To answer mem's questions:
1. I don't think online certificates are gonna be valid in AC. Plus it's 2003. They were extremely rare back then.
2. Yes, there were schools for high level Espers. I'm sure you've heard Tokiwadai and several more. There's probably many of them out there, but I'm not sure if I wanna introduce or make a new one just yet.
3. His identity was completely erased as I had explained several chapters back. They weren't exactly truthful about the money, but they weren't lying either. They were paying him the bare minimum, just enough to keep both He and Aiho alive. Plus what makes you think they would give it to him anyway? There were no written contracts. Because, just like you said, 'Kidnappings'. Basically, he was ripped off.
I hope that answers all of your questions.
His hair covers his scrunched up face for the passer-by. He stares at the small card with a rather flabbergasted expression, holding it with both hands.
The picture stares back at him with a face that has no time for such petty things had it not been a necessity. The best way he could describe seeing himself again after so long is strange. Almost worrying.
"I don't suppose they had a mirror placed where you've been... held in?" Yoshikawa inquired up above, leaning on the back of the bench he sat on.
He didn't answer, keeping his eyes on the thing on his front. He was aware of how thin he used to be. But here, he looked almost unreal. Has he always been like this? His eyes made him look older than he's supposed to.
But the feelings were then overshadowed when his eyes wandered slightly over, looking at the name. It has him wondering some times at how much could a single person really be infatuated with another.
"That's a shitty thing to think of."
Yoshikawa flinched, before chuckling. "Didn't think you could read minds now. I wasn't *really* gonna cut your hair, y'know?"
He sighed as he pocketed the thing and stood up from the bench. His right hand rubbing the back of his head.
The way his hands sank into his hair made him realise how long it really is. When was the last time it was cut off? Quite a while now, actually.
To operate on his head more freely, they'd have to cut the hairs off. The last time they'd tamper through his head was about a year and a half now. So his hair must've been unruly. They do cover his face, shielding his eyes on some occasions but it didn't really bother him, so he just kept it. Might as well just clip it a tad bit later at the apartment.
A slight exhale escapes him as he stares at a familiar building. It was bustling with people his age and younger. If he recalls right, lunchtime should end in several more minutes.
"You sure you don't want to go back here? It's a really good school too. Still one of the top Elementary schools in the country." He hummed, softening his eyes as he wandered through the buildings. Recognizing a certain classroom from here.
He was feeling nostalgic just by looking at the place, in all honesty. He could vividly recall someone, an underclassmen. What was her name again? He can't recall. But one thing for sure; She was a good kid. She should be a fourth grader by now. She's about as old as he was back then.
He wonders if she still remembers him. She's most likely forgotten him just as he did to her. He felt a pang on his chest just by the thought of that. Even then, he didn't think he wanted her to see him like this. Not ever. He feels very much ashamed of how he had turned out.
That thought triggered something else entirely. His frown darkened. How could he ever face Aiho? Would she still accept him if he was like this?
He pinched his thighs hard enough that his eyes watered quite a bit. 'Help her first, think of that shit later dumbass.' Hirano shakes his head, trying to dispel the negative thoughts. The memories of the past are strong, but he knows that he can't let them consume him. He had a mission to fulfil, and that's what he needed to focus on.
As he stands there, lost in thought, Yoshikawa breaks the silence. "Hey, you okay?" Yoshikawa asks, concern etched on her face. "You zoned out there for a bit."
Hirano nods. "Let's get out of here."
Yoshikawa didn't say much, merely nodding in acknowledgement. The two walked side by side, the weight of Hirano's thoughts heavy between them. As they walked, the hustle and bustle of the schoolyard seemed to fade into the background, replaced by the sound of the city.
They both walk in silence for a while, lost in their own thoughts. The sun beats down on them, casting long shadows on the pavement as they make their way through the city streets. The warmth of the sun on his skin, no matter how much it soothes him, does little to alleviate the heaviness in his heart. Hirano can't help but steal glances at Yoshikawa, wondering what she's thinking. He knows she's been through a lot, too. She's had her fair share of trouble, that much he was aware of.
He was broken out of his thoughts by Yoshikawa's voice. "Ne, Hirano, do you mind if we stop for a bit? I need to rest my feet." She points to a nearby park bench, shaded by a large tree.
The gravel crunches beneath their feet. He allowed Yoshikawa to sit and rest, while he stayed standing. He prefers it this way; his legs were sore from sitting up so much back then. The older woman lets out a sigh of relief as she removes her shoes and massages her feet.
