Favorite Crime || Mikey/OC/Mitsuya

10 - death of a friend

after that day—the not kiss with Mikey—we've gone back to normal, pretending nothing ever happened. I woke him up every morning as usual, he sits beside me and pesters me to put food in his bowl, then he leans his head on my shoulder to doze off for a bit until I leave for school. everything was normal between us. normal.

also, true to my word, I did cook dinner for Takashi and his siblings a week after that. it was fun—I stayed until 9 pm. I've also come to learn that Takashi's sewing journeys began when he sewed a toy for his sisters since he couldn't afford to buy them one. it would be a lie if I said that my feelings for Takashi didn't consume my heart whole at this point.

the battle with Valhalla's getting nearer, and I am currently with Chifuyu and Takemichi to talk to Baji.

"how do you know Baji again?" Chifuyu asks me as we watched Takemichi and Baji talk from a fair distance.

"it's a secret," I mutter.

Chifuyu and I were leaning on the railings of the skywalk, silent as we ran through our own thoughts. I could tell he was still bothered, because this Baji just has to do everything alone. don't get me wrong, I admire Baji's courage and selflessness—if only it didn't risk his life and Mikey's sanity. still, I don't think Kisaki's plans would work since Baji has figured him out; I still have to warn him about Kazutora though.

once Takemichi had finished speaking to him, I hurriedly make my way to Baji before he leaves. recognition flashes through his eyes as he watches me approach, and I innocently wave at him.

"you again."

"lighten up, I'll get to the point." I lean my back to the railing beside him, our shoulders accidentally touching.

he looks down at me, half glaringly, as he slightly steps away. 

"I know your mind is set to solve this on your own. just don't die. watch out for Kazutora," I say.

he grunts, turning around from me as if he was about to walk away.

"Mikey found you again after all, huh," he lowly says before he leaves.

I stare at his back, dumbfounded. what in the world did that mean? Mikey found me? again? I look around us if Mikey was here; he wasn't. I guess my confusion was evident on my face as Chifuyu and Takemichi approach me in concern.

"you okay?" Chifuyu asks as he places a hand on my shoulder.

"did he scare you?" Takemichi asks.

"no, he just said something weird."

+++

the battle against Valhalla is finally tomorrow. Emma and I exchanged knowing glances as Mikey ate dinner and left without so much as a word. I know he was trying to hide his emotions, I can't even begin to imagine what it'd be like to face your ex-friend who had killed your beloved brother—not that I love my brother.

after washing the dishes with Emma, she had asked me if I could check on Mikey. I was already planning to even if she hadn't asked, but Mikey had locked the door to his room. he didn't want to be disturbed—he wanted to be left alone. I can respect that, but was it really okay to not let him know I was just here for him?

I knock twice on his door, it was followed by silence. well, I really shouldn't force it.

"Mikey, I'm going to bed now," I say through the door.

I stand there for a few seconds, wondering if he chose to ignore me or if he was already asleep himself.

"sleep well, Izumi."