10 July 2008:  Three days after Kanto Manji Gang won the Battle of the Three Deities. 

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South Terano, leader of Rokuhara Tandai, and Senju Kawaragi, leader of Brahman, were dead. Many of their former members had already joined Kanto Manji Gang. This was the first meeting after the victory.

Mikey sat in the middle of the table, quiet, looking almost bored and Sanzu sat beside him with a stupid loyal grin, like a dog waiting for approval.

"We finally became the only gang in Tokyo," Sanzu said. "Just like you wanted."  He leaned, " Yeah, boss — we did everything you told us to do. Just give the order, and we'll bring you anything on a plate."

Mikey rolled his eyes, not reacting to the praise. His gaze moved across the table instead of  Kakucho, who sat beside Sanzu, then Ran and Rindou, Shion, Mochizuki, Hanma, and finally the "ancient trio" Takeomi, Wakasa, and Benkei.

After a moment, Mikey spoke. "I want us to be bigger," he said. "More than just a delinquent gang."

Hanma smirked. "Bigger usually means money."

"Then give ideas," Mikey replied.

That was enough to start noise around the table.

"The weapons market," Hanma said immediately. "Simple and profitable."

Shion scoffed. "You just want an excuse to start another war."

Sanzu clicked his tongue and leaned toward Kokonoi and the Haitani brothers. "Drugs would bring faster money. We already know the routes. Right ? Haitani, you've got connections in Roppongi."

Ran smiled lazily. "Connections, yes. Stability, no. Expanding too fast will attract attention."

Rindou added, "But if we don't expand, someone else will."

Kokonoi crossed his arms. "Drug distribution means logistics, protection, police bribes. It's doable. But it has to be structured."

Sanzu rolled his eyes. "You always overcomplicate things."

"And you always underestimate them," Kokonoi replied flatly.

Mochizuki spoke next. "Underground fight clubs. Less risk than drugs."

Benkei nodded. "We already have fighters."

Wakasa smirked. "And idiots willing to bet."

Takeomi added calmly, "Pachinko parlors as a front. Clean money mixed with dirty money."

Shion scoffed. "Are we running a retirement plan now?"

Takeomi didn't blink. "Do you prefer prison?"

The room started getting louder. Hanma and Shion argued about weapons versus territory expansion. Sanzu kept pushing drugs. Rindou looked ready to fight just to break the tension. Mikey rose from the couch and walked to the large window, staring outside like the meeting had already bored him.

Behind him, Sanzu kept talking, voice sharp and annoying on purpose. "The Haitani brothers goes every fucking clubs, Kokonoi counting money, and somehow none of you idiots know how to actually use your connections," Sanzu said. "Amazing."

Ran smirked. "You talk a lot for someone who just kills problems."

"It works," Sanzu replied.

Kokonoi sighed. "Can you both shut up for five minutes?"

Ran leaned back into the couch, stretching his arm across the backrest. "We could just use YN."

The room went quiet for a second. Sanzu clicked his tongue immediately. "Don't tell me this is another one of your "girlfriends", idiot."

Kokonoi frowned. "Huh? y/n ? Who is that  some whore you're sleeping with? We're talking about real business here."

Rindou and Kakucho both  looked at Ran sharply, but  Kakucho's spoke ."No. We're not involving her."

Rindou nodded. "Yeah. Absolutely not."

Ran barely reacted, adjusting himself comfortably on the couch. "Come on," he said calmly. "She's not innocent. She works as a hostess at one of the top notch clubs. You think she got there by being pure?"

Shion muttered, "Still doesn't mean we drag her into this."

Mochizuki nodded. "Yeah."

Ran ignored them. "She's got connections none of us can build quickly. Politicians, club owners, yakuza or other bosozuko leaders, corporate types. The kind of people who open doors," he said, smirking slightly. "With your slow plans, it'll take years to reach them."

Kakucho shook his head immediately. "No. This is our mess. She has nothing to do with it."

"She's better than us," Rindou added.

Ran laughed quietly. "That's exactly why she's useful."

Rindou glared. "You're seriously pissing me off, Aniki"

Kakucho's voice dropped. "Drop it, Ran."

But Ran didn't look bothered at all. "If she helps once, we skip years of groundwork. That's just logic."

"Or we ruin her life," Kakucho replied.

Sanzu watched the exchange with interest, grin slowly returning. "...Now I'm curious," he said.

Mikey finally spoke from the window. "Huh. Who is this Y/N?" He turned his head slightly toward Ran, then looked at Sanzu. "Do you know her, Haruchiyo?"

Sanzu shook his head. "No."

Rindou answered instead, voice calmer now. "She's just... a friend," he said. "But she's not like us. She stayed out of delinquent stuff"

Ran smiled faintly, clearly unconvinced. But Sanzu didn't even let Rindou finish speaking.

"She's not like us," Sanzu mocked, voice high-pitched. "What, you got a crush or something? That's pathetic."

"Shut the hell up," Rindou snapped.

"Make me," Sanzu replied immediately, grin sharp.

The tension rose fast until Takeomi slammed his hand on the table. "Shut up, you shitheads."

The room went quiet. "If you idiots start fighting each other now, we'll fall apart before we even start," Takeomi said, glaring at them. "We don't have to agree. But we need common ground. Everyone here joined for their own reason. Don't forget that."

Rindou looked away first. Sanzu clicked his tongue but stopped talking. Mikey turned from the window and looked at Ran.

"So this y/n... your friend?"

Ran nodded once. "Yeah."

Mikey didn't hesitate. "Then you, Kokonoi, and Haruchiyo go get her. And Rindou and Kakucho stay here with me."

The tension in the room changed immediately. That wasn't what Ran wanted not even close. Bringing YN into this directly wasn't part of his plan. But Mikey wasn't asking.

Ran stood up anyway. "...Fine."

Kokonoi pushed his chair back with a sigh. "This is going to be annoying."

Sanzu looked entertained more than anything. "I wanna see what kind of girl causes this much drama."

Rindou looked ready to argue again, but Kakucho shook his head slightly. There was no point.

After a while, Ran, Kokonoi, and Sanzu were in the car heading toward Kabukicho. "The Gilded Club" sat right where it always did, glowing with gold lights and fake luxury. Expensive cars lined the street outside. Men in suits walked in like they owned the world.

Inside, it was exactly what you'd expect pretty women smiling on command and Old men with fat wallets pretending they weren't lonely. Security pretending not to notice anything illegal.

Sanzu looked around with a crooked grin. "Disgusting place," he said. "I like it."

Kokonoi adjusted his glasses. "High-end clientele. Ran wasn't exaggerating."

Ran walked in without hesitation. "There goes my baby~"

You turned at the sound of his voice and hurried over, wrapping your arms around him like it was the most natural thing in the world. "Rannie, you finally came," you said, holding onto him.

Behind him, Sanzu stopped mid-step. "...Seriously?" he muttered. Kokonoi said nothing, just watching.

You didn't let go of Ran, pulling him toward the lounge area and sitting him down beside you. Your arm stayed looped around his while you reached for a bottle and poured drinks out of habit.

Ran kept his usual smirk, but he was trying to talk.

"You've been busy," you said lightly, sliding a glass toward him. Then your attention shifted to the others. "Omg, Rannie, you didn't tell me you brought a Barbie boy. He's so pretty."

Sanzu rolled his eyes immediately. "This is first time I met you and you are annoying."

You barely reacted, just smiling before placing a drink in front of him anyway. Another went to Kokonoi.

Ran tried again. "We didn't come here to—"

"You disappeared for weeks," you interrupted, leaning slightly into him. "You could at least pretend you missed me."

Sanzu muttered something under his breath, clearly irritated. Ran exhaled slowly and created a little distance between you, voice lowering. "Well... I need you to do me a favor."

You looked at him with a controlled smile. "Yep, Rannie~ How can I help?" you said. Then, without missing a beat, "But buy me another drink first."

Ran looked annoyed, but he still paid. The glasses were already half full, and nobody was interested in drinking anymore, but you insisted anyway.

"Drink," you said, nudging one toward him.

Ran finally frowned. "Stop messing around."

You smiled at him instead. "You know, you can quit that stupid gang of yours and work as hostess You'll do great with pretty face, smooth talker."

Sanzu snorted despite himself. Ran shook his head, half-amused, half-irritated

Kokonoi leaned forward slightly. "We didn't come here to joke."

Ran nodded once and continued. "Well... you see, these two are technically my bosses."

You nodded slowly and finally looked carefully at Sanzu and Kokonoi with surprised. 

Kokonoi spoke. "We heard you spend time with influential clients. Politicians, club owners, yakuza. We want you to work with us informally. We'll pay you well." He sounded confident, like the answer was obvious.

Your smile disappeared immediately and you looked at Ran. "Haitani, I told you before. I have no connection to your world. There is no way I'd work for you bastards."

Sanzu's eyes narrowed as he watched your expression change. A moment ago you were all smiles now you looked completely different.

You held his gaze. "What made you think I would? 

Sanzu leaned forward across the table, voice sharp. "Huh? You bitch, who do you think you are? You should be glad we're even considering you."

You scoffed without a hint of fear. "Scared of you? Please," you said flatly. "I'm warning you — get your ass out of here."

Sanzu pushed himself up, clearly ready to swing. Ran moved first, grabbing Sanzu's arm before it could go any further.

"Relax," Ran said calmly. Sanzu clicked his tongue but didn't sit back down. Ran turned to you instead, voice quieter, more serious than before. "Come on. I know it's not your thing," he said. "But trust me. You won't regret it."

You stared at him for a long moment, then you sighed. "...Fine. Once," you said. "Only because you ask politely."

Sanzu and Kokonoi blinked twice. They both looked at each other like they'd missed something important. "What the hell just happened?" Sanzu muttered.

You stood up like nothing unusual had happened. "I have work, See you around" you said simply and Ran smirked.

A little later, outside the club, the night air felt quieter. Kokonoi opened his wallet to check something  then froze. "...What?"

He counted again. "...WHAT?"

He looked up at Ran. "We spent almost Three hundred thousand yen on that bitch."

Sanzu groaned immediately. "You're kidding. No way check again"

Kokonoi looked genuinely offended. " I did check again and again we spend so much shit on drinks nobody even wanted."

"Fuck that woman is insane," Sanzu said. "I don't like her hope she better be useful or else I'll shot her head"

They both looked at Ran. "How the hell did you convince her?" Sanzu asked. "And what's the actual use of that woman?"

Ran just smiled, hands in his pockets. "Well," he said, "that's a secret. But she agreed. That's what matters."

Sanzu frowned, clearly not satisfied, but didn't push further." Whatever," he muttered.

Ran headed toward the car. "Let's go home. I'm tired."

Sanzu slid into the driver's seat, still annoyed, and started the engine as they drove toward the building. 

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ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 2

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A month later, finally, Mikey starts to gain trust in you. But Sanzu is still skeptical about you, considering you interfere too much in Kanto Manji stuff and distract everyone, especially on nights like this.

Mikey, Ran, and Koko had already gone upstairs earlier as they were exhausted and no one was interested in babysitting the rest of the idiots downstairs.

When Sanzu walked down, he found you sitting on the floor with Rindou, Kakucho, Shion, and Mochizuki. Cards were scattered across the low table, and wads of money were on the center.

Takeomi, Wakasa and Benkei were off to the side with drinks, arguing about Black Dragon days like retired war veterans who refused to shut up about the past.

"I'm telling you," Wakasa was saying, swirling his drink, "you brats wouldn't survive half the shit we dealt with."

Rindou didn't even look up from his cards. "You say that every time, old man."

Benkei scoffed. "Because it's true."

You glanced over your shoulder. "You're just mad your era had worse fashion."

Shion barked out a laugh. "Said by someone who dressed like trash."

Sanzu stood there for a moment, watching as the Takeomi was laughing with everyone out there. He still can't believe how easily everyone forgives Takeomi after that perverted freak. After that, Takeomi apologized to you so many times it was almost pathetic. And somehow you forgave him so easily.

Rindou finally noticed him hovering. "Oi. Pink head. Stop lurking and sit down."

"I'm not lurking."

"Then sit," you added. "Unless you're scared to lose."

Shion grinned. "He's scared."

Sanzu rolled his eyes. "You're all annoying."

But he walked over and dropped down beside Kakucho anyway. Kakucho shifted slightly to make space, though he stayed close to you.

After a couple of rounds, Sanzu glanced at you. "Why aren't you at your place? It's late. This dump doesn't even have proper rooms for girls."

You puffed your cheeks in mock offense. "Because it's fun. Don't you miss your friends?"

Rindou snorted. "Every time we get together like this, nobody checks the clock."

"Yeah," Mochi added. "Just like back then."

Shion leaned back. "When we used to crash at Izana's place and he got mad at us."

That name made Kakucho's hand pause for a second before he placed his card down.

You noticed immediately and tried to keep the tone casual. "We practically lived there for a while. Ate everything in his fridge."

Rindou smirked faintly. "Didn't even ask."

Wakasa shook his head. "Ungrateful little shits."

The mood dipped just enough to be noticeable but not enough to ruin the night. Rindou deliberately slapped his next card down harder than necessary. "Focus. Your turn."

"This is rigged," Shion complained after tossing down another losing hand.

"You just suck," Rindou replied immediately.

Shion checked his empty wallet and cursed. "I'm out, you can lend me some money, I have none."

"Then you're out," Mochi said.

Instead of folding, Shion stood up and started unbuckling his belt. "I'm betting on my pants, I only got this—"

Kakucho didn't even look impressed. "Don't."

"We have a girl here, dumbass," Rindou added, though he was already laughing.

Shion ignored them as he unbuckled his pant "I'll bet my pants."

Before he could get dramatic, you grabbed a stack of cash and threw it straight at him. "Sit the hell down. I'm not letting you wander around half naked like some whore which you are."

The room exploded with laughter

Rindou wiped his eyes. "Koko's going to lose his mind in the morning. We just burned all gang money."

Mochi smacked Rindou's shoulder. "Relax. We barely get time like this. Let him be mad."

Shion grumbled but kept his pants on and dropped back down.

"You're predictable," Sanzu said calmly while pulling the pot toward himself.

Rindou glared. "Shut up."

Takeomi glances at Sanzu who is having fun. It's a rare moment when Sanzu is actually having fun with friends.

