The next day

"Are you really sure that this is a good idea?" Rindou was still with his unsure behavior about you wanting to do this. Well, he's a human being anyways, being contemplative is normal and also...being indecisive sure can already be his second name.

But isn't it a little too late to ask that?

Especially when you're already at the location where he informed you that the muggers were present?

It's ridiculous to back off at this point.

No, it's not as if his warnings can get the best of you either, you are a stubborn girl from the very start. You're the type to already had your mind set fully to anything you will do and basically 'no' is not even an option right now.

"You're asking that...when we're already here?" You asked in an annoyed tone, with one of your thumb pointing at the Haitani hideout.

It's funny how easily Rindou can beat those muggers that this is the second time of him dragging them to their hideout. Might as well say the muggers are probably sick of seeing this place again and again.

"I mean...it's not too late to back off right now." He shrugged, "We still have time...it's–"

"Are you worried about me?" You cut him off in an instant, with one of your eyebrows cocked upwards. Making sure he sees how confused you are with his words.

Rindou was returning back a befuddled look to you too. Now...that question you asked was quite weird to him all of the sudden. It's like the tone in it has a deeper meaning that Rindou just can't describe into words. It's not because he's too dumb to articulate his thoughts but somehow that statement had made him flustered, "I'm not–Of course I will be–"

Hell, no.

That sounds weird for sure as Rindou now realised, so he shook his head slightly and continued, "No, what I'm trying to say is that you're reckless and you don't use your common sense sometimes so that's why I'm worried if you're doing something you'll regret later on,"

You stared at him for a moment, trying to digest his words that were actually just proving your point even more. So you step forward and stand near and right in front of him. That action of yours sure was perplexing Rindou and it just gets worse when you rested your hand on his shoulder. "You're just proving my point, Haitani~"

Rindou just couldn't comprehend this unnecessary teasing coming from you but it was sure making his cheeks burning up. So in an instant, he gently removed your hand from his shoulder in a quick manner and said, "Why on earth are you talking that way?!"

He might just be delusional but there's no way...you out of all people or he can't even say that particular word but it should just be impossible for you to be able to do that.

Maybe there's more to you that he doesn't know yet. But Rindou sure wasn't expecting an attempt to flirt from you. You tend to appear to be satanic or harsh most of the time, hell, he is sure that boys will be the last thing you're going to think or obsess about.

And it sure is surprising that you somehow have that hidden talent to sway a guy off his feet. It's not like it's working on Rindou (maybe it is), it's just his reaction was a shocked one because never thought he would see you act so...flirtatious. God, even saying this word makes him uncomfortable.

You only chuckled at his reaction that you were expecting and it sure is amusing you. You have done this many times to Asuka and it never failed to make her blush. So you were purposefully doing it to Rindou, solely because you were curious on what his reaction will be. And never did you know it will also work on him.

So you pulled your hand away from his grip and said, "I'm just messing around. And chill out, man." You gave him a slight fist bump on his shoulder and you just felt from the contact how tense his shoulders were, "No need to get too tense. And there's nothing to worry about...I know what I'm doing."

You can see it so clearly that he's not only worried about your safety, but he's more to not being so sure with your plan on getting back to the muggers. He questioned it to you again just now and still, you insist for it to be a surprise and he'll find out about it when you tell the muggers later. "In fact, the plan will be as if we have nothing to do with it."

"We?" Rindou questioned. That word just blurted out of his mouth because he was not expecting that type of statement from you. I mean, it's your plan and revenge, so supposedly you would've said 'my plan' instead, considering right now Rindou has zero knowledge about it.

Your eyes move left and right, not understanding why Rindou sounded so surprised, "Yeah, we...why do you sound so shocked?"

Rindou scratches his not so itchy nape, hesitating if he should explain his thoughts or not to you. It sure will sounded that he has some type of bad view about you, when that's not the case. There's a risk for you to misunderstood him, "I expect for you to–"

"Haitani, it has to be 'we'," You cut him off, "If you're not in this with me, this wouldn't even be happening. I'm not sure I can even find them or even know if this plan can be executed in the first place,"

You smiled at him, being very thankful that he's on your side to this crazy plan of yours. If he was Asuka right now, she would sure stop you and will start giving you the same advice again and again to not be too brave like you always do.

Being too brave has its pros and cons.

Apparently that bravery and unhinged behaviour of yours had led you and Rindou to meet and build this sudden friendship anyways.

"Now, take me to them!" You sound like a dictator giving her orders to her fellow slave and it's even funnier you have your finger pointed to the hideout, "The last time I ever felt this type of adrenaline was when I was about to ruin someone's life three years ago!" You said excitedly, saying it as if it's a good achievement and this adrenaline you felt before is worthwhile to feel again and it's kind of terrifying that it only happens when you're about to give someone the karma that they deserve.

Rindou scoffed at your words, but there is a hint of playful in his tone, "That's not something to be proud of," He then started to move his way to the walls that were connected to the gate of the hideout.

You didn't know that there's a different entrance to the hideout. The last time you remembered is that the entrance was the face of a destructed clown and you had to enter through its mouth and still, you didn't manage to get in because you had no keys to the lock gates and your attempt to unlock had also led to nothing but failure.

