Keep Fighting

𓊈卍 𝟕 卍𓊉

Takemichi can't believe his own eyes. Akkun is right in front of him. He's all grown up, and just a few hours ago, he was still fourteen. He looks different, but he knows that his best friend is still in there.

"I have been waiting for you to come, Takemichi."

"Akkun..." Takemichi is still staring at him, completely dumbfounded. "What do you mean by that?"

"Let's go talk outside." The redhead stands from his seat. "I'd like to talk, just the two of us. Is that alright?"

"I'm coming with you," Nakano states firmly. "I'm sorry, Akkun, but I'm not letting my brother go off on his own in Toman's turf."

"He'll be fine with me. Besides..." Akkun gives Nakano a frightened glance. "If he finds you here, who knows what he's going to do to you."

The twins share a look if concern, as Nakano steps up. "Then that's exactly why I need to come."

"No, Nakano-san. Please." Akkun looks at her almost pleadingly. "Stay here where it's safe. I promise nothing will happen to Takemichi, but you're in the most danger for just being here right now."

Takemichi tenses at his old friend's words. "Nakano's in the most danger? Why?"

The male twin assumed that Naoto would be the one risking his life, since he's the cop here. 'But my sister? What could Toman possibly want from her?'

"I'll explain when we get to the roof." Akkun starts walking. "Stay, Nakano-san. Please."

His twin lets out a quiet sigh, before stepping back. "If anything happens to my brother, I will show no mercy, understand."

Akkun nods. "All too well."

"Don't worry. I'll make sure she stays here," Naoto assures them.

Before Takemichi starts to follow Akkun, he feels someone grab his wrist. He turns to see his sister, who seems as calm as always. However, her unsettling aura is beginning to shine through.

"Takemichi, be careful," she utters quietly.

"I will," he responds, as he gives his twin a firm nod.

She then releases him, and he's off to follow Akkun to the rooftop. As he follows his old friend, he's not really sure what to think anymore. He seems... On edge? Afraid?

'I mean... He told us to come, so it should be safe, right?'

Just then, he's grabbed at the neck, and pulled downwards. He's being held under Akkun's arm, who's now smiling widely at him.

"How've ya been, Takemichi?"

"Ow, ow, ow!" Takemichi struggles under his grip. "That hurts, Akkun!"

The redhead laughs and releases him, still smiling brightly. "I'm happy I get to see you after so long. A lot of time sure has gone by. It's been since middle school, right?"

"Yeah..." The shorter male nods, smiling fondly. "It's been about ten years since we last saw each other. But man, Akkun. You're really living the life now, huh?"

Takemichi doesn't see his friend glance at the ground as his smile disappears. "You're the owner of this huge cabaret club, and a manager of Toman, right? You're constantly surrounded by glittering riches and gorgeous women. I'm practically a foreigner here!"

"It's all because I know how to get my hands on money," Akkun comments as he walks towards the edge of the roof. "The guy that came with you and Nakano-san... He's a cop, isn't he?"