Takemichi wakes up feeling drained, his eyelids heavy. He sits on the bed for a while before dragging himself into the bathroom. Staring at his sluggish reflection in the mirror, he sighs. Once he finishes washing up, he slaps both cheeks - hard - trying to shake off the grogginess.

He skips breakfast today. The moment he steps outside, he notices four Black Dragon members tailing him in plain clothes. Just like Kokonoi said, they keep a respectful distance, not interfering with his daily life. Normally, Takemichi might have gone up to greet them, but not today. He's not in the mood.

His mind feels foggy. What were Akkun and the guys saying earlier? He doesn't think he's seen Kazutora or Hinata today either. In class, he can't even tell what subject he's supposed to be learning. He's just so sleepy. When break time comes, everyone leaves the classroom. His friend heads off to grab a drink, and Takemichi just collapses onto the desk and dozes off.

"Takemitchy, hey, wake up." He hears Mikey's voice faintly in the background.

Groggily, he opens his eyes - and finds Mikey's face inches from his own. Takemichi jerks upright, startled.

"Mikey-kun! What are you doing here?!"

Mikey grins at him. "Let's go on a date, Takemitchy."

"Huh?"

"Huh what? Let's go." Mikey reaches out to grab his hand, but Takemichi instinctively pulls away, backing off in surprise. Mikey looks just as taken aback. Takemichi can see it - he's surprised by the strong reaction... and maybe, just a little hurt. Afraid Mikey might think he's avoiding him, Takemichi quickly rushes over and throws his arms around Mikey's neck.

"Mikey-kun, don't get the wrong idea. It's not that I don't want you to touch me or anything. I know this sounds insane, but please - just don't let your hand touch mine, okay? If you do, something's gonna happen to me."

He'll get thrown back to the future. And now is not the time. There's still too much left to do. Mikey stiffens at the sudden hug, but after a beat, he chuckles and wraps his arms around Takemichi's waist.

"Takemitchy's being bold today, huh? Showing affection right out in public. Usually we save this kind of thing for private, don't we?"

Takemichi freezes and glances around. There are still a few classmates lingering in the room. They probably didn't hear what he said to Mikey... but they definitely saw him hugging him out of nowhere. And Mikey's voice? Loud and clear. Every word. Now those lingering classmates are staring with wide, scandalized eyes, jaws practically on the floor like they've just walked into the middle of a romance drama.

"So, Takemitchy," Mikey smirks, clearly enjoying this, "can we go on that date now?"

"Anywhere's fine."

Because if they stay here any longer, Takemichi is going to die of embarrassment.

Mikey gives him a ride on Bob. From the road, Takemichi immediately knows - they're heading to the beach. On the way, they even stop by to grab a bag of taiyaki.

Takemichi still feels uneasy about earlier, so he hesitantly speaks up.

"Mikey-kun... about what happened just now..."

Mikey cuts him off - of course he knows Takemichi's still dwelling on his reaction.

"It's fine. Don't worry about it. Just a tiny thing. I wouldn't even ask if you don't wanna talk. When have I ever forced you, you idiot? You're always weird anyway. And I'm weird too, always believing you've got a reason for everything. We're a strange pair, huh?"

From behind, Takemichi gazes at him with sparkling eyes, then suddenly wraps his arms tightly around Mikey's waist.

"If we're not holding hands, then a hug's fine too, right?"

"Oi, Takemichy's getting bold today. Wanna have an affair with me or something?"

"Then Hina's gonna smack both of us in the face."

They burst into laughter as they ride along the road. The air lightens, laughter filling the silence.

Mikey brings him to a wave-blocking embankment. When Takemichi sees the ocean, he lights up. Standing atop the concrete barrier, he spreads his arms wide toward the vast open sky, soaking in the wind, the chill of the mist, the salty tang in the air, the gentle roar of the waves. Coming to the beach in cold weather doesn't make much sense, but it feels damn refreshing.

"This is amazing, Mikey-kun. I freaking love you."

Mikey stands beside him, smiling softly, eyes full of warmth. Of course, Takemichi's happiness is his happiness too.

"We made a deal, didn't we? If you like it, next time we'll take Bab and ride even further. For now, let's eat. I swear I've heard your stomach growling since we left."

Takemichi chuckles sheepishly. "I skipped breakfast, haha."

He takes a bite of the taiyaki. The exhaustion and heaviness of the morning vanish, swept away by the sea and the pastry - both things Mikey brings to him. Mikey is like a savior, stepping into the mess that is his life.

Mikey doesn't eat. He just rests his chin on his hand, watching Takemichi quietly.

"Mikey-kun, you're acting strange today. Not eating your taiyaki?"

"You go ahead and eat. I'll have mine later."

"You bought a bunch. Eat with me - it's more fun that way."

