[AllTakemichi] Control

Chapter 58

"Izana-kun, you have to get along with Mikey, okay? No more blaming each other over every little thing."

"And stop thinking like you're all alone. Kaku-chan's been following you for so long, and the guys in Tenjiku - they're not with you because they fear you. They truly respect you, and they admire your strength."

"Izana-kun, you need to open your heart to others more."

"You can't keep treating everyone like your servants."

"And you seriously need to stop seeing everything in such an extreme way."

...

Takemichi starts lecturing, nagging Izana nonstop. Honestly, this guy's only older than him in age - his mindset's twisted, pessimistic, and half the time, childish. Takemichi decides it's about time someone straightened him out.

The so-called leader of Tenjiku, head of the most violent generation, sits there with one leg crossed, chin resting on his hand, watching the blond boy talk seriously without a break. The look on his face practically says he's enjoying it. Seriously... why does this feel like watching a parent scolding their kid?

Izana can't help but chuckle. This little brat - ever since he managed to charm him, he's lost all sense of restraint. But that's fine. Even if Takemichi keeps scolding him all day like this, he'll still be happy to sit and listen. The way that small, pouty mouth moves when he talks... it's just too cute.

"Ah! Someone hit me, I must be dreaming, right?"

Mochi's face goes pale - he's terrified by what he's seeing, convinced it's some kind of hallucination.

"Aiya, look at that. Another poor soul catching a severe case of love-sickness."

Ran clicks his tongue and shakes his head. One look and you can tell the symptoms. Rivals in love only ever multiply, never decrease - but when your own boss joins the competition, that's a whole new level of difficulty.

"He's never even talked that much to me before. I met him first, too."

Rindou's been sulking and seething with jealousy more times than he can count today.

"Bakamichi..."

Kakuchou, who might as well be Izana's babysitter at this point, feels oddly touched. Hearing someone care for and scold Izana like that - and even mention him and the Tenjiku members so much - he can't help but feel genuinely happy that Takemichi, his childhood friend, still cares about him deeply.

The thing is, four big grown men are currently squatting outside, secretly lining up by the door and peeking through the gap to spy on what's happening inside. They've been waiting for a while, but it's taking too long - the Haitani brothers, worried Izana might try something, decide to take a look. Of course, Mochi tags along because he's got nothing better to do. At first, Kakuchou, the ever-righteous one, protests... but seeing those three idiots fidgeting restlessly, he eventually gives in. After all, the people inside are the ones he cares about the most.

After a while, Takemichi checks his phone. Seems like he's got a message-he freezes instantly.

"Ah, damn it, I totally forgot - Hina-chan. How long has she been waiting already?!"

Takemichi shouts so suddenly that Izana and the others all jump.

He scrambles to his feet, moving too fast and accidentally putting weight on his injured leg. The pain shoots up and twists his face.

"Careful, Takemichi. What's going on?"

Izana frowns, watching the boy's clumsy struggle.

"I was talking with you, Izana, and totally forgot Hina's supposed to come over this afternoon."