The Devil is Divine || Yamato Endo x Reader

by MewMewMint

Summary:

Memories come and go. But those with him, you just couldn't forget so easily. Even with the separation that came with high school, you still continued to cling onto those simple grade school days of the past.

So why couldn't you just let him go? Surely charming devils like him had better things to do than to tutor someone like you. Yet you couldn't deny your growing affection for him. But in an effort to maintain that connection, that meant involving yourself with Furin and getting closer to its strongest member in the process.

[Updated Summary]

Chapter updates every Saturday or Sunday if all goes well.

Notes:

This is an expansion on a short one-shot I did recently called "No Love Without Pain." Also, this takes place before Endo and Takiishi left Furin.

Chapter 1: Troubles of an Insomniac

An expected yawn escaped you as you sleepily stared at the selection of candy in front of you, looking for a way to rid yourself of the effects insomnia had on you from last night. Indecisive as you were, you settled for a bag of assorted candies, almost putting it back right away when an energy drink came to mind. Either way you still needed to bring some sort of snack with you to Furin so you held onto it, making your way over to where the drinks were located.

After choosing your drink you walked to the register to check out, sighing at the amount of yen you had left. You paid the cashier what was owed and headed out of the convenience store, preparing to walk to the high school in a hopefully less sleepier state. But that was the least of your troubles because with your unfortunate luck, you just had to run into more.

You had only been out the door less than a minute when you carelessly let your school bag bump into a guy passing by. “Hey—What the hell?”

Quickly realizing your mistake, you turned towards him, apologizing. “Excuse me. Sorry about that.”

And that should have been the end of that if you were dealing with a sane person but of course fate had other things in mind for you. So that meant dealing with this idiot now. You had tried to be as polite as you could before, not wanting to escalate the situation but the guy's next words almost wiped that forced smile off your face.

“So what're you gonna do about it?”

“What do you mean?” you asked almost innocently, knowing where this was probably going. But regrettably your bluntness decided to come out at the wrong time which should have just remained as inner thoughts. “You're acting like I broke your arm or something. I’m a broke high school student like you. What would I even have to offer you? Now if you'll excuse me—”

Before you could move another step, you felt his hand latch tightly onto your arm, preventing you from walking away. “Hey—Where do you think you're—”

But before he could finish that thought, you heard the loud thud of his body suddenly hit the pavement. Despite the confusion etched into your features, you inwardly thanked the gods for eliminating the threat so quickly, unaware that help was already nearby. You turned to your savior and were surprised to find who was standing there. But it wasn't some god of course.

“Endo?” you questioned. “I didn't expect to see you here and without Takiishi…”

Ignoring the guy he had just knocked out, he draped an arm over your shoulder, offering you a smile before answering, “Hey, what's up, [First Name].”

“Oh, I was just on my way to see you actually.” Trying hard not to pay too much attention to his arm leaning over you, that's when your eyes caught sight of the black ink decorating his skin, almost hidden by the dark green uniform jacket of Furin hanging over his tank top. A light laugh left his lips upon you finally noticing.

“What? Don't like them?”

“What—no. Of course I do… I just didn't expect you to get tattoos. Was this last week?” you asked, trying to rid yourself of the impending blush.

“Yeah. Thinking I might get even more later on.”

All you could manage to say was, “They really suit you.” Admittedly you wanted a closer look at them, your eyes gravitating to the infinity symbol on his neck. But you peeled your gaze away before you could be caught staring again. The tattoos only further enhanced his attractiveness in your opinion, though they appeared to still be in the process of healing.

“So what is it today?” he asked, referring to your homework that you always sought out his help for. “Math like always?”

You laughed, wanting to dispel the heat still rising in your face as some sarcasm slipped out. “Wow how’d you guess?”

With your energy drink still in your other hand, you began opening it in hopes of further distracting yourself before Endo plucked it from your grasp. Unhooking his arm from over your shoulder, he walked alongside you, pressing the now open drink towards his lips, drinking most of the contents in one go.

This earned a heavy sigh from you, realizing that you'd have to settle for the bag of candies now. And despite all the troubles the afternoon had offered you, your sleepiness still had yet to leave you as another thought crossed your mind. “Consider this as thanks for saving me and for tutoring me, alright?”

♡♡♡

You hadn't meant to fall asleep. The effects of insomnia had just caught up to you unfortunately. So it wasn't a total surprise when you awoke in one of the Furin classrooms with your face stuck to the desk, feeling sluggish like a zombie. Not fully awake just yet, you rubbed the sleep from your eyes as you let out a yawn, looking forward when something else caught your eye. You weren't alone.

The red in your peripheral vision felt jarring, causing your eyes to snap open. Now that you were more alert, you turned carefully towards the head of dyed red hair a few desks away. He was the last person you wanted to see right now: Chika Takiishi.

It wasn't like he ever acknowledged you. And the feeling was mutual. You rarely tried to talk with the redhead and you weren't exactly in the mood to strike up a conversation just because you were the only ones in the room right now. But unlike him, you seemed to be the only one who was bothered.

You quickly averted your gaze when his golden brown eyes left the view from the windowsill where he sat, seemingly enjoying the breeze from outside. It was only for a moment but it was enough to make you freeze up, finding the classroom colder all of a sudden.

Praying Endo would come back soon, you distracted yourself by pulling out your worksheet and notes, opening up your notebook to today's lesson. The columns were filled with small doodles, evidence of either your boredom or lack of understanding throughout your teacher's explanation earlier that day. But it was usually a mix of both.

It wasn't that you weren't good at math, you just couldn't quite grasp how to work out these equations the way that they wanted you to. But Endo most certainly was even if he chose to pass his skills off like it was nothing.

The sound of the door sliding open brought you some relief as you watched the dark haired boy you were waiting for walk inside, a tired expression painting his features as he acknowledged you. “Finally, you're awake.”

“You could have just woken me up,” you responded, feeling slightly guilty for having fallen asleep. But admittedly it wasn't your first time and it probably wouldn't be the last. You were just always in a state of constant tiredness from your nights with lack of sleep.

“Nah.” He dismissed your comment with a wave of his hand before turning toward his redheaded companion. “Takiishi and I have somewhere to be soon so let's hurry this up.”

Nodding in understanding, you quickly went ahead in explaining the mathematics worksheet, trying your best to ignore the other boy a few feet away. Willing yourself to stay focused on the task at hand, you eventually found comprehension in the mixture of letters and numbers called math through Endo's guidance.

Chapter 2: An Excuse

A sudden gust of wind blew across the rooftop, kicking up empty cans and garbage as a chill ran through you. You pulled your uniform jacket tighter around your body, trying to find some warmth as your damp hair still clung to your face. Having been in such a rush to get here after swim club, you hadn't properly dried your hair off after using the showers so now you were tired and cold.

You don't know how you found the energy to swim after a long day of classes. But it didn't matter how tired you were, you somehow always found yourself wanting to swim. It was what you enjoyed most in your free time after all. That feeling of relaxation and freedom when your body was in the water wasn't something you could easily explain to those who didn't share the same enjoyment from it that you did.

Despite not having any fighting skills like the Furin boys here did, you didn't doubt you could easily swim circles around them given your years of practice. The after school activity also served as a cover from your parents who most definitely wouldn't be thrilled at the thought of their child visiting a high school like this.

You lazily leaned back against a squeaky worn out chair, closing your eyes as another gust of wind chilled your exposed skin. The urge to sleep was strong but you had to resist unless you wanted to wake up as a human popsicle.

As if you could sense the incoming hand, your eyes fluttered open as a cup of coffee was extended out towards you in offering. You hesitated for a second, just staring at the drink awkwardly.

“Um, are you sure, Tsubaki?”

“Yeah, I'm sure. You need it more than me, don't you?”

You suddenly felt self-conscious. Were your eye bags really noticeable today or something? Had you yawned too much in front of him? As if he could read your thoughts, he insisted again, trying to dispel any of the insecurities you might have felt.

“Come on. Go ahead. It's still warm,” he smiled, holding it out for you to take.

Finally giving in, you accepted the drink from him, offering your gratitude. “Thanks. I really appreciate it.” As you sipped on the warm liquid, your body started to feel warmer, the wind outside not feeling as harsh on you anymore.

“Y'know, [First Name], you don't need your homework as an excuse to come visit. Unless you were just hoping to see Endo?”

“What—no, I love getting to see you guys too. It's just…” you hesitated, pondering over how you wanted to word this but Tsubaki beat you to it, already understanding.

“It's just that you were hoping to see your crush, am I right?” He grinned at the incoming blush on you, waiting for an answer as you tried to collect yourself, the coffee almost leaving your mouth in surprise. But what wasn't a surprise was the fact that he knew.

“Yeah…” you reluctantly answered, feeling like your cover was blown when it wasn't a secret to him to begin with. “But I do have a test tomorrow so I was hoping to get some practice with him in.”

“Hm? But I thought your grade was improving? Do you really need the extra help?”

Caught again. You let out a heavy sigh of defeat. “Are you a mind reader, Tsubaki?”

He laughed at your comment, not at all surprised by your admission. “Maybe.”

Admittedly you were starting to improve in math class but you didn't want that truth to come to light around Endo. Or maybe he already knew you were just using the tutoring help as a reason to come to Furin. And while you were always happy to spend time with Tsubaki and Umemiya, your heart longed to be around that seafoam green eyed devil you fell for all the way back then.

“But without the tutoring help then I wouldn't have an excuse to come see him anymore…”

You still remembered when you sought out his help way back in grade school. That look of defeat plastered onto your face. You must have looked so miserable that day when you got your test results back that he ended up taking pity on you, offering to let you see his own answers.

Grateful but also desperate at the time, you would continue to ask for his guidance. And those interactions would eventually blossom into the strange relationship you two had today in high school. He still had yet to refuse his help, making you assume that maybe you weren't a totally boring person to be around if he'd kept you in his life for this long.

Tsubaki contemplated his answer for a moment, some loose strands of hair blowing past his face before ultimately disagreeing with you. “Well, I still don't think you need an excuse.”

He had a point but unlike with Tsubaki and Umemiya, you felt like you had to have an excuse to come see Endo. And not just because you wanted to see him. Somehow you felt like your company would be turned away if school work wasn't attached. You were an outsider after all. You had no place amongst the fighters here.

“I guess you're right.”

So lost in your conversation, you weren't really paying too much attention to the others gathered on the other side of the rooftop—that is until a chair came flying past you. You heard the sound of wood cracking as it hit the fence that lined the concrete up here, reminding you that any place in this school could become the location for a fight anytime. But this kind of thing was part of your normalcy whenever you visited so you weren't really disturbed, having become desensitized to the violence that came with this territory.

All you could think about was how that broken chair would add to the already growing mess of old furniture up here and that there would be one less place to sit now. You also had yet to be hit by a flying piece of furniture and you prayed that that day would never come.

You sighed. Someone had started another fight. Guess sitting out here with a cup of coffee and enjoying the late afternoon breeze was too much to ask for in a place like this. But you shouldn't be complaining. If you really wanted to do that you could just go visit a café nearby.

That's when you noticed who else had just arrived. His dark messy hair had always been a feature you'd recognize from far away but now the added tattoos only made it easier to spot him. While you were distracted with your thoughts, he had turned your way, catching you staring. Again. You quickly averted your gaze from him, continuing to drink up the rest of the coffee before it went cold, sensing that he would be walking this way any minute.

With your back to him, it was his touch that greeted you first as both of his arms came to rest around your neck. Since his inked up skin was exposed, it felt like a snake had gently slithered around your neck to create a necklace of flesh.

“Looking for me?” Endo asked as he watched you set the empty cup of coffee down. Given the close proximity, you suddenly felt self-conscious again, wondering if he could smell any of the pool's chlorine that had managed to cling to you somehow. But even if he did, that didn't stop him from inching closer, his breath on the back of your neck.

Tsubaki took this as his cue to give you some space, not bothering to acknowledge the dark haired boy before waving a goodbye to you. “I'll see you later, [First Name].”

You offered him a smile as you waved back, adjusting yourself to face the ongoing fight as Endo shifted his body to face that way as well. “I'm guessing you wanna see how this ends before we leave?” Especially since you noticed Takiishi had joined the fray.

“Yup. You know me so well, [First Name].” You couldn't see his expression at the moment, but you just knew he had a grin plastered onto his face as he continued to watch the fight unfold before his eyes.

“Alright then, coffee and a show it is.”

Notes:

I never know what to write in this notes section. Funny enough I just had a cup of homemade coffee right before editing this again. I also need to stop apologizing if there are any mistakes. I can only edit so much lol. Anyway, I hope y'all enjoyed this chapter. And I'll post when I can.

Chapter 3: Stormy Rain Clouds

The music blasting through your earbuds drowned out most of the noise that echoed in the halls of Furin High School as you quickly glanced into the classrooms one by one. The sound of the students’ voices made the place come alive as you were met with graffiti with every turn you took.

You ignored the stares you got from the other boys as you passed through—being the outsider that you were. No matter how many times you visited, you were always regarded with some suspicion as if you were going to attack one of them when you felt like it should be the other way around. Your connection with some of the others here was probably the only reason why you hadn't been forced out yet. But it's not like you cared much anyway. You weren't here for them.

When you finally spotted a messy dark head of hair, you pulled open the sliding door, closing it behind you as you took out your earbuds to greet the boy clad in tattoos who you felt would blend perfectly into the walls of this school. “Hey, I finally found you—”

Your eyes immediately turned their attention to the blood decorating his hands, the skin atop his knuckles raw and red against his paleness. Endo leaned back in the empty desk, a sigh escaping him as he answered you. “Oh this? It's nothing.”

You frowned at the state of his hands. Although this wasn't anything new, the broken skin still made you want to cringe. It was as if he couldn't feel any pain at all. And despite not saying anything about it yet, your concerned yet criticizing gaze gave away your thoughts as he looked your way.

“Relax. It's nothing you haven't seen before.” His nonchalant attitude towards his injury told you that your worries were going to be brushed off as usual so with a sigh of your own, you placed your bag down onto the adjacent desk, joining him.

Your frown only seemed to deepen as you took out your school work and before you could stop yourself, you turned to him with an offer. “How about I go to the nearby convenience store to get you some bandages and stuff to clean and—”

You were only partially out of your seat when he placed one of his hands onto your wrist, keeping you from going any farther as you gave him a mildly annoyed look. His skin felt rough against yours, no doubt from all the fighting he involved himself in. You wondered who the unlucky soul or souls had been graced with those fists of his this time. He lightly tugged you to get you to move back down into the desk, his features also showing annoyance after telling you to just ignore it.

“Fine… I'll leave it alone,” you reluctantly answered, his grip leaving your wrist as you settled back into your seat, continuing to flip through your textbook and notes until you found the correct page.

You heard a laugh escape him, causing your head to rise as he joked, “What are you, my mother? You never change.”

“Is it a crime to show concern for someone?” Your response dripped in sarcasm as you turned back to the pages, his laugh continuing to sound off in your ears like a sweet melody.

“No,” he simply answered, eyeing the paper peeking out of your notebook before pulling it out to inspect it. “Hmm, an A huh? Nice job.”

You secretly felt thrilled at the praise but you masked your emotions, turning away as you told him, “Thanks, it wasn't possible without your help.”

“So, you don't need me anymore?”

The look on your face must have told him all he needed to know because you couldn't hide your surprise, your silence also making it worse. You weren't planning to show him your recent test results but oh well, there was nothing you could do now.

“I'm kidding,” he laughed, placing your test back into the folds of your notebook. “I wouldn't want to miss out on more snacks after all these years.”

“Well too bad for you that I accidentally left the snacks I planned to give you at school today.”

He leaned onto his hand. “Then you'll owe me double next time.”

“Yeah. Yeah. I know,” you sighed.

“Or we can just make it so that you only owe me for one thing next time,” he suggested, his seafoam green eyes closely examining your face for your reaction as you furrowed your brow in confusion.

“And what would that be?”

Before you could question his intentions any further, he had already closed the gap between the two of you, reaching out that same hand he had grabbed your wrist with to cup the side of your face. Your mind almost went blank as you felt his lips connect with yours, the softness of them enveloping you like a cloud. And as if zapped by a lightning bolt, you had become immobilized.

The moment felt like an infinite stretch of time as negative thoughts raced inside your head, unsure how to feel about the unexpected kiss—your stolen first kiss. He had never done something like this before so why now? And why couldn't you feel happy about it? Just how were you supposed to react to this?

But you didn't have to think hard to know why you felt this way. Despite the years you had known each other, he had never shown the same interest in you that he found in Takiishi and regrettably those other women he had involved himself with. This kiss felt more empty and meaningless the more you thought about that, those fluffy clouds you had pictured suddenly transforming into stormy rain clouds, threatening to rain down on you. Unfortunately the joy you thought you would feel, instead was replaced with hurt and confusion—because this wasn't how you wanted it to go.

Endo quickly caught onto your dissatisfaction, your chin still cradled in his hand as his eyes took in your expression. And when he finally did leave your lips, you still refused to look him in the eye. He just chuckled at your reaction, prompting him to speak up when you stayed quiet, a teasing smile on his face.

“Hm? Not satisfied? And here I thought you'd be easy to please.”

“But why?” You forced out an answer as your eyes turned hesitantly back towards him.

“Why not?” He shrugged. “It's kinda chilly in here and I needed to warm up a bit.”

His answer just confirmed your previous thoughts, making it hurt all the more. You forced a smile onto your face, wondering whether to laugh or cry. This wasn't how you had pictured this interaction in your head at all. But he had been gentle at least.

The sound of the sliding door almost made you jump, expecting Takiishi to walk through but instead you were met with the unexpected appearance of a tall boy with hair the color of snow. It was Umemiya. And as much as you weren't the biggest fan of that redhead, this was the one time you wished it had been him instead.

Attempting to act natural, you pretended to look through your notes as you twirled a pencil in your hands, your gaze only focusing on the tall boy once he spoke.

“Is everything okay in here?” His question felt more directed at you, not really expecting a proper response from the dark-haired boy sitting next to you.

“Yeah…” You kept the forced smile on, your face only growing a darker shade of red, hoping he hadn't seen anything through the door’s window. You didn't look like you were crying out for help, right? Was your embarrassment noticeable?

“Geez, can't you see that this room is occupied?” Endo’s teasing smile from a few moments ago had vanished, turning into a deep frown, his annoyance at the interruption clear as day.

Your eyes looked between the two boys, sensing the growing tension, so you quickly reassured Umemiya. “Everything's fine, Ume. I'll join you and Tsubaki soon, alright?”

If he had sensed something was wrong, he didn't show it, running a hand through his white locks as he eyed you. “Alright then, I'll see you later.”

When the door finally shut, you felt like you could breathe properly again, glad that things didn't get out of hand. But then again, it wasn't like you were breathing normally anyway after what Endo had decided to do. And from the way Umemiya had acted, it didn't seem like you had been able to hide your emotions as well as you had wanted to.

“Ume huh?” Endo commented suddenly. That irritation in his voice hadn't left yet as he leaned back into his seat again, rubbing at his temple like he had gotten a headache from just hearing the name.

“Oh, that's nothing new. I always—”

You didn't give the comment much thought, quickly trying to give an explanation as to why you called him by a shortened version of his name but your response was immediately cut off.

“Let's just get started then, yeah?”

“Oh, yeah sure,” you replied, wanting to put this whole situation behind you so you could just focus on why you had come here.

As the usual tutoring session went on, neither of you would mention what had happened earlier. He didn't seem bothered by it and while you most definitely were, you didn't want to make things awkward or weird between you two so you acted normally. And maybe that was for the best even if you still felt the ghost of his lips on yours.

Notes:

Sorry if I took a long time to update but I had to keep rewriting this chapter and on the fourth attempt is when I finally felt happy with it. So excited for season two tomorrow so I wanted this edited and posted today. Anyway, thanks for reading. I'll post another chapter when I can.

Chapter 4: Unlucky You

You were starting to wonder if you were a magnet for trouble because once again you had somehow managed to attract it—but this time, multiplied by three. It wasn't like you expected Makochi to be free of hooligans but it'd be nice to at least walk home in peace once in a while.

A nervous smile made its way to your lips as you denied having any association with Furin again. The guy's patience was running low, evidenced clearly by the way he seemed close to snapping, his tone losing all of the cool it had since the start of this pointless conversation.

“Quit lying. We've seen you come in and out of Furin.”

From that revelation alone, your irritation was quickly turning into sheer discomfort at the thought of having been watched. Initially, you had put on a brave front but now your heart was betraying you, its rapid beating starting to show the cracks in your strong facade.

“Again, I don't know what the hell you're talking about,” you lied, chewing on your bottom lip as you clutched onto your school bag. You eyed all three boys cautiously, readying yourself because this didn't look like it was going to end well. Who the hell pissed these guys off to begin with? And why were you the one being targeted for this?

“I've had it with you. You're coming with us.” His tone left no room for further negotiation as he took another step towards you, ready to deliver on that promise as another one of the trio moved up behind you, keeping you from backing up any farther.

Without drawing too much attention, you had managed to rummage carefully through your bag, finding a random pen at the bottom. Gipping it tightly, you waited for the right moment. When the third guy moved in on you, he suddenly pulled at the collar of your uniform, taking you by surprise. But you quickly recovered, piercing the end of the pen into his hand, causing him to yell out in pain and let go, a string of curses leaving his mouth.

That unexpected attack took them all off guard, buying you enough time to bolt down the street. But the distance you had managed to put between you wouldn't last long. You felt yourself being pulled harshly back by the strap of your bag as you were forced to stop.

“Quit running you damn brat!”

Realizing you were on your own with no one else around, you showed no hesitation, freeing yourself from his hold as you slipped out of the straps of your bag. This caused you to stumble back, catching yourself on the railing of the bridge a few feet away.

In a desperate attempt to escape, you decided to do something reckless. The three boys looked at you like you were crazy as you jumped up onto the top of the railing, uttering out, “Try catching me now.”

Bracing yourself, you allowed your body to fall off its edge, embracing the cold water of the river below. You had never jumped into a body of water from a height like this before but you were desperate to get away. No way you could take on all three at once. And you highly doubted that they would follow you now.

As expected, the water was freezing—nothing like the warm water of your school's pool unfortunately. You quickly broke the surface, taking in a big gasp of air as your gaze turned to your now stunned pursuers above you.

Swimming to the riverbank, you collapsed onto your back, suddenly feeling extremely sick as your wet clothes clung onto your body. Just great—how were you supposed to come home like this now? Your eyes then caught onto a flash of red followed by the familiar markings of a certain someone you had been avoiding for the past week. Of course, he'd show up now of all times.

Was this a blessing in disguise?

You must have zoned out for a minute or two because the sudden sound of Endo’s voice made you snap awake, a groan leaving your mouth as you felt a migraine coming on. Your temple was throbbing as you forced yourself to face the voice's owner.

“That takes guts, [First Name]. But seriously, who the hell jumps off the bridge like that?”

Maybe it was the exhaustion getting to you but you suddenly really just wanted to go to sleep now that you were hearing his voice again as if it was some form of sleeping potion. When you didn't answer, he took matters into his own hands, crouching down so he could pull you onto his back. Your arms dangled over his shoulders now as you rested your head against him.

“Hang on tight. You can at least do that, right?”

You nodded weakly in response, noticing that he had your school bag slipped over his shoulder. Smiling at this, you let the exhaustion take over, falling into a half asleep state as he carried you through the streets of Makochi. Some felt familiar and some didn't as he made his way to his destination—Takiishi, his redheaded partner at his side.

♡♡♡

The sound of the dryer running could be heard from the next room over as you found yourself sitting on a cream colored loveseat, sipping on hot coffee and wearing some of Endo's clothes he had let you borrow. You thought you heard noise from the kitchen too, assuming it must be Takiishi. A towel hung over your shoulders, your hair now a damp mess as you leaned against the cushions in an attempt to make yourself more comfortable.

“I don't see you for a week and you go and do something like this. Didn't think you had any fight in you too,” he laughed, plopping himself down next to you as you looked at him with mild confusion.

“You saw that?” Why did it seem to take something like a stabbing attempt for him to show just an ounce of interest in you?

“Yeah. Unlucky for you, you went and jumped off the bridge before I could get to you.”

“It's not like I had much choice,” you responded, trying to defend your actions, knowing how reckless that was. But you made it out in one piece didn't you?

It felt a bit strange wearing his clothes—or Takiishi's. You were sure that they shared a closet and judging from the one you saw earlier, you had to be right. They were a little baggy on you but you were just grateful to be out of that wet uniform and hopefully it would dry enough in time for you to go home.

But at the mention of your absence at Furin, you couldn't help but become self conscious as you sat next to him, remembering what had happened as your fingers brushed against your lips. But here he was acting the same as always. It seemed like you had no effect on him the way he did with you. Oh well, whatever. No point trying to avoid him now.

“Y'know this is my first time here,” you said, scanning the apartment with interest as you set your drink down onto the table in front of you. It appeared high-end with the high quality furniture and art that decorated the walls, making the dark haired boy feel a bit out of place.

“It's also not like I had much choice either,” he replied, copying your response from just a moment ago. “I'm sure your parents would flip out if you came home like that, right?”

“Yeah, you're right,” you sighed. “Am I going to have to owe you for this too?”

“Nah—or this.” He suddenly wrapped an arm around you, pulling you closer so your head could rest on his shoulder. Unprepared for something like this, you became stiff like a statue. It was as if his touch had turned you to stone like Medusa. “You're still cold. And don't try to deny it. We both know you're a bad liar.”

Had it been someone else, you would have already pushed them away. But he was different—always had been. And you couldn't keep yourself from leaning farther into him as you closed your tired eyes. The close proximity still brought on the familiar feeling of heat rising in your face—even more so when he removed the towel from you as you took in the smell of his cologne.

Maybe you weren't so unlucky after all.

Notes:

How is it that I'm able to write two chapters back-to-back but get writer's block for like two weeks? Make it make sense lol. Hope y'all enjoyed the chapter though. See you next time, take care!

Chapter 5: Yamato

Your hands gripped the piece of paper in front of you, a sigh of defeat leaving your lips as you looked at the poor score marked in red on it—another test that had managed to kick your ass. There were mixed reactions around the classroom from the other grade schoolers—some who looked like you and those who were more satisfied with their results.

But there was another boy who caught your attention—Yamato Endo, who sat at the desk right next to you. His reaction didn't seem to be filled with anything close to either defeat or joy. If anything, it looked to you like he was bored. And when you glanced at his test paper, you saw that he had a perfect score, as expected of a genius like him.

When he caught you staring, you quickly averted your eyes, feeling embarrassed when he took notice. But then you found yourself turning back to him when he began speaking to you, his tone on the verge of laughter as he offered you a kind smile.

“Do you want to take a look at my answers?” he asked, holding out his paper for you to take.

“Are you sure, Yamato?”

“Yeah.” He furthered his point by reaching out more to place it directly into your hand before shifting back into his seat where he continued to lazily rest his hand underneath his chin.

“Thanks,” you smiled as you started to scan his test to see what work he had written down, hoping to make sense of it so you could see why he had gotten the answers that he did. When a look of confusion became plastered onto your face, Endo threw a question your way.

“Something you don't understand?”

“Yeah,” you responded, pointing to one of the math problems, its question mostly made up of words with some numbers sprinkled in there. “I don't really get what it's asking me here.”

“Come on,” he motioned with a hand. “Go ahead and move your chair over here.”

Your young self was overjoyed at the offer, grabbing the papers and sliding your chair over to his, grateful for more help from your gifted classmate. What better help than that from a prodigy like him? It wasn't every day that he offered his assistance. Usually, it was the other way around.

No doubt his brilliance is part of what drew you to him like most people but there was something else that captivated you way back then. But you didn't really understand it yourself. He was definitely different but in a good way. And that smile—even after all this time, it still had a way of drawing you in like a moth to a flame and despite the danger he surrounded himself with now, you still walked towards the fire.

But why was that memory coming back to you now? It was so long ago but it felt like it was just yesterday when the two of you gradually became more acquainted. As if in a dream, you continued to float along with closed eyes as you propelled yourself through the water with backwards motions.

Your arms formed arcs, alternating with each push of your legs as if you were attempting to reach for something but all you grasped was more of the chlorine filled water. Eventually, when your body grew tired enough, you left the pool, drying yourself as you made your way to the showers in the locker room. And after stripping off your swimsuit, you allowed the stream of water to hit your skin, your mind pondering the days when you still called him by his first name—Yamato.

♡♡♡

As soon as you exited the school's front doors, you sensed that something was off. The students still lingering on campus who were either waiting to walk home with friends or participate in club activities spoke in hushed whispers, pointing towards someone at the gate.

Rubbing at your eyes, you had to do a double take as you looked at the entrance where everyone else's gaze was directed at. But unlike those who could only stare on with wariness and curiosity, you instead, stepped forward with confusion plastered onto your face.

You couldn't blame the other students for staring though. His messy hair black as night. Seafoam green eyes that held more unpredictability than the waves of the ocean. And the inked pieces of art on his pale skin only added to that mysterious aura he carried. One couldn't help but be drawn into that ocean of mystery, the waves pulling you in once caught.

“Endo, what are you doing here?”

“Not even a hello, [First Name]? And after I came all this way.” He feigned hurt, exaggerating his tone more than necessary as you noticed that those stares were now directed at you too.

“Well, hi. But seriously, why are you here? You never show up—”

“Let's go.” His hand found your wrist, tugging you by the fabric of your uniform as puzzlement filled your features.

“Go where? You could've at least messaged me or something beforehand. I got homework and stuff to do at home,” you protested as you allowed yourself to continue to be tugged along, relieved that at least you were getting farther away from the judging eyes of your fellow classmates.

“This is more important,” he said, trying to win you over with a smile as if it was just going to instantly change your mind.

“What is? At least be specific with me.”

He sighed like he was the one being inconvenienced here. “I need you to come with me to the other side of town. Takiishi wants me to check something out.”

Even with the brief explanation, you were still confused. “And this involves me how?”

“With you I'll draw less attention to myself,” he explained, referring to your school uniform and his lack of.

After finally hearing the full explanation, you removed your wrist from his grasp, halting your footsteps in the middle of the sidewalk as he turned to you with a look of slight annoyance. “Aw, come on, [First Name]. I need you for this.”

“Correction, Takiishi needs me for this.”

He shrugged his shoulders as if to say so what? One thing was helping Endo but now you were being used by the redhead and that didn't sit right with you. If he wanted to check the situation out so badly down there then why didn't he just tag along?

“Well, yeah,” he admitted. “But I really need you for this. I can't let Takiishi down.” He put back on that charming grin of his, hoping to reason with you as you continued to stand there with your arms crossed, a frown now sitting on your face.

An exasperated sigh left you as you admitted defeat, responding with, “Fine. But please make this quick. I'm starving and want to go home to eat.”

He beamed at your agreement, moving around you to slip an arm over your shoulder like a slithering snake, placing itself atop a branch. And you were the tree.

“Time to go then.”

♡♡♡

When Endo quickly walked back into the store after he had left you to browse its wares about fifteen minutes ago, you turned to him with a mildly concerned look. Some dots of blood stained the front of his shirt now. But he shut down those thoughts of yours almost instantly when he saw where your eyes had landed, saying, “This isn't mine.”

