. Street Hawk will get us there!"

Takemichi would've ridden on the back of someone else's bike, but when Draken suggested Takemichi ride with him before they left for Yokohama, Mikey grabbed his hand gently, pulling him along towards his ride—even giving a gentle squeeze.

"It's okay, Mitchy. You can ride with me!" Mikey flashed him a smile. Takemichi pressed his lips together, looking at the compact and slow vehicle. He let his friend lead him.

The others stopped, waiting for the two to catch up. Hearing part of their conversation, Baji gives a sly smile. "More like Mikey trying to show off for Takemitchy, right?"

Takemichi ponders over the comment. Why was Mikey trying to show off? The moped was nice, but it wasn't the speediest. Did Mikey want him to like it? Mikey's brows are knitted together as he sneers at Baji. Takemichi sighed. Baji knows how to push Mikey's buttons.

"Listen, Mikey," Draken lectured. "How long are you goin' keep riding that moped? You're our leader. Just switch it out for a real bike already."

Takemichi glances at Mikey, who grins despite Draken voicing his concerns. "This is fine. You talkin' trash about my precious ride? My CB250T 50CC model Street Hawk!"

Draken frowns. "No, dude, that's a moped." He gives Mikey and the moped a once-over. "I know you said you don't wanna ride anything but a CB250T, but you got no one to get one from. Why be stubborn about it?"

While talking, the group is distracted until a group passes by on bikes, mocking them. They look over, seeing it's a gang donning matching uniforms. Takemichi looks over to see a guy with a pompadour eyeing Mikey's bike.

"Hey, hey, hey. We got two little pissbabies dressed like gang members ridin' a moped over here!"

"Tokyo Manji Gang? Never heard of ya!"

"Where the hell did you wash up from?"

"If you brats are going to play pretend, do it at home."

"Stay outta Yokohama."

The leader dismounts off his bike. A bat in hand." But since we were so lucky to meet… I'll trash that moped for ya! You don't need that shit, right?"

Takemichi's expression hardened as the biker tried to get closer to Mikey's moped. If he touches it, as much as Takemichi didn't like to start fights, he'll kick his ass before he swings that bat.

He notices Takemichi glaring at him. "Hey, I don't like that look, blue-eyes. You lookin' to fight?!"

"Put one finger on my street hawk or my friend, and I'll kill you." Mikey remarks. His voice and face are expressionless, startling the biker as he stares at the boy. He rests his bat on his shoulder and walks back towards his bike.

"Huh?" His smile slipped." Ah, whatever. If we see you around Yokohama again… we'll torch all your bikes."

"You brats better go home and study."

As they drove off, Takemichi's mouth twitched at the study comment. It might have been a little lame, but they likely didn't know what to say. Mikey has a presence to him. Intimidating comes to mind, but was that the best word? However, Takemichi is used to the gentler and more protective Mikey.

"Well?" Baji asks. "We gonna kick their asses?"

"Sounds good! Since there's like only ten of 'em. That means an instant win for us." Kazutora adds.

"Forget it. They're gone already." Mitsuya points out, looking from the direction they took off.

"I'm a moron. So I'm cool with whatever." Pah-chin states.

"It's all Mikey's fault for riding on that moped," Draken replied.

Takemichi had to be inclined to agree.

"You got that right!" They all collectively yelled.

"Huh? What the hell?" Mikey turns toward Takemichi. "Even you, Mitchy?" He whined.

Takemichi purposely looks away because one weakness that Takemichi had that Mikey had was the puppy-dog eyes he was pointedly directing toward him. He was really selling it as his eyes welled up. Takemichi didn't like to make anyone feel bad if he could help it, and Mikey was well aware of it. So again, he's starting to wonder why he came here again. Oh right, the beach.

Their friends watch the pair quizzically. But it was known by the group that all Mikey had to do was pout toward Takemichi, and the taller boy usually caved.

"You guys are so lame. We should've just destroyed those bastards." Kazutora spoke as they started riding again on their bikes.

"Yeah." Baji agrees. "Since Mikey started to hang out with Draken, he really got soft."

Takemichi thinks back. He remembers hearing Mikey's name spreading around their neighborhood, the title of 'invincible' becoming synonymous with his best friend. He even saved Takemichi when they were kids. So maybe Mikey wasn't constantly fighting anymore?

"Haha. I'd just beat their asses without question." Kazutora explained.

Baji glances at Takemichi. "Mitchy, I thought you'd get off the bike and beat his ass with how you glared at him."

Takemichi, holding onto Mikey's waist, looks over at Baji. He chuckles. "I really thought about it. Beating his ass before he even tried to swing that bat."

"Dude, Mitchy, you've gotten more badass over the years!"

A flush crept up his face as he faced forward, staring at the back of Mikey's head. "No way!"

"It's true," Mikey adds, turning his head slightly. "You might not need me protecting you anymore."

Takemichi thought he sounded sad, but he might have heard wrong. Takemichi's eyes crinkle as he smiles, though Mikey can't see. "That's not true. I'll always need you, Mikey."

At the comment, Takemichi didn't think anything of it but saw his friends all watching him, surprise etched on their faces for a few seconds, before turning to them, giving sly looks. His face flushed at the attention. Was he not in on some joke? Mikey was looking ahead. He didn't say anything. Did he say something weird? Takemichi wasn't sure. But it did look like as the wind blew Mikey's hair back, the tips of his ears were pink.

"Huh?" Mikey spoke.

"What's up?" Draken asks.

Mikey studies the gauge for the gas tank. "I'm outta gas."

Takemichi and Mikey got off the moped. Mikey's holding his chin, surveying the vehicle. "Huh? This is terrible."

Baji groans. "No way!"

"But you wanted to come all the way out here," Kazutora states.

"You should've made sure to fill up the tank," Takemichi adds.

"Mikey can't think ahead at all," Pah-chin responds.

"Head for a gas station then," Mitsuya advises.

"We're goin' to the beach." Draken is about to pull off, and Takemichi's heading towards Baji's bike to get on the back of it before Mikey speaks up.

Mikey shakes his head. "Toman's in some serious shit now!"

That stops their movements. They gaze at Mikey, confusion on their faces.

"Huh?" Baji watches his leader and best friend.

"Oh, no, no. This is just your problem, Mikey…." Kazutora tries to reason.

Mikey slowly stands. "It's not just my problem! So we gotta decide who goes to get gas…."

"Mikey, please..." Takemichi begged.

"Are you about to…" Mitsuya starts.

Draken sighs. "Here it comes…."

Mikey turns to his friends, smiling. "With a game of rock-paper scissors!"

"I knew it!" They exclaimed.

Baji is pushing Mikey's moped down the same street his friends sped off. He grits his teeth as he pushes the vehicle. "Goddamn." The sun is sweltering today. A nice day at the beach was all Baji wanted. And because of Mikey not filling up his moped and Baji losing rock-paper-scissors, he has to lug this to a gas station. "It's hot as hell."

Panting, Baji feels a bead of sweat fall into his eyes as he wipes it away with his hand. "Why do I gotta put up with this? Mikey, you dumbass!" As he keeps moving the moped, Baji hears a motorcycle's engine. He turns, and clicks his tongue against his teeth. Not them again.

"Oh! What's this?!"

"It's one of those little lame-asses from before!"

"You outta gas?!"

One of the members smirked. "We said we'd torch your bikes if we saw you again, didn't we?!"

Baji glares, tightening his hold on the handlebars.

While Baji was heading to a gas station, Draken, Mitsuya, Pah-chin, and Kazutora were at the beach. It's packed today, which is not surprising considering the nice weather. They eyed the blue-green water, the girls in swimsuits, and the clouds drifting in the blue sky. Unfortunately, Baji, Mikey, and Takemichi were missing a good time.

"Whoaaa! Beach time!"

"Let's go, Mitsuya!" Draken rushes towards the water.

"I'm not losin' to you!" Mitsuya keeps up as they jump in.

Kazutora watches as the boys splash as they dive into the ocean.

"Whoever swims to the open water and back first wins!" Draken shouts.

Kazutora sees their heads bob up as they swim further out. He guesses they'll be fine.

"Seriously. But we got a beach full of hot girls right here!" He didn't understand the motivation. Maybe it was just the competitive aspect?

Kazutora looks around, sitting on a beach chair, shades on with Pah-chin.

"Ah, now that's what I call eye candy!" Both boys rejoice.

Kazutora did notice Mikey and Takemichi were still not around. He knew it would take Baji longer, but where were those two?

Mikey and Takemichi would've headed to the beach with the others, but Mikey forgot his swim trunks. So Takemichi accompanied him to get it. As they stroll down the sidewalk, Takemichi notes that sometimes their steps are in sync, making him give a half-smile.

Takemichi fans himself with his hand as the heat gets to him. "Are you tired, Mitchy?" Mikey asks, sipping on a bottle of water he brought with him.

"It's a little hot." Takemichi chuckles, wiping a sweat drop dripping on the side of his cheek.

Mikey holds his bottle of water out to him. "Here, drink this. You need to stay hydrated."

Takemichi smiles, thanking him and drinking some water. He ignores the brush of his fingers against Mikey's hand as he hands him back the bottle. Mikey finishes it and throws it into a nearby trash can. As they walk, they see something in the distance. It's a group of people. "Hey, those colors look familiar. Aren't those the gang members that were bothering us earlier?" Takemichi inquires.

"Yeah."

"What're they doing?

Takemichi strains his eyes to see what they are hitting. It looked like a person and something white. Wait. An uneasiness settled into the pit of his stomach. That's-

"Shit, they're hitting Baji!"

"Takemitchy!"

"Right!" Nothing else needs to be said as Takemichi rushes forward alongside Mikey.

Baji is panting as he guards Mikey's moped. The gang leader tightly clutches the handle of the bat.

"Stupid brat won't stay down!" Another member shouts.

"C'mon." He brandished the bat. "Let's just trash that moped!" As he took a swing, Baji covered the bike, taking the hit on his back. "You kiddin' me?"

Baji scowled. "Fuckers. Touch Mikey's precious ride, and you're dead!"

"Huh?"

"You really like that moped do ya? Let's tear it to pieces!"

"Hey!"

Some members turn around at the sound of noise.

"Huh? It's those kids."

"Some more trash rolled in."

"I forgot my swim trunks." Mikey states.

"Mikey. Takemitchy…" Baji stares as his friends arrive.

"Baji…" Takemichi balls his fist at his side. He was protecting Mikey's moped.

Before he can even charge toward the punks, Mikey walks over to Baji. He kicks the moped in front of him, and everyone stares, stunned.

"What?!"

"Street Hawk?!" Baji exclaims.

"Y-You trashed it?!" Takemichi looks over at the moped on the ground. He sees the mirror crack when it hits the concrete.

"Hey, assholes," Mikey speaks. Everyone is quiet now, watching. "Why the hell did you hurt what's important to me?!"

Recognition dawns on Takemichi's face. He's seen that look a few times before. Mikey's enraged, glaring at the people that hurt his best friend.

"But you did it to your own moped?!"

Mikey's kicks were always so swift. If Takemichi blinks, he'll miss it. Mikey strikes one of the members in the side of the head with his foot, sending him flying across the ground. The gang stares at the member's unconscious body.

"Baji, you're not too hurt, are you?" Takemichi smiles fondly as Mikey asks Baji if he is okay. Takemichi was right. Mikey's family and friends were everything to him." Sorry I had you sacrifice yourself for somethin' like that."

"Mikey…"

"You can stand right, Baji?" Mikey asks.

At that, Takemichi holds his hand towards Baji, a reassuring smile plastered on his face. "If someone hurts one of our friends, they fuck with all of us!"

Baji gives a toothy grin as he takes Takemichi's hand, helping him up.

"Wanna help Mitchy?"

Takemichi nods, resolute. "Yeah."

"Good," Mikey responds. "Because we're gonna slaughter 'em all!"

Mikey, Baji, and Takemichi walk over to the members who look petrified. It was strange, this feeling that overcame him. He only got this way when he fought with his friends or saved someone. He rarely got happy to fight, only that he could protect people.

But maybe when he boots someone in their ribs, they fall to the ground clutching their sides. Or it's the crunches under his knuckles of punching someone in the face, breaking their nose, and making it bleed and their eyes water. Or uppercutting someone in the jaw, landing a finishing blow where they go unconscious was satisfying because they did it to help Baji. Takemichi wasn't sure being in Toman was for him, but when he got to help his friends like this. When he got to defend someone like Mikey helped him. Maybe that could be enough. Protecting people is important to him.

Takemichi makes it back to Tokyo late. His Dad was at the hospital with his grandma, so he didn't have to head home just yet. He, Baji, and Kazutora were walking around the city, sticking to Shibuya as they walked on the sidewalks. They didn't feel like going home, so Takemichi accompanied them.

"Damn." Baji kicks at a soda can lying near the sidewalk toward a trash can. The clink of the can hitting the metal bin startles Takemichi out of his thoughts. He was thinking about Mikey's treasured ride he sacrificed to save Baji. "I wish we could get Mikey a new ride.

Mikey's friends mean more to him than anything, and how Baji protected it melted Takemichi's heart. But now Mikey didn't have a ride. Kazutora nods along, looking up at the advertisements on the buildings across the street. Then Takemichi remembers something. How could he forget? "Shinichiro!"

Baji looks at Takemichi. "Shinichiro? Mikey's brother? What about him?"

"He has a bike shop! Maybe he could give Mikey a bike?!" Takemichi explained, leaning toward his friends.

Kazutora looks at him, eyes widened and a smile donning his face. "Yeah. It'd be perfect. Plus, Mikey's birthday is next week!"

Baji throws an arm around Takemichi's neck and touseling his already messy curls. "Mitchy! That's using your head!"

Takemichi chuckles, getting out of his hold. "I'll go ask Shinichiro. See ya later!" Takemichi rushes off, waving bye to them before hurrying towards Mikey's house.

Arriving late at night wasn't usual for Takemichi. He didn't want to wake anyone up, so he usually came by in the mornings or afternoon. He also hoped Mikey wasn't up lest he ruin the surprise. Takemichi rang the bell, praying Mikey didn't answer. He also was not the best at keeping secrets either. One peering look from Mikey's dark orbs, and he would tell him what he was doing here and his school locker combination.

Shinichiro luckily comes to the door, taking in the sight of Takemichi at his doorstep.

"Shin!"

"Hey, Takemichi! What're you doing out so late?"

"I was hanging out with Baji and Kazutora. But I stopped by to ask you something."

Shinichiro looks at him, humming, signaling for him to speak. So Takemichi tells them what happened on the trip to the beach and how Mikey's moped got wrecked.

"So Mikey doesn't have a ride anymore." Takemichi finishes. "I was hoping, since you have a bike shop, you could give him one for his birthday next week! I'm sure he'll love it, especially if it's from you!"

At that, Shinichiro smiles, recalling saying the same thing when the two friends were kids when Manjiro went to Takemichi's birthday after picking out a gift for him. He is happy at how much Takemichi cares about his brother." I was actually planning to give Mikey a bike already."

Takemichi's jaw dropped, and his eyes widened. Shinichiro laughs at the expression. "Really? That's awesome!"

Takemichi was about to leave before Shinichiro called him. He looks back." Yeah?"

"So you came here to ask me to give Manjiro a bike? That's a lot to do for a friend."

Takemichi just flashes a smile. "Well, it's nothing. Mikey's my friend. Of course, I want to see him happy." He thinks about how they had watched out for each other for years. How important he was to Takemichi. "I'd do just about anything for him."

Shinichiro raises an eyebrow at that. Takemichi clears his throat and waves to Shinichiro. "Uh, that's all I want to say. Have a good night!"

"Yeah, you too, Takemichi. Tell your grandma I said hello."

Takemichi pauses for a moment before smiling back and heading toward his home.

Chapter Text

Takemichi is so excited to tell Baji and Kazutora about Shinichiro's gift to Mikey that he calls them to meet up. Takemichi hurries to the playground near his home, finding Baji standing on the swings and Kazutora crouched on the ground. When they notice him, Kazutora stands up, strolling over first.

"So what did Shinichiro say?" Kazutora asked, eyes gleaming.

Takemichi confidently smiled, giving a thumbs up. "He said he's planning to give Mikey a bike for his birthday next week!"

Baji grinned, jumping off the swings and landing on the ground, dirt kicking up. "Awesome! Nice job, Mitchy!"

Takemichi scratches the back of his head. "Nah, I didn't do anything."

Kazutora glances at him. "Yeah, you did." He paused. "I was even thinking of stealing a bike for Mikey, to be honest."

Takemichi and Baji looked at Kazutora; surprise etched on their faces. But Kazutora continued. "Mikey's done so much for us. For me. I wanted to thank him." Kazutora stares determinedly at Takemichi. "But you ended up coming through Takemichi."

Baji, after the shock wears off, lips curve into a smile. "Takemitchy always ends up coming through in the end."

"It was just because I thought of it. No big deal." Takemichi studies Kazutora for a moment before putting his hand on his shoulder. "But I get that you wanted to help. I'm glad we found another way, Kaz."

Awe transformed Kazutora's face as he looked at Takemichi. Baji nudged Takemichi's arm. "Dude, be careful. Otherwise, you'll have someone besides Mikey trying to get your attention too!"

"Shut up!" Kazutora's cheeks turned pink as he kicked at Baji, who dashed away from him, laughing.

With a promise between the three not to say anything about the gift, Takemichi heads back home after that. The relief that filled his friends' voices was enough to soothe Takemichi's nerves. Mikey is going to have a great birthday after all.

"Takemichi…"

Jolting awake at the sound of his name, Takemichi rubs his eyes, adjusting to the light. His eyes darted to his alarm clock and saw it was around 8 AM. His father is standing over him, half his face glowing from the sun filtering from outside.

"Dad?" Takemichi covers his mouth as he yawns and sits up in bed, a blanket tangled around his thigh.

"It's grandma. She's not doing well…."

That was all it took for sleep to vanish as if dunked in cold, icy water in the middle of winter. They silently got dressed. Takemichi and his dad took a cab to the hospital. Takemichi fiddled with the sleeve of his hoodie. His dad noticed, only resting his hand on the top of his head, looking out the window as the blue sky covered Tokyo.

Even though he hadn't visited his grandma since last week, Takemichi still was wary of hospitals. Takemichi became more uneasy as he had visited them in and out for about two years with his grandmother. It was one thing coming if he sprained his ankle or something like that. But he became acquainted with the smell of chemicals and the nurses passing by attending to patients. He blends in with the people visiting and sitting in the waiting areas. It's unified, but he hates it because it feels like everyone's waiting for something to happen. No matter how much you try to put someone at ease. Someone might be discharged, die here, or constantly be in and out for most of their lives.

He sat in a plastic chair as his dad went to the nurse's station. Takemichi couldn't even enjoy his dad being around because he came back to care for him while his grandmother was sick. He spent time at the hospital yesterday to wake Takemichi up and bring him with him. It worried the blue-eyed boy regardless. Takemichi crossed his ankles, staring down, a distorted reflection of himself on the freshly mopped floor. He wants his grandma to be okay, but he braces his heart. He locks it up before it breaks, thumping hard against his chest.

Takemichi's dad explained she had a congenital heart defect likely since birth but didn't know about it until later in childhood. He mentions her saying she couldn't do exercises because she would tire quickly or even faint sometimes and why his mother had to take medication for that and the diabetes she had later on in life. Along the way, she developed heart disease alongside her other health conditions.

Takemichi remembers her constantly trying to keep up with him when he would run. Takemichi remembers her trying to catch her breath when he wanted to play with her. He bites his lip, eyes wet after recalling. He knew she had health conditions. So why did he cause her trouble and make her run after him all the time?

And after his eighth birthday, she started to get worse. It started just with her feet swelling and her having to elevate them. When this happened, they usually ordered takeout, so she didn't have to stand to cook. Takemichi didn't think much of the comment when she said her legs felt cold and numb some days either. But then she got tired from gardening. Takemichi remembers her calling him and asking him to help her back into the house. Gloves and trowel were forgotten on the grass as she said her chest hurt. And more importantly, her fainting when Takemichi came home from school, having to call his dad in tears, and an ambulance was when it hit him.

His grandma was sick, and she wasn't invincible.

"Including her congenital heart defect and the heart disease, it looks like a heart infection developed…."

Takemichi fades in and out of listening as the doctor explains to his father. Then, finally, he makes his way with his dad to visit her. When they arrive, he sees other family members there. It's not joyous under the circumstances. Takemichi realizes the weight of this.

She isn't doing well.

"Takemichi…" He looks up to see his dad and gestures for him to go to his grandma.

He goes and grabs her hand. She holds it out for him and squeezes. "Takemichi. I don't know if I'll see you go to middle school next year…I wish I could've taken care of you longer." She looks at him, stopping to catch her breath, the tubes in her nose working to give her oxygen. Takemichi sees tears run down her eyes and wet her pillow.

Takemichi's eyes welled up with tears as he squeezed her hand back. "You're a good boy, Michi, okay? I've always known that. Graduate, go to high school and university. Live a good, long life. Surround yourself with people that love you. And be good and be kind to people always."

"Don't leave…." He whispers so only she can hear as he leans in, touching his forehead against hers.

Takemichi's grandmother smiles, whispering to him. "Michi, we have good memories together, so will I ever really leave you?...

Takemichi moves back for everyone else to talk to her. And he feels low, eyes puffy as they head back home. That day was the first time he saw his dad and grandma cry. And when he wakes up the following day to more tears, his dad wipes his eyes, glasses taken off, and explains she died. After that, Takemichi doesn't remember anything except staring off and crying under the covers.

Mikey and the others are at the shrine. They're discussing their excitement to start the Tokyo Manji Gang, especially after taking on the Black Dragons. But they were missing one official unofficial member.

"I still think The Tokyo Manjiro Gang was a better name," Mikey says, sporting a smile.

"Nope!" They all yell.

Mikey pouts. "Mitchy would agree with me!"

"Didn't he say no to it last time we talked about name suggestions?" Kazutora brings up.

"Plus, we already put it on the uniforms and flag." Mitsuya states.

"Mikey just wants Takemitchy to agree with him." Baji snickers. "And to marry him!"

Mikey's face reddens as he jumps up from sitting on the steps and stares down at Baji. "Shut up! And don't say anything like that to him!"

"It's not my fault you have a crush." Baji sticks out his tongue.

"I do not!"

Mikey's friends watch him, not believing it for one second. It was obvious at this point. The only ones unaware were Mikey (read: in denial) and Takemichi (read: blissfully oblivious).

"Where's Takemitchy anyway?" Draken asks, interrupting them.

"Yeah, it's not the same talking about the gang without him," Mitsuya adds.

"Mikey called him." Pah-chin responds." Did he answer the phone?"

Mikey shook his head, and his smile faded. "Mitchy always answers when I call him." Then he feels worried. "Do you think something happened to him?"

Kazutora flinches, thinking of the encounter with the Black Dragons. "You don't think he got into a gang fight?"

"Shit!" Baji glances at Mikey. "We should go to his house and see if he's there!"

Mikey nods, and they rush down the stairs, hurrying to their bikes. Mikey ignores the rising nervousness in his gut at the thought something happened to Takemichi. He holds on as he rides behind Baji on his bike. If something happened to Takemichi, Mikey wasn't sure how he would react.

When they get there, it's afternoon, with the sun still high in the sky. It's quiet in the neighborhood as they roll up to the residence. Mikey surveys the home. No one is outside. Sometimes Takemichi's grandma would be out in the front near her garden. Also, it doesn't look like any movement inside the house from the window.

"Is anyone home?" Draken asks, sounding worried.

Mikey gets off Baji's bike and starts walking toward the door, but it opens to reveal Takemichi's father. Mikey wasn't used to seeing his dad, but recently Mr. Hanagaki came back home, so he saw him more regularly when they came over to see Takemichi. He smiles at Mikey, but it doesn't meet his eyes for some reason. And speaking of his eyes, they look red.

"Oh, Manjiro, hello."

"Hello." Mikey replies. "Is Takemichi here? We wanted to play."

At the mention of his son, he looked hesitant. He was about to speak until Takemichi came to the door. Mikey immediately notices something's wrong. All it took was looking into his ocean-hued eyes. His posture is slumped, and he's giving a tight smile. "Hey, Mikey. We can play if you want?"

"Michi…" His dad starts but plasters on a smile. "If you want to, you can hang out with your friends."

Takemichi looks up at his dad and nods. His father closes the door behind him, and Takemichi heads toward the bikes.The thought of Takemichi being upset was pulling at Mikey's heart strings. Is this what it's like when you care about someone? Since becoming friends with Takemichi and the others, Mikey has added a list of people he cares about and wants to protect. But something about Takemichi specifically was different. He was protective of him, yeah. But he liked being around him a ton, more than anyone. Maybe it's what Baji said. Did he have a crush on Takemichi?

"Hey, guys!" Takemichi greets them. No one comments on how hoarse his voice sounds, as if he got through crying. They talked for a few minutes, mentioning they were hanging at the shrine. But when they ask Takemichi what he was doing, Takemichi just says he was home, eyes darting to the side, as he forces a smile on his face.

"Mitchy, you good?" Kazutora asks, eyeing the boy. He inwardly sighed. He didn't have any bruises or scrapes, so it didn't look like he got into a fight, but he seemed jumpy.

"Yeah, I…" Takemichi starts, but his throat closes up. A lump stuck there as if it wouldn't budge. He can't speak.

"Mitchy?" Mikey comes around to face him, finally noticing his eyes are red and his chin is trembling as he stares back. Mikey takes his hand. He squeezes it, and Takemichi remembers the last person who squeezed his hand was his grandma.

And it's like a floodgate. The tears fall down the raven-haired boy's cheeks and won't stop. His friends stare, confusion and concern etched on their faces. Takemichi is pushing the heel of his palm into his eye, trying to will the tears back. He's cried before in front of his friends, but not like this. Pained sobs wracked his body. He was balling.

"Takemichi! What happened?!"

Takemichi, face reddened and tears staining his cheeks, looks up at Mikey. "My grandma died…."

Mikey's brows drew together, staring at Takemichi's tear-stained face for a few seconds, hesitating, before he pulled Takemichi into a hug. The others stand there, unsure what to do. Mikey wasn't even one to comfort people a lot. But he couldn't let Takemichi cry. So he just pats his back and tells him he'll be okay.

It's been a week since Takemichi's grandmother died, and it's Mikey's birthday today. He didn't know if Takemichi would show up. He wouldn't blame him if he didn't come, though Mikey would be disappointed. Since they became friends, they celebrated each other's birthdays together.

As the others arrive, Mikey notices Takemichi rushing down the street with a bag in his hands. Mikey almost starts crying right there in his doorway.

"Mitchy…" Mikey watches as Takemichi stands in the circle they formed in front of Mikey's house. Mitsuya and Kazutora make room for him. "You came to my party?"

Takemichi jolts before curving up the corners of his mouth. "Of course, I came! I wouldn't miss celebrating your birthday!"

Pah-chin starts wiping his eyes, and Baji is holding back tears, lower lip trembling. Takemichi gives too much of himself sometimes, Mikey knows. And it's also times like this Mikey realizes he might like his friend more than he should.

"Happy Birthday Mikey!" Takemichi holds out the present to him, and the image of him smiling directly at Mikey is engraved into his memories.

So they celebrate. Takemichi told Baji and Kazutora about Mikey's present from his brother, but Mikey and the others are still floored when Shinichiro gives him a new bike. The boys are excited, clamoring around it when Shinichiro wheels it to the front of the house. Mikey sits on top of it, holding the handlebars. Mikey glances down to see Takemichi's eyes glistening and eyeing the bike, and it warms his heart.

Mikey hangs near Takemichi's side the whole time at the party and becomes worried when he isn't next to him. He even throws an arm around Takemichi's shoulders so that he can help him blow out his candles together. He also gives Takemichi the first slice of the birthday cake.

Takemichi's gift was simple. It was a key chain with a crown on the end, like a king's crown. Mikey holds it up. It was plastic, but it was adorable to Mikey.

"Thank you. I'll keep it forever!" Mikey gave a lopsided grin.

"I thought it would fit since you're our leader. The king." Mikey doesn't miss how he says 'our leader' nor Takemichi beaming at him.

However, the funeral is a week after Mikey's birthday, and they are invited, including Mikey's family. Mikey misses how Takemichi was before this happened, even on his birthday. This Takemichi is slumped over, eyes half-lidded and puffy as if he spilled all his tears already. Mikey feels heavy-hearted at seeing the picture of Takemichi's beloved grandma.

Mikey recalls Takemichi saying his grandma didn't feel well on days when they didn't see her around the house. But he didn't know she was that sick to the point she was in the hospital and eventually passed away. So Takemichi must've shouldered that himself. And maybe when they leave, and it's starting to rain, he sees a little less life in Takemichi as he walks alongside his family.

"Thanks for coming, guys." Takemichi manages to say at the end of the service, bowing towards them and forcing a smile. "I'll see ya later." It was the most miserable he had seen Takemichi. It wasn't just Takemichi being a crybaby, sobbing over something random. Instead, he lost someone and took on more of a somber mood. And it pained Mikey to see.

Maybe it's when Takemichi doesn't want to get out of bed, sleeping until late on weekends. Perhaps it's that he comes home, goes to school, and only hangs out with his friends when it's been two or three days since he's seen them, and they come to Takemichi's house to check on him. Or it's his lack of appetite when his dad knows Takemichi eats a lot. Maybe it's when Takemichi's dad asks if he wants to put together a puzzle, and the boy starts crying. Or it's in the way Takemichi eats his grandmother's favorite fruit, strawberries, not because he really likes them, but because 'grandma loved them,' Hanzou knows something is wrong.

"Hey, Takemichi." His dad starts as he's cooking dinner. "I want to ask you something."

Hanzou plans to work at the company office in Japan for at least a year. He wants Takemichi and him to adjust after the loss of his mother. He didn't feel right leaving him alone, especially now, even if he called every day and left him an allowance. His mother was right; he went on so many trips that Takemichi wasn't used to him being there, often surprised to see his dad in the kitchen making breakfast before leaving for school. Or it's because he expects to see his grandma and doesn't. His mother was right, and he clenched up at the thought, straightening his posture. He spent so much time away, and it feels strange for both of them now. Why did he always feel the need to leave in the first place? He sees a flash of his wife's face in his mind for a moment before he continues talking.

"I want to ask, maybe about talking to someone?"

"Talking to who?" Takemichi watches as he sets the food on the table.

"A therapist. Someone that you can talk to about grandma." He adds it as an afterthought. "I've noticed you've been down lately."

Takemichi thinks about it. His dad noticed that about him and is worried about him. He didn't want to stress his father out. Would talking help?

"Um…I mean, I can stop whenever, right?"

Hanzou glances up at him, setting the food down in the center of the table. He smiles affectionately, nodding. "Yes, of course. It's up to you. I just want to make sure you are okay and get any help you need."

At that, Takemichi agrees to try it out, and they slip into silence, eating their dinner.

Chapter Text

Mikey rests his cheek on his hand. He has his elbow on his school desk, writing as his teacher explains a math equation. He wishes he can take a nap or go hang out with his friends. But, the school day will be over in a few more hours, and he can try to meet his friends to ride bikes afterward. He gives a small smile hidden behind his palm. He has a bike now. As much as he loved his Street Hawk, the new bike his brother gave him is faster.

So he can ride alongside his friends. To ride with Takemichi.

Mikey rests his head on the table, cheek pressed against the pages of his notebook as he stares out the window. He doesn't care that he'll wrinkle the pages. He notes the leaves have spots of orange. The sky was blue, cloudless today, and the air was brisk. He couldn't believe September is almost over and with fall starting, the summer seems like it was so long ago.

The weather isn't his focus right now. Mikey has been thinking about something in particular since his friends started making jokes. Mikey is only the slightest bit considering his friends are right now. He might like Takemichi. But when did it happen? Mikey's never liked someone before, and now he likes his best friend? It was stupid and cliché, and he's afraid it might be true. Mikey picks up his head again as the teacher asks for someone to answer the problem. He sees a boy go up to do it. Mikey twirls his pencil between his fingers as he stares at his somewhat coherent notes. He kind of gets the problem. But instead of copying the answer off the board, he moves to the corner of his notebook. He starts writing absentmindedly.

It starts with Mikey writing his name, then a '+' sign, and Takemichi's name. He freezes as he notices himself drawing a heart around it. What?

It's worse because he didn't write his actual name. He wrote Hanagaki Manjiro. Mikey panics and uses an eraser to erase the words vigorously, but it tears a hole in the paper, a faint outline of the names and eraser shavings on the wrinkled page.

He isn't good at this whole crush situation.

Once school ends, Mikey leaves, heading to gather his friends. Once he gets them, they head toward Takemichi's school to get the younger boy. The blond feels the wind on his face as he rides. Finally, Mikey met up with the others so now it was time to get his crybaby best friend. As they stop in front of Takemichi's school, Mikey surveys the entrance looking to see a recognizable mess of dark hair and sapphire eyes.

"Where is he?" Mikey stands on his toes as he raises from the bike, trying to scan the crowd for Takemichi.

As if he could hear him, he sees Takemichi rushing out of the school and looking around. He smiles once he sees his friends and heads over to them.

"Yo, Takemitchy!" Draken calls first.

"Hey!" Takemichi's lips upturn before turning his gaze to Mikey, who points to the back of his seat.

"Hop on, Mitchy!"

Takemichi grins as he gets on behind Mikey. "Look at you with your cool new ride!"

Mikey's lips tug into a smile, feeling happy at the praise. "You like it?"

Takemichi nods. "Of course, it's so cool! It suits you!"

Mikey revs the engine and takes off as the others follow. A flush crept onto his face. Takemichi looks at the scenery, the blur of shops and cars that Mikey moves past. Takemichi isn't saying anything. Instead, he's thinking about what his father asked him. Did he want to talk to somebody?

"Takemitchy, you okay?" Mikey inquires.

"Yeah."

"Good," Mikey replies. "You got quiet for a second..."

Takemichi hums in thought. "I was thinking about how my dad wants me to talk to someone. A therapist, I guess. You know 'cause of my grandma..."

Baji and Draken were the closest, hearing Takemichi's response, look at Mikey. He pressed his lips together, unsure what to say.

"Do you want to?"

Takemichi looks ahead, seeing Mikey's hair flowing and the cars slowing down as traffic starts to form. As Mikey stutters to a stop, Takemichi doesn't know what to say. "I don't know...I think it could help, I guess? I know he's worried about me..."

Mikey listens, hoping he doesn't mess up what he wants to say. "Do it for you. Nobody else..."

Takemichi looks at him. Mikey turns to face him for a second while behind a car. "It's nice he wants to help, and maybe talking to someone would be good. Talk if you want to, is all I'm saying..." Mikey finishes.

Takemichi's eyes become glossy. He rests his forehead against Mikey's shoulder, sniffling. Mikey freezes, thinking he upset Takemichi, but the muttering he barely hears eases his worries. "Thanks Mikey, for listening..."

The cars start moving, and Takemichi places his head back upright as he holds Mikey's waist.

Takemichi's dad was right outside if he needs him, and he only had to talk if he wants to. It sounded like a good idea, and his dad is worried about him, so it didn't hurt to try. Takemichi noticed how he didn't feel like hanging out some days with his friends; they weren't sure what days Takemichi would show or not show. He also became closer to his father, but more like he didn't want him to leave or panic when he's not home, then call him immediately.

He doesn't want to worry anyone. He misses his grandma, but she's gone.

So his dad took him to the doctor and, after talking with them, referred him to speak with someone. The therapist is a kind older man who talked with Takemichi for about an hour, asking him questions about school, friends, and himself before touching on how he's been feeling.

"Takemichi, if you don't mind me asking, what's the hardest part about your grandmother passing away?"

At that, Takemichi grips his knees and looks down, thinking, blinking away unshed tears. "The humming."

"Hm? I just want to make sure I heard you correctly. Did you say humming?"

Takemichi nods. "She would hum when cooking, so I would hum along with her sometimes. I miss it. It let me know she was there with me..."

"I see…" He types it down, and Takemichi lets out a breath he's holding.

"Also, are there things you like that help you when you are feeling down?"

Takemichi thinks, imagining his friends. "Yeah. I have a good group of friends, and hanging out with them makes me feel better. We ride bikes together, play video games and just talk. But I haven't been doing it often. I don't even know if they'll want to be friends anymore..."

"Let me ask, have they said they don't want to hang out with you anymore or made you think that?"

"No…" Takemichi thinks if anything, they will barge into his house and drag him out of bed, even if it's riding on bikes. Or they'll stay in his room while he's under the covers and play video games.

Takemichi listens as he recommends he try to get outside a little more, even for a walk in his neighborhood or a bike ride with his friends. He mentions not to feel bad for crying or mourning his grandma either. That is a perfectly normal reaction.

"It sounds like you put pressure on yourself to feel better right away too..."

Takemichi sighs. "Yeah…I don't like worrying people. And I don't like talking about feelings sometimes either..."

"Being vulnerable or opening up, maybe?" Takemichi nods.

"Do you hide how you sometimes feel from people?"

Takemichi pauses, thinking for a moment, remembering putting on a smile often. Even when stressed or worried about something, he smiles, putting on a mask. "Yeah…"

Takemichi attends the therapy sessions for three weeks before he declares he feels better.

"I don't think I need it anymore." He says at breakfast. It's Saturday, and his dad is home. When he looks up from his newspaper at his son, he tries to keep his face neutral even though he's startled at the statement.

"Need what?"

"The therapy. Talking to someone. I feel better." Takemichi smiles, and it feels natural again. He's in a good mood today.

Takemichi's dad gives a gentle smile. "I'm glad you are feeling better today. And I won't force you to go, Michi. But know it's okay when you need help and to talk to someone. Even me, okay? But I wanted you to talk to a professional who can probably give better tips then I can."

Takemichi looks at him; blue eyes widen as he stares at his dad. He's aware that his hair is still dark like his, not yet graying like his grandmother's, but he sees how tired he looks, dark circles under his eyes, behind his glasses. He looks tired.

Is he tired from worrying about Takemichi and losing his mother? Takemichi feels his lip quiver as he gets up and rushes over to his dad, hugging him. Only surprised for a few seconds, Hanzou wraps his arms around his son's shaking frame as he sobs into the crook of his neck, wetting his shirt.

"It's okay, Michi..."

Once he calms down, Takemichi leaves to find Mikey and the others. He goes to his house, and Emma says they're at the shrine. As he heads over, he walks since he's the only one without a ride. He walks up the stairs slowly, the sun filtering through the tree leaves. There is a breeze.

It's fall now. It's been over a month already since his grandmother passed away. It leaves a twinge in his chest as if something has a clutch on his heart. But he's able to breathe a little better. He's not a hundred percent, maybe not some days, but he keeps going. She'd be happy about a lot that's happened. Takemichi has good friends, his dad is home more, and he's starting middle school in a couple more months.

His life is pretty good.

As he hears his footsteps echo, he hears a noise at the top and sees his friends. Baji jumps up, looking ready to fight whoever's there, but his eyes soften and fists lower, seeing it's Takemichi.

Takemichi takes one hand out of his hoodie and waves at them. "Hey, guys!"

"Mitchy!" Baji smiles.

Mikey stands up from sitting on the steps and gives a tiny smile. Takemichi walks over to them. Draken tousled his hair, Pah-chin gave him a fist bump, and Mitsuya threw an arm around him.

"Are you feeling better?" Kazutora asks.

Takemichi nods. "Yeah…" Then he moves out of their hold, and they look surprised before bowing. "I, I'm sorry I worried you all. You're my friends and kept checking on me. I'm feeling better now." Takemichi bites his lip, thinking of what he was worried about in therapy. "I hope you won't get sick of me!"

The wind rustles the trees, the only noise for a moment. Takemichi thinks they might yell at him. Did he fuck up his friendships?

But then he feels someone move closer. He raises his head to see Mikey staring at him intently. He's not annoyed, and his face is blank as if thinking. Then he raises his hands to Takemichi's cheeks and squashes them in between his hands as he leans in.

"What're you going on about? We're friends. Best friends. We aren't going to get sick of you, Mitchy. Never!"

When he lets go, Takemichi's lips part, and he stares in awe as the others laugh. Not at him, but what he said.

"Dude, you're stuck with us for life!" Draken grins at him.

"I'm pretty sure Mikey and us will follow you to hell." Mitsuya jokes.

Takemichi starts crying, and the others look panicked for a second.

"Ah, he's crying!" Kazutora says.

"Oi, it's because Mitsuya mentioned hell," Pah-chin says. Mitusya covers his mouth with both hands.

"No, I bet it was Mikey. You dumbass, did you grab his face too hard?! Draken says.

"Way to go, idiot!" Baji adds.

"Mitchy… I'm sorry I didn't mean-" Mikey pleads.

And then he laughs. He was wiping at the tears pooling in the corners of his eyes. He lets out a hearty laugh as his friends watch. "No, it's okay. I'm not upset. I'm crying because I'm happy!"

They all relax. And yell 'crybaby!' in unison.

Takemichi stops wiping his face and looks between them. Although he couldn't even fight them on it, he does cry a lot.

"Mitchy, wanna go for a bike ride?" Mikey asks.

When Takemichi agrees, Mikey takes his hand, squeezing it, and Takemichi doesn't cry at the gesture. The memory doesn't hurt as much. Finally, Mikey turns to the others. "Since I have a bike now, Mitchy will be riding with me when we ride together." Takemichi can't help noticing the emphasis nor the look of Mikey daring them to question it. Takemichi realized Mikey was clingy with his friends (read: especially with him, but Takemichi doesn't realize that yet).

"Pfft! Of course, you'd say that-" Baji starts before Mikey steps hard on his foot. "Ow! What the hell Mikey?!"

He grips Mikey's hoodie. Mikey just sniffs, turning away as Baji glares at him. Takemichi stands there, chuckling, as Draken and Kazutora try to pull them apart. Yeah, this was what Takemichi missed.

Takemichi felt a breeze as he walks home from martial arts lessons.

He took some lessons after school too and on weekends. As a result of doing it for years, Takemichi's gotten more serious about his martial arts classes. And he got to participate with Mikey, Baji, and Emma, so that motivated him to keep up too. He couldn't believe he got stronger since he met Mikey. Takemichi even thinks his grandma would've been impressed he stuck with it so long.

It's too bad she didn't get to see him practice. At the thought, he sniffles, looking down as he carries his backpack. He's walking when he hears chatter. He looks up near a park area and sees a girl with a pigtail standing up to what looks like middle schoolers. As he gets closer, he hears their exchange.

"Stop it! What's so fun about making fun of people?!" The girl questioned.

"I freakin' hate kids like this."

"Hey! We were chasing him out. This is our hangout!"

"Then you can take his place!"

Takemichi drops his bag at that. He makes a running start.

"Awww, you gonna cry?!"

"Think that's gonna make us go easy on you?!"

At the noise of feet padding the ground, one of the boys turns around and is met with Takemichi jumping and kicking him in the chest with both feet, hurling him back into a bench. For a split moment, he flashbacks, seeing Manjiro jumping in the air that day they met at the playground.

Takemichi lands back on the ground, glaring. The girl turns toward him with tears in her eyes.

"Hey, what the hell are middle schoolers ganging up on a girl for?!" He yells toward them.

Takemichi remembers when Mikey saved him from bullies that punched and kicked him for minding his business, sitting on the swings, just because they could. And maybe when he got stronger over the years, Takemichi had partaken in defending kids like this girl - at playgrounds or parks. And maybe, just maybe, he liked the idea of being a hero.

"Ah? What's your problem?" One of the boys steps closer.

"What the hell? You think you're some kind of hero? Don't act like you're hot shit-"

Takemichi punches him square in the face. His head throws back as he falls to the ground. He can see blood dripping from his nose.

The other boy stares at him, shaking. Takemichi eyes him. "You think I'm a hero?"

Takemichi kicks him in the side, knocking him to the ground and kicking him again. Takemichi hovers over him. "If I got to be a hero to teach punks like you a lesson, then I'll be a hero!" He proclaims, pointing his thumb at himself.

The trio scrambles up, grabbing one of the boys that got punched and running, almost tripping over themselves to get away from him. Takemichi sighs and goes to walk over to get his backpack. While picking it up, the girl is standing nearby crying, wiping her eyes.

"You okay?" Takemichi asks softly. He didn't know how to cheer her up. His grandma was good at that. Maybe he can tell her to smile?

"I'm sorry…they were making fun of someone walking with me." She sniffles, lip quivering." Thank you for saving me…."

Takemichi sighs. As the girl looks at him, eyes teary. He smiles at her. "I think it's cool you tried to stand up to them. Hold your head up high and smile, okay?"

She watches Takemichi as he gives her a gentle smile and puts on his backpack.

"Three other boys went that way after my classmate." The girl explains.

Takemichi looks back and nods." Got it." The girl stares back at him, surprised he's willing to help.

Takemichi gets a little further away, where he walks between two houses with an alleyway. He stops when he sees a boy with black hair and glasses pressed against a fence with some more middle schoolers. He looks like he's getting bullied. Jeez, Takemichi thought.

Is this the person the girl mentioned? Looks like it. And like she said, more kids were messing with him. He just helped that girl, and now this boy is getting pushed and shoved too. He didn't want to ignore it; that would make him feel guilty. So he put down his bag again. It was a busy day today, it seemed.

"Hey!" Takemichi runs, punching on of the bullies on the side of his face, knocking him over. "What the hell? Is everyone getting picked on today?!"

The boys stare at him. Takemichi quickly kicks one in the side, causing him hit against the fence, and knees the other in the stomach. They start to run too, dropping the money they were probably trying to steal from the boy. The boy with glasses looks up at him. He's on the ground picking up his books and money that fell. Takemichi sighs but helps him.

"Here you go." Takemichi hands him his things.

"Thank you." The boy stares at him as if hesitating. "Why'd you help me?"

And at that, Takemichi smiled. "How could I not? I think I like playing hero too much. And you didn't deserve being picked on."

"People don't like me anyway. They think I'm creepy." He says, clutching the bag to his chest.

"That's not right," Takemichi says. "Don't listen to people like that."

Takemichi smiles and pats his shoulder. He looks up at Takemichi staring, "I'm sure you got stuff about you that makes you special!"

