[AllTakemichi] Control

Chapter 23

At the hospital, Takemichi only eats and sleeps. One day, after getting enough rest, he wakes up very early. Seeing that his injury hurts less, he decides to take a walk around the hospital grounds. The weather in early November is getting colder. Takemichi wants to snuggle into his coat. He suddenly thinks it's really crazy - why would he go for a morning walk instead of staying wrapped in a warm blanket and sleeping?

But he needs a quieter place to organize the thoughts in his head. Takemichi walks slowly and stops to look at the trees, which are just starting to show yellow leaves. Some trees have already begun to shed their leaves. In just one or two weeks, all of Tokyo will wear a new color. Takemichi hopes to heal quickly - festival season is coming, and he doesn't want to be stuck at home.

Takemichi is unsure whether to tell his mom about seeing a psychologist. He's afraid it might make her sad. Since Takemichi started suspecting he has multiple personalities, he's still uncertain. He feels like he has full control over his body, but when he thinks about what Chifuyu said and his strange dreams, he feels uneasy. He laughs at himself - mental illness? He's always felt fine. No matter how much pain or despair he's in, he still feels like he can keep going, still able to manage.

So, it turns out he isn't as strong as he thought, right?

He looks up at the trees, letting out a long breath. The white mist from his nose and mouth floats into the air and disappears.

"Takemichi!"

A sudden voice calls him, and Takemichi turns around, startled.

What? It's a bit too early for this. What is Chifuyu doing here? He looks around, and it's not just Chifuyu; Baji and Kazutora are here too.

"You idiot, it's cold out here, why are you outside?" Chifuyu frowns and scolds him.

"I slept too much, just getting some fresh air. Why are you guys here so early?"

Takemichi looks at Kazutora and smiles at him. "Kazutora-kun, how are you feeling?"

Kazutora hesitates a little. "I'm fine," but the air between them is still a bit awkward.

Takemichi sneezes.

"Get inside quickly, or you'll catch a cold."

When Baji hears the sneeze, he thinks Takemichi is cold, so he quickly takes off his coat and puts it on him. Takemichi is confused - why does this feel kind of like "boyfriend material"? He has his own coat, and while it's a bit chilly, the weather is pleasant. Do these guys think he's too weak?

"What's wrong?" Baji asks, noticing the slightly annoyed look on Takemichi's face.

"You guys always treat me like a kid," Takemichi snaps and walks away.

Baji is puzzled but then laughs. How is that grown-up behavior? He can't believe Takemichi is already 26. Baji shakes his head.

"I'll message Draken-kun and Mikey-kun to let them know we found you," Chifuyu says as he walks beside Takemichi, typing on his phone.

"Both Draken-kun and Mikey-kun? What's going on this morning? Did you guys skip school to come here?"

"Smiley-kun and Angry-kun said the Haitani brothers were looking for you yesterday, so we came to keep an eye out."

Chifuyu finishes texting, puts his phone in his pocket, and feels a little cold. Seeing that Takemichi now has two coats and looks much warmer, Chifuyu scoots close and slips his hand into one of Takemichi's coat pockets.

"You're really warm, Takemichi. How are you not freezing out here? I could use you as a human heater this winter."

"A human heater that runs on rice? You're too cold, partner, move away."