Like that was supposed to make it better. You abandoned the book you were holding, placing it back into its spot on the shelf, asking, “I'm assuming you're all done?”

“Yeah.”

That feeling of relief you had wouldn't last long though. Because only a minute after walking out, the two of you were greeted by a group of guys you had never seen before. What happened to not drawing so much attention? All you knew was that one: they were trouble and two: Endo had probably pissed them off while you were separated earlier.

“Didn't think there would be more,” Endo said aloud, not really directing his words at you or the people in front of him. Running a hand through his hair, he turned back to you. “Just stay behind me. I'll make this quick.”

And he was true to his word. Despite being surrounded, he had managed to keep you close while dispatching them left and right. A foot or fist would come close but he was able to counter it easily, responding with an attack of his own.

Dodging an incoming fist was child's play for someone as skilled a fighter as he was. At times he would allow the fist to get close enough to almost land against him, catching it with his hand before throwing them backwards off their feet and into the small crowd. It wasn't his hands that were just lethal. The sole of his shoe had come into contact with several faces and abdomens, also sending them flying back into the ground.

You stayed behind him as instructed, timing his attacks with your movements so you wouldn't slow him down. You had to duck down a few times to avoid being struck by some of the blows that were aimed at you. But even if you hadn't, he had managed to block them from hitting you every time, never losing his momentum.

He remained composed as he fought, not at all stressed by the fact that he had to protect you in the process. His strength was insane to you, making you glad that he was on your side. If you hadn't been so used to the fighting in Furin then maybe you would've flinched a couple of times as he connected blow after blow, the color red splattering like paint as noses were broken and you heard the sound of cracking limbs.

You don't even remember hearing him out of breath after all that, seeming to hold endless stamina as his eyes locked onto you once again when it was all done, his voice sounding irritated as he ignored the bodies now laying out on the street.

“They were weak too.” His tone seemed to carry some disappointment with it too as you eyed the dispatched attackers, not really understanding his feelings.

It wasn't often that you got to see him fight like this up close. But just like his intelligence, those fists of his were as deadly as his brain. But that wasn't what had you so distracted right now. Your gaze had fallen onto his skin again, another area where more tattoos had been inked on: his hands.

“Yamato… your hands.”

Realization at what you had said hadn't hit you as you went closer to him, gently taking his hands into yours. He allowed it this time, eyeing you closely as you inspected the damage he had done to his skin.

While you examined them, you admired the inked art on him, the newly added feature making the two of your looks clash even more. But those differences only served to make him more unique in your eyes, not at all bothered by the added attractiveness.

“Yamato?” he finally questioned, prompting your gaze to look upwards at the smile directed at you. Your eyes widened a bit as realization finally set in, causing you to let go of his hands at your mistake.

“My bad. I meant Endo,” you corrected yourself.

You couldn't quite read his reaction. But his smile was no longer there, seeming to be in a contemplative state now as you began to move forward, away from the scene.

Yamato? Just how long had it been since you last used his first name? You couldn't really remember but what answer eluded you even more was why had you stopped using it. Not wanting to dwell on those questions swirling within your mind or draw any more attention from the people who had scattered before the brawl, you just kept it to yourself, falling into step beside Endo as the two of you headed back to the other side of town.

Notes:

I think this is the longest chapter I've written so far lol. Finally getting an eye exam tomorrow so hopefully I can get a better prescription with new glasses soon. Also, I don't know how long this story will be but I'm aiming to make maybe around twenty chapters, it depends though. Anyway, I hope y'all enjoyed it and I'll post again when I can.

Chapter 6: An Angel's Wings

You stared intensely at the last line you had created, criticizing every movement your pencil made onto the paper before you. Furrowing your brow, you wondered if you should add another few lines to the hair in an attempt to create more detail so it would stand out amongst the simple outfit the figure wore in the sketch. Taking another quick glance at the subject you were sketching: Tsubaki, you voiced more of your thoughts as you continued to look back and forth from the paper and him.

“Hold that pose but maybe just slightly move your other arm down to the side some more,” you instructed.

“Like this?” he questioned, adjusting his arm as you had told him, his hair continuing to move around as another breeze blew through the rooftop.

“Yeah, perfect.”

You let the lines of the arms end close to the hips, telling yourself you'd save the hands for another time. Lest you mess up the drawing by jumping straight into it without more practice on that particular body part.

Tsubaki kept that angelic smile on his face, trying to keep as still as possible as he continued to model for your sketch, thrilled that you had asked him of all people. Despite only having a uniform to work off of, you had managed to create a different set of clothes in the drawing, replacing the contemporary ones with something that felt out of Olympus.

Quickly working to add in the rest of the major details so Tsubaki could get a break, you moved the creaky chair forward to get a better view of his facial features. Focusing on the eyes, you carefully outlined the base as the rest of the lines fell into place.

“Okay, you can take a break now, thanks,” you smiled, putting your notebook and pencil down on the nearby table.

Tsubaki walked over with curiosity, taking a look at the new parts you had added since arriving earlier. That lovely smile hadn't left him yet as he turned his gaze to you to give you some compliments on your work.

“It looks amazing. I look so beautiful in angel form.”

“Thanks, Tsubaki. But you're already beautiful,” you replied, earning his embrace in response.

“You're so sweet. But you know who else would look great as an angel?”

“Ume,” you instantly responded, laughter leaving your lips as you considered that thought. It wasn't a bad idea but you had felt less shy about approaching Tsubaki with the favor and ultimately felt that he would fit your drawing more in the end. “I agree but I wanted to draw you.”

“Hey you two.” Said person that the two of you had been chatting about was headed over to the table, snacks in hand as he placed them down onto its top. His eyes noticed the open notebook, taking a moment to admire your work as you both greeted the white-haired boy.

“This looks great, [First Name],” Umemiya said, offering a compliment of his own as he directed a smile at you. You felt your face grow a bit hot again as more thanks left your lips.

“I know right? Maybe you should be their model for the next sketch,” Tsubaki offered, curious as to what his answer would be.

Umemiya just laughed at the thought, sitting down between the two of you before grabbing a bag of chips. “Maybe but I think Tsubaki would still be a better model than me.”

“Oh, so you are interested,” you joked, grabbing a snack of your own from the pile. “Maybe I'll have to recruit you next time.”

The three of you continued your conversation over the snacks, the sun slowly setting as the shadows from the trees down below cast ghostly figures on top of your forms. Your hair whipped around as the wind began to blow harder, your gaze wandering across the other parts of the rooftop in search of Endo but he wasn't anywhere to be found today.

So busy with your thoughts, you hadn't realized that Umemiya’s question had been directed at you. Quickly composing yourself, you uttered an apology before asking him to repeat himself.

“Have you been doing okay?”

It was a simple question. Lots of people asked that. It wasn't like it wasn't anything normal. But now you suddenly found yourself being taken back to that day in the classroom when Umemiya had walked in, asking a similar question. You coughed, trying to clear your throat as you gave him a simple answer.

“Yeah, just trying to survive school.”

You sort of said it with a laugh, attempting to make it sound more convincing. And nothing was really wrong of course. But the way he had asked made you feel like there was something wrong. Yes, that kiss still lingered at the back of your mind every now and then but dwelling on it wasn't worth it. Nothing really came of it after all.

“That's good,” Tsubaki answered. “We just worry about you is all. Right, Ume?”

“Yeah,” he said, nodding in agreement at his fellow classmate's statement, giving you a smile in return to show his relief as well. “But I'm glad to hear you're doing good.”

The ends of your mouth turned upwards at this, grateful to have them looking out for you. You really should pay them back for their kindness eventually. But that proved difficult when most of your available funds went towards paying another certain Furin member.

Glancing down at your phone screen, you realized how late it was. Sighing, you reluctantly rose from your seat as you stretched, having been in that position for a while. “Looks like it's time for me to head home.”

♡♡♡

As you took the stairs back down to the first floor, you were met with another one of the shadows that now found themselves plastered onto the halls of the school along with all of its graffiti. When the figure from the shadow came into view, your feet came to a stop at the top of the steps, looking down at the tattooed boy below you.

“Leaving so soon?” Endo questioned, his gaze falling onto the notebook balanced against your arm and side. “No math today?”

“Ah, no. I was doing some sketching for another class. Wanna see?”

“Sure.”

You offered a look to see what he would say but you were surprised to find that he was actually interested even though he had never been curious about it before. Walking down to meet him at the edge of the steps, you gave him the notebook, watching as he glanced over your artwork.

Nervously, you stood next to him, wondering what he thought of your art skills. You felt like you did pretty good for an amateur, though nothing as good as Endo had done in the past because he also excelled in that subject too.

Despite this fact, you still found it so surprising that most of the tattoos that covered him had been done by a rookie. It wasn't that the choices the tattoo artist had made were bad, but you wondered how it would've turned out if he had chosen not to become a practice subject.

As Endo came to pause on a particular page, his gaze felt more critical, lingering longer on it than the rest of the other artwork. You quickly glanced at the page he seemed interested in, not really understanding his curiosity when you saw it was just a page of random practice attempts at the wings you were working on for the angel sketch. Most of them were pretty rough sketches, only serving to help you get more used to drawing the wings.

“Can I take this one?” he asked, looking to you for approval.

“Go ahead. I don't need it.”

Once he had his answer, he carefully tore the page out, handing you back the notebook before folding it up so he could place it into the pocket of his jacket. And with one final glance at you, he uttered a farewell. “See you around.” Then he began his ascent to the roof where you had just come from, leaving you with a puzzled look as to why he would ask for the sketch to begin with.

With the sun going down and needing to be home soon, you quickened your pace, making your way towards the front of the school as an interesting thought popped into your head. If you had chosen Endo to be your model for the sketch, you felt it wouldn't have been the right fit for someone like him. If anything he reminded you of a devil. A charming one of course. He just didn't scream angel enough to you, prompting another question: Can a devil wear an angel's wings?

Notes:

I'm surprised I've been able to update this story as frequently as I have. I feel like whenever I'm feeling down, it sort of helps my writing if that makes sense. I have games to blame. It's like I'm paying to cry nowadays lol I cried too much while playing NieR Replicant recently and it's only the first route (pray for me). Anyway, thanks for reading and take care.

Chapter 7: Warm Tones Wrapped in Ice

The ice had long since melted, settling into the liquid of your drink, which was mostly finished now. Your sandwich that completed the small meal sat at its side as you reached for it again, taking another bite. You gazed down at your cell phone screen, attempting to memorize the grocery list your mother had sent you.

Despite it being a Sunday and wanting to laze around at home, you were now out on an errand. But before you went to fulfill that favor, you had decided to stop by one of the nearby cafes for a treat, the tasty drinks and snacks too tempting to pass up with the free time that you had today.

The lingering taste of whipped cream and strawberries remained on your tongue after you ate the last of the sandwich. Grabbing your cell phone, you slipped out of the booth, pushing the door as the sound of a small bell atop signaled your departure.

♡♡♡

With the bag of groceries now secured, you continued down the shadow covered street, pinks and oranges smearing the sky like a painting. A yawn slipped out as you held onto the bag, the weight feeling heavy in your hand with sleepiness settling in, telling you to hurry home so you could rest.

Your feet came to a halt suddenly as your ears picked up the sounds of a male and female voice nearby. Your expression became wary as you walked farther on. But the closer you got to the source of the sound, the more it became clear to you that this wasn't a conversation between friends or lovers.

As the two figures came into view underneath an awning, the girl's back was pressed against the wall of the building, clutching tightly onto her bag as she appeared to mumble something else to the guy, clearly uncomfortable with the advances he was making. When he began inching closer to her, that's when you found yourself walking faster, words leaving your mouth as you approached them.

“Hey you, what the hell are you doing? Can't you see that she isn't interested?”

“What do you want, kid?” He moved his eyes onto you, a glare accompanying them as he faced you now, the interruption causing some anger to come out. “Get lost.”

You knew what would happen if you chose to interfere but you couldn't just pass by and do nothing. This time, you walked up to the trouble—the trouble didn't find you.

“Not until you let that girl go.”

When he realized that you weren't going anywhere, he started walking closer to you, a threat leaving his lips as he cracked his knuckles. “Fine. I'll just deal with you first then.”

The girl, who seemed slightly older than you, looked at you with panic, a mix of guilt in her gaze as if saying sorry for having involved you despite you walking into the situation on your own. Knowing where this was headed, you addressed the girl before the guy could get close enough to you, attempting to reassure her.

“Don't worry, run along now.” A smile followed your words as you noticed her hesitation, hoping to get her to safety. Realizing that things were probably going to get worse, she finally turned around, uttering a thank you, grateful that you had come along to help. You let out a sigh of relief when you saw her rush down the street and out of sight. Because whatever came now, at least you would sleep better at night knowing you stepped in even if that meant you had to face the brunt of this guy's anger now.

“Seriously?” The guy said, annoyed that you had ruined his fun when he saw the girl had escaped before turning his attention back to you with promises of payback. “Stupid kid, I'm gonna smash your face in.”

With no other warnings, his fist came flying forward, aiming at your head. Unprepared, all you could do was drop the grocery bag as you pulled both of your arms up, blocking the blow before it could make contact with your face. The hit made you stumble a bit, a throbbing sensation left on your arms as you grit your teeth.

“Not bad, but you won't be able to block them all.”

That's when he began swinging his other fist your way but instead of trying to block it, you dodged away from the strike. As he continued to send more in your direction, you moved out of his attack range, at times barely avoiding contact by an inch. He narrowed his eyes at this, realizing he needed to get more serious.

When he rushed forward again, you sent the sole of your shoe towards his chest in an attempt to push him back. But instead, he caught the end of your leg, forcing you back and causing you to fall to the concrete as your back crashed into a few discarded cardboard boxes, crushing the tops.

You let out a groan, knowing you were going to have a few bruises in the morning. But before you could even attempt to stand back up, your eyes widened as you saw that fist coming down towards your face again.

That expected pain never came though. Another foot suddenly appeared in your field of vision, sending the guy back harshly as he now found himself on the ground like you. But unlike you, this newcomer had been successful in striking him down, flooding you with a wave of relief as you looked up to your savior.

“Takiishi?” you questioned, shifting your body to an upright position as you were met with his golden brown eyes.

Without a proper answer to your surprise, he stared down at you, a strange question following. “Tell me, what do you bring to Furin?”

You gave him a quizzical look before answering. “What are you talking about? We both know I'm not a part of Furin.”

You wanted to question if this was a joke but Takiishi was far from the joking type. His cold gaze left you feeling uneasy, prompting you to avert your eyes. His presence somehow always managed to send you chills. It could be one hundred degrees outside and you could still feel like you had gone into a walk in freezer whenever you crossed paths.

His warm tones on the outside betrayed his personality, suiting those of a much icier shade. But alone, he felt even more intimidating. And if given the choice, you much rather face any of the other random thugs out here than go up against someone like him.

“You're lacking,” he simply stated, his gaze seeming to fill with judgment with every second that passed. “If all that effort didn't go into your studies then maybe you would've stood a chance.”

“I'm not like you,” you replied, wanting to choose your words carefully while getting your point across. He was being pretty talkative today, especially with you. “I was just trying to help that girl.”

He knew you weren't a fighter so why even bring it up? You had gotten yourself into a rough situation but you already knew what the consequences would be. Regardless of your fighting skills, it didn't sit right with you to just look the other way.

“Do what you want. Just don't get in the way.”

As he said those parting words, the guy still laying on the ground appeared to be getting back up but before he could attempt to, Takiishi slammed his shoe into his face, knocking him back out before he continued down the street as if nothing had occurred, leaving you to ponder your thoughts with a now aching back.

Did you really stand a chance though? That was probably the closest thing to a fight you had ever been in. And despite being unable to land a blow, you had at least managed to stay on your feet for a bit even if he had to come along and intervene in the end.

Collecting the rest of yourself off the ground, you found the bag of groceries that you had tossed to the side earlier, picking them up and inspecting its contents for any damage. Luckily for you, you couldn't find anything wrong with them, glad that you hadn't been carrying something fragile like eggs. Now that you were no longer in any kind of danger, you resumed your walk, thoughts of a shower coming to mind once you arrived back home where your parents were already waiting.

Notes:

I made some bread pudding right before editing this chapter again. I can't wait for my family to try it later after it's out of the oven. Also, just realized that this is the first chapter without Endo. At the start I wanted to use the ice and strawberries as a way to refer to Takiishi if that even makes sense lol. Anyway, hope you enjoyed and take care!

Chapter 8: A Thing of the Past

You shifted your head towards the sound of chattering students, noticing that a crowd had gathered in front of the windows overlooking the courtyard. Lifting yourself off your desk, you stared through the open classroom door, wondering what was going on. Excitement seemed to fill the air as more joined to look at the scene unfolding down below—even more so when a few teachers rushed by, trying to see what had caught everyone's attention.

Curiosity dug its nails into you, prompting you to get up and walk over to the group whose eyes were glued to the outside. When you approached a gap in the students who had begun pulling out their cell phones, you pressed yourself up against the glass. Looking down, you finally saw what had made everyone so enthusiastic: a fight between two students.

For your school, it was out of the ordinary. Whoever had started it must have really been pissed off to break the rules like this. But from what little you had seen, it didn't look like they were seriously going at it. If anything, this felt like two little children attempting to fight—nothing like the things you had witnessed in Furin High School or on the streets of Makochi.

You already knew the outcome. These two boys would get into trouble once the teachers intervened and the story would be the talk of the school for a while before it became a thing of the past. And so with no more interest in the matter, you walked back into the classroom, grabbing your bag before making your way towards the gymnasium where the pool was located.

♡♡♡

At the sound of the creaking swings, you stopped for a moment, staring at them swaying in the wind. You remembered this park. This was one of the places Endo and you used to hang out at. You would use the swings before heading to the nearby convenience store for snacks. When neither of you wanted to go back to your house to study just yet then you would find yourselves here, enjoying the breeze and relaxing before thoughts of school crossed your minds again.

It was a thing of the past now though. Those days had escaped you like your youth as the both of you now took different paths. While you still pursued your studies, Endo would go on to join Furin with Takiishi and school work would only come up whenever it meant helping you.

You couldn't help but walk on over to the chained seats, sitting yourself atop, adding onto the creaking sound of the old swing set. Giving yourself a few pushes, you felt the breeze cool your face as you moved back and forth. Despite missing those times, sitting here provided you with some comfort, knowing that at least you still had those memories from your grade school days.

As your eyes drifted to the ground, you forced yourself to a stop before standing back up, ready to leave. But then you heard footsteps approaching, causing you to look towards the source of the noise.

“Leaving so soon? Why not stay a while?” a voice asked, his figure walking towards you with two packaged popsicles in hand.

Endo sent a smile your way, waving one of the ice creams, motioning for you to take it as you sat back down before greeting him. “Hey and thanks. You sure you want to give me this?”

“I'm feeling generous so it's free of charge today,” he laughed, joining you in the other swing beside you.

“Lucky me.”

You began opening the popsicle, popping it out of its packaging to see what kind it was. An orange one with cream inside you guessed, taking a bite to confirm this as your teeth met with the cold outer shell.

“I would ask how classes went for you today but that really isn't something you attend anymore huh.” Your attempt at a joke—or rather your attempt to make conversation left a grin on his lips as he continued to swing while licking at his cold treat.

“Isn't that something I should be asking you?”

“Ah right. Forgive me for not having a brain like yours and needing to attend classes,” you answered sarcastically, your thoughts turning elsewhere as memories of his younger self replaced the current one on that chained seat, prompting a question. “Do you remember all those times we'd come visit this park?”

“Sure I do,” he said, his weight digging into the seat as he gripped onto one of the supporting chains, his expression contemplative. “But things are different now. I've changed and so have you. Besides, I'm supporting Takiishi now.”

Sure you've both grown older now. But he was wrong about one thing: his willingness to aid you in your studies hadn't changed. And you would continue to hold onto that even if it meant having to walk on that dangerous path he treaded now—be a part of a world where fighting was at its core.

“You're right. There's no doubt about that.”

His swing continued to move as he ate, his eyes on you throughout your conversation as he took notice of something, pointing out, “You got something on your face.”

At that statement, you began panicking, wondering if you had a cloth or something in your bag to wipe it off with as you slipped your cell phone out to inspect your face in its camera. But as you did this, Endo’s tattooed arm reached out to grip onto the chain of your seat, stopping the movement of your swing. Leaving his own, he stepped in front of you, leaning down while trapping your body on both sides in the process.

Without a word, his lips inched towards your face as his tongue peaked out, licking off the cream that had escaped from your ice cream, allowing the sweetness to enter him. You were left speechless for a moment, unable to form any sentences as he took a few steps back, analyzing your facial expression.

“Why did you go and do that?” Embarrassment now hung over you like a rain cloud as some annoyance seeped out, earning another smile from the tattoo clad boy.

“It's more fun this way.”

Not this again. You sighed as he stood there grinning, his popsicle almost finished. But what was the point in getting upset when just like last time, there would be no real meaning behind his actions. And could you even call what he did a kiss?

“Wow, you sure have a way with not using your words,” you finally uttered out, giving him a taste of more sarcasm instead. You slipped off the seat, the last of your popsicle eaten as you tossed the stick into a nearby trash can. “Are you heading home now?”

“Yup, just thought I'd stop by for a chat first. I've heard you've been playing hero,” he added, causing you to look at him in confusion before your mind registered his words.

“It was just that one time. No one else was around and I couldn't just stand by and do nothing,” you explained.

“I'd be careful though,” he warned. “What if there's no one around to save you next time?”

You waved your hand, dismissing his comment. “I'll be fine. I've managed to stay in one piece so far.”

A laugh escaped him. “Whatever you say, [First Name].”

When he finally left, the park felt so empty. You only had the sound of the breeze to accompany you as it continued to move the swings. Your fingers touched your lips, that scene of Endo replaying in your head like a broken record. And once again, you forced those thoughts from your mind, wiping at your mouth with your uniform sleeve in frustration when you had already told yourself to just forget it.

But just like your fight Takiishi had witnessed that day and the questionable actions of Endo's now, why dwell on them when they would also just be a thing of the past? But deep down, you knew that was a lie.

Notes:

I wrote ⅔ of this chapter while waiting for the outlast trials to update. And then I added things here and there during short breaks. There's always so much screaming (mostly me) involved when playing that game with my sisters lol. Still a lot of fun though.

And I wish I could make the chapters longer. I know authors tend to have much longer ones but I work better like this without worrying about making it 2000+ words like I used to which made me update every month or so like my last book. Anyway, hope you enjoyed!

Chapter 9: The Green-Eyed Monster

Waking up for school that morning had been a challenge. Sleep had escaped you for most of the night as you tossed and turned, the covers hot and uncomfortable. But by the time the sun had risen, you had only gotten a few hours of actual rest, causing you to leave the house later than usual in a zombie like state.

You had opted out of eating breakfast, worried that you wouldn't make it on time but you would begin to regret that decision the farther you got into your trip. The growling of your stomach refused to cease and so you told yourself you would just go ahead and stop by somewhere to at least grab a snack to eat on the way there.

Approaching a row of open shops, you entered a bakery as you were met with the smell of fresh baked goods. A woman who appeared to be in her sixties was placing a tray of muffins into the display case, still in the process of setting up for the day. She hadn't noticed you yet and not wanting to seem rude and rush her, you just waited patiently until she realized you were there. When she wasn't distracted anymore, she greeted you with a warm smile.

“Good morning. You're my first customer of the day.”

“Oh, am I? And good morning,” you replied, scanning the different options presented in front of you. Without the luxury of time on your side, you needed to decide quickly but that proved difficult when everything here looked so delicious. Something light and not as messy would probably be best. “I think I'll have—”

She suddenly cut you off, her gaze contemplative while she studied your appearance as if finally realizing something. “You're the kid who stepped in to help my granddaughter, aren't you?”

Her statement had caught you off guard, your expression becoming a mix of surprise and confusion causing the woman to pull out her cell phone in response. You watched as she scrolled before finding a picture of her granddaughter, turning the screen towards you.

“She was wearing heels that day. Had a white bag and wore glasses,” she clarified further as you studied her phone screen. “It had to have been you. Those pretty eyes. That hair. And everything else. She described me to you… But you're still so young to be putting yourself in harm's way like that.”

Your face heated up at the compliment, recognizing the girl in the photo immediately. “Yeah, that was me. And don't worry. I somehow managed.”

“I knew it. And good. Thank you so much for helping her. Please go ahead and take whatever you want today.”

“Really, are you sure?” She nodded at you. “Thank you very much. Then I'll take this one please.”

♡♡♡

You propped your head up with a hand, attempting to remain awake enough to comprehend what you were putting down on paper, forcing yourself to keep your eyes on the board. As you listened to the lesson, the window beside you became covered in droplets of water. The sleepiness from this morning was still present, only made worse with the rain's calming presence.

Your notes felt like a jumbled mess as you lazily jotted down what had managed to stick long enough for it to make it to paper. But as you turned to the next blank page to write more, another piece of paper slipped out, falling to the floor. Before any of the other students could see, you quickly leaned down and picked it up.

Suddenly you felt more awake in that moment. A drawing had been tucked into your notebook for some reason, its lines forming the shape of a canine with a circle at its center with what looked to be flames? Whatever it was, Endo had left it behind in there.

Tucking it back in carefully between the pages of your notebook, you resumed taking notes before you could get called out for being distracted. And just when you thought you would end up falling asleep, the bell rang, bringing class to a close as your fellow classmates began to gather their things and head out for the day.

Yawning, you shoved your book and notes into your bag and slung it over your shoulder, debating if you should head to swim club today. Usually you did even if you were dead tired but the sudden rain and lack of an umbrella was making you rethink it. But when the sound of thunder came followed by a flash in the sky, that finally gave you your answer: home it is.

♡♡♡

With a bought umbrella from a nearby convenience store, you quickened your pace as another lightning strike hit the earth somewhere off in the distance as if telling you to hurry on home. You found yourself slipping here and there as puddles appeared on the sidewalk, the ground now slick with water.

At the next turn up ahead, your feet suddenly came to a halt at what you had come upon. Using the building next to you as cover, you pulled your umbrella to your side, pressing yourself against the wall underneath the awning before you could be spotted. Carefully peeking out, you saw a familiar figure not that far from down the street.

Endo stood beside a car's open window as a woman sat at the driver's seat. At your distance, you couldn't quite make out what they were saying and the sound of the rain wasn't helping as it continued to mix in with their voices. But she continued to giggle at something he had said, her hand dangling out the window, touching his tattooed arm. You rolled your eyes at the interaction, wishing you could just walk up there and remove him.

The woman's hand then gilded towards his face, her fingertips brushing against his dark hair as she continued to laugh. From your view, you weren't too sure how old she could be but you guessed that maybe she was a college student. You wondered how long she would end up sticking around—hopefully not too long like the rest of them.

Deciding that you had seen enough, you tore your gaze away, slipping back underneath the cover of your umbrella, knowing that the rain was not going to let up. Turning back around, you decided to go down another small alleyway, taking a longer way back home to prevent being seen.

As you crossed the bridge, the wind had increased in power, pulling at your umbrella with a harsh tug as another gust came through, suddenly ripping it away. You reached out to try to grab it but were unsuccessful as it went over the side and landed far away on the banks of the river.

Inwardly cursing at this, you moved along. A swim outside in this weather could kill you. Without a way to block the incoming droplets of water, you tightly clutched your school bag to your chest, trying to keep it as dry as you could while the rest of your uniform became drenched within a couple of minutes.

As the cold seeped into your body and with wet hair stuck to your face, you wanted to erase what you had seen earlier from your mind. It wasn't the first time and it probably wouldn't be the last. But that jealous monster lurking inside of you wanted to show itself.

You should have gone swimming after all. Now that image of him with that other woman was super glued to your thoughts, a frown making its way to your face. Your footsteps had become slower, your exhaustion now both physical and mental it seemed.

“Hey.” A voice called out to you. When you did a full three sixty and didn't see anyone, the person spoke up again. “Up here.”

You let out an exasperated sigh as you stared up at the boy whose body was leaning dangerously close to the edge of the building, wondering how he had gotten up there in the first place. With concern now etched into your features, you answered back.

“Endo what the hell are you doing up there in this rain? Come down before you fall.”

How could he be jumping in between buildings in weather like this? But it did explain how he had managed to catch up to you so quickly, making you wonder if he had seen you earlier when you had walked away.

“Well someone doesn't seem excited to see me,” he joked, his hand gripping the edge before sliding down the structure's wall and dropping down to the wet pavement like a feline. “You look like someone's sad, wet, lost cat.”

“Whatever. You can seriously get hurt like that,” you said, ignoring his comment. Your words came out angrier than you had intended, the green-eyed monster still looming over you like a puppet master, ready to make you act out a play where you were the villain.

“So what?” He shrugged. “I break a bone or two, no big deal.”

“Well it's a big deal to me…” Your voice had become soft enough to where you were sure he wouldn’t be able to register what you had said, prompting him to give you a questioning look. “Forget it.”

As you took in his drenched appearance, he seemed to be unbothered by the cold the rain had brought while you had to resist wrapping your arms around yourself. His dark hair clung to his face, reminding you of the waves at sea, his pale skin like the sandy banks that met the water's edge.

“Come on,” he motioned with a hand. “If you keep standing there looking all miserable like that then maybe someone will actually take you home as a pet.”

He didn't ask about why you had that look on your face to begin with and you were glad he didn't, not wanting to have to come up with an excuse to explain yourself. But you were grateful to be walked home, that envious feeling starting to disappear.

When he turned away, his jacket dropped down towards the ends of his arms, exposing more of his skin underneath. You couldn't help but notice a new tattoo that stuck out a bit from his tank top at the top. But you weren't really sure what it was. And as curious as you were to know what had been added to the growing collection on his body, you decided to keep quiet, moving to his side as you started making your way home with him.

Notes:

Thank you everyone for all the support on this story so far, I love reading the comments. Chapter ten is being worked on rn and should be up sometime next week. Anyway, take care!

Chapter 10: Ghosts

Endo's soft humming filled the air between you two as the rain fell. Relieved that he didn't bother trying to make more conversation with you, you allowed the sound of his voice to fill your ears, drowning out everything else in the background like a waterfall crashing into the rocks below.

His joyful tune illuminated the gloomy atmosphere, making the walk in the rain more bearable. And so you concentrated on that, ignoring how the cold had a tight hold on you as you protected your school bag, hoping that the water hadn't made its way through the fabric.

Avoiding the excess droplets that came off the awnings and plants that decorated the exterior of the shops nearby, you did your best to keep pace with him. The ground felt like it was working against you as if the soles of your shoes were walking on an ice rink and any wrong step could be a potential painful fall onto the wet concrete.

Noticing that you were slightly struggling to keep up, your dark haired companion let out a sigh, ceasing his humming for a moment as he waited for you to reach him before continuing on. He adjusted to your pace instead, resuming his song as it echoed in the narrow alleyways that lined the neighborhood.

It wasn't too far to your apartment now, the top of the building was peeking out over the wires that connected the power lines overhead. Dark clouds hung over the homes, another rumble and streak of light breaking through once again—signs that the rain wouldn't go away so soon.