So you have been fooled all along? That this was the real secret entrance that you could've found out if you have the time to explore every corner of the abandoned amusement park. But whatever, in the end, you did coincidentally meet him at his hideout's main entrance and you gave him the best slap from a clipboard that anyone could ever get.

"So this is the real way to get in?" You asked him.

Rindou who was already in a crouched position and was somehow trying ro take out the bricks from the wall, laughed softly, reminded how you were struggling to unlock the gates in the main entrance when in reality, he doesn't even know where the keys are. "Not exactly, it's just one of the many ways," He decided to give his statement as vague as possible.

"So you're saying...there's a way to get in from the main entrance?" As you're still with your curiosity about how to get in through the main entrance, you gaze at him that was busy taking out bricks from the wall and it slowly was revealing a secret hole to enter the hideout.

"Of course," He said in a teasing tone, "I can get in here in so many ways. Even the main entrance that you thought should be impossible,"

You then crouch yourself beside him, also helping him take out the bricks from the wall and putting them onto the grass under you. "You can just say you have the keys," You uttered with an annoyed tone, not liking how he's choosing to make you still be left unanswered with your curiosity. It pisses you off even more that Rindou knows how you hate to be in the unknown, since he can already tell that behaviour of yours from when you were busy asking him many times on why he wants to be your friend.

"There's no such thing as keys for abandoned places like this, (Last Name)."

Okay, now you feel stupid but still, you tried to hide your embarrassment. You stop taking out the bricks and let him do it himself. You gave him a stare, not liking the smug grin that was obvious on his features.

"Then how on earth can it be possible?"

As you realise that there were no bricks left to take out, you see how there's a huge hole now forming on the wall. You can't believe that Rindou and his brother were smart enough to come up with a secret entrance like this. They arranged bricks on the holed wall so that people wouldn't know that there's actually an entrance for anyone to get in. And obviously, the Haitani Brothers don't want unnecessary people to get in their hideout. What if when they enter it...they'll suddenly witness the illegal fights they're doing and report them to the police?

So of course, measures like this need to be taken. Being strong in fights and having humongous muscles is not just the only things a delinquent needs to have. They need to have this type of intelligence in order to sustain themselves in the world.

You can even say that Rindou's Lord Dingus nickname shouldn't be much valid anymore.

And when you were waiting for Rindou's answer, he replied to you with just a shrug. Showing he doesn't want you to know how he did it and that just earn him a tongue clicking from you.

This may be just his payback from your teasing just now. Even if this time, you're not blushing like you're one of his fangirls or something, but instead, you were just infuriated with him.

He then move his head to the direction of the wall as he was looking at you, signalling you to get in first. And he'll do it after you.

This should be a grand moment. Since after all this time, not being able to get in the hideout, now you're able to do so but as always, you're in need of help from Haitani Rindou himself since it's his and his brother's hideout.

So you slowly enter the hole (please don't make this sentence perverted yall) by crawling inside, seeing already the view that was on the other side. It doesn't look as terrifying and melancholic as you thought it should be, or maybe because it's noon at the moment and all those creepy goosebumps you were getting before this, was merely because you decided to go to his hideout at night.

After crawling in there for God knows how long, you then exited out of it and stood properly. There you saw the whole view of the amusement park. The ferris wheel, the rollercoaster, a circus tent, the flying bobs, bumper cars and even carousels. You just named a few because there's so much more of it and still, you wondered why they decided to leave it be and not do anything with it.

This was a whole package of an amusement park. Anyone, be it kids or adults, will enjoy their time here. So sad to see such an amazing place is now left to nothingness and was just making you feel sorrow inside.

It might just be cheesy. But is this what all those sappy poets meant that every story has an ending? Or a star that lit up in the sky will eventually fade away and cease to exist?

That's just too accurate to describe what's going on with this amusement park. It must have its glory days, where all the people in Roppongi will come here and decide to spend their weekend here or going on a date or just simply going here impulsively to release their tension. And now, those days are over. This amusement park is forgotten or even to say, everyone acts like it doesn't exist anymore.

It's scary to think about it.

How this place was lively for a short moment and now it's as dead as its name.

Well, at least, the Haitani Brothers took notice of it and acknowledged its existence. Even though unpleasant and illegal stuff usually happens here instead.

"Oi, how am I supposed to get out if you're in the way?"

You snap out of your thoughts as you realised that you have been standing still in front of the hole and pretty sure not giving any room for him to get out of it. Instantly, you moved your steps away and acting like you didn't hear his sarcastic words just now.

With a grunt, Rindou finally manage to exit out of it and he stood beside you, wondering why on earth are you in a trance. Maybe because he's used to see this scenery in front of you...since he was like 14, it's just the same view all over again. It's not that special. But considering this is your first time here, he should at least give you a pass for that.

Rindou then decided to walk first and just expected you to tail him from behind. Not bothering to even stop you from being in such awe of the view in front of you.

"Hey! What about the bricks?"

Rindou only wave his hand in the air, signalling you not to worry about it. You only have a dumbfounded expression on your face, worried if someone that doesn't belong here suddenly enters the hideout and cause a ruckus. But still, you only stay quiet and followed him, fastening your steps so that you can walk beside him.

As you trail your steps and his, you realised that both of you are heading your way to the circus tent. From your assumption, you deducted that maybe this is the centre of the hideout, where most of them will gather and plan everything that they will do for the gang.

