Sero: What about Kaminari?

Mina: He said he couldn't come...

Sero: Again?

Mina: He told me he already had plans.

Kirishima: Guys, I know Kaminari has been acting weird lately, but you didn't realize he has been disappearing every Saturday for like a month?

Mina: Well, now that you mention it, yeah. He never says where he's going or what he's doing. He only says he can't or that he already has plans.

Kirishima: That's what I'm saying. He's hiding something.

Mina: Do you think he's seeing a girl?

Sero: Jirou?

Mina: Nah, I wish. I've seen her even when Kaminari is not there.

Sero: Then another girl?

Kirishima: Nah, Kaminari would never do that now bro. You've seen it by yourself, he now rejects any girl that isn't Jirou.

Sero: Maybe he just goes home guys. Remember, his mother is a pro-hero, weekends are the only time he has to spend time with her.

Mina: Yeah...maybe you are right, we are looking too deep into it.

Then, the lord of darkness himself arrived where the group was talking.

Tokoyami: Hey guys, I'm ready, sorry for keeping you waiting. Dark Shadow wanted some nuggets and he gets insufferable when he gets hungry.

- Chicken nuggies yum yum!- Dark Shadow said appearing from behind Fumikage.

Tokoyami: Silence, Dark Shadow.

Kirishima: Don't worry bro. We are ready to go then, let's go.

Tokoyami: Where are we going?- He asked, not knowing what the plan really was.

Mina: We found this pub bar in the middle of the city, it has beer, food, and live entertainment.

Tokoyami: Sounds good.- The bird man said in his characteristic deep voice.

The four teens took off, heading out of the UA campus en route to the metro station that connected to Downtown Honei City, close to Musutafu. But why was Tokoyami tagging along? It's funny to explain but, the Bakusquad has a rule that needs to exist in order for them to function. There has to be a serious and responsible member with the group at all times to keep them in check. Normally it is Bakugo, but when he's not available, they call Jirou. And when she's not available either, Tokoyami is the man for the job. It's true, you can't leave Kirishima, Sero, Mina, and Kaminari alone because they'll do something stupid to get into trouble.

Mina: Here we are.- She said pointing at the pub as they arrived, it looked like a classic Irish Pub, with Dim lighting, shiny dark wood tables, and a long bar with bartenders serving all types of beer and other drinks, alcoholic and not alcoholic.

Taking up an entire wall, there was a little stage with instruments, mics, amps, and sound equipment. It was true there was live entertainment like Mina said. From Karaoke to performers and stand-up comedians. They wondered which of those was planned for today. They sat at a table in the center of the pub and ordered a few drinks.

Tokoyami was sitting on the left side of the round table (from the pov of the stage) beside him Mina, then Kirishima who was holding his girlfriend's hand, and then Sero. The last two engaged in a conversation about sports (all after they saw baseball playing on one of the TVs near the bar) and Mina and Tokoyami started their own conversation.

Mina: So Tokoyami, how is Hawks? Has he fully recovered yet?

Tokoyami: Not fully, but he's close to returning full-time again.- The bird man answered the question regarding his mentor.

Mina: Yeah, it must be difficult for him after losing and regaining his quirk.

Tokoyami: That's why I admire him, he has a will of iron.

Mina: So...What about Tsu and you?- She said with a smirk, shifting the course of the conversation.

Tokoyami: I don't know what are you talking about. - He said, not even moving a single muscle on his face, making it impossible to tell if he was hiding something.

Mina: Oh come oooooon, I know there is something between you two. You can tell me Tokoyami, I promise I won't tell anyone.- She said, pouting.

Tokoyami: You are someone who can't be trusted with this kind of revelations Ashido, we all know how much you like the chronicles of love between our classmates.

Mina: I know you like her, and you can't hide it forever.

-You are right Mina, Fumikage finds Asui really cute- Dark Shadow appeared yet again from behind Tokoyami, now spitting compromising information, so much that Tokoyami's poker face broke entirely and revealed his frustration.

Mina: HAAAAA, I KNEW IT. She screamed pointing at him.

Tokoyami: DARK SHADOW, what did I tell you about speaking out of term when you're not supposed to!!!- The dark raven guy said looking nervous and angry at the creature living in him.

-Ups, sorry Fumikage hehe -Dark Shadow said sarcastically.

Mina started laughing, then someone caught her attention. A blonde guy, wearing black techwear cargo pants, blue Jordans, a black t-shirt, and a choker came up on stage, was he the performer? Something was off. Until she saw his face, her eyes widened and she raised both of her eyebrows in disbelief. Tokoyami saw this with confusion.

Kirishima: I'm telling you Sero, Shoei Otani is the GOAT, he's like the Jordan of baseball Im serioooOOOOOUSSSSS AHHHHHHHGGG!!!!- Mina squeezed her boyfriend's hand hard without noticing it.

