𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐝

decided to go and rewrite rivals, regrets@1004 s1&s2 there. gonna continue the series there too! that's right, it's selcouth and metanoia 😌 (also have an upcoming tr series vv soon!)

i want to finish hidden gem first

i've posted the first part and trying to continue it atm

launch the discord server in public so i can talk to u there <33

try and lessen the works i left here aka my events

after finishing the events, i'll post my announcement

“ladies and gentlemen, we have landed. welcome to united states of america. have a wonderful day and thank you for choosing…”

takashi leaves the plane in a hurry, fishing for his other phone from inside his pockets, “hello?” he greets the caller. “new york city,” a low gruff voice replies on the other line, “further information?” the artist follows up while smiling at the official who returns his passport after stamping.

“none. text will be sent if there will be,” takeomi responds to the other. “you picked the right side, mr. akashi” takashi assures the older, “i have my reasons and government is far off the list,” the younger chuckles at the older’s comment.

you roll your eyes at your friend, holding the phone closer to your ear as the buzz of the crowd fills your earshot. “you told me that we will have this day together, it’s not fair, senju!” you complain hearing her cute giggles at the other line.

“sen-” your word gets cut off when you bump into someone causing them to drop the paper they have in hand, “i’m sorry, are you okay?” you hear a surprisingly pleasing english accent resulting in you whipping your head in their direction.

upon scanning and making sure that you’re not imagining things, there stands mitsuya takashi, the very same man who left you the most heartbreaking note in your entire life. he’s as dashing just like how you always remember, face that can be on par with the greek gods.

although one change that stands out the most is the scar he has on the side of his face, one that starts from his forehead down to where his lip ends, “takashi…?”

haruchiyo brushes off the comments and sits down on his seat while humming a tune. the man who called the meeting finally arrives, the people inside immediately standing up to greet their leader.

hajime, who was behind manjiro, sits down beside kakucho, “what’s with meetings these past months?” the raven-haired questions which got a shrug in return.

“bonten is an eight man gang from now on,” manjiro’s news awakens the drowsy brothers while the rest didn’t bat an eye on the announcement. ran laughs at the information partnered with loud claps of his hands, rindou chuckling beside him.

“prepare yourself in a week,” the man leaned at the table in front of him, “in the end, a comrade can turn out to be an enemy.”

silence dawned upon the room, tension building up by the leader’s sentence, “dismissed.”

ஓ๑♡๑ஓ

how often do you see eight men dressed in suits waiting outside an abandoned gulag? well not often if i were you, a first if i do spot them.

“we’re dressed in suits and here we are!” haruchiyo is the first to speak up and complain, “what a pleasant sight, gentlemen” he added with a mocking british accent, “looking fucking posh.”

takashi becomes visible in their sight, “well that was expected from you, mikey” he lets out an amused laugh. “guess the pinky was not enough?” he says while showing his left hand, pinky all bandaged up.

gasps and low whistles fills the quiet area together with howls of “ouchie~” and “such a sadist, boss”

manjiro just shrugs at the man, “this was expected because you threatened one of my men,” his hands shoved inside his pockets. takashi smiles at him and holds up a finger, “and that’s why we have a good friend of ours whom you’ll be glad to meet.”

the brothers perks up in amusement seeing the familiar dragon tattoo, “as much as i don’t like interfering with your life decisions. this meetup settles a score between two men. a life is at stake here and your gang had nothing to do with it.”

ken then continues, “you, yourself should know the drastic difference, mikey .”

manjiro keeps his gaze at ken, both having a hard time staring down the other, “let them have it their own way then.”

haruchiyo appears from behind all the bonten members, carrying a familiar black silk bag, “is the show finally starting?” his companions are staring at him and clears the path for him. “i have a bad feeling about this,” kakucho mumbles to hajime.

takashi looks at ken then at manjiro, “really now?” he says while pointing at the pinkette’s weapon. once again, bonten’s leader merely shrugs at him, finding a comfortable spot to rest on.