As you approached the steps leading up to your door on the second floor, you turned to Endo. “Just wait a sec. I'll go get you an umbrella from inside.”

Using the railing to quickly get up the steps, you slipped your apartment key out from a small compartment inside your bag. After inserting it into the lock, you turned it and pushed the door open as your mother appeared in the doorway, a smile gracing her lips as she greeted you.

“Hi, sweetheart. Welcome home.”

“Hi, Mom,” you answered, trying not to make it so obvious as you glanced over your shoulder. But he was no longer there. A frown crept up your face at this, his presence a ghost now as the rain poured on, replacing the sound of his voice from earlier.

This didn't go unnoticed by your mother though as she questioned, “Are you waiting for someone?”

“Oh, no. I just thought I saw a stray cat,” you lied, masking your disappointment as you entered the warm and dry hallway, taking off your shoes.

“I've got soup waiting on the stove.”

“Great. That's just what I needed right now.”

♡♡♡

A quick hot shower and a fresh change of clothes gave your body relief from the cold outside, your stomach anticipating the warmth of a hot meal. You entered the kitchen where your mother was waiting, her hand giving the soup a few more stirs as you noticed that you were short one family member.

“Where's Dad?”

“Working late I'm afraid so it'll just be the two of us eating dinner together,” she sighed as she picked up a ladle, pouring the hot contents into two ceramic bowls. Taking a seat at the small table placed against the wall, you reached for the placemats stacked at the edge, setting one out for the two of you.

Carefully placing the bowls of soup down, your mother then reached for the pitcher of iced tea, pouring each of you a glass as she wondered aloud. “Whatever happened to Yamato?”

You froze at this. Hearing that name in this household had become a rarity. You haven't heard her say his name in so long now. And suddenly as if thrown into the realm of spirits, your mind conjured up a moment from the past. The empty chair beside you held a ghostly figure of a young boy whose skin had yet to be painted in ink, a smile directed at another you.

The table would be covered with your school work while the kitchen was alive with chatter from its inhabitants. You wanted to reach out and touch the scene before you despite knowing it was trapped in another reality and all you would grab was just emptiness.

Unwanted tears were attempting to pierce through your eyes as you wished you could experience those simple days again. And as suddenly as the memory had materialized before you, it disappeared back into the prison of your mind, your reality returning to normal. You rubbed at your eyes with a harsh swipe of your sleeve, once again hiding behind a smile at the bittersweetness of it, contemplating how to answer her.

“I don't know. I hear he's attending a different school now.”

“Furin right? That's such a shame. And he was such a bright boy too…” Her thoughts seemed to trail off, a look of judgment and worry in her eyes as she thought further on the subject. “You make sure to stay away from that school though, alright? I don't want you getting involved with any of the students there.”

You really couldn't blame her. The town was aware of how troublesome the boys there were and the violence that came with it. And even though that wasn't the case with all of them, you weren't about to reveal to her that you'd been visiting the place for a while now. So you proceeded to lie once again.

“Don't worry. I know not to go near there.”

Averting your gaze from her, you immediately brought some of the broth coated vegetables and noodles to your lips in an attempt to make yourself forget about those memories. And despite it being too hot still, you forced yourself to swallow it, knowing that you would probably end up burning your tongue in the process. But you would rather feel this burning sensation than remember what used to be in that moment. And unfortunately for you, your dreams would come to haunt you later that night as another memory was released from its prison.

♡♡♡

You knew you would face Takiishi's wrath eventually. So it wasn't a total shock when you found yourself sprawled out on the ground below him, staring up into those golden brown eyes of his. You just couldn't stand by and watch it happen anymore despite the warnings.

As you stole a quick glance at Endo, your eyes asking him to intervene, he stepped forward with an outstretched hand. But was met with the same violence that had started this situation to begin with. The strike at his face was especially harsh, leaving him stunned for a few seconds as he stumbled back from the power behind it.

Guilt struck you, upset with yourself at being able to do nothing as your glare wavered momentarily, your eyes focused on the messy haired boy. From the way your head had hit the concrete a few moments ago, you were sure the force would crack your skull open, revealing the color of strawberries hiding inside. Your body was pinned underneath him, his weight digging into your thighs as his strength kept you still. But somehow you were still miraculously in one piece, for now at least.

That coldness surrounding him felt like it was burning you, the fire in his eyes directing their attention back to you as the other grade schoolers looked on in hushed voices, wondering how you would get out of this unscathed. But you had already accepted that no one else would step forward after Endo had attempted to—not from the response Takiishi had given. So now it was just a matter of awaiting your cruel fate.

Regardless, you held onto that glare of yours, refusing to show fear as the grip on your collar became tighter, barely allowing you to let out a few exhales. With your head hanging by his grip now, you tried to calm yourself as you awaited your punishment for daring to defy him, the few minutes that had passed by feeling like years.

Your own body had betrayed you earlier, your hand moving on its own to slap him before you could fully acknowledge the consequences you would have to face. That hand was easily deflected though, reminding you why no one here would ever go up against him willingly.

“Come on, Takiishi.” Endo tried to reason with him one more time. But that only made his grip on you worse, that little room of air you had almost completely cut off, now on the verge of choking on your collar.

With your arms hanging by your sides like a useless marionette, you wanted to tear his hands off of you, the pressure starting to become painful. Thoughts of how he had easily taken out groups of guys before lingered in the back of your mind, telling you that it was pointless to try and fight back. His strength felt monstrous—it was like he wasn't human.

You could only blame yourself for this. His cold gaze was borderline murderous yet you remained stubborn, that glare still present. You didn't think you'd go down like this on some random school day. And time didn't seem to be moving now, frozen in this space on the rooftop, the only words you could clearly hear having come from Endo.

Then suddenly the almost silent air plaguing the rooftop dispersed like a fog as the back of your head hit the ground again with a thud like some cheap playroom toy. The weight had been removed from your body as Takiishi lifted himself off of you, your eyes now looking up towards the blazing sun. A deep exhale left you as you watched him back off, surprised that he had decided to spare you as the back of your head ached at the impact.

An old memory locked away in the depths of your mind—your first taste of the violence you would continue to experience into your high school days. Takiishi had been the beginning of that, reminding you that you still hadn't escaped those ghosts of yesterday as they continued to haunt you in your slumber even now.

Notes:

Went to Barnes and Noble recently and had to walk away from the Wind Breaker manga. I'm on a book buying ban till September lol but I still enjoy looking around. I've also been helping my parents with house related stuff (part of it is under construction rn) so editing this took longer. Anyway, thanks for reading and take care!

Chapter 11: Inked in Black

Your hand hesitated, hovering over the doorbell in front of you as you held the drawing in your other hand: your sole reason for visiting today. You stared at the sketch, still not a clue as to what this flaming canine meant. But you had a guess as to what the drawing was being used for.

Before you could back out and walk away, you pressed the button a few times, greeted by expected silence. You considered giving the bell another ring, wondering if he was home at all. Then came the sound of a voice on the other side. It was faint but you definitely heard it which prompted you to try the knob. It was open.

The creak of the door alerted the apartment's inhabitants to your presence as that same familiar voice called out again. Reluctantly you entered, shutting the door behind you as you found a tired looking Endo sprawled out on the couch, his hand lying over his forehead as drops of sweat clung to his skin.

“Hey,” you greeted the dark-haired boy, approaching him with the paper in hand. “You left this in one of my notebooks. I just wanted to return it. It looked important.”

He had yet to look your way, his eyes shut and seeming to block out everything but the sound of your voice. And he seemed to struggle to even do that, his fingers beginning to rub at his temple as if trying to ward off an incoming headache. But at that statement, he finally opened them, his gaze falling upon the drawing of the flaming canine you brought.

A weak smile made its way to his lips as he uttered out, “So that's where that went. My bad. You can just leave it on the table.”

You did as he said before your eyes landed on his figure again, studying him as you noticed that something else was off about him. “You're sick huh?”

Guilt settled into your features, wondering if his prolonged stay in the rain the previous day had been responsible. But he probably wouldn't admit that. Regardless, you wanted to do something to alleviate how uncomfortable he looked despite the stubborn response you knew was coming.

“Who cares? It'll pass,” he told you, shutting his eyes once more. “And don't you dare come back with medicine or whatever.”

Letting out a defeated sigh at his stubbornness, you answered, “Fine. I won't. But at least let me get you a blanket.”

He remained silent after that, adjusting himself on the couch as your eyes trailed to the bedroom off to the side, its door slightly ajar. When he gave you no response you took it upon yourself to go ahead with your offer, walking over to it. You gently pushed the door inwards some more, your gaze wandering over to another figure sat atop the bed.

Takiishi’s eyes moved away from the pages of the magazine he held upon seeing you standing in the doorway. At the sight of the red head, you were suddenly thrust into that other world filled with your old memories again, his current form vanishing into a specter as it was replaced by his intimidating younger self. That dream—or rather nightmare—still had a tight grip on you hours later and his presence only reminded you of the poor decision you had made that day.

When his lips remained closed, you quickly shut it out of your mind, walking forward in silence to the walk-in closet as his gaze returned to his reading material, freeing you to go inside and retrieve a blanket from one of the upper shelves. Disturbed by the reminder, you rushed back out to where the tattoo clad boy still lay. You opened up the blanket and draped it gently over him, adjusting the sides to ensure he was properly covered.

Realizing that he had fallen asleep, you took this opportunity to head into the kitchen to grab a towel and wet it before coming back into the living room to set it atop his forehead. The concern on your face had yet to wash away but you hoped what little you had done would at least provide him with some kind of relief even if it was unwanted.

Just as you were prepared to leave, the sound of movement against the carpeted floor tore your gaze away from the sleeping figure as Takiishi graced you with his presence again. You don't know why but you found yourself suddenly placing your body in front of the couch as the red head drew closer, acting as some sort of barrier.

Takiishi barely glanced at you as he picked up the drawing on the table, inspecting it. “Relax. I only wanted the paper.”

Your heart was racing now as you kept your voice low, not wanting to wake up the passed out boy behind you. “I didn't think you were a tattoo kind of guy. That's what that is, right?”

“What business is it of yours? You're the one who showed up unannounced.”

He was right, unfortunately. You felt a bit ridiculous for having rushed to Endo's side. What the hell could you even do at your current level anyway? But given his vulnerable state and your protectiveness, your body had decided to take over in that moment. And once again, you were taken back to your useless intervention, which you felt was to blame for your actions right now.

You averted your eyes, your gaze returning to the dark-haired boy whose chest rose and fell with each breath he took in his slumber as Takiishi spoke once more. “Are you done here?”

Your teeth sunk into your bottom lip in an effort to refrain from making a sarcastic comment or snapping back as your face was on the verge of turning a shade of red. “I'll get going now,” you finally said, awkwardly walking past him as you made for the door, feeling the burn of his eyes on your back as you exited their apartment.

♡♡♡

You awoke from a dreamless sleep, feeling something slightly digging into you with a pointed edge as it continued to come into contact with your skin. Not yet fully awake, a curtain of haze was still pulled over your eyes as you turned to the source of the strange sensation. Your gaze drifted down to your arm which now lay across the wooden desk, the sleeve pulled up to your elbow, exposing your forearm.

Although not painful, the pen left you feeling ticklish as Endo ran it along your skin over and over, adding another detail. You remained still, wanting to avoid making him mess up as if it was an inconvenience for him when he was the one using your body as a piece of paper. Despite your stare on him, he stayed focused on his artwork, only humming in response.

When his humming continued, it prompted you to speak up again, your voice coming out almost in a mumble, the sleepiness still present. “Excuse me? What the hell are you doing, Endo?”

An elaborate picture inked in black decorated the inner part of your forearm, stretching down from the top of your wrist to your elbow. You admired its intricacy, following the movements of the pen as it created more lines across your skin carefully with precision.

Cherry blossoms surrounded a snake or perhaps it was the other way around. Its free petals seemed to be floating—drowning in what looked like water as the cold blooded reptile swam around its branch, clutching tightly onto it in an attempt to snap it.

It was a beautiful piece but something about it felt cruel. Maybe it was the way that the snake seemed to be strangling that branch, the force of its body threatening to crack the wood that held the soft and delicate pink flowers.

“What was your thought process in making this?” you asked out of genuine curiosity, forgetting your abrupt awakening just moments ago and the absence of permission to use your body as a canvas.

“Hmm, I'll just leave it up to your imagination,” he replied, filling in a few more details as you shot him an annoyed look at his lack of an explanation.

“Well, I'm glad to see you're doing better at least. Can I move yet though?”

“No,” he quickly answered, his eyes still locked onto the artwork before him. You sighed, accepting that your arm would be held hostage for a little while longer as he threw in another reminder. “I told you not to fall asleep like this, [First Name].” Another sigh.

Now that you were fully aware, it became more difficult to remain still, especially when his fingers began brushing against your arm, the tips tracing where his next lines would go. But unlike a real tattoo, this feeling was nowhere near the pain that came with a needle piercing repeatedly into the skin so you stopped with your complaints.

“I feel bad that you're putting so much effort into this beautiful artwork. I'll have to wash it off eventually.”

“I know. But I wanted to try practicing on skin instead of paper for once.”

As you continued to sit still and act like a proper test subject, your eyes trailed up towards the bare spot on his exposed shoulder as another question came to mind. “Does it hurt a lot when you get tattoos?”

“Not really,” he simply replied, adding a shrug as he finally set the pen down. “Ready now?”

You nodded, your arm flooding with relief at being able to move freely again. The sleeve of your uniform remained pulled up as you closely studied the finished drawing on your arm, admiring it some more. But before it could further distract you, you tore your gaze away, pulling out your school work as you prepared for another tutoring session.

Notes:

After writing that second part, I remembered that this year is the year of the snake lol. Thank you for reading and I'll see y'all next chapter, take care!

Chapter 12: Game Over

All those eyes bore into you, threatening to rip you apart like a chainsaw as you stood at the center of the forming crowd, now surrounded on all sides. There was no escape so there was no other choice but to fight your way out. That didn't deter you though. It was their funeral—not yours—and they would soon learn that it was a mistake to take you on even with numbers like this.

You readied yourself with a fighting stance, preparing your body to combat the enemies around you. Despite victory being guaranteed, you knew you must stay focused. Getting carried away would only slow you down and wear you out before you could move on.

At the signal, you unleashed a barrage of attacks on the foes closest to you, forcing them back as you turned around to intercept more of them. You repeated this process, sidestepping away and bashing your fist into another face or disarming a guy to use that weapon against him, not letting it go to waste in your path to triumph.

Then suddenly a shot rang out, echoing off the walls as a bullet flew dangerously close to your skull. Not expecting a gun to come into play, your attention was pulled towards the source of the sound as your eyes landed on the ones at the back, using the others up front as cover to get to you.

In such a rush to get to those new priorities, your guard fell as more drew close, doing everything they could to prevent you from reaching the ones armed with guns at the back. And with this unfortunate miscalculation, another bullet was fired, managing to pierce through your shoulder, staining the fabric in red. And another one. And another.

Stunned and with not much room to counter, you found yourself up against the wall, swinging back like a cornered animal and sending a torrent of kicks in your opponents’ direction. But it wasn't enough. As that familiar shot rang through your ears once again, your body fell to the ground, your end drawing near.

Realizing your mistake, you attempted to quickly open up the menu but you were too late. An irritated sigh fell from your lips watching the health bar drain to zero as the ex yakuza you were controlling, Kazuma Kiryu remained on the floor, your effort to turn the fight back into your favor all in vain.

The screen in front of you flickered back to the brightness of the fictitious city outside, no longer venturing in the interior of that dark place. You had been returned back to the front of the building you had entered before the battle had begun. Your progress there was now only a memory and this restart was another reminder to keep a closer eye on your health, especially when choosing to play on a harder difficulty.

Also serving as a sign for you to turn in for the night, you saved your game and shut off the gaming console, placing the controller down before throwing yourself onto your bed. As you lay on your side, your eyes landed on your forearm, staring at the faint traces of black ink that hadn't completely washed away just yet.

The snake that had been there amongst the cherry blossoms before reminded you of the game character’s back tattoo. But instead, an elaborate dragon was inked there. You wondered if Endo would be willing to create something similar to that as you turned off the bedside lamp and pulled the covers over yourself, falling into a slumber.

♡♡♡

You continued to flip through the magazine in your hands, paying closer attention to the outfits that had been circled in red as you followed Endo through the crowd of people inside the shopping mall. Takiishi’s taste certainly was flashy. You eyed another one of the bold fashion choices, glancing back and forth between the page and your messy haired companion, shaking your head in disapproval.

Endo raised an eyebrow at this, a curious look painting his features as he searched for an explanation for your objection at the clothes you were looking at. You moved in closer to him, pointing at the shirt that had been marked in red. “Fringe? Really? Sure I guess I can see Takiishi wearing something like this but you…”

“Ouch. You telling me I can't pull that off? I invited you to help, not to criticize all the fashion choices.” He didn't seem to actually be bothered by your words but he still played it off that way but that feigned hurt immediately disappeared at your next response.

“If I'm going to help, of course I'm going to judge all of these,” you said, smacking the edge of your fingers against the magazine, the shopping bag looped through your arm sliding down in the process. “You two share a closet, don't you? I think it'd be nice if you had more options where you could show off your tattoos, right?”

A laugh escaped him. “Not everything I wear has to show them off.”

You sighed, “I guess.”

Continuing on to your next destination, your gaze wandered to the signs atop the stores lined up when suddenly the sounds of an arcade filled your ears, pulling your attention away from the topic of fashion as you came to a halt. The flashing lights coming from the many game machines inside accompanied by the sounds of button pressing and screen animations held you there as if in a trance.

Endo, unaware that you had left his side, would've kept on walking if you hadn't reached out and grabbed his arm. An apology quickly left your lips at the abrupt touch before you voiced your want.

“Clothes can wait for now. How about we head into the arcade for a bit? Please?”

He didn't take long contemplating the idea before he answered with a quick, “Alright. We needed a break anyway.”

You smiled upon hearing his answer, heading straight for the coin exchange machine inside. As you pulled out your wallet, preparing to take out some currency, he placed his hand over yours, stopping you from inserting the money into the slot.

He shook his head. “I'll pay,” he offered, removing his hand as he reached for his own wallet again during this outing.

“Are you sure?” you questioned, a slight feeling of guiltiness emerging. “It was my idea after all.”

“I'm sure.”

And before you could say anything else, he brought out one of the many cards he had, inserting it into the machine. You slid your small wallet back into your jacket pocket as you eyed the material of his own, wondering if it was actually leather. The continuous sound of the coins hitting the bottom compartment drew your gaze back towards the machine as the coins kept flowing, making you wonder just how much he had spent since you hadn't been paying attention to the screen.

Once the noise stopped, Endo turned to you. “Knock yourself out.” His tone made it sound as if you would be the only one enjoying yourself, which prompted your next words.

“That includes you too. I didn't suggest this just so I could have fun. And that's a lot of coins to go through for just one person,” you added. “You spent so much already—”

“Fine, you win. But are you really going to lecture me on my spending habits when I so generously funded your arcade detour?”

Suddenly feeling like you were coming off as ungrateful when you hadn't meant to, you went silent as more guilt settled in. But when that familiar laugh came through followed by a playful tap on your shoulder, you realized he had only been teasing and that your tendency to overthink had betrayed you again.

As you began collecting the coins, you turned to the tattoo clad boy, offering a smile this time. “Thanks a lot. Alright then, which game should we play first?”

♡♡♡

“Looks like we only got enough for one last game so make it count,” Endo told you as you glanced around the arcade for your next source of entertainment. There were plenty of options still but one in particular had caught your eye as you started making your way over to it.

The side of the machine was decorated with a comic book art style, showing the splatter of blood along with the heads and limbs of zombies detached from their bodies. It was a shooting type game where you were tasked with taking on the undead who had overrun the city.

“I'm up first.”

You inserted the required amount of coins into the machine before taking hold of the gun attached, preparing to take aim as an opening animation played on screen. The visuals glowed brightly as they flashed across your face, the destroyed city coming into view with the cursor appearing, signaling the start of the battle.

Carefully and quickly moving the cursor across the screen, you collected headshot after headshot, racking up points. You had hoped for a high score at the end until that was ruined by the sudden darkness that took away your vision. You outwardly groaned at the sabotage, smacking away the hands that covered your eyes as the timer fell to zero, signaling the end of your game.

“Aw, come on, Endo. I was almost to the next stage.”

You had a frown plastered onto your face now, no longer focused on the game over screen as you pointed the machine's fake gun at his head. A sound like that of pulling the trigger left your lips as you kept the end of the barrel aimed at him. He wore a devilish smile in response to your reaction followed by more laughter at having accomplished what he had wanted despite your disappointment.

Setting the gun back into the machine's compartment, a defeated sigh escaped you as you complained some more. “Forget my skill level, you were the thing I didn't account for unfortunately.”

“Maybe I'll let you win next time,” he laughed. “Maybe.”

Notes:

This chapter was inspired by the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series, which actually was my inspiration for the very first scene in chapter one. When I got into Wind Breaker over a year ago, it did remind me of this game series in a way, so I wanted to include that. Also, thanks for the support! And I hope you enjoyed, see you next time!

Chapter 13: Close Proximity

Dragging your feet through one last clothing store, another yawn parted your lips as you rubbed at your eyes. The effects of staring at all those screens today and playing video games late last night were starting to catch up. You passed by a full length mirror, noticing the bags under your eyes as well. Unfortunately, these were the sacrifices one must make in order to enjoy their hobbies.

While you stood in front of your reflection, distracted with your tired appearance, a large piece of dark fabric was flung over you as Endo directed his words your way.

“Hey, wake up, [First Name].”

The clothing draped over you like a curtain until you pulled it off of yourself to reveal what it was. A soft dark grey yukata. But the most interesting detail was the partial skeleton decorating it.

“This suits—” You cut yourself off when you felt his presence right behind you, his hand lazily resting over your shoulder as he finished voicing your thought.

“It suits me?”

“Yeah, it does,” you agreed, almost flinching at the sudden close proximity. You felt more awake now, your tiredness forgotten as a faint blush decorated your features. He had the tendency to get close at times like this but today he had managed to catch you more off guard for some reason.

You couldn't really escape him. Despite wanting to avert your gaze, he had already caught your eyes in the reflection in front of you two. Those seafoam green eyes of his were pulling you under but you didn't mind drowning so much when it came to him.

“So are you going to buy it?” you asked, using the question to pull your gaze away from his as his arm lingered over you still, keeping you there in the mirror's reflection where your facial features were on full display.

Instead of a simple yes or no, he threw the decision to you. “Do you want me to buy it?”

“Um, yes?”

“There you have it then.”

You watched as he moved over to another rack of clothes, leaving you to your thoughts as you carefully folded up the yukata. Despite his disappearance from the mirror's reflection freeing you from that self conscious feeling about yourself, you were now left with an emptiness at the lack of contact.

As you stepped away, the faint traces of his cologne on the fabric drifted over to you as you took in the familiar scent. He must have just worn this before tossing it your way. And suddenly you found yourself wanting to drape it over yourself again like a blanket as if it would somehow make up for his absence and your want for more closeness even if he was just ten feet away.

♡♡♡

The crowds at the shopping mall still hadn't died down as evening settled in, which was only normal considering it was the weekend. With a few more bags looped over your shoulder, you continued to follow Endo as he walked through the sea of people, heading towards the exit.

When you finally broke through those double doors, you felt some relief at the cool air outside after having been inside that stuffy place for most of the day. Another yawn managed to slip from your mouth before you attempted to conceal it with a cough, only serving to draw the tattoo clad boy's attention instead.

“Allergies.”

“Yeah, sure. We both already know you stayed up late again,” he replied, immediately revealing your lie as he motioned you forward with a slight turn of his head as you silently admitted to it.

You hadn't put much distance between you two when you felt the sudden yank of your wrist as he pulled you to his side. Stumbling as you almost lost your balance, you protested, “Hey—what's wrong? Why did you—”

“Nothing. Just stay close, will ya? You're too far away.”

A questioning expression made its way to your face as you pondered this. You had only been a few feet from him. His gaze seemed to be looking somewhere else but you couldn't quite pinpoint who or what it was exactly that he had his sights on. Whatever had changed his mood, you decided to drop the subject all together, knowing that he wouldn't bother to explain any further.

His hand still had a grasp on your wrist, holding it firmly in his as if letting you go would mean losing you in the crowd. While it didn't hurt, you found yourself between wanting to rip it away due to the prolonged contact and letting him keep it prisoner despite your earlier desires that day.

With the sun having already kissed the horizon, lights now lit up the sidewalks outside, transforming the streets of Makochi into some sort of dreamscape. Its mixture of people moving amongst the artificial glow of the exterior of the buildings felt almost like you were hallucinating as it all blended into one giant painting.

You shrugged it off, allowing him to guide you along as another remark left your lips. “I had fun today. It reminded me of old times.”

“So you're saying you won't complain anymore if I ask you to join me again?” He wore a teasing smile, watching as you turned the other way before you could give away your denial.

You shook your head, a defeated sigh escaping you as you accepted that you would be doing things for Takiishi while on these outings. It made you feel like a servant but hopefully what you had helped choose today would be to his liking lest you face the wrath of this king—god that Endo saw him as.

Maybe it was better if you tagged along when asked of him, that way the messy haired boy wouldn't have to face any harsh consequences from bringing back something he disliked. But then again, he had known the red head as long as he'd known you so why even invite you to begin with? Surely he already had a good idea as to what his companion preferred.

Regardless of the reason, it still gave you another opportunity to be around him outside of studying at Furin so you welcomed it with a more open attitude now. Your stubbornness tended to blind you from seeing the bright side of things and you couldn't deny your joy at the prospect of that more one on one time you craved.

With boldness seeming to course through your veins, you built up the courage to ask a question—or rather, it was more a proposal, your thoughts still lingering on the dark grey piece of clothing. “Maybe you could wear that yukata sometime soon?”

“I'll think about it,” he answered, his lips curling upwards into a grin as you felt some disappointment at the unclear response.

“That's fine. Whenever is good for you.”

His hand remained wrapped around your wrist, keeping you close as more people passed you by. The air became cooler and the sky was a shade darker now, mirroring the individuals that came out around this time.

Finally deciding that you didn't want him to let go, you hoped his grip wouldn't loosen as the two of you gradually melted into that chaotic painting of passersby.

Notes:

I know it's a small cast of characters but I wanna show their complicated relationship more, that way I can focus on Endo the most ofc and Takiishi after because you can't have one without the other lol. Thanks for reading and I’ll see you in the next chapter!

Chapter 14: Red Snow

Notes:

I was freaking out cuz my laptop froze as I was getting ready to post this but luckily the issue was fixed.

You shifted uncomfortably as you stood there, switching between leaning towards one foot more one minute and the other the next. A burning sensation mixed with a constant ache was trapped inside your chest. But there was no way to rid yourself of that feeling right now. It was a rarity. And it wasn't difficult to explain why you felt so uneasy.

Tsubaki eyed you with concern, placing a hand atop your shoulder as you gave him a grateful yet nervous smile. Despite his warmth towards you, you could also sense some unspoken unease in him as well. He wore a serious expression as his blue eyes trailed away from you back over to what everyone else was focused on: another fight between Umemiya and Takiishi.

Having witnessed this kind of scene before, it should have been the same as always so why is it that you felt like this? Voices from the other students who had gathered to watch on the rooftop seemed to feel the opposite as excitement filled the air at the intense spectacle.

You wondered if this one would end in another draw. Blow after blow was exchanged between the two boys with blood seeping down their faces when a direct hit made contact. It felt raw and brutal. The weight behind their attacks would surely leave more than just bruises the next day.

It felt strange to see Umemiya like this. If you didn't know the more caring side of him, then upon first impression, you would probably think he was a violent person in general like a lot of the others here. The red smeared against the snowy tips of his hair felt unsettling like the remnants of a bloody battlefield in a snow covered field.

Takiishi attempted to land a kick at Umemiya’s face as his leg gracefully swept upwards in an arc. But the other boy managed to intercept it with his arm, lessening the damage. Another punch from the white haired boy was thrown in response but once again was caught in the palm of a hand, the red head's broken skin atop his knuckles as red as his hair.

Watching Takiishi didn't feel like anything that was new to you but there was one thing that stood out: his enjoyment. And that only managed to make you even more wary of him. The only time he would ever crack a smile was here. You don't think there was ever another time he had shown that kind of emotion before. As disturbing as it was, you found yourself unable to tear your eyes away just like everyone else.

But more than anyone, there was one boy who appeared to be the most interested in this fight's outcome. A smile graced his lips as he watched on in satisfaction and awe. His gaze had yet to move away from the scene as he held his chin with a tattooed hand, concentrating on every movement that was made. And regrettably, he had yet to look your way since everything had started.

Lost in the sea that was your thoughts for a moment, you didn't need to look towards the storm of red and white to know that another strike had found its way to the delicate skin of one of their faces. The impact appeared to hold nothing back as it dug in, knuckles first followed by more stinging pain you assumed but they kept at it.

Trying to put Endo's presence out of your mind, you leaned into the comfort Tsubaki had provided you with, that hand on your shoulder still present as the fight went on into the afternoon. But regardless of the effort to ease your worry, it just wasn't enough to put out the fire that was your anxiety.

♡♡♡

“This is gonna sting a bit,” you warned Umemiya before you gently dabbed at the open cut with a wet cloth, attempting to clean it as carefully as you could. Luckily it wasn't as bad as it seemed so soap and water should suffice.

As your hand worked its way around his brow and eyes, keeping it steady as if tracing his features, you were reminded of the day you sketched angels. But something about those beautiful winged beings dyed in red felt like it was something out of a nightmare—or hell. So to say that the state he was in previously was jarring wasn't a lie given that angelic shine in between his lips that reached his eyes and his hair like clouds in a sky that promised rain.

Once his face was clear of the red that had stained it before, his gentleness returned, still showing no sign of the stinging sensation he must have felt when you had touched his skin. Seeing the concern etched into your expression, he offered his gratitude in an effort to ease your worry. “Thanks for patching me up. I really appreciate it.”

“Of course—Oh wait, I missed a spot.” Eyeing another smudge of blood, you then continued to gently drag the cloth against the side of his face until you were satisfied before directing your words at Tsubaki. “Could you hand me a bandage, please?”

A bandage was placed into your hand before you stripped its covering to expose its sticky texture on the other side. Stretching it out between your fingers, you placed it over the small cut as Tsubaki spoke up.

“We both wanted you to win,” he told the white haired boy, a troubled look also painting his features. “Someday you'll beat him. I know it.”

Despite there being no clear winner again today, this didn't appear to discourage Umemiya as he looked towards his fellow classmate with determination. “Yeah,” he agreed, optimism seeping into his voice. “I'll keep trying until I get him to acknowledge my goals.”

Discarding the bloody cloth and pieces of trash into a nearby trashcan, you wanted to ask more about those goals but before you could jump back into the conversation again, the sound of the door sliding open drew all of your attention away as the three of you looked to the visitor at the classroom entrance. Endo stood in the doorway, wasting no time.

“[First Name], I need you over here.”

While he didn't sound forceful, his tone implied that he wasn't going to wait around, urging you to drop what you were doing and go with him. A puzzled expression took over your face as you looked towards the other two boys beside you as if you were asking for permission from two adults and not fellow high school students.