Gang? Can you even call it that? Because basically it's just the Haitani Brother's and his underlings. Hell, does Rindou even gave the slightest fuck to know what are their names? You doubt that to be true.

A realisation swarms in you about how closed off and difficult it is to get close or know Rindou. And yet, he was making it so easy for you and he even revealed such a private thing about him that involves his mother.

Harshly to say, he willingly told you about his trauma. It's like being vulnerable to you was not even a big of a deal to him.

Does that mean you're special to him?

Ah.

That thought was making you get goosebumps all of the sudden. You don't know why.

Rindou then entered the circus tent and you mirrored his actions. There you saw so many men that were sitting on the circus audience seat. It was crazy how silent the amusement park was at first and it just meant one thing....all of them didn't even make a sound. Was this some type of warning Rindou gave them?

That if they open their mouth, he'll beat them to a pulp?

You have no idea either.

There you saw two people being tied with ropes around their body as it resist both of their hands and legs to move. They definitely look like they're in their twenties. They were situated in the middle of the circus tent and were forced to be sitting in a kneeling position. You see how beaten up they were, there were so many wounds and bruises painted across their face. One was even wearing a cast on his arm, it's obvious that they got hospitalised after Rindou dealt with their asses before.

No way.

Does that mean in order to retrieve your mother's bag, Rindou had to beat the shit out of them first?

How strong can he be to the point this guy broke his arm?

I mean, you did witness him breaking a tire clamp using his bare hands. And that means, breaking someone's bones is not even a hassle to him. Might as well say it's a piece of cake.

You don't know why, but this realisation was making your stomach churn a little bit. Not in a butterfly in the stomach type of way though, but it's more to...terrified.

There were also two of Rindou's underlings that were standing behind them. It was more of like guarding in a way, probably to not let those people run away.

And of course, you already know who those two people are.

The people that injured your mother.

No, not only that.

They ruined your family's happiness for fucks sake.

If you were a psychotic serial killer, you will not even hesitate to hang them like fucking chandeliers. They have to be grateful that public execution is not a thing in this modern era and it's left in history as it is.

But God, if they were to bring it back, you make sure both of them will experience it.

As you were about to walk your way to the muggers, you saw Rindou halted his steps and you did the same, not wanting to do shit whatever or however you like at the moment. It's better to wait for him first since he's the one that took the effort to find the muggers.

All of the sudden everyone (the underlings) that were sitting in the audience seat stood up and simultaneously, all of them bowed.

And holy fuck.

You have never seen such a sight.

All of these scary looking man, having tattoos all over their body or seeing how way bigger and stronger their physique are comparing to Rindou are bowing to him like he's a king. It's like they were ready to die for him or even exaggerating that they will obey any order he gave without second thought.

It was just crazy. You see Rindou as this idiot of a friend you have that is someone kind and genuine. But now, you just realised how immense his control and power is in the delinquent world of Roppongi.

You then moved your eyes to gaze at Rindou. Wondering what expression that was written on his face when he's seeing so many strong men obeying to him like he's a God. Guess right now you see why he's conceited, maybe this one of the reasons why. He has any delinquent in this city wrapped around his finger and use them however he please.

Just as you gaze at him, an unexpected thing has swarmed inside you. This feels not right. It's like at the moment, you were looking at a different person because the boy standing beside you is not the Haitani Rindou you know.

He appears intimidating and powerful. It's absolutely crazy that those words can pop up in your mind when you're about to describe him. But his aura was different, he turn into someone else at this moment. Or maybe just a side of him that you haven't seen yet.

He's terrifying.

You're not even making a hyperbole over anything about him. You just see that this Rindou that you're witnessing right now can trample over anyone however he likes and even any fight a delinquent decides to have with him, they knew from the very start that they will lose to him. It's like he's undefeatable or something. Invincible to exaggerate more.

Maybe this is what Asuka has been telling you all this time. It took you a long time to finally see this side of Rindou. If you were to witness this aura of his right before you finding out him being your writing portfolio partner, you bet you wouldn't even bother to find him at his hideout and make all of that effort.

Because you will be scared shitless like Asuka and anyone else. Now, you get it. You get why people are intimidated by him whenever he's near their radar.

It's because of this side of him.

Rindou only walked his way to the muggers and you did the same, he basically has no efforts to say thank you or anything to his underlings that were bowing to him. Maybe because it's not worth getting his praising, because that it is what they were supposed to be doing without him instructing them to do so. Basically saying it's like 'common sense' to them.

Eventually, all the delinquents return back to their seats and as per usual, they were nothing but silent.

You two stood in front of the muggers, now you get a closer look of these horrid devils that had put your family into a mess. You still recall the day you were holding your mother in your arms, completely not knowing if she will survive or not.

You know that she is and you should be grateful. But somehow, every single day, you wondered what kind of monster will you turn into if you found out she didn't survive. You were sure that you wouldn't even involve Rindou in your plans because you don't want him to get his hands dirty.

It is insane for you to admit it, but you will drop your morals and commit homicide on both of them if that were to happen.

So these two assholes should be grateful that your mother had made it. Because if she didn't, only God knows that the news will be bombarded with the story of a young prodigy girl committing homicide in the most cruel way towards two delinquents that had killed her mother.

