"Sachin!!"

Someone yelled from the gate as soon as Sachiko exited the school. She's supposed to be walking home with Mitsuya but the male got held back because of club activity and so, she's just with herself right now.

Well, not anymore since she can practically see Mikey waving his hand from the distance with an annoyed Draken beside him.

Making long strides towards the duo, Sachiko tightened her bag on her shoulders, slightly shivering when she felt someone observing her from afar.

"What are you doing here, Mikey," She asked the moment she got near the duo, looking over their shoulders, two bikes were parked behind.

"Let's eat!" Mikey happily dragged her by her wrist, pulling her towards his bike. Even with how much cheerfulness Mikey was showing off, Sachiko can sense something was off and confirmed it when Draken's expression turned into a neutral one, meeting her gaze.

"I'll ride with Ryu, Mikey" pulling her wrist back gently, giving the smaller male a soft smile who only puffed his cheeks and was ready to protest when Draken already tugged her away from Mikey.

"Come on"

A deafening silence fell amongst the two, as Sachiko secured her arms around Draken's waist. The way Draken's keeping quiet was bothering her. It's not like him to be this quiet than ever. She wanted to ask but reckoned that it was unnecessary for her to do so since it was not her business to intrude. 

"I know why you choose to ride with me instead of Mikey" this cut off the silence as Draken slowed down the bike's pace, far from Mikey. "Ask away"

Sachiko's pursed lips moved, as words left her mouth. "Is something wrong between the two of you or the others? Even Takashi's sounded down when I talked to him earlier"

Draken paused for a moment, before talking again. "Baji and Kazutora left Toman yesterday"

Upon hearing the reason, Sachiko subconsciously tightened her grip even more on Draken's waist, as her mind was processing the news.

They were just okay the other week, having fun in her house. This must be some kind of prank.

So many questions flooded that wants to be answered immediately but it only made her headache a little.

Those two. Baji and Kazutora...the first time she had seen them, Sachiko can tell that their friendship with the others was real. It didn't cross her mind that those two would leave, especially from the gang that they love the most.

"They decided to join the opposing gang. Baji beat up his vice-captain to prove his loyalty while Kazutora fetched Takemichi to be a witness. The reason was still unclear upon why they left" Draken continued to talk, sounding so calmer than ever. "Everyone was still on edge after yesterday's meeting and still in shock because of it"

She then didn't have the chance to talk again when they finally arrived at Mikey's favorite food place. A hand then pulled her inside, making her nearly lose her balance if it wasn't for Draken supporting her body. Mikey laughed cutely and took a seat at one of the tables, patting the seat beside him, and gesturing for her to sit.

"Mikey, stop pulling her carelessly! She nearly fell when you suddenly yanked her away!" Draken scolded Mikey who just ignored him causing the taller male to grit his teeth because of annoyance.

Sachiko smiled awkwardly, waving her hands in front. "It's fine, Ryu. Let him be" assuring the taller male which made him calm down a little.

Mikey then grinned, scooting over to her, showing the menu which was unnecessary for him because there was still one menu available. "What do you want to eat, Sachin? Ken-chin's gonna pay for us!"

This made Draken explode out of anger. Mikey dragged him away without his consent and somehow they end up outside of Sachiko's school. He didn't sign up for this shit.

And besides, his money was running low because of continuously buying Mikey's snacks. And mind you that he does it every single day.

He didn't get paid for this. Shinichiro better pays him up.

The internal protest then was cut off when Sachiko pulled out a card and waved it in front of them.

A black one, courtesy of Satoru.

"I can pay for all of us" Sachiko then smiled wider at the two. Thank heavens she brought the card with her. "So, order whatever you guys want. It's on me"

Eyes sparkling at the girl, Mikey gawked like a kid at the card before quickly scanning the menu for some food to get. Draken also did the same, not missing the opportunity to be treated by another person as he can clearly hear his wallet rejoicing. His wallet's saved for this day from Mikey.

The meal was quite eventful. She couldn't imagine how Draken handle the headaches because of Mikey. First, the shorter male made a ruckus because his kiddie meal doesn't have a flag on it which got resolved instantly by Draken and his magical jacket. Second, Mikey slept after eating that irked Draken so much. Well, Sachiko was in the background when it all happened, snickering and laughing, clearly amused by the predicaments.

Right now, she and Draken were walking towards the river bank where Mikey had spoken about where they will go next. The taller male had the president on his back, sleeping soundly as Sachiko was beside him. The riverbank wasn't that far from where the fast-food was so they just left their rides there.

"Mikey sure is lucky to have someone like you by his side..." Sachiko trailed off, as she focused her attention on the setting sun. She switched with her glasses before they head out because of the reason she wants to see how beautiful the sunset was.

She then heard a small chuckle coming from Draken. "It goes both ways. I'm also lucky to have him and the others with me" as a fond smile crept into the male's lips, recalling some memories.

Their conversation was soon interrupted when Mikey started shuffling on Draken's hold and rubbed his eyes. "Huh?... Sachin?" he mumbled sleepily.

"I'm here" Sachiko got into the commander's view, tilting her head to the sides, surpassing a small laugh when the smaller blond drooled a little, irking Draken again.

Hearing the girl's voice that sounded so nice to his ears, Mikey hopped off and grinned at Sachiko. He then drag the girl away with him going to the river bank as the sun was slowly setting, leaving a furious blond behind.

As they arrived at the area, Sachiko noticed that the cheerful expression Mikey had was washed away and replaced by a neutral face. The surroundings became eerily, as she felt quite uneasy by the sudden change of behavior.

"Baji and Kazutora are my precious friends" he spoke with a sad tone, facing her again.

His dark orbs held nothing but emptiness in them as they met her covered ones.

"I love those guys and I will do anything to get them back even if have to join a war" pertaining to the incoming fight with Valhalla. The conflict will serve as their key to getting those two back in Toman.

A soft sigh escaped from Sachiko and averted her attention away from the male towards the orange sky. Something isn't right about the situation, but it's anxious to hear Mikey's tone.

"Don't worry, I'll try to talk to Kei and Kazu. But it won't guarantee that they will come back"

"I'd still appreciate it, Sachin"

Me to my professors: