[Chapter 11] : Unease
!Trigger Warning! : Mention of rape (Moebius situation)
Also, school starts in 2 days for me, so from now on updates will be slower :( (I won't abandon this fic, dw!)
''Man, am I glad exams are over!''
''Me too! I'm really looking forward to spending more time with Takemichi this summer!''
It's getting rather late, and (Y/n) and Hina are idling leisurely through the lively downtown. In contrast to the raven-black, brooding sky, the city core is aglow with life.
Vibrant neon signs and flimsy street food stalls line the sidewalks, luring in throngs of eager customers, while the dimly lit bars and flashy nightclubs overflow with drunken conversations and ear-splitting, upbeat music. The sour stench of alcohol and the delicious, lingering aroma of food waft out of the various establishments, mingling harmoniously with the unpleasant smell of diesel and the deafening roar of car horns blaring down the roads.
Tokyo is in full effervescence, as per the norm, albeit today perhaps more than ever due to the onset of summer break for the overworked, burnt-out students of all grades and levels.
The two girls walk past various stores and karaokés, dodging a few college students who've had too much to drink and a handful of office workers finishing their shift at an inordinately late hour, their eyes ringed purple with fatigue.
''Seems like everyone's in a festive mood...'' Hina points out, a hint of melancholy evident in her voice as her pensive gaze sweeps the animated streets.
''Well, so were we! We had a pretty fun celebratory feast with the guys just a couple hours ago!'' (Y/n) remarks in a bid to lift her best friend's spirits.
She's keenly aware of the cause of Hina's morose demeanor, being her prime confidante and closest friend - though it wouldn't take a genius to figure it out.
Takemichi.
The blond boy is no mean feat; he cycles back and forth between two extremes in terms of both character and behavior. Sometimes he's that sweet, embarrassing guy with a more than peculiar sense of fashion, and other times he's that cold, distant, pretend-delinquent. Today, (Y/n) had witnessed the latter.
It's Friday, the date of their last exam of the trimester. Thus, to reward the hard work each had poured throughout the week, the seven middle schoolers all gathered at a restaurant later that evening to celebrate amongst themselves.
Michi had shown himself uncharacteristically aloof during the meal - a fact that hadn't escaped Hina's notice - and eventually bolted under the pretext that something required his immediate attention, not even granting his girlfriend the time to offer to walk home with her.
And so, taking note of her gloomy mood, (Y/n) then dragged her into town to eat street food and hit the karaoke -where she busted her lungs singing (screaming) 'Bring me to life' by Evanescence- with the hope of providing her friend with some sort of comfort...
And thinking about him ruins every effort that was made so far.
Right as she's about to change topics to keep the coral-haired girl from feeling even sadder, a frightened, shaky voice draws both their attention.
''I can't let Hina find out about this...''
It's Takemichi, hunched over in front of an office building. He appears to have been running, given heavy breathing and disheveled hair.
''What can't I find out about?'' Hina asks bluntly.
Before (Y/n) even realized it, the eldest Tachibana had left her side and strode over to her boyfriend.
''H-huh? Hina? And... (Y/n) too?'' The blond sputters, taken aback.
He doesn't seem to be the same cold jerk as earlier, but that's yet to be determined.
While Hina interrogates her man, stressing his odd attitude, (Y/n) keeps a little to the side, away from the two lovers, so as to avoid meddling in affairs she is not concerned with. So, leaning against a nearby wall, she allows her thoughts to wander to trivial matters such as her upcoming summer job or the outings she and her friends can plan, managing to drown out Hina and Takemichi's discussion to provide them with a little privacy - well, as much privacy as is possible on a busy downtown street full of passersby.
It's an annoying, monotone jingle that snaps her out of her thoughts. Her ringtone. She flips open her phone to reveal the display, which lights up with a familiar caller ID : Mr. Worldwide.
Noticing the two lovebirds still engrossed in conversation, (Y/n) takes the call.
''Hey, Draken?''
''Hey, (Y/n). Yeah, it's me.'' His deep, gruff voice emerges from the speaker over the phone's electronic hiss.
''You're calling pretty late... Do you need something?''
''Actually, yeah... I do. Is Takemichi with you?''
''Takemichi? Yep, he is. Do you want me to hand him the phone?''
''There's no need. I'll send you a location, meet us there.'' His tone is a little curt and commanding, the kind that won't take no for an answer. Did something bad happen..?
