#swopy

A cool breeze drifted in from the harbor, carrying the scent of saltwater and late night street food. Cars rolled past. Somewhere down the street, music spilled from a convenience store speaker.

For once, neither of you were in any hurry.

None of his Toman business. Not that he even involved you in it even the slightest, even tho you asked him many times to visit a meeting to meet all his friends, whom he just calls “acquaintances”.

But today there were no obligations. Just walking. Well..walking and pretending neither of you noticed whatever this thing was between you.

Ahead of you, a group of young men burst out of a restaurant, laughing loudly enough to make several people turn their heads. One shoved another. Someone nearly stumbled into a bicycle rack. The entire group dissolved into loud complaints and even louder laughter. You couldn't help glancing over. Neither could Izana. Observant as always.

One of the men noticed and immediately grinned, elbowing his friend before looking your way again. You looked away before it could become awkward.

Unfortunately, Izana had seen it. You didn't realize that until several moments later when you noticed him staring at you with his beautiful lilac eyes.

Not glaring. Just staring. The kind of stare that usually meant he was having a conversation in his head and you probably weren't going to like your role in it.

You glanced at him from the corner of your eye. "What?" His violet eyes flickered toward you immediately. "You looked."

You rolled your eyes at that. Izana raised a brow at that. It’s not like He ever asked you out officially..things just happend to be.

"You're the most jealous man I know."

Silence, then: "You know other men?"

You laughed. The look he gave you only made it worse. "I'm serious."

"You can’t be."

"I am."

"You just proved my point Iza." Bold move. He glanced at you from his side. "I asked a question."

"Because I called you jealous?"

"Because you said I was the most jealous man you know." You bumped your shoulder against his. "And?" Dragging the word out a little. "And that implies comparison." He answers

"Oh my Gosh." Izana clicked his tongue at that.

"So who are they?"

"There aren't any 'they.' Also wouldn’t you know if there were any mister know it all?"

"There was enough to make a ranking." He chose to ignore the second part of what you said, it’s not like he would ever hide anything he does. He just does what he finds necessary to..keep an eye on your safety.

"You made that ranking up yourself." A smirk tugged at his lips. "Yet you still haven't answered." You stopped walking after that, just to stare at him. The city lights caught the pale strands of his hair as he looked back at you with complete seriousness. Or at least the kind of seriousness only Izana could manage while clearly messing with you. "You are unbelievable."

"And you're avoiding the question." You shook your head, smiling despite yourself.

The sight seemed to soften something in him. Only for a second. His gaze dropped briefly to your lips before returning to your eyes. The air suddenly felt much smaller.

Much quieter. You hated how easily he could do that. One moment you were arguing.

The next, your heart was trying to climb out of your chest. "You know," you said softly, "normal people would've understood that was a joke."

"I'm not normal."

"Clearly." A low laugh escaped him. Then he stepped closer. Not enough to touch. Just enough that you noticed.

Just enough that you stopped breathing for a moment. His eyes never left yours. "Good." Your pulse skipped. "Why's that?"

Izana tilted his head slightly. "Because if there were other men, I'd have to be annoyed." The corner of your mouth twitched. "Only annoyed?"

"Depends."

"On what?" His gaze lingered. "How stupid they're being." The answer shouldn't have made your stomach flutter.

Unfortunately, it did. And judging by the small, knowing smile spreading across Izana's face, he knew it too. For a moment, neither of you moved. The city continued around you, cars passing and distant conversations blending into the night, the glow of storefronts reflecting against wet pavement but it all seemed strangely far away. Like the rest of Yokohama had faded into the background. You were suddenly very aware of how close he was. Close enough to see the faint amusement lingering in his eyes. Close enough to notice the way his gaze kept drifting back to your lips.

Close enough that stepping forward would be a mistake. A terrible mistake. The kind neither of you would regret.

"You know," you murmured, trying -and failing- to sound unaffected, "for someone who claims to be annoyed, you keep standing very close." A faint smile appeared.

"There are benefits."

"Benefits?"

"Mm." A sound that simple affecting you. But still, you needed an answer. "Such as?" His eyes softened. Just a little.

"You stop looking at other men that way." You let out an incredulous laugh.

"Oh my. You-“ Before you could say anything else, his hand lifted. Not to pull you closer.

Not to trap you there. Just his fingertips brushing lightly against your cheek. Almost cautious. The gesture surprised you more than anything else had all evening.

Izana wasn't cautious. Not with anything. Yet somehow he was with you. The realization made your chest ache.

His gaze searched yours for a moment. Giving you every opportunity to pull away. You didn't. Neither did he. The kiss was soft.

Far softer than you'd imagined. Brief. Tentative. The kind of kiss that asked a question instead of demanding an answer.

When he pulled back, neither of you spoke. You could still feel the warmth of him. Still feel your pulse hammering against your ribs. Izana stared at you for a second. Then another. As if he was trying to figure out whether that had actually happened.

A slow smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "There." You blinked. "There what?"

"Now I don't have to wonder."

"Wonder what?" His thumb brushed lightly against your cheek before he let his hand fall. Whether he meant to answer or not, his next words came out quieter than usual.

"If you were going to kiss me back."

For the first time all night, Izana looked genuinely pleased with himself. Which lasted approximately two seconds. Because you immediately narrowed your eyes. "Wait."

"What?"

"You kissed me because you were curious?"

"I had a hypothesis."

"A hypothesis?"

"Mm."

"You are unbelievable."

"And yet you're still here." His voice was quieter now. The teasing hadn't disappeared. But something underneath it had changed. Something warmer.

Something that made your stomach twist. Your eyes met his. Neither of you looked away. For once, Izana didn't have a sarcastic comment ready. Didn't smirk.

Didn't laugh. He just looked at you. Like he was trying to memorize something.

The realization hit harder than it should have. And judging by the way his expression softened, he knew exactly what you'd noticed. Dangerous. That was the only word for moments like this. Dangerous because neither of you had said anything.

Dangerous because neither of you needed to. And dangerous because if he looked at you like that for another second, you weren't entirely sure you'd remember how to act normal anymore.

A slow grin returned to his face. There he was. The menace. The disaster. The boy who never let a vulnerable moment survive for too long. "Still haven't told me who the other men are." You stared at him. Then laughed so deeply a tear almost fell from your eye. "You're impossible."

"So I've heard."

"You literally kissed me and that's your conclusion?"

"It's an important investigation."

"There is no investigation."

"There could be." You groaned dramatically and started walking again. A second later, footsteps followed. Then, without a word, Izana's hand brushed against yours. Once, twice. Before his fingers slipped between them. Casual. Like it wasn't a big deal.

