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It was a warm day. Sano Manjiro, Kokonoi Hajime and Hitto Kakucho were returning to the headquarters after an important meeting when Mikey stated he craved some Tayaki. So the trio got off and headed to the nearest cafe.
On reaching Mikey promptly ordered almost all the Tayaki they had to offer. Koko, who was surveying the glass case, suddenly made a disgusted noise—glaring intensely at the something in it. “What the heck? Who the hell eats this shit?”
Kakucho went and stood beside Koko to try and find what had caused the man's ire. He followed his gaze, which landed on—” Blueberry Blast?” It was a cupcake which, according to the description under its name, was a blueberry cupcake with tiny pieces of blueberry, topped with blueberry icing and blue sprinkles. It even had a small blue ball atop it to mimic a blueberry. “I have the urge to buy all of them just to throw them in the trash, so no one has to be subject to such torture.”
“Not a fan of blueberries?” Kakucho asked, uninterested. “No shit. Hate them with a passion.” Koko replied.
Kakucho half expected the executive to go through with his idea, but the man refrained and ordered something else. Kakucho looked at the menu, hung up behind the sweating barista and ordered a matcha milkshake which earned him a disgusted look from Koko but nothing else. Not like they cared about what the other person, or as a matter of fact, anyone in their gang, liked to eat or do in their spare time.
Koko paid for the three of them, and they decided to sit at the furthermost table from the counter. The cafe wasn't empty, but it wasn't bustling either. It was quiet, with random tables occupied by lonesome men eating lunch and minding their own business. Distractedly it crossed Koko’s mind that it was lunch hour.
The peace was suddenly disturbed when loud voices and thumping feet were heard right outside the cafe. Koko and Kakucho tensed out of instinct, but Mikey seemed least bothered as he chewed on his dessert. But that changed when he recognised the voices which caused the ruckus. He looked up, just in time, to see Matsuno Chifuyu and Hanagaki Takemichi barge in through the door simultaneously.
He tensed as he caught the sight of the two boys, who were arguing about who won the race. The argument dragged on for some time until a gruff voice interrupted them. “Shut up both of you and stop being so loud.”
If Mikey had tensed earlier, then he practically froze this time. Eyes fixated on the door as the owner of the voice strolled in without a care in the world. Ryuguuji Ken stood tall as ever in his black-haired glory as he fixed both blondes with a stern look that stopped them from further pursuing the argument.
“Weren't you both hungry?” Asked a new voice. Beside Mikey, Koko’s breath hitched. A sunflower blonde boy with a burn scar on his face stepped out from behind Draken. Inui Seishu looked exactly as Koko remembered him except for the now longer length of his hair. “Let’s go see what they have.”
The two shorter boys promptly set off to the counter, passing the three criminals who held their breath, but the two did not look their way, busy making fun of each other. The two who followed them also didn't pay any mind to the seated customers.
To say Mikey felt cornered would be an understatement. If he tried to leave now, they would notice. And considering that it was Draken and Takemitchy, Mikey doubted if he could even get away without hurting them, something he wanted to avoid. On the other hand, if he stayed, he didn't know if he would remain undiscovered for long.
“Don't make a move until they notice us and try not to garner attention,” Mikey whispered to his companions. “Make a quick escape if they do. And don't hurt them unless absolutely necessary.” To which he received a nod of confirmation from both of them.
The quiet of the cafe allowed the flowing conversation between the entered group to be heard by Mikey and the others. And even if they wanted to act indifferent, the three of them couldn't help but pay attention to what the little group was up to.
Until now, the chatter was idle and easy-going. Suddenly Takemichi snorted and beckoned Inupi. “Look at this cupcake Inupi-kun.” He said while pointing at something in the case. “Koko-kun would have a fit if he saw it”, he giggled.
Koko unconsciously raised his eyebrows and tried to look at them from the corner of his eyes. Kakucho couldn't help but notice that the white-haired man’s eyes were brighter and warmer than he ever remembered seeing. But then again, he couldn't blame him as his own eyes were probably the same after seeing his childhood best friend after so long. He wanted to say the same applied to Mikey as well but the empty look on his boss’ face made him doubt.
“Blueberry...Blast?” Inupi read out loud before he, like Takemichi, snorted loudly. “Throw a fit? That's an understatement. He’d probably threaten to buy all of them just to throw them in the trash.”
“I’m making sure nobody has to go through that torture,” Takemichi drawled with a lazy smirk and squinted eyes, in a terrible mimicry of Koko, which had Koko pressing his fist to his mouth to try and maintain his calm demeanour. Kakucho was impressed because wasn't that exactly how Koko reacted? To think they could still tell how the man would say and act was bittersweet to say the least.
