Days passed in what felt like an eternity, but the more time went on, the better he became. The nurse's office had been home base. Crescent remained there under her surveillance. Her determination lowered his risk of harming himself even further.

Ahni brought all the required materials for each of his classes and was often kicked out because he overstayed. Locked out and whining through the nurse's door didn't get him back in. Strict, the nursing regime for healing, was like a mother's tough love. It worked. Crescent checked out with a clean bill of health.

Seating in the cafeteria, the two young men laugh at old jokes, Crescent describing what it was like being in the nurses' office. Things are back on track according to Ahni. A grape pops into his mouth. Ahni leans back in his chair, stretching his long limbs and letting out a hard exhale while chewing.

"No more getting injured, all right?" Ahni chuckles to himself as he moves the weight of his legs to rest on the back of his heels. Ahni wavers back and forth, his eyes watching Crescent with humor and a little glint of hope that he will listen for once. His brother has returned to his side. Separated and having to sleep in a dark room alone was enough to force him into madness and it often did when he woke up sweating.

Crescent rolls his eyes. He knows he can't promise Ahni that. Sometimes significant things take place. This world mirrors the life on the streets, except now Crescent's forming a notoriety.

Quick, a glance at his hand, which lingers over his cup of applesauce, Crescent flexes fingers, his bottom lip gathers between his teeth. A small sucking noise peers into the air. What's more meaningful than the life they are smooth sailing for?

After checking out, he sent a text message to the informant of the gang. It was turned over to Asho, Crescent was ready for whatever job they would allow him. Time wasn't his friend, because he desired something to do.

With the gauntlet vanishing behind him, he called for another occasion to shift the school's attention toward him. The eyes of his pupils seemed to have strayed, and life relaxed too much. He hungered to be in the storm. 

Bzz. Bzz.

Crescent's phone vibrates inside his pocket, releasing a quick gasp through clenched teeth. As he reaches for it, he gives the ranting Ahni a small wave to hush before he opens the message that blinks repeatedly. The contact that resides at the top is the informant.

Crescent opens it to see two paragraphs, written in extensive detail about what he has to do. Skipping formalities and getting straight to the point, the disconnection in the long text is compared to ordering a disposable human being around.

"Ahni, I got a job." He raises the phone and spins the screen around so that Ahni can skip the text before pulling it back, eyes reading the beginning.

'There's a backpack in your locker. Take it. After class, you will report to the gymnasium and remain unseen beneath the bleachers. Once the occupants enter the gym take the digital camera and compile the needed information. Do not be late. Do not get caught!'

Crescent memorizes the smaller details, making sure to repeat them inside his head. Leaning over slightly, Ahni tries to read the text as well, but he accidentally bumps Crescent with his shoulder, bringing him from his device. Crescent turns towards Ahni, removing his phone from view.

"What kind of job?" Ahni asks, placing even more of his weight against his brother for an answer. Crescent leans with him to give a little distance, but the weight causes him to grunt, cold eyes cutting towards Ahni who's looking innocent of his heaviness. Crescent lets out a small sigh, looking up towards the ceiling. Thoughts of wanting to sucker punch Ahni's horrible expression plague intrusive thoughts. None of this is Ahni's concern. As long as Crescent paves the way to a better experience, Crescent sees no point in telling Ahni everything.

"A secret mission." All that makes its way from sealed lips. Crescent's finally satisfied. His first job under the command of Asho. According to the text, it's clear Asho's trying to collect some dirt on someone. Whoever it is, Crescent's going to make sure he doesn't fail. He plans on increasing his rank the more he gets good with Asho. If he can climb quickly within a few months, there will be no stopping him. He just needs a solid background, harder missions, and dangerous things to prove how good he is. 

It's all exciting. He doesn't know how much satisfaction being in a gang can bring him.

"Crescent..." Ahni's reluctant to break his brother's smile. Seeing Crescent smile like this is always a welcoming sight. Crescent smiles when he's most happy, like the touch of a warm breeze on a chill day-- but something's worrying him.

"I never asked, but what happened during gym that day?"

