CHAPTER 3.
TAKING COMMAND OF YOUR QUIRK
The next week had been uneventful. My Quirk plagued my mind, and I had avoided tapping into it. There was so much to understand. It felt like I needed to stop for a while, so I could evaluate the details. But in truth, I couldn't be sure that I had stopped. Perhaps my power was oozing out endlessly.
At some point, I had to ask for help. All Might was available, but I was nervous about approaching him. It felt like his optimistic approach to heroism didn't suit my complex quirk. Then again, was I even in any position to call the shots in that fashion?
"Excuse me, All Might?" I hesitantly got his attention. "Could I ask for some advice?"
"Certainly, young Shigeru," All Might smiled boldly, as if it would be effortless for him to assist me.
"Okay well... so my Quirk is Infatuation. And it's kind of... hard for me to figure it out."
"I see. Well let's start with one inquiry at a time. What's the first issue that is troubling you?"
"How can I tell if it's working?"
All Might raised an eyebrow. "I was under the impression that you could feel it happening yourself. Your power flows naturally through your thoughts, so if you think it, you can influence it. Your brain is designed to harbor these factories of processes."
"But my Quirk affects the minds of people. It changes their brainwaves. So, if it does that, can't it also do that to me? And trick me?"
"Your biggest weakness is doubting yourself. You are in command of your Quirk. Even if you haven't fully taken hold of your capabilities, you are still the commander. Your power is yours to command."
That sounded good. But also, bad. He was right that I lacked confidence. But how could I improve that? "What should I do? I don't want to accidentally use my Quirk to harm others."
All Might laughed heartily. "Your Quirk is the power of love, young Shigeru. It is not meant to impose harm. Rather, your Quirk is the power to end conflicts. Therefore, it has the potential for extraordinary good. That is why you've been invited to the highest level of education for aspiring heroes."
It was hard to see things the way he did. Of course, most aspiring heroes would jump at the opportunity. But my power wasn't one I enjoyed wielding. Instead, it felt like a curse. It burdened me constantly. Something about the impact it had on my brain left me feeling unsettled. Nothing about my power felt heroic.
The only person to even grant me any legitimate assistance was Tsuyu. She had an unexpected reaction from my Quirk. Apparently, she was unaffected. I couldn't confirm that, but I was still sure of it. And thus, under this assumption, I could rely on the things she told me. As long as she was an honest person, and as long as I didn't use my Quirk on her, then I could believe in her.
And I did.
Unfortunately, Tsuyu left to go on her internship, which meant she was going to be abroad for quite some time. She was working under Selkie, captain of the Oki Mariner. Tsuyu had upgraded in status since then, but her usefulness to the sea lion pro hero brought her numerous opportunities to return for more work. Not to mention, Tsuyu had aquatic capability, something that few heroes could manage well.
With her gone, I was alone. Anytime my classmates tried to talk with me, I responded with the bare minimum. I avoided anything other than small talk, and I didn't make social plans. There was no point in risking infecting my classmates again, not until I figured things out.
Once it was the weekend, I left the dorms to go to the city. While out, I acquired a smoothie, and then I ventured down the street to observe the urban environment. Amidst the friendly locals were the imposing strangers, those who always seemed to harbor ill intent. I was supposed to bring love into this world. But I couldn't see myself doing it.
At one point, I saw some youth breaking into an abandoned building next to an alley. It was my chance to try out my power. I approached them, until they spotted me and turned their attention. There were four of them.
"You should mind your own business," the tallest one warned me. He had a mean look on his face.
"He's gonna go rat us out," a shorter but uglier guy added.
I rolled my eyes. "No, I'm not. But you guys should probably leave, before you get in trouble for trespassing." That was true, but I was also using my Quirk. With four of them there, I had to make sure I gave all of them my attention. Fortunately, they weren't rushing to attack me, so that gave me time to dose them.
Sure enough, they started to glance back and forth at each other. And then, less than a minute later, they started to talk to each other about leaving. It happened so calmly.
Once I was alone, I returned to the boulevard. Cars passed me by, along with pedestrians. Everyone had somewhere to go, something to do. Yet I remained without a purpose.
Then I saw a young man standing by the bus stop. For whatever reason, I thought he was attractive. There was a mysterious intrigue to his apathetic gaze. And then I began to walk over, standing by the bus stop as well. Just as I thought to speak to him... I stopped myself.
Moments later, I made my retreat. What just happened there? Inexplicably, I felt infatuated. Was it my natural hormones, or was it from my Quirk? I felt something, yet now it vanished.
Fearing what else might happen, I returned to the dorms after that. I had my own room by myself, and I took to it, closing the door to the world outside.
I remained in my room the entire weekend.