Archive of Our Own

Contrary to popular belief, Chifuyu fell for Kazutora first. Even though he hung around Baji constantly, it was only because of his genuine admiration for the boy. He thought Baji was genuinely cool. And that he was strong. And unapologetically himself.

But no, it wasn’t like he was immediately in love with Baji.

He was too busy falling for his best friend.

-

The first time Chifuyu remembered falling for Kazutora was when he first helped Baji write that letter. All his kanji was wrong and whatever the message was supposed to say was completely drowned out in mistakes.

“Who is this letter even for?” Chifuyu remembered asking after he got out a pen from his backpack and started correcting the poorly written letter like it was a test.

“For my best friend. His name is Tora- well, actually, it’s Kazutora.”

“Hopefully he can read better than you can write.”

“Of course he can,” The guy, Baji, scoffed, rolling his eyes behind those glasses that were definitely fake. “He’d beat you up if he could hear you right now.”

Chifuyu snorted. He really doubted the fake nerd talking to him had any friends who could do any lasting damage to him. Whoever this guy was looked like he could barely keep up with the pathetic little delinquents their school housed.

But who was he to judge?

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah. Everyone let’s his pretty boy looks fool them. Just because he has these big, yellow eyes and that mole, everyone thinks he’s soft. I mean, his skin is, but he’s still strong. Stronger than me, probably. Maybe.”

Chifuyu didn’t really know how to respond, “And this dude is your best friend?”

“Mmhm,” Baji pushed his glasses back onto his face. “He’s in juvie right now… but I told him I’d write to him all the time so he doesn’t get lonely.”

Though the juvie part was kind of unexpected, the rest… was actually kinda sweet.

That day, for the rest of the lunch period, Chifuyu helped rewrite the letter and listened as Baji told him all about his friend Kazutora.

And by the end of the school day, he couldn’t deny that he was interested in knowing more.

-

Of course after that initial meeting and then finding out that that fake nerd, Baji, was really the first division captain of Toman, Baji - Chifuyu found himself with a new friend, a new mentor, a new idol… and a new hobby.

The hobby consisting of listening to Baji’s stories about Kazutora and what kind of shit they got up to before whatever happened, happened. At that point in time, he still didn’t know what really happened… But it didn’t matter to him.

Hearing the stories and getting to read Kazutora’s responses were still worth it.

“Fuyu,” Baji called out, climbing through Chifuyu’s bedroom window despite the fact that his mom would’ve definitely let him in through the front door. “Mom brought me Kazutora’s newest letter! Wanna read it with me?”

Chifuyu reached out to grab a hold of the manga he had thrown in his startle and folded the corner of the page, “Yeah, ‘course.”

The long haired boy was quick to make himself comfortable on the bed and tear into the envelope. Inside was a single paged letter in messy handwriting. It was still a lot more legible than anything Baji had produced on his own.

Kei,

Your letter was actually readable this time. I didn’t have to guess what the fuck you were saying for once. Does that mean school is actually working? Or did you get that new vice of yours to write it?

Actually, don’t answer that. I don’t want to hear shit about your vice. Or about Toman. Or about that freak of nature who got me locked up in this hellhole.

It’s shit here, but I’ve been pretty good. Minimal fights. I actually ran into some of our old friends here. You’d never guess who. Send me your guesses and I’ll answer in the next letter.

Which, I know you said it wasn’t necessary but thank you for writing so much. My mom doesn’t write and I’d probably kill someone if I got a letter from my dad.

I guess I shouldn’t say that since, ya know. They might take that serious and extend my sentence.

I hope not because I want to be out soon. I actually miss you and sharing that cheap ass peyong from the corner store. I also miss not having to wait for mail call to find out what’s happening in the real world.

Wait for me, okay?

Bye.

Kazutora 

Ps. I started growing out my hair like you. I think I’m gonna do blond streaks when I get out. It’ll look cool as fuck, I promise

Before Baji could say anything about the letter, Chifuyu noticed the envelope wasn’t completely empty. Curiously, he reached for it and pulled out a little picture. There was a boy in a grey jumpsuit.

