H O P E S

A N D

F L A V O R S

People loved what we call "hope" – the promised land, as others dubbed it.

The question is why. Hope is nothing but a distant dream, absolutely nothing but a void field of suspense that leaves everyone wanting for more. Kaya concluded this as the humans' nature of being masochists when it comes to the very idea of the promised land. Because all of our greedy hearts desired for something like comfort and ease. Yet it appears once again that humans are naturally gluttonous to contentment.

Perhaps that's why other masses tend to be suicidal. Maybe it's because they don't like the life here on earth, so they try to find solace somewhere else. Although they aren't sure of what's to come at the afterlife, they choose to risk their very existence just to escape from the aching throb of their hearts.

Suicidal people wants to die not because they have lost all hope. They want to move on because they have hope that sometime after their death, they'll find the comfort they couldn't find on earth.

Kaya was neutral at the idea of slitting wrists and hanging ropes. It wasn't bad; but it wasn't particularly good either. Nobody can understand them than themselves only. No one has the right to decide who deserves to live and who doesn't.

So when her neighbor asked her if she was suicidal or not, she only mustered a smile and a quick reply:

"I'm not sick of this world yet."

- - -

Kaya's lavender locks mixed well with her blanched irises and skin. Her hair was always tied up in a simple ponytail with a bit of the strands lounging on her forehead pushed back sloppily. Keeping a neat look while serving customers happens to be a great deal. Even though she tends to keep her exterior appearance adequate, she didn't think even a certain vexating ash blond individual would notice.

"I'm surprised you actually noticed that I am trying to be presentable."

He only grinned up at her, his eyes portraying excitement, "Honestly if this was a normal day I wouldn't give two flying fucks about how adequate or half-assed you looked, but yeah."

"I'm torn if I should be glad or offended."

"Offended."

"Okay, I'm gonna ignore that insult," She waved her hands dismissively, "What's so great about your day anyways?"

"My time has come to prove them all wrong," His eyes seethed with determination as they blazed with smoky red drive and soul and fire, "I'm gonna beat those bastards up so bad, they will never doubt me."

Kaya blinked once or twice, only looking at Katsuki's direction for a whole 30 seconds. She noted how he didn't look angry despite what he just said. He looked rather driven with purpose and ideals. An unyielding look of tenaciousness adorned his usually scowling appearance.

"Well someone's worked up. I'm sure you're gonna beat 'em real good," She pushed his ramen cup closer to him, "But before that beating up shit, you should finish that ramen."

"Don't wanna," He wailed, "It's like a dull piece of shit with no flavor."

Kaya laughed and puffed a smoke, "Not my fault you bought all the extra hot ramen in a flash."

"You should've bought more then."

"Didn't have the time to," She reasoned with a yawn, "People like the regular spicy anyways so I didn't bother buying much stock. But the regular spicy isn't spicy enough for you, isn't it?"

"I thought I already made that freaking obvious."

"Not quite," Kaya commented, "So what's up with that 'I'm gonna prove them all wrong' drama?"

"In two weeks, there will be a sports festival and I'm gonna train until I drop to beat those punks. Especially that asshole Deku." He spat out venomously, his intent getting clearer by word. He really means to win – and from the looks of it, he'll take any obstacle coming his way.

Kaya smiled. From the way he talked about that Deku, it really implied that he looked at him as a rival — or maybe someone he recognizes, despite not being aware of it. As someone that he'll do anything to outmatch. When she first saw him, she knew he had a superiority complex. And hearing that he actually deems someone worthy enough of standing beside him or someone he acknowledges could catch up to him, her impression of him became a tad better than before. Because he'd never feel like beating this.. Deku will prove something if he didn't hold him in high, or in Katsuki's standards, at least in a high enough regard.

"You must really have something against this Deku guy, huh."

He scoffed, "The hell I do. That bastard. They're all bastards."

Kaya's brows rose in height, "Wow, you have a huge problem with this world, don't you?"

He only shrugged and stared at his ramen with disgust.

"This shit doesn't deserve the title of spicy."

"So even ramen has titles now. You keep teaching me new stuff, Katsuki-chan." She commented with a cackle. The said boy only picked up a handful of noodles with his chopsticks and threw it directly at Kaya's face which, prior to what happened, was now drenched in pure shock. And a bit of noodles.

"You're a piece of shit, Katsuki-chan."

Katsuki offered a boisterous laugh, "Yeah. I've been told I have this pretty badass accuracy."

"You don't just waste Yoake's precious products like that without facing the judgement of the heavens, you crude asshat." She then threw her lit-up cigarette that made its way straight to the ash blond's arm.

"That was fucking out of line, woman!"

"Oh? But I thought I had some spot-on accuracy too."

"You fucking scorched me with your cigarette."

"I could figure that out by myself, thanks," She shrugged, "It was intentional."

Katsuki grunted, "Next time I'm going to blast you with my explosion."

"That's your quirk? That's nice."

"It's not just 'nice', you unappreciative mule, it's downright and straight-out awesome."

"I'm glad your quirk's straight, unlike you."

"The fuck was that, you bitch?!"

"Someone's triggered."