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𝟒𝟒 || 𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐑 𝐂𝐈𝐑𝐂𝐋𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐅𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐓 ||

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Takemichi doesn't see Kazutora again until April–after the seasons have passed and Takemichi tries to adjust to the hot weather again after experiencing winter.

    Mikey had dragged Takemichi with him to his middle school with a smile on his face, hoping to sneak the black haired boy into the school without anyone noticing.

    "Just shove him into your backpack, Mikey–he's small enough to fit inside," Draken had said in jest, making a nervous Takemichi squawk in offense.

    "That's–That's not the point!" Takemichi fretts, his eyes dancing around the campus, hoping he doesn't stand out too much with his fake button up uniform that Pah had given him to sneak into the school. "They're gonna know and kick me out and then i'll be banned from joining this school–"

    Mikey cuts Takemichi off by slinging an arm around his shoulder, not a sliver of space left between the two. "They might find out, they might not, but don't worry–we won't let them kick you out or stop you from attending this school, Takemitchy," Mikey swears, a sly smirk forming on his lips.

    "How?"

    Mikey's smirk grows.

    "Easy–we break into their homes and threaten them."

    Takemichi's heart drops to his stomach.

    The hell is up with his friends wanting to break into homes?!

    "I–"

    Draken bumps Takemichi's other shoulder, drawing the boy's attention from mikey. "Just trust us, yeah? We won't let anything bad happen to you, ok?"

    Takemichi looks up at Draken, silently cursing their height difference, but nods his head–admitting defeat. "I–I do trust you guys...but yall always come up with the shittiest ideas that end with us either getting hurt or chased by the police..." Takemichi grumbles, already losing count of the amount of times they've had to evade the cops because Keisuke decided to light a bully's car on fire.

    "Our asses haven't gotten caught though! You know why?" Draken asks, his eyes peering down mischievously at Takemichi.

    Takemichi narrows his eyes, not sure if he's gonna like the answer he's about to be given.

    "Why?" Takemichi asks, playing along with Draken's game. Takemichi can already tell what Draken is gonna answer with. He'll probably say something along the lines of 'Because we're the fastest in Shibuya' or 'Because you have me here' or 'Because the cops ain't got nothing on us!'

    What Draken responds with instead completely blasts through each and every one of Takemichi's expectations.

    "Because we have you to use as a hostage!"

    Takemichi's eyes bulge out of his sockets at the unexpected answer.

    "A hostage?! How the hell am I a hostage?!" Takemichi yelps, trying and failing to see the logic behind Draken's answer.

    "...You're not gonna like the answer..." Draken muses, but his lips are still quirked up into a silly smile.

    Takemichi's unable to stop himself from rolling his blue eyes, blatantly ignoring Mikey's snickers from beside him. "I didn't like the last answer either, so just hit me with it..."

    Draken hums, seemingly deep in thought, but Takemichi knows better than to trust that stupid expression. Draken is just pretending to act mature to make Takemichi squirm with anticipation.

    And it totally works, but Takemichi would rather get shot by Pah than admit such a thing.

    "Just tell him, Ken-chin," Mikey huffs out, his obsidian eyes shining with unconcealed amusement, his breath tickling the shell of Takemichi's ear. The curly haired boy feels his face growing warm at the reminder of just how close Mikey is. Sure, Mikey is always hanging off of either Draken, Keisuke, or Takemichi like an annoying koala, but–as of lately–the close proximity has been making Takemichi's stomach flutter.

    Rather than calling attention to the flush running up his neck, Takemichi nods along with Mikey, hoping that Draken will finally just tell Takemichi the truth. Draken heaves out a fake sigh of defeat and Takemichi fights to keep himself from scoffing at Draken's behavior.

    "You look like an innocent child compared to me, Mikey, Keisuke, Mitsuya, and Pah," Draken confesses, his eyes sweeping across Takemichi's figure shamelessly. "We can easily use that to our advantage if we're about to get caught by the police. If they see us about to harm some stranger, then they're bound to let us go."

    ...And Draken is totally right.

    Takemichi hates the fucking answer.

    However, rather than making a deal about it, Takemichi crosses his arms in front of his chest and turns away from Draken.

