It's been two weeks since the meeting between the three families. Summer days seemed to have gone by so fast without a thought despite August just around the corner.

"That was my ice scream, you meanie! Give it back!" Demanded an angry Tsumugi.

"Try to get it from me then!" Taunted Katsuki as he waved the popsicle in the air, the plastic wrapping yet to have been open.

In attempt to appease Tsumugi's rage, Izuku offered his untouched treat (an All Might brand, of course). "H-Here, you can have mine, Tsumugi-chan."

Today out of all the blazing heated days, Katsuki had snatched the girl's ice cream when she least expected it and was now smirking smugly at the sight of her empty hands. Now he has two instead of one.

"Heh, lucky! Free ice cream! Double the chance to win a prize!" Said the spiky-haired boy.

Tsumugi gritted her teeth. He said that deliberately and it annoyed her.

"I'm good, Izuku." Calmly spoke the raven-haired girl as her sight stilled on Katsuki. "I bought that ice cream for myself, not for him. I'm gonna take it back with my own hands!"

She leaped without waiting another minute of response and grabbed air. She tries again and again, Katsuki slipping from every momentum she attempted at the last second.

At some point the two were running around the playground chasing each other's tails. Tsumugi's shouts and grumbles were heard occasionally while Katsuki laughed mischievously.

The girl's pace deterred. Pants drawled from her breath and sweat dripped down her chin. She then supported herself with hands on her knees. "Hah...Hah..."

Her target stopped running. He looks at her. "Give up already? Your ice cream's melting." Said Katsuki as he licked on his cold treat with a triumphant grin, not a sign of weariness evident.

This blows. So hard.

"...Give...it back..." Tsumugi almost wheezed out. Something... She needs something to quench her thirst. All her sweating eyes can focus on is her popsicle. Though it's likely already a small pool of melted ice cream -and not even cold,- she hated admitting defeat to him. The prospect leaves a bitter taste.

What would that say between the quirk and the quirkless?

Tsumugi collapsed to the hot ground. Her body and bones feel like being boiled in lava. She could barely keep her eyes open and awake.

Somehow it's suffocating...

The world closed in on her as the last thing she saw was the earthly surface.

...

Hotaru sat on the couch of the living room hunched over. His head was bowed low to which his expression was hidden completely from view.

The household was silently still until the door opened to reveal Mahiru. Closing it behind her, the dark-haired woman approached her husband.

She placed a hand on his shoulder. "Dear..."

Hotaru had yet to look up. "It's begun." He croaked out. "Tsumugi...Not her too..."

Mahiru sits beside him and slid her hand on his larger one, squeezing it. "It's only the heat stroke, Hotaru. It's too early to jump to conclusions..."

The man shook his head. "No, that's not it. Tsumugi... She inherited my blood and yours, Mahiru. But even with yours, my bloodline continued to pass onto her. That's the curse of my family..."

Mahiru furrowed her brows. "Tsumugi's only five, Hotaru. How do you know that's the case?" She softly inquired.

Hotaru grabs fistfuls of his black hair in frustration to the extent he might rip them out from his scalp. "I've heard several stories of my ancestors from old man Tsubaki. I even told you some of them. You know how much I'd hate to see how Tsumugi's fate would be the same as theirs."

Mahiru furrowed her brows, pursed her lips and slowly nodded. She has heard of a few before the two decided to commit the long relationship as a couple. She still remembers the strained visage he wore as he told her the Kuroyanagi tales.

The man continues, "That's why I had feared this moment ever since. Hell, even Tsubaki confirmed it himself! Our child... I'm afraid we won't be able to help..." He trails off, unable to finish his sentence before his shoulders sagged lower.

Mahiru watches him mumble apologies - whether to himself or someone other than him she wasn't sure- until she finally said, "I thought you were more stronger than this."

Hotaru stopped. He managed to glance up to his wife for the first time.

"You and I both knew what we're about to face when we decided to start a family of our own, right? You can't beat yourself up so soon before anything started."

"Mahiru..." Muttered Hotaru.

"We just need to do our very best to make Tsu-chan happy! Simple. It's our job as parents that we support our child and raise her well like any loving family." Warm brown eyes soften. "We're in this together. Like I always told you, right?"

Hotaru stared at her speechless. He recognized the spark of fire in her blazing strong. The same spark he acknowledged as an endearing trait of his wife.

The former policeman leaned forward and embraced Mahiru. He rests his forehead on her shoulder. "You're right. Thank you..."

The woman giggled softly before rubbing his back. What he wasn't aware of was the sad glimmer reflecting in her gaze staring at the wall behinf him.

"What am I going to do with you, my one and only firefly..."

...

The next day Tsumugi had recovered. The little girl didn't quite remember what happened right beforehand, but after her parents explained to her of the heat stroke, she had been released of her confusion.

Mahiru had informed the Bakugou and Midoriya households of Tsumugi's recovery over the phone. Both were relieved to hear the good news and hoped to see the Kuroyanagi family come visit next time.

"Oh, that's right," Began Hotaru after Mahiru had finished chatting with Mitsuki, "Doesn't Mr. Bakugou work as a fashion designer?"

Despite the past few weeks after Tsumugi had made new friend(s?), Hotaru hadn't met their parents face to face. Much less see who her newfound playmates were (he honestly has no clue how he didn't). Though based from his daughter's tellings, one was pleasant while the other... wasn't, to say the least.

In response to his inquiry, his wife nodded. "So I've heard from Mi-chan."

" 'Mi-chan'?" Repeated the man whose brow rose.

"Mr. Bakugou's wife, Mitsuki." Clarified Mahiru who didn't skip a beat in replying.

Hotaru returned to the former topic in hand without further unnecessary skepticism. He knew how his amicable wife's optimism lead her to the point of nicknames. "Right, as I was saying... How about all three of us families meet up together?"

Mahiru clapped her hands together. "Perfect! I don't see the harm in that at all! A great bonding opportunity for us parents while the children play along the way! I'll let them know right now!"

Without waiting more of what Hotaru has to say, the enthusiastic brunette leaves the living room to reach the house phone.

"We don't even have a location planned!" Exclaimed the man just before she had almost dashed out the area.

Meanwhile a small figure was peering through the door gap with thin lips and an unreadable look...

...

Gray eyes curiously eyed their surroundings. Signs and pennants of a variety of animals were displayed and hung to demonstrate the diversity of the wildlife the location has in store. Realistic creatures unfamiliar to her compared to what she's seen in picture books appealed to the girl.

"Mum, I wanna see the lions!" Demanded Katsuki as he pointed at said feline's portrait while his eyes locked on his mother's.

While Mitsuki dealt with the boy, Inko smiled at Izuku who clung to her pant leg. "What would you like to see, Izuku?"

The freckled child, overwhelmed by the enormous selection the grand zoo had to offer, fidgeted. "I-I'm okay with what Kacchan and Tsumugi-chan wants..."

Watching the Bakugou and Midoriya family for a brief moment (they were... interesting, for lack of words, especially the two boys), Hotaru looks to Tsumugi in his arms. "How about you, Tsumugi?"

The raven-haired skimmed the visuals (from beside Hotaru, Mahiru's smile twitched just the slightest) until she silently pointed to one.

Hotaru follows her finger and smiles. "You want to see them?"

She nods, allowing a smile to lighten the eager twinkle in her eyes.

A silent sigh from his right was heard only by Hotaru.

The man couldn't blame his wife. After all, they didn't want their child to realize her cause of anxiety was closer than she would ever think.

While Tsumugi's view was fixated past behind Hotaru's shoulder, the Kuroyanagi parents glanced at one particular point in the map.

Across the zoo's entrance was a petting zoo.

Inside lies Tsumugi's one fear: rabbits.

...

After some time visiting animals left and right, it was then the children were hungry. Coincidentally the timing was within lunch hour. The whole group managed to occupy empty tables underneath the abundant shading of the tree shielding from the hot rays of the sun.

"Ahaha! You and your family sure have an affinity with confusing names," Began Masaru who laughed heartedly in amusement.

"Must've been a coincidence..." Sitting across him, Hotaru could only say in response and chuckled sheepishly.

Masaru smiles a friendly smile. "I actually thought you and your wife's names were vice versa. That's kind of unique for a couple to have. 'Tsumugi' is also a unisex name ... Could that have been intentional too?" He teased in the end.

