[Chapter 6] : Fireworks
Chicken Little
Hey Yama-chan!
Wanna hang out?
Was thinking of going to
the arcade
Sure! :0
Time and meetup place?
Train station near
the school, 2pm
Ight, see you there!!
You briefly glance down at your most recent exchange with Yamagishi before switching off your phone. It's already past the appointed time and you've just now reached the station.
'I thought I was late but... seems like he's not here yet.'
On that thought, you settle down on one of the plastic benches in front of the rails, patiently waiting for the brunette. It doesn't take long for him to show up, sweating and out of breath.
Quickly waving aside the string of apologies pouring out of his mouth concerning his tardiness, (Y/n) instead urges him to board the just-arrived train - it's not as if she was on time either.
''Hm, by the way, (Y/n)-chan.'' inquires Yamagishi as the two step inside the vehicle. ''Any news about the top dogs of Toman?''
His face is beaming with anticipation, eyes sparkling and lips tugged in an excited smile. However, he soon deflates when you shake your head no.
''I haven't seen them all week...'' (Y/n) mumbles; holding her chin in between her thumb and forefinger as she sinks in thought. ''Hmm... Last time we hung out, Mikey was complaining about there being nothing to do. Apparently, most gangs were keeping a low profile and steering clear of trouble. Maybe some of them have gone back to causing a ruckus?''
''Aww, man!'' He sighs, dejected. ''Some street brawl is probably keeping them busy. Well, it's still worth looking into... If anything else comes up, let me know, okay? I gotta keep my gang database up-to-date!''
''Of course, Yama-chan.''
''Promise?''
''Promise.''
''Like, promise promise?''
''Yeah-''
''Like promise promise promise promise ?''
''Yes.''
''Like promise promise promise promise promise-''
''Yamagishi, I swear if you don't stop, I will throw you onto the tracks and have the train run you over.''
''So it's a promise. I see.''
The ride flows by rapidly through friendly chatter and, in no time, you find yourselves at your station; disembarking from the train and returning to the surface, then heading for the arcade.
The latter is located inside a very large shopping mall, its entrance concealed among a long series of corridors packed with a variety of stores and boutiques. (Y/n) and her friend both reach the entryway and eagerly approach the checkout clerk to purchase a pass. The arcade's interior blends the old and the futuristic. The dark mauve walls are dimly lit by the bright screens of the neatly aligned machines and various neon signs.
Barely had he set foot in the vividly colored arcade that Yamagishi darted like a kid towards one of the games.
''Oh mY GOD, (Y/N)-CHAN!''
Left with no other choice, you chase after him.
''Dance dance revolution?'' (Y/n) reads aloud the multi-colored lettering displayed on the large monitor that had caught the brunette's attention.
''Hell yeah! I am challenging you to a DANCE BATTLE!1!1!'' Fist balled in the air, his tone reflects nothing but sheer competitiveness.
''A battle? Well then I hope you're ready to get your sorry ass handed to you!''
''Hehe! We'll see about that! You better give it everything you've got!''
The evening flies by and your pass soon runs out. Leaving the premises, you grab coffee from a nearby kiosk on your way out before hurrying back to the station. It's still bright outside; courtesy of the summer months delaying the onset of twilight more and more with each passing day. The lampposts are already lit, emitting a faint, barely-perceivable yellow beam through the cluttered streets.
''Man... I'm exhausted...'' Heaving a content sigh, (Y/n) slumps onto one of the train's free seats, keen to get home after such an energy-consuming day. ''We should hang out again sometime with Hina and the rest of the guys!''
''That'd be awesome! Summer vacation is in a little less than three weeks away, so let's do it then!'' Yamagishi plops down on the seat beside yours before pulling out his phone to check the time. ''Oh shit! It's past 8! I told my parents I'd be back by 7...''
''Already? Time sure flies... Are you gonna be alright?''
''Yeah, I'll just get a lecture or something, nothing too bad.'' He merely shrugs, stuffing the device back in his pocket. ''What about your uncle? He doesn't work on weekends, right?''
