The night sky was illuminated in a soft orange glow as snow gently fell from the sky.
White snow was already on the ground, footsteps made a crunching sound with each step. Walking in the silent winter's night was a boy with shirt pale ash blonde hair.
He was on his way home after having visited his brother in the hospital. The boy wasn't worried about walking in the snow at night alone. He's strong so no one will attack him, and should someone be stupid enough to try…he'll destroy them.
As he was walking his eyes spotted a lone figure standing alone in the snow. The figure's back was turned so he couldn't see the person's face, but he did see the pure white kimono they were wearing, right along with their dark black hair.
The person was staring up at the sky, ignoring everything around them. Off in their own little world.
Curiosity got the better of the other boy as he stopped. What possessed him to do so he had no idea. Maybe the person was waiting for someone to call out and he'd just so happened to be walking down this road.
"Good evening." He greeted the person.
Slowly, the person turned their head in his direction. Blue eyes were what caught the ash haired blonde's attention. Pale white skin, fairest face and midnight black hair.
BA—BUMP!
Entranced, the ash haired blonde found himself frozen to his spot, and stared back.
The person then gently smiled at him, blue eyes held a kind gaze within them.
That moment stayed with the blonde as every cell in his being felt something. He didn't understand what it was, but…he wanted to know—he needed to know.
Would this person…
Mikey smiled as he was remembering the boy he saw that day. His mood after he left the hospital was sour and he would have lashed out at anyone who tried to start something with him.
But that didn't happen, and instead he had what one would call a "fateful encounter."
After the encounter, he rushed home and proceeded to tell both Emma and Ken-chin what happened. Of course they didn't believe him, especially since he forgot to ask the other boy his name.
Days past as the current talk of the delinquent world was the epic battle between Black Dragon and Moebius. Those who were there that day went back to their own gangs and told them everything about the brawl.
Mikey and Draken were no exception. The two of them gathered up the captains and vice captains and told everything that went down. As expected, all of them were curious about the generation Black Dragon and their leader.
It was because of their curiosity that Mikey assigned Mitsuya the task of finding any available information on Black Dragon's new leader. A few days passed when Mitsuya reported his findings. When it comes to information gathering Mitsuya was perfect for the job.
"Turns out the leader of Black Dragon is a mystery like we thought, so I decided to keep investigating," Mitsuya reported, "He's what one would call a rarity in this day and age."
Draken raised a brow, "What do you mean, Mitsuya?" They already figured he was a rarity, helping Pah-chin's friend and girlfriend was a good example.
"His full name is Ryōgi Takemichi, and get this, he's the heir to the Ryōgi Family." Mitsuya revealed.
Naturally this news was a shock to everyone else because from what they know, the Ryōgi's are also a yakuza family and wealthy landowners. Most delinquents know that you should never mess with them, and that's exactly what some idiots did that landed them in the hospital, but luckily not the intensive care unit.
"So we've got a rich boy being the new leader of Black Dragon, huh?" Baji grinned, looking a little excited to see the guy fight in person.
"He's also a yakuza kid, but he's not out there causing any trouble like some other yakuza brats would." Smiley comments.
"Got a good head on his shoulders, respects women and doesn't tolerate scum who take things too far." Draken was starting to respect Takemichi a lot more now. He was raised in a traditional family that's also a yakuza family, but he has morals—a rarity indeed.
Mitsuya wasn't done though, "That's not all, a few years ago there was a bad fire in a neighborhood. There were two people in the burning building, but none of the neighbors tried to get them out."
"So they were just gonna let them burn to death?" Chifuyu was disturbed by this information.
"Relax, here comes the best part. The flames were starting to get bad when all of a sudden a kid came out of nowhere and ran inside the building." Mitsuya continued.
Baji leaned back against a tree, "Let me guess, the kid was Ryōgi, right?" Running inside a burning building was suicidal and dumb as hell, but Ryōgi didn't even hesitate and showed more balls than the adults who were there and did jack shit.
Mitsuya smiled, "Yeah, you got it. Another kid also ran inside and both of them got the two occupants out, a boy and girl—siblings according to the neighbors. From what some of the neighbors remembered, the boy had a burn scar on his face and the girl was unconscious. They were both sent to the hospital, but no one knows what happened after that."
