Chapter 4

After another long day, I decided to take a different route home. Especially since I wanted to avoid getting jumped again. They already took my lunch money, but that doesn't usually mean they won't jump me. Sometimes I don't get why Kacchan hangs out with Kato and Saito. I get that we lived and grew up in the same neighborhood. But I think those two are a bad influence for Kacchan. But not like he would listen to me.

At least the walk through the park was peaceful. Even more so, the afternoon sun gave a lovely glow to the trees. And when I came upon the center fountain, I couldn't help but tear up. It was the same fountain that me and Kacchan pinky promised to be friends forever. As the memories pooled my thoughts, I walked over to the fountain. I reached into my back pocket and grabbed the last yen that Kato didn't get from me. Without a second thought, I made my wish. I wish one day I could tell Kacchan how I feel for him.

Once I had made my wish, I started wandering a bit through the wooden area of the park. I wanted to avoid the main area of the park. Since it's typically filled with couples holding hands. Sometimes there would be a couple sharing a grape. It always made me feel uncomfortable to see that.

As I continued my walk, I suddenly heard a noise nearby. Not many people walk this path. Which got me curious. It's probably a stray cat. When I went to look, I went a few trees off the path. And that's when I felt something touched my shoulders. I quickly turned around, just in time to get a hand covering my mouth. My nerves skyrocketed when I saw it was Kacchan. "Don't you dare scream, nerd." With that, he removed his hand. It didn't take me long to realize it was just him. Which had my heart race even faster. And my face started to burn as I stood there.

Was Kacchan here to beat me up again? I was frozen in place as I watched him go into his right pocket. Then I was surprised when he handed me money. "What are you doing, Kacchan?"

"I ain't a fucking thief. Stupid nerd." He slammed the money into my chest. "Take it already."

"Is something the matter, Kacchan?" I tried to push the money back to him. That seemed to anger him even more. "Kacchan?" Within a blink of an eye, Kacchan pinned me to the ground. All while, I could faintly feel him putting something in my pocket.

"Take your damn money back!" Once his hand left my pocket, he got off me. As shocked as I was at that moment, something else crossed my mind.

"You got stronger, Kacchan. That's so cool." Damn it! Old habits die hard. But I couldn't help it. Even when Kacchan is mean to me, I still admire him. That's when I noticed his face turning red as he looked away from me.

"Shut up." I then watched as he picked up my book bag and threw it at me. "Get home, nerd." With that, he started to walk away. Staring at him, I had this tight feeling in my chest and couldn't hold back the tears. Without a second thought, I followed him. I just hope he doesn't get mad since we did live in the same direction.

…

As everyone started getting ready to leave for lunch, Kato and Saito walked over to me. They were both snickering among themselves. Kato then sat on my desk and pointed behind me. Which I knew he was probably pointing at Deku since he sat behind me. Why, even in 2nd grade, did he have to be in my class and behind me? "I'm short on cash for lunch. Wanna see if nerd could spare a few yen?"

The way Kato and Saito grinned about this made me feel uncomfortable. But I never backed out from anything. With that, I turned around to face Deku. He held up his arms in defense as we punched and kicked him. It didn't take long before Kato took Deku's lunch money.

As we walked out of the class, I couldn't stop myself from looking over at Deku. He was crying as he just stood there on the floor. Everything about this felt wrong. Once we turned the corner, I dragged Kato and Saito to the nearby bathroom. They didn't stand a chance against me, as I beat them. With that, I took back Deku's money and placed it in my pocket. I need to find the right moment to give this to him. What's wrong with me?

During lunch, I was alone again, but I didn't care anymore. I don't need anyone. But why do I keep looking for Deku in this crowd of extras? At this point, it became a habit to keep an eye on that nerd. After all, he gets bullied by just about everyone. Right now, a few of the girls are dumping their drinks on him as they walk by.

The rest of the school day was as boring as always. The classes were too easy to where I could do this in my sleep. Once we were dismissed for the day, I made my way to the school entrance. Now how will I give Deku his money? Not like I could do it at school while everyone was watching. What would that say about me? Everyone would think I was being weak and pity the school crybaby. That won't do.

What the hell was I even doing? Why should I even care about giving Deku his money? Just as I was about to give up on the thought, I saw Deku finally leaving the school gates. It was then that I saw the troubled look on his face. Not like I could blame him, with the day he had. Perhaps my idea wasn't such a bad one. Aren't heroes supposed to help people?

Keeping my distance, I couldn't help but notice how Deku didn't take his usual route. Glad I didn't walk ahead. I probably would have missed him. Watching how he walked through the park made me feel sick. It almost felt like I was stalking him when that wasn't it.

But when I saw him stand in front of the fountain, I had a sinking feeling inside. He was standing in the same spot we made our promise as kids. At that, it was the same spot where I made a silent promise to myself that I will always be Deku's hero. Now, look at us.

