𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍~ 𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐎 𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐈𝐑𝐎

♡Chapter-40♡

Third point of view.

The car hummed softly as you pulled Baji's jacket tighter around you, trying to ground yourself in its warmth. He was currrntly driving you to an unknown destination past midnight.

Your gaze lingered on him, tracing the sharpness of his features. His hair was still the same length, tied back in a messy man bun, which seemed to suit him more. Despite everything that had happened, he was still Keisuke, though the maturity in his expression was a stark reminder of the time that had passed.

Noticing your stare, Baji glanced at you, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "What? Forgot how handsome I was?"

"You wish." You muttered, unable to fight the small smile creeping onto your face. But a frown soon appeared on your face. "What's going on, Baji? Why is everything so.."

His expression softened as he looked back at the road. "I know this is a lot, and you've got a million questions. I'll answer them. Just.. not all at once."

His grip on the wheel tightened before he exhaled.  "Things aren't the same anymore. A lot has changed, not just with me or you. And you showing up now.." He shook his head, a bitter smile crossing his face. "Fate's got a twisted sense of humor."

You wanted to press him for answers, but decided not to. Instead, you nodded, leaning back into the seat, letting the silence settle.

The car soon stopped near a bridge, and Baji stepped out. You followed, pulling his jacket closer against the night's chill as he led you toward the riverbank. A figure stood with his back to you, another sprawled motionless on the ground.

The man turned, and recognition hit instantly. Yellow eyes, a blond streak, it was no doubt that he was Kazutora.

Baji quickened his pace, stopping near the unconscious figure before snapping his gaze to Kazutora.

"Where's Chifuyu?"

Kazutora's gaze faltered, shoulders slumping.

"Kazutora." Baji warned, desperation lacing his tone.

Kazutora let out a shaky breath, eyes filled with regret. "I.. I couldn't save him. By the time I got there, Kisaki had already.. Chifuyu.. he's gone."

Your chest tightened, and you couldn't bring yourself to look at Baji. You didn't need to.

You could feel the fury radiating off him. His jaw tightened, the muscles in his neck visibly flexing as he tried to keep his emotions in check.

Kazutora stepped closer, guilt in his eyes. "I tried, Baji. I swear. But by the time I got there.. I could only get Takemichi out. I'm sorry. I failed him."

"Sorry doesn't bring him back!" Baji's voice roared, cutting through the night air. He turned away briefly, running a hand through his hair before slamming his fist against one of the bridge's pillars.

Your breath hitched as you recognized the unconscious figure. You dropped to your knees beside him, hands slightly trembling as you checked for signs of life. He was breathing, but the blood-soaked bandage around his knee made your stomach twist.

"What happened to him?" You demanded, eyes snapping up to Kazutora.

"He got shot." Kazutora admitted, voice low. "Kisaki shot him."

A faint groan made you turn back to Takemichi. His fingers twitched before his eyelids fluttered open.

"Takemichi?"  You whispered. "Are you okay?"

His gaze slowly settled on you, shifting from confusion to shock. "Y/n-san.. is it really you?"

You nodded. "Yeah, it’s me. You're safe now."