After Takemichi's wounds are bandaged, Kokonoi and Inupi have to leave early due to other matters. They clearly don't want to, but there's no helping it. Just before leaving, Inupi throws a grumpy, jealous glance at Taiju - because unlike them, he gets to stay a bit longer, supposedly to assist Takemichi, who's having trouble walking now that his leg is injured. He'll stay until Hakkai and Mitsuya arrive with lunch.

"Taiju-kun... You once said maybe the gods have blessed me," Takemichi suddenly says. "So... do they want something in return?"

The question catches Taiju off guard. He falls silent for a moment, eyes settling on Takemichi with an unreadable look. Then, he replies.

"The gods bless those who are kind and brave. That's all they ask."

Takemichi doesn't say anything back. He just sits there, quietly lost in thought. Taiju can't quite read what's going on in his head. He exhales a sigh. These aren't the kinds of things he usually says - it's not really his style - but Takemichi's always been the exception.

"Takemichi." Taiju breaks the silence, calling his name - something he rarely does.
"You have those qualities. And you deserve every blessing the gods have given you."

Takemichi blinks, surprised, staring at him wide-eyed.

"Kindness is never easy," Taiju continues, his voice calm but steady. "To me, it's an act of courage... but also the dumbest thing in the world. Being good to a world that never gives back - it's foolish. No one wants to be the one who gets hurt. That's why the gods cherish the kind ones... and why they test them, too. So yeah, there'll always be conflict around you."

Without warning, Taiju moves from his seat and sits beside Takemichi. He gently takes Takemichi's hands, still folded in his lap as if in prayer, and wraps his own large, warm hands around them. He looks straight into Takemichi's eyes - not to intimidate, but as if silently saying, Trust me.

"Even so, the gods always love and guide the ones who are brave, kind, and willing to sacrifice themselves for others... like you. So don't worry. Just be who you are. Everything's going to be alright. And don't forget - you're not alone. I'm here."

Takemichi doesn't know what to feel. There's a strange weight in Taiju's words, like something sacred. It's almost too serious. Like a responsibility he didn't ask for. But at the same time, there's comfort in it too - reassurance that quiets all the fears he's been holding in.

He presses his lips together and meets Taiju's gaze. Those strong, warm hands around his make him feel both protected and gently cared for. His heart starts pounding. A pink flush creeps into his cheeks.

"Th... thank you, Taiju-kun."

Takemichi quickly looks away, embarrassed. Even Taiju isn't sure why he's saying all this. Maybe it's because he thinks he knows what's been eating at Takemichi lately. Aside from Kimura, Taiju's the only one who knows that Takemichi saved Kisaki that day they chased him down. And things have been strange ever since. Taiju still remembers how scared Takemichi was that night, clutching his chest and asking if he was going to die.

Taiju reaches over and ruffles his hair.

"Get some real rest and pull yourself together, you little brat. There's still a ton of crap our boss has to handle himself. Hakkai should be here soon, so I'll head out first."

Just as Taiju is about to leave, Takemichi tugs at the hem of his coat.

This time, his face is even redder than before - bright like a ripe tomato, like there's pink smoke about to rise from the top of his head. He avoids eye contact, glancing off to the side.

The shy, almost girlish look on Takemichi's face makes Taiju frown.

"What now? Something else?"

"Thanks... for taking me to the hospital. And... sorry. For that day. I kinda caused you trouble."

Truth is, Takemichi was so overwhelmed back then that he barely registered what happened. He hadn't paid much attention when people told him it was Taiju who brought him to the hospital. But now, standing in front of him, those blurry memories come rushing back. And honestly... Takemichi just wants the earth to swallow him whole.

How could he let himself get like that? And more importantly - why didn't Taiju, of all people, just beat him senseless like usual? Why was he... gentle?

The memory of him curling up in Taiju's chest, being held close and comforted, flashes back vividly. He doesn't remember all the details, and silently prays he didn't do anything even more embarrassing.

A soft cough pulls him out of his thoughts. Takemichi peeks up cautiously - Taiju has one hand covering his mouth, turned to the side.

Apparently, he's not the only one flustered.

"It's nothing. Just something I ought to do," Taiju says, but his tone is different. Strange. Off-brand.

Takemichi's heart sinks. I'm dead, he screams internally.

The words "caused trouble" don't even begin to cover it. What he's done to the fearsome Tenth Gen Black Dragon boss should be criminal.

Now the air between them is filled with awkward tension. Both of them are trying their best not to show just how hot their faces are.

Thankfully, a knock on the door and a familiar voice break the silence.

"Takemichi! We're here!"

Hakkai and Mitsuya step in, stopping short when they see Taiju still inside. It only takes them a second to catch on - something feels off.

"Big bro's still here?" Hakkai asks.

