Kaminari
I didn't think I'd be able to stay out of it so well… too well, actually. I must admit that the last thing I imagined was seeing them kiss. Somehow, I had managed to get to my room unnoticed by someone, but still, I couldn't help but feel watched.
I flopped onto the back of my door, releasing the deepest of sighs, realizing that I felt suffocated. My body felt heavy, sore; sick, but why? I clung to my knees as I tried to dissuade my mind from thinking of something else, uselessly.
I didn't go out for the rest of the day. I didn't want to be asked questions that I didn't know how to answer.
I tried to justify my discomfort and found no apparent answer. I guess it was the shock of knowing he was dating someone else, his hands around Monoma, while he… I don't know why it bothers me so much! Why was I so frustrated?
As I was trying to deal with whatever was happening to me, someone started knocking on my bedroom door. It was once I turned to it that I realized how heavy my feet felt.
– Kamibro, I thought you'd be in the mood for a round of Dead Hollow – Sero was showing me the video game smiling but the upward curve quickly changed when he saw me – Is something wrong?
– No. I was just thinking about the final exams ... Come in – putting me aside. Maybe an afternoon of games was just what I needed.
– You don't have to worry so much. – Throwing on my bed – You've improved a lot since the last time. You will do well. – While turning on the screen of the small device and gave me one of the controls. – Besides, you know that you can count on me if you need help.
– Yes. Thank you – showing him the best smile that my state of mind allowed me.
We should have been like this long enough for the lights outside to come on.
– Ahead! – I yelled without taking my eyes off my target
– I've been looking for you everywhere – Kiribro leaned down next to us – Didn't you see the messages?
– What messages? – Sero asked taking his cell phone – I can't believe it! – The scream almost made me fall out of bed – Shinso will be our new partner! – I felt as if the air that was inside my lungs had been extracted.
– Great, right?! – I felt in a trance – Don't you think so, Kami?
– Of course, he does – leaning on my shoulder – He is one of his closest friends
– Y – yes… – Was this the reason why he summoned me? I wanted to know how it was possible that he was now our partner, but I was afraid that they would ask me things that I am supposed to know, since I am his friend.
– Higher up in the conversation, Professor Aizawa informed us that he had passed the special exam to be in the Heroes' Course – showing us this message. Thanks, Kiribro.
– This is fantastic! – I had so many emotions in my chest that I didn't know how to react. I had no idea that he had thought of applying to such a test, or that it even existed. That explains why he trained and studied so much, but why didn't he tell me before?
– Yeah, I know of someone who did not take the news very well ... – More importantly, why was I not as happy as they? Was I being selfish?
– Bakugou doesn't need excuses to be angry – I need to do something about it. I want him to feel welcome.
– We have to celebrate! – Sero announced, anticipating my proposal
– You're right – Kirishima seconded – Let's tell the others, although we will have to convince Prof. Aizawa.
– He is his tutor, I'm sure he'll agree – Joining – Surprise welcome party for Shinso! – I announced, showing the best smile I could. As I had been until now, I must remain that friend who would support him no matter what. No one had to know the state I didn't know how to name.
Convincing our professor seemed like an impossible mission until his colleague Prof. Yamada intervened, convincing the listless black–haired man almost immediately. As far as I know, they have been friends from their days as students at U.A. And boy, I'm sure that influenced his approval.
– I just don't want disasters – he announced before he was overwhelmed by the subsequent shout of happiness that echoed through the common area.
I knew he hated crowds, but the party would also work for him to meet his new classmates, as well as to prove to myself that things could go on as usual between us… I hope.
Luckily, everything turned out much better than we thought, managing to interact with most except for Bakugou and Mineta, who didn't even bother to introduce themselves. I understand the explosive, he dislikes all of us (or so it leads us to believe), but Mineta's motives remained a mystery to me. I hope that doesn't generate conflicts.