Sanzu watches everyone around him happy, cheering, laughing, giggling, and making fun of each other. That's when he feels uncomfortable yet comfortable. He doesn't remember the last time he had been feeling like this....Mucho??!! was the only guy with whom he played shogi, let Muto win. Am I missing him? he thought, but eventually shrugged it off.

He looked at you for a second longer than he meant to then masked his face neutral and stared at his cards instead. He placed his final cards down without drama. "Full house."

Rindou swore loudly. "You're cheating."

"Cry about it." He pulled the money toward himself while the room erupted again.

You, Rindou and Shion all three of you, are sulking like children who just got robbed.

Rindou tosses his cards down. "You're such a cheating bastard."

Shion scowls. "Yeah, that hand was bullshit."

You cross your arms and pout. "There's no way you keep pulling that. You're shady."

Sanzu leans back. "You idiots just don't know how to play. Stop crying."

"God, I hate you," you mutter.

Mochi looks over at Kakucho. "We got anything to eat?"

Kakucho shakes his head once. "No. You all finished it."

Mochi groans. "Unbelievable."

Takeomi lifts his bottle from the table. "Then drink and stop whining."

You grab the glass and drop back onto the floor between Rindou and Shion.

Wakasa and Benkei are still drinking when you glance over at Wakasa, who smirks. "You know you're Fine Shawty, right?"

Wakasa looks at you without moving much. "You bored or just reckless?"

"Neither. Just honest."

Takeomi clicks his tongue. "You didn't flirt with me like that."

You finally look at him. "Your flirting techniques are outdated."

Rindou snickers beside you.

Takeomi frowns. "That's unfair."

The next morning, when Mikey and Koko walked downstairs, they found the living room looked like a crime scene.

Mikey squints. "Did someone die?"

Wakasa sips his coffee calmly. "Only their dignity."

Benkei shrugs. "They played poker the whole night, then drank till three."

Ran steps forward, about to kick Rindou awake and then he notices you.

You're half on top of Mochi, using his chest like a pillow. One arm is wrapped around his waist, your knee thrown over his thigh. Mochi slept flat on his back, but one big hand was resting securely at your lower back as he claimed you in his sleep.

Rindou is right next to you, clearly pushed aside at some point.

Kokonoi immediately notices. "Oh, this is gold."

Ran narrows his eyes. "Why is she on him?"

As if summoned by chaos, Mochi wakes up first. He blinks twice as he realizes you're attached to him.

He grins lazily. "Guess I won."

Rindou jolts awake at that. "Won what—"

He sees you practically glued to Mochi and freezes. "...You moved her."

"I did not," Mochi replies, still not moving his arm from your waist. "She climbed over."

You stir, nose scrunching as the noise gets louder. You press closer to Mochi instead of letting go.

"Shut up," you mumble

Mikey tilts his head from the couch. "She's comfortable."

Sanzu, who's been quiet until now, pushes himself up on one elbow and stares at the situation with a thin smile. "Embarrassing."

You blink your eyes open slowly and look around, clearly still sleepy. Your hair is a mess, cheek slightly squished against Mochi's shirt. "Morning..." you mumble.

You notice you're practically sprawled over Mochi. Instead of panicking, you just blink once and yawn. "You're warm,"

Sanzu snorts. "She has no standards."

You lazily lift your head and look at Sanzu. "You were too bony."

Mochi looks smug as hell. "Heard that."

Rindou crawls closer, dramatic. "This is rigged. I demand a rematch."

"You're all loud and ugly in the morning," you complain.

Later, everyone's cleaned up and sitting properly for the meeting.

Mikey speaks evenly. "Over the past few months, our methods have changed. We're more controlled. Cleaner. I appreciate that."

Sanzu straightens slightly, nodding. "As expected. Sloppiness was getting old."

Kokonoi suddenly tosses a file onto the table. "Also, we finalized the name change. Kanto Manji is done. We're Bonten now."

Sanzu looks at Mikey. "That was decided without discussion?"

"It's decided," Mikey replies simply. "Paperwork's already handled by Koko and Takeomi."

Sanzu clicks his tongue as to how Mikey can make such a decision without his saying so but his thought cut as you take another loud sip.

Mikey's eyes slide toward you. "What the fuck are you doing here?"

You blink. "What do you mean I'm your informal right?"

"This is executives only," Mikey says flatly. "You see anyone else here who doesn't belong?"

You frown slightly. "I work for you."

"Indirectly," he replies. "That's not the same."

Takeomi exhales. "Oi, ease up. She's helped us more than some of the men we've cut off. Having her here isn't a liability."

Sanzu scoffs immediately. "We don't even trust her fully. Or you just defending her because she's pretty?"

You feel extremely disrespected and frustrated, grab your bag and leave their hideout. Still can't believe that after doing everything for these ungrateful bastards, they still treat you as some liability.

Finally, you sat on the train, and that's when Rindou dropped into the seat beside you. He leans back casually. "C'mon. No need to sulk. We both know Mikey wasn't entirely wrong."

You turn slowly. "You don't need to play devil's advocate. He's misogynistic and has a terrible attitude toward his workers. He even makes Ran look better."

Rindou exhales through his nose. "Well...Mikey wasn't always like this. He used to be...friendly, strong and cheerful. Then life kept taking from him—his parents, his brothers friends one by one. Anyone close to him ends up suffering. Maybe pushing you away is his way of preventing that."

Your expression softens slightly. "I understand loss. We all do. That doesn't excuse disrespect."

Rindou glances at you. "Since you're already mad, wanna hit the club tonight? "

You raise a brow. "Fine. But you're paying."

He chuckles. "Obviously."

Later that night, you, Ran, and Rindou hit the club together. The moment you walk in, Rindou grabs your hand before you wander off.

"Just stick with me," he says, dragging you through the crowd.

You laugh while he drags you straight toward the DJ booth. Some guy is standing there and Rindou immediately shoves him aside.

"Beat's trash anyway," Rindou mutters, already messing with the controls.

The music shifts and you start laughing, dancing beside him while he shows off like an asshole. Ran leans nearby with a drink, watching the two of you with an amused smile.

"Look at him," Ran mutters. "Acting like he owns the place."

"He kinda does right now," you laugh

While moving through the crowd again you bump into someone and almost lose your balance.

"Whoa— easy," a voice says.

You look up and realize it's Wakasa. Benkei is standing next to him.

"Oh shit, sorry," you laugh. "Didn't see you."

Wakasa smirks. "You're drunk already."

"Maybe," you shrug, not even denying it.

Rindou notices who you're talking to and narrows his eyes slightly. Ran just watches the interaction with curiosity since neither of them expected the legendary fraud duo to show up here.

After a while the five of you end up sitting together. Benkei keeps getting up to bring drinks and dropping them in front of you.

"Here," he says, placing one in front of you. "Try this."

Rindou clicks his tongue and stands up too. "Stop spoiling her."

A few minutes later he comes back with even more drinks and puts them on the table. Benkei laughs at that. "You competing now?"

"Shut up." Rindou Huff.

Meanwhile, you and Wakasa are already leaning toward each other, talking over the music.

"You always flirt like this?" Wakasa asks.

"Only when the guy's good looking."

Ran hears that and immediately pulls you closer by the waist.

"Careful what you say," he murmurs. "You're encouraging him."

By the time Benkei and Rindou came back with more drinks, the table was empty. You, Ran and Wakasa were nowhere in sight either.

Rindou's mood turned sour immediately. "Where the hell did they go?"

Benkei shrugged, scanning the crowd. "Relax. It's a club, not a battlefield."

Rindou wasn't listening. Every stupid thought started running through his head—what if that bastard dragged you somewhere, what if you were too drunk to even notice.

Meanwhile Ran had already stumbled out of the club exit and slumped against the wall like he'd passed out.

"Great," Rindou muttered. "One idiot drunk, the other missing."

Benkei sighed. "You're overthinking. Wakasa's not that type of guy."

"Yeah? Still gonna check." Rindou hauled Ran up by the arm and dragged him toward the alley beside the club. Ran barely reacted, half asleep and mumbling something useless.

Rindou stopped as he found you... But you were with Wakasa pressed against the wall of the alley. The two of you were clearly drunk laughing between messy kisses while Wakasa had a hand on your waist and you were gripping his shirt, as you might fall otherwise.

For a second Rindou just stared.

"...seriously?" he muttered under his breath.

Ran blinked lazily beside him but didn't fully register what he was seeing.

Rindou's jaw tightened. He didn't interrupt, didn't say a word. He just looked away, suddenly annoyed at himself for even bothering to look.

"Let's go home" Rindou said to Benkie.

Benkei glanced toward the alley, already understanding what had happened. "You sure?"

Rindou lit a cigarette and exhaled slowly. "Yeah. Let them finish whatever the hell that is."

"And the girl?"

Rindou didn't even look back. "She'll crawl back when she's done."

Finally you ended up on Wakasa's bed. His hands slid slowly over your legs as he looked down at you, "Fuck... you're too pretty for your own good."

His grip paused for a second to look at your face. "You sure about this?"

You lifted one leg and rested it over his shoulder. "... I already told you I want this....So stop asking and keep going."

A slow smirk spread across Wakasa's face as he gave you that look, "Well then....Princess better be ready for a wild ride."

He began pressing kisses along your skin as his other hand wandered off to caress your legs.

Your back arched against the mattress when his mouth moved lower, his breath warm against your skin. "Fuck..." he breathed against you. "So damn pretty... my pretty girl."

Wakasa scoots you further up until he's perfectly wedged between your thighs and your back is pressed against the armrest.

You wheeze as Wakasa finally eased off the kisses trailing down your stomach, his fingers pausing just at the edge of your panties. "Fuck, you're so sexy... I want to taste every inch of you~."

Wakasa trail kisses down your neck, biting and sucking at the sensitive flesh. His hand slips between your legs, fingers brushing teasingly over clothed sex. He rubs slow, deliberate circles, feeling the heat building there.

You bit your lips as his fingers brushed your clothed sex and ground subtly against his hand, a breathy moan escaping from your lips, "Mm... don't tease me like this~ I want to feel your fingers inside me."

Wakasa groans as you guide his hand against damp panties, feeling the heat radiating from your core. A wicked grin spreads across his face. "Fuck, you're already so wet for me... such a naughty girl, aren't you?~."

He hooks a finger under the fabric, tugging it aside to expose the glistening folds. "Since you dared me to take what I want... I'm going to enjoy making you scream my name until you're hoarse~."

He plunges a finger deep into your tight, wet heat. Wakasa pumps it slowly, curling it to stroke that sensitive spot inside. His thumb finds your clit, rubbing firm circles around the swollen nub.

Your hands were shaky, yet you desperately tried to fumble his pants

"Fuck, you're such an eager little thing, aren't you?~ So desperate for my cock..." Wakasa chuckles again, catching your wrist and bringing it to his lips, sucking on your fingers.

He released your fingers, reaching into his pocket, pulling out a condom which he tears open with his teeth. "But first..."

"We need to protect that pretty pussy of yours... can't have me knocking you up, now can we?~" He smirks, rolling the latex over his throbbing erection.

Wakasa settles between your spread thighs, the thick head of his cock nudging against the slick entrance. He rubs it up and down.

You closed your eyes as your finger ran over his back, digging nails under his skin. " Fuck Zana...."

Wakasa pauses, hearing someone else's name... he knew you were too drunk but didn't expect this... "Hey... you okay, y/n?~ Did I do something wrong?~"

The next morning, you woke up slowly in this unfamiliar room. For a second, you just stared at the ceiling before sitting up and immediately realizing something was very wrong.

This wasn’t your place. You turned your head and nearly jumped. Wakasa was lying beside you, half-naked, barely covered by the blanket.

Your face went red instantly as you yanked the blanket up to cover yourself.

“…what the fuck,” you muttered under your breath.

Fragments of last night flashed through your mind the club, the alley, kissing him… and then everything getting blurry.

“Oh my god,” you groaned quietly. “Did I seriously sleep with a guy I met like twice?”

Wakasa stirred beside you and opened his eyes, noticing you sitting there in full panic mode. “…morning,” he said lazily.

You stared at him like he’d personally ruined your life. “What happened last night?”

He rubbed his face and sat up slightly. “I was about to ask you the same thing.”

“Waka! Did we actually—”

He sighed, glancing at you before muttering, “Great. I used to tease Akashi about his messes… now look at me.”

“That’s not funny!” you snapped, clutching the blanket tighter.

Wakasa raised his hands calmly. “Relax. Whatever happened, will stays between us.”

You blinked. “What?”

“You really want the Haitani brothers or Sanzu hearing about this?” he said dryly.

Your expression immediately changed. “…okay, yeah. Secret.”

You nodded awkwardly, still hiding under the blanket. Wakasa noticed and smirked slightly. “You’re acting like this was your first time.”

“Shut up,” you snapped, shoving him. “I’m just overwhelmed, okay?.”

Wakasa sighed and pulled you into a quick, steady hug. “Hey, calm down. It’s not the end of the world,” he said quietly. “We’ll deal with it.”

After a moment, he stood up and started getting dressed. Before leaving the room, he glanced back at you, still wrapped in the blanket. “Remember,.. Our little secret,” he said casually,

Then he walked out, leaving you alone in the room, still trying to process what the hell just happened.

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ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 12

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1995, Yokahoma Orphange. 

Six-year-old you had been crying for what felt like hours.

Two daycare workers were already exhausted, trying everything they could think of to calm you down, but nothing worked. 

Every time they wiped your tears, you cried even harder, calling for your mother. "I want Mama...!"

One of the workers sighed. "She's surprisingly fast for such a little girl."

While the two women were distracted talking to each other, you suddenly slipped out of one's grasp and ran down the hallway. 

Your tiny bunny plushie was clutched tightly against your chest as you hid inside an empty room, burying your face into it while sobbing.

A few moments later, someone quietly sat beside you. You didn't even look at him. You just kept crying.

"...Your face is all red."

You froze for a second before glaring at the boy through watery eyes. "I don't like you..."

The boy only grinned wider. "You look funny."

"I said I don't like you!"

He laughed, not bothered in the slightest. After a moment, his smile softened as he tilted his head. "...Do you miss your mom?"

You sniffled and nodded without saying a word.

"Mine too." He smiled as if it were the most normal thing in the world. "She told me she had something important to do. But she'll come back one day."

You slowly looked at him. He didn't seem sad....He believed every word he said. Somehow... that bright smile made you stop crying.

