Disclaimer: i can't come up with anything different to say...
If It's Not One Thing, It's Another
Osomatsu goes to a bar for help.
As the afternoon began to darken into night, the perfect opportunity to attack arose.
A elder gentleman in a purple suit and coat, with bobbed hair and a large overbite happened to be the chosen target for this said opportunity.
"Ah, what a nice day it's been!" Iyami said, talking to himself. "Me thinks treating myself to something nice is in order zansu~"
Walking along the side streets, Iyami was mindlessly making his way home. He was humming happily to himself as he twirled his cane around in circles.
All the while, being blissfully unaware of the eyes that followed him.
Iyami turned the corner into a neighborhood. It was a less populated area; even more so as the city life had begun to quiet down. Many people had already returned back to their warm homes to get away from the cold winter's night. Iyami, from what he saw around him, was the only one outside. The man, although, paid no mind to it, pulling his coat further around him.
"It's freezing zansu! Me believes this calls for some hot sake. Hmm, maybe I should invite Chibita along? I'm sure he-"
The elder man's words were cut off when he suddenly found himself on the ground with a growing pain on the side of his cheek.
"Wha-?!"
Confused and slightly dazed, he looked up to see a hooded figure standing above him. For a split second he was able to see his attacker's face before he was given a hard kick to his stomach. Iyami doubled over in pain, the air escaping out of him.
"Better be something good on you," the injured man thought he heard his attacker say as he felt hands on his clothes.
Frozen in fear, Iyami could not stop the hooded person as they took his wallet and began to run away from the scene. Iyami slowly tried to get up, watching the figure's silhouette grow smaller and smaller.
In the blink of an eye, Iyami was alone on the streets once more. He clutched his stomach in pain and tasted iron in his mouth. As he struggled to breathe, he tried to make sense of what just happened. However, he definitely recognized the face of his assailant.
"...To-...Todomatsu?"
In the dirty and dangerous back alleys of Tokyo, Osomatsu stretched his arms above his head in slight exhaustion. A satisfied expression plastered on his face.
"Whew! Man, I'm exhausted." Osomatsu pulled out the most recent wallet he stole and smiled as he found about 7,000 yen inside. "Oooooh, nice~"
'After this, I think I'll have enough for Jo-san. Shame I had to get a bit physical...but it can't be helped!' He rubbed his knuckles showing barely any remorse. 'How else was I gonna get the upper hand on them?'
He knew once nightfall came and the streets would be less packed, Osomatsu had to change his pickpocketing plan to a more...confrontational tactic.
Opting for a surprise attack on his targets was a better solution for his lack of weapon. 'Hehehe, wait til Tougou-sama hears this then he'll have to change his mind once and for all.'
Osomatsu recalled something a few years ago.
It was by the time they had already moved to Osaka. They were laying low and mostly stole in order to pay for rent and groceries. Back then,Tougou did his usual scheme of using his knife to scare the victims into giving them their belongings. Osomatsu remembered how annoyed he was especially since Tougou mostly used empty threats. Tougou never actually used the knife on their prey. Not even the blunt part of it. Sure, there was a bit of pushing and shoving involved, but that was pretty much it. For the most part, Tougou often relied on Osomatsu to stay behind the target and make sure they didn't run away while the older robber dealt with the target.
Because of this, sometimes the person was too frozen in fear to meet their demands. Either that, or they would be screaming and begging at the top of their lungs for them to stop. The commotion would be long enough to have witnesses show up and call the police. Other times, some people caught on and quickly escaped by turning around and getting past Osomatsu. More frustratingly, some stupidly(or bravely) tried to defend themselves and even attacked Tougou. This prompted Osomatsu to fight back, which often led to some messy situations. Of course, this also got Tougou angry with him afterwards.
He remembered suggesting to Tougou about changing their tactic to both of them beating the victim up and grabbing the money; making things quicker.
He also remembered the slap the man gave him and their heated argument immediately after.