Kirishima: What the fuck babe??? What was that for?- But she didn't paid attention to what her boyfriend was complaining about, she just kept looking at the stage, then she raised her arm and pointed to the guy who was holding an electric guitar and was about to speak to the audience with the microphone.

Mina: G-guys...is t-that...is t-that Kaminari???!!!

They all turned their heads to the stage, just to find the one and only, Denki Kaminari about to speak through the microphone.

Kaminari: Hello ladies and gentlemen, I hope you are having a great time, my name is Kaminari Denki, and we're going to play a very special song for me, I hope you enjoy it.

The whole pub stared in silence, prepared to listen to the band on stage.

[Denki]

I got your picture, I'm coming with you
Dear Maria, count me in
There's a story at the bottom of this bottle
And I'm the penWhen the lights go off
I wanna watch the way you take the stage by storm
The way you wrap those boys around your finger
Go on and play the leader'Cause you know it's what you're good at
The low road for the fast track
Make every second last'Cause I got your picture, I'm coming with you
Dear Maria, count me in
There's a story at the bottom of this bottle
And I'm the penMake it count
When I'm the one who's selling you out
'Cause it feels like stealing hearts
Calling your name from the crowdDoesn't that mean you'll be the show girl of the home team
I'll be the narrator
Telling another tale of the American dreamI see your name in lights
We could make you a star
Girl, we'll take the world by storm
It isn't that hard'Cause I got your picture, I'm coming with you
Dear Maria, count me in
There's a story at the bottom of this bottle
And I'm the penMake it count
When I'm the one who's selling you out
'Cause it feels like stealing hearts
Calling your name from the crowd, whoa

[Everyobody started clapping]

Ha, ha

Take a breath, don't it sound so easy?
Never had a doubt, now I'm going crazy
Watching from the floor
Take a breath and let the rest come easy
Never settle down 'cause the cash flow leaves me
Always wanting more'Cause I got your picture, I'm coming with you
Dear Maria, count me in
There's a story at the bottom of this bottle
And I'm the penMake it count
When I'm the one who's selling you out
'Cause it feels like stealing hearts
Calling your name from the crowd'Cause I got your picture, I'm coming with you
Dear Maria, count me in
There's a story at the bottom of this bottle.

The whole placed roared in cheers, everybody loved the performance of the band, especially the boys, who sang with so much emotion and passion. When he opened his eyes he saw his friends sitting at the table in the middle, looking at him with surprised looks. That sight made him get nervous, his secret was no longer.

Kaminari: T-thanks, everybody. We'll be right back after a break with more music for you. Go to the counter and ask for some drinks while you wait...thank you.- He said through the microphone getting off the stage looking flustered. 

He went straight to his friend's table, knowing there was no escape from this, might as well tell them right away.

Kaminari: H-hey guys...w-what are you doing here?- He said, scratching the back of his neck.

Mina: The question is, what the FUCK was that, and what the FUCK are YOU doing here???!!!- She said still in disbelief. They knew Kaminari was good with music and had a good voice, but not that he played in front of the live public in some bar downtown.

Kaminari: Well...this is my job, kinda.

Sero: Explain yourself, buddy.

Kaminari: sigh* - He grabs an empty chair sits backwards on it and yells to one of the waiters.

Kaminari: Kensuke, one beer here, please.- He waited for his beer before starting to explain.- So, it all started about a month ago, I saw this place on Instagram and went alone once, it was Karaoke night. That day I was a little inspired so I went up on stage and played a couple of songs. The public liked it so much that the manager approached me and offered me the job, I'm on the line-up every Saturday around this time. Is not bad money, to be honest tho.

Kirishima: Oh, that's why you disappeared every Saturday and came home around nighttime.

Kaminari: Yeah

Mina: But, why didn't you tell us?- Kaminari looked at her a little nervous after hearing her question.

Tokoyami: Tell me something Kaminari.- Fumikage said

Kaminari: Huh?

Tokoyami: That song you just played, you were talking about Jirou, right?

Kaminari froze when he heard what Tokoyami just said.

Kaminari: Ehmm...- He started muttering, looking away from his friend's looks.

Kirishima: It's true isn't it?

Kaminari: sigh* Yeah. The reason I took this side hustle wasn't because of the money...I did it because here I could sing about Jirou all I wanted and nobody would know, here I can drain all my frustration and feelings for her.

Tokoyami: That's what I thought.

Kaminari: Did you guys told him?- He asked his friends like he was recriminating something.

Tokoyami: No, I knew it all along, ever since you and I stayed up late practicing for last year's School Festival.

Mina: Yeah sweetie, it's pretty obvious.

Kaminari: Mina you too???- He yelled, practically everyone knew except for Jirou.

Mina: Well duh...-She chuckles.

Kaminari: Ahhgg shit...you guys better not tell anyone about this, especially Jirou.