"So don't worry." He bumped your shoulder lightly. "Your mom will come back too."

For the first time since arriving at the daycare, your sobs finally quieted.

The boy stood up and held out his hand with a confident grin."It's hard surviving this place by yourself. Stay with me."

You stared at his hand for a long moment before wiping your tears with your sleeve. "...Only if you promise."

"Hm?"

"You won't leave me."

The boy blinked before laughing. "That's easy." He puffed out his chest proudly. "I promise... I'll never leave you"

You studied his face for another second, then slowly reached out and placed your tiny hand in his. "...Okay."

"My name's Kurokawa Izana."

"...I'm ...Y/N."

From that day onward, the two of you became almost impossible to separate. 

You constantly dragged Izana into whatever game came to your mind, and whenever he refused, you'd burst into tears until he finally gave in. For some reason, Izana absolutely hated seeing you cry.

"I don't wanna play house again," Izana groaned as you shoved the paper crown into his hands.

"You have to," you insisted. "You're the prince."

"I was the prince yesterday. And the day before." Izana clicked his tongue before looking at you suspiciously. "...Why do I always have to be the prince?"

You looked at him as if the answer was obvious. "Because I'm the princess.... princesses marry princes."

Izana blinked once before making the most disgusted face a nine-year-old could manage.  "Eww."

Your cheeks puffed up. "What's 'eww' supposed to mean?!"

"It means you're weird."

You stomped your foot before pushing the crown back against his chest. "I don't wanna marry a king."

"Why not?"

"Because kings are dads." 

Izana stared at you for a few seconds before a mischievous grin spread across his face. "Then become the queen."

You frowned. "...Huh?"

"I'll be the king. You can be the queen."

You immediately shook your head. "No! Queens are moms!"

For a second, Izana just stared at you before bursting into laughter. "You're actually stupid."

You immediately smacked his arm. "I'm not stupid!"

"...Ow! Fine, fine!" Izana quickly put the crown back on before you started crying. "I'll be the dumb prince again."

Over the time Izana dragged a little boy over to you. "Y/N, this is Kakucho."

You stared at the quiet boy for a second before your eyes settled on the large scar across his head. It reminded you of the marks you sometimes saw on your mother's arms, only much worse.

"Does it hurt?" you asked without thinking.

Kakucho looked surprised by the question before touching his cheek. "...Not anymore."

You simply nodded before smiling. "Okay."

Izana rolled his eyes before pushing Kakucho toward you. "See? I told you she isn't scary."

"I never said she was..."

"You thought it."

Kakucho quietly looked away, making Izana laugh.

Eventually, Kakucho opened up, and before long, the three of you were together almost every day. The only problem was whenever you wanted to play house, Izana and Kakucho would immediately come up with another game.

"Let's go play tag," Izana quickly suggested.

Kakucho nodded. "Yeah... tag sounds fun."

You narrowed your eyes at the two boys. "You just don't wanna play with me."

"We do."

"Then play house."

"...No."

Before you could grab either of them, both boys took off running across the yard.

"Get back here!" you shouted while chasing after them. "Cowards!"

One Day, one of the caretakers came to get Izana, saying he had a visitor. Curious, you and Kakucho quietly followed behind, hiding near the entrance while watching from a distance. After all, Izana always talked about his mother coming back one day.

Instead, a weird teenager with a pompadour was waiting outside. Izana immediately smiled and ran over to him while you frowned in confusion.

"...That's not his mom ," you whispered.

Kakucho slowly shook his head. "...Who is that?"

The two of you continued watching from your hiding spot until the older boy suddenly lifted Izana onto the back of his motorcycle.

Your eyes widened. "He's kidnapping Zana!"

Before Kakucho could stop you, you ran out from behind the wall and stood in front of the motorcycle with both arms spread wide.

"You can't take him! I won't let you kidnap my friend"

The older boy blinked. "...Huh?"

Behind you, Kakucho nervously peeked out from the corner before quickly hiding again.

The older boy stared at you for a second before bursting into laughter. "Izana, Your little friend is trying to save you."

Izana covered his face with one hand. "...She's not little."

Shinichiro crouched down until he was closer to your height and smiled. "I'm Sano Shinichiro. I'm Izana's older brother."

You narrowed your eyes suspiciously. "Liar. You don't look alike."

Shinichiro laughed so hard he almost lost his balance. "Ouch... she's got me there."

He reached over, trying to poke your nose, but you immediately slapped his hand away. "Don't touch me."

Shinichiro raised an eyebrow before glancing back at Izana with a teasing grin. "So this is your little girlfriend?"

Izana's face instantly turned red. "She's not my girlfriend!"

"Really? She was ready to fight me for you."

"Because she thought you were kidnapping me!"

You folded your arms and frowned at Shinichiro. "You're making weird stuff up."

Shinichiro only laughed harder while ruffling Izana's hair. "Relax, I'm just teasing."

That after Izana finally explained everything, you and Kakucho discovered he actually had an older brother... and a little sister named Emma. And how his older brother preparing to take him back home. 

However

After that incident, Izana was never the same. The cheerful boy who used to laugh with you slowly disappeared, replaced by someone much colder. 

Before long, he was sent to juvenile detention, leaving you and Kakucho alone at the orphanage.

 When Izana finally returned, he barely glance at two of you. Kakucho and you thought that juvenile might changed him. 

Soon you heard some rumors about Izana is some gang leader you don't understand anything about gang but kakucho and you runaway from orphanage and live his place. 

Even if he acted distant, you and Kakucho continued following him whenever he showed up. It became such a common sight that Izana eventually stopped telling the two of you to go home.

Not long after that, Izana finally decided to introduce you and Kakucho to the people he'd been spending all his time with.

"So these are the kids?" Ran asked with an amused smile as he looked between you and Kakucho. 

Before you could answer, Shion pushed past him and walked straight over. "The name's Shion Madarame. I'm one of Izana's strongest men. If you ever need anything, just ask me."

Mochi looked at him for a few seconds before sighing. "Every damn time..." He reached over and smacked the back of Shion's head. "Quit making yourself sound important."

Shion rubbed the back of his head and shot him an annoyed glare. "The hell was that for?"

"You've said that to every new person you've met."

"So? It's called making an impression."

"It's called being full of yourself."

You couldn't help staring at the two of them before leaning toward Izana. "...Are they always like this?"

Izana didn't even look surprised. "Pretty much."

Before you could say anything else, Ran casually walked over and leaned down until your faces quietly studying you without saying a word.

You frowned and took half a step back. "...Why are you staring at me?"

"Hm..." Ran smiling to himself. "There we go. I can finally see your face."

You blinked in confusion.

"Never mind he got terrible eye sight," Rindou muttered with a tired sigh before looking toward you and Kakucho. "People always think he trying to scare them."

Then Ran asked Izana "Still don't get why Izana keeps dragging kids around."

"They're from the orphanage," Izana answered before either you could respond. "We grew up together."

Rindou scratched the back of his neck and looked away. "...Didn't know that."

"It's fine," you replied, though you still folded your arms. "You're still kind of mean."

Ran laughed under his breath while Rindou clicked his tongue, clearly annoyed at himself for making a bad first impression.

Mucho quietly walked over to Kakucho. "Izana says you've started learning how to fight."

Kakucho looked a little surprised that he already knew his name, but nodded anyway. "I'm... still not very good."

"You'll get there," Mucho replied calmly. "Just don't rush it."

Even though you found them strange at first, it didn't take long before you got along with everyone. 

But as the months passed, you noticed Izana slowly changing.

He still smiled... but it wasn't the same smile you had fallen for. He spent more and more time with his gang, often coming home exhausted, carrying burdens he refused to share with anyone.

You hated it.

Not because he had changed...

But because you no longer knew how to make him smile the way he used to.

One rainy evening, the apartment door slowly opened and Izana stepped inside completely soaked.

You immediately stood up from the couch and grabbed a towel. "You're completely drenched." You walked over and reached up to dry his hair.

 but before the towel could touch him, Izana grabbed your wrist and pushed your hand away.

"Just leave me alone," he muttered, avoiding your eyes as he sat down against the wall. "I'm not in the mood today."

You frowned  before quietly sitting down beside him anyway. "You're never this quiet." You nudged his shoulder with yours, trying to make him look at you. "Did something happen?"

Izana let out a hollow laugh and buried his face in his hands. "Something always happens.?! They lied to me... all of them. My mother... my brother... everyone kept lying until there was nothing left."

You stared at him in disbelief. It was the first time you'd ever seen him like this, and before you realized it, your own eyes had already begun to sting. Seeing him break apart in front of you hurt far more than you wanted to admit.

"Don't cry," Izana said the moment he noticed your tears. He looked away with a frustrated sigh before rubbing his face. "I don't want you looking at me like this."

"I'm crying because you're crying," Without asking, you wrapped both arms around him and rested your head against his shoulder. "You keep saying you don't have anyone... but that's not true... We are still together"

"Don't say things you don't understand." He looked at you with tired eyes. "Life isn't like those stupid games we used to play as kids. You can't just pretend people are family because you want them to be."

You tightened your arms around him instead of letting go. "Then we'll become one. You, me, and Kakucho. He's basically our little brother already, so we'll make our own family."

Izana simply stared at you as he was trying to decide whether to believe your words, then suddenly pulled you into a tight embrace and buried his face against your shoulder.

"...Promise me," he whispered after a long silence. "Promise you'll stay... and give me the family I never had."

You smiled softly before hugging him back just as tightly. "I already promised you that years ago." You gently rested your forehead against his. "This time... I'm old enough to keep it."

Over time, life slowly began to settle down.

Kakucho eventually rented a small apartment only a few streets away. He still came over almost every day.

While you looked around the tiny living room before letting out a dramatic sigh. "I can't believe the great Izana Kurokawa lives in a place this small."

Izana  raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with it?"

"Everything." You pointed around the apartment with both hands. "The sofa's too old, the kitchen's tiny, and don't even get me started on the bathroom. This place doesn't even look cute."

A quiet laugh escaped him. "So that's your biggest concern?"

"Of course it is." You crossed your arms and pouted. "I want a house that looks like the ones in those fashion magazines. Big windows, pretty furniture, flowers outside..." Your eyes lit up as you kept talking. 

Izana watched you ramble without interrupting. The corner of his lips slowly lifted before he reached over and pulled you into his lap. "You always dream too big."

You rested your head against his shoulder and smiled. "Someone has to."

He wrapped both arms around your waist and rested his chin on your head "...I'll become king."

You looked up at him in confusion before laughing. "You're still calling yourself that?"

"I told you when we were kids." A faint smile appeared on his face. "I'll become king.....And you'll be my queen."

Years ago, you would have puffed out your cheeks and argued that queens were mothers.

This time... 

You only smiled. "...Okay... I'll be your queen" You leaning against him again. "But don't dare to leave me alone never"

"You won't have to worry about anything," Izana said quietly as he tightened his arms around you. "I'll make sure nobody hurts you ever again."

You smiled without a second thought. "I know."

Present ~

"I didn't expect you to be here," you said as you looked up from Izana's gravestone, carefully arranging the bags of snacks and drinks around it.

Kakucho scratched the back of his neck before giving a small shrug. "Neither did I."

Ran walked over while dragging a grumbling Rindou with him. Mochizuki and Shion followed close behind.

You blinked in surprise. "...All of you?"

Ran shrugged his shoulders. "Thought we'd finally come visit the king."

It had been almost two years since Izana died. You visited him often, but this was the first time everyone had come together.

Mochizuki's attention shifted to the pile of snacks surrounding the gravestone. "Damn... you really brought all of that for him?"

The moment he reached for a taiyaki, you smacked his hand away. "Oi. Those snacks are for Izana, not for you."

Mochizuki rubbed the back of his hand with a frown. "He's not gonna eat them."

"Maybe not, but you're definitely not eating them either."

Shion burst into laughter while Mochizuki clicked his tongue. "You're so stingy."

Ran ignored the two of them and quietly placed a bottle of wine in front of the gravestone.

"You never got to celebrate your twentieth birthday... so here. You'll probably like this."

The moment Rindou saw the label on the bottle, his eyes narrowed. "...Brother."

"What?"

"That's my wine."

Ran looked down at the bottle before nodding. "Yeah."

"You stole it from my collection."

"Borrowed it."

Rindou folded his arms. "You didn't even ask."

Ran grinned. "Because you'd have said no."

Rindou sighed in defeat. "...You're unbelievable."

Your eyes never left Izana's name carved into the stone. "...I still hate you for breaking your promise....You promised you'd never leave me... you promised you'd never hurt me... and you promised you'd always protect me."

Your fingers slowly tightened against the cold stone. "...And here I am."

Kakucho quietly lowered his head. He understood why Izana had made that choice, but understanding it never made accepting it any easier.

Mochizuki smiled faintly as he looked at the snacks. "Remember when we'd raid convenience stores after meetings?"

Ran chuckled. "He'd always grab every snack he wanted..."

"...Then disappear before paying," Mochizuki finished with a sigh.

A quiet laugh escaped you. "...Yeah. That sounds exactly like him."

Shion suddenly crossed his arms. "You know... I think I'm cursed....Every gang I join loses its leader."

A brief silence followed before Rindou laughed. "Don't ever say that in front of Sanzu now that we're in Kanto Manji."

Shion immediately looked horrified. "Hell no! That creepy bastard would actually kill me if something happened to Mikey!"

Even Kakucho smiled. "...Yeah... he probably would."

Kakucho looked back at Izana's gravestone, his smile disappearing. "...Sometimes I still think it should've been me."

You immediately turned toward him. "Don't say that....Stop pitying yourself and live the life Izana sacrificed for. If you keep wishing you died instead of him, then you're throwing away the life he protected."

Kakucho looked down at the ground without replying.

You slowly turned back toward the gravestone. "...Izana always acted like he didn't care." A shaky smile crossed your face as tears blurred your vision."...But he cared about everyone more than himself."

The memory came back before you could stop it.

Back when Izana had become Tenjiku's leader, he'd locked you inside the apartment. You cried and banged on the door, begging him to let you go with him, refusing to leave him alone.

You still remembered him stopping outside the door.

His voice had been so quiet you almost hadn't heard it. "If anything happens to you... I'll never forgive myself."

Your shoulders trembled. "...Idiot."

Nobody said anything for a while.

Ran quietly uncorked the wine bottle before pouring a little onto the ground. He raised the bottle toward the gravestone with a faint smile. "You would've been twenty-one this year. Happy birthday, king."