Hotaru finds his head nodding along in loss for having anything much to say. It wasn't he didn't appreciate his presence. Rather he was somewhat overwhelmed by the man's amicable attitude. It was similar to Mahiru's, but her's is more milder.

He actually likes this change of pace. Compared to the quiet and tranquility of home and his family, the rowdiness of outsider friends (to put in general terms) was a fresh experience.

Hotaru rubs the back of his neck and replied to Masaru's tease, "It could've been, hahaha..."

Meanwhile beside them the mothers were tending to their children respectively.

"Where should we go after this?" Inko wondered aloud to her circle of fellow mothers and young ones.

Katsuki's hand darted up to the air. "I wanna see the bears next!"

"We've already been there, Katsuki. That was the whole bear section!" Told Mitsuki exasperatedly.

"Eh? But they were boring! They were hiding the whole time and didn't do anything fun!" Complained the ash-blonde boy. It was obvious he was disappointed.

"They're just doing their own thing, Katsuki. Not everything has to be 'hunting' and 'making noise.' " Mitsuki quoted from Katsuki's words back when they visited the area.

"Then just train to become stronger! Why are they just sleeping and eating all the time?!"

"Oh be quiet about the bears! Your food will get cold!"

"It's summer and it's burning!"

After watching the two verbally fight retorts, the remaining party looked to each other before reverting to the blondes. It appears their quarrel wouldn't end very soon.

Mahiru smoothly intervened, "Let's go see the wolves next. That's what Tsu-chan would like."

Their argument successfully ceased, Mitsuki being the first to break off, "I don't see why not." She smiles as though her irritation was not apparent just a second ago.

However her son thinks otherwise. "Hah? Wolves? That doesn't match you, Usagi-chan. Just go to the petting zoo and look at rabbits with Deku!"

From beside Mahiru, Tsumugi's whole body flinched.

A thud was heard.

Katsuki rubbed the stinging area from above his head before glaring at his mother. "What's that for?!"

Mitsuki lowers her fist and evenly meets her son's crimson red eyes. An upset frown settled on her lips. "That was for being rude. Show some respect and dignity. You're a man, aren't you?"

Before Katsuki would utter his first syllable, she interrupts,"Apologize right now. Both to Tsumugi-chan and Izuku-kun."

As Tsumugi watched the scene play out, she was reminded of the first time she met Katsuki's mom.

'Again...?' Was what she was thought as she listened to the spikey-haired boy mumble a bitter apology, which was reluctantly approved by Mitsuki.

Mahiru and the Midoriya family forgave his previous behavior and proceeded to lighten the mood by preparing the continuation of the zoo trip.

It was only when Mahiru's gentle hand settled on Tsumugi's shoulder that the latter was snapped from her rigidness. The gesture may seem simple to others but to them it was a sign language of sorts.

Dark chocolate brown eyes glimmered faintly within brief eye contact before they looked elsewhere.

Tsumugi knew there was reassurance silently supporting her back and love to ease her senses.

...

When everyone arrived to the wolf section, a few grown wolves were spotted lying underneath the shades, presumably napping away from the summer heat.

Though they were well far from the glass screen serving as a barrier, the sight of wolves was enough to pique the general audience's attention.

Tsumugi peered curiously as she was carried by Hotaru once again.

Seeing them comfortable from their positions somehow made her at peace too.

Meanwhile Katsuki and Izuku scanned the area for any other activities occuring.

The former of the two pouted. 'Who knew zoos can be boring...' He was smart enough not to make that audible in the presence of his parents.

Unlike Katsuki though, the freckled boy was admiring the scenery. "Wow! They look so big!"

Inko smiles. "Yes, they do."

Tsumugi watches in awe. Though wolves are part of the wildlife, they are really just bigger dog versions of the pets.

"Daddy, can we keep one?" Asked Tsumugi as she pointed to a wolf.

Hotaru allowed a forgiving smile to enter. "I'm afraid not, Tsumugi. No one's allowed to have one as a pet."

Mahiru from beside him simply smiled as though nothing questionable was needed to address. "Oh my."

Tsumugi was slightly disappointed.