At that, Takemichi grabs his backpack and waves at the boy, leaving him in the alley, holding his bag to his chest as he stares at the dark, messy-haired boy walking away. Takemichi looks up at the sky, the sun slowly setting, and smiles. Maybe being a hero isn't such a bad idea?

Chapter Text

Takemichi didn't know when he first started to believe he was weak. Even after being beaten up as a kid on the playground and pushed off the swings by bullies before Mikey stepped in to help him, Takemichi had this optimism. That he was brave like his grandmother told him. And when he got stronger after taking martial arts lessons, he could help people even more. He would stand up for kids on the playgrounds and parks. He gave before then, helping older people across the street or rescuing stray cats. And he would bask in the praise that he is a good person. A hero like those in cartoons or comics. Sometimes when he ran around energetically, he almost felt like he had a cape wrapped around his shoulder, blowing in the wind.

Maybe it's today when he got a dose of reality, a phone call from his friends to come to help them. Even as he walks up to the park they were at, just throwing on whatever sweatshirt and sneakers he could, running down the street until he was out of breath, he's shocked. He sees them in a park, bodies on the ground, beaten, and clothing disheveled. He feels the weight of the situation as he checks on Akkun, still kneeling, as he punches his fist into the ground. Takuya is coming to who came the closest to almost dying, considering how he has a frailer body. Makoto is crouching, head down not too far from Yamagishi. Takemichi knelt next to Yamagishi, who rubs his eyes with his glasses still on, asking him not to tell anyone that he cried. And maybe Takemichi soothingly tells him 'yeah' as he pats his back and helps the others, getting bandages, antiseptic cream, and ice packs from the convenience store and ignoring the strange look the cashier gave him while he rang up his purchases.

Maybe because if he were truly strong, he would've been there to help in the first place, with no questions or hesitation, and he blames himself for that. He warned them, trying to get involved in gangs too, but his friends didn't listen. This situation is different from running into someone and defending yourself. Being in a gang is unpredictable and dangerous, even life or death.

When Baji first proposed starting Toman after Kazutora got beaten up by the ninth-generation of the Black dragons at the time, Takemichi was weary only because he knew his family would disprove. Baji idealized it as them protecting their friends by forming Toman, so Takemichi was more willing to listen because he loved his friends. He didn't want to pick a fight, but he went along, and they took on a real gang. Takemichi even helped as an unofficial member, occasionally helping with gang fights after Toman's founding. He dips his toe into the world but never dives headfirst. But he's seen on the news violence almost every day. His family worries when he comes home with too many scrapes and bruises, so he can only imagine his father's reaction to learning if he's in a gang. His life is more than constantly having to face threats and dangers. So he has avoided joining Toman.

He can't be mad at his friends. They want to be a gang more than Takemichi did. But he should've helped them. His grandma told him he was heroic but didn't always have to play the hero. So now he doesn't even want to wear the cape.

And over the years, he stopped being the hero swooping in to save people. He got tired of helping others since that became what he was known for doing. Kind Takemichi. Nice Takemichi. Strong Takemichi.

He concluded that not every fight is worth risking his life. That he gave too much, and he's burnt out. Takemichi became known in his youth as the one to throw himself in for others' sake. He remembers telling Mikey once you didn't always have to fight. Yet Takemichi was the first one out when people were in trouble. He wishes he had listened to his own advice sooner. Mikey had a point. It felt easier to solve everything by fighting. Sometimes words can't solve everything.

So he took a break from helping all the time and stayed home most days, going out with his friends occasionally and to a Toman meeting at the request of Mikey, as if that'd make him join. But, he isn't interested in becoming a delinquent like his friends, joining a gang, or fighting regularly. So while they were off tangling themselves in a mess, Takemichi stays to himself, and he didn't always have the energy to care about everyone else. It sounds selfish, but he remembers when he talked to that therapist two years ago. He advised Takemichi one session to have some self-compassion. So he should try that more.

His mind is still uneasy. After he helped patch up his friends, he stops near the playground in his neighborhood where he used to play. He sits on a swing, kicking his feet slightly to push him forward. He thinks of that summer day he met Mikey in this playground. He wonders how he's doing. Mikey texted him earlier in the week, but it's been silent today. He must be busy.

Takemichi feels drained after helping patch up his friends. Maybe he should've listened to his grandma all those times before about trying to help everyone. But what can he do about his friends? He hates to see them suffering, as much as Takemichi is fighting about stepping in. He saw a therapist for a bit, talking to them for a few weeks before he self-proclaimed he was better. Maybe he should see one again? This feeling has been nagging him, this apathy, about the one thing that meant something to him—helping others.

But his life can't be about everyone else. Didn't he have dreams before? Mikey has Toman. What did Takemichi want? What gives him joy? He hasn't even play with his puzzles in awhile.

He realizes it's not just about caring about people.

Takemichi forgot how to care for himself too.

"That can't be all of it!" Takemichi hears someone yell. "Don't you freakin lie to me! Start jumping!"

He looks up to see some punks yelling at a kid, maybe elementary school age? He clicks his teeth. More bullies, like he hasn't had his fill of that for a lifetime.

"You still got some in your pocket!"

They're trying to rob him. Great, he thinks. Well, not really, but he knows what he's going to do before he blinks. He's trying to have a sentimental moment, and of course, he can't know peace.

"Quit dickin' around!"

"Hey." The boy turns around, and Takemichi reels back to punch him square in the jaw. "Shut the fuck up!"

His friends look stunned as the boy is flat on the ground. He didn't want to fight, but this is what he meant. He can't let someone get harassed because he'd want someone to do the same for him.

"You've been goin' on and on this whole time. And I'm really pissed off right now." Takemichi glares at them. "Leave or you're dead."

"We're sorry!"

"We're leaving now!"

The group, dragging along their unconscious friend, leave, and Takemichi sighs, watching them go. He spares the kid a glance. "Go home, kid."

"Uh, thank you!" The boy responds, and Takemichi gives a soft smile.

"Sure. Also, when dealing with punks like that, don't back down. They might punch you, but if you stand up and they're not serious, that should scare them off, okay?"

"Okay!" The boy replies, staring up at him. Maybe Takemichi felt just a tiny bit better.

"Hey, what's your name?" He asks the boy.

"Tachibana Naoto." He pauses. "We met before, though."

Takemichi's brows shot up. He knows someone with that surname. "We did?" And then he thought for a second. "Uh, if you don't mind me asking, do you have any siblings?"

"Uh, yeah, I've got an older sister."

Then it clicks. "Oh, you're Hinata's younger brother?"

Naoto nods. "Yeah. She introduced us before."

Tachibana Hinata is a popular girl at his middle school and also a close friend. He remembers helping her before with bullies as kids and met her again when she entered the same middle school as him. He thinks he briefly met Naoto before. It must've been one of the times he was there. Here he was, helping her little brother. Takemichi also understands he is terrible at remembering people he didn't see regularly.

"It's good to see you again." Takemichi scratches the back of his head. "I'm Hanagaki Takemichi."

Naoto stares back. "I know."

"Uh, right."

Naoto bows. "Nice to meet you again. And thank you for your help."

"Sure." Takemichi is about to walk away but has an idea. Maybe he could talk to Hina about what's bothering him? She is a good listener. "Hey, let me walk you home. I can go say hello to Hina too."

When they get to the apartment building, Naoto goes in and says he'll get his sister. Takemichi waits, leaning against the ledge of the large apartment complex, staring out at the lights of the houses and buildings further away. The wind blows, his tuft of hair brushing his forehead. Maybe he should head home? He didn't want to worry Hina either.

"Takemichi?"

Takemichi turns around at the sound of his name and sees his friend. Hina was wearing pastel colored lounge clothes, probably relaxing before her indecisive friend showed up.

"Hey, Hina." Takemichi forces his lips to curve into a smile.

Hina saw through it, leaning in to stare at him. "What's wrong?"

"Huh?"

At the lack of an answer, she grabs his cheek and squeezes it between her finger and thumb.

"Ouch! Hina!"

"Why are you forcing yourself to smile? Are you upset?"

"Ow, yes, okay, I'll tell you!"

When Hina let go, Takemichi rubs his face and sighs. Then, he starts reiterating what happened with the Mizo Mid Gang and how he has been feeling indifferent lately. And his pink-haired friend listens, eyes watching him intently as they rest their arms, side by side, on the ledge.

"Sounds like you are really struggling." Hina comments, carefully watching her words. "If you want to help, you should. Though it sounds like that's what you have been doing for a long time, helping people."

"I don't know. But, whenever I see someone needing help or even being asked, I feel like I can't say no."

"Why not?"

Takemichi shrugs. "Because if I did, who would help them then?"

"It's not your responsibility what happens to people, as bad as that is to think, but you can't save everyone. Like if they get punched in front of you, you can help. But you technically don't have to."

"It's hard to see people hurting and not doing anything."

"But what's also important." Hina turns to him, hair softly blowing from the night air. "Have you been taking care of Takemichi too?"

He looks at her, confused. "What'd you mean?"

She presses her lips together, thinking before she speaks. "Like that saying, you can't pour from an empty glass, right? So how can you give if your glass is empty?"

"I can't…" Takemichi absorbs what she says.

Then Hina smiles at him, that gentle smile she always had to let him know she understood as best as one person could empathize. "So take care of yourself. And before you know it, that spark will come back. But don't give up on people, either. Just make sure you take care of yourself first."

When he returned home that night after talking to Hina, lying in bed, Takemichi's mind drifted to a boy with blue eyes that would stand tall protecting kids on the playground. He knows his friends want to become delinquents, and Takemichi didn't stop them. Mikey and his other friends formed the Tokyo Manji Gang with Baji's vision of protecting their friends and Mikey's goal of a new generation of delinquents, like when Shinichiro formed his gang. They have this need Takemichi doesn't fully grasp, so he settles as an onlooker, watching them while he cheers tentatively from the sidelines.

He thought of his grandma, who might be concerned about him. Because if she were here, maybe she could help him deal with the mess that is his brain. He could tell her his worries, and she could give some advice. He turns on his side in bed, facing the wall. Why did he think of her now? Maybe because she would be concerned about his hesitance? She'd tell him that it's okay to be unsure. He thinks of Hina's advice. Maybe he's tired? So perhaps he should learn to get some balance back in his life and go from there?

When he's getting ready two days later for school, Takemichi's thoughts go back to his grandma as he slowly puts on his school uniform and throws together leftovers to heat up and eat. It gets lonely sometimes, but he couldn't help it. His mom died years ago when he was a baby. His dad is overseas, making sure to send money, call and visit when he could, leaving him again only after a year. Takemichi didn't doubt he misses him, but when his mom died, most rearing was by his grandmother. She was his second mom, and both Takemichi and his dad had to endure losing someone else again.

Takemichi wipes his eyes. He is indeed the crybaby his friends dubbed him. But it's okay to cry when you miss someone. It isn't something to be ashamed of in his book. But he would sometimes get like this in the morning when it was eerily quiet before heading out the door for the day. He heads out for school, and on his way, he sees his friends gathered down the street. The noise they make chatting breaks through the morning air. It is warm today, but there's a slight breeze. They smile at him, Yamagishi patting him on the back and Makoto nudging his arm. Takuya and Akkun greet him with a nod.

He likes that he has friends that keep his heart warm.

And sure, not every day is easy, and it hits him sometimes, particularly in summer since this was when she passed away. But he has a life to enjoy. He has people that like seeing him. His grandmother always liked that he had friends. However, she didn't get to meet his friends from middle school. She was fond of Mikey and the others.

"Guys, I heard that Kiyomasa organized a fight today. Takuya's supposed to fight." Akkun explains.

Takemichi couldn't help the worry that fills his gut. He holds his school bag strap a little tighter. But he is annoyed. Not so much because of his friends. Sure they were looking to make a name for themselves, but no one deserved this unbridled hell. They told him how they became the servants of Masataka Kiyomizu, also known as Kiyomasa.

Kiyomasa sounds like a dangerous guy who was callous in how he treated people and organized a fighting ring, a brawl where students fought each other. It's disgusting, and a sliver of Takemichi was glad he didn't get involved, but then he eyed his friends and sees the dread on their faces.

They called him for help after getting beaten, and he's happy it's not him? How messed up was that? Why didn't he find Kiyomasa right after and kick his ass? What kind of friend was he? The way he used to help his friends and other kids, rushing to aid others, left people surprised at how giving he was. But, as he confided in Hina, now he didn't feel like he had much to offer. He is worried about Takuya fighting. Takemichi could hold himself in a fight thanks to taking martial arts lessons at the Sano Dojo (read: very much appreciated grandma and dad) and take a punch if it came down to it. But he isn't invincible, and neither was Takuya.

And when Takuya smiles, saying he would fight. Takemichi, mouth agape, stares at his friend. He didn't understand. Takuya has a frailer body and got beaten up pretty badly during their first encounter with Kiyomasa. He would get hurt. He could die.

But despite his friends' worried faces, he balls his hand into a fist and presses it against Takemichi's chest. Over his heart.

"Don't worry, Takemichi. I'll win. Maybe I'll be as good as you."

And he knows because they're friends, he's scared but putting on a brave face. Even though Takuya doesn't know what'll happen, he hopes he'll be strong like Takemichi.

He wants to say he isn't someone to idolize. He's not a hero, even when he told Takuya once as kids that's what he wanted to be. But, of course, that was a childish dream.

But he says nothing and smiles back. Takemichi really was weak.

After school, Takemichi heads to the fighting ring, despite his friends telling him not to come. He sees Takuya standing in the circle, jeers, and screams from the crowd egging the fight on, riding money, telling him he better not lose. That his friend, all his friends, were suppose to fight like this, forced to be beaten up whenever. It sickens him.cHe remembers his grandmother worried, carefully talking to him when he came home the first time with bruises after defending a kid on the playground. Like Mikey defended him the first time they met. Takemichi felt braver because he was taking martial arts lessons. He tried to make it seem like not a big deal, even though his grandmother tended to his cuts.

She smiled at him through it all, cooing and telling him that she was proud he defended people. She didn't ground him for fighting, though he couldn't go to the playground for a while after that. But she told him that people who enjoyed hurting others would fight for no reason. Takemichi asked if he was the same. She shook her head.

"No, Takemichi. Not even close. You didn't seek a fight but saw someone else in pain and came to their aid. There is not one thing wrong with that. That's what heroic people do."

He stared up at his grandmother, who bumped his nose with her finger and told him that it doesn't mean to go out playing hero all the time, either.

Takemichi didn't have to and couldn't save everyone.

He remembers Hina taking the time to comfort him, to tell him he had to look after himself, that maybe that's what's causing all of this back and forth in his mind. He thinks of her kindness, how he used to be like that too, advising friends, lending an ear. He did it selflessly before. Then, when he didn't want to listen anymore and wanted to be alone, he knew something was wrong.

But even though he was still unsure, he strolls over to the top of the stairs, gaining the crowd's attention. What if his insides twisted in his gut as he told the group if they wanted to see a more exciting fight, and they question whether he is insane? What if, despite not knowing what would happen, asks Kiyomasa to fight him to protect his friend because he wants to save him?

What if this gnawing in his gut, this whole time, was telling him that he couldn't always sacrifice his well being for the sake of others.

But if his heart at this moment is calling him to do so, then why not help?

"Fight me one-on-one!" Takemichi holds his fist out as he saw the anger building on Kiyomasa's face at challenging him. He's seen that face before on bullies he's encountered before.

The fact of the matter, though, is that Takemichi only took lessons growing up after his grandmother's insistence when Takemichi came home the day they moved back from the playground after some sixth graders punched and shoved him off the swings. Though Mikey, fortunately, kicked one and scared them off, his grandmother resigned that if he was going to get into fights, unintentional or not, at least he should know how to throw a punch (read: probably her words).

His dad worried too and paid for the lessons. That led to martial arts classes at Sano Dojo for a few years. He tried his hand at kickboxing occasionally and practiced at home with a kickboxing bag in his basement. He also had good stamina and could stand his ground even if inevitably he did get beaten up. But it didn't mean he didn't get worried about a fight or wasn't scared.

It wasn't too hard to fight Kiyomasa. He's slower, so Takemichi could dodge better than a quicker opponent. Takemichi would dodge and punch. He manages to knee him in the gut, kick him in the side, and landed a punch square in the face. Takemichi got Kiyomasa's fist against his nose and a punch in the eye because he didn't focus. Still, he stood, wiping his nose, and proceeded with another punch to the side of his face, remaining as calm as he could.

"Get my bat!" Kiyomasa ended up yelling and wiping his bloody nose gasping for air. Finally, he realizes he can't win and is bringing in a weapon. Takemichi tries to ignore the knots in his stomach and plants his feet firmly on the ground. He reminds himself about his friends being beaten and the fear in their eyes. He isn't going to let them keep enduring this hell.

"Fine, bring the bat," Takemichi said, silence falling over the area. He grins before he realizes, thinking back to his grandmother calling him heroic. Heroes don't run. "But I'm not finished yet. You can bring in a bat. It doesn't matter. But I'm not going anywhere! I got a damn good reason to keep standing." Takemichi grits his teeth. "If you wanna win, you got no choice but to kill me. And I'm not gonna lose!"

"I'm gonna kill you." He grins, eyes filled with intent. He's serious.

"Bring it on."

He has more to discover in this life besides fighting and wants to figure out what he wants to do with the rest. Figure out what's going on in his head and how to feel better. Try to care for himself properly. But before Kiyomasa got the bat, someone walks up. Takemichi knows him. The blond and braided hair, head shaven, covered on the side with a tattoo. His eyes focus as he walks up and spots Takemichi.

"Takemitchy?" He speaks before glaring at the leader of the fighting ring. "Oi, Kiyomasa, you're the organizer?"

Takemichi looks, his eye slightly closed from a hit he didn't dodge fast enough. When the spectators announce the arrival of Draken and Mikey, the shorter blond boy behind him, eating dorayaki, is the vice commander and leader of the Tokyo Manji Gang, Takemichi feels that uneasiness build as Mikey looks past Draken to see him. Eyes widen with something that passes in the obsidian orbs. It didn't look like much to someone just glancing, but Takemichi could notice his brows knit together and lips part. The panic slowly cast over his features.

The audience realizes the gravity of the situation as everyone but him and his friends bow respectfully.

Why were they here? Kiyomasa is in a gang, but Takemichi didn't realize it is Toman. Were they going to make a worse hell for his friends? No, Mikey wasn't like that, especially to Takuya and the rest of his friends.

"Good afternoon, Mr. President!" The crowd yell in unison.

Takemichi does feel intimidated as Draken kicks Kiyomasa in the gut. "Kiyomasa, when did you get so high and mighty? That's how low you should bow when greeting the president." Draken says voice tinged with annoyance. "And when did you get the nerve to beat up the president's best friend?"

But that was not as startling as Mikey walking past Kiyomasa and the audience. Instead, he's walking with purpose toward Takemichi. Mikey quickly goes up to him, taking his chin carefully and inspecting his face as if he's under a microscope. Mikey's eyes were a darker shade, so it's harder to see the irises and, at the same time, gave him this intensity. It was like looking down a well and not seeing the bottom. Takemichi is startled at first, then Mikey gently lets go of his chin.

"Mitchy, are you okay?" Mikey asks. From up close, Takemichi can see him stare worriedly at him.

"I'm fine. It's not too bad." Takemichi answers carefully, not to upset Mikey.

Mikey is already overprotective of people he cared about, but everyone agreed; Mikey is particularly protective of Takemichi, so much so that even the blue-eyed boy took note. Mikey has been defending him since they were kids, even when Takemichi became a better fighter. He treats Takemichi like a treasure, and it is flattering that he cares about him so much.

Takemichi's thoughts are interrupted as he watches Mikey turn to Kiyomasa. "Are you the one organizing the fights?"

Kiyomasa, defeatedly, says yes.

Mikey's back straightens as he continues, voice dangerously low. "And where the hell do you get off fighting Takemitchy?"

Takemichi sees a kick he would have missed if he blinked. Mikey's leg shoots up, uppercutting Kiyomasa in the jaw. Takemichi thought he heard a crack.

Kiyomasa didn't even look conscious as Mikey grabbed a fistful of his hair, asking who the hell he was organizing a fighting ring and for hurting his best friend. Then, Mikey begins punching him repeatedly in the face. Yeah, he heard a crack now. His face is bloody as he drops to the ground, and Mikey steps on his head.

Takemichi usually saw bullies on the playground or the streets of Tokyo. He saw horrible people on the news doing heinous things. He was just fighting a gang member. And not to say Mikey, Draken, or most of Toman were horrible. They were stronger fighters. So now, someone stronger came along and knocked Kiyomasa out. His friends were little fishes in a big pond when they got sucked into Kiyomasa's torment. But Kiyomasa was a slightly bigger fish in an ocean filled with sharks. He eyes Mikey cautiously as he turns around, some blood droplets collected on his cheek as he turns to look at Takemichi, smiling.

"Mitchy, wanna hang out?"

Takemichi shakes his head, trying to compose himself. "I'll catch you later. I should treat these." He says, pointing to his face.

"I can help you." Mikey quickly adds.

But Draken nudged Mikey's shoulder before Takemichi could tell him it wasn't necessary. The shorter blond glares at him.

"He'll be okay. Didn't you want to get lunch after this?"

Mikey frowns but remembered he is still hungry after the dorayaki.

"Yeah." Mikey looks over at Takemichi, giving a small smile. "See ya, Mitchy ♡" He and Draken waved before walking away, as Draken told all the spectators to leave.

The excitement of his friends coming over to him afterward isn't enough to calm his mind. His head is still spinning as they joke about him standing up to Kiyomasa and mimicking Mikey and Takemichi's banter. They didn't even know he knew Mikey, Toman's leader. They mentioned they saw Takemichi interact with them before when they came by their school, but they didn't know they were part of Toman. When Takemichi and Takuya said they had known them since they were kids, Makoto and Yamagishi get even more excited. Takemichi and Akkun sat on a bench near a bus stop, watching the others joking around.

Takemichi smiles. If going through that put a smile on his friends' faces, who is he to complain? Even though he does feel wary of Mikey beating up Kiyomasa like that. He tries not to get involved with gangs, which is hard since his best friend is a gang leader. But he tries his best only because that world doesn't seem like a path he wants to follow. He thought about being a nurse or social worker so he could help people once—anything but risking his life in fights all the time.

Akkun stays next to him, looking down. He acts like the leader of their group, so undoubtedly, this must've hit him hard, having to see him and his friends be servants to Kiyomasa.

"What morons." He mumbles but looks up with a smile. "But it's been so long since I got to see them act like idiots."

Takemichi's heart warms at the sentiment. Yeah, when was the last time they smiled unbridled like this? Then he chokes back tears because he realizes how unhappy they were. He's their friend. Why didn't he pull them out of this mess sooner? He would have finished off Kiyomasa without Mikey and Draken showing up.

"I'm sorry," Takemichi's lips quiver, blinking back tears, "I should've done something sooner."

He promised his grandmother not to get into avoidable fights. Hina said he couldn't save everyone. That he didn't have to be the hero all the time. But what does it say about him, this feeling he has been trying to bury deep down that when he ignores stuff, it's because the simple fact is he can't shake this apathy.

Takemichi feels like he did when his grandma died, wanting to be alone all the time and not wanting to do much. And this feeling transferred into his life and interactions with everyone. He isn't even trying to help his loved ones, either.

"Takemichi," Akkun looks down, clutching his hands together. "I was thinking of getting a weapon and going after Kiyomasa myself."

"Akkun," Takemichi, lips part, unsure what to say.

Akkun shakes his head, continuing, "because we would be his servants forever otherwise. I would've had no choice but to kill him."

Takemichi really is a coward at the end of the day. He bites his lower lip in frustration, staring out at his friends. What kind of friend is he? Akkun thought about using a weapon, possibly hurting or killing someone. He faced his friends and did nothing but help tend to their bruises. Because he didn't involve himself before this, they went through hell alone. They got hurt, and it might as well have been like Takemichi kicked them while they were down. He thinks of the boy that used to protect people on the playground—joining fights to help his friends as an unofficial Toman member. Unnecessary bruises and cuts that he didn't have to get. What should he do now?

"Thanks, Takemichi," He snaps out of his thoughts to see Akkun standing next to him. "Because of you fighting against Kiyomasa, we aren't under his boot anymore. That was real badass of you."

His throat hurts. He feels something lodged in there as he tries to keep tears back from falling. Takemichi rubs the back of his head. "I only stalled him out. Mikey broke it up."

"Yeah, but you stood up for us in the first place."

He remembers Takuya pressing his fist over his heart. A heart that used to give to others, but because he gave so much, Takemichi is tired now. But he's reminded at times like this seeing people he cares for suffering. It ignites this fire in him he tries to snuff out nowadays. As he gets older, he tries to be more cautious and level-headed, but that determined Takemichi constantly threatens to break out. He grips the shirt briefly over his heart before wiping at invisible dirt. He hopes Akkun doesn't notice, and if he does, he doesn't say anything.

"You're making me blush. It wasn't any trouble." He says lamely. What else can he say? Even with Akkun's words, he's angry at himself.

When Mikey gets home, he lies on his bed, shoved into the corner of his room. He lays face first on his pillow that smells of red bean paste from the dorayaki he had earlier—thoughts running through today's events. There is no chanting from the dojo next door because he got home late as his grandfather finished teaching for the day. So he misses the screams of kids excited, shouting in unison as they learn new skills.

The chants would be so loud sometimes they would stir him out of mid-morning naps, where he would then go downstairs where Emma would make him something to eat. Mikey would then eat, still hearing noise from the dojo outside, to Emma talking loudly about some random talk show that popped up while channel surfing. Unfortunately, Shinichiro would usually be at the shop too early to be privy to debates about scripted talk and reality shows.

Night has fallen, and Mikey can't sleep. He turns his head, squinting in the dark, as his eyes adjust to see the time flash on the cable box on top of the television. 2:39 AM.

Sleep, a voice says in the back of his mind. He's too tired to reply that he can't.

After breaking up the fighting ring, Mikey and Draken paid a well-deserved visit to get lunch at a cafe - consisting of a large cup of coffee with six sugar packets and cream mixed in and chocolate croissants, dorayaki, and other pastries. Draken argued about it not being lunch and Mikey spending all his money, while Mikey veered the conversation to why Takemitchy - his best friend, was fighting Kiyomasa. If he had gotten there sooner, the Toman member wouldn't have laid a hand on his friend.

"I wanted to help treat his bruises, but you wouldn't let me, Ken-chin! Now he thinks I don't care about him!" Mikey whined as he stuffed a pastry into his mouth, chewing a big bite.

"I doubt he thinks that. Plus, he didn't look like he wanted to hang out then. Couldn't you tell?" Draken explained, then glared at Mikey. "And stop buying so much stuff. I'm gonna go broke at this rate!"

They spent the rest of the day hanging around, ending up at a convenience store getting more snacks before going to the movies. Mikey eventually split from Draken and went to laze around the shrine thinking about today before he realized how late it got and headed back home.

Mikey lays on his blanket, spreading his arms as he lies on his back, looking up at his ceiling. His lip quivers as he feels sadness try to spill out. He thinks of seeing Takemichi beaten up today. I should've protected him.

How did Takemichi even get involved with Kiyomasa? Did he threaten Mitchy? Mikey grits his teeth. He should've noticed something was amiss. But instead, he just learned about the fighting ring. Shit.

Mikey ran his hands over his face. He's upset at Takemichi having to fight and worries about him. Mikey promised to protect him. And this realization he had after knowing Takemichi for years is only hitting him recently. Since Mikey was twelve, it started as a slight crush on the blue-eyed boy and has been brewing for three years, where it keeps growing. And he only realized this after Baji, Draken, and their other friends gently hinted (read: teasing) him growing up.

He turns to lay on his back, hands and legs fanned out like a starfish. He rubs his hands against his orange comforter. It is soft, freshly washed from this morning when Emma did laundry. He thinks back to when it started. Maybe it was when he was intrigued by him when they first met. And the crush grew as they grew up. It bothers him not seeing him every day. He's been busy as Toman gets bigger, so he has more duties along with his personal life. But he misses just stopping at his house daily, eating snacks, and talking for hours. He promised to always be friends with him, and nothing would stop him from it. But what happens now as he slowly grows to like him as more than a friend?

Takemichi wanted to wallow for a bit longer when classes ended after the fight yesterday, but instead, he is greeted by Mikey and Draken on bikes outside his school. They often showed up either trying to get him to skip or showing up and waiting for him. It was kind of endearing they tried so hard to spend time with him. He didn't want them to skip school, though.

"Ah, Takemitchy, we came to play ♡" Mikey exclaims happily as the dark-haired boy walked up to him, pleased with himself as if he didn't bash Kiyomasa's face yesterday.

"How you been?" Draken smiles, throwing an arm around his shoulder.

"I just got into a fight yesterday." Takemichi pointedly, looking off. He could see some students look as they walked by. They were probably unsure if he was being bullied or not. Nope, he was just with his best friends.

"You're free, right? So come hang out with us!" Mikey grabs him carefully by his wrist, pulling him from Draken's hold. "We bought bikes to ride."

They indeed have bikes. Takemichi was about to go home, but he guessed he could go. So he pulls out his phone. "Okay, let me send a quick text to my friends to go home without me."

"Sure," Mikey replies, sitting on the bike.

Once he did, Mikey patted the seat. Oh. He wants him to ride up front. He wasn't injured that badly, so he supposed he could.

Once on, they pedal off down the hill in front of the school. He leads, with Draken behind him, the wind whistling in his ears as Mikey directs him where to go from behind. He feels the hand of Mikey on his back, patting him as he urges him to go a little faster. The laughter bubbling out of one of his oldest friends is pleasant. It doesn't sound intimidating. On the contrary, he sounds like a kid having fun. It stirs something in Takemichi's gut that settles into a flutter, but he ignores it, pedaling faster.

They end up near a river, a residential area, and a bridge in the distance. The sun is setting slowly with the sky's painted with oranges, pinks, and yellows as clouds drifted further to the horizon as if following the sun down. As Takemichi keeps riding, something keeps invading his mind. So Takemichi turns his head slightly to look behind him at Mikey. "Why did you want to ride bikes?"

Mikey snorts. "That's a stupid question."

Takemichi bit the inside of his cheek to keep from cursing him out and promptly having his life ended right then and there. Mikey is cheeky.

Then he spoke, and it silences Takemichi's internal sulking. "Because we're friends. We haven't hung out as much lately. Since I've been busy with Toman. I'm sorry about that."

And like that, the words blew out the burning annoyance Takemichi is brewing from Mikey's petulant behavior like a candle. Takemichi sorts through various emotions to explain how he is feeling. He settles on appreciation.

"The anniversary of her death is next month," Mikey comments, "do you want us to go with you to the grave?."

The smile Mikey has is of fondness, as if he could picture his grandmother in his head. He probably did. Thinking of her made Takemichi's chest tighten, and that Mikey cared about her too.

"It's okay. I'll go alone, but you can visit if you want at some point." Takemichi turns back to face forward, trying to compose himself.

"She'd be proud of you, Mitchy!"

The innocence of this comment almost makes his heart retch out of his chest. "Huh?" He keeps facing forward, pretending he is fine. That his voice didn't crack, and that he's not affected by the weight of the words.

They eventually stop their bikes. Mikey gets off and stands on the grass, staring at the sunset, before turning back toward Takemichi. "Nobody thinks delinquents nowadays are cool. When my brother was growing up, there were tons of biker gangs around before. They would rip through the city on their loud motorcycles."

Ah, he's talking about his dream again, Takemichi thinks.

Takemichi watches as Mikey becomes lost in a daze, thinking. "They were bold as hell and fought all the time. But they took care of their own problems. What's so lame about that?"

Mikey sits, and Takemichi can only watch as his hair blows slightly and the waves of his blond hair waft off his shoulders, behind him like a cape. "I'm going to make a new age of delinquents."

The honesty gets to him. He's heard it before, but Takemichi is thrown for a loop still. It hits more as his mind lingers, wondering what he wants out of life. Mikey has a dream. Whether idealized or not, he is striving for something, unlike Takemichi. Sure he isn't interested in being in a gang. But, he can get a sensible job when he's older. Something that was guaranteed and not dangerous. But Mikey, who's barely fifteen, already has his eyes on something big. He's building a kingdom from the ground up, and whether it's childish or unrealistic, Takemichi has no right to say.

It means something to Mikey.

And part of him wants to give in to his childish whim and admit he hopes Mikey succeeds.

Then Mikey stands, the sky almost blanketed in a pinkish-orange glow as the sun peeks from behind a tall building. He turns, dark eyes gazing into Takemichi's blue eyes, "I know I ask every time I see you, but I want you to join me." His eyes are unwavering. He is serious, sending Takemichi's heart thumping in his chest. "To us, you are a founding member - the seventh founding member. Therefore, you should be a division captain."

Takemichi chuckles."I get Baji wanting to start Toman to protect our friends. And now you have this dream. But this new age is your dream, Mikey."

"And I want to share it with you, Hanagaki Takemichi." He almost gasps when he says his name correctly. He's only done that a couple of times. "You're special. You're good at fighting, but you can find guys good at fighting anywhere. But a guy who'll stand up to anyone…"

"Not many guys like you at all," Draken finishes, smiling at Takemichi.

The two leave the bikes and start walking off. Mikey is further away, with Draken lagging behind. The taller boy turns his head, looking back at Takemichi. "Think about it, Mitchy."

Takemichi makes it back home. He shuts the door, leaning against it as if he'd fall over without its support.

He's at a crossroads. Mikey wants him to help him fulfill his dream. His friends are thankful to him for saving him when he barely landed some hits before Mikey and Draken broke up the fighting ring. These people think he is so cool, and yet, he doesn't feel cool at all. He's not a delinquent. Takemichi's sure his father would worry endlessly about that. And even if he did help Mikey, he would have to fight people. What does that say about his grandmother warning him only to fight if it's unavoidable? Is every fight going to be that way? He could die getting involved in this.

But there's this feeling deep down. He wants to matter and do something meaningful. He doesn't know what he wants yet, but Takemichi can start by helping people around him again. Get that passion back, like Hina mentioned. Help Mikey with his dream, maybe?

Takemichi is no hero. He never was. He was just some kid that put his all into whatever he did. Maybe that in itself is special?

After a while, Takemichi still didn't have an answer to Mikey's request. He's asked before, but this time feels different. Even as Draken called him to join up at Musashi Shrine for a Toman meeting, Draken cut it off abruptly before Takemichi could ask why? He shouldn't be surprised they ask him to attend as many meetings as they can get him to agree. According to them, he is the unofficial official Toman member (read: unofficial official division captain). Did they want an answer at the meeting if he'd join them? Takemichi isn't sure if he could. It would take time away from his life to be focused on a gang. He got money sent from his dad, but what if he wants to do a part-time job. He has school, too, and hanging with his friends is also important.

But for some reason, he decides to go. So he gets dressed and heads out. Even though it was almost the end of July, it is cooler tonight. As Takemichi heads to the shrine, arriving at the bottom, he sees Mikey and Draken standing with the captains.

"Oi, Takemitchy," Draken calls as he walks over to him and Mikey. "Glad you could make it."

"Yeah, thank you for having me." What else can he say? Thanks, I felt bad, so I showed up, and I also show up most of the time anyway. He offers a polite smile as Mikey keeps talking.

Draken announced the meeting is starting and begins to walk beside Mikey. Mikey turned towards Takemichi, a serious look on his face, "Takemitchy, you stay behind us as we head up the stairs, then stand with Baji and the 1st division members."

Takemichi nods. It's similar whenever he shows up for a meeting. He follows them upstairs and stands with one of the division captains. Baji throws an arm around him. "Mitchy, when are you going to join Toman, huh?"

"Ah, I'm not sure." Takemichi hesitates under Baji's inquisitive stare.

He clicks his tongue, "You're a founding member and division captain as far as I'm concerned."

Kazutora comes up and kicks Baji in the back.

"Ah fuck, what the hell Kaz?"

"Stop hogging Mitchy! You're not his only friend." Kaz sticks his tongue out and then says hello to Takemichi before he goes to stand with his division.

"He loves getting on your nerves." Takemichi teases, and Baji just grins, ruffling his hair.

He seems to stop after that, focusing back on the task as Mikey and Draken made their way up the stairs, followed by Baji and Takemichi.

When he gets to the top, a sea of people donning black uniforms, part allowing Mikey and Draken to pass. Takemichi follows Baji and stands with his division. The Toman members eye him with recognition, curiosity, and admiration. Takemichi feels like he unintentionally has respect because they know his history with Mikey and how he was there when Toman was created. Yet, he is aware he stands out like a sore thumb, a hoodie instead of a black jacket, jeans instead of black pants, and sneakers instead of boots.

It isn't just the uniform. As the meeting began, Takemichi became overwhelmed. He had attended meetings about rival gangs, which led to some fights. However, he was only involved in about four since Toman was founded. Besides the Black Dragon fight, the others were smaller. It's still a world standing in front of him that he constantly toed the line. Then they explain an impending battle on August 3rd. The explanation of what incited the fight, what happened to Pah-chin's friend and his friend's girlfriend - both beaten by a rival gang. He recalls being younger and hearing when Kazutora got beaten up by the Black Dragons. This is why he's scared of being involved in this life.

Once the meeting ends, Takemichi stands by the steps waiting for Mikey and Draken. He doesn't know if he'd fit into this life, but when Mikey motions him over to the circle with him and the other captains. Kazutora throws an arm around his shoulders, and Mitsuya ruffles his hair. While standing there, he remembers Mikey's smile while riding bikes and how his hair moves in the wind while spoke about his dreams of an idealized world of delinquents. They are heroes to him.

"Takemitchy," Mikey starts. He looks at him before giving a small smile, "I want you to join us for the battle on August 3rd."

Takemichi manages to get himself involved in another mess. But maybe he dug this grave by not helping his friends sooner with Kiyomasa?

"I can't say no, right?" Takemichi asks. He knows Mikey, maybe too well. But he wants to see if there is any wiggle room here.

Mikey looks at him as if almost impressed he asked. "Nope, can't refuse ♡"

He isn't surprised he asks. Takemichi already fought for his friends against Kiyomasa, so he guesses he's helping again. If he kicks a few horrible guys in the face, he might feel like he did something decent. "Okay. I'll help you on August 3rd."

And Mikey gives him a genuine smile that burns into his mind. He feels his hands sweat, so he puts them in his pockets. Why did Mikey look at him with relief? He isn't saving their necks. He would probably not help that much. They have like a hundred guy's here at Toman. He didn't know how big this Moebius battle would be, but Takemichi wasn't this ruthless warrior that would lead them to victory. He just hopes they win.

As he walks away from the shine, he thinks of Mikey staring at him like that. It did something to his insides. He felt a sense of pride swell in his chest again, a foreign feeling he hadn't felt in years. His grandma told him he was heroic. That not just anybody throws himself in the way to protect others. And even if he is against the fight, he is offering his help. And if he did or didn't, it is for Takemichi to know, but maybe, just maybe, part of him thought he made the right choice.

Chapter Text

It was hot today, the sun shining as Takemichi and Mikey walked together towards the corner store. The sound of Mikey's flip-flops slapped against his feet as he walked filled in the pauses of their conversation. Takemichi listened to him talk about how he made a new friend after beating up some guy.

"His name is Ken-chin. You'll like him! I'll introduce you next time!" Mikey smiled, and Takemichi couldn't help as his lips curved upward.

"He sounds nice," Takemichi added. "But you shouldn't fight all the time, Mikey."

"I didn't even go looking for a fight. They were looking for one."

"I know, but you didn't have to go."

Mikey scoffed. "It's way easier to fight. I can protect you and everyone else too." He looked at the sky for a moment before looking forward again, down the street. "Do you not like me fighting?"

Takemichi panicked. He didn't want to lecture him about it. Or have Mikey wonder why he told him that. However, he has heard around the neighborhood his best friend's name. People call him a strong fighter. "It's not that. It's just that sometimes talking helps too. My grandma told me that. You don't always have to end up fighting." Takemichi thought for a moment. "Don't you ever get scared fighting?"

Mikey glanced at his friend. His eyes studied his face before he sighed. "Nah, I'm too strong. I guess that's where we're different."

Takemichi stopped walking, and Mikey looked to see he wasn't following him anymore. He looked panicked for a moment. "Mitchy?" He realized what he had said. "I didn't mean you're not strong."

"No, it's okay. Sorry, I shouldn't have said anything." He doesn't want to worry him. "Uh, it's not bad that we're different. Remember what I said when we met. We each only know the stuff we've done, so it makes sense. You're used to something else, that's all."

Mikey stared at him, realizing he had upset him, but he heard some laughter from behind him before he could speak. Mikey glanced and saw three guys walking toward them. As if his body was acting on instinct, he backed up to stand in front of Takemichi, shielding him.

"Well, what do we got here? A couple of babies."

Takemichi held his breath as he saw Mikey tense in front of him.

"What the hell, pipsqueaks? Why don't you head on home?" Then he grinned. "But first, you got any money on you?"

"Mikey. Let's go." Takemichi spoke.

"Huh, Mikey?" One of the guys questioned. "Isn't there some guy beating people up named Mikey? Don't tell me it's this kid. A brat like him knocking people out cold?"

"Don't call him a brat!" Takemichi called from behind Mikey. The blond can't help feeling happy at Takemichi defending him.

The trio took note of Takemichi behind the blond boy, and one laughed. "What's this? You wanna fight in his place instead?"

Takemichi sneered. "We're not looking for a fight."

At that, they stepped forward. "Well, it looks like you found one. You punks talkin' shit. I bet you can't even-"

Before he finished, Mikey rushed forward, jumping up and kicking him in the face. He fell back onto the ground.

Mikey lands on the ground, standing up. He glared at them. "I'm giving you a warning, touch my friend, and I'll kill you."

The others, fear casting over their face, grabbed their friend and dragged him away.

Mikey's shoulders sagged as he turned to face Takemichi. "Is that what you meant? About talking first instead of fighting?"

"Uh, kind of, yeah." Takemichi didn't point out that he still knocked someone out cold.

Then Mikey smiled, onyx eyes gleamed as he walked up and grabbed Takemichi's hands, holding them in his grasp, ignoring the fact he just kicked someone in the face. "I'm not the best at thinking before rushing in sometimes. That's why I got you, Mitchy! You give good advice and are always around when I need you. So you don't have to fight all the time. I'll take care of you."

Maybe it's how small his voice sounds as if he's saying too much, scared of the response. But Takemichi smiled back. "Thank you. And I'll take care of you too, Manjiro!"

Mikey looked at him, surprised before he smiled back. "Okay! I promise! Always! So stay by my side!"

Then Mikey threw an arm around his shoulders.

"Come on. I'll buy you a snack." Mikey offered.

"Okay!"

They walk next to each other. Mikey peeks out of the corner of his eye. Takemichi is walking forward, mouth moving as he talks about something. Mikey wasn't sure what. All he knew was he didn't want to worry him. Maybe he didn't have to fight all the time? But Takemichi promised to take care of him, which comforts him.

Chapter Text

Even though Mikey claims it will be a decisive match between Moebius on August 3rd, Takemichi didn't know what to expect. When they were younger, they fought the 9th generation of the Black Dragons at the time and managed to win, honestly, when there weren't as many of them. But now that Toman has grown, they could probably win since they have around a hundred members.Takemichi believes it'd work out for them regardless. With Mikey leading, Toman is strong. Still, he has this feeling in his gut that something might happen. Maybe he is just anxious over the impending brawl? After all, the battle with Moebius was his first big fight since they were kids.

As Takemichi gets ready for the day, brushing his messy dark hair, he hears his phone vibrate. He grabs it from off his bed and flips it open. Mikey texts him about coming outside.

When he walks to his window, peeking out on the front lawn, he sees Mikey and Draken outside. Takemichi carefully slides open the window, leaning out. "Mikey, Draken, what is it?"

Mikey looks up and gives a lopsided grin. "Mitchy, come play with us ♡"

"We're getting lunch and making a stop somewhere." Draken clarifies.

Takemichi ponders for a second before deciding."Do I get a choice?"

Mikey chuckles. "How could you not want to stare at this handsome face for the day?"

Draken rolls his eyes, and Takemichi gives him a quizzical look. "That's the best offer you got?"

Draken has a coughing fit (read: covered up his laughing) and Mikey pouts then sticks out his tongue. "You're so mean to your best friend, Takemitchy!"

Takemichi chuckles and states he'll be down in a few minutes, closing the window and finishing getting dressed. He smoothes down his Las Vegas t-shirt and opens the front door, only to have a body launch its whole weight at him. Takemichi manages to hold them both up, blond hair tickling his nose.

"Mitchy!" Mikey wraps his arms around Takemichi's neck. Mikey pulls back to look at him. "We haven't hung out in forever, and you're being mean when Ken-chin and I came to pick you up."

"Mikey, you and Draken come at least once a week to pick me up from school. We hung out recently too." Takemichi greets Draken and begins walking as Mikey gently pulls him by the wrist.

"Well, sometimes you don't want to. And I want to hang out as much as I can." Takemichi smiles, letting Mikey pull him along.

When they find a restaurant to eat at, which consists of Mikey whining about where he wants to go, and Takemichi and Draken unwillingly going along, besides Mikey's antics, Takemichi feels kind of happy about going out today. It becomes a pattern when he only leaves his house for school and getting groceries, so being social right now was comforting.

When they slide into the booth, Takemichi sits next to Draken, and Mikey notices.

"Takemitchy, why are you sitting over there? Don't you wanna sit next to me?" Mikey interlaces his fingers and rests them under his chin, gazing at Takemichi.

But Takemichi, not picking up on Mikey's hinting, smiles. "I wanted to sit where I could face you while we talked."

Mikey's thoughts falter. If Takemichi keeps throwing sweet words at him like this, then he will succeed in defeating the undefeated commander of Toman.

Draken just examines the menu, looking for what to eat and pointedly ignoring his oblivious friend and flirting friend. He gives a small sigh. Like he wanted to be a third wheel today or ever. When they order, and their food arrives, Takemichi eats his ordered omurice, and Draken eats his curry. Mikey, who also got the same order of omurice, tempura shrimp, and other various foods, stares at the dish like it personally offended him.

"What the hell?!"

Both Takemichi and Draken look up.

"Huh?"

"Mikey, what is it?" Takemichi inquires.

