Existence Precedes Essence

Chapter 30: To Let Things Go

The Next Day

Studio

Azumi woke up and saw that she was in Mitsuya's studio. She sat right away and felt the pain in her stomach. "Mitsuya went to Draken's wake. He asked me to take care of you", Yuzuha passed a cup of hot tea. She sat down and the blanket fell on the floor. Yuzuha picked it up and wrapped it around her friend's shoulder. "Sorry. It must have pained you to be in the same place as where Draken died. Even if I wasn't there, I can just imagine you trying to save him", the orange head patted her head. 

Tears fell from her eyes. "Azumi. As much as I don't want Draken to die, I also don't want you to get hurt and blame yourself for it", Yuzuha hugged the lady. 

After a week, 

Hospital

"Sorry. I wasn't able to visit right away", Azumi placed flowers on the vase. "Those are pretty flowers", Hina commented. "Hina, can I have some time to talk with Takemichi-kun alone?", the raven head requested. The peach-haired smiled and did what was asked. Azumi sat on the chair next to the lad. He had a serious look on his face. "What are you thinking of?", the lady asked. For the past few days, Takemechi already decided not to involve anyone else in his plan. He will still save Mikey but not at the expense of the friends he cherished. 

"I'm weak. I wasn't fast enough to think of how I could save Draken. I can only barely save Kawaragi-san and can't even lift a finger to fight with Mikey. I am disgusted with my weakness", he said with all honesty. "Everyone had moved on with their lives. Chifuyu's working in a vet clinic. Taka-san is a designer. Draken opened a shop. What is it that's keeping you from moving forward as well?", the lady asked. "I don't want them to get involved anymore. I know. Because I came back and messed up with the timeline, Draken died. I am disrupting the peace that they have been working for two years", Takemichi covered his face and cried. 

"I can't keep track of everything but all I know is that you're doing it for Mikey. I saw how dead his eyes were. That's not the Mikey that Baji entrusted Toman with. You might be hesitating but I want to assure you that Chifuyu will always be on your side. I can attest to that. I will be leaving Japan for two weeks. By the time I come back, I know that you will be able to gather your thoughts and also outstanding member of your very own gang", the raven head gave a small smile. 

Two weeks later, 

Cafe

Takemichi blinked a few times to see Chifuyu, Hakkai, Inui, Azumi, and Yuzuha in one table. "Are you on a double date?", Hina asked. Takemichi gasped since he knew that Chifuyu felt heartbroken. After some time, the group finished eating. 

"A Thousand Winter?", Azumi repeated in disgust. "What?! There's a nice ring on it", the new vice commander argued. "We need a uniform for that. I designed one and I am wearing it now", he removed his jacket making the raven head burst into laughter. "Is that Peke J?", she continued laughing. "What?! Could you do something better?", the blonde flushed. "I know someone else who could do the job", Hakkai waved and gave a smile. 

Street

Yuzuha and Hina excused themselves as they had other things to do. "You've been quiet. Nervous?", Chifuyu asked. "I haven't heard from him since Draken died. I tried to send him messages but he doesn't say much", Azumi walked beside him. "Even before Toman was created, those two had always been together. I haven't asked because I wasn't able to find time. Are you already going out? The two of you? ", the blonde looked ahead. The others heard it and felt like disappearing. Even if Chifuyu tries to mask it all, they quite have a hunch that he cares about Azumi more than a friend. 

Azumi elbowed him making the blonde cough. "There are other matters to think of right now", she marched forward. "Are you alright?", Takemichi turned to look at his best friend who just smiled. "I am glad that it is Taka-san", he said with all his heart. 

Mitsuya's Apartment

The lad went home as he could focus more than in his studio. Luna and Mana went out when they heard Hakkai shouting. "He's been locking himself inside his room. We don't often see him", Mana informed. Luna and Takemichi went inside the apartment. "Let's go", Azumi looked up and noticed that it was taking time for them to appear. "It's been a while since I saw Taka-chan. I want to ask how he is doing", Hakkai whined. Azumi grabbed on his arm and dragged Chifuyu as well. Inui just followed them. 

Park

The four hid in the bushes as Hakkai kept complaining. Azumi agreed as long as they will keep their mouths shut. Mitsuya grew facial hairs and he lost weight. "Taka-chan got so thin!!!", he gasped and hid behind the tree. "What happened to Draken must have gotten into him", Inui commented. Chifuyu looked at Azumi who had her eyes glued on the lilac head. He slapped her back. "If there's something you want to tell him, do it", Chifuyu sighed. 

After Takemichi talked to Mitsuya, they all agreed on just supporting him to achieve his dreams. They all went their separate ways. Chifuyu and Azumi stayed for a little while.  "I understand Takemitchy but not having Taka-san is such a huge gap to fill", Chifuyu stretched. "You're right. He's a good asset because he is level-headed", Azumi nodded. "Yes. I know", the blonde pouted. "I don't think he rejected the idea of helping you out with Mikey. For some reason, I just know that he will be joining you", the lady looked at the sky. "Want to ride the swing?", Chifuyu offered. 

The lady sat right away. "Come on. Push me", she ordered. "You don't have any reservations. Here we go", Chifuyu pushed her back. "Chifuyu, I took pictures of the animals in Australia. There are so many spider species and they're just crawling on the walls", the lady went on telling the lad about her travel. 

Because I know that I will not be the one who will be doing this in the future, I just want to savor this moment. This is so unfair. Why is it so difficult to convince myself to stop loving you? 

The next days, 

Mitsuya's Residence

Azumi stood in front of the door. She gulped and was about to knock. "Are you Takashi's friend?", a woman asked. The raven head turned and saw a beautiful woman. Now she understands where Mitsuya's gene came from. "I came back to bring the groceries. Takashi is busy working on his project. I am glad he came back so we can also look out for him. He's been pushing himself ever since his friend died", Yukari smiled. "I...I am Hanami Azumi. I just came to bring some snacks", the lady showed a box. "If it would be alright to have you pass it for me", she said shyly. "Dear. Oh, I remembered I have work to do. Here's the grocery", Yukari opened the door and let her enter. 

"Mana and Luna are having their music lesson so I don't think they'll be back soon", she pushed the lady and closed the door. Azumi gulped and removed her shoes. With her alone at the entrance, her heart can't help but race. Mitsuya heard his mother's voice and went out of the room. He still needed to feed himself and felt that he could not tolerate his mother's cooking so he wanted to cook on his own. He walked towards the entrance and saw Azumi removing her shoes. He tried to go back inside his room but as he returned his sight to the girl, Azumi was already looking at him. He ignored her for a month and he would like to explain but there's not excuse for that. 

"Hanami. It surprised me that you're here", the lilac head couldn't look at her eyes. "I brought some food. I'm not confident with the taste but they're edible", she informed. Mitsuya led her to the dining area. She looked around and saw how organized the place was. It was fully maximized. 

Chapter end.