Here's chapter 2! Enjoy!
"I've been meaning to ask, how has your American friend and his daughter been?" Midnight, real name Nemuri Kayama (in normal clothes, wearing a dark red shirt, dark lavender jeans, black heel boots and had her hair in a long spiky ponytail), asked Toshinori as they and Present mic, she being Hizashi Yamada (in normal clothes too, wearing black leather vest, gloves, skorts and knee length boots, a white t-shirt under the vest with a gold color microphone and some music notes in the center of it, she had her hair in a long braid), just got their smoothies at the cafe they sat at.
"He's doing alright, after everything that has happened on I-island things have long since settled down and been going well, Though Dave had an answer for the commotion he had caused even though he was doing it for my sake, considering that he had no idea that he had hired real criminals unknowingly and what their true motives were and not to mention almost getting killed from it he didn't have a harsh sentence, though he had a probation officer until last year and paid for whatever collateral damage had been done during the whole incident. Thankful no one had harsh feelings towards him after that. His Daughter is working to inherit the company, with that big brain of hers I'm not going to be surprised if she inherits it within a year or less then that even." Toshinori giggled.
"That's good to hear." Hizashi said after sipping her lemon and cherry smoothie, "Hearing What happened on that island was crazy, no to mention shocking."
"You're not the only one who thought that Hiza-Chan" Toshinori nodded.
"So what did you do on your way here?" Nemuri asked the former pro, "You had a pretty big smile on your face when we arrived Toshi-chan, something good happened before coming here?"
Toshinori giggled, "Its that obvious huh Nemu-Chan? Well, on my way here I was stopping by the library to drop off some books that I had checked out a while back, and Pamela, the librarian who works there, got me a gift."
She then pulled out the book from her bag, showing it to the ladies.
""The light of hope"?! No way, that book is like so hard to come by nowadays even though it only just published two years ago," Hizashi replied in shock.
"I know right?" Toshinori nodded.
"Honestly, I'm not surprised that you got the book, seeing as it's your favorite, don't think I haven't seen you reading that book you always check out at the library from time to time around campus during your spare time." Nemuri chuckled.
"I can't help it, it's just a really good novel." Reply Toshinori as she laughed, "I would like to know who the mysterious writer is, so then I can send a fan letter telling them how much I like the book."
"That's one of Japan's mysteries, absolutely nobody knows who the mysterious writer is and everybody's just dying to find out." Nemuri said before sipping her Mango-Banana smoothie.
"Yup." The former pro nodded.
"By the way Hiza-Chan, how have you and Shota been doing, Done anything special?" Nemuri asked her.
Upon being asked that, the voice heroine could not hold back a smile as a big one spread across her face, "Well now that you mention it, yes something special did happen, and I wanted you two be the first ones I broke the news to."
"What news?" Toshinori asked before she sipped her Apple, peach and watermelon smoothie.
When being asked that, Hizashi could not help but shout with joy and excitement (thankfully not activating her quirk in the process this time), "YESTERDAY SHOTA ASKED ME TO MARRY HIM!!"
Upon that being said, Nemuri squealed in delight while Toshinori (doing a spit take) spat out her smoothie and some blood in shock.
"No way really!?" Both woman asked, one in excitement and one still in shock.
"Yes really!" Hizashi nodded before taking off her left leather glove to reveal a engagement ring on her ring finger, the ring itself being gold with in Marigold gem on it.
"Yesterday Shota and I went to the park for a picnic after school, he made a real feast that was so delicious, and when we got to the desserts he handed me a cupcake which had the ring on it after he told me how much he cared about me and how he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me, and when he asked I immediately accepted!" Hizashi explained.
It was no secret to the faculty that the Voice heroine and the Erasure hero were dating since their last year at UA high, and everyone was wondering when the Erasure hero was going to pop the question to his sweet heart, apparently he finally decide to do that yesterday after all this time.
"Congratulations Hiza-Chan." Toshinori said with a smile after wiping the blood and smoothie from her mouth with a napkin.