Like he hadn't spent the last half hour acting possessive over a completely imaginary group of men. You looked down at your joined hands. Then up at him. Izana refused to look back. That traitor, there was a faint pink, dusting the tips of his ears that betrayed him anyway. A smile pulled at your lips. You squeezed his hand once. He squeezed back immediately. And neither of you let go for the rest of the walk home.

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A/o: This is in the final timeline where they are all still Teens. I think this is rlly sweet!

Thanks for reading!!

The way your hands had trembled around the little box of chocolate. The way you had practiced your confession over and over in your room. The way your heart had nearly exploded when you finally gathered enough courage to stop him. "Kazutora-kun, I-I like you." Then you had held out the chocolate.

Simple milk chocolate. Nothing fancy.

You had wanted to make them yourself. Really. But every batch had turned out wrong. One had burned. Another had crumbled apart. The last one had somehow ended up on the kitchen floor because your hands wouldn't stop shaking. So in the end, you bought a pretty little box instead.

And Kazutora had just stared. "Huh?" Like his brain had stopped working.

His eyes dropped to the chocolate. Then back to you. "Really?" Before you could even answer, he turned around and left.

Just left. You still remembered standing there with your arm awkwardly stretched out, watching him disappear down the street. The memory made you want to hide forever. Maybe buying the chocolates had been a mistake. Maybe you should have made them yourself. Maybe you weren't his type. Maybe he only liked prettier girls.

Okay that’s enough! 

Kazutora Hanemiya was handsome. Everybody knew that. Girls whispered about him all the time. Even if most of them were too intimidated to approach him.

The tattoo. The motorcycle. His reputation as a delinquent. None of it stopped people from looking. So why would he be interested in you?

The thought stung more than you wanted to admit. Still, after a few days, the embarrassment slowly settled into something manageable. It wasn't like you and Kazutora had been close anyway.

Life moved on. Mostly..as long as you keep avoiding him at school, it will be fine!

-

Meanwhile, Kazutora was having a crisis.

"You did what?" Kazutora groaned and dropped his head onto the table. Across from him sat Baji. The older boy looked exactly as chaotic as ever.

Long black hair tied loosely behind his head, sharp eyes, and an expression that somehow managed to look both confused and amused at the same time. "She confessed to me."

"And?" Impatient as always, baji excepts an answer.  "I left." Kazutoras head sinking even further onto the table.  Baji stared.

Kazutora stared back. Then Baji smacked the back of his head. "Idiot."

"I panicked!"

"That's not an excuse!" Kazutora buried his face in his hands. Because the worst part was that he did like you a little a lot. He always noticed you at school. The way you greeted teachers. The way you helped classmates. The way you smiled.

And when you had stood there holding that little box of chocolates and confessed.. His brain had completely stopped working.

Nobody confessed to him. Nobody. Girls looked at him. People talked about him. Guys avoided him. But nobody ever walked up and admitted they liked him. Not someone with his reputation. Not someone like him. So when you did, the only thing he could think was: Really? Me? Then he panicked and fled like an idiot.

Baji laughed so hard he nearly fell out of his chair. "You're hopeless, i have to tell the guys."

"Shut up. Don’t you dare!"

"No, seriously, i will. But you need to go talk to her." Kazutora decided to ignore the first part that Baji said. There are more important matters at hand right now. “And say what?"

"The truth?" Said Baji in a matter of fact way.

Kazutora stared at him. Baji stared back.

"...Actually, don't listen to me. I don't care about that stuff, go talk to Chifuyu maybe he will borrow you one of his romance manga." A snort leaving his lips as he said that.

As if Kazutora would ever ask Chifuyu for advice.

-

A few days later, Kazutora finally worked up the courage to find you. Unfortunately, his plan was terrible.

You were walking home after school when you noticed someone leaning against the fence near the side entrance.

Blond hair. Tattoo. Kazutora.

Your heart immediately jumped into your throat. Then you noticed another person standing beside him. A tall boy with long black hair tied back loosely and sharp dark eyes. He looked relaxed, almost bored, one hand shoved into his pocket. You didn't recognize him at all.

For a brief moment, both boys looked almost as nervous as you felt. Then the dark-haired boy took one look at Kazutora's face and sighed. "Good luck."

Before either of you could react, he turned around and walked away. Just like that. Leaving the two of you alone. The silence that followed was unbearable. You immediately bowed. "I'm sorry!"

Kazutora blinked. "Huh?" Oh no. Did he forget about it already? Whatever there is no going back now. You just have to talk to him one more time and then hopefully never again.

"For confessing!"

"What?"

"I shouldn't have put you on the spot and maybe the chocolates were weird and-"

"The chocolates weren't weird." You froze. "...What?" His ears immediately turned red. "I mean- I don't know if they were." You stared.

"I left before taking them." He said while clearly trying to avoide eye contact. "Yeah." You answered, not really knowing what to say.

"Yeah..” Wonderful. Now somehow it was even more awkward. Kazutora rubbed the back of his neck. "You know..." You looked up. "I didn't leave because I didn't like you." Your heart skipped.

"You didn't?"

"No." His face somehow turned even redder.

"I left because you're cute." For a second, your brain completely stopped working.

"...What?"

"You are." The words seemed to tumble out after that. Fast. Very fast.

"I mean, obviously you're cute. You're nice and pretty and people like you and I wasn't expecting it and nobody ever confesses to me and then I told Baji and he called me an idiot - which is nit true by the way - and then I wanted to talk to you and-"

He stopped abruptly. Mortified.

You blinked. "...You wanted to talk to me?"

"Yeah."

"...Why?"

Kazutora looked away. Because apparently looking at you was suddenly impossible. "I wanted to ask you on a date." Silence. Then: "Oh."

"The view from this rooftop I know is really nice." A pause. "It's not a weird rooftop."

Another pause. "It's safe."

You couldn't help it. You laughed. Is this supposed to be the delinquent everyone talks about?

The sound made him freeze. Not because you were making fun of him. Because you were smiling. And somehow that made him even more nervous. "So..." you said softly, clasping your hands behind your back. "this is your way of asking me out?"

Kazutora groaned. "Yeah."

Your smile widened. "I'd love to."

For a moment, he simply stared. Then he laughed quietly, relief washing across his face. "Good."

Because honestly? He had been thinking you were cute for months. He had just needed a little time to figure out what to do once somebody finally said they liked him first.

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A/n: More Toman Stories coming up.

Thanks for reading!!

When he opens the door, the familiar figures of Ran, Rindou, Shion, Mochi, Muto, and Kakucho are waiting.

Ran smirks, noticing him off-guard. “Huh… guess we caught him off-duty.”

Izana almost rolls his eyes, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. “Must be important if you’re disturbing me at this hour.”

Kakucho takes that as his cue. “Sorry for the late intrusion, Izana.“

Izana gestures for them inside and then signals toward the living room. “Sit.” he says, his voice calm but sharp.

