[AllTakemichi] Control

Chapter 55

After Takemichi's wounds are bandaged, Kokonoi and Inupi have to leave early due to other matters. They clearly don't want to, but there's no helping it. Just before leaving, Inupi throws a grumpy, jealous glance at Taiju - because unlike them, he gets to stay a bit longer, supposedly to assist Takemichi, who's having trouble walking now that his leg is injured. He'll stay until Hakkai and Mitsuya arrive with lunch.

"Taiju-kun... You once said maybe the gods have blessed me," Takemichi suddenly says. "So... do they want something in return?"

The question catches Taiju off guard. He falls silent for a moment, eyes settling on Takemichi with an unreadable look. Then, he replies.

"The gods bless those who are kind and brave. That's all they ask."

Takemichi doesn't say anything back. He just sits there, quietly lost in thought. Taiju can't quite read what's going on in his head. He exhales a sigh. These aren't the kinds of things he usually says - it's not really his style - but Takemichi's always been the exception.

"Takemichi." Taiju breaks the silence, calling his name - something he rarely does.
"You have those qualities. And you deserve every blessing the gods have given you."

Takemichi blinks, surprised, staring at him wide-eyed.

"Kindness is never easy," Taiju continues, his voice calm but steady. "To me, it's an act of courage... but also the dumbest thing in the world. Being good to a world that never gives back - it's foolish. No one wants to be the one who gets hurt. That's why the gods cherish the kind ones... and why they test them, too. So yeah, there'll always be conflict around you."

Without warning, Taiju moves from his seat and sits beside Takemichi. He gently takes Takemichi's hands, still folded in his lap as if in prayer, and wraps his own large, warm hands around them. He looks straight into Takemichi's eyes - not to intimidate, but as if silently saying, Trust me.

"Even so, the gods always love and guide the ones who are brave, kind, and willing to sacrifice themselves for others... like you. So don't worry. Just be who you are. Everything's going to be alright. And don't forget - you're not alone. I'm here."

Takemichi doesn't know what to feel. There's a strange weight in Taiju's words, like something sacred. It's almost too serious. Like a responsibility he didn't ask for. But at the same time, there's comfort in it too - reassurance that quiets all the fears he's been holding in.

He presses his lips together and meets Taiju's gaze. Those strong, warm hands around his make him feel both protected and gently cared for. His heart starts pounding. A pink flush creeps into his cheeks.

"Th... thank you, Taiju-kun."

Takemichi quickly looks away, embarrassed. Even Taiju isn't sure why he's saying all this. Maybe it's because he thinks he knows what's been eating at Takemichi lately. Aside from Kimura, Taiju's the only one who knows that Takemichi saved Kisaki that day they chased him down. And things have been strange ever since. Taiju still remembers how scared Takemichi was that night, clutching his chest and asking if he was going to die.

Taiju reaches over and ruffles his hair.

"Get some real rest and pull yourself together, you little brat. There's still a ton of crap our boss has to handle himself. Hakkai should be here soon, so I'll head out first."

Just as Taiju is about to leave, Takemichi tugs at the hem of his coat.

This time, his face is even redder than before - bright like a ripe tomato, like there's pink smoke about to rise from the top of his head. He avoids eye contact, glancing off to the side.