''He usually doesn't work on weekends. But from time to time, he does overtime and takes on extra shifts, like today.''
''Does he not mind you staying out this late?''
''Nope, he's pretty cool.'' Just as she answers his question, her own phone vibrates. ''Speaking of the devil.'' (Y/n) smiles as she stares down at the text just sent to her by none other than her guardian.
Uncle Kai :D
Hey hun
I know it's late but do
you mind getting a few
things from the store on
your way back?
House is pretty much empty
since I didn't have the time
to get groceries.
Sure, what do you need?
Rice, a few vegetables, 3
cans of broth and toothpaste.
I'll send you the money! Do what
you want with the left overs ;)
''Hm? Who's it?'' Yamagishi questions curiously, battling the urge to look over your shoulder - though you've already picked up on his not-so-subtle glances at your text messages.
''My uncle. He needs me to get a few things before going home.''
''Oh! Do you need me to accompany you?'' He proposes.
''I'll be fine, don't worry! Sun's still out anyways. Besides, you said you're way past your curfew so you're better off going home as soon as possible!''
He seems to mull over his options for a while before finally caving in.
''If you say so, (Y/n)-chan... Just text me if anything happens and let me know when you get home!''
''Sure, no problem!''
The train grinds to a halt once more after several minutes. Normally, you would have hopped off together with Yama-chan given that you both live in somewhat the same area, but since you have an errand to run, you'll be taking the next stop.
''Well, bye (Y/n)-chan! See you tomorrow at school! Oh! And don't stay out too late, the streets at night are dangerous!'' The hazel-haired boy cheerfully waves goodbye as he exits the vehicle.
Now all that's left are the groceries.
***
''Hmm... rice, broth, toothpaste... I got tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli... Oh, and some zucchini as well...'' (Y/n) walks out of the supermarket holding two heavy brown bags, mumbling to herself as she lists her purchases.
The street is plunged deep into near-obscurity, the moon having risen quite some time ago. Stars litter the dark sky, and it would surely have been a splendid view had it not been for the lifeless landscape...
(Y/n) at last peers up from her shopping bags, casting a careful glance at her surroundings yet unable to determine where exactly she may be...
The store is no longer in sight.
'Snap... I think I got lost... Must've taken a wrong turn somewhere...' She thought.
The alleyway in which she stands is completely vacant, empty - save for some rubbish bags and rather hostile strays. And though a tiny bit of light filters in through the very few , nearby 24/7 stores and residential windows, the area remains uncomfortably gloomy and eerie.
Fear gradually creeps into your mind as your vigilance reaches its peak. Perhaps you should turn around, aim for the store and retrace your steps from there? Or maybe you should stick with the alley until you identify a new path? You do see some light at the far end, but it's a bit of a walk... Perhaps it connects back to the main street?
Wary, tentative footsteps echo down the narrow alleyway as (Y/n) pushes onward in the darkness, her senses sharp, alert and her brows drawn together in concentration as she ponders the words she'd exchanged with Yama-chan earlier that afternoon.
'Hmm... Last time we hung out, Mikey was complaining about there being nothing to do. Apparently, most gangs were keeping a low profile and steering clear of trouble. Maybe some of them have gone back to causing a ruckus?'
If that's the case, a suburban back alley is about the last place anyone would want to be at such a late hour...
Immersed in her own thoughts, (Y/n) fails to notice the man lurking in the shadows, quietly following her at a leisurely, nonchalant pace.
'Hmm... The street names are all unfamiliar... And every way looks the same... Maybe I can-'
''Yo.''
''EEK!''
Caught off guard, (Y/n) shrieks before swiftly grasping the first weapon at her disposal: a sturdy tin of broth tucked neatly in one of her grocery bags and now aimed directly at whoever was standing behind her.
''OW- WHAT THE HELL-''
Wait.
That voice...
''dRAKEN??'' You shout louder than you'd intended, causing him to wince.