"Its about time you know!" Nemuri stated in exclamation, "The wait was killing us."
Hizashi giggled in reply.
"So when will the big day be?" Nemuri then asked her.
"Its gonna be in a month during the fireworks show. An outdoors wedding with bright fireworks to celebrate it, super romantic." The last bit Hisashi said dreamily.
"No one would think that the guy was the romantic type given his personality and how he acts around everyone, but they would be proven wrong." Toshinori then said.
"Yup." both of her friends agreed as all 3 of them laughed.
The girls continued to chat for a while until they left the cafe after paying for their smoothies.
The trio were walking down the street for half an hour just window shopping until Nemuri pointed out to a hat shop and asked if they could go in there, which the others nodded seeing no harm in doing that.
Apparently the shop was new as it only just opened last week and already was doing pretty well, according to the cashier who greeted them when they came in.
They even had a little photo booth where you could try on hats and take pictures with them and see which one would look best on you, its also for fun too.
While Nemuri and Hizashi were in one isle browsing, Toshinori was in another looking at a mirror and trying on some hats.
Did she want a hat that would go with how the weather was going to be until next season? Or would she want to get a hat that was different and unique? Or maybe getting one for a special occasion?
Seeing that the UA cultural festival was coming up pretty soon, She thought that maybe she could get something nice to wear at it.
But what kind of hat? She didn't know yet.
Abruptly she was brought out of her train of thought when she bumped into someone.
"Oh I'm sorry." She apologized immediately only to look up to see a person that had been... getting to close to her personal space lately as of last year.
The man in his late 50's was handsome, tall, about half an inch taller then her, had orange tan skin, dark grey short hair in a military style buzz cut, a long scar running over his nasal cavity, grayish lilac eyes, wearing a bulky brown jean jacket on top of a black shirt with the words 'Only the best can win' on the front of it, long black cargo pants, brown hiking boots, some chains hanging from his pants on both left and right sides, as for his physique he was strong as he had devine and big biceps, had solid abs and strong muscle legs that any body builder would do anything to have and make any girl around him swoon and sigh.
But not her. Not by a long shot.
"Amaro Ame, what an unexpected surprise." She greeted with politeness, hiding her slight annoyence inside.
"Indeed my Dearest All Might," He greeted her with smug but sly grin in a Japanese-Portuguese accent, "Fancy bumping into you in a place like this, unexpected but not unpleasant."
Without her permission he took her hand a bit forcefully and kissed it gently, oblivious to the glare sent at him by the retired hero, though he didn't notice as Toshinori hid her glare from him with straight face as he let go of her hand.
"So what does bring the gorgeous retired pro to a quaint establishment like this?" He asked her.
"I'm here with my friends having a girls day out," She replied simply.
"I see," He replied with a gleam in his eyes, "Well perhaps later you and I could go to a restaurant for lunch, i know this one just a few blocks away from here, my treat."
"As generous as that is I'm afraid I must decline the offer, the girls and I already have plans for lunch." She replied.
"Really, thats to bad," He said, faking his disappointment, "Well maybe I can join you and your friends for lunch instead? The more the merrier as they say."
"As true as that may be, I must decline again for if you joined then it wouldn't be a 'girls day out' now wouldn't it, besides you would need to ask my friends as well if you could, they have a right to voice their opinions as i do." Toshinori told him.
"Is that right?" He asked, as he narrowed his eyes, "Well why not instead we hang out until you leave here?"
"Thank you for the offer but no, I need to get back to my friends now." She answered, shaking her head. "It was nice seeing you again but I must get going, goodbye Ame."
As much as she loved her fans, she knew ti be cautious as she could recognize when someone was trying to win her affection and date her and would go to lengths to win her heart. Though she would always politely declined and apologize as she didn't resuscitate their feelings, most of those men would understand and remain in the friendzone with her, some would be devastated and cry but would be depressed yet they understood and respected her decision, and then there were those like Amaro Ame who are stubborn and don't give up and still keep trying, but she would always politely turn them down, some gave up as they eventually understood... and then there's Amaro Ame.