Whilst she does that, she takes a look at him before begins to ask. "I was wondering about yesterday." He hummed, letting her know he was listening. Yoshikawa continues, "I have heard of the place they kept you in. And I'm surprised they managed to keep you there for this long. I didn't think I'd ever see you again." Her words were filled with a mix of relief and disbelief. She looks at him with a sense of awe, as if he's some kind of miracle.
He can't help but feel a little uncomfortable under her gaze. Her expression however, went serious. "Tell me, what happened to you?"
He shifts his weight, feeling the gravel crunch beneath his feet as he'd try to find the right words. "A lot happened," he admitted. "I would've gotten out earlier if not for her safety. And I don't think I can escape the things I've done. I'm not proud of it, but I'll manage, I suppose."
Yoshikawa nods, her expression softening. "I'm just glad you're safe." Hirano takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly as he tries to gather his thoughts. The weight of his experiences and the shame he feels are heavy, but he knows he can't keep it all bottled up. He owes Yoshikawa an explanation, at the very least.
But he knew. If she'd find out, she'd most definitely hate him for it. The things he's done. The atrocities... Even he knew that the things he's done aren't normal. But to think that he feels no remorse in acting it out. The bastard was responsible for this.
There was a nudge at his side. He'd averted his gaze from her, and apparently she's been vying for his attention for a bit. He looked towards her and the thing she used to poke at his side. She passed said item towards his hand.
"What's this?" Hirano asked before noticing what it was. Yoshikawa giggled as she stood up.
"It's Aiho's apartment keycard. Nostalgic, isn't it? You should visit that place later, your old school items should still be in your room."
Hirano stared at the keycard in his hand, his thoughts swirling. He couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt as he recalled the last time he saw Aiho. Yoshikawa's voice breaks through his thoughts once again. "I won't force you to tell me everything that happened, but I want you to know that I'm here for you." She places a comforting hand on his shoulder. "And if you don't mind, I have some work to do. Now will you give me a hug before we depart?"
Hirano felt awkward as he loosely wrapped his arms around her, feeling the warmth of her body against his. He had missed this kind of comfort, the kind that Aiho had always given him. After a moment, he releases her and takes a step back. "Thanks, aunty. I'll keep that in mind."
"Don't call me that! You're making me feel old." Yoshikawa chuckles and ruffles his hair playfully. "Fine, fine. Just take care of yourself, alright? I'll see you later." She turns to leave, but not before giving him one last look, her expression filled with concern.
He hated seeing her so worried. As if there's not enough things on their plate already. All because of a single man. Kihara Amata. All his problems always went back towards that man. He'll kill that bastard later. He knew where his work place was anyway.
He watched her leave, jogging over as she took a turn on a corner. His gaze lingers over at the place before moving towards the card in his hand.
He sits onto the bench. His eyes hung low. He's feeling quite sleepy. The lack of sleep from last night had caught up to him and now he's taking on the full effect.
He lets out an exhale of air, recalling what the woman said. "Visit that place, huh..."
...
So he got up and walked away from the place through an alley, letting his feet take him wherever he wanted.
He walked and walked on, wandering aimlessly, nothing present inside his head aside from the occasional thoughts that pop ups every now and often. All of which always contain that same blue hair and dirty blond hair.
His eyes twitched as his hands balled. "Eat shit and die, bastard." He murmurs under his breath, rubbing the bridge of his nose with a frown.
His words were unfortunately heard by a bunch of people whom he just passed.
"The fuck you say to me lil' nig-?!" he shouts, coupled with a hand on his shoulder trying to forcefully turn him around. Only for the same voice to be cut short, hand to twist and turn.
The blood curdling scream annoys the albino. He turned around with a glare. And was then met with more provocations. Hands balled and more barking, rushing in like dogs in heat. Two more down. Leaving just a single person still standing between the many bloodied bodies.
"Y-you'll regret this! This won't be our last meeting!" The older guy screams before running off, leaving behind his peers.
The albino merely scoffed. "Weirdos."
...
He got out of the alley with relative ease. Nothing inside there could ever make him think of his next move, not even a breath was lost in a hitch. Just a walk in the park.
The other side of the street was vastly different from the last one. Whilst the other was bustling with cars, this one is the complete opposite; with people filling the streets instead of automobiles.
Clad in their respective school uniforms, they occupied themselves with... whatever shit they're doing. He has no idea what they're doing. He hasn't seen anybody doing any of these, not even back then.
They've got these wires coming out of their pockets, connected into their ears. Some of them appear depressed, some have their lips and shit, the others just nod along. Coincidentally, there was this billboard not too far away but seems to be the centre of the weirdness.