“are you seeing this?” the artist says, humorlessly laughing at the situation. “it’s man vs man, no rules were laid out” ken objectively points out. takashi sighs and scans the area for a weapon of some sort, luck must be on his side as he spots a rusty metal bat.

he gives the weapon a light spin, dusting off the dirt, his other hand keeping the weapon steady, “this should do, huh?” he raises a brow at haruchiyo, craning his head at the bat he have in hand, “could’ve pick something more useless.”

the pinkette pulls the string keeping the bag shut, a spine-chilling smile present on his scarred lips, “i’ll take the win, hidden gem.”

takashi tightens his grip on the bat, “what was your reason?” haruchiyo unsheathe his sword from its scabbard, “i already told you, i was curious.”

the pinkette is the first one to draw forward, eyes glinting in mischief, his actions read no remorse and full intention on harming his opponent, “ don’t get your knickers in a twist .”

“this is not the time to mess around, kid” the former member mutters, easily dodging the blade and getting some leverage on his bat to strike for his opponent’s knees. though, haruchiyo manages to dodge in time, letting the cold metal hit his thigh instead.

the haitani brothers are enjoying the scene before them as if they paid for a match in comparison to others who are watching intently. “yikes,” ran says, squinting his eyes to get a better look of the fight.

“aim for the head,” rindou yells, cupping his mouth for the former member to hear. “do you mind?!” haruchiyo calls out the younger haitani while hissing in pain. “don’t get cocky now~” the lavender-haired replies with a mocking smile.

“behind you,” takeomi says in a calm manner, taking the cigarette he has on hand. “yeah, behind you,” takashi chuckles, putting his strength on his weapon but due to its brittleness and haruchiyo’s swift movement, the top of the metal bat drops to the ground.

the silence making the drop echo the walls, some of the artist’s hair falling down his face. “huh, guess you live up to your title after all,” takashi utters while examining the remainder of his weapon.

haruchiyo clicks his tongue and lets out an irritated sigh, “let’s just get this over with. they’re already getting on my nerves, especially that old man,” takashi looks back at the pinkette’s eyes, a different aura greeting him.

bonten’s number 2 continued his advances, stepping forward and holding the hilt tight. haruchiyo prepares himself for another attack, aiming to put down the other. takashi’s eyes widened in shock.

having advantage when it comes to agility and fast thinking, takashi registers haruchiyo’s attack on time, barely evading the range of the sharp blade. fresh blood starts dripping down the side of the artist’s face, crimson red painting his porcelain skin.

the pinkette groans in frustration, he was sure that the other wouldn’t be able to counter his attack. takashi wipes the warm liquid from his face, inspecting the amount of blood accumulated on the back of his hand.

with both of his vision back, the former member brings his gaze back at his opponent, “i’ll make you regret being born,” he mutters while tossing his weapon away, hands forming a fist, “i already had,” haruchiyo replies, fixing his posture.

takashi’s form is known by the two audiences that they might as well claim this fight a loss for the pinkette. “he’s gonna lose,” manjiro mumbles to himself while ken crosses his arms uttering “i pity him.”

for the first time since the fight started, haruchiyo becomes fazed, the next thing he knows his katana is taken away from his hand. a whimper escaping his lips as his face meets the ground, takashi successfully pinning him down by his back.

“you lost,” takashi mutters under his breath, tightening his hold when haruchiyo tries to break free.

the bonten members are quick to throw their own side comments, “that was anticlimactic,” “as expected,” “that got my hopes up,” and “to think your bonten’s number 2” takes the cake.

the pinkette’s struggle made him see the disappointed look from his leader, “are you sure about that?” he gathers all the strength he has left and breaks free from takashi, haruchiyo instantaneously grabs the tanto hidden in his heel charging for the other’s vital part.

the artist manages to get ahold of the pinkette’s hand in favor of parrying the blade to penetrate haruchiyo’s shoulder. “i already told you that you lost , give it up” takashi’s tone holding some sympathy behind them.

as much as takashi is angered by the other’s selfish actions, it’s never his intention to take the man’s life.

