[AllTakemichi] Control

Chapter 62

February 22, 2006

Once the spirit grows weary, the body follows. Even though his health has already recovered and everyone takes good care of him, Takemichi still feels terribly sluggish. The energy in his body now is probably only about seventy percent of what it used to be. More than anything, Takemichi wants to break free from this state.

Today, he still remembers the appointment to visit Shinichiro's grave. But he worries he might not be able to wake up, so the night before, before going to bed, he sends a message to Inupee, asking him and Kokonoi to come wake him up. The three of them will go visit Shinichiro's grave together.

He actually invites Taiju as well. Taiju is not only the tenth-generation leader but is now also an advisor to the eleventh generation, so he should pay his respects to Black Dragon's founding leader too. But Takemichi sends the message rather late. Only Inupee replies quickly; Taiju does not respond at all. Takemichi secretly thinks that he probably won't come.

"Seriously? You too?"

Inupee's face twists as he sees Taiju joining him and Kokonoi on their way to Takemichi's house.

"Your precious leader tells me to come, alright? So drop the attitude."

Kokonoi, walking between them, feels utterly helpless. He still doesn't understand how these two ever manage to be superior and subordinate. When they work together, Inupee stays professional and doesn't give Taiju too much attitude. But the moment it becomes something personal involving Takemichi, Inupee bares his teeth and gets irritated with Taiju immediately. All day long, he keeps asking Taiju why he agrees to be Takemichi's advisor, why he helps Takemichi, what exactly happens between the two of them recently, and what kind of relationship they even have.

It's that kind of questioning that reeks strongly of jealousy.

Taiju is no pushover either. He doesn't brush it off; instead, he always answers vaguely, deliberately so, until the usually calm and handsome Inupee - someone who rarely shows much emotion - finally looks utterly furious.

"This is a private matter between me and that brat. If he doesn't tell you, then of course I won't either."

"What kind of relationship? That brat once called me Taiju-senpai, you know. Hm, that's not a bad relationship, right?"

What? Calls him what? Taiju-senpai? Senpai? Senpai?!

Two certain people's minds immediately go into overdrive, conjuring the image of Takemichi in his bright school uniform - cheerful, energetic. He wears an adorable smile, calls out senpai in a sweet voice, eyes filled with admiration.

Among everyone in Toman, no one has ever heard Takemichi call them senpai.

Damn it, this lucky bastard!

Both Inupee and Kokonoi are shaken by Taiju's answer. Aside from the two words senpai making their heads spin - and Inupee sinking straight into a sea of jealousy - Kokonoi can't believe the day actually comes when he hears Taiju speak with such childish competitiveness. And he is absolutely sure Taiju is acting like this partly because he still holds a grudge over what happened at the hospital.

Good heavens, is this really the fearsome, infamous tenth-generation Black Dragon leader?

Should he praise his boss for being so good at taming violent, feral beasts?

One undeniable truth is that anyone who meets Hanagaki Takemichi ends up changing their personality sooner or later.

Inupee arrives at Takemichi's house in a foul mood, but the moment he meets Mrs. Hanagaki, his attitude flips instantly, turning obedient and polite.