▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃
▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃
▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

𝟏𝟑 || 𝐅𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓 ||

•

•

•

    Is it weird to say that Takemichi's gotten used to the violent nature of his friends?

    Takemichi—himself—has rarely felt the urge to throw hands with someone he dislikes. He doesn't understand the appeal of beating someone's face in like Keisuke and Mikey. For some reason, they seem to genuinely enjoy the feeling of making some poor soul bleed and cry under their thunderous fists.

    And...Takemichi doesn't really see a problem with it (he desperately tries to convince himself of this). Well, as long as those fists aren't aimed at him or at someone he cares about, then they can punch and kick whoever they want.

    In the beginning, he tried to get the two boys to stop terrorizing kids, but his efforts were always in vain. As of late, they've stopped picking useless fights when they're around Michi which he deeply appreciates.

    Well...all except for two kids.

    Hakkai and Yuzuha.

    They've...changed.

    Something must've happened to the Shiba siblings in the last month or two, because their once lively nature has been tarnished and dulled down to almost nothing. They've been brandishing more bruises that Takemichi can no longer force himself to ignore and their protectiveness towards each other have increased tenfold.

    Of course, they still treat Michi with the same kindness they've had since meeting the smaller boy, but their gazes are more cold—calculating even. Like they were accessing the boy for something.

    Takemichi would've brushed it off—no seriously! He would've! Because what did he know? Nothing. If the Shiba siblings don't feel the need to share what's been going on, then Takemichi won't push them.

    (Even if his curiosity was dying to ask a million questions.)

    But...like Mikey and Keisuke—

    Takemichi flinches at the sound of Hakkai beating his fist into the face of some kid who they've only just met a few seconds ago.

    —They've gotten more violent.

    Takemichi doesn't even know the poor kid's name—only that he was trash talking Hakkai and the shirt he was wearing, leading to the taller boy tackling the other kid down with no difficulty whatsoever.

    Despite not being on the receiving end of those brutal punches, Takemichi could feel his eyes swell up with tears.

    Why? Takemichi really can't say—lately he's been crying more over the littlest of things, so there's really no telling what brought on the onslaught of tears.

    A particularly loud whine gets Takemichi on his feet and strolling towards Hakkai.

    "H-Hey Hakkai—"

    "Shut up Michi."

    And so he closes his mouth—too scared to interfere—and stares down at his dirtied shoes, wishing the world could swallow him whole and take him away from the sounds of crunching bones.

    He just needs to wait it out; eventually Hakkai will get tired of punching the same face over and over again and then they can go back to playing on the playground.

    Takemichi just has to wait.

    The tears are strolling down his face.

    Just wait. It's ok. At least he's not the one getting beat up...right?

    So just wait—

    "You're goin' too far."

    Huh?

    Not recognizing the calm voice, Takemichi snaps his gaze up and takes a look at the newcomer.

    A kid. A kid that's taller than Takemichi but smaller than Hakkai was holding Hakkai's fist back, stopping him from raining more punches down on the random kid.

    What surprises Takemichi even more is the small baby strapped to the newcomer's chest.

    And Hakkai—

    He looks confused, almost speechless as he peers up at the boy holding onto his wrist.

    Takemichi gulps.

    Not wanting Hakkai to launch himself at the new kid, Takemichi begins inching closer, ready to shield the baby and stranger from Hakkai's wrath.

     But Hakkai doesn't move. He just stares.

    Looking back over at the stranger, the curly haired boy flinches at the sight of lilac colored eyes already watching him; his face is carefully blank for a while before his lips turn up in a small smile.

    "Violence..." the stranger switches his gaze back over to Hakkai, his smile never leaving his lips as he says, "...should be used to protect."

    ...wow...

    Takemichi unashamedly gapes up at the mysterious stranger with stars in his eyes.

    So cool—

    His thoughts are interrupted by the cries of the baby strapped to the stranger's chest.

    The newcomer is quick to comfort the baby, his voice calm and gentle.

    "There, there. He's big and scary, huh?"

