monochromaticbeans

[monochromaticbeans]

Chapter 40: Sympathy For the Devil

Pleased to meet you

Hope you guess my name

But what's puzzlin' you

Is the nature of my game

"Sympathy For the Devil" ~ The Rolling Stones

Groove Garden was empty for the evening, the psychedelic colors on the walls dimming in the softer light. Masaru was behind the counter, sorting through a box of new records, his fingers brushing over worn cardboard edges with care. The usual scent of incense and vinyl floated in the air, and he took comfort in the shop’s quiet, the familiar warmth of the space he’d built.

The door chime jingled, pulling his attention up. He glanced toward the entrance, eyebrows raising slightly as he took in the guy who’d entered. The newcomer was tall and lanky, his posture almost lazy as he strolled through the door, but there was something off in the way his eyes gleamed, sharp and assessing as they scanned the shop.

Masaru had an instinct for recognizing his daughter’s friends—those rough-edged kids with motorcycles, who somehow always managed to look like trouble even when they were on their best behavior. But this boy, with his unsettling grin and relaxed stance, didn’t look like anyone Hikari usually ran with.

“Good evening,” Masaru said, his tone polite but cautious.

Hanma’s gaze drifted around the room, lingering briefly on the swirling flowers painted on the walls, the posters of old rock icons framed above the vinyl racks. He strolled forward, his movements slow and casual, like he was soaking in the atmosphere as he approached the counter.

“Nice place you got here,” he drawled, his grin widening just a bit. “Real cozy.”

Masaru gave a polite nod, keeping his expression neutral. “Thank you. Can I help you with something?”

Hanma tapped his fingers along the edge of the counter, eyes wandering idly over the rows of records before he turned his gaze back to Masaru, a spark of feigned innocence in his eyes. “Actually, I was hoping to check in on someone. Hikari-chan. I’ve… heard she’s not doing so well.”

The question caught Masaru off guard. A jolt of protectiveness shot through his chest, even as he tried to keep his tone even. “You a friend of hers?”

Hanma’s smile didn’t falter. “You could say that. Just… concerned, you know? We were at the same gathering the other night. I noticed she seemed a little down.” He shrugged, his tone light, as if he were asking about the weather. “Thought I’d check in on her.”

Masaru hesitated, his gaze narrowing as he studied the guy before him. There was something about him that put him on edge—the way his eyes lingered too long, the way he spoke so smoothly, like he was used to getting what he wanted.

“I’m afraid she’s been under the weather,” Masaru said carefully. His words were guarded, and he chose them with care as he considered how much to reveal. “It’s been a tough time for her. But she’s got close friends checking in on her. I’m sure she’ll be alright soon.”

Hanma nodded, a flash of something almost amused flickering across his expression. “Under the weather,” he echoed, letting the words roll off his tongue slowly, as if savoring them. “Yeah, that sounds about right. Change is… hard on people sometimes.”

Masaru’s grip tightened just slightly on the edge of the counter, his gaze never leaving Hanma’s. The words felt loaded, like there was a hidden meaning beneath them, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

“Glad to hear she has people looking out for her,” Hanma continued, his tone casual but laced with something darker. “Hikari’s… special, isn’t she?”

Masaru’s protective streak flared, even as he kept his expression neutral. “She’s a strong girl. But she’s also been through a lot recently. I’d appreciate it if her friends gave her some space to sort things out on her own.”

Hanma tilted his head, his grin stretching just a bit wider. “Oh, I don’t doubt she’s strong. Sometimes strength is forged in places most people wouldn’t dare go.” He leaned in slightly, his voice lowering just enough that it felt like a secret he was letting Masaru in on. “She’s got her own way of seeing the world, doesn’t she?”

Masaru felt a chill run down his spine, his jaw tightening. “If you’re truly her friend, you’ll respect that and let her find her way.”

Hanma leaned back, feigning a thoughtful nod. “Of course. I wouldn’t dream of intruding.” He straightened, tapping his fingers idly along the counter once more, as if playing some private rhythm only he could hear.

“Well,” he said finally, his voice light again, as though he hadn’t just filled the shop with an uncomfortable tension, “thanks for the chat. I’ll just be on my way. Send her my best, would you?”

Masaru’s lips pressed into a tight line, giving a curt nod. He kept his gaze on Hanma as he strolled toward the door, his movements still easy, that unsettling smile never quite leaving his face.

As Hanma pushed the door open, he paused, glancing back over his shoulder. “She’s got good people looking out for her, I’m sure. But sometimes, the best way to help someone…” He tilted his head, his grin widening one last time. “…is to see things from a different perspective.”

With a final flash of that unnervingly casual smile, Hanma disappeared through the door, leaving the chime echoing in the silence of the shop. Masaru watched him go, an uneasy feeling settling in his chest as he glanced around the dimly lit store, the swirls of color and old posters seeming to press in around him, like they were holding secrets they couldn’t share.

He didn’t know who that boy was, or what his intentions were, but he knew one thing for certain—whoever he was, he wasn’t just a concerned friend.

---

Masaru quietly slipped his key into the lock, nudging the door open as he entered the apartment. He set his bag down carefully by the door, not wanting to disturb the stillness of the place. The soft glow of the hallway light barely reached the edges of Hikari’s room, her door cracked open just enough for him to glimpse her figure cocooned in the blanket on her bed. She hadn’t moved from that spot since he’d left for Groove Garden earlier that morning.

His heart sank seeing her wrapped head to toe in the comforter. The room was dim and her guitar sat untouched in the corner. Normally, even if she was having a rough day, he could count on her picking it up for a few minutes—strumming out whatever tune was caught in her head, humming softly as the music lifted her spirits. But today, the silence in her room felt heavy, almost suffocating.

He knew, somehow, that whatever was gnawing at her had something to do with Keisuke. That boy had always been her anchor, her partner-in-crime since they’d first met in elementary school. But Masaru hadn’t seen him in days. No rumble of his motorcycle outside, no sound of his familiar, boisterous laugh through the apartment walls. The boy who lived a few floors down, Chifuyu, stopped by a few times, his expression tight with concern. Mitsuya, the one with the gentle eyes, and that tall boy with the blonde braid, Draken, came by for a few minutes. So did the three girls—Emma, Senju, and Hina. Even the boy with the little mustache showed up once, clutching a bag of snacks with a hopeful expression.

They’d all seemed concerned for her, each of them carrying a quiet understanding of what she was going through. Masaru didn’t know all the details, but he could see that her friends were good kids, each of them radiating a warmth and sincerity that told him they genuinely cared about her.

But the boy who’d come into Groove Garden tonight… he was different. Everything about him, from his too-wide grin to the sharp glint in his eyes, felt out of place in Hikari's friend group. Masaru felt a prickle of unease thinking about the way he’d asked about her, his words coated in a veneer of concern that rang false, his interest in Hikari more intense than he liked. This guy wasn’t like Keisuke or the boys that stopped by to check on her—he wasn’t the type of “friend” Hikari would have, and Masaru had no intention of burdening her with the thought of him.

He leaned against the doorframe, watching her, his expression softening with a mixture of helplessness and resolve. She was barely moving beneath the blanket, her head resting on her knees. He wished he knew what to say, how to ease the ache that had settled into her chest, to bring her some kind of comfort.

“Hey, kiddo,” he called softly, his voice barely above a whisper, trying not to startle her. “I’m home.”

There was a long silence before she murmured a faint “Hey, Dad,” her voice muffled by the blankets. She didn’t look up, her eyes hidden from view, and the lack of her usual energy tugged painfully at his heart. She looked so small and vulnerable, folded in on herself in a way that wasn't natural for someone usually so vibrant.

He hesitated, stepping closer until he was beside her bed, his hand resting on the back of her desk chair. “You know, that boy from downstairs—Chifuyu, right?—he stopped by earlier. Said he might check in again soon.”

She nodded faintly but didn’t respond, her face still turned away. He couldn’t shake the nagging worry that her friends might not be enough to pull her through whatever this was.

He shifted, adjusting the blanket around her shoulders. “You know, if you need anything… or if you just want some company, I’m right here.”

She murmured a quiet “Thanks, Dad,” but there was a distance in her tone that he wasn’t used to. Masaru could feel the invisible walls she’d drawn up to protect herself, closing her off in a way that made his heart ache.

For a moment, he thought of her as a little girl, her wide eyes full of wonder as she strummed her first guitar chords, her joy radiating from her like sunshine. He wished he could take her back to that simplicity, to a time when her heart hadn’t yet felt the weight of the world.

He gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Try to get some sleep, Hikari. I’ll be out here if you need anything.” He lingered a moment longer, wanting to say more but knowing words wouldn’t be enough. So, he just stood there in the dim light of her room, silently reassuring her with his presence.

As he made his way to the living room, Masaru settled onto the couch, his mind drifting back to Hanma’s eerie smile, his unsettling questions. He’d seen his fair share of rough characters over the years, but there was something uniquely disturbing about that young man—a darkness he couldn’t quite name. Hikari didn’t need more shadows crowding her world right now, and Masaru would make sure that boy stayed far away from her.

With a sigh, he let his gaze fall to the stack of records on the coffee table, familiar old albums he’d been planning to catalog. The sight of them was comforting, a reminder of the simpler, quieter life he’d worked hard to build for his family. And yet, he knew, deep down, that he couldn’t protect her from everything, no matter how much he wished he could.

The apartment was silent except for the faint sound of the clock on the wall ticking the time by. As he listened, he sent a silent hope into the darkness—that whatever shadows were haunting Hikari now would pass, and that one day soon, he’d hear her guitar filling the apartment with music again.

[monochromaticbeans]

Chapter 39: Vandalize My Heart

Said you'd keep me safe, now you're tearing me down

Am I laid to waste, now that you're not around?

Come and leave your mark

Vandalize my heart

“Vandalize” ~ ONE OK ROCK

Kazutora’s footsteps echoed softly in the stairwell of Hikari’s apartment building, each step a reminder of the years and silence stretched between them. Takemichi trailed behind, glancing nervously up the dimly lit stairs as they climbed. It had been two years since Kazutora had last seen her, since everything spiraled out of control and he’d severed all contact. Now, the kind-hearted, odd girl he once knew wasn’t just Hikari anymore. She was Baji’s girlfriend, part of Toman. She was leverage.