Kirishima: Of course dude, there is nothing to be embarrassed about, but we'll keep the secret.- The red-haired guy said with a thumbs up.

About 2 minutes later, the manager came up to their table and spoke to Kaminari.

Manager: Hey kid, are you ready for your other song?

Kaminari: Yeah, I'll be there in a minute.

Manager: Ok then, but hurry up, the guys are waiting for you.

Kaminari: Alright.

Kaminari stood up finishing his beer and was about to leave, until Mina spoke to him.

Mina: Kaminari...

Kaminari: Yes?

Mina: Do you really love Jirou that much?

Kaminari: Well...- He tried looking away, he didn't wanted his friends to look at him blush.

Mina: Then show it to us.

Kaminari: Huh?

Mina: Go up there and tell us what you feel when you are around her. I want to know and I want to help you, but I need to understand.

Kaminari understood what his pink friend was trying to say, he nodded and went back to the stage, ready to sing.

The whole pub started to shut up when they saw the blonde guy come up to the stage once again. This time he sat down on a chair on stage, grabbed an acoustic guitar, and talked to the public.

Kaminari: Hello everyone, for my last song of the day. I want to dedicate this to someone very special to me, she's not here but I wish she could be. I hope you like it.

[Denki]

Give me love like her'Cause lately I've been waking up alone
Paint splattered teardrops on my shirt
Told you I'd let them go
And that I'll fight my corner
Maybe tonight I'll call ya
After my blood turns into alcohol
No, I just wanna hold yaGive a little time to me or burn this out
We'll play hide and seek to turn this around
All I want is the taste that your lips allow
My, my, my, my, oh give me love
My, my, my, my, oh give me love
My, my, my, my, oh give me love
My, my, my, my, oh give me love
My, my, my, my, oh give me loveGive me love like never before
'Cause lately I've been craving more
And it's been a while but I still feel the same
Maybe I should let you go
You know I'll fight my corner
And that tonight I'll call ya
After my blood is drowning in alcohol
No I just wanna hold yaGive a little time to me or burn this out
We'll play hide and seek to turn this around
All I want is the taste that your lips allow
My, my, my, my, oh give me love
Give a little time to me, or burn this out
We'll play hide and seek to turn this around
All I want is the taste that your lips allow
My, my, my, my, oh give me love
My, my, my, my, oh give me love
My, my, my, my, oh give me love
My, my, my, my, oh give me love
My my, my, my, oh give me loveM-my my, m-my my, m-my my, give me love, lover
M-my my, m-my my, m-my my, give me love, lover
M-my my, m-my my, m-my my, give me love, lover
M-my my, m-my my, m-my my, give me love, loverM-my my, m-my my, m-my my, give me love, lover
M-my my, m-my my, m-my my, give me love, lover
M-my my, m-my my, m-my my, give me love, lover
M-my my, m-my my, m-my my, give me love, lover (love me, love me, love me)M-my my, m-my my, m-my my, give me love, lover (give me love)
M-my my, m-my my, m-my my, give me love, lover (give me love)
M-my my, m-my my, m-my my, give me love, lover (give me love, love me)
M-my my, m-my my, m-my my, give me love, lover (give me love)My, my, my, my, oh give me love
My, my, my, my, oh give me love
My, my, my, my, oh give me love
My, my, my, my, oh give me love.

He opened his eyes to find himself surrounded by applause, his emotional and passionate song touched the hearts of many people in the audience, some of them even with little tears looming in their eyes. And without noticing, his eyes were filling with tiny melancholic tears. That song was the embodiment of every second he spent with the purple-haired girl.

He went down the stage to find his friends waiting for him. Mina reached out to him and hugged him, with tears in her eyes too.

Mina: That was beautiful Kaminari...I promise I'll help you with Kyoka. She needs to see this.- That was maybe the sweetest thing she ever said to him.

Sero: Same here pal, you can count on us.- He said putting a hand on his shoulder and giving him a big smile.

Kirishima: You can count on us.

Tokoyami: Your heart could shine bright, even in the depths of the underworld, my friend. 

Kaminari: Thank you guys.- He said smiling, he truly had the best of friends.

The group spent a couple more hours drinking and talking in the bar and even enjoyed some good comedy later in the evening. They left the bar around 9:30 p.m. and went back to UA. Mina was a little drunk so she had to be carefully carried by the boys so Mr. Aizawa won't notice. Nor Iida, the Class-rep was sometimes a little bit of a snitch...

[Kaminari's room, 12:30 p.m.]

*Knock* Knock* Knock*

Kaminari: Hmm? Who could it be at this hour?- He said, Denki wasn't ready to go to bed yet, but it was rare for someone to knock on his door at this hour.

*Knock* Knock* Knock*

Kaminari: Coming...

He opened the door and... Déjà vu.

Kaminari: Again?

Jirou: Y-yes...

To be continued

[Art by me]

[Also, this is Kaminari's mom]