Disclaimer: Here's a reimagine of Tokyo Revengers with my own original characters. I don't own Tokyo Revengers but I sure as hell hate how my fave characters are suffering.
Warnings: Proceed with caution. Arai is up to more shenanigans with Shinichiro.
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SLURPPPP
A simple act of defiance had completely hushed the chatter and buzz around the table. Everyone's gaze fell upon me as I held onto the crystal glass up to the brim of my mouth, tasting its fine contents. The earthy aroma from the drink was pleasant, but of course, I couldn't ignore the irked looks from my friends.
"Arai…" Nagumo began.
SLURPPPPPPPPPP
I downed it all to the very last drop.
"Mn, the tea's nice," I licked my lips, the taste of the herbal tea still lingered. "Alright, I'm heading to the restroom. While I'm there, if you don't mind, could you ask for a refill for my chamomile iced tea? And, Aoi I'd like to borrow your bucket hat,"
"Now that came out of nowhere," Aoi said but obliged to my request without question.
I took the hat, pulling it over my unruly hair. A couple strands of orange madness obstructed my view but I swept them to the side. I also pulled out my precious sunglasses.
"Oh, you got new ones?"
"You think I would replace them? Nope, they're too special and I'm broke. I'd have found them sooner or later! But it's a long story on how I got them back, hehe…"
"Knowing you, I don't even want to know about it,"
If Nagumo hadn't stopped me there, I knew that I would've begun a whole fleshed out grandmother's tale. I'm sure they wouldn't want to have me talk their ears off on an overly exaggerated recount on how I got my glasses back.
"It's probably illegal," Harumi's eyes widened as if she'd heard the scandal of the century, and followed up with a dramatic gasp. "Then again, it isn't that surprising since it's you,"
"What's that even supposed to mean?"
Although, I'm sure we all already knew the answer to the question.
I won't deny that what they've said wasn't so far-fetched from the truth. I would have resorted to doing just that if I couldn't have my shades retrieved anytime soon.
AND vintage shades like these were hard to come across these days! Since mine are considered really pricey, I was lucky that it wasn't pawned off, or else I would have lost them.
In a more extreme case, by illegal means it would most likely involve trespassing, a brick, and a couple of smashed windows.
I could even get Sute involved in it as an accomplice, reaching out to her with an attractive offer promising her a night of excitement and action, as we set hell loose on our future victims!
The chair shot out from underneath the table, and as I stood up from my seat I gave them a bow like how a gentleman would.
"Anyways, tally-ho my fair ladies, we shall meet again," I bid them a temporary farewell, tipping the hat slightly.
"What a fine gentleman you are. If you're not careful, it'd be dangerous if I end up falling for you," Aoi said in amusement.
"But! Aoi, I must tell you this first, I've already been captivated by your beauty since a long time ago," I returned, flashing her a charming smile.
Aoi swoons as she lets out a hollow chuckle.
"Did you really borrow the hat just to do that?" Harumi said in a bored tone as she clawed her face with her palms. "Please! You have to stop this before you end up becoming competition with Umo's love interest," She peered from the gaps of her fingers at Nagumo, who was shaking her head in dismay due to my playful flirtings.
"Bet on it," I shot Nagumo a mischievous grin.
To which, Nagumo groans, probably rethinking her life choices and if I was really the best candidate for this group date.
She leans in close to Harumi's ear, now obviously fetching my attention. And I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but she wasn't really doing a good job at hiding what she was saying. "Doesn't Arai seem extra frustrated for some reason? You don't actually think she'd be getting worried about something like this? You know since this is technically a blind date, could she…?"
I ended up taking her bait.
I slammed a hand against the table and let out a hearty laugh. "HAHAHA! HAAAA, and that's where you're wrong, my darling Umo-chan! I just want to wash my hands. Hygiene is important! And I happened to remember that my hands weren't very clean! There's nothing wrong with that,"
"Since when were you one to care for hygiene— And then there she goes," Nagumo made an exasperated sigh. "Where are Sute and Shiya when you need them the most?"
I did take some offence to hearing her say that.
Nagumo murmured something though I couldn't quite catch it since I was already off, going my merry way to the restroom to take a massive shit.
That's what I get for eating that expired tuna mix for breakfast.
I don't know what Nagumo specifically said, but I think it went along the lines of the question I get asked the most; why are you like this?
I snickered to myself at the thought.
It was funny because I don't even have a clear answer for it.