"And that's why you're an idiot. That's the worst possible thing you can do."
"Geez, that really hurts! I'm telling you, threats are too simple! We need- OW!"
"For the last time, do as I say and I won't have beat the shit out of you, you hear me."
He really fucked up that time. Following that fight, Tougou had given him so many boring rules to follow. He wasn't even allowed pickpocket during that time because Tougou couldn't trust him.
It took many months for him to convince the older man into letting him do something more useful than being a little helper. Unfortunately, all he was stuck with was duct taping cameras, crowbar usage, and lookout for the next three years. It wasn't until the incident 3 months ago that forced Tougou to letting him steal for him with the usual scheme, and even after over three years this method still annoyed the boy.
Osomatsu sighed at the memory. He hoped that with today's success, that would convince Tougou to admit defeat and do things his way once they reunite.
He took the cash and stuffed it into his pants pocket with the rest of the stolen cash. Adding his recent target's money, Osomatsu had made over 50,000 yen total after stealing from about 16 people. 12 from pickpocketing and 4 by sneak attack. In all, it wasn't a bad turnout.
With no more use for the wallet, Osomatsu was about to to toss it on the ground when he noticed the picture of his target's face on the I.D. card.
"This guy...Do I know him?"
Osomatsu never really paid much attention to the people he stole from. He usually looked to see if whoever he decided to pick out were 3 things: alone, looked to have some cash on them, and seemed physically weaker than him. Not to mention, most of the time, he would have to work fast resulting in his target's face to be a complete blur to him.
But now, looking carefully at the picture, Osomatsu could see something familiar about his last prey. The boy thought for a moment, trying to recall what the man looked like when he was stalking him from behind earlier. He specifically remembered the man wearing a purple suit.
He scanned the picture for a long time. After of few moments, he stuffed the wallet back into his hoodie pocket. For a moment, he felt dizzy; stumbling a bit as he walked down the alleyway.
As he went deeper into the alley, the shadier it got. Homeless men were sitting against the walls, occasionally asking him for money or a cigarette. Yakuza looking men eyed him down as he passed them by; one hand slipped into their clothing ready to pounce if necessary. Drug dealers were around making a few transactions and even tried to beckon him to come over. Prostitutes- males and females- cooed and blew kisses in his direction. However, once he came across several drunkards staggering past him, Osomatsu knew he was going the right direction.
Osomatsu kept walking until he approached what seemed to be a graffiti-covered door with a bright pink and green neon sign above the door frame. The sign itself hung from the wall with the word JOEY'S printed on with the outline of a beer bottle and lit cigar next to it. Without any hesitation, he opened the heavy door and walked down the concrete stairs to another door that led to an underground bar.
Entering, Osomatsu took a moment to survey the decor. The walls were painted red with framed vintage photos with no underlying theme to them arranged all over. The furniture looked incredibly outdated. The fake mahogany wood of the tables and bar itself were chipped and scratched with random carvings of previous customers. The couches and cushions were applied with an red velvet fabric and every light source that wasn't attached to the ceiling were ugly, mismatched lamps with the shades painted like Tiffany lamps. Cigarette buds were scattered all around the place, ignored by the already full ashtrays; the room itself was filled with it's toxic smells. The bar looked like it was trying desperately to be some old, vintage bar.
Many of the patrons in here were similar to the ones he had just seen outside. Some were rowdy and boisterous while some were angry or sad. Some people clearly had too much of something. Whether it was being drunk, high, or a combination of both Osomatsu couldn't tell. He glanced in slight disgust as he saw the booths holding some prostitutes feeling up their unattractive customers from under the tables.
Osomatsu turned away, not wishing to look any further, and walked over to the bar that stood along the back wall. The bartender looked almost as ridiculous as the bar's decoration.
