"What do you want?"
"Huh?"
"I asked what you wanted to eat," Izana repeated, almost rolling his eyes. "Hurry up."
"You like desserts, right, Dellie?" Ran queried.
Rindou settled his fists over his hips. "I'd like to try something different. Pick something unique, Delle," he suggested.
"I'd go for something hot," Kakucho-san conveyed, looking around the small food area they've taken me. "Maybe noodles or something."
"So?" Izana raised a brow at me. He's impatient. "I'm starving, Mizuno Delanel. I want to eat now."
"Why don't you b-buy first?" I smiled awkwardly.
What... is this situation?! This is pressuring me!
"Of course I'll buy first, but what is it that you want? I'm gonna try that."
"Why would you..?" I paused, catching his foul expression. "A-alright..."
I swallowed hard. Why are they asking for my opinion? Will they kill me if they didn't like it?
But... I'm craving for some lugaw right now.
"I'm..."
They all raised their brows.
"...actually... going for porridge?" I hesitatingly proposed. "With... pork and... tofu?"
The four shared a look.
Please don't be mad.
"I-I mean... it's just for me if you don't wan—"
"We'll have that," they concluded.
"Ah... Huh?"
What? Is this for real?
"Now order up," Izana ordered. "Find a seat, Kakucho."
"Okay."
Ran and Rindou followed him, and I thought Izana would too, but he stayed beside me as I ordered. He raised a brow at me when he caught me staring. I don't know why, but I think he's too impatient with me. Or is it just me?
"Do you hate me, Izana?"
I don't even know why I asked him that.
"Hate?" He sarcastically snorted. "I hate everyone."
"I see..."
It's understandable.
I mean... I sort of relate.
However, those feelings eventually faded when I met my friends, my cousins, and my aunt. Meeting Mikey helped me gradually lose the hatred for myself. Being with them is not just liking them but liking who I am with them.
Well, there are still questions and confusions.
Izana's eyes darted at the two boys near the entrance—one older like his age and a younger brother. They're enjoying each other's company as the big brother pushes the small bike his little brother's riding.
The eyes of mine widened a fraction as a question popped in my head after observing Izana.
"Izana..." He turned to me. "...were you lonely?"
And just as that flashback of mine escaped my mind, I again stared blankly at another's death.
Kisaki's right.
I'm... going to see another grave.
And I'm more afraid of the future if these events will continue to happen. I'm anxious. I'm scared of myself if I end up seeing more of these pain that everyone's suffering.
"Izana?" Kakucho-san cried, confirming the state of his precious person lying unconscious beside him. He began to panic. "Hey! Answer me! Hey! Izana! Hey!!! Izana!!!"
When there was no response, he clenched his fist, crying out while spilling blood from his mouth. Kakucho-san moved nearer and lied beside Izana's departed body.
Looking at him, he held his hand tightly, smiling with tears. "Izana... I won't let you feel lonely," he uttered. "I'm going... over there, too... right now. Looks like... we sucked at living."
Even though Izana's sometimes harsh with him, I think they really built some strong friendship there, seeing Kakucho-san not leaving Izana's side.
I can't keep seeing tragic events like this anymore.
"Kaku-chan!" Michi wailed.
"Kakucho-san..."
The snowing commenced when after a while... Kakucho-san stopped talking.
Toman won. The battle's finished. Mikey announced it to move forward as the sounds of the police and the ambulance echoed in our ears.
Toman finally won, but none of us were completely happy.
"Mizen," I voiced with a monotonous yet authoritative tone.
I didn't know why, but I didn't believe both of them are dead. I believed we can still save one of them.
"We can still save Kakucho-san."
He nodded. "What should I do?"
"Kei and Kae must be with the police now. Let's help the others in the hospital."
"You can't stay here, Delanel," Mizen explained. "We can't wait for the police. We're both wearing Tenjiku uniforms. They'll think we joined this mess."
"Kae and Kei must've changed their outfits now, huh. And we don't have any other clothes, so we have no choice wearing this. How 'bout your clothes earlier?"
"They're ripped."
"Ah. Right."
And even I was the reason my friends were in this mess. Tsk.
"Before any more misfortune happens." Mikey's voice surrounded the area. "Let's all get outta here! I will stay here and take care of the rest!" He proclaimed. "Dismissed! Make it snappy!"
I still haven't talked to Mikey nor my friends, but it's not what I need to do right now.
"Mizen, kindly help the others get out of here."
"But—"
"I have to stay."
He sighed heavily. "Okay. But what about them?"
Mizen referred to the unconscious when someone called Mikey. It was Yasuhiro-kun, his arm over Sanzu's shoulders. Now that I think about it, I haven't really noticed Sanzu. Was he watching this whole time?
"You... need to get outta here too," he told Mikey.
"We'll stay behind," said Mocchi.
