Disclaimer: I don't owe Tokyo Revengers. However, I'm basing this fanfic off of the original which is Tokyo Revengers, by Wakui Ken
Warnings: Having a snarky friend... does that count as a warning?¿
note- This chapter was formerly known as, 'Gimme Gimme Gimme' but things happen and I decided to change it. It's now, '3 weeks' cause it feels just right.
Sunglasses are expensive for a reason! Everyone and anyone looks cool with it on, which makes it the best aesthetic accessory to-go!
(▀̿Ĺ̯▀̿ ̿)
Trails of sweat trickle down the layer of skin that wrapped the spine. This tiny back was penetrated by the suffocating stares of both friends and foes. Nevertheless, I took in everything with my head held high.
Here I stand, hovering over an unconscious Seita as my head bobs up and down, panting in quick intervals for air.
I simply put the man into the classic lapel choke, and he was out cold. Though he did put up quite the struggle, clawing into the bare skin of my stomach and leaving a trail of visible scratches in his effort to break free.
It would probably leave scars.
But, despite it all, I was ecstatic.
Taking on Seita wasn't much of a challenge. I'd argue that getting to him was the difficult part.
The fight has come to an end.
The Gyuki's leader was rid of, and what's left was to await our overseer's announcement of our victory.
Drenched in the warmth of my own sweat mixed with blood smudged all over my body. The violent palpitations do not immediately dissipate and it renders me out of breath as it returns to its regular paces.
"Ne, Arai, you look like shit," Sute said.
"Mn, and sexy, right?" I purred back.
I lack the energy to disagree, yet that was no excuse to forgo my usual self-praises about myself.
She squinted her eyes. "Ugh, you and your pervy tactics again... Should've known you'd do this ever since that incident,"
"Yeah, I almost got disqualified for our first competition, but hey, I've lived the dream," I added with a low hum.
Sute let out a long sigh but try as she might to seem disappointed, I can tell she was holding in a stifled laughter. It made me crack a smile.
From where I stood it wasn't much of a distance I couldn't cover with wobbly legs.
I made my move and trudged towards them.
Sute walked with me, mindfully taking some few steps back instead of being right beside me.
I was the object of attention, unsurprising with my status as leader and overall battered appearance. She didn't want to join me on a pedestal made of prying eyes that violate.
It made me giddy, though I will not show it as I held onto a blank expression, coming to a full stop in front of the Black Dragon.
Sucking in a deep breath, a strong prestige musk permeates the surrounding of where the Black Dragon stood.
The Black Dragon's leader, Sano Shinichiro, was a man that could pull off the rockabilly style pretty well. His black hair slicked back into neat shining pompadour. I've seen many with the same hairstyle, however, with him dawning the look, I'm sure nobody else could pull it off like him. He technically owned the look.
To his right, was his vice-leader, Akashi Takeomi. He also had black hair and it was worn down, with a length that briefly goes past his shoulders but not any longer than that. He and his leader were about the same height though Shinichiro was slightly taller and, in contrast, Takeomi was more buff.
Moving on to Shinichiro's left, was Kodo Rengo's former leader and now a trusted captain of Black Dragon, Imaushi Wakasa. He bore feminine features, more distinctively he had long bottom eyelashes, and styled a tousled light yellow hair. Out of the 4 Black Dragon members present, he was the shortest but still a lean man of average height.
Lastly, we have the former Leader of Ragnarok, Arashi Keizo—'Benkei'—who was also a captain with the same rank as Wakasa. There were many things to be said about this glorified ape, but to cut it short, he was a tall muscular man who even towers over his own gang leaders(who themselves were tall).
They're an intimidating bunch, I dare say. A rising group in the delinquent world. Almost everyone within this association of immature teenage punks has heard their name mentioned at least once or twice.
In fact, they're well on their way to becoming the top-dogs of Tokyo.
"Well, congratulations! The Lioness have won!" Shinichiro announced in an uplifting tone.
Try saying that to a person that's gone through hell and back. I am not amused.
While forcing a smile there's a nervous glimmer in his eyes as he said our victory. The fact that he wasn't meeting my gaze also irked me.