Crescent's gaze shifts, lips forming into a solid line. eyes slightly wide as his thoughts fizzle out. The empty smile plastered across lips die, and his focus is on Ahni momentarily. Crescent raises his phone; the tip of the device taps at his bottom lip. Ahni has been a worrywart for as far as he can remember. Fixated, always on the smallest of things. Crescent thought past that encounter, hoping not to see Kisha ever again for a long time. To hear it now feels like old wounds opening again and those thoughts start to stir, upsetting his stomach. 

"I just pushed myself too hard. It's nothing." His little white lie he isn't proud to tell.

"It was a good thing Locklear was able to bring you to the nurse's office. He looks scary, but I don't know Crescent. Maybe he isn't that bad? I heard how he recently had some of his Native American friends beat up some students who were stealing."

"Kisha?" Crescent's face frowns at how praiseworthy Ahni spoke of him. The last thing he wants to hear about is Kisha. Ahni's smitten over Kisha. It's becoming annoying, listening to the good deeds that he can never achieve. Finding someone else to look up to these past few days as Ahni is known to flock to those of natural dominant strength. Doe-eyed whenever he saw Kisha in the halls, studying him and even impersonating his demeanor. Ahni has always expressed an interest in heroic characters growing up. Crescent wishes it's someone less of an asshole. 

"I should thank him," Ahni says softly. 

"What? Don't go near that idiot. If he says something to hurt your feelings I'll punch him in the face."

Ahni started to chuckle at his brother's words.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cold, empty, and dark the gymnasium remains without life. The last class, hours ago, and the cleanup students have already made their rounds. The large entrance doors of the gymnasium that leads into the hall are left unlocked. It makes it easier for students to come in and out as they please.

No one wants to be walking around the school after classes end anyway, so many of the extracurricular rooms are not guarded. No security, no faculty, an empty dark school, as every student's expected to be in the dormitories. Tucking his frame behind the large blue bleachers, Crescent peers through the bottom step opening.

They don't mind pushing the seats back against the wall, so this creates a great spot to hide under. With no light, he uses the flashlight from his phone to find his path, shining it at his feet. The floors were newly buffed, cleaned, and dustless.

The cleaning process of the entire school happens at a certain time, every day by the same adults. Seeing them, the students ignore their presence, but the team of adults gives Crescent the creeps. Things that are damaged, chairs, tables, lockers, and everything that has been vandalized during school hours are taken away as if it never happened.

Again, erasing the sins done to the building. Preserving an image with intoxicating obsession. The paint dries quickly before the next day begins, and everything that isn't perfect must be perfect.

If he is a person who doesn't trust in his mind, Crescent should have gone crazy because of how much they are willing to cover the student's impurities. The silence of the same old dried tune. Making his way to a spot, Crescent makes sure he can fully see the entrance in his path.

He checks the time on his phone, turns off his flashlight, and kneels to blend in with the darkness. His choice of clothing is all black, even the gloves. To keep his glasses from reflecting any kind of light, Crescent placed tinted goggles above them.

Camera-ready, dangling at his neck, eyes glued on the door, Crescent refuses to blink in case he misses the opportunity. He wasn't informed of who he was spying on, Asho keeping that a secret. Even when he asked, the informant gave him no reply but the word seen beneath the message was enough to convince him he wasn't supposed to know.

After a few minutes of waiting, the doors open, shining the moon from the large windows in the hall. Crescent could see that figure, still dressed in his uniform, illuminating, approaching the center of the room. The light clicking of his shoes fills the silent air and halts when he steps onto the large basketball-painted circle. The male looks around, Crescent's watching him scan the surrounding area.

The door opens again, an even taller male making his way toward the center. He too is dressed in his school uniform. The frames look oddly familiar, but that feeling Crescent shook off to keep his head on his task. The desire to succeed in this first mission is strong. Crescent raises the camera, making sure to set it in night mode, and turns off the flash. Click. A soft sound touches the air when he taps the large button. He takes a photo of the males standing together. Click. Another just in case.

"So, I'm guessing we are gonna just wait? I don't have time for this."

That voice, Crescent knows that voice's idiotic tone. He instantly brought the camera from his eye, clicking on the saved images, and viewing the two he had taken. A small gasp blew from his lips, and the sudden urge to complete the job even faster barrels into his deepest drive. So this is what Asho had been planning. Why are they here? What makes this so important? Scanning over the photos, Crescent stares at the individuals. This is what it's like being a top dog. There's always someone after them. Someone trying to get what they have. Nails scratch at palm, the realization that he too can have such attention.