    "Just wait–once i hit puberty, not only will i surpass you guys in height, but i'll also look hella scary–"

    Takemichi's interrupted by the sound of Keisuke running up to them, a familiar companion right on his heels.

    The boy's eyes light up at the newcomer, instantly recognizing the sandy yellow eyes and small birthmark, but also taking note of the new haircut and tiger tattoo that sits nicely along the side of his neck. Takemichi tries to keep his staring at a minimum, but it's hard with how beautiful the older boy's neck tattoo is.

    "Keisuke! Kazutora, it's great to see you again!" Takemichi greets happily, completely ignoring the astonished look Mikey gives him.

     "You know this kid?" Mikey whispers in his ear, his dark eyes darting from Takemichi to Kazutora. Takemichi instantly nods his head, a bright smile making its way along his lips.

    "Yeah! Me and Keisuke met him a few weeks ago at the arcade!" Takemichi explains while taking his eyes off Mikey to watch Kazutora and Draken fawn over each other's styles.

    "huh...I see..." Mikey then unlatches himself from Takemichi, sending the boy off balance. The boy didn't realize just how much he was relying on Mikey's presence before he moved away, his dark eyes set on Kazutora.

     Takemichi tries not to think too much about that though.

    Instead. Takemichi observes the way Mikey strides up to Kazutora, his face blank and nonchalant as he points a finger at the newcomer. "Alright, Kazutora! Play with me today!" Mikey orders, leaving very little room for question.

    Kazutora reels back, shocked. Takemichi can't help but notice how his face screams Who is this guy and what the hell is up with him? And can't help but feel pity for the boy.

    The boy, Kazutora, has no idea what he's gotten himself into, and Takemichi ain't gonna be the one to break it to him.

    "This is the guy I've been talking about," Keisuke explains to Kazutora, his eyes sparkling as he gestures to the short blonde. "Mikey."

    Takemihci fights to keep himself from laughing at the way Kazutora's face drops.

    "N-No way..."

    Mikey chooses to ignore the slight and grabs Kazutora by the shoulder with a smile. "Cmon! Nothing ever happens on the first day of school anyways," Mikey says, forcing Kazutora away from the school and down the street where a group of motorbikes are parked.

    Takemichi follows along with Draken and Keisuke–his eyes watching the two from afar–and quietly taking note of the way Kazutora shakes and trembles at Mikey's touch.

    Ah...Kazutora isn't a fan of Mikey...

    Takemichi's stomach turns at the thought, but he doesn't speak his thoughts out loud. Instead, Takemichi turns to face Draken, a teasing smile reaching his eyes as he looks up at the older boy.

    "So? What are your thoughts on Kazutora?" Takemichi asks, unable to hide his curiosity.

    Draken huffs and smiles back, probably having expected this question from Takemichi. "He looks like a certified badass...but he doesn't seem to be too fond of mikey," Draken answers, his voice soft so only Takemichi can hear him.

    So he noticed it too...

    "Yeah..." Takemichi mumbles, his eyes never once leaving Kazutora.

    Right before they reach the bikes, Mikey whirls his head around and points at Takemichi. "Takemitchy! Ride with me!"

    Takemichi ignores the disgruntled look on Kazutora's face and follows Mikey's orders–sidling up behind Mikey on the Moped.

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After changing out of their school uniforms and calling Mitsuya and Pah, It was decided by Mikey that they would all head over to Takoyaki Barbeque for lunch.

     Takemichi hugs Mikey's waits as the blonde steps on the engine of his old busted up Moped that Shin had given him as practice before deciding to give him a big boy bike. Keisuke–with Kazutora behind him on his Goki (A motorbike his mom decided to buy him since he didn't cause any more trouble for her for a few months)--and Draken drive ahead of them, irking Mikey because well...he's Mikey.

    "Hey–Keisuke!" Mikey shouts. The brown eyed boy turns his head to face Mikey, his brow raises suspiciously in a silent question. "Don't you surpass my Hawk Maru!"

    Takemichi smirks at the look of frustration that crosses Keisuke's face, finding it more than a little amusing to be forced to slow down at Mikey's whims. "Huh?! That's your fault for being so slow!" Keisuke complains despite slowing the motorbike down.

     As Mikey and Takemichi pass by the two, Takemichi catches sight of the scowl on Kazutora's face.

