"Love it, hate it and enjoy it"
My Hero Academia: Akio Takeyama
Chapter - 14
We ended up not moving on to the next round. Having lost at the last moment to Todoroki's quick thinking. If he did plan on winning he would have to do everything in his power to make sure that some of the stronger fighters in our class don't move on. It was no surprise that Todoroki would do everything in my power to keep me from getting that headband. The festival was having a nice break so that students could get something to eat and recuperate.
Tsuyu was frustrated it was evident on her face as she walked past me. I sighed rubbing my left arm to keep it from going numb and I notice just how cold my skin feels. Jiro and Yaoyorozu walked beside me conversing with one another they didn't seem to notice me so I waved at the two. Jiro noticed and waved with a grin. "So you all good after the cavalry battle?" Jiro asked pointing her jacks at me I shrugged in response.
"Well...to be honest...I am a little angry and frustrated," I glance at Yaoyorozu. " Especially since a certain someone-" Yaoyorozu starts to whistle and gives me a nervous smile as both I and Jiro give her an all-knowing look, "Cost my team a chance to qualify in the next round." I finished.
"But I know you were just trying to protect the headbands make sure you had the most possible way to win and stay in the game at the same time." Yaoyorozu just turns and bows to me. "Please allow me to apologize!" I chuckle and make a dismissive gesture.
"It's fine…" It's not fine. "Although I'm disappointed it was fun to participate and compete in the festival against you guys." The girls nodded to me with a smile. I gave them a half-hearted smile back before grabbing my right arm in pain. I gritted my teeth as I had to come to a stop.
The girls paused and gave me some worried looks. "You okay?" Jiro asked concerned. "Is that from your quirk?" Yaoyozrozu pointed out the blue bits of ice that had formed about my arm. "Y-yeah looks like I won't be able to eat lunch with you guys gotta go see the nurse." I turned to hold my arm and started walking.
"I'll send someone with your lunch!" I could hear Yaoyorozu shout as I walked away. "Thanks!"
/Nurses Office/
A hot towel was draped over my left arm and my whole body as recovery girl splashed another cup of hot water on my face.
"T-that's better." I finally said feeling my temperature start to regulate back to normal. "Hmmm good anymore and you might have turned into a statue." I sighed and wrapped the towel around me trying to warm up a little more. "Damn it I practically missed lunch...my stomach is hurting me." To drive home the point my stomach let out a noisy gurgle making recovery girl smile as I looked away uncomfortable.
"Well, that is to be expected after all that running and fighting you kids did. You must have worked up a good appetite." Recovery girl spoke making me nod in agreement, "They must have whipped up something delicious for your kids," She turned in her chair her lips curling up into a warm smile directed towards me as she slid over to her phone. "I'll call for a -" The door opened with a creak and through the door stepped Tsuyu a tray of food in her hands.
"Excuse me," Tsuyu was polite as she bent her back further, in a bow at Recover girl. The old women's features and wrinkles brightened up at the sight of her. "I came with lunch for Akio."
Recovery girl hops out of her seat as she walks over to the door. "Well, that saves me the trouble...Asui, girl, could you watch over the office for a bit I'll be taking a small stroll." Tsuyu agrees with a small hum as Recovery girl leave the office.
Tsuyu waits until the door is fully closed before turning to me, and she stares making my eyes dance around uncomfortable. "What?" I ask confused.
"Your mouth is watering." I shoot a hand up to my mouth, and sure enough, it feels wet. I apologize; getting rid of the drool that secreted from my mouth.
"I could smell the food from here," I try to explain as I take the tray...I thank the people who made the food before downing the rice without a second thought. Chopsticks going at full speed.
I politely nudge Tsuyu with my arm gaining her attention. "Are you going to be okay?" My question makes her fidget ever so slightly, her eyes returning to look at the bento in her lap. Her chopsticks played with the food it made me question if I should push the topic any further. Tsuyu was very bold when she spoke and rarely hesitated. I let my gaze rest upon her and waited until it forced her to respond.
I wanted her to look at me. The atmosphere was already awkward enough as it is with her not responding.
Tsuyu eventually looked at me now. "You're staring," I know, and I have a warm smile on my face when she points it out.
"You don't like it? Then answer my question." Tsuyu smiled and reached over with her hand to wipe my cheek. I tilt my head an eyebrow raised.
She doesn't answer the question but I try my hardest to read her expression or read her mind, and I end up not being able to. "If there is something on your mind...tell me." I fish for a reaction of some sort something that could give me any indication or hint. She pauses at the moment to consider something.
