In Another Life (Tokyo Revengers: Chifuyu's fanfic)

Part 6: Baji is Gone

"Baji! Stop!" Your voice echoed with desperation as you watched Chifuyu attempt to restrain Baji, who seemed intent on lashing out at a fellow Toman member for no apparent reason other than boredom. Your heart sank as Baji's response, a sharp and dismissive "Fuck off, Chifuyu," cut through the tense atmosphere.

Chifuyu's steadfast resolve faltered not, his arms wrapped tightly around Baji's torso in a futile attempt to halt his aggression. Tears welled in your eyes as you struggled to comprehend the sudden change in Baji's demeanor. It was as if he had become a different person overnight, withdrawing from the bond you once shared with him and Chifuyu.

In the days that followed, Baji's behavior only grew more erratic. He distanced himself from both you and Chifuyu, rejecting your attempts at reconciliation and refusing to engage in the camaraderie that once defined your trio. It was a painful realization that the dynamic you once cherished had unraveled before your eyes.

Then came the devastating blow—Baji's banishment from Toman's meetings following his second unprovoked attack on a fellow member. Despite your pleas, he remained unresponsive, his silence a stark reminder of the chasm that had emerged between you.

But nothing could have prepared you for the final, gut-wrenching revelation—the abrupt announcement of Baji's defection to Valhalla, declaring himself an enemy of Toman. The words hung heavy in the air, a betrayal that cut deep into the very core of your being.

As Baji's declaration reverberated through the room, disbelief washed over you and Chifuyu in equal measure. The reality of his departure, his betrayal, was almost too much to bear. With a heavy heart, you realized that the Baji you once knew was truly gone, leaving behind only the echoes of a friendship shattered beyond repair.

***

"Oh my god, Chifuyu! What happened to you?" Your voice trembled with shock and concern as you took in the sight of Chifuyu's battered and bandaged face. It was a stark departure from the lively and spirited friend you knew, and the sight nearly brought you to tears.

"Come with me. I need to tell you something," Chifuyu's voice was solemn as he led you to the park downstairs. Sitting on the swings, you found solace in the rhythmic movement of your feet, though the heaviness in your heart persisted.

Chifuyu's revelation sent a shockwave through you—Baji had called him out, only to betray his trust and subject him to a brutal beating at the hands of Valhalla. The realization left you reeling, struggling to reconcile the image of the friend you once knew with the one who could inflict such harm.

"I'm pretty sure he knows what's up but he didn't want us to help him. I'm sure of it," Chifuyu's words were laced with a mixture of disappointment and unwavering loyalty. But your own convictions were unwavering.

"Chifuyu, stop it. Baji forgot about us. I mean... look at what Baji did to you. He... changed. Are you still lying to yourself, believing this isn't the real him? What if all this time was just an act and this is actually his true form?" The words spilled from your lips, fueled by a mixture of anger and sorrow. Chifuyu's silence spoke volumes, his loyalty to Baji conflicting with the harsh reality unfolding before him.

"Do you truly believe Baji is a bad guy?" Chifuyu's question hung heavy in the air, demanding introspection. With a heavy heart, you met his gaze and nodded, unwilling to deny the truth any longer.

"I'm sorry but yes, I do. I believe he's a bad guy if he hurts someone I care about, which is you," your words hung in the air, a testament to the depth of your conviction. With a heavy heart, you rose to leave, leaving Chifuyu to ponder your words in solitude.

As you walked away, Chifuyu's thoughts lingered on your parting words, his own conflicted emotions swirling within him. "Someone you care about, huh?" he murmured to himself, a realization dawning within him as he grappled with the harsh truth of Baji's betrayal.