"Good afternoon, dumb fucks," Rindou greeted them, with malice laced in his tone.

All of the sudden, the red haired one look up as there's annoyance in his expression. You saw that he's half blind in one eye, but there's no scar mark on it. Maybe he's just naturally blind. It's easy to say that blindness develops since his birth. While the other eye was in a dark shade of purple. It almost reminded you of Rindou's but his was darker that it almost turning into the color black. And he was the one that had a cast on his arm. He also has a black nose ring and a stubble.

He clicked his tongue as his eyes were still fixated on Rindou, "You call us that shit again, I'll spit on your face," His words are brutal and harsh, funny how he's so offended being called a 'dumb fuck'. I mean, Rindou can go far and call him things way worse than that but he just didn't choose to. He can be even more offensive if he wanted to make fun of his blind eye, but still, Rindou wouldn't stoop that low to say such ableist insults.

All of the sudden Rindou's underling that was standing right behind the red haired guy gave him a kick on his back, making him wince in pain. He then starts to speak up, "Do that to your nonexistent bitch, you little shit!"

Laughter starts forming around the circus and nothing was scarier than this moment. You realized you're the only girl here and all of this laughing voices were deep and masculine, it's equivalent to listening to many whales singing at the same time.

And if you're being honest, you wanted to slap Rindou's underling. How dare he say such a misogynistic thing? Saying that women are meant to be lower than them and they deserved to be spitted on.

You have no idea how many adult manga or porn these pieces of shits have watched but you always knew how all of those type of medias had negatively affect women and they're constantly objectified. It also even affects men and giving them a distorted view of unrealistic lust and also leading to them struggle to form emotional connection with anyone, because they tend to go for a women's outer appearance and physique rather than what's really in their heart and soul.

This was all just pathetic. This world will always stay like this. Being a woman is amazing but the world isn't giving us the happiness that we women deserve.

Abruptly, Rindou spoke. Not to the red haired guy, but you were shocked to see his eyes were on his underling instead, "Did I ask you to talk? I'm the only one that gets to talk here." He folded both of his arms to his chest, it's obvious that Rindou was also pissed with what that person just said. It's not like because he works under him, he has a free ticket or getaway with anything. In fact, that's very bold of him to take some risks like that because most of them keep their mouths shut whenever they're in the Haitani Brother's radar.

"You think I'll give you a compliment when you give this piece of shit that type of insult?" He clicked his tongue in between his words, "Speak one more time and your fate will be the exact same with these two, do you understand that?"

His underling had his smirk before worn off his features in an instant, "I'm so sorry, Rindou-san." His tone sounded scared, as if he realised what he did was wrong to Rindou. But in a way, you knew it doesn't sound sincere. It's the type of apology that he'll give solely because he wanted to save his ass and he will not reflect on it though, because he will eventually say the same goddamn thing all over again.

Your eyes decided to move on to the other mugger beside the red hair. He was wearing a red beanie and only the bangs of his blond hair were shown. He even had a stud piercing on his lower lip and chin. You noticed that his emerald green eyes has been piercing on you all this time and as you finally reciprocated his staring, you can't help the shock expression on your face.

What on earth...

Your (eye colour) eyes widened. Not believing this very person that you witnessed will be that person. It's not like you couldn't expect he would do this, but you never thought you see him again.

Hell, you thought that your encounter with him before will lead to nothing or you'll simply say that it's the first and last time you ever meet him. Because literally, you just talk to him for a few seconds and make your way to do your own business, you wouldn't expect to see him again.

He's like a nobody to your story. You know like a non-playable character in a game, something insignificant that you'll brush off. But now, you can't help but get pissed off with yourself.

You didn't think further or even had the capacity to think on why he even knows such information about the Haitani Brothers in the first place. You weren't questioning about it so now it has led you to this. If you were to tell Rindou about him, maybe he would've dealt with his ass long time ago. Might as well say that your mother wouldn't be mugged in the first place and you wouldn't even have to go through such trouble.

"You..." All of the sudden the blonde guy uttered. Like he's in much disbelief as you are. You're pretty sure he's not even blinking when he's looking at you. And you weren't sure if you should say it was creepy or not.

So you looked at him with a condescending look, "Oh, you remember me?"

Well, of course, you turn out to be someone memorable. Because apparently you asked the most crazy question to him. Something that he was actually hesitating to answer at first but because he was nervous at the moment he decided to answer (it's a rare occasion for him to talk to a girl so automatically his common sense disappeared when he talks to one).

Apparently you don't know which is more of a big plot twist. That you seeing him again or the fact he's not a highschool kid and he's already in his twenties.

Rindou that was looking back and forth between you two questioned in bewilderment, "You know this guy?"

Your eyes move to meet with Rindou, "Not exactly," You shrugged, "I don't know a damn thing about him other than that he knows where the Haitani brother's hideout is."

Right.

The day that you searched up abandoned places in the library of your cram school. That is where you met this nobody guy. Here you thought he would just be some random boy that coincidentally queued up behind you to use the library computer and somehow he just suddenly knows where the Haitani Brother's hideout was situated.

You felt stupid for overlooking his peculiar demeanour.

It doesn't make sense if he were just some random person that knows the Haitani Brother's hideout. He must knew it for a reason because it will be useful for him, especially if he's a delinquent.