Mikey points to the food, brows knitted downward. "I'll never forgive this!"

Takemichi wonders what got him riled up. He looks like he's ready to start a fight.

"There's no flag!"

Takemichi wishes he could disappear at this moment. One thing he never got over is how much of a kid Mikey still acts like, even at fifteen. He is still young, yeah, but the fact he is throwing a fit because he didn't get a flag in a kid's meal is on another level.

Takemichi covered his face with his hand as the restaurant owner came over, bowing as he apologized.

"I got the kid's meal because I was excited for the flag!" Mikey puffed out his cheeks, glancing away. It was almost funny if not for the fact he is downright spoiled.

"I…I apologize. I'll put one in right now." The owner states.

"I don't want it now."

"Manjiro." Takemichi hissed his name.

Mikey peeked at Takemichi for a few seconds before turning away and pouting.

Draken, absolutely fed up at this point, calmly pulls one of the many flags he keeps in his pocket for situations like this. "Look, Mikey, a flag."

"Wow! You're the best Ken-chin!" Mikey's eyes widen, gleaming as he watches the flag resting on the top of his food.

Takemichi finally looks over at Draken, who meets his eyes. "You just keep flags in your pocket?"

Draken shrugs. "Come on, you know he always gets like that. I just came up with the idea to keep some on me in case stuff like this happens."

Takemichi snorts. "Draken, you scare me with how well you handle situations."

Draken grins. "I'll take it as a compliment as vice president."

When the restaurant owner leaves, seeing the situation solved itself, they go back to eating. Unfortunately, Draken is about to tear his hair out once they finish.

"I've had it! Shut the hell up, Mikey!"

Takemichi looked down at the scene. Mikey. Also known as Sano Manjiro. The invincible leader of Toman curled up, sleeping without a care.

"He's snoring loudly too." Takemichi sighs, ignoring the looks of the people looking over in the restaurant. Even though it's embarrassing, he can't help smiling at the silly sight.

"Quit falling asleep after you eat."

"Mmm...I can't eat anymore…." Mikey mumbles, and Takemichi can't help the fond smile on his face.

Draken sighs. "Jeez, what am I gonna do with you?"

Takemichi helps lift Mikey onto his back, and the three leave the restaurant. They start walking, with Takemichi following. Draken mentioned going somewhere else after they ate, but where that was, Takemichi didn't have a clue, so he just strolled behind them. He could hear Mikey talking in his sleep, but he was unsure what he was saying.

"Next time, you carry him." Draken calls behind him at Takemichi.

"Nah, I'm good. Mikey already latches on to me every chance he gets."

Draken laughs softly. "That's so like him."

"Yeah."

After a moment, Draken speaks. "Hey, Takemitchy. What do you think of Mikey?"

Takemichi is confused by the question but responds. "Mikey's my friend." Then he thought a little more about it. "He's someone I believe in a lot. I look up to him. Is that what you meant?"

"Yeah, something like that…." Draken replies.

Takemichi wanted to ask what was up, feeling like there was more to the question, but then they stopped in front of a hospital. Draken sets Mikey down carefully. Mikey rubs his eyes, yawning and looking around at his surroundings.

"The hospital?"

"Yeah."

"What're we here for?"

"A little visit," Draken says, gesturing for Mikey and Takemichi to follow him.

They walk down the hallway of the hospital. Takemichi notices Draken go to the nurses' station and speak to a nurse. Takemichi doesn't hear the conversation but sees her point down the hallway. Draken thanks her and tells them to follow. Mikey glances over at Takemichi as if silently asking what's going on.

Takemichi shrugs as Mikey's guess is as good as his. So they must be visiting someone.

But Takemichi didn't know anyone personally in the hospital right now.

As they walk further down the hall, Draken eventually stops in front of a glass window. Mikey and Takemichi go to stand with him.

"Who's that?" Mikey asks Draken.

There's a girl who looked asleep. She has an oxygen mask on and her head bandaged. Takemichi could see bruises on her skin.

"That's Pah's friend's girlfriend," Draken admits.

Takemichi froze, looking back at the girl in the hospital bed. His mind goes back to the meeting and how Pah-chin begged Mikey for them to fight Moebius because of what happened to his friend and his friend's girlfriend. Both beaten.

The cause of the conflict with Moebius is because of this.

He felt so bad for them both. Hearing this kind of stuff, Takemichi feared getting involved in gangs. It was one thing, starting a fight, even if he was defending someone. But gang conflicts felt like this other intense level. He's scared. If they beat someone not even involved except being in a relationship with a gang member, then what else could Moebius do? Maybe this fight wouldn't be easy.

"Seven stitches in her head, broken teeth. Detached retina on her left eye." Draken explains.

Takemichi felt his stomach get queasy, hearing this, but he kept listening.

"Bruises all over her body. Left her with broken ribs, and she's been unconscious for five days."

Even though he didn't know her, Takemichi began to tear up. He wiped his eyes quickly, ignoring Mikey's eyes darting over to him.

"That's horrible," Takemichi utters.

"This is how Moebius treats its victims. A passerby found her collapsed on the street and reported what had happened." Draken finishes.

"What the hell are you doing here?!"

Takemichi, Draken, and Mikey look down the hall, hearing someone shouting. An older man and woman walk up. The man is pointing at them, and his face morphs into anger. "How dare you waltz in here after putting my daughter in the ICU?! Get out! Get out! Scumbags!"

The woman tries to calm him. "Honey, please!"

These are the girl's parents. Takemichi can't even blame them. He'd imagine his father losing his composure if the same thing happened to him. Takemichi remembers seeing his grandmother always trying to keep composed, even when he would get into fights. How worried she must've been.

Their daughter had been put through hell. So, of course, they have every right to be angry.

And Draken doesn't say anything. He bows instead. Takemichi stares because this was always how Draken was. He could empathize with people and always remained clear-headed. He knows how they're hurting.

"You think bowing is gonna solve this you little worm?! My daughter almost died. Thanks to you bastards!"

Mikey remained in his position, hands in his pocket, just staring. "Don't bow to him Ken-chin. We did nothing wrong. Why's this old man taking it out on us?"

Takemichi is incredulous at Mikey's response. He wants to ask what he means. How could he not understand it didn't matter? People, decent people, could get caught in the crossfire of fights like Toman and Moebius and other gangs. And have their family and friends worry like right now.

"Get out! You slimy little worms!"

"Huh?" Mikey asks irritation lacing his voice. "Who're you callin' a worm?"

Takemichi can't stand it. He hurries forward and stands next to Mikey, bowing like Draken. Mikey looks down at him, stunned.

"Takemitchy?! Don't bow! You aren't even-"

Draken grabs Mikey's head and pushes it down, making him bend forward to bow.

"We're very sorry about what happened," Draken states.

"Hey! What the hell?!" Mikey argues.

"It's entirely our responsibility." Draken continues.

"Hey!"

"We're…" Takemichi starts. "We're so sorry…." He notices droplets fall to the tiled floor.

Mikey glances as best as he can. His eyes widened, seeing Takemichi crying next to him.

"You think bowing will make my daughter better. You worms?!" The man scowls at them. "You're a stain on society! You're trash. Filth. Garbage."

"Please stop!" The woman attempts to calm her husband.

Mikey keeps trying to raise his head, but Draken keeps it down. Takemichi takes the words to heart. He thinks of people he beat up and how they might've had a parent or friend worry. But then he thinks of the people he helped and how thankful they were. The good doesn't outweigh the bad. His actions, like everyone's, have consequences, whatever his intentions are. People can get hurt. And even though Toman wasn't directly involved. Draken understands these things will happen. People will lose or have loved ones hurt in conflicts like this.

Mikey feels angrier listening to the words spewing from this man's mouth. "Huh?"

"Pipe down, Mikey," Draken whispers.

Takemichi knows Mikey is right, that it's not their fault. But he stands there alongside them, bowing. Because it, in the end, is the least they could do.

The man stares down at them. He clenches his fist but then relaxes as he feels the anger slowly leave him. "My daughter's been in a coma since then. Why?" The man begins to cry, tears rolling down his cheeks. "My sweet little girl's been completely disfigured."

Takemichi's lips tremble as he cries too. He hears the woman sobbing. And their feet padding as they start to walk away. They don't move. Their head's still down.

"Please leave…we never want to see you again." The man says.

As the sound of their footsteps disappears, the three remain in the position, Mikey no longer trying to raise his head.

"We're going to fight Moebius soon. We'll deal with our own problems in our own world." Draken explains. "All our members have families. People they care about. We can't let any outsiders get harmed. We can't make their friends and families cry."

Takemichi listens and knows Draken's right.

"You don't even have to bow. Just care about others. Have a heart." Draken implores.

"You're so kind, Ken-chin. Sorry Ken-chin."

"Takemichi, I know you agreed to help, even though you aren't technically in Toman. Because of our history together. But I wanted you to come today anyway to hear this as well. We don't want you to have people you care for get hurt too."

Takemichi nods, wiping at his eyes and nose. "Thank you for letting me come today. I'll do my best. I don't want people to get harmed like this again."

Draken has the ghost of a smile on his lips as he listens. Mikey stares at the ground, listening to Takemichi and Draken and trying to understand them. Draken bowed even though they hadn't done anything. Takemichi isn't even involved in a gang besides occasionally helping Toman and bowed and even cried, hearing their pain. They both were always good with that.

Empathy.

After meeting his friends, Mikey realized this a while ago, but he has a better idea now. Takemichi and Draken are like his conscience, and they help him understand when he doesn't think clearly. They guide him. He can't imagine not having them in his life.

"I'm glad you're both here with me…." Mikey adds.

They head back to the entrance to leave. Mikey yawns, leaning on Takemichi, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.

"You okay?" Mikey studies him.

Takemichi sniffles. "Yeah, I'm alright."

"Good." Mikey still kept his arm around him. "Man, now I'm hungry."

"Huh?" Draken looks at him. "You just ate?"

"Sleeping makes me hungry," Mikey replies.

Draken scoffs. "How's that even work?"

Takemichi gives a soft chuckle at the display. He guesses he can eat something again too.

Takemichi remembered that day his grandma patched him up after he got into a fight on the playground. She gently pressed bandaids over his face, arms and legs. Then, she kissed him atop his head, sending him to his room.

But when he closed the door behind him, Takemichi remembers sinking to the floor. The adrenaline was wearing off, and exhaustion was setting in from crying. But he couldn't help crying some more.

He was scared.

If only he were strong like Manjiro, the bullies would have been easy to beat. Instead, he's impressed by the blond boy he met, fighting so effortlessly. But he's embarrassed he had to be saved.

If he was strong, he could save people too.

Maybe he could help himself too?

So he wouldn't feel bad his dad and grandma had to take care of him.

But why?

Why did he start thinking about that now?

"So anyway, Yamagishi was like-"

"Huh?" Takemichi blinked. He was zoning out a bit on his ride with Akkun. Why did his brain decide to show him that memory?

Akkun looked back as if trying to figure something out. "You listening Takemichi? Say something will ya?"

"Ah sorry. I wasn't listening."

Akkun sighs but doesn't say anything. That's right. He is giving Takemichi a ride to meet Mikey and the others to discuss the plans for the fight with Moebius. He didn't know why he was overthinking this so much. But after the visit to the hospital and this anxiety settling into his stomach, he feels like something might happen.

Takemichi finds it funny. He hasn't been like this before, so focused on a fight. But slowly, he was allowing himself deeper, intertwining in this conflict. But he wants to help, deep down. Because Mikey asked, he wants to help his friends. But again, he couldn't just help others forever.

He had to do things for himself too.

So what did Takemichi want to do?

"Akkun?"

"Hm?"

"Akkun, what's your dream?"

"Huh? What's with you?…. Is this an after-school special?" Akkun chuckled nervously.

"I'm serious," Takemichi urges.

"Hmm…my dream? A beautician, I guess?"

Takemichi smiles fondly, seeing Akkun busy at a hair salon, cutting hair and styling patrons inside a nicely decorated shop. It fills him with warmth.

His friends all have dreams, and they have their own goals and aspirations. Takemichi wants that too.

"You better become one." Takemichi comments.

"Huh?" Akkun looks back at him, surprised at how serious he's getting. "What're you saying? I'm not sure about it yet?"

Takemichi inhales, taking a deep breath before screaming at the top of his lungs. "YOU BETTER BECOME ONE!!!"

Akkun's startled and almost loses balance before swerving the bike back on the path. He turns around, flustered. "You! Stop it! What's your problem, Takemichi?"

"I don't know what I want to do yet. So I'll support the people I care about in the meantime."

Akkun stills, glancing behind him. Takemichi's head lowers, but a smile blooms on his face.

"I'm behind you all the way." Then he looks up smiling, teeth and all. "So you'd better become one!"

"Uh, okay…" Akkun doesn't know what to say to that. He doesn't get the outburst, but sometimes Takemichi doesn't make sense. Sometimes he got in this mood where he would say the most motivational stuff he had ever heard, especially for someone so young, so he's not surprised by this. But Akkun can't help the smile that forms on his face as he looks forward. He really got a good friend.

"Okay! You promise?" Takemichi asks.

"Yeah…sure."

"I'll be your first customer." Takemichi grinned, thinking about the future with them older and him coming to get haircuts from Akkun.

"Hey, isn't this where you wanted me to drop you off?"

"Oh yeah, right!"

Akkun stops the bike, and Takemichi hops off. He looks back at his friend. "I gotta go."

"You're just having a meeting in a warehouse? Don't you usually do that at the shrine?" Akkun asks.

Takemichi merely smiles. "It's something small, so it didn't need a whole meeting." Takemichi leaves before his friend can ask anything else.

Like Draken said, he didn't want to involve people he cared about in this fight. Takemichi was doing this because he cared about Mikey and the others. But the Mizo Mid Gang. Hina. He doesn't want them getting hurt. But he had to be careful too because he didn't want his friends crying for him either.

He stands in front of the building before going in. There's no dedicated building for Toman, so Mikey and the other members frequent the shrine and abandoned warehouses. Takemichi slid open the door, peering in, and saw them gathered near the center.

"Mikey…" Takemichi walks inside.

"Takemitchy…" Mikey comments. He's sitting at the center.

"Thanks for coming by, Takemitchy," Draken says as Takemichi strolls up to where they are.

"Mitchy." Pah-chin nods toward him.

"Huh? Why the fuck is he here?!" Peh-yan questions.

"He's helping with the Moebius fight. He's an outsider, so he's being informed of what's gonna go down." Mikey interjects. "Is that a problem?" Peh-yan doesn't reply.

Takemichi feels nervous all of a sudden. Maybe he shouldn't be doing this. But then he thinks back to the hospital visit. The parent's crying over their daughter. So Takemichi tries to calm down. There is always a risk to everything.

So he listens as they go over the details of the fight at the festival and what they know. It's a lot to take in, but Takemichi listens. He's trying to ignore this voice in the back of his mind: what if Moebius tries something since they know Toman is preparing to fight? Or maybe he's just being cautious?

"Based on what we discussed, I've decided we're officially gonna fight Moebius on August 3rd at the Musashi festival," Mikey announces.

Finally, Takemichi builds up the courage to speak up. "But are you sure Moebius might not try something beforehand? After the stuff they already pulled, it might be possible?"

Mikey looks at him. He looks annoyed. "Are you questioning my decision?"

That was surprising. "What? No-"

"You are only helping Takemitchy as a favor to me. You didn't want any part in Toman, so you shouldn't care who we fight?"

Why is Mikey saying this?

"So I can't give input even though I'm helping? Mikey-"

"Takemitchy does have a point," Draken interupts, likely sensing the direction the conversation is going. "Maybe it's not such a bad idea to see what Moebius is up to, Mikey?"

"Hm? Ken-chin." Mikey looks up at him. "Are you defying Toman?"

"Huh?" Draken responds. "It's not like that at all."

"Yeah it is."

Takemichi doesn't have a chance to say anything before the doors to the warehouse open up again. Someone steps inside.

"Sorry to interrupt your little group meeting. But you keep saying Moebius." It's a guy that is wearing a gang uniform. He uses a comb to slick his hair back. "Would you mind not repeating our name like that? You mid-school babies."

"You're Osanai!..." Pah announces.

"Shut it, dick cheese." Osanai grins.

"You bastard."

"Hey, I'm two years older than you. That's Mr. Bastard to you."

Pah-chin charges toward him and tries to punch him, but Osanai dodges and punches Pah across the face. "Yup ♡ Nothing but a mid-schooler."

"Pah-chin!" Peh-yan calls out.

Takemichi looks, seeing he knocked out Pah.

"Tokyo Manji Gang?" Osanai scoffs. "Change your name. More like 'mid-school infant alliance." The leader snapped his fingers. Walking in behind him were at least a hundred gang members. "I heard you were picking a fight with Moebius."

Osanai grins. "So we're gonna strike first ♡"

"Let's do it to it ♡"

"Dance, mid-schoolers!"

"Mikey of the mid-school infant alliance ♡" Osanai taunts.

The fight between Toman and Moebius is starting now? Takemichi watched the warehouse fill up with the gang members. Takemichi frowned. So this is the leader of Moebius.

Osanai's responsible for Pah asking Mikey to fight Moebius. Takemichi hates people like Osanai, unnecessarily hurting others.

Was this that bad feeling he got about this?

"You bought a lot of people to ambush some mid-schoolers," Mikey comments as the members circle them. "You're just as shitty as I imagined you'd be, Osanai."

"Huh?! Can't hear ya you're too shrimpy."

Takemichi didn't think he'd look like this. He was different than he imagined. It would've made sense for a scary figure, like a monster from a kid's nightmare. But he's just a louder, annoying bully. He reminded Takemichi of Kiyomasa.

"Hey." Osanai looks at Takemichi. "The fuck do you think you starin' at punk."

Takemichi, even though he was worried, still couldn't help thinking how Osanai wasn't as scary as he thought. And it likely shows on his face.

Takemichi snorts. "Not lookin' at much."

That upset him. "What the fuck you say, you little shit. You're looking down on me, aren't you? I hate that look more than anything else-"

"Osanai," Mikey called, catching the scarred guy's attention mid-rant. "If you lay one finger on my friend, I'll kill you." Mikey smiled, the statement not matching his expression. Takemichi tensed because he was used to Mikey's overprotectiveness but he stilled winced at the statement.

Osanai didn't listen, however. "Oh, the shrimp thinks he can take me on? Well, I'll take you all on." He turns back to Takemichi. "How about I start with you."

Takemichi is prepared to fight him since he wants to single out the dark-haired boy.

But Pah-chin interlocks his arm with Osanai's, stopping him from punching Takemichi. "Your fight's with me, asshole."

Osanai chuckles, moving away from Takemichi and heading to the center of the warehouse. Takemichi stays back watching.

"You've known him for a while, right, Hanagaki?" Peh-yan asks, coming up to stand next to Takemichi. "So you know Pah-chin ain't weak."

"Peh-yan…" Even though they just met, Takemichi can tell Peh-yan looks up to Pah-chin.

"Pah-chin's one of Toman's best fighters. He's the kind of guy who takes on entire teams solo and kicks all their asses. No way he's gonna lose to a shit stain like Osanai."

"Still…" even if they stop Osanai, they would have to deal with the members currently watching the fight.

"Takemitchy," Mikey speaks, garnering his attention. "Sit back and watch. This is Pah's fight."

So Takemichi does, albeit hesitantly, pushing the urge to rush forward and jump into the fight.

Pah runs toward Osanai but gets a punch to the face, making him stumble back.

"Hahaha ♡ What's wrong?"

"Bastard." Pah spits out blood in his mouth. "So you do a little boxing, huh?..."

Pah-chin braces himself before running forward again. Osanai dodges his punch and reels back, punching Pah in the center of his face.

"Oh shit! He took that full-on!" Peh says.

Pah stops, swaying slightly. He chuckles. "That punch couldn't even kill an ant."

Takemichi gasps, seeing the blood dripping from Pah-chin's nose and his movements slow. He looks like he'll fall over at a moment's notice.

"No way…just after one good hit?!..." Peh-yan watches, horrified. "Osanai's a beast!" At the realization Pah is in trouble, Peh tries to run over. "Pah-chin!"

"Peh!" Mikey calls. "I said to sit back and watch, didn't I?"

"Sorry Mikey…" Peh-yan warily responds.

Takemichi observes the fight but feels his anger rising. Still, he tries to remain calm.

"Mikey." Takemichi pleads. "Pah's nose is broken. He's barely conscious. He shouldn't fight anymore."

Mikey turns to him, with nothing but a smile and dark irises glimpsing back at him. "Why? He hasn't given up yet."

Takemichi watches their friend swaying, still standing, thinking back to something Mikey said. That Takemichi was a guy that'll stand up to anyone, and it took a lot to knock him down. Mikey admires strength, Takemichi has come to realize. And he surrounds himself with strong people. Takemichi watches as Osanai keeps landing hits. Blood spurts out of Pah-chin's nose. The dark-haired boy knows his friends are strong, as evidenced by Pah-chin still standing up. But even though Pah's still standing, it doesn't mean he'll stand forever. How long can this continue?

And after a few seconds, Pah-chin stops moving.

"Hey! He just passed out standing up!" Osanai jokes, eliciting some laughs from the other members.

Pah-chin's body leans to the side and is about to fall before Mikey steps forward, catching him. Then Pah's head falls on their friend's shoulder as Mikey holds him up with one arm.

"Sorry Mikey. I'm such a pussy."

"What're you saying?" Mikey smiles. "Listen. You haven't lost."

The Moebius members erupt into laughter.

"Huh?! The hell you saying?!"

"How the hell did he not lose that fight?"

"Don't be so friggin' stupid!"

"Hey Mikey! Get down on your knees and beg!"

"Not like we'll forgive you though!"

Mikey doesn't say anything as the gang members keep spewing comments. Mikey gently lowers Pah-chin to help him lay on the ground. Takemichi curls his hands at his side into fists, nails digging into his palm. The comments and laughter were grating on his nerves.

"All of you! Strip naked and beg on your hands and knees!"

"Try not to piss yourselves!"

"We won't let you off because you're widdle kids. Even if you cry ♡"

"Get ready for a spanking!"

After Mikey helps Pah-chin, he strolls over slowly toward Osanai. The Moebius leader spins around, grinning. "Oh? You want some, Mikey?"

Takemichi does have faith in Mikey, despite the heckling from the crowd watching. He has seen him fight for a good portion of his life. Osanai's bad news, but he's pretty sure Mikey will be fine.

"You'll be dead in 10 sec-"

Takemichi notices Mikey's leg kicks up. Here it comes.

"-onds!"

When Mikey's foot makes contact with his face, Osanai falls to the ground. It's quiet for a moment afterward as Mikey glances at him. The blond then raises his head to speak.

"Everyone who thinks Pah-chin lost, step forward. So I can kill you."

Silence.

"Toman belongs to me. Anyone who's behind me will never lose."

It's a bold claim from a person that Takemichi has the grace to call his best friend. But it comes from a place of assurance. Mikey believes what he says wholeheartedly. And that's something Takemichi always admired. That he holds on to and tries to do himself, even when he's scared, Mikey inspired him not to run away.

Seeing Mikey strong like this always reminds him of their first meeting.

Mikey turns to Draken, smiling. "Sorry, Ken-chin, I couldn't help it."

Draken huffs. "Nothing stops you, does it, Mikey?"

Draken can't help the fond smile on his face, and Takemichi remembers this, how despite Mikey being a little too cheeky or mischievous, Draken and Takemichi watch over him. But in moments like this, they both can't help supporting him, especially when Mikey helps people he cares about.

He really is a good leader, Takemichi thinks. And a good friend.

Draken's relief is short-lived as they all hear the sound of a bottle shattering and footsteps echo throughout the warehouse. Draken's eyes widen, looking behind Mikey. Osanai is coming toward the boy.

"Look out, Mikey!" Draken shouts.

"Draken!" Takemichi calls as Draken jumps in front of Mikey, and now Osanai is rushing toward him. Was this the danger he'd been worried about? It seems inevitable thinking of it now since Moebius cornered them in the warehouse. Not fighting fair isn't even a surprise at this point.

Osanai charges, reeling back his arm to strike with the bottle in his hand as he goes for Draken. Takemichi isn't surprised his own body is leaning forward, ready to jump in to help.

“Osanai!” Takemichi yells.

Before Takemichi can rush forward, Draken knees Osanai in the gut, catching the hand wielding the broken bottle.

"Osanai," Draken speaks, holding Osanai's body up. "I'll tell you why you lost. You strayed from the path of a true delinquent. You attacked a guy's parents and his girlfriend. Things only scum would do."

Takemichi feels the hair raise on his arms as Draken recounts what happened.

Draken turns to the Moebius members watching. "Hey! Next time you try this shit again, I'll track down each and every one of you and kill you myself!"

Takemichi sees the panic on their faces.

"These guys are scary."

"Are they really middle schoolers?" One member whispers.

"YOUR BOSS WAS BEATEN BY OUR BOSS, MIKEY! ANYBODY GOT A PROBLEM WITH THAT?!"

No one dares to speak up.

"IF NOBODY DOES THEN, FROM NOW ON, MOEBIUS WILL BE AFFILIATED WITH THE TOKYO MANJI GANG!!"

Stunned into silence by Draken's proclamation, Takemichi stares, eyes widened as he looks around, the air in the warehouse shifting as the power dynamic changes.

Wow…They won!

As scary as this life was, Takemichi couldn't help but be enthralled. Fights like this are how Toman got bigger and bigger. And Mikey was the head of it all. Pride settles in his chest because Takemichi got to grow up alongside him. His friend is realizing his dream. Is this why his friends were all enamored by being in a gang?

Members of Moebius look around, and Takemichi listens as he hears faint sirens.

"Shit, the cops," Draken remarks.

"What? The police?!" Takemichi says.

Sure, this wasn't the goal for today, but Takemichi didn't want to stick around to get caught. Luckily, it didn't end in someone dying.

"Are they here to celebrate our victory?" Peh-yan jokes. Mikey laughs.

Mikey turns back, smiling toward Takemichi. "Let's get outta here, Takemitchy!"

"O-Okay!"

"Haha, did you see me finish him off, Mitchy ♡"

"Uh-huh."

Takemichi can't believe how relaxed Mikey is and joking like he didn't knock someone to the ground, almost got attacked, and now they were running from the cops. But the corner of Takemichi's lip curls up. Mikey really is amazing.

"Hey, assholes!" Draken calls at some of the Moebius members running out. A few startled stop and turn to him. "Don't just escape on your own. Someone's gotta carry Osanai out!"

"Yeah…"

Takemichi doesn't notice it at first since he is heading out to leave. But he looks back to see if Draken and Pah are behind them. When he glances at Draken, holding up Osanai, Pah invades his eye line. Takemichi doesn't register what's happened until he focuses on the knife.

"You're not getting off so easy, Osanai."

"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING, PAH?!!" Draken yells, pushing Pah-chin away.

When Osanai falls to the ground, a knife sticks out of his side. Takemichi freezes. Pah stabbed Osanai.

"Pah…you just…" Mikey stares, words trailing off.

"Pah-chin? Where'd you get a knife?" Peh-yan asks, unsure how his friend even got a weapon.

"He stabbed him?..." Takemichi mumbles, eyes traveling to Draken rushing over, trying to shake Osanai.

"Osanai! Osanai!" Draken tries, but he isn't moving. Was he still alive?

"Osanai?!"

"No way?! He really stabbed him!"

Mikey looks around, hearing the sounds of sirens. The police are coming.

"We gotta run, Pah!" Mikey shouts.

"Sorry Mikey…" Pah-chin doesn't move from his position. Why is he apologizing? Takemichi, like the others, is getting anxious. They had to leave now.

"Peh-yan. Take care of the third division for me. I'm giving myself up."

Takemichi stares, all the air knocked out of him. His throat clenches as Pah-chin stares at them resolutely. He's serious.

"The hell you are!" Mikey shouts, hurrying forward to grab Pah before Draken grabs Peh-yan by the collar and Mikey around the waist.

"Quit standin' around!" Draken shouts.

"No! I won't leave him!" Mikey is reaching out, arms outstretched as Draken pulls him along. "Pah! Come with us!"

"We're all gonna get arrested!" Draken tries to reason.

"Pah!"

Takemichi darts his eyes away from Mikey, heart clenching at how desperately he was trying to call for their friend. As he looks back, he sees Pah-chin's back turned, shoulders slumping. It's burned into his mind as he looks once more before he turns on his heels to run out of the warehouse, sirens blaring in the distance.

As they run, Peh-yan screams, cursing why this had to happen. Takemichi, holding back tears, wonders that too. It pains him to leave, but he understands Pah-chin's decision. He understands he's taking responsibility.

They had been running for a few minutes as they got further away from the warehouse. When they no longer hear the wailing of police sirens, they stop in a residential area. Before Takemichi can say anything, he looks up seeing Mikey glaring at Draken.

Mikey rushed forward. That's when Takemichi realizes he was about to attack Draken. Takemichi runs up to Mikey, encircling his arms around the older boy arms and waist, holding him back.

"Takemitchy, let me go!" Mikey grits his teeth.

"No! Don't fight. It isn't Draken's fault!"

Peh-yan is further up. Takemichi can hear him cursing again.

"Why'd you leave Pah?!" Mikey shouts.

Draken stares, eyes pained, but answers his question. "We couldn't get caught. Pah turned himself in. We gotta finish this fight."

"Bullshit! We could've got him!"

"He was taking responsibility!"

"And now he got caught!"

"Mikey, stop it!" Takemichi tries to reason as Mikey tries to pull out of his hold. "We couldn't do anything!"

Finally, Mikey looks over his shoulder, searching Takemichi's eyes as if he can't believe him. "Couldn't do anything?! Pah's our friend unless you forgot?! So you're okay with him getting arrested?!"

"Mikey enough!" Draken shouts.

As the words left his mouth, Mikey tensed.

"Takemitchy…"

"Who said I am?…." Takemichi speaks, ignoring what Mikey said. Mikey stops squirming in Takemichi's arms as the dark-haired boy gives a sad look. "I'm not happy one bit. I'm sorry about Pah." Then he lets Mikey go.

Mikey looks at Takemichi for a few seconds before turning away. "Go home, Takemitchy," Mikey declares as he walks past Draken.

Draken looks back at Takemichi, worried. They all leave, downcasted. Takemichi heads back home, where he closes the door and falls to the floor. He sat there sobbing for a while. His worries about something going wrong ended up coming true.

Chapter Text

Mikey didn’t know when strength became so important to him. Losing his parents at a young age was hard. So he wanted to become strong, so he didn’t have to feel weak. To show how sad he was. And in seeking out strength, he surrounded himself with good people. Mikey, before Takemichi, had kept to himself. And now that he has experienced having people close to him, his family and friends, he doesn’t want to lose that.

That’s why he is here, meeting Kisaki. Because of his offer. Mikey wants to do whatever he can to keep people in his life. He doesn’t want to lose anyone else. So being strong will help him protect everyone.

As Mikey walked toward the center of the parking lot, Kisaki stood there. It’s strange how they met. Kisaki Tetta came up to him the day after he broke up Kiyomasa’s fighting ring and offered his help to Mikey. At first, Mikey's reaction was, ‘okay, thanks for the offer,’ but Mikey was shaken to his core once Pah-chin got sent to juvie. He felt cornered as if he had no other way but to accept Kisaki’s offer. Kisaki would get Pah out, and they could get back to normal.

“Sorry to make you come, Mikey,” Kisaki says as Mikey halts. “Like I said. I’ll get Pah-chin out of prison. I got a guy to take Pah-chin’s place. And Osanai promised to lie in exchange for some money.”

That’s all there is to it. Now, Kisaki only needs a ‘yes or no response.'

“I just need you to allow it,” Kisaki adds.

But for some reason, Mikey's mouth couldn't move. Allowing this isn't as straightforward as he'd like to believe.

Is he willing to say yes? But that isn’t his decision. He should consult the captains. Plus, Kisaki’s other offer. He wants to join Toman.

“I have to discuss this with everyone first. I’ll get back to you.” Mikey announces.

Kisaki nods, telling him to have a good night.

Mikey walks back to his bike at a slower pace. He suddenly feels exhausted. I guess I’ll text them to have a meeting tomorrow, he thinks.

While lost in thought, he doesn’t notice Baji leaning behind a nearby building, peaking around the corner.

The next day meeting up with the captains is what Mikey expected but hoped wouldn’t happen. Instead, they are divided on the issue.

“You seriously want to put Kisaki in Toman?!” Draken responds after Mikey explains Kisaki’s request.

“Yes,” Mikey says.

“I don’t approve. I don’t like that guy. He seems to have hidden motives.” Draken crosses his arms, looking at Mikey.

“I don’t agree either. This isn’t like you, Mikey.” Mitsuya agrees, offering his concerns.

“I agree with Mikey,” Smiley replies.

“Me too. I think He’s the kinda guy we need to grow Toman.” Mucho adds.

"I don't think it's a good idea." Kazutora says. "What if he's really up to something?"

“Mikey…don’t let Kisaki in! That guy isn’t someone we can trust.” Baji warns.

This discussion isn’t getting them anywhere. “He’s useful to us. In fact, he’s the only reason that we can free Pah-chin.” Mikey explains. He needs their agreement. So they can give Kisaki what he wants and get Pah, so Mikey doesn’t feel guilty about accepting the offer.

But then Draken abruptly stands, slamming his hands on the table. It isn’t that sturdy, so it shakes. The dishes clatter, and some people look over at the sudden noise, but Draken doesn’t care. He can’t believe that’s what Mikey is thinking.

“Is that the reason? In that case, I’m even more against it. We didn’t form this gang to do those sort of dirty tricks!” Draken leaves the table, Mitsuya getting up and following him. “If you try to do anything about Pah, I’ll leave you!” Draken calls back as he heads out the front door.

Mitsuya looks back. He stares at Mikey. He didn’t get why he would even try something like this. “Mikey, I don’t think Pah would like this idea either,” Mitsuya voices before following Draken.

The meeting was a failure.

He didn’t convince them, and Pah-chin’s still in juvie. And Kisaki wants an answer. But what could he really expect? Draken’s right. This gang didn’t do dirty tricks as Kisaki suggested.

The guys in Toman are good people. And they are strong people that Mikey surrounds himself with.

But being strong, being good, is not enough.

Mikey decided to stop by Shin’s shop today. It's two days before the Moebius fight, and his mind should be on that. But he can't relax. He would’ve told Draken if he wanted to join him if they were talking. It’s not that he is doing this for himself; it’d be to help Pah-chin by taking Kisaki’s offer. But Draken, Mikey sometimes forgets his stubbornness when he is adamant about something. This isn't a good deal to him. So even talking with the captains, they are divided. And his vice-commander stormed off, refusing to speak to him. If he is going to be that way, then Mikey would go cool off too.

On that note about Kisaki, is he strange, and does Mikey know he’s up to something? Yes. Alarms rang in his head. But he seems to have benefits as an ally, like helping Pah-chin.

Does he want to be a guy like that, though? Mikey sighs as he pulls up closer to his brother’s shop. Shinichiro would be disappointed in him entertaining the idea. He slowly returns to his senses, even though he’s still mad at Draken. And he realizes a certain blue-eyed boy would be disappointed if he knew too.

Mikey parked his bike in front of the Sano Bike Shop. He walks inside, not even announcing himself, and lies on a red bench near the register. He heard metal clanging and figured Shinichiro was working on a bike in the back. As kids, Mikey and Emma would always follow Shinichiro everywhere, including the bike shop when he was working. Being here, hearing the tinkering and the clanking soothed him. Maybe just talking to Shin would help. He always told Mikey not to shoulder everything himself.

What did he want to talk about exactly?

He’s upset that Pah’s in juvie. He’s mad at Draken for not understanding why he wanted to do this. And he’s angry at himself for snapping at Takemichi.

Mikey is lost in thought; he doesn’t realize something has landed on his face until his cheek feels cold and wet.

Shuddering, he glanced up and saw Shinichiro smiling, a cola drink outstretched for Mikey to grab.

He sighs, not wanting to tell his older brother about what’s been happening with Toman possibly being split because of this issue. Instead, he’d try to get involved to help. That’s how Shin is as a person.

“Why are you lying on the couch?” Shinichiro asks. “Sleeping?” He goes to sit in a wooden chair near the door.

“No,” Mikey responds, leaning back to sit cross-legged. “Are you busy?”

“I’m taking a break. What’s up?” Shinichiro asks as he sips his cola.

Mikey hums, slightly muffled, as he sips his drink.

“What’s got, you sad little brother?” He poked his knee, but Mikey just huffed, making Shinichiro laugh.

“I’m not sad.” He’s dejected if anything. “I’m just thinking about Toman's fight in two days.”

“Worried?”

“Not exactly. We are prepared." Mikey toys with the thought of how much he wants to tell his brother. He opts to say something that isn’t too bad. “I asked Takemitchy to help out.”

He blurts it out at the last minute since it’s the first thing that comes to mind. After stepping down as the leader of the Black Dragons, Shinichiro wasn’t involved with the gang anymore besides hearing news from his friends, focusing on taking care of his family, working, and traveling. Still, Mikey and others came to him for advice.

You could hear a pin drop now that Shinichiro wasn’t working with his tools. “Well,” Shinichiro pondered what Mikey said, “I’m surprised Takemichi agreed, but he’s always been willing to help you.” He smiles.

“Right?” Mikey quickly agrees. “He’s too nice.”

“Aww, at least you get to be around your crush.”

Mikey started coughing on his soda. He hits his chest, blinking comically as Shinichiro watches him, amused. “What?! I don’t like him like that!”

“Now I know you’re lying.” Shinichiro points at him.“Manjiro you’ve been as subtle as a brick wall in the middle of traffic. We all know you like Takemichi.”

“Who’s all?”

“Oh, you know me, Gramps, Emma, Keisuke, Ken, Wakasa, Benkei, a random stranger on the street, every member in Toman-”

“I hate you.”

Shinichiro laughs, trying to keep a hold of his drink as he covers his face. Mikey waits for the snickering to die down before he kicks at his chair. He stumbles a little before he places his feet firmly on the ground.“Hey, watch it! Don’t be mad because you got rejected!”

“I didn’t get rejected! Not like your old ass!”

“I’m not old!”

“But you got rejected. What was it twenty times?”

“If Takeomi, Wakasa and Benkei told you that they’re liars.”

“It’s not important how I found out, but it’s funny as shit.”

“Brat.” Shinichiro mumbles.“I find it more interesting you are even talking about your crush instead of a fight. You’re more and more like your big bro every day.”

“How you led a whole gang, I’ll never know.”

“Rude.”

“But, part of me is glad Takemitchy agreed. Because deep down, I do want him in Toman.”

“So, ask him to join?”

“I’ve asked since Toman was founded, always encouraging him there’d be a spot for him as a division captain. But he doesn’t want it.”

“You want him to share your crown.”

“That’s, wow. Uh, really cheesy.”

“It’s figurative, of course." Shinichiro waves as if dismissing the thought. "You want him to share your dream.”

“Maybe I do.” Mikey turns to look out the large window. He sees some people walking by and cars driving past.“But he doesn’t like fighting all the time. I don’t want to force him.”

“Takemichi always pegged me as a guy that can get scared. Especially when we made him watch horror movies when he’d come over.” Shinichiro smiles fondly.“But he’ll change at the drop of a hat and rush to help people he cares about. It reminds me of someone.”

Mikey turns back to him. “Who’s that?”

“Me, of course!”

Mikey smiles. This is a nice distraction. “You know talking to you did help.”

“Duh, because I’m awesome.” Shinichiro gives a big smile, teeth showing. “And try to explain why you want him in Toman, not just because he was around when you founded it but why you need him. Maybe he’ll consider it? It’s up to Takemichi at the end of the day.”

Why does he needs him?

“Yeah, I’ll think about it.”

“Is that all you wanted to talk about?”

“Hmm, yeah?”

“Really?” Shinichiro taps his chin in thought.”Not that you and Ken are fighting, and Toman might be split because of it?”

Shit. Who snitched?

“Uh, how’d you find out?”

“Emma.” Shinichiro states. “Ken called her.”

“Of course.” Mikey sighs. His sister willingly served him up to be interrogated by their brother. And Mikey's other best friend and vice-commander threw him under the bus. “Look, it’s a disagreement. If we break ties because of it, so be it.”

“Wow, that’s not reassuring at all.” Shinichiro counters. “It’s about Haruki, isn’t it?”

Mikey frowns. He didn’t want to say why they were fighting. But he nods anyway. It started about Pah, but it got worse with him trying to let Kisaki into Toman.

“I know this is your gang, but dismissing Ken’s thoughts might not be the way to lead effectively. He has his reasons for feeling he’s right, just like you do. Just think about that. Is it worth you two fighting?”

Mikey hums in response. He bids his brother goodbye and decides to go to Takemichi’s house at the last minute. He hops back on his bike, settling on the seat and starting it up. As the engine roars, he thinks about how he can try to fix at least one thing. But, first, apologize to Takemichi, who has been kind about everything.

He’s helping him. But Mikey snapped at him, and he was not sure why. When Takemichi offered valid points, part of Mikey got annoyed because he didn’t want to be in Toman, holding him back from attacking Draken. He felt like Takemichi should have been upset, too, livid even. But Takemichi is more level-headed. He tries to think stuff out. He realized, just like Draken, that Pah gave himself up and wanted to respect that.

That’s the kind of guidance he needs, so he doesn’t feel inclined to give into proposals like what Kisaki suggested. However, Kisaki can offer something for Toman, more strength. And Mikey might take the offer.

Shinichiro, Draken, and Takemichi all together keep Mikey from losing himself. He doesn't want that to change. But he tries to keep Takemichi from seeing these less pleasant parts of himself. The Mikey that desires to be strong above all else. If he knew half of what Mikey did, he might not want to be near him. Still, he feels like Draken went against him. But would he react the same way if Takemichi told him not to associate with Kisaki?

Maybe Shin’s right? He wants Takemichi next to me, standing tall with him and fighting alongside him again like when they would take on gangs as kids. Or maybe he wants Takemichi to guide him in life. That sounds more plausible.He knows Takemichi is strong, but sometimes he wants to hold him in his hands and shield him from the world, keeping him safe. But the goodness Takemichi radiates, Mikey wants to bask in it, hoping some of it seeps into his bones. So maybe that’s why he wants him close too?

Loving - liking - uh, crushing on someone is so weird. He’ll be strong, invincible Mikey taking on anyone that dares challenge him, but all Takemichi has to do is smile at him, and he melts and goes weak in the knees. And honestly, caring about Takemichi beats the exhilaration of a fight or even a bike ride to Mikey. It’s the greatest feeling for him.

So he’ll ask again after this battle with Moebius because Mikey wants to share everything about himself, even if he’s scared Takemichi will run when Mikey becomes too much. He wants to risk it because he believes in Takemichi so much that he’ll stay.

Because since they met, not once has Takemichi left him.

The doorbell ringing was the first sound Takemichi heard when he woke up. He groaned as he sat up in bed, rubbing his eyes. He peeked to see the sunlight streaming into his room. It’s morning.

The bell rings again, and Takemichi gets out of bed and carefully walks downstairs, willing to wake up fully. But, when he reaches the door and opens it, he doesn’t expect Emma to be at his door with Hina.

“Emma. Hina.” Takemichi is awake now, wondering what the two girls are doing here.

“Takemichi.” Emma smiled.

It wasn’t strange to see Emma visit, nor come along with Hina either, since Takemichi introduced them years ago, they had become friends.

It was just weird for it to be unannounced. Emma usually let him know she’d stop by, and Shinichiro did too. Unlike Mikey, who showed up whenever and told him he was outside already. A habit he never grew out of in childhood, or what Takemichi assumed was something Mikey considered ‘best friend privileges.’

“How're you both doing?”

Hina nudged Emma’s arm as if encouraging her to say something. Emma frowned, crossing her arms.

“I got a call from Draken.”

“What about Draken?”

That’s when Emma let out a frustrated groan. It would be a lie if it didn’t make Takemichi freeze up, wondering what was causing her to sound annoyed.

“He and Mikey started fighting.”

“I bumped into her while walking and said I’d tag along. She told me what happened at the warehouse. That Mikey and Draken are fighting.” Hina adds.

Takemichi pursed his lips in thought. He couldn’t lie. He didn’t want to worry his friends, but after what happened, he had predicted some fight brewing between Mikey and Draken.

“Emma, do you know why they are fighting?”

She shook her head. “I don’t know. And it keeps getting worse. Now there’s a Mikey side and a Draken side. Toman’s been ripped in two.” She winced, looking up at Takemichi. “You think I can knock some sense into them?”

He chuckles but can hear the worry in her voice. As much as she likes to kid, Takemichi knows she’s concerned.

“Maybe.”

“Everyone’s fighting over whether Pah-chin should’ve been arrested or not….” Emma explains.

Hina sends him a worried look. So it has to be that. Takemichi has to do something. Talk some sense into the pair? What they are doing doesn’t just affect them. It affects everyone around them.

“Draken’s okay, right?” Emma’s voice sounds brittle. “He called me and told me what happened." She sighs. "I don’t understand what’s going on with them.”

“Yeah, he is, don’t worry, Emma,” Takemichi assures her. “I’ll get the two back together.”

Emma gives a small smile, nodding her head satisfied. “Yeah, if anyone can get those two talking again, it’s you, Takemichi.”

“Takemichi’s greatest strength is his determination, after all,” Hina says, encouragingly smiling.

Emma and Hina leave soon after, and Takemichi is by himself. He makes some breakfast, but it doesn't really calm his nerves. Eventually made his way back up to his room. Takemichi decides to finish up a puzzle he bought two months ago. He started the puzzle and hadn't been in the mood to finish it. However, now seems like a good time.

To try and relax.

Takemichi twirls the puzzle piece in his hand, staring down at the set. He sighs, running a hand through his hair. What the hell is he going to do?

It’s August 1st today, and besides a new month arriving, it is also two days before an impending battle he is assisting with. One friend was arrested, and two other friends - the commander and vice-commander weren’t speaking.

And Takemichi is sure as hell not leading the fight.

But the sad fact is Toman’s been split in two. At this rate, Toman might have an intergang conflict. And if they divide up now, what the hell will happen on August 3rd? Takemichi fiddles with the puzzle more before putting the last piece into the slot.