Watching Deku toss a coin into the fountain had me hoping to know what he wished for. But I'll never be able to ask that. While he walked away, I went and made a wish of my own. Maybe when I become a pro hero, I'll be able to tell him how I feel. That wish felt so heavy that I almost forgot what I was currently doing.

Without a second thought, I started to see if I could catch up to him. To my relief, he was taking the more wooden path of the park. Maybe if I'm fast enough, I could get in front of him. That way, I can pull Deku off the walkway, so nobody can see me giving back his money. And just my luck, he was making his way over to me.

Why was my heart pounding out of control when I finally had Deku within my hold? It took everything in me to stay calm. "Don't you dare scream, nerd." With that, I backed off a bit. And reached into my pocket for his money. I have to do this fast, or else someone would see.

"What are you doing, Kacchan?" The way Deku was looking at me took my breath away. He looks so scared, yet he's still standing in front of me. What is wrong with him?

"I ain't a fucking thief. Stupid nerd." I slammed the money into his chest. "Take it already." Why does it sound like I was pleading with him?

"Is something the matter, Kacchan?" Why aren't you taking your money back? Stop looking at me like that! Damn it! "Kacchan?"

I quickly turned and slammed him to the ground, pinning him. If Deku won't take his money back, then I'll force him to take it. "Take your damn money back!" Stop fighting me. Why are you so damn nice? Damn it! You're so damn stubborn. Once I put his money back in his pocket, I got off him.

"You got stronger, Kacchan. That's so cool." What in the world? Does Deku still think I'm cool? That pain in my chest came back as my face began to burn.

I quickly looked away and saw that Deku's book bag was on the ground. "Shut up!" I tossed him his book bag. "Get home, nerd." With that, I turned away. Damn it. Why it's always him that makes my face burn up? Why does he make me feel so many things? I hate it.

As I walked home, I could hear Deku behind me. It's not that I could get mad since we live in the same direction. But it sure was annoying. "So, how's the cram school?" What the hell?

I angrily looked over my shoulder at him. "How did you know I was going to a cram school?"

"I overheard my mom talking with your mom about how you were at one of the best cram schools. And also, how I should go too. But mom quickly stated that wasn't needed since it was a school for the gifted."

"Damn right, nerd." And just like that, there was silence again. Until we passed by the TV store. Just as another rerun of one of many All Might's missions in the states. No matter how many times I've seen them, they're still so awesome. After the commercials started, I went back to walking home. All the while, I could hear Deku mumbling to himself again. It was somewhat annoying and cute about him. But I would never admit that last part out loud to anyone. "For fuck sake! Shut up, you damn nerd."

"Um, Kacchan." I looked behind me and saw how Deku was fidgeting with his shirt. Just another habit he still had since we were little. And yet, something about it always made him seem even cuter. I walked over to him and pinch his right cheek. "Ow, Kacchan."

"If you got something to say, then say it. Damn, nerd!"

Deku still wasn't looking at me as he placed a hand on his cheek. His face was as red as a tomato. Did I really pinch that hard? "There's a hero convention coming up next Saturday. Would you like to go?" What in the world? Next Saturday? As I tried to recall what the date would be, my face suddenly burned. If my memory was right, it would be Deku's birthday.

Is he really asking me to spend time together on his birthday? Wait! Do I even have a gift for him? I started walking away from him as I thought about what I should do. Not like he would expect a gift from me. That's when I thought of it. "You're such a nerd."

…

When I got home, I just couldn't believe it. Kacchan actually spoke to me. My face started burning as much as before as I tried to get to my room. That was until I noticed that mom wasn't home. As I walked into the kitchen, I saw the bento box on the table.

As I ate my food, I kept thinking back at the events that happened today. Besides getting juice dumped on me and getting beat up twice. There was some brightness to everything. Kacchan and I spoke. I got to witness Kacchan smile as he watched All Might at the TV store. Seeing him smile was always something I treasured.

But what really got me worked up was the last thing we said to each other. I still can't believe I even asked him. At that, he didn't even say yes or no. What does this mean? Should I just go to the convention and just hope to see him there? Or should I wait by his house for him? I wasn't sure what to do. But all I did know was that I was going to the hero convention. And that there might be a chance I would see Kacchan there.

While I got ready for the con, mom came into my room. She was holding a colorful bag as she smiled. "How's the birthday boy doing this morning?" Based on the smile she currently had, I was sure what she really was happy about. Which was that I wouldn't be home on her day off. Since I've noticed how depressed she gets when I'm home. But if I left and came back, she never had any sign that she binged or cried.

"I'm fine, mom."

"That's good." She held the bag to my face. "I got you a gift. Open it." I took the bag and pulled out what it had. To no surprise, it was a new pair of my favorite Nike Air Force 1, in red. This had been my birthday gift 3 times in a row. But I wasn't complaining since I did wear out my sneakers a lot.