And now it's clear.

He knows it because he's Rindou's enemy all along.

This world is crazy indeed. Even such a small and trivial thing that you ignore will somehow end up to be something important. But that's just how life is, you have to expect the unexpected...every single time.

"Why are you saying it's a bad thing that I know? You're even crazier for searching up weird shit on the Internet." The blonde guy retorted.

His words had led you to scoff at him, absolutely disliking that he's acting like he's better than you. When it's clearly not the case and never will be, "What? You want me to thank you for telling me?" You said sarcastically, "My mom would have died because of you," You pointed at him and then your finger moved to his partner beside him, "And your friend that looks like he belongs to a species that scientists haven't discovered yet."

Rindou was trying so hard to hold in his laugh, but he still managed. There's no way he should laugh at that unintentionally funny insult. Because this situation should be serious, if he laughs, people in this circus tent would take your issue lightly as if it's supposed to be a joke.

Now, you know that face shaming people is something bad. You swear you don't want to call Rindou looking like a grandpa or anything offensive to anyone else anymore. But you're so angry with these muggers and you just can't stop yourself from insulting their looks. And apparently you feel like your basic human decency should just be thrown into the sea when it comes to muggers.

And of course, you don't regret what you said.

It is purposefully to provoke the red haired guy because he did attempt to threaten Rindou just now. And you wouldn't let that slide.

"You're the one to talk!" His voice that sounds monotonous before has turned into a shrieking one instead. Funny how you purposefully pull one of his strings and it had manage to elicit such a reaction from him. It's so amusing that you can't help but get entertained. "You look like kids will cry when they see your face." A victorious smirk was etched on his face, acting like he just won with such a lame insult.

Even if it's not directed to Rindou but still there's a pissed off expression on his face. It's like he's taking it personally instead of you, "Oi–"

You instantly pull Rindou's arm, stopping him from moving to red haired guy that you were sure that he was about to beat up. Rindou halted his steps and stood back to his original spot. You then ungrip his arm and proceeded, "Well, good news for you because it's not only kids that will cry when they see me," You give him an infuriating smile, knowing that smile you present to him had manage to infuriate so many people all this time. And you sure anticipate that very pissed off reaction they'll give and whenever they try to retort back, they'll end up making a fool of themselves.

You then clasped your hands together, as if you were ending a performance or something, "Okay, let's stop all of this unnecessary banter and get to the real deal," Both your pointer fingers pointed at both of the muggers, "You two are going to wreck the police's cars and after getting arrested, you'll fucking admit what you did. Sounds goo–"

"You think we'll listen to you?" Red hair suddenly interrupted, as if he's seeing you as the biggest joke he has ever witnessed.

You made a fake exaggerated disappointed reaction, making sure they see how much you're mocking them and remind them who's the real joke here. You went back to your normal expression as you said, "Oh, so you want to be sent to the hospital again?" A shocked face was written on both of their faces, knowing damn well this threat of yours will force them to not have an other choice and they're certainly trapped.

As much as they try to act tough, they always knew that you and Rindou had the upper hand because somehow they will do anything to not endure that particular thing ever again.

"Haitani, are you interested in beating them up again?"

Rindou only replied in a bored tone which makes him appear intimidating than he already is, "As long as it's making me entertained,"

You chuckled as you heard Rindou's sadistic words, amused by how easy it is to force things to go your way. If Rindou wasn't in this situation right now, then there's so much hassle and effort you have to put in, in order for the plan to be executed.

"You want that? Can't believe you're masochi–"

"Why is there a need to wreck the police's car?" The blonde guy was silent all this time and suddenly he cut you off. It was absurd indeed, his tone to be specific. He sounded so defensive. Which then led to a puzzled expression on your face.

"Don't you people... hate the police?" Yeah, that's basic logic, "Why is their car something you are concerned about?"

Blonde guy was trying not to hide the truth from you. You know that there's something off about him, from the very start even when you first encountered him but you never knew he can be even stranger than he already is. "I can turn myself in," He paused for a moment, "But there's no need to do anything with the police. They didn't do anything wrong,"

"Why are you protecting the—" Now it's your turn to be tongue tied. At this point, he's showing so clearly that he's defending the police, it can't be considered as a speculation anymore. He was being so obvious now.

It's weird.

What could make a delinquent become defensive towards the police? It's not like delinquents are heartless monsters then it's basic thinking that anyone will be defensive or protective over someone they care about.

Then, does it mean someone he cherish is one of the police?

A relative, maybe?

Wait.

Now, you thought back about the misogynistic police that you threw iced coffee at, the one that victim blames and went on to defend delinquents.

Oh my.

That makes fucking perfect sense.

All this time you think over and over again why would he brush off your mother's case and call it something petty. It just sounded like he's on the delinquent's side too.

Then your deduction must be true then.

A delinquent that protects the police and vice versa.

These two are definitely something that you least expect. Now you realised even more that not only this world is full of unexpected events but it's so small that you were sure that anyone could be associated with anyone.

Especially by blood.

"What?" Rindou suddenly snap you out of your thoughts. You were staring into space as if you were sent to some other planet and that sure started to make him feel uneasy.

Your eyes stare straight at blondie, if your eyes were daggers he would be long gone dead, that's how intense your staring was. He doesn't even need to admit this very thing and as per usual, you'll always find out first.