''Huh? Us? What do you-''
Without granting her the courtesy of finishing her sentence, the vice-commander hangs up on her.
Seems like piss-hair isn't the only one acting like a jackass today...
Grumbling to herself at his exasperating attitude, (Y/n) opens her text messages and, indeed, a location has been sent by Draken. The map app directs her to a sanctuary a short distance from the city, and she can't help but sigh. She turns to the couple standing nearby and speaks up.
''Hey, guys. Sorry to interrupt but something came up.''
***
''Are we almost there?''
''Hina... You shouldn't even be here-'' Takemichi mumbles, frowning.
''I don't care. I said I'm tagging along and you can't change my mind, Takemichi.''
The street they're on is somewhat somber and eerie. There's no one in sight. Not a soul. The path is rather narrow and the electric lamps are dim, conveying a slightly cloistered, claustrophobic atmosphere.
(Y/n) leads the way while the couple is being all cute and mushy behind her, trailing along closely. Paying no attention to their affectionate (and awkward) gestures, her eyes simply wander from the road to her phone every now and then, ensuring that they reach the right destination.
She's not entirely in favor of letting her friend accompany them. Sure, Hina's a sweetheart, but with Draken and Mikey involved in gang activity, it's preferable to prevent her from getting too tangled up with delinquency - and this, despite Hina's chances of victory in a fist fight still being far greater than Takemichi's...
Ignoring the pair's childish bickering, (Y/n) answers Hina's initial question.
''The map says we're close...'' She squints, intent on discerning anything that might resemble a shrine in her vicinity. ''Oh... I think I see stairs over there!''
At her exclamation, all three quietly proceed to the premises; they soon find themselves in a broad graveled area, something akin to a parking lot but minus the yellow or white painted lines delimiting the space allocated to each vehicle. Nearby, a flight of stone steps leading to a large torii -red gate found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine- standing tall at the top of a small hill. For a few moments, (Y/n) considers climbing up out of sheer curiosity but... her plans are quickly scuppered when a bright beam of light is suddenly aimed straight at them...
Braking in front of the group, a motorcycle, engine rumbling wildly in the dead of night and headlights ominously trained on the three middle schoolers.
Then came another, coming to an abrupt halt right beside the first... And, then another... And, right after, several more...
Eventually, there were hundreds of them, all gathered in this small parking lot, their headlights cutting fiercely through the pitch-black darkness, the electric yellow glow throwing off (Y/n)'s sense of reality for a brief moment.
''THE HELL ARE YALL DOING HERE? THIS AIN'T A FREAKING EXHIBITION!''
A man - who, mind you, looks twice their age - vociferates from an adjacent vehicle. Even with the dizzying light, (Y/n) can clearly make out his Toman uniform.
Great.
So... Not only did Draken call her incredibly late into the night, was unpleasant over the phone and demanded she meet him in some godforsaken spot without offering a single shred of explanation (not to mention the fact that the Shrine was a good 15-minute walk away from their initial location!)... But when the three of them do show up, they are welcomed by the annoying shouting of some random guy who looks like he's got stage 6 receding hairline.
Draken is definitely getting soft boiled tonight.
Shrugging off the thought (for now), (Y/n) shifts her focus back to the current situation. The exact same guy who had just shouted at them barely seconds prior had dismounted his motorcycle and stepped uncomfortably close to Takemichi, taunting him. Given his closer proximity, certain of his features are now more apparent, such as his oddly-styled raven hair and his imposing height.
She scowls, watching the blond squirm apprehensively under the ferocious gaze of the towering man.
''You pipsqueaks lookin' for a fight?'' Along comes another guy, whom one can only assume is a pal of the other fellow, equally as tall as the first and sporting a mohawk.
As Takemichi struggles to clarify the circumstances, nervously muttering about being summoned here, arms flailing around anxiously and voice whiny and pleading, (Y/n) exhales an irritated sigh. She hurriedly leaves Hina's side, who is merely watching the exchange from afar, to stand beside Takemichi.
''Wanna get killed, brats?'' The black-haired man growls, disregarding whatever is being said to him. Using his height to his advantage, he hunches over the two students.
''Sorry, but not today, Mr. Bean.'' (Y/n) snaps, tugging the blond back to keep him from getting too close to the two gangsters,should they try anything.