Outside her door, he paused, a strange smile forming on his lips. It was almost friendly, almost familiar. He raised a fist and knocked, softly but firmly, each tap echoing through the narrow hallway.

The door opened slowly, and Takemichi caught his breath at the sight of her. Hikari looked drained, her skin pale and shadowed, her eyes puffy and red-rimmed. Her hair was tied into a loose and limp, half-forgotten bun, stray strands sticking out like wisps of her own frayed spirit. She wore one of Baji’s shirts, too big on her slight frame, and the familiar wolf pendant hung around her neck. A blanket draped over her shoulders, as if she had pulled it close and cocooned herself from the world beyond.

“Hikari,” Kazutora greeted her, his voice light, almost casual, as if the last two years hadn’t passed in total silence. “Long time no see.”

She blinked at him, disoriented, like she couldn’t quite believe he was standing there. “Kazutora…?”

Kazutora tilted his head, the small bell on his earring giving a soft, cheerful chime that didn’t match his expression. “Yeah. It’s been a while.” His smile widened, but his eyes stayed sharp. “I came to get you. There’s something I want to show you. It’s important.”

Hikari’s brow knitted with uncertainty, a shadow of mistrust flickering in her gaze. She hadn’t seen him since before he went to juvie, since he left without a word and ignored her letters. And now here he was, standing at her door as if he’d never left. Her eyes darted briefly to Takemichi, who hovered uneasily behind Kazutora, his expression tense.

Takemichi shifted, fidgeting under the weight of the silence. Kazutora seemed calm, almost too calm, his movements so calculated that they set Takemichi’s nerves on edge, like a wind-up toy hopping along the floor.

“Come on,” Kazutora urged, his tone light but insistent, each word creeping forward as though they might take root and latch onto her. “You don’t want to miss this.”

She shook her head, pulling the blanket closer around her shoulders, fingers clenching around the fabric as if it were the only thing keeping her tethered. She didn’t want to go anywhere; the thought of leaving her apartment, of facing the world outside, made her stomach twist. Her voice came out in a soft murmur, dry and hesitant. “Now’s not a good time…”

Kazutora’s smile held steady, but something in his gaze sharpened. “Hikari,” he said again, his tone laced with something that sent a chill down her spine. “It’s important. You should come with us.”

Hikari took a step back, her gaze dropping to the floor. She shook her head, the gesture small and almost childlike. “I don’t want to go anywhere,” she whispered, barely loud enough for them to hear. “Just… leave me be.”

Kazutora’s eyes softened, his expression almost sympathetic, but Takemichi saw the brief flicker of impatience beneath it. “It’s okay,” Kazutora coaxed, his voice warm, inviting, as he took a small step forward. “It’ll be good for you to get out. You don’t want to stay here forever, do you?”

Hikari kept her gaze fixed on the floor, her fingers tracing the edge of the blanket as though she could find some hidden message there. Her body felt heavy, every breath shallow. She didn’t have the strength to argue, but the thought of leaving, of crossing that threshold, filled her with a quiet, stubborn dread.

“I just want to go back to bed,” she mumbled, the words almost lost in the smallness of her voice. “I don’t want to…”

Kazutora sighed, an odd, amused note coloring his voice, though there was no real warmth in it. “Come on, don’t make this harder than it has to be.” He glanced at Takemichi, who watched them both with wide eyes, and gave a small, careless shrug. “She’s just being stubborn. You know how she is.”

Takemichi swallowed, feeling the tension thickening between them. He wanted to say something, to tell Kazutora to let her be, to leave her in peace, but one glance at Kazutora’s face silenced him. The hint of something dangerous glinted in Kazutora’s eyes, like a warning barely concealed beneath his smile.

“Hikari,” Kazutora said, his voice quieting, his words sliding through the silence with the softness of silk. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t important. Just trust me, okay?”

A strange numbness filled her chest, her pulse loud in her ears. She wanted to shut the door, to pull her blanket tight around her and disappear, but the weight of his stare, the cold urgency of his tone, pinned her in place. She felt cornered, each refusal pulled from her one by one, leaving her with nothing to cling to but the thin threads of his insistence.

With a trembling breath, she nodded, her hands shaking as she let the blanket slip from her shoulders and reached for her shoes. Each step felt slow and heavy, her limbs dragging, as if the room itself didn’t want to release her from its embrace.

Kazutora’s smile widened as she complied, his voice brightening as he turned. “There we are. Let’s go.”

Takemichi cast her a quick, sympathetic glance as she followed them into the hallway, blinking against the sudden brightness. She kept her eyes fixed on the floor, her expression distant, her heart cold with resignation. She didn’t want to go. But she didn’t see any other choice.

***

The abandoned arcade reeked of stale air and old machinery, the dim lighting casting sinister shadows as Kazutora led Hikari and Takemichi inside. Hikari’s pulse thudded loudly in her ears, in time with the loud music thumping from the speakers on the wall. Her skin prickled with a growing sense of dread as Valhalla members turned to stare, their expressions amused and predatory.

Takemichi and Hikari followed Kazutora into the heart of the arcade, their footsteps crunching against the cracked tile floor. Hikari’s stomach churned with each step. Something was wrong—she could feel it in the marrow of her bones.

And then she saw him.

Her heart lurched in her chest and her breath caught in her throat when her eyes landed on Keisuke. At the center of the room with his hair tied back into a ponytail, his expression dark and cold. Small splatters of blood dotted his face. His fists were clenched, his body tense as if he was ready to strike at any moment.

But it wasn’t just his presence that made her blood run cold. It was what he was doing.

Laid out on the floor beneath him was Chifuyu—bruised and battered, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth and his eyes swollen shut. Keisuke's fists were stained red, the unmistakable marks of violence painted his knuckles.

Hikari’s hand flew to her mouth. Bile rose in her throat as Keisuke’s fist connected with Chifuyu’s face again, the sickening thud of the blow ringing in her ears.

This isn’t him. This isn’t my Keisuke.

Kazutora stepped forward, his voice cutting through the cacophony. “This is Todawa Hikari,” he announced, gesturing toward her. “Toman's princess… A founding member, no less.” He continued, giving her another disturbingly gleeful grin. “And she just so happens to be Baji's precious girlfriend.”

After a chorus of jeers and taunts, Kazutora clapped his hand on Takemichi's shoulder. “And this here is our other guest, Takemichi. He was there that night and says he witnessed Baji's actions.”

Hikari’s mind barely registered Kazutora’s words. Her eyes were glued to Keisuke, her hands trembling as she fought to keep herself from collapsing. She wanted to run to him, to shake him, to demand a fucking explanation for what he was doing—but she couldn’t move. Her feet were frozen in place, her body paralyzed by the sheer terror of what she was seeing.

Baji’s knuckles were raw, stained with blood—Chifuyu’s blood. Each punch he threw sent another sickening wave of guilt crashing through him. Chifuyu groaned beneath him, barely conscious, but Baji couldn’t stop. He had to keep going. He had to keep up the act. He had to make it look real, even as every strike tore him apart.

But this wasn’t just about deceiving Valhalla. This was about protecting everyone he cared about—Toman, Chifuyu, Hikari. Especially Hikari. It was why he pushed her away, why he left her behind. He never wanted her to be dragged into this shit, never wanted her to see him like this.

When he looked up, his heart plummeted to the floor.

Hikari.

The air rushed out of his lungs as he saw her standing there in his shirt, the wolf pendant he’d given her shining against her pale skin. She looked like a goddamn ghost. Her face was drawn, her eyes red and puffy, her shoulders hunched like she could barely keep herself upright.

She was wearing his shirt.

She was still wearing his shirt, despite everything.

Her eyes, wide and filled with horror, locked onto him. She didn’t say a word, but the look on her face was enough. She was breaking. He could see it—the way her body trembled, the way her breath came in short, ragged gasps. She clapped her hand over her mouth again, stumbling back, and then he heard it—the retching sound of her stomach revolting, though there was nothing inside of it to come up. Her body shook with each dry heave as she struggled to breathe.

Baji’s heart shattered. He wanted to run to her, to hold her, to tell her everything was going to be okay. But he couldn’t. He was trapped. He couldn’t even acknowledge her. The plan was already in motion, and he had to see it through. He had to keep playing his part, even as the sight of her like this tore him apart.

He heard her retch again, and his stomach churned with it. He was doing the right thing, wasn’t he? This was how he saved them all. How he kept them safe. That was what he kept telling himself, but seeing Hikari like this made him question everything.

His gaze flicked toward Kazutora, standing off to the side with that eerie smile still plastered on his face. Kazutora didn’t care. He didn't give a shit. He didn't see Hikari as anything more than a piece to move in this sick game. But to Baji, Hikari was everything. And seeing her like this…

It was unbearable.

Baji forced himself to turn away, his fists trembling as he stared down at Chifuyu, barely conscious on the floor. He needed to hit him again, needed to sell the defection, but he couldn’t. Not with Hikari here, watching.

But he had no choice.

"Keisuke..." Her voice was barely a whisper, a broken plea, but it was enough to crack the fragile mask he was wearing.

Baji’s heart twisted painfully in his chest. He closed his eyes for just a second, steeling himself against the overwhelming emotions threatening to spill out. Then, with all the strength he could muster, he shoved the guilt down, deep into the pit of his stomach, and forced his face to harden again.

***

Hikari stood frozen at the edge of it all. Her vision swam, the overwhelming lights, the noise, the smell of sweat and blood—it all blurred together into a suffocating storm that pressed in on her from all sides.

Kazutora stood nearby, watching Baji with a kind of cool detachment. The tension in the air thickened as he glanced toward Hikari, watching her with an eerie sense of satisfaction. He knew exactly what he was doing by bringing her here and putting her in the middle of this mess. He was using her as the ultimate test of Baji's commitment to Valhalla. Beating up Chifuyu, a friend and vice-captain, was one thing. But rejecting Hikari? The girl Baji loves? That was the real test.