"You're his son, aren't you?"

The blonde guy was trying so hard not to falter from your words. But him doing that was making your words true than it already is. Even his silence can be considered as a yes. Because if you're wrong and you're just reaching to nowhere, he would have laugh it off and called you stupid.

But he went quiet. Not knowing how to handle this situation. Then, it's obvious.

He's the misogynistic police's son all along. Even if they don't share the same features, since the police had grey hair and brown eyes, it was still proving that they're both related. Sometimes kids do tend to look like their mother more.

"So it's true?" You let out an amused laugh, knowing that you literally won this fight from the very start. Funny how delinquents will go on beat up each other or fist fight to determine who's the winner. And you don't even need to do that. You barely even lift a finger anyways. Well, if we're being honest, if this was a battle of intelligence than everyone in this circus tent will lost to you.

So far you have never encountered an intelligent delinquent yet (Rindou is academically smart but in terms of delinquency, he's not as intelligent as Ran in that aspect).

"Wow. No wonder he's in a rush to sweep my mother's case under the rug–This is like a big plot twist in a crime–"

"My dad is not a police officer!" Abruptly the blonde guy shouted like his life depended on it and it sure startled you. The fact he screamed so loud that his voice echoed throughout the circus tent. You're not even surprised if someone outside the amusement park can hear him. That's how loud he shouted. He was somehow panicking, like he's desperate for you to somehow not know that he's related to the police you were talking about.

That's because no one actually knows that they're related. He never disclosed it to anyone before. It's not like because he's embarrassed about it, in fact he's proud that his father is a police officer and in actuality, it's the other way around.

His father was ashamed of him. And ask him to not act like they know each other in public. Sadly, they'll only converse when they went home, it gets more sad that they barely talk either.

So you being you, you decide to add fuel into the fire, "Of course, he isn't a police. If he is a real one, you two would've been behind bars. He's not only irresponsible with his job, he's also failed in parent–"

"Don't talk to my father like that, you bitch–"

Suddenly a kick landed on his face which baffled you of course and it came from...Rindou that you realised was standing still beside you all this time just now, observing and listening intently to everything you conversed with blondie.

He may not understand how you even know this guy (you didn't tell him about your encounter with him in your cram school library) and he sure did remember about the police but it's not something that shocking to him that he's the police's son. Some delinquents are actually just hyper privileged kids that didn't get much attention from their parents, so they could be anyone's kid. Maybe because you encountered both of them at separate times, so that has led you to be in shock.

But even if he doesn't understand the situation fully, he sure do know that calling you a 'bitch' is not something he'll tolerate so that's why he just kicked that blonde guy with no hesitation.

Blondie was wincing in pain because Haitani Rindou's simple kick was thousand times more painful than any other kick he has ever felt but as much as a bruise was starting to form on his cheek, he still proceeded, "You don't even know us! What will you understand when you're a privileged kid that has everything in your grasp? My dad and I couldn't even make ends meet!"

Rindou decided to step in (the conversation I mean, since he had technically 'stepped on' blondie's face), "You trying to say because you have a bad life you can justify what you've done?"

Red haired guy decided to chime in too, completely amused with Rindou's statement. Because to him, Rindou should be the last person to even say that since the ones that should be saying that is not from someone that had murdered people. "Look who's talking," He chuckled in the middle of his sentence, "I'm pretty sure you're the last person that should say that, Haitani."

Rindou kept quiet. Trying so hard not to look agitated and keep calm, because if he doesn't, you'll grow suspicious of what the red haired guy was implying about. So for the least, it's better off for you to think that red haired is just saying that Rindou is a delinquent too that does 'minor' or 'lowkey' illegal stuff too just so he can feed himself.

Maybe that's just better for you to think of. Because there's no way in hell he's going to tell you now that these muggers in front of you used to work for someone that Rindou had murdered.

And thankfully, you must have thought of it that way and you decided to just ignore what red haired said about Rindou and you said, "Am I supposed to care? I don't give two shits if you want to get illegal money just so you can get... breakfast or whatever. I couldn't care less how many morals you want to drop and crimes you want to commit," That's very bad of you to say that, you know but you have no time think that you're morally superior or not because it doesn't matter. People like them will never change unless they convince themselves to do so and you absolutely have no effort to inspire them to change or anything.

It's better for them to not change. Because you don't want to forgive them and wanted to stay resentful as you are now. Because if they did decide to change, you have to move on from what they did to your mother or eventually you'll become the bad guy if you don't accept their apology.

The goal is not to change them. The goal you only had in mind is that you wanted to fight for your mother and not back off. Making sure that they remember to not fuck with you ever again.

"You don't even need to convince me you have a valid reason. All I'm here for is to avenge my mother and remind you piece of shits why you shouldn't mess with anyone that I care about. Teaching you people a lesson is not what I want to do either, hell, that's the last thing I'm gonna do,"

You paused for a moment and give them a condescending smile, "I'm only here to ruin your lives,"

Blonde guy was still not backing off or giving up to protect his father, "You wanted to protect your mom? Then, you should understand why I'm protecting my dad! One mistake he makes then both of us will starve to death or live on the streets. Don't try to think I'm such a horrible person and I'm willing to hurt your mom. We went too far, we got it, but we have no choice. We just have to do it because we want to survive,"

An irk mark was starting to form on your forehead. When he said 'we went too far' as if it was nothing...you were sure that he was asking for a punch in the face. He's definitely trying to manipulate you with his words, saying that you should understand his situation. The fact that he has no effort to even apologize and he just brush it off like it was nothing. You wondered how many awful things he had gotten away with and how some of his victims felt helpless and no hope to fight him back, solely because they're afraid of taking risks.