It wasn’t hard to make the connection.

Kazutora was every bit as pretty as Baji had described. He had wide, yellow eyes and a little mole right underneath them. His hair wasn’t as long as Baji’s, but it was definitely getting there.

It also wasn’t long enough to cover the large tiger tattoo on his neck.

“Does he still look the same?” Chifuyu asked, handing the picture over.

Baji was quick to dropped the letter to look. The blond wouldn't admit it to anyone, but he could see his captain getting a bit teary eyed.

“Mostly. His smile is kinda off… Looks sad.”

Chifuyu looked at the picture again, looking at the small twist of the lips. It didn’t look particularly sad but Chifuyu could only take Baji’s words for the truth.

“He kinda is pretty.” Chifuyu’s cheeks reddened. “In a non weird way, I mean.”

“Nothing is weird about it. I told you he was a pretty boy. I wasn’t lying.”

Chifuyu couldn’t help but agree. He wasn’t lying.

-

Chifuyu’s first time properly meeting Kazutora would be just a short a year later. By this time, the blond had taken over as the vice for the first division. Ryusei was long gone. And Chifuyu could proudly call himself Baji’s right hand man and one of his closest friends.

Second only to Kazutora.

The same Kazutora who immediately came for Baji as soon as his release.

Much like his letters said all that time ago, when he showed up at Baji’s doorstep, his hair was long and had streaks of an awful yellow blond all throughout it. He was also wearing a single dangling earring that chimed when he tilted his head.

“Who are you?”

Chifuyu’s cheeks immediately turned red and he couldn’t help but stammer, “Uh- um, I’m Matsuno. Chifuyu Matsuno. I’m Toman’s first division vice captain.”

Kazutora’s wide eyes were unblinking, “I hate Toman. And everything it stands for.”

“That it stands for…?”

“Is that asshole Mikey still running the show?”

“Yeah?”

“Him. I hate him. And I hate Toman because it’s his.”

“Oh.”

Chifuyu didn’t really know what else to say. Normally, he’d be the first to defend Toman but this was Kazutora. Baji’s best friend.

The reason for Toman existing in the first place.

“Um… Baji told me all about you. He got detention for failing another test but he told me to wait here for him so that we can go to tonight’s meeting together.”

Kazutora’s head tilted in the opposite direction, observing Chifuyu “What did he tell you?”

It was like he had no filter. All Chifuyu could do was shrug and blurt out the first thing that came to mind “That you’re really strong and pretty.”

For the first time in the entire conversation, Kazutora let a little smile slip as he slipped his hands into the pocket of his jacket. The jacket that had said Valhalla across the back when Kazutora had first entered Baji’s bedroom and closed the door behind him upon seeing Chifuyu waiting for his friend.

“Interesting. Well, enjoy him while you can. I’m back now so he’s gonna be leaving Toman any day. He owes me.”

Despite the growing need to argue that his captain wasn’t going anywhere, Chifuyu couldn’t help but stare a bit helplessly.

And that’s exactly how Kazutora left him, not wanting to wait with a stranger.

-

Over the next few weeks, their relationship began to strain. Chifuyu and Baji’s. 

It was obvious that Kazutora was right; Baji would drop off the face of the planet for Kazutora. He would willingly leave the gang, leave his responsibilities behind and follow his friend.

And while Chifuyu didn’t get it completely, he had enough trust to know that Baji probably had good intentions. So it stung a little less when Baji started ignoring him. When Baji stopped going to class and having his mom tell Chifuyu that he wasn’t home even when he clearly was.

He even understood when he got his ass handed to him by Baji for his initiation into Valhalla.

All for Kazutora’s sake.

Even if he didn’t know everything, he had read the letters. He knew how close they were. How much they fed off of each other.

How much love the two of them shared.

Not that they loved each other in a romantic way. 

Or well, sometimes Kazutora looked at Baji like he might. 

