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

Part 22: Coward

Toman disbanded several months later because Mikey felt it was time for everyone to pursue their own paths, although he didn't disclose the specific reasons. While disappointed, everyone respected Mikey's decision and moved on. You continued your studies as usual, but life felt noticeably different without Toman's presence. Since you and Chifuyu attended different schools, your time together was limited to after-school meetups or occasions when you could sneak out of your house, sometimes pretending to visit another friend. Despite these challenges, you and Chifuyu still found ways to maintain your friendship. However, your relationship remained static as Chifuyu continued to keep his feelings for you hidden.

A few years later, you finally turned sixteen and started high school. This time, you and Chifuyu ended up at the same school. On the first day, you hugged your mom goodbye and left your apartment. Despite having reconciled with your mom, she still held animosity towards Chifuyu. However, you remained defiant, continuing your friendship with him despite your mom's warnings.

As you left your apartment, your mom was taken aback when she saw Chifuyu waiting outside. Her surprise was evident when she noticed both of you wearing the same uniform, indicating that you were attending the same high school.

"Y/N, you forgot to tell me that this troublemaker is in the same high school as you? If I had known, I would have objected earlier," your mom exclaimed, crossing her arms firmly. Chifuyu greeted your mom awkwardly with a bow, scratching his head in embarrassment. By now, you had stopped trying to keep Chifuyu hidden from your mom. After all, it had been years since the Tenjiku incident where you got injured.

You rolled your eyes, coming to Chifuyu's defense as usual. "Whatever, Mom. You can't stop me, and I've told you a million times already. It's been years!"

"I know, but-" Your mom began to say something, but you interrupted her.

"We're going to be late on our first day of school. Catch you later!" you interjected, grabbing Chifuyu's hand and quickly pulling him away. You didn't want to hear any more of your mom's objections.

Chifuyu kept pace with you as you ran, ignoring the tension your mom's disapproval created. It seemed she would never accept him. As you walked and conversed with Chifuyu, something about him caught your attention. Had he grown taller overnight? You came to a sudden stop, gripping his shoulders and staring intently at his forehead. Chifuyu blushed, feeling uneasy under your intense gaze. You reached up, patting his head almost instinctively, like petting a dog, and then compared his height to what you remembered from the last time you did this. Indeed, he had grown taller. You had to tiptoe slightly to reach his head this time, a clear indicator of his growth since the last time you had interacted at this level.

"Woah, did you get taller or what?" you exclaimed, tilting your head as you continued to pat Chifuyu's head. Despite the bustling crowd of students around you, your playful gesture inadvertently made others assume you two were a couple. Chifuyu smiled sheepishly and shrugged in response.

"Or maybe you got shorter?" he teased with a grin. You playfully hit his chest. "Very funny. That doesn't even make sense, does it?" you retorted with a laugh.

While you were sizing him up, Chifuyu was doing the same to you. He couldn't help but notice how your facial features had become even prettier over time, though he'd always thought you were cute. Now, you seemed to have transformed from cute to beautiful in his eyes. However, he hesitated to comment on this observation.

In addition to your facial changes, he also noticed that your body appeared more filled out, which sparked some dangerous thoughts in his mind. However, he quickly pushed those thoughts away. Chifuyu knew he would never take advantage of you, no matter how his mind wandered.