It’s sad, but when his grandmother passed away, he stayed away from puzzles for several months. He did it with her, and she got him interested as a kid. Sometimes he doesn’t have the time or energy to do them nowadays. So completing this was a sad accomplishment. He completed a 2000-piece puzzle because he is a nervous wreck.

“Talk about an empty accomplishment….” He mumbled.

The doorbell rings again. It looks like there are more visitors.

Takemichi gets up off the ground and walks toward the stairs. When he gets to the door, he opens it, and it's the Mizo Mid Gang.

“Takemichi,” Yamagishi says.

"Hey, guys." Takemichi manages a smile and opens the door for them to come inside.

While clamoring back into his room, Takemichi goes back to sit at his table.

“We all checked on you after the warehouse fight with Moebius.” Yamagishi walks in first, eyes finding their way to Takemichi and then the table he was at on the floor.

“Yeah, I’m good,” Takemichi assures.

Takemichi goes into detail, explaining as Takuya and Akkun are engrossed in his story. Makoto and Yamagishi wander around his room.

“When Hina told me what happened, Takemichi, it really scared me since I dropped you off there….” Akkun admits.

“You tangled with Moebius, right?” Takuya asks.

“Uh yeah…”

“I’m surprised you're still alive.” Akkun teases.

“Hm? What’s this?” Makoto kneels at the table in the middle of Takemichi’s room, glancing over at the puzzle.

“This puzzle’s got tiny pieces,” Yamagishi notes, picking up one not yet pieced together.

“YAMAGISHI! MAKOTO! AAAH!! DON’T TOUCH THAT!! IT TOOK ME THREE DAYS TO FINISH THAT!!”

“Wow.” Makoto stands.

“Must’ve had loads of free time.” Yamagishi sets the puzzle piece back down.

“I couldn’t help it. I do it sometimes to unwind when I’m anxious.”

His friends looked at him. Concern etched on their faces. They figured it was from the fight but didn’t say anything. Takemichi usually doesn’t spill how he often feels, so for him to say something, it must’ve been bothering him.

“Moebius got totally destroyed,” Yamagishi states.

“The cops got the guy that led Kiyomasa’s division, didn’t they?” Makoto asks. "He's one of your childhood friends, right?"

“Yeah.”

Takemichi thought about Pah-chin, his face still burned into his mind. It hurts, but he did stab Osanai. He willingly gave himself up. As much as it hurts, he has to accept the decision. But then what Emma said invades his mind.

“Ah, have Mikey and Draken been fighting?!”

The others hesitate, and it gives Takemichi the confirmation he’s dreading.

“Yeah.” Akkun starts. “Looks pretty serious. Toman’s gonna split in two any day now.”

“Jeez…” Takemichi stares, realizing what Emma said was true. That they had that bad of a falling out, it’s dividing Toman.

“PFFT!”

Huh?

Takemichi looks up as he hears his friends breaking into laughter.“What?”

“Sorry, I was just kidding.” Akkun clarifies. “You got way too serious, Takemichi.”

“They’re fighting, sure. But it’s no different than usual.” Takuya explains.

“Besides, Mikey and Draken would never get into a big argument,” Yamagishi admits, as if sure it wouldn’t be anything that serious.

“Who’d you say is arguing with who?” Takemichi flinches, hearing Draken’s voice.

“Draken?!” Takemichi and the others exclaimed, turning to see the taller boy peering into the bedroom.

Draken gives a bright smile. “Takemitchy, I came to check up on you.”

Takemichi and the others were staring, unsure what to do. Something was up from what Emma told him. Was Toman really splitting into two factions because of Mikey and Draken fighting?

“Man, it’s hot as hell in here.” Draken let out a puff of air as he walked inside. He looked to see Takemichi staring at him hesitantly. Actually, Takemichi’s friends were too. He wondered what was wrong. “Hm? What’re you guys standin’ for?” Draken then perks up again. “Oh yeah. I brought a watermelon, so quit staring and sit down!”

“Yes!” They shout.

With slices eaten, and plates to the side, Takemichi can’t pretend nothing is wrong. Instead, he wants to ask Draken, who sits there almost with a contemplative look on his face. Then he finally speaks.

“Pah won’t get out for at least a year,” Draken explains.

Takemichi does feel some relief at that, that he wouldn’t be in juvie for that long. “What about Osanai?”

“He’s alive. If Osanai had died, then Pah would’ve been locked up ‘til he was an adult.”

That’s true. Takemichi didn’t know how to take that. He just took it as Pah-chin not being in jail for most of his life. He was trying to find something positive in all of this mess.

He decided to change the subject. “So, how’s Mikey?...” Takemichi remembers seeing how upset he was when Pah turned himself in. He hasn’t visited him yet, so he hopes he is doing better.

“That bastard. He’s so full of shit.”

When Draken slams his fist against the puzzle, pieces scattering, does Takemichi feel annoyance taking over.

“AAAAGH!”

“Takemitchy?” Draken, surprised, looks at his friend.

“THREE DAYS OF WORK DOWN THE DRAIN!!!” Takemichi grips his hair, bellowing.

“Ah, sorry.” Draken knew how into puzzles Takemichi was, but still, he was upset with Mikey.

“I shouldn’t have to apologize for this.”

Takemichi chuckles nervously, ignoring the urge to strangle both Draken and Mikey for the unnecessary stress.“Yeah, it’s cool. I only spent three days losing sleep to finish it.”

“Right, sorry again.” Draken looks at the puzzle. “Anyway, I’m gonna sever all connections with Mikey.”

“What?”

“Toman is no more,” Draken responds.

Takemichi freezes. “What do you mean Toman is no more?”

“Gotta go.” Draken gets up, heading out of the bedroom. Takemichi does a double take, realizing he left and rushes out the door after him.

“Don’t tell me, Toman, splitting in two?...” Yamagishi asks.

“Is for real?” Makoto finishes.

Takemichi chases after Draken leaves the house. He hurries down the stairs toward the front yard. “Wait a minute! What do you mean Toman is no more?!” He goes through the front door. “Tell me what’s going on?”

When he looks outside, he sees Mikey out in front, getting off his bike. Draken's bike is parked further up. Mikey and Draken stand face-to-face, staring at each other. This doesn’t look good, Takemichi thinks. Was Emma right? Did they really divide Toman?

“I thought that was your bike. The hell’re you doin’ here?” Mikey asks, eyes darting to see Takemichi at the door. Was Draken here visiting Takemichi?

He gets goosebumps at the thought Draken told him what happened between them. Fuck. Will Takemichi be mad? Yes. But more likely options are 1. he'll stare at Mikey disappointed, 2. cry, or 3. not speak to him. Or all three. And those are all way worse to Mikey than Takemichi yelling.

“Ah, more like the hell’re you doin’ here.” Draken counters.

“Oh shit! Oh shit!” Makoto covers his mouth, staring down from Takemichi’s window.

Yamagishi turns to Takuya and Akkun, pointing toward the front lawn. “Mikey’s here!”

“Mikey?” Takemichi looks at his friend.

Akkun is peering down now. “He’s got the worst timing.”

Takuya is looking over his shoulder. “This is going to get messy.”

"If he's bothering you, Takemitchy, just let me know, and I'll kick his ass." Mikey directs his gaze to Takemichi, irritation coating his voice.

"Like you could." Draken glares. "And I'm not bothering him."

"Whatever. I came here to see how Takemitchy’s doing.” Mikey states bluntly.

“So did I,” Draken replies.

Takemichi comes over, looking between them. Was he caught in the middle of whatever was going on?

“Huh? Why are you here? Takemitchy is my best friend. Right, Mitchy?” Mikey doesn’t stop glaring at Draken.

“Uh, well…” Takemichi starts.

“Ah, what do you mean? Takemitchy’s my best friend. You’re my pal, right Mitchy?” Draken asks, staring just as intensely at Mikey.

“Call him Mitchy one more time and see what happens.”

“Go ahead and try.”

“Uh, um…” Takemichi can feel the tension.

“He’s mine. I found him first!”

Draken snorts. “Yours? You mean friend, right?”

Mikey clenches his teeth, annoyed at Draken’s teasing. Mikey has a tinge of pink dusting his cheeks. If he says anything to Takemichi about his supposed crush, he's dead. “Yeah, of course!”

Takemichi doesn’t get what they’re going on about; he is friends with both of them.

“Move out of my way, good-for-nothing.” Mikey tries to walk past him.

“You move shrimp.” Draken stays rooted to his spot.

“Hey, guys, stop fighting!” Takemichi looks at them, standing between them and holding his hands up. He thinks it has to be from Pah-chin’s arrest. But dividing themselves now when they have a battle isn’t the best idea. “I don’t know what happened between you two, but just calm down!”

“He’s trying to get in between them?” Akkun asks, shocked.

“Does he have a death wish?” Yamagishi is leaning out forward, trying to see what happens next.

“Stay out of it, Takemitchy,” Draken warns.

“Some friend you are. Don’t talk to him like that.” Mikey warns as he grabs Takemichi's shoulder, pulling him next to him.

Draken looks at him incredulously, trying to ignore Mikey's protectiveness at a time like this. “Me? After how you snapped at him?”

Huh. Mikey didn't think he'd be killing his best friend today, yet here we are.

Mikey stares at Draken blankly before turning to Takemichi, smiling. "Can you give me a few minutes, Mitchy?"

Mikey lets go of him. Takemichi looks at Mikey, glancing around his front lawn before he stops and walks over to the bike his dad got him. Nowadays, he only uses it for errands. So why was Mikey going near it?

It was obvious when he picked it up over his head and hurled it toward him and Draken. Takemichi screamed, ducking his head.

That was Takemichi’s precious bike, now thrown on the ground.

Then Draken looked around and reached for Takemichi’s baseball bat he kept outside, propped up against the fence. He had it from when he played in elementary for a bit, but he hit a home run with it. It was a special memory.

“Are you fucking insane!” Draken grabs the bat.

They weren’t listening to him anymore. Draken was swinging the bat at Mikey, who dodged it effortlessly. Eventually, Draken broke the bat over his knee. “You wanna start somethin’? I’ll finish it.”

Takemichi felt tears springing to his eyes. But honestly, he felt himself getting annoyed. He grits his teeth together. They were messing with his stuff in whatever fight they were having.

“You wanna finish this here?” Mikey asks.

“Bring it on.” Draken answers.

Takemichi couldn’t take this anymore. He rushes over when Draken raises the bat again, trying to swing it. Takemichi gets in between him and Mikey, grabbing Draken’s wrist and stopping the swing.

“I SAID STOP IT! MIKEY! DRAKEN!" Takemichi shouts.

The two looked startled.

“No way he stopped Draken from swinging the bat.” Yamagishi looks down, hands clinging to the railing.

“Takemitchy?” Mikey’s gaze fixes on Takemichi.

“What’re you doing?” Draken asks, surprised. “This doesn’t involve you.”

“Poor Takemichi. What a disaster.” Akkun sighs, feeling pity for his friend. It was one thing his friends were fighting about, but they trashed some of his things.

“It does when you’re destroying my stuff.” Takemichi grabs the bat out of Draken’s hand.

The two boys look at the bat and bike they broke. They start to feel the guilt settle. Mikey remembers Takemichi riding his bike, sometimes coming to visit him or trying to keep up with them during bike rides. Draken remembers going to some of Takemichi’s baseball games.

Mikey scratches behind his head. “Sorry, Mitchy.”

“Yeah, we’ll get you some new stuff,” Draken says. “Mikey, you got this right?”

Mikey glares at him. “I don’t have the money, asshole. You have a job. You pay for it!”

“What’d you say, shrimp?!”

“Back off, you good-for-nothing!”

“Enough!” They all pause, seeing Takemichi shout. Takemichi drops the bat in his hands onto the ground.

“Whoa, this doesn’t look good. I don’t know if he can fight both Draken and Mikey.” Akkun explains.

Yamagishi and Makoto both send him a salute. “So long, Takemichi!”

“You both…” Takemichi starts, raising his head. His eyes soften. “Shouldn’t be fighting.”

“Takemitchy…” Draken stares at him.

“Don’t you care? Do you two know how much trouble you cause for people around you when you fight?!”

“Mitchy…” Mikey looks at him.

“Everyone that looks up to you starts fighting too!” Takemichi tries to remember to calm down, but that feeling is too familiar.

He started training at the dojo and fighting because he looked up to Mikey.

Sure it was to spend more time with him at first, but then he noticed how much stronger he got.

Takemichi was this kid that was raised mainly by his grandma. He didn’t want to cause trouble for his family, so he decided to get stronger. So he could defend himself and others when needed.

So he had some value in his life.

That’s why he wanted to be strong like Mikey. Cool. A natural born leader. Not a crybaby or unassured.

Because to him, it was better than being Takemichi. The Takemichi, who wanted to run away before things got too hard.

And it’s easier wanting to be someone else.

But that was him looking up to him like a hero. This was just their fighting sparking fighting that would tear people apart. Not encourage them to push forward.

“It’s not just your problem! It’s gonna tear everyone in Toman apart!” Takemichi shouts.

Silence.

“I respect you both so much. And that thought is way too depressing.” Takemichi wipes at his dampened eyes. “I don’t want that. I don’t want to see that.”

He does always end up crying in the end. Takemichi wishes he could be brave enough to tell them without bursting into tears.

“Takemitchy…” Mikey starts, walking up behind him. Takemichi turns around to see Mikey staring at him gently.

“I’m sorry.” He starts. “I made you sad the other day when you tried to voice your concerns about the fight and after Pah’s arrest. You offered your help, and I snapped at you even though you were possibly risking your life to help with the Moebius fight. That was wrong of me to say. I said it out of anger. And now I made you cry. I don’t want to do anything to make you sad again.”

Then Mikey places his hand on his head, gently tousling his hair. His eyes soften, looking at Takemichi. “It’s okay. We won’t fight.”

Draken smiles, anger slowly fading. “Sorry about your stuff, for real. I’ll replace it.”

Takemichi smiles, finally having a moment of peace after worrying about the two. “Good now, apologize to each other.”

Mikey and Draken looked at each other as if waiting for the other to speak.

Takemichi nudges Mikey since he’s the closest. Mikey looks at him briefly before turning to Draken, scoffing. “Fine. Unfuck you or whatever.”

Draken snorts. “Same.”

They responded as if he asked them to line up to get their teeth pulled.Unbelievable.

The others make it downstairs to see the aftermath.

“Man, Takemichi has some kind of luck,” Akkun adds.

“Mikey is doting on him. What the hell? Wasn’t a fight about to break out?” Yamagishi asks.

“I figured. Mikey literally kisses the ground Takemichi walks on.” Takuya remarks.

Makoto looks, mouth agape. “Really? Does Takemichi know?”

They looked over to see Takemichi smiling again but saw how Mikey’s face lit up just looking at Takemichi.

“Nah, he’s oblivious.” Takuya replies.

“Takemichi is something else.” Makoto remarks. “He stopped a brawl by crying.”

“Now I’m starting to understand them making heart eyes when Mikey broke up the fighting ring,” Yamagishi says, exasperated.

Mikey holds Takemichi's shoulders as he looks him over, onyx eyes staring back worriedly. "You didn't get hurt did you?" He asks softly and eyes Takemichi looking for any injuries.

Takemichi shakes his head, face warm. He is suddenly self-conscious about spilling his guts like that. "No."

"I'm doing fine, too, thanks for asking," Draken responds sarcastically.

Mikey turns toward Draken, both exchanging looks.

"I was talking to Mitchy." Mikey comments.

"I also got a bike thrown at my head."

"Can't you see he's shaken up?"

"Well, he wouldn't be shaken up if you didn't cause a scene on his front lawn, dickhead." Draken replies.

Mikey makes a mental note: fight Ken-chin when Takemitchy's not around.

Instead, Mikey ignores Draken and gently puts Takemichi’s head down, resting his head on Mikey's shoulder. If this weren't Mikey, it’d probably be strange. But Mikey has always been affectionate with Takemichi.

He sighs and lets him. Mikey glares at Draken. “Anyway, you got off easy, Ken-chin. And you better replace his stuff. Destroying his baseball bat like that. You made Mitchy sad.”

“And what, he wasn't sad when you threw his bike and almost hit us with it?" Draken reminds him.

So yeah, the fighting Draken later couldn't wait because Takemichi once again had to grab Mikey from knocking Draken’s head clean off.

Takemichi and the others head to a nearby park. The Mizo mid gang played while Takemichi, Mikey, and Draken sat off to the side. Takemichi looks over at Mikey and Draken next to him. He’s glad they made up, but he does wonder what caused it. Was it really about Pah?

“Takemitchy was so damn serious before.” Draken teased.

“I thought we would have a fistfight when we were throwing his stuff.” Mikey jokes, a smile gracing his face.

“Ha-ha.” Takemichi gave a humorless laugh. “At least it stopped you two from fighting.”

“I’m sorry, Mikey.”

“It’s cool. I’m sorry too.”

Takemichi sits up, finally happy they apologized. “Why were you guys fighting anyway?”

There is the briefest pause, and it worries Takemichi. Maybe he is prying?

“I forgot,” Mikey says, staring up at the sky.

Knowing Mikey, Takemichi didn’t think he was telling the truth, but as long as they were okay now, that’s what mattered.

Mikey stood up. “Ken-chin’s right, though. Pah gave himself up, after all.”

Takemichi remembers seeing Pah-chin turning to them, declaring he’d turn himself in after stabbing Osanai. And even if Mikey was upset, he didn’t want Pah-chin to give himself up for what he did, even if he knew it’d be wrong.

Mikey wanted to help their friend. And Draken didn’t want Pah-chin’s decision to go quietly to be in vain.

Those solid principles they had, Takemichi decided, were probably the cause of the fight. Both views resulted in the clash.

Mikey turned to smile at Draken and Takemichi. “When Pah gets out, let’s have a huge party.”

Takemichi sits up. If Draken and Mikey can admit when they are wrong. If they can talk things out, so can he. “I want to apologize to you both, too.”

The two look over at Takemichi, “You both tried to come to see me a lot, and I turned you away sometimes. I was never mad at you or anything. It’s just sometimes I didn’t feel like doing anything.” Takemichi looks at his friends messing around. “I got too down on myself….”

“My friends were servants under Kiyomasa. That’s why I was fighting that day you broke up the fighting ring. I didn’t do anything for them until that moment. I was apathetic.” He thinks to himself but says it aloud anyway. “I started to fight to become stronger. I took on too much and kept forgetting why I wanted to be stronger in the first place...”

Takemichi thinks back. What was the reason he felt weak in the first place? He knows it was when he was younger.

He looks up, staring at Mikey. “But I’ll help with the Moebius fight. I’m sure about this. So Pah turning himself in isn’t in vain….”

“Takemitchy. Stand up.”

Takemichi stands as Mikey asks, and the blond walks over, pulling him in and hugging him. Takemichi’s cheek was against Mikey’s hair. “Why do you always smile and take on everything yourself? Is it because you don't want to worry people?"

“Don’t know….” Takemichi sighs. “I should work on that….”

Actually, that did have something to do with it.

“You don’t have to keep stuff from us. From me. We’ll listen, okay?” Mikey pleads. He pulls back, and Takemichi stares at him. Mikey smiles at him. “You’re precious to us, okay?”

Takemichi pushes the feeling down. He’ll worry about it later.

“Thanks.” Takemichi puts a hand on Mikey’s shoulder. “Same with me. I’m sorry I haven’t been a good friend lately. But you can always tell me stuff, too, Mikey. Don’t forget that.”

Mikey’s face changes to surprise before he settles on a smile. “Yeah. And don’t say you're not a good friend, okay? I don’t accept Takemitchy put-downs here.”

Takemichi chuckles. “Okay. And I appreciate you both listening. I really love you guys.”

Draken eyes Mikey as his posture straightens. He pulls Takemichi in again, but in a headlock this time, as he turns to face Draken. “See, Ken-chin, Takemitchy loves me. So I’m his favorite.”

“I said both of you!” Takemichi adds, trying to get out of Mikey's hold.

Draken doesn’t verbally agree with Takemichi about how he mentioned them both, nor does he comment on the tight smile on Mikey’s face that Takemichi doesn’t notice. He knows it hurts him because all Takemichi sees Mikey as is a friend.

As they leave the park, Mikey and Draken walked in sync at a steady pace. Draken glances over at Mikey. He's staring forward but has a small smile on his face. As Mikey kept walking, Draken stopped. Mikey turned, wondering what was holding him up. He just randomly stopped in a residential street area.

“What’s wrong, Ken-chin?”

Draken frowned. “You heard what Takemitchy said before, didn’t you?”

Mikey looks at him, unblinking, but his smile drops. “You mean what he’s been going through?”

Draken shook his head. “No, not that part. When we left the restaurant that day and I carried you when we visited Pah's friend's girlfriend in the hospital. You heard when I asked him what he thought of you.”

At that, Mikey studies Draken for a moment before speaking. “Yeah.”

“Why don’t you say anything to him?”

Mikey shrugs, putting his hands in his pockets and looking up at the sky. The sun was slowly setting. “I can’t. I’m too scared. If I really do like him and I tell him how I feel, it might ruin what we have, or he doesn’t want to see me anymore.”

“Is the invincible Mikey scared? No way.” Draken tried to joke.

“Right?” Mikey winced, trying to force a smile.

“But he might return your feelings or consider them at least.” Draken tries to reassure him, but he isn't sure. Takemichi wasn't one to make fun of anyone, and he believed he'd take Mikey seriously.

“Hm. Then what? If we get together, he’ll eventually see all my bad parts. I’m still scared of having him so close sometimes. That’s one of the reasons I joke and tease him so much because I want him to know the few good parts of me. Easy going Mikey. Prankster Mikey. Funny Mikey. But of course, my feelings for him keep spilling out.”

Draken stared as Mikey looked at him, eyes growing distant as if seeing past Draken. “I met Takemitchy when he was seven, and I was eight.” Draken knows the story, but he lets Mikey talk anyway. “He was just this ordinary kid that came into the playground one day. I didn’t think anything of him until he wouldn’t back down. I always liked strong people, and this kid stood tall even when getting beaten up. With tears in his eyes, he’s always been strong to me. And when I saved him from those bullies, he placed himself into my life like he's always been there.”

Draken's mind drifts back to the hospital when he tells Mikey to have a heart for others. And from what he’s saying, Takemichi, in the greatest sense, shows that Mikey is capable of caring about others.

But it’s deeper than that, Draken realized the first time he met Takemichi and how careful Mikey was around him. Even as a kid, he was protective of him. Mikey would talk about him, praising him when he wasn’t around. Takemichi is Mikey’s light. He always manages to shine, and Mikey gravitates toward him. Mikey needs Takemichi.

“These feelings I have for him keep growing. He’s precious to me—my Mitchy. If anything happens to him, especially because of me, that’d be too cruel, you know? That’s why I don’t think we should be closer than we are right now.” His voice sounds brittle. Draken realizes this is the closest he’s seen Mikey’s mask crack. “But I don’t want to go through life without him.”

How sadness takes over his features, as Mikey probably thinks of life, a world without Takemichi, is heartbreaking. And Draken sees his brows upturn and his mouth twitching, trying to keep a smile, but failing. Draken doesn’t point it out because he isn’t sure if Mikey notices either. When it comes to Takemichi, Mikey can’t hide how he feels. He can cover how he feels with anything else, but never when it concerns Takemichi. So Draken wonders how Takemichi can’t see Mikey’s feelings for him?

“You know, I imagine Takemitchy and I hanging out at each other’s places when we're older, complaining about our jobs and talking about random stuff like we’d always done. We’d go out for bike rides together, and I would crash at his place instead of my own, and he’d try to kick me out every time but always let me stay anyway. And you and the others would keep teasing us and telling me to tell him how I feel already.”

Draken keeps listening.

“I love you guys and my family, but it’s like Takemitchy is this whole other level. I want him in my life, and I’d be lost if I didn’t have him. I’d accept everything else I’ve been dealt with in this life, but I can’t accept losing him.”

And this is another moment Draken’s reminded of after watching Mikey for years. He’s known since he saw his friend for the first time when Mikey introduced him, throwing an arm over Takemichi and constantly by his side, always with a smile. They teased him about it for years, but it is obvious that Sano Manjiro is in love with Hanagaki Takemichi.

“You love him.” It isn't a question.

Mikey looks back up at the sky. “I don't know, but I can’t see myself liking anyone else.” Mikey turns back to Draken.”I'm still not sure yet if I'm being honest. I'm still unsure if it's a crush, so all I know is I like being around him. But wouldn't that be funny? Falling love with my best friend. Isn’t that cliche?" Mikey chuckles."Like a shojo manga or something? But still, he doesn’t need me.”

Even if Mikey can't see what Draken sees about him loving Takemichi, the fact he is even opening up about his feelings at all is progress he figures.

But what's more pressing is Mikey's views on himself.

“Mikey, you act like you’re this poison.” Draken is getting agitated. It doesn’t happen too often, but Mikey will say something that alarms Draken that his friend can think of himself in such a way.

“Aren’t I? I asked him to be in Toman with us, where there is a risk of danger. I’m scared of him seeing the real me. I get annoyed easily, and I’m childish. I’m a gang leader and don't hesitate to fight. Not an ideal guy, Huh?”

Draken didn’t know what to say to Mikey's thoughts or his opinion of himself. “You know you should take that advice you give to Takemitchy and use it for yourself too. People care about you, Mikey, including Takemitchy, don’t forget that, okay? You can tell us anything.”

Mikey’s eyes focus again as if coming back to the present. “Yeah, I know.” His face is neutral now, mask back up, as he goes back to walking, and Draken follows, still eyeing him.

Chapter Text

Mikey is a hypocrite.

That's what he tells himself as his bike comes to a stop, the engine thundering down and lights flickering off. He parks it outside, double-checks to ensure it's okay, and then treks off the rest of the way toward his destination. 

He can see another argument with Draken coming as he heads down the street to look for the shop. He should be with the others, but Kisaki called him, and he might as well get this over with. There are some people around. An older couple passes by his left, arms interlaced as the man walks with a cane, and the woman adjusts her glasses, laughing at something he said. Mikey's reminded he's alone. 

Further off to the other side of the street, a trio of girls wearing yukatas squeals, and one holds onto her friend's arms, all laughing, amused, and close together. Mikey's reminded there is a fight starting soon.

He knows he said he is giving up on getting Pah out. He meant it, and as much as it hurt, Mikey agreed to ease Draken and everyone else's minds. That's okay. The situation is shitty, but Pah gets out in a year. So they'll stick it out until then. He still has reasons to be happy.

But it's more complex.

Even if he agreed and made up with Draken thanks to Takemichi and talking with Shinichiro, something fractured in Toman as soon as Pah-chin got handcuffed. The scale tipped, unbalanced like stacked playing cards crumbling. It wasn't fighting, unbridled and together. It was Pah-chin feeling like he had no choice but to stab someone. Cornered like Mikey felt, looking for an alternative to a problem he couldn't solve. He chose to mix his outrage for what Osanai did with something as personal as a knife stab. A knife Mikey didn't know how he got.

Mikey, at best, can seal the crack together to keep it from doing worse damage. And the way to fix it, at least until Pah returns, is by letting Kisaki into Toman. 

He knows they voted. He knows most of the others disagreed, but Mikey was taking this into his own hands. If this is a mistake, he'll beg for forgiveness. But, if it works out, Toman moves another step forward.

To keep Toman strong and everyone else together, Mikey needs him. Not like his friends or family. Not like Takemichi. But he needs the members Kisaki can bring. He also needs unbiased viewpoints. Mikey's friends love him, and Kisaki… doesn't. So it makes things less messy where he'll hear Mikey out and not get his feelings mixed in with his decisions. Plus, he has some leadership if he got members from Moebius to follow him after he split with Osanai. He knows Draken won't fully understand. Mikey knows it could be risky, given he knows very little about Kisaki that the guy didn't offer to discuss.

Even though Mikey's talked to him three times now, they started a weird dynamic. Kisaki found him and came to him, offering his help. He doesn't know Kisaki, but there is something comforting about having someone to talk to that's impartial. Draken will make him think every thought through - the consequences and how it'd make someone feel. But Kisaki offers suggestions here and there and lets Mikey do whatever. And he knows less about Mikey than his friends. So Kisaki doesn't expect anything of him.

Mikey rummages through his pocket when his phone vibrates and flips it open. He checks his texts. One from Draken tells him not to be late for the fight tonight. Well, he's possibly going to fuck that up since it starts in less than an hour. However, he told Mitsuya to go ahead if he didn't make it on time. A text from Takemichi only slightly surprises Mikey, but the boy tells him he hopes everything works out for the Möbius fight. 

Mikey frowns. He already had to tell him he couldn't pick him up, not wanting to drag Takemichi here to sit with Kisaki and him. At least having him there for backup until Mikey and the rest of Toman shows. Mikey decides how much to involve Takemichi after what happened with Moebius at the warehouse. What if Takemichi finds out what Mikey was planning to do? Takemichi wouldn't like that. He might hate Mikey for even trying to do something underhanded like that.

Takemichi says Mikey's a good person. 

Mikey thinks he fucks up but not bad enough, so he still appears decent. 

And Takemichi wasn't in his mind. Mikey is careful of what he lets people see. Sometimes he puts up an act so he doesn't worry everyone.

He isn't as brave as he looks. But despite his thoughts, Takemichi believes in him.

Takemichi. 

If it wasn't for a fight, the festival might've been an excellent idea for the two to spend time together. It wouldn't be a date because Takemichi wouldn't think it was. But Mikey could pretend.

First, Mikey would show off his impressive skills of knocking over cups, doing the ring tosses, or using a water gun to shoot targets. Then he'd give Takemichi a stuffed bear, or hell, win him as many prizes as possible and bask in his radiant smile, giving a toothy grin at Mikey for thinking of him, and the gang leader would feel a high he only ever gets with his friend.

Then they could share taiyaki, karaage, or takoyaki at a yatai, sit near the shrine steps, and brush shoulders together as they watch the fireworks.

It's-

Pretty obvious it's a crush now, given this whole daydream he just had. And him mentioning his feelings about Takemichi to Draken.

Mikey could feel the heat on the back of his neck as he rubbed his hand there. God. Maybe his friends are right? He has no chill whatsoever when it comes to Takemichi. He imagined a fake scenario and wants to do that instead. He wants the fight to wrap up so he can whisk Takemichi away to spend the rest of the night with him.

But he can't. Mikey sighs, lowering his hand and stuffing his phone in his other hand in his pocket. 

He reaches the ramen shop, where Mikey sees familiar spiky blond dye hair and sports glasses facing him. When he notices Mikey, he nods toward him and gestures for him to enter. 

It's strange. If it were anyone else, another friend, they would have smiled, joked, and asked how Mikey was doing. But instead, this interaction was stiff and formal, as if they were trying to be friendly when neither was comfortable with that concept. Kisaki didn't feel like a genuine friend. Mikey felt more and more like he wasn't trying to be. But he wanted to know how Mikey ticks more than caring about him.

Mikey nodded back and walked inside.

They sat next to each other, with some space between them. Mikey fills the noise by slurping up the broth of his Ramen while chatter from other patrons and the radio playing supplies the rest. Kisaki Tetta was not a talkative person. He appears like he thought out carefully everything he said.

Mikey is careful about what he reveals to him, and usually, he supplies most of the conversation, and Kisaki will comment. He didn't want to prolong this, though. Mikey should get this over with, so he could head out.

"There was a strong objection," Mikey explains about the meeting with Toman's captains. "Almost all of them were against it. And I had a big fight with Ken-chin. I started to think that Toman would split in two." Mikey admits.

"Well, I knew he would be an enemy from the beginning." Kisaki supplies, and Mikey realizes that's what he started to believe too.

His thoughts started to meld together with Kisaki the more time they spent together. He almost did see Draken as the enemy. Maybe this is why Draken was concerned. 

"So what ended up happening?"

Mikey can't help praising the person who kept him and Draken together. Mentioning him can't hurt?

"We were at each other's throats. I was about to let everything I worked for slip through my fingers, but this guy named Takemitchy talked sense into us. Into me. Telling us we were being stupid." Mikey feels a smile spread across his face as he turns to Kisaki. 

"Takemitchy?"

"He's my childhood friend," Mikey clarifies. Of course, he won't tell him everything, just enough for context. "He's not in Toman technically, but he's always there when I need him."

"He's important to you."

"Yes." Mikey's face becomes solemn, his smile dropping. "He sometimes helps with Toman fights, like tonight." He side-eyes Kisaki. "It's important nothing happens to him. Understand?" 

Kisaki nods, evidently getting Mikey's warning, slurping up the remainder of his noodles. The rest of the time, they eat.

When they finish, they head out. It's starting to drizzle. Mikey turns to Kisaki, who interjects before he can speak.

"Mikey, my offer still stands. I'd be willing to lend my help in Toman. Just let me know."

Mikey looks at him, and Kisaki stares back, eyes not holding anything threatening. His poker face was as good as Mikey's.

After his offer to get Pah out of jail, the rest of the captains and Draken weren't sure what Kisaki's motives were. But Mikey doesn't want more things to break apart either. Pah-chin is gone for now. They need to keep Toman together. Otherwise, Baji's goal of starting their gang in the first place and Mikey's dream unravel. He's willing to take Kisaki. If he's that horrible, they'll keep him until Pah returns.

With one captain down and a hundred and twenty members in Toman, Kisaki's split with Moebius is like a treasure chest. He had fifty guys he was offering to Toman. To Mikey.

Draken will understand he's trying to keep them safe. And to do that, they had to get stronger. They slipped up before. They can't afford to do that again. 

It's so they can go back to normal. Having fun and fighting together as they grow the gang. Mikey wants to take over this country with his friends. So he'll focus on the good that'll happen from this mess. 

"Kisaki...despite the vote, I'll accept your request into Toman."

__________

Takemichi might've gone to the Musashi festival with his friends if it was any other night and if he weren't heading out into a brawl. But he dragged himself here for a fight that wasn't his for a gang he wasn't a part of, but his friends were, all because he was best friends with their leader. Who plastered on a smile while asking for his assistance.

Takemichi couldn't help the bit of delight that settled in his chest that Mikey trusted him so much throughout their lives growing up. Ever since they were kids, he worshiped Mikey. So the praise he received from him lifted his spirits.

He also wanted to do this because he didn't want to stand by again when his friends got injured. Takemichi let himself get that down, that he didn't care what happened in front of him. He told Hina already. Some part of him can't stand back.

So the fact that he got there at a point is a scary place to be.

As Takemichi walks down the path, stalls and warm lights come into view. It's a bit humid, with the smell of rain. He scans the large crowd and notices a taller figure with a patterned cardigan standing out, realizing the person's Draken with Emma standing beside him in a purple yukata and hair ornaments in her ponytail.

.

He walks up, and Draken sees him, giving a grin. "Yo, Takemitchy."

"Draken." He greets him, then turns to Emma, who smiles at him. "Hey, Emma!"

"Takemichi! Let's go play some games!" Emma grabs Takemichi's arm pulling him towards the various stalls. Takemichi was flustered but walked along with Draken chuckling next to him.

It wasn't that bad. Emma cheered him on as he won a game by knocking down bottles with a ball in three shots. The ball hit the bottles, clattering at the third try and them falling. The owner, an older gentleman with graying hair and a toothpick between his lips, rubbed his head and huffed, grabbing his prize.

He settles on a medium size gray and white Shiba Inu dog that he gives to Emma.

Startled, she looks up at him, and he shrugs. "It's cute, but you can have it," Though tentative, she hugs it and thanks him. Draken looks over, an upturn of his lips at seeing the display.

Emma gives a soft smile. "Jeez, still a heartbreaker, aren't you, Michi?" It's likely an inside joke, but Takemichi doesn't understand. “I’m telling Mikey you won me a prize, bet he freaks out!”

She doesn't elaborate and walks ahead with Draken, leaving Takemichi to catch up.

He looks around while Draken take a picture of Emma posing with the stuffed plushie. Takemichi thinks he hears her briefly mention she's going to text that to Mikey.

Emma ends up trying her luck catching goldfish, little kids and her gathered around the fish tanks anticipating a catch. Draken and Takemichi hung back. Takemichi pulled out his phone, looking at it and frowning—no messages from Mikey.

"You look pissed. Smoke looks like it's going to start comin' out your ears." Draken nudges his elbow against Takemichi's shoulder. "And why do you keep staring at your phone?"

"I'm not pissed." Takemichi rolls his eyes. "I texted Mikey, but he didn't respond. Wasn't he supposed to pick me up?"

"What, are you disappointed?"

"No… it's just Mikey usually responds quickly, and I wanted to make sure how he's doing for the fight tonight."

"Mikey's fine. Pretty sure."

"Just pretty sure?"

"Of course," Draken assures him.

Takemichi sighs. "I know. I don't know why I'm getting riled up. Just worried, I guess…."

"Try to enjoy the festival before the fight. That'll help you relax for a few minutes. Then, after the battle, maybe there'll be fireworks?"

"Hmm yeah. I'll probably see stars if I get punched hard enough during the fight."

"You'll be fine. You're no Mikey level at fighting, but you can hold your own and rock someone's shit if you're serious."

Takemichi snorts, ignoring the stinging about the comparison. As much as he wanted as a kid, he isn't Mikey. He's just 'barely gets by Takemichi,' he muses ruefully but scrounges up a compliment. "Draken, you flatterer."

The taller boy laughs hard, slapping his dark-haired friend on the back. He felt like he got the air knocked out of him. It startles some people walking by. 

"Besides, Mikey'll get here, and we'll get through this. It's a gang fight. We've won before."

"You're cheekily optimistic sometimes."

"Got to be in this life. Sometimes stuff gets hard. You know what we deal with."

"Like the reason for the Moebius fight." Takemichi brings up.

"Yeah." Draken pauses to look at Emma, who throws her hands up, defeatedly, giving up on catching a fish, which ironically started some in the tank and children nearby. "Like I told you, Takemitchy, we are finishing this fight. I don't want innocent people caught up in the shit we get up to."

"I know," Takemichi remembers the day at the hospital. Draken's words. And he meant what he said. He didn't want to see people getting hurt again, either. That's one of Takemichi's motivations for showing up tonight. "Will Emma be okay?

"Yeah. I wasn't sure about bringing her, but Emma talked my ear off until it bled that she wanted to go. Emma knows to stay back if it gets too intense."

"I don't know. Maybe she can tag in for me?"

"Bet she could." Draken agrees teasingly. "Still, Emma's not in Toman. I don't want her gettin' hurt."

"Yeah, I get that," Takemichi replies before he nudges his shoulder against Draken's side. It's mostly solid, and he doesn't even move. Crazy how toned they were, but enough fights and training will do that. Takemichi wasn't visually muscular, even from training. Instead, he had a solid, slightly athletic build. "When are you gonna tell her how you feel?"

Draken groans, "I'm not sure. And keep it down before she hears you. Why are you buggin' me?"

"Because it's fun messing with you." Takemichi chuckles.

"I'll tell her." He sighs. "I guess I'm not the only one that doesn't have a spine either."

"What do you mean?"

Draken glimpses over as Emma stands up from crouching near the fish tank, keeping the prize Takemichi won her in her bag. It managed to fit, to her surprise. "Nothing, It's just I feel like I'm not the only guy scared to tell someone how I feel."

"Yeah. I feel like I'd be like that too."

Draken glances at him, surprised. "Really?"

"Yeah."

Draken pauses as if thinking something over. "Is there someone you like then?"

Takemichi looks at him. "I-"

"Aw, man! I couldn't get it." Emma turns to look at Draken and Takemichi, waving the tiny fishnet they gave her at the booth to get Draken to come over. "Draken, you win me one, please?" She throws in a bright smile as if it'll make him agree.

"A conversation for another time, then Takemitchy. Let's keep our guard up." He squeezes Takemichi's shoulder before walking toward Emma. 

"…Right."

"I don't got the patience for that!" Draken calls over to her.

Emma pouts, glaring at him, but gives a cheeky grin, showing she's not mad. "Wow, you didn't even try!"

Draken smiles. Takemichi can see the corners of his eyes crinkle as he stares at her. "Come on, let's try that one. Maybe I'll win you something there." He points over somewhere to his right, and Emma brushes off what Takemichi assumes is dust before following along with Draken, her geta clacking against the ground as she rushes to stand beside him and holding her crossbody bag and plush at her side.

Takemichi looks amused as she sees Emma bump shoulders with Draken, who keeps his hands in his pocket but bumps her back gently.

They're cute together, Takemichi thinks. He hopes they end up together. And he's glad his friends have their own lives going on. It's always interesting to see, even if Takemichi feels stuck sometimes. No matter how he feels about himself, life does go on.

Takemichi does wonder what his life will be like in the future. He hopes he has his shit together more. Go to college, get a good job. But he does think about having his own family one day. But, of course, he'd have to find someone first that would want him. Part of him feels like no one would be interested in him. He has had confessions from no one he could see himself with. But, who knows, maybe someone will show up one day, making him feel like Emma and Draken do about each other.

As they walk on ahead, Takemichi feels a raindrop hit his cheek. He knew he had smelled rain before and heard about the possibility of showers later this evening. But before they take another step, it starts to downpour.

Takemichi feels his phone vibrate in his pocket, and pulls it out to see he got a text from Mitsuya.

"Hey, Draken! Mitsuya texted me." Takemichi holds up his phone." He's here."

"Guess the fight's about to start." Draken states.

"I'll get him. You two wait here."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, enjoy yourselves for a few more minutes." Takemichi waves. He wanted them to have a few minutes to themselves. He tagged along unintentionally and felt like he was third-wheeling big time. "I'll be back before you know it!"

Draken nods, and Emma gives a smile. When Takemichi disappears back down the path, Emma nudges Draken in the side. "Come on, try to win me something before the evening ends. Takemichi already one up you with my cute plushie!"

He shakes his head, amused. "Takemitchy's putting me to shame, I guess."

Emma laughs as they walk a little further down. They look around at the stalls, but it was starting to get empty as people left from the rain. Draken and Emma stand under their umbrellas they brought with them, talking for a moment. It's nice and she looks so pretty tonight. Draken for the briefest moment thinks it would've been a nice time to tell Emma how he feels, but he didn't want to do it before a fight. The conversation and Takemichi's teasing, replays in his mind. But a confession should be more special than that. So he thinks maybe taking her to another festival might be a good idea. A plan for another time.

"DRAKEN!"

Draken and Emma turn around at the noise. The tattooed boy thought it was Takemichi but realized it wasn't his voice. This person was yelling. Sounded angry too. Draken was alert for a second, but then all he saw was Peh-yan standing there and relaxed slightly. He assumed he had arrived early for the fight. So why the hell was he yelling his name? 

"Oh, Peh." Draken eyes his uniform. It's…different. He has on a white sash. "What's with the sash, bro?"

Draken feels that something is off. Peh-yan's just standing there, glaring at him. Too damn serious for the fight. And why wasn't he saying anything? Draken's getting a bad feeling about something. 

"What's with the serious face, Peh-yan?" Emma asks as Draken steps in front of her. "Hmm, Draken?"

Draken hands Emma his umbrella. "Emma. Take this and stay back."

"Huh?" Emma eyes Draken confused, then looks at Peh-yan. He is just standing there. But she does step back because for some reason, it feels tense. Is Peh-yan upset?

"Peh." Draken walks forward. "Spill it if you got somethin' to say."

He doesn't speak, only balling his fists at his side.

"You couldn't agree with what went down, could you?" Draken figures it's that because what else could it be? He was good with Peh until this happened, so it had to be Pah-chin's arrest. He can't blame him because - shit, it did suck. He knows that. If he wants to fight it out, then they could do that. Get out the aggression and hopefully make up because he doesn't want to lose him.

"Can't stand me, can you?" Draken tilts his neck to the side, cracking it. "You wanna fight, then?"

Draken stops in front of Peh-yan, who lowers his head. "I'll take you on."

Emma was getting worried. Seeing them standing there, were they going to fight? She was so focused she barely noticed something move in the bushes. A guy wearing a white uniform wielding a bat comes out, and heads toward Draken. It's as if time stills as her eyes widen, and she screams Draken's name, telling him to duck.

Draken turns when Emma yells, seeing a bat in his view, and then it goes dark.

__________

Takemichi tried to walk carefully; the rain still fell hard, and he didn't want to trip. He sees the steps and walks down them, looking for Mitsuya. He expected to see Toman there, but when he got to the bottom, he heard a bike engine and Mitsuya pulling up.

"Takemitchy!"

"Mitsuya!" He hurries over to him. "Where is everyone?"

"They're on their way. Mikey told me to come ahead because he's running late."

"I see."

"Where's Draken?"

"Huh? With Emma. They're back near the stalls."

Mitsuya looks at him seriously, and it starts to make him worry. 

"Why, what's wrong?" Takemichi asks.

"Draken is gonna get attacked."

Takemichi pauses, realizing what he just said. "How do you know that?"

"It was from some intel. It's Peh-yan."

"Peh-yan?..." Takemichi asks, shocked. "What the hell?! Why would he-"

"Mikey was gonna use money to buy Pah-chin's freedom." Mitsuya starts. He knows Mikey is going to be pissed, he told him, but Takemichi deserved to hear the truth, especially if he's helping tonight. Mitsuya will own up to it later.

"He was?" Takemichi looked down. He thought back to the fight and how Mikey brushed off the reason. That's why. Takemichi wants to be angry for even suggesting that. It feels low. Underhanded. And it surprises Takemichi that Mikey thought about that.

He balls his fists.

But then he reprimands himself for thinking of Mikey like that, even for a second. He knows it tore Mikey up, the hurt on his face having to leave Pah behind. This reason almost split him, Draken, and Toman apart. So why wouldn't Mikey tell him the truth?

"But Draken was against it." Mitsuya continues. 

Takemichi raises his head. "They've made up since then, though..."

"Yeah, thanks to you." The lilac-haired boy explains. "Even us captains couldn't stop those two from fighting. So how'd you do it?"

"I cried, I guess..." Takemichi smiles tentatively.

Mitsuya's lips quirk up. He's pretty sure Takemichi crying freaks them all out, and Mikey is the weakest to it, so it makes sense. But Takemichi's tenacity shines through the most. All Mikey, Draken, or any of them had to do was look into Takemichi's eyes to see what he felt. They could tell from the boy's interference that the fight wasn't just about them - it affected everyone.