''The fuck did you call me??'' Eyes widening and mouth hanging agape, the man's face quickly contorts in anger.
However, before things can further escalate, a soft, familiar voice calls out.
''Huh? (Y/n)? Oh, and could that be Takemichi?''
Short lilac hair and bright violet irises enter her field of vision as (Y/n) turns her gaze to the owner of the voice. Mitsuya, the man she'd only recently made acquaintance with, stands off to the side a very short distance away. Next to him is a boy, tall in stature and seemingly close in age.
''Why the hell are you scaring the president's guests?'' He makes his way towards the two individuals who had been bothering the trio, spitting the words out angrily.
While the two nameless gangsters get harshly reprimanded by Mitsuya, (Y/n) casts a glance at the guy with whom the lilac-haired teenager was formerly talking. He looks rather peculiar; short, blue hair upon which a neat pattern has been shaved, matching ocean eyes and a large scar on his lips to top it all off. Her eyes lock onto his sapphire ones for a split instant before he briskly swivels around to face the opposite direction.
Weird. But she'll let it slide.
A gentle pull on her sleeve draws her attention. Twisting her neck, she spots Hina, her index finger pointing at Mitsuya and Takemichi, both waiting a fair distance ahead. The Toman member flashes her a polite smile when their eyes meet.
''He said to follow him.'' Hina mumbles as she ushers her friend towards the two boys. ''You're a little out of it, aren't you? Everything okay?''
''Yeah, sorry Hina... I'm just a little tired.''
Hina smiles warmly at her best friend and gives her hand a firm squeeze to cheer her up while they tag behind Mitchy and Mitsuya. Weaving their way through the masses, they are led to the furthest side of the parking lot, where the president and vice-president of the Tokyo Manji Gang have only just pulled over, still straddling their bikes.
''Hey, (Y/n), Takemitchy.'' Mikey greets calmly. ''Sorry for calling all of a sudden.''
Draken is the first to dismount his vehicle in order to present his apologies to Hina for an incident that occurred in the past - the Slap misunderstanding. Staring off into the distance, (Y/n) can't help but frown. Perhaps it's due to the stress accumulated throughout the day, but she's feeling particularly on edge. Too much has happened in too short a time... School's bullshit, Mitchy's bullshit, Draken's bullshit, Toman's bullshit...
At least Mitsuya is normal.
All hail Mitsuya.
''Oi. Sup' with the frown, lil missy? You trynna match with your keychain or something?'' Draken teases playfully, poking her forehead with his index finger.
(Y/n) huffs, the crease between her brows only deepening, eliciting a puzzled grimace from her interlocutor.
''C'mon. What's got you so pissed off, hm?''
''Lots of things.''
''Am I included in the 'lots of things'?''
''Very much so.''
''And why is that? You don't like the gang?''
''Oh, I love the gang. Especially the members. They're soooooo polite and welcoming. Very friendly too.'' she retorts sarcastically, rolling her eyes.
''And am I included in the 'very friendly members' you speak of?'' Draken asks. He doesn't seem upset. On the contrary, there's a gentle smile playing on his lips.
''Very much so.''
''And why is that?''
''Because you were rude over the phone.''
Maybe she's being too petty, but today has frankly been far too wearying to care.
Draken gazes down at her in utter silence for a few moments, his expression remaining blank, and before she can even begin to react, his large thumb and forefinger extend to teasingly pull on her cheek.
'''m sorry, munchkin.'' Although his apology seems (somewhat) genuine, it's obvious that he's also deliberately trying to annoy her. And it's working. ''Forgive me?''
His lips curl into an amused smirk.
''You ass.''
''I'll take it for what it's worth.'' He releases her cheek at long last, chuckling.
''Next time, I'm not even gonna bother picking up. Let alone showing up.''
Her statement only serves to fuel his laughter. Averting her gaze from his tall figure, his deep tones echoing in her ears, (Y/n) catches sight of Mikey grinning broadly at her from the leather seat of his motorcycle. When their eyes meet, he shoots her a subtle wink, to which she responds with a confused frown. Mikey concludes their mute exchange with a shake of his head, as if to say "forget it".
Whatever that meant...
''HEY, EMMA!'' Draken shouts unexpectedly, catching (Y/n) slightly off guard.
''Comin'.'' A bored, feminine voice replies.