“That's fine,” Tsubaki answered, twirling a strand of his dark hair as he glanced over at the boy with snowy hair. “Just don't keep [First Name] for too long, alright?”

“Relax,” he laughed. “It's not like [First Name] is my personal property or anything. I promise they'll be all yours once they're done over here.”

“Done doing what?” It was Umemiya’s turn to speak up.

“Oh, come on. Isn't it obvious? You weren't the only one out there fighting today."

Realization finally set in as you took in the last of Endo's words, prompting you to give a nonchalant shrug as you faced the two boys, attempting to quell any worries they might have had. “Well this shouldn't take too long. I'll be back.”

Before you could dwell too much on the unexpected request or anyone could object, you rose from your chair, quickly collecting the contents of the small first aid box along with your bag. And then you were out the door, following the tattoo clad boy as he led you down another hallway. At the next turn up ahead, he slid open another classroom door, revealing Takiishi who was in the same state Umemiya had been in.

Accepting your fate with an inwards sigh and as if you were a doctor on call, you immediately went to work on the red head, pulling a chair towards him as you placed the things for his treatment onto the empty desk next to you.

♡♡♡

Returning from the restrooms with another cloth you had prepared, you leaned towards Takiishi. Your fingers accidentally brushed against the edges of his short dyed hair, trying to avoid eye contact as the fabric met his skin. That excited expression was no longer there, now replaced with boredom as he sat as still as a statue until he wasn't.

As soon as it touched his face, you suddenly found your wrist trapped in his grasp as alarm bells went off inside your head. Wondering if you had applied too much pressure on the wound, you stared, eyes wide with confusion as you fought back a glare before quietly saying, “Sorry, I'll be much more gentle this time.”

With your voiced promise, he released you, an almost throbbing pain at the force he had gripped you with left behind as you felt more unease than before. And given the close proximity, it was difficult to not want to get up and walk away. You still wondered why he had wanted this of you to begin with. He had never asked you to treat his injuries before. But if this is what the red head wanted then so be it.

Your eyes gravitated to the once bloodied hand that had a hold on you, traces of the fight from earlier seeping back into your mind at the small exposed breaks in the skin atop it. These were the same hands that had drawn blood from Umemiya. And now you were left wondering if your apology had been enough, hoping he wouldn't dye you in the color of strawberries too.

Despite your hesitation to continue, you kept a neutral expression as you worked. This time you treated him as if he were made out of glass and the cloth you were wielding was a carving tool, asking you to proceed with the utmost caution unless you wanted to cut into him more and yourself in the process.

Once you had finished with the placement of a bandage, you announced, “All done—”

Before you could even finish, Takiishi quickly excused himself without a word, slipping out of his seat and to the door, seeming like he had better places to be than to be cared for by you in the first place.

When the door slid closed, you couldn't help but mutter out, “You're welcome.”

As silence filled the space again, it wasn't long before the empty classroom had Endo’s voice echoing off its walls. Sliding back inside the room, he acknowledged your efforts. “Good job, [First Name].”

Your eyes looked down at the packaged treats peeking out of the plastic bag in his hand, earning another sigh from you as you threw away everything that had been used. So that's where he had gone off to.

Anything for Takiishi.

“Thanks, I guess. It was just basic treatment though.” You began gathering the first aid items, putting them back into its box. “Are you gonna go join him now?”

He nodded before adding, “Wasn't Takiishi just amazing out there?”

His eyes were suddenly filled with joy as he recalled the fight, scanning you for your agreement, another grin forming at the mention of his redheaded companion. But you couldn't deny that his fighting hadn't left an impression on you. His skill was to not only be feared but admired.

“He sure was.”

“You didn't need me today, did ya?”

“No,” you responded, the sound of the encased supplies snapping shut with a click. “I just wish… Nevermind. You should go be with Takiishi now. See ya.”

He eyed you curiously now, wondering what had been on your mind but when you made no attempt at continuing the conversation, he stopped you at the doorway with a shoulder grab. You froze with your hand on the handle, not bothering to turn around as he gave you some parting words. His lips drifted close to your ear, his voice coming out almost in a whisper like a ghost caressing your skin.

“Careful on your way home, alright?”

As you removed yourself from his touch, you gave him an understanding nod before you began heading down the hall in the direction of the Furin High School entrance.

Once you were out those doors, an aching feeling prompted you to tip your wrist towards your face as you inspected it, noticing some redness wrapped around it like some piece of jewelry. You frowned, ignoring your aching wrist as that throbbing pain came back to haunt you now that you were no longer distracted with the boys.

Again, anything for Takiishi. And you knew that you were probably crazy to just silently accept it.

Then suddenly, you remembered their words—those of Takiishi's and your mother's as they sounded off from somewhere deep inside the prison of your mind.

“Tell me, what do you bring to Furin?”

“You make sure to stay away from that school.”

As the last of the sun's rays cast your shadow against the building, you now wondered if you too would someday have your hands smeared with the color red. And then you decided that you must be crazy after all.

Notes:

It makes me really happy to see that ppl are reading this story so thank y'all and I hope to see you in the next chapter. Also, this story is going to be much longer than I originally planned with updates every Sunday or Monday if all goes well. Take care!

Chapter 15: Brighter Days

Notes:

[Trigger Warning: animal abuse]

When you stepped into the small pharmacy, the first person—or rather animal, you were greeted by was a striped grey cat. Presumably to have been napping, it rose at the sound of your approaching footsteps before stretching itself out. Its yellow green eyes looked at you with curious familiarity as you came inside, its tail moving back and forth like some pendulum. A grin crept up your face at the sight of the friendly feline as you reached out to pet it, prompting it to purr as you continued to move your hand across its fur.

Devoid of any other customers at the moment, an array of labeled bottles of liquids and pills stared back at you as they filled the shelves in the cramped space. The fluorescent lights flickered above your head, adding to the age of the small building as you expected the room to grow dimmer any minute now as they grew weaker the longer they were left on.

With the front counter empty, you tapped the bell sitting on top, signaling to the owners that a customer had arrived. But when some time had passed and no one came out, you called out, “Mr. And Mrs. Kimura? You here?”

At the sound of your voice, the door to the back room opened up, revealing not the husband or wife, but their only son. “Oh, hey, [First Name],” he greeted you, a smile on his lips as he leaned his elbows against the countertop. He tried to suppress a yawn but it slipped out, making you think he might have been asleep back there. “Here to do a pickup for your dad?”

“Hey Masato and yeah, just like always,” you responded, immediately noticing the striking change to his appearance. “When did you dye your hair blonde? I'm surprised. I didn't think your parents would approve.”

A light laugh escaped him before he explained. “Well no they didn't. But since I just got into a very prestigious university out in Tokyo, they let it slide.”

“Oh wow. That's great, congrats to you,” you offered him a smile in return.

“And before you say anything—no, I'm not trying to look like one of those “delinquents” or a student from that one high school. What was its name again? Furin?” he laughed.

“Don't worry, I wasn't thinking that.” You wasted no time answering him, obviously not finding his comments humorous and your lack of laughter paired with your straightforwardness made sure to get that point across to him.

“I was just making sure. I wouldn't wanna be lumped in with that pathetic crowd.”

“Sounds to me like you should have thought more about that dye job if it bothers you so much to have people make that assumption.” Your reply came out more blunt than you had wanted it to but you couldn't help it. This guy acted like he knew everything when he had no idea that not all of these “delinquents” weren't all as bad as the people of Makochi made them out to be.

“Eh, it's whatever. None of those guys would have what it takes to be in my shoes anyway,” he answered, some irritation slipping into his tone as he took in your response. And in an effort to make himself feel better, he changed the subject but that would only serve to further his irritation. “So still not willing to go out with me?”

Expecting him to bring up the question again, you were already prepared to respond. And that answer hadn't changed after all this time and so regrettably for him, you made your lack of interest clear yet again. “Yeah, that's still a no from me.”

A sigh left him as he avoided eye contact now, leaning awkwardly away from you, forcing out some words. “That's too bad. Your loss. Being stuck on that grade school crush of yours isn't gonna get you far, whoever he is.”

Now growing more uncomfortable as the conversation went on, you started to pet the cat again, trying to extract some comfort as your bluntness returned, no longer caring about being polite just because both of your parents knew each other. “I'm sure you can find yourself someone when you head to university soon. Anyway, could you get the meds I asked for? I'm in a hurry here.”

“Sure,” he replied, disappointment creeping into his voice at your rushed response. “Be right back.”

Sighing in relief, you faced the counter fully now, your affection for the quiet feline continuing as his purring started up again like an engine. “How do you deal with him every day, little guy? If only he knew that one of those “delinquents” is the reason you're here now.”

And at the thought of that, you couldn't help but to recall that day when you had attempted to rescue this feline on your own. And the brighter days that would follow that encounter.

♡♡♡

With wary steps, you approached Furin High School, clutching your bag to your side as you stared at the graffiti covered entrance, its interior housing its still active students inside. But that wasn't the only noise that you had picked up on. At the sound of something striking concrete, you turned to your right, spotting a small group of boys throwing rocks at something.

But when you quickly realized what that something was, your caution was forgotten, your steps fast and urgent as you ran to the side of the building. A small grey cat had its back against the wall, cowering as it tried to avoid a flying piece of stone.

“What the hell—knock it off! What do you guys think you're doing to that cat?!”

One of the boys who had been preparing to throw another rock, eyed you with contempt as he directed his words at you. “Aw, geez. It's the outsider. Get lost.”

In response to that, you walked over to the space in-between the cat and his group, answering with, “I will once I get that cat outta here.”

Without warning, the stone struck you. Surprise etched itself into your features at the sudden stinging pain followed by the drops of blood that seeped down your face, covering your eyelid in the process. But you still refused to move.

The boys didn't know how to react, expecting you to cry out in pain or fear—some sign of distress so you'd go away and mind your business. But that glare you wore, it continued to stare back at them, your act of defiance telling them that it was pointless to try to drive you away with violence.

But when another stone threatened to fly towards your face again, you braced yourself for the stinging sensation that would surely follow. But as you flinched, giving into your weakness for a moment, that's when he appeared.

Wiping at your blood-caked eyelid with a uniform sleeve, your vision came back for the most part, landing on a tall boy with white hair in front of you that you hadn't seen around before. Assuming he must have just started at the high school, you watched him as he grasped tightly onto the arm of the boy who had attempted to throw another rock at you.

“I heard them say to knock it off.” A scowl painted his expression as you heard his venom laced voice. His grey eyes looked between the red mark on your face and between the other students before squeezing tighter, prompting the boy to drop the rock he was holding.

“Umemiya,” he started, a nervous look overtaking his angry features from just moments ago, “Just chill out—We weren't gonna—”

The boy struggled to loosen the hold on his arm, bringing up his other free arm in a gesture of defeat. “Okay. Okay. We'll get lost now.”

“And I better not see you do this kinda thing again,” he spat out at the group of boys as they left in a hurry.

You remained silent, your voice gone for a moment as you considered your words. And without a clue as to what to say, all you could manage was, “Thank you…”

His gaze returned to you, a frown forming as he took in the cut above your brow. The bleeding hadn't stopped yet. Before you could do anything else, he stepped forward with an outstretched hand. You flinched. You hadn't meant to but this caused him to come to a halt, a surprised look etching itself into his features.

You cast your eyes downwards, suddenly feeling guilty for reacting like that as you turned towards the small cat laying against the wall. Walking over to it slowly, you crouched down, sticking out your hand as it sniffed it before rubbing its head against you in acceptance, deeming you to be a nonthreat.

“Are you okay?” the boy with the short hair like the snowy mountaintop asked, his concern still present as he bent down to be level with you and the cat as it crawled into your lap. “You're still bleeding.”

“I'm fine. I'm just glad this little guy seems to be alright,” you answered as you continued to inspect the feline for any injuries but found none. “He just appears to be malnourished.”

“I'm glad. But you should still get patched up. Come on.”

“Hm?” You stared up in confusion as he rose back onto his feet, his hand extending towards you again, waiting for you to take it.

You don't know why but you reached for it, ignoring your hesitation from before as he easily pulled you up with the cat in your arms. And that's when you saw it. His beautiful smile accompanied by kind eyes that held such gentleness. And that's when you knew you were in good hands.

“Umemiya? Right?”

“Yeah,” he smiled. “I'm Hajime Umemiya.”

♡♡♡

As you passed by one of the classrooms on your way to another tutoring session, you thought you heard your name being called. Turning around, you paused in the middle of the hallway wondering who had been seeking your attention until you saw a familiar head of white hair.

“[Last Name]! There's someone I'd like you to meet!” Umemiya called again, prompting you to walk over to the classroom where he had popped out of.

Pulling back the sliding door the rest of the way, you were met with another boy with dark hair and brilliant blue eyes, reminding you of a color meant for royalty. Before exchanging any words, you were already greeted with a sweet smile and a wave as you walked over to this other attractive student. If Umemiya trusted him then you'd trust him too. And so you spoke up first.

“Hello. I'm [First Name] [Last Name].”

“Hi, I'm Tasuku Tsubakino. But please, call me, Tsubaki.”

“It's nice to meet you. And sure.” You offered a smile of your own, pausing in contemplation for a moment before you continued, some hesitation seeping into your voice. “Then please feel free to call me by my first name—if that's alright with the two of you. People at school just call me by my last name and—”

You turned to both of the boys as if asking for permission but Tsubaki was quick to quell your worries. “Of course. I don't mind at all. Right Ume?”

The white-haired boy shook his head. “If that's what you'd like then it's okay with me.”

The blue-eyed boy changed the subject, noticing the bag charm hanging off of your school bag as he complimented it. “That's so cute. Where did you get that?”

“Oh, this?” You draped the long beaded charm against the palm of your hand, showing it in its entirety. A glittery star hung at the very end, resembling a shooting star as different shades of blue twirled together to form the streaks of light that followed. “I got this at a shop near my house. I can show you sometime if you want.”

“I'd love that—Oh, your face. You poor thing,” he suddenly commented, as his gaze drifted over to the bandage still on the skin close to your brow. “Ah, so you got this when you met Ume the other day?” His gaze turned toward his fellow classmate as Umemiya nodded in response.

“Yeah. And all to save a cat,” he reminded.

Your fingers brushed against the healing wound, almost forgetting that it was there. “Oh, it's not as bad as it looks. Someone else made sure those guys got what they deserved anyway.”

“You're so sweet,” Tsubaki remarked, sending another smile your way.

All you could manage was an awkward grin and laugh as your face grew hot at his words. The days sure were starting to look a lot brighter now.

Notes:

Our 2nd chapter without Endo now I think lol. Gotta give these lovely two boys their time to shine too. Chapter 16 is done and is going to be edited this week. But anyway, thanks for reading and take care!

Chapter 16: Dark Nights

The sound of wood breaking apart filled the cool night air as the door gave way under the weight of his foot, slamming against the wall as the three of you stared into the darkness beyond. Boarded up windows on both sides and around the structure kept any from entering, leaving you all with no other choice but to break in.

With night already overtaking the sky, the interior did little to provide warmth from the dropping temperature. Cracks in the foundation and glass greeted you as you cautiously stepped inside. The air hinted at mold as the sound of droplets hitting an exposed pipe glinted in the moonlight that had managed to peek in through a gap in a window.

You followed the two boys through the deteriorating building, shining a path to the door at the other end with the help of your cell phone’s flashlight. While not a large space, the area was trashed with what had been left behind, warranting caution unless one wanted to injure themselves with broken glass or a stray piece of wood.

“How'd you get permission to be out so late anyway?” Endo suddenly asked, his voice echoing off the walls in the mostly empty room you all were passing through.

“I didn’t,” you simply stated. “I snuck out.”

“Whoa, being rebellious again?” You couldn't make out his facial features but knowing him, he must have had an amused smile on right now.

While it had been risky getting out without alerting your parents, you had somehow managed. Getting back into your apartment later tonight would be the more challenging part but you'd worry about that when the time came.

“I wanted to see them too—the fireworks.” Your attention was drawn to the rustling of the plastic bag in his hand as you continued to move forward, avoiding another discarded object littering the floor. “But I thought there were guys hanging around back here.”

“Takiishi cleared them out.”

“Oh.” That should have been obvious.

As you broke through to the outside again, leaving the peeling paint and graffiti behind, Takiishi was the first to step into the empty lot. Gravel crunched underneath the soles of his shoes as he walked to the center. The space was enclosed with more walls from nearby abandoned buildings on all three sides, shielding it from the view of those looking in from the street.

“Let's light them up already,” the redhead said.

And wasting no time, the tattoo clad boy quickly went to work to make that wish happen. Walking over to him with the anticipation of a light show inside the bag he held, he crouched down towards the ground, placing the firework down.

“Where did you even get them? It isn't fireworks season yet.”

“Had ‘em stashed away,” he explained as you watched him pull out a lighter, sliding it open to reveal a small flame which would ignite the fuse that would set it off.

You stepped back a bit more to avoid any stray sparks, your features aglow from the brightness it brought. While not as high reaching as those that touched the sky, this one was still a spectacle, its striking blue sparks dancing across the gravel as it bathed the lot in bright light. It wasn't long before it died out, now just another useless piece of garbage that lay inside the lot, the darkness enveloping it once again.

And then another one was lit, bringing back that familiar glow of summer as purple now took the stage, its sparks reflecting in your eyes like the memories of childhood. But instead of the heat accompanying this fireworks display, all you had was the cold breeze that whipped loose strands of hair out of place and sent shivers through your body.

The abandoned area of small structures here provided you with seclusion, its walls masking the lights while shadows came out to play, mixing into the graffiti like a bizarre painting. Sitting back now and enjoying the light show, you glanced at the other two boys. You pulled your knees towards you, draping your arms over them as you all looked on in silence.

As soon as that one went dead, Takiishi pulled out a larger firework from the bag. This one in particular appeared more promising, confirmed by Endo's next words.

“That's gonna be a loud one.”

And that sentence rang true as your ears were filled with a loud whistling sound as the firework soared upwards before exploding into a group of crimson sparks, extending out like the branches of a tree. The barking of nearby dogs followed from somewhere off in the distance, the loud unexpected sound upsetting them.

You stared up towards the sky, red enveloping your vision as it dyed the dark shades of blue up above before that too faded away with one final spark as you pondered aloud, “Wasn't that a bit too loud? What if we end up drawing too much attention or something?”

Dismissing your worries, Endo spoke up. “It'll be fine. Even if someone did show up then us two can handle it.”

“Let’s light another one.” Takiishi took yet another firework out, repeating the same spectacle that had been the entertainment of the night. But a sudden crash from inside the building pulled all of you out of that enjoyment as your eyes turned towards the direction of the back door.

A few moments later and nothing but the sound of the fireworks could be heard until another crash broke through, bringing the back door to a slam as it groaned on its hinges in the process. And what followed was more shadows. These weren't those of the ghosts that could potentially be haunting these grounds though—but those of uninvited guests stepping in to ruin the fun with promise of payback. And that loud firework had only served to alert them of a presence here.

Takiishi tossed the lighter to you and without a word to each other, both boys went into action, leaving you to watch the remainder of the firework's life fade out. Yells erupted as the fighting began and all you could do was be a spectator at the center of the lot, being cautious of anyone who dared to get close.

The messy haired boy quickly dispatched attackers left and right, his fists making contact with body after body as they dropped to the gravel in defeat. You watched on in awe as he kept them back, the sole of his shoe slamming into one guy, sending more down like dominoes.

The shadows cast against the walls felt ominous as the light of the firework lit up the area like some battlefield with only torches to guide its soldiers. But the redhead ignored the other foes in his path as he headed right for what you could only assume to be the leader of the group. And those who managed to get close enough to block his path were met with a quick strike, falling to the gravel.

A metallic sound scraped against the ground somewhere nearby, almost blending into the background noises surrounding you but you picked up on it, your eyes scanning for the source. But as soon as you placed that sound, a figure rushed forward from in front of the still lit firework. Dodging, you stepped backwards and out of the attack’s range as the end of the weapon made a loud clang on the gravel where you had just been.

As you braced yourself for another incoming attack, a tattooed hand reached out from amidst the dying sparks, clutching tightly onto the figure by his jacket, meeting his abdomen with a quick jab of his fist. The broken pipe dropped to the ground along with the guy as your gaze met with Endo, an utter of gratitude leaving your lips. “Thanks.”

Your eyes trailed down towards the discarded pipe, now bathed in the red of the glowing light as you considered something. You made a move to reach for it and just as your fingertips brushed against the metal, the sound of approaching footsteps stopped you, both of your gazes pulled to the redhead adorned with splatters of crimson.

“Sheesh, Takiishi. That sure was fast,” Endo commented as the firework finally died at your feet.

“I could say the same of you, Endo. I think this might actually be a new record for the two of you.”

But before you could be drowned in the darkness of the lot, you shone your cell phone’s flashlight once again. And as you did so, you moved it across the entirety of the space, taking in the damage that the boys had done in such little time. Now that the noises of the battle and crackle of the fireworks had vanished, the only thing left to fill the quietness were the sound of your voices.

♡♡♡

Inwardly groaning, you stared up at the small balcony that led to the inside of your bedroom, contemplating how you were going to get back in. Luckily, you had thought ahead and left the sliding door ajar enough to pull it open. At least it was only the second floor you needed to get to but that still didn't make things any easier for you.

But you couldn't just stand around for the rest of the night and so without many options, you placed your foot onto the edge of the window nearby, readying yourself to climb. Reaching up, you balanced yourself by using the other windowsill as a handhold before pushing your body up to the bars of the railing.

As you hung there for a few seconds, you struggled to pull yourself up to the top of it but after a few more attempts, you successfully slid over the railing. Your knee hit the concrete inside the balcony first as you grunted out in pain, wondering how Endo made it look so easy. But you made it, albeit not gracefully but in one piece.

Sliding the door open as quietly as possible, you slipped inside and then shut it behind you with the lock before immediately throwing on your pajamas in the darkness of your bedroom. The moonlight greeted you once again as you parted the curtains afterwards. And climbing into the warmth of your bed, you prepared to act like you had had another bad night's sleep when your parents pointed out your eyebags in the morning.

Notes:

This chapter was inspired by the end of ch 90 in the manga. Also, this won't be the last time I write about abandoned buildings lol they always end up in my stories but I enjoy watching urban exploration videos so there's that too. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it and thank you for your continued support, take care!

Chapter 17: The Everyday Mundane

With your purchased smoothie now in hand, you set out to look for the items your mother had asked you to bring back for tonight's dinner, welcoming the normalcy of such an errand. The crowded marketplace was buzzing with activity as you carefully walked through the sea of people who were there to browse or buy at the variety of stands set up. Sellers shouted out from all over, looking to find buyers for all kinds of products such as fish, fruit, vegetables, and meat.

You continued to sip your cold drink, wishing it had been a cup of coffee at that moment—the weight of your lack of sleep heavy from last night's explosive activity. But regardless, it was still refreshing, its fresh ingredients the best one could probably find in a town like this.

The smell of bread lured you to a stall towards the corner as an older girl continued to call out about free samples. As you approached, she turned towards you, noticing your interest.

“Hello there! Would you like a sample? It's my grandmother’s recipe…” She seemed to recall something when she made eye contact with you as if coming to some realization. “It's you.”

“Excuse me?” you answered.

The bespectacled girl offered you a gentle smile before clarifying. “You're the student who saved me. You spoke with my grandmother at her bakery, right?”

“Yes, I did…” Surprised to be reunited with the girl from that day, you hadn't a clue as to what to say so you drank more of the smoothie as if it would relieve you of the awkwardness you now felt.

“I'm Yui. And you are?” Her polite tone continued, prompting you to answer her with a friendly smile.

“I'm [Last Name]. So you help out your grandmother here?”

She nodded her head. “When I'm not too busy with my studies, I run the stall for her. So how about that free sample?”

“Sure, I'd love one.”

A tray of baked goods was placed down in front of you as another question left her lips, her kind eyes filled with curiosity. “How'd you manage to fight that guy off anyway?”

Purposely taking a large bite out of the piece of bread you had chosen, you contemplated a response as you chewed the fluffy pastry, some strawberry jam peeking out in the opening that you had made. Swallowing, you prepared to give her the same reply that you had given her grandmother but before you could let those words out, another older woman who appeared to be in her mid thirties approached the stall.

An exasperated sigh escaped her as she looked at the girl in glasses. “Can you believe it, Yui? She ran away again.”

“Oh, no, what happened with her this time?”

“Some idiots set off fireworks last night. I swear I give that adorable Shiba Inu everything and yet she still finds a reason to go running off.”

Guilt gripped you as realization took hold at her words, the woman's tone dripping in disappointment and worry at what you could only assume to be her lost dog. In an attempt to join the conversation and not just stand around awkwardly, you turned your attention to the newcomer, feeling partly responsible for her situation. “I'm very sorry, ma’am. I hope she gets found soon.”

“Oh, it's not that dog's first time running away. She'll wander back home soon but I do worry.” She paused, a curious gaze washing over her as she studied you, realization etching itself into her features. “Say, you're the [Last Name] kid, right? Wish I had someone to run my errands for me. How about I pay you?”

Yui suddenly laughed, a joking tone replacing the polite one from earlier. “And with what extra money, Ms. Makino? You gamble it all away.”

“Oh, Yui, not you too. I already have to hear about it from my husband…”

The woman's words trailed off as her eyes seemed to be looking off somewhere in the distance. With disapproval in her voice—not at the mention of her gambling habit—but at what she had caught sight of, she turned back to the two of you.

“Ugh, that man is staring. Don't pay him any mind children. Just look away,” Ms. Makino warned, a deep frown now sitting on her face as she wore a serious expression.

But you couldn't help but to search for the man she had warned you about, your gaze being dragged away against its will as your eyes turned in the general direction she had been looking in. You were left with a mix of curiosity and slight disappointment when you couldn't find said person, quickly returning your gaze back to the stall. Whoever had been there had disappeared amongst the growing crowd of passerby.

A yawn pushed its way past your lips, your bed calling for you again as you took another long drink from the smoothie, the melted ice inside sending droplets down your plastic cup. And with shopping still needing to be done, you decided to part ways with them, your tone matching Yui's politeness from before as you offered her your gratitude.

“Thank you again for the free sample, Yui. I'll be going now. Take care, you two.”

But you wouldn't let Ms. Makino's words go unforgotten as you moved cautiously amongst the crowd, a wary gaze on you, with the contents of your drink now nearing the bottom.

♡♡♡

Moving the towel one last time against your wet hair, you draped it onto the rack hanging behind your door before plopping yourself into the nearby desk chair. You sighed at the laptop screen in front of you, the typed words making sense but at the same time making no sense at all as an ending to this made up tale still eluded you.

After rereading what you had written, you began to hate it, wondering if you should just scrap the entire thing despite the assignment deadline being just a few days away. But then the thought of all that time wasted and the rush to come up with another story idea kept you from pressing the backspace key, another sigh escaping you at having to deal with the torture of writer's block.

A few consecutive knocks at the sliding door that separated your bedroom from the small balcony almost made you jump. But you already knew who would be on the other side waiting for you and so rising from your seat, you parted the curtains as you were greeted with Endo behind the glass.

His unexpected visit shouldn't come as a surprise to you. He was a part of your normalcy after all. And as out of the blue as it was, even you were glad to have a break from the everyday mundane that included late night homework sessions.

Sliding the door open, your bare feet felt the cold rush of air from outside as you let him into the warmth of your bedroom. Closing it back up, he uttered a complaint, his eyes scanning the interior of your space with curiosity.

“I thought I was gonna freeze out there. You couldn't have opened up any faster?” His words were sarcastic and so you responded in kind.

“Maybe I should have just left you out there then.”

“Geez, [First Name], when did you become so cold—and after I came all this way just to help you.”

You laughed, now unsure whether to be upset about his unannounced visit or happy that he was even here to begin with. “This could have waited until tomorrow y'know? The neighbors didn't see you, did they?”

“Of course not.”

“Good.” Your hand reached for the lock on your door, worried that one of your parents would decide to come into your bedroom now of all times. And despite it being so late, you weren't about to take any chances. “Let's just keep it down, alright?”

Already well aware of your caution towards his presence here, he allowed himself to slip into your desk chair, his eyes quickly reading the typed words before you even asked him to do so. His fingers moved across the keyboard, correcting any mistakes you had not noticed as you stood at his side. Awaiting his comments, your own gaze drifted away from the assignment down to the exposed skin not covered by his tank top.

A new tattoo—or perhaps it wasn't and you just hadn't noticed until now but regardless, you found the design to be to your liking. An anchor was etched into his pale skin as thoughts of the sea lingered in your mind. It felt very fitting for someone like him. And like a ship being anchored down by that very same thing, it too seemed to be a part of him, his toned body, a vessel among the unpredictable waves.

You quickly averted your gaze as the sudden movement of the chair brought you back to the surface. A contemplative expression painted his features as he faced you again. “Are you obsessed with angels or something?”

“Not exactly. I guess I just like using them as inspiration for my art, whether that's in drawing or writing,” you explained.

“Wouldn't an angel become a devil themselves in the end? There has to be consequences for abandoning those from up above,” he added, his commentary bringing up more ideas as to what to end your creative short story for English class with.

“Would those other angels end up despising the angel in the end?”

“Who knows?” He shrugged. “Only time would tell. It is nice to get to help with something that isn't math for once though.”

“Hm I think I know how I'd like to end it now. Thanks.”

“Did you just shower?” he suddenly asked as he got up, his tattooed hand reaching out to brush a damp strand of your hair between his fingers. “Ah, you did. You smell nice.”

Surprised and trying to fight back against the heat rising in your face, an answer to that statement eluded you. His face was closer than usual, the scent of his cologne hanging in the air between the two of you, mixing in with the shower products you had used.

A laugh escaped him at your lack of words, tickling your face like a feather before changing the subject again. “Hey, look at this.” His hand left your hair as it moved down towards the new inked spot you had noticed earlier, confirming your initial thoughts. His fingers traced the shape of the anchor now, excitement evident in both his tone and expression as his eyes beckoned you to take a closer look.

“Oh, yeah. I was wondering about it,” you responded, once again pulled back into that drawing as his fingers continued to brush over his skin.

“See for yourself.” His hand found your wrist, bringing it to that spot on his arm as your eyes widened at the unexpected action. But you allowed it as your fingers also gently traced the lines of the tattoo as if committing it to memory.

You could have pulled away much sooner but didn't—your want for that closeness present again as his hand encased you still, urging you to continue your touch. Your eyes remained fixated there, knowing that if you were to look up at him now, that you would no doubt turn a deeper shade of red.

But just like any other vessel, it could not stay anchored to land for so long. And with one final sigh, his hold on you came undone as your eyes rose to meet his.

“You seemed to like it—the tattoo I mean,” he smiled, a chuckle pushing past his lips.

You nodded in agreement, doing your best to remain composed. “Yup. The rookie did a pretty nice job with this one.”

“Good to know.” He let out a long yawn as he stared at the analog clock sitting on your wall. “Guess it's time I left huh? Well anyway, see ya tomorrow.”