But as she turned to leave she felt a big hand grabbed her by her wrist, stopping her as this flashed a red flag in her mind as she turned back to face The man.
"Are you sure? Not even to try on a few hats together?" He persisted.
"I'm sure, besides the girls might be wondering where I am." She replied, again but with more firmness politely saying, "I would rather not make then worry."
"Why don't I help you find them?" He asked.
"No thank you, i can find them on my own." She replied.
"Are you sure?" He asked again, notibly slightly tightening his grip on her wrist, eyes narrowed more.
"I am sure, I am capable of finding them without too much difficulty, besides they're not really that hard to find." She replied, keeping a calm but serious tone.
"Well what if a crook came out of nowhere and captured you while you are looking for them?" He asked her, "A big man like me could be a bodyguard for you a fragile but lovely woman while you find them, of course I will not decline the offer of you having me around for protection if you say yes.."
"Ame, I'm going to have to stop you there. I may look frail but I am anything but fragile, I am perfectly capable of fending for myself if the situation should arise." She told him with a serious glare, Trying to get his grip off of her with little success, though he seemed unbothered by this as he didn't let go, she then told him, "Besides what you said was rude and inconsiderate, I may be a retired pro and my condition is less to be desired but that does not mean that I am completely vulnerable to any one who may come after me, I have been a Heroine for decades so believe me I am anything but helpless despite my state. Now I need to get going, so would you please let go of me?"
"I suggest you respect her decision sir."
Came a male voice that sounds deep but polite as the two turn to the source of it.
It was a man, around his early 50s, who notably was taller than both Toshinori and Amaro, he had dark gray near black hair with most of it while short it covered most of his face except for his nose, mouth and his right eye which was a silvery-grey color, light tan skin, wearing a white short sleeve button-up shirt, dark blue unbuttoned vest, dark blue trousers, a black digital wrist watch, and a pair of dark blue, black, and grey running shoes.
His appearance looked... both mysterious yet it's clearly to see how handsome he was, as for some reason when Toshinori saw him she almost didn't realize their heart has skipped a beat.
And his voice, it sounded... mysterious, alluring but in a welcoming way, and his voice was semi deep, why it was to her? She didn't know.
"To have no respect for a woman's decision and to relentlessly go after her regardless of how uncomfortable she feels is not something that would describe a gentleman, they are to be treated with kindness and respect. She said she is perfectly capable of defending herself, she had told you this with firmness and not avoiding eye contact, so you ought to respect her decision and leave her be if all you're going to do is pester her about it. Otherwise you will leave us both with no choice but to tell this to the store workers and have them escort you out." He told him woth narrowed eyes.
There was silence for what felt like a hours before Amaro eventually, to Toshinori's relief, let go of her quickly though quietly apologizing to her before excusing himself as his whole frame was shaking with his face cast down as he disappeared into the ilses.
Why was he shaking? And she didn't miss seeing that the man looked pale like he saw something frightening, wonder what?
"Are you alright ma'am?" The man who rescued her asked her as she was rubbing her wrist.
"I'm alright, thank you for helping me." Toshinori nodded as she smiled.
"Your welcome." He smiled back as he replied, "He looked like a person that doesn't know how to take 'no' for an answer."
"Perceptive I see, yes unfortunately your correct, Amaro Ame is one of my fans, he's nice and may look handsome but... how do i put this politely? He gets too close to ones personal space, will always try to persist even if someone were to say no to him, especially if they were women. From what I observed, there are many women that are interested in him, will swoon towards him even because he's handsome and strong, most believe it was related to his quirk which he has never actually revealed to anyone for some reason, but that cannot change the fact that he has too many flaws that most people ignore. His comments and compliments tend to come off as rude while concealing that one fact with flattery, and makes it seem like everything will be okay because he's strong and he's willing to defend others, in a flirtatious way. Sadly there are handfuls of women out there to blinded by his handsome physique and his strength and his romantic side to even realize he only wants attention and conceal his flaws. Although he has never once shown abusing someone nor assaulting anyone and actually physically forcing himself on another woman to get them to agree, that doesn't mean that he won't try to make them agree with fancy words, promises to go to fancy places and showering beautiful compliments to them that many woman would want to hear." Toshinori explained with a sigh.