It had been two weeks since he had entered the dorm and he seemed to adjust without any problem. I often saw him with Midoriya and the rest of the Dekusquad, though I always managed to spend time with him. Although our talks remained the same, I felt that I had to constantly force myself to forget the image I saw that Friday afternoon.
And I really wanted to believe that, but days later I saw them talking in one of the hallways and I couldn't help stopping to listen to them.
– You are very brave for daring to speak to me
– Listen to me! – The blond looked upset – I'm sorry
– I'm not interested in your apologies
– Shin ... –
– Don't touch me! – getting away from the other boy
– I'm really sorry, what can I do to make you forgive me?
– I don't think you can do something, and I really don't care how you feel – Is it a couple's argument? ... This is not my business!
– If Shinso hasn't told me anything about it, it's because he doesn't want me to know. – I got away from there as fast as I could. Although now that I think about it, we had never talked about topics like these, why? Maybe if I let him know that he could count on me, he would be motivated to tell me, but did I really want to talk to him about it?
The migraine that had moved into my head two weeks ago reminded me that as long as I didn't answer that question, it would be with me for a long time.
…
One of the weekends leading up to our final exams, I decided to stay in the dorm, because I knew my little brothers would distract me all the time. My performance in training had improved competently, but I had to keep up with theory.
I tried for what I thought had been hours to focus on Modern Hero Art History, but wouldn't every time I started to read only to find that at most, thirty minutes had passed.
– Maybe I need to rest a while – taking the book away from me. Then I started to feel hungry, so, knowing that I couldn't thing on an empty stomach, I headed to the kitchen.
It was arriving at the common area that I could see a small figure rocking from side to side in one of the armchairs.
– Eri! – I could not contain my excitement when I saw the little girl who shrunk when she saw me. – I'm sorry to scare you – slowly approaching her, who continued to see me distrustful. If she was here, it means that...
– I see that you are very well accompanied, Kaminari – I am so used to seeing him with the uniform that, when he wore casual clothes, he looked like another person. Since when are his arms so thick?
– I think I failed to be friendly with her – linking my indexes
– Seriously? – He crouched down at the girl's height, and for real, he did look like Prof. Aizawa from that perspective. – You have nothing to fear Eri. – He stroked the girl's hair. – Once he reaches his limit, it is anything but terrifying
– Thank you! – I reproached trying to be sarcastic, but far from being annoyed, I must have unconsciously activated my quirk because I felt a shock go through my body when he smiled at me
– I see you stayed this weekend too – sitting next to Eri
– Yes, I am very distracted at home – although this could be considered some form of procrastination
– Are you hungry, Eri? – the question reminded me of what I came to
– There are apples in the fridge – I commented and the girl's face lit up.
– Didn't Bakugou bring those? – By the time he asked I was already standing in front of the refrigerator
– Yes, but if he knows they are for her, there's no problem – extending the fruit, which she contemplated for a few seconds before taking it. – Believe it or not, it's kinder than it looks – taking a bite of mine. – I saw him give Tokoyami a pair yesterday – I commented in a whisper making him smile again, and I could see him like that all the time it was necessary, without complaint.
I knew I should continue studying, but I had not the slightest motivation. Just thinking about the thick history book made me sleepy and I hadn't felt so comfortable in Shinso's company for a long time, perhaps because Eri was present.
We talked for a long time, until a little later Hagakure joined us in the company of Yaomomo and Ochaco, who soon combed the girl's hair and played with her for a while.
– I'm terrible with the children – I was leaning on the breakfast nook, watching them from a distance – I would like to get along better with Eri
– Don't say that – eating my second apple – It's just a matter of practice and time. – Before my comment he only limited himself to raising an eyebrow. – Eri is still getting used to living here, give yourself a little time to share with her. – I tried to swallow before continuing – Read her stories, teach her to swim, to ride a bicycle, comb her hair, sing a song together...