Mikey smiled, remembering how his brother had done something similar a long time ago. It was then he made his decision.
Time to go see Takemichy!
Location—Mizo Middle School: Art Room
Hinata Tachibana wouldn't exactly call herself a delinquent. A protector, yes, but not a delinquent. Sure she joined Black Dragon and became captain of a special unit, but she still sees herself as one of Takemichi's protectors.
They've known each other since childhood, so she knows everything—same with Takuya. Takemichi hasn't told the other captains or their vice captains about the many secrets he holds close to his chest. It's not as though he intentionally wants to deceive them, while he won't admit to it, he does trust them but he isn't ready to tell them everything about his past.
She feels blessed he even told her and Takuya about what happened—no—there's no need to think about all of that. Right now that's not important.
Since their victory over Moebius most of them opted to join under Black Dragon, but were given a warning not to act out and follow Takemichi's instructions. Shizuki volunteered to keep an eye on them, requesting most of them be under his squad.
Poor things.
As for their former leader Osanai—he was interrogated by Senju-chan for days before he finally broke down and told them who the mysterious mastermind is.
When he told them who it was…Hinata felt a mixture of disappointment and fierce anger course through her very being.
She wasn't the only one affected as Takuya looked ready to hunt the mastermind down and make sure they disappeared permanently. And she was all too happy to help.
Takemichi recognized the name, of course he does. Hinata was there that day when those middle school bullies were being mean to her and the other boy. Then suddenly, a hero appeared in the form of Takemichi and saved them.
And yet—
—that little ingrate actually had the nerve to…
Hinata stopped moving her hand on the painting she was working on. Her anger was visible, but only in her eyes.
Ungrateful.
Hateful.
Petty.
Pathetic.
And to think…she used to believe he was a sweet and shy boy with a kind heart. How wrong she was.
Setting the brush down, she sits there humming to herself in thought.
"Maybe a fitting punishment really is in order." It only seems fair, but she knows they can't act just yet.
But it will happen.
Her attention was brought back to the real world when one of her classmates slammed the door open, "Hina-chan, there's trouble!" The poor girl sounded terrified out of her mind.
"My, what's wrong, Satsuki-chan?"
Satsuki tells her, "There are these two guys from a different school here! They knocked out some of our second years because they wouldn't tell them where Takemitchi is!"
…
…
…
"…describe them." Hinata's tone was low, but not menacing. Yet.
"One of them is a really tall guy with light blonde hair in a braided ponytail with a black dragon tattoo on the side of his face, and the other one is shorter with ash blonde hair." Satsuki said, describing their features.
Oh… oh!
This is not good.
She knows good and well who these two are.
Mikey and Draken—the Commander and Vice-Commander of Tokyo Manji. Instead of meeting them outside like some of them expected, the two decided to come all the way here to their school.
'This certainly isn't good. All of us captains agreed that Mikey should never come into contact with Takemitchi for one simple reason.' She thinks, making a mental note to alert Inui and Koko.
"Where are the two of them currently?" She asked.
"Eh, um, still in the hallway." Satsuki answered.
Smiling, Hinata stands up, "Don't worry, Satsuki-chan, I'll go talk to them."
"You will? But—" Hinata grabbed the girl's shoulders, "It's fine, just wait here in the club room while I handle this, okay?"
Before the girl could protest, Hinata closed the door. Slowly, a pleasant smile appeared on her face. My, my, so Sano Manjirō thinks he can just waltz in here and cause chaos?
"Maybe a penalty is in order." She said to herself, still smiling.
Time for some fun.
'Where is he?' Mikey wondered, growing just a little bit impatient.
Why are these annoying guys trying to keep him away from Takemichy? Are they trying to keep him all to themselves? Talk about greedy.
And since they weren't being very co-operative both he and Ken-chin decided to beat them up. Then they continued on their search for the elusive black haired, blue eyed boy. Wasting any more time on these guys was only irritating him.
He needed to find Takemichy.
They had many things to talk about, but the one thing he knows for sure is that the black haired youth is indeed worthy of being commander of Black Dragon. The way he walked onto the battlefield with his head held high and calm blue eyes that showed no fear.
There had been so many similarities between him and his brother that he wondered if Takemichy was somehow a hidden sibling of theirs. Hopefully not. But that really wouldn't be a bad thing, either.