He was a dark-skinned man and looked to be in his 40s. He wore green cargo pants with a pink polo shirt with a rose printed on the side on the chest. Accompanying them, was a leather jacket as if stolen from a wannabe biker from the movies, and sunglasses despite it being nighttime and indoors. Half of his hair was dyed blonde with it being combed over to the side while the dark-haired part was completely shaven off. He seemed to have a lax air to him.
The man gave a sleazy grin as he watched Osomatsu making his way towards him.
"Well I'll be damned," the man said in flirty manner. "If it isn't the puppy. It's been...what, eight years since you've last visited my bar? Well, what do you think? Decided to classy the place up a bit. Nice right?"
The man laughed to himself and put his hand up in dismiss.
"Wait! No need to say anything I already know the answer," he spoke with confidence.
'Same as ever I see.' Osomatsu glared at the man, taking a seat on one of the bar stools.
The cheerful man grabbed a bottle of shochu and two shot glasses from under the bar. He placed them in front of Osomatsu and spoke again.
"Oh Jo-san, you certainly outdid yourself! Right? I know, I try my best with what I have. Anyways, my, you've certainly grown since we last saw each other. Four years ago maybe? Well, it's nice of you to come visit me here in Tokyo. You're so swee-"
"Eat a dick Jo, this shitty place is even worse than what I remembered," Osomatsu spoke back, pulling his hood down. "And that's an accomplishment."
Osomatsu recalled living at this bar for a year when he first started living with Tougou. Jo was one of Tougou's old time buddies who lived in Shinjuku. When Osomatsu was younger, he was always wondering as to how Jo was Japanese when he didn't look or act Japanese at all. However, as time went on, all Osomatsu ever wondered about Jo was why he always made things so goddamn frustrating with his constant teasing and never shutting up about his bar.
The said bartender just replied with a chuckle."Heh, and apparently you've gained other things besides a few centimeters. What would your master say if he heard his little dog speaking with such a…"
He poured the bottle of alcohol into the shot glass in front of him. He took one in the air and smirked at the boy.
"...colorful vocabulary huh? Hmm, I wonder where he is?" He took the shot in one gulp and poured some into Osomatsu's glass.
"Fuck you, you already know that's why I'm here," Osomatsu hissed, pushing the glass way from him.
Jo mouthed the word 'rude' as he took Osomatsu's shot glass and drank it for him. He sighed in satisfaction as the shochu went down his throat.
"Yeah, I heard... Looks to me that you and your master have become overnight stars. You two make me so jealous. I've always wanted to be on TV."
"In your dreams," Osomatsu said mockingly. "No one would ever want to see your dirty, ugly ass mug anywhere let alone on public television."
"Um excuse you, I am beau-ti-ful!" Jo said in great emphasis. "The definition of fashion and style. I'm basically the charismatic dark knight the entire population of Japan needs to gaze upon." Jo lifted his arms in the air to relish in his self-delusional fantasy. He then eyes Osomatsu up and down.
"You," he smirked. "You on the other hand, look like shit."
Growing annoyed, the teen rolled his eyes before putting his hand in his pocket and pulling out the stolen money. "Damn it you old man, let's just cut to the chase."
He stood up and slammed the cash onto the bar with a loud thud.
"50,000 yen. Cash. I want to get in contact with Tougou-sama."
Osomatsu stared down at the man with a serious expression. Despite his irritating personality, he knew Jo was a man skilled in obtaining any intel. If anyone knew where and what Tougou was doing, the first one to know would undoubtedly be Jo.
He watched as Jo raised his eyebrows at the money before him. For a while, his gazed at the cash intriguingly before giving another chuckle and shaking his head. He reached his hand out not for the money but instead for his shot glass, pouring himself more alcohol.
"Aw, that's cute," he laughed and took the shot. Osomatsu, confused, barked back.
"Um well? You gonna take the money or not? I can assure you it's real so hurry the fuck up and let's get to business!"
"Oh man," he grinned shaking his head again. "Sorry to break it to you ya little pooch, but I can't help you."
Now Osomatsu was not only confused, but angry. "What do you mean you can't help me?"