“Yeah, see ya… And be careful on your way home, alright?” You felt ridiculous adding that last part. He could handle himself perfectly fine. But that fact still didn't erase your wish for him to have a safe trip back. And you wanted to let it be known—said aloud for him to hear—because it was only natural to worry about those you cared about. And that feeling would never go away regardless of his strength.

His hand lingered on the doorframe as he took in the last of your words, the wind from outside playing around with his dark hair. And with his back still towards you, he gave you a response, his tone soft yet so sure of himself as always. “It's me we're talking about here. Of course I'll be alright.”

Reluctantly, you shut the door behind him as you watched him leave. He easily made his way down the balcony to the street below, landing like a cat on his feet as he dropped to the concrete. And once his silhouette was out of sight, you shut the curtains to give yourself back your privacy, already missing his presence.

But you told yourself it would just be one full day of classes before you got to see him again. And so with the idea he had given you, you quickly got to work typing up the last of your assignment, an incoming yawn of your own telling you to work faster so sleep could take you away for the night.

Notes:

At the time of posting this, chapter 18 and even chapter 19 are mostly done (you'll soon see why). Anyway, so many game announcements this week. So excited for Romeo is a Deadman, Silent Hill f, Stranger than Heaven and Resident Evil 9. Thanks for reading and take care!

Chapter 18: Water Eater

The sun was especially bright that day, beating down on you as if it was attempting to cook your skin and eat you alive. But what brought relief from the harsh temperature was the coolness of the chlorine filled water before you, its depths also asking you to let it devour you—or rather drink you up instead. And so you complied, allowing yourself to fall into the pool with no hesitation as your body was submerged.

Breaking through to the surface once again, your hair clung to you now, sticking annoyingly against your skin as you moved a strand away from your eyes. Wiping the stray droplets from your vision, your gaze shifted up to the grade school boy preparing to jump off the diving board about five feet away.

When his body hit the water in front of you, he too was swallowed up as his hair became even more wave-like underneath the water. He quickly resurfaced, breaking through the water before you as a surprised gasp left your mouth to which he responded with a chuckle.

“Your turn, [First Name],” Endo told you, an excited smile painted on his lips.

Your gaze pushed past him towards the diving board, hesitation in your eyes. He noticed right away, encouraging words leaving his mouth in response. “Come on. You can do it. You're braver than that.”

Doubt wanted to take over but then his hands found themselves atop your shoulders, giving you a slight shake as he repeated himself. “Come on, [First Name].”

And so you finally gave him a reply, wishing to prove him right. “Yeah, I can do this.”

Swimming over to the side, you climbed up before stepping onto the diving board high off the ground, careful not to let yourself slip off by using the small railing on the sides. The young boy continued to watch from below, his gaze holding anticipation as he awaited your jump.

And not wanting to keep your grade school companion waiting any longer, you took that final step. Your body hit the water, sinking into the liquid chlorine as your vision met the bottom of the pool like you had been dropped into an underwater dream.

Before your breath ran out, you brought your head above the water again as that same boy with the head of dark messy hair and green eyes like seafoam greeted you. A smile of approval adorned him at your successful jump. “Nice job. Told ya you could do it.”

Wasting no time, he quickly did the same jump you had just done, splashing you with water as his gaze returned to his other young companion nearby. “How was that, Takiishi?”

The other boy simply flipped another page in the manga volume he was holding, his body lying comfortably underneath the protection of an umbrella before offering, “It was fine.” His concentration was on his reading material, seemingly blocking out everything else that didn't interest him in the moment. But despite that, Endo still wanted to get his attention somehow.

“What if I did a backflip into the water?” he asked you, very serious about pulling the boy's interest to him but still enjoying himself.

“I'd like to see that.”

“Alright, here I go then.”

And with no other words, he quickly made it back onto the diving board, turning his back to you this time before his body swung upwards with little effort. It hadn't lasted long but it still left quite an impression on you.

When he didn't emerge from the water quickly afterwards, panic began to set in but was dispelled as soon as his head came back up for air, his body coming up farther away from his landing than you had thought. His wet hair framed his face as a sigh of content escaped him.

“So, how was that?” he questioned again, his eyes looking towards Takiishi for any sign of approval. But he appeared to be stuck in his own world still. His attention was glued to his manga as another page was flipped, proof of his disinterest.

Expecting that reaction, Endo's eyes made their way back over to you. When you noticed the slight disappointment swimming within those pools of seafoam green, you complimented him in his place instead.

“That was great, I wanna learn how to do that too, actually.”

Your enthusiasm seemed to spark him back to life as you earned another grin from him before he took on your request just like all the others. And determined to learn just like him, you found yourself jumping into that pool again and again that day despite the many failed attempts that awaited you in the process.

♡♡♡

Another memory from your childhood. But at least this one brought a smile to your face as if you had just awoken from a long, comforting dream. And if you could, you'd spend a much longer time trapped within that past, swimming your worries and fears away.

The sound of the running water nearby continued to fill your ears as you lay back on the couch, waiting for the messy haired boy to finish. Your patience could last but you didn't think your body could comply with that as the soft cushions of the couch mixed with the sound of the shower threatened to pull you under.

But when that running water was no more, you shifted your body upwards, that wait time nearing its end as the noise of drawers opening and closing in the bathroom to your right echoed inside.

When the knob finally twisted open, revealing the tattoo clad boy, one look at him and it sent your gaze downward, staring at your cell phone screen to distract yourself. Seeing him in just his pants and a towel hung over his neck sent your heart racing as his presence stood just a few feet away.

In his half-naked state, his collection of tattoos were now on full display, just begging for you to stare. But like anything else in a museum being exhibited, his exposed skin was meant to be enjoyed from a distance, though his actions from a day ago would go against that rule.

A sigh of annoyance left him when he saw that you weren't looking his way, a hand dragging through his still wet hair. “Hey, are you ready to go?” he asked, breaking the silence in the living room as you continued to act like he was a lingering spirit, invisible to you even if it was so obvious why you were averting your eyes.

“Yeah, I'm ready…”

It wasn't his touch that reached you first but the droplets falling off of his hair. And when they fell onto you, it was as if it were acid, eating away at the skin where they had dropped onto your exposed arms. Just a few inches away now stood his body which was still slick with water, proof that he hadn't cared to dry himself off properly before stepping out.

His toned chest and arms, the former being a rarity to see, naturally brought on a tint of crimson upon your face. And not wanting to give into that, you willed yourself to keep your eyes on anywhere else but him. But you couldn't escape that view for forever once his tattooed hand found its way underneath your chin, gently moving your gaze upwards.

“Y'know, you should look at someone when they're talking to you,” he uttered, more as a polite reminder and with less annoyance than you thought his words would hold. More water came into contact with your skin as he used that same hand he had run through his wavy hair to touch you, asking you to stare into the depths of his seafoam green eyes.

“Oh, my bad,” you answered, some sarcasm slipping into your tone as your chin was still cradled in the palm of his hand. “Could you let go now? You're dripping water all over me.”

Your choice of words caused a deeper sigh to escape him followed by the removal of his hand as some regret filled you. That response, while disappointing and leading to nowhere near that deeper end, kept you safe and above the surface, the only way of lessening the rapidness of your heart.

But as Endo threw off the towel around his neck, his back facing you for a moment, that's when you finally saw it.

It wasn't the image of perfection—but it was yours. Those same lines you had practiced over and over again in your notebook: an angel's wings. And now it sat towards the top of his back, hidden amongst the other tattoos but still noticeable if you were paying close attention enough.

“When did you… get that?” Your disbelief kept your voice at almost a whisper, surprised that your small piece of artwork that you had thought was far from anything that remarkable would be chosen to be inked on him. If it hadn't been for your scheduled meeting today then you don't know when you would've ever seen it. But there was no denying that it was there.

Endo, seemingly distracted, turned back towards you now, his brow raising in question, not quite catching what you had said. “Hm? Get what? You're mumbling.”

“The angel wings on your back—”

“Oh that. Does it matter?” He shrugged. “I just like what I like and that's all there is to it.”

You couldn't help the anger that started to seep into your voice as you rose to face him. He was acting so nonchalant about it like you had just asked him what his favorite type of cologne was.

“It sure the hell does matter, Endo.”

Some unexpected iciness found its way into your tone, possibly from the hurt and disappointment that bloomed inside you at his answer as if you were speaking to an enemy in that moment and not the boy who you had clung onto for so long now. Wondering if you were overreacting, you paused for a moment to collect your thoughts as silence descended upon the room, pulling your gaze towards the floor now as if the space had become flooded, keeping you both from speaking.

But you wouldn't get the chance to get anything else out about the tattoo after that. The front door to the apartment suddenly slammed open as his redheaded companion stepped inside. His interruption seemed to drain all that water away, his hair fire that couldn't be contained by that natural source.

“Hey Takiishi, you're back early—”

“Change of plans,” Takiishi told Endo as he pushed past, his eyes coming to land on you before uttering more. “You can go.”

“I'm not—”

You bit your tongue, keeping the rest of your protest unsaid, knowing that you'd be met with his anger if you went against his words. What you really wanted to tell him was how you weren't a damn dog he could just order around whenever the hell he wanted to. But was it really wise to anger a god like him? Even Endo wouldn't be able to save you from his wrath then.

And so reluctant as you were, you dragged yourself towards the door, your gaze finding the tattoo clad boy one last time as you gave him some parting words. “We'll talk more soon, okay?”

Frustrated at the answer you'd been given, you forced your feet down the small set of stairs after shutting the door, telling yourself that there would always be tomorrow to talk. So many thoughts were now swirling around inside your head at the existence of that tattoo. Confusion and joy took up residence inside your mind as you pondered all this. Why choose that of all things? And why use something that you had drawn? Did he really like it that much?

But before you could drive yourself to insanity as if you'd become possessed by the devil himself, you decided to head to one of the nearby cafés, wishing to erase these thoughts of angels for the time being. You'd get more answers soon enough, hopefully.

Notes:

Very excited and nervous to show y'all chapter 19 soon. I've been working on it for a while now. And we finally got more anime scenes with Endo (omg). Also, I was reminded of all the beautiful scenery (specifically the water) from the 2010’s Tomb Raider trilogy as I was editing this. As for this chapter title, it's strange but I like it. Anyway, hope you enjoyed it, and I'll see y'all soon, take care!

Chapter 19: Where Other Devils Drink

He wasn't there at Furin today. More disappointment. But not ready to go back home just yet, you continued towards another destination until your feet finally made contact with that familiar gravel, no longer on the paved roads that lined Makochi as you approached the familiar group of abandoned structures.

With the sun still out and beating down on you overhead, you made your way into the shade, your cell phone the only thing you carried at the moment. Shining its flashlight into one of the nearby buildings, you stepped inside.

Being alone didn't deter you from wanting to explore. And the brightness of the day would allow you to see more, curiosity pulling you farther into its crumbling and graffiti covered interior. Still cautions as to where you walked, you stepped over another object left behind on the floor, just another lost memory in this place lost to time.

Mold was present as the walls up ahead were turned to black at the edges, signs of moisture building up somewhere in the ceiling. And with no way for it to properly escape, it continued to permeate the air, asking you to leave. Avoiding going any deeper into that structure, you backed out and headed another way as a similar looking one greeted you in your path.

Urban exploration had always been a curiosity you wanted to explore and after visiting these buildings just a few days ago, you had told yourself you'd come back here to fulfill that want. Having company would have been preferable but it had been a last minute decision and with the afternoon light fading away, your time was limited.

As you left another one of the structures, your thoughts drifted back to the empty lot Endo and Takiishi had taken you to, wondering if you could find the correct entrance again. Remembering how boarded up it was on its sides, you started scanning the exteriors for the place, knowing that its door would be open to you.

A sudden echo from presumably a falling object sounded off somewhere in the distance causing you to turn around but you found nothing. Taking a deep breath, you continued forward, finally coming upon that familiar door that redhead had kicked in. Pushing it open, you walked through the same space again, your flashlight reaching the back as you guided yourself to the exit.

Gravel crunched underneath you as you switched your cell phone’s flashlight for its camera, taking a few photos of the much less vulgar graffiti in the empty lot than what you had seen so far. But your attention was once again pulled away to another noise you couldn't see the source of and no longer feeling as safe as you did before, you decided it was time to go.

Nearing the front door, a sudden feeling of dread washed over you, telling you not to walk outside. But with no other clear way to get back out, you didn't have any other option. You listened to that gut feeling though, your steps careful and quiet as they moved forward and just as you were about to peek out, a small blade swung close to your face, barely missing as you ducked inside, slamming the door shut.

A voice accompanied the weapon as the owner finally let their presence be known. “We know you're in there so come on out and don't make this any harder than it needs to be.”

When you remained silent, grasping tightly onto the knob to keep it from being opened, another man's voice spoke up, this one even more irritated. “Get the fuck out here already!”

Your mind was consumed by fear in the moment, trying to think of how to escape the situation. But then an idea came to mind. The empty lot was a dead end at the back but you remembered that another one of the rooms on the side had its closet wall broken in. And with any luck, it would aid you in your escape.

Another figure seemed to approach the door, fiddling with the knob before slamming their body against it, almost causing you to lose your hold from the other side. It was only a matter of time before they forced it open. And then you found yourself sprinting.

Throwing yourself into that side room, you got onto your hands and knees, praying that you would be able to force your body through the broken slabs of wood inside the closet. You slid your upper half in first, ignoring the crash coming from the entrance door as you pulled the rest of yourself through the opening, scratching your arm.

Once you were on your feet again, you realized the man made exit led into another one of the buildings. You rushed down the dimly lit hallway at the end but a door blocked your path to the outside, its knob rusting it shut. You threw the sole of your shoe into its side, a frustrated cry escaping you. “Open up dammit…” And with a few more forceful kicks, the door finally gave way as you scrambled out. But your freedom was short-lived.

A kick met your abdomen before you were dragged out by your arms, thrown onto the gravel with pain flooding throughout your body. More men approached you as you lay on the ground now, short on breath and the rapid beating of your heart keeping you from moving.

“Finally. You didn't have to put us through all that trouble, y'know?” You recognized the voice of the man who had been the first to attack you, confirmed by the knife in his hand, its edge looming over you threateningly. “If you scream or if you cry then this is gonna—”

Laughter suddenly slipped past your lips. You don't know what came over you in that moment but it was all you could do to keep the fear from drowning you.

“What's so funny?”

“Really? Did you guys need that many people just to capture one kid?”

This immediately sent a scowl to the man's face as another kick met your abdomen. But before he could cut you, a few other men from the group pulled him back as you realized you were definitely outnumbered here. Biting your lip hard enough to taste blood, you did your best to ignore the pain in your midsection, your choice of words regrettable yet slipping out once again.

And when you didn't think things could get any worse, another switchblade folded open, its pointed edge aimed directly at your face as you desperately tried to maintain the glare that would keep you from crumbling just like the walls of these old buildings.

Your chest continued to tighten at the sight, praying he wouldn't use it on you, his fists seeming like a much better option in the moment. But something out of the corner of your eye told you that that wasn't how you'd go out as a blunt object came crashing over the back of your head, your consciousness fading into nothing.

♡♡♡

An aching sensation was the first thing you felt when you awoke. Your vision was slowly beginning to come back, expecting to see the sunlight of the afternoon but as your eyes fully adjusted, a dark interior splashed with lights around the room awaited you. Rising from the cushioned seat, you took in your surroundings, realization still settling in as you put a hand to the back of your head, feeling a slight bump from the blow you had taken.

Confused and tired, you cautiously approached the railing of the spacious second floor you were on, looking out towards the illuminated seating and people down below. Men in suits and flashy clothing took over a majority of the spots with a few women in dresses sprinkled throughout the room, doing their best to keep them content.

A stream of liquid left the expensive looking bottles as more glasses of champagne and wine were filled to the brim, adding to the quality experience that the clientele expected from such an establishment. And after taking in everything, you finally knew just what kind of place this was: a hostess club—another place where other devils came to drink. A place where they could drink in their fill of alcohol and in the company of beautifully dressed women.

Your knuckles had turned white from clutching onto the railing so tightly. Releasing your grip, you stepped back, trying to think of a way to escape now that you knew where you had been taken to. But when a voice reached your ears, loud enough to speak over the other sounds of conversation all around, you let out a gasp of surprise, turning towards the person who had directed their attention to you.

The woman repeated herself. “You should sit down before he comes back.”

You hadn't even noticed she was there. Despite the warning in her tone, you pressed her for answers. “Why am I here? Who brought me to this place? I'm just a high school student—”

Your questions would unfortunately go unanswered as another figure approached the table, the last of your words falling silent on your lips as your gaze met this newcomer. He looked familiar.

“Go ahead and head back down. I'll take it from here,” the man told her. And she immediately complied, the last thing you heard of her was the sound of her heels as she walked away, leaving you to your unknown fate with this man. “And you, sit.”

With no other choice, you reluctantly sat again. You tried not to make your discomfort so obvious when you scooted over slightly as he sat down on the long cushioned seat beside you. Hesitant to speak but wanting an explanation, you forced yourself to question him. “Who are you—”

You barely got the words out before you felt his hand tangle into your hair, pulling harshly as he made you look at him. “Doesn't matter who the hell I am—look at this.”

His other hand moved up towards your face as your eyes landed on what he wanted you to see: the skin atop his hand. And that's when the inner pains in your chest really look over, ignoring the pulling on your hair.

All you could do was bite back the pain again as he continued. “Remember this? That shit fuckin’ hurt. Oh, and that's not all.”

You remained quiet as you took in all of his words, remembering the pen you had stabbed him with back then, unknowing of the consequences that would await you now. A mark was left behind on the top of his skin, proof that you had pressed it harder than you thought when attempting your escape into the river. But now you were curious as to what he meant with there being more to this.

“I was gonna leave you off the hook. But then you had to go and mess with a recruitment for us too. Attractive women are hard to come by you know and you just had to butt in.”

Yui. That day you helped her. There was no other explanation. But you couldn't dwell too long on your thoughts even when he finally released his hold on your hair, scanning you with such hate in his eyes.

You quickly took in his appearance, noticing that he didn't have a suit on. And while not as flashy, he wore a dress shirt underneath a blue and white jacket. Maybe it was the place you were in but he appeared much older to you than he did that day. And his attire made you think that he might be a part of the yakuza—probably some family, so not that high up on the rung hopefully.

“Drink up,” he demanded, sliding a glass of unknown liquid over to you.

Hesitation crept into your voice as you maintained a neutral expression now, answering with, “I'm underage—”

And that's when you were met with another hair pull but made worse when the front of your head was suddenly slammed against the top of the table. You bit back a cry of pain as you felt an ache rise in your temple from hitting the surface, watching as one of the glasses tipped over and fell to the carpeted floor, shattering, its contents spilled and now wasted.

“I said drink up.”

Another hostess who had come to attend to him had reached your table at that moment, flinching at the unexpected act of violence before her. She remained still as she contemplated what to say or do but before she could even do anything, the man spoke up.

“I don't need anyone else today. Just go and get me more champagne, will ya?”

“R-right… of course, right away.”

“Hey, wait. Don't go,” you pleaded, your head still pressed to the table as you struggled to move. You tried to pull one of your arms up but with how strong he was, your limbs were forced to stay underneath the table, useless.

“I—well…”

“Shut up, kid,” he told you. “No one's gonna help you so I'd just sit back and relax.”

His grip left your hair again, allowing you to move as you watched the reluctant hostess descend the stairs on the side, a deep frown of anger and worry adorning your features. You kept your voice calm as you chose your next words carefully.

“...What do you want?”

“Entertain me.”

“Excuse me—what? I'm not some hostess or host here.”

Were all the other adults here really just going to turn a blind eye? You still had on your navy blue uniform. It should be obvious that you didn't belong in a place like this. Panic was starting to set in more as you realized you were on your own. And as if you were on a sinking ship, there were no lifeboats available.

Placing a hand to the injury atop your forehead, you found some broken skin as blood painted the tips of your fingers. A throbbing ache was now present. Damn him. Was self defense and helping out a girl really deserving of all this?

But the physical pain couldn't keep your racing thoughts at bay as your mind conjured up all sorts of terrible outcomes. This wasn't a game—this was real—this was reality. And you had to think of a way out of it. But you needed some kind of opening or opportunity. And even if there were no lifeboats, you knew how to swim and you sure as hell weren't going to drown in this den of devils.

It must have been how fast your heart was beating as the sound consumed your ears, seeming to block out everything else because you weren't expecting another hostess to ascend the stairs. Her feet moved with purpose as she made her way over, greeting you with bright red and hair dyed platinum blonde—or perhaps it was just a convincing wig. But her presence and words of anger were what you needed.

“Kojiro? Why are you—”

The man whose name you now knew shifted his gaze over to her, forgetting you for the moment.

And that's when you did it. Practically throwing yourself off the seat from the side, you hit the floor, quickly reaching for a stray piece of broken glass from the spilled champagne. The sharp edge bit into the palm of your hand but you shoved those thoughts of pain aside, pointing it directly at the man whose expression now looked somewhere between surprised and livid, laughter finding itself in what he said next.

“I knew this kid was crazy—fuckin’ violent little piece of shit.”

Carefully picking yourself up off the carpet, you kept the shard aimed at him, your momentum back as a glare decorated your features. As you backed up next to this older girl, she gave him a disapproving look, aware that he was the crazy one here.

“Did that bitch send you up here? So where's the champagne?”

Ignoring him, the older girl instead questioned his lack of sanity. “They're just a kid, Kojiro…”

Hearing that voice again filled you with familiarity but you couldn't quite place why that was. But there wasn't time to dwell on that as you awaited what the man would do next.

Clearly pissed off, he moved out of the cushioned seat towards you but the girl in red blocked his path, shielding you unexpectedly. On the surface, she seemed mostly calm and composed, her voice holding back any signs of the fear she must have felt inside from going against him. But you were so grateful she had come to your aid. An angel had appeared when you needed it most.

“Move,” he demanded.

“No.”

You saw the raised fist and knew what was coming but before it could make contact with the hostess’s delicate features, another figure's arm reached out, grasping tightly onto the man named Kojiro. A sigh of relief escaped you as the familiarity of tattoos and wave-like hair met your vision, bringing your uncertain reality back to one where you now no longer felt doubtful.

“Hands off.” Just those two words alone held a threatening weight to them, serving as a warning for the venom that only a deadly snake was about to bring. And Endo's next action promised that.

He quickly slammed Kojiro into the wall next to them, earning a pained grunt from the man as he wasted no time sending his fists into him. Despite him attacking back, the tattoo clad boy had the advantage in agility, getting in more hits as red coated his knuckles once again.

Only a few minutes had passed for the two of them but to you, it felt like it had lasted for an eternity as if you had been frozen in place by the many snakes atop Medusa’s head. And all you could do was witness this fight as the shard of glass continued to dig into your skin, subconsciously gripped tightly at your lack of strength in this situation.

Endo's blows held such immense force as each one made contact with the man's body. You could've sworn his features were slowly being consumed by a whole other entity entirely, the lights from all around casting something unnatural—born from the shadows.

And just as he readied himself to send another one at his face, another man’s voice entered the scene, bringing everything to a standstill as you all looked at him. “What the hell do you think you're doing Kojiro—beating up on civilian kids?”

“Boss, it wasn't—” But Kojiro didn't even get the chance to finish his sentence as this man in a suit strided towards him, ignoring Endo so he could land a punch into his subordinate instead, knocking him out.

“Get lost, you two.” He directed his attention to Endo and you before showing his concern for the hostess. “Are you alright, Eve?”

She nodded. “Haruki, thank god you showed up.”

“What a fuckin’ idiot. Now I gotta clean up his mess.” The suit clad man brought a hand to his temple, an exasperated sigh leaving him. His eyes turned towards the two of you again. “What are you still doing here kids? Get going.”

Dropping the piece of glass to the floor, you moved over to Endo, taking hold of his arm as you finally acknowledged his presence with words. “Yamato… come on, let's just go.”

Appearing unsatisfied at the outcome, Endo's glare began melting away as he finally made eye contact with you, answering with, “Fine.” He moved away from you for a moment, kicking the passed out man on the floor before collecting your stolen cell phone from out of his back pocket.

Bowing your head to the hostess named Eve, you uttered your gratitude to her for stepping in to protect you when none of the other adults did. “Thank you.”

In that brief moment of exchange, your eyes met and you were filled by that sense of familiarity yet again. And just as you were about to question her on her real identity, Endo gently tugged you forward by your hand. And so you just let it go for now as you allowed him to lead you back to the outside.

♡♡♡

Now that you were out of harm's way, that throbbing sensation on your head was more prominent, sending a wave of dizziness crashing over you. With your appearance no longer cast in mystery by all the activity from inside, the corners of Endo's mouth pulled downwards into a concerned frown, some darkness in his eyes still lingering from his fight just moments ago.

Before you had the chance to stumble again, he quickly scooped you up into his arms, earning a weak questioning look from you as his first name left your lips yet again. “Yamato?”

“Don't go to sleep,” he warned, his hand feeling in-between your hair to reach your scalp as his eyes noticed the open cut above your brow where you had smeared the blood. “Those blows to your head could be fatal.”

“I'll stay awake, I promise.”

“Good. We're going to the hospital.”

Quiet but relieved, you allowed yourself to rest in the safety of his arms, reminding yourself to refrain from sleep as you used the collection of tattoos decorating his skin as a distraction. Grateful to be free of that place and its questionable inhabitants, you clung onto the familiar scent of his cologne, afraid that you were just dreaming and that this reality wasn't true. But all those doubts disappeared as soon as his voice filled your ears again like an enchanting spell, threatening to send tears down your face.

“You're safe now, [First Name].”

Notes:

I started writing this like three weeks ago (editing this almost made me go insane lol). This chapter also takes inspiration from the Yakuza/Like a Dragon game series again and has a reference to Stellar Blade’s main character Eve for the hostess that protected the reader. Anyway, hope you enjoyed and take care!

Chapter 20: Is the Nightmare Over Yet?

Leaving the intensity of the red-light district felt jarring as you awoke, now surrounded by the bright, white walls of the hospital interior. Attempting to get yourself into a sitting position, your body ached further in protest as you managed to get your back against the headboard behind you. No more headache at least. And you were alone. That was a relief.

Because now you could cry without the watchful eyes of those around you. Judgment or pity wasn't what you wanted to avoid—but proof of your weakness at being unable to get out on your own and what else might have happened without Endo's intervention. Lady luck spared you again but not by much. The aches embedded into you were proof of that.

Bringing up your knees towards your chest, you hugged them close as you finally allowed some tears to fall. The droplets that had managed to fall past your legs, now stained the sheets underneath you as a dark cloud hung over your head.

The room suddenly didn't feel so bright anymore. Your head hung low as if you were trapped and the spikes on the ceiling were going to drop lower and lower and any second now you'd be crushed into a bloody pile of flesh. You continued to cling onto your school uniform, attempting to calm down before that raging storm inside could get any worse, pieces of the nightmare still lingering.

But as the door to the room slid open, you quickly rubbed at your eyes, trying to mask your tears as you kept your gaze buried into your body, offering who you assumed to be the nurse a reply upon their entry. “I'm feeling much better. Can I go home now?” While you were doing better physically—as for mentally—right now you were a mess.

As the bed creaked at the sudden added weight and warm hands grasped your own, that's when your eyes shot up in surprise, flinching at the touch before finally relaxing as realization settled in. Seafoam green pools gazed at you as you stared back, at a loss for words like this boy here was a figment of your imagination and the nightmare was just cruelly teasing you with his presence.

Shadows danced across the room where the light didn't fully reach, finding themselves in the green sea that was his eyes again as pain and concern swam in their depths. His hold while gentle felt almost forceful as if you'd also be swallowed up within these shadows and disappear into the darkness that was your own pain.

You slid your legs down into a criss-cross position, those hands continuing their hold on yours, that voice you were so familiar with finally accompanying them. “Don't fight it.” Those words soft yet demanding, finally broke your facade and nightmare world down into dust.

Endo's tattooed arms wrapped around you, encasing you like a protective barrier as the tears in your eyes fell, staining his skin in invisible ink. You allowed yourself to be vulnerable again, laying your head against his chest as you averted your gaze, your hands finding themselves on the fabric of his tank top.

It felt safe. Warm. You didn't want to leave, wishing he could hold you like this forever. You wanted to drown in his embrace—allow him to wash away all those unwanted feelings and replace them with only thoughts of him. And then as if under some kind of spell, your lips moved.

“I'm sorry—”

“And why are you apologizing?” he asked, his tone implying how ridiculous it sounded. And then you realized why he had questioned it. It wasn't like you had asked for any of this to begin with but you still blamed yourself even if it was self defense and keeping a girl from harm.

His eyes drifted down towards your lips, lingering there in consideration but his thoughts were interrupted by your next words, taking away all of his attention. “I want you to teach me how to fight—No, you're going to teach me how to fight.”

The last of your words left no room for negotiation, your resolve clear to him as you wondered how he'd respond. But you didn't expect a wave of laughter to fill your ears, his eyes shining with excitement as a grin plastered itself to his face. “Finally—I've been waiting to hear those words after all this time. I'm not gonna hold back y'know.”

“And I'm not expecting you to. I know what I'm getting myself into,” you answered him, determined to prove yourself but still slightly surprised that he was so quick to approve.

“I saw you reaching for it,” he suddenly said, causing a confused look to appear on your face as you rubbed at the redness around your eyes.

“Hm?”

“The pipe,” he clarified.

“Oh that—that was nothing.”

“Sure it was,” he laughed, clearly not believing you about your intentions that night with the fireworks.

And then his comment had you questioning yourself for a moment, gripping that piece of glass once again. But you forced those thoughts away from the prison that was your mind, not wanting to think about that any longer. That wasn't you. And the nightmare was now over. And so after a few deep breaths, you calmed down, ready to change the subject again, wanting an explanation. “How were you able to track me down to that hostess club anyway?”

“I tracked you through your cell phone.”

You couldn't even be upset at that. And so your questions continued. “And getting in?”

“With the right amount of confidence, you can get in just about anywhere—or you can just force your way in,” he smiled.

“I see… You know the girl who stepped in before you did—well I think I know her.”

“You do?” He raised an eyebrow, looking for further explanation as his hands remained at your back.

“It has to be Yui. She's the girl I helped out that day Takiishi saved me. And I got to see her again in the marketplace not too long ago. She must have been wearing a wig or something—her appearance changed but not her.” You were convinced you were right but all this did was cause a frown to form on Endo's face.

“You're not going back there, are you?”

“Of course not. I'm not that crazy. I have another way of getting in contact.” You sighed, realizing that you had been clinging to him all this time but you still didn't want to pull away just yet. And as one of your arms moved towards his back, you wondered how close you were to the tattooed angel wings but you refrained from bringing it up again for now, already overwhelmed enough.

“Go on and say my first name again.”

“What?” Your questioning look only served to annoy him again as the messy haired boy repeated himself. “Say my first name again.”

“Oh,” you began, realization in your eyes. “Yamato…”

“Geez, don't just mumble it,” he complained, his arms finally leaving your back as one of his hands suddenly moved over to your neck, brushing his fingertips against your exposed skin as if to encourage you. It sent a shiver through you, your thoughts swirling around like a whirlpool as you watched him with curiosity, his intentions still unclear.

“Yamato.” You said it more clearly with confidence this time, earning a smile from him.

