Takemichi as Kaveh

Chapter Five

*Six months later*

Chifuyu's Pov

It's been six months since Takemichi's mental health declined. Takemichi continues to draw, but he won't stop drawing his lover, saying he has to continue to draw him so he doesn't forget his lover's face. As I watch Takemichi immerse himself in his art, I can't help but feel a sense of sadness for the pain he carries. Despite his determination to remember, it's clear that his heart still aches for the one he lost. "Partner, how are you doing today?" I ask him. Takemichi looks up from his sketchbook with a faint smile on his face. "I'm okay," he replies softly. "Drawing helps me feel closer to him, even if it's just in my memories." I sit next to Takemichi and watch him draw. "Takemichi, can you show me your favorite artwork of your lover?" I ask. Takemichi nods and flips through his sketchbook, finally stopping at a page filled with a beautiful portrait of his lost love. As he explains the significance behind each stroke and detail, I can see the love and pain intertwined in every line. Despite the sadness that lingers, there is also a sense of peace and healing in his art. Twenty minutes later, the gang and Mikey arrived. Takemichi continues to draw, and I walk up to Mikey. "Chifuyu, how's Mitchy?" Mikey asks me. "He's doing okay," I reply, glancing back at Takemichi, lost in his artwork. "Drawing seems to help him cope with everything."

*Two years later*

Mikey's Pov

It's been two years since Takemichi stopped smiling, and two weeks later we have a gang fight with Tenjiku. "Ken-chin, how's Mitchy today?" I ask Ken-chin. "He's still struggling, but he's been pouring himself into his drawings more than ever," Ken-chin replies, concern evident in his voice. "It's like his art is the only thing keeping him going." I nod, understanding the gravity of the situation as we prepare for the upcoming battle with Tenjiku. Then a girl with light green hair and purple eyes yells, " Kaveh, are you here?" Kaveh looks up, a faint smile appearing on his face as he sees the girl. "I'm here, Collei," he replies softly. Collei walks over to Takemitchi. " Kaveh." Well, Nahida sent me a message for you. She says Kaveh just two more weeks, then Kaia will be gone, and then I can give Alhaitham, Tighnari, and Cyno's memory of Kaveh. Kaveh's expression changes, a mix of relief and sadness crossing his features. "Thank you, Collei," he whispers, his voice barely audible. Collei nods solemnly before turning to the entrance of the shrine.

Kaveh's Pov

" I'm getting back my lover." I shout. Chifuyu and Kawata twins smile at me. "Congratulations, Kaveh," Chifuyu says warmly. "We're happy for you." Kawata adds, "Your lover would be proud of you." I chuckled, then said, " Oh, no, he is going to lecture me for an hour for the stunt I did." Chifuyu laughs, "Well, that sounds like true love to me." Kawata nods in agreement. "It's all part of the package." Kaveh smiles at their words, feeling grateful for their support and understanding. I go back to drawing in my sketchbook and drawing Alhaitham. For the last six years, I have missed Alhaitham, but leaving him was for the best. I don't know if he will forgive me for leaving. But I hope he knows that my love for him has never wavered. Time may heal wounds, but memories will always remain. " Hey Mitchy, how are you doing?" Mickey asks. I look up from my sketchbook with a small smile on my face. "I'm doing okay; I'm just trying to stay positive," I reply. Mickey nods in understanding, offering a reassuring pat on the back before continuing the meeting. As I continue to draw, I can't help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the memories I shared with Alhaitham. Despite the pain of leaving, I know that it is necessary for both of our well-being. Time may heal wounds, but memories will always remain as a reminder of the love we once shared.

Two weeks later

Alhaitham's Pov

For the last two years, I feel like something more like someone is missing in my life. But then Nahida shows up in front of me with Dendro energy. " Alhaitham, please forgive me." Nahida says it with a small smile. She sends the dendro energy into my head and memories of a man named Kaveh. flood my mind. Kaveh, my lover, who disappeared six years ago, " Why did you take my memories, Nahida?" I asked her. " Kaveh asked me, thinking it would be safer for you. He did the same thing with Cyno and Tighnari. I gave them back their memories from two days ago and where Kaveh is right now. You three are going to Kaveh." Nahida explains. Cyno and Tighnari show up, and I follow them. " Alhaitham, from what Nahida told us, Kaveh is in a gang fight right now." Tighnari tells me. As we set off towards our destination , I could feel a mix of emotions swirling inside me: fear, anticipation, and a glimmer of hope that I may finally be reunited with Kaveh after all these years. The thought of him being in danger only fuels my determination to find him and bring him back safely.