“That little brat.” Kakucho heard Koko mutter under his breath, but there was no heat in it (there was something very close to fondness though, but Kakucho ignored that). Instead, Koko was biting his lip as he tried to hide his smile behind his cup. But then the look of warmth in his eyes got replaced by a look of melancholy. A sense of longing, which Kakucho honestly understood; to hear your friends talk about you so fondly even after being separated for so long seems like a blessing and curse simultaneously. Not like he had anyone like that, thought Kakucho bitterly.
He was wrong; he realised when Matsuno pointed at the menu and commented on how no one probably chose a matcha milkshake, to which Takemichi disagreed.
“Name one person who would choose it.”
“Kaku-chan.” came the instant reply, which had Kakucho wide-eyed in disbelief. He forced himself not to snap his head in their direction.
“Kaku-chan absolutely adores anything matcha-flavoured. One time he even asked if there was a matcha lollipop. He almost cried when he was told there wasn't one.” Kakucho felt his ears burn at that reveal, and it didn't help that Koko was giving him an amused look.
“Dude, your ‘Kaku-chan’ has weird taste.”
“As a loyal friend, I won't stand this slander.”
“You do realise that your friend can kick my ass if he feels offended, right? He doesn't need protection from your dumbass self.”
“In his absence, I will—” Takemichi got cut off by Draken, who caught both of them in a headlock.
“I swear to God if both don't tone down your Tweedledee and Tweedledum act, I will personally kick you out of here,” he said sternly.
“Yes, sir!” “Yes, sir!”
They decided on their order, then decided to sit near the window, nearer to the door. The group was a safe distance away from discovering the trio but not enough to let them leave without attention. The only option left was to wait them out. So they stayed put, trying to keep themselves as inconspicuous as possible.
Currently, Chifuyu was in the middle of telling a story about a new cat his shop had received. Takemichi attentively listened, and the other two chimed in once in a while. Well, Draken did. Inupi just stuck to expressions. The scene reminded Koko of a family of four. A pair of twins and two tsundere dads, and he almost snorted out loud.
The idle chatter continued for a bit when, “Draken-kun, your hair looks pretty cool now!”
“Now you mention it?” Draken asked Takemichi with a raised eyebrow. “And what do you mean ‘now’? It didn't look cool earlier?”
“N-No! I mean, it looks cooler than it did before.”
“Still, why mention it so suddenly?”
“I just thought of something.”
“Whoa, partner! Don't hurt yourself.”
“I will hurt YOU, Chifuyu!”
Chifuyu snickered.
“Ne, Chifuyu,” Takemichi started again. “Say, let's dye our hair black again.”
A silence fell over the group. Until-
“Finally!”
“Thank God!”
“Good choice, Hanagaki.”
“Inupi-kun, you too?” Takemichi groaned. “Why does everyone diss my hair?”
“Because it's disgusting.”
“Because it's horrible.”
“Because it's not an appealing colour.”
“Why do you all have to be so mean!”
Kakucho and Koko we're quite literally dying, trying to stop themselves from bursting out laughing. Even Mikey's lips twitched a fraction.
“On a serious note, I think you should go for it,” Draken said. Inupi nodded.
“Yeah, let's do it, partner!” Chifuyu started excitedly. “We can even ask Atsushi. He works at a salon downtown, doesn't he? I bet he will be relieved when you say you wanna dye your hair back.”
“Enough with the hair slander! And yeah, let's go ask Akkun this weekend.”
The group settled again into idle chatter ranging from the new customers at the bike store to worrisome adopters of pets to rude coworkers. Takemichi, they found out, was doing a second part-time job as a cashier at a bakery, which came as a surprise. The air around the four was light and filled with a homely feeling that almost seemed foreign to the criminal trio. Mikey, Kakucho noticed, had slowly loosened the hold on his expressions. (If it was because of the group itself or because of the knowledge that the two at the table shared his sentiments of protecting the same people as him, he didn't know.) The usually empty and void gaze was now softer and had a curious edge to it. He seemed to be listening attentively without making it very obvious. The unapproachable look had faded away into something mellow. Koko also noticed because his expression neared sympathy as he looked at his boss.
Eventually, the lunch hour neared its end, and the ex-toman members decided on the next time of meeting again, which made Kakucho realise that they did this pretty often. At least once a week, he guessed.