Hikari could feel Kazutora's eyes on her, the weight of his manipulation pressing down on her. He didn't bring her here for just any reason. He wanted her to be here, to see this, to break in front of everyone. And he wanted to see if maybe Keisuke would break, too.

Her knees wobbled beneath her as she lost the fight to stay on her feet. The sounds of the arcade—the cheers, the jeers—all faded into the background, into a dull roar that echoed in her ears and reverberated in her skull. The harsh lights overhead burned into her eye sockets. Her head pounded with the weight of it all.

And then there was Hanma.

Leaning casually against an old pinball machine, Hanma watched the scene unfold with a twisted grin, his lanky frame relaxed as if this were just another night of cheap thrills. His sharp eyes gleamed, darting between Baji's bloodied fists and Hikari's horrified expression, relishing every flicker of pain that crossed her face. The sight of her unraveling, the shock and despair overtaking her, was nothing short of premium entertainment for him.

He shifted, folding his arms with a lazy elegance. To Hanma, this wasn't cruelty, this was theater. And he had a front-row seat.

"Poor girl," he murmured under his breath, loud enough for her to hear, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. "Watching her little boyfriend beat the shit out of his friend. Must be so rough." He clucked his tongue, feigning pity, though the malicious gleam in his eyes betrayed his enjoyment.

As Hikari's shoulders shook, her hand trembling at her mouth, Hanma's grin widened. He leaned down, his voice a low, taunting whisper just for her. "It's tragic, really. All that loyalty, all that trust... only to end up here, watching him throw it all away." He chuckled, the sound curling in the air like smoke, as if the sight of her breaking fed some dark, insatiable hunger inside him.

When she flinched, he tilted his head, feigning curiosity. "Aw, come on now, don't tell me you're surprised?" He arched a brow, his gaze wickedly amused. "This is Baji Keisuke we're talking about. Didn't anyone tell you? Loyalty's just another game here.”

The words sent a jolt of anger through Hikari's body, but even that wasn't enough to break her out of the suffocating daze gripping her. Her hand shook as she clutched the pendant around her neck like a lifeline.

I love you more than anything.

Kazutora's voice cut through the haze. "Keep going, Baji. You're not done yet."

Baji's jaw clenched, his fists tightening at his sides. He had to keep going. He couldn't afford to falter, not with Kazutora and Hanma watching, not with Valhalla's eyes on him.

I'm so sorry, Hikari, he thought, his heart aching as he turned back to Chifuyu, raising his fist once more.

Hikari's mind unraveled with every passing second as Keisuke's fists continued to slam into Chifuyu’s battered body. His face bloodied, his body limp and defenseless on the floor, barely able to move. And something inside her snapped.

If I can’t stop this nightmare… if I can’t get through to Keisuke… then I have to protect him. I have to protect Chifuyu.

With trembling hands and wobbly knees that barely held her weight, she crawled forward. The world spun around her. Her legs felt like jelly and her body screamed in protest as she crossed the grimy floor. Every inch was a battle against the overwhelming urge to shut down completely. But she didn’t stop.

Tears streamed down her face, her breath came in ragged gasps as she reached them. And in one final, desperate act, she threw herself over Chifuyu, crouching down to shield his body with her own.

Please… just stop…

Even with the chaos swirling around her, Hikari knew—deep down in her soul—that Keisuke would never lay a hand on her. No matter how far this nightmare had gone, she knew one thing for certain: he would never hurt her. She could feel his presence behind her, his fists still bloodied, his breathing heavy. But she wasn’t afraid. She could never be afraid of him.

Baji’s breath hitched in his throat. His fists hovered in midair, frozen by the sight. Her necklace glittered under the harsh lights of the arcade as she crawled across the floor. And then, all he could see was her back, her arms wrapped protectively around their friend to shield him from the next blow.

Seeing Hikari like this made him want to burn the entire fucking world down.

She shouldn’t be here. She shouldn’t have to do this. He was supposed to be the one protecting her. But now, here she was, barely able to move, barely able to breathe, sacrificing what little strength she had left to protect a friend.

“We put our lives on the line for each other. That’s the kind of gang I want.”

His words that day when they formed Toman—she was the embodiment of that right now, of his intentions, of the very thing he was trying so hard to protect. His hands shook and his knuckles throbbed from the force of the blows he’d landed on Chifuyu. But the pain in his hands was nothing compared to the pain of seeing Hikari—his Hikari—shielding Chifuyu from him.

He felt the weight of everyone’s eyes on him, the tension in the room thickening as Valhalla’s members watched and waited for him to make his next move.

Chifuyu, barely conscious, struggled to open his swollen eyes. His vision was blurry from the relentless beating he’d just endured. But through the haze of pain, he saw her—Hikari. Crawling over to him, shielding him with her body, willing to take the brunt of whatever came next to protect him.

The sight sent a jolt of realization through his battered mind, and despite the pain coursing through his body, he understood the gravity of what she was doing. She’s saving me. The weight of it crashed down on him, making his chest ache with something far deeper than the physical wounds.

Takemichi, standing just behind them, could hardly believe what he was seeing. Hikari—the same girl who got Baji to stop punching him that night—was doing it again. Only this time, she was risking her own safety to protect Chifuyu. The courage it took to throw herself between Baji and someone else, knowing full well what Baji was capable of, left Takemichi speechless.

And yet, he saw the truth in her actions. The trust she had in Baji, even now, was undeniable. She knows, Takemichi realized. She knows he won’t hurt her.

Kazutora watched the scene unfold with a detached curiosity, his arms crossed over his chest as a slight smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. Hikari’s reaction, while not entirely unexpected, was still fascinating to him. It was proof of just how much she meant to Baji—and just how much Baji was willing to sacrifice to prove his loyalty to Valhalla.

This was the test. The ultimate test.

If Baji could keep going even with Hikari throwing herself into the line of fire, then his loyalty to Valhalla would be cemented. But if he faltered—if he hesitated too much—then Kazutora would know exactly where Baji’s true loyalties still lay.

It was a delicate balance. One wrong move, and everything could fall apart.

Kazutora’s gaze shifted to Hanma, who was watching the whole thing with undisguised amusement. The grin on Hanma’s face only widened as he watched Hikari’s meltdown, his eyes gleaming with a twisted satisfaction.

Baji froze for a moment, his fists still clenched, as he stared down at Hikari. His breath hitched in his throat, his chest tightening as the weight of the situation crashed over him. She was shielding their friend with her own body, still trusting him completely.

Goddammit, Hikari.

He told her not to follow him, he tried to keep her away from all of this for a reason. But now, seeing her like this—seeing her still trust in him, even as she trembled with overwhelm and fear—it was almost too much to bear.

Baji’s hands shook, his knuckles still stained with blood as he bent down, his breath coming in shallow gasps. He reached for Hikari, his fingers gentle as they wrapped around her shoulders.

“I told you not to follow me,” he muttered, his voice low, almost rough with the weight of everything unsaid.

Without another word, he carefully lifted her off of Chifuyu’s battered body. His hands were firm but tender, moving her out of the way with a quiet kind of desperation, as if protecting her now was the only thing keeping him from falling apart completely.

He set her down gently, his hands lingering on her shoulders for just a moment longer than necessary, as if he couldn’t bear to let her go. His heart pounded in his chest, the guilt threatening to tear him apart as he knelt beside her.

I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.

But the words never came. Instead, he released her, pulling himself to his feet with a deep breath. His eyes flickered over her one last time, taking in the sight of her wearing his shirt, the wolf pendant glinting against her skin. And then, he turned away.

He couldn’t look at her any longer. If he did, he wasn’t sure if he could keep going.

Hikari’s breath came in ragged gasps, her chest tight as Keisuke moved her aside. She could feel the warmth of his hands on her shoulders, the way he carefully lifted her away from Chifuyu. And even though he wasn’t saying it, she could feel it—the guilt, the love, the apology—in his touch.

Her body felt heavy, her legs like lead as she sank to the ground beside Chifuyu. The fight had drained out of her, her strength spent. She couldn’t stop him. She couldn’t save him. All she could do was watch, her heart shattering into a million pieces as Keisuke turned away.

Tears welled up in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks as her breath hitched in her throat. She clutched the wolf pendant around her neck, her fingers trembling as she tried to hold on to the one thing she still had left of him.

Keisuke…

Kazutora watched the scene unfold, his gaze sharp and calculating as Baji moved Hikari out of the way. He could see the hesitation in Baji’s movements, the way his hands shook, the way his eyes lingered on her for just a moment too long.

But Baji hadn’t stopped. He hadn’t faltered—not completely.

Kazutora’s lips curled into a faint smile. Good.

It was enough. For now.

[monochromaticbeans]

Masterlist of Masterlists

🌸Sakayume

Baji Keisuke and my OC Hikari

Follows canon, mostly

Published on AO3

🌸Short Fics

Short stories and drabbles

Bonus chapters and deleted scenes from Sakayume

Some NSFW

🌸Cruising Altitude

A work in progress, coming soon

Bonten Koko and my OC Tomoe, Bonten's corporate pilot

[monochromaticbeans]

Tokyo revengers gift wrapping poll results best to worst!

Very good at wrapping gifts

1. Mitsuya

2. Hina

3. Emma

4. Yuzuha

5. Angry

6. Kakucho

7. Draken

8. Naoto

9. Akkun

10. Koko

Good at wrapping gifts

11. Takuya

12. Inui

13. Hakkai

14. Mucho

15. Rindou

16. Benkei

17. Ran

18. Kisaki

19. Chifuyu

20. Mochi

21. South

22. Sanzu

23. Shinichiro

Bad at wrapping gifts

24. Taiju

25. Wakasa

26. Baji

27. Senju

28. Pah

29. Peh

30. Kazutora

31. Smiley

32. Izana

33. Takemichi

34. Yamagishi

Very bad at wrapping gifts

35. Takeomi

36. Hanma

37. Makoto

38. Mikey

39. Shion

Our best and worst!

