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TITLE: A Letter of Recommendation from Baji Keisuke PAIRING: BAJI KEISUKE / MATSUNO CHIFUYU SUMMARY: “M’kay.”

But the mild reaction from Mitsuya gets overshadowed by his next announcement, completely shocking the two members standing front and center.

“The guy dating Baji,” says Mitsuya, with a smile, “that’s all I need to know.”

Baji can’t stop talking about Chifuyu to the Toman members - which leads to a misunderstanding that the both of them are dating.

TR Spin-Off Chapter 14: The executive meeting is actually an intervention for Baji Keisuke.

read it on AO3 or read below

You know that part in the latest chapter of the spinoff where Baji brings Chifuyu to the executive meeting in Toman, but they all know who Chifuyu is already? It’s pretty obvious that Baji must be talking nonstop about Chifuyu to everyone…

Also this is very much a crack fic.

I wrote this during my lunch break after getting a gift fic from Pau, and then edited it between work meetings - which means I wrote it very, very quickly and then edited it very, very not at all. If you see any typos, no you don’t.

A Letter of Recommendation from Baji Keisuke

DRAKEN

“And he goes ‘What’s this character? You wrote it wrong.’ ”

Keisuke clearly remembers the way Chifuyu sat down in front of him, cocky at first like he was trying to pick a fight - but instead picked his pencil up and showed Keisuke how to write the letter.

“I thought he was gonna be an ass about it, but he was actually-”

Next to him, Draken pauses his game, a surprised look on his face. He had been listening to Keisuke recount the story without any real interest, but now his hand sharply cuts through air, indicating he needs Keisuke to stop talking immediately.

“Wait, you don’t…know how to spell Kazutora’s name?”

Keisuke shrugs.

“Anyways he showed me how to write it - the character for tiger. I almost got it right.” - No he didn’t. - “So I think he’s a pretty good guy. Helps those in need, the type of person who probably can’t stay out of other people’s business.”

Draken raises his eyebrow. “Are you complimenting him or insulting him?”

“I’m just saying,” postures Keisuke defensively, “that I met this guy who helped me out. Thought it was gonna be a one time thing. But then I got to pay him back right after!”

He punches Draken’s shoulder like they’re in on a joke together. Draken doesn’t seem as amused, but he also doesn’t go back to his game. Intent now on paying attention to Keisuke’s weird tale.

“Cause as I was mailing the letter, I saw him getting jumped by all these punks! And one of them had a weapon - real fucking shitheads!” Keisuke gets heated at this part, remembering how he ran into the other boy being surrounded by a bunch of older kids in an abandoned alleyway.

“Since Chifuyu is just one guy and he’s unarmed, you know?” Here Keisuke starts imitating the fight, providing sound effects as he alternates his fists. “So I just start fightin’. Pow. Pow. Returned the favor and saved his ass and everything. He was grateful as fuck.”

Draken nods along because he can see that.

“Did you beat him up afterwards, like you did with Kazutora?”

Keisuke scratches the back of his head, confused. “Huh? No, I invited him back to my place for dinner. It was just instant noodles, though. Nothing fancy.”

Draken stares at him.

For a while, no one says anything.

“Oh…so it’s like that,” his friend says cryptically. “I was wondering where this story was going.”

Keisuke isn’t sure what he means by that, cause the story isn’t even done yet.

“Anyways, he wanted to join Toman afterwards, but I said “No way, asshole!” cause I don’t wanna keep taking care of him.” Keisuke signs, irritated at the memory. “He seems too much of a handful. I don’t need that kinda guy tying me down.”

“Or maybe you’re just trying to keep him to yourself,” mutters Draken, unpausing his game.

MIKEY

“And this guy is just fuckin’ following me around school everyday and he keeps trying to pick fights with others and then telling me about it for some reason.”

He’s not sure if Mikey is listening or not. He seems really focused on something, but it might just be the taiyaki he’s eating.

“Then one day, he says - ‘just beat me up until you understand my feelings.’ ” Keisuke pauses here. He thinks maybe he got the wording wrong, but it doesn’t matter. “So I’m like ok, and then I beat him up.”

Mikey takes a bite of his snack and then says, “Nice.”

“But then I felt bad cause he was on the ground and it was raining and I didn’t wanna leave him there…” Keisuke rolls his eyes, annoyed at himself, “and he lives three floors below me so I carried him home-”

“Wait, wait, wait- I thought you said you were tired of that guy?”