True to my word, I did go to the restroom. However, regrettably detours were apparently a thing, so I didn't immediately head back to my group. The food wasn't going to be served in half-an-hour, and provided if I did go back there I'd have to sit and wait for some time while making some small talk.
Not that it's a bad thing, I'm just not the kind of person that could really stay put in a place for a long time. And also, I know they're not going to miss me if I was gone for a short while.
Besides that, our guests had yet to arrive so I had some time to idle by outside of the restaurant.
For now, all I have is me, myself and I, to walk with on this delightful evening.
With my hands tucked deep into the pockets of my woollen jacket, I walked without a clear destination in mind. There is a type of satisfaction when you're by yourself. Although I sometimes dread not having company, eventually you'd learn to appreciate the peace and tranquillity of being left alone.
I guess this is what you call the moments teenagers would become emo. Adults too have these types of moments, but I heard that they can be a tad more dramatic about it.
It's called depression…
Taking a stroll does wonders to calm the nerves.
And it's got me thinking.
I won't ever admit it to them, but yes, I was somewhat nervous with this group date. I'm alright with meeting new people and striking up a conversation, yet in the context of a date, it becomes an entirely different matter. It's not as easy knowing that the other person has a certain interest in you.
My biggest concern in this is if I might screw this up for Nagumo.
Normally, I don't go all out of my way for how I present myself. Whether I make a good impression or not on them was never my concern. However, for one of my closest friends I have to be cautious. I know how important this mixer is for Nagumo so I would never dream of ruining it for her.
And I know myself better than anyone, that I… I can be insensitive at times.
I stopped walking.
Something suffocated me as an unfiltered charred smell flooded the senses of my nose.
It was a sudden spike of bitterness in the air. Inhaling the toxin gas can prove detrimental for the health of the body in many ways, even when you're not the one doing the deed of producing that awful stench.
Nevertheless, I guess I shouldn't be too surprised.
I was well acquainted with the burning smell of nicotine and tobacco from my younger years, back when my father was still an avid smoker. He has become a better man now that he's quit that lifestyle, but I'll never forget those times I'd go to the bathroom to be suckered punched in the face with the hot smoke.
For comparison, smoking was like a scented candle. It has a strong smell that can fill up any empty pockets of space, and like a scented candle, when you lit it up, it produces a fragrant incense. Smoke was more of a sickly smell though it is addictive.
When I think about it I know a few people who smoked: Yosei, sensei, Eichi, (formerly) my father, and now, I'd have to add Shinichiro too.
This time, in our third encounter, the young man donned on a biker's jacket with sleek black jeans to match. His hair was in a casual side swept style with an appropriate amount of gel(thank kami). The overall look screamed delinquent, however, those who knew him well would have known better that he didn't quite fit the bill as one.
Damn you Shinichiro, you have no business looking that extra today!
Why are you more fashionable than me!?
Wait, with a look like that, could he… Did he finally score a date?
And how did my bullshitted advice actually work?
Oh no, oh no, no, no, no!
I could tear up. I thought I'd never see the day the lizard would become a man. I would go there to congratulate him but alas I am not fond of the idea of inhaling more of the smoke when I get close.
I'm fine standing at a distance away, silently cheering him on.
"Ah, can I help you?"
When did I…?
My first initial instinct was to look at the ground. Nice boots I thought. Then my eyes travelled up from the boots and to the… apparently I was blinded by a light my sunglasses failed to shield me from.
Then there was also that same smell but closer.
THIS IS BAD!
I skidded backwards with my hands put up in the air in defence, upon reaching clarity of what had happened.
Shinichiro is in front of me.
"Oh- uh, I- Whatdyasay?" I sputtered, my mind empty.
Crap! Crap! CRAP!
This is bad!
I'm starting to believe that my legs do in fact, have a mind of their own.
"I ask if there's something I can help you with, or is there?" Shinichiro asked again.
" /Aek- seu- ku seu mi, du yu nou wer's de mol?/ "
/was spoken in English with a horrible Korean accent/
(Excuse me, do you know where is the mall?)
"Wait a minute, weren't you speaking in Japanese earlier? What's up with the sudden change to English?" Shinichiro questioned, narrowing his eyes suspiciously at me.
Cue the awkward laughter, as I turned away from him. "Bahahahaha, sorry let me make a more permanent adjustments to the translator" I made a hand motion, gesturing like I was pushing a button. "Pardon me! Now, I'm able to speak properly. Kind sir, would you mind telling me where the mall is?"
He held me with a scrutinising gaze, so I put up a gullible smile, with a thought in mind that I'd come off as less weird.
Who am I fooling? I was definitely going to get found out.