Takemichi quickly pulls another taiyaki from the bag and hands it to him. The gesture suddenly brings Mikey back to a memory - the very first time they met, right here at the shore. Takemichi was already a strange kid then. He looked at Mikey with tears falling uncontrollably. Normally, Mikey wouldn't give a damn, but for some reason, something aches in his chest. Something inside tells him - he can't leave this person alone. He remembers Takemichi holding two taiyaki in his hands. So Mikey distracts him, says if he's not eating, give one to him. And the idiot actually shares. He even breaks his own in half to offer him.

Mikey still remembers those blue eyes - clear and brimming with tears. Eyes of a stranger that somehow feel so familiar. And they carry so many emotions: heartbreak, pity, affection. He knows - they're all for him. He's drawn to them, captivated. He can't look away. Even now. Back then, something strange happens - he feels a connection between them. His heart races the moment he sees Takemichi. And without thinking, he just wants this person by his side.

Mikey takes the taiyaki and smiles as a memory comes rushing back. Time flies, huh? That weird kid's still just as weird. He let him in, and he barged right into his life like he belonged there. Now he can't imagine it without him.

"This place," Mikey says, glancing out at the ocean, "me and my brother used to come here all the time. I love it here. We'd sit around, talk for hours. After he was gone, whenever I felt off, I'd come here alone. Let the sea breeze carry the bad stuff away. This place means a lot to me."

Hearing that, Takemichi looks at him. Mikey is smiling so casually as he says it that Takemichi relaxes too, letting a gentle smile tug at his lips.

"A place full of memories, huh? Thanks for bringing me here. It's... really amazing."

Mikey tilts his head, eyes locking on Takemichi.

"I didn't bring you here for no reason, you know. I get the feeling something's bothering you. Am I wrong?"

Takemichi blinks, caught off guard again. How does he do that? Is Mikey some kind of trigger that tunes into his emotions so easily? But there's nothing going on with Naoto... right?

"You dummy," Mikey says softly. "If something's hurting, you gotta talk about it. We're all here for you. I'm here. Always."

Takemichi stares at him. Mikey's golden hair dances in the wind. Why does he look both so familiar and so distant right now? And then it hits him - he's been so fixated on the image of a broken, hurting Mikey that he forgets... this Mikey is happy. He's right here. Smiling. Alive.

Looking into those warm, open eyes, at the bright, carefree smile, Takemichi finally realizes... This time, the past has changed a lot. He's managed to protect Mikey, at least up to now. So why is he still so scared? Why does he keep fearing some terrible future?

Takemichi goes still. Right now, at this moment, all he can see is Mikey. It's real, isn't it? Mikey's happy. Takemichi's doing a good job... right? It's obvious. And yet, part of him still hesitates, caught between belief and doubt.

"Mikey-kun, can you hold me?" Takemichi needs reassurance.

Mikey doesn't find it strange, doesn't question it. He simply opens his arms and pulls Takemichi in. One arm wraps around his back, the other gently runs through his messy, soft blond hair in comfort. He rests his cheek lightly on top of Takemichi's head as the boy buries his face into his shoulder. Mikey softly presses his lips against Takemichi's hair, then closes his eyes, soaking in the warmth of the person in his embrace. It's the kind of hug that wants to shield someone from every hurt in the world, a hug that pours out all the love one has. He's not entirely sure, but it feels like Takemichi is crying.

"Mikey-kun... you're happy now, right?" Takemichi's voice is hoarse, barely above a whisper.

"Yeah. I'm really happy, Takemitchy."

"Really?"

"Of course it's real."

"Mikey-kun, promise me... that you'll always stay happy. Live with everyone. Smile... can you do that?"

"I promise. I will, for sure."

"Mikey-kun..."

"I'm here."

He knows Takemichi is sad - but damn it, he can't help the rush of joy that wells up inside. It's maddening, not knowing what Takemichi is trying to do. But he knows, deep down, that everything Takemichi does... it's all for him. He's the one holding Takemichi's emotions. He's the one who matters most to him.

Just hearing those words, his heart feels like it's being wrapped up in something warm and sweet. Takemichi wants to protect him. He wants Mikey to have a happy life.

And now, he knows. He finally understands the strange feelings stirring inside him. He likes him. No - he loves him!

Mikey lets go of Takemichi just enough to lift his face, holding it gently in both hands. His thumbs brush softly against the boy's cheeks.

Yep. Crying. What a crybaby. Stupid Mitchy.

He wipes away the tears forming at the corners of Takemichi's eyes. The way Mikey looks at him now - like a man completely, utterly in love. Tender. A smile that feels like spring itself. How is he supposed to say it? That just having this boy beside him is already happiness? How can he tell him how deeply, painfully he loves him?

They're both so important to each other - clearly, obviously - But why is it only his heart that reaches out like this?