"I'm fine." Tsuyu stated plain and simple for me to understand.
I looked at one of the windows and we just sat in silence for a bit. "You were angry after the cavalry race," I mention. Tsuyu hums and nods.
"Frustrated." She corrects as I nod in understanding. She turned to me and I met her gaze halfway. "You asked me if something was on my mind...it was you." My eyes widened and my mouth was left slightly ajar in shock.
"Are you okay? After the cavalry battle, I saw you trembling...when you were holding the headband." Damn it. I cursed mentally. "Did I worry you? You -" The sharp rise in her voice catches me off guard my excuse getting caught in my throat. She wasn't going to allow me to skate out of this one.
"Yes." I don't know why that made me stop but it did. "I should be worried when my classmate...my best friend is not feeling well. I could tell even before the cavalry battle begun." Tsuyu's expression does not change in the slightest. She tilts her head when I don't meet her gaze. She has me.
"The headband…" I start and pause tightening my fist. "I feel like I let you down...I let the whole team down." When she didn't say anything I continued, "I promised I would get you guys to the next round but I...I failed." I feel defeated all over again. It wasn't just because I couldn't get you guys to the final stage. I feel disgusted that all I was worried about in the end was my own gain if I did win.
Tsuyu shakes her head. "Mineta is the one who lost the headband and you tried your hardest to get enough points so that we could pass onto the next round...we didn't know that Midoriya would get enough points to surpass us. We tried our best."
"That doesn't make me feel anymore better Tsuyu because our best wasn't good enough. My best wasn't good enough." I started to tremble. "The headband was 165 points! That would have- that would have allowed me to see my mother." My words got caught inside my throat as I tried to continue. I took a few moments to breathe.
…
…
I could feel Tsuyu arms wrap around me tightly. I accept the embrace of leaning into her. "S-sorry... I know I shouldn't be this frustrated but I am…" I said, still taking deep shaky breathes to try and calm down as to not start crying all of a sudden. Tsuyu just shook her head as we embraced.
"You shouldn't keep things bottled up inside...but I know how 'family' can be a touchy subject for you." Tsuyu words only made me hum with delight. Particularly this very warm, and constricted feeling in my stomach. I don't believe I ever wanted to let go because her body feels so nice against mines. Comforting like a pillow.
"So...is there any specific reason for hugging me?" I whispered or mumbled the question into her shoulder. Although was there any need to ask? I already knew the answer.
"To comfort you." Tsuyu revealed, her fingers dancing about in my messy lock of blonde hair. I chuckled. I had thought so. "It must be working, you're hugging me really tight."
I chuckled and nodded. Yeah, it's definitely working.
I dug deeper into her shoulder and sighed. "You...smell nice." I hadn't realized just how bad me saying that was. I wanted to slam my head on the nearest wall in frustration. Sometimes I mutter things I don't mean to say out loud it's happened since I was young. Got me into a couple of fights and misunderstandings.
"You...smell nice too." Tsuyu mumbled making me jump away from her shoulder all of a sudden our eyes meeting in stunned silence. My lips curled into a sly smile, and as quickly as Tsuyu's stun expression came - as soon as it is was replaced by a stoic look.
"I smell good huh~" I drawl teasing her a little bit. She shakes her head. "That...was not what I meant." I noticed she hesitated. My lips curl a little tighter as I lean in closer ever so slightly.
"Y'know that means you don't mind me being so close right?" I whisper making her blink once she let off confused croak of sorts as I leaned in closer. Now that I'm so close up I can see all the little imperfections on her face that makes her all the more unique to me.
"You're special y'know...not to get scared and hit me when I'm so close." In fact, I was so close that I was surprised by her not flinching back in retreat I could even hear her breathing. Whether she was frozen in shock or knew I wasn't going to do anything I don't know but I was having fun.
"Why aren't you scared?" I whispered, Tsuyu responds to the close proximity by putting a hand on my chest. She bars me from going any further then I have but I already invaded her personal bubble.
"You can't do anything." Tsuyu retorts in her croaky voice. I chuckled sweetly and grabbed her wrist.
"I could do a lot of things..." I leaned forward ever so slightly not letting my eyes break eye contact. For the first time, I saw Tsuyu lips quiver.
"I could hurt you," I whispered, pausing to lick my lips.