"But you are not one of them?" More of a statement than a question he said there.
"That is correct, I've already told him a million times that I'm not the least bit interested in him, he has asked me numerous times to come hang out with him to fancy romantic places or take a nice stroll in the park and talk about anything romantic, but I always decline as the look in the eyes tells me that it's more than just to 'chat', also I have a job I need to do and I don't have time for dates. He has also shown with out even hiding it that he's not interested in the things that I'm interested in and even questions why I like them and that I shouldn't be walking outside with the fear that I could easily be assaulted by villains at any given time and would be too weak and defenseless to defend myself and I would be better off with him as my bodyguard, but that is far from the truth. He even tells me that I should get married despite the fact that I am perfectly fine being single yet he doesn't respect that. Conceited to say that is what it is."
"I agree with you. I have seen and encountered people like him and even those worse than him, so I know very well what you're talking about."
"Though thankful i haven't seen him stalking me at all. But still, what happened just now has left me tensed up, while he has never grabbed me by force other then to take my hand to kiss it, that is the first time he has ever actually grabbed my wrist in a tight forceful grip, and look in his eyes he was giving me there has left me with more concerns." Toshinori said, words were said to herself though he heard her.
"Perhaps it may be a good idea to keep an eye out in case he were to do anything above all that you said he is done around you." He suggested.
"I was actually thinking the same thing." Toshinori nodded before one thing struck her as she face palmed smiling at her own stupidity, "Oh silly me, neither of us have actually introduced ourselves now have we?"
The man shook his head, and chuckled, "Oh no you're right, we haven't, sorry about that."
"Its alright, and likewise." She replied.
"Honesty, I've actually seen you on the news a few years back when you were facing that Kamino ward villain All For One and put him in jail before retiring. I may know who you are in your hero form but I have yet to even meet the women behind the heroine persona." He commented with a small smile.
"I see," She acknowledged, "In that case, allow me to formerly introduce myself, I'm Toshinori Yagi, Retired Pro-Hero and a hero informatics teacher working at UA high."
"A pleasure and honour to meet you Ms. Yagi," He greeted her shaking her hand which she handed to him as he then told her his name, "My name is Eno Kako."
"Eno Kako, a bit strange but it sounds interesting, it even sounds pretty catchy too." She complimented him as they let go.
"Why thank you," He chuckled, "That's actually the first time anyone has ever said that about my name."
"Then I'm happy to be the first one to say it." She joked before they both chuckled the bit.
"Yo Toshi-Chan!"
Both of them turn to the source of the voice which, unsurprisingly to the Former Heroine, came Hizashi as she and Nemuri came over to her, with several hats they wanted to buy in their hands.
"Who's your new friend there?" The Voice Heroine asked.
"This is Eno Kako, he helped me to get away from Ame." Toshinori explained.
"You mean that guy you've told us about whole started to stalk you?" Nenuri asked.
"He hasn't stalked me per se but yeah that's the guy." Toshinori replied.
"Thanks for getting our gal pal away from him." Hizashi thanked the man who nodded and replied, "After seeing how he interacted around her, I just had to step in before it escalated any farther."
"Still thank you Mr. Kako." Nemuri told him.
"You're welcome." He chuckled, "And you two would be..?"
"I'm Hizashi Yamada!" The Voice heroine chimed.
"And I'm Nemuri Kayama, nice to meet you." Said the R rated Heroine.
"Likewise." The man nodded.
"So Toshi-chan, have you found a hat or two that you wanted to buy?" Hizashi asked her.
"No," She replied, rubbing the back of her head, "I was still looking when you know who showed up trying to get me to go out with him again, of course I declined as usual, but this time when I try to walk away he actually grabbed my wrist in a tight grip."