You shift slightly, blinking awake.

Ran raises an eyebrow, a subtle smirk on his face. “So that’s who keeps the boss… grounded.” he mutters under his breath, a mix of amusement and surprise in his tone. Izana sees you watching, and his gaze softens just for a moment. “Go back to sleep,” he murmurs, his tone leaving no room for argument. So you do.

After observing your ‘exchange’ Shion leans back, arms crossed, letting out a low whistle. “Interesting… didn’t think anyone could be this close to the Boss.”

Izana’s gaze flicks to you briefly, sharp and possessive, and the message is clear: you belong to him. The members exchange subtle glances a mixture of surprise, respect, and a little tension before turning their attention back to the urgent business at hand.

The members sit, forming a rough circle around Izana, who leans back with that quiet, commanding presence. The tension is hard the topic is serious: An enemy gang is moving into their territory, and Tenjiku’s dominance must be reasserted.

Mochi cracks his knuckles, glancing at you briefly. “They think they can just take our spots? Not happening. We hit them hard and fast. Show everyone who Tenjiku really is.”

Shion smirks, crossing his arms. “It’s been too quiet. They need a reminder of what they’re up against… of what happens when Tenjiku walks through the streets.”

Rindou leans forward. “We can’t just fight blindly. Strike where they won’t expect it. Make an impression. Fear spreads faster than rumors.”

Ran taps the table. “Dominate first, then decide the message. Let them remember the name Tenjiku and make them feel it.”

Muto adds “If anyone steps out of line, they’ll regret it immediately. No mercy.”

Kakucho glances at Izana for a nod before speaking. “We execute this like we always do coordinated, ruthless, no mistakes. Boss, you set the tone. The rest of us follow.”

Izana’s eyes flick to each of them in turn, then drift briefly to you. He notices the faint marks on your wrists and the small mark on your neck the reminders of last night and a ghost of a smile crosses his face. It’s quiet, possessive, protective. He’s aware, as always, that you belong to him, even as the gang’s ruthless plans unfold around him.

Finally, he speaks. “Good. Then we do it my way. Everyone knows Tenjiku isn’t just a name. It’s power and control. Anyone who forgets that… won’t get a second chance.”

The room goes silent. You lie quietly on the futon, aware of the lingering presence of his authority in every movement, every glance. Even in this ruthless world, you feel it clearly, he would protect you, control the chaos, and no one would touch what’s his.

Pt.2

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A/o: I really like this conzept of Tenjiku being more organized crime.

Thanks for reading!!

The nurse behind him barely got a word out before he shot her a look sharp enough to cut, “Get out.” and she did because everyone always did, Sanzu didn’t repeat himself, and when it was just him and you and the steady, fragile beep of the monitor that he stared at like it offended him, like it had the audacity to decide how long you had left. “You look worse today.” he muttered, dropping into the chair beside your bed, leaning forward.

Elbows on his knees his eyes scanning every inch of you like something might’ve changed in the few hours since he last came, because he always came, sometimes in uniform, sometimes not, sometimes with flowers he clearly quickly bought, cheap ones wrapped a little messily.

He shoved them into your hands with a gruff “Take them.” like it wasn’t the closest thing he had to something gentle, and you smiled anyway, weak but real, because it was him, because it was always him.

“You came in uniform Today..” you whispered, voice thin, and he clicked his tongue, reaching out, fingers curling around your wrist, not soft, but careful in the only way he knew how, like he was holding something breakable and hated it, “Had shit to do.” he said.

His eyes flicking to the IV, the machines, the chart at the end of your bed, absorbing everything, memorizing it, controlling what he could because the one thing he couldn’t control was right in front of him, fading.

“Doctor says I’m..running out of time.” you murmured, watching his expression shift just slightly, just enough for you to notice, because you always noticed him and his grip tightened immediately, too tight.

“They don’t decide that.” he snapped with a voice low and dangerous, and there it was, that edge, that promise, that something is already moving behind the scenes. “Sanzu…” you breathed, but he was already standing, pacing once and twice, like a caged animal, hands running through his hair, agitation bleeding off him in waves before he stopped abruptly.

Leaning over you, close enough that you could see the exhaustion under his eyes, the barely contained instability simmering there, “I’ll fix it.” he said, like it was obvious, like it was simple, like the world bent for him when he wanted it to, and maybe it did, because he turned and left just as abruptly as he came, uniform swaying behind him, and the room felt colder the second he was gone.

-

Shibuya’s people didn’t notice the first one, not really, just another late-night incident tucked into the corners of the city that thrived on chaos, but the second one drew attention, and the third made people stop: Because there was a pattern, because there was precision, because someone out there wasn’t just killing..they were choosing, thats what it felt like anyway.

Slicing through the city like it owed them something, and Sanzu stood in an alley under flickering neon, breath steady, eyes empty in that way that meant too much was going on behind them, the man in front of him barely had time to process before the blade flashed it was quick, efficient and much practiced and Sanzu didn’t hesitate, he never thought about morality or consequence or anything beyond one singular, obsessive point:

You, your face in that hospital bed, your voice too weak, your pulse too slow, and he crouched, hands working with disturbing calm, like this was routine, like he’d decided this was what needed to happen and that made it right, “You should feel honored,” he muttered under his breath, almost amused, almost detached, “you’re keeping her alive.”

Tokyo’s news had been exploding. Screens lit up in waiting rooms and street corners, “-serial killings in Shibuya-” “-victims found with surgical precision-” “-possible organ trafficking-” “-citizens urged to stay indoors-”.

You watched it from your bed, fingers tightening weakly in the sheets, heart racing in a way the monitor didn’t like, because you knew, because there was only one person unhinged enough and..devoted enough, yours enough to do something like this.

Right on cue your room door opened, quiet as he slipped in, no uniform now, just a hoodie thrown over it like that hid anything. Like he wasn’t still dripping danger into the room, and he lightly tossed something onto your lap:

A small bouquet, different this time, like he’d actually tried, “They talk too much on TV.” he muttered, glancing at the screen with clear irritation before looking back at you, and for a second - just a second- there was something softer there, something almost… relieved..

“You’ll be fine.” he added, like it was already done, like the outcome was decided, and your throat tightened, “Sanzu… what did you do?” you asked quietly.

He just smiled, that…unsettling smile that never quite reached his eyes, stepping closer, fingers brushing your cheek, lingering there like he needed the contact, like he needed to confirm you were still here, still breathing, still his, “What I had to.” he said simply.

His fingers find your wrist, feeling your pulse like it belongs to him more than to you. “Fixing things,” he adds.

Everything blurred after that, doctors rushing, voices urgent: “We found a match.” “We need to move now!” “This is sudden but doable!” and you barely had time to process before you were being wheeled away, heart pounding, your mind spinning, because somewhere out there someone had died.