"I could...kiss you." Tsuyu eyes widened as if she was ready to shriek or scream. She hadn't expected that obviously. My comments were making her look so vulnerable now.
Vulnerable...she really is so vulnerable right now. My eyes trailed down her face to her lips. What was stopping me from taking her first kiss right here and now?
I'm hungry. But it wasn't the same hunger that could be sated with devouring food but this bubbling emotion in the pit of my stomach that made my daemons swirl around in my head. I licked my lips unconsciously and before I knew it I was leaning forward.
/Recovery Girl's P.O.V/
Hmmm. These strolls are good. Good for these old bones of mine. That boy Akio, he's a touchy case.
Full of emotion and hatred. Hatred can blind which is why he needs to let go of all that pent up anger. In the future, I can see how It could put him in serious trouble.
I shook my head as I remembered my talk with his mother years ago. Such a shame really. Her mind was all jumbled up and scared. The scars that women received will frankly never heal, but one thing I know for sure she loves that child with all her heart.
But that child all he has is hatred for his mother. I wish I could help but I can only assist so much. It's up to the two how their relationship will develop from here. Will it stay broken or slowly mend? I sip a little more from my nice warm coffee. "I wonder how the girl Tsuyu is doing?"
The door to my office was just a little ways to go a couple more steps but before I could even place a foot near the door there came out the frog girl. "Asui girl? You all right?" She turns to me with a hum in her voice.
"Yes, I'll be taking my leave. " The girl hunched over a little more to bow in respect and I do the same. I hum in acknowledgment and I raise my walking sick just a little and motioned behind me.
"Well, let me not keep you." I was calm as I trained my eyes on the girl figure as she walked past me and faded into the halls. She turned and walked as fast as her legs could take her. "Hmmm," The girl seemed just a little odd just now. What happened? I turned in front of my door and opened it.
"Ah! I almost didn't see you there!" Akio backtracks a step. I pursed my lips but sighed as I poked the boy hard in the side. Making him almost immediately falter over to the side with a quick yelp.
"Feeling good enough to walk ain't you? Make sure to tone it down Takeyama." The boy freezes and splutters out another apology.
"S-sorry. I'll try but I can't really make any promises," Akio stated, much to my disapproval. The boy immediately left and I didn't stop him. I shake my head before taking another sip of my coffee
"Kids these days."
/Arena Corridor/ - Akio's P.O.V
I put my hand in my pocket and clutched my head in pain as I walked the halls. What did I think I was doing? I had no right to do that! What in the world made me think what I was doing was right? "Crap." I don't think I can look her in the eyes.
I hissed in pain and cupped the side of my cheek. I really did cross the line there; I mean, Can I blame her? If the day couldn't get any worse I ended up not paying attention to where I was walking and bumped into Bakugo. He didn't look happy as he turned around seething with rage.
"Why don't you look where you're going huh!?" I kissed my teeth in irritation. I didn't want to deal with another headache so I didn't egg him on by responding and with fluent motion twisted on my heel and started to walk away.
"Oi!" Bakugo forcefully grabbed me by the arm and turned me around. "Don't ignore me! You think you're better than me!" Bakugo yells and grabs me by the collar. At this point, I was fed up.
I grabbed his wrist and sighed. "What the hell is your problem!" Bakugo gritted his teeth but recoiled when I yelled. "Stop being a little baby just because no one sees you as a threat!" I spat rage taking hold of me.
The hall became silent only the sound of my heavy breathing reaching my ears. Bakugo looked stunned but then anger took over his features as he gritted his teeth and tightened his hold on my collar.
"Not a threat..." His voice was low and deep. His body shaking ever so slightly. "Ugh! I'll show you why I'm a threat! I'll beat you for the practice round then I'll blow Todoroki into fucking little bits and pieces!" He shoved me back turning around cursing like a sailor as he stomped away.
What the hell was wrong with him!?
/Arena Main Grounds/
Don't look, Don't look. You've had enough headaches for today. "We've even brought real cheerleaders from America to liven things up!"
"Huh?"
"What are they doing?" Don't look...Don't look. "What's the matter class A what kind of fan service is that!?" My neck craned and forced itself to look at the girls in the U. Cheerleading outfits. Tsuyu had her hair done up and to be honest it made her look really cute.
"Mineta! Kaminari! You tricked us, didn't you?!" Yaoyorozu yelled at the two who were congratulating each other on a job well done.
Reminder: After today is over trap them in the ground or freeze them over.