"HE WHAT?!" The other two girls exclaimed in shock.
"I knew this wasn't a good sign, he wasn't going to let me go easily this time. Had Mr. Kako not came to assist me then it may have ended badly for me." Toshinori told them.
"Indeed," Kako chimed in, "Upon seeing the look in his eyes I felt like I had to intervene or something rather unpleasant might have occurred."
"Speaking of which," Toshinori then said, "When Ame let go of me and left, he looked visibly shaken as if he saw something rather frightening when you spoke to him. Was that your quirk in action?"
Suddenly getting a bit embarrassed, Kako blushed a bit as he replied, "Well yes, usually I don't normally use it in this particular situation, but I felt like it was necessary this time. My quirk is Called Phantom Reality, it's an illusion quirk that allows me to create any kind of illusions that I want with enough concentration and even make them appear for specific people or for everyone around me all by thinking about it, making them see things that aren't actually there. I used my quirk to make that man see something pretty horrific while I spoke to him so that he would you leave Miss Yagi. It has it perks and comes in handy for trying to get away from specific people, cheering someone up or to use as a distraction but the draw back is that is that i get rather hungry if I've been using it for a long period of time and I've already used it a few times today already to get away from certain people trying to hurt me, nothing too serious but just a couple of thugs hiding in the alleys."
Upon saying that, his stomach started to growl a bit loudly as this made him deepen his blush.
Nemuri giggled as she said, "Well in that case, why don't we treat you to lunch? As a way to pay for helping our friend, plus it is getting close to lunchtime, so why not join us?"
This surprised him as his blush faded, "Really? Are you sure it won't be inconvenient for you 3?"
"Not at all, it's the very least we can do for you, besides we would be guilty if we left you starving after helping our friend here." Hizashi insisted with assurance.
He then Turned to Toshinori, "Is that alright with you?"
"I don't mind at all. The more the merrier." She nodded with a smile.
He smiled back as he nodded, "Then its settled."
"Excellent! Just let us pay for this stuff and we can all get going." Nemuri said.
"Alright," He replied, "Oh, speaking of which, Miss Yagi I recall that you were looking for a hat to buy, and I was actually looking at this one before that man approached you."
He pointed to a hat that was sitting on a mannequin head on the stand near by, it was the only one on there. The hat in question was a simple white sun hat with a electric blue ribbon tied around it and with a mini sunflower in the center of the bow.
"Simple but looks lovely." Hizashi then told the former pro, "Why don't you try it out Toshi-chan?"
"Why not?" Toshinori shrugged before she walked over to the hat, taking it off the mannequin and walking back to the group before she tried it on and look at a mirror that was right by them.
The hat fit comfortably on her head, the fabric felt very nice and breathable, and even went well with her outfit as she admired how well it looked.
"It fits and looks perfect on you Toshi-chan!" Nemuri exclaimed in delight.
"You should totally buy it, it's like it was made for you!" Hizashi insisted.
"I have to agree," Said Kako with a gentle yet delighted smile.
This made the former pro blush as she thought about it before nodding, "Alright, i will."
After paying for their items the 4 left the shop and went to nearest restaurant from their location, turns out the really was restaurant nearby the hat shop by a few blocks as Ame proclaimed, a really nice one in fact as it was an Italian and Japanese style restaurant, which had been in business as of 3 years ago since it first opened up, according to their waitress who took their orders.
Toshinori got a small plate of spaghetti with Alfredo sauce, a small bowl of rice and a cup of water.
Nemuri got a big salad with bits of crispy chicken in it, croutons and ranch dressing and a cup of Sprite.
Hizashi got does spaghetti beef ravioli combo with marinara sauce, some butter and garlic bread and a cup of Cherry Temple.
And Kako, who got a bigger meal then the Ladies as he had said that his quirk had made him really hungry and after the girls had persuaded him to get whatever he wanted and told him that it was no trouble, He got a plate of rice balls filled with fried shredded beef, a bowl of fruit salad and a bowl of chicken and veggie soup, a plate of taiyaki, a big cup of dark coffee and a cup of herbal hibiscus and peach tea.