"Unfortunately, you're a couple years too late. Ya see, I kinda left the information trading business due to… let's just say a pest. There's been word of a hacker around these parts that's been giving police helpful info. Made some successful arrests this last year even. Given the circumstances these day, I solely focus my time on my beautiful bar. You understand right? I mean, I would love to help you but with you guys being involved with the police, I just can't see myself-"
"That's bullshit and you know it."
"You think I'm a liar puppy?"
Becoming exasperated by the man, Osomatsu looked pointedly at him.
"I ain't stupid," he replied. He got up from his stool and leaned over the bar. He propped his elbow on the counter and pointed at the man accusingly.
"Scared of some cyber rat? Don't make me laugh. You don't give a shit about that when money is involve. I know you've been in way more riskier jobs for lesser money. A request like this is simple child's play. Plus, I already know how you work from Tougou-sama and how much of a slut you are for information. You couldn't quit even if you tried."
To finish his argument, Osomatsu picked up the money and forcefully shoved it in front of the bartender's face.
"So when I am requesting that you get me in contact with Tougou-sama," Osomatsu growled. "I know you can do it easily. Now..."
He then slammed the money back onto the counter.
"Do we have a deal or not?!"
Jo crossed his arms and stared at the money; looking as if he is pondering his decision. He then looked up at Osomatsu with a greasy smile.
"Hmm, well when you put it that way…" The man reached and placed a hand on the money. For a moment, Osomatsu felt a rush of satisfaction and relief. However, the feeling is quickly shattered as Jo slid the money back towards him. "Nope! I told you already, I'm not an informant anymore."
"And I say you're lying!"
Osomatsu shouted as he clenched his hand into a fist and hits the counter- the force reverberating the whole bar table. By this point, a few curious eyes sitting nearby have made their way on his and Jo's conversation. However, Osomatsu didn't pay any mind and continued to go off on his tirade.
"You're definitely still an informant! You can't afford this poor excuse of a bar or the alcohol without your real job. You need to make your dough some way or another and it's definitely not by pouring cheap drinks to these pathetic asswipes," he said this as he gestured to the customers behind him. Some of whom are ready to start a fight after hearing themselves getting insulted by the teen. "Also, we both know you're too much of a coward and a weakling to get your hands dirty like Tougou-sama does."
"Ouch," Jo winced slightly at the retort but recovers soon after; waving a carefree hand. "Though a bit true but sorry pup, still won't do it."
The younger felt as though he was going to rip his hair out in frustration
"Why the fuck not?!" he screamed out, his voice almost sounding desperate. "Urgh, fine! Okay, I know he has a cell so how about a phone number? Or a possible location he might be at? Can you at least give me that? Work with me here! Just tell me something!"
"So stubborn. You're wasting your breath buddy." Jo grabbed the bottle to pour himself more shochu. "Like I said already, my answer is 'No' so why don't you run along and forget about that master of-"
The man was unable to say anymore as Osomatsu roughly grabbed the front of the bartender's shirt and pulled him up close to his face. The bottle slipped out of Jo's hand and fell to the ground. The bottle shattered with an ear piercing cry as glass and shochu spread onto the floor.
"I SAID GIVE ME THE FUCKING INFO OR ELSE YOU GODDAMN BASTARD!"
The bar was completely still. The rest of the customers whose minds were preoccupied elsewhere now all had their undivided attention to the scene before them. Everyone was quiet save for a heavy breathing Osomatsu.
The older man looked at the boy a little surprised before his composure slowly warped into a frighteningly calm demeanor.
"Careful Mutt," the man said in a cold voice. "You shouldn't threaten me if I were you."
"You-!" Osomatsu became speechless as he felt cold metal pressed gently to forehead. Still pointing the gun at him, Jo removed Osomatsu's fingers from his shirt collar.
"You and your master may enjoy using petty scares and empty threats to protect your behinds," Jo said. "But I, on the other hand, have a little more something stronger packing." He nudges the gun closer to Osomatsu. He looks past the boy towards the audience watching them.