"Thanks for that. If you hadn't stopped 'em, Toman would've been in some serious shit."

"I didn't really do anything." Takemichi rubs the back of his head.

"You're always modest, aren't ya." Mitsuya smiles at him. "Come on, let's go find Draken."

"Okay."

Mitsuya and Takemichi head up the long stairway, but Mitsuya sees something out of the corner of his eye. He looks and notices a bike off to the side.

"That bike..."

"Huh?" Takemichi looks back at him.

"I knew it. That's Peh-yan's bike."

Takemichi feels his stomach drop. "Wait? He's here already?!"

"Shit!" Mitsuya rushes up the stairs, and Takemichi follows behind him.

They are panting as they climb the stairs and head into the forest. They shouldn't have spent time talking, damn! Takemichi didn't even know, and wouldn't have thought Peh-yan would do this. He saw him as upset as Mikey and Draken to leave Pah-chin back at the warehouse but fuck. He didn't notice either. He felt like some of the blame was on him too. Mikey and Draken didn't notice because they were fighting, so Takemichi and everyone just paid attention to that. He didn't think of Peh's pain either. He was Pah-chin's vice-captain. From their brief talk at the warehouse, he could tell how he described Pah-chin and that Pah trusted Peh to watch over their division; they had a bond. 

Of course, he feels like Toman let him and Pah-chin down.

"Peh-yan…to think he was hurting that much…."

"When it was settled within Toman that nothing could be done about Pah-chin's arrest…Peh-yan was the one who couldn't let it slide."

Takemichi clenches his jaw holding in a yell. Shit. And now Draken was in danger. Why did he tell him to stay? He should've let him come with him. If Takemichi had known he was in trouble, he wouldn't have let Draken out of his sight.

"Toman abandoned Pah-chin. That's what Peh-yan thinks."

"We didn't abandon him!"

They couldn't do anything about him being arrested. Mikey tried, and luckily he came to his senses. But Peh-yan couldn't move on.

"That dumbass Peh teamed up with the remnants of Moebius and said he was gonna deal with Draken."

"What?! We gotta hurry and find Draken!"

"Since Peh-yan's bike was there, I bet it's already started!"

They run back toward the stalls, Takemichi expects to see them, but they're not there—no Draken. No Emma.

"T-they were right here?" Takemichi looks around, but all he sees is the stalls still lit up. There weren't even that many people, likely going home from the rain.

"Takemitchy. Stop. Look at the ground."

Takemichi looks down. He backs up when his sneakers almost step into something. Even though the rain is washing most of it away, a dark substance stains the cobble path. It's like something was dripping since the spots are scattered. It looks…red.

"Is that blood?"

"What the fuck happened?" Mitsuya utters.

"They're not here."

Takemichi gulps. Fuck think. Come on. Something happened, but they probably moved locations. The fight will happen at the festival so they couldn't have gone that far.

"Mitsuya, is there another place they could be, maybe another walkway or parking lot like where we were?"

"There's a back parking lot?" He points behind him.

"Let's go!"

"T-Takemitchy?"

"They might be there since it's a big area, right?" Takemichi calls back behind him to Mitsuya. "The perfect place for a fight!"

"Yeah, true!"

"It's just around that corner!" Mitsuya instructs.

"Okay!"

When they turn the corner, a body comes into Takemichi's view. His heart skips a beat, thinking it might be Draken, but when he gets closer, it's someone in a white uniform, knocked out cold. Wait. It's a Moebius member . 

Takemichi and Mitsuya stop when they take in the sight before them. More members are on the ground, either knocked out or kneeling over, groaning. 

"It's guys from Moebius!" Takemichi looks around until he sees further off a taller figure surrounded by more of the gang members. 

"There. It's Draken." Mitsuya says.

"Draken!"

Takemichi exhales. He can't even feel relieved because Draken doesn't look cool and composed when he turns around, ready to take on the world. He's bleeding from his head, streaking down his face. He's breathing heavily, and his shoulders are slumped. Still, he was fighting them off. 

"Hey. Mitsuya...Takemitchy." 

"Takemichi! Mitsuya!" Emma shouts.

"Emma." Takemichi is relieved she's okay, but Draken's injured. He feels guilt claw under his skin. If he let anything happen to them, he wouldn't be able to face Mikey anymore.

"Peh-yan!" Mitsuya stares him down. "Hey, asshole!! What're you doing with Moebius?!"

"Shut the fuck up, Mitsuya. I'll kill you too." Peh-yan warns.

"That's Mitsuya. The 2nd Division Captain." A Moebius member whispers.

"He's tough." Another person replies.

"PEH-YAN, YOU COWARD!" Emma yells toward the Toman member.

"You attacked him from behind with a bat and brought a whole army with you!" She glares. "How can you call yourself a man?!"

"Fuck. I'm beat." Draken pants, blinking slowly, as he tries to keep standing.

Mitsuya and Takemichi hurry next to him. "Draken, are you okay?" He was swaying. Takemichi hovers his hand near him in case he needs to catch him.

"Looks like 20 guys is my limit..." 

It reminds him of Pah-chin fighting Osanai. How Mikey said, it'd take a lot to knock Takemichi, Pah, or any of them down. Draken is still okay.

Draken, however, falls onto one knee, and Takemichi moves closer. He is relieved when he realizes he's just sitting. Draken lets out a shaky breath, still panting. "The rest're all yours...Mitsuya. Takemitchy. Damn, my head's killin' me..."

"Yeah," Mitsuya says, hesitant. He's unsure how many he can take. Maybe 40 with Takemichi here. 20 each. He can't let up. Draken got 20 down while injured. He at least has Takemichi to help out until Toman shows up.

One of the members walks up, a crowbar resting on their shoulder. "You think you two can take all of us?"

"Shut up, jackass," Mitsuya replies.

"Take 'em out." Peh commands. "All three of 'em."

Takemichi lets out a sigh. So they had to do this without backup. But they have to. Draken's injured. When he raises his fists prepared, the sound of a motorcycle in the distance comes from somewhere behind them. 

"About damn time." Draken grins.

"That exhaust sound!" Mitsuya can't keep the relief out of his voice.

"It's Mikey's CB25OT," Draken calls.

Takemichi turns around as he hears the skid of tires across the rain. He huffs at him having to make an entrance, but he's here. Mikey gets off his bike, sandals slapping against the damp ground.

"Mikey…" Takemichi whispers.

Mikey eyes the others, and his eyes fall on Draken, who, despite blood streaming down his face from his head, smiles at seeing Mikey. "Ken-chin..."

He steps closer toward the group, and Mikey eyes Peh-yan. "I'm sorry I'm late, and because I was, Ken-chin got attacked. But you attacking him, that isn't your style."

"I'm just doing it for Pah-chin!" Peh-yan responds.

"You wouldn't do this, Peh. And how'd you know I'd be late? Who tempted you into this?"

Is there more to this, then? He knows it is strange that Peh-yan would attack Draken and betray Toman, but he gets it. In some strange way, he's doing this for Pah-chin. But is Mikey right? Did someone pull the strings to make Peh-yan do this? And it's true what Mikey just said. They knew the exact moment like they weren't expecting Mikey to show up yet; otherwise, why risk it?

"Wow. What a surprise. Mikey isn't just all brawn." Takemichi looks up, seeing a guy walk over, followed by a Moebius member holding an umbrella over him. He has a cigarette between his lips and holds a lighter to spark the end of it. He inhales and lets a puff of smoke out. "How dull."

He's tall, slightly taller than Draken. His hair is black, except for his front bangs, dyed yellow. His expression looked expressionless. Takemichi tenses as he sees him. He notices a tattoo on his hand as he holds a cigarette in his fingers up to his mouth. He had two - from what he could tell. They said "sin" and "punishment."

Who is he?

"And you are?" Mikey walks up to a stranger.

He stands unbothered. "Doesn't matter who I am. But I'm in charge of Moebius for the moment, at least. Name's Hanma."

"So you're the nasty creeplord behind all this?" Mikey says.

Hanma grins. "You're such a pain in the ass, Mikey-chan-"

Mikey leg kicks up before striking it quickly towards Hanna's head, but Mikey and the others freeze when Hanma blocks the kick. 

Takemichi gasps. "He blocked Mikey's kick?!" 

Mikey lowers his leg and steps back, watching cautiously.

"Yowch." Hanma shakes his hand, still stinging from blocking. The cigarette fell out of his grasp only to fizzle as it fell into a puddle. "Don't act so hasty, Mikey."

"My mission is to destroy Toman. Best way to do that is to make you fight amongst yourselves. But I think an all-out battle works too." Hanma clarifies.

He looks at his hand. "With these hands, I'm gonna take on the Invincible Mikey…AND TEAR YOU APART!!" Hanma's face contorts to a scary expression, and Takemichi feels goosebumps on his arm.s

"MOEBIUS'S ENTIRE GANG, 120 PEOPLE!" Hanma declares.

"Versus four guys from Toman! Don't wuss out like you did last time, idiots! I'm not soft like Osanai was."

"Yes sir!"

"If you run away, I'll hunt you down and beat you 'til all your teeth are gone!" 

"YES SIR!!"

"Take on Mikey and Draken and kill 'em both ♡" Hanma instructs.

Takemichi feels shivers down his spine. He needs to calm down. Mikey's here; that'll help. But He’s worried about the hit Draken took too. They really need-

The others pause as the sounds of motors echo in the distance. Looking around, he sees Mitsuya smiling.

"Just in time…" Mitsuya laughs as the sound picks up.

"Of course, they're late. Mitsuya's the only one with a perfect attendance record." Draken jokes.

Takemichi sees motorcycles pulling up near the parking lot. So many people pull into the parking lot, as many guys as Moebius has getting off their bikes and heading toward them, donning black uniforms. Takemichi heaves a sigh of relief. Toman arrived late, but at least they’re here now. The first that walk up are the captains who Takemichi recognizes, Baji and Kazutora.

"Infighting isn't really my thing," Mucho states.

"But if we're going up against Moebius, then I can go all out!" Smiley adds.

Kazutora stretches his arms. "Beating whosoever ass decides to mess with Toman." 

"Guess tonight's the big show-down." Baji grabs a hair tie from his wrist.

"You guys…" Mikey's face is serious, but he has a hint of fondness in his voice.

Baji ties his hair back into a ponytail. "We bought all of Toman with us, motherfucker.

"Get ready, asshats," Kazutora states.

"Who wants to die first?" Smiley threatens.

"Peh!! You're goin' down first!!" Mucho calls over as he and the other captains come to the front.

"Shit…" Peh-yan curses under his breath.

Hanma emerges behind him. Peh freezes when he feels a hand on his head. "Now things are getting interesting."

Mikey steps over to stand next to Takemichi. He grabs the back of Takemichi's head, ruffling his hair.

"Get ready, Mitchy. We're just getting started."

Takemichi nods as Mikey drops his hand. Now isn't the time to talk about what Mitsuya said. He can't help being disappointed Mikey entertained the idea of getting Pah out that way. "Right."

"A big brawl on the day of the festival. Really gets my blood pumpin'." Draken spits out some blood from his mouth.

"Draken." Takemichi glances at him, worried. He's still moving slowly, blood trickling down his forehead, covering his closed eye. But he walks carefully to stand next to Mikey. He shouldn't be fighting anymore after taking a bat to the head. But Takemichi isn't even sure he could stop him from helping.

"Right, Mikey?"

Mikey nods, standing tall.

"LET'S DO THIS!!" Once Mikey commands, everyone behind him charges forward.

"KILL 'EM ALL!!" Hanma cries as Moebius rushes past him.

As soon as Mikey declares, it becomes an actual battle. Toman and Moebius's members get mixed as everyone starts shouting, punching, or fighting on the ground. The sounds of fists striking bodies and weapons being swung echo in the parking lot. It felt like chaos.

Takemichi halts, screeching his sneakers against the damp ground to kick a Moebius member coming toward him in the ribs. When he lands a hit, he pulls back his arm and twists, striking him in the face.

He flips a guy running toward him over his shoulders. Takemichi can't take a break as more people keep coming. He bumps into people, Toman and Moebius, but it doesn't matter. It's like a mosh pit of bodies and rain. He blocks a punch and answers with a hit to someone's face. A guy comes with a bat. He dodges and counters back in with a blow to his gut and another punch. Takemichi's bare fists were bloodied and stinging.

"PEH!!" Mikey shouts from the middle of the fight.

Moebius members look up at the sound of Mikey shouting and start to flock near him, grinning.

"Mikey…" Peh watches him walking forward.

"Hey! It's the big bad boss bounty!"

"Let's get'm!!"

"The invincible Mikey ain't shit!!"

Mikey dodges and then strikes a guy in the face. He kicks one member in his path, punching through the rest of them, cracks reverberating. He doesn't even acknowledge them falling at his feet. Instead, Mikey walks with purpose toward Peh-yan.

"Why'd you attack Ken-chin?!"

Peh is scowling as he balls up his fist.

"You know we came to an understanding, don't you? Don't use Moebius to fight dirty with us!"

That's what he thinks this is all about? It's more than that. 

Mikey doesn't get it.

"You guys can't just come to an understanding! I won't accept it!"

Peh-yan stands in place as Mikey walks toward him, injured members groaning on the ground. "We're done arguing over Pah. It's over!" Mikey explains.

"IT'S NOT OVER!!"

Pah strikes Mikey across face with his fist. When Mikey doesn't react, Peh hits him again and again. "You're just gonna sit on your ass after Pah-chin got arrested?! Don't make me laugh!" Peh-yan argues.

Each hit doesn't make him feel any better, though. He holds back tears. He doesn't understand what Mikey's going on about. They don't care. They didn't ask if he was okay. He can't fix shit. He only can give in to his pain. 

"This is the only thing I can do about it! Pah-chin was everything to me! If Toman's gonna abandon Pah-chin…then they're all against me!"

Mikey lowers his head, still not moving, and Peh grits his teeth.

"COME ON, MIKEY!! WHY WON'T YOU FIGHT BACK?!!"

When Mikey doesn't respond, he gets more upset. Mikey can knock him out with no problem, but he stands there, letting Peh-yan hit him. 

"YOU COULD TAKE ME OUT IN ONE HIT!!"

It's what he deserves. Mikey couldn't ignore him betraying Toman. But Mikey still doesn't fight back. Instead, he reaches his hand up to cup the back of Peh-yan's neck and pulls him down, so his head rests against his.

"Look at me," Mikey speaks calmly.

"Am I laughing?" Mikey says sadly. "How can I laugh over Pah-chin's arrest?"

When Peh-yan looks at Mikey, his face is downcasted. There isn't mockery or laughter. 

"It hurts…" Mikey describes. "Me and Ken-chin fighting…and Toman getting split in two is depressing to see. That's what Takemitchy told me." 

"I didn't consider that everyone would end up fighting…." He continues. "So beat me until you're satisfied…."

"Mikey." 

"I… don't want to fight you," Mikey speaks. "So let's call it even. And come back to us, Peh-yan."

Peh's eyes begin to water. This started because he was angry. So he… shit. He felt like they abandoned Pah-chin, so he went against them. He saw Toman as the enemy. A gang that meant so much to him and all the members. But Mikey's words cut deep. He knows he doesn't think things through, but… 

He didn't notice. He didn't realize they weren't happy either.

It was a shitty situation, and he didn't know what else to do. Pah's still locked up and went against everyone because of his pain. Like Pah was upset and stabbed Osanai, he used a weapon to hurt Draken—someone who is his friend. 

He imagines Pah smiling, laughing with him again. But then he imagines his defeated face and slumped shoulders when he told him to take care of the Third Division. Pah-chin wouldn't have wanted this.

So instead of protecting the division. Helping Toman recover from the loss, he betrayed Toman. He hurt Draken.

Was any of it worth it?

Takemichi knees someone in the gut. When they fall, someone punches him, knocking him to the ground. His head spun as he got a kick in the stomach. He tucks and rolls before swiping his leg to knock a member to the ground. He hurriedly gets up. Takemichi gets shoved then he hits someone again. Fuck , he knows that Moebius has more members, but it feels endless. He turns his head to check if another member is in his blind spot when someone walks past him.

Takemichi sees Kiyomasa.

What was he doing here? From what he figured, he got in trouble after the fighting ring incident since he didn't see him at Toman meetings.

Mikey commented quickly about him being 'dealt' with a bit after that, but Takemichi didn't think much more about him. He assumed he got kicked out of Toman. But Kiyomasa's wearing a Toman uniform, though. So was he still a part of the gang?

Takemichi wasn't sure, but he knew he saw blood smeared on his hand. A hand holding a knife, tinted and dripping onto the ground as he walked. His lips moved as if he was mumbling under his breath, but Takemichi couldn't hear.

Did he stab someone?

No one probably noticed if Kiyomasa attacked a person with a weapon, given how packed it is and that several Moebius members are brandishing their bats and crowbars. Who got wounded, then? Takemichi elbowed someone in the stomach and kicked them in the side, knocking them over. He twirled around, trying to see if anyone was injured when his eyes settled on something that sent a shot of ice through his veins.

He could see someone on the ground through a part in the battle. Blond ponytail, shaven head. Dragon tattoo. And they were lying in that same red tint. Draken was on the ground.

The knife. Kiyomasa. It was slowly processing in his head seeing Draken's blood on the ground. "Draken!"

Takemichi shoved his way through, launching himself through, cursing at everyone to get out of the way. He claws until he flings himself forward. He falls on his knees, hands dirty, and realizes he landed in the blood pooling out of Draken's body. He holds his hands up, shocked at the dark, sticky substance from the knife.

He didn't know when Kiyomasa stabbed him. They were off to the side. Draken was already injured, so he likely caught him off guard. He looked down at him, shaking him gently, afraid he would worsen his wounds— so much blood.

Takemichi's voice cuts through the night. Even with the shouts and groans from everyone, Mikey, startled, lets his hand go from Peh's head and whips around.

That was Takemichi yelling.

Mikey scans the area looking for him. "Takemitchy…" Mikey mutters, and then he hears him yelling again; he starts running forward. "Takemitchy!"

Mikey throws Moebius members over his shoulder, punching his way through, until he starts shoving and pushing people out of the way, desperately trying to find him. He knows he asked for his help, but Mikey got too greedy when Takemichi always came to his assistance. He didn't take it seriously until the last two weeks when his friend mentioned how much he pushed himself. So if anything happened to Takemichi because of Mikey's selfishness…he wouldn't be able to bear it.

When Mikey gets closer, he hears Takemichi's voice clearer. He's calling for Draken. What's happening?  

"Outta my way! Lemme through, damn it!" Then Mikey moves further and sees a part through the crowd. Takemichi is on the ground over Draken's body, kneeling and shaking him. Mikey freezes. "Ken-chin?…"

"Draken!" Takemichi leans in closer to Draken, trying to check his breathing. He put his fingers to his neck. He thinks maybe there is a small pulse. But he doesn't see his chest rising. He doesn't hear him making any noises. Please…he wants something. Whatever to show he's still with them. Damnit! "Draken!!"

"Takemitchy, what happened?!" Takemichi turned his head, hearing Mikey yell.

"DRAKEN'S BEEN STABBED!!" Takemichi wailed, tears pooling in the corner of his eyes, face contorting in sadness. He assumes Mikey looks shocked. His eyes were blurry from the dark, tears, and rain when he blinked, so he could barely see.

Mikey keeps rushing forward until he feels himself get yanked back and thrown. He slides back, barely catching himself, and sees Hanma.

"Found you, Mikey!" Hanma

"Hanma!" Mikey grits his teeth.

Takemichi wasn't sure anything else would happen when fighting Moebius, but he should've, especially after Pah-chin got arrested, then Peh-yan betrayed Toman. Now Kiyomasa is involved too. And now Draken was-

A cough startled him out of his thoughts. He looked down to see Draken coughing, some blood coming out as if he were trying to speak. Relief washes over him, rain and tears mixed down his cheeks. 

Takemichi turns back to Mikey, who is standing, enclosed by the acting Moebius leader. The asshole wasn't letting him get through. Mikey knew this. But Takemichi shouts over, panic only dialing down a notch, "he's alive!"

Mikey stares, and for a moment, Takemichi catches uneasiness on his face. One of the few times he's seen Mikey lose his composure, he calls past Hanma to Takemichi. "Take care of Ken-chin for me!"

It's an unfamiliar feeling as he clammers to his feet and carefully pulls up Draken's upper body. He's protected people, but this was different. Someone was slowly dying in front of him - someone he loved. All he can see as he throws his shoulder over him, sliding his arms over his shoulders and trying to lug him onto his back, is this boy, smiling at him, teasing him, and being a wise voice whenever the others need him. Who was excited to start Toman like all his friends. Who, despite being in a gang, had a good moral compass. That would hang out with him as kids and even now. He was his friend. And he wouldn't let him die. Especially on the ground, bleeding to death.

He wanted them to live long lives like his grandma wanted for him. So he'd do anything for them to be okay. To be happy.

In all the stuff he's been through, Takemichi forgot how proud his grandma was of him, despite the scrapes and bruises. She was happy he was a good kid. She would understand protecting people you love.

Takemichi held Draken's legs as he carried him on his back. The rain was downpouring now, and it was hard to see, given the lack of light. He tried to return to the stalls, using the warm glow of string lights. He had to get to Emma to tell her to call an ambulance. He almost falls on the slippery concrete, catching his balance and heisting Draken over him more. His hands brushed his chest. And even though Takemichi was strong, Draken still had a towering several inches on him, and his body had become almost dead weight as he leaned over Takemichi's shoulders.

He sees blonde hair tied up and a purple yukata. It's Emma. He's tired but calls her, voice cracking and raspy. She turns her head and rushes over.

"Takemichi!" Emma shouted. She stops and looks at Draken, face paling, changing from panic to pity to something close to breaking down. Her hand hovers over Draken, afraid to touch him, "Draken." She whispers, fresh tears falling down her face.

Takemichi tries to calmly talk to her as if not to frighten her more, "Emma, I need you to call an ambulance."

She freezes, but Takemichi calls her again. She curses and hurries into her purse, and grabs her phone. Takemichi keeps listening out in case anyone from the fight follows them. He could hear Draken's erratic breathing, Emma's sniffles as she told the location into her phone, and the sounds of yells in the distance.

This was new. Defending was one thing, but he was intent on getting back at Kiyomasa. When he got his hands on him, it was his fight to finish. For his friends. For Draken. He wasn't going to back down.

Takemichi followed Emma, trying to take a shortcut in an alleyway to find the ambulance. Still alive, Draken was attempting to speak, but Takemichi gently shushed him. "Save your strength. We'll get you help."

"The ambulance should be nearby. It might be stuck because of the festival and rain." Emma states.

As they walk further, Takemichi sees something in the distance. A group of people walking, wearing all black. Were they Toman members? Before he could wonder, they walked up, and he felt his stomach drop, and a vile want to force its way out his mouth.

"Well, what do we got here?" Kiyomasa, leading the group like he didn't just stab Draken. Unashamed of anything. People like this annoy Takemichi the most. He glares at him and feels himself seething.

"Draken, you ain't dead yet?!" One member asks.

Takemichi grits his teeth. He turns to Emma as gently as he can and smiles at her as he lays Draken on his back. "Watch over him for me Emma." She looks up at him and nods, laying Draken's head carefully in her lap.

Takemichi walks up, standing in the way of Draken and Emma, shielding them. He'd die first before he let these jerks touch them.

"Oi, someone get me some duct tape!" Kiyomasa called over his shoulder, grinning like it was a regular day terrorizing people, hurting someone for kicks. Takemichi understood again that he couldn't reason with Kiyomasa.

"Hey Kiyomasa, how about you fight me fair and square, you bastard?!" Takemichi yelled, feet firm on the ground and commanding. Don't give up, he thinks.

The way his face twisted shocked me for a moment before settling on furious. He's seen that look before. When someone's called out for being an asshole, they get startled but try to remain calm and exude confidence, unsure if they'll win. He still underestimates Takemichi because they didn't finish their first fight.

Takemichi walks closer. Kiyomasa was taller and had more muscle, but he wasn't an unbeatable giant. He can take him down. If he had done it earlier, maybe Draken wouldn't have gotten stabbed now. Maybe his friends would've been able to keep acting carefree instead of nursing wounds. His grandmother was right. He didn't have to be the hero all the time. But when he did, when he felt a deep need to help someone, he should do it with everything he's got.

"The fuck you lookin' at? You wanna die, you little punk?" He asks. He really has no sympathy for anyone, huh? It's not just certain people that fight people for no reason. They hurt people because they think they're strong. Because they are bored or frustrated. Or because they want to cause chaos. And the hardest lesson to learn is that sometimes there is no reason. A reason can explain behavior, but it shouldn't be an excuse.

With Mikey breaking up the fighting ring, Takemichi thought it would be the end of it. That maybe Kiyomasa would change. But Kiyomasa just came back angrier, if possible. Some people never learn.

Takemichi looks at him, determined, "No, I want revenge."

He takes a fighting stance. Kiyomasa looks at him, smirking, hand behind him. Takemichi pulls back to throw a punch, but a knife whooshes past him Takemichi barely dodges, getting a cut near his arm, ripping through the sleeve of his shirt. He hisses, raising his leg and kicking the knife out of his hand. It clinks against the concrete, and Takemichi strikes Kiyomasa in the gut. 

"IS THAT ALL YOU GOT?!" Takemichi punches him across his face, knocking him to the ground.

The members behind Kiyomasa step back cautiously while Takemichi eyes the guy slowly get up off the ground. The boy presses his hand against his shoulder as he feels pain. Groaning. Kiyomasa glares at Takemichi, then charges at him. He punches Takemichi in the gut, sending him back. 

"Takemichi!" Emma calls worriedly.

Draken tries to sit up but feels dizzy trying to move. Even his vision is blurring watching Takemichi and Kiyomasa.

Takemichi kneels over, clutching his stomach and coughing. Kiyomasa grins, getting braver; he charges forward. Before the boy can stand, he kicks him in the face making him reel backward. Blood leaks out his nose as he clutches his face, crying at the pain.

"Just what I thought, you're weak shit."

While sprawled on the ground, Takemichi brushes his face and looks up at the sky, barely making out the clouds against the dark backdrop. While the rain hits his face, he thinks of his grandmother, worried every time he comes home injured. How much stress he must've caused her trying to play hero. But he did it anyway for some warped reasoning. The anniversary of her death is coming up. He'll visit her grave soon to apologize again. Maybe he'll visit his mom too, since he hasn't been in years.

They would have a lot to say about him fighting. But even more, at him pushing himself and keeping everyone at arm's length.

As Takemichi tries to get back up. Before he can fight back, Kiyomasa pulls him up, grabs a fistful of his shirt, and draws his arm back.

Takemichi catches his hand on his shirt, reaches over, and peels it off him, twisting Kiyomasa's hand and arm back. The older guy shouts, and Takemichi pushes him away, quickly returning to his hands up near his face.

Kiyomasa didn't change. But he's an example of the people Takemichi felt like it was okay to fight.

The day they fought that gang in Yokohama to save Baji and fought the Black Dragons to avenge Kazutora was for something tangible. Those were the only fights worth it to him when he did raise his fists. To protect the people he loves. Takemichi wasn't stupid. As he grew up, he knew you couldn't solve every fight with words like he told Mikey when some people wouldn't listen in the first place. Like now.

He was burnt out because he was helping everyone who asked when he didn't want to. He did it for praise, something that makes him feel shitty. And karma was that he wore himself out while still saddened over his grandmother's death. Takemichi didn't have to help with every request. But he did. To fill a void, maybe. To keep believing he was a good kid. He had two different wants in his head, conflicting with each other. Damn. 

His grandma encouraged him, and his dad to an extent, don't go looking to fight every battle but give it your all when you found a reason to. Leave it to Takemichi to realize the last possible minute.

He can't save everyone. He shouldn't expect to. But from now on, if he fights, he's doing it on his terms. 

"I don't care." Takemichi starts as Kiyomasa faces him again. "If you change. Sometimes it's enough to know I can take down shitheads like you."

Kiyomasa's face is bruised from the hits Takemichi got in, "I don't care about that shit. I lost everything 'cause of Draken. I'm gonna finish the job and kill you for getting in my way."

"I don't care about what you do with your life, but if you are hurting people that are important to me. I'll have to fight you then!"

"SHUT UP AND FIGHT ME!!"

He's got to finish this. Draken doesn't have a lot of time. Focus Takemichi.

Kiyomasa rushes forward, striking Takemichi across the jaw. He holds his arms up to block another hit before countering, punching the Toman member. As Kiyomasa runs towards him again, Takemichi takes a wide stance, transferring his weight to one foot and bringing around his other leg to finish with a high kick to the side of the neck.

Growing up, training at the dojo, Mikey was always better with a variety of other kicks techniques. His kicks were instant, and you didn't see them coming often. Takemichi often settled with middle kicks to the side of someone's body since it felt easier to do since he rotated his body beforehand, but Takemichi could kick higher.

With the punches, Takemichi landed before wearing Kiyomasa down and remembering a good spot to hit is the neck for a knockout. It does the job.

He looks at Kiyomasa on the ground, finally taking a moment to catch his breath. Then Takemichi's eyes drifted up to the guys that were with him. His blue eyes drooped as he started to feel exhausted, and he wiped at the blood trickling out his nose. "You all joined in beating up my friends."

"Wait, listen-" One member asked before Takemichi ran forward and punched him square in the face, knocking him to the ground.

"That's for my friends!" He starts, "Kiyomasa is out cold. Unless you want to finish his fight?"

Fear is easy to read, even if you aren't shaking. The nervous chuckles, your skin paling and clammy. The tremble in your voices. It's easy to notice if you look carefully. Takemichi didn't like causing that look on someone else, even terrible people like this. 

The sounds of police sirens stir them out of the stare-down.

"Takemitchy." Takemichi turns around to see Draken sitting up, smiling at him, "just as badass as always." He calls.

Takemichi smiled, teeth and all. He really would start crying if this went on any longer. He had too many realizations today that he couldn't even process yet, but that was for later. They still needed to get Draken help.

"Takemichi, I think the ambulance and the police are coming!" Emma calls over, hands hovering over Draken to sit him up. "You're gonna get it now, assholes!"

"Shit, the cops!" One of the members said. "What do we do?"

"Run you, idiots, what else?"

“What about Kiyomasa?”

"Forget him!"

Takemichi watches them scrambling and then running down the alley. They really were cowards at the end of the day. But Takemichi smiles regardless.

"We won," He lets out a shaky exhale as he turns back around to go help Draken.

__________

Mitsuya looks around. There's got to be over two hundred combined members either tired or passed out on the ground from getting knocked out on both sides. He kneels on the wet ground, panting. "Man, that was hell!" He's tired, trying to catch his breath.

Next to Mitsuya, Kazutora was laying arms and legs spread out on the ground, chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. "Damn, I'm beat."

Mitsuya sees Mucho coming, holding up Smiley. "Yo! We're all done over here!" Smiley says, waving.

"Think this guy's leg's broken," Mucho said, shirt removed probably during the fight.

Mitsuya sighed but was glad they were overall good. "Okay, where's Mikey?"

Baji, haired still tied up, wiping at his face, points, "over there."

Mitsuya looks to see Mikey still in a standoff with Hanma.

"Haha," Hanma, despite being tired, can only laugh. Mikey is that strong. "This really is dull, Mikey."

Mikey only stares at him.

"You're not even breathing hard. Are you some kind of monster?"

"Shut up and die already." Was all he offered, Mikey's own exhaustion wanting to take over.

"Ouch, you wound me. Bet Takemitchy wouldn't like you being so cold. So he's that guy you were shouting for during the fight?"

"Leave him out of this. He's not in Toman."

"Well, if he's not in a gang, maybe he wants to join the one I'm putting together?"

"Go anywhere near him, and I'll bash your face in."

Hanma grins at Mikey's reaction. He guesses that tip he got is true. "Jeez, guess I found a sore spot."

Then someone drives up, a guy with a motorcycle in a tank top and a tattoo on a shaved head. "Hanma, it's time."

Mikey could only scoff. After all the chaos they caused, they leave. But it might be for the best right now.

"Yeah," Hanma huffs, looking at the guy on the bike before pointing at Mikey. "Listen up, Mikey! The strongest biker gang alliance in Kanto is about to form! Valhalla!"

Mikey's frown deepened.

"I'm Valhalla's founding vice leader Hanma Shuji." He says, covering his face as if trying to hide his grin.

Hanma turned, "and don't forget Mikey. From now on, Toman will not know peace."

As much as this was concerning, Mikey couldn't focus now. He had to hurry to the hospital. To see Draken.

__________

It wasn't too long ago since he's ridden in the back of an ambulance. The sounds of the sirens and the splashing of the rain are distant compared to the monitors beeping attached to Draken. They're loud and invasive in his ears that he wants to drown them out. His leg shakes. The waiting, not knowing what'll happen but that every second counts are a lot. Takemichi hasn't prayed in a while for someone. The last person was his grandma, who passed away anyway. But he can't help clasping his hands and asking who's ever listening because he's scared. He wants Draken to be okay.

Draken's head moves slightly to look at Takemichi, and he holds his hand. Takemichi sees Draken moving and grabs his hand without a second thought.

"Thanks, Takemitchy." He says in between intakes of air. "You're a lifesaver."

"Draken, cheesy lines don't suit you," he laughs tiredly. Takemichi looks down at his friend, wanting to blink and for everything to be okay. That he'll blink, and Draken and Mikey will show up to bother him after school. That Draken will laugh along with him again.

"Take care of Mikey for me."

The words dig into his heart. Takemichi is terrified. He can't do anything, which is the most challenging part. When the EMTs say his pulse is dropping, he has lost too much blood and is going into cardiac arrest. His head is dizzy, mind is racing as they get to the hospital and rush in behind the doors.

Takemichi stands in front of the double doors and sees the red light go on, indicating Draken's in surgery now. He hears footsteps and turns around to see Emma. She cries when she sees his face. Takemichi pushes back tears and holds her up as she presses her forehead against his shoulder. He pats her back, understanding what she's feeling—the uncertainty.

"I'm so scared," Emma whispers, and Takemichi recalls saying the same thing two years ago in the quiet of visiting hours as he held his grandmother's hand.

"Takemitchy!" He looks down the hall to see Mitsuya and Peh-yan running. "How's Draken?!"

"Is Draken okay?!" Peh-yan asks.

"Mitsuya! Peh-yan!" Takemitchy brightens just a little at the sight of them.

But when he tells him what the EMTs said and how Draken's health started to decline more while they were in the ambulance, it's hard to get the words out. He's tired and worried. Everyone is at that point. Winning against Moebius isn't even that sweet of a victory.

"Damn it!" Mitsuya slams his fist against the wall.

"No way... Kiyomasa did this?" Peh-yan asks surprised.

Takemichi wipes at his eyes. Fuck. He doesn't want to cry because Draken is still alive. Crying would mean he's gone. But there still might be a chance. "Before we got to the hospital...his pulse was already..." 

Footsteps are coming from down the hall. Takemichi figured it was someone visiting or a nurse passing by, but he almost collapsed when he saw it was Mikey. His lip trembles, and he wants to cry because what if he blames him if Draken doesn't live? He wouldn't even be mad. He told him to take care of Draken. It'd be his fault if he didn't get him here in time.

Takemichi rushes to him. "Mikey! Draken is-"

"Yeah, I heard." He says in a calm voice as he looks at Takemichi. "Where is the waiting room?"

"MIKEY!" Mitsuya, Peh, and Emma shout.

"You're being way too loud." He tells everyone. "We're in a hospital, so keep it down."

Takemichi can only watch in silence. Something about this is familiar—the face he is putting on. Maybe Takemichi was good at noting what people were feeling and able to pick up on subtleties. Seeing Mikey felt like a moment he's experienced before.

"Ken-chin has always made good on his word since way back. He's not gonna die here. He'd never be that dishonest."

Mikey looks up and smiles. "Because he promised me that we'd own the whole country together." It is a tired smile. He must be exhausted from the fight.

Takemichi feels himself wanting to fall apart at the sight because he's made that face too. He's believed those exact words Mikey says. He made it when he waited in the hospital for his grandmother the first day she felt sick. His dad, next to him, explained what was happening after talking to the doctors. He willed himself to believe she would stay with him because she promised. But she was sick, and he slowly had to watch her pass away over months.

He feels tears falling as Mikey looks at them. "So Emma, Mitsuya, Peh-yan, Takemitchy, believe in Ken-chin."

Mikey's strong is the first thought in his head. He always has been. Takemichi takes a deep breath. He shouldn't already act like Draken's dead. He wipes his face. There is still a chance. Just breathe . All they could do was wait.

The waiting was the worst part. Draken was unconscious, under anesthesia. But they had to wait for what felt like hours. Takemichi sat down, legs crossed at the ankle as he leaned in the chair. Mikey was next to him, hands on his knees. If Takemichi saw the tiniest of shakes, he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him, filled with sleep.

Maybe it was because his mind was foggy, but he touched Mikey's shoulder. The older blond boy looked over, eyes surprised for a few seconds, before relaxing and smiling at Takemichi.

Takemichi remembered his father placing a gentle hand on his back, rubbing it while waiting to see his grandmother. So Takemichi moves his hand to rub what he hopes are gentle circles on Mikey's back and pats before rubbing again. He frowned, though. It feels awkward just rubbing his back, especially sitting like this.

Pushing his luck further without thinking, he removes his hand from his back and grabs Mikey's band. His friend jolts before relaxing and squeezing Takemichi's hand. He didn't know why he held his hand, but patting his back didn't feel like enough to comfort him, and it might be too weird to hug him while they were sitting arm to arm in chairs, so he opted for this.

Mikey accepts it and holds Takemichi's hand, resting both their hands on his knee. 

Mikey probably realizes Takemichi was trying to comfort him. 

Before either can speak, Emma stands up. "The light went off. The surgery's over."

Takemichi moves his hand as Mikey stands up, but Mikey continues holding onto his hand, pulling Takemichi up. They go towards the doors that closed on him hours ago. He holds his breath, waiting as the doctor comes out. He sees some blood on his gown. Draken's blood. He tears his eyes away, not trying to get his hopes up.

"We stopped the bleeding." The doctor starts, "the operation was a success."

When the air is knocked out of you for the briefest moment, before air fills your lungs again, as if you learned to breathe again, it's that feeling as Takemichi cheers. Emma cries, burying her face in the toy Takemichi won her.

"Jeez, keep it down!" Mitsuya teased as he rubbed his eyes. "Let's go tell the others."

"Okay!" Takemichi gives a genuine smile. "Mikey, are you ready to head out?"

Mikey intently focuses on Takemichi's face, "I'll be with you guys soon. I just need to do something."

"Alright." Takemichi didn't ask what he had to do. He didn't want to push him, especially after tonight, to tell him something he probably didn't want to discuss.

"Don't worry. I'll meet you all out front." Mikey gives his hand a reassuring squeeze before letting go and heading down the hallway.

Takemichi starts to head out with Mitsuya, but he looks back when he doesn't see Peh-yan following. Instead, he's looking at the light above the surgery room.

"Peh-yan?" Takemichi calls him.

"I can't face them..." Peh lowers his head.

"Peh-yan," Mitsuya calls him. "You did what you did for Pah-chin's sake. They all know that..."

"Mitsuya..." Peh-yan looks up at him, sadness taking over his features.

"But here's the thing, Peh-yan. Draken was thinkin' of Pah-chin the most out of all of us."

Mitsuya remembers he was out with Draken a week after Pah got sent to juvie. When he told him, he was going to visit Pah that day. Mitsuya was initially taken aback because Draken had already told them only relatives could visit.

"You goin' to see him even though they won't let you? " Mitsuya asked, surprised.

"Yeah, it's no big deal, " Draken said.

Despite him saying that Mitsuya felt it was a big deal.

"Every day since Pah-chin got arrested...Draken went with Pah-chin's parents to visit him. But since only relatives were allowed to meet with Pah-chin, he'd take along whatever he had to give. And he'd wait outside for the whole meeting. That's the guy you tried to get killed..."

Peh-yan stares back, shocked. "Draken..." He did that?

"You'd better apologize to Draken, Pah-chin, and everyone," Mitsuya tells him.

"Yeah." Peh-yan's eyes dampen.

Mitsuya turns his back, starting to walk away. "Good to have you back, Peh-yan."

Peh bites his lip, holding in a frustrated yell as he cries.

Takemichi looks back, waiting for Peh-yan to catch up before he follows the others outside. He can't believe Peh fought against them, but at the same time, Toman welcomed him back. They understood what he must've been feeling. He hopes he doesn't tear himself up about it, though.

He exits the hospital and sees Emma waiting out front, looking at her phone. He comes up to her, and she smiles. "Just checking the time. It's way past midnight. It's August 4th now."

"It's that late now." Takemichi can't help the smile forming on his face. He's relieved. He's happy he managed to save someone's life. His heart is still beating rapidly, and he's shaken from seeing all that blood. It scared him shitless, but Draken lived.

He talks with Emma, Peh-yan, and Mitsuya, waiting for Mikey to join them. He sees everyone gathered outside already, but Mikey's still gone. Did he go to the restroom? 

Takemichi remembered he said he had something to do.

__________

Mikey runs his hand along the wall as he walks carefully behind the hospital. The crunching of his sandals on the ground, stepping over pebbles. He feels fatigued now. Sure, he's tired from the fight, but his mind is swimming.

He's grateful. They took down Moebius. They did what they promised Pah-chin they would. Even after fighting with Draken and being able to make up thanks to Takemichi, they got to this point. But Pah isn't here, and Draken almost died. It's a lot. Fuck, it tugs right at his chest.

Mikey falls to the ground, careful to land on his ass, so he doesn't injure himself. He needs to calm down and celebrate with everyone. They are happy, cheering that they won and that Draken didn't die. But Mikey can't get his legs to move. They are weak, trembling slightly under his hand that he rests on his knee. He holds his other hand to his face to push back some stray strands that fell out of tied-back bangs.

"Thank god," He aggressively wipes the tears. "Ken-chin, don't worry me like that."

Fuck calm down. Mikey curls his hands on his thighs, head down, as he hits his fist repeatedly in frustration. Fucking Kiyomasa. Fucking Hanma. And fuck this damn fight, where he almost lost someone else. If Takemichi didn't see Draken in time. Mikey takes in a shaky gasp of air, staring at the damp dirt on the ground. He is sitting in the mud, dirt clinging to the bottom of his sandals and smeared on his feet, legs, and clothes, but he can't give a shit right now.

Takemichi wanders off, going to look for Mikey. He doesn't see him at the hospital entrance or near the front, where the members are gathered. He walks around, thinking maybe he might be near the back. Scanning around, he turns a corner behind the hospital and sees that familiar outfit and sandals—that messy blond hair.

He smiles, about to call out to his friend, but stops when he sees Mikey lean against the wall for support and slump to the ground, wiping his eyes.

It's enough to make him become a blubbering mess. Takemichi stares, unable to tear his eyes away. He knows he should leave Mikey alone, but he wants nothing more than to comfort him. He remembers rubbing his back in the waiting room. He remembers his grandmother rubbing soothing circles in his hand as he held her hand in the hospital. He remembers patting Yamagishi's back as he tried to wipe his tears away.

Mikey put on a brave face to cheer everyone up. He was right. Mikey is strong. In a way, they are the same, Takemichi realizes. Both push down how they feel to not worry others. 

But Mikey still protected everyone. Takemichi gave up on helping people. Maybe it's because the world didn't seem fair without the one person who loved him more than anything. It didn't feel genuine to give when he was hurting.

While Mikey always gave his all, even if he was hurting.

Takemichi was hurting. But Mikey was also hurting.

So to get back to how he used to be. Takemichi, who did everything initially for his loved ones, can start by helping Mikey feel better. He realizes he's got to care about himself, but he shouldn't stop caring about his friends. The least he can do is offer to listen to his woes.

Takemichi walked up slowly. Mikey's head looked over. Surprise was the first thing he saw flickering in his eyes at being caught. Takemichi didn't care. He's seen Mikey cry before. And his invincible title didn't mean emotionless.

He sits down on the ground next to Mikey. They are shoulder to shoulder, not speaking for a few seconds. The sounds of people talking out front fill the silence.

"Mikey," Takemichi finally says. "Draken lived. He's okay."

"I know." He replies. "I just told you guys not to make a scene, and here I am crying behind a hospital building in the mud."

"It's okay to cry. I told you that before, didn't I?"

"Yeah. I was really scared something would happen to Ken-chin."

"Me too." Takemichi grins. "He's really strong, though."

"Yeah, he is." Mikey pauses. "Takemitchy?"

"Yes?"

Mikey stares into Takemichi's eyes as if trying to converse silently with him before he exhales. "Thanks for calming me down. In the waiting room and now too."

Takemichi nods, then gets up and holds his hand for Mikey to grab. He smiles down at him with as much kindness as he can give despite exhaustion settling into his tired body, "Let's go see the others."

Mikey smiles and grabs it. Yeah, Takemichi did something important tonight.

Chapter Text

It was three days after the big showdown with Moebius, and Takemichi might be what you call uneasy. Walking with Akkun down a residential street, he kept getting glances from people and hushed whispers of what he knew were rumors. Maybe he was unsure because it made him feel like a fraud hearing people talk about how badass he was.

"Ah, it's Takemichi!"

"You mean the guy that stopped the battle on August 3rd?"

"I heard he fought off the guy's with his bare fists until Toman showed up."

His ears warmed, hearing his name fall from others' lips. It was weird. Then when he and Akkun passed, they bowed, greeting him, and he almost grimaced. If he were younger, he would've eaten the attention up. Okay, part of him still  wanted to. But he didn't want to rely on validation anymore. They think he's cool because of the fight.

And he definitely couldn't have fought Moebius alone. He wasn't the only one that helped. And Draken took on 20 of them - injured, until Toman showed up.

Akkun nudges his arm. "It seems like you're a hero in these parts, Takemichi."

"It makes it sound that way. They don't even have the story straight." Takemichi replies.

"I heard he stopped Mikey and Draken from fighting."

"He's on another level."

Okay that one was true technically. Takemichi sighs as they stride past. He wasn't planning to come out today but wanted to see how Draken was doing.

