Taiju's Girl?

After waking up I had to deliberately blink because I was so confused about my whereabouts, this was not my room, far from it. But the setting seemed familiar, I pulled the covers off from my body and realized I was still wearing yesterday's outfit, which was pair of shorts and a tank top.

"Wait... did I really fall asleep while Taiju was carrying me?" I sighed while holding my head, though he was nowhere to be seen. That's when it hit me, I was in Taiju's room at the Shiba residence. What was even going on? I looked around and found my bag on the nightstand and my shoes were placed beside the bed.

"Is he already awake?" I questioned and jumped out the bed, leaving the two items behind because I planned to return for them later. I looked around but found no trace of Taiju so I opted to go to Yuzuha's room instead, perhaps she would be awake and she could explain to me what took place that evening.

I knocked on the door but got no response, was she also away? My plan was to just take a quick peek, but as soon as I opened the door Yuzuha opened her eyes and she looked at me? Was this some kind of defense mechanism against her older brother?

"Sorry I didn't plan to wake you up, I just wanted to make sure you were here." Yuzuha's eyes blinked a couple of times before she asked.

"Michi?" She then waved her hand for me to come in which I did.

"Wait... then yesterday's incident makes more sense, but at the same time it makes less." She probably tried to wrap her head around the events from yesterday, well it wasn't usual to see Taiju caring for someone I guess.

"So can you explain what happened? I'm so confused..." She took a deep breath and explained from start to finish.

"So yesterday I and Hakkai were watching some movies together, until Taiju suddenly busted thru the door, carrying a girl in his arms. At first, we initially thought that the girl was beaten up by him, but he carried you so preciously, that we were both taken off guard. He carried you so gently that we both couldn't believe it. I was so shocked I dropped the popcorn to the floor, but Taiju just send me a glare and asked me to pick it up later, with no violence. He then carried you to his room, and after like five minutes he left, asking me to take care of his girl." Yuzuha explained in one single breath.

"If you put it like that he kind of sounds like a sweetheart." I just said what I was thinking, but Yuzuha shook her head.

"As a friend, I advise you to set your sights on someone else." I couldn't do anything but laugh.

"I'm serious Michi." She declared keeping her eye contact.

"I don't plan to date him, I'm thankful he helped me out, but he already flopped his chances." Yuzuha sighed in relief.

"I wonder what Hakkai was thinking when you tried to set you two up." Obviously, he wanted less competition for Mitsuya's adoration.

"Mind if I use your kitchen?" I asked as she shook her head. I decided to give mom a call and then the best scenario would be to grab some food before taking my leave.

I walked to Taiju's room and grabbed my stuff, I put the bag on my shoulder and put my shoes by the entrance.

I sat by the kitchen table and phoned my mom, she was visibly distressed.

"Michi, where have you been the whole night?" But I guess my parents became less overprotective because I explained the system's bizarre tasks.

"Sorry, that was not planned. I kinda fell asleep, I will explain what happened once I come back home." I talked with her for a while, but once I decided it was time to make some food Taiju arrived, with his two henchmen. Was he using Kokonoi and Inupi as servants or what?

They were carrying some bags and before I knew he placed one in front of me, Yuzuha that came out of her room was shocked to see them all there.

"What is that?" we were both so confused.

"Gotta keep my girl well-fed." I couldn't believe this guy, how many times would he call me that before he took a hint.

"Where is she?" I asked looking around, but he didn't answer just looked at my arm all amazed.

"I never thought someone can recover this quick with some food and sleep." Right, wouldn't that make me seem strange in his eyes?

"So why were those Haitani's calling you a demon what is all this about?" I just shrugged my shoulders, because at this point all I could think of is their brain being fried by the system, why else would they insist so much on me being a demon, wait didn't those two say something strange when the earthquake hit for a slight second.

"I just know that when I was a toddler I scared them shitless... and I think they may think I can cause earthquakes at least that's what I got from yesterday's fight." Taiju was laughing his ass off.

"Is that the truth or you're just pulling our legs?" I glared at him, why ask me if all he's gonna do is doubt my words.

"Why don't you pay them a visit and tell them you suddenly believe their nonsense and they just may spill all the tea themself... if they prayed at a church for two weeks just because I prank-called them and said I could get rid of the demon by their side, they sure will be eager to chitchat with another succubus bullshit believer." I crossed my arms.

"Wait so the prank call we did at the sleepover was on those Haitani duo?" Yuzuha asked as I nodded.

"Wait so let me get this straight... these two believe you are a literal demon, succubus nonetheless?" Kokonoi asked as I nodded.

"What kind of life do you even live?" He soon asked.

"Crazy one I guess... so Taiju just go there say you feel so tired like you lost some years of your lifespan, because oh I seduced you or something, and all your questions gonna be answered." But then I remembered Ran.

"Just don't say anything weird... I don't want the taller guy to come knocking on my door." Because if Taiju said something about an amazing night together, from the previous encounters I could see this tall fella trying his chances. And if Ran was gonna put his life on the line Rindou would be there to protect him. I didn't want to get punched by him again.

"If those guys come over again, just call me." Wait, was he really trying his best to protect me, or was he out here seeking excuses for fights?

"Don't start any fights with Haitani brothers, they are famous for a reason, it may have been justifiable last time since they were in our territory, but we don't wanna start fights outside of it." I see Kokonoi didn't want to mess with them, I spoke out my thoughts.

"So all I need to do is run to the Black Dragon territory and Taiju will beat their asses noted." More like I would ask Kazutora and Keisuke for help, or just try to use the Pixie Dust. Since this came to an extent where my life could potentially be in danger, maybe I should be considering training with Wakasa for another 5 months or something.

Taiju just unpacked the food, causing Yuzuha to be shocked that not only did he buy my share but for the siblings too.