However, Shinichiro went on to flick his hand with the cigarette, defusing the lighted part as he put the cigarette away into the closest bin.
"I guess it couldn't be helped, I was going to head back there anyways. Rest assured you can follow me!"
So I was right, he was the one at the arcade.
"Thank you very much!" I sighed in relief, swiping off the sweat from my forehead as soon as he turned his back to lead the way.
Phew! A bullet was successfully dodged.
"By the way, if it's not a hassle I wouldn't mind having a second lesson as we walk?"
Instead, a nuclear missile had landed in its stead.
I faltered, missing a step and crashed to the ground after hearing those few words fall from his lips.
Collecting myself, I shamelessly looked up at him and mustered an even more shameless question. "What lesson?"
It was a stupid question to even consider asking but I was still in disguise, so I still had hope that I could bullshit my way out of this.
"You alright? And it's the thing about wooing women, y'know? I've got to go on this date and I desperately need some tips! Thank Kami I found you here!" Shinichiro pleaded with his hands put together, in which I stared down at him with a blank expression.
I cannot bullshit my way out of this, I concluded.
Wait- no, it's alright, I can still avoid this conversation... With the power of denial!
"Sir, I don't know how to tell you this but I think you've mistaken me for someone you know. This is the first time we've met," I spoke in an altered voice that was unrecognisable to how I usually sound like.
"Arai, what are you talking about? And why are you speaking like that?" He asked in his confusion.
"Sir, whoever is this 'Arai' you're talking about, she is not me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I can find someone else to help me with directions, since we're clearly not going anywhere at this point," I fumed, accidentally misplacing my frustration for anger.
"Hey now, I didn't mean to make you mad but—"
Shinichiro was a persistent fella and that's what I liked and disliked about him but he failed to realise that I was getting impatient the longer we stayed at this, so I tried being the bigger man and walked away.
However, he just had to grab me by my shoulder.
I get worked out whenever I'm grabbed at the shoulder.
I broke a sweat.
"I've got to go to the restroom…" I said, reverting to my normal voice.
And the rest after that was a blur.
I'm screwed.
Why did I do that?
I'm a horrible person.
"ARGHHH," I banged my head against the table.
"What's up with her?" Nagumo asked.
"I think she had a hard time making her poop come out. Happens to all of us," Harumi interjects.
"Yep, that hit the nail," I agreed, with a heavy head still slumped on the surface of the table as I gave Harumi a thumbs up.
That was not it.
I just didn't want to let them know I had an encounter with the leader of Black Dragon, and I especially wouldn't want them to know how that meeting ended.
Anyways, agreeing to what Harumi had said already made it seem like the truth.
Why? It's because I talk about things like that a lot. As an open-minded person, I don;t mind telling my friends anything as they have the free-range knowledge to excess every and any little detail about me whether they want to know it or not.
Did they have to know?
No, but I like seeing the different reactions when I tell them such disturbing things.
"Do you want some oils to soothe your stomach?" Nagumo offered.
"Nope, I'm good. The ache will go away soon. But thanks for the offer,"
I pulled my back up from slouching and leaned back onto the chair. We were already at our third refills for drinks and that we've been told that the food was going to be served soon. However, it seems that our guests weren't being so thoughtful about the ladies who were waiting so patiently for them.
It's already a little past the time for their designated arrival.
At this point, even if they were in the deepest depths of hell, I'd have to forcefully drag them here. I don't care if it was against their will either, they had the galls to make my girls wait after promising us that they would be coming in time.
Nagumo was visibly getting anxious while Harumi was growing more irritated by the minute. Aoi on the other hand, couldn't care less. I could say I was the same with Aoi, but that wouldn't be quite right. I didn't care if they weren't coming at all, however, it's going to hurt one of my friends.
If I meet them I am going to—
"I hope we're not too late," Then came a smooth voice.
Finally, came the long awaited arrival of our four esteemed guests.
It was as if the very presence of that one person that spoke restored life into Nagumo as it had the girl, flashing a blinding thousand watt smile. She got up from her seat and without warning, hugged the guy.
Apparently my unbridled courage had such an influence on Nagumo that it made her more inclined to do this sort of thing. If it were her from 3 years ago, she would never consider doing it. I was always the kind of person to ask for hugs from everyone and anyone, regardless of gender.
Though provided so long as you are assured that your hugging buddy knows what your intention was when you hug and doesn't get the wrong idea, so it won't cause misunderstandings in the long run.
I'm sort of proud of how far she's come.
"Imaushi! Thanks for coming!"