He woke up a couple of hours after the surgery, so Takemichi and the others went home, got some sleep, and came and saw him during the evening on August 4th. Takemichi started to tear up when he was awake when they came into his room. He was lying in his hospital bed and turned to the door, and he looked relieved to see them. Seeing him hooked up to monitors, with an IV in his hand and bandages around his head, was hard. But he smiled easily like he didn't avoid death's door.

And that night, with Peh-yan apologizing earnestly to Draken stayed in his mind. And Takemichi smiled when Draken told Peh-yan he forgave him. 

Takemichi wants to head home, but he's already out anyway. He did think of staying in today and letting his new found "fame" blow over. But he's pretty sure Mikey would break in and drag him out if he did it purposely.

Takemichi's self-esteem has improved significantly over the years when he hasn't had lousy days. He's still a teenager, don't get him wrong. He felt anxious and insecure at times. He reminded himself before taking martial arts lessons; he was a skinny kid that would get beaten up. Now he's that but can kind of fight.

He remembers once with his father, he put his high praise of himself in check. They were outside his house, sitting on the grass as Takemichi blew bubbles. It was a fond memory he had because his dad was off for a few weeks, visiting him in Tokyo. Takemichi remembers he told him he stood up to some bullies recently. The fruits of his martial arts training were that he could defend himself and he was proud he only got a few scrapes from the overall fight. Takemichi went on about how the kids looked at him as if he was cool when he saved them. He loved the feeling.

His father chuckled, carefully taking him in his arms, and spoke to him.

"It's great you help people, but don't get a big head. "

Takemichi frowned. "My head isn't big! "

His father snorted, patted his head, fingers tangled in his dark curls. "I mean, don't get an ego. It means don't think you are the best person ever, Takemichi. You are a boy. A good boy, but a boy. Help people because it's the right thing to do, not for their praise. "

First-year kids bow as he treks by them on the path. Despite not officially being in the gang, Toman members talk to him outside meetings.

"Yo Takemitchy."

"You healed up?"

But his father's right. His dad might have some words about him helping a delinquent gang, though. Was he going to say anything right now about it? Nope, which he might regret, but he didn't want to worry him. Did he have to tell him at all if he didn't help in anymore fights?

Even with the praise, it's not why he did things at first. He wanted to be independent to ease his family's mind. He did have an ego when he first started fighting back then, but his dad's words always stayed in the back of his mind. 

The gratitude on Mikey's face that night was worth it.

Plus, he has realized fighting for the hell of it or coming to everyone's rescue is not for him. Protecting or helping someone in imminent danger is different, but helping Toman when he isn't a part of it spreads him too thin. He doesn't think he can juggle it unless he commits to it.

He hopes Mikey understands if he can't help out anymore. When should he tell him? He's afraid once he does, it'll make a distance grow between them. His mind tells him all his friends will drop him at once.

"I heard he dodged a knife attack."

"That's badass!"

"But I heard he knocked out the other guy cold."

Takemichi laughed just a little. Akkun looked at him, grinning. "What? Don't tell me you're enjoying it."

He shook his head, "it's just funny how descriptive everyone is, that's all."

And here, Takemichi thought he had a habit of exaggerating.

____________

Akkun told him he'd see him later as he made the rest of the way to the hospital. When he enters through the doors, Takemichi goes to the desk to say he was here to see Draken. She politely tells him he's in his room and Takemichi heads down the hall. He hadn't been since the 4th so it was about time for a visit. 

He does get a little nervous at hospitals and would rather limit his time in one. He never really liked hospitals too much after his grandma was in and out of them, but he pushed that discomfort aside to visit his friends.

Takemichi gets to the door and opens it, seeing Draken looking out the window, before his head turns and a smile eases on to his face at seeing Takemichi.

"Hey, Draken, how are you holdin' up?" The sterile smell of cleaning chemicals and bright ceiling lights gave Takemichi a headache.

"Takemitchy." 

Takemichi touches Draken's arm as a greeting, carefully avoiding the monitors. Then, he pulls up a seat.

"Glad you're here. I have something for you." Draken reaches over the side of the bed.

Takemichi tries to peek, wondering what he has. He sees a brown paper bag, and Draken pulls out a black uniform. 

"It's from Mikey," Draken answers, "He said to give it to you."

Takemichi stands, taking in the sight of the uniform, holding it up carefully, and eyeing the kanji characters on the front and back. The name 'Tokyo Manji Gang' is embossed on it. "A Toman uniform?"

"That's the uniform Mikey wore when he first started Toman."

Draken notices the amazement on Takemichi's face and beams before continuing, "In Toman, that uniform's as important as life itself."

Takemichi, dumbfounded, holds it close to his chest, gulping as he looks at Draken. He remembers when Mitsuya first designed them. Mikey trusted him with his uniform. His first uniform from a gang that meant everything to him. "Why does he want me to have this?"

Draken examines Takemichi's reaction. "He said whether you wear it or not is up to you. But he wants you to have it."

He's surprised. Incredibly stunned by one of the sweetest gestures. He blinks back, unspilled tears. 

"Takemitchy, you are Toman's savior. Everyone knows that. Including me."

He wants to say he's not this idol, warrior, hero, savior - whatever they called him. He's a boy that stepped up to help people. A human that is only starting to heal the sadness in his heart. 

"Let me show my gratitude once more." Draken stood, carefully getting out of bed, and, with his hands on his knees, tried to bend over. Takemichi feels a tightness in his throat. He remembers Draken couldn't bend over because of the stab wound near his abdomen. An injury that could've been fatal. "Thank you. And take good care of that uniform."

Takemichi pushes down his insecurities wanting to make his way into his mind. For once, he let himself be happy with a fight. Something he couldn't avoid otherwise, Draken might've-

He holds the jacket up. The sun gleamed, reflecting light off the buttons on the cuffs. "Mikey...gave his uniform to me…." What more could Takemichi say? He felt this fluttering in his stomach. He couldn't explain the emotion, but he felt warmth fill his chest. He gave a tiny smile."I wonder if I'll ever be the kinda guy who can pull this look off?"

It's a quiet question, a mutter he isn't sure Draken hears until he smiles at him. He doesn't know why he said that. Takemichi isn't in Toman or any gang. But Mikey wanted his help with his dream. And he gave him his uniform as a gift.

"Go see him." Takemichi eyes Draken, "He said he was going to get some air. He's probably up on the roof."

Putting the uniform back carefully in the brown bag, he sits it on the chair near Draken and tells him he'll be back as he makes his way past hospital staff and goes up several flights of stairs. Eventually, he gets to the door to the roof. He takes one look behind before pushing, hoping not to get caught. The sky's blue today, and besides the clouds, it seems like a photo, picturesque. He looks around at the buildings, the view before his eyes wandering to a figure standing on the roof.

"Mikey," Takemichi calls out, and the older boy turns to face him.

"I just can't relax." He says as Takemichi walks closer. What does he mean? 

Mikey looks to his left, off at the buildings or past them. "I can't shake this weird feeling. Why's Hanma the acting leader of Moebius? What is he plotting? Why'd he try to get Kiyomasa's group to murder Ken-chin?"

Takemichi can't answer any of that because he doesn't know. So Mikey's guess was as good as his. 

Mikey turns to him, hair and the red flannel shirt he wore blowing in the wind. He walks and closes the distance between them, "Thanks to you, Ken-chin's still alive." 

Mikey looks at him like Takemichi is the only thing in the world right now. As if he was important, it makes his heart melt. Then he pulls Takemichi into a tight hug. Takemichi, startled at the touch, settles against Mikey, who wraps his arms around Takemichi's waist.

"Mikey? Are you okay?"

"I...I will be. I just needed a hug."

Takemichi's face softens. "Sure. Of course. You just scared me."

They stand like that for several seconds. Takemichi didn't know what to do except rub Mikey's back, feeling his friend's breath fan against his neck and the sounds of honking cars from the street below. He didn't want to rush him because he didn't look great. The Toman leader looked tired, skin clammy, and eyebags bruises more pronounced, like he didn't sleep that well. And the stuff Mikey just said. What happened has got him thinking. That's obvious.

Mikey digs his nose deeper into the part where Takemichi's neck and shoulder meet, where he inhales the scent of pears. The contact snaps Takemichi out of his thoughts and makes him bristle, but then Mikey pulls back before he even can process the hug.

"Thank you," Mikey states, eyes gazing directly into his own. He holds his shoulders, continuing. "For saving Ken-chin. Getting to him in time and protecting him. You came through like you always do." Mikey cups Takemichi's cheek, smiling, before gently patting it. "You sure you're not psychic or something? It's like you knew to spring into action."

Takemichi tries to relax. Yeah, Mikey is touching him, so it's hard to focus. "Nah, just lucky."

Mikey smiles at Takemichi, moving his hands off his shoulders. He leans forward as if he wants another hug before hesitating. 

"I didn't say it before, but I'm glad you're okay."

Takemichi looks taken aback but smiles. It's nice Mikey cares that much about him. "Thanks. I'm glad you're okay too."

He reaches down, grabs Takemichi's hand, and pulls him along.

Holding hands with Mikey doesn't surprise Takemichi anymore. Sure, he isn't that affectionate with all his friends to the point he is with Mikey. But that seems to be their thing. So it's not that strange. It always seems like their hands naturally fit together anyway. "I'm hungry. Come on. I'll treat you to something to eat."

"Okay."

Should he be more concerned about the hug just now? Probably, but he chalked it up to Mike dealing with what almost happened. He's likely processing it. Takemichi doesn't want to nitpick how he copes with stuff. Even sometimes, it feels like Mikey doesn't handle situations well. He was opting to push his feelings down. 

He doesn't discuss stuff or let people see him cry, except for Takemichi. 

Though, Mikey is acting strange. He isn't being silly and whining. Instead, Mikey looked like he might fall apart, only able to stand up by leaning on Takemichi. And it worries him, especially after he found Mikey distraught at the back of the hospital upon hearing Draken lived.

He wonders if he should say something. But his mind goes blank when holding Mikey's hand and processing the past few days. And was he the best to help someone emotionally? Maybe not. He has trouble coping with everything he's been through too. So who is he to offer advice?

"Ken-chin will be mad if we don't bring him food."

Mikey's voice brings Takemichi back to the present. Right. They're getting food.

"Let's make sure to get him something then," Takemichi adds.

"Yeah." Mikey smiles. "Always thinking of others. That's so you, Takemitchy."

Takemichi smiles, unable to rebuff the reply.

___________

Draken has his eyes shut, trying to rest. He scratches at his forearm but realizes it's just the tube to the IV he has in his hand brushing against him. He sighs. It sucks being here, but he only has to deal with it for another week once he's healed.

So he takes this as a mini vacation before he has school, work, and Toman duties again. As he relaxes, laying his head on his pillow, there is a knock at the door, and someone comes in before he can respond.

"Ken-chin." Mikey strides in, unceremoniously tossing him a brown bag he barely catches. "Brought you something to eat."

Draken opens the bag seeing some pastries. "Could've bought me a meal. I'm already tired of the hospital food."

Mikey pulls a chair from near the window up to Draken's bed. "Sorry. Takemitchy and I went to a cafe."

"So you dragged Takemitchy to get sweets instead of a meal." Draken bites into a custard-filled bun. It was pretty good, but flakes fell on his gown.

Mikey pouts. "Hey, isn't it enough that I treated Takemitchy? I had to spend my money."

"Sounds pretty good since you weren't spending mine this time," Draken says as he brushes the remnants off.

"Yeah, yeah." Mikey tilted back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. "How're you doing?"

"I got a knife stab, so I think I'm pretty good considering I'm alive."

"God, you're a ray of sunshine, Ken-chin."

Draken finishes the treat and is about to reach for another one before Mikey leans forward, laying his face against the bed. 

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Can't I lay here with my face on your bed?"

"Mikey," Draken says, in that firm voice that doesn't want to hear Mikey's bull shit. He wants an answer.

Mikey turned his head, still resting on the bed, to look at him. "Would you believe me if I told you I'm glad you're okay?"

He makes it hard to get angry at him in moments like these. This was Mikey caring. "I do since you'd be miserable without me." Draken grins.

Mikey sits back up. Laying on his bed would probably be the most Draken would get as a reaction. Draken didn't expect him to cry, but he knew Mikey cared about him regardless. Mikey was always more action-oriented when showing affection to his friends and family.

"You owe Takemitchy a big thank you for saving your life!" Mikey chided as he reached in and grabbed the last of the pastries.

"I know that. I already thanked him." Draken tried to swipe it before Mikey kept it out of his reach, playfully showing it off in his hands and biting it. Draken hissed, laying back. His side was sore.

"I 'anked him too," Mikey admits, mouth full before swallowing. "He helped us make up and then got you to the hospital in time."

"Yeah." Draken smiles, thinking of how Takemichi has to be like some guardian angel, always helping them when needed.

"He's really something, huh?" Mikey finishes the treat. He smiles, a broad smile with food specks on the corner of his mouth. Gross, but he's happy. Mikey's that proud of Takemichi.

Draken hums, staring at Mikey. "God, you're making me think about him now. Keep your lovey-dovey feelings to yourself."

Mikey scoffs. "I'm not being lovey-dovey!"

"You're gushing. You're really that crazy about Takemitchy?"

Mikey huffs, crossing his arms and pouting. Draken thought he would deny it, but he offered a drawn-out sigh. "I don't gush, but I can't help talking about him. I want to shout about how much I like him."

After Mikey admitted his crush (read: finally) on Takemichi after he helped the pair makeup, Draken stayed back, wondering when his friend would confess. But, unfortunately, it looks like he'll lose hair over Mikey skirting around his feelings.

"So don't tell me. Tell him."

"Ah, you don't get it!" Then Mikey laid his face down against the bed.

"Stop putting your face on my blanket, idiot!" Draken tugs at the blanket. "You'll get crumbs on it!"

They talk for a bit longer. As the sun sets, it's approaching the end of visiting hours. Mikey stands, stretching until he cracks his shoulders. He should probably head out.

"Mikey?"

"Hmm?"

"You ever gonna tell me why you were late to the fight?"

Mikey looks at Draken. He can tell from his staring that he won't accept anything but the truth. Mikey couldn't tell him. Not yet, at least.

"I had a meeting." 

"You had a meeting during a gang fight?"

"Yeah. I thought I could make it in time. I'm sorry."

"Well, what was the meeting? Didn't I need to know about it as vice-commander?" 

"It was a meeting that might involve Toman later. It's still in the works."

"Mikey-"

"Get better, okay, Ken-chin! I'll come by with everyone tomorrow!"

Mikey turns his back but hesitates at the door. Draken was about to ask if he was okay, but the words faded as Mikey walked over and raised his hands in a fist, gently bumping it against Draken's shoulder. It didn't hurt. It wasn't an actual punch. The tattooed boy gives a face.

"You're not allowed to die on me, dummy. Remember that."

Draken snorts. Maybe this is a step up to Mikey burying his face in his blanket earlier. "You tryin' fight an injured person?"

"Nah, I'll fight you when you're better."

Draken watches Mikey leave after that. He doesn't look back as he shuts the door. Draken knows there is more to it, more to whatever the fuck just happened. Mikey sometimes has cracks in what he wants to show or spills out. 

He holds in his emotions, and they'll burst out sometimes. Draken doesn't know what to say. All he can do is watch out for Mikey. Luckily someone up there made sure he stuck around for a little longer. But right now, he wants to sleep. Being injured and recovering does that to you. So he tosses the empty bag in the nearby trashcan and rests his head on the pillow.

He also doesn't want to get into another fight with Mikey. He was late and didn't answer his phone before Moebius attacked. Draken's worried this might have something to do with Kisaki Tetta again. He doesn't trust the guy after his offer to get Pah-chin out, but he  does  trust Mikey. 

Draken sighs. He didn't feel like watching TV. The fluorescent ceiling lights twitching were more entertaining right now. But he knows he has to have a conversation with Mikey after he gets out. Besides, Draken would hate for Takemichi to have to break up another fight between the two.

__________

It's not silent.

He closed his window, but his air conditioning was on, the churning of the fans scratching at his eardrums, and the noise from outside still seeped through the walls. There's noise all around, so it can't be tranquil for him.

So ignoring that - is he even doing this right?

Takemichi tries to keep his eyes tightly closed, but it's hard. He wants to open them, but the therapist he saw when he was younger recommended he find a quiet place, close his eyes, and meditate.

He shakes his shoulders to try to loosen up. He's tense. But he doesn't do this usually or at all. He did it once and quit immediately. He doesn't know how to shut his thoughts off.

So he's not doing this right.

He feels anxious that he can't stop thinking about everything. Trying to relax, the fight that just happened, Draken recovering, Mikey's behavior afterward, his dad finding out he was fighting again, trying o pay attention in school. The list seems endless.

He groans, trying to keep his legs crossed. The fabric of the rug he was sitting on brushed against his leg, startling him briefly before he remembered. He's in shorts and sitting on a rug.  Calm down, Takemichi.

Takemichi didn't know what to do with his hands. He had them at his side, on his knees, before deciding to rest them in his lap. Once he settled into a somewhat comfortable position, he tried to focus on his breathing. To remember what he learned a few years ago.

Inhale. 1.2.3.4. 

Hold. 1.2.3.4. 

Exhale. 1.2.3.4.

It's not really relaxing, especially holding his breath for four counts. He doesn't know what it's like to do it consistently. Maybe if he keeps going?

He does it about three times before his pulse starts slowing down. He feels excited that maybe it's working. But the sounds of trucks passing by and school kids outside screaming without care makes him get annoyed again and realize he might want to invest in earplugs if he tries meditating regularly. 

The sound of an engine sputtering from a distance down the neighborhood makes Takemichi give up on his task. The sound is louder now, drowning out the kid's yelling about their game of tag. The bike is right outside his house probably. Takemichi's pretty sure he knows who it could be. Granted, he knows gang members who also own bikes. But he's confident a specific gang leader will bother him - early enough to indulge in his whims.

Takemichi pauses, hearing a buzz. His phone was vibrating on his nightstand. He gets up and walks over. Someone was texting him. He reaches for the device, grabbing it at the exact moment it vibrates again. He lets out a startled yelp, fumbling with it and catching it before it drops on his foot. He stares at the current bane of his existence to answer the other bane of his existence - Mikey texting him to let him in. 

Takemichi looks at his phone—7:25  AM .

Yep, it's early.

However, Takemichi couldn't sleep. Otherwise, he would've slept in since it was Sunday. His body felt like 5:30 AM was the best time to get up, and he had some leftover miso soup, rice, and fish and just got ready for the day after that. He puts his phone back on his nightstand and heads downstairs.

When he gets to the bottom step and heads to open the door, it's quite the contrast. Takemichi, low-medium energy with just a graphic shirt that says 'mood' and black shorts on with unbrushed hair, is greeted with Mikey's high-energy cheerfulness, hair pulled into a high ponytail sporting an oversized off-the-shoulder white shirt and black vest underneath and black sweatpants, holding up coffees and a bag victoriously of what Takemichi presumes is food - or more realistically sweets. 

"Morning, Mitchy." Mikey enters before Takemichi can say a 'good mornin' back.

Mikey hums to himself as Takemichi's brain catches up.

"What're you doin' here?"

"Rude. I can't come see you?"

"Yes, it's just early, though. Didn't expect you to be up." Takemichi turns, watching at the doorway, Mikey standing at his dining table. "Plus, aren't you still sore from the fight?"

"Hmm, I just had some scrapes."

Insane Mikey healing  is all Takemichi's brain can come up with as a reason. 

Mikey spares him a glance, then quickly looks down, setting the bags and cardboard beverage tray holding the coffee. Oh, right, Mikey got him breakfast. "You didn't have to buy me anything."

"Nah, s'okay. I got up early and thought about getting breakfast since Emma was busy helping at the dojo this morning before going to the hospital. Plus, it's thanks for helping with the fight and saving Ken-chin." Mikey's eyes darted to him, face smiling easily. "It's the least I could do."

Well, who is Takemichi to turn down free food?

"Thanks."

Mikey moves around the kitchen like it's his own, which he and Takemichi probably share at that point since Mikey has been over a lot from the years they've known each other. It's almost like a dance as he goes into the cabinets to get plates and waltz over to set them on the table. 

Takemichi does something similar. He moves around the kitchen, occasionally with music or the television on, when he cooks like his grandma did. It's nice to use the kitchen since his grandmother spent time teaching him some of her dishes, leaving old recipes amongst the items she gifted him. It'd be a shame if he didn't cook. Plus, he couldn't eat takeout all the time. I mean, he could, but he shouldn't.

Huh. This feels way more relaxed than it should. But again, by knowing Mikey, Takemichi has gotten into habits he wouldn't usually have with any other friend.

Still, it seems strange as Mikey grabs stuff for them to eat together like they're a couple, but then Takemichi banishes the thought. Instead, he cups his chin against the palm of his hand as he leans his elbow on the table. It's not like he and Mikey are boyfriends. He's just his friend.

A friend that kind of treats him special.

Whatever. Takemichi chucks his weird musings up to waking up early. He still hasn't shaken off his morning grogginess.

"Here you go!" Mikey sits the plate in front of him.

"Thanks." Takemichi grabs the coffee Mikey bought him from the tray as the blond slides into the seat beside him. He takes a sip, immediately scrunches his nose as he drinks the liquid, and smacks his lips at the taste. "God, this is filled with sugar!"

"It's not that bad. I got you the same drink as me."

"Huh, that's why." Takemichi swishes the cup, realizing it's loaded with sugar, cream, and espresso. And does he taste honey? He'd be lucky if he could sleep tonight.

Mikey puffs his cheeks angrily before pulling out his food and biting into his dorayaki. Yep, sweets. He swallows before continuing. "You're complaining a lot for someone that got free coffee and food."

"Sorry." Takemichi goes into his bag and pulls out manju. He doesn't expect it but takes a bite. The red bean paste flavor fills his mouth. "It's good."

Mikey finishes his first dorayaki, about to start his second one, while Takemichi eats about half of his manju before setting it on his plate.

"You look tired. You sleep okay?"

"Hmm, not too well."

"Are you still sore from the fight?"

"Yes." Takemichi's face wasn't too bad, purple bruises fading to a yellowish color slowly, but he still had some bruises healing on his body, and his knuckles hurt, especially when he had to put antiseptic ointment to clean it before sticking a bandage on it. Otherwise, he was just tired with a dull headache. "Don't know how you are okay, but it's not so much that.

"Then what's wrong?"

He was recovering, but that wasn't what was on his mind.

"It's just me overthinking. My grandma's anniversary-"

"It's next week."

"You remembered?"

"Of course I did." Mikey says. "I loved your grandma. I wouldn't forget about something important like that."

"Thanks, Mikey." Takemichi doesn't comment on how he also thinks Mikey remembered she died almost a week before his birthday. It would be kind of hard to forget. Takemichi lays his head on the table, pushing aside his remaining coffee and breakfast.

"Is that all there is?" Mikey looks down at him, concerned.

"It's okay to feel like crap, right?" With his grandma's anniversary on his mind and finding out Draken is going to be okay, he feels exhausted.

"Yeah." Mikey pushes his stuff aside and lays his head down, staring at Takemichi.

A few moments pass as they stare at each other. Takemichi was starting to feel awkward, but Mikey just watched him like there was no rush to be anywhere. Just existing with him for a brief moment. It was sweet, but Takemichi could only focus so much on him.

"How long you gonna stare me down, huh?"

"What're you going on about? You're staring at me? I'm that handsome, huh?"

"Handsome? Bleh." Takemichi sticks his tongue.

Mikey gives a wounded gasp, and it causes Takemichi to burst out laughing.

"You're such a jerk!" Mikey playfully shoves his arm but snickers. "After I came to see you too!"

"Sorry. Thanks again." Takemichi glances at his hair. "Speaking of appearances, why do you have your hair in a ponytail."

Mikey sits up, touching his hair. "I just threw my hair up like this. Ken-chin's in the hospital, so he couldn't do my hair, and Emma refuses to keep doing it."

"Just say you don't know how to do your hair and go."

"Ugh, why did I come to see your ass anyway." Mikey picks up his coffee and takes a sip.

"You starin' at my ass?"

Mikey spits out his coffee. It falls onto the table and down his chin.

"Jeez, are you okay?!" Takemichi reaches into his bag to hand him some napkins and uses the rest to wipe the table.

"I'm fine." Coughs. "I uh," he slaps his chest. "Yeah, I'm okay." He wipes his chin. "Sorry."

"It's alright," Takemichi assures him. He looks up at his hair again. He realized he probably asked Emma because Draken couldn't do it for him. Takemichi feels a pang of sympathy. "Do you want me to do your hair for you?"

"Huh?" Mikey looks up, surprised. "I, uh, mean if you want to?"

"Come with me to the couch."

"Sure…" Mikey says, voice going softer.

Takemichi stands, telling Mikey he'll be back. He headed upstairs to grab a brush, mirror and find a hair tie. When he does, he returns to see Mikey sitting in front of the couch. 

He sits behind him. Mikey tries to calm down as he's settled in front of Takemichi between his legs.

"Are you okay?"

"Fine. I'm fine." He chuckles nervously. "Perfectly fine."

"Uh, okay. I'm going to start now."

"Okay."

Takemichi's done Mikey's hair before, but he still is never prepared when he feels the gentleness of Takemichi's hands on his scalp. Mikey washed and dried his hair before he got here, so Takemichi could quickly run his fingers through, gathering the hair atop his head to pull his bangs back.

"You washed it already?"

"Yeah."

"I can tell. It's soft and smells good." Mikey smells like mango body wash or shampoo.

"Huh, really?" Mikey's voice is pitched high before he clears his throat. "That's good, I guess."

Mikey feels his hands smooth back the hair before using the brush for the rest and grabbing some of his bangs. He closes his eyes, letting his head relax a bit. Takemichi hums chipperly for someone that looked like he could roll back into bed when Mikey showed up this morning. He grabs a hair tie he set on his lap to tie back Mikey's bangs.

He ties it back, loops twice, and there. Takemichi is done. He pats Mikey's shoulders, which jolts the shorter boy back to the present. That was…really relaxing.

"Done."

Mikey stands up and grabs the mirror Takemichi set on the coffee table. He looks, and it's not that bad. Takemichi can do the hair relatively the same as Draken, but Takemichi takes his time. Like Mikey is delicate and doesn't rush the process. He likes when Takemichi does it - just a little more.

"Did I do good?"

Mikey puts the mirror down, and stands. He looks at him, smiling. "You did a good job! Thanks!"

"No problem." Takemichi pulls at a stray hair of Mikey's left on his pants. "What do you want to do?"

"I was going to go see Ken-chin after this. Wanna come?"

"...Sure" He hesistates. He's pretty sure Mikey notices, but he gives a nod at his answer. He went yesterday but he'll go again. It'd be better for him to go because yeah...sometimes looking at Draken is still a lot.

Takemichi got up, dusting off his pants for any more hair remnants, and headed upstairs to get his keys and phone. They cleaned up the table and put the dishes in the sink before heading out.

It's been a while dealing with Mikey like this. It feels strange. It's usually Draken that is delegated to it. Baji jokes it's vice commander privileges, but it feels like sometimes Draken doesn't want to leave Mikey on his own. Although, of course, he is a good influence on him too. But it's refreshing since he missed it. Takemichi is second in dealing with Mikey and he's had the honor since they were kids.

Plus, he missed hanging with Mikey. However, Takemichi owes Draken a meal because he usually cares for Mikey when Takemichi isn't.

__________

"Hey, Draken. Emma."

"Takemitchy." 

"Nice to see you both since all you've been doing is hanging out together." Emma teases.

"We haven't been hanging out that much, right Mikey?" This was the first full day, besides them texting every day.

"No, but we could?" Mikey looks pleased with himself. Takemichi just stares back confused. Did he want to hang out that bad?

"I'm recovering while you two have been messing around this whole time. What about Toman, have there been any meetings?" Draken asks, interjecting at whatever weird conversation was about to happen.

"Not right now. I put it on pause until you get outta here." Mikey explains, apparently going back to commander mode.

Takemichi looks at him surprised. "Is it okay to take a break from meetings? Especially after the fight. Isn't Hanma up to something to?" 

From the brief mention from Mikey, Takemichi only knows that Mikey is thinking about what to do and like he said they won't have meetings until Draken recovers, so he hasn't even announced this to the other members except probably the captains. Takemichi expects probably them to fight again.

"Possibly. He's putting together another gang." Mikey adds. "Well we can have a meeting. Takemitchy can just take Ken-chin's spot until then."

"You little shit, you're replacing me already?" Draken teases.

"Mikey, I'm not in Toman." Takemichi tries to reason. He can't be serious.

"It's fine. You can be acting vice president."

When Takemichi makes a face, Mikey starts pouting. "Oh, come on, it's only until Ken-chin's better. Besides, I need my Mitchy to help me lead better."

"You lead fine?" It comes out as a question, but yeah Takemichi's lost. Mikey needing help seems unlikely unless he's putting all the weight on Takemichi to do paperwork. Wait? Does Draken do paperwork?

"But I lead even better with you by my side."

Emma rolls her eyes. "God, can you both leave if your just gonna flir-"

"Takemitchy! Let's go get Ken-chin some water!" Mikey doesn't wait for a response before grabbing the water jug on the nightstand, grasping Takemichi's wrist, and dragging him.

"Wah! Mikey! Hold on a second."

Mikey pulls Takemichi out the open door.

Draken and Emma stare before their eyes drift back to each other.

Emma snorts. "They're ridiculous."

"Yeah."

"When do you think my idiot of a brother will finally confess?"

"Don't know." Draken glances back at the door they exited. "But he better do something."

"Can't believe Takemichi can't see it when Mikey makes heart-eyes at him all day."

Draken chuckles. They talk for a few minutes while the two boys are gone. Draken is about to speak before a knock at the door disturbs them.

"Hey." Peh-yan walks in hesitantly, eyes darting from Emma to Draken. "I didn't mean to interrupt."

Emma watches him cautiously and then stands. "I'm gonna go see what's taking Takemichi and Mikey so long."

"Mikey and Takemitchy are here?"

"Yeah." Emma walks up to Peh-yan. "I'll be back. Keep Draken company, Peh-yan. And don't overwhelm him." Emma's voice goes low as she glares. Peh-yan shrinks back as she strides past him out the door.

"She, uh, kinda reminded me of Mikey just now."

"Yeah. Don't worry, she's still a little pissed, but she doesn't hate you."

Peh-yan grabs a seat near the window and sits on the opposite side near Draken's bed. "I wouldn't blame her."

"Peh, I get why you did it."

"Still, I wanna apologize again." Peh-yan clarifies. "For what I did. I was upset about Pah-chin and felt like Toman turned their backs on him."

"If that's how you felt, I can't fault you then."

Peh-yan studies him. "What?"

"Mikey and I were fighting, and we couldn't see it wasn't just affecting us. It was fucking depressing. That's what Takemitchy said. If we actually had our heads out our asses, we could've seen that. So I don't blame you."

"But I hurt you…."

"Yeah, but you regret it. So why should I keep making you feel like shit about it? And don't think it'll stop me from being your friend." Draken beams at him.

Peh-yan can't believe how lucky he got in the end. That Mikey and Draken still let him stay in Toman. They did end up understanding. He hopes they can return to normal. He wants to be able to face Pah-chin again.

__________

"I don't get why we had to get Draken water right that second?"

Mikey side-eyes Takemichi and raises his knee to tap his butt. Not hard enough to hurt, of course. Just to annoy him. "Why you want him to be thirsty?"

It works because Takemichi almost drops the water jug in surprise, and Mikey can't help the laugh that falls from his mouth. "Alright, jeez." Takemichi sighs but has a ghost of a smile on his lips. "You're making fun of me."

"Never," Mikey says, looking at him fondly.

He really dragged him out to avoid Emma announcing to Takemichi and the whole hospital about his crush. Mikey feels a tad bitter because he's unsure if he's happy Takemichi is oblivious. But then he realizes his heart would break if Takemichi didn't like him and didn't want to be around him. So he'll just pine silently as long as Takemichi keeps sticking with him.

"How long do you want to stay today?"

"Maybe two or three hours, if that's okay?'

"Yeah. it's no problem. I'm awake now since someone woke me up this morning."

"How mean! Complaining after I got you breakfast too!"

"I'm sorry." Takemichi stops to pat Mikey's head. It's the lightest pressure, and it doesn't mess up his hair that Takemichi patiently did this morning, but it causes Mikey's heart to beat rapidly against his chest. "You're right. You did buy me food."

Mikey tries to keep his mouth shut for fear of saying something. But when Takemichi looks at him amused, eyes crinkling and treating him gently, he wants to fall into his arms and tell him how much he likes him.

Before he realizes it, Mikey walks closer, but Takemichi drops his hand, and a frown graces his beautiful face.  Did I do something? Did someone else upset him? If they did, I'll hunt them down-

"Hey Mikey, can I tell you something?"

"Sure, what's up?"

Takemichi didn't think the hospital was the best place, but no one was around at the moment down this hallway. Just the distant sounds of monitors beeping and voices talking. And it's been bothering him for the past few days after the fight.

He still was wary of mentioning what Mitsuya told him about Mikey buying Pah-chin's way out of juvie, but he wanted Mikey to tell him. Instead, he opted for something else weighing on his mind.

"I wanted to ask, how would you feel if I didn't fight anymore?"

Mikey pauses, making Takemichi's heart plummet into his stomach. He's upset. He should've known-

"I wouldn't mind."

Takemichi looks up, face shocked. "Really?'

"Yeah. After you said that stuff as kids, I figured you weren't interested in fighting."

"You've known since then?"

"Of course. You are many things, Takemitchy, but you're not subtle."

"I'm sorry if I've disappointed you. After you went out of your way to say you wanted me to help with your dream."

"That's why you're worried?" Mikey asks. "Listen, you are more important than any dream. As long as you're happy."

Takemichi sniffles, trying to keep from crying. So then, if Mikey knew how he felt, why was he still hanging out with him?

"I guess then we’ll be goin' our separate ways."

"What?"

"I mean, it's been fun hanging out, but if I don't fight, I can't help out, and you'll be busy with Toman, so we won't be able to be friends-" Mikey pulls Takemichi's head down to rest against his forehead. "Anymore?…"

"You're cruel; you know that?"

"What?"

"You're literally gonna abandon me. After you promised me, we'd always be together. You're heartless." Takemichi gasps as he hears the pain in Mikey's voice. "What the hell are you goin' on about anyway?"

"I, uh, don't get what you mean?"

"Don't get it?" Mikey says, irritated. "It sounds like you're breaking up with me."

Takemichi's brain is trying to focus on what Mikey just said. But the way he made it sounds is like they're dating.  What the hell?!

"We're not-"

"You just gonna end our friendship because you think I wouldn't want to be your friend anymore if you didn't fight?"

Takemichi nods. When he says it aloud, it does sound ridiculous.

"Have I ever made you feel like I wouldn't be your friend if you didn't help me?" Mikey questions. "And even when I was busy in Toman, I tried to spend time with you."

Takemichi thinks back. No, there was no sign, but he couldn't help worrying about it. And Mikey did offer to hang out, but Takemichi turned him down more often.

"No…I mean, because I was hesitant and inconsistent, I was just worried you wouldn't want to be bothered with me.."

Mikey looks at him before sighing and smiling despite his annoyance. Takemichi doesn't play fair because he's...well, Takemichi and Mikey just falls for him harder, and he can never be furious at him. Mikey tangles his fingers at the hair near the boy's neck.

"If I did make you think that. I'm sorry."

"Mikey."

"You're precious to me, okay? I'm not gonna drop you for anything. I'd never leave you; otherwise, I'd be lonely without my Mitchy." Mikey assures. "Even if you don't fight again, I'll protect you twice as hard."

Takemitchy feels a fluttering in his stomach at Mikey's words. Huh, it's strange. He knows Mikey's said nice stuff to him before, but when he's saying it and looking at him with his undivided attention, making him feel so important. It feels...nice.

"So I don't want to hear about you thinking I don't want to be your friend. Because it's not true, not one bit."

"Mikey, I-"

"There you two are. What the hell are you doing?"

Takemichi bristles and Mikey pulls back completely, scowling at his sister, who was watching, looking between amused and tired.

"We were talking."

"While you were blushing?"

Mikey's face flushed. "I wasn't-"

"Uh-huh, I was looking for you two since you took so long." Emma turned around, walking away. "Sorry to interrupt!"

"You didn't interrupt!" Takemichi says quickly. For some reason, his face felt hot, probably from the embarrassment. 

Takemichi could hear Emma giggle. Granted, it did look strange just now. It might've looked like they were kissing even. But, of course, that's a crazy thought since they were just friends. Takemichi still held the jug, which he peeled from his shirt. The condensation wet his shirt.

"Mikey?"

"Yeah?"

"For right now, I want to work on getting out of my rut. If I do fight, it'd be for you guys. Like helping Draken."

"Really? I don't want to push you."

Takemichi shakes his head, smiling. "Nah, you're giving me the space to decide, so I appreciate that. And when I fight, I want to do it when it's what's worth it to me. It's like what Baji envisioned. Us fighting to protect each other." Takemichi looks at him gently. "Even despite everything, I enjoy helping people."

"Okay."

"I want to ask, can I still go to Toman meetings? Even if I'm not a member?"

Mikey looked surprised before smiling. "Yeah, of course. You're my honorary guest."

"It won't be a problem?"

"Nah," Mikey responds. "Whose gonna complain when I'm the boss? I'll beat them up if they do."

"Uh-huh."

"I'm kinda glad you still want to come to the meetings."

"I know. I can cheer for you all from the sidelines."

Mikey looks at him, surprised. "You'll root for me?"

"Of course. Always." Takemichi beams at him.

Mikey feels like he's floating. He knew he'd say that, but his ears were still warm. Takemichi wasn't just good at praising him. He made Mikey feel important and that he was someone to believe in.

Takemichi said he couldn't fight but would still help if his life were in danger because Mikey and their friends matter to Takemichi.

He calls Mikey a good person, but Takemichi is one of the best people he's ever known.

And it makes Mikey glad he went to the playground that day they met.

__________

Bonus:

"Emma, why did you text me a picture of you with the plushie you bought home from the festival?"

"Cause Takemichi won it for me."

"What the fuck?!"

Chapter Text

It's easier each time he goes out nowadays. That's what Takemichi discovers. Of course, it helps that the weather has been nice - hot but nice. The sun and trees are on full display today, with only a need for a lightweight button-up over his t-shirt because of the breeze. But seeing green helps with your mood, right? He thinks he heard that somewhere. Regardless, he's been in a better mood. Besides almost losing his friend, he feels good now! Draken is healing at what his doctors said, and he reiterated casually, "fuckin' fast." Maybe not the exact words, but Takemichi got the sentiment.

But Takemichi's been spending time with his friends again, from the impressive skills he used to beat Mikey at Super Bros Melee the other day to cramming his face with Mitsuya's cooking yesterday night when he had to watch his little sisters and couldn't hang out. So the others just found their way to his house. 

It's not just socializing. Takemichi's even gone out this morning to stock up on groceries for the week before heading to meet his friends. It's better than grabbing one of the many takeout menus sitting in a basket on the kitchen counter and ordering his meals because he has no energy to cook. He's even been training again with a punching bag he saved up and bought two years ago when Takemichi still thought he was badass and wanted to keep getting stronger. It's nothing remarkable he's doing but punching and kicking it in his backyard. He's not doing it for an impending battle, but it's a good exercise. He liked how the training helped with his stamina and kept him active. And maybe, his doctor said when examining him that exercising is also good when you are feeling down. 

With it being a quiet day, he felt the desire to do something, so he took the initiative to invite the guys and Hina - and, by extension, Naoto, who Hina asked if she could bring - to hang out at the park. Who knows, maybe they can get food and ice cream after talking and messing around.

Still, it's not all sunshine and roses. Takemichi can't help but wonder what Mikey said about this new gang Valhalla. He hopes Toman does well but doesn't think he'll be involved. But the thought of someone getting stabbed like Draken pushes to the forefront of his mind, and he tries to beat it back down. No, don't think that! He's sure they'll make it through. How confident is he? Well, there's a good chance they'll come out of it unscathed. Okay, he's not entirely optimistic after what happened. And maybe it's more on the side of wishful thinking that nothing else bad will occur.

But after Pah gets arrested and Draken gets attacked, he is concerned. Takemichi wants to believe they'll win. But Valhalla popped up suddenly. According to Mikey, Hanma said on August 3rd that he was assembling another gang. So there can't be that much information about them yet, is there? 

And besides worrying about his friends. Takemichi, despite his improved mood, still has his not-so-good days. No one's happy constantly, so he shouldn't expect to be either. His emotions ebb and flow. And even though he was content the past few weeks. He still has thoughts that pop into his mind that he wants to ignore - insecurities usually. But ignoring it makes it harder for it not to crop up.

Takemichi doesn't want to acknowledge the night of the fight; after getting home from the hospital, he wakes up in a cold sweat from a nightmare of Draken dying, and Takemichi didn't save him in time. Takemichi's dream involves Draken in the middle of somewhere dark with blood around him, falling from his mouth, nose, and eyes. When he visits the hospital, the terror he feels enters his mind. Flashes of Draken dead before Takemichi remembers he is right in front of him, talking and very much alive. 

Maybe he should consider seeing a therapist again. He's been toying with asking his dad. Seeing someone almost die in front of him warrants talking or reassurance to move on from it. He's lucky again his friend lived; otherwise, that discussion would be even more heart-wrenching.

 
Takemichi rounds the corner and enters the gates of the park. He stuffs his hands in his pockets, taking the chance to catch his breath. He looks around and sees some teens sitting near the benches playing cards. He notices some younger kids using the nearby slide. He walks past a mother shaking a colorful stuffed toy in front of her baby's face in the stroller. Then, he catches sight of his friends closer to a tree, Yamagishi and Makoto, playing with a football in the distance. Akkun and Takuya talk on the ground, and Hina and Naoto sit on a bench. Takemichi wants to cry because this is good. They're happier again.

 
He trots over, calling them. Akkun is the first to turn around, and he smiles, waving him over.

"Hey." Takemichi walks near Akkun and Takuya as they stand up. Hina smiles at him, and Naoto nods, returning to reading his book. It had engravings on the cover and looked like the word 'occult' was on the surface. Takemichi felt slightly nervous since Takemichi and scary things didn't mix well, but it's good he has interests.

 
"What'd I miss?" He finally speaks, looking at Takuya.

 
Takuya nudges him with his shoulder and smiles. "Nothing much."

 
Yamagishi and Makoto finally notice Takemichi arrive, stop their game, and wander over. Yamagishi comes first, adjusting the football under his arm and fixing his glasses, slipping down his face with his other hand." You called us out here. I had important stuff I could've been doing." He explains, chest heaving.

 
Makoto, hands on his knees, catching his breath, looks up, eyebrows furrowed. "Why does it involve a magazine? Pretty sure that don't take all afternoon." 

 
Hina covers Naoto's ears with her hands. He still doesn't look up. "God, language." She grimaces.

 
Takemichi frowns. "You're making me regret asking."

 
Takuya leans in, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Ignore them. What's up?" 

"I'm guessing you heard about the Moebius fight." Takemichi stares, gauging their reactions. They are attentive. Akkun nods, encouraging him to continue. "Well, I decided I'll only help Mikey and the other's out when they really need me."

"Well, that's good." Akkun assures, patting Takemichi’s back. He's distracted, however, anticipating their reaction. That his friends finally find out why he failed them.

"I've been feeling better, so I wanted to tell you that. And apologize for not helping sooner. I was burnt out because I never gave myself a break and always swooped in to save people. By the time you needed me." Takemichi pauses, his throat feeling tight like a hand is reaching inside and squeezing as he tries to get the words out. He swallows the saliva building in his mouth. "Well, at least I got to take down Kiyomasa for you guys." He forces a smile.

Takemichi isn't sure what he's expecting from them. But he didn't expect them to study him. Instead, they look at each other before their eyes return to him.

Makoto scratches the back of his head. "You don't have to apologize, dumbass."

Takemichi can't stop his face from scrunching up, glowering at Makoto. Here he is apologizing too! "Why are you calling me-"

"Takemichi, Takemichi." Yamagishi shakes his head, walking up to him and touching his shoulder. Now he shifts his glare to Yamagishi. "There's no need. Kiyomasa getting his ass beat is enough."

"That's not all. I'm also-"

"If you're trying to comfort him, that's a crappy job." Takuya moves Yamagishi's arm, who huffs as he steps aside. "Look, it's fine. We get it. We're sorry we didn't notice."

Wait. "Didn't notice?"

Takuya nods before placing a hand on Takemichi's head, grinning at him. "Yeah, how upset you've been. The reason you didn't help at first. You've taken on a lot yourself, haven't you?"

Takemichi's eyes start to get wet. Shit. He's not trying to cry in front of them, but they are so understanding. It reminded him of when he told Mikey how he had been feeling. All his friends look at him like nothing's changed. 

"We love you, dummy," Hina interjects, watching the display, smiling. "Pretty sure you're still everyone's hero."

Yamagishi stands next to Takuya, entering Takemichi's sight. "And a crybaby!"

"A crybaby hero!” Akkun adds.

"Jeez." Takemichi wipes his eyes. "Don't say that so loud. Also, don't tell Mikey about that nickname. I'll never hear the end of it."

"But Takemichi, my good man. We do want something from you." Yamagishi says.

Takemichi tensed, unsure of what he wanted. "What is that exactly?"

"Recommendation, of course."

"A recommendation?"

"Yes," Yamagishi responds. Makoto takes the opportunity to put Takemichi in a headlock, and Yamagishi stares, brows wrinkled as he leans in while Makoto holds their friend in place. "You never told us you knew the invincible Mikey!" He says incredulously. "We could've gotten into Toman by now!"

"Yeah, you've been holdin' out." Makoto accuses.

"Ah, stop. I give! What do you want?!"

"He gave in so easily." Naoto comments, the book he bought with him now at his side.

"It's like he forgets he took on gang members." Hina looks at them, amused.

"We want to get into the Tokyo Manji Gang, so talk to Toman's leader Sano Manjiro for us." A sly grin takes over Yamagishi's face. "Or better known as your  Mikey . He'll listen if it's  you  asking."

Takemichi didn't know how to respond to that. Yamagishi acts like Mikey will listen to whatever he says (read: most likely, but Takemichi doesn't realize that yet).