"Also," he added. "These customers of mine...They won't bat an eye if something were to happen to a down-on-his-luck brat like you."
Osomatsu stood still staring wide-eyed at the gun; his mouth clamped shut and bits of sweat forming on his brow. They stood like this for a while, waiting cautiously to see if one were to make any sudden movements. After about a minute or two passed, Jo sighed and shook his head. Casually, he lifted the gun from Osomatsu's face and used his free hand to wave dismissively at the customers. Most get the idea and slowly resume to what they were doing beforehand.
As he watched Jo stuff his gun back into his leather jacket, the tension in Osomatsu body began to slowly dissipate. He let out a shaky breath. He sat back down on the stool and ran his fingers through his hair. He kept his head down from Jo who still stood there staring down at him; his expression seem to have returned to his carefree manner.
"Geez, that shouldn't have escalated that quickly I admit," Jo said almost teasingly. "I kept telling you, I'm not in that business anymore. I seriously have no idea where the guy is." Osomatsu opened his mouth as if to say something but then changed his mind, opting to stay quiet. "But seriously," the elder continued "That anger of yours is like wild animal. I'd keep that in check if you don't wanna bullet in your brain."
The later didn't respond, focusing more on glaring at the cravings on the counter.
Jo laughed and turned around to grab the broom that was leaning against the wall. He proceeded to sweep up the broken glass off the floor. After cleaning up, he left Osomatsu to tend to the other customers at the bar; chatting and laughing it up with them as he makes them their drinks. After a few minutes, he returned to where Osomatsu is seated.
"So have you calmed down now?" the bartender said with a smug grin. Osomatsu still refused to look at the man and turned away with a huff.
"Fuck you."
Seeing that as a answer, the man clapped his hands together and gave a toothy smile."Great! Anyways, since you came all this way to visit, why don't you stay in the back room for the night. I'll set you up on the couch and get you dinner. How bout it?"
Osomatsu glared even further. He quickly turned around to face the bar owner and opened his mouth.
"You've got a problem asshole!"
Before he could say anything, the two turned their heads to the source of the yelling.
"Yeah, how about you get your disgusting self and that whore of yours out of my face!"
"You better not mess with me you moron!"
"Eat shit!"
At the corner of the bar, groups of cheering drunkards began to form around the fight that was starting to brew. While the two men who were fighting were blocked from view, the sound of 'oomph's, cries, and groans were heard among the excited yelling of the crowd. Jo shook his head in disapproval.
"Man, I can't catch a break tonight." He sighed, then points at Osomatsu. "Stay put while I deal with this."
Jo walked over to the group. Nonchalantly, he cuts his way through the intoxicated men to the two aggressors; roughly shoving them apart.
"Alright, break it up!" He shouts. "Do you all have short attention spans? Quit messing around in my bar. If any of you break any furniture, it's on your bill. So if you're gonna fight, do it outside!"
The men ignored the bartender and continued to shout accusations and insults at each other. Jo rolled his eyes. He made a quick glance over at the bar to see the seat Osomatsu sat at empty; the money gone with him. He looked around to see the boy was nowhere to be seen.
"Just my luck."
Suddenly, the phone hanging on the wall in the office behind the bar began ring. Jo turned away from the rowdy customers and walked over to the bar; picking the phone up and answering.
"Hello, Joey speaking."
He paused for a moment and smiled; greeting the caller in a friendly attitude.
"Ah, Masafumi, good to hear from you. A pleasure doing business with you as always. Got the information you wanted."
The caller on the other line seemed to be asking him a question.
"What?" Jo shouted over the loudness of the bar patron. "Oh, just a bar fight. Yeah, hold on." He covers the telephone with his hand and yells out in frustration. "Shut the hell up all of you!"
Being ignored again, he gave up and closed the office door.
"Sorry about that. Anyways, he came to see me actually."