"This idiot broke a vase and stepped on the shards. I stuck around to make sure he didn't do anything stupid. Now that you're here, keep an eye on him," Taiju says coolly.

The answer throws Mitsuya and Hakkai off-track just enough.

"Is the cut bad?" Mitsuya asks, both of them now focused on Takemichi.

Taiju slips back into his usual calm demeanor. But Takemichi's face is still flushed. He sneaks a glance up at Taiju - and Hakkai and Mitsuya both catch it.

Suspicious.

Is Taiju... seducing Takemichi? Or is it the other way around?

Taiju sees Takemichi's gaze and sighs to himself. This kid's gonna ruin me.

"It's not that deep. He'll be fine after a few days of rest," he says to the two of them casually. But then he turns back to Takemichi, and his voice softens just a bit.

"I'm heading out now."

Instead of his usual gentle head pat, Taiju ruffles Takemichi's hair roughly this time, turning it into a full-on bird's nest. He chuckles at the mess of golden strands he just created.

Takemichi pouts and tries to smooth his hair back down.

As Taiju steps out the door, Mitsuya throws him a cautious look. Taiju meets his gaze and offers a half-smile - like two old soldiers acknowledging each other after a long time.

"Keep an eye on him," Taiju says. "His mood's been off lately."

Hakkai's jaw drops. Wait, what? My brother... being concerned about someone else?

Is he seriously treating Takemichi that well? Hakkai's at a loss for words.

Mitsuya just smiles and replies, "Don't worry. We've got him."

With that, Taiju heads out without looking back.

Mitsuya watches him go, and his smile quickly fades. Great. It's not Taiju seducing Takemichi. It's the other way around.

Looks like Takemichi's victim count just went up again.

Mitsuya turns back to "the culprit." Takemichi still looks kind of dazed. When he notices Mitsuya watching, he just flashes a sweet little smile, like a silent greeting.

Somewhere inside, Mitsuya feels his soul shake.

With that innocent face, who could even blame him?

No, the real problem is - why is everyone else so damn weak?

"Takemichi, time for lunch."

Mitsuya lets out a small sigh, then offers a gentle smile.

Meanwhile, Taiju rejoins the Black Dragon crew. The moment he steps out of the hospital, his face hardens - cold, intimidating. Scarier than usual, even. The others notice it right away, and something about his mood feels... off.

The temperature around them seems to drop several degrees. No one dares speak up. Everyone's silently sweating bullets.

All eyes drift toward a certain someone - most likely the reason for Taiju's foul mood. That guy used to be one of Taiju's trusted men. Now he's lying on the ground, bruised and bloodied, after a vicious beating from two high-ranking Black Dragon members.

Turns out, Kokonoi and Inupi weren't called away earlier. Taiju had ordered them to hold Kimura back for questioning - to see if he's a planted spy. And maybe to blow off some steam.

"How's it going?" Taiju asks, voice low and cold as he looks down at Kimura, who's writhing on the ground.

"He says he joined because he admires Hanagaki," Kokonoi explains. "Says he's not a spy. I've sent someone to investigate, see if the story checks out."

Taiju frowns. Didn't Takemichi meet this guy for the first time in Ginza? He remembers that moment clearly - Takemichi didn't act like he recognized Kimura at all. But now that he thinks about it... the guy did look at Takemichi kind of strangely that day.

Weird. But he doesn't seem like he's lying. Still, Kimura's a hard one to read.

"You've been useful, Kimura," Taiju says, crouching beside him. "You work fast, stay calm under pressure. That's why I've kept you close."

Then he narrows his eyes.

"You said you admire Hanagaki?"

Kimura nods slowly, struggling to move.

"Then are you willing to swear loyalty to him? Serve the commander with everything you've got?"

"I joined for him. I'm loyal to him. I'll serve him to the end," Kimura breathes out.

Taiju lets a crooked smile curl on his lips, nodding slightly. For a moment, he almost seems pleased.

Then he stands - and the smile vanishes.

Without warning, he drives his foot hard into Kimura's side, sending him flying. The man hits the ground with a sickening thud, blood and bile spilling from his mouth.

"And even so," Taiju says, voice like ice, "you don't get a free pass for disobeying our commander. For pissing him off."

"You got him hurt, didn't you? This punishment's pretty fair, don't you think?"

The threat in his tone isn't subtle. Everyone present now understands - so that's why the once-favored Kimura ended up like this. He made the commander mad.

"Listen up," Taiju snaps, sweeping his gaze across the crew. "Look real close. This is what happens to anyone who crosses our commander."

"You lot are getting too loud lately. Just 'cause we crushed Tenjiku doesn't mean you get to strut around like kings."

"Anyone who damages our commander's name - anyone who dares shame him - I'll deal with you personally."