I couldn't help but dart over to Tsuyu who was looking at the ground not really timid at allot mad. Her eyes quickly and swiftly darted over to mines. We stared at each other for a while before she looked away and I did the same.
God...this is awful.
"All Right, everyone! Let's have fun competing in the recreational games!" I sighed... I rather not.
"When that is over, the sixteen from the four teams that made it into the final round will duke it out tournament style, one on one!" I stretched and yawned seeing it fit to just relax now that I won't be competing anymore. It was only a couple minutes later that everyone still had to be present for when Midnight began to draw lots.
"Come, everyone, it's time to draw lots! Once the bracket is determined we'll have the recreational games and then start!" I yawned getting more bored by the minute.
"The sixteen finalist can choose whether or not they participate in the recreational event. I know some of you would like to rest or save your strength." Midnite explained as she walked over with the lot box in her hands. "Now from the first place team-" Midnight began with a smile but was unexpectantly cut off by Ojiro surprisingly one of the finalists.
With a raised hand everyone looked towards him. "Um excuse me. I'm withdrawing." His voice was low and pained as he spoke up. My eyes couldn't help but widen in shock. Everyone from the crowd of students was surprised at the decision as well gasping in brief shock.
"Ojiro? But why!?" Midoriya was confused and couldn't understand what exactly was the problem. Was he hurt or is he scared of something? "This is a rare chance for pros to see you! Are you absolutely sure!?" Lida exclaimed, taking the words right out of my mouth. He was anxiously chopping his hands towards the martial artist.
"This isn't something you want to miss Ojiro," I said hoping he got just how important this final round was.
His hand lowers. "I barely remember anything from the cavalry battle until almost the end. I think it was that guys quirk." Ojiro explained causing me to raise an eyebrow. Not a moment later did my eyes shoot straight towards the purple haired bastard who was standing on the other side minding his own business.
"Damn it I had a feeling," I whispered tightening my fist.
"What do you mean?" Lida said as I calmly recalled the event.
"If I remember correctly, Ojiro was with some boy when we were about to retrieve the 125 point headband from Rin team his team leader stopped us," I explained leaving out my knowledge of the said person on purpose. My brows furrowed and I tried hard to think back but somehow it was still a blur.
"I don't know what type of quirk he has but never once did he touch any of us physically." I pointed out. "He just said something and the moment I responded it felt like my body just froze. I couldn't move a muscle." Midoriya and the others all looked perplexed by this new revelation as Ojiro nodded in agreement.
"Like your mind is foggy." He adds shaking his head. "I know this a great chance and that it's foolish to waste it," There was a pause as Ojiro looked at his fist. His voice sharply rose, "But Everyone here competed by giving their all!"
"I can't… I can't be up there with everyone without knowing what really happened." I sighed but nodded in understanding. That's disappointing but could you fault him? Toru waved her pom-poms up and down. "You're worrying too much about it! You should just make sure you produce results in the finals!" You guys don't understand and I could see Ojiro become physically pained as everyone tried to support him.
"If you're going to say that, I didn't do anything either." Ashido tried to help but Ojiro just placed a hand over his eyes his voice definitely showing the anger, frustration, and sadness that he felt. "That's not it!"
"I'm talking about my pride here...I just can't do it." He said causing the girls to frown -Toru I think frowned - at their failed attempt to cheer him up.
"Also, why are you guys wearing cheerleading outfits?" I shook my head as all the girls just looked away all embarrassed.
"You guys should've just changed…" I mumbled but didn't finish when they all just laughed nervously.
"W-we didn't have any time…" Yaoyorozu tried to explain rubbing her shoulder. I shrugged, All right then.
I looked to my right to someone emerge from the students of class 1-B, "Uh oh...was he not on your team too." Ojiro let his hand fall down to his side to look at the small chubby male that was his teammate in the previous round.
"I also want to withdraw for the same reason. Regardless of ability, don't you think it goes against the goal of this sports festival for those who didn't do anything to move onto the final round?" I just shook my head at the new development. Two students just dropped out of the final round an event made for students to rise above the odds and get a partnership with some of the top heroes.
"This is an unusual turn of events…" President mic pauses not even knowing what to make of the situation.
"We'll have to see what the chief umpire, Midnight, has to say about this…" At that, we all turned to Midnight for the answer we sought.
…
"Youthful talk like that is something...I like!" With a slice of her whip, she motioned at the two students. "Shoda! Ojiro! I accept your withdrawal!" Her face looks like she's enjoying this way too much. I think she decided based on her taste.
