[AllTakemichi] Control

Chapter 30

The clock strikes midnight. Amid the joyful atmosphere of Christmas Eve, there's still a place where tension fills the air.

It takes a moment before Takemichi finally stops his punches. In the solemn stillness of the church, a familiar, warm voice breaks the silence.

"It hurts, Hakkai. Let go of me - I'm suffocating."

The faces of everyone in Touman light up with relief. This time, it's real.

Hakkai braces himself to get a clear look at Takemichi's face. When he confirms it's truly the familiar eyes and smile of Takemichi, he bursts into even louder sobs.

"Did you beat your brother yet, Hakkai?" Takemichi's first question after coming back to his senses makes everyone pause. Even now, he still remembers the goal of helping Hakkai tonight.

"You ruined everything and still dare to ask me that?" Takemichi laughs, hearing the annoyed tone in the voice.

"Winning or losing doesn't matter with others. Tonight, you've already beaten yourself."

Hakkai nods slightly, then suddenly wraps his arms around Takemichi. Startled, Takemichi hesitates before gently hugging him back, softly patting his shoulder. Moments ago, this boy had seemed like a demon, ready to take lives. Now, he exudes warmth and care like an angel descending on Christmas night.

"You're the champion tonight, Hakkai. Well done."

"Takemichi..." Hakkai's sobs grow louder. Takemichi chuckles helplessly.

"Takemichi..." This time, it's Chifuyu's turn to cry as he throws himself into the embrace.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I should've stopped him. I should've been by your side."

Takemichi feels utterly drained as the two cling tightly to him. His body aches all over, especially the back of his head.

"All right, all right. It's not your fault, partner. Now, help me up before you both smother me, you two idiots."

With Chifuyu and Hakkai's support, Takemichi struggles to stand. He looks around the church. Baji, Mitsuya, and Kazutora give him relieved smiles, though they're all covered in injuries. Takemichi wonders if any of those wounds are his doing. His gaze shifts to Taiju, who sits on the ground with blood streaming from his forehead. Kokonoi and Inupee stand guard beside him, watching Takemichi as if he's some strange and dangerous creature. The Haitani brothers approach, their eyes filled with curiosity and confusion.

Takemichi's face shows a mix of guilt and discomfort as he offers a bittersweet smile. "I'm really sorry."

"What's wrong with you? You wreck everything and then just say sorry? Are you out of your mind?" Taiju snaps, clearly not holding back his frustration.

Takemichi winces, clutching his head. He doesn't know what to say - he doesn't even fully understand what he's done.

"Brother, let's talk about this later," Hakkai intervenes.

"We've got a report. All 100 Black Dragon members have been taken down. Hanagaki-kun, consider this collaboration a success. And Black Dragon, this is the price you pay for messing with the Haitani brothers. You'd better tone down your arrogance," Ran says with a threatening glance.

In this situation, Taiju just clicks his tongue and doesn't bother to react. From the moment his brother stood in front of him to protect him, somewhere deep down, he had already admitted defeat.

Takemichi doesn't have the strength to celebrate. He would be happy - if only he hadn't lost control and let the other side of himself surface at such a crucial moment. He's overwhelmed with confusion. He thought he had full control over himself, but clearly, he doesn't.