Anyway, he needs to find the other boy and talk with him. Mikey wants to know about the boy Takemichy.
"I wonder where Takemichy is?" Mikey wondered, eyes looking out the window in hopes he might be able to spot the boy outside. Unfortunately he didn't, but he wasn't going to stop looking.
"Hell if I know," Draken shrugged, "If these guys would just tell us where he is then finding him would be a hell of a lot easier."
"Mm." Mikey hummed in agreement as he walked down the hall, on the backs of the second years that refused to tell them where Takemichy was. He'll find Takemichy, it's only a matter of time.
"Ara, you two seem to be having fun." A cheery voice says to the two.
Both boys looked behind them to see none other than one of the female captains of Black Dragon. So she goes to this school, too, huh?
Small world.
Hinata was smiling at the duo, "Well, this is certainly interesting," the air around her was calm as she spoke, "To have both the Captain and vice captain of Toman come all the way here themselves? What's the special occasion, I wonder?" Students began to crowd the hall, but wisely kept their distance.
"Oh, we're here for Takemichy. Have you seen him?" Mikey smiled at her.
There was a subtle twitch of Hinata's upper lip, "Ara, I don't think the two of you are close enough to be giving out such a nickname." And just like that the air suddenly became very hostile.
Mikey was no longer smiling, "Huh?"
Running up behind the Hinata were members of the Mizo Middle gang. Akkun took one look at the situation and groaned.
'Damn it all! Of all times for this to happen!' Then again he really should have known Mikey would pull something like this.
Takuya was frowning, "Looks like the Invincible Mikey decided to pay our little school a visit. I don't like it."
"Obviously, but that's not what we should be worried about right now!" Akkun was not prepared for this! What the hell would possess Mikey to come here all of a sudden?!
To see Takemichi.
'Shut up, inner thoughts!' No—now isn't the time to have an argument with himself. But what the hell could he do in this situation?!
"Should we just go get Takemichi?" Makoto suggests.
"No! He needs to rest and Mikey needs to leave!" Yamagishi whispered, sure he may be a captain, but he knows better than to tell Hinata to calm down.
'Easier said than done, Baka-Gishi!' Makoto and Akkun both exclaimed inwardly.
Hinata didn't seem to acknowledge their presence and kept addressing Mikey and Draken, "Suddenly showing up at our school and causing such a ruckus because you want to see Takemichi-kun. " She emphasized his name.
Akkun slapped his forehead, 'No good.' No way in hell is he going to try and calm her down now. She's pissed. Like really pissed.
"Please leave the school immediately. You're trespassing." She kindly requested, even though it was more of a demand than a request.
"Hah? Who the hell are you?" Mikey countered.
"A student who goes to this school." Hinata replied.
Takuya side eyed Akkun, "This could get dangerous real quick."
"Way to state the obvious, dumbass." Akkun retorted, eyebrow twitching.
"I'm afraid you won't be seeing Takemichy," Hinata said, "He's resting right now and no one wants to disturb him. Please leave."
Mikey frowned at her, "You don't speak for Takemichy. I came here to see him, not you."
"And I just told you he's resting at the moment. Please leave before I'm forced to make you." Hinata repeated her earlier request.
Makoto was sweating a little, "It's about to go down!"
"Our scary Hinata-chan going up against Toman's very own Mikey!" Yamagishi was both excited and terrified.
Draken didn't like where this was going. Mikey won't hit a girl, but he just might make an exception this time.
'This chick's either crazy or scary.' Draken was prepared to intervene if things started going straight to hell.
And by the looks of it that was about to happen real quick.
Mikey's eyes grew colder, "Don't order me around, creepy girl."
Hinata's smile became scarier, "Watch your tone, little boy."
Akkun and Draken were about to jump in when suddenly Hinata's cell phone went off. Blinking a few times, Hinata decided to answer, "Hello? Ah, Takemichy-kun!"
Akkun sighed, 'Thank god…' they seriously don't give the other boy enough credit like they should.
"Mm, mm, I see, so you already knew he'd be coming," Hinata smiled in understanding, "I understand, I'll bring them over to you. Mm, bye~" ending the call, she addressed both Draken and Mikey, "Come with me, you two. Takemichy-kun wants to see you now." Twirling around, she walked away from the duo, "Follow me, now~"
The gathered students parted like the Red Sea as Hinata led the two boys to her leader. Thank god this turned out peacefully and not into a bloodbath.