Takemichi seemed to be struggling to finish because he talked too much in between the meal. Draken made him slow down, or he would have choked. He then asked Chifuyu to go back to his shift and Inupi to go ahead and reopen the shop while he stayed with Takemichi to keep him company as he finished his food. To which Takemichi gave him a grateful look.
Inupi and Chifuyu said their goodbyes as they made their way out of the cafe. Koko’s eyes lingered on the door for longer than necessary after they left before he brought his attention to the two people who remained.
Silence had fallen on the previously loud table, but it didn't seem uncomfortable. Takemichi continued eating while Draken lingered on the last few sips of his drink. Beside Kakucho, Mikey suddenly furrowed his eyebrows as he intently stared at something. He followed his gaze to Takemichi, who had slowed down his pace until he was basically pushing his food around. At first, he thought that his friend was full and didn't want to eat anymore, but then he started shaking his leg and tapping his fingers on the table, overall fidgeting. “He has something to say,” Koko whispered, to which he nodded. They had known Takemichi long enough to pick on some traits. The boy was basically an open book with too many personality traits. It wasn't as tricky if you hung around him a lot. Draken was no exception either.
“Out with it.”
Takemichi snapped his head up. “Huh?”
“You have something to say, so out with it.”
“W-Why do you think I have something to say?”
Draken deadpanned. “Don't make me repeat myself.”
“Well, it's umm, it's not really that importn–”
“Out. With. It.”
Takemichi slumped his shoulders. Then he sighed and slowly looked up at Draken.
“Even Chifuyu doesn't know about this,” Takemichi confessed.
That had Draken straighten up slightly because there were nearly nil things the two partners didn't know about each other. Everyone knew how attached they were to each other. Knowing that Chifuyu didn't know what Takemichi was going to say, completely refuted his prior statement about it being “not important”. He leaned forward and gave his full attention to Takemichi.
“I had a…thought; more like an idea. It's kinda stupid, really. I thought I would take your opinion on it.” His tone was slow, hesitant and cautious.
Draken nodded slowly.
“Remember when I moved to my new apartment and all of the guys had come over?” Takemichi started.
Draken snorted. “When you almost got thrown out on your first day of moving because of us?”
“Yeah.” Takemichi grinned. “Remember when I, the twins and Mitsuya-kun were cooking food, and I gave you all some snacks I made in the meantime?”
“Yeah, you said you were trying out new things in your free time.”
“Do you remember saying they were good?”
“Yeah, I do. They really were good. Hakkai and Chifuyu even had a full-blown fight about who would eat the last cookie, which got eaten up by Peh-yan instead when they were distracted.”
“Then do you remember when I got you and Inupi-kun some snacks when I visited some evenings after graduation?”
“The ones you said were from the bakery you worked at?”
Takemichi nodded.
“Yeah, I do. They were good too. But what's that got to do here?” Draken asked, puzzled.
“Actually, I made those too.”
“Then why didn't you say so?” Draken demanded.
“Because I wanted an honest opinion which wouldn't have been possible if you had known that I made those,” Takemichi explained.
“Do you think I would sugarcoat my words if I didn't like something you made?” Draken challenged him.
“Yes. Yes, you would.” Takemichi said with a firmness that had Draken visibly taken aback. “Because Draken-kun cares about the effort and dedication taken rather than the results obtained. So yes, you would have sugar-coated your words to make me feel better.”
The tattooed male refused to make eye contact as he grumbled something under his breath.
“I think you can guess where I am going with this.” Takemichi started timidly, to which Draken nodded.
“I was thinking of opening a coffee shop. Nothing big, just a small hole-in-the-wall kinda thing. Something warm and comfortable. It doesn't have to be in a busy neighbourhood. I don't mind if there isn't any rush or if many people don't know of it. I want to make enough to at least pay for rent and other necessities...”
Takemichi continued rambling, and Draken let him, with an amused smile on his face. At the other end of the shop, Koko had immediately put on his ‘business face’ as he went over ideas to find the best way to open a shop for someone of Takemichi’s status. He knew it wasn't really necessary because he couldn't help Takemichi even if he wanted to, but he still wished to help somehow. Mikey's eyes had widened slightly. He hadn't expected something like that, and neither had Kakucho.
Soon Takemichi realised he had been rambling. He apologised fervently, to which Draken let out a laugh.
“If you are already so invested in the idea, why come to me for an opinion? I can tell you joined that bakery last year not just for extra money but to get an idea on how to run a shop, rather than walking into it blindly. You are dedicated enough; you should jump the gun. Why have second thoughts?”
“Because being invested and dedicated doesn't get your job done.”