– You seem to know a lot about it – his expression softened as a warmth enveloped me
– Yes, ahm ... I have two little brothers who are the inspiration of these wise advices
– Shinso, Kaminari, come closer! – Hagakure called us. – The girls and I thought it would be fun to play hide and seek with Eri – audibly excited
– It must be boring for her to be here, so let's make her have fun – the black–haired girl commented just as excited
– Are you sure? – Asked the mallow-haired boy, bending down to the girl's height, to which she nodded
– I think it's a good opportunity for her to feel more comfortable here – I commented and he smiled at me. I was very happy.
– I'll find more players! – and shortly after Aoyama, Oijiro, Satou and Koda joined us
– Hi Eri! – Midoriya approached the girl while we planned our game mode.
– You want to join us? We will play hide and seek with Eri and we won't take "no" for an answer – Ochaco had a knack for convincing anyone if she proposed it
– Sure!
– We are ready then – Yaomomo created a pair of red scarves for Eri and Hagakure, who would be in charge of looking for us while we hid. – The rules of the game are that all hiding places will be limited only to the first floor of the dormitory, the rooms are prohibited.
– Let's try hard Eri! – The invisible one encouraged the happy girl, so that soon after Yaomomo covered their eyes.
– The last one not to be found will win and take the bandages in their hands. Let the game begin! – She announced and we all began to run in different directions, while those who were looking for us counted the scarce 20 in chorus.
I felt like a child thinking about some hiding place while the rest moved like crazy from one place to another. Aoyama was in one of the best hiding places in the laundry area, so I had to think fast before they found me; I wasn't going to be the first to lose.
– Seventeen – I have almost no time left! – eighteen – "Sometimes the most obvious hiding places are the best" I thought while I waited for my idea to work – nineteen ... – I held on tightly, hoping my arms and legs wouldn't betray me. – Twenty! – They shouted loudly. I could hear their consecutive footsteps around the common area, while my body trembled from the tension, I had to exert against the lower edges of the table to keep from falling, as I watched in a movie where a little girl could move things with her mind.
– Let's go to the laundry area, Eri! – Hearing their footsteps move away, so I thought about letting myself fall, but I stopped when I wondered why the seekers would announce their next place, which Satou didn't do, being the first fallen soldier.
– Yuju! One and nine to go – now I was sure they had moved away, because when I fell, I made more noise than I wanted, but nobody noticed. This time I sneaked into the space between the kitchen door and the access to the laundry area.
– You know what, Eri? I just remembered that I need to wash some of my clothes, but I think there is someone else's clothes in the washing machine that I want to use. – Her voice was unrecognizable malicious. – Will you do me the honors? – Despite how tender she sounded when addressing the youngest, something didn't quite convince me. – You must turn the largest one to the right and
– N–Non! – Shouted the blond I recognized by his french accent.
– Another one, Eri! – they celebrated. No way, good luck for the next time, Aoyama. I held my breath until I made sure I made sure there was no one else around.
I crawled up to the bottom cupboards, to head to the cupboard only to realize they were there. For a moment I was paralyzed, but I decided that I would not lose for something so trivial and that was when I realized that Ochaco was floating several meters up, holding his breath. Yaomomo never said that we couldn't use our quirks, so maybe I could use mine to my advantage later.
– Your camouflage Yaomomo was very good – their voices were heard closer and closer, – but Eri and I are unstoppable! – I was starting to panic, but I can't deny that I was happy to hear the girl laugh.
It was only a matter of seconds to be discovered if I didn't think of something quick, that's when a plate of fruit… "That's it!" I took one of the oranges, and settled into the tiny thickness of the breakfast table. The footsteps of the girls were heard closer, but I wanted them to get closer to the common area.
– I suppose it will be for the next one – lamented the friendliest of the whole group, which served as a sign in a plan that had no guarantees to work, but what is a game of hide and seek without risks? As if it were one of the electrical receivers, I usually use to redirect my beams, I tossed the citrus fruit upward to attract the eye of the pair of players.