Suddenly Masaru bursted into laughter, though mindful to keep it within the group. "That's what our boy said the other time we went to a zoo, but with a tiger!"

Somehow that didn't surprise Tsumugi nor Hotaru. Katsuki had just proudly displayed his supreme aura of standing above others to the point where no doubts of his character is made.

In response, said pair glanced at the boy before looking to Masaru. Both had matching deadpan expressions. "We could see that." The father spoke, his daughter nodding in agreement. Masaru and also Mitsuki chuckled at the identical sight.

Mahiru simply remarked how "lively" children of this generation were. It was silently unanimous among all the other parents that was one way to put it.

"Should we go somewhere else now? We still have a couple of hours to spend." Said Inko after a few minutes of wolf-watching passed.

"I suppose so," Mitsuki replied. "Let's go see the foxes next, kids!"

Katsuki and Izuku followed beside their respective parents, satisfied with the wolves. Meanwhile Hotaru was settling Tsumugi on her feet as she wanted to be with Mahiru this time around. He didn't complain, as his arms were becoming a little sore from carrying her for a few hours.

"Come Tsu-chan." Beckoned the woman as the group exited. Tsumugi grasped her hand.

Just when the little girl sneaked a glance over, a pair of golden yellow eyes were staring directly at her.

Though she may have just imagined it the next second the wolf had sauntered off.

...

A few days passed after the overall pleasant zoo trip. Tsumugi was currently with Katsuki and Izuku eating ice cream together at the playground. At least this time Katsuki hadn't made a move on her treat. Yet.

Izuku, being sandwiched between his two glaring friends, nervously sweated and gripped his popsicle stick with both hands. The animosity was concerning.

After a moment of silence and licking of ice cream, Katsuki looked at his treat and let out a groan. "No good..."

"No 'winner' stick, I bet." Remarked Tsumugi in a matter-of-fact tone. She then looked to her half finished popsicle. "I didn't get one either, though."

It was at the moment Izuku discovered he arrived at the same result. His expression mildly crestfallen. "Me too..."

Katsuki swallowed the rest of his All Might popsicle in one go before earning a brain freeze. After his quick recovery, he clenched the blank stick in his hand and gritted his teeth.

"I ate so many but never got it! How?!" Amidst his anger fit, the explosion user threw the worthless stick into the trash bin several feet away from him. It successfully made in, wowing Izuku and disturbing Tsumugi.

The latter recalled the poster she saw plastered on the ice cream truck. Whoever gets a WINNER marked on the stick, the person would recieve a premium prize based on All Might of any kind. Simple items such as keychains, plushies, shirts, ecetera. Knowing those two -whose fanboy tendencies stand above any she ever knew- they would never not take the opportunity.

The number one hero All Might was featured with his burly thumb up and trademark smile exhibiting pearly white teeth. Everything about him was unlike Japan and its oriental-like traditions; his overall impression being American and a hero like in western comic books.

She wouldn't say she's a die-hard fan of him, honestly. Yes, she respects his achievements and overwhelming capacity as the man who is the symbol of peace. However something prevents her from seeing him the same way Izuku and Katsuki do.

She didn't believe it has to do with them being boys. Everyone, boy or girl, young or old, admires him. Whenever All Might is featured onscreen, printed in paper, or even on snack brands, anyone would stop for a second to awe at him with praises and smiles. Of course, he is the savior anyone can count on. He may as well be preached like a god.

Yet Tsumugi couldn't see herself reacting the same as everyone else. Neither Izuku nor Katsuki know of this. She doesn't have to be a genius to assume their reactions would not be a pleasant kind. How would she even express without a reason she herself does not know?

A frown settled on her cold lips sweet from the ice cream. She then shook her head when she realized she had been intently staring at the melting face of All Might. She shouldn't think of these things so much. Just doing so makes her feel uncomfortable.

"Argh! I'm gonna buy another ice cream!"

The sudden raise of Katsuki's voice lured charcoal gray eyes up in surprise.

"Eh? Again, Kacchan?" Izuku unknowingly spoke for Tsumugi as the two watched the ash blond stomp to the ice cream truck.

"I'll win... I'll get that prize! Just watch!" His muttering was audible for then to hear.

"Why do you wanna win so much?"

