[AllTakemichi] Control

Chapter 28

That evening, Takemichi brings his injured self to Chifuyu's house. Seeing his bruised and battered appearance, Chifuyu immediately explodes with anger. "Takemichi, who beat you up?"

Takemichi just scratches his head and laughs awkwardly. "It's a long story."

Takemichi hides the fact that he intentionally let Black Dragon target him but shares everything else.

"Hakkai is the younger brother of Black Dragon's leader, and you were the 11th leader of Black Dragon? Why didn't you tell me before? What else are you hiding from me?"

"There's too much to tell at once. Black Dragon is holding a grudge because I saved Rindou, so they came after me today. Hakkai left Touman to return to his brother to help me, and I want to help him again. Also... I want Black Dragon again."

"It was always yours. If you want it, I'll get it for you."

Takemichi laughs. "You make it sound like I can have whatever I want."

He doesn't notice the serious look in Chifuyu's eyes or the unwavering tone of his voice. It's not just casual talk, as Takemichi thinks.

I've already died for you. So, tell me - what is it I wouldn't do for you?

Chifuyu sighs quietly, looking at his clueless partner. There's no way he can understand his feelings.

Chifuyu also calls Baji to explain the situation. But before getting to the main point, Baji's anger flares up. "I'll beat that cocky Shiba Taiju to a pulp."

"Baji-kun, that's not the main issue here."

"You never stop getting hurt, do you? Why can't you stay out of trouble?"

Baji pinches Takemichi's other cheek roughly. Takemichi feels like everyone in this timeline is overly concerned about his injuries.

What he doesn't realize is that after he stabbed himself, he unintentionally planted an invisible fear in their hearts. Every time they see him injured, the image of him collapsing in a pool of blood resurfaces. Since learning about his psychological struggles, they worry even more. If he suffers any further physical or emotional harm, the stranger lurking within him might take over, and they would lose the Takemichi they know. That's why they want to protect him at all costs. But Takemichi, as always, dives headfirst into danger without a second thought about himself, unaware of the care they have for him.

"If Kazutora sees you like this tomorrow, he'll lose it," Baji says, now gently stroking his cheek. Seeing the injuries on Takemichi's face tugs painfully at his heart. Takemichi always makes him worry.

"Tomorrow, I'll call everyone for a meeting. It's going to be intense."

As expected, the next day at school, Kazutora freezes at the sight of the bandages on Takemichi's face. After hearing the story, Kazutora blames himself for not walking Takemichi home. Takemichi reassures him that it's just minor injuries.

But the result? Kazutora hugs him tightly, acting all pitiful and clingy like a puppy. Takemichi doesn't dare ask him to let go. Meanwhile, their friends watch in irritation, itching to say something, but Kazutora's sharp, warning glare keeps them silent. None of them ever warm up to Kazutora. He only smiles and jokes around Takemichi, while remaining cold and distant to everyone else. They also feel like Kazutora is slowly stealing Takemichi away.

After arriving at Mikey's house for the meeting, Takemichi suddenly considers not showing up in front of everyone anymore whenever he gets injured. Seeing the angry faces of the group, even Hakkai feels guilty about Takemichi being beaten, even though it isn't his fault. Mikey and Kazutora start blaming each other, forcing Baji to step in and separate them.