"H-Hi Tsu! Yeah it's... me." Leizcio messily said. Tsu sat down in the chair that was across from Leizcio. She stared at his face for a few seconds before asking her question.
"What happened to your face? Aizawa told the class about your condition but he didn't mention anything about a scar."
"Well... It was from my quirk as well. I couldn't handle all that energy and it also ended up screwing up my face since I wasn't able to control where I was sending it so to speak." Leizcio lied, covering up the true story to its origin.
"Sorry to hear that ribbit. Do you know how long it's going to be before you're able to walk?"
"I'd have to say maybe two weeks hopefully. My quirk is helping with my healing so I'm lucky to even consider being able to walk again." Leizcio said as he blankly looked down at his own reflection in his tea.
"Anyways, how were classes? Anything change?"
"A lot actually. Midoriya can use his quirk without breaking his bones now. It was sur-"
"Wait really?! That's great!" Leizcio interrupted with a sudden burst of joy, even making Tsu a bit shook from it.
"Oh, uh, sorry, just glad that he doesn't have to feel that backlash. He got his quirk late just like me so I guess I'm just happy that he made huge progress." Leizcio said with a bit of embarrassment. Tsu only nodded in response.
"Oh and Ochaco too. She was all energized from her internship but something felt... off?"
"Oh... Well, might've been something that happened at her internship? What about yours Tsu?" Leizcio said, quickly changing the topic.
"It was mostly just training and patrols, but there was that one time where we caught some smugglers from a neighboring country." Tsu casually said, leaving Leizcio a bit surprised.
"That's pretty impressive to do at just an internship Tsu!" Despite being mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausted, Leizcio still found a way to be excited for his friends.
"Thank you Epseranza ribbit. I'm glad that you're back to being you. We didn't want another Bakugo in the class. And also helps that you don't smell bad anymore."
"..."
"..."
"Huh?"
"You always smelled like sweat and dirt."
Leizcio was going to say something, but he realized that he was also living in a shack for a while so he couldn't really refute what Tsu said.
"Really though Esperanza, it's nice that you're back to being you now. Here are the notes from today as well as the homework." Tsu said as she handed him a few stacks of paper.
"Thank you Tsu, hopefully I can return soon. Anything you want before you leave?"
"It is a bit cold outside... Some tea would be nice to take home if it isn't too much of a problem."
"No don't worry about it, it's fine. Hey Hisako!" Leizcio called out for her to which she approached the two.
"Oh! Uh, Tsu meet Hisako, she's my sister and works here. Hisako, this is Tsu, she's a friend from my class." Leizcio introduced the two to each other. The two simply nodded their heads at each other.
"What tea did you want Tsu?" Leizcio asked as Hisako passed a menu over to her.
"I'll just get a chamomile then. Thank you ribbit." Tsu said as she gave the menu back to Hisako who went to go prepare the tea.
While the two waited for Tsu's chamomile to be ready, Tsu helped Leizcio to understand the notes that she had given him. However, there was something else that had been brought to Leizcio's mind.
"Hey Tsu, I know you're already doing me a big help with the homework and notes, but could you do me a small favor?"
"Of course, what is it?"
"Could you not mention the scar to anyone in class? I- I don't think I'm ready for people knowing that yet..."
"Don't worry about it Esperanza, I won't tell anyone if you're not comfortable yet."
Leizcio breathes out a sigh of relief as he still had some time before he had to face everyone else with it.
"Thank you Tsu."
Just as the two finished, Hisako returned with the tea in hand, giving it to Tsu who took a small sip from it.
"Thank you Hisako, it tastes nice ribbit!"
"No problem, glad you enjoy it." Hisako simply said as she walked back to the counter.
"Alright Esperanza, I'll see you tomorrow." Tsu said as she got up from her seat and ready to leave.
"Thank you Tsu, see you tomorrow!" Leizcio said as he waved bye to Tsu.
There he was left with some cold lavender tea and a whole bunch of notes and homework to catch up on. He decides to take a sip as he sees the rain proceed to get heavier. As it was nearing closing time, the cafe was barren and it was just him and Hisako. She approached him and all she had was a blank face which confused Leizcio.
"Leizcio, I'm going to try something, so stay calm."
"Hisako you're wor-
Hisako lifted him up from his wheelchair from his arms. Leizcio was beginning to worry but he saw constructs form around his legs. As they formed around his legs, Hisako slowly lowered him down but still held on. Leizcio felt a sense of stability but also a bit of fear.
"I'm going to let go right now, so be ready."
"Wait I-!"
She let go and Leizcio closed his eyes. To his surprise, he didn't move a single bit. Opening his eyes, he could see his legs being upheld by the constructs. He was suddenly moving as Hisako started to control the construct braces on his legs.
"Good, I was thinking something like this might work. Hopefully, this helps with getting used to it so that you're not out of the loop when your legs can move naturally. Now come on, I need help with the dishes."
While it wasn't the same thing, Leizcio felt glad that he was able to stand up for a bit, even if he didn't have full control over it. Once he was over at the sink, he started to help Hisako clean the dishes from today.
"So... How's it like working at the cafe?" Leizcio asked to break the silence.
"It's somewhat relaxing. I didn't figure it to be something that would ease the mind."
"That's nice... Hey, how'd it go with the transfer to UA?"