Jo giggled, lowering himself onto the stained couch.
"Came in tail between his legs begging to find his owner. As instructed, I didn't tell him jack. Oh yeah, the kid's pissed I can tell you. It was hilarious to watch."
Jo listened to the caller and made a face as if looking almost guilty.
"Well…I tried to get him stay so I could learn some more from him but he ran away when I wasn't looking."
"What? Nah, not my style. Too dirty you know? Just scared him a little hehe. Probably left because he was butt-hurt that I refused his money. I'm sure he'll be back."
"Yeah, yeah. My apologizes."
"Hmm? Yup, 50,000 yen. Good thing your offer was more. So anyways..."
The man got up and walked over to his desk; leaning against it. He rummaged around the messy table and picked up a few papers; reviewing them.
"At the moment," he started, speaking in a serious and almost professional-like voice. "We know he's now in Tokyo. By the fact he was willing to pay me, he's done a bit of stealing to get by so far. I would assume he's keeping a low profile to hide from the police, but knowing him he'll probably do a shit job at it. He's pretty desperate and stupid you see."
The caller spoke again.
"No," the bartender answered back. "It doesn't seem like he has yet, but if he stays around the the area long enough he might."
"Now, here's the big one." Jo read over his papers. "There's a detective who, for three months now, has been trying to get info on him. From what I found, he started looking into those robberies, sticking his nose in the investigations. He even went to the crime scene at that French guy's place for evidence."
He paused for a moment before placing the papers down at his side.
"This detective also claims his reason for doing so is because he links the robberies with a specific missing child's case he was in charge of in the past. You can guess where I'm going with this. There's also another important matter to discuss but I'll hold that off until I get the second half of my payment."
"Now now in any case, I'm not sure how the pup is gonna manage on his own given all that. It'd sure be helpful if his owner were there to handle it but like I told the kid, I have no idea where he might be."
Jo then made a sadistic smile.
"But that's not a problem for you, right Masafumi?"
"That lying piece of shit!"
An infuriated Osomatsu stormed the desolate streets. By this point, it was reaching late into the night. There was barely any people around and the temperature had dropped tremendously. The vapor of breath Osomatsu exhaled could be easily seen almost two feet in front of him. He rubbed his arms for warmth to no avail, making him even more angry.
"Urgh! I hate him!" He shouted, kicking a nearby trashcan causing it fall on its side; the contents scattered around him. Hastily, he ducked into a dimly lit alleyway. Trying to calm himself, he sat himself down.
'What now?' Osomatsu thought dejectedly, pulling his hood up further to cover his face. 'Jo-san is an asshole and won't tell me anything.'
The boy sighed to himself, inhaling the cold air.
He hated to admit that he was a little worried. With the police having ransacked their home and getting no luck with Jo, Osomatsu was unsure of what to do. It had already been such a long and exhausting day, he took a moment to just rest his head.
His mind drifted to yesterday's events; wondering if it would have been better had he just took Tougou's hand and climb over the wall with him. While he was glad that Tougou was able to escape with the money (maybe even the car), he only had himself to blame for both their current predicament. Shivering, Osomatsu pulled himself closer into his body. His sweater was obviously not enough to keep himself warm and he contemplated whether he should go back to JOEY'S.
'I wonder how Tougou-sama's doing? Hopefully he's okay. If only I didn't decide to split up.'
He stopped and shook his head in annoyance. He rubbed his tired eyes and slowly blinked up to the cloudy, night sky.
'Stop being a fucking baby Osomatsu,' he berated himself. 'You know very well it's too early to give up. What would Tougou-sama say if he saw you like this?'
Despite his disappointment, he had to remember what was important. He couldn't allow a bad day stop him from what he had to do.
"I need to find him," he muttered under his breath. "I need to keep my promise."
Osomatsu tucked his head between his knees. He put hand in his pocket, double checking to make sure his money was in there.