    Takemichi can't help but tilt his head curiously.

    What's his deal? Does he not like riding with Keisuke or something?

    Takemichi decides not to dwell on it too much. The boy stuffs his face against the back of Mikey's neck, finding the soft strands of his blonde hair comforting. The boy distantly feels Mikey jolt at the touch, but he eventually relaxes his limbs, pressing on the gas to push past the other boys.

    "All of you shall ride behind me!!!"

    "Yeah, my bad, my bad," Draken teases, while slowing down enough for Mikey to take the lead.

    Mikey turns his head, disrupting Takemichi's comfort, and smirks. "Hawk Maru is the world's fastest ride!"

    Takemichi scoffs, earning a questioning look from Mikey. "What? Got a problem, Takemitchy?"

    "You mean the worst ride, right?" Takemichi's words bring a pout to Mikey's lips and Takemichi has to force himself not to laugh at the cute sight.

    "No, I said what I said!" Mikey exclaims, turning away from Takemichi to keep driving.

    A chuckle slips past Takemichi's lips at his defensiveness, but–other than that–he keeps his mouth shut for the rest of the ride, content with just watching scenery and listening to the boy's complaints.

    The curly haired boy allows himself to lean his head against Mikey's shoulder blades once more and close his eyes, welcoming the soft breeze that flows through his tangled strands.

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"THERE'S NO FLAG ON THE KIDS MEAL!!!"

    Takemichi winces at the volume of Mikey's scream and tries very hard to act like he doesn't know Mikey.

    But, well, that's kinda hard to do when he's sitting right next to him.

    "Huh?" Everyone at the table mumbles, each wearing an expression of confusion before the situation dawns on them when their eyes land on Mikey's meal.

    Kazutora's in particular, looks downright incredulous, as if he can't truly understand the deal behind Mikey's outburst. Takemichi would probably be looking the same way if he wasn't so used to this happening. Flags, for whatever reason, are a very important aspect to each meal, according to Mikey. Without it, the meal is meaningless, tasteless and bland.

    (When Mikey confessed this to him and Keisuke, the two boys laughed so hard they almost pissed themselves.)

    "...Who actually gives a damn?" Draken asks while pah tilts his head, already chowing down on his plate of Tempura.

    Mikey hangs his head, completely defeated. "I do!" Mikey whines with his tongue sticking out of his mouth in disgust. "Now I don't have the energy to live today..."

    Takemichi eyes Keisuke from across the table and smirks at the look of bafflement on his face.

    You seeing this? Takemichi silently says with a raise of his eyebrows.

    Course I am, now comfort the idiot! Keisuke seems to send back with the way he tilts his head in Mikey's direction with a barely concealed smirk.

    Takemichi turns in his chair, ready to console the blonde, only to find his seat empty.

    "Eh? Mikey–Where did you–?"

    "I'm going home..."

    Takemichi turns in the direction of Mikey's voice and finds the blonde boy walking away, heading towards the exit.

    He–He can't actually be serious, right?

    "Wait mikey! You haven't even eaten your food yet!" Takemichi calls out, but his words fall on deaf ears.

    "Hey, Hey!" Mitsuya shouts, trying to get Mikey's attention, but he's also ignored.

    "Huh? This bitch for real?" Pah grumbles around a mouth full of food as he watches Mikey walk away.

    "You've gotta be kidding me!" Draken shouts, and–along with everyone else–gets out of his seat to follow Mikey out the door. "I said hold on, Mikey!"

    "Just leave me alone..."

     Takemichi heaves out a sigh and stands up from his chair, ready to wrangle Mikey back if he has to.

    (Which is a complete lie–The only time Takemichi can get Mikey to do what he wants, he has to bribe him with dorayaki or sweets...)

    "It's fine to leave him be, right?"

    ...huh?

    Takemichi turns his head and looks at Kazutora, unable to hide the surprise on his face after he realizes that the words did actually leave the sandy eyed boy's lips. Looking around–gauging everyone else's reactions–it doesn't take a genius to see that they too were shocked.