"Saikai, you have the money?" Kisha speaks back lightly. He watches as Saikai digs into his back pocket and pulls out a black card. Twirling it between two fingers, Saikai sucks his teeth.

"I don't believe I've ever forgotten payment on an.... exchange, Kisha. Already loaded and ready for spending. You know I like to use throw cards." The sarcastic gaze travels as he rolls his eyes.

Crescent takes in a small breath. He's already here, but why does Asho hide such minor issues from him? The recent run-ins he's had with Kisha, were they being reported? There is always an audience around, so there isn't a doubt that whispers are going around. Raising the camera again, the door opens and an average-sized male dressed in a black hoodie and sweats, carrying a backpack walks hastily towards the two. 

Saikai waves his head, telling Kisha to go, as the male stops before him. The backpack pulled in front of him. The male places it on the ground before he kneels and unzips the zipper. Click. Crescent freezes the image. Saikai shakes his head lightly, drawing the card in the male's direction. Click.

The male grabs the other end of the card. Click. Saikai kneels scooping up the bag and closing it. Click. The exchange documented. 

"You're always on time, Chemist." Saikai laughs, while the male bows.

Chemist?  An interesting occupation.

It's complete, Crescent resting the camera around his neck.

Such important information. Dangerous information. Now all there is to it is to wait for the three of them to leave the gymnasium. Thinking about the reward he's sure to gain, he sits back on his butt, rubbing his hands together for warmth.

It's getting colder sitting here without the proper clothing. The air conditioner vent located just at his back wasn't noticed until now. The slight shiver giving him no grace leaves his lips quivering. The sound of heavy doors resonates into the room, a signal that someone has left. Just a couple of pictures worth more than he has ever made.

As he sits patiently waiting in silence, Crescent allows himself a moment to go over the interaction. Certainly, Saikai's reputation exceeds him. If he's meeting with a chemist then that means he's distributing drugs, but the chemist is not of their age. He's much older. Maybe a teacher doing deals? 

"Oh?" Crescent whispers. Maybe Asho's trying to get info on the chemist. Something this important, Saikai should've come with more protection. At least have Kisha do more than just stand there like a dead goo-- anxiety rushes over Crescent's frame within a matter of seconds when violently a warm large hand extends around his face, covering his nose and mouth. Crescent's frame is yanked from his seated position, swept close to the body of his sudden attacker. He begins to struggle almost instantly, clutching the wrist of the attacker and kicking his legs. His heart beats violently, thumping so hard against his chest Crescent feels the pain shooting into his stomach. His eyes are shut tight, unsure and uncaring of where they are taking him.

Hoping to wiggle his small frame from his hoodie and run, he still tries to keep his identity unknown by silencing his voice. However, the fear has become unbearable, pitting in his lungs. The desperate desire to cough and inhale as he's being choked focuses his grip. He pulls on the fingers of the attacker. The hand released his mouth, Crescent gasping the cold air that stings his lungs, but a sense of overwhelming satisfaction that he isn't going to die warms his blood. He knows if it comes down to it, fighting for his freedom is always his first option.

"You bastard, let me go!" Crescent spits, intensifying his struggle. No matter how hard he flails he finds that the one holding him never budges. The tight embrace of the individual's other arm is locked tightly around his waist.

"Ohohohoho," Saikai says with a smile peering across his lips. "Look what we have here."

With a soft wave of his hand, Crescent's released, falling right on his butt. He looks up instantly at the two looming above him, mouth open, breath escaping in panicked bouts. Crescent crawls backward a bit, hoping that will give him a means of escape when it's time to run, but Kisha's voice sends a chill up his spine.

"A rat..." Kisha softly spoke, finishing Saikai's sentence.

Saikai kneels with his knees pressing against his chest, his eyes scanning Crescent in pure amusement.

"What do you think you're doing here? Have a camping trip under the bleachers? Or are you simply here to--" Saikai reaches out and grabs hold of the camera, yanking it from Crescent's frame.

Crescent tries to snatch it back, but Saikai is too fast. He stands up, taking the camera and placing it around his neck.