A comfortable silence settled over the group. It lasted for exactly five seconds.

"...Oi."

You turned around just in time to see Shion stuffing a taiyaki into his mouth while holding a bag of chips under his arm.

You stared at him. "...Shion."

He froze. "...What?"

"Those were for Izana!"

Shion swallowed the bite in his mouth. "He would've shared."

"Give them back!"

"I already took a bite!"

"Then give me the rest!"

Mochizuki burst into laughter while Shion hurried away with the snacks. "See? I told you she'd chase you!" 

"Shut up! Help me!" Shion shouted as you ran after him.

Ran watched the chaos with an amused smile before reaching for the wine bottle again.

Rindou immediately slapped his hand away. "Oi. Stop drinking my wine."

"It's Izana's birthday."

"It's still my wine."

"You're so stingy."

"Says the thief."

Mochizuki laughed even harder as the Haitani brothers started arguing beside the gravestone.

Looking at everyone bickering, stealing snacks, and causing trouble around him,

Ran smiled softly toward Izana's grave. 

"...You would've loved this."

♡❀˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹❀♡

To be continued..

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Taglist: @sprinklecupcakee

Anyway, Taglist is open if you're interested; DM or comment.

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ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 4

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Next day Hanma wakes up in a bed that feels almost unreal. He can't believe himself when he last slept somewhere this comfortable.

"Is this kind of place they call heaven" he mutters as he eventually drags himself up and heads to the bathroom.

He twists the tap—

nothing he stare at it for second then click his tongue "You've gotta be kidding me."

He heads into the kitchen, expecting at least something edible.

He opens a cabinet found empty then fridge where he found couple of drinks no food. On the counter sits a small plastic bag. He picks it up.. "...chalk?.....What the hell do you even eat" he drops it back.

That's when he notices you.

You're sprawled on the couch dead asleep like you haven't moved in hours. Hanma walks over, nudging your leg with his foot. "Oi. Wake up."

He leans down, grabbing your cheek and stretching it without warning. Your hand snaps up instantly, smacking his wrist away hard enough to make him wince.

"—Ow. Fuck."

He stares at you for a second, then yanks the blanket off you out of pure irritation and tosses it aside. "...unbelievable."

You gave him sharp scratch with you nails.

A while later, you finally stir, sitting up with a slow eyes barely open. WHile hanma already sitted nearby "Your tap's not working," he says flatly.

You blink once, processing. "...oops. I forgot."

He turns his head slowly toward you. "...you forgot?"

He exhales through his nose, then gestures vaguely toward the kitchen. "And food? Don't tell me you forgot that too."

You give him the same blank look. "...oops."

Hanma throws his head back. "Seriously? You're a hostess and you live like this? This isn't even broke, this is just sad."

You roll your eyes. "Shut up." You already done with the conversation, and grab a set of clothes along with your hygiene products. You don't bother explaining yourself.

Hanma watches you, brow raising. "Oi. Where are you going?"

You just jerk your head slightly toward the door a silent follow me.

He scoffs but gets up anyway. "This better not be some weird errand. I came here for food, y'know."

Hanma lingers for half a second, glancing back at the empty kitchen, then clicks his tongue and follows you out. "...tch. This place is hopeless....You're bossy for someone who can't even afford running water."

You stop right in front of the neighboring door and knock.

Hanma saw Haitani brothers name plate and shocked . "...you live next to them? Haitani Brother?!!!!! That's funny."

You look at him clearly annoyed.. "Shut up ... you should be grateful I'm letting your ungrateful ass at my home "

Finally the door opens, Rindou stands there clearly just woken up already annoyed, but the moment he sees Hanma behind you. "...the fuck?"

You walk right past him as if it's your own place. "I'm using your bathroom,"

Rindou turns his head slowly toward Hanma, disbelief "Why the fuck is he here?"

Hanma shrugs, stepping inside like he's been invited. "Miss me?"

"I asked you a question," Rindou replies

Hanma drops onto the couch, stretching out comfortably. "What, she can't bring a guest?"

"Not you.. You are not guest at least not for someone like her," Rindou snaps, stepping closer.

Hanma grins, clearly enjoying it. "Relax. I'm not here to steal anything. There's nothing worth taking anyway."

"Watch your mouth," Rindou mutters.

Before things can escalate further, the bathroom door opens. You step out, hair still slightly damp, adjusting your sleeve like nothing happened.

You glance at Hanma. "Go use their bathroom. Mine's not working. I haven't paid the bill yet—it'll take time."

Hanma lets out a short laugh. "Of course you didn't." he gets up and heads to the bathroom.

A moment later. Ran steps out and already in a bad mood. His gaze moves slowly—from you, to Rindou, and then toward the bathroom door. "...who is that bastard in my house?"

You let out a quiet breath, not in the mood to deal with him either. "It's Hanma your gang member but Hey it's temporary. Don't start."

Ran just watches you unreadable, as if he's trying to figure something out.

Rindou clicks his tongue "I'm taking that bastard with me to go get food," he mutters, grabbing his jacket.

Hanma comes out of the bathroom just then, drying his hands. You toss some money toward them without hesitation.

"Bring something edible.. or anything you want rest can kept in change don't bother me " you say.

Hanma catches the cash mid-air. "Damn. Feels like I just got my first salary."

"Shut up and move," Rindou snaps, dragging him toward the door.

The two leave, their voices fading as they continue bickering outside.

Now it's just you and Ran. He leans back against the couch his eyes fixed on you. He asks . "What happened to you?"

You frown slightly, looking at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"

He tilts his head, his tone still calm. "You've been acting like a whore lately."

you're caught off guard and shoot back "...since when do you care about my personal life?"

Ran rolls his eyes. "Don't flatter yourself. I don't."

He doesn't push further right away. Instead, he watches you in silence, his gaze lazy but sharp at the same time. "So now you're running around with the guy who helped kill your dead boyfriend."

You look at him properly now. "...my boyfriend?"

Ran exhales. "Shuji Hanma. Kisaki's dog. The one who brought the gun during Tenjiku and Toman."

You reach for a cigarette and light it, taking a slow drag as if you're processing it—or maybe you just don't care enough to react properly.

"...oh," you murmur. "I see."

Ran's eyes narrow slightly. "That's all you've got to say?"

You exhale the smoke to the side. "What do you want from me? A breakdown?"

"Aren't you mad?" he asks.

You shake your head. "It wasn't like me and Izana were anything serious," your grip tightening slightly around the cigarette. "But I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel something."

Ran stays silent, letting you continue.

"I tried to stop him," you add quietly. "Till the end, I did...He still lied to me."

You take another drag before continuing. "He died in some stupid gang war and left me alone. I'm not forgiving that. Not him. Not anyone involved."

Ran watches you for a moment longer, something unreadable. Then he leans forward, takes the cigarette from your fingers without asking, and crushes it into the ashtray.

"Stop damaging yourself," he says flatly.

You clearly annoyed. "You're one to talk."

he stands up, already turning away like the conversation no longer matters. "...do whatever you want."

With that, he walks back to his room and shuts the door behind him, leaving you alone in the quiet apartment.

You lies in coach more comfortably start dragging a cig after other. "Yeah, yeah... 'stop damaging yourself,' "

A second later, you wander Haitani apartment like you belong there, push open Rindou's door, and turn on his music system without asking.

You lean back against the wall, taking a slow drag. "...better."

You already know he's going to be pissed but you don't care it's already fucked up anyways.

Not long after, the front door opens with a bit too much force.

"—the hell is that noise?"

Rindou walks in, carrying bags, irritation obvious on his face. He stops when he sees you casually standing there like nothing's wrong.

You don't even move just glance at him. "Took you long enough."

His eye twitches slightly. "That's my room."

"And?" you reply.

He drop the bags on the table. "Where's Hanma?"

You raise a brow, taking another drag. "You tell me."

Rindou lets out a dry. "That bastard ditched me halfway. Said he got 'bored' and disappeared."

You snort softly. "Sounds like him."

Rindou runs a hand through his hair, already annoyed enough for the day. "Next time, don't drag random trash into the house."

You shrug. "Someone's garbage is someone's gold."

"Yeah? Should've lost him on the way."

Later you grab the food bags, and start unpacking like you own the kitchen.

Rindou watches for a second. "...you're cooking?"

You glance at him sideways. "Don't look so shocked."

"I'm not," leaning against the counter. "I just never seen you cook."

You roll your eyes. "Cmon I won't burn your kitchen"

Eventually, you both settle down with the food.

Ran comes out again, drawn by the noise—and maybe the smell. He looks between you and Rindou, then at the table. "...you cooked?"

You shrug slightly. "Don't sound so surprised."

He doesn't reply, just sits down, picking up chopsticks like it's the most normal thing in the world.

"Oi," Rindou cuts in suddenly, glaring at Ran. "Why the hell are you eating like that?"

Ran finally looks up. "Like what?"

"Like you've never held chopsticks before."

"...I haven't... It's fashion only charismatic people will understand," Ran replies flatly, taking another bite anyway.

Rindou stares at him. "You're kidding."

"Do I look like I'm joking?"

"You're actually useless."

Ran scoffs. "Says the guy who almost burned instant noodles last week."

"That was one time."

They continue fighting like idiots while you were lost in your thoughts, not really paying attention to the conversation anymore. Something was bothering you. Then there was a knock.

You sighed walked to the door and open it "He came back already..."

It wasn't Hanma.

Before you could react, your hair was yanked hard, pulling you out into the hallway.

"—You shameless girl!" she shouted. "Ignoring me now? Acting like you don't owe me anything?!"

"Let go!" you snapped, grabbing her wrist, your nails digging in. "What the hell is wrong with you?!"

She didn't stop. "You think you can live comfortably while I'm struggling? After everything I've done for you?!"

You laughed bitterly. "Done? You mean using me for money? That's all you've ever done!"

Her hand came down across your face.

You pushed her back immediately, scratching down her arm. "Touch me again and I'll—"

She slapped you again, harder. "Watch your mouth! you whore "

"Fuck off!" you snapped, shoving her.

Meanwhile Hanma stood on the staircase, watching, clearly caught between laughing and stepping in. "...damn... This is crazyy"

Before it got worse, Ran caught old lady wrist mid-air.

"Oba Chan..." he said softly but his tone didn't match the tension, and that's exactly why she froze.

"We settled this already," he continued calmly. "You really want to start again?"

Her grip loosened. "...I was just—"

"I think we need a good talk," Ran cut in. He look old lady near staircase as they were discussing something

While Rindou pulled you inside. "Sit."

"I'm fine."

"Yeah, you look great," he said already grabbing the first aid kit.

Hanma walked in after, glancing between you and the door. "So... who the hell was that?"

Rindou shot him a glare.

You leaned back like it didn't matter. "Some woman who claims she's my guardian. Doesn't matter. She's just a bitch who uses me for money."

Hanma opened the fridge, grabbed ice, then handed it to you. "Here."

You pressed it to your cheek. "Thanks... I'm glad she didn't ruined my pretty face I would be done"

Ran came back in, brushing dust off his shirt. " That woman's annoying."

You huffed. "I swear, I wish we could just kill her. She's getting worse. I paid her debt last month."

Ran dropped beside you. "...we could... She is homeless right with no one would care."

Rindou immediately cut in. "No. I'm not going back to jail....If you want to do it, do it yourself."

You just leaned your head on Ran's shoulder. "...I'm tired."

Ran glanced down at you. ".... Someone is sleepy." He pulled you up, walked you to your room, and pushed you onto the bed before throwing a blanket over you.

Back outside, Rindou looked at Hanma. "Don't talk about this. To anyone. not even a single soul"

Hanma grinned. "Relax. I won't."

Later that evening, they were getting ready to leave for the gang hideout. Rindou grabbed his jacket, Ran fixing his sleeves like always, both clearly not planning to take you along.

You rolled your eyes and stood up. "Wow. You idiots are just leaving me here?"

Rindou didn't even look at you. "Yeah."

Ran glanced at you once. "You're not coming."

Hanma looked at you. "Huh... you're shameless. Even after Mikey's warning, you still wanna show up there?"

You smacked his arm lightly. "Shut up."

Before they could stop you, you sat on the back of his bike like it was your place.

Hanma raised a brow. "You serious?"

Rindou clicked his tongue. "Oi. Get off."

You ignored him and spoke instead, tone casual. "I've got something interesting."

Rindou frowned. "What?"

Hanma grinned, clearly entertained. "Now I'm curious."

Ran exhaled, already annoyed but not stopping it. "...fine."

Rindou shook his head. "If this is bullshit, I'm leaving you there."

Finally you guys reached KTM hideout. But your noticed however acting so strange like straight up ignoring you maybe because of last time you were here and get scold by Mikey and Sanzu didn't bother much but again.

Before you could think further, Shion let out a low chuckle. "Didn't expect you to show up."

"What do you mean" you asks

"Nothing " he mutters as he lead you Inside, everyone was already seated.

Mikey barely glanced at you when you entered. Just one look, then nothing you already regrating maybe these ungrateful dumb fuckers deserve to die but you don't want your friends to die just because of this stupid ass Mikey.

Sanzu walked in from the kitchen carrying a tray full of dorayaki, casual as ever—until he noticed you. His lips curled into a smirk immediately.

"Ah," he said loudly, dragging the moment out, "the community cumdump is back, boys."

You felt the disgust instantly, but your expression didn't change. He stepped further in, still staring at you. "What? The whore finally found her place again?"

Kakucho frowned slightly. "Oi Sanzu—"

"Relax," Sanzu cut him off without even looking. "I'm just talking."

You stayed quiet, which only made him push more. He mockingly. "What happened? Wakasa's not here today. Got no one to cling to?"

You finally spoke "I don't care about Wakasa."

Sanzu let out a short laugh. "Yeah? That's not what it looked like....So what now? You switching again? Or just going through everyone one by one?"

Kakucho tried again, more firm this time. "Sanzu, drop it."

But Sanzu ignored him completely, eyes still locked on you. "C'mon, say something. Or did you forget how?"

Before you could can smack Sanzu ugly face Rindou spoke up, "Enough, Sanzu."

Sanzu glanced at him, still smirking.

Rindou leaned back slightly. "You don't get to judge her. Even if she has a boyfriend—or ten—it's her choice."

You blink, clearly thrown off. "Boyfriend?"