“That's more like it.” His voice, a whisper in that moment, chilled you again as his hand continued its gentle touch, pulling his face towards your neck. His lips followed, pressing a kiss to your skin, causing you to involuntarily shift your body when they made contact. “Relax.”

Taking a deep breath in preparation, you allowed yourself to do just that, your back against the headboard still as he continued to press more kisses to your neck. The sensation lulled you into a dream-like state, not caring any longer. Your hesitation was beginning to melt away, welcoming his intimate touch as the moonlight coming in from the window outside illuminated your bodies.

Noticing that you were a bit more comfortable, his fingertips dropped a bit lower to your collarbone, tracing it lightly underneath the fabric of your school uniform. A soft humming escaped him when you didn't pull his hand away, his touch continuing in its slow and gentle manner. But he didn't seem to be totally satisfied.

Retracting his hand from there, it hovered over you now as if considering something else before ultimately deciding against it. Instead, he brought his lips back down onto that same area of your flesh. And like a snake, his fangs—teeth grazed against you, threatening to bite down.

But when he didn't, you found yourself left with some disappointment in you that you tried to suppress. Maybe it was that darker side of you lingering about like one of the shadows dancing across the room begging for him to claim you after everything that happened, his touch the only thing that could erase the feel of the hands that had harmed you.

With closed eyes, his lips persisted as they replaced his fingertips at your collarbone. And you completely gave into the sensation, your mind numb and content like a drug had been injected into your system. The last thing his fingertips carefully brushed against was the skin at your forehead where your stitches were at, his lips pressing one final kiss near that spot as more warmth engulfed your face.

And disappointment only filled you further when he finally pulled away, his eyes dripping with lust and excitement at your flushed face and acceptance towards his actions. Your hands pressed against the areas he had given attention to, his touch now just a ghostly presence that left you wanting more and leaving you to question if there was any real meaning behind it.

And what about those angel wings? You still didn't know what to think. He was a hard person to read at times. And while your body was convinced, a piece of your mind still wasn't.

But you knew you would have to break away eventually, other thoughts prompting your next words as you attempted to avoid locking eyes with him now that it was over. “What time is it—Oh, wait. Geez, I almost forgot. How the hell am I gonna get around the bill?”

“Already got you covered.”

“How should I pay you back then?”

“You don't,” he simply replied, leaning back on the palms of his hands.

“Thank you, Yamato.” Saying his first name again left you with a sense of relief and happiness, having subconsciously avoided it for a while now as the two of you grew older.

Your eyes then trailed over to your cell phone on the nearby table and another thought came to mind: your parents. Quickly grabbing it and unlocking it, you saw a flood of unread messages and miscalls, earning a groan from you. Your lie for being out so late would have to be the best one you could come up with yet if you wanted to get out of this situation.

“What am I gonna tell them? I'm supposed to be—”

“Give it here,” he motioned, asking for your cell phone. You handed it over to him with a questioning look but knowing him he must've had an answer to your problem. “I'll send the message. Just go back to sleep for a bit. It's only ten o'clock anyway.”

“But—”

“Sleep.”

You let out a sigh, reluctantly giving into his demands as he left the bed. Laying back down, your eyes were starting to feel heavy, exhaustion pulling you down like a weighted blanket. The light from your cell phone glowed in the corner of the room as Endo tapped at the screen. But your gaze couldn't stay fixed on him for long because as a few more minutes passed, you soon found yourself drifting off to the land of dreams.

Notes:

This has always been the plan for the reader/mc. I wanted to do something different this time. Also, thank you all so much for continuing to support/read my story though. I've been having a fun time writing this! I was a bit delayed with this chapter and couldn't edit as much. The heat has been making me sick. Anyway, see ya soon and take care!

Chapter 21: Unspoken Words

Brushing a strand of hair to the side, you accidentally touched the area where your stitches were, the broken skin there now in its healing process. The breeze in the alleyway grew stronger, kicking up some discarded trash by the graffitied walls, blowing that same strand of hair loose yet again, causing an annoyed sigh to escape you.

It was your dark haired companion who broke the silence first, his tall form just a few feet away. “Why didn't you stop me last night?”

“Does it matter?” You threw the same words he had used on you before back at him, earning a chuckle that was mixed with irritation yet understanding at why you had answered the way that you had.

Your tone was serious yet sounded coldly sarcastic when he thought about the tattoo on his back, those small angel wings nagging at him. But unfortunately for the both of you, he wouldn't be direct either, some truth to his answer left out for you to frustrate over.

“I guess not,” Endo replied, laughter leaving his lips as he leaned against the wall, his wave-like hair continuing to move around like the ocean as another breeze passed through. He appeared calm on the surface but his seafoam green eyes told you that there was something unseen lying underneath, asking you to dive in to uncover that hidden secret. But you were stubborn.

And so that conversation died there, ending with a lack of complete understanding and only causing more questions to cloud your mind. But as unsatisfied as you were, you didn't want to admit it out loud. Wasn't your acceptance of his intimacy more than enough for him?

You sighed again. “Wait here. I'll be back with my medication.”

You placed a bandage over your injury before turning the corner of the alleyway. Approaching the familiar pharmacy, you entered its small interior as you walked to the front counter. Before anything else, you gave the striped grey cat lying there some attention, its purrs loud and satisfied as the back door opened.

“Hm? What the hell happened to you?” Masato immediately asked upon seeing the bandage, a proper greeting forgotten.

“Nasty fall at the pool,” you responded, hoping that he wouldn't pry for more details but his next question only made it worse.

“Is that what you told your parents?”

“And what's that supposed to mean?”

He laughed. “Oh, you're getting defensive. I just might be onto something.”

“I fell and I hit my head,” you stated. “What more could there be?”

“You fooled your parents but you can't fool me.”

Choosing to ignore his words, you pulled out a small slip of paper showing the medication you needed, placing it on top of the counter as a forced smile graced your lips. “Just do your job please.”

“Tch, as you wish.” The boy with dyed blonde hair proceeded to scan the shelves behind him for the medication you requested as you began to give the sleepy cat some more attention.

Leaning against the countertop, you felt a wave of nausea wash over you for a moment as you silently begged for the boy to hurry up. Once he turned back around with the pills, you paid up, offering a quick thanks as you pet the friendly feline one last time.

Another hit of nausea. This one much stronger. Stumbling, you accidentally sent a few plastic bottles to the floor as you bumped into the edge of one of the nearby shelves, startling the cat in the process. “Sorry little guy.” Quickly picking up the items and placing them back into their spots, you continued towards the door, only to find that your body couldn't comply.

You felt like your head had been slammed into that table all over again, a blinding headache shot straight into your temple with a pistol, unrelenting. Your hand reached for the doorway to use as a crutch but it slipped as dizziness created copies in your vision and so you grabbed onto nothing.

Just as you thought you'd hit the ground, a pair of strong arms caught you, holding you up. Your first thought was Masato. He had attempted to reach you but he was too slow. And so as your blurred vision looked up towards the fluorescent lighting, you saw that it was Endo who had saved you.

The pharmacy owners’ son looked between the two of you, some surprise and curiosity etching itself into his face as he directed his words at the dark haired boy. “And who are you?”

Avoiding a direct answer, a frown painted Endo's lips, barely glancing back at the boy as his gaze focused on your body in his arms again. “Why do you care, creep? They're perfectly fine with me.”

The dark green jacket that was a part of the Furin High uniform was currently covering his tattoos at the moment, masking those inked images from the other boy's sight. But this still didn't keep the blonde from trying to approach the two of you, some hesitation in his voice.

“Wait—what do you think you're—”

“Does it look like I give a damn? I'll take it from here so just shut up and get back to work.”

You couldn't see it right now but Endo's gaze held a darkness in them yet again, shadows swimming within the seafoam green of his eyes as he sent one last look at him, shutting him up. Masato, annoyed but not wanting to take any chances with this intimidating boy, reluctantly made his way over to the back of the pharmacy again.

Everything was spinning at the moment. So, with no other option, you allowed Endo to hold onto you as he carried you back out to the privacy of the alleyway, away from prying eyes. Carefully, your body was leaned up against the wall as he had some of his own words to say to you. “And you, quit trying to act so tough.”

“I was fine until just a moment ago…” you mumbled, eyes remaining closed, trying to keep the light out to avoid feeling any worse. The wall felt cold against your back, the wind refreshing yet chilling as your arms wrapped around yourself. And then you found dark green fabric embracing you as it left his body, the smell of his cologne attached to it.

You held onto the jacket as Endo's hand found the small bottle of medication that was still clutched tightly in yours before slipping one of the pills out. Placing it in between his lips, he steadied you with a hand on your shoulder before moving in, his lips pressing against yours.

And you were forced to swallow the pill unless you wanted to choke as your eyes shot open, his warmth engulfing you like a wave. The feeling of his lips wasn't deep, only gracing your own as he stepped away with a satisfied smile on his face.

“Last time I checked, my hands still worked,” you laughed. Your voice came out weak but still had enough energy to be sarcastic with him.

“Just thank me and move on.”

A deep deep sigh.

♡♡♡

Other voices greeted you first when you entered your apartment later that day—or rather those coming from the television. That meant one thing: your father was home early today. And sure enough, you were correct.

Lying back comfortably on the couch as the news was playing on the screen in front of him, he continued to sip a cup of hot green tea, resting from a long day of work. When he noticed you come in, a smile tugged at the corners of his lips before greeting you warmly.

“Hey, kiddo. How are you feeling?” he asked, throwing the remote to the side so you could take a seat next to him.

“Hey, Dad.” You placed your school bag over one of the chairs in the kitchen before sitting down with him, ignoring the background voices coming from the television. “I'm feeling better. Just really tired.”

“Hm I see. Well, let us know if anything changes or if you don't feel well, alright? We're so glad it wasn't any worse. What if you had fallen into the pool?”

You had started to get comfortable but that feeling was shattered once he brought up the subject of your injury again. And that was totally expected.

You touched the spot on your forehead where the bandage had been placed, hiding the severity of the injury, assuring your parents last night that it was just an ugly red mark you didn't want anyone to see. Your excuse—your lie for being out so late yesterday: you were getting checked out at an urgent care to make sure the hit to your head was nothing life threatening. And because you pushed the lie so much and had never gotten involved with the wrong crowd to their knowledge, you were somehow able to convince them that that was the truth. You seemed to always be wearing a liar's mask these days.

Your gaze drifted over to your bag hanging off the chair from across the room, another item hidden inside the fabric also a part of that lie: Endo's school uniform jacket. And the medication bottle was tucked away with it too, your bag a carrier of secrets now.

Your father and mother's worries were valid. And it made you feel guilty all over again. But you had to. He would never approve of what you were getting yourself into either. And so forced to keep up your lie, you answered with, “I just accidentally slipped. Don't worry, okay? I'll be more careful next time.”

A long sigh full of expected worry. “Please do. You nearly gave your mother and I a heartattack—Oh, that reminds me. Ms. Makino wanted to ask if you could dog sit for her and her husband this weekend. Feeling up to it?”

“Wow, I guess she really was serious about wanting me to help her out. And tell her I will.”

“Great. I'm sure she'll be happy. Also, I was thinking we'd eat out tonight together as a family as soon as your mother gets back.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. You've been doing so well in school lately. We wanted to reward you. So go and get ready before she comes back.”

You were grateful to have parents like them, which made going behind their backs tear at the invisible wound that was your guilt even more every time that you did. All you could do was apologize silently. But the show must go on and so you forced that mask of yours back on, a smile accompanying it as you went to get ready for an evening out with them both.

♡♡♡

The Shiba Inu lay peacefully asleep in her bed off to the side as your eyes tried to stay focused on the screen, its inner shadows playing out a horror story before you. Your thoughts were elsewhere, the dialogue and scenes blending together in a mess of spoken words and actions that had no meaning to you because you were so distracted.

“Y'know, you really shouldn't be here right now.” Your eyes landed on the boy beside you who had his arm draped lazily over the end of the couch, his focus also pulling away, the movie forgotten as he answered you.

“And since when have you been following the rules lately?” Endo questioned.

“True. You do have a point,” you sighed, your gaze finding the dog once again who was now content and full after having had dinner.

On the wall next to the dog sat another framed photo in the Makino apartment. The married couple happily sat together in front of a sakura tree, its soft petals creating a blanket of pink at their feet. Their smiles made that green-eyed monster stir inside of you again with guilt as if your own wishes for something similar to that life were being dangled in front of you out of reach, taunting you.

“You haven't changed your mind about the other day?” he suddenly asked, taking notice of where your eyes were focused on, prompting another question. “What are you looking at—the photos?”

“Yeah. They both seem so happy together y'know, even if they do argue about how she spends their money,” you laughed, some bittersweetness in it.

“Not everybody gets such a happy ending.” It was blunt but it was the truth. You couldn't deny that.

“And I'm aware of that.” You didn’t want some false reality that's been painted to look like a fairytale. Even if you couldn't achieve that same happiness that they had, you'd do what you could to find your own happiness—because it's your life to control. “So, no, Yamato. I haven't changed my mind, have you?”

A chuckle left him at the coldness in your words, not expecting another bite back at him. But it cemented your seriousness about wanting to fight, any possibility about it being a joke snuffed out by the lingering shadows that he saw swimming in your own eyes. “No and besides, with me training you, I know you'll blossom into something even more capable.”

Without thinking, you inched closer to him, placing your head atop his shoulder as the horror scenes before you continued to play out. He silently accepted the close proximity, snaking an arm around your shoulder to pull you even closer as if a piece of your body was a branch from the sakura tree in the photo. The tattoos adorning his pale skin seemed to come alive, those inked images luring you further in each time you saw them up close.

A smile painted your lips. You wanted to say something desperately but you couldn't bring yourself to, those unspoken words left to torture you all over again in the prison of your mind. Every time one of you made contact, it felt like the chains tying you down were wrapping around even tighter, threatening to cut off your blood flow and kill you.

And so you just allowed the silence between you both to consume you, his touch enough for now as you stared at the screen ahead, praying that your story wouldn't end in horror like this one.

Notes:

Have I mentioned that I love reading yall's comments? Lol I see them all even if I don't respond to all of them cuz I overthink and don't know what to really say at times. One word for the next chapter: Takiishi. Also, I just got back from Anime Expo a few hours ago so I had to do some of my editing on the bus lol. See ya next chapter!

Chapter 22: Flower Killer

A stream of water cascaded down from atop the small fountain at the center, flowing into the pool at the bottom, its droplets creating ripples. Up above the white flowers continued to fall from the trees, promising fruit when the time was right. The backyard patio of the apartment felt peaceful and relaxing as you sat on a stone bench nearby resting.

As silence embraced the space, your eyes drifted over to the red haired boy who lay in the hammock just beyond the fountain, his eyes closed, seeming to be asleep. His hair became decorated with white petals like he was some sleeping prince under some spell in a fairytale awaiting to be woken up.

One of those snow white flowers eventually found its way to you as the breeze pulled one loose from up above, falling towards your outstretched hand. Some of its petals broke off as it finally settled into your palm, admiring its beauty.

Suddenly droplets started to fall from the sky, slipping past the tree tops and onto you. Takiishi's slumber would soon be disrupted too when droplets fell onto his face, waking him. An irritated sigh escaped him. As if those flaming locks would be extinguished by the incoming water, he quickly left the comfort of the hammock, entering the dry and warm interior of the apartment once more.

You chose not to follow him right away, allowing the coolness from the rain to touch your skin and hair. But when the sound of glass breaking sounded off from inside, that's when you rushed back in.

Not at all surprised, a cup now lay broken as pieces of glass were scattered across the floor. You weren't one to usually show concern for him but something felt off with the redhead today and as you approached him in the kitchen lighting, his flushed face told you what was wrong right away.

With Endo still out, the only person the boy had was you and so reluctantly you stepped closer. “Don't worry about the glass. We should get you to bed.”

He barely mustered an answer for you, his voice weak and his gaze elsewhere. “Fine.”

Before he could stumble, you went towards him, feeling uncomfortable as the soles of your shoes broke some of the glass underneath you into even smaller pieces. Ignoring the mess for now, you carefully placed an arm around his shoulder as you motioned for him to walk.

It wasn't pity or kindness that urged you into action but the fact that this was someone that one of those you cared about held dear. And while you didn't feel the same way, you weren't just going to watch as the redhead succumbed to his fate.

It was a strange sight to witness. Pale skin made ghostly white. A face dusted with red, making that sickness more prominent, etched into his features like a poison extending its branches across. And now all the life had been drained from that crimson flower, matching the ones from the trees outside.

How odd that his strongest opponent came in the form of this sickness and not another fighter to match the strength that he held. And the tint of red painted on his skin weren't splatters of blood but the uncomfortable heat that clung to his body, eating away at it until it went back to normal.

You struggled to move forward. The lean of his weight against you felt even heavier with the way his body had wilted, having difficulty keeping himself up. And the aches in your body from before were faint but still there. But you pressed on towards the bedroom, walking at a fast but steady pace to keep him from slipping any further into the sickness’s grip.

Was the rain a bad omen for him? Wasn't water supposed to revitalize flowers? It appeared to do the exact opposite as if he'd been denied a much needed drink like his own fire-like hair had consumed him, trapping him in a desert where only little could grow.

A wave of relief washed over you once you pushed past the bedroom door, making your way over to the bed at the center. You carefully unhooked your arm from him to allow him to lay down. And before you went to get the items you needed, you had to confirm one thing. And so, you once again reluctantly reached out to him, the back of your hand resting against his forehead as it met an out of place warmth: a fever.

Stepping away, you exited the room to find what would help him, hoping that Endo would be back soon with the food. And that for both boys’ sake, that Takiishi's vulnerable condition would improve with your aid.

♡♡♡

Accidentally stepping on the scattered pieces of glass again, you grabbed another glass full of water now as you made your way back over to the bedroom, a damp small towel also in your other hand. When you entered, you quickly noticed the sweat that clung to Takiishi's forehead as you set the cloth down against this skin.

He had already passed out by the time you had gotten back so you left the water at his side, watching as his chest slowly rose and fell in his sleep. Wondering if there was anything you could give him, you walked over to the bathroom. And after rummaging through the cabinet, a triumphant look took over your features as you found one of the typical over-the-counter medications for illnesses such as this.

With nothing left to do but to wait for him to wake up again, you went back to the kitchen where the shattered pieces of glass still lay, a frown on your face at the sight. Taking a broom and dustpan from the side, you began sweeping up the broken pieces, not wanting to step on them again.

Worry started to cloud your mind as the sound of rain continued to fall outside, droplets hitting the windows in a steady rhythm. You must be going crazy after all. Showing concern for him of all people? Wasn't it just Endo? But you were wrong. Deep down you knew that you'd end up getting close to him too in some way. There was no escaping that.

If Yamato was the cool unpredictable waves of the ocean that threatened to drown you then Chika was the blazing sun that would burn you alive if you got too close. Ironic that both made you feel the opposite.

Making your way back towards the red haired boy, you realized that he was awake once more. His tired gaze held you for a moment in contemplation as a single word slipped out. “Water…” His hand reached for the glass at the bedside but you quickly grabbed it before this one could shatter too, offering to help. His hand dropped back down to his side as if complying before you motioned for him to sit up.

Before you placed your hand underneath his chin to steady him, you told yourself you were doing this for Endo, trying your best to act calmly before you carefully brought the pill and edge of the glass towards his lips, asking him to swallow. The medication went down fast as more water entered him slowly, some sign of satisfaction in his expression as he leaned back down into the soft pillows once he had had his fill.

He felt like less of a threat in this sorry state as sad as that was for you to admit but it didn't make you feel any less strange having to touch him again. But that contact would never be anything close to the intimacy that you craved from his dark haired companion. This was purely for the sake of keeping him healthy even if the redhead didn't bother to give you any gratitude.

“So you're finally gonna do something?” Takiishi's voice came out low, barely reaching your ears as you set the glass back down, your attention drawn back to him. “About time…”

You knew what he was referring to, remembering his question that day he had stepped in to save you. And maybe this was just your way of paying him back for his unexpected help.

“Yes, I've finally decided to learn. I don't want to keep relying on Yamato… or you, Takiishi…”

He regarded you with that same indifference as usual, those words from that day leaving him yet again. “Do what you want. Just don't get in the way.”

His gaze seemed to drift over to the dark green uniform jacket you were wearing—Endo's jacket—as something else you couldn't quite read burned you with the warmth of his golden brown eyes like a cup of hot tea with honey mixed in.

Takiishi was still a mystery to you after all this time. You had to wonder what was going on inside that head of this—or maybe you didn't want to know. He had always been a more difficult person to read than Endo. But that still didn't stop you from wanting to understand him better. And maybe your choice to fight would be what was needed to do so.

The thought of getting further involved in that violent world of his was still sitting at the back of your mind like a candle, its fire weak but still burning—warning you. But you extinguished it, already decided on what you needed to do now.

♡♡♡

Drip. Drip. Drip.

It took a moment for you to realize the trickle of red sliding down your knuckles, the drops of blood disappearing into the clear pool of water at your feet like a cloud of ink. You stared at the wound on your hand before bringing your gaze towards the spider web of cracks in the glass, telling you who the culprit was: you.

Confusion swam in the depths of your eyes as you tried to make sense of the situation, the absence of pain in your hand making you question things even further. You walked forward, the water at your feet making splashing sounds as you reached your reflection—another you staring back from the other side.

Unable to conclude anything at the moment, another form suddenly appeared in the glass like a mirror, a striking red dyeing the clearness. But before you could turn around to face that person, a pair of hands clasped tightly around your neck, restricting your airways as you looked on in horror at the scene in front of you.

Chika Takiishi.

You silently pleaded for him to stop, your strength being sapped away every second his hands remained on your neck. His eyes seemed to hold zero emotion as if he was some wandering spirit passing through, attempting to take you with it to the other side.

Just when you thought your life would be drained away, the feeling of suffocation stopped and your breath returned as if nothing had ever happened. Your mind was racing, your confusion deepening as you tried to make sense of things yet again.

But as you turned around, away from the reflection, the glass and water below you shattered into pieces. Its remains transformed into another scene in the dream. A heavy fog draped over a sea of white flowers, having made their return to you in the dream world.

Your broken skin still running red, dripped blood onto some of the flowers, painting them as you wandered into the new space, in search of a way out. Like one of the undead, you continued on, your steps starting to feel like you were walking under water, the flowers—sand at your feet.

And then there was more blood—this time coming from your forehead, which had to be impossible. But as you hesitantly pressed your fingers there, they became coated in red like the wound had never even been stitched up to begin with. It was as if the universe was telling you—warning you that the mask would eventually slip off and your lies would be revealed.

It wouldn't stop no matter how much you tried to cover this other painless wound. And so red dyed more and more flowers as you walked on, feeling like there was no ending in sight until another figure drifted out of the fog from the distance. Something told you to run and so you began to move your feet quicker, racing to meet that person as red continued to flow like a bloody stream.

You strangely felt out of breath once you reached him. But there was no mistaking it. This figure was Yamato Endo.

When you reached out to take his hand, you grabbed onto nothing. Surprised to find that he was also some sort of ghost, a defeated sigh escaped you, his tattooed form disappearing along with the fog like he never even existed—like you never even met him in the first place.

And that was so much scarier than anything else a nightmare could throw at you.

♡♡♡

When you awoke on the couch you thought those ghostly hands were still wrapped around your neck, your mind still trapped inside that eerie space. But as you quickly rose up and saw you were back in the safety of the living room, you realized that it had all just been a strange dream—or rather nightmare.

But despite knowing this fact, you couldn't stop yourself from inspecting your hands and pressing your fingers to your forehead. No signs of blood. You wanted to laugh at yourself but then another worrying thought started to dig its nails into your mind, drawing blood mentally.

As you stared at the sleeve of the dark green uniform jacket, it became clear what that issue was: Masato.

The scar aside, he was your biggest concern at the moment. You'd have no choice but to make another visit to the pharmacy soon, afraid that he wouldn't keep his mouth shut.

You pulled off the jacket in frustration, wondering what you'd have to do to get yourself out of this situation. But just how far would you go to keep feeding those lies and stay by Yamato's side?

Notes:

I really wanted to focus on Takiishi again with this chapter. I know this isn't a Takiishi x Reader but still lol. And I guess you can say that their relationship is also strange. Also, I enjoy writing weird dream sequences so if y'all were confused a bit, that was the intention, kinda like the start of ch 12 but it was reader playing a video game. Anyway, see ya next chapter, take care!

Chapter 23: I Bleed and I Burn

You stared back intensely at your reflection in the restroom mirror. A mixture of anger, guilt and worry adorned your face—a mask of the accumulation of your lies. The other face stared back at you, some of its features beginning to become unrecognizable as the wound in front bled imaginary red through the bandage and into the sink like a river of red.

Your words weren't coming out—held hostage in those chains inside that prison of yours and you had to find the courage to force that key into the lock, setting those thoughts free. One of your hands reached up above your brow, hesitation keeping you from pulling the bandage back as if you were peeling off a piece of your flesh itself. But as you looked back at those beautiful blue eyes, you knew you had to eventually say something.

And so with a firm grip, you pulled it back to reveal the healing wound to Tsubaki, some regret filled words finally leaving you. “I should have said something sooner to you but this is what happened to me at that stupid club… I'm sorry for keeping quiet about it…”

You expected the hurt in his eyes, silence descending upon you both as he contemplated what to say after having heard everything that had occurred that day just a moment ago. But the concern was there, swimming around at the surface, ready to break through into comfort as soon as you allowed him to do so.

“Don't you trust us, [First Name]?” His voice came out softly, offering warmth to your name despite the question that left his lips, causing your next words to slip out just above a whisper as if your vocal cords had been ripped out.

“Of course I do, Tsubaki…”

Seeing the tears at the edge of his eyes felt like a knife had been pierced into you, tearing into your abdomen as your guts spilled out onto the floor in a bloody mess. Turning around to face him properly, you reluctantly reached out, trying to keep your emotions under control so you wouldn't go home with red rimmed eyes.

But that small gesture was enough for him. He quickly pulled you into a tight embrace, earning more guilt from you as you accepted it, tears now threatening to fall. “I'm so sorry. But I'm okay so you don't have to worry.”

“But I'm always going to worry,” he laughed through his tears, having yet to release you from his comforting warmth. “Just please be more careful.”

You wanted to promise him. But that wasn't possible now. And not wanting to add him to your list of people to tell lies too, you tried your best to give him an honest answer as you met his eyes again, sincerity shining a light in the shadows swimming in your own.

“I will try. Um…” You hesitated again, your previous words sounding so unconvincing. “Tsubaki, you're pretty good with makeup. Do you think you could teach me how to cover this up? I don't want my parents to notice this scar.”

A sign of understanding painted his features as he replied with, “Sure I can. If it'll mean that you can keep visiting us then I'd be more than happy to help.”

The frown he wore was starting to disappear as a weak smile replaced it, your own also fading away as an expression of gratitude took over. “Thank you so much.”

♡♡♡

Torture. It was pure torture having to force yourself to come back and have a conversation with him—even more so now that you were stuck in the pharmacy's back room, wanting to be away from those who could overhear. You may as well have been strapped to the chair you were in, your ears dripping red from hearing his voice. An exaggeration but a valid one in your eyes.

The eerie fluorescent lighting overhead made you think of an interrogation room where you were on full display and your only escape was to come clean to the blonde. Masato pulled up another folding chair, setting it across from you as he turned it the opposite way before sitting down, his perceptive gaze already drawn to the covered up injury from before.

“So, what brings you here?”

From the way he said it, you just knew that he was already well aware why you had come back here today. No medications. Just a simple conversation—well in your case, a very complicated one.

Wasting no time, you got straight to the point, your tone already laced with distrust and irritation. “What is it gonna take for you to keep quiet?” you asked, concern deepening the frown you wore even further as you braced yourself for what you knew was to follow.

He took his time giving his answer, his smile, a permanent annoyance for you that was already plastered onto his lips at what was to come. And he enjoyed every second that he made you wait, your nervousness growing like a poisonous vine wrapping around you, its hold unbearably tight until he finally spoke, releasing some of that mental strain.

“Go on a date with me.”

Hearing the request said aloud sent daggers to your eyes as that sour expression of yours transformed into an even harsher glare. If it was possible, the small room would have already been covered in ice, wanting nothing more than to be far away from this boy. But you had no choice but to accept. He just knew too much.

When you took too long to answer, he broke the silence, his voice dripping in satisfaction, that poison continuing to spread. “So, what will it be, [First Name]?”

As if prying open your jaws with a set of pliers, the words were forced out, more imaginary blood spilling from your mouth as you continued to glare back at him. “We have a deal. But you better not go back on your word.”

He laughed, relishing in his moment of triumph after all this time before asking something else to set this in stone. “But just answer me one thing. Who's the Furin guy who caught you in the pharmacy the other day?”

Your eyes went wide before the anger in them settled, once again forced to say more as an exasperated sigh escaped you.

“Yamato Endo.”

A look of realization was etched into him, another thought crossing his mind as he said it aloud. “So that's your grade school crush. I honestly didn't think you were into guys like that. You've always been such a goody two-shoes—or so I thought. So, are you two together?”

A pained expression tore into you. Now it definitely felt like you were stuck inside a torture room, teeth being pried from your mouth this time as more red ran from your body, pooling down at your feet in some sick red sea. He might as well have just taken those scissors on the table nearby and stabbed you with them. But your silence told him more than your words ever could.

His laughter stung your ears again as you sat there, not knowing how much longer you were going to last being stuck in this room with him. He continued the conversation for you as a feigned look of pity adorned him, enjoying your torture. “Oh, how sad. Doing all this just to stay by his side when you're not even his to lose…”

“Shut up. We're done here.”

You had to resist the urge to slap him, your clenched fists turning white in the knuckles as you bit back another cold answer.

“Okay. Okay. I'll stop,” he replied, waving his hands in surrender. “You have my word then. I'll let you know when—”

You didn't even bother answering him, already shutting the door behind you as soon as the opportunity to leave arose, that cold gaze of yours following you into the warmth of the afternoon.

♡♡♡

Your feet dangled at the pool's edge as you sat there, distracted with your thoughts. More ripples formed as your fellow swim club members continued to practice their strokes, urging you to keep going. And so, you once again lowered yourself into the water. Content at being able to swim now but overwhelmed at everything going on, it was no wonder why you couldn't find any motivation today.

But you pressed onwards, throwing your body into freestyle. Alternating between your arms, you pushed yourself forward as you came up for breath every other break to the surface at your side, making sure to keep your gaze at the bottom of the pool. But as you approached the end, those aches in your body were making it difficult to keep the momentum going and so, you slowed down in an effort to ease the pain.

Annoyed with yourself that you weren't as fast as you wanted to be at the moment, you decided it would be best to focus on the least strenuous of the strokes: breaststroke. At least then you'd still be able to do something while in the water.

Although it hadn't been long, you had hoped you could go back to your full routine today but that was just wishful thinking. Your body was still recovering and it would decide when you'd be able to again whether you liked it or not. But that wasn't going to keep you from enjoying yourself. This was your time to relax some more and like hell you'd let the universe take this from you too or maybe it was just your punishment.

And as if to punish you even further, the makeup was washed away by the very thing you used to conceal the trail of lies.