“I mean yeah, he’s so fucking annoying.”

“Then why didn’t you just leave his ass?”

Keisuke opens his mouth. Then he closes it.

“His ass was gonna get wet, it was raining, remember?”

Mikey doesn’t look impressed. But he motions him to continue with his story, the taiyaki flopping in the air.

“Right so, after that, I let him sleep it off. Cause he really took a beating from me. Hella persistent, that guy. Can’t shake him. I’ve tried. Then when he finally wakes up I think, fine, ok. Just this one time! I’ll take you on my bike and-”

“Wait, you let him ride your bike? ”

“Yeah, cause it was just easier that way if we were both going to the meeting-”

“You- you brought him to a Toman meeting?! ”

“Why do you keep interrupting me? Anyways he was all-”

But Keisuke doesn’t get to finish because Mikey shoves his second taiyaki in front of his face, almost exasperated.

“God, Ken-chin was right. ” He says, then shakes the dessert insistently until Keisuke takes it, albeit hesitantly since Mikey doesn’t normally share his snacks.

“Uh…thanks?”

“It’s cream flavored,” says Mikey.

“What kind?”

His friend smirks, “Whipped.”

SMILEY

“Chifuyu’s hair was really fucking bothering me so I told him to change it.”

Nahoya looks like he wants to be anywhere but here.

“Why are you telling me this?”

Keisuke gestures between the two of them, like there’s some kind of relevant fact keeping them bound in this conversation.

“Cause you said you wanted straight hair?”

“I just- I just said one thing about my hair! Oh my god!” He throws his arms above his head, waving them angrily. “Why do you always keep making it about Chifuyu?!”

The other boy is already walking away.

“Hey!” Keisuke yells. “He changed his hairstyle, alright?! So if you just let me finish my goddamn story - I was trying to say that he was able to change his whole lifestyle and everything, so you can do it too if you want! Live out your dreams or whatever!”

“More like your delusions,” scoffs Nahoya. “Alright, which one of you guys is running the betting pool right now?”

ANGRY

“So he just fucking jumps off the roof, yeah? The fuckin’ balls on him. And then he takes out all these guys like it’s nothing. After that he-”

Unlike his brother, Souya is frozen in place, too awkward to outright get up and leave.

“That’s got to be four floors or something, how did he land? Is he part cat?” Keisuke snaps his finger at the discovery. “He hangs out with a lot of cats. You think maybe he learned from them? Like maybe he’s a cat boy?”

“I think,” says Souya slowly, “that you don’t know what the meaning of a cat boy is...”

“Huh? No way. He’s definitely a cat boy. He loves cats. He owns one too, Peke J, I named him. He’s like our son.”

From somewhere behind them, Souya’s brother puts more money down on the table.

MITSUYA

“Right, so I need you to make another uniform before our next First Division meeting.”

Mitsuya nods. “You mean for your friend, Ryusei? His jacket buttons were getting worn out, I remember you mentioning that before.”

Keisuke laughs sheepishly. “Ah, I meant another one - it’s for Chifuyu. Sorry I forgot to tell ya, I let him join after all and he’s been saying how he really wants to wear the uniform.”

The boy in front of him slowly brings his hands together, resting his chin on them, and then takes in a deep breath.

“For Chifuyu…”

“Yeah, is that gonna be ok? You got enough time or…?”

Mitsuya levels him with a piercing gaze.

“Why couldn’t you have asked me this last week?”

Keisuke sucks the air in between his teeth. “Sorry man, I know it’s really short notice. That’s my bad, but I just forgot about it.”

He watches as Mitsuya digs out his wallet. “I really, really, wish you had remembered to ask earlier.” He’s a little confused as Mitsuya irritatedly pulls a stack of yen out, randomly. “If only you had just asked me - one week earlier.”

Draken appears out of nowhere to collect the cash, a grin wide on his face.

He decides not to question this, since there’s a more pressing issue at hand.

“Look, if you can’t do it, then it’s fine-”

“I can do it,” says Mitsuya, waving him off dismissively. “It’ll only take me a day.”

“Oh, what was the problem then?” Keisuke looks confused at the whole exchange. He feels like maybe he’s being kept in the dark about something. How come people are always passing money around, especially near him, nowadays? And what’s with all these annoyed looks every time he speaks?

