Moved Out

 “Did you forget anything?” Ayano’s mother inquired, her eyes scanning Ayano’s luggage as she zipped up the case.

“Just a few small things left,” Ayano replied before standing up.

“Good. I’ll be waiting in the front yard to load up these first then,” her mother announced with a warm smile before turning to Akari who was standing nearby.

“It was nice meeting you, Akari,” she said, her voice carrying a polite tone.

“Likewise, ma’am.” Akari responded, bowing respectfully as Ayano’s mother left the room.

With her luggage almost ready, Ayano swung her backpack onto her shoulders and glanced around the room one last time, ensuring she hadn’t missed anything important. “That should be everything.”

“Here,” Akari held up his beloved teddy bear with a black bowtie. “I’d thought you should have him.”

“Teddy bear gangster,” Ayano playfully mumbled to herself as she hugged the stuffed animal tightly.

“This bear isn’t a gangster,” Akari sighed.

“I meant you,” Ayano corrected, sticking out her tongue before leaving the room, her belongings in tow. Surprisingly, Akari didn't respond with his usual retort; he simply smiled gently and followed her outside.

Even as the limousine drove away, Akari remained standing in place, his gaze fixed on the horizon where the vehicle had disappeared.

Life seemed to be returning to its usual rhythm, or at least what was considered “normal” for Akari. Despite the summer vacation beginning, Akari had responsibilities that set him apart from other students. Having graduated, he was destined to inherit the Tiger gang, a plan that had been in place for their young master. While he had to prove himself first, most members and the boss already saw him as a capable candidate.

As weeks passed, this perception of him grew more evident. While Akari typically handled smaller tasks, he began to request and handle more challenging assignments. Moving beyond surveys and patrols, he transformed into a formidable presence on the streets, protecting the gang’s interests and gradually embracing his destined role.

“Akari, we’re heading out to the arcade for some fun. You care to join us?” Naoki had poked his head into Akari’s room after two immediate knocks.

“Sorry but I’m busy,” Akari replied without looking up, engrossed in his nighttime studies with a single desk lamp illuminating his dimly lit room. His hair clip held his focus in place and a cup of green tea sat within reach.

“What happened to our teddy bear gangster?” Naoki asked with a sigh.

“Don’t call me that,” Akari retorted with a touch of annoyance. Footsteps echoed down the hallway and Naoki straightened as their boss appeared. Naoki respectfully bowed, receiving a nod of acknowledgment from the older man who paused at Akari’s door.

“Boss, is it a good idea for the young master to be studying this long?” Naoki voiced his concern. “He hasn’t taken a break in over six hours.”

“Leave him be. I supposed he’s grown up,” the boss remarked, taking a sip of his tea. “Akari’s no longer just a bear (kuma), he’s now a devil (akuma).”

“I said don’t call me that.” Akari snapped again. The boss chuckled amusingly while shaking his head. He patted Naoki’s shoulder before continuing his stroll down the hallway.

“Leave him be, Naoki,” the old man advised. “In fact, I rather have something I need to discuss with the lot of you.”

“Yes sir,” Naoki nodded. As the boss and Naoki's footsteps gradually faded away, Akari found himself alone. With the sounds gone, he set down his pencil and leaned back, releasing a deep sigh. His gaze landed on a framed picture on his desk.

The image had been captured during a trip to the aquarium, the result of Momo’s insistence on taking group photos. Ayano had gifted him a copy of the photo, framed and ready for his desk. As his eyes drifted across the individuals in the picture, they settled on Ayano's face.

Lost in thought, Akari was abruptly jolted back to reality by a notification on his phone. He picked it up and found a message directed to him.

“Akari,” the message was from Chiaki. “You available right now?”

“No.” The young gangster replied. “I’m busy.

“At nine in the evening? I don’t think so.” Chiaki pointed out.

“How would you know?”

A location was then sent followed by Chiaki’s last message. “She would like you to come so make sure you make it.”

Akari sprang to his feet, a whirlwind of thoughts racing through his mind. Who? Ayano?

In the final half-hour before his daring plan would be set in motion, Akari steeled himself, taking a deep breath to steady his nerves. Cloaked in a brown cap and a maroon hoodie, he crept silently to his bedroom door, which creaked slightly as he opened it just wide enough to peer into the dimly lit hallway.

With no one in sight, he slowly sneaked out and made his way outside where the sky was just starting to become dark. As Akari passed through the front gates after walking on the cobblestone road, he let out a sigh of relief. He had done it. He had escaped without anyone noticing.

“Where do you think you’re going?” A stern voice asked him, causing Akari to freeze up. Turning around, the young gangster saw Misha, with her striking white hair cascading down her shoulders, standing by the gate with her arms crossed. She had an unwavering presence looming from her as she leaned against the wall.

“Misha…” Akari whispered. He knew better than to attempt to deceive her. As their gang’s best interrogator, Misha Aikawa could easily figure out people’s intentions and even thoughts by just reading their body language. It was thanks to her that the Tiger gang was so powerful in staying ahead of their enemies and gathering information. While she may appear to be the gang’s caretaker, Misha was a deadly opponent who could never lose a fight.

Despite knowing all of this, Akari thought he would still try to lie to her. After all, his deception skills were taught by Misha herself. He couldn’t be too far behind her, right?

“I was just... going for a walk. Needed some fresh air.” He explained with a childish smile. Misha's piercing gaze remained unwavering, seeing through his flimsy excuse.