"The fuck is an ITune?"
The billboard towering above them reads "Introducing iTunes: Your digital music revolution." He's not quite sure what that means, but it seems to be the source of their fascination.
Pushing his curiosity to the side, he walked off with a snide look, rolling his eyes as he passed by several other older teenagers with those shits stuck in their ears.
Now that he's away from that shitty place, it's time to wander off until he finds some random unfortunate school that will surely have no problem in taking him in, until they realise who it is they're dealing with.
The albino chuckles darkly at that. And heads off, certain of nothing. There was some more walking to be done; if he could, he would just take off and fly up again. He'll just have to find a secluded place again.
He glanced around at the bustling streets, huffing. Could the word secluded even be applied here? Even the alleys don't feel as isolated.
It was barely the twelfth hour of the day and already the city was on top of it. All it seems to be doing is buzzing nonstop.
"This city is running at full throttle." Whether this was already a thing back then, or is still new, he was feeling a little bit disillusioned with the vibes around him.
He clicked his tongue. His head hurts being around this much energy. "I hate this already." His peripherals spotted a neighbourhood. It was the same street from this morning, just on a different street entrance. He didn't realize he'd walked over here. Yoshikawa's apartment should be close by. Meaning Aiho's place was on the other side.
He could also recall a *Certain High School* not too far from here. Maybe he could mug a few teenagers along the way. He could really use some coffees to calm himself down.
8
A brown hair bobbed as a little girl focused intently at a crane game in front of her. The bright colour of the sticker on the glass of the machine kept her eyes glued as she reached into her pocket, pulling out a small pouch filled with coins. She carefully selects a few and feeds them into the machine, watching as the claw descends to pick up an egg-shaped plushie with a cute, embroidered face.
With a triumphant grin, she cheers as the claw successfully grasps the toy and deposits it into the chute. Carefully, she retrieves her new prize and clutches it to her chest, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Gekota." The little girl murmurs, admiring the small, green frog plushie. She had wanted this particular one for a while now, and finally, she had it.
The thing was a newly published model that she's been hunting not too long ago. She had to go to several different locations to find it, but it was worth it to see the little frog's face looking up at her.
She turns to leave, clutching her new plushie tightly to her right hand and a small basket on her left, also filled with green frogs of the same origin. She noticed the position of the sun, indicating that lunch time at school is nearing an end.
It was a good thing that her school was close by. She was so thrilled to stumble upon the machine this morning that she couldn't contain her excitement throughout the day. It was only now that she was able to claim her prize. She quickened her pace, her small legs carrying her swiftly through the vacant neighbourhood.
As the albino continues his search for a secluded spot, he can't help but feel overwhelmed by the constant buzz of the city. The sound of cars honking, people chattering, and the occasional siren in the distance all contribute to the cacophony of city life. He takes a deep breath, trying to steady his racing mind. The little girl quickened her steps while being careful not to spill the basket. It was quite the heavy one, but her excitement gave her the strength to carry on. As she turned a corner just directly in front of her school, she crashed onto a person. Everything in the basket tumbled out, the green frogs scattering on the ground.
"Oh no!" the little girl exclaimed, her eyes wide with horror. She quickly got up, the girl couldn't care less to dust off her back as she bent down to gather the plushies, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
The person she had collided with doesn't look any bit hurt nor moved even though she had crashed onto him with quite the force. He looked down at the scattered toys with a mixture of surprise and amusement. He watched as she frantically gathered them, her small hands moving quickly to scoop up the green frogs, dusting them off before gently setting them back into the basket.
The little girl looks up, looking both angry and embarrassed at the same time. Her eyes meet the person's gaze, and she takes in his appearance. A long, messy white hair was his distinctive feature, other than his pale, almost translucent skin. His blood-like red eyes twitched.
"What? If you're expecting an apology, you're not going to get one," he says, his voice cold and detached. He doesn't make a move to help her pick up the toys, but instead watches her with a mixture of curiosity and disdain.
The girl's anger is momentarily replaced by surprise at his rudeness. She had expected a simple 'Sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going.' But instead, she was met with this. She pouts, her bottom lip sticking out slightly as she continues to gather the Gekota merchandise.
"Mother said that you should say sorry even if it's not your fault." she mutters under her breath, not bothering to look up at him again.
The man's lips curl into a sneer, his blood-red eyes narrowing at the little girl. "That's your mom, not mine, brat." The white haired boy's callous words hang heavy in the air, his tone devoid of any warmth. He watches as the little girl finishes gathering the scattered toys, her movements swift and precise. Once the basket is full, she stands up, her small frame still trembling with residual anger.