Somehow it had everything to do with him, and the last thing you saw before the doors closed was Sanzu standing at the end of the hall, hands in his pockets, posture loose but eyes locked onto you with an intensity that burned, like he was daring anything to go wrong, like he’d tear the entire world apart if it did.

-

When you woke up it was quieter again, softer, the beeping steadier now, stronger, and he was there immediately, like he hadn’t moved, sitting too close, leaning forward the second your eyes opened, fingers gripping yours hard enough to ground you, to ground him.: “Took you long enough…” he muttered, but his voice wasn’t steady and you swallowed, staring at him, really staring this time, at the tension in his shoulders, the faint stains he hadn’t fully cleaned, the way he looked like he’d been holding himself together by force alone.

“You did it.” you whispered, not a question, and he huffed a quiet laugh, leaning in until his forehead pressed against yours, grip tightening, “Of course I did.” he murmured, voice dropping, rough, raw: “You think I’d let you die?” and something in your chest twisted, not fear but something heavier and deeper, because you understood him, because you saw the way he loved, not clean, not normal, but absolute, consuming, terrifying in its certainty.

Instead of pulling away you squeezed his hand back, “You’re insane.” you said. He grinned against your skin, “For you i am.” and there was no denial, no shame, just fact, just truth, “And you’re still here.

After that he never left for long, sometimes showing up in uniform again like nothing happened, like the city wasn’t still whispering about the killer that vanished as suddenly as he appeared.

standing there watching you breathe like it was the only thing that mattered, the only thing that ever would. When you were finally strong enough to sit up and to lean into him or to rest your head against his shoulder.. he went still for a moment before his arm wrapped around you, pulling you closer, tighter than necessary, like he was making up for every second he thought he might lose you, “Don’t do this again.” he muttered into your hair, and you huffed a weak laugh, “I didn’t exactly plan it.”

His grip tightened just slightly, enough to say everything he wouldn’t, everything he didn’t need to, because you already knew, you always knew, and you tilted your head up, looking at him, at the boy who tore through a city without hesitation just to keep you alive: “I’m not going anywhere.” you said, and something in his expression eased it’s not gone, but quieter, anchored you could say.

He leaned down just enough for his forehead to rest against yours again, eyes half-lidded, voice low and certain, “Good.” because to him there was no other option, never was, never would be, not as long as he was breathing, not as long as you were.

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A/o: Pretty short.

Thanks for reading!!

Not respect, maybe a bit of admiration. But mostly just… fear. He clicked his tongue, spinning his pen lazily. “Hey, you’re actually writing notes today?” someone snickered from behind him nervously, like they weren’t sure if they were allowed to joke. “Shut up,” he muttered.

The guy didn’t say anything after that. Rindou didn’t even have to look back. It wasn’t his choice anyway.

Ran had dragged him out of bed that morning- literally. “Go to school,” Ran Haitani had said, still in his pajamas but already composed like he always was. “You’re getting dumber.”

“Stop lying.” Ran just smiled, that annoying knowing smile. And that was that.

Rindou hated that. Hated how Ran could decide things for him so easily. Hated how it felt like no matter what he did, he was always just a step behind him.

Even in Roppongi. Even as they climbed. Even as people started to fear them. It still felt like people feared Ran first. And Rindou? Just followed. His grip on the pen tightened slightly.

-

You weren’t supposed to get caught.

The hallway was almost empty, most students already gone, voices fading into the distance. Your heart pounded as you stood in front of the shoe lockers, fingers trembling slightly as you held the envelope.

It was a simple light pink and neat. Carefully written. You’d spent way too long rewriting it so it wouldn’t look messy. This was good, safe even. You could leave it there, and if he rejected you…you wouldn’t have to see his face. Wouldn’t have to hear it. You exhaled softly and reached for his locker-

“Hey.” Your entire body froze.

Slowly..too slowly..you turned around. Rindou stood a few steps behind you. Hands in his pockets. Glasses slightly crooked. Eyes narrowed just enough to make your chest tighten. For a second, neither of you spoke.

Then his gaze dropped to your hands. To the letter. “What’re you doing?” he asked. Your throat went dry. “Uh..nothing, I was just-” He stepped closer.

Not fast. Not aggressive, but enough. Enough that you instinctively tensed.

People didn’t stand this close to him unless they had to. “That for me?” he asked, tilting his head slightly. There was something unreadable in his tone. You hesitated.

Well there was no point lying now. “…Yes.”

A pause. Then: “I like you.” The words slipped out before you could stop them. Better get it out fast or you would never say them at all.

Silence.

Rindou blinked. Like he hadn’t expected that. “…Huh?” Your face burned, but you forced yourself to keep going.

“I’ve liked you for a while, and I just thought I should-” He let out a short laugh. Not a nice one. But a sharp and disbelieving one. Fuck.

Your stomach dropped. “That’s not funny.” he said, leaning back slightly, eyes narrowing behind his glasses. “Who put you up to this?”

“No one-”

“Was it a dare?” he cut in, glancing briefly down the hallway like he expected someone to be watching. “Or are your friends hiding somewhere?”

“What no..” That made something shift in his expression. Because now, it didn’t feel like a joke. And that made it worse. Because if you were serious, then that meant someone like you who was quiet, put-together, the type that actually belonged in school: was choosing him. Him, who barely showed up.

Him, who only came because his big brother Ran said so. Him, who was still stuck trying to step out of his shadow. It felt off. Like you didn’t get it. Like you were…underestimating him. Or worse, pitying him.

“Yeah, right,” he scoffed.

“I’m not lying.”

Why were you still standing there, looking at him like you meant it? And- why was your lip tembeling? Something sharp twisted in his chest. Annoyance and maybe..embarrassment. Whatever it is its something he didn’t want to name. His gaze hardened. “Then that’s even weirder.”

Your fingers tightened around the letter. You knew this was coming. “Why.?” He didn’t hesitate. Didn’t let himself. Because hesitation meant doubt and he refused to look uncertain.

Not here, not when people already watched him differently. Not when he already felt like he was constantly being compared to someone else. He scoffed, looking right at you this time. “Why would I date someone like you?”

The words hit harder in the empty hallway.

There was no classroom noise to hide behind. No distractions. Just you and him.

And the quiet weight of what he said. You didn’t speak. Didn’t move. The letter in your hand crumpled slightly under your grip.

Rindou clicked his tongue softly, shoving his hands back into his pockets. “Move.” he muttered. You stepped aside automatically.

He opened his locker like nothing happened.

Like you hadn’t just handed him something fragile. Like he hadn’t just crushed it.

And when he walked past you he didn’t look back. But for some reason

your silence followed him all the way down the hall. And it ‘annoyed’ him, he would say.