"Oh, they accepted me. I've been in Class 1-B since the internships were over. Is everyone in UA so... full of character?" Hisako asked as she thinks back to meeting her classmates.
"Heh, yeah. I haven't met anyone from class 1-B but if they're anything like my class, then yeah, definitely 'full of character' as you said."
"I see, I wanted to actually invi-"
Leizcio could feel the braces slowly fading away. He couldn't do anything as he fell, bracing himself for the impact. At least he would but he could feel someone grab him before he fell.
"Are you okay Leizcio?"
"Lavania? When'd you even come in?"
"Did you guys not hear me?" Lavania asked as she carried Leizcio over to his wheelchair.
"We were washing the dishes, guess we couldn't hear you." Hisako said.
"It's alright. But Leizcio, how were you able to-?"
"Hisako, she made some braces for me to use. Thank you Hisako, it felt... nice."
Hisako nodded yet again as she walked over to Leizcio and Lavania.
"Thank you for cleaning you two. I went and got the calorie bars you need Leizcio. I'll leave the boxes in your room later tonight."
"Thanks..."
The room filled with an awkward silence, but a sudden thump broke it. The three looked over to the door and saw someone at the door looking inside. They were trying to say something but it was all muffled.
"Hisako get me the bat."
"Sure."
The two menacingly walked towards the door while Leizcio wheeled his way over. The figure at the door backed slightly in fear but moved to a spot under a lamp where Leizcio could see them clearly.
"Wait! I know them. It's a kid from my class!"
"Okay, but what does he want right now?"
"We can let him in, he's not all bad, trust me."
Lavania opened the door with her bat at the ready. The boy walked in and greeted Leizcio.
"H–hi Esperanza!"
"Midoriya... Why are you here so late?"
"Well... I wanted to talk to you as soon as the internships were done but I forgot to ask Uraraka where you lived! I just searched for the cafe and finally found it! Ack- and sorry if I scared you guys! I just wanted to make sure it was the right place!"
Lavania and Hisako looked at each other in confusion and Leizcio just pinched his nose as he let out a small sigh.
"Well, welcome? I guess? Anyways, I guess now would be an okay time to talk. Can you two gives us some space please?" Leizcio looked over to Lavania and Hisako as he asked them. The two agreed and left the green-haired boy with Leizcio.
"Judging from everything that happened this past week, we have a lot to talk about, don't we?
Midoriya sat down across from Esperanza and got himself settled. However, there was an awkward silence that had filled the air, worrying them both. Wanting to get it done, Leizcio decides to clear the air.
"So... Hosu, you end up recovering?"
"Yeah, the three of us have healed up more or less. Iida though... He got his left hand permanently damaged. He'll only get a nerve transplant surgery to heal it once he's ready to be a hero. At least that's what he said." Midoriya explained.
"I see... It's nice knowing that you three are good now. Want tea or anything?" Leizcio asked as he was scurrying his eyes around.
"I'm fine Esperanza thanks, but I want to talk about what happened. I-"
"Midoriya I'm fine now, trust me. I'll heal in due time, it was just a training incident that went haywire."
"That's not what I want to talk about Esperanza. I want to talk about what was going on before we went to internships. When you were well... Not being you."
"Look, I was just in a tough spot, no big deal."
"That's the thing Esperanza, it is a big deal! I haven't known you as long as Uraraka but even I could tell something was wrong!"
"Midoriya can you please just drop it?"
"NO!"
Leizcio was stunned at the fact that Midoriya suddenly raised his voice as was Midoriya. Taking this chance, Midoriya tries to get through to his point.
"Sorry, but... you weren't being your usual self. The Esperanza I knew was somewhat cheery even if he was quiet. But you were someone else that week, you were like... Someone else entirely. You were falling asleep during lunch, you even avoided us when you could."
Leizcio didn't say anything and couldn't look Midoriya in the eyes when he was talking to him. Regardless, Midoriya continued.
"I'm sorry. But I should've made sure that you were okay, or at least have made an attempt."
Midoriya remembered back to how Iida was going through a similar thing when his brother was in the hospital. He regretted not being more empathetic before and it resulted in him getting injured. With Leizcio, he might've been too late as well, but he'll be damned if he doesn't try to help him get back on his feet, in the metaphorical and literal sense.
"Thanks Midoriya, I... I appreciate it."
Leizcio starts to think back to the talk he had back with Hisako and Tsuyu earlier today. Before he dwells on it more, he feels two hands on his shoulders.
"Don't worry about it, Esperanza. We'll be waiting for you back in class." Midoriya said as he began to walk out of the cafe. He waved bye to Leizcio who did the same. Once he was gone, Hisako and Lavania went back downstairs.
"So THAT was the bone breaker kid. Heard a lot of people talk about him during the sports festival." Lavania commented as she went to get coffee.
"Come on Leizcio, let me take you to your room." Hisako said as she used her quirk again to pick up Leizcio's wheelchair.
As the two headed upstairs, Leizcio was starting to feel tired as his healing was wearing him out. Hisako simply helped put Leizcio in his bed and left him to be. Didn't take too long for him to pass out.
As he began to sleep, that light glow appeared over his heart yet again.
Even though nobody could hear it, a small spark emitted from him.
Chapter 40
End