A short, blonde girl who appears to be about the same age as (Y/n) emerges from the crowd, trotting up to the group. Her golden locks frame her youthful face and cascade down past her shoulders. She's dressed in a plain white button-down shirt and a mid-thigh length gray, pleated skirt, complete with a baby-blue jacket tied around her waist.
''This girl is Takemichi's wife so you better protect her.'' Draken orders.
''Roger...'' Emma draws out the word, her yellow irises scanning the area. Her expression turns into one of surprise when she spots Takemichi, prompting her to flash him a playful smile. ''Yo, lil coward!''
''Lil coward? What is this about?''
(Y/n) and Hina cast a quick, interrogative glance at one another. Unable to gain further insights, they both turn back to the newcomer in search of some clarification.
''He saw me in my underwear and ran away.'' explains the blonde girl with unmatched glee.
Huh?
Wait what.
As Takemichi stoutly denies Emma's allegations, weeping pitifully about how he can't remember any of it, an unsettling, dry noise rings out. He grows silent; his complaints gradually subsiding until they finally cease.
''Ohhhh. So something like that happened, huh?'' Hina exclaims, cracking her knuckles menacingly at her 'boyfriend'.
(Y/n) stands by as Takemichi is slaughtered under flurries of thunderous punches, blatantly overlooking the weeper's mute pleas to be believed through tear-filled eyes.
Once content with the retribution, Hina storms off in a huff. Draken himself had fled the scene in the midst of the chaos and is now conversing with Mitsuya a few meters away, presumably about something gang-related. (Y/n)'s first impulse is to run after her best friend, bearing in mind that it's rather dark outside and they're in the middle of a mob meeting, but Emma speaks up, stopping her dead in her tracks.
''Don't get the wrong idea. I don't have any feelings for you or anything.'' She informs Takemichi, her eyes trained on the vice-president and second division captain, who are deeply engaged in conversation. ''I just wanted to become an adult quickly.''
''Huh?''
''He didn't care about me at all. All he thinks about is fighting and being with Mikey. I thought he would at least get a little angry.'' She voices her thoughts aloud, shoulders slumped under the weight of defeat.
Golden eyes downcast and feet shuffling dejectedly, Emma sets off, most likely in search of Hina as Draken had instructed.
Meanwhile, (Y/n)'s mind is reeling, replaying the latest sequence of events relentlessly. A slight unease creeps over her as she mulls over the girl's words.
'He'? Only fighting and Mikey...?
''You think she was referring to...'' (Y/n) trails off, eyeing the battered Takemichi who has only just risen from the cold, graveled ground.
''Draken? Yeah... That's what it sounded like, anyways.'' He sighs. ''Women sure are complicated...''
As his words sink in, (Y/n) senses an uncomfortable pressure building on her chest. She doesn't even have it in her to reproach Takemichi for his moronic treatment of his girlfriend. It's a bizarre feeling, one she can't quite shake off. It's as if a weight was dropped from above onto her body, pressing against all her organs, compressing her heart, straining her vocal cords and churning her stomach, nauseating her. Who even was Emma? She looked... somehow very familiar...
Pinning this unnerving discomfort on her fatigue, (Y/n) peers around her, scrutinizing all the people dressed in the black Toman uniform. She's probably just feeling irritated that Emma is, in some way, the root cause of Hina's outburst, even though the entire incident is fully Takemichi's fault.
It's one thing after another... Silly affairs piling up at a frantic pace, leaving her head throbbing painfully.
''Hey, you alright?'' Mitsuya pops up out of nowhere, gently resting his warm palm on her shoulder, startling her. The caring smile on his lips quickly fades into a look of concern. ''Oh, sorry, did I scare you?''
''No, it's fine. I'm alright.'' (Y/n) blurts out, struggling to ignore the terrible headache assailing her skull. ''Why do you ask?''
"You just looked a little off, is all.'' Mitsuya gives her shoulder a delicate, reassuring squeeze.
''It's... not the first time someone's said that to me tonight...'' She mutters with a sigh. ''Sorry for troubling you... I think I'm just tired.''
''No need to apologize. Just make sure you get plenty of rest when you get home, okay?'' He lets go of her. ''The guys here are a bit rough, but... Don't worry. With us around, nobody's going to try anything. Not that we really need to worry about you, eh? You'll be able to handle yourself just fine.''
