| Part II: Happy Birthday |
Immediately after classes ended, I gathered my personal belongings and made my way out of UA for the day. Today was a very special day, which required my special, undivided attention.
It is my younger brother's birthday! Normally, I'd game for hours on end, just until my fingers weren't able to take the cramps anymore... but I didn't necessarily have the motivation for that today. Instead, I stood outside the internet cafe with my back pressed against the cold wall.
"Video games aren't as fun when you're not around... Whose ass am I supposed to kick, huh?" Rather suddenly, my shoulders began to shake. The tears were uncontrolled, and brimmed from my eyes in an instant. Every year, it was the same: Go home, mourn, pray, regret, and sleep. Except... I'm feeling a tad more sensitive than usual.
I squeezed my cell phone as it was tightly wrapped by my fingers. This didn't at all stop me from using my knuckles to wipe the seemingly endless tears, only for them to return again in seconds.
Several people passed me by. Some looked at me with pity, while others didn't spare me a single glance. If it weren't for the mother's tugging their children away, they would've approached me without a doubt.
"Ah... It's been over five years, and I still can't help the tears. I'm such a baby.." I sniffled, but chuckled at my words. I could tell that I was improving; it hurt a lot less this year.
My thoughts were loud, practically drowning out the sounds of commotion around me. Because of this, I hadn't acknowledged the footsteps approaching me. Slowly, my (E/C) hues narrowed onto the cuffs of a pair of baggy trousers, before my gaze lifted. "Sorry," Sniffling, I regained my composure. "...it's the dust..."
My words trailed off, gradually getting softer at the appearance of a male with ash blond hair which pointed in every direction, and vibrant crimson hues. I could feel my shoulders tense up, and soon lowered my eyes onto my lap. 'Geez, what's with this guy... He has such a commanding presence, plus...'
It took a courageous bit of me to raise both my head and eyes for a subtle and awkward glance. 'He won't stop staring...' By the time my lips parted for me to speak, the male was already seated beside me on a bench.
He looked a bit... reluctant. It was as though this entire situation was beginning to crush his pride. Slowly, I sat beside him, leaving my phone to do the same. "Um... Bakugo?"
Turning back to face him, my lips pursed. Suddenly, I was holding my breath and making a sour face. It wasn't because I felt nervous or awkward, but his... his face was ridiculous! It was full of uncertainty and confliction, which did a number on his expression.
He must've noticed me desperately fighting laughter, because the veins protruding from his forehead became even more apparent. Smacking my hand over my lips, I squeezed my eyes shut. "Huh? What the hell is so funny?" His arms were folded against his fabric which was sticking against his chiseled chest.
It really did feel impossible to keep the laughter from slipping. "I'm-- I'm sorry! I can't tell if you're pissed at something, or just frustrated." Before I lowered my hand, I wiped the tears pricking the corner of my eyes. "Then again, you have a mean look on all the time."
In a exaggerated huff, Bakugo eyed me thoroughly before he turned away, keeping his eyes on the barrage of people as they passed. "Well... at least you don't look sad anymore."
I didn't at all peg him for the sentimental type. I guess looks can be deceiving. In silence, I turned away with a subtle smile. "I guess you cheered me up a little... thank you. But.. why are you here?" His eyes became frantic at this question, and he soon lowered them onto his lap where his hands sat.
Suddenly, I felt like I shouldn't have asked that question after noticing his perplexity. Awkwardly, I averted my gaze and pushed to my feet. "I'll-- be right back! Y-You look a little thirsty." I didn't stick around to wait for his response. In seconds, I was scurrying off towards the nearest vending machine.
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Just as promised, I returned with a two cans of black coffee. "I don't know your preference, but who doesn't like coffee?" Seating myself beside him again, I handed him the can. And quite wordlessly, he accepted.
"Y'know..." Reaching for the pop up tab, I reeled it back just until I heard its satisfying snap. "You aren't at all how you look. You always have this scowl on your face; but don't worry," Extending my hand, I tapped the can against his own. "I think it's sort of cool."
He was still speechless, but this was understandable, since by now he was gulping down the coffee I'd given him.
For quite a bit, there was silence... but I didn't feel at all awkward anymore. Smiling, I watched as children raced through the busy sidewalks as the robust youth they were. Perhaps if I'd turned my head to him, I would have noticed that he was concealing those pink hues sprawling across his cheeks with the can, which darkened by the second.
"Hey..." He never seemed like the type to acknowledge honorifics as a whole... so I ignored this. What I was really curious about, was what he was going to say next. "Hm?"I raised a brow, turning my head towards him.
"What is... your quirk?"
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Exhaling, I pressed my hand against my chest. "I can't believe that I ran off on Bakugo like that! I feel so embarrassed..." I had to! He was beginning to make me nervous... and I can't have my quirk set off.
Walking down the sidewalk, I reached for my phone. "Seven o'clock, already? Time really does fly." It dreaded me to know that I'd return from a long day to a depressing home... but I didn't have a choice.
Before I could put away my phone, I felt my fingers tingle at a sudden vibration. I lacked friends— social interaction for that matter— so ultimately I envisioned the message being from my mom... but that wasn't quite the case.
My brows lowered, knitting downwards to express my confusion. "Turn... left? Don't ignore my message.. if you want to go home tonight?" I felt unease and uncertainty after reading the message being left by an anonymous user, yet...
"Should I listen to them...?"
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