Mizen nodded at me as he heard those. "Then, we'll wait for you outside. We'll do our best to take the others to the hospital."
"Thank you, and for that matter..." I handed him that. Mizen's face screamed surprise. I bobbed at him. "It's the least I can do as Toman's manager."
"You don't like using this card... You know they'll come for you when you use this!"
I shook my head. "Doesn't matter. We need to cure their wounds."
"You..." he paused. "...you really care for them."
I gave him a reassuring smile. "I'm their reservoir, after all."
"Are they really worth it?"
I didn't expect that question from him.
I smiled, with a hint of sadness. "Yes. Yes, they are."
My sight went down on his tightening fists. Together with his deep groan, Mizen grabbed my shoulders and hugged me. It was hasty but warm. Like a glimpse of sunrise in this cold, disheartening night.
"I'll wait for you... Atarah."
My eyes widened momentarily. I relaxed it and returned him a half smile. "I'll see you later, Mikozen."
"Somehow, I come to admire you guys."
Ran's voice captured my attentiveness as he squatted down near the two just when Mizen left to assist the others.
"Captain. Kakucho. At least rest well." Ran closed their eyes. "I've seen through the end... the way you both lived."
Ran, I think Kakucho-san's still alive and yet you already shut his eyes...
Mikey heeded to Kisaki. "You're the only person I'll never forgive, Kisaki."
That's right. Kisaki's the only one...
"Kisaki!"
"What?!"
"Ah!"
It was quick that we didn't get the time to react. Even my agility didn't manage to stop Hanma from taking Kisaki away while riding a motorcycle! Fortunately, Draken-kun's prepared.
"Takemitchy!" He roared, already on his bike. "Get on! We're going after them!"
"Draken-kun!" Michi worriedly looked at Hina-chan and spared me a glance.
"Takemitchy!" Mikey spoke. "Leave Hina-chan and Della to me! Do what you need to do!"
He nodded, determination in his eyes. "On it!"
Now that's... the Takemichi who'll fight for Toman.
Seriously, I have so many questions.
"Delle-chan!" Hina-chan dashed to my spot and immediately wrapped her arms around me. She started crying. "You've been through a lot, didn't you?"
I would've been crying by now, but I didn't.
I tried to smile, embracing her back. "Thanks for being here, Hina-chan. Thanks for bringing Mikey and Draken-kun. Takemichi really needed you guys."
She's still sobbing when she let go. "We're sorry we've put you through this. Did they hurt you?"
I forcibly grinned. "No." Yes. Emotionally. Mentally. "We need to get you home, Hina-chan."
"No. I'll assist you. What do you need to do?"
I guess she's quite stubborn as me.
I walked towards Ran. His smirk appeared, however, its confidence faded a little, as if he's forcing it.
"Yes, Dellie?"
"We need to get him to the hospital." He looked confused. "I think we can still save Kakucho-san."
Ran peeped at the others and smiled. "Of course. We'll take care of it. You need to rest."
Yasuhiro-kun and Rindou agreed with him with somehow apologetic eyes for involving me in this matter. Shion and Mocchi only shared a look and didn't bother.
I didn't argue anymore. I was tired, but I couldn't rest not until I get to speak with Mikey, but he's too busy directing others to leave immediately and I know he's tired as well. Probably so darn exhausted.
When we met eyes, Mikey didn't look away, but he didn't look happy either.
Mikey, I want to hug you, but I feel ashamed of myself that I don't even deserve standing near you.
But can I... at least comfort you?
"Mikey, uhm—"
My breath stuck on my throat as blood filled my view. I stopped walking. My hands covered my mouth in panic as dark red color surrounded my sight. I could hear mumbling voices, but I can't comprehend them.
What's this?
Blood?
Again?
No... not again...
No, no, no, not another death again!
"Della. Della!"
I snapped back to reality.
"H-huh?"
Mikey's worried expression shifted to wary when he saw panic in my eyes.
"What's wrong?"
It's blood.
More blood.
Blood everywhere.
"I-I think it's..." No. I don't think it's Michi dying today, but I have to make sure of it. "I-I need to go after them!"
"What? Della!" Mikey yelled from behind when I instantly commenced running.
There are four people there: Draken-kun, Kisaki, Hanma, and Takemichi.
Who will die next?!
"Della!"
"Delle-chan!"
Please... please...
Don't take anyone else from me.
Don't take anyone else from Mikey.
Please!
Deep snow, deep and heavy breaths, I ran the best as I could to reach where Michi is. When I sighted them, it looked like my cousin's gaining the upper hand. I didn't realize Mikey and Hina-chan followed me.
"W-what?" My brows narrowed. "Why did you follow me?"
They're about to open their mouths when Hina-chan gasped, shifting her eyes behind me. I turned around and saw Michi already pointing a gun at Kisaki! We hurried towards them.