"Thank you, mom." She then pulled out a few bills from her pocket.

"Since you're going to be out, please eat." I took the money from mom and placed it in my own pocket. "I look forward to hearing all about your day." Now that was a lie. As mom skipped out of my room, I waited till I knew she was in the kitchen before closing my door. I locked it and went back to my bed. Picking it up, I went and grabbed my secret stash.

It took me a few months of dumpster diving and selling off what I folded. But it was so worth it. Because now I knew for sure that I had enough to get something from every booth at the con. With that, I finished getting ready and was out.

The sun was just rising as I walked to the station. As I did so, I was somewhat disappointed that I didn't see Kacchan at our usual meeting spot. Even though I shouldn't have expected to see him, I was still hoping. And when I got to the station, I was shocked by what I saw. There, on the main platform, was Kacchan.

What should I do? Before I could think of anything, Kacchan spotted me and walked in my direction. "What stop is that damn con?" I couldn't hold back a smile as I told him. "That's not as far as I thought." He then pushed past me.

…

"I'm home." I walked into the kitchen and was surprised to see mom was home. "Hey, hag."

Without turning, she screamed back. "What you want, brat?"

"Deku's damn birthday is next week." That's when mom turned around. "So, are going to help or what?" Mom just smiled at me before grabbing her phone and calling dad. We might not always get along, but sometimes she can be nice. Especially when she doesn't get mad when I show her my report card.

I made sure I woke up extra early that Saturday. It was a struggle to sleep last night, but I needed to pick the perfect outfit. Not like I was trying to impress anyone, but I wanted to dress my best. My face was on fire as I couldn't decide between green cargo and my black joggers. It didn't help that I wasn't sure if I was going to wear my pullover skull hoodie or my zip-up beige hoodie. Why was this so hard?

"Damn it!" I ran over to mom, who happened to be sitting in the dining room. "Black or green?" Mom shook her head and dragged me back to my room. She then went about picking my outfit. "I am not wearing a button-down to a casual event! You old hug." She then tossed me my black cargo and an orange shirt. Along with handing me my favorite lightweight military boots. She even handed me my zip-up black hoodie and my gray sling bag. "Thanks, mom."

"Whatever. Is your old man expected an extra guess for dinner?"

"I'm not sure." She shook her head as she left my room. With that, I finished getting ready and headed out.

As I waited at the station, I could feel my nerves going crazy. This wasn't anything special, but I was still excited. I looked at my phone and saw the time. Knowing that nerd, he should be here by now. I started to look around, and without fail, he had just gotten on the main platform. But I will admit it was impressive to see him in something that wasn't rags or a school uniform.

The convention wasn't as bad as I thought. But I did wonder how he was able to afford merch from every booth. I wouldn't be surprised if this came from all his dumpster diving. Then again, those were fun and so worth it when we found things in good condition. For the rest of the con, it was enjoyable to watch Deku get excited about every little thing. Since nobody from class usually traveled this far out, I was somewhat relaxed.

It was an hour before the panel event, the whole reason for the con. Which was when I noticed something. The damn nerd hasn't eaten this whole time. Once he was done with yet another booth, I grabbed his bookbag and dragged him to the nearby food court we had passed. "Come on. There are so many more booths I haven't seen yet."

"Shut it, nerd. You gotta eat, too." He huffed at me but didn't fight back. As happy as I was that the con was finished, I can admit that I enjoyed myself. I even got myself a signed comic from the artist. Now, we were walking from the station. I slowed down enough that I was within arm's reach of Deku. "Don't go home."

"What do you mean?" I didn't say anything as we continued to walk. Just as we reached the corner where we usually split to go to our homes, I grabbed Deku's bookbag again. I then dragged him to my house. "Are you sure about this?" I just pushed him inside.

…

I was speechless. Nothing could ever prepare me for what I had just witnessed. It was hard to back my tears as I sat at the table. "Happy Birthday!" Today really was amazing. Not only did Kacchan spend time with me without dealing with Kato and Saito. Kacchan's family held a surprise dinner for me. Moments like these gave me hope that Kacchan and I were still friends. Maybe it really was Kato and Saito's fault.

As I got ready to head home, Kacchan stood next to me. He then handed me a box. "Don't open it until you're alone. I know how your mom gets when you have something she didn't give you." As I took the small box, I happened to notice a shade of pink that crossed his cheeks. "Remember the rule."

I couldn't help but smile as hugged the box. "I know. Nobody will know how nice Kacchan really is." He then pinched my cheek.

"Damn right." With that, I headed home. There mom wished me another happy birthday before passing out in her room. I then went to my room and locked the door. Taking a deep breath, I went about opening Kacchan's gift. To my surprise, it was a cellphone with an All Might case. There was also a note in the box. Kacchan truly is an amazing person. My hero.