-

The next few days felt… off. It can’t quite be explained. It just feels wrong. Rindou didn’t notice it at first. He wasn’t even at school long enough to. One day gone. Then another. Then he’d show up halfway through classes, leave early, or not come at all.

Nights in Roppongi were getting busier fights, territory, people testing them more now that the Haitani name was spreading.

It was easier there.

No awkward silences. No weird conversations replaying in his head when things got too quiet. But when he was at school something felt different. He noticed it in small ways. Too small to name but too irritating to ignore. You weren’t avoiding him. That would’ve made sense.

Would’ve been easier.

Instead you were careful. And embarrassed. You wished you hadn’t done it. Every time you thought about that moment at the lockers, his expression, the way he laughed, the words “Why would I date someone like you?” Your stomach twisted.

Of course he rejected you. What were you even thinking? He was well him. A delinquent. Someone people whispered about.

Someone who barely showed up, who came in with bruises and that look in his eyes that made others step out of his way.

And you? Just, you. Good grades. Perfect attendance. Quiet. Predictable. Of course it didn’t make sense. Of course it sounded like a joke. You still came to school every day. Of course you did.

Same seat. Same neat notes. Same quiet voice when answering questions. But now you were more careful.

When Rindou Haitani walked in late one morning, uniform slightly disheveled, faint bruise near his collar, your eyes lifted out of habit. Then dropped immediately.

Too fast. Like you weren’t allowed to look. Your fingers tightened slightly around your pen. Don’t look at him. Just act normal. Pretend it never happened.

He clicked his tongue, dropping into his seat. The sound cut through the room. A few people flinched. You did too, just slightly.

Your shoulders tensed. But you didn’t look at him. That was better. If you didn’t look at him

you wouldn’t have to remember. And he would hopefully forget about it to and go back to acting like you never existed. You dont want to admit it but…hopefully hes dropping out soon..

But when days passed. Every time he showed up, you were there.

And every time, the same thing. You spoke to others normally. Answered questions. Even smiled, sometimes.

But with him? Your voice was quieter. Shorter. Careful. And your eyes never quite met his. One afternoon, he caught sight of you by the window. Sunlight hit your desk, reflecting softly off your glasses as you wrote. Your expression calm, focused like always. And damn were your uniforms skirts always this short- whatever.

Nothing had changed.

Someone leaned over your desk, asking you something. You turned slightly, answering them. And you smiled. A small and soft. A real one. You didn’t even realize he was looking.

“Oi.” The voice made your chest tighten.

You froze for half a second. The person next to you immediately stepped back, muttering a quick apology as they moved away. Of course they did. People always did.

You looked up. At him. But only briefly. Your eyes met his and that memory hit again.

The lockers. His voice. The embarrassment. Your gaze dropped almost instantly.

“…What is it?” you asked. Hesitant. Honestly you would rather clean the whole school alone then talk to him again. Rindou frowned slightly.

“Nothing.” he muttered.

“Okay.”

You didn’t question it. Didn’t push. Just looked away again. And that was it. Later, when the classroom emptied, you packed your bag quickly. More quickly than usual.

You didn’t want to linger. Didn’t want to risk being alone in the same room as him again.

But of course fate had other plans to your quick and quiet departure. The letter, you didn’t even realize you’d left it behind. Found Rindou.

He could tell this letter hadn’t been written lightly. His jaw tightened. And without thinking, he folded it. Stuffed it into his pocket.

He didn’t question it. Didn’t analyze it. Didn’t tell himself to leave it. He just took it. It’s for him anyways so.

That night, the apartment was quieter than usual. No music. Just the low hum of the city outside. Rindou sat on the couch, leaning back, one arm thrown over his eyes.

His jacket lay tossed nearby.

Footsteps. Unhurried and very familiar to Rindou. His brother Ran.

“Don’t you have afternoon lessons?” Ran’s voice was light, amused. Rindou didn’t move. “Didn’t feel like it.” A soft hum in response.

Ran moved around the room casually. Not aimless. Never aimless because God forbid this guy is not a menace for a second. His gaze flicked over the jacket.

And he paused. “What’s this?” Rindou didn’t react at first. Didn’t even realize what Ran meant until he heard the faint sound of paper unfolding. His arm dropped from his eyes immediately.

“Stop snooping!” Too late. Ran stood there, the letter in his hands. Already open and of course already reading. “Oh?” Rindou sat up, expression darkening. “Put that down.”

Ran didn’t. His eyes moved over the lines. Once. Then again but slower.

“A confession, and it’s not even valentines yet.” There was a hint of amusement in his voice. But more than that - interest. “It’s nothing.” Rindou muttered.

Ran hummed softly. “Doesn’t look like nothing.” Silence. “Did you reject her?” he asked casually. Rindou didn’t answer. Didn’t need to. Ran smiled slightly.

That knowing kind. “You did.” He folded the letter. Neatly. Carefully, like it mattered. Then held it out, but didn’t let go right away. “You’re bad at realizing whats worth keeping around.”

And later that night when everything was quiet again Rindou found himself holding the letter without realizing when he’d taken it out.

-

While somewhere else, you sat at your desk.

Staring at your notebook. Trying not to think about him again. Trying to pretend it didn’t matter.

Trying to ignore how much you wished - you had never said anything at all.

-

2008

Rindou hadn’t thought about school in years. Not really. It had faded into something distant, like a place that didn’t belong to him anymore.

Just uniforms, empty classrooms, and people who looked at him like he didn’t fit there. But some things didn’t fade. Some things stayed. Annoyingly clear. Like handwriting on pale pink paper.

He saw you before you saw him. Didn’t recognize you at first. Not fully. Just… a feeling. Something familiar in the way you stood. Straight posture. Hands steady.

Not nervous like before. Different. Then you turned slightly. And it clicked. How is someone like you at a function he is at?

“…You’ve gotta be kidding me.” he muttered under his breath. Four years. And somehow, you looked..the same? Not exactly. More put together. More sure of yourself. But your eyes are still the same ones that looked at him that day.

You noticed him a second later. Of course you did t people always did. That quiet shift in the air. Conversations dipping. That subtle tension that followed him everywhere. Your gaze lifted. Met his. And for a moment - 2004 came crashing back. The lockers. The laugh. The words. “Why would I date someone like you?”

It’s almost embarrassing how clearly you still remember it. But you didn’t let your expression break. Didn’t crumble like before. You just blinked once. Then looked away.

“…Excuse me..” you said quietly, stepping past him. Like he was, nothing.

The music got louder as the night went on. Not gradually. Just so suddenly. Like someone had decided the entire room needed to drown in it.

Bass vibrating through the floor. Glasses clinking. Laughter too loud to be real. The kind of party where no one was really paying attention, until they were. You stayed near the edge.