Damn, Imaushi really is a common surname.
I didn't really get a good look at the guy, so I sat up straight, eyes fell upon the tall figure Nagumo was hugging.
For the love of Kami, it was Imaushi Wakasa.
The person that gave me the nickname, 'Wild kitten'. Behind him were the top-members of the Black Dragon, Keizo, Takeomi, and who could have known that Shinichiro would be here too… GREAT !
YeP, this is definitely a lasting side effect of eating that raw tuna mix.
And everything went black.
I've been meaning to get some shut eye after school, so it would be a great thing to make everything go away then and there.
Then again, this can all be a dream and inviting me on a date in the first place, was a horrible idea, and was one that no one should ever consider even if they get desperate.
There was a loud thud.
My head began to hurt… and oh shit.
Nevermind the pain!
All this time, and it really wasn't a dream at all!
"Fuck my life," I muttered quietly to myself right before springing back up on my feet.
I fought a frown from climbing onto my face, instead, putting on a happy-sappy attitude. "Sorry about that, I was drinking and suddenly choked on the water. You guys scared me back there, y'know? With the way you guys just came out of nowhere,"
Surprisingly, the four of the boys took my act relatively well and as genuine.
Or maybe it could be that they didn't dare to question.
"But are you okay?" Shinichiro asked, though his voice came out small, there was some concern in it.
I gave him a thumbs up, but really my eyes were conveying a different message which was, 'You think I am? I just fell!'
There was a clear-cut awkwardness between the two of us, seeing how we're both leaders of a gang, and don't get me started about that thing from earlier…
The odds that Shinichiro was going to be one of the guests never really crossed my mind but the probability was always high. Though there were some obvious hints, like when I first saw him cladded in clothes that scream for a special occasion, or when he asked about more tips on wooing women. I never linked two and two together.
Now, Shinichiro couldn't even look directly in the eye at me.
And don't get me started that every single person present for this group date IS in fact a gang member. I feel like everyone else was equally kept in the dark as only Nagumo and Wakasa were the only ones who were not fazed, since they planned this meeting and all.
It's weird that the Lioness and Black Dragon are on a date together.
I don't like how this is going to make us look.
But what a wonderful evening it has turned out to be!
At least, we can get this over and done with.
_NOTES_
I believe that Shinichiro thinks of Arai as a handful person but that's also not too much to handle. Drawing from their encounters together, so far, they have that sibling vibe going on for them. (I don't really plan on changing it);)
I did some research for this chapter, and for Shinichiro, we all know he is seen mostly as a fun yet responsible older brother figure from the manga.
But building on that, as a friend, to put into perspective, he's a persistent fellow and it can get annoying sometimes(those 20 rejections speak for themselves) yet he is still able to remain level-headed. He's an interesting character to write about as he has a pretty normal average young man's personality, but somehow or rather because of that he's able to establish an age of delinquency.
Shinichiro is pretty awesome like that.
He's called a loser, but I don't really think so. He has ambition, a goal, he's very responsible, and has a lot of self-awareness and worries for the welfare of the people around him. This is what makes him so revered and admired by many bosozoku, his good-nature attracts people as it isn't technically common for gang heads to not be so violent.
I mean, he's totally a pacifist if you think about it since he isn't really exceptional at fighting, and probably would avoid violence and resolve matters in a more peaceful way. That was why his reign over the delinquent was mostly peaceful except for maybe some who are vehemently against that. If that's the case, he isn't afraid to get his hands dirty and deal with them accordingly when after everything he's tried fails, despite knowing that he's bad at fighting. That doesn't stop him.
He's also smart though it probably within gang matters because he's a simp and playboy and all.
As for Arai, she's a little similar to Shinichiro, in a way. The difference is, Arai is perfectly content with where she is in life. She hates having responsibilities but still takes on having them anyways. She has no aspiration to become the top, but wishes to maintain her neutral stand and be respected as a gang of young women who are on equal footing to the all-men gangs. The Lioness fights when provoked, and only ever provoked harshly.
She's quite an extreme person and someone who had just met her would be overwhelmed but her wild side, that aside, they'd eventually come to know her as a fun person but it's a bit annoying(to some). One thing is for sure, Arai's definitely not boring.
\ ^ _ ^ /
With the character analysis of our main leads out of the way, how about I start a Q & A?
You're free to ask any question and as much as you want about this ff so far and I'll be happy to answer them as long as it's not about a spoiler!
(A/N)
Go head to my tumblr or wattpad accounts if you want to see the official art I did for this chapter! :