"Oh...I...never thought of it that far. You're right! I shouldn't do this. Haitani, this is wrong!" You put your hand on Rindou's shoulder which led him become perplexed with your behaviour, a fake sympathising expression was on your features. Well, Rindou sure knows that you're acting and mocking blonde guy, it's just that your acting is just so bad that he can see right through it. "We have to understand and sympathise with them! Especially him, not only is his father a police officer, but he's also a misogynistic and victim blaming one!" You purposefully said in a mocking tone that sounded like you're pitying him when in reality, you're feeling anything but that.

"That's me, if I care though," You added, now your tone is back to normal.

And you did succeeded to piss off red haired guy that was quiet all this time. He come off as someone laid back and not bothering to argue like his partner beside him that gets agitated so easily. But guess you can get scores for that, it sure is difficult to make someone composed literally pissed off. He clicked his tongue before he continued his words, "This chick sure has a lot to say. Don't get too cocky because there's a Haitani beside you."

You fake an offended gasp, "Me? Cocky? Oh my. I'm so sorry, I should've known my place, right? Since I'm just a frail and weak girl, I wouldn't be here standing and acting all high and mighty if it weren't for this dingus here helping me," Rindou didn't have the energy to give a reaction when you call him a dingus in front of these muggers, might as well say that he has to get used to it at this point.

"I think you should be grateful Haitani is here because if he isn't here to hold me back, who knows if you idiots can even celebrate Christmas this year?"

Although you did try to intimidate them, it sure wasn't working much. I mean, they're misogynistic in their core, they will always look down on girls like you. All they ever obsess about is just power and strength, because that's exactly what toxic masculinity taught them. So women were considered weak for not being hungry for all of that, when in reality, we're not stupid to chase them, because we know it doesn't really matter and it will hurt us in the end. Femininity is all about harmony and compassion which had always made woman happy in the very start.

The only thing that makes woman hate being a woman is how disadvantaged they are in a world that's conquered by the patriarchy.

And also woman gave birth and had to endure period cramps every month. So why is it such a shocking to know that woman have always been strong?

"Can we get this shit over with already? I'm pretty sure I made it clear that we'll turn ourselves in." Blondie said, tired of all these mindless arguments you both were having. Because to him it leads to nothing or he's the one that couldn't get your point across that puny brain of his. Because at least you did listen to his point and retorted it back while he was forcing his beliefs and points on you like yours were somewhat wrong in the first place, or basically just something that he wouldn't accept.

"Since when did I agree?" Red haired guy look at his partner in annoyance. Not liking that blondie was determining things for him.

That's has always been their dynamic. Each one of them was desperate to act like they're in control or the leader or the more mature one when in reality, there's not much of a difference to their idiocy.

Blonde guy gritted his teeth but still he spoke, "Come on, man. It's not like we have a choice,"

"I'm listening to nobody,"

Blondie glared at his partner and whisper-shouted, "This is not the time to be stupid! This–"

Rindou let out a sigh as he started folding his sleeves, basically he was ready to beat up those muggers that just wouldn't stop getting on his nerves, "Guess there's no use talking anymore. I can start warming up–"

"NO, NO NO!"

Your eyes widened when you saw both of the muggers screaming in horror like they're life will end at any moment. The way the two of them were actually nothing but scared of Rindou is amusing you even more. Although they have the courage to say something that'll piss off Rindou, they still don't want to endure Rindou's Jiu Jitsu skills on them for a second time. It must have been so traumatising that they were pleading Rindou to stop.

And you just can't help but laugh your heart out, "They're scared shitless!" You wiped a laughing tear on your eye as you continued with a sarcastic tone, "Why is it so hard for you two? Pretty sure mugging is way more difficult than wrecking police's cars,"

Blonde guy replied quickly, "I'm not going to betray my dad."

"Really? Do you love him that much?"

"Yeah, just like how much you love your mom."

Now, a real offended look was forming on your face. How dare he compare his situation to yours? Your mother is a victim and his dad is just a straight up awful person that takes advantage over others. Including his own son.

He may not admit that he was being used because he was blinded by his father's manipulation, but you were sure that has been the case all along. Because if he wasn't, why wouldn't his father stop him from involving himself in delinquency?

There's definitely a reason why. He must have been using him to get easy money. Acting all proud and grateful for him when in reality, he's happy that a tool of his is bringing good use to him.

"Excuse me. You're trying to say we're the same or something? And I should try to understand your situation and desperation?"

"Obviously..."