“A walk, huh? With a cap and a hoodie? At this hour?” She raised an eyebrow skeptically. Misha's lips curved into a sly grin, and Akari realized that his attempt to outwit her was futile. She had always been a step ahead, and he had underestimated her once again.

"Be careful, Akari-sama,” she said before she began to head inside the premises. Confused, Akari glanced at the calm gangster.

“You’re not going to ask me where I’m going?” He ventured cautiously. A faint smile danced upon Misha's lips as she played along with his charade, perfectly mirroring his deception.

“Didn’t you tell me already?” She responded, her tone subtly teasing. “You’re going for a walk.”

Akari stood in astonishment as Misha deviated from her usual demeanor, withholding his secret and leaving him feeling a mix of relief and gratitude. A large grin grew on his face as he cupped his hands around his mouth.

“Thank you, Misha! I'll be careful," Akari shouted appreciatively. The maid-like gangster chuckled quietly before leaving.

The sun cast a warm golden glow on the streets, painting the scene with hues of amber and russet. Laughter and chatter filled the air as people enjoyed the evening break, taking advantage of the sun-soaked break.

Amidst the lively atmosphere, Akari’s voice rang out like a bell, cutting through the noise.

“Ah, Ayano!” Akari’s voice rang out, catching the attention of Nanami.

“Aki, good afternoon,” she greeted with a wave. Besides her, Chiaki and Momo were also present.

Akari’s eyes scanned the area, his expression expectant. “Where’s Ayano?”

Nanami exchanged a glance with Momo, her brows furrowing slightly. “She wasn't feeling well, so she decided to go home.”

“Yeah, she seemed pretty tired earlier today. I hope she’s feeling better soon.” Momo remembered, her tone carrying a hint of concern.

Akari’s features displayed a mix of surprise and worry. “I actually have to get going. My grandpa’s calling me to go back home.”

“Already? Seems like you're always in a hurry.” Chiaki let out a dramatic sigh.

“It's important, Chiaki. I’ll catch up with you guys later.”

“Sure, sure,” Chiaki waved him off, a sly smile playing on his lips. “Do what you have to do…”

Akari nodded appreciatively and then strode off. He had a hint of urgency in his step. Meanwhile, Nanami and Momo exchanged a knowing look, their lips curving into amused smiles.

Navigating the bustling streets, Akari's hurried pace accidentally led him to bump into a trio of rough-looking individuals.

“Hey, watch it!” Their scowls deepened as they exchanged glances, and in that tense moment, Akari’s icy demeanor took over.

“Sorry,” Akari's voice remained unfazed, “you’re so worthless I didn’t notice you.”

The thug’s expression contorted into a blend of anger and disbelief, his lips curling into a menacing grin as he clenched his fist.

With a fluid swing to the right, a graceful duck beneath a wild punch, and a swift step to the left, he avoided their sluggish assaults. Their movements were as slow as molasses, a stark contrast to Akari’s precise evasion. Lost in his own world, he seemed to glide through the chaos, his attention solely focused on dodging their clumsy strikes.

Amidst this almost surreal dance, an unexpected intervention disrupted the scene. A figure lunged forward, propelling one of the thugs against a sturdy brick wall. Startled, the other two hooligans took a few wary steps back. The suddenness of this individual’s appearance left them disoriented.

With a swift leap, the figure dismounted and drew a blade from his belt. The gleaming steel caught the sunlight as it arced through the air, pointing menacingly at the remaining two thugs. Akari recognized the man’s fierce countenance—Goro.

“Get away from this young master, you filth,” he threatened, dripping with a venomous threat. Akari’s footsteps carried him to Goro’s side, his measured strides tapping softly against the concrete. The two aggressors hesitated, their bravado shattered by the unforeseen arrival of the seasoned gangster.

“The area is safe now, my lady,” Goro announced with a respectful bow, his tone carrying a note of assurance. As another familiar figure emerged from the shadows, the atmosphere seemed to shift. Stepping into the light, Himeko appeared, her attire a sophisticated blend of black casual clothing and a touch of elegance in the form of a stylish dress.

“Lady Himeko, what a pleasant surprise,” Misha’s sudden appearance at Akari’s side caused him to jump to the side. He shot her a baffled look, his mind racing to understand where she had come from. Had she been discreetly following him this entire time?

Ignoring the confused glare Akari was giving her, Misha gave a polite bow. “How many we assist you?”

Himeko struck a single finger toward Akari. “I need to speak to Akari in private,” she stated.

“Very well then. I’ll be waiting nearby if you need anything, young master.” With that, she embarked on a deliberate stroll to the side of the road, her lithe form finding refuge behind a concealing bush. She melded into the shadows cast by the adjacent building, her presence vanishing as effectively as if she had melted into thin air. Goro mirrored her exit, disappearing around a nearby corner with the same quiet efficiency.

Left alone with Himeko, Akari let out a weary sigh. He turned his focus back to her, his arms crossing in a gesture of intrigue and patience.

“So what do you need me for?” Akari asked as he crossed his arms.

“I’m here to ask for you to fulfill our agreement from our exams bet,” Himeko stated. Recognition flashed across Akari's features, a distant memory resurfacing.

“Ah, that. I had completely forgotten about it,” he admitted, recalling the agreement they had made over a month ago. “I guess I do owe you that. So what is it you want from me?”

A subtle spark danced in Himeko’s eyes, her expression one of anticipation. “I’d like you to accompany me on an amusement park date.”

The unexpectedness of her proposition hung in the air, the incongruity of the situation causing a soft chuckle to escape from Akari. “An amusement park date? Well, that’s certainly an interesting request.