For a second you just look at them. "You guys are misunderstanding. It was one drunken mistake. That's it. Nothing more."

Rindou nods a bit too quickly. "Yeah, yeah—exactly what she said."

You narrow your eyes at him. He immediately looks away, scratching the back of his neck like he doesn't want to get into it—because he was the one who ran his mouth in the first place.

Kakucho gives a small nod, calm as usual. "If that's what it was, then leave it."

Mochizuki shrugs. "Yeah... sure."

Shion, on the other hand, He leans back, grinning. "Still ended up with Wakasa though. That fossil really got to you, huh?"

You roll your eyes. "Shut up."

He laughs. "Nah, I'm serious—why him? What's so special about that old guy?"

Sanzu snorts quietly. "Yeah... 'one mistake,' right."

You don't even look at him. "Believe whatever you want."

Then you shrug, clearly done with it. "I'm an adult. Why does my sex life even matter to you people?"

They keep going anyway throwing comments back and forth like idiots.

You turn around because something else is bothering you more. Mikey who barely even looks at you this irritates you more than the rest combined.

You walk over and sit beside him finally he glances at you for a second. "Listen...I've got something important to say. And this is actually important."

Rindou stops talking. Ran looks over. Even Sanzu's attention shifts.

Mikey gives a small nod. "Speak."

You lean back slightly. "Yesterday, one of my clients... he introduced himself as Tetsuya. Said he's part of something called 'Wing Knight.'"

Rindou frowns. "Wing Knight?"

You nod. "Yeah. He kept talking like he's some kind of savior—cleaning up gangs, controlling the streets."

Shion scoffs. "Sounds like a wannabe."

You continue. "I also thought it would be some weirdo obsessed with tokusatsu, but Nakamura told me this Tetsuya guy is some heir of a politician or yakuza and is bit of a spoiled brat. Let's say you guy barely stands anywhere near him."

Mochizuki straightens slightly. "You sure about that?"

"I wouldn't bring it up if I wasn't," you reply.

Sanzu clicks his tongue. "Great. So we've got layered problems now."

Ran crosses his arms. "Political backing, yakuza ties, and now group behind it... yeah, that's not small."

Rindou huffs. "Still sounds like a bunch of idiots playing hero."

Kakucho shakes his head slightly. "No. If what she's saying is true, we can't treat this lightly."

Later, you step outside after all your work is done. Just then you hear his voice

“Hey.”

You turn to see Mochizuki walking up to you, “Don’t start sulking now… and yeah, thanks. For telling us all that.”

You shake your head lightly. “It’s nothing. We’re friends. If something happens to you guys in some stupid gang fight… I don’t even know what I’d do.”

Mochizuki smiles wider at that and lightly slaps your shoulder. “Yeah… you’re still the same as always... I'm glad we're still friends"

You glance at him. “And?”

He pauses the ask casual, “Hey… you free Sunday? There’s this cat café I was thinking of going to.”

Your expression instantly brightens. “Seriously? Of course. You even have to ask?”

He chuckles. “Knew you’d say that.”

You nod, already a little excited. “Obviously. I love cats.”

Mochizuki watches you for a second. He still refuse to believe everything people were saying earlier there is no way you're the type of girl who would do something like that with Wakasa just for fun.

Somewhere you are still the same girl he saw for the first time who always smiles and cherishes every small moment like this.

♡❀˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹❀♡

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ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 10

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You stepped into the meeting room and took an empty seat, glancing around the familiar faces before realizing one person was missing.

"Where's Mikey?" you asked, expecting him to be the first one there for once.

Before anyone else could answer, Sanzu dragged a chair across the floor and dropped it directly in front of you. "He's busy. Now quit looking for him and answer my questions."

You frowned at his attitude but forced yourself to stay relaxed. "Since when did you become an interrogator?" you teased with a crooked smile. "Did Mikey promote you?"

Sanzu didn't even react. "I don't get paid enough to deal with your mouth." He slid a file across the table without taking his eyes off you. "White Knight. Tell me everything you know."

You glanced through the papers before sliding them back. "I already told you what I knew."

"You told me what you wanted me to know."

You sighed quietly and began explaining everything you knew about White Knight, carefully leaving out the parts where you were involved. Just as you thought the questioning was over, 

Sanzu narrowed his eyes. "What's your relationship with them?"

Your fingers tightened around the edge of the chair as you looked toward Ran and Rindou for help. The brothers deliberately avoided your gaze.

"...Seriously?" you muttered before glaring at them. "You two are unbelievable."

Ran scratched his cheek. "You lied first."

Rindou shrugged without looking at you. "Don't drag us into this."

Sanzu clicked his tongue. "Don't look at them. I'm asking you." His tone wasn't loud, but it left little room for excuses. "So start talking."

You stared at the table for several long seconds before letting out a defeated breath. "Alright so...They kidnapped me."

Nobody interrupted.

"They knew things they shouldn't have known. My work... where I lived... everything. They told me if I didn't cooperate..." Your voice caught for a moment before you forced yourself to continue. "...I'd regret it."

Sanzu's expression didn't soften. "So you started working for them."

"I passed information." You nodded slowly. "Watched people. Ran errands. Nothing important at first... until I realized I couldn't leave."

"I wasn't proud of it," you admitted quietly. "I kept thinking one more job would be the last."

By the time you finished, Sanzu had stopped interrupting.

Kokonoi rubbed the bridge of his nose." I knew this idiot was going to pressure you until you cracked," he muttered before looking at you. "What I don't understand is why you kept this from us."

You laughed weakly and looked down at your hands. "What was I supposed to say? 'Hey guys, I accidentally got involved with another gang?'" Your smile faded. "I thought... I could deal with it on my own without dragging everyone into my mess."

Kokonoi watched you quietly for a moment before shaking his head. "That's a terrible habit."

"You don't have to carry every problem by yourself."

He spread several documents across the table and tapped one with his finger. "We've already prepared an operation against White Knight. They've become a problem for Kanto Manji, so we're ending this before they become an even bigger one."

Your eyes immediately lit up. "Then let me come with you. I know their people better than anyone here."

"No." Koko rejected the idea without hesitation. "You're too involved. Right now, you'd be thinking with your emotions instead of your head, and that's exactly what White Knight would expect."

You leaned forward with a frustrated sigh. "So I'm just supposed to sit here while you all run off?"

"Exactly." Kokonoi met your eyes. "If something goes wrong, I'd rather lose the operation than lose you."

His statement caught you off guard. Before you could respond, the door slid open, drawing everyone’s attention to the entrance. Mikey walked in with Wakasa, Benkei, and Takeomi, but stopped the moment he saw you sitting at the table.

His gaze slowly moved toward Sanzu. "Why is she here?"

Sanzu folded his arms. "We're discussing White Knight."

"And?"

Takeomi stepped forward before Sanzu had the chance to answer with his usual attitude. He calmly explained the situation from the beginning, including White Knight and the operation they had planned, while Mikey listened without interrupting.

After several seconds of silence, Mikey simply nodded. "Fine."

Then, as if the whole gathering no longer interested him, he walked over, grabbed your wrist, and gently pulled you to your feet. "Come with me."

"W-Wait..." you protested. "Aren't they still discussing the plan?"

"They'll survive without you." Mikey didn't even glance back as he led you out of the room.

A few minutes later, he had already settled on the sofa with his head resting against your shoulder, paying far more attention to you than the old action movie playing on the television.

You smiled helplessly before poking his cheek. "You're supposed to be watching the movie."

"I am."

"You've been staring at the same scene for five minutes."

"I like this scene."

"You said that three scenes ago."

A tiny smile tugged at Mikey's lips. "...Shut up."

You laughed under your breath and gently fixed a strand of his hair. "You're impossible."

Standing outside the room, Sanzu clicked his tongue and looked away before anyone could catch the irritation on his face. 

Unfortunately for him, Kokonoi noticed immediately and smirked. "You've been staring at that door for five minutes. Who knew you were such a softie."

Sanzu scoffed and shoved his hands into his pockets. "Shut the hell up before I kick your teeth in."

Kokonoi laughed, completely unfazed. "Sure, sure. Keep telling yourself you're only annoyed because of Mikey."

Sanzu rolled his eyes and kept walking. "You're getting on my nerves, Koko."

"And yet you still haven't denied it."

Sanzu rolled his eyes and looked away, clearly annoyed that Kokonoi wouldn't drop the topic. His jaw tightened slightly before he shoved both hands into his pockets.

"Don't start acting like someone who knows everything about relationships," Sanzu muttered. "It's not like she's gonna be mine. Or yours. Or anybody else's."

Kokonoi raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Sanzu clicked his tongue. "If Mikey likes her, then let him keep her around. She's his favorite toy right now, isn't she? What the hell does it have to do with me?"

The words sounded careless, but even he didn't seem convinced by them.

Kokonoi studied him for a moment before letting out a quiet sigh. "You're talking about her like she's an object."

"And you're missing the point." Sanzu finally looked at him.

"The point is that Mikey's attached. If he finds out the full story, it'll piss him off and make everything worse. We already have White Knight to deal with. We don't need Mikey losing his mind too."

Kokonoi remained silent for a few seconds. "I still think we should help her."

Sanzu scoffed. "Nobody said we weren't."

"No. I mean actually help her." Kokonoi slowed his pace slightly.

"We're all pissed at her, but nobody actually wants her getting hurt. Even the Haitani brothers are covering for her. Mochi and Shion practically defended her. Hell, even I understand why she made some of those decisions."

Sanzu remained silent.

Kokonoi looked at him carefully before continuing. "I think we should talk to her properly after this. Not as an associate. As friends."

For the first time, Sanzu couldn't immediately deny it. He clicked his tongue in annoyance and turned toward the exit. "Whatever."

Kokonoi laughed. "That's your way of agreeing, isn't it?"

Sanzu grabbed the back of Koko's jacket and shoved him toward the stairs. "Keep talking and I'll throw you down them."

Koko pokes his tongue out at Sanzu.

Meanwhile, you and Mikey remained curled up together on the sofa. He rested comfortably against you, burying his face into your chest as if the warmth alone was enough to quiet his restless mind.

 Your fingers absentmindedly combed through his soft blond hair while the television continued playing in the background, neither of you paying much attention to it.

"Mikey-kun..." you called softly.

"Hm?" He looked up at you lazily before a faint smile tugged at his lips. "What is it, Princess?"

You couldn't help but smile back. Gently poking his cheek, you tilted your head. "What do you actually think of me?"

Mikey blinked, clearly caught off guard by the question. Instead of answering immediately, he wrapped his arms around your waist a little tighter and rested his chin against you.

"What do I think of you..." he murmured, repeating the question to himself as though he had never really put it into words before.

His eyes wandered over your face, lingering there quietly. One hand slowly came up to brush a loose strand of hair away before his fingertips lightly cupped your cheek. For a brief second, he leaned in close enough that it almost seemed like he was going to kiss you.

You let out a soft giggle, your nose almost brushing against his. "See? You're thinking too hard."

Mikey's lips twitched into the smallest smile. "You're warm, and.....You're annoying sometimes... but when you're around, everything feels quieter."

He paused, searching for the right words before giving up with a small shrug.

"I don't know how to explain it." His forehead rested against yours again. "I just don't want you to leave."

Your teasing smile softened as you gently flicked his forehead. "You're such a clingy king."

"Yeah," Mikey replied without the slightest embarrassment. "So don't go anywhere."

You finally leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss against his cheek. Mikey blinked once before his hand slipped behind your waist, pulling you closer as he returned the affection with far less restraint.

You couldn't help laughing as you lightly pushed against his shoulder. "Gosh... you're such a greedy man."

Mikey looked at you for a moment before the corner of his lips lifted ever so slightly.

"Greedy?" he repeated quietly. "I'd rather call it... devoted."

You chuckled, shaking your head. "Those aren't the same thing, Mikey-kun."

Before he could answer, the office door slid open. "Oi, Koko left some documents—"

Ran stopped mid-sentence.

His eyes moved from you... to Mikey... then back to you again. For once, even he looked genuinely caught off guard.

Mikey slowly turned his head and stared at Ran without a word, his expression completely blank as if nothing unusual had happened.

Ran raised both hands in surrender. "...Didn't see a thing."

Before he could retreat on his own, Rindou appeared behind him, grabbed the back of his jacket and dragged him into the hallway.

"The hell were you staring at?" Rindou asked, laughing.

Ran clicked his tongue. "I was looking for Koko's notes."

"Bullshit." Rindou grinned wider. "You were being nosy."

Ran sighed dramatically. "I just witnessed Mikey being lovesick with her!!  Give me a minute to process it."

Rindou burst out laughing. "Don't let Sanzu hear you say that unless you wanna watch the building explode."

Mikey quietly walked over to the door and turned the lock with a soft click before looking back at you. The voices from the meeting faded into the background as he slowly closed the distance between the two of you.

"We should focus on us," he said in his usual calm voice. "Sanzu and the others will handle everything."

You watched him approach before smiling helplessly. "Mikey..."

He gently caressed your face between his hands, his thumbs brushing lightly against your cheeks as he searched your expression. 

His eyes stayed on yours, almost as if he was making sure you were really there. "Shh....Don't think about them right now."

You let out a small laugh. "You're really going to ignore an entire meeting just because of me?"

"I already know they'll figure something out." His answer came without hesitation. "I'd rather spend this time with you."

You shook your head with an amused smile. "You're impossible."

Mikey slowly slides his finger in your mouth. " Pretty....girl....Keep your eyes on me"

Are you trying to be difficult?" you asked, voice dropping to a near-purr as he hooked his finger around your lip

Your hand instinctively reached toward the hem of his shirt, wanting to help him remove it after everything that had happened.

Before your fingers could touch the fabric, Mikey caught your wrist. "Don't."

You frowned in confusion. "...What?"

His grip wasn't painful, but it was firm enough to stop you. "You don't touch me unless I say so."

For a second, you simply stared at him. Only moments ago he had been clinging to you like he couldn't bear to let you go, yet now he had pulled away as though an invisible wall had appeared between you.

"Mikey... did I do something wrong?"

He let go of your wrist without answering.

Instead, he quietly walked to the kitchen, poured himself a glass of water, and drank it in complete silence. 

When he finished, he set the glass in the sink before heading toward the bathroom."You should go home."

You blinked. "...You're kicking me out?"

"I just want to be alone."

