𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐲𝐞𝐬 | 𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐣𝐮 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐚

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍

You and Taiju have arrived at the apartment complex. Taiju assisted you in getting off his motorcycle, and the two of you then headed to your perspective apartment. Taiju handed you the plastic bag containing the groceries you brought from the store. And you said your goodbyes to him, but he just shut the door.

Taiju just found himself staring at the floor after shutting the door, remembering what he had done to you. Because of what he did, he was unable to even believe in himself. His body simply moved on its own; he was completely unaware of why he did it.

A slight flush rises on his face as he recalls the times when he unconsciously presses his lips to your nose.

He grumbled in frustration as he tried to wipe away the memory of him and you. He hadn't experienced this kind of feeling because he'd never felt it before; he was too busy doing gang activities and fighting. Every time he encounters you, he feels something different.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Taiju has been monitoring you for a few days now, and he now knows what time you leave for work and when you return. And when he went to work, he even followed you. And what surprised him is that the café where you work is not far from where he works. He earns some money by working at a motorcycle maintenance shop.

You just finished your work and are thinking of paying a visit to Luna and Mana because you haven't seen them in a long time. You must also buy something for them.

'I can't decide between the chocolate cake and the cheesecake... But I guess I'll just get the girls a chocolate cake.'

You're on your way to the bakery, where you usually get cheesecake. You immediately stop while strolling, hearing the familiar motor engine approaching.

"That's not the way home, old lady," Taiju pointed out.

"Oh, you've been stalking me recently, huh?" you grin. You're already aware that he sometimes follows you to work or home. You assume he works near the café.

He is startled that you are aware that he is following you.

"Stop making assumptions; it's only a coincidence that your workplace and mine are close by."

"Ah, sorry, but I have an amazing suggestion to talk with you."

"And what the fuck is it?"

You smile at the brilliant idea you have in mind, which you are currently planning.

"You mentioned that my workplace is not far from yours... So, is it okay with you, that we'll be going and leaving work together? We are neighbors, and we even take the same route to work, so... What do you think?" You already know that he may reject your offers.

"No, no fuckin' way," he said as he rode away, leaving you behind.

Your smile faded as you began to walk. "I know."

'I basically wasted my time chatting with him.'

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

The girls enjoy the chocolate cake you got for them, and Mitsuya isn't at home with them, so you decide to stay till Mitsuya returns. You prepare a simple meal for them. After having dinner with them, Mitsuya arrived home, so you decided to go.

"Are you sure you won't need a ride home?" Mitsuya inquires.

"No, it won't be needed, and you just got home, so you should relax."

"I understand you don't want to be accompanied to the complex, but I'll just drop you off on the playground; is this okay with you?"

You couldn't avoid Mitsuya's stubbornness, and you don't have anything to say in response, so you accept his offer.

You sighed and said, "Ok, I don't have anything to say, so I will just accept the offer of my stubborn Lil bro," and you grinned at him.

Even though you couldn't see him, he is glad that you accepted his offer.

"Don't treat me like a kid." You respond by laughing.

You and Mitsuya left his place to accompany you to the playground. He then leaves after dropping you off at the playground. You're alone on a quiet street, sensing the old night. You felt a little emotional while you were making your way home. You somehow believe that this is a miserable and blessed thing that has been bestowed on you.

It's a blessing since you've made nice friends and yet are miserable because of your mission. You have numerous concerns that you would not be able to fulfill this mission, but you remember the time you have with Taiju. You tend to relax when you observe minor progress from him. But you know you're not the reason for his change because the person who completes your first mission is the one who saves their family.

And you will have to work even harder to completely change him and his relationship with his family. Mr. White would be satisfied with it. But you need more information from his family. You still don't know anything about his family.

You felt something wet fall from your head, and then all of a sudden, there is a heavy downpour.

'I was hoping it wouldn't rain today! I didn't even bring my umbrella.'

You sprinted, using your bag as a cover for your head. Given that it is now late in the evening and some stores are already closed, your only choice is to go home at this point because you have no idea where you can cover yourself first.

You almost stumble when someone grabs your hand. 

"What!" you exclaimed in shock. And you could feel the cloth that was covering your head.

"It's me, woman!" And then he ran, dragging you along with him. You couldn't keep up with him since he moves so quickly.

"Shit, you run like a turtle; could you perhaps pick up the pace a little?" he complained.

"Could you please slow down? You're going too quickly."

"You'll get sick, you little old lady!"

"Hey! What did you just- AHH!" you exclaim, surprised by what happens. You are currently being carried on his shoulder like a sack of rice.

"Hold, w-wait!"

"Shut up, woman!" You then snap your lips shut. You have no place to complain right now.

And you notice Taiju slowing down and placing you down. There is no longer any rain pouring on your head.

"We're in a covered alley; let's wait here till the rain stops," he says as he adjusts his jacket and places it over your shoulder.

'What brings him here? Maybe we just happened to meet? What kind of behavior is this? This is a very rare act for him to do in front of me.'

"What are you up to this late?" you ask.

"Strolling," he said briefly.

All you've heard is the sound of heavy rain, which seems to be taking longer to stop.

"Aren't you cold? You can have the jacket," you offer, knowing that you have his jacket.

"A weakling like you need it."

"I'm not that weak, and are you concerned about me? It's not like you," you tease him.

"How come you'd say that?"

"It's because you don't seem to like the idea I suggested a while back..."

"I don't like it, but I can't help myself; I also owe a favor."

You're intrigued by what he just mentioned about favor.

"What is the favor?"

"The scarf you've given me."

You just remembered that your scarf has not yet been returned.

"We only live next door, yet you haven't returned it."

"I don't want to give it back to you; it's now mine."

𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐔𝐄𝐃