"-- catch something or should I say someone? You know, your boss is relentless. First, he pulls a dirty trick to get you and here he is sending a rookie on an evidence-gathering job. Like I'd ever expose my drug maker to a silly person like Asho." Raising his hands to cup his face, Saikai looks towards Kisha once he finishes his sentence. His expression is surprised, but all the while he's entertained and finds the predicament to be hilarious.

"I punish rats. You are way above your abilities here, Crescent. So here, I shall give you an ultimatum; my room, this weekend, 8 pm. Not up for discussion if you want all of your fingers. If you fail to show, Kisha will retrieve you." Saikai raises the camera, looking it over a bit before he sighs.

An expensive piece made by the same company as the cameramen that sometimes show up during events. A piece that can brighten a dark room without a flash. Asho must've paid top dollars for it. Since it's now in his hands, it could be very useful.

"There's no way! For you to find me, it was impossible!!" Crescent balls up both his fists, glaring through his glasses. If they thought he'd be intimidated then they are wrong. Saikai only laughs, filling the gymnasium with an echo.

"I repeat, you don't have...." Saikai releases a small growl. "... a choice."

The worst thing that can get under his skin is a rat.

"Killing you will solve nothing because I'm curious as to what you have going on with my best friend." Saikai waves the camera around in the air. 

Crescent only scoffs, tightening his fists. Going on... with Kisha? The thought makes him roll his eyes. After that aggressive handling, he'd gladly admit to liking Kisha less than he already has. There's nothing between them but differences. It pisses Crescent off.

"First and foremost, I don't like you! Secondly, I'm not a damn---" Crescent kicks out his leg, sweeping Saikai and hitting him right in the shin.

"RAT!!"

 This brought Saikai down, doubling over to grasp at the aching area. Now with an opportunity Crescent slips the camera from his neck, pushes himself to his feet, and begins to run with all his might towards the exit.

The sounds of his sneakers scuffing the floor echo in his mind as the doors inch closer and closer. If he can get back to his dorm room so that he can lock himself inside, then he's safe. His arms burst out in front of his frame, he grits his teeth as he pushes on.

Almost there. That's until a blackened figure stands right at the door. Crescent tries to stop his footing, but he's going too fast and as if he slammed into a thick mat, he meets the hard figure in a face plant.

"Ugh!" Bursting from clenched teeth, Crescent falls backward again, landing on his butt. He looks up to find that Kisha's now bending down, unaffected, an arm reaching toward him. Not again, he doesn't want to be caught again. He swings his open palm as fast as he can to knock the hand away, but all he can feel is a gush from the cold air. He missed. The hand grips at his hoodie hoisting him in the air.

"Stupid, asshole! Let me go!" Crescent flails his legs, aiming for Kisha's stomach, but each kick misses its mark. It's absurd. He then targets a more vulnerable spot, the groin, drawing his leg back as far as possible before delivering the kick. The impact frees him, Kisha doubling over in silence. Crescent lands solidly, barely having a moment to plan his next action. He skirts the ground with his shoes, weaving around Kisha, but he's swift and reaches for him once more.

"You're getting on my nerves!" Crescent shouts, retracting his arm and directing a punch towards Kisha's face. He feels his fist ensnared by Kisha's quick reflexes, his fingers tightly clasping his arm, thwarting his perfect strike. Confusion and questions about Kisha's supernatural speed swirl in his mind. Beyond Kisha's arm, he glimpses two blue irises shining in the dark, their pupils fixed on him.

A shiver runs through him. It's akin to confronting a monster lurking in the shadowy recesses of a closet. The relentless stare of a predator that anticipates his every move sends a wave of terror over him.

"That hurt..." Kisha exclaims lightly. He stands up after being kicked in the lower stomach, glad that he didn't get hit in his crotch. The pain isn't anything worth falling over. Lowering Crescent's fist, Kisha lets go before he reaches out and presses Crescent at his shoulder, knocking him into a stumble. A foot extends and Crescent's stumbles turned into a full-on flail, hitting the ground and sliding onto his stomach. 

Kisha snickers.