It must be brutal to see other people get beaten up. Let alone girls, resorting to the act of violence. That would be one hell of an ugly fight to spectate if I were in their shoes.
From what I've heard, Shinichiro doesn't particularly excel in the field of fighting, and that he has a weak heart for women…
However, if he pities the state I'm in now, I'd be aggravated to take that as an insult on not only me, but my entire gang.
"Could you…" He swallows hard before he finishes his sentence, looking away with clear discomfort. "Could you maybe put something on, please,"
Is he shy with seeing a little skin?
Which then alludes to my bare top with only the black sports bra covering my breasts.
Well, he's certainly an innocent one. Unlike the lecherous stares I've received from some, Shinichiro was kind of a cherry boy… from my impression so far. As much as I enjoy brandishing my bare top for all to see, I do have my limits on the goods I show.
I don't get why people can't keep their eyes to themselves sometimes.
It wasn't as if I had nothing on. I'm not flashing myself either. I'm somewhat decent, covering my curves and wearing baggy shorts that were cut right below my knees.
Now how on earth can that spark that kind of reaction?
(Honestly, I sound like a hypocrite saying this because I'd also, without any sense of shame, ogle at people)
"How about not," I mused.
"Araya-chan, here is plain horny," Sute says in that voice she knows that gets me riled up and ended off with a closed eyed smile that sends my skin crawling. The honorific 'chan' she added after saying my name and the harsh patting at my back doubles my fear and anxiety for if she spills more-
"Ehem, sometimes," She forced a cough.
If it weren't for the last minute words, I would've bolted for my dear friend and wrestled her on the spot, then and there.
"You just had to expose me like that," I whispered-shout as I cranked my head to my friend. "And by the way, you talk about this things more than me,"
"Who was the one that kept doing and going on about pervy things in the first place?"
She left me speechless.
Sute wasn't wrong. You could say I had somewhat been an influence to her on these kinds of 'topics' and that was hugely my fault. Ever since then, she's been sassing and using my own innuendos against me.
I made a dark scowl at Sute before twisting my head back to face Shinichiro and the rest of his gang members.
"Anyways…" I muttered, moving on from what Sute had said. "Thank you, for being the overseer for the fight," I went in for a deep bend at the waist to show my gratitude.
By doing this, I would have been deemed to lose face. A leader bowing down to another leader can be interpreted as such: I was inferior compared to Shinichiro and therefore, I am the weaker one.
I don't give a damn about those nasty comments. For all I care, they can degrade me but that would be it.
And if they take action, I'll bite off their heads.
"It could have been anyone, but I'm glad that it was you, Sano-san,"
It means a lot to me. I'm very thankful I had an honourable individual oversee Lioness's first official fight, instead of some punk with an attitude.
Tilting my head upwards, I was then struck by an unexpected expression from the black haired man.
Met with a man whose cheeks were flushed and turned a bright pinkish hue as his eyes went all over the place.
Did my words have that much impact to make him… like that?
"Well I-I appreciate it, and you too,"
I widened my eyes.
"No, that came out wrong. What I meant to say was that you and your gang put up a really good fight," Shinichiro corrected himself, scratching the back of his neck.
I nodded my head, satisfied with the outcome.
From behind his back, I noticed his friends were busying themselves nodding at each other and bumping shoulders with an all-knowing smirks on their faces. They were giving each other a look and had radiated similar thoughts going on within their heads.
"Well then I'll see you around," I waved him off.
What are the odds we'd meet again?
Tokyo is a big city. There would be a small possibility for us to meet again, sure. In reality, we don't know what to expect. I've been taught to be polite, so this was a kind gesture of sugar coated words we'll say to strangers that we won't meet again.
Drunk on the thought of what to do once I reached my apartment, I began to walk away from them. there was no use lingering for small talk. But after managing a few metres I immediately froze in my step.
The time to pay for my ignorance has arrived, though a tad bit too soon then I had intended.
I've been hauling off from giving in to the fatigue and it's come back to bite me where it hurts for leaving it on hold for some time at my doorstep.
The chit-chatters surrounding me drowned out and became a distorted baritone buzz ringing in my ears. Fog clouds my vision as the spectators seem to be placed much more further than before, however I'm certain it's just my mind playing tricks on me.