They also learned that this place also has a karaoke stand, so anyone can sing if they wanted to (once you paid the fee), soon a young woman around her near 20's sang a song as they all listen:
I don't have time for dancin'
That's just gonna have to wait a while
Ain't got time for messin' around
And it's not my style
This whole town can slow you down
People takin' the easy way
But I know exactly where I am going
Gettin closer 'n closer every day
And I am almost there
I'm almost there
People down here think I'm crazy
But I don't care
Trials and tribulations
I've had my share
There ain't nothin' gonna stop me now
'Cause I'ma almost there
I remember Daddy told me
If you want dreams-to come true
You gotta make 'em happen
It all depends on you
So I work real hard each and every day
Now things for sure are going my way
Just doing what I do
Look out Boys I'm coming through
And I'm almost there
I'm almost there
People gonna come here from everywhere
And I'm almost there
I'm almost there
There's been trials and tribulations
You know I've had my share
But I've climbed a mountain
I've crossed a river
And I'm almost there
I'm almost there
I'm almost there
Everyone clapped after that before they all went to their own businesses.
As the 4 eat, they chat as they got to know each other.
The girls learned that His favorite color was black, he was a bit of a night owl, he enjoys classical music, he loved to read books, he was really good at poetry (especially in haiku) and his favorite insects were Butterflies and Moths.
And at the same time he got to know his new female friends. Like the 3 being teachers, each of their favorite colors, Favorite song genre's (they all liked rock but they also liked one other one for each of them: Nemuri's was Jazz, Hizashi like techno, and Toshinori liked classical music just Kako did), about the cafe they went to earlier today and recommended him to go there when he had the chance which he said that if he did then he will.
Hizashi also went onto telling the others some jokes which got them chuckling.
The food was delicious and it was all a very reasonable price as they enjoyed every bit of their meals.
Upon leaving the restaurant, Kako's watch beeped as he checked the time.
"Oh no look at the time, I need to get going." He said in surprise.
"Got an appointment somewhere?" Toshinori asked him.
"Yes, a doctor's appointment actually." He replied, "I've been having some medical problems for a while in the head and throat, but ... that's rather personal, a bit touch really."
Nemuri assured him, "We understand, we won't ask. But would you like us to call a taxi for you?"
"No need," He assured them, "I'll just call my Uber driver, if I remember correctly he should be close by as he told me that he needs to make a quick stop to the pharmacist around this time."
He pulled out his phone and started to text his driver a message.
Not long after he sent the message did they see the Uber van with tinted windows come from around the corner and stopped in front of them.
"It was nice meeting you ladies and having lunch with you all, it was very generous of you three and I had a wonderful time." Kako told them with a smile.
"We had a pretty good time too." Hizashi replied as the other two ladies nodded.
"Maybe we'll see each other again sometime." Nemuri then said.
"Maybe, we'll just have to wait and see." He replied.
"I hope your doctor's appointment goes well and you get back home safely." Toshinori told him.
"Thank you for your concern Miss Yagi, I will." He smiled with a nod.
They said their goodbyes before the man got into the van and it drove off disappearing after it turned the corner.
The 3, having saw what time it was, decide to stop by the Cat Cafe before heading back to UA which was pretty close by to the cafe in question.
Today had been very interesting indeed. Getting the book that she had been wanting to get for so long, meeting a new friend after being saved from Ame, buying a new hat and going to a really nice restaurant with karaoke and great food, and now going to a cat cafe to cuddle with cats and chat for a little while.
All in all, it was a good day.
Almost there - Anika Noni Rose (I changed one of the set of lyrics in case you may not have realized, as I'm not into fairy tales too much)
Sorry this took a long time, but now that that's done I can get to doing the next chapter! Hope you Enjoyed this chapter, tell me what you think please, see you later and have a good day!Also, the next chapter for "Its because of him that our lives changed for the better" is on its way soon.