“the duel is still on,” manjiro’s voice made the two look up at him, “one has to stop breathing or else we’ll be there all day.”

like what haruchiyo do best, he takes advantage of his distracted opponent and reaches for his katana, wincing as he holds the blade up high. albeit, takashi’s sixth sense gives him a more favorable win, dodging the half-hearted swing thrown his way.

takashi advances forward and pulls out the tanto from his shoulder, sinking the blade on haruchiyo’s heart in a flash. “this is the only time i’ll accept my defeat, t’was a fair fight,” the pinkette mumbles between coughs, hand losing grip on his tanto.

ஓ๑♡๑ஓ

days passed, takashi visits you in the hospital. he settled down beside you, reaching out for your hand that fits in his as if they’re the perfect puzzle pieces. “i’ve avenged you…” he whispers before bringing the back of your hand closer to his face.

takashi lips linger on the back of your hand, his gentle grip around your hand trembling at the thought of the recent event. “i know how you wouldn’t be in favor of my actions…”

the artist looks at your peaceful face, fondly tucking your hair behind your ears, “that’s why i’m letting you go.”

tears begin to stream down takashi’s cheeks, “i can’t have you going through this again—who knows what i’ll do the next time it does,” his soft sniffles accompany the steady beeps that comes from the machine once in a while.

“i want you to live a peaceful life,” takashi grips your hand tight, afraid of letting go, “it’s the life you deserve in the first place.”

he wipes his tears away and smiles at you, “i’m sorry, i should be happy letting you go because now… now you can enjoy your life with no worries,” takashi takes a few labored breaths and stands up to leave a kiss on your forehead.

a kiss that holds lots of meaning behind them, a kiss that feels like it was engraved on you, and of course, a kiss that feels like a part of you.

“i love you, my love. i’m wishing you nothing but happiness.”

with his last words uttered, takashi holds your face one last time. fingertips tracing your features as if memorizing and familiarizing them. once again, uttering the same three words that’s exchanged between you two, “i love you,” his voice shakes while releasing the hold he has on your hand.

ஓ๑♡๑ஓ

the first thing you see upon opening your eyes is a blurry white ceiling, you instinctively try to lift your hand to hold your head but pain starts to surge throughout your body. your visible pain and discomfort noise grabs takeomi’s attention.

“y/n?” he rushes to your side and checks if he’s not hallucinating, “w-water” you wrap your hand around his forearm, voice hoarse and raspy. takeomi immediately complies with your request, drinking the clear liquid from him, you breathe out of relief.

the last thing you remember was seeing takashi’s beautiful lavender eyes that’s full of tears, that reminded you of your past lover, “where’s takashi?” you grip takeomi’s arm in hopes of having the man safe.

“how long since i’ve been out?” you added as the older just looks at you in pity. “months…” takeomi replies in a whisper, “where’s takashi?” you repeat yourself, mind playing the worst case scenario.

the older hands the letter, “i’ll go and give you some privacy,” takeomi places his hand on top of your head, leaning in to give you a hug before leaving you alone.

yn, my love,

by the time you’re reading this i’ve most likely left the country. i know this is such a selfish act. i took your feelings into consideration but y/n… i can’t and will never wield a weapon at you… ever again. it’s better if we part ways after the incident, it’s the only choice. i can’t wait for you to regain your consciousness. i have to break and part ways with you through this letter.

i’m sorry. i’m sorry for the inconvenience i’ve cost you, may it be as small as helping me with my tie and be it as big as the recent incident. i never expected for that day to come…. y/n, i didn’t want to hurt you but with mikey in the picture? my mind was quick to play out the possible outcomes and all of them ended up with a bullet in your head, love… i never want that to happen.

