Asuka slowly opened her eyes, her vision still swimming. The pale ceiling above her wavered into focus unfamiliar, cold, and definitely not her room. She blinked again, trying to stitch her memories together.
A dull ache flared across her ribs the moment she tried to sit.
"Ow damn it…" she hissed through clenched teeth, pressing a hand to her side. "What happened…?"
The faint scent of disinfectant lingered in the air. A folded blanket on a chair, clothes draped carelessly over it, and the low hum of something running downstairs all of it foreign.
She swung her legs off the bed, steadying herself on the edge.
Okay… definitely not my place.
Her footsteps were quiet as she made her way toward the door, the wooden boards creaking softly beneath her. Voices drifted up from downstairs deep, familiar ones.
She followed them.
When she reached the bottom of the stairs, she saw Inupi and Taiju sitting at a cluttered table. Empty cans, scribbled papers, and half-eaten snacks covered nearly every inch of it.
Inupi's piercing eyes caught her instantly. His expression softened just a little.
"You're finally up, Asuka," he said, grabbing a glass and handing it to her with unexpected gentleness. "Drink."
She accepted it gratefully, the cool water easing the dryness in her throat.
"So… this is your house?" she asked, looking around the chaotic room with curiosity.
"Yeah," Inupi muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sorry. It's… usually cleaner."
Asuka let out a small laugh, the corners of her lips curving into a faint smile.
"It's still way better than mine on a bad day."
Taiju shifted on the sofa, leaning back with his arms crossed and a half-amused smirk on his face.
"If you two are done flirting," he drawled, eyes sharp despite his lazy posture, "me and him were talking about something."
Asuka raised a brow. "About what?"
Taiju stood up, his presence heavy, his tone flat but confident.
"Nothing big. Just that you should be the next leader of the Black Dragons."
He jerked his head toward Inupi. "Me and him would follow you."
Asuka choked mid-sip.
"WHAT ?!"
She broke into a coughing fit, staggering back. "Me? Leader?! No way, absolutely not happening!"
Inupi's expression turned serious, almost stern.
"But why not, Asuka-chan?" he asked quietly, tension creeping into his voice. "You're the one most suited for it."
Asuka lowered her eyes, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I've never… led anyone. A whole gang? That's way beyond me."
Suddenly, Taiju's footsteps echoed through the room. He grabbed her by the collar, pulling her close until their faces were inches apart. His grip was firm, his eyes burning—not with anger, but something fiercer.
"Listen carefully," he growled. "I want to follow you because you beat me. You earned it. That's all the reason I need."
Asuka's breath hitched not out of fear, but from the raw intensity in his gaze. Beneath the pride, beneath the roughness, there was unmistakable respect.
She exhaled shakily.
"…Just give me time to think."
Inupi nodded immediately. "Of course."
Taiju scoffed and looked away, but his voice softened—barely.
"Take as long as you want. But in the end… your answer should be yes."
Asuka sighed and sat down on the sofa, rubbing her temples.
"We can't rush into this. Why don't we talk to Shinichiro-san? Maybe he can help us sort this out."
Inupi brightened. "That's a good idea."
The three left together.
At Shinichiro's shop
Shinichiro stepped outside, wiping his hands on a cloth as he eyed the group.
"What's going on? You all look… intense."
Inupi took a breath.
"I want Asuka to become the leader of the Black Dragons," he said without hesitation. "But only if you agree."
Shinichiro stared at him, stunned for a moment.
"Well… if that's what you've decided," he said slowly, "then who am I to oppose it?"
Asuka stepped forward, her voice trembling.
"But I've never led a gang before. I don't even know the rules or… how this world works."
Shinichiro smiled warm, unshakably calm.
"Asuka-chan, there's a first time for everything. And honestly? I trust you."
Something lit inside her something fierce and bright.
He really could be a motivational speaker…
Inupi, Taiju, and Asuka walked outside to make the final decision.
"So… what do you think, Asuka-chan?" Inupi asked, an excited spark in his eyes.
Asuka looked at all of them, took a deep breath, and then nodded with a small, determined smile.
"Fine. Let's try it. But…"
Her expression shifted to confident mischief.
"There's someone I want to bring into this first."
Taiju smirked immediately.
"That's what I'm talking about. Let's show everyone what we're made of."
Inupi grinned, energized.
"Then it's settled. Let's build something unforgettable."