Two heads looked to Tsumugi.

She shut her lips. She didn't mean to say that aloud.

Katsuki turns to face the girl. His face appeared as though she had asked a silly question. "Hah? That's easy!"

Tsumugi watches his crimson red eyes brim with life. He grins confidently.

"Cuz All Might is the number one hero! If I wanna be the best hero ever, I gotta win no matter what! Heroes always win in the end! That's why I won't lose to a dumb stick!"

No one said anything for a few seconds, Katsuki's words hanging in the air gradually being absorbed. Until Izuku's emerald green eyes shimmered in admiration. "You're so cool, Kacchan!"

Katsuki smirks proudly. "I know!"

Meanwhile the third party had not uttered a sound, her head hung low as her lips pursed in deep thought. Her eyes were rendered unreadable by the overshadowing of her bangs.

Drops of colorful ice cream dripped to the ground as she loosely held the melting treat under the summer heat.

...

August was almost over, and along with it summer.

Tsumugi looked back to the past two months.

While there were notable dissatisfying bits such as fights with the explosive boy, there were plenty of pleasant memories made.

However, that means she'll have to say her farewells.

"Y-You're leaving...?" Izuku hesitantly spoke as he and Tsumugi sat on the swingsets beside each other. His lips quivered and a strain was heard in his voice. Emerald green eyes reflected a watery shine.

The girl stared at her feet, nodding in response. She too was disheartened. "Yeah... Me and my family have to go back home when school starts again..."

"When are you leaving?"

"Tonight."

"Oh..."

A moment of silence between the two passed.

"But," Tsumugi began, "I'll come back. Mamma and papa said we can come back here next summer. So..."

Joy replaced Izuku's sadness and lifted his lips. "Really? We can see each other again! I'm so happy!"

Tsumugi smiled a small smile. "Yeah. Me too."

Suddenly a flash of recognition in his eyes. "Oh, does Kacchan know about this?"

Tsumugi pouted, begrudgingly looking elsewhere. "...No, but he'll find out later. It's not like he'll actually miss me anyway..." She whispered under her breath at her last sentence, which was left unheard by the freckled boy.

...

Above the crowd chattering and announcement speakers, Tsumugi watched her trembling friend about to unleash a waterfall any moment.

"Ts-Tsumugi-chan..." Uttered Izuku. He was staying strong not to bring down the mood.

Said girl approached him and made hand motions above him. "Sadness, sadness, go away. Sadness, sadness, go away." She smiles gently, charcoal gray eyes softening. "Don't cry, Izuku."

The warm gesture only opened his tears.

Izuku bit his bottom lip before furiously wiping the salty fluids with his hands. Sniffling once, hardened eyes stared directly into hers. "Thank you, Tsumugi-chan. Thank you for being m-my friend..."

The dark-haired girl smiled. "You too."

"Ahh," Drawled out a certain explosive boy, "Deku's being a crybaby again."

From the sideline Katsuki had been standing watching the dramatic scene between the two quirkless. What is this, some drama movie?

"K-Kacchan!" Stuttered Izuku.

Tsumugi sent a half-heated look at the ash blonde. "You better not bully Izuku when I'm gone." Though she already knew that's not possible.

Internally she was reluctant to leave Izuku with a bad influence in the form of an arrogant quirk user. Ever since she knew of his situation, she couldn't shake off her concern for her green-haired friend.

It's unfortunate, but there's nothing she can do to stop it. Especially when she lives very far.

Katsuki scoffs through his nostrils and crossed his arms, a sly smirk branded. "Uh-huh, whatever you say, Usagi-chan."

Tsumugi wasn't surprised his response would be that. In replacement for surprise, she was mildly irritated.

"When will you ever say my real name... Bakugou?"

From behind the children, Tsumugi's parents were slightly perturbed by the new discovery.

Children of her age usually wouldn't be on a last name basis until much later in the future where that is a respective system.

It was kind of scary, to say.

From beside the couple, both the Bakugou and Midoriya parents looked to the third party in unplanned unison. The Kuroyanagi's didn't know what to say, surprisingly as they usually have a few words to spare in past interactions.

The children didn't seem to pay mind to the background antics. Katsuki replied, "Same goes to you! You never call me Kacchan! You just say 'hey' and 'you' a lot!"

