SLEEPING AT LAST | bajifuyu

twenty-two

The beginning of December was as peaceful as the first snowfall of the month. Gentle and pure. The brilliant color of autumn fades into slumber, blanketed under the white pile of snow, and the streets started to smell of hot cheap choco and coffee. People started hogging themselves in thick clothes, walking fuzzballs as Chifuyu would describe.

"Isn't this enough?" Draken asked, carrying three boxes of mochi packets.

Smiley laughed as he carries a box of gifts, "It's not when you have people with hollow stomachs!"

The taller one couldn't argue with him, complaining under his breath. They were shopping for goods for the upcoming celebration of Tokyo Manji, nothing too special but a little party they used to celebrate. Tokyo Manji also made this event to celebrate after winning brawls for the past few weeks.

Mitsuya, Kawata twins, Draken, and Chifuyu are behind the food. Preparing, cooking, and all that. Mikey was kind enough to lend their place for the group to spend the time cooking. The others, such as Peh Yah, Pah Chin, and Baji, were assigned to the shrine. Probably, destroying the place with their decorating taste. Sometimes, they have to accept and let their imagination run free.

"I think we have it all," Mitsuya looks at his list, "Let's go to Mikey's place to cook."

The trio hum in agreement, putting all the things they bought at the back of their motorbike. Once everything is fine, they are off to prepare everything before sundown. Chifuyu sat behind Mitsuya, carrying bags of food he couldn't bother checking at the moment, ecstatic to see the Sano residence. Thanks to Baji and his exaggerated hand gestures, he looks forward to seeing their leader's place.

After arriving in Sano's residence, Mikey welcomes them to their kitchen, including a tour of their traditional home. The blond couldn't help but gawk at the place with glowing eyes and shaky hands. It was more than what Baji had described to him. Words can't even comprehend how cool the Judo training place is.

"You can stay here if you want, and we'll be at the kitchen, Chifuyu," Mikey pat his shoulder, looking tardy than usual.

"Oh, yeah. Sorry about that, but your place is so fucking cool, Mikey."

"Let's just go." turning around to lead the boy to where the pending ruckus awaits them.

The hallways were narrower, albeit the general size of the house, wallowing dust and webs in particular corners. He still gapes at the woodwork, nonetheless. Turning around the corner, he can hear the muffled noises of clanking metals, falling objects, and—of course—yelling. Without looking, he already concluded the mess Draken and Smiley, known for being the graceless fawns of toman, made.

"Holy shit, if they broke one single fucking thing," Mikey grits his teeth, hurriedly walking to the open door that leads to their kitchen.

Before Chifuyu could even step forward, a metal bowl went flying outside together with Draken, freezing at the sight of the tall lad running for his dear life. Smiley followed him with a plastic bowl in his head, laughing as he dodges the pebbles thrown at him. Where did even Mikey get them? He doesn't know and will probably never ask.

"Ah, Chifuyu! Hurry, and help me here!" Mitsuya chimes, peeking out the door, with the batter in his hands.

He sighs and steps forward to the purple-haired boy, "Yes, I'll be there."

After the outburst earlier, Mitsuya, Angry, and Chifuyu cook for the gang. After a couple of minutes helping the two, he had learned that upon stepping on the kitchen, Draken effortlessly broke a plate or two. And, well, Smiley being Smiley, which anger Mikey because his grandfather is strict with their tableware. Chifuyu would like to question further, but their forced smiles and twitching brows told him not to.

"Chifuyu, tell me," Mitsuya stops at cutting the onions, "You've been spending an amount of time with Baji lately."

The blond might have expected that question or what underlying meaning it will have. Though, Chifuyu thought that it isn't as different as they were before. But, he must admit that Baji has been more clingy to him for the past few weeks, competing with Peke J for his attention.

"We just did that all the time," he excused, "I'm teaching him math, and he helps me with my night terrors."

Angry seems to catch the trembles in his voice as he halts in kneading the dough, side glancing at him. The blue-haired boy isn't one to express his feelings through words—he finds using his fists rather convincing in making his points, but he's also a monster when reading out people. Angry is silent, observant, and listening. He is everything Chifuyu fears.

"Oh, don't even bother teaching that bastard," pointing the knife at him, "It's pointless."

"It's fun, nonetheless," smiling at them, "Since I was a child, everything has been anything but fun."

A comforting silence falls between them, and no one bats an eye about Chifuyu's statement. The older boys felt basking in his radiating happiness, comprehending everything between them with just the smile on his face. There are things that words can't describe, and in this case, even lovesickness.

"You seem livelier than the first time, asshole," angry uncharacteristically pouts, "With the little time we spent together, I can still say you've changed."

"Thanks, Angry," Chifuyu said, flattered at his words.

"You will really pass down the fact that you haven't spent that much time with us?" an irk evident on the blue-haired boy's forehead.

Another fact that Chifuyu couldn't dodge. He hadn't spent enough time with other Toyo Manji Captains and Vice-Captains—time in brawls are not included, of course, and most likely is stuck beside Baji. The boy finally had it in mind how they look to others, inseparable regardless of situation.

Mitsuya howls a laugh at Angry's statement, "He's right. Let's hang out sometimes, or if you want, do this again!"

Scratching the back of his head, "Well, sure, text me the plans-"

"Chifuyu made my brother jealous! Isn't that something new?" Smiley enters the room with brimming joy like usual. This time, he has bruises and scrapes on his face.

Following the boy, Draken sighs, "I swear it just fell right off, Mikey!"

"Hey, Chifuyu," Mikey's head pops out from the side of the door frame, startling them, "Help me out a bit."

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I added this chapter since I thought Chifuyu needs time with the other captains and *ehem* there are stuffs that need some discussion.

you can say that this and the next chapter is a filler- okay, bye!