You squint in the dim light, straining to make out his features in the gloom of the back alley. Sure enough, his characteristic Humpty Dumpty shaped face is glaring back at you, piercing black irises brimming with annoyance as he huffs out a breath.
''Geez... What the hell was that for? You enjoy throwin' shit at me or what?'' He rubs his cheek, brows knitted together in a straight line.
''Huh. Maybe I do?'' You mumble half-jokingly, walking over to the can now lying on the ground to pick it up. ''I mean, if you weren't such a creep, I wouldn't have done that.''
''I'm not a creep.''
''You were following me in a dark alley in the middle of the night.''
''I was just passing by and saw you- Ugh. You know what? Whatever.'' Before you can crouch down to retrieve the soup, Draken beats you to it, handing you the metal can with a sigh. ''The heck are you even doing out here this late at night?''
Shrugging, you put the item back in one of the bags. ''Grocery shopping.''
''At 10pm on a sunday...?'' He quirks a brow at you.
''Yeah.''
''Who in their right mind does that?''
''Well, me?''
''I said 'in their right mind'.''
''Why you-''
Before you can retaliate, he flicks you on the forehead. Just like last time in the restaurant.
''Weirdo.'' Despite the teasing comment, he snatches one of your grocery bags, disregarding your protests about how 'you can handle this on your own', and resumes his walk down the alley, urging you to follow suit. ''My bike's parked a few blocks away. I can drive you home.''
''Hm? It's pretty late, I don't mind taking the subway- oW!''
Another flick.
''Don't you know the streets and subways are not safe at night? You're already lucky you didn't run into gang members while moseying through the back alleys like that... this district is pretty dangerous... Besides, you weren't even taking the right path to the station, you idiot.''
''I... I was just taking a shortcut.'' At that, Draken lets out a breathless laugh, unimpressed. ''And even if I did run into gang members, I can fight. I'll kick their ass in no time!''
''Oh really?''
''Yes. Really.''
The tattooed boy sighs. You're finally out of the gloomy zone and onto the main street. The latter borders a vast river which, at this time of day, is far more splendid than by daylight; mirroring the myriad of stars shining down upon the earth and basking in the translucent moonlight.
''Your place ain't far. It'll be quicker on my bike and it's not much of a detour anyways.''
''...Fine.''
(Y/n) glances around, inhaling a deep breath as she feels the anxiety of the previous encounter drain from her body. It's very crowded, much more so than usual. Most people are either leaning on the railing that delimits the road from the water, or standing by it, watching the sky with wide, expectant eyes.
''Is something going on?'' (Y/n) looks over at the boy beside her.
''I think they planned fireworks tonight to celebrate god-knows-what. Heard Mitsuya mention taking his sisters to see 'em or something.'' Draken mumbles back, hugging the brown paper bag to his chest as his free hand digs into his pocket. ''My motorcycle is-''
''I wanna watch the fireworks!'' She tugs the tattooed middle-schooler by the large sleeve of his black coat, guiding him to the metal handrail lining the pavement.
''Geez- slow down... It hasn't even started yet...'' With a frown, he trails up behind you. You set your brown paper bag down on the pavement by your feet, and Draken does the same with the one he had been carrying. ''You're such a kid...''
Unconcerned with his remark, (Y/n) raises a finger upwards, pointing at the beam of light rising high into the night sky.
''Look! It's starting!'' Her eyes are riveted on the explosion of bright, shimmering colors.
Draken stares incredulously at the girl beside him, sighing once more before propping his elbows on the railing to admire the spectacle.
...
Maybe...
Maybe this wasn't so bad.
Maybe.
***
''Alright, hop on.'' Draken nods his head towards the rear, already comfortably straddling his bike.
You approach the jet-black motorcycle, somewhat reluctant to climb on.
''Never been on a bike?'' The tall blond's voice is gruff, though surprisingly soft.
''Not particularly, no.''