    Takemichi sweatdrops at the little jab towards Hakkai and expects the scary boy to say something back, maybe even throw a punch.

    But he doesn't react.

    The stranger then turns to Takemichi, his hand still rubbing circles into the baby's back as he smiles at the small boy.

    "You guys hungry?"

    ...Huh?

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

    And that's how Takemichi and Hakkai found themselves in Takashi Mitsuya's small living room, sitting around a low table with the older kid's siblings running around them.

    Hakkai leans his weight onto Takemichi after one of the Mitsuyas bump into Hakkai.

    "The food smells really good..." Hakkai whispers to Takemichi, his earlier rage and anguish nowhere in sight as he inhales sharply. Curious, Takemichi does the same thing and is greeted with the heavenly smell of spices and food being mixed together.

    "It really does!" Takemichi mutters back, placing his chin on top of the table and enjoying the sweet aroma that surrounds them.

    A loud scream snaps Takemichi out of his relaxed state. Suddenly on high alert, he whips his head around and—oh, it was just Luna.

    Takemichi heaves out a sigh of relief.

    He really needs to just relax...

    "Luna!" Mitsuya's loud voice booms from the kitchen. "Quit chasing Mana around! She'll get all worked up!" Luna doesn't say anything back to her big brother; instead, she rolls her eyes and places herself on the other end of the table, beside Takemichi.

    Having a sibling must be tough...

    "Sorry about the noise," Mitsuya apologizes sheepishly—the knife in his hand not slowing down as he continues to cut up whatever was on the cutting board.

    Wow! He must be a master at using knives!

    Too entranced by the movement, Takemichi forgets to respond; thankfully Hakkai steps up and answers for the two of them. "N-No...it's fine," he reassures, his voice breaking off awkwardly and—

    Another wave of spices wafts through Takemichi's nose, causing a loud gurgling sound to escape from his stomach. Takemichi couldn't stop the heat that rose to cover his entire face as everyone turns to inspect the source of such a loud sound.

    Mitsuya's the first to break the silence with a soft laugh; his little siblings join in soon after, leaving Hakkai and Takemichi to wallow in their own embarrassment—

    Wait, why was Hakkai embarrassed?!

    Mitsuya enters the living room with his small apron still wrapped around his waist. He eyes Takemichi for a moment before sending him a mischievous smile.

    "Here, have some food."

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

    After having dinner with the Mitsuyas, Takemichi and Hakkai left Takashi's apartment and walked till they spotted their signature playground.

    Now—in silence—the two boys sit on the swing set without a single word being shared.

     Mitsuya...he's—

    "Got any parents?"

    "Just mom! She works late, so I look after those two."

    —so responsible, so—

    "Isn't it hard having to deal...with all of this?"

    All Mitsuya did was tilt his head and sent Hakkai and Takemichi a soft smile before answering, causing the two younger boys to light up.

    —so wise!

    God, there's so many things Takemichi wants to say right now, but the air is so peaceful and clear and the moon was shining so beautifully. It would be a shame if Takemichi ruined such a moment with his loud mouth.

    He'll just...just wait here in silence. Wait till Hakkai speaks or something...

    "...hey Michi?" Takemichi turns to face Hakkai; the taller boy—for some reason—refuses to make eye contact with him.

    "Yeah?"

    "...I'm sorry."

    Sorry?

    Takemichi voices his confusion, watching as a small tint of red covers Hakkai's ears.

    "I-I'm sorry about what happened earlier...I shouldn't have done that."

    He's talking about what happened here at the playground...but why—?

    "I—I wanna be like Mitsuya!"

    Before Takemichi could even utter a word, Hakkai jumps off the swing set and places himself in front of Takemichi; his indigo eyes filled with determination and warmth.

    "I wanna use violence to protect!!! Just like him!!!" He declares into the night sky.

    With wide eyes, Takemichi observes the way Hakkai lights up under the moon's lighting; a spotlight showcasing the kid's lively nature and bright smile.

    Sure, he may look a bit rough around the edges, but deep down Takemichi knows the kind of person Hakkai really is.