So maybe they did; Chifuyu definitely wasn’t one to judge, anyway. Because he could kind of get it. Baji was really cool and loyal and strong. And Kazutora was really pretty and strong and from the letters he wrote, he was kind of sensitive too.

Like one of the tsundere characters from his mangas. Or maybe he was better compared to one of the yandere characters from the same books.

Either way, he got it. He wasn’t sure what he got, but he got it.

-

It was actually Takemitchy that helped him process everything - just in time for Bloody Halloween. It helped that he was somehow able to fill in the holes that Baji was never willing to.

Obviously, Kazutora did love Baji. Even when they had gotten into the most fucked up, scary situation that Chifuyu could imagine - Kazutora protected his best friend and took the full charge for him.

And in return, Keisuke had lived life for the two of them.

It was kind of romantic in that way. At least, Chifuyu thought so. Despite never being able to fully comprehend what trauma the two of them shared that night, Chifuyu was honestly kind of jealous.

He was kind of jealous of the idea that Baji had someone in his life that loved him so much that he would be willing to lose his entire childhood for him.

He was also jealous that all Kazutora had to do to have someone like Baji Keisuke, first division captain of Toman, wrapped around his finger… was to be himself. He was kind of jealous that all Kazutora had to do was to exist and Baji was willing to propose the creation of Toman just to protect him. That he could inspire an entire gang war with Yotsuya Kaidan behind bars and Baji wouldn’t even blink an eye.

Chifuyu was jealous of both of them.

But it was Takemitchy who asked him, “What kind of jealousy is it?”

“What do you mean?”

Takemitchy shrugged, biting his already short nails nervously “I don’t know… Like is it the kind of jealousy where you’re envious or is it like the type of insecurity jealousy? Sometimes I get insecure about Hina because she’s so pretty and I love her and I don’t want anyone else to snatch her away. But sometimes—“

Chifuyu sat quietly and listened to his friend ramble as he pondered the thought.

-

On the night of Bloody Halloween, while he cradled Baji’s pale, bloody body while staring blankly at Kazutora, being beaten by an equally bloody Mikey, he realized which kind of jealousy it was.

He wasn’t envious of either boy because he wanted to be them.

He was jealous of the relationship they had because he wanted to have something like that of his own. He wanted to have a person who loved him so much that it drove them mad. Someone who would do anything if it meant the betterment of his wellbeing.

He wanted someone like Baji mixed with someone like Kazutora.

Or better yet, he wanted them both.

So yeah, as Baji was taken away by the ambulance and Kazutora was taken away by authorities, Chifuyu came to the unfortunate reality that he was probably in love with them both.

-

Despite falling in love with Kazutora first, Chifuyu would make little to no progress with him.

If only because Kazutora was sentenced to twelve years.

It hurt to think that Kazutora would be 27 by the time Chifuyu was able to see him again. But it hurt more having to break the news to Baji.

“What do you mean he got twelve years? For what?! I’m not fucking dead!”

The nurse attending Baji’s bedside gave the two of them an odd look as Chifuyu fiddled with the sleeve of the hoodie he was wearing, “They gave him twelve years because he’s a violent reoffender. And you could’ve died. He could’ve been charged for attempted murder but they settled on aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. And he’s a minor so…”

“Fuck,” Baji closed his eyes, and turned his head away. “Stupid fucking Tora. Stupid fucking idiot. I just got him back. Fuck!”

Chifuyu couldn’t help but watch his fearless leader breakdown as his best friend was ripped away from him once again. Without much thought, Chifuyu reached out to put his hand on Baji’s arm, hoping that his touch was comforting.

“We’ll start writing to him again, okay? He won’t be lonely.”

It wasn’t until after the nurse had finally taken her leave that Baji finally turned back over, “You wanna write to him too? You know he chose you specifically for my initiation into Valhalla.”

“I know.”

“He says he doesn't like you. That you’re too clingy.”

Ironic.

“What do you think, Baji-san?”

“That you’re my vice. And my friend. You’re good people. But so is Tora.”