"What?! I don't have control over…ugh,  whatever . Look, I don't even get why you're still trying to join a gang?"

"Our crybaby hero inspired us," Makoto says.

Takemichi pauses, and Makoto lets him go after that. They all watch him.

Takemichi blinks, staring, not thinking he heard his friends correctly. "I..inspired-"

"You being friends with Mikey and the others is cool too, but you fighting Kiyomasa motivated us," Yamagishi explains.

"You don't have to listen to these idiots." Akkun moves past them, ignoring their complaining, to stand before Takemichi." It's not bad if you vouch for us to get into Toman, but we were impressed you took down Kiyomasa. You helped us. Of course, we'd want to get stronger, too, to keep up with you."

"I did get to see Takemichi fight before." Takuya brags.

"Aw, lucky!" Yamagishi throws out a playful punch with his arm. "I wanted to see the look on Kiyomasa's face when he roundhouse kicked him."

Takemichi gives a sheepish smile. "Oh man, you guys didn't hear about the fight too?" 

"It's all over town about the Moebius and Toman battle." Makoto's eyes light up, impressed. "How the hell did you kick a knife outta his hand?"

"A knife?" Naoto straightens in his seat, focusing on what they are talking about.

Akkun claps a hand on his back as he gives a wide smile. He looks at Takemichi, giving a nod. "Told you you're a hero. You always come through in the end."

Akkun was their leader - the cool, level-headed one of their friend group. If he believes in him that much, maybe Takemichi  does  have attributes of him people admire. 

"Thanks, guys," Takemichi says honestly. "Really - it means a lot."

"Eww, why are you so serious?" Makoto jokes, ruffling Takemichi's hair.

Takemichi's hesitance doesn't stop them from getting in a circle, laughing, and joking around. It's still the same with them. Takemichi worried for nothing. He feels a little less weight on his shoulders when they go grab some food.

____________

Mikey learns he relies heavily on his friends for entertainment. He was bored out of his mind and went to find Takemichi. His friend mentioned about going to school to hang around while his friend did club activities. He's a better student then Mikey. Though Mikey is passing - he passed most of his classes, so usually, the only thing teachers had to say was about his attendance, uniform, and scaring the entire student body. Although, one of those isn't his fault. But he'd never willingly step in there during his break.

Plus, without Draken there to commiserate with, it was boring. He missed his best friend, and not having someone to make the time pass by sucks, espcially when their other friends were doing stuff. So instead, he got on his bike to go to Takemichi's school to hang out with him. He didn't know if Kazutora was hanging around, since he did have a art club he did. Probably met up with Baji. Hell, Mikey didn't know if Takemichi had left yet.

Mikey huffs as he picks up speed past some cars. Draken's taunting rang in his ears. Was he hanging around Takemichi more since Draken's been in the hospital? Probably. But to Mikey, it feels natural, like when they first met, seeing each other almost every day. Just like old times. He knows that he'd still visit Takemichi even if Draken were here.

It doesn't hurt that Takemichi's just as enthusiastic about hanging with Mikey.

Takemichi has been feeling better lately, so he seeks Mikey out just as much. It's great. Phenomenal. And to Mikey, if Takemichi's happy, he's happy. So he wouldn't mind Mikey coming to pick him up again.

Mikey did take a detour to get some snacks from a convenience store before heading to Takemichi's school. He scans the aisles, grabbing dorayaki and melonpan. Mikey also enters the freezer section; eyes fixated on a bottle of Qoo. He grasps two of the sugary fruit drinks and some potato chips Takemichi likes on the way to the register. 

Mikey drops it on the counter in front of the older bespectacled man ringing up his stuff. Mikey's thoughts drift to Takemichi getting upset that he's breaking into his school. How rude! After Mikey took time out of his day to come to see him. But he does text him, so he can say he tried to be considerate. He pulls out his phone while one foot is on the pedal of his bike and loops the shopping bag around his handlebar.

Mikey

Takemitchyyyyyyyy ( ´∀｀)σ)∀`)

guess what??????? 

I'm heading to ur school

u should be thanking me since I'm such a good friend

saving you

Silence. Mikey gives it a full five seconds before texting back again.

Mikey

MITCHYYYYYYYYYYYYY why aren't you responding?

you're ignoring me aren't u ( ﾟДﾟ)＜!!

SO MEAN after I got you snacks 2

fine no snacks for u

Mikey sticks his thumbnail between his teeth. Was that too mean? His brows knit together as he stares at the words on the screen before texting again.

Mikey

Just kidding haha I got u something!

He heaves a heavy sigh. He wasn't too mean, right? Mikey teases him, but he doesn't want to upset Takemichi either. He wished Draken was here to ask. Not Emma or Shin because they'd enjoy his suffering too much while interrogating him and not help, while Draken would give him advice to shut him up. Actually, Mikey knows he'd laugh too. Never mind, he doesn't want him here either.

Mikey sits in front of the convenience store parking lot, leaning his arms on his handlebar and resting his head on them. He sighed defeatedly. This supposed crush is going to be the end of him. 

Was it even that?

Mikey still was hesitant to call it that. He's not sure. Maybe he thinks Takemichi's neat?! But when he looks at him, Mikey's stomach flutters with butterflies, and he gets lost in his eyes. When he smiles at him, Mikey feels like he can run miles, lift boulders or take on anyone - well, he can take on anyone, but Takemichi's presence makes it even more possible! As he said, he'd cheer on Mikey and the others too. But Mikey'll pretend he just meant him.

Mikey sits up quickly and smacks his cheeks with his hands ignoring some people walking out of the convenience store and giving him quizzical looks. Focus. Get to Takemichi's school already before he leaves. He bought snacks that he may or may not want to enjoy with him. Fuck. Mikey pulls out of the parking lot and drives down the street, in and out of lanes. He's - pathetic. Mikey can't even admit what all his friends keep heckling him about. What seems so obvious, but Mikey knows that he'll be done once he acknowledges it aloud and says it clearly in no uncertain terms.

There'd be no going back if he admits he likes Takemichi.

He can't consider them best friends anymore once he does. Even saying they are friends now, part of him gets greedy, feeling like it's not enough. Denial seems more manageable, especially if it prevents the chance of him being rejected in the future. He feels his chest tighten at the thought of being rejected. How much it'll hurt. He's never loved, uh liked, anyone but Takemichi. It'd be his first heartbreak.

Would they be able to view each other the same with that declaration of feelings lingering in the air? Mikey constricts his grip on the handles of his Babu. Takemichi may not want to be near him anymore. That pain of Takemichi leaving him…scares Mikey. It's one of the few fears he has.

Mikey eventually arrives and pulls up to the school. He gets off his bike. It looks like the final bell rang, and students are leaving. There are more here for club activities then he thought. He pulls out his flip phone and sees no new messages. Why isn't Takemichi responding?

Mikey glances around, ignoring students whispering as he walks past. He doesn't see familiar messy dark hair in the crowd out front. He walks into the building, wholly undeterred, and makes his way to the classrooms on the first floor. Takemichi is a year younger than him, so he might be in one of these classrooms. Maybe his class? Which one was his again? Oh well, he'll go through them all.

As he walks up, however, the first room is right. Fate seems to be favoring him today since the classroom is empty, and all he sees is Takemichi lying on the desk. Mikey chuckles. He's probably napping. And he tells Mikey to not nap in school. He carefully slides the door close and walks over to the desk. It's closer to the window and in the last row. Mikey stands over him. Still, he doesn't move. He hears light snoring coming from him and can see the drool leaking from his mouth and cascading down his arm. 

He's so cute.  

Mikey squats down next to the desk. Takemichi's facing the door, so from where Mikey is kneeling, he is right next to him, examining his sleeping face. Only his snoring fills the room and the distant chatter from outside.

"You fell asleep with the windows open. You tryin' to catch a cold? It's gonna be September soon." Mikey speaks low. Granted, it's hot today, and there is only a slight breeze, but who knows? Better safe than sorry, right?

Mikey gently runs his fingers through his hair, pushing the bangs starting to cover his brows. He must be tired since he's napping at school. Is he not resting well? Mikey has so many questions, but he settles for staring at Takemichi. He should wake him up so they don't get in trouble. Mikey could care less, mainly because this isn't his school. But Takemichi would. Therefore Mikey cares about it. Not getting Takemichi in trouble.

"I'm such a good friend coming here. If I didn't, you'd be freezing by now because who'd wake you up." A student or teacher, most likely. But Mikey wants to pretend this was fate, a good reason to bother him. He'll tell Shin that if he tries to yell at him. I saved Takemitchy from freezing, so you shouldn't ground me for going to his school!  

But as much as he enjoyed looking at Takemichi and running his fingers through his messy curls, they had to go. So he moves his hands from his hair to shake him. Mikey leans his face only centimeters from his. Huh. Takemichi has a pretty face with a cute button nose and dark lashes. It's crazy how he even looks good sleeping when Mikey's hair is a mess, his bangs flopped over his eyes. and he'll have dried crust all down his face. Emma also makes fun of him hugging his towel, so he guesses he loses cool points.

But Takemichi doesn't even have to try to look adorable in Mikey's eyes.

And thinking he's adorable, that's another point to add to the list his head of: examples that Sano Manjiro likes his childhood best friend, Hanagaki Takemichi.

"Wake up, sleepy-mitchy." Mikey prods his shoulder again. Only then does he start stirring.

Takemichi blinks sleepily and slowly lifts his head. His cheek was red from being pressed against his arm. He stretches his arms above his head until he hears a crack and blinks until his vision adjusts. Finally, he turns his head to see Mikey, elbow on his desk and chin perched in his palm, staring at him.

"Mikey!" Takemichi jumps back but hits the back of his seat, and his elbow bangs on the window sill. He hisses, rubbing the sore spot and watching Mikey, who laughs at him. What a jerk! "What are you doing here?"

Mikey's cheeks puff out as he glares at Takemichi. He looks offended. "Mean! I can't come see you at school?" 

Takemichi sighs, rubbing his eyes. "No, you can, but you can't come into my school. Even during summer vacation. Hell, I'm not technically suppose to be here either."

"Why not? It's after school anyway. No one's here." He sounds like he believes that. But, of course, Takemichi wouldn't be surprised if Mikey thought he was doing him a favor.

"I guess." Takemichi hesitates, surveying Mikey and then looking out the window. It wasn't dark yet, so he wasn't asleep that long. "Also, how long have you been here?"

"Not long."

"Why were you staring at me too?

Mikey giggles. "You drool a lot."

Takemichi swipes aggressively at his face with the back of his hand, wiping off the drool. l and notices some on his arm and wipes that on his pants. He looks around the classroom and sees Mikey is the only one there. "Shut up! Seriously, what if someone sees?"

Mikey looks at him, face unreadable as he stands up. Takemichi has to look away because even though he isn't saying anything, he's known Mikey long enough to know he's thinking hard about something. Was it something he said? Mikey suddenly turns back around, heading for the door. "Fine, I'll keep my distance then." Takemichi flinches. Mikey sounds sad. "Come on. I'll give you a ride." And he feels guilt settle in his gut because even if he is mad at Takemichi, he's still being nice by offering him a ride.

Takemichi hurries out of his seat and grabs his shoulder. Mikey turns to look at him impatiently. Takemichi once again thanks the heavens he's cool with Mikey because if it was anyone else, he's sure Mikey would've kicked them into one of the desks. "Mikey, wait, I didn't mean it like that."

That's when Mikey fully faces him, eyeing him as if he is trying to see if Takemichi is telling the truth. He huffs, but his expression becomes neutral. "Look, if you don't want me near you, then tell me."

Whatever he's going on about stuns Takemichi for a few seconds before he raises his hand, grabs the tip of Mikey's nose, and gives a tug. Mikey squawks, and Takemichi almost falls to the floor laughing. He bursts out laughing when Mikey slaps his hand away. He doesn't even pay attention to the stinging sensation since he's covering his face to hold in the giggles.

"You piss me off." His words aren't angry despite saying he is pissed off. If anything, his tone is light, almost a breath away from chuckling.

"Sorry, sorry."

"If it bothers you, I won't touch you again."

"It doesn't," Takemichi assures. "I'd let you know if it did. I was embarrassed for a second, but you really didn't do anything." 

Mikey walks closer to him, closing the distance, and taps the back of Takemichi's hand he lets fall back to his side. Mikey watches his hand and gently loops his index finger around Takemichi's finger, testing if it is okay.

"Hmm. Fine, I'll forgive you because you're my friend." Mikey mumbles, eyes still looking, before he grabs his whole hand.

Takemichi was going to mention that maybe holding hands in their classroom wasn't the best idea, especially for how much noise they were making. A teacher's going to come by at some point. And they'll get in trouble given Mikey's not a student. They should head out. Mikey offered to take him home, and Takemichi wasn't about to refuse a free ride, specifically because he was already tired, given he was dozing off during waiting in the classroom.

"Anyway, you were so mean when I came to visit you." Mikey pouts, staring at Takemichi as if betrayed. It makes Takemichi want to laugh even harder at him. "You're the only one I pick up from school, ya know."

Takemichi waves his hand coolly. "I hear ya. "But then he jolts, realization dawning on him as he glimpses at Mikey. "Wait, really? You don't visit Baji or Mitsuya at school?"

Mikey shrugs. "Not too often. I've been, but Mitsuya's usually busy with his club, and Baji usually leaves by the time I show up, or he is getting tutored."

"Huh?" Takemichi knows they have stuff going on, but he never paid much attention before to Mikey, always ending up coming to find him. So Takemichi wonders what he did when he didn't hang out as much together. "Actually, you don't visit Kazutora either." 

Sometimes it'll sync up, and Kazutora will be here when Mikey and Draken come by. Still, he is an upperclassman, so he and Takemichi's schedules don't always align unless Kazutora searches explicitly for him in school and vice versa. And he thinks Kazutora usually meets up with Baji after school anyway.

"Nah. It's usually you."

"Really?"

"I don't mind that much." Mikey grins at him. 

"You don't?"

"Nah, 'cause you're Takemitchy." Mikey pulls his hand, leading him out the door. Takemichi tells him to hold off while he grabs his stuff. Once he does, they go to his lockers to get his shoes. Takemichi pulls out his phone; he sees Mikey's texts and then texts from his friends asking where he is. They also proceed to say they left without him. Well, he shouldn't be surprised. He came with them to do some homework they had over summer while he let them finish up with their club activites, and he ended up dozing off. He sends a quick apology text saying he fell asleep. They send quick replies of LOLs and classic Takemichi. Jerks.

"I don't think saying my name answers the question." Takemichi closes his phone, putting it in his pocket as he opens his locker, taking his shoes out.

Mikey leans against the locker next to Takemichi's, arms crossed as he has his jacket over his shoulders. He makes it look effortless posing. Takemichi bets Mikey would have admirers if he didn't scare most people he meets. "It does."

"Uh, how's that." Takemichi leans his hand on the lockers as he raises his leg to slide his fingers into the back of his shoes to help put them on.

"Have you met you?"

Yeah, Takemichi stops trying because he's getting more confused.

Takemichi puts his school shoes in his locker, grabs his school bag, and shuts the metal door. He feels his phone vibrate, but he'll text them when he gets home.

"I'm gonna leave that alone."

Mikey pouts and drags him the rest of the way out of the school. Takemichi sees some students around looking, and he starts to feel apprehensive. But he's okay with it. He no longer tries to process why he always holds hands with his best friend. It keeps him sane, not questioning it. But everyone else wouldn't understand that outside their friend group. Still, he can't help glancing at Mikey's hand holding his.

They might think he and Mikey are dating.

Boy, that's a funny thought! A thought he had before when he told Mikey at the hospital when visiting Draken about not helping with fights anymore. He was close to his face then too. Yeah. Mikey just waltzed in, taking ownership of Takemichi's space since they'd met, so why should he think about it now when it's how it's always been? That's all it is. It doesn't mean they like each other.

Takemichi's thought both girls and boys were attractive, but Mikey, however. Takemichi didn't know if he had anyone he liked. he seemed more interested in fighting and talking about bikes than anything else. He'll shove a motorbikes magazine faster in his face than a magazine with quizzes about romance. Takemichi remembered one distinct memory where he witnessed a girl handing Mikey chocolates, and he walked past her, effectively rejecting her, even though he ended up eating the chocolates. Draken said that happened more than once before.

But again, he's never seen him interested in anything romance-wise besides indulging in rom-com movies and dramas with Takemichi, Shinichiro, and Emma and reading Emma's shojo manga around him when he's been at the Sano household.

But besides that. Takemichi can see that Mikey is good-looking, but he doesn't have feelings for him, and he's pretty sure the feeling is mutual. Mikey is just extra nice because they are childhood friends, not because he likes him. But at the same time, what does Takemichi have to compare it to? He's had people confess to him, but he's never dated anyone before. He thought classmates and strangers were cute but never actively pursued anything.

Takemichi chalked it up to his low self-image and dealing with grief for the past two years. Even though he likes the idea of romance in movies and manga, he's had his mind on things other than love.

"Here, I bought you some snacks." He hands Takemichi the bag with his snacks. He's lucky the cashier gave him two. Mikey just put their snacks separately.

"Sweet." Takemichi peers in the bag. Seeing a drink and snacks for him. He sees the familiar potato character on the front packaging. It looks like it's soy sauce-butter-flavored this time. "You got the chips I like too. Thanks, Mikey!"

"It's no biggie." Mikey eyes dart away, but he can't help the pink dusting his cheeks and smiles. He cast his gaze back to Takemichi's as he leans his arms on the handlebars of his bike. "Maybe you can treat me to something. My birthday's coming up, ya know. So whatcha gonna get me, huh?"

"Stop trying to ruin the surprise." Takemichi lectures.

"Aww, come on, just give me a hint." There go the infamous puppy dog eyes Mikey pulls to get his way, and Takemichi seems to be the only one that can't resist that look.

Mikey doesn't play fair.

"I can't hint at it because I need you to drive us on your bike."

"Us?" Mikey asks.

"Well, I can ride with one of the others too." Takemichi thinks, tapping his chin. "Maybe I didn't have to say anything, and they could've brought you."

Mikey sits up now, attention entirely on the conversation. 

"The others?" Mikey questions.

"Yeah, everyone. Since Draken is getting out tomorrow, hopefully, he can come too., I was planning for all of us to go to Yokohama and spend the day. It'd be fun, right? Like a little vacation."

"You, me, and everyone, huh?"

"Yep! But no more spoiling it. Just bring a beach towel, swim trunks, and sunscreen so we can go in the water. That's it. The rest is secret."

Mikey smiles. Even with dark eyes, Takemichi could feel the warmth in his gaze. "You really thought of everything."

"Of course." Takemichi holds his head up, sticking his chest out, proud that he did start planning everything. Mikey rolls his eyes, amused. "I don't play favorites, but I think you'll have a pretty good birthday."

Mikey watches him before grinning. "Favorites? So I'm your favorite, huh?"

"What?!" Takemichi says, taken aback, voice raising, "Mikey, I said I didn't play favorites!"

Mikey's smile drops. "So I'm not?"

The way Mikey says it is sad, like how he sounded in the classroom with Takemichi a couple of minutes ago. Takemichi's fingers twitch nervously in his hand, rustling the grocery bag. His mouth quirks up before going into a tight line. He feels terrible because maybe he upset Mikey in some way. He didn't know how but couldn't help feeling like something was up. And he's causing this reaction.

"I didn't say that," Takemichi explains carefully.

At that, Mikey peps up again, like he didn't look like he was going to lay on the ground sulking (Mikey's done it before, and Takemichi knows he'll do it again at a moment's notice). 

"Oh ho, I get it, can't let everybody feel left out, huh Takemitchy? it's our little secret how you love me totes more than everyone else." The shit-eating grin that he's sporting makes Takemichi regret this whole conversation.  Totes???  Yeah, he's fucking with him.

"Mikey!" Can he go shrivel up in a hole? Some friend he is!

"It's okay, Takemitchy, no shame about it. I mean, it makes sense since you always cling to me." Mikey teases. "I mean, last time we watched a scary movie at your place, you cuddled with me~."

"I did not!" Takemichi quickly scanned around to make sure no one heard that. Yeah. He couldn't justify that without some weird stares. "I told you I held onto you because you were next to me, and I got jump scared during one of the scenes!"

"For the rest of the movie?"

Mikey must want him to combust out of sheer embarrassment. "Please leave if you're gonna make fun of me." Takemichi's sure that Mikey gets enjoyment from teasing him and their friends. The rest involves the high of fighting and blazing fast speeds on his bike. And everyone nearby is probably looking at them, wondering why someone was riding a motorbike and harassing a middle schooler. He wants to assure them he's fine. His friend just likes riling him up.

And here, Takemichi was worried about him. What an asshole! 

Mikey laughs. "I'm just kidding. I'll be nice. C'mon, get on. I'll bring you home."

"Right. I'll text you more about the birthday plans later and what time to meet at my house so we can head to Yokohama."

"Okay."

"Uh." Takemichi starts. "I have something else to ask before we leave."

"What's that?"

"My friends are keen on getting into Toman. I know it's your decision who you let in, so it's okay if you can't…."

"You're asking me to consider your friend's request into Toman."

"Yes."

"Okay. I'll think about it."

Takemichi's brows raise. "Really?"

"Yeah." He looks like he's thinking before he gives a quick nod. "Have to talk to Ken-chin and see which division they'll go in, but I'll consider it."

"But why?"

"Duh, Because you asked me." Mikey only looks the tiniest bit annoyed at him. Like an 'are you an idiot?' kind of look. Which is fair.

"I see because I came to you about it."

"I guess. But I meant because you specifically asked me."

Huh? He didn't think Mikey would give in so easily. Sure, he didn't have them joining immediately, but he is thinking about it. That's more than he thought he'd do. So maybe Yamagishi is right about Mikey listening to him?

Since they're friends, Takemichi figures he can be the same way too. Still, he appreciates it nonetheless. It contrasts with how he shut him and Draken down at the warehouse when Moebius attacked. 

"Now, come on before it gets late!" Mikey passes Takemichi a helmet and nods his head behind him.

"Ah, right!"

But that's good. It means he's back to being their Mikey again.

__________

They leave early to go pick up Draken. He's supposed to get discharged around noon. They wait outside the front of the hospital near their bikes when they arrive. Takemichi leans against Mikey's bike, talking with him when his eyes look at the entrance. He sees Draken walking past the automatic doors, a bag slung over his shoulders, and waves as he walks toward them. Takemichi feels his eyes dampening. He's okay. 

Baji and Kazutora rush over while Takemichi, Mikey, Mitsuya, and Peh-yan walk slower. Draken dips his head as Baji puts him in a playful headlock.

"Ow fuck, this is how you treat someone that gets out of the hospital." He says with no anger.

"Oi, you're better now." Baji grins at him.

"Whatever." Draken nudges Baji in the side to let him go. Once he does, he looks around at his friends. "Guess I got the welcome party."

"Draken! How are you feeling?" Takemichi asks.

"Better, now that I'm outta there." 

"See, you're already back to normal," Mikey assures.

"Does it still hurt where you got stabbed?" Takemichi's eyes travel to his stomach, covered by his shirt.

"Nah. It aches sometimes and only hurts if you put pressure near there. I got this cool scar, though." Draken says, lifting his shirt slightly so Takemichi can see the scar near his belly button. There is a pinkish line across his skin. 

"They said it might not fade much, but I can put cream on it to help," Draken explains. "Kind of like a battle scar, huh?"

"Yeah. Kinda badass." Takemichi gives a tiny smile, ignoring the thought trying to crop up.

"Right?" Draken gives a toothy grin.

Mikey glances at Takemitchy, staring at Draken's scar, giving off a dark look. Now Mikey knows it's innocent, but it still irks him. He can't help it when Takemichi looks impressed by it. When was the last time Takemichi was impressed by Mikey? But Mikey's jealousy wins out as he steps forward, jabbing his fingers above the scar.

Draken flinches back, dropping his shirt and clutching his side. "Fuck!" 

"Mikey!" Takemichi stares at him in disbelief.

Mikey shrugs before grinning. "Hey, you're right. It is still sore., huh?" Then he glowers at Draken. "Careful, someone could one up ya like that again." Mikey advises, giving the undercurrent of a warning to 'stop showing off.'

"Not cool, you gremlin!" Draken wasn't in the mood for Mikey's jealousy.

"What the fuck you call me bean pole!" Mikey yells back.

"You tryin' start somethin' again?!"

Mikey folds his arms, glaring at his taller friend. "What if I am?"

"You little-"

"Enough, both of you!" Takemichi gets in between them, holding his hands near their chest.  What is his deal?  "Mikey, apologize!' Takemichi's tone is firm as he turns to him. It only causes Mikey's eyes to widen before he gives a sullen pout.

"But he called me a mean name, tooooo. Make him apologize, Takemitchy~." Mikey's intensity has fizzled out, and he's left standing helplessly before irritated blue eyes and complaining over something he started. Now Takemitchy remembers what it's like dealing with Mikey daily. He loves him, he really does, but he also wants to strangle him sometimes too.

"You started it."

Mikey turns away from him. Takemichi gives a shocked gasp. Maybe he'll strangle him today.

"What the hell are you three doing? Come on; I'm starving. Mikey, I didn't come to watch you be jealous." Baji announces. Mikey goes to walk up next to him. "Oi, what are you-" Mikey kicks at the back of his leg before he finishes his sentence. "Ow!" Baji's leg buckles, and he almost falls to his knees from the hit. He turns a threatening look toward Mikey. "You tiny piece of-"

"Wait a minute. Mikey, you're jealous?"

Mikey turns around to face Takemichi. "What? No, I'm not."

Ah, so he is. Takemichi's anger dissipated, replaced by fondness and amusement. Mikey likes him that much to get jealous?

"Aww, you are, aren't you? So that's the reason you're acting like a brat? How cute!" Takemichi smiles wide as he pulls at Mikey's cheek. Anyone else, Mikey realizes, would be knocked out before they could even pinch his face, but instead, he whines embarrassingly in front of his friends because he can't even get mad at Takemichi.  He's lucky he's so cute!  

"Stop making fun of me!" It's all Mikey gives as a response because when he lets go and laughs, Takemichi's voice sounds like bells to Mikey. He rubs his face but stares at Takemichi as if amazed.

Baji's eyes lit up, entertained even though his leg was still stinging. "Weak shit." He says directly to Mikey.

Mikey whips his head around, glaring darkly at the long-haired boy. "Oi, who you callin' a weak shit-" Takemichi pulls at Mikey's cheek to get him to look at him again before he finishes his sentence. 

"Stop fighting." He warns—Mikey whimpers helplessly like he isn't about to knock Baji's head off his shoulders.

"Anywayyy! Can you all not be chaotic for five minutes?" Kazutora asks.

"You're one to talk." Mikey rubs at his sore cheeks when Takemichi finally let's go.

Kazutora points to himself. "What, little ol' me?" He replies, feigning innocence.

"This is getting us nowhere." Mitsuya tries to get everyone's attention back on track. "Draken wanna go eat?"

"Yeah. I'm starving for some actual food." Takemichi's eyes catch Draken's. The taller boy looks at him strangely. "You good, Takemitchy?"

Takemichi gives a tight smile, trying to remain calm, but the thought wiggles back into his mind - his nightmare about Draken dying.

"Yeah, fine. Anyway, Draken, I'll buy you food." Takemichi offers.

Draken raises his brows. "You sure?"

"Yeah, I got my allowance." Takemichi sends a disapproving look toward Mikey. "Just don't burn a hole in my wallet."

"Why'd you look at me when you said that?!" Mikey asks, wounded.

"No reason."

"We're glad you are okay, though." Mitsuya gives a gentle bump to Draken's shoulder.

"Takemitchy, I can't believe you carried Draken's ass during the Moebius fight!" Baji praises.

"I know he's strong as shit!" Draken laughs. "He only set me down once to knock Kiyomasa the fuck out."

"I'm not that strong?" Takemichi forms it like a question because he's not so sure.

"Well, if you can carry Draken…." Kazutora creeps up behind Takemichi. "See if you can carry me then!" And then he launches onto his back, grabbing him around his neck and wrapping his legs around his waist.

Takemichi almost jumps out of his skin at the sudden movement of his friend latching onto him. "K-Kazutora! Get off!"

"What? I'm smaller than Draken. Can't you carry me, Mitchy?" Kazutora grinned brightly.

"I mean, I can." Takemichi mumbles, heart settling down from the scare. "But I'm only carrying you until we get to the restaurant." Takemichi holds his legs properly and hoists him up onto his back. Kazutora is smaller than Draken but he was still tall, he was taller than Takemichi. Huh? Maybe he is stronger than he thought. He can relatively carry his friend. Draken was only heavier since he was injured, and his body was limper since most of his weight was on Takemichi.

"Me next ♡," Mikey calls, raising his hand.

Takemichi looked behind him as they started to exit the front of the hospital, seeing Draken, Mitsuya, and Peh-yan talking and speaking of that. He's glad they made up. He felt terrible for Peh. He could tell he idolized Pah when he first interacted with him at the warehouse when Moebius surprise attacked them. He didn't realize how torn up he was enough to go against Toman. But Mikey and Draken don't fault him. On the contrary, they are willing to welcome them back with open arms.

"You're really something…." Takemichi says to Mikey, whose standing next to him.

Kazutora and Mikey look at him. 

"What do you mean?" 

Takemichi smiles at Mikey, and the blond looks surprised for a second at how soft Takemichi's eyes are that his stomach flips.

"That you guys are willing to forgive Peh. That your sympathetic is all."

"Oh, right. Well, it's the least we could do. You were right. Our fighting was splitting Toman apart."

"I'm proud of you."

Mikey's eyes widen, and he rubs the back of his neck. Kazutora could see the smile and redness on his face.

"Thanks, Mitchy…" Mikey says quietly. It's strange how Takemichi always saw good in him, but Mikey can't help but bask in his words. He doesn't deserve the praise, especially with the stuff he was willing to do, that Mikey's still attempting to do if he does bring Kisaki into Toman. But Takemichi always sees good in him. So he wants to indulge in it for a little bit. The way Takemichi looks at him makes him feel so light.

Kazutora rests his chin on Takemichi's shoulders, watching silently at Mikey's cheeks reddened and Takemichi chuckling. He really can't believe Takemichi doesn't notice how he affects Mikey. He praised him, and Mikey is acting all mushy now. 

Kazutora snickers. "Hey, weren't we going to the restaurant?"

"Oh, right." Takemichi glances at him before continuing to walk forward. "How long am I gonna carry you?"

"You said until the restaurant."

"Takemitchyyy! Carry me back when we leave." Mikey says from next to him, batting his eyelashes, to which Takemichi tries to look away.

"Ugh." Takemichi grimaces at the thought of carrying a sleepy Mikey back. He didn't want Draken to have to since he just left the hospital. "Someone else wanna do it?"

"Nope," Baji calls.

"Not one bit," Mitsyua replies.

"Ehh! You guys are so mean!" Takemichi complains.

"Stop whining when you offered to treat us!" Baji shouts back.

"Us?!" Takemichi felt like he was about to burst a vein in his head. "I said Draken!"

"Yay! Takemitchy's buying us food!" Kazutora joins in his torment.

"No way! I'm gonna go broke!"

 Peh-yan laughs from his spot, walking next to Draken.

"That Takemitchy's a riot!" He grins.

"Yeah, he's something else." Draken agrees.

"I owe him. He saved you in time." Peh-yan explains. "Mikey ended up liking a good guy."

"To be honest, it's a relief." Draken starts with a fond smile as he watches Takemichi, embarrassed but letting Mikey stand beside him, joking around as he carries Kazutora. With the smile that Mikey has just beaming up at Takemichi, Draken hopes the two have a chance together. How over the moon Mikey'd be. "Don't know if anyone else could deal with Mikey's antics."

_____________

"Ta-ke-mit-chy!~" Mikey sings, leaning against his arm." Come on. Pay for my food."

"I said I was only paying for Draken."

"What, why?"

"Mikey, just pay for your meal." 

The group settled on going to First Kitchen. They walked over to one nearby, leaving their bikes near the hospital. Takemichi's wallet is grateful since he is treating Draken and has to save for Mikey's birthday trip. Thank goodness his dad told him to set some savings away as he got older, especially since he was alone, in case anything happened. So he saved money from holidays, birthdays, and allowances. That's what he will have to replenish once this is over. However, his annoying friend was plastered at his side begging him to treat him to food when he clearly said in 'big ass bold letters' -  DRAKEN ONLY . He followed Takemichi online while the others had already grabbed their food. He and Mikey were the last to get theirs, primarily because they argued back and forth. Their friends hurried to secure a table since it was getting crowded. Also, probably because they were too embarrassed to stand with them online, squabbling like they were married. Who knows?

"But I want you to pay. You're good at it."

What the fuck does that mean? He's such a brat, especially looking at him like this. Mikey's eyes are dark but still look so pitiful at him that Takemichi usually caves in.

They move up in line, it's long, but it's moving quickly. "No."

Mikey puffed his cheeks out and crossed his arms. Takemichi's eye feels like it twitches.  He's such a spoiled brat . "After I bought you snacks yesterday. And gave you a ride home."

"Fine. God." He gives in to end this and stop people from giving them weird looks because, yeah, he's very sure they can hear them.

"Thank you!" Mikey smiles, frown now gone. "I want my meal with chicken nuggets. Oh, tell them not to forget my toy!" Mikey points to the menu where there was the kid's meal with four different toys next to it that you could get with the kid's set.

Takemichi needs to evaluate his life if he's buying his friend a kid's meal when they're teenagers.

Takemichi and Mikey get to the counter. "Excuse me. Can I get a classic cheeseburger, small order of nuggets, and a cola float? And a chicken nuggets kid's set." He says the last part quickly.

The employee inputs the order as Mikey taps Takemichi's shoulder.

"Takemitchy, I'm gonna go sit, okay? I also want a soft-serve shake. The matcha one."

"Mikey, I'm not-"

"Thanks, Mitchy." Mikey rushes off the line before he can curse him out.

Takemichi held a sigh as he turned back to the employee with the patience of an angel or tolerance built up from dealing with annoying customers. "And can I get the matcha-flavored soft serve shake with that, please?"

"Alright, will that be all?" Takemichi nods and pays for the food. He sighs, stepping to the side once he gets his receipt and change. He stays behind two girls in front of him, waiting for their food.

They look a little older than him, maybe in their second or third year in middle school. The girl with shorter brown hair leans to whisper to her friend, and they giggle. Takemichi tries to look at the menu. It's not his business what they are talking about. However, when he catches their eyes when they look behind them and turn away quickly and keep laughing. He feels anxiety creep up. He feels like they are talking about him.

He can't hear everything they say, the noise of the bustling restaurant in his ears however he hears them say something when they grab their food and walk by him. Something that catch's his attention.

"I wonder if those two guys are dating? They'd make such a cute couple!" The girl with long black hair says as they walk off towards a table.

"Me and…" Takemichi's brain processes what they said after the girls walk away. He glances at them before turning back and seeing a worker place down his food.

Takemichi grabs the food and walks back in a daze to the table where his friends are. He looks in the crowd of patrons and sees Mikey's blond hair, sitting down and chatting with everyone at the table. Takemichi swallows. Those girls thought Mikey and him were dating? 

That's uh, never happened before. And Takemichi isn't sure how to feel about it. He's thought about people thinking it and now that it's happened, it's strange. He walks up to the table, sits next to Mikey, and places his and Mikey's food down.

Mikey's eyes shine as he thanks Takemichi and looks at his food. He immediately opens the carton to grab his toy. Takemichi eyes his face, mouth hanging open in excitement, and the words flood back to his mind. He turns and tries to focus on his food, feeling his face warm suddenly. He nibbles on a chicken nugget.

"Takemitchy, you doin' okay?" Peh-yan questions. He's sitting at the table across from him.

The others stop talking once Peh-yan speaks, and their eyes drift to Takemichi. He looks up at them, and his eyes shift back down when he catches Draken's gaze. He doesn't want to worry them. First with Draken and now some dumb comment. And he sure as hell isn't talking about either of those in the middle of a restaurant.

"I'm okay, just tired."

Mikey tenses beside him, and Takemichi can feel his arm brushing his. It's reassuring. 

Peh-yan looks at him, unwavering. "Well, if you wanna talk, we're here. I kind of realized that after what happened about holdin' crap in."

"Peh-yan." Takemichi studies him, surprised. He seemed intimidating when he first met him, especially when he went against them during the Moebius fight. Takemichi hadn't interacted with him again until he came to visit Draken in the hospital. Regardless, he was nervous around him, unsure if he was cool with Mikey and the others again. But if he's here now, he must be. So if he can figure that out and practice it, Takemichi should be able to. He can take steps forward after all his friends say he inspired them. Mikey saying that people care about him. 

He's tired of pretending he's okay all the time. He should be able to rely on them. Even his dad, who's overseas, always asks if he's fine or needs anything, and Takemichi tries to make his problems as small as possible not to worry him. His grandma wouldn't like him holding stuff in either, always encouraging Takemichi to be himself was enough.

Sometimes he wants to yell in frustration because of how wrapped up in his head he gets worrying when stuff isn't as bad as he thinks it is. He's not a burden as he thinks. If he were, people wouldn't be bothered to deal with him, right?

"Thanks." Takemichi gives a genuine smile. "I appreciate that, Peh-yan."

Peh-yan's face morphs to surprise as he stares at him, a tiny blush on his face, and he smiles, nodding before devouring his burger.

Mikey leans on his shoulder, chin resting as he looks at him and brows knitted together.

"I'm overthinking." Takemichi answers his silent question." I'll tell you about it another time." Takemichi says to him as the others go back to their conversation.

Mikey looks like he's thinking before he tells him okay and returns to his food.

Takemichi nibbles on a fry before Mikey calls him again.

"Hey, look at the toy I got." Mikey waves it in his hand. It's a toy robot that looks about the size of Mikey's palm. He grins as he shakes it in front of Takemichi's face gloating. "You could've had a toy, too, if you got the kid's meal!"

"I'm good."

"No one wants a kid's meal, but you're old ass!" Baji shouts across the table, slamming his hand down repeatedly as he and the others laugh.

Mikey turned to him, face red from embarrassment or anger; Takemichi wasn't sure. All he knows is he was laughing along with them.

As they head out, Takemichi does carry Mikey because he did fall asleep after eating. Draken offered, and no one else did, so Takemichi, of course, did it. It's okay. It's just until he gets him on one of their bikes. God, he really falls asleep after eating most of the time. There were times when they were kids. He'd occasionally fall asleep at his house when he'd have lunch with him and his grandma.

Takemichi sometimes even joined in. One time, his grandma mentioned how cute they looked passed out on the couch. He smiles at the memory.

Mikey rides with Mitsuya, whose shoulder he is resting his head against. Takemichi rode with Baji and Draken with Peh-yan. They stopped to drop Takemichi off first.

As he gets off the bike, he hears Mikey call him. Takemichi blinks, surprised. He thought he'd sleep until he got home.

"Come here." He waves him over from his spot behind Mitsuya.

Takemichi walks up, looking at him. Mikey goes into his pocket and pulls out that robot toy from his kid's meal.

"Hold out your hand."

"Okay?"

Mikey gently places the toy in his hand. "You can have it."

"You want me to have your toy?"

He nods, smiling. "Because you were down before. To make you feel better."

Aww, that's so sweet! 

Takemichi looks at the round whitish eyes and the painted-on mouth. It had red knobs on the side of its head and metal pincher hands. It looks like a robot from those old sci-fi movies. Kind of creepy. "That's okay, I'm good."

Baji laughs, almost falling off his bike, and the others snicker. Mikey frowns, not liking that answer.

"You're an ass. You know that?!" Mikey yells, face flushed as the shout echoes in the street as he snatches the toy back.

Takemichi can't keep the smile off his face. "I'm kidding! I'm sorry okay? I'll take the toy." Technically it's his toy since he paid for the meal, but that's just nitpicking. He'll take it if not to let Mikey's kindness go in vain.

"No way! Not after you made fun of me for being nice." Mikey looks away from him. It makes him feel the tiniest bit guilty. 

But he needed that laugh.

"I know that was mean." Takemichi humors him, clasping his hands together and begging. "I'm sorry, Manjiro. I appreciate you trying to make me feel better."

Mikey huffs, side-eyeing him before caving in and giving him back the toy. "Take care of it."

"Of course. I'll treasure it. For real."

Mikey gives a soft smile at that. Draken clears his throat, to which Mikey looks at him, annoyed. Takemichi says goodbye before an argument starts and waves as they head down the street.

When Takemichi bids his friends goodbye, he enters his empty house. He kicks his shoes off near the door and slowly sinks to the floor. He sits there for a few minutes, holding the toy Mikey gave him, turning it around in his hand.

His thoughts are swimming, first getting anxious seeing Draken again, trying to joke and laugh, but the fight is still in his mind. Then acting weird in the restaurant, and his friends were concerned. And what Peh-yan said.

He's got to do something. Thinking like this for a few years now, it seeps out where people notice. His friends see something is up with him. Mikey always did say he was a terrible liar. Takemichi decides to call his dad after visiting his grandma this week about returning to therapy. It gets too much being here alone. He can't call his dad or friends every second, so talking with someone objectively might be the answer. As much as he tries to be positive, it won't work if he doesn't believe it. The exercise isn't helping. The getting sunlight doesn't fix his thoughts. To let out some of this stuff, he bottles up. He needs to work on his self-worth too. 

Maybe it wasn't just his grandma dying, but he's had this feeling for a while, not wanting to inconvenience everyone. So he used that as a reason to live in this house, assuring his father he could leave like usual. He'll be okay without him here. But he remembered always complaining to his grandma that he missed him.

Takemichi remembers a particular memory that solidified this thought. He was playing with one of his action figures in his family's old apartment, in their living room, and while moving the toy around in the air, he knocked over one of his grandma's flower vases.

She wasn't mad. But Takemichi cried when his father, who had been home, carefully cleaned up the shards.

"It's all right, Takemichi." His father swept the shards carefully with the broom and dustpan.

"I'm sorry," Takemichi said, wiping his eyes. His nose was running, and he looked down at his feet, unable to face him.

His father didn't yell or stare at him angrily. Instead, he looked away and sighed. And what he carefully said under his breath, Takemichi heard, and it stuck with him for years.

"Ume, I wish you were here..." He mumbled as he picked up the glass with a dustpan.

Takemichi took it as the reason his mother wasn't alive anymore. He hated himself for taking her away. But as he got older, he internalized the words his father said as him wishing he could pass Takemichi off. And when Takemichi's grandmother took over most of the child-rearing even when she was sick, he thought it was true.

He thought of one point leaving his small residential neighborhood. Getting an apartment like they used to live in. Maybe leaving Tokyo, traveling overseas even. Anything to be on his own. An act of rebellion he didn't have the nerve to do as a kid. He'd only have to worry about himself. But in doing so, he.d probably visit less and leave everyone behind. But they would probably get along without him.

That's why Takemichi wanted to be strong to take care of himself. So he wasn't a burden to everyone. So his dad and grandma could live their lives.

That's how small Takemichi tries to make himself for others. A people pleaser. He either wants validation or to be left alone. Did he learn nothing? So it's hard to understand people do want to help him.

It's impossible to handle everything on his own. He knows that, but it doesn't stop him from trying. He remembers even volunteering to cook when his grandma was sick. He'd be lonely without people and probably become jaded as an adult without love. So he should stay and work on himself.

So the first step he can take is to face what's bothering him now.

Takemichi pulls out his phone from his pocket and flips it open. He goes to his text messages, presses down to search through his list of contacts, and starts typing.

Chapter Text

Draken eyes his phone, ignoring the sounds of grunts as a guy goes crashing to the ground. He figures Mikey kicked him. Doesn't have to look up to know that.

"Can't believe these assholes thought they could trash talk Toman," Mikey says a bit further off, his sandals slapping against the ground as he walks around the area.

"Yeah. Also heard USG's been flaunting their power around Shinsen."

"Got it! Let's kick their asses too!"

Draken is sitting on a medium-sized rock in the park they're at, not focused on Mikey. He keeps looking over the text messages on his phone.

Takemitchy 

Hey, Draken, I know you are still healing up, but can we talk?

Draken 

sure when

Takemitchy 

At the playground near my house

around 7 tomorrow night

Draken 

K

you good?

what do you want to talk about?

Takemitchy 

something important

rather talk in person

Takemichi kept to the point about wanting to meet up, but Draken's curious about what it could be about. He texted him specifically, not mentioning wanting to see Mikey and the others.

"Are we done here?" Mikey asks, sounding bored now, pressing on some idiot's head.

It's getting dark, but Draken can still see the ground littered with the bodies of the guys Mikey beat up. They are just some dumbasses talking crap that needed to be taken down a notch. Nothing big, but Draken is cutting it close. "Looks like it." Draken gets up, closing his cell phone and shoving it back into his pants pocket.

Mikey eyes him suspiciously as he starts walking. He is standing on one of the guy's back before jumping off and running to catch up to Draken. "Could've helped out, ya know. Why'd you come then?" He says as he matches his pace.

"Back up." Is all Draken offers as he stuffs his hands in his pocket. Mikey can fight people single-handedly, especially since the taller boy didn't have to lift a finger tonight. But it's just in case. Mitsuya called him a worrywart once. Draken almost socked him in the face after that. But in a way, maybe he is. It doesn't help someone might try shit trying to take down the invincible Mikey. And he's the vice commander, so it's his job to keep Mikey safe too.

Mikey stops humming. He was too chipper after partaking in an evening beatdown and not in any hypothetical danger. Mikey marches next to him, jacket hanging on his shoulders and moving as he swings his arms.

"Let's get some snacks." He declares. "I deserve some after fighting. I worked up an appetite."

"Can't. Gotta leave."

"Leave?" Mikey looks over at him. "Where are you going, spending time with your girlfriend?" Mikey snickers.

"Fuck you. She's not my girlfriend anyway." He says, annoyed. Besides, he wasn't seeing Emma right now. "I'm gonna see your boyfriend, though."

That's the other person Draken worries about, not Mikey's level of 'keep Takemichi wrapped in a blanket and at Mikey's side at all times' worried, but still like any friend would worry.

Mikey stops walking. Draken noticing, stops to watch Mikey, eyebrow raised.