[monochromaticbeans]

🍿Movie Night

🔞 NSFW, not intended for readers under eighteen.

‼️ Spoilers for "Sakayume." The completed story is posted to AO3, linked in my pinned post.

🍿Short drabble set during the final timeline. Hikari and Keisuke, all grown up, at home doing Netflix and Chill after a long week.

One warm Saturday night, Hikari lounged on the couch with Keisuke, scrolling through the list of movies on the TV screen. It had been a long week for both of them—mostly for Keisuke. Not only had it been especially busy at the pet shop, but it was finals week as well. He'd spent every spare moment studying, and he’d passed each one of his exams.

Tonight was all about “Netflix and chill,” hanging out together, and having no worries hanging over their heads. At least for one evening. Choosing a movie that sounded halfway interesting, they settled in and got cozy.

Keisuke, being the big spoon, pulled his wife close and wrapped his arm around her waist. They could go on a celebratory ride on the Suzuki tomorrow, but this—this closeness and cuddling—is exactly what he wanted tonight.

He chuckled quietly to himself at how domesticated they were becoming. How a mellow night at home in their tiny apartment sounded better than an exciting night out.

“What's so funny?” Hikari asked over her shoulder, a soft smile on her lips.

“Eh, nothing.” He gave a light shrug. A warm and contented smile formed on his face as he pulled her closer, kissing the top of her head. “Just happy.”

She laced her fingers through his, holding their joined hands just underneath her chin. The movie was like any typical psychological thriller with the odd camera angles, dark shadows, and occasional jump scares peppered into the suspense. But it barely held their attention.

All Keisuke could think about was the light floral scent of Hikari's shampoo lingering in her hair and the slow rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. Her warmth radiated from her back through her thin tank top. The softness of her bare legs, the way her foot absently rubbed against his—it preoccupied his thoughts.

Hikari, comfortably entwined in Keisuke's arms, tried to pay attention to the movie's predictable, boring plot. She soon lost all interest in it. Just as she was about to suggest looking for another one, his lips brushed her shoulder, finding their way to her neck.

To hell with the movie, he hadn't been keeping up with it anyway. Not when he had something far more enticing commanding all of his attention.

She turned her face to his, meeting his lips with her own. The kiss deepened quickly and his tongue slipped into her mouth. Her heart raced and her skin prickled with the early flames of desire. She let out a soft little moan as his hand slid underneath her top and cupped her breast.

The front of his shorts grew tighter and his breath hitched when Hikari pushed her hips back, pressing herself against him. The movie, and everything else in existence, was long gone from his mind. His hand slid down her stomach, reaching the heat between her thighs—a heat that burned just for him.

Hikari melted from the inside out as he squeezed her inner thigh. He had her already aching for him, already wanting him. A tiny whimper slipped out, begging him to touch her more.

His fingers slowly trailed higher, teasing the edge of her panties before slipping past the damp fabric. The soft moan she let out when they reached her wetness made him throb with need. He had to have her, right then and there. But before he could do anything else, her hand had already reached back, her thumb hooked in the waistband of his shorts, tugging them down.

She didn't want to wait any longer. As soon as his pants were down, so were hers. And soon as hers were down, his hardened length was between her thighs, gliding across her wet slit. She whimpered again, her hips rocking just enough to create the perfect amount of pressure and friction.

Keisuke groaned from low in his throat. When Hikari wanted it, she didn't hold back. It was one of the many things he loved about her. In all their years together, she was only shy and nervous their first time. Ever since then, she’d not been the least bit embarrassed to show how much she loved and wanted him.

She certainly wasn't ashamed to moan and writhe on the couch tonight, even though the living room window was wide open, letting the summer breeze in—and their sounds of pleasure out. She angled her hips, sliding him inside her, arching her back as he took her while they spooned.

The TV flickered in the dark, ignored and forgotten in their passion. Keisuke, being the loving and attentive husband that he was, brought Hikari through an orgasm before he even thought about his. But Hikari, being the loving and attentive wife she was, was already thinking about his the moment hers was finished.

She gently rolled onto her stomach, keeping him buried within her. He propped himself on his elbows above her, his long dark hair a curtain hanging over their faces. Hikari lifted her hips, meeting his thrusts, his breath warm on the back of her neck.

“Fuck—you feel so good,” he whispered down to her, his voice raw and raspy in her ear as he drove into her, over and over.

Her fingers dug into the couch cushion, feeling pleasure coiling like a spring inside of her. It twisted tighter and tighter until—”Keisuke! I'm… gonna come!” The scream flew from her lips, out the open window, down three floors to the street below, earning several upturned glances in their direction from passers-by.

He barely held back, trying desperately to finish his wife off again, almost not pulling out in time. Sure, they wanted kids. But not until after he'd graduated veterinary school, preferably.

“So much for watching a movie, huh?” he chuckled between pants for breath.

Hikari rested her flushed cheek on the couch cushion, laughing softly. “Yeah, but this was much more fun. Don't you think?”

He hummed in agreement. “More fun. But… messy,” he replied, glancing down at her lower back. “Hang on, I'll clean you up.”

A mischievous smirk slowly spread on her face as an idea crept into her mind. “We could take a shower.”

“A shower?” he echoed with a raised eyebrow and a knowing grin. He knew what she was thinking, and he liked it. A lot. His arm snaked underneath her, lifting her by the waist, laughing at her surprised squeal as he carried her to the bathroom for round two.

[monochromaticbeans]

Chapter 38: Come Home

So I say to you

Come home, come home

'Cause I've been waiting for you.

”Come Home” ~ OneRepublic

Evening draped itself over the city, the quiet hum of distant cars filtering through the open window of Hikari’s room. She hadn’t left her bed all day, barely moving beneath the heavy weight of the blanket that had become her refuge. Her phone remained untouched on the nightstand, ignored. The onigiri her mom brought to her, half eaten. Her fingers traced the familiar lines of the wolf pendant Keisuke gave to her, over and over.

The world outside moved on, unaware of her collapse.

As the sky darkened, a small flicker of hope sparked inside her, faint and fragile. Keisuke always fed the stray cats in the alley behind their building, every night without fail. Even when the world felt like it was falling apart, even after last night’s devastation, a part of her clung to the possibility that maybe—just maybe—he would come back, even if only for them.

Without fully thinking, Hikari slipped out from beneath the blanket, her heart beating faster as she made her way to the window. Her breath caught as she peeked out, scanning the alley below.

But the alley was empty. No sign of him.

Her gaze drifted upward, catching on the faint glow of a desk lamp through the curtains of his apartment window. The light flickered inside her chest. He’s home? Her pulse quickened, and for the first time since that night, a flicker of life stirred within her.

Barefoot, Hikari moved instinctively. She climbed through her window, her steps quick but shaky as she made her way across the narrow ledge. Her fingers gripped the cool metal railing, her heart hammering in her chest as she reached his window. She crouched down, peering inside.

The window was unlocked.

She hesitated, a lump forming in her throat, before sliding it open with trembling hands. The room was bathed in the soft, warm light from his desk lamp. It was quiet. Too quiet.

She slipped inside, the familiar scent of his room wrapping around her like a bittersweet embrace. Her eyes moved slowly, taking in the bed, the scattered clothes, the bookshelf—everything just as it always was. But something felt wrong.

Her heart dropped as her gaze landed on his desk. Sitting there, next to a new and unopened bag of cat food, was a small, folded note.

Hikari’s breath hitched, her legs shaking with each step as she approached the desk. She reached for the note with trembling fingers, unfolding it slowly, dread pooling in her chest.

The handwriting was his, but messier than usual and the lines uneven. But she could still read the words. And each one felt like a knife twisting in her heart.

“Hikari –

I’m so sorry. I love you more than anything. Please take care of the kitties.”

Her knees buckled, and she sank onto the edge of his bed, clutching the note to her chest. The sob tore from her throat, raw and broken, her entire body trembling as the tears came hard and fast.

He was really gone.

Her mind struggled to keep up, to piece together the reality of it. He knew, this whole time. He knew what he was going to do. This was what he’d meant when he said he had something to take care of before the meeting. He left this note for her, knowing he was about to walk away, knowing it would break her, but he did it anyway.

Her hands shook as she pressed the note to her chest, her tears staining the paper as she whispered his name over and over, her voice small and broken. “Keisuke… why… why?”

The door creaked open, but Hikari didn’t hear it. She was too lost in the storm of her grief, the sound of her sobs filling the room, her heart breaking all over again.

“Hikari?”

The familiar voice barely registered at first, but then she looked up, her tear-filled eyes locking onto Ryoko’s face. Keisuke’s mother stood in the doorway, her brow furrowed, concern written across her features as she took in the sight of Hikari—disheveled, in pajamas, crumpled on her son’s bed, clutching a note like it was the only thing keeping her tethered to the world.

Ryoko didn’t hesitate. She stepped inside, closing the door softly behind her as she crossed the room. “What are you doing here?” she asked gently, her voice calm but filled with concern. “He’s not home, sweetheart.”

Hikari tried to speak, but the words stuck in her throat, tangled in her sobs. “He… he left,” she managed to choke out, holding the note up with trembling hands. “He left this…”

Ryoko’s eyes flicked to the note, and her expression softened. She’d had a feeling something was going on when Keisuke told her he wouldn’t be coming home the night before, but she hadn’t pried. She’d trusted him to come back in his own time, to work through whatever he was caught up in.

But seeing Hikari like this—devastated, broken—made her blood boil. She loved her son, but she cursed him silently for putting Hikari through this, for thinking that walking away would somehow protect her.

Ryoko sat down beside Hikari on the bed, wrapping an arm around the girl’s trembling shoulders. She wasn’t the most nurturing woman, but when it came to Hikari—someone who was like family—she softened. Hikari meant the world to Keisuke, and Ryoko would always look out for her because of that.

“Come here,” Ryoko murmured, pulling her closer, letting Hikari bury her face in her shoulder as the sobs came in waves. She didn’t need to ask what happened—she could piece it together from the note, the tears, and the broken words between sobs.

