[AllTakemichi] Control

Chapter 42

The doorbell at the Sano residence rings. Emma quickly steps out from inside. As she opens the door, she sees Takemichi. He immediately greets her with a smile.

"Takemichi-kun, are you here to see my brother? He went out with Draken and Baji today. Want me to call him back?"

"No, I came to see you, Emma. There's something I need to talk to you about."

Thanks to Baji, Takemichi knows Mikey isn't home today. That's why he chooses this moment - he has something personal to discuss with Emma. She's a little surprised, not quite sure what's going on, but she still welcomes Takemichi warmly.

She brings him a glass of water and sits down. It's been a while since they last met. Looking at Takemichi now, he feels different - more mature, calmer somehow. Mikey once mentioned that Takemichi is now the leader of the Black Dragons. Maybe that's why?

"Emma-chan, I'm sure you still remember the name Kurokawa Izana, don't you?"

Emma's eyes widen in surprise as soon as he says the name.

"He's... another one of my brothers. Takemichi-kun, how do you know about him?"

Takemichi's eyes grow serious. A heavy tension surrounds him - one that weighs down the air in the room.

"Emma-chan, there's something I need your help with. It's about Izana-kun... and Mikey-kun."

Confusion begins to cloud Emma's face...

Later, Emma walks Takemichi to the gate, her expression filled with unease. Takemichi doesn't push her too hard. If she doubts him now, she'll understand in time.

"Emma, I'm not asking you to believe everything I say right away. But... could you help me remind Mikey that Izana-kun is his brother too?"

"I... I got it. I'll find a way to talk to him. That idiot - I've told him a million times already."

Takemichi gives her a gentle smile.

"Emma-chan... you'll welcome Izana-kun back into the Sano family, won't you? Even if anything happens?" Even if he doesn't share the same blood... they're still a family.

Emma snaps out of her thoughts, suddenly wide awake in the moment. She answers with determination.

"Of course I will. He's still my big brother. Even if he doesn't want to come back, I'll drag him home myself."

Takemichi smiles, reassured. He knows - Emma really is a kind-hearted girl. Whether they can bring Izana back or not... it'll all depend on her now.

Emma, please keep being Mikey's source of strength. This time, I'll be the one to protect you.

That evening, as the doorbell rings through the house, Takemichi instantly knows who it is. His face lights up with a wide grin.

"Koko-kun! Inupee-kun! You guys made it!"

Kokonoi and Inui practically shine with handsomeness - stylish clothes, a subtle hint of cologne, their hair perfectly styled. It's obvious they've put real effort into looking good before coming over. Takemichi can't help but chuckle. They look so serious, so formal. Way too much.

The two of them stare at Takemichi in silence. He's wearing an apron, eyes sparkling, face beaming with joy. He looks... warm, bright, domestic. Like a wife greeting her husband at the door.

Damn it. What the hell are they thinking?

"Come in, you two," Takemichi says, stepping aside. "I'm helping my mom finish dinner - it's almost ready."

They walk in, for some reason suddenly feeling awkward. After a round of polite self-introductions with Takemichi's parents, the boys sit properly at the dinner table, watching Takemichi bring out dish after dish.