Mitsuya rubs his temples. “I need to change my bets.”

PAH-CHIN

“So Chifuyu helped my mom move all our stupid furniture around, yesterday and-”

Pah leans back into his seat, resigned. “I get it, huh, it’s my turn today.”

“Anyways,” Keisuke claps his hands. “What do you know about Feng Shui? You said your family was in the whole house thing? What’s Feng Shui supposed to be like for apartments, cause I think maybe Chifuyu might have done it wrong...”

“Feng Shui isn’t real dude,” says Pah, “I know this because my dad said so. It’s just some nice looking bullshit.”

Keisuke angrily stands up. “You fucking take that back, Pah-chin!”

“Haa? Why are you so angry, man?”

“Chifuyu spent hours moving all our shit around! Don’t tell me that was all for nothing!”

“Didn’t you just say, you thought he did it wrong? Even I’m not that fucking stupid!”

“Chifuyu isn’t stupid!”

“I said, you were fucking stupid!”

“Yeah, I fucking might be!”

PEH-YAH

“So I don’t know shit about history - but Chifuyu’s been helping me study.”

Everyone moves to the other side of the room, which leaves only Peh to fend for himself.

He sighs, then says, “I get it, sometimes I help Pah-chin study too. But we’re both idiots.”

Keisuke quickly jabs Peh’s chest in agreement. “Yeah, Chifuyu is an idiot too! But I understand things better when he explains it for some reason. It’s like he gets it - or me.”

Peh nods. “You guys know what the other is thinking.”

“Yeah, exactly!” Keisuke yells, excitedly. Finally glad to have someone on the same page as him for once. Well, other than Chifuyu, he means. “He just understands what I’m saying sometimes. Even if no one else does.”

“That’s great.”

“I don’t know how I would have passed the exam without him. I really- hey wait, where are you going? Peh-yah, uhh?”

EVERYONE

Keisuke really didn’t want this to be Chifuyu’s first exposure to the Toman executives, but he didn't have a choice other than to bring Chifuyu to the meeting. Even if it seems like the blond is currently scared stiff, standing next to him.

He lightly bumps Chifuyu’s shoulder with his own, raising both his eyebrows to silently ask if the other is ok.

Chifuyu flushes, looks away quickly, then shyly brings his gaze back and nods.

Their silent communication doesn’t go unnoticed by the rest of the members.

Draken clears his throat loudly, narrowing his eyes between the two of them, and then says, “Looks like the First Division’s in trouble…”

Keisuke tunes out the rest of the words because he thinks it’s gonna all be recap. Probably just the situation regarding Yotsuya Kaidan - which he knows better than all of them anyway. Instead he pays attention to Chifuyu, who’s sweating under the dim lights, looking nervously between all the members, his eyes wide.

Keisuke moves a little closer to him, hoping his presence will calm down the other boy.

“This is an emergency executive meeting regarding that matter,” continues Draken.

Nahoya coughs into his fist. “Actually it’s more like an intervention at this point…”

Chifuyu audibly gulps, but only Keisuke can hear it from his proximity. He remembers, in contrast to Chifuyu’s first meeting, that this behavior is completely different.

Instead of the boisterous newcomer who didn’t know his place, the Chifuyu standing beside him right now feels more mature. Still as excitable, but able to hide it. More aware of his surroundings. No more acting out.

Keisuke feels a little proud.

“Let’s get started.”

The room gives Mikey their full attention, only to be derailed as he argues with Draken over the filling of his taiyaki. He thought the comedic distraction might help Chifuyu relax a little, but it has the opposite effect. The blond tenses up again as he looks between the two executives fighting.

Keisuke is about to reach out, maybe ruffle his hair a bit and push his bangs away from all the sweat gathering on his forehead. He really needs Chifuyu to stop overthinking things like he always does.

“Anyways…” Draken jerks his thumb to Chifuyu and asks, “Baji. Who is that guy?”

Chifuyu startles, like a cat, then straightens up.

Everyone is looking at them and he can already feel Chifuyu freezing. He knows Chifuyu is about to do the whole unnecessary introduction thing again, it’s that typical moment, so Keisuke starts - but is interrupted. “He’s our new guy. I brought him here ‘cause he’s involved in this case.”

