Lying is a Sin, A Sin Hanagaki Takemichi Commits Too Often

Don't Think, Just Hold Me Close (Don't Say You Love Me) Part 2

The texts were sporadic, Takemichi never called, but when Hanma would reach him, he assumed it was because he couldn't trust his voice over the phone. Sometimes, Takemichi would be completely blank, eyes looking at nothing and everything at the same time. Other times, Takemichi would either still be crying, or wiping the last tears from his sticky cheeks before smiling at Hanma, snotty nose and everything.

He used to ask, 'what's wrong?'. He stopped after he kept getting the same answer. He learned to accept that Takemichi was often lying to him, but for some reason, he didn't seem to mind. Takemichi wasn't like Kisaki, who lied to manipulate. Takemichi did everything in his power to make sure others were okay.

1 year ago

Even though they only started their little arrangement two months ago, Hanma is on his way to visit Takemichi with his twelfth pack of cigarettes. He doesn't mind buying them. Because he knows every time he drops them off, Takemichi will invite him out the back and they will smoke a few together.

He came by near closing, like he always does. But noticed there were still a few customers so he pulled his hoodie up, being a fugitive made it difficult sometimes to see...well...his friend. A friend? Is that what Takemichi was? Hanma had never really had friends before. Sure, he was by Kisaki's side for a long time but he never considered him a friend.

When he walked in, he wondered why a wave of irritation washed over him when he saw Takemichi being hugged. He recognised the hugger, it was fucking Draken. Not exactly his most favourite person. He was surprised to see such a sight, he didn't think of Draken to be the affectionate type. And perhaps he wasn't, everyone made exceptions for Hanagaki Takemichi.

Not exactly in the mood to be punched in the face, Hanma walked back out and decided to wait in the alleyway out back until the bakery closed. He decided to start on his own and lit a cigarette before putting it in between his lips.

Who was Hanagaki Takemichi? As a person, to Hanma? Takemichi had a way of making you think he's told you his whole life story so you do the same to him, but really, you know nothing about him. He was so good at it too, Hanma had noticed, there were several times when he had planned beforehand to try and get something out of Takemichi. Only to end up being bewitched by his pretty smile and sapphire eyes and completely forgetting about it.

He was so caught up in his thoughts, that he hadn't realised the exact person he was thinking about was right next to him. Takemichi had already lit himself a cigarette and was leaning against Hanma's side.

"I thought you were more vigilant, Hanma-kun. Didn't even notice me did ya?" Takemichi was trying to be lighthearted but Hanma could hear how hoarse and shaky his voice was.

"What happened? Did Draken do something to you?"

Takemichi looked at him with a surprised expression, "How did you know Draken-kun was here?"

"I see you two...hugging- so I came out here and waited for you," Hanma replied, hoping the smoke hid whatever stupid expression he was sure he was making.

"Mhm, you should try to hide your jealousy Hanma-kun, a lot of my friends are very touchy. Jesus, you should see Kazu-kun when he's having a bad day. Clings to me like a wet shirt, don't mind it though, he's cute."

He assumed 'Kazu-kun' to be Kazutora. He was one person that he always felt kinda bad for in regards to Kisaki's manipulation. He knew the kid had a hard home life, and even though he listened to Kisaki rant for ages about guess who? Hanagaki Takemichi who got in the way of his manipulation, Hanma was kinda glad, Kazutora didn't deserve that.

But nevertheless, he just doesn't understand why his chest is clenching around something that isn't there due to Takemichi talking about him so fondly.