Call Chifuyu cliche, but he didn’t necessarily disagree. He saw the sadness and remorse in Kazutora’s face as Baji got taken away. He saw the moment the regret and severity of the situation set in.

He had read their personal letters over the course of a year.

“He’s not quite right in the head though.”

Baji shrugged and then grimaced as his stitches pulled, “He’s been through shit. He’s just gotta work through it.”

“Is that why you stick by him?”

“I told him I would.”

Chifuyu supposed it was really that simple.

-

At first, Kazutora didn’t respond to any of their letters. It was kinda surprising considering Baji and Kazutora’s relationship up until that point. But for eight months straight, Baji and Chifuyu would send letter after letter with no response.

And then, finally, Chifuyu got a letter.

Matsuno,

I really don’t know what I’m supposed to say to you. I want to hate you so bad. You act like you’re Keisuke’s shadow. He’s always been mine and mine alone. And then I go to juvenile to protect him from my bullshit and he replaced me with some blond j-pop idol looking nobody.

You're not as strong as me and you don’t love him as much as I do. But he still chose you to be by his side.

So congratulations, I guess. You won.

Make sure Keisuke doesn’t feel lonely and please let him know I’m sorry.

Kazutora

It was a short letter, but Chifuyu didn’t care. It meant that Kazutora had gotten the rest of his letters and was finally reaching back out. So without letting Baji read the letter or bothering with his permission, Chifuyu wrote back.

Kazutora,

Thank you for writing back! Baji-san told me that you didn’t like me so I’m not really surprised you don’t have the best opinion of me. But I want you to know that I’m not trying to take anyone away from you. Baji-san means a lot to me just like he means a lot to you.

But also because you mean a lot to him, you and your wellbeing means a lot to me.

When Baji-san was in the hospital, he told me that you’re a good person who has been through a lot of trauma. In response, I told him that I would make sure you wouldn’t be lonely again.

I mean it.

I want to be your friend.

Matsuno Chifuyu

From that point onwards, Kazutora and Chifuyu began to exchange letters. And Baji finally got his first letter back.

-

Over the years, Chifuyu’s wish eventually came true. Between Toman, wrapping up school, and keeping in contact with Kazutora - Baji and Chifuyu eventually got together.

It was a natural progression.

So much of their lives intersected that one day, Chifuyu realized that he and Baji had become ChifuyuandBaji. He didn’t remember anyone asking anyone out, he just one day realized that they were talking about moving into together. That one day they were comfortably cuddling on the couch, watching some dumb sitcom.

That one day, they were a couple.

“Baji-san?” Chifuyu said abruptly. “Have we told Tora?”

“Hmm? Told him what?”

“That we’re, ya know, together?”

Baji was quiet for a second before shrugging, “He’s not dumb. I’m sure he knows.”

“And you think he’s okay with that?”

“Why wouldn’t he be?”

Because he’s in love with you. Because he’s been in love with you. Because he’s been calling you his since he was 15.

“I mean… How would you feel if Kazutora and I got together and didn’t tell you?”

It was quiet as Baji mulled over what Chifuyu was saying. The idea of the two people he was closest to in a relationship without letting him know… without him…

“I guess we should write another letter.”

-

Keisuke and Chifuyu,

I wish I could say I was surprised. I’ve been reading your letters for like three years now though, so I’m not surprised you got together. Hopefully you’ll be good to each other.

I’m just glad that you guys haven’t been too busy with each other to send me letters. It feels good to hear my name during mail call and know that I have at least two letters coming every week.

Makes the time in here a little less miserable.

Speaking of which, since I’m turning eighteen any day now, they’re getting ready to move me from out of the juvenile system and into the adult prison. I’m not really scared, I know I can defend myself if I have to.

They already told me that they want me to start this intensive therapy program. I’ve made progress here, but that was just working through what happened to Kei that day… Anyway, in prison, you’re able to get visitors.

It’s been awhile but you guys would come see me, right?

It’s okay if you don’t want to.