Hikari clung to her, her body shaking uncontrollably. “He… he joined Valhalla… he said he’s an enemy of Toman…” The words came out in fragments, each one like a dagger to Ryoko’s heart.

Ryoko tightened her grip on Hikari, her jaw clenched. Kazutora. Of course. She knew that boy would pull Keisuke into something dangerous. Ever since that night two years ago, when everything had gone so wrong, Ryoko had feared this moment would come.

But now wasn’t the time for anger. Right now, Hikari needed comfort.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” Ryoko said softly, her voice steady, though the weight of her words was heavy. “I don’t know what in the hell he’s thinking, but he’ll come back. He always does.”

Hikari shook her head, her sobs muffled by Ryoko’s shoulder. “He told me not to follow him… he told me not to…”

Ryoko stroked her hair gently, her fingers combing through the strands in a soothing motion. “He’s trying to protect you. That boy is stubborn as hell, but he loves you more than anything. He wouldn’t do this unless he thought it was the only way.”

Hikari just shook her head again, her tears still flowing, the note clutched tightly to her chest. Ryoko didn’t say anything more. She just held her, letting the silence speak for itself. Hikari’s sobs eventually quieted, her body still trembling as she leaned into Ryoko’s embrace, the weight of everything crashing down around her.

And for now, that was enough.

[monochromaticbeans]

Just add in cats getting themselves into trouble, and occasionally a husband with verbal stims and echolalia derailing my train of thought. The best behaved person in the house is my teenager. 🤣

i sit down to write and suddenly i am the most distracted human alive. the chair is uncomfortable. my coffee is too hot. my playlist isn't quite the vibe. i need to research what victorian houses smelled like in 1872 for exactly 45 minutes even though my story takes place in space. and yet the moment i'm trying to fall asleep? every single sentence i've ever needed just lines up perfectly in my brain like some kind of creative parade i'll never get back.

[monochromaticbeans]

Chapter 37: I Can Wait Forever

…I wanna come back home to see your face tonight

'Cause I just can't take it

Another day without you with me

Is like a blade that cuts right through me.

”I Can Wait Forever” ~ Simple Plan

Baji hadn’t been home since before the meeting. After making his declaration to Toman, he couldn’t bear to go back to his apartment—to the life he’d just torn apart. So he’d gone to Kazutora’s instead.

Now, in the dim, quiet living room, Baji sat on the edge of Kazutora’s couch, his head in his hands. His phone lay next to him, powered off. He could feel Hikari’s missed calls and texts as if they weighed on him, pressing down even in silence. But he couldn’t turn it on. If he saw her messages, heard her voice, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to keep going. He’d already broken her heart; listening to her plead for him to come back would shatter his resolve completely.

He had to do this. For Toman. For her. For Mikey. For everything they’d built.

But gods, it hurt like hell.

The memory of Hikari’s face when he’d told her not to follow him played in an endless loop in his mind, her wide eyes as she dropped to her knees, and the way her voice cracked as she tried to stop him. It gnawed at him, twisting his gut with regret that sank deeper with every heartbeat.

His head throbbed, gritty with fatigue, and his muscles ached from hours of forcing himself to stay still when every part of him screamed to turn back, to find her. His body was wound tight, ready to snap, like he was holding himself together by a thread.

And every time he closed his eyes, there she was again—standing there, broken and devastated while he walked away. It was the hardest thing he’d ever done, and the guilt was eating him alive.

Across the room, Kazutora sat in a chair, flipping through the TV channels with an air of detachment, as if nothing could touch him. He didn’t bring up Hikari or ask about the night before. He didn’t have to. He could see the struggle in Baji’s expression—the guilt, the inner war tearing him apart. Hikari had always been Baji’s strength and his weakness, and Kazutora knew it.

Focus, Baji told himself, dragging his hands through his hair. He had to keep his mind on the mission, on taking down Valhalla from the inside and exposing Kisaki for the manipulative bastard he was. But every time he tried to steel himself, his thoughts drifted back to Hikari—her quiet plea in his ear to stop hitting Takemichi, the way her hand felt on his shoulder, anchoring him like she always did.

“I love you.”

He hadn’t said it enough. Now, the guilt twisted deeper, knowing the last words he’d left her with were harsh and final. He’d pushed her away, spoken to her in a tone he would never have dreamed of using with her.

He clenched his fists until his knuckles went white, the urge to scream clawing at him. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. He hadn’t meant to hurt her this way. But if Hikari knew what he was really planning, she’d never stay out of it. She couldn’t keep a secret to save her life, and if she got involved, she’d only endanger herself, him, and everyone around them.

So he had to do it. He had to break her heart to keep her safe. But that didn’t make it any easier.

Kazutora’s eyes flicked up from the TV, drifting over to Baji with a hint of curiosity. “You good?” he asked, his voice casual, though his expression showed he knew the answer.

Baji didn’t look up. “Yeah,” he muttered, the word feeling hollow. He wasn’t good. He wasn’t even close to good.

But he had to be. He had to keep it together, just for a little longer.

Hikari’s strong, he reminded himself. She’ll be okay. She always is.

But even as he thought it, a pang of doubt hit him. She hadn’t been okay—not by a long shot. The look on her face when he’d told her not to follow him would haunt him forever.

“Just a little longer,” he whispered to himself, his voice so low that Kazutora didn’t hear. “Just a little longer, and I’ll make this right.”

But even as he said it, he wasn’t sure he believed it.

[monochromaticbeans]

I love these three! 🥰

it’s that time of the month where the spin off brain rot kicks in! got any baji ryusei and chifuyu hcs to share?😽

They're such a fun trio, here are some for them!

No one else in toman believes Baji when he tells them he's the responsible one in their trio 

Chifuyu's eye twitches anytime he hears the name "Ronaldinho" after the Peke J incident.

One time during a fight Ryusei took a particularly rough hit and fell to the floor unconscious, this made Chifuyu panic. He was basically cradling Ryusei and begging him to wake up (Baji was beating the guy up). Only for Ryusei to open his eyes and start teasing Chifuyu about loving him so much, he was awake for most of that and just pretending. 

Their mother's are all friends too

Baji frequently enjoys surprise jump scaring/ playfully attacking the other two while they're busy arguing with each other.

They accidentally cause a lot of trouble wherever they go, the trouble tends to come to them though.

Ryusei will sometimes give Chifuyu and Baji weird nicknames, he especially likes doing this to Chifuyu because it annoys him.

Chifuyu and Ryusei helped Baji a lot after the incident with Kazutora (even if they didn't know it) they're just what he needed.

The three of them are very good at fighting together, they balance each other well and are good at fighting around each other.

Ryusei is banned from tying Baji's toman sash for him after he made it into a big bow one time.

Chifuyu secretly wants to try riding on Ryusei's bike but would rather die before asking him for that.

Chifuyu: Baji who do you like most, me or him!?                            Ryusei: It's me right?                      Baji: ........Peke J

Baji is actually decent at football and will play with Ryusei sometimes (Chifuyu always declares he's on Baji's team)

And finally, both Baji and Chifuyu got sad when Ryusei left (however it is he leaves). Them having each other is what got them through it. 

[monochromaticbeans]

Chapter 36, Part B: A Sacred Guardian

Freeze without an answer

Free from all the shame

Then I'll hide

'Cause I'll never, never sleep alone.

“The Widow” ~ The Mars Volta

Chifuyu knew she couldn’t make it home alone. She couldn’t even stand, let alone walk. Baji would have normally taken her home on his bike, but that wasn’t an option anymore. The sight of him walking away from her, away from everything, made Chifuyu’s stomach twist.

He moved in front of her, still crouching, his voice soft but determined. “I’ll carry you,” he said, gently lifting her onto his back. She didn’t protest, her body limp as a ragdoll with exhaustion and grief. Her hands clung his jacket, her face buried against his shoulder as he stood up, carrying her with ease.

Chifuyu had always cared about Hikari. She wasn’t just a friend—she was family, and he’d be damned if he left her alone after what just happened. It didn’t matter how far he had to go or how long he had to carry her. Luckily, they lived in the same apartment building, but he would carry her even if he had to walk across the entirety of Tokyo.

The walk home was quiet, the cool night air surrounding them as they made their way through the dimly lit streets. Hikari didn’t say a word, her mind still trapped in a daze, her body heavy with the weight of everything that happened. Chifuyu didn’t push her to talk—he knew she needed time.

When they arrived at the apartment building, Chifuyu carefully adjusted her weight as he climbed the stairs to her floor. He shifted her slightly so he could unlock her door, then gently brought her inside. The familiar scent of her apartment hit her, but it did little to ground her. Everything still felt like a blur, like she was floating in some half-real version of the world.

Chifuyu helped her to her room, easing her down onto the edge of her bed. “I’m gonna head out, but… call me if you need anything, okay?” he said, his voice filled with quiet concern. “Absolutely anything. I can be here in ten seconds.”

Hikari didn’t respond. She just sat there, her eyes staring blankly at the floor. The silence stretched between them, thick with the weight of unspoken pain.

Chifuyu lingered for a moment, his hand resting briefly on her shoulder before he finally turned to leave. The door clicked shut softly behind him, and the apartment was quiet once more.

—

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, breaking the stillness just long enough to slightly pull her from her daze. The name “Mitsuya” glowed brightly on the screen, but she couldn’t bring herself to reach for it. She couldn’t answer—couldn’t speak. Not when everything inside her felt tangled and incomprehensible, the words lodged somewhere deep, where even she couldn’t reach them.

The buzzing stopped, leaving the room silent once more, thick and unmoving.

Time slipped by, indistinguishable. Minutes or hours—she couldn’t tell. She sat on the bed, hands resting limply in her lap, eyes fixed somewhere on the floor, but unfocused, as if the room itself had become unreal. Then, another sound broke through the quiet—a soft, rhythmic tapping on her window.

Her breath caught, hope flaring like a desperate spark. Maybe it’s Keisuke. Maybe he came back.

Her pulse quickened as she turned to the window, but it faltered just as quickly. The figure outside wasn’t Keisuke. It was Mitsuya, looking in with a steady gaze, his expression soft with concern. He raised his hand in a gentle wave, urging her to open the window.