Not hiding. Just… not in it. One drink had already been enough. You weren’t used to this. The noise, the bodies moving too close, the way everything blurred just slightly at the edges. Your fingers tightened around the glass, condensation damp against your skin.

Trying to drown in that drink someone mixed with who knows how much alcohol. You shouldn’t have come. But your friends had insisted. Dragged you in with laughs and promises that it would be “fun.”

So here you were. Trying.

Thats why you didn’t notice him at first. Too focused on not spilling your drink. On keeping your balance in heels you were already starting to regret. On ignoring the way your head felt just a little too light.

“Lightweight,” your friend had teased earlier. Yeah. They weren’t wrong.

—

“Yo.” Your shoulders tensed instantly. That voice again. You turned. Slower this time.

And there he was. Closer than before.

Too close, maybe. “What?” you asked, quieter than you intended. Rindou tilted his head slightly, studying you. Up close, it was worse. You could see everything clearly now the faint shadows under his eyes, the way his glasses sat slightly crooked, the sharpness in his gaze that hadn’t softened in the slightest.

If anything, it was worse. More defined and even dangerous than bevor.

“You always stand like that?” he asked. You frowned faintly. “..Like what?”

“Like you’re waiting for someone to come save you.” Your grip tightened around your glass. “I’m not,” you said, a little sharper now. His lips twitched slightly.

Not quite a smile, but a damn smirk. “Then why’re you here?” he asked. The question felt heavier than it should have. You hesitated. “…My friends dragged me.”

“Hm.” His eyes flicked briefly to your drink. “Figures.” A beat of silence. The music filled it. Too loud. Too close. Your head felt a little warmer now. Or maybe it was just him standing there. Probably him standing there.

“…You?” you asked after a second, mostly just to break the tension. “Why are you here?” Rindou let out a quiet scoff. “Seriously?” Right. Stupid question.

You looked away slightly, exhaling. “Never mind.” Another pause. But he didn’t leave.

Didn’t move. And that, was new. Back then, he would’ve already walked away. “You don’t drink much?” he asked suddenly.

You blinked, caught off guard. “…How would you know that?” Rindou shrugged lightly. “Just look at you.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“Doesn’t have to be.” You stared at him for a second. Then huffed softly under your breath, taking a small sip just to prove a point.

Bad idea. The burn hit harder this time. You winced slightly. Rindou noticed. Of course he did. “Yeah,” he muttered. “thought so.”

“Shut up.” The words slipped out before you could stop them. A pause. Then: A quiet, surprised laugh. Not sharp.

Not mocking. Just… genuine. You froze slightly. Because that - That was new. “…You’ve changed,” he said, more to himself than to you. Your expression steadied again.

“So have you.” His gaze shifted back to you. Slower this time. More deliberate.

“Yeah?” he asked. You hesitated. Just for a second. Then: “…You’re” your words slurring “..even worse.”

That landed. You could tell it did -And it maybe felt a little good - Not because he reacted loudly. But because he didn’t.

His expression didn’t change. But something in his eyes did. Sharpened. Focused.

“And you’re still talking to me.” he pointed out. You held his gaze. “Only because you came up to me.” Silence again.

But this one felt different. Tighter. Closer. The music shifted. People around you moved, danced, laughed. Someone bumped into you from the side. Your balance slipped, just slightly.

But in heels, slightly was enough. Rindou’s hand caught your arm. Warm and immediate. You cannot be that touch starved that you almost get goosebumps. Common get it together! Your breath hitched.. From the contact.

For a second, neither of you moved. His grip didn’t loosen right away. Your eyes flicked down to his hand. Then back up to him.

“…Careful.” he muttered. Lower now. Closer. “I’m fine,” you said quickly. But your voice wasn’t as steady as before. He didn’t let go immediately.

And that, that made your chest tighten in a way you didn’t like. “You’re not.” he said quietly. You frowned.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Rindou tilted his head slightly. Studying you again.

Like he was trying to figure something out. Something that didn’t match what he expected. “You look like you’re about to leave.” he said. You hesitated.

Because, you were. “…Maybe I am.” you replied. His grip finally loosened.

But his hand didn’t drop right away. Just hovered for a second before pulling back. “…Don’t.” he said. The word was quiet.

But it hit harder than it should have. Your brows furrowed slightly. “Why?” Rindou didn’t answer immediately. For once.

He actually hesitated. Then he clicked his tongue softly, looking away for a split second before meeting your eyes again.

“Because I just found you again.” That wasn’t something he would’ve said back then. Not even close. Your breath caught.

Just slightly. “…That’s- thats not a good enough reason” you said. But it came out softer than you meant it to. His gaze didn’t waver. “Yeah?” A step closer. Not aggressive. But deliberate. “Then give me one.”

You shouldn’t have stepped closer. But you did. Maybe it was the alcohol.
Maybe it was the way he was looking at you like he was trying to figure something out and refusing to look away until he did.

Or maybe it was just - Four years of something unresolved, sitting right between you.

Pt.2

—————————————————————————

A/o: Thanks for reading!!

-

Before you can respond: A knock at the door echoes through your home. Three short taps. Your head turns immediately. The sound is familiar. What are the fucking odds. Ran notices the way your expression changes. His smile grows just a little. “Well,” he murmurs lightly. “speak of the devil.” Your stomach drops.

You step toward the door quickly. “I’ll get it-” But Ran is already moving. He reaches it first and pulls it open. And standing on the other side is Rindou. For a second the hallway goes completely silent. Rindou’s eyes land on his brother. Then slowly slide past him into the apartment. And finally land on you.

The shift in his expression is subtle, but you see it. That instant calculation. That quiet realization that something is very wrong. “Ran.” Said man leans casually against the doorframe, like this is the most normal situation in the world. “Rindou,” he replies smoothly. “funny running into you here.”

You’ve never seen Rindou look this tense. His shoulders stiffen. His jaw tightens. “What are you doing here?” Ran gestures vaguely behind him. “Oh, you know. Visiting.”

Rindou steps inside and shuts the door behind him. The soft click sounds much louder than it should. For a moment neither of them speaks. Then Rindou looks at you.

His voice softens instantly. “Hey.” he says quietly. You swallow. “Hi.” His eyes scan your face quickly, he is checking. Making sure you're okay. Then he sighs under his breath.

“Can you do me a favor?” You nod immediately. “Go to your bedroom for a bit.” he says gently. Your gaze flickers toward Ran. Ran is watching the entire exchange with obvious interest. But Rindou’s attention never leaves you. “It’s fine.” he assures quietly.

You trust him. You always have. So you nod again and walk down the short hallway. You close the bedroom door..almost. it stays open just a tiny bit.

You sit on the edge of the bed, heart beating faster than usual. You tell yourself you’re not trying to listen. But the apartment is small. And their voices carry easily.