i hope you understand why i’m doing this. if i had to walk to the ends of the world just to get back to you, i would do it. i guess we are not meant to be together but i know that somewhere in parallel universe, we’ll be together looking up at the sky with joy in our faces.

i love you and i always will, y/n. i hope you get the dream life we talked about.

unconditionally yours,

mitsuya takashi

the tears running down your face drops at the wrinkled paper you have in hand, the water spreading at the material of the paper, “takashi…”

haruchiyo chose not to entertain the snarky remark from the artist, “if you don’t mind me asking,” takashi waits for his reply, “we got all the time here, ask away.”

takashi’s brows furrow in slight confusion, “you’re bonten’s number 2—basically mikey’s right hand man, why would you be suspended?”

the pinkette merely giggles at his question as if he expected the other’s inquiry, “let’s just say that i was the reason why poor y/n is now on their deathbed.”

lavender eyes meet icy-blue ones, haruchiyo’s smile gets wider as he sees the other’s shocked state. takashi feels his inside boil, mind shutting off, and his body moving on its own.

“you were behind all of this?!” takashi’s agitated yell echoes the once serene and tranquil hotel, “you better have a good reason why you got them involved,” he grabs haruchiyo’s collar making sure to cut the man’s airway little by little.

“careful hidden gem we’re still in public,” he says in between small gasps, “do i look like i care?”’ takashi replies, tightening his hold on the pinkette, “wanna know who’s the ‘hidden gem’” haruchiyo manages to spit out.

takashi raises his fist in the air but as if right on time, his vision darkens—not figuratively but literally. haruchiyo quickly frees himself from the man’s grasp, his laughter ringing in takashi’s ears, “lucky~” he utters in a sing-song tone.

“looking forward to seeing you in meetings, hidden gem!” were the last words takashi heard from the pinkette as it faded away from his earshot.

ஓ๑♡๑ஓ

as the old saying goes, time flies by fast. months had already passed since the incident, takashi is still working under bonten while you’re slowly recovering from the recent event.

he removes his gloves with an exasperated sigh, the very same hand that bears both talent and curse. takashi pulls out the burner phone from his pockets, he hears the phone ring a few times before he hears a voice from the other line, “it’s done.”

“money is already transferred to your account,” hajime replies, about to press the end button but takashi’s request made him halt.

“i need to talk to mikey,” he says while exiting the building. “he’s in a meeting,” takashi rolls his eyes at the reply, “i don’t care, this is more important with whatever he’s doing.”

hajime is about to reason out to the artist again when he’s cut off by the sound of the line ending, “well there goes the title of being the kindest fashion designer,” he mutters under his breath while arranging the meeting for him and manjiro.

ஓ๑♡๑ஓ

takashi couldn’t keep still in his seat, his foot meeting the floor for what feels like ages ever since he arrived, fingertips thumping against his thighs, “where is he?” eyes glaring at the silver-haired in contrast with his calming lavender eye color.

“i told you he’s in a meeting yet your stubborn ass requested otherwise,” hajime responds with a shrug, “if it-“ takashi’s words are cut off by manjiro’s appearance.

“come on now, no need to threaten him. he’s too precious to lose,” manjiro murmurs with a taiyaki in mouth, “boss,” hajime greets him while the man just waves him off.

bonten’s leader flops down on the couch in front of takashi, leaning back to get comfortable, “what’s with the sudden-“

“i quit.”

manjiro’s body stiffened and straightened up at the man’s words, “sorry?”

“i resign. i don’t want to be a bonten member anymore, mikey” takashi says in a calm manner, rubbing his face to relieve some tension.

expecting some resistance, takashi is proven otherwise, “what gives?”

this made the artist chuckle, humorlessly laughing at the ridiculous question, “mikey you used the only weakness i have against me—universe knows when it would be my sisters’ turn!”

takashi’s visible stress got manjiro taken aback, “i’m giving the resignation you oh desire but…” he pauses while holding up his index finger, “you need to check the boxes of requirements first.”

hajime looks at the two back and forth, the sudden meeting have him cold sweat running down his forehead, gulping the lump on his throat, “i don’t even care at this point.”

manjiro leans forward and rests his chin against his palm, “80% of your money income, half of the profit you have under your clothing brand sponsors included, and at least half of your property would be bonten’s asset.”

takashi didn’t hesitate to reach out for the other man’s hand in order to seal the deal, manjiro chuckled at the sight, “guess you really want out that bad huh?” the other shrugs in return, “the gang is worse than what i imagined hell would be.”