♡♡♡

You found yourself at Furin right after your swim again, looking out at the town below from the rooftop, your hand hooked inside one of the holes in the fence. The wind continued to bite into your skin, whipping at any piece that was exposed to the outside elements as another yawn slipped past your lips.

The setting sun dyed the sky in pinks and oranges as you awaited for the tattoo clad boy to make his appearance but as the minutes ticked on by, that seemed less and less likely to happen. The sun—a clock in the clouds, began to lower itself even more, the hour and minute hands—the last rays of sunlight stretching over the expanse, telling you that the wind would only grow colder the longer you stayed.

But you remained there, your body also telling itself that there was a reason to keep on waiting. And as another gust of wind sent some discarded trash across the rooftop, the door finally opened. It wasn't the person you had expected to see but his presence was most welcomed.

You didn't even get a chance to let any words out, your body quickly being embraced by dark green. Your arms wrapped around his body in acceptance, gripping onto that warmth as the boy with snow white hair finally spoke.

“Thank god you're okay.” His voice, almost a whisper, sent that same wave of guilt crashing back over you as his name left you.

“Ume… I'm sorry,” you answered him, pulling away as you forced a smile. “I'm sure Tsubaki told you everything… I should have just waited to explain it to you too.”

He shook his head. “All that matters is that you're alright.”

All you could do was look towards the ground now, the shadows cast up there, draping your features in some of the darkness they brought as the sun continued to set behind you. He too noticed the cover up, the skin on your forehead masked to look like nothing had ever happened as that same worry found in Tsubaki adorned him.

“Does it hurt?” he asked, referring to where your stitches had been.

A forced smile continued to tug at the corners of your lips, trying to reassure him. “No. Not anymore. I've just been tired as usual.”

Before you could get lost in the conversation, one more shadow approached the two of you as Umemiya’s gaze drifted over to the incoming figure, another question leaving his lips. “So, it was him who saved you?” It was more so to confirm your story through your own answer even if he already knew the details.

As your gaze met Endo's, you gave the white haired boy one final reply, “Yes, Yamato saved me.”

Said boy wasted no time pulling you to his side, a smile laced with possession or annoyance, you weren't quite sure. But you saw that his smile didn't reach those seafoam green eyes of his as he gave the other boy a quick glance before focusing back onto you again, finally acknowledging you with words. “So, this is where you've been.”

“Yeah. My bad. I should've messaged you or something,” you answered, noticing that Umemiya’s smile had disappeared, his expression contemplative now before his sweet voice was directed towards you once more, accepting that this was the end of your talk together.

“Take care, [First Name].”

You tried to mask the slight disappointment that you felt from his quick exit, wishing you two had more time to chat. But maybe it was for the best right now. You couldn't deny the strange tension that always seemed to be present whenever the two of these boys crossed paths.

It reminded you that you had yet to see them fight against each other. But you were perfectly content without ever witnessing it, knowing that it would just bring about that same anxiety that you got whenever you saw Umemiya fight against Takiishi.

But like pieces on a chess board, those blacks and whites were destined to clash. You couldn't help but wonder what side you'd be on. Loyalty to the one you've always known or faith in those newly forged bonds? It wasn't so simple. Being forced to choose just made you want to break that imaginary board into pieces, its remains your inner thoughts.

Without saying anything, you suddenly found that familiar dark green fabric being draped over you again, the scent of cologne accompanying it. A questioning look decorated your face as you allowed the jacket to envelop your body, your damp hair still clinging to your skin, making you feel cold with the wind that kept blowing through.

“You left this,” he said, offering you some warmth. But what you really wanted was the warmth from his own body.

You gave him a grateful grin anyway as you replied with, “Thanks.”

This kind gesture left him without any cover from the cold but he didn't seem to mind. And you couldn't help but be mesmerized all over again by the display of art before you as the lack of a jacket exposed his body more. The black ink dyed him like a painting, his body the frame and the tattoos enhancing his already attractive features.

You didn't try to deny your obvious interest, boldness finding you as you stared back into his eyes. He seemed to take pride in your staring, his smile taking on a more self-satisfied look, a slight tilt of his head as he noticed the blush creeping up your face like a candlelight preparing to burn even brighter.

But that innocent look of yours quickly turned sour when doubt came crawling back into your mind, its claws digging deep and drawing more blood. Your words, while unsure slipped out anyway, wondering if it was all just an act as Masato's comments echoed within, taunting you.

“Are you wearing a mask too?”

You hadn't meant to say it out loud but your voice had a will of its own, ripping it out of you without permission and letting it fall to his ears. Thinking your question had sounded too strange, you weren't expecting an immediate answer.

“I'm not,” he simply stated, that look of expected puzzlement filled with contemplation instead before he continued. “You're the one who chooses to see me with one. Open your eyes already, [First Name].”

“Sorry… I guess I must be blind.”

You wanted to let out a humorless laugh, wishing you could just press fast forward on this play called life, praying that the finale wouldn't be one you regretted in the end. Because this growing feeling—threatening to break free of its invisible chains—the one you realized was none other than love would have all been for nothing. And that feeling wasn't a lie because it was still burning deep inside your heart even now.

Notes:

I decided to edit this instead of going to sleep lol rip my sleep schedule. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed and thank you so much for your continued support on this story, it means so much to me! Take care and I'll see y'all next chapter!

Chapter 24: Because I Hesitate

You knew Endo wouldn't go all out on you even if he had said that he wasn't going to hold back before—because if he were to use his full strength now then you'd end up taking another unwanted trip to the hospital. So instead you were on the offensive.

He took note of every movement you made. You were clumsy as expected for someone with zero fighting experience like a marionette whose limbs were being forced to move on worn out strings that were on the verge of snapping. But he hadn't taken one swing at you, his own movements only dodges for now as he continued to study you closely.

You had watched this kind of scene many times before: the teacher training the inexperienced student. But it was as if you were trying to fight underwater. Your limbs felt heavier. And your reaction speed slowed down like you were standing on the sandy ocean floor, the water working against you instead. But you tried your hardest anyway, forcing your limbs to move how you wanted them to, ignoring the puppet master in your mind holding you back.

It wasn't like you hadn't been observing all the other boys fighting at Furin all this time you'd been visiting. So you decided to try to imitate a kick you had seen, swinging your leg up towards his chest instead of attempting another sorry excuse for a punch. And while you were able to swing it up like you had wanted, it just wasn't fast enough to take someone like Endo off guard, easily catching your ankle in his grip.

You even surprised yourself a little at your flexibility, your attempt not as bad as you had initially thought, wondering if your experience with swimming had helped you in some way. But as he pushed your foot away, you couldn't help but sigh in frustration at being unable to land a single hit so far.

“You're hesitating too much,” he said, a chuckle escaping him as a teasing smile made its way to his lips. “Are you afraid of hurting me? I already told you that I can take some hits.”

You averted your eyes, aware that he wasn't wrong. But you didn't realize just how hard it was to actually force yourself to connect your hands with his body, those thoughts of harm towards him holding you back.

“Where's that determination of yours?” he questioned, suddenly stepping forward to erase all the distance that was left between you two. His tattooed hand found your chin, forcing you to look him in the eyes. “I need you to get more serious with me.”

Once he had your gaze where he wanted it, he released his hold, pushing you back by placing both of his arms onto the wall at your sides, trapping you as he waited for your response. You chewed on your bottom lip, trying to find the right words to say but that proved difficult when he was just a breath away, his body pressing dangerously close. And the eerie silence of the abandoned warehouse seemed to be trapping you too the longer you held onto your own silence.

You let out another sigh, finally answering with, “I know I can do better so let me show you again.” You tried to rid yourself of any of the hesitation you had been acting with, knowing it was only hurting your performance.

His serious expression melted back into a more satisfied one, allowing his head to drop towards your neck for a moment, his sweet poisoned filled voice falling towards your ear like a snake on a branch, whispering, “Good. One more time then.”

After he stepped back, you took a deep breath in mental and physical preparation, your face growing hotter from not just the warmth of the building's interior. There needed to be zero hesitation in your movements this time. You needed to concentrate on moving faster, your stubbornness not willing to let you end things for today until you at least landed a simple strike to his body as much as you didn't want to.

Your eyes stared forward, the determination he wanted to see from you burning within them like a torch, that flame feeling more fueled by his words of motivation. Before you could falter, you sent several blows towards him, attempting to match his incredibly fast pace. But as close as you got, all you succeeded in doing was striking more air.

You thought you saw an opening but it was too good to be true because as you sent the sole of your shoe forward into his chest, your ankle was once again caught within his grasp. This earned a groan of frustration from you, your ankle tugging immediately out of his hold as you alternated the placement of your legs, swinging the other one back around towards his face. It had been a miscalculation on your part, having been aiming for his chest again but you had aimed too high.

The corners of Endo's lips turned upwards into a satisfied grin, your efforts beginning to shine through. He hadn't bothered to catch the incoming strike, instead allowing it to land as he blocked it with one of his tattooed arms, surprising you as you felt the impact on your body against his.

Another laugh escaped him as you lowered your other foot back down to the concrete of the room you were in, drops of sweat clinging to the front of your forehead. You brought the back of your hand across that piece of skin, your stamina starting to drain down to zero from all the exercise.

Your words came out like you had just walked up four flights of stairs without stopping, embarrassingly out of breath as your gaze drifted back up to those seafoam green eyes of his. “That doesn't count—”

“Let's call it quits for today,” he cut you off, already expecting this stubbornness from you despite the tired look in your eyes. And the way your arm was now leaning against the wall behind you suggested that you might have overdone yourself for the first day.

A sigh of defeat. And then you moved forward, accepting it as you closed the distance between you again, the breaks of sunlight through the broken windows casting a wave of shadows against your skin, masking a bit of that fatigue you felt.

Before you could let another protest slip out, he spoke up again. “One step at a time, [First Name]. This won't be the last.”

The sound of his voice echoed in the nearly empty interior of the space, another light laugh accompanying it as he placed a hand onto your shoulder, giving it a slight squeeze so he could get your attention again. “I know,” was all you could manage as you imagined yourself inside the cool water of a pool, the inside of the old building starting to feel suffocating the longer you trained within its crumbling walls.

Agreeing that your impatience was only going to slow your progress down, you gave him one final response, a grateful smile directed towards him. “It's only the beginning.”

And once again, you found yourself desperately wanting to say those words to him—the ones that would reveal your true feelings. But as if a sea witch had stolen away your voice, no words could come out, locked away under a spell. You mentally cursed yourself for your hesitation with this as well, wishing you could just rip the words out. But truthfully, it was a struggle to find the correct thing to say to him. And so, letting out another defeated sigh, all you could do in the moment was relish the close proximity between you two.

You told yourself you were not only going to get stronger physically—but mentally. That was a promise.

Notes:

There will be a confession eventually no worries I just wanna get it done right since there's a lot more drama coming. Also, I'll be starting a new job soon but I'll do my best to keep updating this fic every weekend. As always, thank you all for your continued support and I'll see you in the next chapter!

Chapter 25: Strawberry Ice

Notes:

Pachinko is a game machine used for gambling in Japan.

Dogs were truly man's best friend. You came armed and ready today, Masato's comments from last time at the pharmacy still lingering in your mind like an annoyingly catchy song that you wanted to remove from your mental playlist. Ms. Makino's beloved dog pulled you along towards your destination: an outdoor café where you were supposed to meet him this afternoon. When asked if you could look after her again, you didn't hesitate, immediately thinking of how to pay back the boy in a way that would get under his skin while still complying with the deal you two had agreed upon.

As the dog continued onwards with your firm grip on the leash, you prayed she wouldn't try to run off as she sniffed at the plants that decorated the doorways to nearby shops and stopped to stare at the occasional stray cat. Her paws were light but quick on the concrete, keeping you at a steady pace as the stretch of sidewalk moved underneath you in the coolness of the cloud filled sky. You remembered to bring along some treats as a distraction, the biscuits tucked away in the pocket of your jacket so she wouldn't be left out of the meal.

Killing two birds with one stone. That was what you were doing. The only difference was that you actually wanted to spend time with Pachinko, a fitting name for a dog whose owner enjoyed gambling. But as for Masato, he could just go to hell. You had already decided that you were going to put in the bare minimum for this date. And besides your unexpected plus one, it was your outfit that would probably irritate him the most between the two.

Approaching the seating area outside the café, its white tables and chairs shaded by the umbrellas on top, you spotted his familiar dyed hair, making your way over as you plopped yourself down in the seat across from him.

“Why the hell are you wearing that? And what's that dog doing here?”

No greeting. Just more unnecessary questions. If it wasn't for his attitude then Masato would've had more of a chance. But that wasn't possible—not with your feelings for the tattoo clad boy, which only seemed to grow stronger as each day passed. It was a curse eating away at your heart. But sacrifices had to be made just like right now.

“Hello to you too. And obviously, Pachinko is my accessory,” you told him, trying to suppress some laughter at the shocked and annoyed look he was giving you. “Isn't she adorable? And well, I happen to really like this jacket.”

The blonde clearly didn't appreciate any of your sarcasm, his frown only deepening as you continued to ignore him and pet the Shibu Inu at your feet. Your boldness today in your choice of fashion didn't make things any better, that same dark green jacket he had seen the other day was a reminder of who held your attention the most.

“Pachinko?” he questioned, the dog's name sounded strange to him, unaware of the meaning behind it. “Tch. Y'know, I think I liked you better when you weren't so I don't know, like this?”

“That's fine. It's not your attention that I want anyway.” That cold winter wall of yours had yet to thaw since the last time you had spoken. But as you stared at the plate already waiting for you on the table: a piece of strawberry cake with whipped cream, just as you had requested of him before you arrived, that coldness melted just a bit. “Thanks,” you said, finally digging your fork into the dessert.

But just after you had taken a few bites, that's when something else out of the blue happened. There was no warning. Just the perk of Pachinko's ears, which you assumed to be a simple reaction to another random passerby. But as the legs of the third chair screeched across the floor in protest, that's when your gaze was pulled away from the cake, eyes widening as you realized who had crashed your unwanted date.

“Takiishi?” Words were eluding you now. You never expected this to happen. And now the red head was seated in between you two, his leg crossed over the other lazily as he folded his arms over his chest.

“Hey—who the hell—”

“Shut up, Masato,” you quieted him, putting your fingers to your lips as you shushed him in a hurry. As soon as you did so, he went silent, realizing why you had given him a warning.

Pachinko had grown quiet too, her tail halting its movement as she studied the boy sitting above her, wondering who this other stranger was. You reached out to pet her, telling her silently that his presence was nothing to worry about, at least for her. Masato was a different story.

“Why are you here?” Takiishi asked, his cold expression as unreadable as ever as you tried desperately to form words but your own voice had left you now, an awkward silence in its place. But then you realized that his words weren't being directed at you.

“We're on a date…” Masato hesitantly replied, keeping his gaze on you in case the red head decided to drag him across the table any second, unknowing of what he was capable of but aware that he was trouble, a walking warning sign dyed in bright red.

It was a simple but clear enough response for him, you hoped. But when he made no move to do anything, some of that nervousness subsided even as he continued to look back and forth between the two of you before his golden brown eyes fell back onto only you, responding with, “So, this is where you've been.”

“Yeah…”

It was strange. You felt relieved to see him in good health again, that fever long gone with that rainy day, his usual appearance back to normal now that his body had recovered. But you also somehow felt relief from him just being there despite the uneasiness that came with his presence. It was contradicting.

And like a last minute scene added to a play, he had come along to fill in for some sort of role—one that he himself had written in, not caring if the writer of the play wanted these changes or not. But you couldn't find it in yourself to be upset about it. You welcomed this change.

Suddenly a mental image of him as a prince popped up in your mind again. Nothing about him felt princely enough. If anything, he was like the ruthless captain of the royal guard or a cruel king. But you erased those thoughts from your mind, needing to stay focused on reality.

His gaze was still burning into you as you kept your eyes on your plate, your appetite forgotten. And again, without a word, his hand slid your dessert towards him, immediately placing the precut piece of cake into his mouth, licking the whipped cream clean off the fork before setting it back down.

While you didn't let your eyes linger on him for too long, you noticed how both of his hands looked roughed up, a detail that you knew all too well, suggesting he had just been in a fight. And despite the blonde haired thorn in your side not knowing him at all, he had come to realize that detail too, growing more quiet as an uncomfortable silence descended upon the table, the only noise the chatter and movement of the other people around you all eating and serving food at the café.

When he rose up from his chair and turned his back to you, you suddenly found yourself reaching out to him. It was something you'd never done before, making you question if you were malfunctioning like a robot that just had water thrown onto it. But you retracted your hand before he gave you one final glance. It was subtle but he had noticed, his golden brown eyes seeming to eye you with curiosity before it vanished back into that cold gaze.

And then he left, quickly disappearing into the crowd of people like a ghost, here one minute and gone the next as you silently thanked the red head. You wondered if it was Endo's jacket that had made you stand out to him, his dark haired companion also having aided you in some way today despite not being present.

“Did you plan that?” Masato immediately accused you, his anger on full display now that Takiishi had left.

“What—No. If I did, would I have even bothered trying to save you?” you pointed out, your earlier nervousness forgotten as a frown made its way to your face.

“Screw this. We're done here,” he declared, setting down some money for the bill as he slipped his jacket back on. “If that's who you're involved with then I want nothing to do with you anymore. That guy is bad news.”

“What about the deal—”

“I won't talk. I'll just enjoy watching as everything comes crashing back down on you.” Despite having lost in the end, a smile painted itself onto his lips, excited for the day when his words would come true, wishing for the downfall of that relationship of yours. And like another ghost, he too vanished into the busy street, his presence not to be missed anytime soon.

You let out a long heavy sigh. “Now that that idiot is gone, let's just enjoy a quiet afternoon together, Pachinko.”

The Shiba Inu wagged her tail again, taking another biscuit you offered her without hesitation as she lay comfortably at your feet. But as the minutes passed and you continued to eat your cake, watching as more people came and went from the café, what you weren't expecting was to see red again.

That familiar color came into view once more, his flashy attire asking to be stared at as he walked back over to your table as if he hadn't just been here ten minutes ago. A puzzled look adorned your features as Takiishi settled back into the seat next to you, his hands folding behind his back as a command left his mouth. “Order me some of that dessert you're having.”

A smile carved itself into your face. Again, it was strange. Usually you'd be fighting back a glare. But his presence had saved you yet again. You knew it wasn't because he wanted to actually help you. He just happened to be around and was curious enough to crash your date. And you have never been more grateful.

As that unexpected smile continued to paint your lips, you answered, “Of course. Right away, Takiishi.”

Notes:

This chapter is referring back to ch 7 where mc also had a strawberry dessert and where Takiishi came to their rescue unexpectedly. This makes me wanna write a Takiishi x Reader fic even more now lol. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it and I'll see y'all in the next chapter!

Chapter 26: Familiar Faces and Crowded Spaces

It was about time that you finally confirmed it. You had gone without some answers since the day that you had received the injury that was now your scar. And now that things had calmed down, you were ready to face that angel again.

As you pulled the handle to the bakery entrance open, you weren't expecting to immediately come face to face with the girl you had been seeking out. A familiar smile graced her lips, warmth and kindness greeting you as she spoke. “Long time no see, [First Name].”

You stepped back to allow Yui to exit the shop, her brown strands of hair blowing past her delicate features as she adjusted her glasses. “Yui… hi,” you answered, some hesitation in your voice as you continued. “Or should I say Eve?”

The bespectacled girl didn't seem fazed at your statement, a look of understanding in her eyes as she motioned for you to follow her. “Yes, that's me,” she confirmed. “But let's not have that conversation here.”

♡♡♡

“I was wondering when you'd finally show up. I'm just glad you're okay. I'm sorry for what happened. I should've done more. If only I had realized sooner…” Her guilt filled words made it seem as if it was all her fault that you had gotten kidnapped and taken to that place. Her smile had disappeared when you had shown her the scar, her gaze looking out beyond the rooftop of the apartment building you both stood on as if in search of something but her eyes landed nowhere in particular, lost in the clouds.

Your hands found the railing, gripping it tightly as you stood beside her. “Yui, you're not to blame here.”

“No. You're right. It's them that's to blame. That's why you shouldn't continue going to Furin anymore, [First Name]. Associating yourself with them will only get you into more trouble.”

“Huh? But then why are you working at that place of all—”

“Look I know it doesn't look great but the hostess job gets me the money I need for my studies and to help out my grandmother. Things have changed since Haruki's taken over. It's not as bad as it used to be.”

You let out a heavy sigh, your grip on the railing growing even tighter as your next words left your mouth, your frown only deepening. “Well, Furin is not full of all those bad types everything thinks it is. And I can't just leave—”

“It's him isn't it?” She finally turned her gaze towards you now, no longer focused on the clouds as her tone grew more serious. “The boy who came to save you.”

“Yeah… I'm not just gonna leave.”

“It's not my business to tell you how to live your life but I've been worrying. All this fighting—being around this violence isn't good for you.”

“Where's all this coming from?” you questioned. It felt like you were having a conversation with one of your parents—or rather an older sister.

That previous expression full of brightness that you had been greeted with had completely faded away in that moment as if the sun had been blocked out by this overwhelming darkness—replaced by pain and regret, threatening to fall from her eyes. But she held it back, biting down on her lower lip to keep those emotions from spilling out.

“I've already lost someone to it before. That's why I couldn't just stand around and do nothing that day. I was so scared of seeing you get hurt too…” She fell silent as if the darkness had taken away her voice too before she forced the last of her words out. “You know my little brother would've been about your age if he was still around…”

“Yui…”

“Things only look like they're gonna get more violent before it gets any better. I'm starting to see more of those boys around town. And it doesn't look good.”

“I don't even… I'm sorry about your brother. But I'm not trying to be a part of that violence. I just wanna learn how to defend myself. And well… I don't wanna lose him.”

“Just please consider it before it's too late.”

As she left you to ponder those words of hers, you looked down at your cell phone screen. Her contact information stared back at you with the name: Yui Amada which was now saved among the others, a reminder to reach out whenever you needed her. Conflicting thoughts began to swirl inside your head, threatening to turn those fluffy clouds into dark storm clouds as guilt once again grasped you with all its might.

She meant well but you knew you would never consider it even after everything that had happened. And without warning, that scar of yours began to open once more. You were really starting to hate the color red.

♡♡♡

Yui's words would continue to swim around in the back of your mind as the days went on, pestering you like seaweed that tried to cling to your legs while you were in the ocean. And even as that violence she spoke about seemed to grow more and more with the fights at Furin, you just kept coming back like always. You were so used to it after all.

So it wasn't a surprise when you opened the access door to the rooftop to find that some of the boys were going at it. This wasn't what you'd become. You weren't like this. But then why did it still sound so unconvincing to you?

You moved off to the side to avoid the chaos, observing from the corner as you scanned the space for any of the familiar faces you knew. But none of them were present. Despite the normalcy of this, something felt off. Some of these faces were new to you. You were sure you'd remember seeing them around before. You were at least somewhat familiar with most of the boys who attended the high school, whether that was by face or name.

But when one of the newcomers caught you staring, you pulled your curious gaze away, suddenly feeling extremely uncomfortable. But it was your fault for looking for so long in the first place.

Letting out a heavy sigh, you walked back towards the door. But when a voice called out to you, you froze. “Hey where do you think you're going?”

If you hadn't been so quick to move at that moment then the flying piece of broken furniture would've hit you head on. You watched as it crashed to the concrete beside you, more pieces breaking off as they slid across the rooftop. When it didn't land, the unfamiliar boy who had spoken approached you.

“If you're wearing that jacket then expect to fight.”

You met him with a glare, tugging Endo's jacket even tighter around you, not thinking you'd have to deal with another idiot today. “Y'know there are better ways to get my attention, right?” Your heart was beating rapidly but you were ready. You stepped forward, meeting him partway. “Just go ahead and try me.”

A crowd had gathered around you two at this point, watching as things began to unfold. Most seemed to be curious as to how the outsider would handle this. You had never participated in any fights. You weren't officially a part of Furin. And despite wearing the dark green uniform jacket, it meant nothing.

But it was as if you had become possessed in that moment. And your interest in fighting caused the boy before you to crack a small smile. “You're on.”

And then you started to see what Yui had meant. You must be getting crazier. This wasn't like you. There was no one to help. You could claim it was self defense but you could just choose to walk away. But you didn't want to.

Now was the time to test out what Endo had shown you so far. You hadn't had many lessons with him yet but you'd been getting a bit better over time. You'd have to ask him for another lesson soon though. It still wasn't enough.

There wasn't an official beginning. It just happened. The boy threw his fist immediately towards your face but you managed to side step, avoiding the strike while making sure to keep your balance. He went for another strike right away and with no time to dodge this time, you blocked it with your arm.

This guy wasn't taking it easy on you at all. It hurt like hell having to take the attack head on like that. You're sure a throbbing sensation in your arm would soon follow.

You both went back and forth like this for a bit, neither of you being able to land a solid hit. Maybe you had just gotten lucky. He seemed to be all talk. But he was clearly starting to get frustrated when you hadn't gone down as easily as he had initially thought.

No hesitation. Not now—because if you showed any, then this guy would find a break in your defense and take you down. You knew your stamina wouldn't last forever so you had to do it.

With as much force as you could still muster, you unexpectedly caught his incoming fist, grunting from the impact as his knuckles hit the inside of your palm. But it had caught him off guard. And so with your other hand still free, you sent it into his face, breaking loose of him as you finally landed the solid hit that you had wanted.

The boy seemed shocked that you had gotten to him first, daggers in his eyes as he stared back at you, rubbing at his face with his hand where you had just hit him. And from the looks of it, a hit to his pride as well. “Hah… you lil’ nobody…”

He rushed forward at you again but it was already over whether the two of you liked it or not. You had been so distracted with just the boy in front of you that you weren't expecting to see the familiar snow white hair of another boy step before you, stopping the approaching strike as his body blocked its path.

Your eyes widened as Umemiya’s voice filled your ears, freezing you in your tracks. “The two of you are done here.”

The other boy immediately protested. “What the hell? You ain't the boss here! You can't just stop—”

“He's right y'know.”

Another familiar voice.

A figure clad in tattoos stepped forward as well, a look mixed with annoyance and disappointment adorned Endo's features as he watched Umemiya halt the fight. “I wanted to see how it would end.”

You needed to speak up. “I was fine. I had this,” you insisted, some anger seeping into your voice unexpectedly.

Umemiya turned to you, a deep frown settling upon his face as he released the other boy's grip. “[First Name]. I can't allow this.”

“Ume…” That look in his eyes. You didn't like it. No—you hated it.

Averting your gaze, your eyes dropped down to your hands, finally registering the blood on your knuckles. These were your hands, right? That's ridiculous. Of course they were. It wasn't like they'd been replaced like the delicate hands of a marionette. It stung. A sign of reality—not some nightmare of a play you didn't choose to take part in.

Another heavy sigh from a few feet away now. A tattooed hand slithered around your shoulder as the owner's voice spoke from just above you. “Let's get outta here.”

You nodded silently, avoiding eye contact with the snowy haired boy as you walked over to the door. The rooftop had grown quiet. Hushed voices were carried upon the wind that continued to move discarded trash, some disappointment in the other spectators also in the air.

But despite Endo's initial feelings, you couldn't help but notice the slight upturn of his lips as he led you down the stairs back into the depths of Furin. You didn't know whether to feel proud or not. You felt even more conflicted than you had before. And now the color red seemed to be stalking you like some blood thirsty nightmarish abomination. But you had chosen to let it into your dreams. You couldn't lie to yourself.

Notes:

I had a lot going on this entire week so I was just able to finish this today (Apologies for any mistakes since I have less time now). I finally finished reading the Kaiju no 8 manga too. Been so obsessed with it. Also, thank you so much for 1k votes on wattpad. I'd love to do a special chapter to celebrate that next week most likely. Hope you enjoyed it and thanks again for all the support!

Chapter 27: Just Another Yesterday

You frowned at the opened textbook and notes laid out before you on the table, the letters and numbers reaching out like a monster's claw in an attempt to grab and pull you into the depths of its incredibly hard to grasp explanations. A mess of those same letters and numbers were scribbled across your notebook paper, the current problem you were working on only half done.

The late afternoon sun's rays hit your back with a warm glow as it shone through the library windows. You were the only occupant now, your math troubles continuing to prove to be too difficult for you to handle yet again. Sleep was incredibly tempting right now. But homework needed to be done. And you were still waiting for a certain boy with seafoam green eyes to come join you.

It was your last year of middle school. And then the two of you would be separated. Just thinking about it made your heart ache. There would no longer be any after school tutoring sessions in the library and classroom visits when you weren't in the same class. You weren't looking forward to the next school year. It felt impossible to let him go.

You let out a heavy sigh. Screw this homework. You just weren't getting it. Tossing your pencil to the side, you stood up from the table before making your way over to the bookshelves. You needed to kill some time. He was late today. But you just had to be patient. He would be here eventually—at least you hoped so.

You began scanning the rows of fiction books in front of you, taking one and reading its synopsis before repeating the process. Approaching the large window on the side, you noticed that the track team had started their training, running laps around the field. You were reminded of the swim club and how you'd missed out on today's meeting. But that didn't matter right now.

After choosing a book that piqued your interest, you started to walk through the library's maze of bookshelves, continuing to read the first chapter. It was a collection of short ghost stories. The first one: The Flower That Tells Lies. How fitting that the story took place in a school.

Suddenly water droplets began tapping against the window. At first it was only a few until it became many, transforming into a downpour in a matter of a few minutes. The sunlight from earlier had faded away as rain clouds overtook the sky, casting a dark shadow over the library's interior—made worse when all the lights decided to go out, draping you in even more darkness.

And now it had become the perfect atmosphere for a ghost story—maybe too perfect. One should always expect the unexpected in that kind of story, right? Well, the lights shutting off wasn't what you had in mind when you said you wanted a better atmosphere.

Trying to remain calm, you hurried back over to your table only to bump into something solid along the way in your rush, earning a loud gasp from you as the book dropped from your hands. Your mind was playing tricks on you in the dark. You weren't sure what to think when the silhouette of a dark figure stood before you. But as your eyes finally began to register its familiar features, all that fear began to subside like a wave crashing against the beach before returning to its source.

Realizing who it was, your heartbeat started to go back to normal too as you let out some words of frustration. “Don't scare me like that, Yamato! At least announce that you're here or something. And you're late…”

Even as you pouted, his presence alone made all those thoughts of wanting to run out disappear just as the sun had. And regardless of his punctuality, you were glad to see that he had finally arrived.

Your dark haired classmate let out a deep sigh as you picked up your book from the carpeted floor. And despite the darkness in the room masking his features, you just knew that he was wearing a look of annoyance on his face. “But I'm here now, aren't I?”

“True… but now we can't even have our tutoring session here with the power out.” The utter disappointment was clear as day in your tone. But Yamato quickly changed that just as fast as the weather had changed outside, offering a simple solution.

“Let's go back to your place,” he suggested, earning a bright smile from you as you quickly agreed to the idea.

He suddenly reached for your hand, gently intertwining his fingers with yours before he guided you back over to your table. And for once, you were sort of glad that the power had gone out.