''EVERYONE GATHER 'ROUND. MEETING'S ABOUT TO START.'' Draken shouts from a distance, cutting short the conversation with Mitsuya.
''Well, it's starting. Let's get going, (Y/n).''
With a brief nod from the purple haired boy, the two teenagers make their way towards the assembly, Takemichi soon hot on their heels.
Mikey is standing several steps up the stairwell, Draken close behind him, the two of them towering over the innumerable Toman members lined up neatly before them across the parking lot. Silence and stasis reign as Mikey broaches the subject of today's meeting: Moebius.
(Y/n) is leaning against one of the walls stretching out on either side of the steps, her head and shoulder resting on the stone, arms folded and eyes locked on the leader. Takemichi is nearby, albeit not in her field of vision. It's a bit embarrassing to be in front of all the members like this, though the blond doesn't seem to mind, too occupied with fanboying at the scene. As for the young girl, her thoughts are slowly beginning to drift off elsewhere, wandering as the President's words grow increasingly unintelligible to her.
''I wanna know what everyone thinks about thi-''
A dry crunching sound echoes in her ears before she can even catch sight of Takemichi landing flat on the ground. Turning her gaze to where the blond had initially been standing, she finds two unidentified individuals. One of them has his hands shoved deep in his pockets, scorning both Takemichi and her. The second one is performing some sort of acrobatic maneuver, crouched down and body contorted into what can only be assumed to be an uncomfortable position. He bears a certain resemblance to that one chicken from Moana, although she doesn't voice out that observation.
As the two start pestering the confused Mitchy regarding "Kiyomasa" and "losses", (Y/n) remains at bay, still somewhat disconcerted by this unanticipated encounter. Her head feels woozy, and the situation isn't fully assimilated until Mitsuya and Draken intervene to break up the brawl. Well, brawl is a big word... If you clash with Takemichi, you're not fighting, you're just bullying.
''Forgive 'em. Pah is on edge right now.'' Draken informs the duo, his tone solemn.
He nods to the guy who was glaring at them with disdain.
So that's Pah...
''His bud had a fight with Moebius. That's what started this dispute.'' adds Mitsuya with utmost gravity.
''A dispute?'' Takemichi asks.
''A small disagreement broke out with Moebius' leader, Osanai. Pah's bud was battered by the Moebius members. They raped his girl in front of him and took all his possessions. They even beat up his family...'' The lilac haired teenager continues.
She can't help but feel nauseous upon learning about that. It's no surprise that the world of delinquency is full of jerks and scumbags, but when you hear these stories firsthand, it really dawns on you just how dangerous people can be. Frankly, it freaks her out a bit... Her heart goes out to the guy's girlfriend... It's sickening that she was dragged into this and subjected to such treatment...
''That's... disturbing...'' (Y/n) remarks, feeling queasy.
''Moebius is that type of gang.'' Takashi shakes his head, disappointed. ''They're two generations older than us and Toman is still a fairly new gang...''
''I... see.''
As the mood darkens, Mikey breaks through the silence from the stairs. With uplifting phrases, he declares that they will defeat Moebius, whatever the odds, generating applause and cheers from all the remaining members. For all his small stature and childlike tendencies, the President really does know how to inspire his men. Still, (Y/n) can't shake a nagging presentiment regarding this whole affair... An ominous feeling gnaws at her... Moebius sure sounds like trouble, but there's got to be more to it than that...
''ON AUGUST 3RD, DURING THE MUSASHI FESTIVAL, WE'RE GOING FOR BATTLE!''
***
''(Y/n). Need a ride back home?''
The meeting has long since come to an end, and just as everyone is heading back to their bikes, Draken approaches his friend with a proposal to drive her home. It's a pretty tempting offer, given that it's quite late and that, on account of all that had happened, (Y/n)'s head is pounding. But since her two friends are intending to walk home, she would do so too, as a token of solidarity.
''Thanks Draken but... not this time. I'll walk with Michi and Hina.''
"Suit yourself.'' With a nod, he ruffles her hair and swiftly hops on his motorcycle, soon speeding off with Mikey. Eventually, the countless gangsters affiliated with the Tokyo Manji Gang follow, and all that can be seen in the distance are blinding, bright red blinkers.
The gathering is finally over, but a lingering fear remains...
August 3rd...
Something bad's bound to happen...
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