C6 Shadows by the Car

The night air outside the bar was damp, carrying the faint tang of rain on concrete. The glow of neon signs flickered across the street, painting shadows in crimson and gold. Keiji stood by the sleek black car parked near the entrance, cigarette burning low between his fingers as he scanned the alley with a soldier’s calm.

He had been Riku’s right hand long enough to know when trouble was brewing. And tonight, trouble had a name—Daisuke.

The bar door creaked open. Keiji flicked the ash from his cigarette and straightened, expecting Riku or Arun. Instead, it was him.

Daisuke.

He stepped out leisurely, coat draped across his shoulders, the sharp smirk on his lips still lingering from whatever storm he had stirred inside. His eyes landed on Keiji immediately, gleaming like a predator’s.

“Well, well,” Daisuke drawled, sliding his hands into his pockets. “If it isn’t the loyal hound. Still guarding your master’s leash?”

Keiji’s jaw tensed. He didn’t flinch, didn’t move, only let the cigarette burn lower. “If you’re looking for a fight, you won’t find it here.”

Daisuke circled him slowly, his presence deliberate, like a snake testing the air around prey it hadn’t decided how to strike. “No fight. Not tonight. I’m curious, though…” He stopped just close enough for Keiji to catch the faint scent of cologne and smoke. “What’s it like, being his shadow? Always following. Always obedient. Do you ever wonder what it would feel like to break away?”

Keiji’s eyes narrowed. “My loyalty isn’t something you can buy—or break.”

Daisuke chuckled low, leaning in just enough for his breath to ghost against Keiji’s ear. “Everyone breaks for the right reason. Or the right person.”

The words lingered like poison, daring, tempting. Then, just as easily, Daisuke pulled back and stepped away, heading down the street with that same infuriating calm.

Keiji stood rooted in place, pulse quickening despite himself. He ground the cigarette into the pavement, the ember dying in silence.

When Riku finally emerged minutes later, eyes storm-dark, Keiji slid back into his role without hesitation, opening the car door like nothing had happened. But in the back of his mind, the echo of Daisuke’s voice refused to fade.

Everyone breaks for the right person.