    He's sweet, dorky, shy, protective, stubborn, kind, and the list goes on and on and on.

    —And Mitsuya was the one who broke Hakkai's shell, revealing the younger boy's true self.

    The thought fills Takemichi with something akin to admiration and—and something else. He doesn't know. He doesn't need to know. Why should he bother putting a label on the feeling if it makes his heart swell with pride and warmth. So, so much warmth.

    All thanks to Mitsuya...

    Takemichi jumps off the swing and wraps his arms around Hakkai's body. Hakkai, taken completely by surprise, falls backward into the dirt and soil that litters the playground. After a moment of shocked silence, both Takemichi and Hakkai burst out laughing.

    Reluctantly, Takemichi removes himself from on top of Hakkai and sits beside the taller boy—his small hand moving to encompass Hakkai's shoulder.

    Hakkai's back! He's...he's really back!

    Then, like the kind, adorable friend that he is, Takemichi digs his nails into the boy's skin, drawing out a surprised yelp.

    Takemichi immediately releases him once Hakkai sits up straight, glaring daggers straight into the smaller boy's soul.

    "What was that for?!"

    "That's for being a bad friend!" Takemichi explains with a pout, watching with satisfaction as Hakkai's face drops for a second before putting itself back together into a look of distraught.

    "B-But I said I was sorry!—"

    "I don't want an apology!" Takemichi interrupts; his arms move up to cross themselves in front of his chest. "I want a promise!"

    Hakkai's eyes light up and he leans forward. "What kind of promise?! I'll promise you anything you want, just please—"

    "Promise me you won't beat up people for stupid reasons!"

    Hakkai smiles guiltily and the action is enough for Takemichi to break his adult-like act. The taller boy holds his pinkie—indigo eyes shining with determination.

    "I promise! I promise I'll only use violence to protect people—Just like Mitsuya!" He adds on, earning a shrill laugh from Takemichi.

    Takemichi laces his pinkie with Hakkai's and smiles widely—watching as the stars in the sky dance around the two boys.

    "It's a promise!"

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

    It's barely been a week since meeting Mitsuya, and Hakkai—along with Takemichi—are already pitifully attached to the older boy.

    It might have something to do with Mitsuya being a big brother or something along those lines that make Takemichi want to hold on to every word he says. He was admirable, smart, warm, strong, and just—well, amazing in every shape and form.

    (Takemichi loves Keisuke, Manjiro, and his mother to death, but Mitsuya has this sort of calming presence that Takemich isn't used to. The older boy is somehow able to tear down and dissipate his nerves with just a soft smile. He was like a breath of fresh air compared to the chaotic-ness of his other friends.)

    The two boys would never admit to being obsessed with Mitsuya. Nope. That's not what this is. It's not an obsession—that's only for crazy people—no, they just admire Mitsuya a little too much—which is perfectly fine and normal!

    That's what this is: its 'admiration'.

    "You guys are weird."

    Takemichi and Hakkai both gawk at the insult that fell from Yuzuha's lips. The older girl is staring at Takemichi and Hakkai with a scrunched up face; her eyes are squinted, lips pursed, and eye brows knit together.

    Who knew Yuzuha was capable of such a judgey expression! It's—it's almost insulting.

    And it was directed at HIM! HOW RUDE!

    From their spots on the swing sets, Yuzuha continues to obliterate the two boys.

    "What are you two? His little fanboys? Do you watch this mitsu guy sleep or something? Follow him? Steal his things?" Each accusation feels like an arrow being shot through his chest. Then—to make matters worse—she gasps.

    "DO YOU SNIFF HIS CLOTHES?! YOU WEIRDOS!!!"

    Hakkai falls off the swing in shock and Takemichi was barely able to keep himself from toppling over onto the ground.

    How on earth did telling Yuzuha about Mitsuya end up with her accusing them of doing such creepy things?!

    "We're not doing any of that stuff Yuzu-Chan!" Takemichi exclaims frantically. "He's just—he's really cool and we wanted to tell you about him and we bump into him a lot now and we—" Takemichi takes a second to catch his breath. "—we want you to meet him too cause you guys are like—like very similar!"