“ah before i forget,” manjiro nods for the artist to continue, “y/n will be under bonten’s protection and will not be harmed as long as they’re still unconscious,” takashi says with great determination behind his eyes.

the younger finally grips the older’s hand, giving a few firm shakes before letting go. “well that makes it official. koko,” manjiro calls out hajime who nods in return.

manjiro looks back at takashi and gives him a tight smile, “how about a hug?” the silver-haired requested with his arms wide open, the older was surprised by the request but complies regardless.

hajime’s eyes widen as he sees the small blade glint behind manjiro’s hand. the younger is first to break the hug, briskly reaching out for takashi’s left hand and cutting his pinky in one swift motion.

takashi’s pained shout bounces off the four walls, “you’re now officially resigned, live a good life, mitsuya takashi” manjiro says, ignoring his cry of pain while wrapping the decapitated finger with a handkerchief.

the leader turns his back on his former comrade, getting ready to leave when takashi speaks through the pain, “sanzu would not see the light the next time he sees me, mark my words.”

hajime who’s still in shock is brought back to reality by the artist’s declaration, “i’ll keep him informed,” the younger replies and continues to leave with hajime following closely behind.

ஓ๑♡๑ஓ

manjiro looks at the pinkette who just arrived in his office, fresh blood still splattered across his face, “hidden gem is no more,” he says fidgeting with the toy he has in hand.

“finally something interesting on this boring day,” haruchiyo exclaims with a smile on his face.

the silver-haired leans back and stares into nothingness, “he’s coming for your head.”

“delightful,” the pinkette expresses in thrill and excitement.

ஓ๑♡๑ஓ

ken wipes the excess grease off his hands and rises from crouching, pain shooting on his spine from holding the position for too long. “who do we have next?” a response he has automated as soon as he’s done with his task.

“draken,” takashi greets the other who keeps his gaze at the motor he just finished, “i don’t go by that name anymore,” he responds while shining parts of the bike. “ ken, i need your help.”

finally looking up, ken is greeted by the sight of his good ol’ friend, the same sweet smile present on his angelic face, “takashi,” the raven-haired’s lips stretches up to a smile and engulfs him in a hug.

ஓ๑♡๑ஓ

manjiro leans back on his comically tall chair inside his office, the day passing by rather slowly compared to any other normal day as someone who leads the most notorious gang known all over tokyo.

the man seems to have been proven otherwise with his number 2 storming his way towards him, “be quick with it, haru-” manjiro’s monotone voice and stoic face was quickly distorted by the pinkette’s intel.

“hidden gem is a spy for the coppers.”

the room tension thickens as the silver-haired attitude flips like a switch light, “how sure are you?” haruchiyo keeps his eyes focused on his boss, a man he deems ever so highly, “one of our best informant.”

manjiro keeps his gaze off his subordinate, “a lie.” his boss’ reply leaves a bad taste in his mouth while he watches him burn holes through the wall behind him, “i saw it with my own two eyes.”

haruchiyo’s sudden information disclosure is enough to snap the thread inside manjiro’s mind. the two has been by each other’s side ever since they were teens, one thing manjiro got from those years is that haruchiyo never lies.

he never lies when it comes to someone he’s loyal to.

…but little does he know.

manjiro finally looks up to meet the man eye to eye, “if the intel is wrong?” haruchiyo just smiles at him, continuing the man’s thought, “shoot away, boss .”