“A certain Hanagaki Takemichi completely invalidates that statement,” Draken said with a teasing smile. “But seriously, Takemitchy. You should go for it. You have the skills and dedication it requires.”
“You think I really can?”
“Of course, you can! And don't worry about it too much. Get started on the idea of the store; me and the others can get started on the location of the store. Pah and Peh-yan can help with that. Mitsuya probably has friends who are interior decorators he can cut us a deal. And if they seem expensive we can just do it ourselves. The twins can give you some tips on starting a new shop. The furniture—”
“Wait! Wait! Wait! You want to help?” Takemichi asked, bewildered.
“Of course. Why? What's wrong?”
“I can't possibly ask you to—”
“Hold it right there.” Darken cut him off, holding his hand up. “If you think we will make you do everything on your own, then you are mistaken. We wouldn't even be here if it weren't for you. Not to mention how you are the first one to offer help whenever we needed it. Be it Mitsuya’s designing competition, Hakkai’s first modelling gig, Kawata twins’ opening day or being my shop's first customer, you have always been there for us, and it's high time we start returning the favour. So we are helping whether you like it or not. Period.”
“Draken-kun...” Takemichi’s voice wobbled as tears welled up in the corner of his eyes.
“What are you crying for? You, crybaby idiot.” Draken’s voice was soft, fond, as he smiled at him.
“Thank you so much.” Takemichi returned his smile with his teary one.
“Besides, it won't be for free,” Draken said after Takemitchy settled down. “We’ll be staying for the opening day, and you'll have to make sure you serve us well. You ain't getting rid of us.”
“I don't mind,” Takemichi laughed. “I like hanging out with all of you.”
A comfortable silence fell over the duo. Mikey had given up trying to keep his face as he rested his face on his palm and watched the two of them wistfully.
“Do you think he will come if he found out?” Takemichi asked quietly.
The three of them froze. It didn't take a genius to figure out who he was talking about.
Mikey’s eyes widened, and his breath hitched noticeably. Koko and Kakucho sported an edgy look. The trio waited for Draken’s reply with bated breath.
But the reply never came. Draken continued looking out at the street silently. The quiet persisted for a few long moments before Takemichi broke it himself.
“I'm sorry.” he sighed. “It was insensitive of me to ask you. You were his best friend, after all. His absence must hurt you more.”
This time Draken turned away from the street to look at Takemichi. He stared at him and then slowly raised his hand and placed it on Takemichi’s head. He didn't ruffle it not did he put pressure on it. He simply kept it on top of his head. It was a gesture Mikey remembered his brother doing to him. A grounding gesture, the one which showed your presence, the one which said he was there, he understood, and it was okay. Seeing Draken do that to Takemichi made Mikey feel overwhelmed, for some reason, he didn't understand.
“Just because we were close doesn't mean your friendship with him is of any less value. Don't apologise for missing a friend just because you think it hurts me more than it does you. You are allowed to miss him and say that you do.”
Takemichi bowed his head and relished the feeling of Draken’s hand grounding him, as he collected his emotions.
“I am glad to have a friend like you, Draken-kun.” He said in almost a whisper. This time Draken slightly pressed his hand down and then ruffled his hair and let out a grin. “Don’t go sentimental on me.” Takemichi giggled at that.
Kakucho had heard about how Draken was the one who kept Mikey and Takemichi in check back in Toman. He had always thought about why two of the most stubborn people he knew listened to him and not anyone else. He realised now that it was because of respect and care. They listened to him because he listened to them. They cared about him and his words because he did the same for them. He didn't complain about Mikey acting like a child, nor did he disregard Takemichi’s words or actions without pondering over them. Therefore they listened to him when he insisted they do as he said. That is why Draken was so important to Mikey, and that is why Draken still held so much importance in Takemichi’s life. He was a good man with a kind heart.
They finished eating and slowly gathered their stuff. Draken slung an arm around Takemichi’s shoulder as they proceeded to head out.
Mikey got up not long after they had left, and his two subordinates followed right after. He walked slowly and paused at the entrance of the shop.
“Koko.”
“Yes, boss”
A pause.
“Give me updates on the progress of his shop.”
“Okay, boss”, Koko’s voice was soft as he replied.
“Kakucho.”
“Yes, boss”
“Clear any hindrances which appear. But be subtle. Don't grab attention.”
“Okay, boss”, Kakucho’s voice mimicked Koko’s.
Another pause. A longer one this time.
“Make sure to tell me when the opening day is.”
Mikey then walked out of the shop.