– An orange! – Eri's voice was one of the most tender sounds I had ever heard
– And we found the next one! – becoming another victim of the duo. I'm sorry Ochaco, this is survival of the strongest, however, something told me that I would not lose without dragging myself with her, so, quickly, while they were distracted by antigravity, I slipped as stealthily as possible towards the corridor that led to the cleaning closet, but like the quote that says " Who kills with iron, dies with iron", obviously I was betrayed by a very annoying Ochaco.
– Kaminari escaped into the hall! – She announced and I ran as if my life depended on it. I heard their footsteps approach, but I was only thinking of an alibi. Then it occurred to me to open one of the windows behind me, so it would make them think that I jumped, but this was just the ruse of the ruse.
– Kaminari, we can only play in the common area! – Both girls were leaning on the window, so I took the opportunity to slam one of the side doors that also gave access to the laundry area. The noise did just what I had planned, distracting them. These years of practice with my brothers were not in vain. They headed into the area, but I was already a few feet from the cleaning supplies closet.
I wonder where the rest are. Koda was by far one of the best to remain silent, if he had a good hiding place, they would never find him; Oijiro, like Uraraka, could climb and stay in high places long enough thanks to his tail, while Shinso… Where could he be?
Entering the dimly lit room, I looked around again opting for the tiny space behind the door due to my limited time, waiting for it to work a second time. It was once I was in the expected position that I felt eyes on me, and it was when I met those of the owner of the softest tail that my hands have ever touched. Oijiro was holding onto a pipe with his limb several meters high, while he motioned for me to remain silent.
– We will find you, Kaminari! – Hagakure sounded manic. Right at that moment I felt like I was in an action movie, or worse, horror, escaping from the serial killer accompanied by her cute little henchman. My heartbeat was at maximum when I could see the shadow of the smallest lengthening at the entrance. I couldn't see her, but I could feel both her presence and the subtle noise of her hand sliding over the edge of the door. If they looked behind it, my efforts would have been in vain. The elder's hand, imperceptible but present, dragged the door while my heartbeat at full power prepared me for the worst...
– Up there! – The minor announced with a euphoric voice. Another fallen soldier.
– Oijiro, you're out! – listening to the subsequent clapping that I imagine happened between his captors. They had really been doing very well, although you can't expect less from the expert at hide and seek, and the one who also proposed the game. I heard the boy exhale, resigned.
– Have you seen anything suspicious? – Oh no
– Umm ... I think maybe in the hall – Thanks Oijiro, you really are a good friend, not like me. Seeing Uraraka float must have given them ideas to look in all directions, including above. Now I felt guilty; because of me Oijiro had been discovered. I promise I will make it up to you in some way, dear friend.
– Come on Eri! We are three fugitives to win – she was hearing more and more excited
– Fugitives? – The little girl asked sweetly before her steps became less and less audible
I let out the sigh that had contained since I was betrayed and began searching for my next hiding place. But karma was not on my side, so when I began to plan my next moves, my foot collided with the edges of a box causing that, although I contained the cry of pain, the sound of the blow could be heard by the players who weren't as far away as I thought.
I was in the middle of the room, desperately looking everywhere, when I was taken from behind, dragged into a closet.
– I know you are here Kaminari! – Hagakure's voice was threatening, but I couldn't think of anything other than the arms that covered my mouth and held my chest, where my heartbeat was at full power. It was then that I realized that those sleeves belonged to… Shinso!
I think even he could feel when my heart rate increased, but he just leaned to the side doing the same gesture that Oijiro had done minutes ago, to be honest, my shock was so much that it was impossible for me to make any noise. Feeling his chest against my back was inexplicably taking my breath away. His slow breathing collided with the back of my neck and his hands were now holding my shoulders. I was in shock.
The light knocks against one of the cabinet doors tensed our bodies, causing his fingers to tighten the area that gave way to his grip. She had already reached the bolt, when a thud echoed in the distance.