At the same time, Chifuyu bows abruptly and yells, “Ah…I’m Chifuyu Matsuno! I’m still a work in progress, but from this point on, I’m determined to work under Baji-san...”

Multiple people start talking at once.

“That’s Chifuyu, huh?”

“I knew it! Pay up, Ken-chin!”

“A work in progress? Does that mean they’re not together yet or…?”

“Under Baji - he says.”

“Yeah, he really said that! He’s so bold!”

“Ahh!! Matsuno!! Damn, it’s really you!”

“M’kay.”

But the mild reaction from Mitsuya gets overshadowed by his next announcement, completely shocking the two members standing front and center.

“The guy dating Baji,” says Mitsuya, with a smile, “that’s all I need to know.”

For some reason, the entire room doesn’t break out into chaos with this statement, instead everyone just casually accepts this fact and moves on. It’s only Keisuke that feels the turmoil in his heart - and maybe Chifuyu too, if he can even dare to look at him.

He watches, almost like an out of body experience, as Pah approaches Chifuyu and clamps a heavy hand on his shoulder.

“Thanks for looking after Pochi!” Like an inside joke, Pah cups his mouth but his whisper is so loud, the whole room hears it. “ And for looking after our Baji, too!” He slaps Chifuyu a couple more times, the blond barely reacting. “And for bringing me the big fights!”

“What.” Chifuyu sounds like his world has been turned upside down.

Pah doesn’t notice that anything is amiss. “You helped Baji build that dog house for Pochi, right? He loves it!” He gives him an approving thumbs up. “You did a bang-up job! Ah, but I guess you’re dating one too, haha!”

“What...” This time Chifuyu is a little bit quieter.

Keisuke knows he needs to speak up, to say anything, to save Chifuyu from any further embarrassment - but he’s not sure how to do it without jeopardizing their relationship or his spiraling reputation. Even though he knows this is mostly his fault.

Pah continues talking, as if he isn’t holding a one-sided conversation on his own. “I’ve been pissed off at Baji for talking my ears off every meeting - but I guess he must be really serious about ya if he brought you to an exec meeting, Chifuyu!”

“Yeah, he didn’t even ask!” Nahoya chimes in.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Baji smile though, so I guess it’s fine.” Souya comments. “It’s nice to see him happy, again.”

Draken claps his hands twice, bringing the attention back to him. “This means the time has finally come, pay up assholes!”

“Righto, I’ll be collectin-”

“Wait.” Keisuke finally finds the strength to interrupt. “Can you please…leave this matter for after the meeting?”

“What, you suddenly so embarrassed now that you have a boyfriend?” Mikey sneers from atop his perch. “Even though you talk about him everyday?”

“I don’t…” Keisuke glances at Chifuyu, and because they’re always thinking of the other, Chifuyu choses that moment to meet his gaze. “...I don’t talk about him everyday.”

He’s not sure if he’s being brave or a coward for not correcting anyone.

But Chifuyu, bless him, always has his back.

Something in his blue-green irises changes, becomes sharper. It’s in that moment Keisuke realizes Chifuyu has caught on, silently agreeing to play along with their charade.

He doesn’t even have to ask, he already knows Chifuyu will follow.

“Can this um,” starts Chifuyu, “ information stay within this room? We’re not uh, public...”

Even without explicit orders, Chifuyu can always be counted on. Keisuke doesn’t know what he did to deserve him. Maybe that’s why he can’t stop talking about him.

And maybe that’s why the two of them are in this mess in the first place.

Not to be outdone, Keisuke speaks up again. “Or maybe just…the First Division.” Since only the two of them belong to said division, it’s essentially the same as asking everyone to back the fuck off. It’s only their business - no one else needs to butt in.

“Baji…” Draken says tiredly. “This doesn’t have to be your secret alone anymore.”

“Yeah, everyone is chill with it, dude.”

“We’ve known for a while actually. No need to freak out. We won’t judge you.”

“You were really down bad for him, Baji. We all knew.”

“And you’re both being pretty obvious about it right now.”

Keisuke knows his flush is probably matching Chifuyu’s - what a pair the two of them must seem in front of everyone. The other boy is barely holding the act together, but he waits patiently for Keisuke’s next move. He just isn’t sure what it should be.

“I think there’s been a misunderstanding,” he sighs, “sorry, everyone.”