Takemichi... do you even know that the moment I realized I loved you, both happiness and heartbreak hit me at the same time?

Takemichi's feelings for him - they're something special. Something just for him. Something one-of-a-kind. But... it's not love.

"You idiot, Takemitchy."

"You're the idiot, Mikey-kun."

The idiot who made him suffer over and over. Weak, breaking apart, carrying everything on his own, and never telling anyone. Everyone loves Mikey-kun. And Takemichi - he's always ready to do anything for him. But Mikey never told him. Carried that promise with him for twelve whole years. Took on all that responsibility alone. And then, he's falling completely apart.

Takemichi pinches Mikey's cheek again, more aggressively. This is the last time. Whatever happens after this, he won't give a damn about him anymore.

There's no need to be scared, no need to worry anymore. Mikey's happiness, everyone's happiness - it's right here, right in front of him. He can do this. Mikey's cheerful, genuine smile reminds Takemichi why he's here. It pushes him forward. All the heaviness in his heart begins to fade like fog in the morning sun.

Takemichi taps his forehead gently against Mikey's.

"Mikey-kun... thanks, man."

Then he beams at him, a smile as bright as the sun. Mikey grins back, just as radiant.

"Mikey-kun, let's grab burgers and fries for lunch. I've been craving fries like crazy."

"Alright. Whatever Takemitchy wants today, all get," Mikey says, eyes soft, full of affection.

From afar, someone watches them quietly. Wide, violet eyes - empty, unreadable - stare at Mikey, then shift to Takemichi, who's still smiling by his side. His hanafuda earrings sway gently in the breeze. Two worlds. One overflowing with laughter and warmth. The other, nothing but silence and a cold, hollow gaze. Izana turns around and walks away.

Today, Takemichi and Mikey skipped school completely. After lunch, they take another lap around the neighborhood. Takemichi forgets all about the Black Dragon members who are freaking out, not knowing where he is. Thankfully, they know he's with Mikey and manage to report it back to Kokonoi and Inupee.

By the afternoon, Takemichi drops by the base again. Unlike yesterday, he's back to his usual self. Everything from the past few days feels like ancient history to him now. He even brings food for Kokonoi and Inupee.

"I brought some snacks and tea. You two should take a break."

"Koko-kun, how's that deal with the X going? Let me take a look."

Takemichi returns to his usual rhythm. Kokonoi and Inupee, who have been quietly wondering how to bring back his smile, finally feel a little more at ease. But there's a bitter taste to it. They're the ones who made Takemichi cry. While they were at a loss, not knowing what to do, Mikey simply took him for a ride and just like that, all the sadness from yesterday vanished.

They haven't been with him long enough. They're the ones who came after. That jealousy again. Of course they know how much Takemichi loves Touman. Those people are the ones truly close to him, the ones he can open up to. It's not like Takemichi treats them coldly, but still, they can't help but feel they'll never hold the same place in his heart as Touman does.

"Inupee-kun, Koko-kun, what's up with you two today?"

Takemichi's voice snaps them out of their thoughts.

"It's nothing, Hanagaki," Inupee says quietly, shaking his head.

Takemichi tilts his head, narrowing his eyes. If he's right...

"You don't need to worry about what happened yesterday. Come on, cheer up already."

The two of them instantly wear the expressions of sulking puppies. Takemichi shakes his head, laughing in exasperation.

"How about you two come over to my place this weekend? Let's have a little sleepover."

The sudden invitation lights up their gloomy faces. It's the first time Takemichi officially invites them to his house and not just that, a sleepover. That means they can stay over.

"Just me and Inupee, right?"

Please let it not be Touman.

"Yeah, just the three of us."

Perfect! This'll be Kokonoi's first time at Takemichi's house. Does that mean they're meeting his family too? What should they wear? Should they bring a gift? What would Takemichi's parents like? Wait, what day is it today? Why can't it be the weekend already?

Takemichi can't help but chuckle at how excited they look. Spending more time with them really shows they're just teenage boys, with so many childish, adorable sides. He wants to grow closer to them.

"You guys just bring some snacks, okay? I'll take care of the rest. Don't go overboard. Kokonoi, don't show up with anything expensive."

Takemichi never expects his casual offer to make them this happy. Their bright faces even lift his own spirits. But that happiness can waiw, tomorrow belongs to those two kids. Tomorrow... maybe it's Take's turn.

A new day begins. Take stares at himself in the mirror, clicks his tongue loudly when he sees the dark circles under his eyes. Did he not sleep well again? His body doesn't feel right, and what the hell is this mark here? Lucky it's him who showed up this time. If it had been that other guy, who knows how much chaos he would've stirred up.

He opens his closet and spots a brand-new black jacket hanging neatly, along with Takemichi's note: "That old jacket's had it. Stop rolling around like that. Be careful, alright?"