Aoyama put a reassuring hand on Ojiro shoulder but his face betrayed him. He knew that like his teammates he had the same problem. "I'm going to do it, okay?"
In that case, we'll have to move up two people from the fifth place cavalry team…" My eyes widened as I looked up at Midnight.
W-wait...I looked at Tsuyu who seem to be having the same idea as me. But we...we didn't win this spot fair and square. After seeing why Ojiro withdrew I couldn't smile and I shook my head. I looked at the 6th place team TetsuTetsu to see them all a little downcast even after everything was said and done.
I realized that if I took this spot that not a single person from class 1-B would be participating in the final round. Not only was that unfair there would be no diversity, no chance to prove themselves to the pros beyond the second round and it made me feel sorry. I shut my eyes and the first thing that came to me as I fought to make my decision was my failure to get that last headband for our team to qualify. No, I just can't do it with that on my conscience it feels like I didn't earn my spot when Tetsutestsu was trying so hard to keep there points only to lose it right at the end.
They probably lost the points the same way we did.
"Sorry, I'm...going to decline." Everyone around me gasped in surprise.
"You too!" Yaoyorozu couldn't believe what she heard and it didn't look like she approved of my decision. "I was looking forward to fighting you," Yaoyorozu said Disappointment etched in the tone of her voice.
"Huh, Akio b-but...this is your chance." Izuku was quite perplexed and looked like he was about to pass out.
"I didn't earn it," I interjected. "No matter what you say that will never change, Plus...all we have in the bracket is people from class A, I'm going to let some of the people in class B have their chance to show what they can do." I turned towards the 6th placed team with a small smile plastered on my face.
"Do me proud team Tetsutetsu." I shook my head. "This wasn't an easy decision." At that Tetsutestu eyes watered and before he could cry he put his arm to cover his face.
"T-thanks! You class A guys aren't so bad!" I waved a dismissive hand. "Yeah-yeah...no problem." I looked to the ground and tightly folded my hands. That was really hard to do. At least Tsuyu was able to move on.
Not a second later did Tsuyu silently raise her hand. She isn't going to do what I think she is going to do right? "I would like to also decline and give my spot to team Tetsutestsu…" Tsuyu said leaving my mouth agape in shock.
"Tsu...you don't have to-" I silenced myself when she made no move to respond to me. She wouldn't change her decision, and I have no right to talk to her after what I did.
"W-wait wasn't I part of the team! Don't I get-" I let the frost foam off of my fingers and gave him a menacing glare. He immediately started to sweat and backtrack. "I respect your decision! pleasedonthurtme."
"G-guys…" Uraraka started but paused as Midnight started to laugh maniacally. I looked up my eye twitching as she licked her lips. "Well, you say you didn't earn your spot! Your youthful talk has got me so riled up that I may have thought up a better deal for both of you!"
Everyone voiced there confusion not knowing exactly where she was going with this. "Although I'll need two other volunteers from class B before I make my decision…" I raised an eyebrow as I watched class B murmur and talk amongst themselves.
I kept hearing something or someone name about the murmurs. "Kara right," Or "Monoma definitely…" The class opened up as the two were pushed out to the front each other. Monoma laughed and this weird look on his face as he smiled at Kara just made me shake my head.
They put out their hands out of the surprise of everyone they played rock paper scissors. "Eh...just what's even happening anymore?" President mic was perplexed and I had to say I'm in the same boat. They tied for the 7th time before somehow someway they finally put out different signs. Monomo rock was crushed by Kara paper hand.
She turned with the brightest smile and raised her hand. "It is I who will face you Akio!" Midnight smiled and licked her lips once more as she looked at the two of us.
"Who decided that?" I motioned to Tsuyu.
"If Tsuyu want's to take this oppor-" I was silenced by Midnight's whip as it made a resounding clap in the air. "It seems Tsuyu will still forfeit her chance in the death bracket!"
I smacked my lips and let my arm fall to my side. Of course.
"All right let's continue!" That's when she resumed picking the lots. It only took a couple of minutes before the bracket was organized and finally finished.
She raised her hand in the air. "Tetsutetsu and Shinozaki have moved up to make sixteen!" I watched the screen change as it showed the bracket first-round matches, "This is the bracket based on the result of the drawings!"
The crowd cheered as they were given a chance to see who was going to face who and probably make their predictions. Some of the matches are really one sided...however. Tokoyami vs Yaoyorozu and Kirishima vs Tetsutetsu was the outliers of course as I don't really know what will happen in those sets.