Kazutora

-

Kazutora turned 18 on September 16, 2008 and was moved to the adult prison, just like he said. And after much coordination, it was just in time for Baji’s eighteenth birthday that Baji and Chifuyu were able to see their friend for the first time in all that time.

Friend. That’s what Kazutora was to Chifuyu now.

“Holy shit, it’s him!” Baji elbowed the younger as Kazutora was escorted into the visitor’s room. Chifuyu wasn’t sure if it was the same for Baji - it was actually really hard to read his thoughts - but the blond couldn’t help but think that Kazutora-kun was still one of the prettiest boys that he’s had ever laid eyes on. Even after whatever therapy he had already received. His eyes were a little downcast, to avoid eye contact, and he had gotten a lot taller since they had last seen him, but… but he was still the same Kazutora with a beauty mark and tiger tattoo. Just longer, all black hair.

By the time he had reached the glass and sat down, Baji was already pressing his face practically against it to be as close as possible, “Holy shit, I miss you. You look good though! Not so scrawny. Don’t tell me you’re finally working out after years of me asking you to at least go to the dojo with me.”

Kazutora laughed a little bit as the guards took a step back to give them some “privacy”.

“Careful with the compliments, Kei. You’ll have your little boyfriend jealous if you keep talking like that.”

Baji scoffed, looking back at Chifuyu “I’m right, right? He’s bulked up.”

Chifuyu nodded, “Yeah, you look really good. Handsome, even.”

A blush immediately covered Kazutora’s cheeks and he went back to avoiding eye contact, “Thanks.”

It was easy to wonder if Chifuyu had said the wrong thing based off Kazutora’s reaction, but Baji didn’t seem to care much. Instead, he had lots to ramble about and catch Kazutora up on. Menial things in life that weren’t worth it to write in letters like complaining about how they were still getting in trouble for sitting on the rooftop during lunch - even though it had railings. More important things like talking about Ms. Baji and the guys in Toman.

They even talked about relationships.

“Hey… You’re not seeing anybody, right?” Baji had asked, making Kazutora stare at him confusedly.

“Why would I?”

“Because we’re not blind, Tora. You’re hot now but you’re also kinda sad and we don’t want you to be lonely anymore.”

Baji was speaking for both of them. And it was true.

“I— I’m not lonely. I have you two.”

This time it was Chifuyu who spoke up, “Yeah, you do.”

-

Even though Chifuyu came to his own conclusion a long time ago, Baji was the first to say anything about it. It was after one of their many in-person visits over the years to see Kazutora.

“Hey, Fuyu… I was thinking and I know it’s kinda weird but doesn’t it feel like Kazutora is more than a friend? Like… I don’t know. Kinda feels like we have another boyfriend.”

“Oh?” I agree. I know. I wish.

“Yeah,” Baji climbed on the back of his motorcycle and slid the helmet over his head, popping the visor so that he could continue talking while he waited for Chifuyu to get on behind him. “I mean, I love him a lot - always have. He’s good people who just made a few fucked up decisions. He still deserves a lot, though. He’s not a bad guy.”

“No he is not.” Chifuyu put his own helmet on and wrapped his arms around Baji’s waist, “How would you feel if I told you that I love Kazutora a lot too?”

“What?”

Chifuyu realized his own words were muffled behind his bike helmet. But he wasn’t sure if he was even ready to hear Baji’s reaction so instead, he squeezed Baji’s waist, letting him know the was ready to go.

-

Kazutora-kun,

I know it’s been awhile since Baji-san and I wrote you separately. I don’t want you to think anything happened since we last visited it you. We’re still together and everything is okay.

I just wanted to write you separately because Baji-san said something to me a few days ago. He said “it kinda feels like we have another boyfriend in Kazutora.”

You and I both know that he talks without consequences most of the time, but I actually agreed with him. Not that he could understand me with my helmet on. But I feel the same way. A lot of the time, it feels like I have two boyfriends that I care a lot about. One is Baji Keisuke, the big bad wolf. And the other is Hanemiya Kazutora, the wary tiger. I’m not sure where I fit into the equation. Maybe I selfishly want to be the prey that you two bond over?