Tsumugi glanced sideways. "Because..."

It was at that moment the announcements and sounds of a train interrupted.

Mahiru and Hotaru perked up when the name of their destination echoed the whole station.

"Our ride's finally come." The latter stated, preparing to gather their luggages in hand.

The former of the two held her hands together with a smile accompanied. "Thank you everyone for the time we spent together. It was a pleasure to know you all."

Before Mahiru could continue, the clatter of the train tracks overwashed all the noises.

Meanwhile Hotaru taps Tsumugi's small shoulder, signaling their departure. The girl nodded as the train slowed down until the soft hiss of its settlement followed.

Mahiru quickly promises their return for next summer before beckoning her daughter's hand.

Tsumugi looks back to everyone as they waved goodbye with smiles on their faces.

"See you next year!" Said Mitsuki, the friendly and eccentric woman Tsumugi had come to respect for her unwavering morals even when she deals with her troublesome son.

"Come back soon!" Masaru, the cheerful and kind-hearted man who acted like an uncle-figure to her grinned.

"We'll be waiting!" Inko waved, the nice and sweet woman who welcomed her presence with open arms after becoming her son's friend.

Tsumugi looked to Katsuki and Izuku.

The latter waved as he watched the Kuroyanagi family enter the train. From behind the tall masses of people swarming the entrance doors, she could make out the wide smile and sparkling eyes. It was surprising for the boy who was recently teary-eyed see her off with now a bright visage.

Meanwhile the former didn't particularly appear hopeful or anticipating like the others. Instead he stared at her with a hidden look she herself couldn't make out.

Before she could think of it, she found herself placed by the window seat with her family who settled themselves comfortably. Fortunately they were on the side facing the passerby area.

Tsumugi leaned close to the glass to meet eye contact with them, who resumed waving upon seeing the girl. The other side was inaudible but she knew they were wishing her family a safe journey home.

The train started to life and begun slowly treading on the metal tracks. Tsumugi sent one last hand wave as their figures escaped from the window frame.

Her eyes never left the station until it was never seen from her peripheral vision. After that, she slid down to her seat and curiously looked to her parents.

"Mamma, papa..."

Both turned their attention to their child.

"Will we really see them again?"

"Of course!" Mahiru replied with a bright smile. "We'll come back and see them every summer we have."

"Your mother's right," Hotaru said. "Especially since you've made friends over there. So cheer up!" The raven-haired man slightly ruffled his daughter's short hair, who pouted at the gesture. "Summer will be back before you know it."

A bubbly feeling rose from her chest. The excitement to see their faces were still fresh and lingering in her mind. Tsumugi smiles. "Yeah."

And so, summer vacation has reached its end.

...

..

.

Violent intakes of air shook the shoulders erratically as the night awakened from the void of silence.

Untamed retching noises were hushed behind closed doors, confining the source that dared to disturb midnight's slumber.

Inside was a man hunched over the sink. Stark crimson red contrasted the white glossy surface stained in thin sheets of blots.

A cold pallid hand had gripped the edge of the sink to the point white knuckles were drawn.

Steel blue glazed with sweat glanced up to the mirror.

"Damn it. Out of time, huh..."

...

..

.

[A goodbye won't be a farewell, but a promise.]

(*) - If you don't know, Tsumugi can apply to either gender. Ex: Aoba Tsumugi (Ensemble Stars, male), Momose Tsumugi (Dynamic Chord, male), Shirogane Tsumugi (Danganronpa V3, female) and Kotobuki Tsumugi (K-On!, female). So I'm not making stuff up, believe it!

(Also I actually don't know much about K-On! and Dynamic Chord, so if you got excited about finding a fellow fan in common, sorry!)

Btw I'm sorry for the late update! I kind of had a writer's block (and school) to deal with since the last update. If you think the flow of this chapter was not good that's because I was kind of rushing through it. Yeah, I know, not a good habit.

Also I am NOT abandoning this fic, not ever.

The canon plot will kickstart around the 10th (hopefully not later) chapter. I do want to get to the exciting parts and not bore you with so many chapters of precanon stuff. The plot bunnies are just going crazy.

'Til next time!