Toman's Black Cat

Kazutora's POV

I searched everywhere for her, keeping in my mind that she tried to help Baji and tried to keep me from being killed as well. The memory of the consequences she suffered because of it made me even more determined to find her. I searched for almost a full year when I was released from prison, not wanting to drag Chifuyu into this without some sort of hope I could show she is alright, but when I finally found her, I didn't know what to do.

Flashback

I stood in front of a little condo on the outskirts of Japan, looking in every direction before figuring it safe to knock. When she opened the door and gave a soft smile, I let out a relieved sigh even though I knew something about her was off.

She was all about hugs before and even though she's smiling, it isn't like it was. Maybe she doesn't remember me.

"Hey, Tora."

He smiled sheepishly. "Hey, Y/n. Where have you been? Everyone misses you.." It didn't escape his notice that right before she looked away, her eyes turned glassy. He wanted more than anything to help her and stepped forward to try to comfort her, but she put up a hand to stop him. He froze in his steps, thinking she was afraid of him.

"Go home, Tora. Even if you guys miss me, you need to stay away from me now." When he watched her start closing the door, he immediately planted a foot between the crack to prevent it.

"Why? If you're in trouble, tell me. I will help you. We all would. You're important to us." The last words sounded more desperate than he meant for it to be. A moment passed before she looked up into his eyes with tears and a smile.

"A slut shouldn't be important to anyone." Kazutora's eyes widened in shock at her words, but before he could stop her, she forcefully moved him, closing and locking the door.

End Flashback

Seeing Takemitchy cry in frustration mirrored his own heart.

"Why would she say that? Mikey never treated her that way!" As his crybaby friend balled his fists, Kazutora stared at him calmly.

"Mikey doesn't talk about how he feels. He keeps it all inside and says the opposite as a kind of shield so he won't burden others. If I had to guess, I'd say he told her something like that as his way to protect her." His eyes showed great sadness as he spoke. "Even though I know she's hurting, she still smiled at me. After everything…"

Kazutora shook his head as he was reminded of another thought about the situation. "I got the feeling someone else was there. Like outside, but I looked around and didn't see anyone.."

I don't know if maybe I was imagining it, but telling Takemitchy ahead of time is best just in case.