“the intel is a mere warning, it's up to you on what you would like to do,” the pinkette shrugs, adding, “afterall, you’re the boss” to tip the man more over the edge. the two men keeps their gaze on one another as if scrutinizing the other.

after a few minutes of painful silence, the silver-haired utters “call the haitanis, you know what to do,” haruchiyo smiles widely, “aye, aye, cap’n” he humors while mimicking a salute.

deep in thought, manjiro fails to notice the small giggle that escapes from haruchiyo’s cherry-stained lips.

‘pulled the right strings at last,’ is the only thing that runs in the pinkette’s head.

meanwhile, manjiro is all over his head, doubting himself and his long-time friend. fighting himself whether takashi should be trusted or not.

with his mind set on proving the intel wrong, manjiro impulsively beelines on where you’re currently located. he leads one— the only notorious gang in tokyo, it will be no surprise he keeps track of your location. above all you play an important role to a certain someone.

ஓ๑♡๑ஓ

kakucho was unsure with the sudden turn of events the very moment haruchiyo called an urgent meeting. to say the least, he can presume that bonten’s number 2 got their boss wrapped around his finger. for once. this event may turn out to be a sick joke orchestrated by the man.

as much as kakucho would like to at least lessen the damage this may cause it’ll be beyond his power when manjiro is involved.

besides, it will be nothing new if the meeting does unfold that way.

ஓ๑♡๑ஓ

now let’s get back to the present wherein you are laying down in bed still fighting for your life. although a more pleasing and relieving sight compared last night when you were bathing in your own pool of blood.

“did they make it alive?!” senju’s shout laced with fright grabs takeomi’s attention, eyes moving to where senju stands, his little sister out of breath, hair disheveled, “yeah… but they’re in a coma.”

the younger one settles by your side, thanking her brother for the glass of water given to her, “what happened?..” her voice barely above whispers after seeing the terrible state you’re in.

“was shot,” takeomi kept the information as vaguely as possible. senju keeps her eyes focused on you, “why?” it took a few minutes before the younger girl got the answer she wanted to hear.

“bonten.” that was enough for senju to lash out to her brother, gritting her teeth from anger, “you told me—no,” she says while shaking her head, “you promised them that you’ll protect us no matter what happen whether you’re hopeless from the fight or not.”

senju then continues, “what happened to your ‘i will fight even if i stand no chance’ takeomi?” she says while gripping the blanket draped over your unconscious body.

“i wasn’t aware,” he meekly replies, left speechless by his sister’s words and how she’s managing to stay calm. “well, that’s surprising. no wonder haru turned out that way,” she mockingly responds.

“if y/n ends up not leaving this godforsaken bed, i wouldn’t be able to forgive you.” senju lets go of the sheet and reaches out to hold your hand, “i already forgave you for haru but i wouldn’t do that again. once was enough.”

takeomi turns his back from you and senju, “i know…” he whispers before leaving her to have some privacy with you.

ஓ๑♡๑ஓ

a beautiful view is within sight for a pair of lavender eyes, the gentle breeze accompanying him along with a glass of red wine in hand. takashi lets out a deep breath for the nth time, mind replaying the event last night.

if it weren’t for bonten’s advisor and the connection you have with the man, you wouldn’t have made it to the hospital where you are recovering in peace.

takashi doesn’t know how you ended up having a favor from akashi takeomi but all that matters is that you’re in a safe place and the three bullets are finally removed from your body.

his train of thoughts is suddenly interrupted when he feels the glass snatched from his hand, looking up he sees the pinkette, a menacing smile present on his scarred lips, “yo,” he greets while tilting the glass his way.

feeling hopeless, takashi looks back at you, eyes pleading for you not to utter another word.

the man who’s being tested diverts his attention back at manjiro, "what are you saying?" he tries to be nonchalant while placing down his clothes.

manjiro simply handed him a gun, "you heard me the first time."

takashi's grip tightens around the loaded portable firearm. lavender eyes quickly scans the area, with his eyes clouded in anger and no second thought or whatsoever, he wields the weapon at his friend.

manjiro feels the cold muzzle come in contact with his forehead, with a click of his tongue he reminds him, "you're doing the world a favor but you, yourself, would know what kind of trouble awaits you."

as much as takashi hates to admit it, the silver-haired words were nothing but the truth.

sensing the sets of eyes that burn holes throughout his entire body. takashi's body turns and faces you.

your eyes widen at this, trembling in fear, "takashi..." you stutter his name under your breath, he can’t be serious .

he told you that he will never get you involved with any of his gang-related matters.