I ate it since it was given to me. Taiju was still loud and obnoxious but he could hold a normal civil conversation without throwing his fists in the air. Did he sign up for some kind of relationship course? But I got to hear another my girl comment.

"Can you stop calling me your girl, I'm not sure you have realized, but we aren't really dating." I didn't expect him to ask me right there.

"Wanna be my girlfriend?" Without a second thought, I responded.

"Refused." But it didn't seem like my words held any weight for him since he soon responded.

"That's alright babe, I'm confident you will warm up to me eventually." Where was his confidence steaming from? From his measurements that were desired by the female population, or did he ask some tarot reader who his next girlfriend was, and the person in question gave him my description? Wait didn't I read that Koko Crunch liked to do future reading stuff? I looked at him in suspicion, of course, he couldn't understand why I was giving such a questioning gaze, so he freaked out.

Once we were done with the food Taiju left with the boys, not before asking.

"How about a goodbye kiss?" I just made an x with my arms to deny this request.

"But you gave me one yesterday." But I denied his claims.

"Something like this happened,? I don't recall." I closed the door in his face. That's when Hakkai decided to come out of his room.

"I invited a friend today from Toman I was scared he wouldn't leave." I guess since this was another gang's territory whoever Hakkai invited would get beaten up, if Taiju knew about their involvement with Toman.

Right then we heard the door ring and Hakkai yelled.

"He's here, let's hope Taiju didn't see him." When the door opened I saw no one other but Souya. They exchanged their greetings and started to talk about some topic, but that's when Souya spotted my presence and asked.

"Michi, why are you here?" I didn't feel like going in-depth into what actually occurred.

"Let me tell the story." I wasn't so sure I wanted everyone to know that I got beaten up by Haitani bros, how Taiju rescued me, and stuff. Would those weirdos be angry that this information was spread, or did they actually keep talking about this in their inner circle of friends?

Since Hakkai took Souya to his room I decided to spend some time with Yuzuha before returning back home, but then we heard a scream coming from Hakkai's room, so we decided to investigate.

"Why would you do it!" Angry despite his usual kind nature was kinda pissed.

"Sorry I didn't know." What were those two even talking about?

"You guys good?" I asked as Souya looked around shocked to see my presence. It looked like these two started to exchange some knowing looks, so suddenly Hakkai asked.

"You don't plan to date my brother, right?" I shook my head and without properly considering the consequences of this getting out, I just spoke the truth.

"I don't plan to date someone that doesn't know what consent is, and then goes and brags about it to his buddies." Yuzuha immediately caught on and so she asked.

"Did he do what I think he did?" I immediately shook my head.

"No this weirdo just kissed me... and well he did bite me." All three of them gasped, but Hakkai went into hysterics.

"Please don't tell Taka-chan about this, he's gonna be even more disappointed in me," Hakkai said while tugging my leg like a child.

"Yes because that's my favorite thing to talk about," I said sarcastically.

"Well thank you for having me here, but I gotta return home to assure my family I'm in fact not dead and my call wasn't from the afterlife." I then took my stuff and left.

When I returned home mom was already waiting for me, of course, dad went back to work and Kazutora was nowhere to be seen.

"So Michi what happened, it's something bad isn't it?" I just sighed.

"I got my bones broken... although after that I used a potion from the system. So I'm good as new." I was put in a loving hug.

"If it was so dangerous why did you do it? You could have just taken the punishment." I just admitted.

"I haven't foreseen their strong hate towards me." I then explained how the system fried their brains and no matter what action I took they always thought I was a demon.

"That's a complicated situation... but how about we at least make something for the boy that came to your rescue?" I was conflicted about this, would it send wrong signals, at the same time, I thought being an example of how to properly show gratitude could be beneficial for him. Then a mission popped up.

'Would you rather bake cookies for Taiju Shiba or write him a love poem?' I facepalmed.

"Let's make him some cookies." That should have been enough.

Later in the day, I had my training with Wakasa he was impressed with my newfound determination.

"That's great, you are slowly improving I'm impressed." I guess my brain was too tired to think so something slipped out.

"Once you get beaten up by two psychos, you will conclude that it's best to take these fighting lessons seriously." Wakasa was shocked at the news.

"Who was it, Benkei and I can go and beat up their asses." I was thankful for their offer but I came up with a better plan, if someone they knew or respected ended up beating up their sorry asses, they would most likely stop harassing me with their bullcrap. I just needed to figure out how to make them meet Izana and Kakucho. If someone else beat them up they would just claim it my seduction work in progress.

"Thank you, I knew you liked me Waka Waka, I'm touched. But I have a far better plan." Wakasa just nodded.

"I guess annoying them to death could be possible." If only.

Once I was finished I decided to visit Taiju and hand him over the cookies, of course, he needed to say something stupid.

"You see I knew you would warm yourself up to me." Why did the system have to put me thru this?

'Would you rather speak to Taiju Shiba in a cute voice or link your hands together?' Yes, I knew what to do with this.

"Mom told me to express my gratitude with action, that's why I decided to make cookies. So here you go." I handed him the package.

"Also the reason I think we are not compatible is that I want to be like the couples that speak to each other like this." And then in the most cringe high-pitched voice, I said while hitting his arm playfully.

"Oh~ babe~ you're so funny." then I changed to my normal voice.

"Do you catch the drift?" He just stood there his eye twitching.

"You see, I will see myself out then." He didn't stop me from my departure. When I reached home I got another nonsensical mission, but it had nothing to do with romance so I was content with it.

'Would you rather buy a pizza stove or a motorcycle?' I knew I needed the motorcycle, but pizza, pizza stove was good. So once dad came back from work and I explained what I needed we drove to a store and made our purchase.