Take pulls the jacket off the hanger. It still smells fresh - new fabric and a faint scent of fabric softener. His hand tightens around the coat. It's because you're always like this... none of us can ever truly leave.

At a port in Yokohama, a fearsome gang gathers - its power so immense that even the boldest dare not cross it. This is Tenjiku, a syndicate forged from the most vicious generation.

The Haitani brothers perch casually on a shipping container, watching as Izana and Kakucho approach, flanked by Hanma and Kisaki. Ran locks eyes with Hanma. Both smirk, mocking the other with silent contempt.

"We're starting the meeting," Izana announces. "From now on, Kisaki Tetta will serve as Tenjiku's chief strategist. He'll be the one to craft our path to conquering Tokyo."

"To rule Tokyo, our first move is to take down the undefeated Tokyo Manji Gang," Kisaki begins, his tone sharp, calculated. "But there's a major obstacle in our way - Hanagaki Takemichi, the Eleventh Gen Black Dragon leader and current captain of the Sixth Division of Toman."

Kakucho clenches his fist slightly. He's heard all about Takemichi - knows too well they're bound to face each other. Still, hearing the name spoken aloud in this context stirs something in him. After all, that boy was once his childhood friend. His hero.

"Hanagaki Takemichi, huh?"

Izana repeats the name, a flicker of genuine curiosity in his eyes. Unease creeps into Kakucho's gut.

"He commands a fiercely capable Black Dragon, and more importantly, he's got Kokonoi Hajime at his side. The strength of Black Dragon today is thanks to Kokonoi's money-making skills. Without Kokonoi, there's no way to become the top gang in Tokyo," Kisaki continues. "And Hanagaki - he's being called the treasure of Tokyo Manji. He holds a crucial place in the hearts of the core members. Especially Mikey. Rumor has it, Mikey grants him anything he asks. So, if we want a clean shot at taking Toman, our first target has to be Hanagaki."

"He's really that important?"

"You already know this well, don't you, Haitani-kun? You guys used to work with Takemichi, right? Pretty close, too." Hanma says cheerfully, his tone laced with sarcasm.

Ran doesn't lose his cool. He smiles faintly. "That's true. Takemichi is really important to Mikey. If anyone wants to take over Touman, Takemichi is the top target. But..." His voice shifts, and his sharp gaze locks onto Kisaki.

"Izana, I'm not saying this to go against you. Take down whoever you want - I'll follow through. But I won't let anyone lay a finger on Takemichi. That guy belongs to us."

The Haitani brothers have never been the kind to follow society's rules. They've always done whatever they want, no matter what. Even so, Ran holds deep respect for Izana. For him to speak so firmly... it means Takemichi's place in their hearts is far from ordinary. Izana doesn't get angry. If anything, he looks more intrigued.

But Kakuchou, Kisaki, and the others are caught off guard. The Haitanis, known for caring only about themselves, actually give a damn about Takemichi? Hanma still wears that mocking grin on his face.

"So what, Haitani? You planning to get in my way now?" Kisaki scoffs. "Izana, listen. If we don't get rid of Hanagaki first, our whole plan's going to fall apart."

He's clearly displeased. He can't believe Takemichi is still messing things up even now.

"We can pull him to our side," Ran says, not backing down. "If we make him submit, taking out Touman gets a whole lot easier."

Hanma bursts out laughing. "You, of all people, know how loyal Takemichi is. You think that's possible?"

"Nothing's impossible. Force him. Do whatever it takes. If it comes down to it, I've got no problem using violence to make him obey."

"Weren't you the one just now saying no one gets to hurt Takemichi?"

"No one except us. Got it?" Ran smirks coldly. "If it's to make him obedient, I'll use whatever method I have to. And after that... I'll find a way to make it up to him."

He really can't take it anymore. Kakuchou glances at Izana, who watches the whole group argue without even a hint of irritation - if anything, there's something strange in his eyes. That only makes Kakuchou feel more uneasy. He follows Izana like a king, and if Izana is cooking up something terrible involving Takemichi... he doesn't know what he'll do then.

And that possessive vibe Haitani has toward Takemichi - it's not what he expected. There's something off about it, something dark and unspoken. It makes him anxious for Takemichi's sake.

"Shut the hell up," Kakuchou cuts in, stepping into the middle of the argument. "The boss is right here. You're all arguing like he's not even in the room. That's straight-up disrespect."

Silence falls.

Izana still wears that amused smile, resting a finger on his lips, thoughtful.

"Kisaki, go ahead with the rest of the plans. As for that one... I'll decide later."

"Izana..."

"That's an order. Don't start thinking you can step beyond your limits."

Izana's cold gaze pierces Kisaki, who clearly isn't happy with the decision.