"Takemitchy?" Mikey clears his throat at the end as if trying to pretend Draken couldn't hear the surprise in his voice. Mikey's shock is subtle, contained in the knitting of his brows. If Draken weren't in a hurry, he would laugh at the fact that's all he had to say for Mikey to know he meant Takemichi. "I, uh, mean, I'm assuming you mean Takemitchy." Mikey gives a dismissive wave of his hand. "We're not... anyway , why are you seeing him?"

"What, we're pals. He texted me yesterday after we went out to eat."

"Oh." Mikey deflates, and Draken tries not to roll his eyes. Instead, he sympathizes with Mikey, given how disappointed he looks. "He didn't text me afterward…."

But the teasing slips out. Entirely accidental but funny regardless.

"You're jealous."

Mikey gives a dramatic gasp as if the statement is that absurd. So much for not rolling his eyes. "What?! No, I'm not!"

He's getting as pissy about it as when Baji mentioned it yesterday and got a swift kick to his leg. Draken realizes Takemichi is as dense as a black hole, but Mikey is drowning in an ocean of denial about his feelings.

Draken isn't helping by fucking with him, but it's effortless to make fun of him in their friendship.

"Aww, chin up; maybe he'll text you later. How many days has it been?"

"Shut up! We hung out yesterday, jackass. And I visited him while you were in the hospital. I see him, so that's better than texting." Mikey crosses his arms over his chest, plastering on a confident smile. Or smug. Either way, Draken's about to leave, so he won't have to deal with him for the rest of the night. "It's fine. I don't need to be jealous. Because I know I'm his favorite."

"Fine." Good for him. 10/10. Draken is more worried about leaving. Otherwise, he'll keep Takemichi waiting. "Later then. I'm gonna go."

"Ah, okay. Yeah, you go do that." Mikey hesitates, seeing Draken turning around and leaving. He cups his hands together at the last second around his mouth, calling after him. "Ken-chin! Tell Takemitchy I said hi!"

Draken holds up his hand, giving a wave and a confirmation he heard him. "Whatever. If I remember." He mumbles to himself.

Draken takes his bike over to Takemichi's neighborhood. The sound of the motor rumbling down the quiet streets probably woke up whoever was a light sleeper. He parks his Zephyr outside the playground, shuts the engine off, and slowly dismounts the bike, trying not to make that much noise.

He heads to the park Takemichi said to meet at. He opens the gates as they creak and winces at the noise. He looks around and sees Takemichi sitting on the swings. It's colder now. Draken rubs his arms. Takemichi is lucky he has on a hoodie. When he walks over, Takemichi lifts his head and gives a tentative smile, unsure, and Draken is really starting to get worried now. Something is up.

"Thanks for coming, Draken."

"Yeah." Draken walks closer to the swings. He eyes them, but he's hesitant. He's a big guy, and he hasn't been on a swing since he was at least 12. So he opts to stand behind Takemichi. Draken wouldn't push him, but he didn't know where to stand either.

It didn't seem to matter. Takemichi didn't comment. His shoulders looked slumped as he held on to the swing chain with both hands and slowly rocked it with his feet. He shrinks in on himself, almost looking younger, like a little kid.

"You look like you've been kicked through the mud."

Takemichi chuckles, but the laugh sounds strangled, void of humor. "Kind of."

"Wanna talk about it?"

"Well." He starts. "I wanted to talk to you because it concerns you."

Draken wracks his brain, wondering if he got on Takemichi's bad side, but he's been laid up in a hospital for over a week, so he doubts he did anything. Probably one of the other dumbasses they call friends.

"What's rockin' around in your head, then?"

"I can't help seeing you, you know, during the Moebius fight."

Oh.

Oh.

Well, shit.

Draken shifts slightly behind him. He makes a face he hopes Takemichi doesn't see. He thought it was something simple. Maybe they'd argue if it got really bad, but Takemichi is upset because he keeps reliving Draken almost bleeding to death. How the fuck can he ease his mind over something that messed up? No matter what his friends say - that he's the voice of reason, he wasn't good with words, those soothing and gentle words. All he could think to say was:  don't worry about it, it was a little stab wound, but I'm fine .

It's serious. It matters to Takemichi.

He can't help feeling flattered. He loves Takemichi as much as one friend can about another. He's not Mikey obsessed because, well, Mikey's a dipshit that keeps downplaying that he's romantically interested in Takemichi.

Draken's a friend, but a friend that Takemichi cares a lot about. So he wants to ease his mind even though he doesn't know what the fuck to say.

"I lived."  Duh, dumbass . Draken thinks. He needs to say something else. "I'm okay if that helps. But I know seeing any of you hurt would tear me up, too."

Draken peers down and sees Takemichi's head raises ever slightly. So he's listening, at least.

"Isn't it enough that I'm alive, talking with you? You act like I'm a ghost already."

"Draken…"

Takemichi pauses. When he doesn't continue, Draken speaks up.

"You get wrapped in your head a lot, I noticed. You also beat yourself up worse than anyone I've seen take a hit in a fight. You want everything to go an exact way and blame yourself when it doesn't. That's life, man. You can't control shit. So even if I died, it wouldn't be your fault. No one would blame you."

He hears sniffling, and fuck, he didn't want him to cry, but maybe it's good he does. Don't people say that's therapeutic? 

"Mikey told me during the fight to take care of you," Takemichi explains. "If anything happened, I wouldn't have been able to face him again."

"Don't say that. If you tried to ditch him, Mikey'd go through hell to see you."

Takemichi snorts, trying to keep a laugh from bubbling up. Draken smiles, though he can't see. 

"Look, Takemitchy, I get you wanna help, but it's also not fun seeing you give so much. I told Mikey to have a heart, so I feel like a hypocrite to say for you not to have one."

Takemichi finally raises his head and turns to look up at Draken, blue eyes wide. "So what should I do?"

"Use your head. Mikey needs to use his heart, and you need to use your head. Realize life can be fucked, man, but you can't control everything. Got to let stuff go; otherwise, you'll put yourself through more shit than you need to."

Takemichi looks at him; it feels unnerving that he's giving a speech. Draken clears his throat to ease the tension and holds onto the same chains Takemichi was.

"Thanks, Draken." He finally speaks, face softening, and Draken relaxes just a bit.

"I felt like a motivational speaker for a second."

"Yeah." Takemichi beams, and Draken's glad to see it. "Don't tell anyone, at least not yet, but I'm considering therapy again."

"Really?" Draken asks. "You sure." He feels concerned because, damn, this must've bothered him.

Takemichi nods. "Yeah, I got to try to be easier on myself. So thanks for listening."

"Sure. Like I tell Mikey, people care about you. So you can talk to us, even if we can't fix shit. Or we can go into a parking lot and yell or dick around and punch each other."

Takemichi's lips quirk up. "That's comforting. Thanks."

"So you heading back home?"

Takemichi gets up, swing moving once he stands. "I want to go get snacks first. Wanna go to a convenience store."

"Sure."

Draken feels his pocket vibrating, and he pulls it out of his pocket and flips it open. It's Mikey asking was he still with Takemichi.

"What's up?"

"Mikey's texting me. I told him I was meeting you."

"Ah."

Draken holds his phone up, waving it. "Wanna fuck with him by not answering."

"That's so mean. Of course."

"Cool, let's get snacks."

"Okay." Takemichi hurries to go stand next to him.

Draken ruffles his hand through Takemichi's hair, then slings an arm around Takemichi's shoulder as they head out of the park. Even though Takemichi still looks like he has some stuff to work through, Draken hopes he helped take some of the pressure his friend seemed to be under.

___________

It's busy today on the streets of Shibuya as Takemichi makes his way past the crowds of people. Also, it's hot - August weather is in full effect as the sun is beaming down on the city.

"Thanks for coming along with me."

"No problem." Hina turns to look at him, giving a grin. "I don't mind shopping. I think it's sweet you want to get Mikey something."

Takemichi scratches his cheek. "Yeah, well, after the stuff that's happened. He deserves it."

Mikey has put up with Pah-chin's arrest and Draken almost dying, how he felt cornered enough to try to buy Pah-chin's way out, and still carrying on and leading Toman as if nothing is wrong. That can't be easy on him, so if Takemichi can get him something and offer a fun day out, he'll do that.

"Do you have an idea of what to get him?" Hina asks.

Takemichi shrugs. "I thought of something he can have to, you know, look at, maybe? Should I get him manga?"

Hina stops and peers at the window of a shop. Her eyes gleam, and she rushes to grab Takemichi's wrist.

He spins around and almost stumbles into her. "Hina, what are you-"

She squeals and points excitedly at the window. Takemichi pulls her out of the way of people walking by and glancing at them.

"What is it?"

"That!"

Takemichi follows where she's pointing. It's a sign for a jewelry sale. Takemichi looks up and sees the store is a clothing store that also has jewelry and accessories. 

"You want me to get Mikey jewelry?"

"It'd be the perfect gift!"

"I don't know." He scratches the back of his head. Was he a give his friend jewelry kind of guy? "Isn't that intimate?"

Hina stares at him like he's dumb. Which, yeah, he gets. Still, he's got Mikey gifts but not jewelry. He's about to speak again when she pulls him into the store.

"Come on, just look around. You might find something!"

 "Hina!"

They enter the shop. It's a typical shop, with music playing, mannequins lining the front with trendy clothing, and a salesperson walking up to greet them.

"Welcome. Can I help you?" A woman wearing a tailored matching suit with short black hair quickly coming over to them, gives a polite smile as she eyes them.

"Hi, we want to look at some of the jewelry you have on sale," Hina speaks up when she sees Takemichi doesn't. Okay, he wasn't even sure about this. But Mikey wouldn't mind it? It's not like he'll laugh in his face.

"Alright, is there something you're looking for specifically?" She starts walking, and Hina and Takemichi hurry to follow her.

"He is." Hina nudges him in the side.

"I-I am." He stammers. The woman gives a strange look as he thinks it over, probably wondering why he has no idea what he wants.  Quick, think of something!  "Maybe a friendship bracelet?"

She gives a hum of approval. "Oh, how nice, is it for you two?"

"No, it's, uh, another friend."

"Well, we have some on sale right this way." She waves them over to the jewelry and accessories area.

"What? I don't get jewelry either?" Hina teases as Takemichi peers in the glasses. There is a lot here. How the hell is he going to pick?

"Eh, did you want something?" He can hear his savings weeping each time he buys something.

Hina rolls her eyes. She does catch a glimpse of a clover necklace on display. She points it out, "That looks cute." she grins. "But Mikey might get jealous."

"What? I'm buying him something. Also, why would he get jealous if I got you a gift?"

Hina places a hand on his shoulder, patting it. "You've got a lot to learn. It seems Takemichi."

Huh?  "What does that mean?"

"Don't worry about it. The first step is securing a present." Hina gives a thumbs up.

"Are you looking for a silver or gold finish?" The worker asks, probably trying to speed up the process.

"Uh, maybe silver?"

"Do any of these bracelets interest you?" She motions to the case where there are a variety of bracelets.

Takemichi looks around at the different choices. It's overwhelming. He asks if Hina can pick, but she looks disapprovingly at him and tells Takemichi to go with his gut. Picking out this gift is more annoying than he was hoping. But if it makes Mikey happy, he'll suck it up. He knows Mikey where's necklaces and ankle bracelets. Usually chains, so maybe a chain or link bracelet would be suitable?

He looks down at the jewelry case and sees one with a broken heart charm. The bracelet was thinner than he'd liked, but something about it was charming. Maybe Mikey'd like this one?

"That one looks nice."

"Oh!" The woman clasps her hands together. "What an excellent choice, and it's on sale too! It also comes with another bracelet."

"So it's two bracelets?" Takemichi asks.

"Yes, matching ones for you and your friend. Plus, it has a magnetic charm heart. You hold the broken hearts together, and they magnetically connect."

"That's so cute!" Hina's eyes sparkle as the salesperson takes the bracelet out of the case, carefully setting it on the tabletop.

Takemichi looks at Hina, unsure. "Uh, isn't that kind of much?"

Hina frowns. "No way. This is perfect!"

Either Mikey will like it, or maybe he will make fun of Takemichi for getting them matching jewelry. But if it cheers him up. He'll do it.

He rubs the back of his neck. "Fine, I'll get it."

"I'll just ring this up for you." She quickly goes to work with the item. "Shall I wrap it up in a gift bag?"

"Uh, yes. Please."

While Hina is looking around, Takemichi checks out his item. "Excuse me, can I also get that." He points to an item, and the lady smiles, nodding and going to wrap up another gift."

"You got something else?" As they exited the store, Hina looked at the two bags Takemichi was carrying.

"Yeah, this is for you."

Hina is surprised before a smile forms on her face, looking at the white gift bag. "You got me something?"

"For helping me today. You were eyeing the necklace, right?"

Hina stares at him, shocked, before looking back at the bag. She carefully reaches her hand inside and takes out the velvet box. When Hina opens it, inside is a clover necklace. Takemichi thought she'd say thanks, and that'd be it, so you can imagine the panic that flooded through his body when she cried, and Takemichi's body jolts as tears streak down her cheeks. 

"Hina, do you not like it?!"

She rubs her eyes with her arm, and Takemichi is reminded about the day she met her, crying and thankful when he saved her. She looks younger again.

"Jeez, you're making a girl cry. Shame on you."

"Ah, I'm sorry. It was a bad idea, huh?"

"I didn't say that. It's beautiful. No one's gotten me something like this before. "She looks up at him smiling. "You're good at this. Doing sweet things for others. It's one of the things I like best about you. Your heart. It's a good one."

Takemichi stares before his face flushes. "Thanks." He feels good as he listens to Hina's words. First, he opened up a bit to her, and then he did this, which made her happy. Something small because she took the time to help him.

"We're fortunate to have you, Takemichi." Hina praises.

Takemichi looks surprised before giving a bashful smile. If anything, he's fortunate to have his friends.

Chapter Text

Takemichi right now wants to linger with his thoughts as he gets dressed. He stands in front of the mirror on the back of his closet door, trying to fix his tie. He hopes he did it right. His dad or grandmother usually did it for him, but he thinks he got the hang of it. It looks presentable enough, and it's not choking him, so he calls that a win. 

 
He looked at his reflection, seeing how shaggy his hair was getting, but he couldn't be bothered to get a haircut right now. Takemichi has under-eye bags starting to ease up since he's been sleeping better. Talking with Draken did ease his mind. But still, therapy is an option he wants to consider again. Someone to help him untangle his thoughts, help him work on why he's been feeling and thinking this way.

 
Takemichi takes his time today as he goes to a flower shop near the bus stop. He remembers his grandma going by once or twice, picking up fresh flowers. She stopped after she got her garden going and could cut flowers to put in a vase in the living room. Takemichi may pick up some flowers again another time. The house feels like a space now to live. Excluding his room and the pictures, the rest isn't lively.

 
He's worried about keeping anything alive, including plants. He didn't have a green thumb, so he didn't even try to garden like his grandma did. However, he misses the vegetables and flowers that bloomed that he would see as he played outside.

 
Takemichi's eyes scan around the shop, seeing all the colorful flowers. He tells the older cashier he is paying respects at a grave. He makes two arrangements of white lilies and yellow chrysanthemums. He gives his condolences as he takes his leave. He brought incense to cleanse the grave and stopped to get his grandmother and mother's favorite fruits from when they were alive from a grocery store - strawberries for his grandmother and persimmons for his mother.

 
Takemichi wonders if his friends will show up. They knew what day it is, but Takemichi assured them it'd be fine if they didn't attend. Maybe he said it to distance himself because he feared being vulnerable, possibly crying when he got there.

 
He makes his way on the bus. It's a bit crowded for a weekend, but he gets a seat, balancing the bag of fruits and incense on his lap and the flowers in his other hand. Takemichi eventually gets off, walks a bit further, and passes the gates into the gravesite. It's hot today, too. It's not too humid since it's early, but the temperature is gradually rising. He tugs at his collar as he can feel sweat down his forehead. It's too hot to dress like this, but he'll deal with it. He thinks he'll visit his grandmother first, then his mom, and call it a day. He carefully walks until he finds her grave.

 
Takemichi and his dad haven't been in a while, so there aren't any new flowers to display. He carefully goes to work prepping. He pulls up some weeds sprouting, then puts the flowers up. He burns the incense, places the strawberries, and scoops, with a ladle, water from a bucket over the stone. It flows out over the etchings. He puts his hands together and prays. He thinks of her. She was his father's mother. She had dark hair already graying as Takemichi was growing up and a face and nose like Takemichi and his dad. Her eyes were dark brown, though. Takemichi got his blue eyes from his mother. 

 
"Thank you, Grandma, for taking care of me." He says, slowly opening his eyes. "I made more friends in middle school since I came by for your funeral. I am still friends with Mikey, Draken and the others too and they are in a gang. I know what you'd say, probably say it's cool even though it's dangerous." He laughs, and he can almost hear her laugh, too. "I helped them fight. I know you worried when I got into fights. I'm sorry I worried you." He feels tears building up in the corner of his eyes. It's been two years, but he still gets emotional over this. 

 
"I love you and miss you," He says, whispering, and the tears start falling. "I lost a passion for stuff. I couldn't help people anymore. Because I don't have you, it didn't seem worth it anymore."

 
He thinks of his friends and feels his heart squeeze. "But that's wrong. I let my friends get hurt before I did anything. I probably won't see you again for a long time until I pass away one day, but I can only live my life as best as I can." He stares, touching the flowers again. "I remember the smell of lilies from your garden. I'm sorry I didn't upkeep the garden for you."

 
Takemichi focuses on the smell of the incense burning, "I don't know what I want when I'm older, but I know I want to help others. So I want to help support my friends, even for right now, because I'll know I want to help them if they need me again. You remember Mikey, right? Well, he is the leader of that gang and wants to create a new age of delinquents. He's still as cheeky as you remember."
 

He laughs, and it feels strange. He hasn't laughed happily like that in a bit. "I miss you. I'll come again with Dad, hopefully next year." At that, Takemichi stands, wiping at his eyes. He dusts off his pants and grabs the rest of his items, about to trek over to his mother's grave next, but he turns, hearing some noise—footsteps behind him.

 
Before he can ask who is there, he sees familiar faces walking over.

 
"Huh, Mikey?" Takemichi can't say he's that surprised. He did figure they'd come. Part of him was hoping because maybe he does want to be vulnerable. To have his friends to rely on. Shit. He'll start crying again at this rate, especially when he sees Mikey holding up flowers, too.
 

"Yo Takemitchy!" Mikey greets, standing in front of him. "Sorry, we're late."

 
"You came." Takemichi smiles. "You didn't have to come." He's happy they did.

 
"It's fine. We loved your grandma, too. It's the least we could do, saying hello." Mikey says. "Shin, Emma and gramps will be by tomorrow."

 
Mikey goes to stand at his grandma's grave and kneels. Takemichi mimics him, and the others come closer. They pray before Mikey looks back up, grinning.

 
"Hi, Mrs. Hanagaki. I really miss coming over and seeing you and tasting your cooking. But I still visit Takemichi. He cooks pretty well, too, so he got that from you. He's a great person. I'll make sure to protect him for you."

 
Takemichi wipes at his eyes again. He hopes his grandma does see. It's moments like this, he's delighted his grandma encouraged his friendship with Mikey. As all his friends were, he was an essential fixture in his life. It helps with his grief. Having love and support. Mikey places his hand on his head, ruffling his dark curls.

 
"Mrs. Hanagaki was a really cool lady," Draken speaks.

 
"I remember one time she yelled at Baji and Mikey for scarfing down lunch she made after we'd come back from playing, telling them they'd swallow air too." Mitsuya grins.

 
They all laugh at the memory. After they pay their respects, Mikey and Takemichi stand. Takemichi turns around.

 
"I was also going to stop by my mother's grave."

 
"Your mother?" Mikey asks.

 
Takemichi nods, raising the other fruits he bought. He hesitates. "You guys can come if you want. I know you never met her."

 
"It's okay, lead the way," Baji encourages.

 
Before they head off, Mikey takes the flowers he got and splits them in half. He puts some at Takemichi's grandma's grave and holds the rest.

 
When they arrive at his mother's grave, it is the same as his grandmother's. His mother's grave hasn't been visited in a while. At least a year when his father was last in Tokyo. Takemichi has to tend to it a bit, pulling at some weeds, which Mitsuya and Kazutora help with. But he does the same with the flowers, incense, and persimmon fruit. He pours water over the stone and clasps his hands together, praying for a mother he has only seen in pictures. Whose touch or hugs or kisses he never had the privilege to experience. He realizes it hurts to lose a parent as he ages. Maybe this is why his dad is always away. Because it's hard to look every day at the same eyes of the person you lost.

 
"Thank you for being with me as long as you could." Takemichi expresses with as much emotion as he can for someone he doesn't remember, "I'm also sorry I don't visit as much. It's hard, and as bad as it is to say, I don't know what to talk about. I usually tell you how I am." He chuckles softly. He wonders if his mom was a good listener. "I made new friends, like I told grandma, some of them are here with me today. I told Grandma I don't know what I want, but my friend Mikey has this dream, and I want to support him." He picks a grass blade off his sleeve. "I love you, even if I don't remember you and even if I don't know everything about you," Takemichi starts sniffling. "I'll visit more often, I promise. Hopefully, with Dad, too."

 
Mikey is next to him, but this time, he takes Takemichi's hand, interlacing his fingers with his. He looks at Mikey, but he is examining his mother's gravestone.
 

“Hello Mrs. Hanagaki. It's nice to meet you finally. I'm Takemichi's childhood friend. Also, the one with this crazy dream. But for some reason, your son here follows along with me. Even though he isn't in the gang technically, he's my biggest supporter. I'm lucky to have him. I'll make sure to take care of him for you."
 

Mikey leaves the other half of the flowers at Takemichi's mom's grave, and Takemichi feels his throat tighten up again.

 
Takemichi gets up and looks at his mother's name one more time. "Bye, Mom," He says softly.

 
He kept it shorter; otherwise, he might sit in front of the grave all night and sob. Hell, he's about to cry after what Mikey said. After what they all just did. They let him talk and get it all out. 

 
Takemichi misses them both, and it always hits him the most when he goes to their graves. That's another reason he wanted to be alone today, but at the same time not. He wishes his dad could have come, but Mikey and the others came to his aid again. Mikey rarely lets him be alone for too long. As if he always knows when Takemichi needs someone the most.

 
Takemichi waved behind him as he started to walk away, "Thanks for coming, guys. Get home safe." 

 
"You too," Mikey replies. "And Takemitchy."

 
"Yes?"

 
"It's not inconvenient if you need to call us for anything." Mikey looks at him carefully as if wanting him to understand.

 
"Right, we're here if you even wanna talk." Mitsuya chimes in.

 
"So let us know if you need anything," Draken adds.

 
"Thanks. I'll try to do that more." Takemichi gives a nod of his head, more assured. "I will."

 
"See ya Mitchy." Mikey turns, smiling over his shoulder at him, as they all wave and head in the opposite direction.

 
As Takemichi leaves, he makes the journey home. He smiles, thinking about cooking a simple dinner like Shogayaki, playing video games, and then heading to bed. He may try a new puzzle tomorrow.

 
 ___________

 
Takemichi arrives a little later than he wants, after sleeping in from playing video games until 3 am. He graciously got a ride from Akkun since his bike could be in better shape (read: destroyed, thanks to Mikey). He offered for Akkun to join them but politely declined, saying he had to help his mom around the house today since they had relatives coming over.

 
He waved him off, and he headed into the warehouse. Because of the summer break, he's been out more and hanging out with his friends, so that's great! It feels like it used to again. Staying at Akkun or Takuya's house, heading to the movies, and dealing with Yamagishi's critiques afterward. Even with the homework, he's slowly trying to work on it, thanks to Akkun, Takuya, and Hina helping him. And he's glad to be able to rest, especially after that battle on August 3rd.

 
But they don't have to worry about that anymore. They finished what Pah-chin wanted; if anything, they just had to keep an ear out for anything related to Valhalla.

Takemichi opens the door ajar and peers inside, hearing the sounds of shouts and a basketball hitting the concrete floor. This place is used occasionally by Mikey and the others. It's dilapidated. It has cracks in the walls, ceiling, flooring, and graffiti adorning some of the walls. The windows are large, and dirt all over the glass, where only some light peeks through. Most of the light comes from the holes in the roof.  

 
Takemichi thought it was a warehouse, given the crates near the entrance and center, but it could've been a gym, given there was a basketball hoop further back and some gym equipment like weights above on the second level. He thinks he remembers Draken saying it initially was a warehouse, but they used it as a gym before, but it ended up closing. They sometimes use this place for one-off meetings, not at the Musashi shrine, and to mess around as another hangout spot, like now.

 
He watches as his friends are absorbed in apparently a game of basketball. He wasn't planning on playing, but maybe they got bored waiting for him. He knew Baji had a basketball he usually took to open courts in parks, but he guessed they settled for using a basketball hoop that might come crashing down if anyone grabbed on to dunk. Takemichi watches Baji dribble the ball as Draken tries to block him. He fakes him out, thinking he'll go left, then goes right as he gets past Draken. He shoots a three-point shot, the ball swooshing into the basket.

 
"Haha, too slow!" Baji cheers as the ball hits the ground.

 
Draken flips him off. "Fuck you! I just got out of the hospital."

 
"Excuses!" Baji calls as he picks up the ball.

 
"Hey, guys!" Takemichi yells as he moves further toward the center.

 
"Takemitchy!" Baji's ponytail moves a bit when he turns his head. His amber eyes land on Takemichi and gleam. "You showed up! Thought you were gonna sleep the day away."

 
"Yeah." Takemichi would feel even worse if he did that. Somehow, sleeping that long doesn't sound that great, even though he's slept in before. "I've just been busy planning Mikey's birthday surprise. Only have a few days left."
 

"Gosh, you're going all out!" Kazutora says, then drinks from his bottle of water.

 
"I want it to be special for him," Takemichi explains, giving a slight nod. "He helps us a lot, so I feel like it's the least we can do."

 
"He'll love it if it's from you," Baji adds.

 
"Really?" Takemichi's face brightens." Well anyway, it'll be fun for all of us. Remember, we're leaving early."

 
Draken looks at him, shrugging his shoulders. "We can't make it."

 
"What?" Takemichi looks around at them. "You're all busy?"

 
"Yeah." They all say in unison.

 
"What are you doing?"

 
"I got to work at the shop with Shin," Draken says.

 
"I gotta watch my sisters," Mitsuya adds.

 
"I'm volunteering," Baji speaks next.

 
"I'm volunteering with Baji too." Kazutora finishes.

 
"But guys, it's Mikey's birthday." They all can't be that busy that can't take one day.

 
"We'll hang out with him another time. Sorry, can't get out of it." Draken explains.

 
"I see." He isn't going to force them. Still, Takemichi is a bit disappointed. Would Mikey be upset, too? "Maybe we shouldn't have it."

 
"No, it's fine. You two go together." Mitsuya tells him.

 
"Me and Mikey?" Takemichi raises a brow at that. "We haven't done that. Usually, we've always gone on trips with other people."

 
Baji gives a nod. "So that'll be the first time."

 
"First time?" Takemichi thinks. It actually would. "I guess. But are you sure you can't go?"

 
"We're sure," Kazutora responds.

 
"Okay." 

 
Takemichi will have to make sure this is extra special for his friend.

 
"Come on! Enough talkin', let's play." Baji passes the ball to Takemichi, and he catches it.

 
Mitsuya switches out so Takemichi can play since there are an odd number of them. He ends up on Baji's team against Kazutora and Draken. Now, Takemichi wouldn't call himself a sports athlete. He's got good stamina, but he could be more coordinated, which is interesting since he's trained at the dojo. Stuff slips out of his hand, like the ball, when he tries to pass it.

 
Also, his height is a factor, especially trying to shoot and Draken blocking like a literal wall. The best he can do is have Baji defend and shoot into the basket, which he manages a few. They end up losing—Draken and Kazutora high-fiving at the end.

 
Takemichi wipes his forehead with his shirt until Mitsuya throws him an extra clean towel he bought.

 
"God, you suck at this!" Baji says, retying his hair after a few strands come loose.

 
"I'm not great at dribbling," Takemichi admits.

 
"Or passing. Or blocking…" Baji lists.

 
"Jeez, I get it!"

 
"It's crazy how he can fight, but he's not good with anything else but video games and bowling," Kazutora adds.

 
"Forget you guys! Mikey would be nicer to me."

 
Mitsuya laughs. "Of course he would."

 
Takemichi wipes the towel across his forehead. "Where is he today?" He came to talk to them, unsure if Mikey would show up, so it worked out, but now that they got the birthday plans straight. He was missing him. 

 
"Working at the shop with Shinichiro. He said he wanted to help out today." Draken answers.

 
"Oh." Takemichi deflates. "Kind of miss him."

 
"Really? After he invades your personal space all the time." Baji teases.

 
"Even so, we've always been around each other. Feels weird when we aren't."

 
"You act like you won't see him again." Baji guesses.

 
"Yeah, you're right. I'll hang out with Mikey for his birthday." Takemichi wrings the towel in his hands, twisting it. "Uh, can I ask you guys something?"

 
"Sure, what's up?" Baji pats the towel on his forehead.

 
"Do Mikey and me seem close...like closer than typical friends?'

 
They all look at him, and he feels like he's under a spotlight. He's not trying to make this a big deal, but he still wonders about that comment. How those girls thought he and Mikey would make a cute couple. It's stupid. If he told their friends, they'd think it's silly too.

 
"Yeah." Baji agrees. "But that's how you've always been."

 
"What? But you and I are close."

 
Baji pulls a face. "Not like that."

 
True, Baji didn't hug him every chance, drag him constantly out of his house, and get super overprotective of him unless someone was threatening Takemichi. Between 1 out of 10, Baji's at 5 or 6, while Mikey is always at a 10.

 
"I mean, you care about me, right?"

 
"Of course I do, but not Mikey level."

 
That takes Takemichi aback. "What does that mean? You and Mikey care about me the same amount."

 
At that, Baji's face relaxes, and he sees the others go quiet. Is he missing something? "It's just different."

 
"How's it-"

 
"Well, what's got you curious now?" Kazutora interrupts. "You and Mikey have always been like this."

 
Takemichi lets it go. Maybe he's just jumping to conclusions. He and Mikey are just closer. There is nothing wrong with that. "Well...I was thinking, if you know, you could see me and Mikey as..."
 

"As what?" Mitsuya inquires.

 
Takemichi is about to speak, but the words get caught in his throat. He can't; otherwise, his friends might think he likes Mikey. They might tell him. 

 
"Never mind."

 
No, he doesn't like him.

 
They eye him before Baji tosses the ball back to Takemichi, who, distracted, barely catches it. "Come on, one more game."

 
Takemichi nods, feeling his throat suddenly dry. He can't say it. It's too embarrassing. What if they think he's asking for advice? It's not that. It'll pass eventually, thinking about it. 
 

___________

 
Mikey's exhausted by the time he makes it home. Shinichiro got his arm around his shoulder as they walked past the gate. Mikey heads towards Shin's old shed that he turned into his bedroom.  

 
"Good work today, Manjiro." He ruffles the top of his head before telling him to come in to shower. 

"Get off. You smell like oil." Mikey shoves, but not hard. He wasn't upset either, a smile tugging at his lips. He missed hanging around the shop and spending time with his brother. They tease, but they love each other.

 
"So do you. Go take a shower before you turn in for the night." Shinichiro shoves back playfully as he heads inside.

 
"Fine." Mikey opens the door to his room tosses his backpack next to his couch. He puts his cell phone in his pocket. He hears his phone chiming when he's about to grab some pajamas from his dresser. He ignores it, for now, choosing to shower.

 
He goes inside, rushing upstairs and going inside the bathroom. Mikey quickly takes off his clothes and steps into the tub. He is in and out, opting to rinse off and use his shampoo and body wash. Mikey steps out, towel drying off, and grabs the pajamas he brought inside to change into. When he gets out he takes his phone out of his pocket and heads out the bathroom. He drops his clothes from today into the dirty laundry bin and goes to the living room to relax for a bit. His family isn't here, so he takes the chance to turn on the television, surfing through the stations before landing on a cooking show. The food looks good and he's getting hungry again. He looks back at his phone, remembering he had to check it.

 
He flips it open. It's text messages. A couple of them, too.

 
Mikey's face scrunches in confusion as he clicks Draken's message first. He looks at the screen.

 
Ken-chin

You're welcome.

 
What the hell? 

 
Why is he saying you're welcome?

 
But then he returns to his texts and sees the same messages from Baji, Mitsuya, and Kazutora.

 
Was he not in on some joke? If it is a joke, he doesn't get the punchline. Mikey goes back and texts Draken first.

 
Mikey

What the hell are you talking about?

 
Mikey gets another text. He's about to argue with his friends if they send more cryptic messages, but Mikey's face softens as he sees it's a text from Takemichi.

 
Takemitchy

Hey Mikey! I wanted to text you about the trip to Yokohama.

It's going to just be us. Sorry about that.

Meet me at my house at 8 am on Saturday.

Remember your swim stuff, a blanket, and a light jacket since it gets cold at night.

 
Mikey stares at the screen. So the others aren't going. His mind starts connecting the dots. Draken and their friends said he was welcome because they must've said they couldn't attend. So that means it'll be just Mikey and Takemichi. Mikey feels a goofy smile, staring at his phone. He gets Takemichi to himself, riding with him on his bike with the sea breeze.

 
But Takemichi says he's sorry about it. Part of Mikey should feel that way, too, but from his friends' texts, it sounds like they did it on purpose to give him time alone with Takemichi. He doesn't know whether to tell them to come anyway, so Takemichi doesn't feel bad or treat them to food as thanks. But Mikey can't find it in himself to do that.

 
Mikey hovers over the buttons on his phone. He already knows what he's going to type.

 
Mikey

That's okay! More food for us ( ˘▽˘)っ♨

I'll see you then. Can't wait!

 
Mikey goes to his photos, where he goes through them and sees a picture he took of Takemichi recently catching him on the day they took Draken to eat when he got out of the hospital. He caught Takemichi with whipped cream from his shake on the corner of his mouth. His eyes widened, and a blush on his face. Mikey flops back, head on the armrest, holding the phone above his head. He smiles. 

 
"You look giddy."

 
Mikey's eyes snap to the Shinichiro coming into the living area. He is smiling knowingly at him. How long was he there? Mikey sits up, crossing his legs and snapping his phone shut, silently annoyed he wasn't paying attention. "I'm not giddy. Also, can you not sneak up on people?"

 
"I called your name. You were too busy staring at your phone to hear me."

 
Mikey fidgets on the couch, crossing and then uncrossing his legs as he holds the phone. Shinichiro watches him. Based on the smile Mikey was trying to keep off his face, it didn't seem like anything terrible had transpired.

 
"Somethin' good happen?"

 
Mikey knows he has to tell him. He wouldn't leave without letting him know. But Mikey isn't looking forward to the jokes. He's excited because Mikey likes hanging with Takemichi, that's all!

 
"The guys canceled for that trip I mentioned to Yokohama."

 
Shinichiro looks surprised. "So you're not going?"

 
"No, I am. It's just gonna be me and Takemitchy."

 
"Awww~" Shinichiro grins, and honestly, Mikey feels like he's looking at his face, given how much he resembles his brother. "To be in love."

 
Mikey's cheeks become rosy. "What the fuck?! I-I don't-"

 
"Lying is just gonna come back to bite you in the ass." Shinichiro is judging him or trying to ruin his life. Mikey can't tell. Probably both.

 
"I don't love him. I'm not in love." Mikey says once his heart stops racing. "He's my buddy."

 
"You don't have to hide how you feel, you know. Romantically." Mikey pays attention to the seriousness in Shinichiro's voice before his face relaxes. "Anyway. Take your big brother's advice. I have experience."
 

"You mean you got rejected 60 times."

 
"It wasn't 60!" Shinchiro exclaims, to which Mikey rolls his eyes at his outburst and closes his phone with a sigh. 

 
Shinichiro clears his throat, and Mikey looks up, raising an eyebrow at him. "Yeah?"

 
"Ah." His brother hesitates momentarily before standing straight and looking him in the eye. A grin still making its way onto his face." Manjiro, do we gotta talk?"

 
"Talk about what?"

"You know...you and Takemichi. Together on a trip. Alone?"

It takes seconds before Mikey glares at him intensely, out for blood, when he realizes what he implied.

 
"Get the fuck outta here!" Mikey throws a square couch cushion, which misses Shinichiro as he runs out of the living room. The pillow flops to the ground where he was just standing. Mikey can hear his laughter from in the hallway before his footsteps fade. Mikey fumes and falls back, grabbing the matching pillow to hold over his face, and screams.

 
Even though everyone made him seem like some lovesick cretin, Mikey still smiled, hugging the pillow against his face and chest. He's thinking about the trip. Mikey can't wait for Saturday. It's his birthday. He can be selfish on that day. Or maybe the older boy is giddy like Shinichiro says, body excited for the trip. There may be something about his feelings for Takemichi that is starting to grow bigger than he realizes. But if he's with Takemichi, it doesn't seem as scary.

Chapter Text

Takemichi held the boxed dessert, supporting it against his chest. He set his shopping bag next to his leg and reached into his pocket to get his keys. It jingles in his hand as he unlocks the door and pushes it open before gripping the handle of his bag from the ground. He carefully steps out of his sneakers, mashing the back of the heel until his foot pulls out, then closes the door with his shoulder. Takemichi walks to the kitchen table to set everything down. He lets out a relieved sigh. So far, he’s on track. He’s heading out with Mikey in less than two hours. He wanted to leave earlier, but the shop opened at 6 AM, so he told Mikey to come by 8 AM.

He peers inside the cake box, lifting the lid to see the strawberries plump on top. It looks delicious. The cake's for later when they come back. He has to convince Mikey to go inside when he drops Takemichi back home, but that shouldn’t be too difficult. Offer him a snack or ask him to play video games as an excuse. Takemichi places the cake in the fridge and goes to work, putting his groceries away. He had already bought food, so he got some snacks in case he got hungry when he returned tonight. He's not cooking either, planning to eat out in Yokohama for Mikey's birthday dinner.

He decides to double-check everything. Cake. Checked ahead for the beach being open. Checked out nearby restaurants. Packed the stuff for the beach. Phone charged. Money to pay for the dinner. Map he printed off the computer last night.

That should be it.

He wants it to go well. Mikey deserved a lovely birthday, especially after all the stuff that happened from the Moebius fight. Losing Pah-chin, Draken almost dying. And how Mikey felt. Mitsuya said he was going to buy Pah’s way out of juvie. Takemichi stops his movement, ramune strawberry drink in his hand that he was trying to put away.

Why didn’t he tell him?

Takemichi figured he might when he confessed to Mikey that he couldn’t fight alongside Toman anymore, opening the floor for him to say something. But Mikey didn’t. And Takemichi didn’t want to force him. And he didn’t have to tell him. But hoped Mikey would only trust him enough to tell him something important like this. Besides, he's involved in it anyway. Not only helping Toman but Pah, who is his friend, too. He's invested in this all the same. Does Mikey think he’d be upset if he told him?

Takemichi thoughts falter as he hears the rumbling of a motor outside, increasing in volume. That’s probably him. Takemichi finishes putting the snacks and cake away. He hears the engine die down as he clears off the table, and there are a few seconds of silence before the doorbell rings.

He walks up to the door, flattening his hair and wiping his shirt absentmindedly, though nothing is on it. Why’s Takemichi nervous? It’s just hanging out with Mikey. Maybe a part of him wonders if it’s gotten weird between them. Since Takemichi was more of a homebody lately, he figures Mikey has the others to keep him busy. Does his own thing. Maybe he’s still dejected because he didn’t trust Takemichi enough to talk to him. Or perhaps the comment the other day where people assumed his relationship with him has got Takemichi flustered?

However, the worries seem to recede when he opens the door, and Mikey is standing there, eyes startled for a moment, before gleaming as he sees Takemichi and gives a genuine smile.

“Hey, Mitchy~” He steps in again like this is his place, without hesitation. Mikey is fine. Takemichi is the only one acting weird.

"Hey Mikey! Happy Birthday!" Takemichi hugs him, and Mikey immediately embraces him, hugging him back.

"Thanks." 

Takemichi pulls away, looking at Mikey. "Uh, didn't I tell you to be here at 8? It’s not even 7 AM yet.”

“Bored waiting.” Mikey found his way over to the couch and flopped down. Takemichi closes the door and lets him lay there as he tells him he’ll be back and goes to get his stuff from his room. And to stay out of the fridge. They’ll get something on the way there. Guess they might as well leave now.

Mikey's head lays uncomfortably on the armrest. He stares at the ceiling, waiting for Takemichi to come back. He yawns, muffling it by holding his hand against his mouth. His eyes tear up as he wipes them away. He should’ve gone to bed earlier. He was just so excited about his birthday present.

So, what’s wrong with being a little excited? However, he has to be alert. He’s driving them. Maybe he can get some coffee before they drive out on the road. 

Mikey wants this to go well. He’s already about to kneel, thanking the others when they return. He tried to play it down when he got the text, but as Shinichiro deemed, Mikey was giddy. It’s harder to pretend he’s fine as he gets ample opportunities to be around Takemichi. Having more of these moments that would be reserved for people dating, Mikey tries to pretend it’s no big deal, and Takemichi laughs off as a ‘Mikey-Takemichi’ friendship thing.

One or both of them have to bend for anything to change.

It’s…more than that now how he feels about Takemichi. He got excited about having alone time with his friend. Mikey was a bundle of nerves last night. He had Emma help him pick out an outfit that was probably a waste since Takemichi didn’t comment on it. 

It’s just him not wanting to pull the trigger and admit it.

Mikey’s standing on the edge of a cliff, his feelings the ravenous waters he’s scared to dive into. But his caution is valid. This may not go how he wants, especially if he doesn’t think things through and jumps in. And he’ll lose someone in the process by being demanding.

And Takemichi's not just anybody for him to lose.

He hears the steps creaking, and Mikey sits up fully now, seeing Takemichi come down, almost tripping as he misses the last step but catches himself. Mikey stifles a giggle. He's wearing a collegiate jacket and a black backpack. He holds onto the straps with both hands, catching his breath, and gives a toothy smile, cheeks round with a rosy flush, probably from hurrying. "Ready!"

Mikey finds his lips curving into a smile, his stomach filling with warmth staring at him.

How much longer is he going to pretend?

__________

Mikey and Takemichi head out for food before the long ride to Yokohama. Since Mikey came early, Takemichi suggested they eat breakfast at a convenience store. It also was intentional since it kept Mikey from stumbling on his other birthday surprises if he stayed longer at Takemichi's place.

They parked Mikey's bike in front of a convenience store and went to buy something. Takemichi rushes ahead, and Mikey lingers back, touching the collar of his denim jacket. It's one Shinichiro got him for Christmas one year that he kept in his closet but only wore once before. A medium-wash denim jacket. It's suitable for a night out where it’s not freezing. At least that’s what Emma told him. She clawed through his closet, and her eyes bulged before grinning as she whipped this out, telling him it'd make him look cooler. Mikey only cared if Takemichi liked it, but he said nothing about it.

He didn't get this whole fashion thing. He wore whatever he deemed comfortable. So if he wore a matching set and shoes that weren’t sandals, that was already fancy enough for him.

But Emma spoke as if bestowing on him some sage old advice that'll matter to him when he wants to look fashionable for Takemichi.

He blushes, grabbing a bag of chips and two pork buns. He puts it on the counter, and Takemichi pays, telling him it's his treat today. Mikey feels the buzzing under his skin at the words as he silently puts his wallet back in his pants pocket.

They lean against Mikey’s bike as they eat their food. Mikey, mouthful, inhales one pork bun and unwraps the second one before Takemichi speaks up.

“It’s nice today. The weather.”

Mikey agrees, and it’s weird. Why does it feel awkward? Is he making it this way?

But Takemichi seems off to today. Did he not feel like going alone with Mikey? The thought rips through him, striking like a chord in his heart. He feels insecure now at Takemichi next to him, just humoring him. That he never liked him.

But then Takemichi goes and eases his fears.

“You know.” Takemichi starts carefully, picking at the lid of the coffee cup. “I was worried today. About planning everything and making sure it went well.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.” Then he smiles at Mikey with that look that makes him feel like he’s basking in the sun. “I want to make sure it’s nice for you today because you deserve it. After what happened with Pah-chin and Draken almost dying. I wanted to do this for you.”

Mikey feels warm, a feeling he’d pretend was foreign to him. Mikey, feeling gooey and soft for someone, would be laughable to anyone else, even to himself a few years ago. But then he went up and met Takemichi; the rest is history.

“Why are you talking like that? The day is just starting.” Mikey stands up and grabs his and Takemichi's wrappers and cups to throw into the trashcan near the store. 

If Mikey stands there any longer with him, he might become so wrapped up in Takemichi’s orbit that he’d never pull away. And he wouldn’t want to.

That’s dangerous, and Takemichi’s good at getting your defenses down. It makes him as formidable as Mikey, but his friend would dismiss the praise. And that makes Takemichi even more amazing to Mikey.

“We should head out.” Mikey goes to his bike and grabs the helmet off the side. He hands it to Takemichi.

“A helmet?” It's dark blue. Takemichi touches the smooth outside. He usually would wear the one he had if he did feel inclined to wear it, even on Mikey's bike. Is this new? “Do I need it?”

Mikey shrugs. “It takes a while to get there, but there are also sharp curves. It’s to be safe even though I’m great at driving.”

"Where'd ya get it?"

"Shin had one around the shop. I didn't spend money if that's what you mean." Mikey looks off past him for a moment. He looks embarrassed, but maybe Takemichi's just mistaken.

Takemichi puts the helmet on, tightening it. He doesn’t wear it often when riding with Mikey, in fear of messing up his hair and just the whole process of taking it on and off. He doesn't wear it even with his bicycle, but Mikey's right. Better safe than sorry.

Mikey helps tighten it the rest of the way before patting the top. "Good to go."

"Hehe, thanks for worrying about me."

Mikey's face morphs into surprise momentarily before he turns and throws his leg over his bike to sit on it. 

"Come on, let's get ready to go."

"Ah, right!"

His heartbeat is stuck in his throat, hammering, sputtering like an exhaust. He swallows the saliva building up in his mouth as he feels Takemichi settle behind him.