You took a hesitant step after him. "But a minute ago you were holding onto me."

"I know." He remained calm almost detached. "For now.....Please leave."

The bathroom door closed with a soft click.

You stood there staring at the closed door, trying to understand what had just happened. Your chest tightened with frustration, but more than that... confusion.

The man who had been curled against you moments earlier was gone.

This was still Mikey. You knew it was.

Yet for the first time, it felt as though you were standing in front of someone you had never met.

♡❀˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹❀♡

To be continued..

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Anyway, Taglist is open if you're interested; DM or comment.

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ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 1

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Mikey seems in a good mood, looked up from the couch ask Haitani brothers and Sanzu "Where's Y/n? Why haven't you brought her yet?"

Sanzu was ready to jump out of the way to answer, but Ran cut in first. "We met her at the club last night, and we somehow managed to make her agree to cooperate."

Mikey's gaze stayed on him. "And?"

Ran tilted his head. " Well we can provide her security and money."

Kokonoi clicked his tongue. "Money? She's already making a fortune. What the hell does she need ours for?"

Ran shrugged. "You think she's gonna agree for free?"

Sanzu scoffed. "She's got a big mouth for someone in her position."

Mikey finally leaned forward slightly. "Bring her here in an hour. I'll talk to her myself."

Sanzu frowned immediately. "Why waste your time? She's just some mouthy club girl. We can pressure her without dragging you into it."

Ran tried again, almost persuasively. "It's probably her sleeping time. You know how the nightlife industry works. She gets home near morning. Dragging her out now will just piss her off."

Sanzu shot him a look. "Since when do we care if she's pissed off?"

Ran didn't look at him. "Since we want her cooperation."

Mikey stood up; the conversation was clearly over. "Just one hour, Haitani, I won't repeat myself."

Sanzu exhaled sharply through his nose. "Unbelievable. We're adjusting our schedule for her now?"

Kokonoi annoyed. "If she pushes for more money, I'm not covering it."

Ran smiled faintly. "Relax. I'll handle her."

Sanzu and Kokonoi didn't look impressed anymore for now they just ignored it and got into Sanzu's car along with the Haitani brothers.

Once everyone was settled, Sanzu adjusted the rearview mirror and looked straight at Ran and Rindou.

"So," Sanzu ask, "how exactly do you guys know where she lives? There's something you're hiding?"

Ran didn't respond stared out the window like the passing buildings were more interesting than the conversation.

Rindou leaned back in his seat and answered instead. "Let's just say she's our friend. And neighbor."

Sanzu repeated slowly, "Neighbor." he smirked. "A hot neighbor, huh? What, you two peeking through the balcony at night or something?"

Rindou groaned immediately. "Shut up, idiot."

Kokonoi sighed from the back. "If this turns into some messy personal drama, I'm not funding it."

Ran finally spoke, still calm. "Relax. It's not that deep."

Sanzu snorted. "Yeah? Then why do I feel like I'm missing something?"

After a while, they reached the apartment building. Sanzu parked the car and stepped out. The Haitani brothers started walking toward the stairs without saying much. Kokonoi and Sanzu followed behind.

When they reached the correct floor, Sanzu stopped and stared at the nameplate on one door. Haitani. He slowly turned his head toward Ran and Rindou. "You've got to be kidding me."

Kokonoi looked at the plate too, unimpressed. "They dragged us to their own place?"

Rindou rolled his eyes and walked past them. He rang the doorbell of the other unit next to theirs. "This one,"

Sanzu clicked his tongue. "Same building? Same floor? Of course."

They waited but no one answered. Rindou knocked. Still nothing, so Sanzu knocked harder. "Oi! Open up!"

....................

Kokonoi checked his watch. "We don't have time for this."

Without saying anything, Ran reached into his pocket and pulled out a spare key.

Sanzu froze. "...You're joking."

Kokonoi looked genuinely annoyed now. "You have her house key?"

Ran shrugged slightly. "She loses it sometimes."

Sanzu stared at him. "What kind of neighbor keeps a spare key to a 'friend's' apartment?"

Rindou smirked faintly. "The useful kind."

Sanzu scoffed. "Or the kind that's way too involved."

Ran ignored them and unlocked the door.

Kokonoi muttered under his breath, "Unbelievable."

Sanzu shook his head as they stepped inside. "Yeah, yeah. Just neighbors. Sure."

They stepped inside the apartment, which was already a mess: Heels were near the doorstep and Makeup scattered on the table. Empty bottles and instant noodle cups everywhere. The curtains were half-closed, the room still dark like it was 3 a.m.

And there you were Dead asleep on the couch with one leg hanging off the edge. Sanzu looked around and immediately covered his nose. "Jeez. Did a convenience store explode in here?"

Kokonoi scanned the room quietly he unable to find any luxury bags or designer furniture. Just normal, slightly chaotic living. He raised a brow but didn't comment yet.

Rindou walked straight to the kitchen and opened the fridge to grab some drinks as He stared inside."...Are you serious?"

He pulled out a single bottle of water and half a packet of sauce. That was it. Rindou shut the fridge harder than necessary and walked back. He lightly nudged your leg with his knee.

"Oi, y/n" he said, annoyed. "You're not eating properly. You won't survive a day like this."

You didn't move, but Ran crouched beside the couch and tapped your cheek lightly. "Wake up."

You turned your face away. "Go away..."

Sanzu snorted. "Wow. So this is the big negotiator."

Kokonoi crossed his arms. "She takes money from us but lives like this?"

Ran shot him a look. "We haven't paid her yet it was the bar who charge bill."

"Still," Kokonoi muttered. "Doesn't match the act from last night."

Ran tried again, this time pulling the blanket off you. "Get up. We're not here for a sleepover."

You groaned and grabbed the cushion, hiding your face. "If you're not coffee, don't talk to me."

Sanzu laughed. "She's got attitude even unconscious."

Rindou rolled his eyes and headed back out. "I'm buying food. This is depressing."

"Don't bother," you mumbled.

"Shut up," Rindou replied and left anyway.

A few minutes later, he came back with convenience store bags and tossed one on the table. The smell of warm food finally made you open your eyes properly.

You blinked, saw four men in your living room, and sat up immediately. "...What the hell?" Your eyes locked on Ran. "Why did you bring them into my apartment?"

Ran stayed calm. "Mikey wants to meet you."

"And that means you break in?" you snapped.

"You gave me the key," Ran replied evenly.

"That's not the point!"

Sanzu leaned against the wall. "Stop yelling. We knocked."

"During my sleep time!" you shot back. "Do you know what time I got home?"

"No," Sanzu replied dryly. "We don't track your clients."

You glared at him. "Shut up."

Rindou handed you the food. "Eat first. You look like you'll pass out mid-argument."

You snatched the bag but still glared. "I hate all of you."

"Eat," Rindou repeated.

You started eating while mumbling curses under your breath.

Kokonoi watched quietly. "Your clients don't gift you anything luxurious."

You pointed your chopsticks at him. "Luxury is for work. Home is home."

Sanzu smirked. "So the club version is fake?"

"Obviously, Idiot," you replied. "You really think I wake up glamorous?"

Ran finally stood up. "Enough. We're leaving."

You stopped chewing. "Leaving? It's so soon, I just woke up?"

"Not our problem, Mikey wants to see you, so you are coming with us, " Sanzu replied.

You glared. " Seriously y'll just be kidnapping me."

Sanzu grinned. "Shut up, you talk a lot."

You tried to stand, wobbling slightly from lack of sleep. Rindou caught your arm before you stumbled. "Careful," he muttered.

You yanked your arm back. "Don't act gentle now."

Rindou grabbed your coat and tossed it at you. "Put it on. Stop being dramatic."

"I need at least an hour," you argued.

"You already wasted it," Sanzu replied.

You pouted, clearly annoyed, but they were already moving toward the door. Ran grabbed your wrist not rough, but firm. "Let's go," he said.

You looked at him with pure irritation. "You owe me for this."

Ran smirked faintly. "We'll negotiate."

Sanzu opened the door. "Yeah, yeah. Keep flirting later. The boss is waiting."

You muttered, "I swear, if I die because of this—"

Finally, after what felt like forever in the car, you reached the Kanto manji gang hideout. You stepped out first, stretching your neck with visible annoyance.

"You idiots really wrecked my entire day for this?" you muttered, glancing around the worn concrete building. "I was sleeping."

"Yeah, we noticed," Rindou replied dryly. "Your place looked like a raccoon moved in."

You shot him a glare but didn't answer as you are still pissed. Then you saw familiar faces walking toward you: Kakucho. Mochi. Shion.

For a split second your irritation faded after all you hadn't seen them since reform school. They never came to visit you event released the second time from reform school and you told yourself you didn't care back then. It was clearly a lie back then.

You stepped forward before anyone else could speak. "Oi," you looked Kakucho up and down. "When did you get that tall? Are you trying to flex on me?"

Kakucho blinked, then let out a small chuckle. "You're just remaining short."

You scoffed. "Excuse me? I grew. Elegantly."

Mochi crossed his arms. "You were chubby as hell as a kid."

You gasped dramatically. "That was baby fat. I was adorable."

"You cried when we ate your snacks," Mochi added.

"And you still ate them," you shot back. "Look at you now. Maybe go on a diet."

Mochi laughed. "Still loud."

"—Still dumb," Ran smirked as he watched everyone.

Shion hadn't said anything. He was just staring at you like he was trying to confirm you were real. You turned slowly toward him. "...What?"

He blinked. "You look different."

"Different good or different bad?" you asked, narrowing your eyes.

"Just... different."

You stepped closer and lightly smacked his arm. "You didn't even greet it you know how much it hurt my feelings."

Shion stiffened immediately. "I didn't forget."

Your expression softened for a split second before you scoffed. "Relax. I'm messing with you."

He frowned. "You're still annoying."

"And you're still dumbass," you replied sweetly.

Before either could say more, a calm voice cut through the room.

"So you're Y/N."

You turned. That was the first time you saw him properly. You've heard about this invincible Mikey for years from other delinquents and expected someone scary or brute not this.

As Mikey starts walking toward you, you blink at how much smaller he is than you image and he looks somewhat like a cat

"So," he says calmly, "you're y/n l/n."

You nod once. "Um, that's my real name."

The corner Hanma glances over you. While simply studying you, after an awkward moment of silence, Ran, Hanma, Sanzu, Mikey, and you settled down to talk.

Ran lean forward smoothly. "She works as a hostess in Kabukicho. Have an easy connection with top-notch people. She can easily arrange a meeting for us without causing much trouble."

You roll your eyes slightly, Hanma nods faintly; that part clearly interests him and Mikey signs Sanzu to continue.

Sanzu spoke, " Also, it's easier for business. And while they drink and brag, she will listen not only to those top-notch dogs but also to our rivals' information."

Mikey shifts his gaze to you. "And you'd do this willingly?" Before you answer, he continues, almost lazily, "It's risky. You're a girl. If things get messy, will you be able to handle it ?"

That catches you off guard your eyes narrow slightly,

But Ran interrupted. "With respect, that's exactly why it works. Men underestimate women. They relax around them. They talk more. They don't see the threat."

Hanma chuckles softly. "True."

Mikey looks at you again, this time longer. "Fine. You'll work with us."

He was halfway out of the chair, dismissing you all, when you spoke up. He didn't move for a long moment before he slowly turned back to you

"Like I'm some errand girl you just hired off the street," you shoot back. "If I'm sticking my neck out for you bastard, I want something real in return."

Before Mikey answers, your wrist is suddenly yanked sideways by Ran. His fingers wrap around your wrist tight enough to sting.

"I already told you you'll get paid," Ran says lightly, pulling you closer.

You try to pull back. "Let me go."

He leans down just enough for his voice to drop into your ear. "Don't start screaming in front of Mikey," he says softly. "You're not stupid. Don't act like it."

The softness is worse than shouting his calmness as if he's trying to guide you instead of restraining you.

Meanwhile, Hanma bursts out laughing from the side. "Holy shit," he grins. "Haitian's got a talent. The girl was about to bite someone's head off, and now she's quiet."

Ran glances at him without looking bothered. "You're just mad I don't need to try that hard."

Hanma leans back, smirking. "Yeah? Keep holding her like that, and she might charge you rent."

From the upper level, Takeomi rests his elbows on the railing, cigarette hanging from his lips. Wakasa stands beside him, eyes narrowed slightly as he watch whole scene while Benkei doesn't move at all. Three of them were watching everything curiously.

Takeomi exhales a thick stream of smoke, he mutters "I bet she's the tightest cunt," not even bothering to lower his voice much.

Wakasa shoots him an irritated look. "Seriously? She's the same age as Haruchiyo."

Takeomi rolls his eyes. "So? She's hot. I've got eyes."

Benkei's jaw tightens. "You sound pathetic."

"Yeah," Wakasa adds dryly, "Seriously now we're fantasizing about girls young enough to call you uncle."

Takeomi scoffs. "Oh, here we go."

"Shin didn't die for this," Benkei says flatly.

Takeomi clicks his tongue. "Shin died a virgin. At least I'm alive and enjoying my prime years."

Wakasa smirks faintly. "Prime years, huh? Thought those ended a while ago."

That lands its heart on Takeomi's fragile ego. He flicks his cigarette over the railing and straightens up. "Keep talking, I'll show you what prime looks like." He turns and heads for the stairs.

Downstairs, the atmosphere hasn't fully settled after your exchange with Mikey. Ran and Hanma look entertained.

Reluctantly, you agreed with them and walked toward Rindou and Sanzu to discuss the plan.

Takeomi reaches the bottom of the stairs with casual swagger. His eyes drag over you openly, not subtle about it.

"So this is the new business partner?" he says. "Didn't realize we were recruiting this aggressively."

Hanma grins. "You're late to the show."

Takeomi ignores him, his eyes following you. "Are you sure what you're signing up for? Hostesses aren't trustworthy, based on experience."

Ran stared at him, unimpressed. "If you have no good idea so don't interrupt ours."

Meanwhile You, Rindou, Koko, and Sanzu sat in the coach discussing the plan.

So," Rindou asks, "tell us. Who's the first victim?"

You pull a receipt from your bag, flip it over, and write a name in neat strokes and slide it across the table, "Mr. Nakamura ......Um, I think we should start with our club owner. He's... interesting."

Rindou nods once as he takes a look at the card while Koko leans in slightly, taking an interest in this.

Sanzu tilts his head. "Why him?"