Slowly, Hikari rose from the bed, her legs trembling as she crossed the room, each step feeling like walking underwater. She slid the window open, her voice emerging in a weak whisper. “Mitsuya?”

“I tried calling,” he said, his voice gentle as he stepped inside. “But when you didn’t answer, I thought… I just wanted to check on you.”

She nodded, the simple movement feeling like an effort. She wanted to thank him, to tell him something, anything—but the words tangled before they could reach her mouth, heavy and unformed.

Mitsuya didn’t press her for answers. He didn’t try to break the fog she was wrapped in. Instead, he stayed close, a steady presence. He gently slipped her jacket off her shoulders, moving with a carefulness that made her ache, like he understood just how fragile she felt. The fabric slipped from her arms, the sensation somehow distant, as though it was happening to someone else.

Without a word, Mitsuya found her softest pajamas, guiding her arms into the sleeves with a gentle touch, his movements slow and comforting. He didn’t force words into the silence, didn’t fill it with empty reassurances. His fingers brushed a loose strand of hair from her face with a tenderness he usually reserved for his little sisters, his eyes never wavering from her.

“Rest,” he murmured, his voice like a quiet anchor in the midst of her storm.

Hikari nodded slightly, her eyes already drifting back to the ceiling as she lay down, her hand finding its way to the pendant around her neck. Her fingers traced its familiar edges, clinging to the texture as if it were her last link to solid ground. Mitsuya lingered a moment longer, his presence a small, steadying weight, before he slipped quietly out of the room.

The silence returned, heavy and strange. Her body felt unfamiliar, like it was somehow separate from her mind. She was floating somewhere outside herself, watching from a distance as the girl lying on the bed clutched a pendant and stared blankly ahead. That girl wasn’t her. She couldn’t be.

The blanket’s weight pressed down over her, an almost comforting heaviness that kept her from drifting entirely, but even that felt off, like the sensation was dulled, faded at the edges.

If she moved, if she blinked, maybe this would all fade like the fragments of a bad dream. But each time she closed her eyes, the memory of Keisuke’s retreating figure played behind her lids, the ache in her chest twisting deeper. He was gone, and nothing she did could change that.

She lay there, alone in the dark, the silence pressing in. The faintest hint of Keisuke’s scent lingered on her pillow. Turning her face into it, she inhaled deeply, hoping for the comfort of his presence, but the familiar scent only made the hollow feeling sharper. It was like he was here and not here at once, a ghost haunting the spaces he’d left behind.

Memories of the previous night crept in, vivid and aching. She could still feel his arms around her, holding her as if he’d never let go, the steady rise and fall of his breath as she rested against him, his lips brushing hers as their bodies joined together. Every touch, every look felt etched into her skin, still vivid and real—everything was there but him.

The ache in her chest finally broke free, clawing up her throat until she could no longer hold it in. A sob escaped her, raw and jagged, shattering the silence. Another followed, and then another, until her cries wracked her entire body, her breaths coming in short, desperate gasps as she poured out every ounce of pain she couldn’t contain.

The pendant slipped from her fingers as her hands pressed against her chest, as if she could hold herself together, keep herself from falling apart completely. But her heart kept breaking, each sob tearing her wide open.

In that dark, empty room, she finally let herself drown in the weight of her grief.

Keisuke…

Her best friend, the boy she loved, walked away.

***

Hikari’s room felt muted and dull, as if the world had dimmed along with her. She hadn’t slept—not a single minute. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying, her chest aching with every shallow breath she took. Her soft blanket was wrapped tightly around her, cocooning her in a desperate attempt to shield herself from the crushing weight of despair that had settled in her heart.

She hadn’t left her bed except to stumble to the bathroom once or twice. The pajamas Mitsuya helped her into last night still clung to her body. She felt like a zombie, her mind a foggy haze of fatigue and disbelief.

Her phone sat on the nightstand, the screen still dark and lifeless. She tried calling Keisuke—gods, how many times had she called him? She lost count. Each call had gone straight to voicemail, her voice breaking with every message she left him.

“Keisuke, please… please call me back.”

But there was nothing. No response. No sign that he’d even listened to them. Every text she’d sent still sat marked as unread, a cold reminder that he wasn’t there anymore.

Her hand drifted up to the wolf pendant hanging around her neck, her fingers curling around it as if holding onto it could somehow bring him back. But no matter how tightly she held it, the pain didn’t fade. The emptiness didn’t go away. And he didn't come back.

She buried her face in her knees, her body curled up in the blanket, her breathing shallow and shaky. The apartment was too quiet, too still, and every second that passed felt like an eternity of waiting for something—anything—to happen. But nothing did. The day dragged on, and Hikari stayed locked in her grief, unable to shake the image of Keisuke’s back as he walked away from her.

[monochromaticbeans]

Chapter 36, Part A: A Sacred Guardian

I come as a blade

A sacred guardian

So you keep me sharp and test my worth in blood

“Chokehold” ~ Sleep Token

The night air was thick with tension, heavy and restless, as Hikari and Chifuyu climbed the stone steps to the shrine. A low wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it the faint scent of incense from somewhere far off. Everything felt strange, as though the world was slightly askew.

Keisuke told them to go ahead, his usual smirk in place, that cocky, self-assured smile that never faltered. "I’ll catch up. I have something to take care of," he’d said, giving no hint of anything to be concerned about. But now, as they neared the shrine, that growing sense of unease gnawed at the edges of Hikari’s mind, like a melody she couldn’t quite place.

"You okay?" Chifuyu’s voice broke through her thoughts, soft, careful.

She nodded, though her fingertips rubbed absently around the pendant she always wore. The cool silver beneath her fingers did little to calm the flutter in her chest. "Yeah... I’m fine. It’s just..." She trailed off, shaking her head, unsure how to explain the feeling gnawing at her. Something felt wrong, out of sync, but she couldn't put her finger on it.

Chifuyu didn’t press her, though he felt it as well. Something was definitely fishy this evening.

The courtyard of the shrine stretched before them, bathed in moonlight, its stones worn smooth by centuries of footsteps. Toman was already gathering, the murmur of voices weaving through the cool night air. The usual banter and energy were absent tonight, replaced by something heavier. Something darker.

The air was thick with anticipation as the ceremony to appoint the new captain of the Third Division—Pah’s division—began. Her eyes drifted over the crowd, landing on Mikey standing at the front, the calm, unreadable leader, as always. His presence held its own kind of gravity, drawing everyone’s attention toward him, the air thickening around him like a storm gathering at sea.

She and Chifuyu took their places quietly, watching as the ceremony began. Hikari felt a pang in her chest. It didn’t feel right to fill Pah’s spot while he was in juvie. He was still the captain of the Third Division in her eyes, and he always would be, no matter where he was.

Mikey’s voice cut through the stillness with the weight of his authority. "We’re going to fight Valhalla soon. They’re even bigger than Moebius, and Toman needs to grow if we want to win.”

There was something in his tone, a finality that sent a chill down her spine. The crowd shifted, anticipation crackling in the air.

"Step forward... Third Division Captain... Kisaki Tetta."

Hikari’s stomach dropped, the name hitting her like a cold wave. Kisaki.

The air changed instantly, a sour taste rising in her throat. That name—it was poison, twisting the atmosphere, pulling the world off-kilter. She hadn’t seen Kisaki since that eerie day in her father’s record store, but the memory of it sent a shiver down her spine. The same sense of unease gripped her, but stronger and darker, as though the entire world had just tipped on its axis.

Her fingers twitched at her sides, drumming against her hips as she slowly turned towards the back of the crowd. She watched as Kisaki stepped forward, his sharp eyes glinting behind his glasses, a sly smile playing at the corners of his lips. His old Moebius cohorts followed behind him, now in Toman’s uniforms, but still carrying that lingering stench of disrespect. They shoved their way through the crowd like they owned the place, shouting and taunting the Toman guys they’d only recently fought—and lost—against.

Why the fuck are those assholes here?

The Toman guys didn't stand for it, confusion and distrust swirled in the air as they shoved and shouted right back at their former enemies and rivals.

“Everybody, shut the hell up!” Draken’s voice plowed through the noise and nonsense like a bulldozer, silencing the restlessness. “This is Mikey’s decision. If you don’t like it, get your ass up here and tell him yourself,” he thundered.

No one dared. The silence that followed was thick and suffocating, like the world had folded in on itself.

“Kisaki has apologized and brought his Moebius guys along with him,” Mitsuya added, but his voice couldn’t shake the unease that clung to the air. "We need to get stronger. And bigger. This is perfectly reasonable.”

As Kisaki bowed, offering a sickening display of false humility, Hikari’s stomach twisted. She could feel the wrongness radiating from him like an invisible fog, suffocating everything in its path. This isn’t right. None of this is right.

Her breath quickened, panic rising in her chest. Before she could process it, before she could think, a blur of movement shot through the crowd.

Takemichi.

He moved faster than her mind could catch up, his fist connecting with Kisaki’s jaw with a sickening crack. The sound of the punch echoed through the night, rippling out like a shockwave, and the world seemed to stop, suspended in the silence that followed.

Then, all hell broke loose.

Shouts, curses, the clamor of bodies shifting, pushing forward. Chaos unfurled in an instant, the tension that had been brewing finally snapped, sending everything spiraling. Hikari stood frozen, her mind reeling, watching as Kisaki stumbled back, his hand flying to his face, shock flashing in his eyes. But it was only for a second. The calm, calculated mask slid back into place almost immediately.

Before she could even catch her breath, another voice sliced through the madness.

“Well, well… looks like the party’s already started without me.”

Her heart stopped.

She turned, the world slowing to a crawl as Keisuke's voice reached her ears. He strolled forward, his hair catching the wind, that same reckless grin painted across his face. But there was something off about him. Something darker.

Her breath caught in her throat. "Keisuke…”

He moved with purpose, cutting through the crowd like a blade. Toman parted for him instinctively, clearing a path.