His words slice through the air like blades. It's clear he's using this moment to remind the Black Dragons exactly who's in charge. Lately, some members have been acting out - starting fights with other gangs, robbing civilians. Stuff Takemichi strictly forbade.

The guilty ones stiffen on instinct, dread creeping down their spines.

They want Takemichi back. Desperately.

He may be strict when it comes to their screw-ups, but at least he forgives. Smiles. Gives them a chance to make it right.

These three? Taiju. Kokonoi. Inupi. They don't forgive. They don't smile. They don't hold back.

Only Takemichi can rein them in.

Commander, please get better soon. We can't survive these three much longer.

Kakucho feels a little nervous.

Today's the first time they've managed to come visit Takemichi. Thinking back to that day, there's a sting in his chest. He still can't figure out what kind of suffering Takemichi has endured to end up this sick. Whatever it was, it must've been hell.

He's not alone today - Izana, the Haitani brothers, and even Mochi tag along. Mochi, of course, is mostly just curious about the guy who managed to take them all down.

Mucho doesn't show. It's hard to face old teammates, especially when not everyone sees his return to Izana as not a betrayal. He doesn't consider it one - but others definitely do.

The five of them head toward Takemichi's hospital room. Kakucho, just a bit too eager, grabs the handle and pushes the door open without knocking.

And then he freezes.

They all do.

Right there, mid-change, stands Takemichi with his back to them. The hospital gown slips halfway down his waist, revealing smooth, porcelain skin, a slim, straight back, and soft shoulders. His narrow waist peeks out under the fabric, delicate and graceful in the pale light.

Takemichi flinches, glancing over his shoulder. He looks confused, caught off guard by someone's sudden presence. His wide-eyed gaze is innocent - almost naive - and it clashes with the strangely captivating air he gives off right now. He doesn't realize whose eyes he's stirred, what emotions he's unknowingly awakened inside them.

There's a flutter deep in the stomach. Flashing images - shameless, raw - take shape in the mind. But it's instinct. It's the fierce, aching desire of someone who's already fallen for the blond boy standing before them.

They want to hold him. Lock him tight in their arms so he can never slip away. Let the sweet, sunlit scent of his hair fill their senses. Skin on skin. Warmth tangled up together. That slender, beautiful neck - it would look even more irresistible with a mark. A claim. Proof he belongs to them.

They want him to be theirs. Only theirs. They want his eyes to look at no one else but them.

But Takemichi doesn't even notice the burning stares fixed on his body nor the hidden desire simmering beneath them. Takemichi frowns after a moment of blank confusion.

"Do none of you know how to knock? Get out."

A rare flash of irritation crosses his face. Clearly, no one warned them Takemichi's been that cranky lately. Spoiled by everyone around him, he's gotten bolder - and it shows. Not even Tenjiku's most ruthless members get a free pass.

They're all older than him. Two, three years at least. Men who command fear across the delinquent underworld. And yet... they just stand there, frozen, after being scolded by a teenager in a hospital gown.

When Takemichi notices they still haven't left to give him space to change, he shoots them a glare sharp enough to kill.

Sassy Takemitchy: online.

Adorable Takemitchy: logging off.

"You planning to stand there all day?"

Like clockwork, they shuffle out without another word, obedient as ever. Then they just... stand in the hallway, blinking at each other.

"...He's gotten a bit fierce lately, hasn't he?" Ran breaks the awkward quiet with a smirk.

"Not a bit"

Izana, the unfortunate victim of that "a bit fierce", finally speaks up. Ran glances at his boss and almost forgets - bruises on Izana's face, a couple butterfly bandages still clinging to the skin. All Takemichi's doing. He's heard the play-by-play from that day too. Apparently, Takemichi really went off.

Hard to believe a boy with that kind of innocent face could give the King of Tenjiku such a hard time.

And his arm in the cast now? Yeah, also thanks to Takemichi. Indirectly.

Man... Ran sighs inwardly. That cute face, that sweet little smile - it's easy to forget how sharp Takemichi really is. How much trouble he brings, how dangerous he can be. But that's okay. That's what makes Takemichi so damn interesting. So damn irresistible.

"But that body, though..." Rindou mutters, shamelessly. "He's lost a bit of weight, huh? Still pretty."

Izana chuckles, clearly enjoying this. Kakucho, on the other hand, feels his face burn. Regret bubbles up inside him - for opening the door, for letting those two scumbags get an eyeful.

But what bothers him more... is that he saw it too.

More importantly, he doesn't understand why he feels so awkward seeing his childhood friend half-naked. They're both guys, after all. It shouldn't be a big deal. But seriously he never expects that same goofy kid he grew up with to turn out... this beautiful. Damn it, he doesn't even know why he's using the word beautiful in the first place.

Only Mochi gives the four of them a judgmental look, as if to say, 'What the hell are you guys even talking about? What are you doing?'