Outside the room, silence stretches for a moment. Then- Rindou’s voice cuts through the quiet. “You can’t just do whatever you want because you’re my older brother.” he snapped, voice low but sharp. “I was going to tell you eventually.”

Ran’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “When?” he asked quietly. “When she’s dead in a ditch?” Your stomach twists. Rindou took a step forward. “Watch your mouth.”

“No.” Ran said calmly. “You watch yours.” His composure cracked just slightly, irritation slipping through the usual lazy confidence. “You have to know what you’ve gotten her into! This situation isn’t a joke to me.”

“It’s not a joke to me either. ” Rindou shot back. Ran let out a short laugh, shaking his head. “People like us don’t get to have soft things.” he said. “You know that. She’s a liability.” Rindou’s eyes darkened. “She’s not a liability.”

“She’s a weakness.” Your fingers curl slightly into the blanket under you. Weakness. The word sits heavily in your chest. The room outside goes quiet for a second. For a moment it feels like Rindou might actually swing at him. Instead, a slow exhale.

You can almost picture Rindou dragging a hand through his hair. “Nothing is going to happen.” he said, forcing the words out. “She’s safe. No one knows about her.” Ran hummed softly. “Yet.” he corrected.

You hear footsteps move across the apartment. “No one knows yet.” Ran repeated. A moment passed before he spoke again. “Either way,” he said, calmer now, “i found out.”

A pause. “How long has this been going on?” Silence stretches long enough to make your heart start pounding. And Rindou answers. “A few months.” Ran laughs quietly. “You’ve been sneaking around for months.”

“She’s not some side thing!” Rindou snapped. Your chest tightens a little. “I didn’t say she was.” Ran says.

“That’s what you’re implying.” Rindou states. Another pause. Ran studies him for a moment. You can almost feel the tension through the wall. Silence settles over the apartment.

Heavy and uncomfortable. You shift slightly on the bed, careful not to make noise. You can’t stop wondering what happens next. And whether Rindou is going to come back down the hallway.. or if Ran will.

Your heart is still beating faster than it should. A few months. That part keeps replaying in your head. You hadn’t realized he’d been keeping track like that. Like it mattered enough to count. Your fingers twist slightly in the blanket beneath you. Out in the living room, you hear movement again.

Footsteps. For a moment you think they’re heading back toward the front door. But they start coming down the hallway. Your breath catches. There’s only one bedroom in the apartment. Which means whoever that is…Is coming here. You straighten slightly on the bed, staring at the door.

You’re still wearing the same clothes you threw on earlier that evening some loose black pants and a black hoodie that hangs a little too big on your frame, the sleeves covering part of your hands. It isn’t yours. Rindou left it here weeks ago, and it somehow became the most comfortable thing you own.

The footsteps stop just outside. A small pause. Then the door opens a little wider with a soft push. Ran Haitani appears in the doorway like he’s stepping into a room at a party instead of walking into someone else’s private space.

His eyes find you immediately. And his smile returns. “Well,” he says lightly. “there you are.” You blink at him. “…Hi.” Behind him, Rindou’s voice snaps from the hallway. “Ran.” It’s sharp. A warning.

Ran ignores it completely and leans one shoulder against the doorframe, arms folding loosely. Up close, he somehow looks even more relaxed than before.

Like this entire situation is mildly entertaining. “I figured we should probably meet properly.” he says. “Since you’re apparently important enough to start a family argument.” Your brows pull together slightly. “That wasn’t really my plan.” Ran chuckles softly. “I believe you.”

From behind him, Rindou steps into view. He looks annoyed. More than annoyed, actually. Tense. “Ran,” he repeats. “leave her out of it.” Ran glances back at him over his shoulder. “Relax.” Then his gaze shifts back to you again. “So,” he says calmly. “you’ve known my brother for a few months.” You hesitate. “…Yes.”

“And in those few months,” he continues, tilting his head slightly, “you learned what kind of life he lives.” Its not a question.

Your stomach tightens a little at the direction of his scentence. But you nod anyway. “I’m not clueless.” You tell him. Just like you did when he first questioned you after entering your home. Ran studies you for a moment.

Long enough to make you shift slightly where you’re sitting. His eyes flick briefly around the room before returning to you again. “You stayed anyway.” he says. It doesn’t sound like a question. You shrug faintly. “I like him.”

Behind Ran, Rindou mutters something under his breath. He never imagined your first meeting with his brother to be like this.

Ran laughs quietly. “Simple answer.” He straightens slightly, still leaning in the doorway. “But let me ask you something.” Your fingers tighten slightly around the blanket again. “Okay…”

“If someone decides my brother needs to be hurt,” Ran says calmly, “do you know what the easiest way to do that is?” The room feels colder all of a sudden. You know the answer before he even finishes the thought.

Your voice is quieter when you speak. “Me.” Ran watches your face carefully as you say it. Then he nods once. “Exactly.”

Rindou’s patience finally snaps. “That’s enough.”

His hand grips the doorframe as he steps forward, putting himself slightly between you and his brother. “She understands the situation.” he says sharply.

Ran raises an eyebrow. “Oh? Does she?” Rindou glares at him. “You’ve made your point.” Ran sighs softly like he’s the one being unreasonable here. “Fine.” But he doesn’t move right away. Instead he looks at you again. And for the first time, his expression softens just slightly. “Just so we’re clear.” he says, “I’m not saying this to scare you.”

You tilt your head a little. “Could’ve fooled me.” That earns a quiet laugh. “I’m saying it because if you’re going to stay in my brother’s life,” Ran continues, “you should know exactly what that means.”

You look at Rindou. He looks… frustrated. But not with you. Your gaze shifts back to Ran. “I do know.” you say. Ran studies you for another long second. Then slowly, he smiles again. This one is different. Less curious. More… approving. “Well,” he says lightly. “that’s inconvenient.”

Rindou narrows his eyes. “Inconvenient how.” Ran pushes himself off the doorframe.

“Because now I can’t tell you to dump her.” Answers Ran. Your eyebrows lift. Rindou stares at him. “…You were going to?”

“Obviously.” Ran glances back at you one last time before stepping into the hallway again. “But she’s stubborn.” he adds casually. “And unfortunately for you, Rindou…” His smile widens slightly. “I like stubborn people.”

Rindou exhales slowly like he’s trying very hard not to punch his own brother. He watches Ran disappear down the hallway toward the front door before finally turning back to you. His expression softens immediately. “…You okay?” You stare at him for a second. Then let out a small breath.

“I think your brother just interviewed me.”

From somewhere near the front door, Ran’s voice carries faintly through the apartment.

“Don’t worry.” A beat.

“You passed.”

———————————————————————————-

A/o:

Thanks for reading!!

You press your face into his chest and inhale slowly, hoping he doesnt catch it.

Of course he does.