– Did you hear that, Eri? – Maybe we are not lost – There is another victim nearby ... – Victim? This was getting very intense. Their steps were receding. – Midoriya, don't think we didn't see you! – and then they turned into footsteps in a hurry. We both let out a sigh of relief when we knew we were safe.
– Thank you – I said smiling, I'm not sure if it was because of the nerves or because of the unusual situation. Now I was in front of him, the shortest distance we've ever been. Despite the darkness, I could see his purple eyes wander. I was grateful to be slim, because otherwise we couldn't fit in such a tiny space. His body took up much of the space and I wanted to think it was the fault of the clothes, but no, the months of training were evident throughout his body… How long had it been? And why did I feel so agitated? And then I remembered Monoma ...
– I think it will be better if I go – my voice was brittle
– Wait, – he said in a whisper, taking my shoulder. – Not yet. – And again, that discharge from when I see him smile ran through my body, except this time it was stronger. He was focused, as if trying to identify the sounds around us, but all I could hear were our breaths and my heart beating like crazy, so hard, I'm sure he could feel it too.
And after what was probably less than five minutes, we came out of the closet very cautiously.
– I thought that by this time you'd already be out – he commented, leaning against the door, trying not to be noticed.
– I'm better than you think
– I know – I'm sure that if I saw that smile again for the remainder of the day, my heart would not resist it. – I think we can go out – Taking the lead, I was a few steps behind him. His back looked very sturdy… Focus Kaminari!
From the hallway we could see the losers peacefully sitting on the furniture.
– This way – he told me when we tried to enter the laundry area, only to find ourselves head–on with Midoriya. Our groans while sprawled on the ground were so loud that those in the common area came over to see the mess of limbs that the three of us had become, stacked uncomfortably.
– Three birds with one stone! – Raising the visibly happy girl.
– I'm sorry – the greenette guy apologized
– Don't worry Deku –Uraraka comforted, glaring at me, – one of them deserved it. – Looks like I'll have to make it up to her too.
We head into the living room, only to find a shy Koda holding up the two crimson strips.
– I declare Koda the undisputed winner! – Yaomomo announced inviting us to clap.
– Where were you hiding? – questioned the defeated Hagakure
– Behind that plant – pointing to its direction.
– But that could not hide you – protested
– Staying quiet was a very risky but cunning maneuver – Midoriya congratulated. In the end my conclusions were correct.
– We were so close! – crouched at the height of the little girl, who looked at her strangely.
– But we have a consolation prize – said the smiling Yaomomo, showing us several sandwiches in the breakfast room.
– I thought you'd be hungry, so I made you something to eat – Satou announced. My nose and the rest of my senses sang with happiness when I saw the great variety of desserts that they had created. Blessed be his quirk.
Of all I saw, the thing I wanted the most was his cinnamon rolls. Reaching out for one, the container shifted position.
– It's not your turn. Traitor! – Uraraka was obviously still angry
– It's not fair! – trying to take the container with the delicious circle dessert, but made them float – I was doing you a favor! If you had lasted longer like this, you would have thrown up all your bile!
– Why are you talk about vomiting so close to food? – Shinso approached
– This walking volt gave me away before running like the traitor that he is – her round cheeks were red
– Survival of the fittest – that's why you're my friend
– It's what I thought! – I defended myself
– Although I was thinking of doing the same with you
– What?! – and so my appreciation towards him instantly vanished
– Ha! – The brunette mocked pointing at me
– But I didn't have a chance – he concluded taking a sip of his drink, smiling. I couldn't be angry if I saw him so happy.
The rest of the afternoon was spent watching movies with the girl, who now was lying asleep in Shinso's arms. She must have been very comfortable...
By the early hours of the night, Uraraka already looked more relaxed on the way to her room. And so, little by little the rest went to their room, leaving only Shinso, Eri and me.
– You don't need to stay, Kaminari – He had told me he had to wait for Prof. Aizawa to take the girl away
– Don't worry about that – stroking the white hair of the one who was sleeping happily.
