Shinobu nods, her eyes welling up with tears that she quickly blinks away. "He trusts you too, now. Even if he doesn't show it." She starts organizing the supplies, trying to compose herself. "I'm going to stay here until he wakes up. You need rest."
Sanemi hesitates, not wanting to leave Giyuu alone again, but his body is betraying him with fatigue. "I can't sleep. I have to make sure he doesn't try to get up and hurt himself more." His voice is firm, but there's a hint of desperation in it. Tengen enters with a plastic bag of food, raising an eyebrow at the tension in the room. "What's with the mood? Did I miss something?" He notices Shinobu and gives a friendly wave, then sets the bag down on the table.
Shinobu gives Tengen a small wave back, keeping her focus on Giyuu's bandaged body. "Just the usual. Giyuu's self-destructive tendencies." She shoots a meaningful look at Sanemi, who looks like he might collapse any moment. Tengen frowns deeply at the sight of Giyuu, then turns to Sanemi with concern. "You look like shit. Eat something and sleep. I'll keep watch with Shinobu." He pulls out a sandwich from the bag and offers it to Sanemi, leaving no room for argument.
Sanemi reluctantly takes the sandwich, his stomach growling audibly. He's too tired to argue with Tengen too. "Fine. But if he wakes up and tries anything stupid, wake me immediately."
He starts eating slowly, his eyes drooping with each bite. Tengen nods, watching him eat. He then turns to Shinobu and whispers something to her. She nods back, understanding the unspoken plan to keep both Sanemi and Giyuu safe tonight.
The room falls into a quiet rhythm, with Shinobu monitoring Giyuu's vitals and Tengen keeping an eye on Sanemi's deteriorating state. As Sanemi finishes the sandwich, he leans back in his chair, fighting to stay conscious. His eyelids are heavy, but he's still watching Giyuu through half-lidded eyes. Shinobu notices this and gently places a blanket over his shoulders, knowing he won't go to bed willingly. "Rest, Sanemi. You're no use to anyone exhausted." He mumbles something incoherent, clutching the blanket weakly. His resistance is fading fast. Tengen chuckles softly. "He's as stubborn as Giyuu."
Shinobu smirks slightly at that comparison, continuing her vigil over both injured boys. The week passes with Giyuu gradually improving under Shinobu and Tengen's care. Sanemi visits daily after classes, bringing Giyuu's homework and checking on his injuries. Giyuu remains silent about the incident, but he seems slightly more relaxed around Sanemi now. Despite the progress, the self-harm scars remain a constant reminder of his inner turmoil. Shinobu has been discreetly researching therapy options for him, knowing he'll resist any help. One day Sanemi takes his phone to check the news.
He missed one of the races again and he sees an article about the rivalry between Mizu and Kaze. It's well-known in the underground racing scene. Many bet on their races. Sanemi reads the article with a mix of irritation and intrigue. He's been noticing how the other racers talk about Mizu and Kaze as if they're in some sort of ongoing battle. The article mentions that Kaze has been winning more often lately, which might explain why Mizu hasn't shown up in a while. He wonders if Mizu is deliberately avoiding him now.
He scrolls down to the comments section, where fans are speculating about Mizu's absence. Some are suggesting he's injured, others think he's training harder to beat Kaze. One comment catches his eye: "Maybe Mizu finally realized he can't beat perfection." Sanemi scoffs at that, but there's a strange feeling in his chest. He's never met Mizu personally, but the idea of being called perfect by strangers is both flattering and unsettling. He closes the article and sets his phone down, glancing at the clock. It's getting late again. He should be heading to the track soon for his next race.
As he gets ready, he can't shake the thought of Mizu being injured. It shouldn't matter to him, but for some reason, it does. He finds himself hoping Mizu isn't seriously hurt. He then remembers that he has a math test tomorrow and starts on his homework. He works on his math, occasionally checking his phone for updates about the race. He's always been focused on his studies and racing, but tonight his mind keeps wandering to the empty track where Mizu usually appears.
The test is important, but the adrenaline of racing is calling to him louder. He debates skipping the test for the first time in his life. He looks at his completed homework, then at the clock again. The race starts in 30 minutes. His fingers tap anxiously on the desk. With a frustrated sigh, he packs his bag and stands up. The test can wait. He needs the rush of speed more than perfect grades tonight. He grabs his helmet and jacket, slipping out of the dorm quietly. The night air is cool against his skin as he walks to his bike. His heart pounds with anticipation as he revs the engine, the roar echoing in the empty parking lot. He sends a quick text to Tengen that he won't be home for dinner.
Tengen replies almost immediately with a thumbs up emoji and a warning to be careful. Sanemi smirks, knowing he's always careful... when he's not racing against Mizu. He speeds off into the darkness, heading towards the abandoned warehouse where the underground race is held. The city lights blur past him as he pushes the limits of his bike. The warehouse comes into view, lit up with neon lights and crowded with people. Music blasts from inside as he parks his bike among the others. He can feel the familiar buzz of excitement in the air. He adjusts his helmet and steps out, scanning the crowd for any sign of his blue-clad rival. The starting line is empty, but he knows Mizu might show up late.
He leans against his bike, crossing his arms. Several people approach him, recognizing Kaze. They're asking about Mizu's absence, but he shrugs them off with a curt response. One of the organizers approaches him with a smirk. "Looks like you'll have an easy win tonight, Kaze. No Mizu to challenge you." Sanemi's head snaps towards the entrance as he hears the familiar sound of a motorcycle approaching. His heart skips a beat when he sees the distinctive blue bike pulling in. Mizu is here after all. The crowd parts slightly as Mizu parks his bike, his helmet still on. He seems more tense than usual, his movements stiff.