There was nothing that alluded to the sudden appearance of the wispy mist, so it made sense to deduce that this sensation was very much a me-problem. I take this as a sign that I'll be shutting down soon and... I don't oppose it as much as I'd initially thought.
I blurted out some words which I myself could not register. Great, I had to spout some gibberish and embarrass myself, again. I was, however, positive that a voice did come out when I tried to speak.
My grip on my consciousness breaks away as I have now realised I had already collapsed down to my knees. The body acts on its own while the mind is suffering a time lag, still comprehending the current situation. Actually no, the mind had gone elsewhere.
The mind was heeding at the sky above, the deep serene grey to blue and the dash of pinkish mixed in an energetic orange painted a gift of our victory.
The senses are going blurred.
Witnessing the sunrise instilled a good omen to come.
The next thing I knew, I was plunged into a world, entangling me in it's darkness.
It's the first time I've ever won a bet and proved Sute wrong.
Turns out, the Gyuki's representative had an infamous reputation for his odd interests of disfiguring small stray animals. How he got away with most of his offences was a mystery.
Many rejoiced when hearing the wide-spreaded news that he was finally caught by the police.
No one likes a person that would kill your family pet roaming around the block. Maybe, some member(s) of the Gyuki decided to finally get rid of him and tip off the police.
The man was a walking hazard and I'm glad for dislocating one of his shoulders. I'll do it again if I must.
Be it an animal, it's still a loss of life.
I have no regrets for doing the deed, and it makes me grin when I think about it from time to time.
At present, it's been three weeks since the clash against the Gyuki. We killed two birds with one stone, repaying them ten fold for what they've done to us while humiliating them in front of a crowd with their defeat.
After the incident, the Gyuki have begun trying to kiss up to me. Figuratively, I replied by sticking up the middle finger to their pathetic faces. If they knew any better, they'd take this opportunity to improve and reflect upon themselves.
Something about having the right to take over what's theirs but I made it clear that I had zero intention whatsoever with it. My business with them was no more, so I'm moving on with my life.
The fight helped elevated Lioness into boosting a good reputation. However, there were still the occasional leers and slurs.
Working towards change is a tedious process, I didn't expect things to be a smooth sailing boat from the get-go.
"Oh no, there's that grin on your face, Araya-chan," Sute groaned.
I was about to open my mouth but she intervened by hushing me with her opened palm smacked across my face.
"Nevermind, I don't want to know," She faced down to pinch her temples and sighed.
I slapped her shoulder and scrunched up my eyebrows. "I'm thinking of getting some onigiri later and I'm to ponder how I'm gonna need to earn more money,"
"I want some onigiri… Anyways, it's obvious you idiot, just sell your body. If you do make some cash, i deserve 25% of it for credit since I did, gave you the idea,"
I tackled her.
She counters by hitting hard at the back of my head.
"Hah! You- Why are you like this?! I know it's easy money but do I really have to go that far? And HELL NO! You're a rich sloth," I stumbled back and held onto my head and sniffed.
"You're a determined person, so you would," She gave a thumbs up with a rise in her tone to encourage me.
"I know might, but seriously no!" I defended myself.
"Arai, you're considering since you said you might~"
"I do have the galls to do something shameless, but but-"
"Mhmm, I've never been wrong,"
I straightened my lip. Sute's making this argument incorrigible and I'm too fed up from training to retaliate.
We kept a uniform silence as we trek down the flight of stairs. The climb down was but a few seconds filled with the pitter patter of the soles of our shoes slamming against the concrete steps. It was only when we reached the ground floor did we break our silence.
"Make sure to miss me,"
"I'll think of you in my sleep," The tall sloth murmured, ruffling my hair with her long digits as she yawned.
"Aww, love you too-" I cooed.
"Of how I'm going to commit arson to your apartment… Well, yeah thanks,"
"Okay, bye! See you in school," I sped off in the opposite direction after saying my quick farewell as part ways.
Training was as tough as usual and the thrill of sparring against the seniors and (some) juniors was worth the intense workouts. Our sensei was unbelievably kind today and made us go through the most bearable drills and exercises unlike that other time where I was sure I'd die.