He smells like outside air, faint cologne, something metallic and distant but underneath that, it’s just him. „Missed me?“ more of a rhetorical question. He knows you do.

“Very..” you murmur against his shirt. He exhales slowly, chin resting against the top of your head.

“Mhm” he murmurs. No more words needed. Your arms tighten just a little around him, like your scared of him disappearing just like that.. “You smell like the city.”

He gives a faint smirk you can’t see. “That a compliment?”

“I like it.” you say softly, inhaling again like you’re grounding yourself. His grip tightens slightly at that not subtle, more possessive. “Missed you too.” he admits quietly, like it costs him a little.

You pull back just enough to look at him, hands still fisted in his shirt. “Long day?” He rolls his shoulders once. “You could say that.”

You finally let him in. He takes off his shoes, drops his jacket and bag near the chair. The apartment feels warmer with him inside.

“Gonna shower,” he says, tugging at his rings. “need to get today off me.” “Okay,” you smile. “Towel’s are in there.” The bathroom door closes. The shower turns on.

You pick up his jacket with a small smile. You always tidy his things, it makes you feel close to him, like you’re helping him and taking care of something he carries out there.

You unzip one of the inner pockets to smooth it out.

Your fingers brush cold metal.

You freeze.

Slowly, you pull it out.

A gun.

It’s heavier than you expected. Solid. Real. Your heart stutters. You know what he does. You trust him, you really do. But holding it…feeling its weight, it makes everything too real.

The shower was shut off again. But you heard none of it, to deep in thoughts.

You’re staring at it, should you act like you never found it? He would notice somethings on you mind. Confront him? What is he supposed to say? You know the world he lives in.. that you live in now too.

when the bathroom door suddenly clicks open.

You jump.

Rindou steps out not showered yet. Bare chest, pants on, towel around his neck. He scans the room quickly. Then he sees you, sees what’s in your hands.

He stops dead.

His eyes close briefly.

“…Knew I forgot something.“ His voice is low. Controlled. “Put it down, baby… please.” You swallow. “It’s loaded?” He walks toward you slowly, hands visible, movements controlled. Careful. “It’s safe,” he says quietly. “but yeah.” That answer makes your throat tighten.

You swallow hard. “I–I didn’t mean to snoop.” Your fingers tighten instinctively around the grip before you loosen them again, guilt flashing across your face. “I know.” he says immediately.

He walks toward you slowly. There’s no anger. No sharpness throwards you. Just something heavier. He reaches out to you and gently wraps his hand over yours, steadying both your grip and the weapon.

“You shouldn’t be holding that.” You let him guide it down. He takes it from you carefully and puts it back in his jacket pocket, zipping it shut. Out of sight out of mind right? Not really in this case.

He exhales through his nose. His fault.

He brought something tainted into your soft, safe space. Left it where your hands could find it. When he looks back at you, your eyes are glossy. “I just…” your voice shakes slightly. “I hate that you need it. I hate that someone might…” You can’t finish the sentence.

His hand comes up to cradle your jaw. “I know.” This time, his voice is softer. He presses his forehead gently to yours. “That’s on me. Should’ve put it away.” Your hands slide up his sides, clinging to him.

“I trust you.” you whisper. He pauses. Then his arm wraps fully around your waist, pulling you flush against him. “Good,” he murmurs. “because nothing will ever happen to you.” Not on his watch.

He kisses your temple slowly. “And I’m not letting you touch that again.“ its a promise. To himself..to you.

You nod against his chest. He rests his chin on your head for a moment, holding you there steady, protective. Then quieter: “C’mon,” he murmurs into your hair. “i came here to sleep. Lets not ruin our peaceful night together.”

He holds you a second longer than necessary. Because the image of you holding that gun, something meant for violence, in your soft hands… It doesn’t sit right with him at all.

And he fully intends to make sure it never happens again.

Pt.2

—————————————————————————

A/o: He could bring a weapon arsenal home i would not mind.

Thanks for reading hope you enjoyed.

The lies. The disappearing acts. The lipstick stains that weren't yours. The girls. Always girls. Not because he loved them. Not because they meant anything. That almost made it worse. They were nothing. Disposable. Forgettable.

Just proof that he thought you'd stay no matter what. And for a while, he was right.

-

The first tire hissed as the blade sank into it.

A long, satisfying sound. You stared at it for a moment. Then moved to the second one.

The motorcycle tilted slightly when the air escaped. Two tires. That was all it had. Which meant there was nowhere left to go.

Kind of fitting. You crouched beside the bike and looked at your reflection in the dark paint. Months ago, you would've cried.

Begged. Asked what you did wrong. Now? You were just tired. Tired of competing with ghosts. Tired of competing with Mikey.

Tired of competing with random girls whose names Sanzu probably didn't even remember. The second tire collapsed completely. You stood up. Pulled a marker from your pocket. And wrote one sentence across the fuel tank.

"Maybe next time you'll think before you cheat." Then, underneath it: "Mikey can come pick you up."

The phone started ringing before sunrise. You ignored it. The second time too. The third. The fourth. The twentieth. Finally, you answered. "What?" Silence. Then: "You slashed my tires." Not a question. You smiled. "Both of them."

"You wrote on my bike." He said. "Yeah." you replied. A pause. Long enough that you knew he was staring at it. Reading it again. And again. And again.

"Mikey laughed." You blinked. "What?"

"Mikey saw it." A beat. "He laughed." Against your will, a tiny bit of satisfaction warmed your chest. Good.

The amusement didn't last. Because eventually Sanzu stopped talking. Stopped making jokes. And when he spoke again, his voice sounded different. Quieter. "You actually left." You closed your eyes. There it was. The thing he couldn't understand. Not the tires. Not the vandalism. Not even the note. The fact that you were gone. "You cheated."

"It wasn't serious." The words came automatically. Like he'd said them before. Maybe he had. Too many times. You laughed once. Short and bitter. "Exactly."

Silence. Because he finally got it. Not that he was sorry. Not really. But that he'd lost.

He'd spent so long assuming you'd always be there that he'd never considered the possibility that one day you'd simply decide not to be. "You still love me." The statement came quietly. Confidently. Like he already knew the answer. And the worst part was that he was right. You did. You hated that you did. But you did. "Yeah." For the first time all morning, Sanzu sounded relieved.

Until you continued. "But I respect myself more." The relief vanished instantly. The silence afterward felt endless. Because Sanzu Haruchiyo knew exactly what that meant.

Love had kept you there. Respect was what finally made you leave. And unlike his motorcycle tires, that wasn't something he could replace.

—————————————————————————

A/n: Got inspo for this, from that song “Before he cheats” I know this song bc of pitch perfect 2. I had a phase were i watched that movie everyday for 1 month in 4th grade. Good movie.

Thanks for reading!!