Q U A N D A R I E S

A N D

R E S E R V E S

Kaya always tried to fix everything.

Unfortunately, it had lead to a point where she had forgotten that she needed fixing too.

It was rather tricky ― the human mind, that is. It will force images into your consciousness, just because they were what you wanted to see. It didn't matter if it was false. It was what our mind longed for, and naturally, that would be what we will believe. Most were right to compare the heart with the mind. But, contrary to popular belief, the mind doesn't work on logic alone. It works around the clogs of our emotions; deciding altogether if it will be beneficial to one's mental health. Unhealthy ones scraped and recycled back to the heart whilst the healthy ones stayed firmly on our brains, making us believe what we want to.

And for many years, Kaya's mind forced her to believe that time heals all.

Who was she kidding? Just a simple argument about her smoking caused a breakdown faster than her blinking. Her wounds weren't numb at all. They were only ignored and put aside because for once, she cared more about herself than anybody else.

"So are you just gonna mope around like a loser?" Katsuki clicked his tongue, "Fucking pathetic, really."

"Me being pathetic isn't really fresh news, tell me something I don't know."

His gaze snapped at her instantly, ferocious and ablaze crimson irises peering through her soul, as if daring her to look away.

But she couldn't.

"Oh? Something you don't know? Well let me tell you this, you're being an eyesore. Swollen eyes doesn't match with your hair, and I'm fucking sure that smile of yours isn't one bit genuine. And I bet to your goddamn existence that a bunch of bastards are worrying about you back at that store of yours," He paused to grunt, "Stop being selfish because someone called you out on your mistakes ― yes, I was there ― news fucking flash woman, you make mistakes!"

Saying she was astonished was an understatement.

Of course she has been lectured before, singled out and scolded. But she couldn't face the harsh reality that she was doing something... wrong. She wasn't a perfectionist, she could care less about some faults, she'd still live to see tomorrow anyway. What concerned her is no matter how much she convinced herself it was okay to slip up, she still finds herself pressured by the idea of not being meticulous. Perhaps it was because all her life, the only thing she did was aiming to please.

Yet the person in front of her was hardly pleased.

In the end, she found herself mangled up in her thoughts, a sleeve covering her once more tear stricken face.

A chuckle escaped her lips and she croaked out, "Keep saying things like that and I may just hug you, Katsuki-chan."

"Disgusting, don't even think about it."

Kaya cackled this time.

"Can you sit down for a while, please?" She requested, her voice nothing more than a sob.

To her bewilderment, he did as he was told and sat beside her, groaning as he did so.

"Stay?"

"I wouldn't be here if I wasn't planning to."

The only thing to be heard around the vicinity were nature's natural sound. Both of them sat in a comfortable lull, none bothering to fill up the empty space with their utterance.

Oddly, the long-winded pair found the quietude soothing.

And at that moment they realized just how much silence speaks.

- - -

"Do you reckon she'll come around, Ami?"

"Positive."

Pogako let out a heavy sigh ― he couldn't keep track on how much he have sighed for the past hour. He meant the words he dropped to Kaya. The only problem is he dropped them wrong. How he delivered what he was supposed to say was utterly terrible; Amira herself voiced out her disappointment. Kaya was, no matter how stern she looked, fragile. Words hurt her more than bruises and cuts. Opinions tear her apart more than injuries.

He should have known better.

They were both in the wrong but he still started it. With an impulsive approach, which wasn't any help.

They immediately took care of the customers once Kaya fled with her keys. The crowd gradually dispersed and they marked Yoake closed for the time being.

"I'm sorry, but when will the store be closed still?"

The inquiry came from someone with raven hair and a recognizable uniform of Yuuei.

Both employees blinked.

"Right. Um, it's closed temporarily because of some happenings, but what could we get you?"

"Oh no it's okay, I just swore I saw a classmate of mine pass by. He has spiky blonde hair, looks..."

"Murderous?" Amira supplied for her with a kind smile.

"Ah yes. I suppose he really did pass by?"

"He's a regular of sorts. I'll tell him you asked for him when he returns, I guess. Your name, ma'am, if you wouldn't mind?" Pogako answered, giving an inquisitive look.

"It's not really important, but Yaoyorozu Momo," She flashed a smile and held out her hand for them to shake, which they did, "I was just curious of why he'd go here, he is usually training somewhere else. Thank you, anyways. And forgive me for being intrusive but you both look troubled. I hope it isn't because of Bakugou, though he can be really hot-headed."

"Erm, no! It's not really him. I just told somebody of importance things I shouldn't have said."

She looked thoughtful for a moment before giving them a comforting beam.

"I'm not in any position to say this, but I think whatever you told this someone of yours, it he/she wouldn't hold it against you if you have a bond of sorts, or if he/she understands you and your concerns. As long as you didn't mean to hurt her, I believe it'll work out. Everything does in the end, doesn't it?"

The employees looked at her with both apalled expressions. And as if Yaoyorozu only realized that she has unconsciously run her mouth again, she flushed and spluttered.

"Um, I am so sorry! I.. I don't.. uh, mean it to sound that probing, it's just I can't help it, and thinking you just met me now. I must look so bad... oh God, sorry, really ― "

"Please, no, don't think of it like that. I... thank you. I needed that. You helped, actually. It's nice of you," Pogako commented, giving her a grin and Amira stood by him, giving an amiable expression for her.

"Oh," Yaoyorozu flushed, "You're... well you're welcome, I guess."

- - -

No matter what happened, Kaya always found herself running back to Yoake.

Back to it's artificial iris lights, to the comfort it provided, and to the people waiting there for her.

Perhaps it wasn't such a surprise that she came waddling to Pogako's welcoming arms, as they both released their wimpers. Already having voiced out their concerns, one realizing her insecurities, the other cleared of conscience.

"I told you there were bastards worried for you back here, should've betted on it."

Kaya snorted at the middle of their reconciliation for that.

And maybe, just maybe, she didn't need any fixing because after all, nothing was ever wrong.

- - -

to DIZZWIZZ's and GUEST's review : thank you v much! i'm glad you somehow found this enjoyable.