"Are you trying to compare your dad and my mom?" You said that sentence to him like you're speaking to a toddler. "Because I'm pretty sure my mom didn't use me to get money and call that corrupted shit 'love',"

A melancholic look formed on blonde guy's features. Oh, your assumption was wrong before. Because that look he was giving shows that he knows that his father has been using him for his own benefits but he was brushing that thought off as much as he can, and gaslighted himself to think that it is love. When he already knows that it never was and never will be, "No...that's–"

"I have no time to sugarcoat all of this and I'm gonna be straightforward with you. I conversed with your dad for like 3 or 4 minutes and I can already tell what type of person he is...definitely in and out. You must have thought your dad having your back and making sure you will never get caught is some type of affection he's giving you but you're terribly wrong. He doesn't care about you. You're just getting manipulated by him and he's just using you for his own sake. The only person that he cares about is himself and it would never be you. So don't try to tell me that you and I are the same, I'm protecting a mother that sacrifices everything for me and loves me unconditionally while you on the other hand, is just protecting a father that sees you as nothing but a tool for him to use whenever he likes or however he likes. He may be your whole world but you'll never be his wo–"

"SHUT UP!" He roared, that his voice echoed the whole circus tent. With him doing that, it was just making the silent environment even more than it already is.

A lump was forming on his throat, he knows that he's about to cry at any given moment. But he wasn't sure that was your words were the one that hurt him or the thought of his dad never loving him was making him do so.

Because either way, he still chooses to defend him. Maybe that's what it always is for victims in a toxic relationship,"You don't know my dad, you have no right to say that! My dad loves me. I don't care what a bitch like you has to say. You think you go to a good school, getting proper education and having a conducive house gives you the right to tell me what's right or wrong? Don't try to advise me shit, maybe you've been manipulated by your own parents your whole life too,"

"Too? That means you do agree?" Rindou interrupted, clearly seeing how nonsensical the blonde guy's words are.

"Are you even listening to what I just–" He paused his words. Not because he was tongue tied on what to say but he had realised one thing that he dreaded to even happen.

Tears.

They were falling down all of the sudden from his eyes. It was not just everyone around him that was surprised, he was too. He didn't expect he would cry at this moment.

And for someone that has toxic masculinity instilled in him at a young age, he sure is humiliated. Well, it gets worse that it's not just you and Rindou that'll be in front of him. There's literally around 500+ people that's sitting on the bleachers.

All of them are going to laugh at him for being so 'weak'. The fact is he is crying over a girls' words.

He sure is humiliated fully.

You only wrinkled your eyebrows in confusion. He was denying your words just now with all his heart, but now he's crying...That's exactly mean that he does agree with you and it's actually just him trying to convince himself as much as he could that your words aren't true, just so that he doesn't have to feel pain like this.

But there's no use anyways. Because he can say whatever he wants, but still whatever he feels inside will remain the same.

And unfortunately, his tears had proved that vividly.

"Man, why the fuck are you crying?" Red haired guy spout his annoyance and you can see his cheeks were turning the same red as his hair. Basically, he feels like he's getting humiliated rather than blondie is, "You're so embarrassing," He whined as he really does feel like he wanted to dig up a hole and disappear from the entire universe in an instant. But there's no use of hoping that, all his arms and legs are tied up together so all he can do was endure all of this  embarrassment.

Blonde guy only stared at the floor while he slightly bit his lip. He was trying to suppress his tears but there was no use, all of it kept on falling out of his will.

You made eye contact with Rindou and he has the same look as you are, completely not expecting for this to even happen. So you let out a sigh and said, "Well, so is the deal on or not?"

It took a minute for any of them to response. Red hair wasn't planning to say anything, hell, he wasn't doing any help in the first place anyways. So blondie decided to speak up, "Do what you like."

Red hair had a shocked look on his face, "Dude–"

"Finally!" You clapped as if this was an award ceremony, "That's settled. Haitani, do you guys have any golf clubs or baseball bats?"

Rindou shrugged, a smug grin was forming on that pretty face of his, "I don't know where they put it," He's starting to talk in his usual conceited tone, "It's not like I need weapons in the first place. I'll ask them."

You rolled your eyes at him, he's turning on his dingus buttons at this moment, "Okay, man," You lift your hands like you're a criminal that's surrendering to the police, "But next time, you have to take their advice. They told us not to get too cocky, remember?"

He scoffed, not at you actually, but he remembered back what the muggers said to you just now, "Like I give a shit. These guys couldn't even land a hit on me."

"Whatever. Let's just get this over with." You said and your eyes moved back to red hair guy, saying your last words to him before you made your exit, "Oh by the way, red hair. See that?" You pointed rudely at blondie, not even wanting to take account of manners you should have, considering people believe women should be more polite than men, when in reality both of them needed it equally.

"I told you it's not just kids. Next time, come up with a better insult that can make me a bit offended, even though... I doubt that could even happen," Apparently, now it's your turn to be all cocky.

How ironic it is that you told your dad you wanted to be a good person yesterday but the next day, you made someone cry from your words.

But he deserves it, right?

___________

A/N: Hey yalls, how are you guys doing? 🥰 It's been long since I posted so sorry cuz I got busy with uni and kind of lost motivation to write for a moment! But I have now returned and have targeted to finish this year no matter what because apparently, it has been almost 2 years and Toshiro and Kohana hasn't been introduced yet 😭 and I'm telling you, I believe they will be way more difficult to write than y/n and Rindou if I were being honest. Well, that's all for now. I can't promise when the next update will be but I will try to frequently update. Bye and love you guys 😍!!

-zuu