Trouble in paradise (official)

Chapter 85 "Static Between My Ears"

Surprise, loves! ✨ A new chapter is up.
Just a little warning — things get heavy toward the end.
TW: mentions of self-harm.

If you're not in a good headspace for that, please skip the part starting at "Mikey's Office."

Take care of yourselves first, always 💛

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"That's it. Go enjoy the rest of your night. Or don't. I don't care. Meeting's over," Mikey said, sharp enough to make a few members flinch. Chairs scraped, murmured voices picked up, and one by one, the room began to empty. Nobody wanted to linger. Draken especially—he was already halfway to the door before turning back, reaching for Baji.

"Gotta get back to the garage. A couple of cars I still need to finish tonight."

Baji smirked, clasping his hand, dapping him up. "Man, you never stop working. Go on then, I'll hit you up later."

"Haha, alright. Don't keep me waiting."

Chifuyu let out a long sigh. "Man... that was a lot."

Kazutora huffed out something close to a laugh, though it held no humor. "Yeah. Glad it's over, at least."

"Right." Baji's eyes landed on Nai, who stood still, looking lost in thought. Her eyes were fixed somewhere far past the walls. Like she hadn't heard a single word since before Mikey dismissed them. He walked over, hand outstretched. "Baji," he said with a grin that softened the roughness of his voice. "We got off on the wrong foot. Figured I'd try again."

She blinked at his hand, hesitant. But before she could answer, Rindou came up behind her, tall enough that his shadow fell over both of them. The atmosphere tightened, his presence saying everything without a word as he gripped her waist.

"Relax, Haitani. I'm just introducing myself. Haven't had the chance to meet her properly."

"She doesn't need any new friends. Thank you."

"Rinnie!" Nai, sensing the tension, sighed, slipping her hand into Baji's, laughing lightly. "Don't listen to him. Of course, I know you," she said, glancing toward Rindou as if to tell him it was fine. "It's nice to finally meet you again—y'know, without you trying to kill us and whatnot."

"Ah, that?" Baji smirked, tilting his head like it was nothing. "Just a warm-up. A little foreplay, you can say. Don't take it personally."

"Uh-huh. Real welcoming."

"Foreplay, huh?" Rindou cut in, leaning in just enough to shadow Baji's grin. "Keep talkin', and see if I don't knock your teeth down your fuckin throat.

Unfazed, Baji just stood there, snickering to himself. "Easy. No need to get all territorial, baby bro." His gaze flicked toward Lani for half a second, grin sharpening. "I already know your little friend over there. Really well. Now we're all stuck workin' together, figured I should at least get to know the rest of the crew—y'know before I try to kill anyone again. Call it... good manners."

"Manners. Right."

"I totally agree."

"See?" Baji leaned back a little, smiling. "No harm done."

"Whatever." Rindou's eyes lingered on their hands a beat too long before smacking them separate. "Then just keep it at that," he muttered. "Dickhead."

"Don't worry, I know where the line is."

Behind him, Chifuyu mumbled, "Here we go..." under his breath, as Kazutora gave a small nod without looking up, silently agreeing.

The five of them traded light words—small talk, nothing heavy. The tension wasn't gone though. Not at all, just sat there, humming low in the background as the rest of the room continued to empty.