"And two students who will have to fight, to decide who will make their way all from the bottom up in the losers bracket! Is Kara vs Akio!" The crowd cheered again as I raised an eyebrow at the screen expanded to see a single line that was lower than the main bracket.
"Huh?"
"I just got word from the officials! If you people out home don't know let me explain the losers bracket! It's almost one of the hardest brackets to get out of it's like one fight after the next whoever succeeds from these two contestants is now our death nominee. They will wait until matches in the main bracket are over! Whoever loses in the main bracket gets moved into the losers bracket and must face the death nominee. If they win then they take the contender spot - if not then the current death nominee will continue - and the process repeats!"
"In simpler terms, the loser bracket is also known as the death bracket." Aizawa summarizes helping most of the crowd understand what's happening. I could already hear them as some laughed and others sympathized with me.
"There's basically no breaks!" President mic yells as to drive home the point. I have to face everyone who loses in the winner's bracket this is so dumb. Jiro and Toru pat my back as I sulk about the bracket.
"Good luck!" Toru says. "Yeah in hell…" Jiro adds snickering through her teeth. I just decide to sulk where I stood. Better to get everything out of my system then later on.
Now my first match is against Kara where she could just blast through all my attacks. I need to strategize...and rest my bones I'll need all my stamina if I want to win against her.
"All right! Let's leave the tournament aside for a momentary interlude."
/Match Waiting Room/
I sat in one of the waiting rooms given to the participants of the final round. I tried my best to calm my nerves. "This tournament decides whether or not I get picked up by a big agency or not. My performance counts for everything. If I lose now...what exactly will they think of me? Only the top get the best offers and I will be at the top.
...
Yeah, like you care for those offers. I do...somewhat. That little tiny part me deep down is dedicated to becoming a hero. The rest is focused on a very specific individual.
The handle to the door clicks and the door slides open. I look up to find Lia in her hero costume. We looked at each other and she sighed as she pushed open the door more. There brown hair brown eyes came running in Toshiko. I smiled and stood with my arms out as she tackled my legs. I picked her up and held her up in my arms. "Look at who came to see me! My number one fan." Toshiko gives me a toothy smile as I stretch her cheeks.
"Yep!" She yells proud as she hugs me.
I glanced up at the older female. "So what you came here to congratulate me on making the second round?" The question wasn't directed at Toshiko but Lia who looked my way and scoffed.
"Barely...you made too many mistakes." My brows furrowed in irritation. "That's it you just came here to lecture me?" Lia's hair spiraled about as it formed around into a twisted ponytail.
"You tried your best...Akio." She nodded. "I'll give you props for that but what chance do you think you have of beating Kara?" I looked down and went into deep thought for a while.
"Based on my calculation…" I raised an eyebrow as I looked at Toshiko in my arms who had a finger to her chin. "Aki has a 4 out a 10 chance of winning!" She put up four fingers making me slump in surprise.
"W-were you guessing?" I asked with an eyebrow raised, She looked up at me and stuck her tongue out.
"Maybe," Toshiko answered with a giggle.
"Is...is that your quirk!?" Toshiko tilts her head but nods. "Part of it!" She says with an excited smile.
"Wow, that's amazing Toshiko." I sat her in the chair and crouched. "Do you think there's a chance I could up that score?"
Toshiko raised a finger nodding happily. "If you have a good strategy!" She answered making me grin at Lia.
"So what are you suggesting?" I asked her as she shrugged.
"Get in her head Akio show her that you're not afraid of her attacks and she'll get frustrated it may lead to her making a mistake or showing a weakness," Lia explained as she walked over and sat on the table.
"Why are you helping me?" She looked away. And my eyes narrowed. "because...I want to see you succeed Akio...no matter how much you'll hate me now and in the future." She sighed and checked her phone. "This opportunity could open up doors for you, if you fall short I'll never hear the end of it from your mother especially after I taught you everything I know."
I took a breath and ruffled Toshiko hair. "You got to go now okay? I need time to rest." Toshiko pouted a little sad. "Fine, I hope you win." I nod and ruffle her hair a little harder laughing when she tried to bite my hand.
Toshiko left the room a second later Lia wasn't far behind but she paused at the door. "Don't disappoint me." She said before closing the door behind her.
I frowned as the door closed. I slumped back in my chair and let out an exasperated sigh. I know I won't lose.