He scoots forward, allowing you more room. Quickly, you mount the motorcycle, albeit with some difficulty, and much to your delight, it's a lot more comfy than anticipated.
''Sorry for the can, by the way...'' (Y/n) mumbles as she shifts into a more comfortable position behind him on the cushioned leather seat. The entire scenario bore a strong air of deja-vu. ''Maybe we can stop by a pharmacy and get you something?''
''I'm used to this. I'm in a gang after all. So just hold on tight.'' He ignits the engine, making it roar loudly, then speeds off into the night.
What you didn't really expect was for it to go so fast. Although his back prevents the wind from whipping you in the face, you can still feel its tremendous resistance pulling you back. Arms secured tightly around his waist and forehead pressed flush against his muscled back; If you were to loosen your grip even the tiniest bit, you're pretty sure you'd fly away.
Thankfully, the moment you stray off the busiest roads, he slows down, giving you the opportunity to gaze around while he focuses on the drive home.
The bike skirts by the river, speeding along the road running alongside it. The sapphire water glistens in the pale lunar glow, calm and tranquil on this peaceful night. The roads are dim, scarcely lit by a few street lamps here and there, as most of the stores are now closed - with the exception of bars and convenience stores.
Drifting through the nocturnal streets of Tokyo is quite serene. (Y/n) can feel a wave of drowsiness washing over her, as though she might fall asleep if it weren't for a fall or an accident.
The vehicle comes to a halt after a dozen minutes or so, and Draken looks over to you. ''We're here.''
''Already? Hm, thanks Draken.'' (Y/n) carefully dismounts the machine and, yawning, extends a hand towards her groceries.
However, rather than handing them over, Draken gets off the bike himself before picking up the two brown paper bags.
''I'll carry 'em.''
''What for? I can do it myself.'' Tiredly, she arches a brow at the boy, which earns her an annoyed eye roll from him. Talk about manners...
''You look just about ready to drop dead.'' He begins striding towards the glass doors opening onto the lobby of your apartment complex. ''What floor?''
''Fifth.'' Taking out her key, (Y/n) unlocks the door and holds it out to Draken before climbing the stairs alongside him.
Once you reach the door to your apartment, he sets the bags down on the floor and, glancing up at him, you don't fail to notice the purple spot on his cheek left by the metal can.
''Alright. See you.'' With a nod, he begins walking away.
''Wait.''
''Hm?''
''You sure you don't want a pack of ice or something? For the bruise, I mean. You came all the way here so might as well.''
He ponders your offer for a few moments before shrugging it off.
''Nah, no need. Told you I'm a gang member, I can take worst.'' The third year casually resumes his stroll towards the stairwell, though he pauses right before making it to the first step. ''Thanks for the offer though and... Sorry for scaring you earlier. Night, (Y/n).''
''It's in the past, don't worry about it. Good night, Draken.'' Sighing at his stubbornness, she watches him leave.
The young girl unlocks the door, and hurriedly carries the groceries inside. Once finished putting everything away, she is suddenly reminded of Yamagishi, along with her promise to notify him when she'll get home.
Pulling out her phone, the first thing that flashes across her screen is a flood of notifications. 18 missed calls and over 9 unread messages. All from the hazel haired boy.
Chicken little
(Y/n)-chan!!!
It's already past 11!!
Are you still not home yet?
...
Pls respond I'm worried
(Y/n)-chan...😭😭
Did you get kidnapped??
Are you held hostage??
WHY ARE YOU NOT
ANSWERING THE PHONE??
I'M PANICKING-
I'LL SAVE YOU!!
I'LL CALL THE COPS
(Y/N)-CHAN PLS DON'T
BE DEAD. 😭
Sorry Yama-chan!
Draken picked me up and
Now I'm safely home!
(Y/N)-CHAN????
OMG I WAS SO WORRIED
THAT I FELL ASLEEP ON
MY KEYBOARD AND FORGOT
TO CALL THE COPS 😭😭😭
...
Note to self : Never rely on Yamagishi in situations of danger.
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