    "You know, Draken, Pah-chin, Mitsuya, and Takemichi...I don't understand why you'd be so worried over that guy," Kazutora snorts, his eyes scanning each boy until it lands on Takemichi. The smaller boy can't help but tense up when his gaze stays on him a little longer than necessary before it moves back to Draken. "Why are you even friends with someone like him? You all look like Mikey's underlings."

    U-Underlings?!

    Did–Did Kazutora actually call them–him–Mikey's underlings?!

    Before Takemichi can open his mouth to refute such a terrible accusation, Kesiuke pipes up, just as outraged.

    "Oi Kazutora! Watch it!" Keisuke scolds, his narrowed eyes glaring daggers into Kazutora's skull.

    "It's fine, Baji," Draken says softly despite the way his dark eyes pierce through Kazutora. "I am Mikey's underling."

    "...What?" Kazutora mumbles, dumbfounded by the boy's words.

    Rather than further explaining himself, Draken turns to leave, his back facing Kazutora as he begins to walk away. Pah slings an arm over Draken's shoulder while glaring at Kazutora, appearing to find the boy just as irritable as Draken. "Let's go, Draken."

    "Got it!"

    Mitsuya also begins to follow them out the door, his hands shoved in his pockets, leaving just Kazutora, Takemichi, and Keisuke at the table. Before leaving, Mitsuya turns his head and sends Kazutora a look that Takemichi has seen Mitsuya use on his younger siblings while scolding them.

    "I don't know how you see Mikey, but...We're in this together because we adore him," Mitsuya explains, his tone sullen and determined as he eyes Kazutora from a distance. Then after a few beats, Mitsuya's gaze darkens. "Even if you're Baji's best friend. If you're looking for a fight, I'll take you on any day."

    Mitsuya's willing to fight in Mikey's name?

    Takemichi's unable to hide the stars that twinkle from his eyes, knowing that he probably looks like a fan obsessed idiot, but who cares! Mitsuya is just so, so cool!

    "Hey, Takemichi." The boy in question perks up and meets Mitsuya's gaze.

    "Yeah?"

    Mitsuya tilts his head in the others direction as if gesturing to them. "You comin'?"

    It's awfully tempting to take Mitsuya's offer–to simply walk away from Kazutora and his judgemental words–but Takemichi likes Kazutora. He wants to be able to get down to the bottom of what's bugging Kazutora so much about Mikey.

    With a reserved sigh, Takemichi shakes his head no. "Nah, y'all go on ahead. I'll catch up later."

    Mitsuya's gaze sweeps over from Takemichi, to Keisuke, to Kazutora, before landing back on Takemichi. "Hm...Ok, if you say so. Call me if you change your mind, I'll pick you up."

    Takemichi smiles, thankful for the boy's offers. "Thanks Mitsuya..."

    Mitsuya smiles back, although Takemichi can see it's strained and fake, but he keeps it to himself.

    The curly haired boy watches the group walk away with a pained heart, leaving just Takemichi, Keisuke, and a confused Kazutora.

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Lunch was an even more awkward ordeal without the other boys around.

    As Takemichi tried finishing his food, he'd feel the weight of Kazutora's gaze on him, staring, watching takemichi like he's trying to solve something. Takemichi didn't call Kazutora out for his strange behavior, but he did look to Keisuke for help. Thankfully, his best friend noticed it too. However, rather than mentioning it, Keisuke kept quiet and held Takemichi's hand under the table, rubbing soothing circles into his knuckles.

    It was nice and calming for the most part, but nothing could distract Takemichi from Kazutora's unsettling gaze.

    And, when they finally left the restaurant, Takemichi could hardly concentrate as Kazutora's eyes pierced through Takemichi's skin. The curly haired boy wanted to whirl around and ask what his deal was, to interrogate him on his shitty mood, to try and get the strange boy to stop looking at Takemichi like he's a puzzle.

    But he didn't.

    He kept his mouth shut and held onto Keisuke's hand like his life depended on it.

    Finally, while walking along the sidewalk to who knows where, Keisuke speaks up, his eyes glancing over at Kazutora. " Say...Kazutora," Keisuke starts, his voice low. "What do you not like about Mikey?"

    Takemichi forces himself not to freeze at the blunt question that left Keisuke's lips. The curly haired boy also wants to find out why Kazutora seems to dislike him so much, but Takemichi was scared of the