𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍~ 𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐎 𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐈𝐑𝐎

♡Chapter-44♡

Third point of view.

The wind swept through the bridge, ruffling the edges of your jacket as you stood with Baji, Chifuyu, and Takemichi. The night was settling in, a quiet tension hanging in the air as the christmas lights flickered to life below. The three boys, dressed in their Toman uniforms, looked determined, ready to face whatever was waiting for them at the church.

Chifuyu broke the silence. "The plan is on. We're heading to the church to stop Hakkai."

Takemichi clenched his fists. "We can't let him go through with it. If he kills Taiju.. things will only get worse for him."

You stood slightly behind them, arms crossed, gaze flicking between each of them. You weren't part of the fight tonight. Baji had made that clear long before this moment. Said he didn't want you tangled in something this reckless, and while you didn't agree with it, you respected it.

Your eyes drifted to Baji. He hadn't said much, standing off to the side with a faraway look in his eyes. The wind teased at his hair as he finally turned his gaze to meet yours.

You gave a small nod, offering a steady look back. "Don't worry. I remember what you said. But listen.."  You said. "Kisaki and Hanma are involved, right?"

The mention of the name's made all of them shift slightly.

"Kisaki's playing along for now, helping out because it benefits him."  You continued. "But I don't trust him. Not one bit."

Chifuyu nodded in agreement. "None of us do."

"Then don't let your guard down." You warned. "No matter what he says or does, remember that he's only in this for himself. If anything feels off, anything at all, call me."

Takemichi hesitated. "But you just said--"

"I said I'd stay out of the fight." You cut in. "But that doesn't mean I won't come if you need me."

The weight of your words settled over them, Baji smirked slightly. "Tch. Always looking out for us, huh?"

You shrugged. "Someone has to."

A small, reassuring silence fell between you all. Then, Chifuyu exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Alright. Then let's get moving."

As the three of them turned to leave, you reached out and grabbed Takemichi's sleeve, stopping him in his tracks.

"Wait." You said, making him turn to face you. His eyes held confusion.

You hesitated for a second before asking, "Is Hina alright?"

At your words, Takemichi stiffened. It was barely noticeable, just a slight tensing of his shoulders, but you caught it.

"She hasn't been replying to my texts since morning."  You continued, studying his face. "Not even picking up my calls. That's.. not like her."

Takemichi blinked rapidly, like he needed a second to process the question. Then, with a quick shake of his head, he forced a smile. "Oh, uh.. she's fine."

You narrowed your eyes slightly. "You sure?"

"Yeah." His answer came too fast. "I just.. haven't talked to her today." You didn't miss the way his fingers curled into his palms, how his jaw tightened just slightly.

Something wasn't right.

But Takemichi wasn't offering any more information, and as much as you wanted to press him on it, now wasn't the time. So, instead of debating further, you sighed and took a step back. "Alright, go. Just don't do anything reckless."