"Well, this guy owns the hostess club where I work. He already runs side money-laundering deals, let's say small or quite one. If you're looking to expand operations without drawing attention, he's your easiest door." You explain to him.

Koko's eyes flicker. "So he is a greedy old man."

"He's greedy," you continue. "But cautious. If we show him a bigger protection net, he'll bite. He hates feeling like he's not the biggest shark in the room."

Sanzu gives a slow nod. "I'll need everything to know."

"I can get you that information....But don't rush him. He panics fast." You replied

Rindou opens his mouth to say something, but you're barely able to hear as you feel someone's hand grabbing your waist, and a loud voice cuts in, "Oh my baby, you're actually the pretty thing I heard about."

Takeomi's grin is wide. You stiffen slightly but keep your tone level. "Um... who are you?"

His hand dipped under the hem of her skirt, his fingertips exploring the soft curve of rear, settling on your hips, squeezing like you're part of the furniture.

Your breath hitches with pure shock and disbelief. Just then Mochizuki moves first as he grabs Takeomi by the collar and throws a punch that snaps his head sideways. The impact echoes as Takeomi hits the floor hard.

Mochi doesn't hesitate. He drops on top of him and starts swinging brutally, hits to the face.

"Touch her again," Mochi growls, "and I'll break your hands."

You grab Mochi's shoulder. "Enough—Mochi, stop." But he lands another punch before pulling back.

By now everyone's gathered. Sanzu hasn't moved from his seat, but his expression has gone completely cold.

"Seriously?" he says flatly. "You old bastard. Always embarrassing me. I don't know what Mikey saw in you. Every time I see your face, it disgusts me."

Takeomi coughs, wiping blood from his lip. "Oh relax, Haruchiyo. Since when did you care?"

Rindou clicks his tongue. "Akashi... that's sad. Weren't you called the 'God of War' once? Now you're just groping girls at meetings."

Ran annoyed more than shocked. "You really couldn't keep it together for five minutes?"

Shion and Kakucho arrive just as Mochi stands up. Shion looks ready to join in but Kakucho doesn't bother hiding his anger.

"This," Kakucho snaps, pointing at Takeomi, "is exactly why I didn't want her involved."

Takeomi pushes himself up, bruised but still defensive. "It was a joke. You're all acting like I killed someone."

Shion walks over to you instead, holding out his energy drink. "Hey. You okay? Have it."

You nod once and take it.

Across the room, Kakucho turns to Ran. "Look at this.... This is the problem... You bring her into this mess and this is what happens."

Ran lifts a hand lazily. "Relax. She can handle herself."

You roll your eyes and adjust your skirt, straighten your posture, and look at all of them.

"Well," you say calmly, "I think I've had enough of this crap."

"I'm going home. See you all next Friday. Around 9 p.m. That's when he entered the club at 2. am he departure. " You glance at Sanzu. "If you're serious about Nakamura, that's your window."

Sanzu stands. "Hey, wait —I'll drive."

"I'm fine," you reply without hesitation. You wave once, casual, almost bored, and head toward the exit.

"Fuck, Akashi," Ran mutters. He finally turns his head toward Takeomi. "You see, we already have enough problems on our hands. And you? You're a washed-up bastard clinging to old titles."

Takeomi glares up at him. Ran lean closer speak calmly "So I suggest, you learn how to behave around her."

Takeomi blinked as he was used to being insulted, but not used to this tone, not for someone who was so young in age to him.

By the time Wakasa and Benkei arrive, just then. "Jeez," Wakasa mutters.

Benkei grabs Takeomi by the arm and hauls him up. "You never learn, do you?"

Takeomi shrugs them off but doesn't say much. They drag him toward the stairs anyway.

On Friday night, 9.45 O'clock, Glided club Kabukicho

You lean in to light up Nakamura's cigarette straight from his mouth. He smiles around the smoke, clearly enjoying the attention. His hand slides to your waist and pulls you closer as if it's natural, as if you belong there.

"That's my top girl," he says, exhaling slowly. "Sales are crazy lately. You keep this up, I might actually push you into acting."

You laugh softly, letting your fingers rest on his chest. "You always say that."

"And I mean it," he insists. "You've got the face and charm, just stick with me, and I'll make some calls."

Of course, it's your dream. Who in this industry doesn't want something bigger? Like an actor or model it's a lot of time better than rotting here.

"Then I'll keep working hard," you reply sweetly, lifting a glass to his lips. He drinks without hesitation.

After a while, you tilt your head toward the stairs. "Let's go upstairs. The karaoke room is empty. You promised to sing for me."

He laughs, arm around your waist as he follows. "Only for you."

Once you slide open the karaoke door. Sanzu and Shion were already stretched out on the couches like bored customers killing time. They came with full preparation, like baseball bats, a katana, a knife, and ropes.

Nakamura pauses. "What's this?"

Before he can understand everything. You step backward closed the door from the outside.

By the time you enter Ran and Koko joined in. Inside the room Nakamura is tied to a chair in the center of the room. His face is bruised up.

Sanzu crouches in front of him, "Kanto Manji isn't asking. We're offering a deal, just accept it."

Nakamura breathes heavily but forces a scoff. "You think this is how you build a business? Beating people in karaoke rooms?"

"You already launder money," Sanzu replies. "Don't pretend you're clean."

Nakamura looks at you briefly. Then he looks back at Sanzu.

"If you want this to last," he says through swollen lips, "you can't rely on brute force forever. Build something steady like rules, agreements, something people can trust."

Sanzu's jaw tightens, clearly annoyed at being lectured.

But Nakamura keeps going. "You want stability? You should do it properly. Or this collapses before it even starts."

Ran, leaning against the wall. "He's not wrong."

Koko nodded. "Indeed, we need to sharpen our skills."

Sanzu exhales sharply through his nose, irritated but thinking.

Nakamura swallows. "I'll cooperate. I don't exactly have a choice but to release my girl she is child you don't have to hold her as hostage."

"Huh," Sanzu says calmly, "No one holding that bitch as hostage she agrees to work with us. In fact, she is one who told us you'll be the perfect victim."

Nakamura shot you eyes, "Huh, this is what I get after everything I did for you."

You wave it away lightly. "Please, Nakamura-san," you say, leaning closer. "Why can't you see it? We hit the jackpot. I understand your fear that affiliating with a newly rising gang can cause trouble. Especially with..."

You bend near his ear and whisper something brief and specific. "...but they'll deal with it. I guarantee you."

Nakamura lowers his eyes for a moment, then glances at the boys.

"Well, I acknowledge your skills, but don't forget—I made you." His tone sharpens slightly. "And you boys listen."

Before Ran or Sanzu can speak, Nakamura continues. "I need time, I'm a businessman. I don't agree to anything overnight. Next time, you'll prepare for the meeting. And no baseball bats or that shit. We'll sit properly and discuss like adults."

Outside the club, Shion stretched his arms over his head with a lazy grin. "Well, our first mission wasn't bad after all. I actually enjoyed that."

Sanzu ignored him completely while Ran casually reached over and ruffled your hair. "Not bad. At least the guy gave us a piece of useful advice."

Koko let out a short snort. "Advice? We went through all that trouble for nothing. I still don't see how this helps."

You huffed and crossed your arms. "Oh come on, you dummies. Let's hit a restaurant or something—I'm starving."

Koko rolled his eyes immediately at the thought of spending money, but Ran only chuckled and suggested a nearby place, which made you and Shion perk up while Sanzu and Koko followed behind with far less enthusiasm.

♡❀˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹❀♡

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ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 8

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Ran, Rindou, and Hanma reached the apartment floor to find you sitting on the stairs, playing a game on your phone.

Rindou approached you first. "God, you’re okay…"

You're annoyed at them. "Obvious... I told Hanma I'm staying at my friend's place. By the time I came home, you all locked up and disappeared.

Hanma clicks his tongue. "You scared the shit out of us for nothing."

Ran watches you for a second longer than necessary. "Everything normal?"

You nodded quickly. "Yeah. Just work. Clients. The usual shit… Yesterday I had overtime, and when I finally got out, there were no taxis, so I crashed at Reina’s place."

Some time later, you were asleep in your room. Rindou was busy bullying Hanma for being a dumbass and overthinking everything, but Ran still couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

Later, the four of you headed to a nearby izakaya to eat and drink. Nothing special, just another night out—that is, until you saw them.

“…Is that Mochi?”

Rindou followed your gaze and blinked. “Oh—”

Mochizuki, Kakucho, and Shion were already there, mid-conversation. They spotted you guys almost immediately.

"Well, this is random," Kakucho said, raising a brow.

Hanma grinned. "Didn't know you guys had taste."

"Shut up," Shion muttered.

Drinks came fast. Food followed. The table got loud almost instantly Rindou arguing with Shion over something stupid, Hanma egging it on, Ran throwing in comments just to make it worse. Kakucho stayed more chill but didn't hold back when he had something to say.

 Mochi leaned back, glancing around. "...I've been here before."

Rindou snorted. "Yeah? Congrats. It's an izakaya."

Mochi ignored him and looked straight at you. "Came here with you. remember?!"

You didn't react, just took a sip of your drink. "Our last date."

"...What?" Rindou frowned.

Ran turned his head slowly toward you. "You went on a date with him?" He looked genuinely confused. "Him?"

Hanma let out a low laugh. "That's crazy."

Shion immediately leaned forward. "Hold on—what the hell? You never went out with me."

You shrugged. "You never asked."

"That's not the point," he snapped.

"That is exactly the point," Rindou cut in, already grinning.

Kakucho looked between you and Mochi, then shook his head. "No, I'm more curious how that even happened." He glanced at Mochi. "What god were you praying to that day?"

You nodded seriously. "Yeah, I agree."

Rindou burst out laughing, nearly choking. Hanma leaned back, clearly entertained, while even Ran let out a quiet scoff.

Mochi clicked his tongue. "You're all annoying as hell."

Shion crossed his arms "I'm still stuck on the fact I didn't even get a chance."

You looked at him. "Because you didn't ask."

"Fuck off," Shion muttered.

You look around the table everyone chattering laughing about dumb things.... you  didn't think much before saying it. "I want all of us to stay like this forever..."

Everyone pause for a moment... As they expected you'll say something but  But then Shion farted and everyone turned toward Shion.

"...You're joking," you said, already laughing.

"It wasn't me!" Shion snapped immediately.

"In front of her too?" Hanma grinned. "That's embarrassing."

"Shut up! It was one of you idiots!" Shion pointed at Mochi, then Rindou. "Probably him—or him!"

"Don't drag me into your problems," Rindou click his tongue.

Ran sighed. "Just admit it. No one else is that embarrassing."

Before Shion could keep arguing, Mochi smacked the back of his head. "Stop talking."

"THE HELL?!" Shion snapped, immediately swinging back.

Rindou joined in just to make it worse, laughing while Shion tried to hit both of them.

Kakucho didn't even bother stopping it. They all continued fighting and cursing each other until the manager interrupted and kicked you out for creating chaos.

You leaned back and laughed, "God... you're all idiots."

The next day, Sanzu himself knocked on your door. You opened it looking half asleep and half dead, squinting at him through messy hair.

"Sanzu? What are you doing here this early?"

Sanzu pinched the bridge of his nose. "It's ten in the morning, not exactly early. Anyway, I can practically smell those idiots from outside."

You frowned. "What are you talking about?"

Instead of answering, Sanzu pushed past you and walked into the apartment.

"Oi! Take your shoes off!" you complained immediately, following after him.

Sanzu ignored you.

The living room was exactly how everyone left it after getting kicked out of the izakaya and continuing the party at your place. 

Mochi had somehow ended up asleep in the kitchen, Kakucho was hugging one of your plushies on the floor, and Shion was sprawled out drooling on the carpet.

 For some reason, Rindou had fallen asleep right next to him with his head close to Shion's ass. Ran had claimed the couch entirely for himself and looked far too comfortable.

Sanzu stared for a moment before muttering, "Fucking disgusting."

"You're wearing shoes in my house," you shot back.

"I'm more concerned about whatever the hell this is."

Ignoring your complaints, Sanzu walked further inside and headed straight for your room. There  he spotted Hanma asleep in your bed shirtless and taking up most of the mattress

Without hesitation, he grabbed the nearest magazine and smacked Hanma across the face.

"The fuck?!" Hanma jolted awake.

Sanzu hit him again as if Hanma is some cockroach "Get up."

"Oi, Sanzu, chill..." Hanma groaned, rubbing his face. "What's your deal? I was sleeping in my room."

"This isn't your room."

"Close enough."

Before Sanzu could argue, you smacked the back of his head.

"What was that for?" he snapped.

"First, tell me what you're doing at my place. Second, take your damn shoes off."

Sanzu looked offended. "You're still talking about the shoes?"

"Yes! You're dirtying my whole house!"

"Your house already looks like a landfill."

You smacked him again after yelling and arrugment  managed to wake everyone up. Ran looked annoyed, Rindou looked hungover, Mochi looked confused, and Kakucho was still holding your plushie. 

Shion complained the entire time, Hanma kept disappearing whenever there was work to do, and Sanzu spent most of the morning insulting everyone's life choices while helping anyway.

While Kakucho and Ran were making breakfast, you finally came out of the bathroom and dropped into a chair across from Sanzu.

You rested your chin on your hand. "So, are you going to tell me why you came here?"

Sanzu took a sip of his drink before answering. "Mikey sent me to check on you. Well... make sure you're alright. You haven't shown up to a single meeting since then."

You chuckled. "Why... I thought you two hates me."

Sanzu immediately looked away. "You talk too much."

A grin spread across your face. "That's still not a denial."

"It wasn't meant to be."

You laughed while Sanzu clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Just get ready and come with us. Also, all of you. We're heading to a meeting."

Ran looked personally offended. "The fuck? I wanted to sleep."

"You've been sleeping since yesterday," Rindou replied irritably. "Get up. It's work time."

"I hate all of you."

"Yeah, yeah."

Eventually, everyone started getting ready and the group headed out together toward the Kanto Manji hideout.

You were about to climb onto the back of Hanma's bike when Sanzu suddenly grabbed the back you and pulled you toward his car.

You blinked. "Oi. What are you doing?"

"Getting you away from that idiot."

Hanma immediately looked offended. "The fuck does that mean?"

"It means find your own passenger."