'Guess I'll try again with Jo-san tomorrow. I wonder what else I could bribe him with...' He absolutely could agree with the jerk on one thing: he was stubborn if not outright persistent.
He closed his eyes. For now, he just needed a few minutes to rest.
It was about an hour until midnight and Chibita was kind enough to keep his family's oden stand open for a downhearted, mildly drunk Karamatsu. The shorter man sighed as he poured a small glass of beer and laid it in front of his childhood friend.
"This is your last one for the night," he told the eldest brother. "Seriously, I can't be doing this every time you come crying and begging to me. I swear, if you become an alcoholic before you're 20, THIS..." He gestured exaggeratedly to all of Karamatsu. "Is all on you, got it? You're a paying customer, you look somewhat legal, what do I know? I don't know any better. We are COMPLETE strangers. I'm just doing my job and serving a customer. It's NOT my fault. At All."
"Yeah, yeah I know I know," the later waved his hand dismissively. "Stop worrying. You know I won't tell tell your folks or anyone." He chuckled slightly. "Thanks again, Chibita, I needed this."
"Sheesh," Chibita shook his head. "Just finish up, eat your oden, and get home already. It's getting late. I'm sure ya don't want to be late for work in the morning."
To this, Karamatsu frowned. He grabbed the glass and took a few gulps. A deep audible breath escape his mouth.
"Work, work, work" he whined. "That's all I do, isn't it Chibita?"
He brought his palm to cover his face in shame.
"I shouldn't focus on work when I promised Mom to take care of things. But no matter what I do, I seem to be doing it all wrong. I can't even keep my brothers civil with each other let alone stay in the same room together."
He shoves some food into his mouth. Karamatsu looked to be in such a pitiful state- face flushed, mouthed stuffed, and damp cheeks from hours of crying.
Chibita grimaced at Karamatsu disgusting display of sadness but said nothing as he allowed the man to continue.
"And to think my younger brothers have been texting each other."
"Texting each other? Woooww." Chibita replied sarcastically.
"Warnings Chibita!" Karamatsu cried. "Texting warnings about every fight that goes on at home."
"Yikes. Also as usual, you certainly have a lot on your plate"
Karamatsu looked up teary eyed at his childhood friend. "Chibitaaaa, what should I doooooo?"
Chibita looked taken aback at being called out. "Huh?! Why ask me?"
"Pleeeeease Chibita, I need your advice! You're usually good with advice" Karamatsu took another gulp of his drink and then groan. "Urh, I don't feel so good..."
"Dammit, pull yourself together ya Idjit!" Chibita said annoyed. He took another glass and poured some water into it. He handed it to Karamatsu who accepted it hungrily.
"For your information, I do give you advice." Chibita scolded, waving his ladle at the young man. "Every time you complain to me in fact. You just don't seem to listen. As always, stop thinking you have to do something about it."
"But," Karamatsu sniffed; looking up from his empty water glass. "Mom and Dad….they-"
"Yes, I'm very aware of how your mother feels," Chibita responded. "But after a while, this shouldn't be your problem anymore. We're all out of high school now. Choromatsu and the others can do whatever they want. YOU, despite using me as you're free alcohol dispenser to help drown your sorrows, can do whatever you want! Don't feel responsible for their behavior. I mean come on! Like I've told you already, you just got to focus on yourself."
Karamatsu sat there quietly. He sighed; burying his face in his arms.
"I know," he muttered sadly; words slightly slurred. "I know you're right, my good friend."
Karamatsu took a bite of his oden. Then he threw his hand in the air. "Ah, if only God above could bestow me the answers I desire~"
Chibita rolled his eyes."You're being dramatic again."
"Hush," the later grumbled, taking a swig of his beer much to Chibita's displeasure. "I know I should just focus on work. I've been doing really well. I might even get a manager position! Isn't that great? But still...but still, no matter how much you're right, I can't help but think otherwise. I just have to get closer with them. I just want everyone to be happy."
The man sighed and finished the last bit of his drink.