– Thanks for today
– What did I do?
– Technically, nothing. I'd been bored until you showed up and I felt in real danger of being found. It was the most exciting thing today. – Eri moved subtly, accommodating her head against the purple–haired chest – If you say so. – And suddenly we were silent, but not the kind that makes you feel uncomfortable, but the one that somehow immerses you in a state of peace.
A few minutes before, I had reached to find the history book, and although from time to time I felt Shinso's gaze on me, I managed to concentrate. Maybe I had just been exaggerating. I don't know why I came to think that our friendship would have to change just because I saw them kis… Maybe I need a little more time.
In a moment when I saw him gazing calmly at Eri, I felt the need to bring up the subject.
– Shinso – He turned when he heard me; there was no going back – Did you and Monoma…?
– I'm not dating him. – He answered guessing my question; however, I felt a strange and unexpected mixture of relief, knowing that it was not, and guilt, seeing his scattered face. Have I been very nosy?
– Sorry if I bothered you with the question
– No, it's not that ... – he rambled – It's just that the one I'm interested in doesn't see me like that. – Do you like someone else? Is that why it was the argument you had with the blond?
– How do you know? – I asked without thinking about which nosy I was being
– Because we're just friends – he replied bitterly, and then I understood that I had to do something to fix the reverend blunder I had just done.
– I don't think you have to be enemies to try a relationship with someone – not even I expected such a wise comment
– Maybe – he sighed. – Are you telling me it's worth trying to find out? – His eyes seemed to be shining, and that's a lot to say for someone who is usually half asleep.
– Yeah... – surprised to be nervous again. It was the second time in the day that we were so close again, but even though my heartbeat was inexplicably racing, again, I was at ease, to the point where the surroundings seemed to disappear. The air felt heavy without being uncomfortable, our breaths barely audible. His lips subtly moved, and boy, I did expect to be surprised that I had been watching them all this time, only for my eyes to meet his. This time he wasn't smiling, and we weren't close enough to even brush against each other, but the discharge in my body manifested again.
– Kaminari, I ...
– Goodnight! – Prof. Yamada announced abruptly cutting our eye contact. As soon as he approached us, an aura of almost palpable annoyance emanated from Shinso and once the blond felt his gaze and then noticed an Eri who was fortunately still asleep, he understood the expression of the mallow-haired boy. – I'm sorry –he said sadly in an atypical low tone of voice.
– Where is who is supposed to come for her? – Shinso snorted, passing the girl to the teacher.
–I told him that this time it was my turn – he answered, accommodating the girl on his shoulder, careful not to wake her up. – Thanks for taking care of her – he whispered, while the boy nodded reluctantly, on his way to the stairs.
I stopped at the second level before heading to my room.
– Good night – I went off to find that this time I should not force a smile
– Good night – returning the gesture.
After closing the door to my room, I put my right hand to my chest, which was rumbling fast, my breathing was agitated. Why am I feeling so groggy? Am I sick?
I flopped onto my bed, trying to calm myself, to no avail. The memory of the two of us in the closet made me feel suffocated and comforted ... I must have been burning with fever because my face felt boiling at the touch of my hands. What was happening to me? My thoughts were interrupted by the constant knocking on my door.
– Why are you so red? You know what? I don't care. – Passing by me, with something in his hands that I later identified as a video camera. – That happens to you for spending so much time with the zombie that you call "friend". – Sitting on the edge of my bed – I finally have the proofs, which will convince you that Bakugou and Todoroki are much closer than we could have ever imagined.
– What are you talking about Mineta? – Lately I was feeling very uncomfortable around him, and this day was even worse. A macabre smile spread across his face as he turned on the device
– That Bakugou likes to play something more than drums...
Cliffhangers are never too many.
Fact # 60
Kaminari is the cutest character, out there and in density he almost competes with Todoroki. I loved writing this chapter.
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