Sanzu shoved you into the passenger seat and slammed the door shut. Began driving the car his eyes on the road, while you watched the city pass by. Eventually, your gaze drifted around the interior. "This car reminds me of my friend Muto..... You might hear of Muto Yasuhiro."

For a second, Sanzu's grip tightened around the gear shift. "...Muto?"

You nodded. "Yeah. I don't know why, honestly. It just does. He was a good friend of mine. Strict as hell and kind of scary too. He'd lecture me for doing something stupid, then randomly bring me sweets the next day."

Sanzu clicked his tongue. "Sounds like a pain in the ass."

You rolled your eyes. "He was... But he meant well."

The smile on your face softened. "Sometimes I miss him... But he got killed by some punk a long time ago. Honestly, I wasn't surprised. He was always up to  in gang stuff."

Sanzu kept his eyes on the road. "Life's like that."

You glanced at him before continuing. "When we were kids, he'd always talk about opening a coffee shop. Completely ridiculous dream for someone like him."

"A coffee shop?" Sanzu shook his head. "Yeah, I can't picture that at all."

"See? That's exactly what I told him. I even said he'd have to let me work there."

"As what?"

"As a maid, obviously."

"Of course that's where your brain went."

"The idiot got so embarrassed he actually started blushing." You laughed at the memory before poking Sanzu's cheek. "C'mon, stop looking so grumpy."

Sanzu immediately shoved your hand away. "Keep distracting me and I'll throw you out of the car."

"You say that every time."

"And one day I'll mean it."

By the time you and Sanzu arrived at the Kanto Manji hideout, most of the executives were already gathered inside and having casual conversation until Mikey's gaze landed on you. "Come here."

You looked around for a second before pointing at yourself. "Me?"

Mikey didn't answer. He simply held your gaze clearly expecting you to obey.

You were confused still walked over to him. The moment you were within reach, Mikey grabbed your wrist and pulled you forward. Before you could even ask what he was doing, his arms wrapped around your waist and he buried his face against your chest.

Your entire body froze. "M-Mikey?"

The room went silent few people nearly choked. Others stared openly, trying to process what they were looking at.

Ran immediately stepped forward with a disgusted expression."Oi, what the fu—"

Before he could finish, Kokonoi grabbed his shoulder. "Leave it."

Ran looked between you and Mikey before slowly backing off, though he still looked deeply disturbed by the sight.

Meanwhile, you stood there awkwardly, unsure where to even put your hands. Mikey tightened his grip slightly before speaking in a low voice only those closest could hear. "I hate you."

You blinked. "That's a terrible way to greet someone."

 Mikey ignored everything and held you close. "I hate how much effect you have on me," he murmured against your shoulder. "Every time I think I've figured you out, you do something that makes me think about you again."

The teasing smile on your face faded as Mikey sounded genuinely tired. "Please don't leave me.........Just... stay with me. Don't disappear."

Slowly, you wrapped an arm around his shoulders and gently rubbed his back. "I'm not going anywhere."

Across the room, Sanzu watched the entire exchange with growing irritation. He couldn't believe Mikey was acting like this in front of everyone.

He clicked his tongue and looked away. Maybe it annoyed him because Mikey looked pathetic. Or maybe it annoyed him because he understood the feeling far better than he wanted to admit.

After all, every time Mikey loved something, it never seemed to end well. And for reasons he refused to examine too closely, the thought of you becoming another one of those losses left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Over the following months, Mikey became increasingly attached to you. At first nobody care then eventually it became impossible to ignore. 

If you were busy, Mikey waited. If you skipped a meeting, Mikey demanded an explanation. Some days he wouldn't even touch his food until you sat down beside him. It drove everyone insane, but nobody was stupid enough to argue with him after all Mikey is the King

Unfortunately, another issue was becoming harder to ignore.

Several business deals had gone wrong over the past few months. Rival gangs kept showing up at the wrong time, police somehow found locations they shouldn't have known about, and information that was supposed to stay between executives kept leaking out.

That's when Sanzu called for a private meeting without Mikey's presence as he thinks he gonna handle it better without Mikey's involvement. He only invited Kokonoi, Kakucho, Haitani brothers, Mochi, and Shion. After all they handle major businesses. 

Sanzu leaned back in his chair and looked around the room. "Someone's talking. The question is who."

Ran rested his chin on his hand before speaking. "Every operation that failed had one thing in common. Y/N was nearby whenever the plans were discussed."

Kakucho frowned. "You're seriously accusing her?"

"Is it?" Ran asked calmly. "I'm not saying she's the mole. I'm saying every conversation happened around her."

"Y/N wouldn't do that," Kakucho replied firmly.

"Based on what?" 

"Because I know her."

Sanzu remained quiet while the argument continued. Before either of them could push it further, Kokonoi suddenly spoke.

"Actually, I have an idea. We feed different information to different people and see what leaks."

Sanzu nodded. "Fine. We can do that."

A grin slowly spread across Kokonoi's face. "Before we do, there's something else bothering me."

His gaze shifted toward haitani brothers and rest. "Why are all of you acting like this?.... Seriously, Y/N wasn't in Tenjiku. She wasn't part of the gang back then so why you involve her in this and why you suspect her Ran?"

Kokonoi's question makes everyone uncomfortable for some unknown reason, and this uncomfortable silence makes Sanzu's eyebrows twitch. "...The hell are you idiots hiding?"

The silence that followed was answer enough.

Kokonoi's smirk widened.

Whatever the truth was, every single person in that room already knew it except him and Sanzu.

♡❀˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹❀♡

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ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 3

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At the Kanto Manji Gang hideout everything is going as usual. Sanzu is in the kitchen making dorayaki, scolding Shion who tries to peek. "Hey!!! Don't touch this, it's for Mikey, not you idiots."

"Yeah yeah, princess," Shion mutters

Across the room, Kokonoi stands behind Mikey, doing Mikey's hair. While Takeomi crouched nearby, cleaning weapons, Benkie seemed lost in his own thoughts.

Takeomi asks, "Oi Benkie, what are you thinking ...? "

Benkie speaks, "I dunno, I haven't seen Wakasa, who knows where that bastard died."

Takeomi and Benkie both burst into laughter.

Meanwhile, Mochizuki and Kakucho had just gotten back from training and casually dropped down near Rindou, talking about the workout and the gym, whining about how Rindou skipped it when it was so much fun. Ran was complaining about the headache/ hangover from all the drinks he'd had yesterday. But Rindou just sat there alone.

Ran notices. Of course he does. "You've been sulking all morning," glancing at him. "Who pissed you off?"

"No one."

"Yeah? Then why do you look like you wanna kill somebody?"

Rindou just clicks his tongue and looks away.

Shion stretches, wiping sweat off his neck. "It's boring without her."

Mochi nods. "Yeah. She keeps things lively."

"She's a menace, but if she were here, Rindou would be on cloud nine," Shion says with a grin.

"Exactly why it's fun."

Right then, the door slides open, and Wakasa walks in as if nothing happened.

Benkei stops pacing immediately. "There you are. Thought you died or something."

Wakasa shrugs, " Oh I was busy with some personal stuff."

"Busy doing what?" Benkei asks, narrowing his eyes.

"Stuff." Wakasa grin

"Wow. Real detailed answer."

Rindou looks at Wakasa warily

Wakasa notices, pauses for half a second, then smirks faintly. "You look like shit, Rin. Didn't sleep?"

"Mind your business," Rindou snaps.

Ran watches the exchange, interest clearly piqued. "Oh? Something happened?"

"Nothing"

Sometimes later, Ran finally brings it up, glancing at his phone with a small frown."...she didn't message me."

Kakucho looks up from where he's sitting. "Same. I called earlier—nothing."

Mochi leans back. "Yeah, she's usually loud as hell by now."

Ran's gaze slowly shifts toward Rindou. "...we dropped her off at home yesterday, right?"

Rindou's body froze for a second. He remembered it too clearly how he had left you with Wakasa after finding you both making out in the back alley.

Ran's gaze lingered on him. "Rindou."

Rindou huffed, clearly irritated. "Tch, it's nothing."

Ran stepped a little closer, voice calm but firm. "Then say it properly."

Rindou clicked his tongue. "Fine. We didn't drop her off at home."

Ran's eyes narrowed slightly. "And?"

Rindou exhaled sharply. "I found her last night... with that fossil bastard Wakasa. You were busy, so I left her there....They were making out in the back alley."

Ran's eyes darkened for a split second, but he controlled himself immediately. Kakucho spoke up quietly, "Are you sure...? That's what you saw? Yesterday, both of them were—"

Shion clicked his tongue, and Mochi frowned. They couldn't believe it. Sure, Wakasa was a good-looking man with plenty of experience, but still...? It didn't sit right with them.

"Doesn't make sense," Shion muttered.

Mochi shook his head. "Yeah... she wouldn't just—no."

The room felt off, tension creeping in as none of them fully accepted it.

Meanwhile, Sanzu had been listening the entire thing accidentally and went upstairs, intending to beat Wakasa, but the room was empty. Wakasa had already left, it seems like.

Clicking his tongue in irritation, he changed his plan and headed to your apartment instead. Inside, you were completely unaware, quietly doing your chores before getting ready for the hostess club, packing your bag and eventually leaving.

The moment you stepped out, Sanzu used the spare key he had taken from Ran and slipped inside your apartment without a sound.

His eyes moved over everything as he searched through your space drawers, shelves, anything that could tell him about you and your relationship with that bastard Wakasa—but he found nothing.

Annoyed, he made sure to put everything back exactly as it was, leaving no trace behind. Just before leaving, however, he paused for a moment... then grabbed one of your underwear and slipped it into his pocket without a reason and left.

Tonight you were busy with one of your clients who was bosozoku guy who is loud egoistic seems like he have no issue with money. You handled him like you always did with smooth smiles, flirting and pouring drinks. .

After a few drinks, his lackey leaned in. "Boss, maybe you should—"

"Shut up," Tetsuya cut him off. "You're killing the mood."

The lackey went silent while you poured another drink like nothing happened. "Tough day?"

Tetsuya smirked and pulled you closer by the waist. "Not anymore."

You didn't move away. "You say that to every girl or just to me?"

"Only the ones worth it."

You laughed softly. "Good answer."

He leaned back, all pride. "I run a bosozoku gang. Wing Knight."

You paused for a split second. Wing Knight?

You almost laughed, but instead tilted your head. "That's cute... you into tokusatsu or something?"

He chuckled and pressed a quick kiss to your cheek. "Careful. You're too pretty to talk like that."

You adjusted his collar lightly, still smiling. "Then impress me."

"Once I crush Kanto Manji Gang," he said, dead serious, "I'll be the strongest... Then you'll be my bitch"

You nodded like you believed him inside you were screaming. What a idiot.

"Mm... scary," you murmured, leaning a little closer to him. "I like confident men."

He smirked that's when a staff member signaled time. He clicked his tongue, standing up. "Tch. Should've booked longer."

"Next time," you said easily.

He handed you his card. "Call me."

"Maybe," you smiled.

He left with his lackey, still acting like a king.

 The second he was gone, you leaned back slightly "...Wing Knight," you muttered, barely holding in a laugh

Later that night, you asked Nakamura about Tetsuya. He barely looked up at first, just sighed like he already knew where this was going. "You met him, didn't you."

You shrugged, leaning on the counter. "Client. Talks big. I wanna know if it's just drunk ego or something real."

Nakamura finally looked at you. "Wing Knight isn't small. They've got backing—yakuza, some syndicate ties, even a few politicians turning a blind eye."

You blinked. "That serious?"

"He's not just some punk," Nakamura continued. "Tetsuya's the heir to one of those groups. That's why he acts like he can do anything—because he can. Cops don't touch him."

You clicked your tongue softly. "...and Kanto Manji Gang?"

Nakamura leaned back slightly. "They've got connections, sure. Money, influence here and there. But they're still rough even if they somehow get everything but troubling those family can lead harm Kanto Manji."

"So?"

"So if it comes down to it..." he paused, then shrugged. "Kanto Manji gang's got, what, thirty percent chance? Maybe less."

You frowned. "That bad?"

"Wing Knight has backing. Real backing," he said plainly. "KMG? They're still figuring each other out. One wrong move and they collapse."

You stayed quiet for a moment, processing that.

"...so they're basically playing with fire," you muttered.

Nakamura gave a small, knowing look. "Yeah. And they don't even realize how big the fire is."

You were still thinking about it when you left the club. Didn't matter what happened earlier with Mikey, Sanzu, all that attitude you weren't even mad anymore. Just... uneasy. If what Nakamura said was true, then your friends were walking straight into something way scarier than them.

You changed into normal clothes and stepped outside it's almost 3.00 am Probably no taxi and train available at this time. You pulled your phone out and tried Rindou but it Declined.

You hovered over Ran's name, then locked your screen again. As Ran love his sleep more than anything if you disturbed him at this time it would be scary and You don't want to deal with that.

You sighed, glancing around, trying to figure out your next move—

then you saw him. Hanma who leaning against a his bike with cigarette between his fingers like he had nowhere else to be.

"...you've got to be kidding me."

Still, you walked over him and Hanma noticed you approaching. "Well well. Didn't expect to see you out here alone."

"Shut up," you said, stopping in front of him. "I need a favor."

He let out a short laugh. "From me? You're desperate."

"I need to get home."

"Then go," he shrugged.

"There's no trains, no taxis, and no one I trust picking up," you shot back. "So yeah. I'm asking you."

Hanma took a drag, eyeing you up and down. "You know I'm basically a fugitive, right? I barely have a place to crash myself. How am I supposed to help you?"

You crossed your arms. "You can stay at my place."

"You get a roof, food, whatever," you continued. "In return, you don't touch me, don't act weird, and you get me home. Simple."

Hanma smirked slightly. "You trust me that much?"

"I don't," you said flatly. "That's why I'm setting rules."

He stared at you for a second... then laughed. "Damn. You're bold."

"Not dumb"

He flicked his cigarette aside. "...yeah. Why not... After all I'll get free stay and food I'm not dumb either princess."

"C'mon then," he said gesturing toward his bike. You set on back of his bike.

Halfway through, the exhaustion finally hit you. Your head dropped onto his shoulder without warning, arms loosely wrapping around his waist to steady yourself.

Hanma glanced down at you, amused.

"Thought you didn't trust me."

"Don't get used to it," you mumbled, already half-asleep.

He chuckled under his breath but didn't move you away. "Yeah, yeah."

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