Which reminds me, the aftermath of the fight against the Gyuki. I did in fact pass out due to overworking myself and from what I've been told, caused a lot of panic for our members.
As it was a normal occurrence—me fainting and all—Shiya helped diffuse the situation. She also begrudgingly had to bring me back to my apartment, wake me up to go wash out the blood and dirt before I could resume my slumber and off she went to return home.
She said something along the lines of "My mom would kill me if I didn't look after you," which I find touching.
Oh, and most importantly, the majority of my savings was spent for funding the promised meal.
Food was always an easy way to the heart.
What better way to do that than free food?
At the cost of my own expenses, of course.
I sobbed.
Sute was going to the building lobby's pick-up corner to be ushered home by car (Lucky...).
On the other hand, I am an ever-so loyal passenger of public transportations. Enduring train rides on the metro with my lonely company. Though I do have the freedom to take a detour before heading back to an empty apartment, so I'll make a stop by the kombini.
Training would often leave me famished and the stomach would demand to be filled up, so I have to do what I must to obey its needs and quench my hunger.
"Good evening," The lady at the cashier chimes with a honey-like voice as I enter the cold ventilated store.
"Evening to you too," I gave a slight bow of acknowledgement in return.
I quickly headed off to the snack section and schemed through the onigiri on display. They had unagi, tuna mayo, grilled salmon and teriyaki chicken on display in rows that were side-by-side. The most popular being the tuna mayo flavour with the least available packets while the least popular, unagi had the most available packets left.
I tend to get indecisive, so I went with the easiest choice, in my opinion. I'll take one of each from the most popular and least popular flavours.
Walking to the counter, I passed by the see-through refrigerator of drinks. A bottle of pocari captivated me as it was the last of it's kind on display. It was begging me to take it for refuge and I could not refuse, so I plucked it out from its chilled place in the refrigerator and shuffled to the counter.
The sweet lady behind the counter took the items off my hands and asked if I needed a bag to carry them. I nodded and readied my wallet to pay. Once she was done calculating the cost, she informed me the total amount for the items. I placed the amount into the provided container and she handed over the bag after confirming I paid the right amount. Done with the transaction, I thanked her and exited the store.
The stomach's growl beckons to be fed and prompts my legs to have a mind of its own as it sets off to find a place to sit. I'm compliant to this, as a short detour would do best to ease my mind.
Also, it was high time I visit the nature park and enjoy basking in the scenery of green while I stroll and find a nice bench somewhere to sit and eat.
What would make this trip to the park even better was some company. But I don't have any complaints about going there on my own. It's always been like this.
I've seen a similar scene play out like this one, too many times before. We're at that age where our hormones go erratic and when teenage infatuations are often confused as a sign of love. It was the age I dubbed as the 'cringe' period in our lives for we make the most indecisive choices during this time.
I don't even know what you would consider true love to be at this age, but I'm certain what I'm looking at just isn't it.
"I like you a lot! So please, would you go out with me!"
The boy holds out a red rose as he confesses to the girl. A romantic gesture but the girl doesn't seem to appreciate it.
And I can tell why.
From where I sat, I could see the girl visibly wrinkled her nose and pursed her lips. She turned her head away, eyes screwed shut and stress marks formed in between her furrowed brows.
Based on personal experiences, the girl probably felt mortified for the boy's confession.
Or maybe she didn't hold onto the same sentiments for him as he did for her.
Either way, I giggled to myself as I sensed an ensuing rejection I would get to witness.
I'm absorbed into the background, sipping my pocari sweat and enjoying the scene unfolding before me. They were off in their own little world, not caring if anyone witnessed despite being in a public space. The calming green scenery also helps blur out any passersby who were there, so my position was not compromised.
"Look, I'm not into you in any way. I've only ever talked to you, like once! And from what I've heard you're a playboy too, urgh!" When she was done screaming her heart out to the boy she then stormed off.
"Wait! Tell me what your type is! I'll change just for you, so give me a chance!" He pleads to the girl but she isn't having any of that and quickens her pace in the opposite direction.