As Crescent sets his hands to catch himself, he agilely jumps back to his feet and targets Kisha once more. Realizing that a punch won't connect, he opts for a tackle. With a leap, extending his hands forward, he encircles Kisha's torso and drives his shoulder into Kisha's stomach. The impact is enough to lift Kisha off the ground, but Crescent feels Kisha's weight falling too quickly. They tumble together, rolling until they come to an abrupt halt.

Kisha ends up on top. Crescent's mind races as he involuntarily jerks his head back, his glasses flying off and his neck throbbing from the motion. He braces for a hard impact with the ground, closing his eyes tightly in anticipation. However, the surface his hand encounters is not the floor. Slowly opening his eyes in surprise, first the left, he sees Kisha hovering above him, eyes frantically scanning his face in panic. Cradled in the warm palm of his rescuer, Kisha has saved him.

"A-are you--...?"Kisha's voice, demanding and trembling, spills from his lips, his teeth clenched to mask the worry in his tone. Crescent is baffled, returning Kisha's gaze with equal confusion. Kisha's breaths are short and controlled, betraying his anxiety. His eyes shut, and a deep breath in followed by a slow exhale breaks the silence before he speaks again, this time to Saikai, who is nearing.

"Saikai, grab it." Suddenly, the memory fades from Crescent's vision. The sight of Kisha's uncharacteristic loss of composure puzzles him, and he yearns to understand why. Why would Kisha save him? They are adversaries, and Kisha had just attacked him. The unexpected act of being saved triggers a profound reaction in Crescent, his heart skipping a beat. He realizes he has never been considered before. It's undeniable. The time he stumbled in the lunchroom, Kisha reached out to him, not just in reflex, but to save him. And that realization makes his heart—

Bump~

Is Kisha not all that bad?

With a pull of the camera, the gym doors suddenly open, and Crescent is picked up like a piece of garbage, Crescent's body goes flying into the air until he lands on his hands and knees in the hallway. His face drawn into a wince, Crescent looks back to see that Saikai's staring down at him, half of his figure through the door.

"How is he so fucking fast?! Why didn't he use that shit during the volleyball game, asshole?!" Crescent huffs, balling up his fists. No, fuck that. Kisha's an asshole. Crescent pushes himself to his feet quickly, anger starting to boil his blood. Everything that's happening is like they are two steps ahead of him. There's no way that Kisha could have been faster than him. He felt no signs that he was even chasing him. He just teleported.

"Come on! Fight me. Redheaded, bitch!" Through clenched teeth he yells towards Saikai, bursting and running in his direction, but as Crescent makes it to the door it shuts. Crescent collides with the door, banging on it.

"Fight me!! I'll kick your asses, right now! Two on one!" His angered voice starts to change tone, and defeat laces his lips. They won. The doors are locked, and he doesn't have the camera. Just like that, everything he was striving for had fallen away further. He huffs, his weight dragging him to his knees.

"You should reallllly learn to settle down sometimes! Your blood pressure has to be high." Saikai's voice calls muffled through the metal doors.

Crescent can't believe how easy it is for them to spot him. His heart races, his eyes shut tight. He can feel the clamminess against his palm. The desire to scream boils inside his lungs. Not being strong enough to shake Kisha, to break down Saikai, it dawns on him. This world isn't meant for weaklings, so how much strength did he need?!

"Fuck you! Fuck you! Fuck you, Kiiiishaaaaa!" Crescent smacks his head, gripping the brown strands of hair tightly before slamming his elbows onto the welcome mat at the door. Disheartened by his shortcomings, he cannot grasp what went awry. Clenching his fingers into his palms and gritting his teeth, he begins to kick out his legs, releasing all his pent-up frustration.

"Wow, look at him go, Kisha."

Kisha gazes at him through the small window, his eyelids fluttering gently. He lifts his hands, crossing his arms and inhaling deeply. The thought of causing Crescent further discomfort feeds his regret, and the urge to make amends claws at his resolve to take action.

"I don't want to watch this... Saikai."

(((A/N

Crescent's first job falls in shambles and of course, it is all Kisha's fault. Crescent's pride is left as a dried puddle of mud.

Whose fault is it? What do you guys think? 

I blame Saikai. 

Don't be afraid to tell me what you think by commenting.❤️❤️

Drop a vote if you like. 👍👍))