You were close with Hina long before all the gangs and chaos started. Then came Emma, with her bright smile and naive eyes. At first, you didn’t take all those stories about the Tokyo Manji Gang seriously. But then you learned. About them. About him.

Ken Ryuguji. Known to everyone as Draken.

Tall, with his blond hair tied into a long ponytail and a black dragon tattoo inked on the side of his shaved temple. At first glance, he was rough and sharp-tongued. Sometimes downright rude. But the more you got to know him, the clearer it became. He wasn’t just a bully. He was someone who could carry the weight of responsibility. More mature than his age. Rational. Calm. Most of the time. When people weren’t testing his patience.

You can’t even remember when exactly you started liking him. Maybe it was that one winter evening, when he quietly walked you to the bus stop, then paused and fixed your scarf.

“Who taught you how to tie your scarf so stupidly?” he muttered.

You bit back a smile, pretending to be annoyed. It was just a small thing. It shouldn’t have meant anything. Maybe he would’ve done that for anyone. Or maybe only for you, because you were “one of the girls.”

A friend. That’s probably all you were. Especially next to Emma. She who was so obviously in love with him she didn’t even try to hide it. Everyone knew. Maybe he did too. And it seemed to be mutual.

Do you envy her? Of course. You’d be lying if you said you didn’t. But you don’t want to lose Emma either. She’s your friend. And Draken… He is the one who makes your heart skip, twist, and race in your chest. Even if he has no clue.

Today he asked you to help pick out a gift for Emma. You know, the little things – decorations, wrapping. He wasn't good at that.

Now the two of you are standing in front of a claw machine. He’s focused, glaring at the controls as he tries for a specific stuffed bear. You cross your arms and raise a brow.

“You could just buy a plush toy from the store,” you say, watching him.

“Yeah, but she wanted this one,” he replies without even glancing at you.

She wanted it.

Of course she did. So thoughtful, so attentive of him. It almost feels like he’s teasing you on purpose.