"you're free to run, i didn't tie you up for no reason" manjiro's words ring through your ears.

it finally clicks in your head, this was a set-up. you knew the moment he approached you, the blank stare he gave you while explaining about this ‘meet-up.’

but love may have played a big role in this, believing takashi’s words more than the alarms that went off when manjiro stood before you.

feeling his throat close and tighten while his hand holding the firearm feels heavy beside him, he lets out a shaky breath looking at his friend.

“mikey.. please,” his voice barely audible for anyone to hear.

you try your best to run or at least move from where you stand but nothing seems to work. it’s as if your feet are nailed to the ground.

takashi slowly shakes his head at manjiro, tears slipping past his eyes, a rare sight to see the man in his vulnerable state.

however, the man merely stares back at him. “do it,” he says before adding, “or should i do it myself?”

once again, takashi shakes his head to him and wipes his tears away using the back of his hand that’s holding the gun, soft sniffles coming from him.

meeting eyes with you, the two of you feel the world slow down.

kind of ironic how it oddly resonates with your first meeting. all except the tears pooling in both your eyes, blurry vision of the person you love.

it’s now your turn to shake your head at him, putting trust on him even with the sight of the barrel pointed your way.

“love.. takashi..” voice pleading for all of this to end up being an awful nightmare.

“close your eyes,” takashi whispers while his hands shake in mix of hesitation and anguish.

“love, please…” he mutters, trying to steady his hand and clear his blurry vision.

repeating his name like a mantra, you keep shaking your head, eyes still in contact with his. “please, please, don’t,” persistent with your plea while trying to scutter away from the firearm.

left with no choice, takashi takes a deep breath and raises his voice for the first time ever since he met you, “i said close your eyes!”

flinching from his tone, your eyes automatically flutter shut as you feel the sharp pain in your thighs together with your scream of agony.

a snicker slips past cherry colored lips. his companion eyes him in horror for enjoying such a cruel scene, “you're behind all this?” he asks even though he knew what his answer would be.

“what? curiosity kills the cat,” haruchiyo innocently replies to bonten’s number 3.

one shot follows another, takashi carefully aims for non-vital parts. desperately keeping his vision clear from his tears, “i’m sorry, i’m sorry-“ he mumbles after every pull of the trigger.

emptying the magazine, his finger keeps clicking the trigger while full on sobbing.

manjiro rises from his seat with his hands shoved in his pockets, “good to know that i was not wrong to put my trust in you,” he says before looking down at your body drenched in blood, “be on your watch, you’ll receive a call when needed.”

walking closer to him, manjiro rests his hand on his shoulder, “just like any other day,” the silver-haired mumbles which earn a shrug from takashi in favor of shaking off his hand.

“takeomi,” with a snap of manjiro’s fingers, the rest of the executives surface from their respective spot.

as if mocking his possible loss, the brothers’ slow claps echo the empty room.

adding fuel to the fire, haruchiyo joins in with a loud whistle, “not bad. as expected for bonten’s hidden gem !”

the boss sighs and walks out of the scene not before leaving them a message, “respect his privacy. meeting dismissed.”

soon, three people remained in the room. takashi stood still in his place, gun still in his hand with cheeks stained in tears.

a gasp brings the man back to reality, lavender eyes wanders down to your almost lifeless body.