It's a touching thing to say to your crush though I believe that without a doubt, she's already made up her mind. It was evident she hadn't had the slightest interest in the boy. Disheartening for him, I'm sure, but let's face it, everyone encounters rejection at least once.
I feel a sort of kinship with him in that sense. In my case, my rejections are not one of those pursuing romances.
Well, it seems like he was going to chase after her. Indeed, I've come across a desperate fellow. I make a quick prayer of thanks to Kami for making me come to my senses of how much of a lovesick fool I was years ago.
"Oi! You there! The boy that looks dejected, come'ere!" I exclaimed as loud as I could to catch his attention.
"Me?"
"I'm calling out to the tall boy who just got rejected and he has black hair. Coincidentally, he is also twirling a rose which I highly suspect he picked out from the thorn bushes at the entrance of park,"
Yes, it's you.
He got the message I was referring to after a long second had passed.
I motioned him to come over and patted on the wooden surface beside me of the bench to have a seat. "You make me pity you, boy. So I'm gonna impart some knowledge upon you about the ladies,"
"Is this another way of making fun of me after watching my whole rejection?" He bemoaned with dark eyes lowered to the ground.
He stands in front of me instead of sitting beside me. I'm fine with this as long as I don't have to raise my voice when we were a few metres apart earlier.
I have a better gauge on his features now that he's closer and... I am astounded.
This tall boy right here, was someone I've met recently. I didn't catch on that they were the same person since he, a few weeks ago, had an unjust amount of gel collected on his black hair(probably, for the sake of aesthetics). His black uniform was ditched for a blank white shirt, tucked out and over his denim blue jeans.
A silver chain dangles around his neck and I have the urge to steal it.
"Oh, KAMI! It is true, the leader of Black Dragon is in fact, weak to women! I CAN'T, AHAHA! Pfft!"
I might have choked on my spit, but this is too comical not to.
"Er, I'm sorry, you are…?"
"We've met a few weeks ago, so take a guess, loverboy~" I pulled my lips into my iconic smirk.
It's not at all easy to forget me. After pulling a stunt where the last thing you'd expect was a girl to start stripping. I doubt anybody could fully erase that image embedded in their heads.
Especially my hair. The orange colour makes me stand out in a crowd and I'm doomed to have people constantly gawk at me because of it whether I like it or not.
My unique personality also makes for a good lasting impression, as I have been told.
As he took a moment to recall where he'd seen me, I slipped a hand into my white bag for the last onigiri. Tuna mayo was a very well-liked snack so I thought of giving it to him to help him think faster. I've already finished my unagi onigiri and was going to save this one for later, but I'm feeling rather generous.
"You can have it," I offered the packaged rice ball.
"No, I don't need… it," His eyes widened and all the colour in his face went grey as if he were to see a ghost.
"A WILD KITTEN!" He blasted.
I stand corrected, he'd seen a cat, not a ghost.
"The fuck?" I cracked.
He covers his mouth immediately with an unspoken realisation of what he's said. I supposed the 'wild kitten' in question is me, though I'm much interested in the context of why that is.
"I am not a kitten," I asserted. "But I guess that's a pretty cool nickname… Care to share the reason I'm called a 'wild kitten,?' There's no hope in keeping it a secret now, so do tell,"
It was the first time I've heard of it and I'm intrigued. That's all.
"Yeah, you're right…" He huffs, while sweating profusely. Taking the onigiri from my hand, replacing it with the red rose as he settles to sit beside me.
"Want it?" He said weakly.
"Nope!" I shot and beamed.
"Tch, harsh…" A single tear drop was shed from the tall man.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, that's life my friend. How about I give you advice on how to woo women? Then after, give me back my sunglasses, will you?"
"Shit-" I heard him cursing under his breath. His head turned away, so I couldn't see the expression he had on his face.
All is well, I assured myself.
It couldn't be that he lost it, right?
It's been three weeks…
Merry Christmas!(ノ◕ヮ◕)ノ*:・゚✧
I've just put on braces and had a hair cut! Overall, I'm prepared with a new appearance for the holidays and the new year;
Hopefully, 2022 gets better!
Though I don't celebrate the holidays, I'll hibernate until school starts...(The dread!)
See ya'll next year!