'Thank you for saving me the trouble of almost getting in between the two, Takemichy.' Akkun silently thanked his leader.
Takuya smiled, "Crisis successfully averted."
Akkun gave him a slight glare, "Like you weren't hoping for it to be chaotic."
"Never, but those two over there were hoping for something." Takuya gestured over towards Makoto and Yamagishi. Both were a little disappointed they didn't get to see Hinata go at it with Mikey, damn fools.
"I'll deal with those two later…" Akkun sounded so done with everything at this point.
"Good luck~" Takuya encouraged.
"Fuck off…"
Hinata wasn't surprised by the phone call, but was a little disappointed she didn't get to play with the Invincible Mikey. Oh, well. Too bad they weren't able to keep him away like Inui wanted, but everything happens for a reason, and it appears fate has made it clear these two were going to meet whether they wanted it to happen or not.
She led them outside to a secluded place behind the school. There was a lovely garden she poured her heart and soul into making for Takemichy. She knew the boy loved sleeping out here because it was peaceful and quiet.
'Ah, why did these two have to come here now and disturb Takemichy-kun's peaceful slumber? What blasphemy.' Nothing she could do about it now, "I see you two like my own private garden."
"What, you made all this?" Draken questioned, brow raised. To think she created all this was impressive.
Hinata giggled, "Hard to believe, I know, but this garden was indeed created by me. In fact, I made the garden for Takemichy's sake." Her tone grew soft as she said this.
Mikey was quick to pick up on it, "What do you mean for "Takemichy's sake?" Why would she go out of her way to do all this?
"Who knows?" She dodged the curious inquiry.
Mikey wasn't satisfied with her answer, but before he could press for more answers she brought them to where Takemichy was. He was sitting at a table with another familiar face.
"Ah, you're here, too, Shizuki-kun?" Hinata didn't seem surprised he was also here.
Shizuki nodded, looking over at Draken and Mikey, "Hello, Draken-san, Mikey-san."
"Yo." Draken greeted back.
"Hey." Mikey also greeted back.
Takemichy finishes his green tea then looks at Hinata, "Thanks, Hina, you can head back. Oh, and go check on Akkun. He's probably still freaking out."
Hinata had the decency to look a little sheepish, "I'll be sure to calm him down, maybe make him something sweet."
"Your choice." He said.
"Mm! Then I'll do just that! Enjoy your conversation, also, Mikey-chan, next time do try to actually schedule an appointment ahead of time, okay?" Hinata smiled at the dumbfounded blonde, "Have fun~" she left the four of them alone in the garden.
Draken waited a few minutes before saying what was on both his and Mikey's mind, "…she's insane."
Shizuki let out a small snort.
"You wouldn't be the first to say that," he gestures for the two to sit and they do, "That's just her being protective."
"A little too protective, don't you think?" Draken had seen when Mikey would have his protective, but it was nothing like what he saw coming for that girl.
It looked more like she was out for blood.
Makes him all the more glad Takemichy called the girl, thus calming her down and making her back off.
Takemichi shrugged and poured them both some tea and slid some cookies over to them, "I've gotten used to it." And it shows on his face.
Draken respects the guy even more for putting up with it, and knowing what to do in order to calm her down.
'Oh, these cookies are good.' He takes a bite out of one of them. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Shizuki was eyeing them. He was keeping an eye on them in case they tried something.
'This guy's body language…just like a professional.' Draken liked this guy.
Mikey started eating some of the cookies, his cheeks puffing up and making him look like a chipmunk.
Takemichy got straight to the point, "Well? Why come all the way to our school and cause a scene just to see me?"
Swallowing his food first before gulping down his tea, Mikey answered, "Let's go play, Takemichy!"
…
…
…
Shizuki seemed perplexed by Mikey's answer. Probably wasn't expecting—not that Draken blamed him for his reaction. He can relate to the boy very much right now.
Takemichi stared at Mikey for a moment, assessing whether he was serious or just joking around. Judging by that childlike innocent expression in his face, he concluded that Mikey was indeed serious.
His gaze turned up at the sky, 'Never a dull moment…'
👘雨の中で👘
(In The Rain)