“y/n?!” takeomi’s muffled voice keeps you awake.

although, one question stood out the most, “monsieur, is there anyone who inspired you behind the beautiful pieces you recently launched?”

the ‘bodyguard’ he’s with is not doing a great job as he’s clearly being pushed around together with the interviewers, nonetheless, he conceals his irritation behind a kind smile.

deciding to entertain at least one of the questions, he utters out an answer, “there is.”

those simple two words from takashi are enough to make the reporters go wild and pick up their speed on spitting questions after questions.

fortunately for the artist, he successfully made it inside the car right in time. the kind facade fades together with the harsh shut of the door.

“what’s with the shitty bodyguard given today?” takashi complains to his chauffeur or at least that’s who he thinks the person behind the wheel is.

about to complain with all their poor performances today, an awful ringtone fills the air interrupting his distaste.

his brows furrowed in confusion, today was supposed to be his free day, he’s more than sure of it. he personally asked for the day off.

clearing his throat, he fumbles with his dress pants and answers his phone, “code.”

a precaution he’s oh-so-familiar with, “six, twelve, ninety,” he replies quickly. a quick follow-up confirmation is given, “number two?”

takashi heaves a sigh, resting his elbow on top of his knee while leaning on his hand, “sanzu. sanzu haruchiyo.”

“bowling alley, bonten’s old hideout. 12AM sharp.” before he can ask further question, he hears the end of the line making him hiss in frustration.

what’s with the sudden call?

ah, my bad. it seems like i skimmed over some important information.

mitsuya takashi is a well-known fashion designer who was given a head-start because of the notorious gang, bonten .

the same man who’s known to be kind-hearted and sweet by the public is also the undisclosed ninth member of bonten; a member who’s not known by his comrades, not even its number 2 who’s knowledgeable with the ins and outs of the gang.

pulling his sleeve to reveal his extravagant wrist watch which glints under the dull light from his car, ‘11:45PM’ it read.

“go faster before i fire you,” takashi ordered while leaning back to massage his temple.

however, the car did not speed up. not even the slightest. “consider this your last day,” he grumbles and throws the burner phone to the side.

“i don’t think that’s your call, boss ” a familiar voice makes him look up in surprise.

about to take a stance, he’s met with a knife dangerously held against his throat, “uh uh, wouldn’t want our precious ninth executive to sport a wound before meeting the big boss don’t we?” takashi grits his teeth accompanied by the clench of his jaw.

an amused laugh slips past his lips, not feeling any fear inside him, “out of all the executives he sent, it really has to be you two huh?”

leaning back comfortably on the leather seat with the blade following closely against his skin, takashi continues his words, “haitani brothers.”

“yours truly,” ran replies with a playful wink sent through the rear view mirror.

takashi rolls his eyes at the older man, “how about you? joints aren’t your thing anymore?” he continues the small talk, side eyeing the younger brother.

rindou shrugs, tapping the tip of his weapon against the man’s porcelain skin, “blades are surprisingly fascinating.”

takashi hums, a smirk making its way up to his lips, “or was it a certain someone who introduced it to you?”

the blade meets his skin, blood slowly trickling down the silver weapon, “don’t provoke him now, mitsuya.”

the man in question holds his hands up in defeat with a chuckle, “as you wish, your highness .”

arriving at the location, just by a split of hair. “off you go,” ran says while gesturing at the building, putting the car in park.

takashi snickers, “you mind?” he sweetly smiles at rindou who's sitting beside him, the weapon still millimeters away from his skin.

the younger of the brothers begrudgingly pulls away the blade and makes way for the man.

“hope you die,” rindou says while takashi solely shakes his head at him. “thank you,” he replies with no trace of gratitude.

entering the place, he sighs while removing his suit jacket along with pulling his sleeves up to his elbows.

the place's thick atmosphere suffocating the air out of his lungs, unbuttoning a few of the buttons of his silk dress shirt.

takashi stops his hands from untucking his top, the scene before him feels surreal.

"what is this?" he asks manjiro, feeling a lump stuck in his throat.