[AllTakemichi] Control

Chapter 52

Shiba Taiju used to believe in only two things: God and the power of violence. But that man - he shakes Taiju's faith in violence, and strangely enough, deepens his faith in God. It makes Taiju believe Hanagaki Takemichi might just be the one exception in his life.

Once again, Taiju defeats Hanma. This time, he makes sure the bastard won't have enough strength left to cause any more trouble. Hanma slumps against the wall, panting heavily. He looks pathetic, but that's fine - so long as Kisaki gets away.

Taiju's phone rings.

Hanma stiffens instantly. Don't tell me... did they catch Kisaki?

Taiju glances at him before picking up the call.

"Kimura. What's the situation?"

Hanma struggles to his feet, barely managing it - but he catches the look on Taiju's face. That darkening expression. The slight crease between his brows. He's worried.

So it's not a call about Kisaki getting caught. Hanma exhales a quiet breath of relief. But right away, another thought flashes through his head - if it's not about Kisaki, then it can only be about Takemichi.

Damn it. He curses himself. What the hell is he even worrying for? After what that brat pulled today, after the pain he and Kisaki had to eat - he shouldn't care.

And yet...

Watching Taiju suddenly dash off without so much as a glance his way, like he's the last thing on his mind - it pisses Hanma off more than he expects.

"Don't you dare die, hero. If you're gonna act all cool, then follow through to the damn end!"

Shit. Now he's got no strength left to check whether Kisaki - or that other idiot - are still alive. Taiju arrives at the scene, and the moment he sees that small, blood-covered figure, something slams inside his head - a surge of emotions he barely recognizes rushes through his entire body. Panic. Fear.

He doesn't have the mind to make sense of what he's feeling. All he knows is that he needs to get to that person. Fast.

"What happened?" he demands.

"I - I don't know," Kimura stammers, clearly shaken. "Hanagaki - he saved Kisaki. Then he started having a really bad nosebleed. And then... he threw up blood. I..."

Kimura can't even finish his sentence. Whatever composure he usually carries is long gone, replaced by frantic worry.

Taiju glances over at Kisaki, who isn't far away. The man looks completely shattered, staring this way like he's barely hanging onto reality.

But Taiju doesn't care about the full story right now. He has no time for it. He steps in, gently takes Takemichi from Kimura's arms. The boy is barely conscious, writhing in pain.

Taiju lifts him up, holds him close, and flags down a taxi.

The driver takes one look at Takemichi's state and goes pale. Clearly doesn't want to get involved. Useless.

"Kimura, go back and report to Touman. Help them sort things out with Tenjiku, then disband the Black Dragons and wait for orders. I'm taking Takemichi to the hospital," Taiju instructs firmly before climbing into the car.

He doesn't spare a single glance at Kisaki - the man who hasn't taken his eyes off the one in Taiju's arms this entire time.

Taiju holds Takemichi close, settling him on his lap. The boy leans entirely into his chest, his whole body limp - fragile, like a porcelain doll that might shatter at the slightest touch. Taiju can feel it. Takemichi's once-bright eyes are now dull and glazed over, drained of light.