But either way, I’ve felt this for a long time.

I’m not sure where I’m going with writing you this letter, but I guess I just wanted to reiterate that you have two guys who like you a lot. Love you even.

I know one of your biggest fears is being alone, again. But Baji-san and I won’t let that happen, okay?

Okay.

Matsuno Chifuyu

-

After that letter was sent, things began to subtly change. Again, without much conversation. The letters that Kazutora wrote back to Baji and Chifuyu didn’t mention Chifuyu’s independent letter and confession. They didn’t mention any feelings - romantic or otherwise.

But they did start to be signed off as:

Love

Kazutora

And one particular time:

Yours

Kazutora 

-

Twelve years after Bloody Halloween, Kazutora was released. By this time, a lot had changed. Baji and Chifuyu had long graduated. They had actually taken over a pet shop that they had rebranded as Peke J Land after their childhood cat.

Chifuyu had redyed his hair black. 

Toman had disbanded.

Things had changed.

“We taking the car?” Baji asked, pulling his apron from over his head and hanging it up behind the cash register.

Chifuyu reached out to fix Baji’s ponytail, “Of course. How else are we gonna get Tora home?”

“Who is gonna be in the backseat with him?”

The former blond snorted, as he reached for the car keys and flipped the sign to closed. “You can be in the back with him. I know you want to.”

Baji looked shameless as ever, smiling with his canines on full display as they made their way to where their rinky dink ass car was parked. Chifuyu didn’t even call him out for it. He was also excited about Kazutora coming home.

Before long, they were on their way to the prison.

“Hey, Baji-san… Remember a few years ago when you said that Kazutora felt like a boyfriend.”

“Mmhm. What about it?”

“Do you still feel like that?”

When Baji didn’t immediately answer, Chifuyu looked in the rearview mirror, curious and continued to prod, “I guess this is as good time as ever, but do you want to be with him?”

“Don’t be dumb, I’m already with you.”

“Yeah, but if you could be with both of us, would you?”

“Why bother asking?”

“What if it could really happen? What if he agreed?”

“Would you agree?”

“Yeah,”

-

Twelve years after Bloody Halloween, 13 year old Chifuyu’s little dreams came true in the form of sitting between his boyfriend, Baji, and his… Kazutora. The labels weren’t defined, but the feelings were.

At least, Chifuyu and Baji’s feelings.

Kazutora’s were a little more complicated. He sat quietly on their couch, twiddling his thumbs and looking around the room.

“No need to be nervous, it’s just us.” Chifuyu tried to reassure.

“I know.”

“Yeah, we’ve been friends for years. Why are you acting brand new?”

Chifuyu discreetly pinched Baji’s thigh, turning his full attention to Kazutora “You okay?”

“Yeah. No I’m okay. It just feels weird to be here and not behind glass anymore. Or writing letters on my bunk.”

Chifuyu nodded while Baji snorted, leaning over to throw his arm around Kazutora and therefore Chifuyu too, “Stay from behind bars this time. I’m tired of writing letters.”

“Is that the only reason you want me to stay from behind bars?”

“Nah, how else are we supposed to be together?”

Kazutora flushed a bright red color, “Be together?”

“Yeah, Fuyu said it’s okay with him if all three of us were together. So let’s do it.”

“Oh my God,” Chifuyu covered his own reddening cheeks. “You have no tact.”

“None at all. He’s always been an idiot.”

Baji huffed, feeling a little insulted, “Answer the question. Is that a yes or no then?”

-

Contrary to popular belief, Chifuyu fell for Kazutora first. Even though he hung around Baji constantly, it was out of a genuine admiration. He thought Baji was genuinely cool. And he was strong. And unapologetically himself.

And okay, he thought he was handsome too.

But to everyone’s surprise, he didn’t immediately fall in love with Baji.

He fell for his best friend.

But fortunately for him, both of them fell for him too.