One Girl, One Oni - Two Idiots

The Clumsy One - Mamoru

Every group has someone who always falls a little short behind… That or it was an Arataki Gang exclusive. Mamoru was the unfortunate one who was always at the short end of the stick when it came to work, preparations or just keeping up with the usual antics the group would have. Itto knew that the guy didn’t have it easy, having a hard time telling people and colors apart. It results in more clumsy situations than anyone else, mistaking some people for others or even getting other stuff mixed up. There are never hard feelings of course. Who can hate a guy with so much passion? He was trying his best, the least any homie could ask for! Or something like that… 

So it had not surprised the oni when he had spotted Mamoru the other day, just bumping into one object after the other. Actually, he didn’t even need to do that really on his own. He was good at it even around the gang. Solely because he didn’t see the object in front of him. Did it have everyone worried? Of course! What kind of boss would the oni be if at least he was not worried!? An awful one, that’s what! Caring about your gang is as important as leading it! Everyone’s gotta be in tip top shape! So it was only natural to bring up an offer as old as time! Or not but you get the point.

“You sure you won’t need a left bro?” Itto asked the smaller male who was sitting in front of a random cardboard cutout which had fallen over, rubbing his very own head while chuckling lightly, all embarrassed. 

“Haha, I don’t but thanks for asking Boss.” He responded while rubbing the back of his head, looking up at Itto. “It happens, I’m used to it.”

“Yeah, until you hit yourself against some rock or something like that.” He countered, not all too keen about this, almost grumbling in fact. “What’re we gonna do with you if you’re knocked out.”

“You’re worrying too much. I’m fine, really. I know my way around. This had just been unexpected.” Mamoru got up slowly, dusting himself off. “Besides, it’s kind of embarrassing if you baby me like that.”

“Baby? Me? Why’d I do that?” Itto laughed, not believing that for a second which had Mamoru shake his head in response. “Listen dude, I’m looking out for all of ya. That—”

“I know that Boss but… It’s always me you look after the most sometimes.” The member sighed, folding his arms. “I appreciate the thought but I can handle myself just as much as Akira and Genta can.”

“The most? Pff, where’s that comin’ from? I just happen to spot you bumping into anything and everyone! You ask me not to help ya out?”

“Not always. It’s really not necessary.”

“Oh shush. Bros gotta look out for another. Just doing my job.”

Hearing this… Mamoru had visibly no words whatsoever, that much had been made all too obvious. One of his eyelids even twitched somewhat, as if he had a hard time accepting this. But isn’t it normal that a bro looks after a bro? What’s the big problem here?

“A… Again boss, I… Appreciate the thought but… I just—”

“Haha, wait! I get it! Ya want more action in your life, don’t cha? I got you homie, there’s been a few things I wanted to get done today! So there’s this little kid I need to get back at, maybe you wanna he—”

“Boss, that won’t really solve anything.”Mamoru interrupted with a light glare. Though it looked like anything but a glare if one were completely honest. He couldn’t look more innocent. Wait actually, now even the oni was questioning what his soul was doing with the gang of all things. The bro never looked like some troublemaker after all… Even if he was very deep down and went along with whatever there was going on.

“Actually, nevermind. I appreciate the thought at least.” And then, as if changing his mind he sighed and dropped his head in defeat, the very own hat nearly falling off his face. Things settled fairly quickly, as always. Maybe because Mamoru realized he was talking to a master debater! Haha, yes! That’s gotta be it! Mamoru was someone who gets it all the time after— 

“Besides, I have something to finish. I will be around later though, I haven’t forgotten.” He then lifted his head back up, nodding with a grin. “We’re meeting at the green sign, right?”

“Green? It’s re—” But Itto stopped himself, just remembering. “Oh yeah, right that. Look, don’t worry ‘bout some sign color. You see the bros, you head over there. We good?”

“Ah, yes! Of course! Right Boss! Wherever the bros are!” Mamoru nodded, his tone ever so soft. Ugh, the guy came off as a little too soft for his own good sometimes… Wakes up some protective instinct within you by default y’know?

Regardless, the oni nodded with his usual grin. “Ya got it! Now hurry up so we can get going later!”

“Right Boss! See you arou—” Yet while walking and before finishing that sentence Mamoru had the talent to run into something yet again, falling right onto the ground as the object fell flat next to him, making Itto look at the sight in shock yet worry. But before he could even say anything he saw a thumbs up from the ground, daring him to not get any closer.

“I’m fine Boss! You head out to wherever you’re headed! I… Can handle myself?”

But can he really? Itto had his doubts. After all, Mamoru was the more… Clumsy one for a reason.