No words were exchanged between the two of you as a comfortable silence filled the darkness—his presence a light to your surroundings, ridding you of all your fear. And his hold only seemed to grow tighter with each step that he took.

♡♡♡

When you opened the door to your apartment, you were greeted with the fresh smell of a home cooked meal waiting for you in the kitchen. The rain continued to drum against the windows with no signs of letting up anytime soon. Yamato and you were currently on the living room couch going over your math homework as the evening news played in the background.

It was just like any other time he came over to visit. It felt so normal—so comforting to have him there by your side as he helped you work out each problem one by one. And unknowingly, this would be the very last time he'd be here. But you'd never realize that until it was too late.

“Ya see? Now you're starting to get it,” he said, a smile parting his lips when you finally managed to get to the correct answer on your own.

“That's only because I've got you as my tutor.” You couldn't help but grin at the praise, now having more confidence to take on the next set of equations.

“Dinner's ready!” Your mother called the two of you over. “It's curry rice tonight. Enjoy.”

“Thank you Ms. [Last Name],” Yamato told her before immediately digging into his food.

“Yes, thanks, Mom.”

As you brought a spoon full of the curry rice towards your lips, you watched as the boy with waves for hair next to you savored the meal. The sight made you feel all warm inside like the sun had entered your body after having been blocked out by the dark clouds full of rain.

But as your eyes wandered to the skin atop his hands, that warmth started to fall apart along with your appetite. You didn't want to acknowledge it but it was there. Roughed up with small cuts—proof of the other side that he carried.

Your mother was unaware that Yamato would be attending Furin next year and you wanted to keep it a secret for a little while longer until you could no more. If that were to come to light now then you knew things would change—and not in the way that you wanted them to. But there was no escaping that. So you too savored not just the food but this moment because you knew there'd come a time when this would all be just another memory—just another yesterday.

Your mother spoke up again, her words directed at the boy she would later come to view with disapproval. “Yamato, how's the food? Are you enjoying it?”

“Yeah. It's delicious,” he replied, another spoonful entering his mouth as a smile formed on your mother's face.

It was as if a switch had been flipped off. One moment the room was lit up full of conversation with a shared meal and the next moment that picture was shattered as it fell from its frame. Because that smile turned ugly, morphing into a hateful scowl. The room went black and then you were falling—falling so deep you didn't think you'd ever find light at the bottom. And the warmth—it too had now vanished.

His name left your lips but no sound came out. It would never reach him—not in this nightmare.

♡♡♡

A migraine pierced through your head like an arrow being released from a bow when you awoke, your eyes wet and feeling heavy with sleep as you took in your surroundings. You were back to reality again it seemed. The familiar space that was your high school library came into view, rays of sunlight stretching across the table you were at. Somehow you were already starting to feel the effects from the lack of his presence in just a few weeks of starting classes.

You rubbed at your eyes with your uniform sleeve, an irritated sigh escaping you. How cruel. You really needed to stop falling asleep in places like this. Why couldn't the dream have just continued on? It was so unfair. But you guessed that that was just your mind telling you that you still longed for another yesterday.

Deciding to call it quits for the day, you gathered your things into your school bag, the throbbing headache relentless in its mental and physical pressure. But even after you had already wiped your tears away, they suddenly came back, reminding you of what you had lost yet again. You hated it. Screw those nightmares.

But you'd change that—or at least try to. And that meant going to Furin whether your parents approved of it or not.

Notes:

Another look into the past. We'll be back to the present events with the next chapter. The library book's title is a reference to the video game White Day 2. Also, thanks again for all the support! This side chapter was supposed to celebrate getting to 1k votes on wattpad. See you next chapter!

Chapter 28: The Shadows in my Heart

Endo deflected your incoming strike with his arm but it landed nonetheless—proof that you were starting to get a bit faster despite him only using a portion of his strength against you. It wasn't exactly painful but you definitely felt the force and weight behind his own strikes as you attempted to match him like a chameleon camouflaging itself against the trunk of a tree.

Your confidence was growing with each lesson that you gave you. And with that came boldness as you attempted a kick at his abdomen but he still read you like a book and stopped your foot before it could make contact, grasping it tightly in his tattooed hand. Your earlier reluctance to hurt him had seemed to disappear as well, your moves becoming more aggressive with time.

After he released his hold on your ankle, both your feet were on solid ground again. But you didn't get a chance to relax because as soon as you let your guard down, he took hold of your wrist in one smooth motion instead, pulling you inwards with a harsh tug. Your eyes widened at the unexpected action, a gasp leaving you as you almost stumbled.

“Don't you have something to tell me?” he asked suddenly. The smile on his lips was laced with the opposite emotion you had hoped to see. An eerie mist of black appeared to be escaping his body like the tattoos decorating it had come alive. And if one were to get lost in that fog of poison then they'd surely perish.

His seafoam green eyes—they had grown darker too like a black curtain had been draped over the ocean, sinking whatever came near it into its depths of despair and death. And it was pulling you in—both physically and mentally as his grasp on your wrist remained firm.

You had to say something. You couldn't play dumb. He knew. But all you could manage was, “I didn't want to but if I hadn't then…” You found it difficult to form words right now when he was looking at you like that—his gaze piercing into your soul like a knife.

“Yamato…”

An exasperated sigh escaped him. “Don't Yamato me… geez.” It was as if he too couldn't find the words to express how he felt. All you knew though was that he was upset. And that grip on you still hadn't loosened, his tattooed fingers wrapping your skin like they were some ancient cursed scrolls with text no one knew how to decipher.

You then forced your wrist out of his grasp. “What's with you?!”

“I don't know.” His words were barely audible. He seemed to be unsure of himself—a rarity for him. “Just don't do it again.”

He had to be talking about your date with Masato. That seemed to be the only explanation for his behavior right now. “Just tell me what's wrong, Yamato. Is it Masato? He won't be a problem anymore now thanks to—”

“Ugh, don't even mention his name.” He was being dramatic. Maybe you really were both stuck in some twisted play and he was currently the one being controlled by the puppet master. But that reaction had confirmed it.

That intimidating darkness had yet to leave him and you didn't dare approach him now. You were just asking to be swallowed up. But for some reason you ignored the warnings, stepping forward as you reached out a hand.

But he slapped it away. And you didn't know how to react. A mixture of surprise and hurt etched itself into your features as your hand stayed frozen midair, unsure of what to say now as you went silent.

He refused to look at you as if staring in your general direction would turn him into stone. You didn't know what upset you more: The hand slap or this. But you didn't dare say anything now. His reaction, while expected, had still been unexpected. It wasn't like you had liked Masato or anything. Clearly it was him that you were so fond of. No other boy had come close to that.

You gritted your teeth. He was acting childish. Were you the one in the wrong? No way. It's not like you're his to begin with so why the fit of jealousy? That's what it was right? He could be so confusing at times.

The silence was so loud that you could now hear a piece of the abandoned warehouse's crumbling wall falling to the concrete floor from a distance, the sound echoing from the impact. Your palms continued to grow sweaty and they both fell to your sides in frustration, your frown growing deeper like the cracks in the foundation.

“We're done for today. Just go home.” He finally said something again. But his words, while holding venom, felt strained like he was forcing them out of a dry throat as if the room you were standing in was a desert, its walls trapping you in its heat.

“No.” You didn't want to comply. “Why can't you just tell me what the issue is?!”

No response. He seemed lost—confined to this fog that was clouding his mind. And all he could do right now was push you away.

So you reluctantly accepted the defeat and walked away like he wanted, not bothering to look back as you exited the old building. A wave of emotions crashed over you as if you were standing at the ocean's edge, the rocks that formed your body being relentlessly hit by the incoming water. And maybe eventually you'd break apart and get pulled away and drown.

♡♡♡

You hadn't meant to push him away like you had. Your body had just reacted on its own, that anger from before still poisoning you now even as the sun rose into the sky again. You stared at your hands in frustration, at war with your thoughts as you tried to make sense of things.

“I'm sorry, Ume. I didn't mean to…”

He looked stunned but wore an expression of understanding, not seeming to be offended by your sudden action at all. “What? No. You're fine. I shouldn't have gotten so close. I was just…”

What the hell was wrong with you? Rejecting a hug from him of all people? If you were unsure about your lack of sanity before then this proved that you were definitely crazy now.

“You were just trying to comfort me.” You still couldn't look him in the eyes, that familiar feeling of guilt weighing down on you like the anchor of a ship. You were still tied down below the surface, waiting to be pulled back up. But you weren't sure if you even wanted to be.

Umemiya’s voice, while soft still carried a real seriousness to it, his gaze contemplative as he looked at you with worry. “[First Name], I want you to stop. This isn't like you. You're going about this the wrong way.”

“You're free to have your own opinion, Ume. But you don't get to decide what's best for me.” You hoped you hadn't sounded too harsh. But your words still carried a cold bite to them.

You couldn't deny that going against him hurt. He was right. Normally you'd never do what you had done on the rooftop a few days ago. But your body had craved it like it was some starved beast ready to fight its prey for sustenance. And with that came a different side of you—one he hadn't expected to see.

And right now, you felt like you were trying to walk on some unstable suspended bridge, threatening to snap and collapse underneath you. And you didn't know how to get across it in one piece.

His next words were ones you didn't expect though. “Why don't you join me? Help me unite Furin.” Despite your earlier reaction, he reached out his hand to you again. And in that moment you were reminded of the day you had met him, making that same gesture towards you.

“But that would mean… going against him.”

You couldn't take his hand this time. It hurt to have to refuse him. And in doing so, it felt like a katana blade had been pierced into your heart and no other words could escape you as blood dripped down your jaw. The pain silenced you and all you could do was stare back at him with guilt in your eyes, hoping that your feelings would get across to him.

His hand finally dropped back down to his side as if he had been carrying that blade, the invisible clatter of metal on the floor as your gaze eventually fell there too. He seemed to be expecting this from you so instead of the pained look you wore, he held no judgment in his own gaze—just some disappointment that mixed into his worry.

“I'm not going to force you, [First Name]. But just think about it, please.” That last word seemed to also echo out a plea—a warning that you'd encounter danger if you decided to carry on like this.

As he walked out of the classroom, why did it seem like there was darkness surrounding you? You wanted to say you were dreaming again—having some sort of nightmare but everything felt too real for that. And the shadows hovering over you appeared to be getting even closer, tugging at your limbs as if they had a will of their own.

Notes:

I don't usually mention the songs that inspire me to write but one that did for this fic was “Pretty Devil” by Alessandra. The next two chapters are done and are currently being edited. I also may or may not be starting a Kaiju no 8 reader fic soon. Hope you enjoyed it and thanks for reading!

Chapter 29: The Red Room

You had continued to keep quiet about what had happened between Endo and you, choosing to go about your school life without stopping by Furin at the end of the day for now. Both his and Umemiya's words had been on repeat in your mind like a broken record. And unplugging the record player didn't seem to cease its persistent music, your ears bleeding like all your other invisible wounds.

It had been a normal school day for the most part—until it wasn't. The familiar chatter of gossip in the hallways. The echoes of footsteps on the stairways. The clink of drink cans dropping into the nearby vending machine compartment as lunch continued. All of that—shattered in an instant—by you.

You stared down at your hands, not believing what you'd just done, your mind still trying to process your unexpected actions. The other boy lay a few feet away, a glare plastered onto his face as he held his jaw, his eyes telling no lies: you were the one responsible.

Something inside you had finally snapped and this was the result. The strings had come undone and your body was free to move of its own accord, a puppet breaking free of its predetermined rules.

You were seeing red.

Hushed whispers now surrounded you, the courtyard quickly growing quiet at the sudden violence. And all those eyes were being directed at you.

No—this wasn't right. Why were they all looking at you? Shouldn't you be up there too staring down like the rest of them just like you'd done before? This had to be another dream—another nightmare. But unfortunately it wasn't. The sunlight felt too harsh on your face for it to not be reality, the gazes of all your fellow classmates burning you along with it.

History seemed to be repeating itself. But this time you had actually been successful. You were no longer that young kid though. This was high school so the consequences wouldn't be so forgiving. And this random piece of scum wasn't Takiishi.

No. You had to follow through with it now. Let it be known that they were all the crazy ones here—not you. And so, you found your voice again. “If I see you messing with the new kid again, I won't hesitate to punch your lights out next time.” Your words surprised you too. A threat. It felt strange on your lips but satisfying at the same time.

“[Last Name]!” Hearing your name seemed to pull your mind back into focus, the scene before you no longer playing on repeat inside your head as you felt the harsh tug of a hand on your wrist. It was one of the male teachers from your grade.

“Let's go. You're coming with me to the principal's office,” he stated, starting to pull you forward but you remained firm with your feet on the ground still. There was still something you had to say.

“You all are cowards! This has been going on for weeks now and yet you're still gonna turn a blind eye even when there's violence involved?!”

He tugged you harder this time, forcing you to start walking as all the other students stared on in shock. Other teachers had arrived at the scene, going over to the two other boys: the bully and the one you had saved.

You could no longer resist anymore, having no other choice but to be led along towards the principal's office where you would await your fate. But even as they all looked at you like you were some sort of monster, you remained unyielding in your choice despite the punishment that was to come.

♡♡♡

“I have no regrets. No one else was stepping in. That guy had it coming to him. Besides, it wasn't like any of you did anything to help him.” This last part was directed at the principal and teacher, your words not holding anything back as you sat in the chair, a frown decorating your lips as you folded your arms across your chest.

As you concluded your story, an awkward silence filled the space. All the adults in the room were speechless. You of all people starting a fight? It was as if hell had frozen over. You had never gotten into trouble like this before. Your excellent grades and attendance. Most of your teachers liked you so it baffled them to see you act this way. And most of all—your parents.

It had all been you. Not your scar. Not your lame excuses. Not the dark green jacket you'd sneak home. And not the blonde haired pharmacy boy. It was your own actions that had your hands smeared with the color red: proof of the lies you had tried to prevent from leaking out. But that was no longer something you could get away from and you had accepted that now.

Your mother looked to be on the verge of tears as she once again bowed in apology to the other two men, your father trying to calm her down with a hand on her shoulder as he sent another hurt filled look your way. You averted your gaze, guilt beginning to creep in at the utter disappointment you knew they both felt right now—the betrayal.

The principal finally spoke up again, a decision reached. “I've decided to let [Last Name] off with a warning this time. But if they were ever to display another act of violence like this again on our school grounds then I'll have no other choice but to suspend them—maybe even expel them.”

“Where did we go wrong?” It was your father's voice this time. “They're a good kid.” His words felt forced as if he was still trying to convince himself after what he had just heard.

♡♡♡

It wasn't until you all entered the apartment that you finally allowed yourself to speak again, the silence having been unbearable on the way back home. “You raised a good kid. I did what I thought was right. Please understand that.”

“It's not just that,” your mother said, still refusing to look at you as if it was some kind of monster standing in the room and not a person. “So you have been going to that school… I didn't want to jump to any conclusions and just let you live your life as a normal high school student. But this—this isn't normal.”

You couldn't deny it now. “Yeah, I have… But not everyone there is like you think they are. C'mon Dad. You still believe in me, don't you?”

“I don't even know what to believe or what to do with you now.”

You rubbed your uniform sleeve against the skin on your forehead, the makeup fading away as the scar came into view, causing both of their eyes to widen. “I'm not gonna even bother asking…” His voice was filled with even more disappointment, his gaze also averting yours as you continued to inwardly plead for them to just listen.

“How do I make you two understand?” You also felt on the verge of tears. Frustration and hurt gripped you tight but the guilt was piercing even further into you now, drawing red as it slid back out like the blade of a katana again, defeated. And just from the look in their eyes, you realized that they didn't want to understand—at least not now.

You decided to excuse yourself. “I'm going to my room.”

No answer. The cut was getting deeper now. And you still didn't know how to stop the bleeding.

Notes:

My chapters might be late these next two months cuz of Halloween events I'm going to and cuz I'm now writing another story: my Gen Narumi x Reader one (I don't usually do promo lol) but go ahead and check it out if you'd like. Hope you enjoyed this shorter chapter tho, thanks for reading!

Chapter 30: Angels and Devils

The stares. That was all you knew going back to school the next few days—all you could think about every time you turned a corner or walked into a classroom. It seemed like word had quickly spread about your violent intervention. Even those you talked to and hung out with during the school day seemed to keep their distance, afraid that you would suddenly transform into some sort of monster and hurt them too.

It was to be expected so you weren't too bothered—or so you thought. You cast your gaze downwards each time you approached someone, knowing that they too had probably already heard. You felt a wave of judgment being directed at you from their gazes, drowning you in a pool of conflicted feelings.

But you still didn't regret what you did.

Letting out a deep sigh as the final bell rang for the day, you gathered your things as you headed for the gymnasium. A long swim after school was just what you needed to get your mind off of everything. Yamato. Ume. And now your parents have been added to that list of people who were stuck inside your head.

More whispers greeted you as you passed through the hall as if horns had grown out of your head and your fellow classmates were watching the devil walk among them. It was strange. One day you were viewed as an angel—bright and always making the right decisions as expected of a student with a good reputation. But now all they saw was the opposite.

You continued forward, your hands curling into fists as your nails dug into your skin, ignoring the other students as you headed to the other building outside. But it wasn't as if anything else would be different there either. The same judgemental stares. The same whispers that lingered behind you. They all followed you like some unwanted entity that had attached itself to you as if you had made the mistake of playing with a ouija board.

You paid the other swim club members no mind. You were here for the water—not for them. And like hell you'd let them steal the enjoyment you got from swimming just because you decided to step in for someone who was being harmed.

You didn't say a word to anyone. You didn't care to try to explain yourself again. And it wasn't as if it was some sort of rumor that could be fixed. It wasn't some lie. A lot of people had witnessed the truth that day. As you slipped on the last piece of your swimsuit over your head, you slammed the locker shut, silencing some of their whispers before making your way out towards the pool area.

Now all you wanted to do was get your head under water. At least down there you wouldn't have to keep hearing the voices that carried your name.

♡♡♡

No new notifications had popped up. You continued to scroll through your cell phone apps before your thumb landed on a game, starting it up as the sound of its familiar intro music hit your ears. You immediately started the next mission with the new team you had built recently, hoping to pass the time until her arrival.

Your arms leaned over the bridge railing, the water below moving calmly along as a breeze blew some strands of your hair loose. You tapped away at your screen, unbothered by the strands as a yawn escaped you. Another headshot. Then another. And another. The points continued to stack up as the mission neared its end. And just as the timer was about to hit zero, a feminine voice reached your ears, breaking your concentration with a soothing tone.

Your game went forgotten as your eyes landed on the figure just five feet away, her own eyes filled with a warmth that you had been lacking from others lately. And at the sight of that, you felt tears prick at your eyes, your emotions threatening to spill over along with them as you averted your gaze, afraid that she would come to judge you too after having warned you.

“Everything is going to be okay.”

When Yui repeated herself again, her words barely reached you, the sound having been blocked out like everything else that had been whispered about you at school. But as you finally registered them, your mind allowing them to reach you, that's when you finally felt some relief. And with that came your tears.

You rushed into her arms like some lost child, your emotions on full display for her. But this angel held no judgment despite her worries and warnings. Because an angel as pure as her could never find it in herself to judge a devil like you.

“Go ahead and tell me everything. I'm all ears.” And once again, that sweet voice spoke, its sound enhancing the comforting presence that radiated from her as if she was the sun itself that came after a long period of heavy rain.

♡♡♡

“I know what I said before but you did the right thing… even though I know the school won't view it the same way. But I'm glad you helped that boy out even if you did have to get violent… Your parents will come around eventually.”

“I'm just relieved that you aren't looking at me like I'm some monster…” Your voice came out weak and quiet like you hadn't used it in days. “I'm well aware that your warnings are out of worry Yui. And I really am grateful to have you looking out for me.”

“That's what big sisters are for, right?” Her statement came as such a surprise to you but you welcomed it, a blooming warmth accompanying it as you considered the thought. You didn't have any siblings so for her to say that to you left you with a feeling of happiness and comfort.

“Am I doing the wrong thing—turning down Ume's offer then? I care so much about Tsubaki and him but…”

Yui placed a gentle hand onto your shoulder, giving it a light squeeze of reassurance. “Sometimes we're just forced to make tough decisions unfortunately. I can tell that your heart is with both of them but the one who truly holds it is…”

“Yamato…” you finished the last of her words, his name sliding off your tongue with sadness and guilt at how the two of you had parted ways last time.

“I shouldn't tell you what you gotta do next, do I?”

You let out a frustrated sigh as your hand combed through your hair at what she meant. It was something you had been avoiding like the plague for the longest time now. And just thinking about it was making you feel sick with nervousness and anticipation of having to face your feelings.

“Ugh how do I even go about telling him?”

“Just tell him the truth,” she simply said, an encouraging smile gracing her lips.

“That's easy for you to say,” you argued. “It's just never the right time it seems.”

“Or are you just making excuses?” she pointed out, earning a frown from you as you allowed another sigh to escape.

“So when are you going to tell him?”

“Soon,” you replied, having trouble holding onto your pout as her presence continued to brighten the atmosphere.

“Then I'll be awaiting the good news.”

Yui made it sound as if it would become reality and not just a dream that you had clung to all these years. And finally, you cracked a smile. Maybe things would begin to turn around soon after all.

♡♡♡

The familiar shelves of the convenience store stood in front of you, laid out with its usual assortment of snacks as you contemplated what you wanted. It was pretty late now after Yui had left. But before heading home, you had been craving a candy—anything sugary to help with the stress you had been feeling lately.

But as you turned towards the drinks behind you, you decided to settle for an iced coffee instead, despite it being this late. Maybe caffeine is just what you needed to help get your thoughts sorted out since they kept drifting over to one person in particular.

You must have been staring at the drinks for too long because a man's voice spoke up, snapping you out of the state you had been in as embarrassment adorned your features. “Sorry, go right ahead,” you told him.

Stepping over to the side, you turned back towards the other snacks again while you waited for him to finish. You didn't pay him much mind before returning to get one of the ice cold drinks, an iced coffee now in your hand.

It was a quick trip to the register after that. And then you were off onto the streets of Makochi again, the sun's last rays finally fading away into the evening's blues and purples. The caffeine entered your system as you walked, its coldness refreshing just like the outside air.

As you continued to drink it, you pondered over your strange situation again. Although not as stressed as you were before, there was still some lingering guilt and doubt that was clouding your mind. It was as if a heavy fog had descended upon your train of thoughts, casting its passengers in darkness as the view from outside its windows was blocked.

But the simple sound of a pebble sliding across the sidewalk you were on quickly alerted you, your gaze falling downward as it met with the piece of stone just a few feet away. You tried not to draw too much attention as you cautiously pulled your gaze forward again, the drink in your hand gripped tightly now.

As you slightly increased your walking pace, the nearby sound of footsteps confirmed what you had feared: you were being followed. This wasn't the time to panic though. You just needed to get a bit farther down the street where there was more light and then you'd be in the clear.

But then those footsteps suddenly became louder as they ran towards you without warning. And all you could do was turn towards your attacker and brace yourself as the drink dropped from your hands, the last of its contents spilling out on the concrete like a stream of blood.

It was the man from the convenience store.

Before he could do anything, you slammed the sole of your shoe against his leg, sending him to his knees with a loud thud. But as you went in for a finisher, your eyes went wide, your arm falling limp at your side as if you were a robot that had been powered off. As your body stood frozen in place, all you could focus on was one thing: a small blade aimed at you.

Why couldn't you move? One moment you were ready to take this stranger on and the next thing you knew, your strings had been snipped and now you were immobile. You shuddered at the sight, your heartbeat increasing as each second passed, pleading with yourself to move—to do anything. But your body didn't want to comply right now. And your voice—it had vanished.

With your arm still hanging by your side, you felt for your cell phone in your pocket but found nothing there. Finally realizing what had happened to it, your gaze caught a glimpse of it lying a few feet away, its screen shattered. Your blood ran cold. Now what?

You somehow found your voice again even though it was a struggle to force any words out as the knife was still being held out towards you—a threat you didn't want to take lightly. “Look, I don't want any trouble, man. I just wanna get home.”

The stranger finally spoke as his intense gaze met your eyes. “You can go home once you give me your wallet.”

You simply nodded, biting down harshly on your bottom lip as you answered him. “Alright. Alright. Just let me—”

But you didn't even get the opportunity to finish the rest of your sentence. The man's body was on the ground in seconds, his weapon clattering to the ground with the spilled caffeine. You didn't need to ask how or why. You already knew who had been responsible.

If it wasn't for the glow from the nearby streetlight then you would probably have had a harder time recognizing the figure since it seemed to blend in with the colors of the evening. But you'd recognize those inked drawings anywhere. And at the sight of them, all of your mobility had returned. The spell binding you broke as your gaze moved upwards to the pair of seafoam green eyes.

All you could manage to do in the moment as the effects of your fear wore off was utter his name, that comforting feeling of familiarity that came with this devil's presence finding you once again.

“Yamato…”

Notes:

I'm glad I was able to finish editing this before I left the house tonight. I've been so tired lately (well I'm always tired ig) lol. So excited that we've hit ch 30! And as always thank you so much for the support and for reading!

Chapter 31: Drowning Deeper

Despite the relief that Endo brought you, a sudden wave of anger washed over you, flooding your emotions. A hellfire burned within your eyes as all that hurt was stabbed back into you again at the sight of him—a reminder of how he had ignored you all these days that had passed. You had been avoiding him too but not once did he try to seek you out—at least until now.

Your hands curled into fists, your nails digging into your palms as the urge to hit him grew—a rarity for you. But that fire was slowly but surely being extinguished by the familiar comfort of his tattoos and his seafoam green eyes. They were reeling you back in again like an anchor being pulled back towards the floating vessel rocking against those waves of uncertainty: him.

You were a walking contradiction right now, unsure of how to react. And to make matters worse, it had begun to rain as if the water too was attempting to snuff out the flames within you. Droplets fell down your face as you stared ahead, your glare dimming but still on him as your feet remained glued to that spot.

His gaze fell towards your cell phone, picking it up and placing it into his pocket as the cracks embedded into its screen mirrored your current state. And seeing that you weren't going to move towards him, that's when he stepped forward and out of the brightness of the streetlight, causing you to back away quickly. But you had barely moved when he snatched your wrists.

You started to struggle against him, your voice finally coming out. “Let me go, Yamato!”

It was useless to try to push him away. He was much stronger than you. And your efforts were getting you nowhere as his firm grasp pulled you inwards to his chest where his arms wrapped tightly around you.

“I hate you—I freaking hate you!”

A laugh escaped him, unfazed by your words as you continued to struggle. “That's a funny way to say that you love me.”

Your eyes widened at this, your voice falling silent as your nails dug into his back instead as if attempting to dig out that familiar comfort that he had brought with him. You gripped him tightly now, your own droplets threatening to slip out and mix in with the rain. But it was no use. You didn't want to hold it back anymore. And so you cried.

Your sobs were drowned out by the falling water as it grew louder, a downpour in the making as Endo picked you up before carrying you away. And you held onto his body like your life depended on it, no longer afraid of the knife wielding stranger but of not seeing him in your daily life again.

♡♡♡

A familiar room—your bedroom. Somehow the two of you had been able to sneak into the apartment without alerting your parents. And now you were being laid down to rest in the comfort of your bed. But you didn't want to sleep—not yet. You still had business with this tattoo clad boy that had such a tight hold on your heart.

Your tears had ceased but your want to have him near you didn't. And so you reached out to catch his arm before he completely pulled away. His back was to you so you couldn't see his reaction but he didn't continue to walk away, instead turning to face you fully as you sat up to meet his contemplative gaze.

It was now or never. It was time you finally faced your feelings for him. You refused to let them continue to eat away at you as if your dead body was lying beneath the waves and was being picked apart by the sea life searching for a quick meal.

Your voice came out soft but so sure of yourself as you let those unspoken words finally break free, swimming towards the surface where he was waiting. “You're right, Yamato. I don't hate you,” you started, keeping a firm grip on his arm.

You wanted to initiate it—to take control for once and show him—prove to him how much you really cared about him. And so without any more hesitation, you forced him over towards your bed completely, allowing him to invade your personal space as he settled on top of the sheets with you.

This time your limbs snaked around his body, wrapping around his neck as you pulled him inwards, crashing your lips against his. And you didn't shy away from climbing into his lap, more boldness overtaking your actions. It felt desperate. But you didn't give a damn. You had wanted this for the longest time and you had been starving—dying of thirst as if you had been trapped in a desert for days and his body was the only source of water in sight.

“Y'know, everyone else might be afraid of that monster trapped inside of you but I quite like it. So quit holding back and just say it already or are ya gonna keep me waiting again? Wasn't that tattoo already proof enough for you?” he told you, a grin plastered onto his face as he continued to feed that hunger and thirst of yours, kissing back with a bruising force that barely allowed you to come up for air.

Surprise etched itself into your features. Of course he would know—about your violent intervention and your inescapable feelings for him. And the tattooed angel wings—so it had been evidence of his own feelings for you all this time. But you were just too blind to see it as the truth. And while you didn't think it would be this soon, the timing felt right and so you carried on.

Pulling away for a moment, you stared back into those seafoam green eyes, locking your gaze with his as you let your heart speak. “Remember that first kiss you stole? Well, I want you to be my first and last—for everything. So don't keep me waiting anymore either. Because I love you, Yamato. I always have and I always will.” Your words didn't leave any room for doubt as he took them in, knowing that they were genuine and the absolute truth with zero lies within your eyes.

And his smile had yet to fade at this, answering with a truth of his own. “I love you too, [First Name].”

Your face grew hot, painting your skin in a soft red. It thrilled you to hear that response. It was what you had wanted for the longest time so could they really blame you for thinking that this was all just some crazy dream and that you'd wake up soon in your bed all alone?

Despite the sudden confession, he continued with his actions. And when any of those fears started to creep back in, his lips and exposed skin would pull you back under, numbing your thoughts and extinguishing those doubts. It felt different this time. It wasn't like he was trying to test you or mess with your mind like before.

His rough fingers felt gentle as they combed through your soft hair, leaving little time for his words to sink in as he pressed you up against the headboard. He made each kiss deeper than the last, drowning you once again, choosing to let his actions speak for him instead of saying anything more.

The dim light from your bedside lamp barely illuminated your bodies, his actions growing rougher as time went on. You tried your best to remain composed but that too grew more difficult whenever he pressed himself further inwards, trying to get as close as possible.

You suddenly spoke up, voicing another want of yours. “Yamato, could you stay the night? You just need to leave by mor—”

But instead of a proper answer as expected from him, he shut you up by deepening the next kiss in a more intimate way as his tongue found its way inside your mouth. You remained silent, accepting this as a ‘yes’ before continuing to melt into his touch.

All that anger from the beginning of the night had long since faded, overtaken by those strong feelings for the boy whose body now lay on top of yours.

Notes:

It's always so stressful writing these kinds of things lol. I am a day late but I took yesterday off since it was my birthday so I used my day off today to finally bring this long-awaited chapter to you all. There's more to come of course but thanks for reading, see you next chapter!

Notes:

I'm sorry if there are any mistakes. I've been wanting to write for this character for a while, so I decided to just go ahead and do it before I back out lol.