    Yuzuha tilts her head at Takemichi—her face thoughtful and blank, sending chills up the smaller boy's spine.

    "...How? I'm much cooler than this Mitsu guy."

    "His name is Mitsuya—" Hakkai is sadly interrupted by his older sister.

    "—and I've never met him... and he's a guy," well Takemichi can't really argue with that.

    "But—But you guys are both older siblings!"

    She narrows her eyes. "So? How does that make him as cool as me?"

    Because he doesn't turn a blind eye to stupid violence, Takemichi wanted to say out loud, but there was no way he actually has the confidence to let those words escape his lips.

    (It's a little hypocritical on his part, but what does he know? He's only, like, seven.)

    Then, out of nowhere, Hakkai speaks up. "Wanna meet him?" He suggests—brushing the dirt off his shorts as he pulls himself off the ground. "He wants us to help with uh..." he turns to Takemichi with reddening cheeks and pursed lips. "...what did he need help with again?" Hakkai asks Takemichi quietly, probably a little embarrassed to have forgotten such an important detail.

    Thankfully, unlike the forgetful long-legged boy, Takemichi remembers the task Mitsuya had needed help with.

    "...grocery shopping."

    Then, as if Hakkai hadn't asked Takemichi for help, he turns to face his sister with a beaming smile on his lips—his earlier embarrassment nowhere in sight.

    "Grocery shopping—yeah! He needs help with grocery shopping later! You should come with us and meet him!" Hakkai exclaims excitedly, his body practically buzzing with excitement.

    "Yeah!" Takemichi springs off the swing and stands next to Hakkai.

     "Come with us! Please Yuzu-Chan? Pleeeaaase~?"

    Yuzuha's face flushes red, probably due to the cold weather. She covers the bottom of her face with her hands and avoids Takemichi's pleading gaze.

    "Uh...I don't know—"

    "Please sis? Pretty pleeeaaaase with a cherry on top?" Hakkai joins in, attempting to pull off his best puppy dog eyes.

    Takemichi knew from the second her brown eyes softened that she had given up on resisting the two boys—all thanks to Hakkai, of course!

    "...fine, I'll come with you guys—only because I have nothing to do. Ok?"

    On the inside, Takemichi pats himself—and Hakkai—on the back for their splendid performance.

    The flushed look on Yuzuha's face doesn't fade away even after they left the swing set.

    Takemichi really hopes she hasn't caught a cold...

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

    "...I thought you guys came here to help me with groceries..."

    In the grocery store, with a basket full of ingredients, Mitsuya scowls at his three companions.

    Takemichi has the gall to tilt his head cutely with those big sparkly eyes of his all the while encouraging the bad behavior of none other than the Shiba siblings.

    "But we are!" He defends, a little too happily.

    "Really?"

    "Yeah!"

    "Then why are you three riding around the store in a shopping cart instead of actually doing your job?!"

    From inside the shopping cart, Takemichi's face shifts into a look of guilt as he fiddles with the hem of his oversized band t-shirt. Hakkai, the one standing at the end of the cart, pouts while gripping the metal contraption—and Yuzuha, the one kid he trusted to keep the others in line, was holding onto the handle of the cart with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

    Mitsuya definitely regrets asking for help; now he has to babysit three kids along with seeking out groceries.

    "So we can get the job done faster?" Yuzuha explains in a tone that indicates that he, Mitsuya, was the crazy one.

    This is just—just ridiculous.

    "How?!" If Mitsuya's hands weren't full with ingredients then he would definitely be pulling at his hair in frustration. "You guys have done nothing but ride down the isles!"

    "Hey! We've been throwing things into the cart like you asked!" Hakkai defends pitifully.

    "Yeah—RANDOM THINGS! We don't even need half of the stuff you guys threw in here!" Yuzuha rolls her eyes at his words.

    "...Everyone needs a bit of cheese in their life."

    "Yuzuha...that's a whole block of cheese I'm never gonna need!" With another roll of her eyes, Yuzuha