“Who the hell are you? I’ve never seen you before,” Baji eyed one of the Moebius guys as if he were an insect.

One of Kisaki’s men, oblivious to who he was dealing with, stepped up to him, shoulders squared. “Who the hell are you?”

Baji didn’t miss a beat. His fist flew, sending the guy crumpling to the ground before he could even blink. "Who do you think you’re talking to?”

He didn’t stop. He tore through them, one after another, until Chifuyu grabbed his arm, desperation in his eyes.

“Baji-san, wait! They’re in Toman, in the Third Division now,” Chifuyu explained.

Baji’s expression soured. “What? I don’t know anything about this shit,” he bellowed. “Third Division? No way would Pah want these douchebags in his crew.”

Mikey, calm as the center of a hurricane, watched as he sat on the steps, his arm casually resting on his knee. "Baji," he called, his voice low, controlled. But there was something simmering beneath it.

“Watch yourself, Baji,” Draken also warned, stepping towards him.

“Or what? You gonna stop me?” he asked defiantly, his voice carrying a wild edge, daring Mikey to intervene. And then, without warning, he turned on Takemichi, his fist flew in a blur of violence.

Hikari’s heart thundered in her chest. This isn’t right. This isn’t him.

He landed another punch to Takemichi's face and would have kept going if not for Mitsuya grabbing hold of his arm.

“Let go, Mitsuya,” Baji growled, coiled like a spring about to snap.

Hikari moved before she realized it, her feet carrying her across the courtyard to him. She reached out, her hand resting gently on his shoulder. Her voice, when it came, was soft and only for him, barely audible over the chaos around them. "Keisuke, stop. You’ve made your point."

For a heartbeat, he stilled. His fist hung in the air, frozen mid-swing. Her touch was an anchor, pulling him back from the edge. Slowly, he lowered his arm, his eyes dark and unreadable. He knew she was right. She always was. But why did she have to be right right now?

“You’re the First Division Captain, right?" Kisaki’s voice slithered through the air, smug and oily, his new rank emblazoned on his sleeve.

Baji turned toward him, his expression hard, unforgiving. "You’ve gotta be shitting me.” He rolled his eyes in disdain before asking Mikey, “This guy’s the Third Division Captain now?”

Mikey, still as a statue, watched them both with quiet intensity. "Baji, did you come here just to throw a tantrum?”

Baji stepped closer, defiance radiating from him like heat from blacktop in summer. “Why? Do I need your permission for that?”

A tense silence built between them and Toman seemed to hold its collective breath. Hikari's own breath was stuck in her lungs, her eyes wide with shock.

“I’m joining Valhalla,” Baji finally said. “You don’t need any more troublemakers here, do you, Mikey?”

Behind Mikey’s calm exterior, Hikari caught the tiniest flash of disbelief and hurt. It came and went faster than a blink of the eye, unseen by all except the closest of his friends.

“From this moment on, First Division Captain Baji Keisuke is an enemy of Toman,” Baji announced, turning his back to Mikey and walking away.

Hikari’s world imploded.

She stumbled back—her vision blurred and the world tilted dangerously. This wasn’t happening. This couldn’t be real. Her heart thundered in her ears, drowning out the noise of the crowd. Her legs moved on their own, carrying her closer to him, the words spilling from her lips before she could stop them.

"Keisuke, no—what are you doing? You’re not serious, are you?”

But Baji didn’t look at her. He couldn’t. If he did, he might break. He kept his gaze focused ahead and kept walking, his jaw clenched tight. “I’m serious,” he said, his voice colder than she’d ever heard it. “I’m joining Valhalla. Don’t try to stop me.”

His words cut through her like a sword. Desperate, she took another step toward him, her voice cracking. “Keisuke, please! You can’t do this!”

Baji stopped in his tracks and whipped around, his eyes blazing. His voice was sharper than it had ever been with her. “I said, don’t follow me.”

The harshness of his tone was a slap to the face, the force of his words hit her like a freight train. He’d never spoken to her like that before—never with such harsh finality.

His expression was hard as steel. “I mean it, Hikari. Don’t.”

Her legs wobbled before they gave out. She crumpled to her knees on the ground, the impact barely registering. Everything around her—the voices, the shouting, the sounds of footsteps, Keisuke's retreating figure—blurred into a distorted haze. She could see, she could hear, but none of it made sense. The world around her moved, but it left her behind in her daze.

Her mouth opened, but the words she desperately needed to say wouldn’t come. They were stuck somewhere deep inside her—the connection between her mind and her mouth had been severed. She couldn’t remember how to make her voice work.

Her shallow and erratic breaths came in short, uneven bursts that did nothing to fill her lungs. Her chest tightened painfully, every breath was a battle she couldn’t win. Her hands trembled, clutching at her pendant, then releasing it, over and over, the repetitive motion offering no comfort.

She shook her head—small, frantic movements, as if she could somehow deny what was happening and magically force it out of existence.

No. No. No…

The motion became the only thing she could do, the only action left to her, the last piece of herself she could control. Everything existed just outside of her grasp, too far away to touch or comprehend.

The world was slipping further and further away, her thoughts spiraling like water down a drain. She wanted to scream, to reach out, to run after him. All she could do was shake her head over and over, trapped in her own silence.

Keisuke left. And she couldn’t follow him. There was nothing left but the overwhelming sense of loss with his words still echoing in her mind.

I’m joining Valhalla.

First Division Captain Baji Keisuke is an enemy of Toman.

Don’t follow me.

As Chifuyu watched her collapse to her knees, his heart twisted painfully in his chest. He’d seen Hikari strong, fierce, and fearless. But this? Watching her shatter, watching her crumble in silence, was like witnessing a light being snuffed out.

He was by her side in an instant, his hand resting gently on her shoulder as he crouched down beside her. “Hikari,” he whispered, his voice low and steady. He wasn’t sure if she could hear him—she didn't respond. But he stayed close, his presence solid and unwavering.

Around her, Toman’s usual energy had gone quiet, everyone exchanging tense glances, unsure of how to respond to the emotional wreckage left in Baji’s wake.

But for Chuu and the First Division, there was no hesitation. One by one, they closed ranks around her and Chifuyu, creating a tight, silent barrier. There was no discussion, no need for anyone to direct them—they knew this was Hikari’s worst nightmare. These were boys who’d fought with her, bled beside her, who’d seen the unbreakable bond between Hikari and Baji. They shared a silent understanding that the Moebius members, standing on the periphery, would never comprehend.

To them, this was a duty more sacred than any battle, and they moved with a quiet purpose as they positioned themselves shoulder-to-shoulder around her, shielding her in a wall of loyalty.

Mikey, watching from the steps, caught the motion out of the corner of his eye. His gaze sharpened as the boys of First Division surrounded her, each of them standing as sentries, heads high and eyes unwavering. His jaw tightened. He knew Hikari meant everything to Baji, and he meant everything to her—and that if there was anyone reeling in shock more than himself, it was her. For a heartbeat, Mikey’s composure slipped, the hurt flickering through his eyes before he quickly buried it again, his face hardening to a mask of unreadable calm.

Draken’s brow creased as he watched the First Division fall into place. He noticed their postures, the way they didn’t just stand around her—they blocked, they shielded, their backs straight and expressions fierce, arms crossed over their chests. His gaze softened briefly; he could tell they were doing more than just protecting Hikari from view. They were preserving her dignity in a moment of crushing vulnerability. Draken knew that the Moebius guys, clueless and sneering in their new Toman uniforms, were all too eager to exploit any weakness they saw.

Mitsuya, standing nearby, silently nodded his approval. His usually steady gaze flicked between the faces of First Division, noting the unwavering loyalty in their eyes. They weren't just guarding Hikari—they were guarding her memory of Baji, too. His jaw clenched as he shot a glare toward the Moebius members. He knew they were outsiders who didn’t belong here, didn’t understand the family Toman truly was.

The Moebius boys shifted on the sidelines, some of them sneering as they watched First Division close ranks. One of them muttered a low, taunting comment, oblivious to what this moment meant. Before he could say more, a dark look from Chuu silenced him, a threat simmering in his gaze. The message was clear: This is our Captain’s family. You don’t get to look at her like that.

Chifuyu remained kneeling beside Hikari, his own heart a painful throb as he watched her crumble. She was too still, her eyes wide and unseeing, her body wracked with the shock she couldn’t escape. Her hand was clutched tight around her pendant, fingers trembling as she struggled to anchor herself. He lowered his voice to a soft, steady murmur, trying to reach her through the haze. “Hikari,” he whispered, his tone gentle, “we’ve got you.”

Her gaze didn’t shift, but Chifuyu held his ground, staying close. The strength of the First Division around them was a reassurance. They were all holding her in a way no one else would understand, and the weight of it filled the air.

Mikey’s eyes lingered on the circle they’d formed around Hikari, a solemn respect shadowing his gaze. Baji had always been wild and unpredictable—but that fierce, loyal core had meant everything to Hikari. Mikey closed his eyes briefly, a silent acknowledgment of the pain Baji’s choice had caused, and a recognition of First Division’s loyalty. Their resolve was as immovable as his own; he’d allowed Kisaki’s men into Toman, but the circle around Hikari would remain sacred and untouchable.

Draken, seeing the shared grief and shock etched into each First Division face, shifted closer to Mikey, a steady hand resting briefly on his friend’s shoulder. This was what Toman stood for, what they were all fighting to protect. The presence of these Moebius bastards among them felt wrong, but this loyalty—this was something that could never be touched by outsiders.

As the night wore on, First Division kept their silent vigil around Hikari and Chifuyu, unmoving until the last of the crowd dispersed from the shrine. Only then did they allow the shield to lower, each of them sharing a final, solemn nod as they left her side with a promise held in each look: We’re with you. Always.

[monochromaticbeans]

Just wanted to pop in here to tell you your writing is really inspiring. I pay such close attention when I read you work because I feel like I can learn so much from it! I absolutely love the snippets I have read so far and am looking forward to the drive for our vacation because I’ll have so much time to read all of it 😊💕 Thank you for putting your work out there!