"I'm the eldest brother after all."
Chibita looked at him with concerned, sympathetic eyes. "Karamatsu, I-"
"MATSUNO KARAMATSU!"
A high-pitched wail brought Chibita and Karamatsu's attention to Iyami who was storming over towards them. Despite it being dark, the two could see that the elder man was clearly upset about something.
"Iyami?"
"I thought you might be here," the later replied angrily. "That brother of yours needs to pay for what he's done zansu!"
By the time Iyami made it to the stand, Chibita eyes widened as he spotted a large bandage over the man's cheek.
"Oi, what happened to your face ya Idjit? And keep your voice down. You're gonna disturb the neighbors."
"The neighborhood should be disturbed zansu," Iyami fumed. "Especially after they hear what Todomatsu did to me!"
Karamatsu shook his head, sobering up. He looked up at the man confused.
"Todomatsu?" Now noticing Iyami's face, Karamatsu felt a sense of unease. "Wait… what happened Iyami? What did Todomatsu do?"
"That brother of yours is a menace!" Iyami answered. "I was having a nice day when suddenly I got assaulted by him."
He began unbuttoning his suit jacket. "I was walking home when out of nowhere he punched me in the face and kick me in the stomach!" He pulled up his shirt to reveal an big, ugly purple bruise on his stomach. The sight made Chibita sick to look at.
"Look at want he did? I even almost lost a tooth because of him." Iyami began re-buttoning his clothes. "But you know what that devil did next zansu?" Not giving the two to respond, he roughly shoved his hands into his pant's pocket and pulled out the pocket's fabric. "He stole my wallet!"
Chibita was absolutely shocked hearing this news.
"No way!" he said in disbelief. "I mean we know Todomatsu has been a troublemaker these days but to hurt you Iyami?"
"Me knows who they saw!" Iyami yelled, turning to the smaller man. "He had Matsuno-ani's face and he wore black clothes. Who else fits the description than that troublesome youngest brother?! He attacked me, stole my money, and ran off to who knows where!" He then turned to Karamatsu expectedly. "Matsuno, you need to do something about this!"
Chibita looked nervously at the man in question.
Karamatsu was quiet throughout Iyami explanation. His face was cast downwards with his pale fists clenched tightly.
"Uh, Matsuno?" Iyami asked, his anger slightly deflating.
Chibita watched as the teen slowly got up onto his feet and turned to Iyami. The two stared wide-eyed as Karamatsu got on his hands and knees; bowing his head to the ground.
"I am deeply sorry for my brother's actions. I can't express how ashamed I am for his actions."
The two stood in shock; tensed up at the sight before him. All three were silent for awhile before Chibita began eyeing at Iyami, nudging him to say something. Trying to regain his composure at the uncomfortable situation, the elder crossed his arms, clearing his throat. "I-it's fine zansu! Just stop doing that. Like I said, just fix the problem."
Karamatsu stood up back up and nodded.
"How much did he take from you Iyami-san?" His voice was threateningly low and devoid of any buzzed manner he displayed not too long go. It got both Chibita and Iyami slightly unnerved.
"Um," Iyami said, feeling a little lost for words. "Around 7,000 yen."
The later proceeded to pull out his wallet and grabbed 10,000 yen; handing it to Iyami.
"Sheeh?!" Iyami screeched, a mix of confusion and offendedness. "Karamatsu-kun, when I said do something about Todomatsu, I didn't mean for you to pay me back with your money."
"Don't worry," Karamatsu replied looking at Iyami straight in the eye. His voice seeping with indignation. "What he did was unforgivable."
Now getting a better look, Chibita stared worriedly at the absolute rage on Karamatsu's face.
"He is going to return what he stole and apologize for the violence he inflicted on you."
Karamatsu took Iyami's hand and placed the money into his palm. He then pulled out a couple of more bills and set it down on the oden stand.
Chibita and Iyami looked at each other with uncertainty as they watched Karamatsu walk away.