"Takemichi-kun!" Hina-chan called.
"Hina! Mikey-kun! Delle!"
We stole their attention. Kisaki's reaction piqued my curiosity. His shock was a lot than I thought, and he wasn't looking at Mikey. Kisaki's eyes were on the girl beside me. He suddenly darted away.
What?
Something's... not right...
I'm missing something.
"Kisaki!" It was Mikey.
"Huh?" Takemichi straightened up when he caught him running away. "As if I'm letting you get away!"
He rushed to catch him. I followed him.
Why was Kisaki staring at Hina-chan?
Why did he kill Emma?
Is it really just because of Toman? Of Mikey?
What's all this evil plans for? I don't understand.
He only used Izana and Mikey as his puppets.
What's he really up to?
"One day, Tachibana will be mine." My eyes enlarged, hearing Kisaki claim that. "One day, for sure!"
What? Tachibana? Naoto? No, I mean, Hina-chan?!
"Delle-chan! Wait!"
"Della!"
"I'm sorry! I have to catch up with them!" I said, doubling my speed.
When I reached them, they both unexpectedly stopped as they talked with each other. I only heard the last part, but that part was enough to confirm my theories and yet add more questions in my head.
"Do you... still think that I'm a time leaper?" Kisaki asked Michi.
Time leaper...
It's true then?
"Huh? Aren't you?"
"I..."
I loudly gasped at the unexpected disaster.
My heart stopped beating for a second. Eyes wide. Breath hitched. Mind frozen. Body standing still. Kisaki... was just hit by a truck. He flew yet still moving after that, however, his body's twisted, blood all over him.
It's... Kisaki. H-he's the one who's going to die.
"M-michi." I pulled my stupefied cousin behind me.
They both didn't see this coming.
"What?" Kisaki astoundingly uttered. "Hah?" He realized his state and screamed in pain. "Darn it! What the heck is this?! What the heck is going on?! I can't stand up! Ahh! Crap! Aaaahhh!"
I wanted to call an ambulance, but my body remained still. I wanted to get mad at the driver for hitting someone on the crossroads even if he or she deserves it, and yet there's still a part of me that blames this karma on Kisaki.
But mostly, I was thankful it wasn't Michi.
"I don't wanna die..." Kisaki almost begged.
"Kisaki..."
He stopped moving when Mikey and Hina-chan arrived, dumbstruck. Tears then emerged from my eyes. Thank goodness Michi's safe. Thank goodness. I wrapped my arms around my cousin and cried.
"You, stupid. Don't you dare go running like that again!"
Takemichi patted my head, hugging me back. "I'm sorry, Delle. I'll be careful. I'm sorry. I'm sorry you had to go through that."
I shook my head, shoving my head on his chest. It's been a while since I hugged my cousin. I missed it.
I nodded. "It doesn't matter what I go through... just please don't scare me like that."
"Mm-hmm. I promise."
The four of us then walked back quietly and found Draken-kun and Hanma on the way. Hanma's eyes grew when he saw us. I tried looking straight into his eyes.
"They said the ambulance is on the way..." and so are the police. "...but Kisaki might not be able to make it."
He immediately ran towards the direction we came from without interrogating us. Draken-kun also showed curiosity, but he didn't bother asking what happened.
No one uttered a single word. I couldn't say anything to Mikey. After all, why would I dare think of the situation that I've struggled with when Mikey's the one who suffered here the most.
I wanted talk to him and follow him around, but... I decided to give him time to clear his head. We separated ways with a long, silent embrace, and I was glad that he wasn't pretending with me.
He just lost his little sister, and another brother. There's nothing I can do but be there for him, but right now, what he needs is to feel those emotions, to feel himself without me bothering him.
Kei, Kae, and Mizen showed up on our doorstep. They're wrapped with bandages, tapes, and gauzes. I ran and surrounded them with my arms. I stopped when they flinched in pain, and we chuckled.
I didn't blame them for not being useful and they didn't blame me either. We knew the tight situation we've been, and yes, we were powerless and were forced to be stuck in it.
The only thing on my mind was the doubt if I did the right decision... by joining Toman.
Because I only became a burden to them in that fight.
No one died because of me, but my friends were hurt.
I'm aware that it's not my responsibility for their safety, and yet... I felt like I failed them.
The Kanto incident where the conflict between Kanagawa's largest delinquent group, Yokohama Tenjiku, and Tokyo's largest motorcycle gang, Tokyo Manji... resulted with five arrests and three dead.
The leaders of Tenjiku were arrested.
We lost Emma.
We lost Izana.
Kisaki died.
He's already gone, but we'll never be able to bring the others back. We didn't even get the answers to our questions. Why did Kisaki have to go that far? Is it really just because of Hina-chan?
We didn't know what to feel but a total loss.
Now I really don't know... what's going to happen next.
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