Thank you SO much! ❤️ That means a lot to me! I have a ton of fun writing it all, and I was more than just a little hesitant to start sharing. But it makes me so, so happy to hear you like it! 🥰

[monochromaticbeans]

She does 😻

[monochromaticbeans]

Invest in certain stocks before they take off so I'm financially set in 2024. And then go out clubbing again before everything hurts every morning and it takes me three days to recover from just two drinks. 🥴

[monochromaticbeans]

Chapter 35: Time After Time

If you're lost, you can look and you will find me

Time after time

If you fall I will catch you, I'll be waiting.

“Time After Time” ~ Cyndi Lauper

The days seemed to blur together, slipping past like sand through her fingers. Hikari wasn’t sure when she started noticing it—when Keisuke became even more present, more there, in a way that felt almost… clingy. He’d always been a constant in her life, always around, always close. But now, it was like he didn’t want to be anywhere but by her side.

And while she definitely wasn’t complaining, the shift hadn’t gone unnoticed.

They spent nearly every moment together—whether it was riding on his bike, hanging out in her room, or at the record store, he was always nearby. His presence had taken on a quiet, ever-present sort of energy, though he’d never admit it. He wasn’t the type to show it in obvious ways, but Hikari knew him better than anyone. She could see it in the way he lingered just a little longer, the way his eyes would stay on her when he thought she wasn’t paying attention, the way he seemed to want to hear her play her guitar more than usual.

Like right now.

She sat cross-legged on her bed, her acoustic guitar resting comfortably on her lap as her fingers moved over the strings, playing a soft melody. The quiet notes filled the room, blending with the warm afternoon light that filtered through the window.

He lay beside her, his head propped up on his arm as he listened, his dark eyes half-closed in that lazy, relaxed way that made him seem almost at peace. It was one of the rare times he wasn’t filled with restless energy. Instead, he just… watched her.

“You’ve been wanting me to play a lot lately,” she commented softly, her fingers still strumming the chords of a song she’d been practicing. She didn’t look at him when she said it, keeping her focus on the strings, but she could feel his eyes on her.

He shifted slightly, his hand reaching out to gently brush against her leg, his fingers trailing along the fabric of her jeans. “I just like hearing you play,” he muttered, his voice low and almost dismissive.

She smiled softly, glancing down at him for a moment before turning her attention back to the guitar. “You’ve always liked my music, but… you’ve been around a lot more than usual.”

There was a beat of silence, the sound of the guitar filling the space between them. He didn’t respond right away, and she didn’t press him. She didn’t need to. She trusted him to tell her what was on his mind when he was ready.

Finally, he spoke, his voice a little softer than usual. “Maybe I just like being around you.”

Her smile widened slightly at that, her heart giving a soft flutter at his words. She set the guitar down beside her, the melody fading into the quiet room as she shifted to sit beside him, her fingers lightly tracing patterns on his arm.

“I like being around you, too,” she whispered, her eyes searching his.

His gaze flickered, something unreadable flashing in his dark eyes for a moment before he closed them, exhaling softly. “Good.”

She frowned slightly, the nagging feeling in the back of her mind pushing its way to the surface again. There was something more here—something he wasn’t telling her. She could feel it in the way he held her a little tighter when they embraced, the way his kisses lingered just a second longer, like he was trying to memorize the feel of her lips against his.

But she still didn’t ask.

Instead, she leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to his lips as her fingers toyed with the silver wolf pendant around her neck. She hadn’t taken it off since he’d given it to her. It had become a part of her now, a small piece of him that she kept close, even when he wasn’t there.

He opened his eyes, his gaze drifting to the pendant. His fingers reached up to brush against it lightly, his touch lingering on the cool silver. “You still like it?” he asked, his voice quiet.

She smiled, her hand covering his as she nodded. “I love it. I never take it off.”

His lips curled into a small, almost sad smile, and for a moment, she thought she saw something like regret in his eyes. But before she could ask, he pulled her down into his arms, his hand slipping around her waist as he held her close.

“You better keep it with you,” he muttered, his breath warm against her neck. “Always.”

Her heart skipped at the weight of his words, and she felt her chest tighten with that same unease she’d been feeling for days. Something was happening—something he wasn’t telling her.

She buried her face in his chest, her fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt. “I will,” she whispered softly.

For a long moment, they stayed like that, wrapped in each other’s warmth, the world outside fading away. She felt his heartbeat beneath her cheek, steady and strong, and she let herself relax into him, soaking in the quiet comfort of his presence.

But even as they held onto each other, the weight of the unspoken words between them hung in the air like a storm cloud, waiting to break.

[monochromaticbeans]

Yep 😂❤️

Chifuyu watching Takemichi jump into every fight with the gusto of a pissed off golden retriever and thinking oh…I owe Baji-san so many apologies.

[monochromaticbeans]

A Line, Once Crossed (Part 3, Final)

🔞 NSFW past the 'keep reading' line, same warning as in Part 1. Not intended for readers under eighteen.

Hikari's boots clicked across the lobby of the Bonten building. Her three weeks in Hokkaido hardly qualified as a vacation. Despite staying at a luxurious, exclusive ryokan with every expense covered, she couldn't exactly claim to have had a lovely time. Although the onsen was to die for—literally.

But someone had to go sort things out up there. And that someone was instructed to seduce that yakuza boss with an overinflated opinion of himself, and then make sure he learned his lesson about trying to fuck with Bonten. And Hikari always gave harsh lessons.

As the elevator door slid closed, her phone chimed with an incoming text.

“Welcome back to Tokyo. Come to my office with your report.”

No sooner than she tucked her phone back into her purse, it chimed again. Letting out a tiny huff and rolling her eyes, she dug it back out and checked the screen.

And lock the door behind you. 😉

Hikari stepped out of the elevator and made her way up the corridor. Rounding the corner, a frantic and wide-eyed clerk clutching an armful of file folders nearly ran into her. Realizing who she'd come face to face with, she immediately bowed and apologized profusely before rushing away.

Hikari just shook her head, watching the retreating form disappear up the hallway as if the poor woman were competing in a fifty meter dash.

She opened the office door, finding Sanzu manspread on his couch, smoking. His katana rested on the cushion beside him.

“What the hell was that about?” she asked, jerking her chin in the direction of the clerk's path.

Sanzu chuckled, stubbing his cigarette out in the ashtray. “Guess she didn't appreciate my sense of humor,” he answered, his gaze settling on Hikari. Her arms were crossed over her chest, one eyebrow raised.

“If by ‘sense of humor' you mean scaring the shit out of her?” she asked flatly, already knowing that's a more accurate description of the situation.

He shrugged, a mischievous grin forming on his face. Hikari knew him well. He had missed seeing her around, giving him disapproving looks, giving him shit for damn near everything, giving him a tightness in his trousers with those form-fitting leather pants of hers.

“Did you lock the door?” he asked, crossing his arms behind his head and leaning back. His eyes lingered on the curve of her ass as he watched her turn and slide the lock closed.

The executive lounge just so happened to be on the same floor as Sanzu's office. And Haitani Ran just so happened to be sitting in that executive lounge waiting for his brother. And he just so happened to hear muffled sounds emanating from the direction of Sanzu's office.

Unusual sounds were not so unusual when it came to Sanzu. But these particular sounds seemed a bit misplaced in a business setting, even though said business was the biggest and most notorious criminal organization in the country.

Ran tapped his cigarette on the edge of the ashtray, adding to the small mountain of ash that had accumulated during his wait. He chuckled as he exhaled a plume of smoke, shaking his head. Someone appeared to be enjoying themselves, quite a bit it seemed. And while he couldn't say with complete certainty, both of those someones had rather familiar voices.

Hikari braced herself up on her hands, the smooth finish of Sanzu's desk warming under her palms. Her leather pants and black lace panties clung around her knees, hanging on for dear life as Sanzu's fingers dug into the soft flesh of her hips, pulling her back into his thrusts.

“Keep moaning like that and everyone’ll know what we're doing in here.” His lips brushed the shell of her ear as he leaned down, his voice low and sultry.

At that moment, she didn't care who, if anyone, heard. What's the worst that could happen? The door was locked. Nobody would come barging in on them. Moreover, who would even care that she was bent over Sanzu's desk, getting railed?

“Harder…” Her voice was raw and husky. “Fuck him out of me.” She wanted every trace of that yakuza creep gone from her. Those hands, those lips, that tiny cock. Sanzu wiped it all away with each stroke.

“Oh, my dear Hikari. Are you using me?” he asked in a mockingly offended tone, slowing his pace and teasing her with the tip.

“No… Yes…” she answered in another moan. “Just shut up and keep going.”

He chuckled darkly, amused by her demands. “Since you asked so nicely…” He drove in hard, grasping a handful of hair at the back of her head and drawing out the loudest sound of pleasure from her yet. With a deep growl, he gave it to her rough and relentlessly—just as she wanted—until she was seeing stars.

After her third orgasm, and ensuring the entire executive floor knew how well he'd satisfied her, he gave into his own. In the back of his mind, he heard her words in the backseat of his car. Too intimate.

He'd intended to honor her previous request and pull out. But if she was so concerned about avoiding intimacy, why did she keep letting him ride bareback? Maybe she wanted a connection more than she realized. Maybe, buried somewhere deep down, he did, too.

They'd been through hell, they'd seen more shit than anyone should see. Fractured timelines, splintered realities, the consequences of someone trying to rewrite fate. He was tied to her in ways that even he didn't fully understand. Was it love? No. Did it need to be? No. It defied explanation, it required no definition. No label.

So with a final thrust, he spilled himself deep within her, throbbing until he was empty. He collapsed forward, caging her body with his as he leaned over, his hands pressed against the desk next to hers as he panted for breath.

“Haru,” she whispered. His old name on her lips contained none of the usual teasing, frustration, or annoyance—only a faint hint of reminiscence colored by familiarity. “You did it again.”

“Yeah, I…” He trailed off, unsure what to say. Anything he could think of didn't really matter, did it? So he shrugged it off with a quiet chuckle. “What’s a little creampie between friends?”

Part 1➡️

Part 2➡️