For the first time, he feels apprehensive about not being able to speak to Chifuyu freely. What if this makes the blond even more uncomfortable? What if this destroys their friendship? At some point, he’s going to push Chifuyu too far - what happens then?

“I have to put a stop to this...”

This wasn’t how he thought this meeting would go. But worst of all, maybe, just maybe - this whole thing could be the breaking point to Chifuyu’s loyalty.

“...The truth is-”

“I get it.” Mikey suddenly says, standing up. “I’ll leave Chifuyu to Baji.”

Their invincible leader jumps down, landing smoothly right in front of the others. He gives both of them a searching look, but his gaze lingers on Chifuyu. “I’ve made up my mind.”

Keisuke has no idea what he means.

“If the two of them want to keep to themselves, then I won’t push it. The rest of you should stay out of this until they’re ready…” he smirks, “You’re all dismissed.”

“...Mikey.”

But the other boy pushes past him to whisper something into Chifuyu’s ear. It could be his imagination, but it sounds like “If you break up with Baji, I’ll kill you. ”

CHIFUYU

“Well that was unhinged.”

The two of them loiter outside the entrance, not quite ready to talk about it yet. Keisuke leans against his motorcycle, looking away from Chifuyu as the other boy inspects the vending machine. His throat feels dry, but not in a way a drink can fix.

“They all had such a crazy aura around them that I was shaking just being in their presence,” laughs Chifuyu nervously, probably to fill the awkward silence. “Especially Mikey-kun.”

That’s right. Mikey really did say some weird stuff.

“I know, I’m sorry,” says Keisuke, turning around.

“Eh?”

“I’m sorry you have to put up with my selfishness,” he explains. “I didn’t…mean to lead them on like that. Or you either.”

“Baji-san…what do you mean?” Chifuyu says slowly.

Keisuke isn’t sure how to go about this. Words aren’t really his thing. After tonight, that fact seems to especially be true - but usually he can just count on Chifuyu to figure it out for him. Although maybe that’s been making him complacent. Still, he needs to make an effort to right his wrongs.

“I think I talked about you too much with the other guys, so they got the wrong idea about us.” He crosses his arms and lets out a frustrated noise. “I shoulda just came clean from the start instead of dragging you in. Thanks for covering for me, though, but I don’t expect you to pretend forever. So I won’t force you to do anything.”

“It’s ok, Baji-san!” Chifuyu yells. “I don’t mind. I told you, I’d do anything to remain by your side, right? I can do this for you, too!”

Keisuke gives him a lopsided smile. It’s hard to reason with Chifuyu when he gets like this - his determination is infectious. So is his positivity. Keisuke already feels in a better mood just by being around him.

“It’s fine, Chifuyu. I can go back and apologize to them, clear things up. Even if I have to do it alone.”

“What are you talking about?” Of course the other boy won’t back down. “I’ll always follow you, Baji-san! I’ll come with you!”

“No…that would just make it harder for them to believe.”

The first signs of frustrations show on Chifuyu’s face, like he’s about to start talking back to his captain. Really now, his obedience just comes and goes.

Then, suddenly, a huge grin breaks out until it rivals all the stars in the night sky above them. With a look of pure adoration, Chifuyu closes the distance between them and offers Keisuke a fist bump.

“Let’s date for real, then!” Chifuyu says without a moment’s hesitation.

Keisuke feels like he’s been given the whole world, rather than a hand or a way out.

He can’t help but feel the edges of his mouth stretch upwards. He feels so relieved and grateful all at once. He doesn’t understand it, but maybe Chifuyu does - so he’ll just have to ask him to explain it later.

Chifuy’s smile only gets wider. “That way you’re not lying to anyone - and we don’t have to pretend!”

It’s a crazy plan. But perhaps he’s a little crazy for Chifuyu, anyway.

Since they don’t have any better ideas, he readily agrees.

“Alright!”

When their fists collide, it’s his heart that meets Chifuyu’s halfway.

END

Sorry they're idiots.

I’m also sorry this was absolutely Satou Ryusei erasure (love that guy) and the bajifuyu just totally derailed the meeting so it’s not even about Yotsuya Kaidan anymore. I promise they’ll hold another assembly to figure it out!!

Baji POV is really hard for me to write - so if he seems out of character, just remember I’m a crack fic writer.

This is for pau - if you like bajifuyu or kojiryu, please go read their fics!!

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