[AllTakemichi] Control

Chapter 20

In his daze, Takemichi finds himself walking in a strange, vast white space. He wants to find a way out, so he keeps walking and walking until he arrives at a place with a table and three completely white chairs.

"Weakling"

"Idiot"

He hears two voices behind him. Startled, he turns around, but the light there is too bright, so he can only vaguely see two figures, one dressed entirely in black, the other in pure white. He wants to ask who they are, but then he wakes up, still startled.

The hospital room where Takemichi lies is probably the busiest in the hospital. The core members of Touman, his friends, and Hinata all come to visit him. To be honest, Takemichi feels confused right now. In a moment of urgency, he did something dangerous, and he doesn't know what to say, especially to Mikey and his mother.

Takemichi's mother hasn't said anything since he woke up, which has been more than half a day now. It's a sign of her extreme anger. When everyone arrives, his mother is still friendly to them and says she needs to go home to get some things for him. Hinata's eyes are wet, but she tries to smile and be cheerful.

Takemichi thinks everyone will ask why he acted so recklessly, but they all behave very normally, talking about how they will have a celebration when he recovers or planning a beach trip, reminding him to take care of his wounds and to get well soon. The visit is very lively and cheerful. No one mentions the incident during the fight, and Takemichi, with all his questions, doesn't know how to ask. When everyone leaves, Mikey stays behind.

"I told Kazutora that I would forgive him if he comes to his senses and apologizes to Baji and you," Mikey says, sitting on the hospital bed with his back to Takemichi. Takemichi can't see his expression. He just quietly says, "Thank you."

After that, there is a moment of silence. Mikey suddenly turns to look at him, his face cheerful as usual.

"Why are you thanking me? I should be thanking you."

Mikey's voice softens. "The thing is... I did hate him a lot, but if he sincerely repents, I would still forgive him like I forgave Baji. But he's always been so wayward. Without you, he would never come to his senses. If not that day, there would have been another day when we would have killed each other."

Takemichi can sense the sadness in Mikey's words.

Mikey continues, "I still don't understand why you did it. You risked your life to force me. But Baji said you did it for him, for Touman, and for me, so I won't ask you to explain."

Mikey suddenly moves closer, leaning on Takemichi's shoulder. Takemichi panics as he feels Mikey's body trembling. Mikey is crying. His voice is choked and strained.

"Please don't ever do that again... okay? I can't bear to see that happen again, Takemitchy."

Takemichi feels his eyes sting. He didn't intend to use such an extreme method, but at that moment, he had no other choice. He reaches out and hugs Mikey.

"I'm sorry. I won't ever do that again."

Mikey doesn't reply, and Takemichi knows he isn't satisfied yet.

"Really, I only have one life. It hurt a lot, and I wouldn't dare do it a second time."

"Then pat my head, and I'll believe you."

Takemichi laughs as Mikey acts childishly with him. Mikey gently wraps his arms around Takemichi's waist, feeling his warmth, being comforted by his gentle pats. Mikey doesn't know when he started craving closeness with someone like this. He realizes that he only feels this way with Takemichi. After recent events, he increasingly understands that he can't be without him. He might have developed feelings for Takemichi that go beyond friendship, feelings he's never had for anyone before.