"Fine," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. She turns to leave, her small legs carrying her away from the scene. The white-haired boy went on towards his destination. The little girl's footsteps are small and soft, almost inaudible against the concrete pavement.
As the little girl walks away, she can't help but feel a sense of disappointment. She had hoped for a kinder response, but instead, she was met with indifference. She clutches the basket tightly to her chest, the soft fabric providing a small measure of comfort.As she went on with her walk, she can't help but glance back at the white-haired boy. He has already long since walked a great distance in the opposite direction, his long hair fluttering behind him, hands deep into his pocket. She watches as his figure slowly recedes into the distance, feeling a strange mixture of relief and sadness. She had never met someone so cold and angry before.
She pouts. If she ever sees him again, she's seriously going to give him a piece of her mind. She didn't appreciate his rudeness and the way he spoke to her. With a determined look on her face, she turns to enter the school gate and quickens her pace, heading towards the building.
She walks through the school gates and onto the grounds, the Gekota merchandise in her basket bobbing gently with each step she takes. The little girl glances around the courtyard, taking in the sights and lack of sounds of the school.
Class has started. The girl hurries her pace, her small legs moving as quickly as they can to carry her to her classroom. She navigates through the maze of buildings, her eyes scanning the signs above each entrance until she finds the correct one.
As she approaches her classroom, she can hear the murmurs of voices and the shuffling of papers coming from inside. She takes a deep breath, steeling herself before pushing open the door and stepping inside. The classroom is filled with students, all of them staring at her as she enters. She tries to ignore the feeling of embarrassment and walks towards her assigned seat, her head held high.
"You're late, Misaka-chan."
"Sorry, Yoshikawa-sensei. I bumped into someone." A very rude one at that, she wanted to add. The little girl, known as Misaka Mikoto, offers a small apologetic smile to her homeroom teacher as she takes her seat. She can feel the weight of her classmates' stares on her, but she does her best to ignore them.
The class carries on.
8
He hadn't accounted for this, in all honesty. He didn't mean to get lost. The small neighbourhood felt more like a maze. The entire place was mostly filled with dorms from all schools around the district. Apparently, it was close-by, hell, probably even connected to Yoshikawa's. Meaning, Yomikawa place isn't too far around. His assumption was proven to be correct when he saw a gleaming tower a long distance away from him.
"The windowless building." He murmurs. There was always this eerie feeling of being stalked of his every movement since back then whenever he eyed the conspicuous building, no matter how much the distance between the two existed. It made him feel quite paranoid, to be honest. He would usually shrug the feeling off as nothing more than a product of his overactive imagination, but he could never quite shake it off.
He watched the building from the distance, before finally turning away and trying to find a way out of this seemingly endless maze of a neighbourhood. As Hirano turns away from the ominous building, he can't help but feel a sense of unease lingering in the back of his mind. He quickened his pace, his footsteps echoing through the empty streets. The sun was still high up in the sky, casting long shadows on the ground. Hirano's eyes scan his surroundings as he walks, taking in the details of the dorms and buildings around him.
It was still school hours, which is why the whole place was so quiet in the first place. He couldn't find anyone to ask directions from, except for that little girl he'd bumped into earlier, but his pride got in the way and he ended up ridiculing the poor child. So he ended up deciding to rely on his own intuition to navigate through the maze-like neighbourhood.
He'd yawn every once in a while, His fatigue from the long hours spent doing nothing, not even sleeping, is now slowly creeping up on him. He passed by an old, rusted vending machine, the one that dispenses canned drinks and snacks. The machine looked like it hadn't been serviced for years, with its paint chipping off and rust spreading all over. As Hirano walks past the vending machine, he can't help but feel a pang of thirst, mostly just himself craving for some coffee after so long with it, but thirst nonetheless. Unfortunately, he has no money. He should've mugged those guys back in the alley instead.
He frowned slightly, glancing around himself, searching for any sign of a store or convenience market where he could buy a drink. But all he sees are the same boring dorms and empty streets stretching out in every direction. With a sigh, he continues walking, his footsteps heavy on the pavement.
And then he stopped moving. His mind is on an overdrive now that he realises something. The place is empty. No CCTV. He has the power to manipulate vectors. And the thing looked old enough to be out of service, meaning that the security measure it once had might have already malfunctioned or become obsolete. Hirano's mind starts racing with the possibilities. He considers using his powers to force the vending machine to dispense a drink.
...
"Fuck it. I'm the strongest for a reason." Hirano's mind is made up. He turns on his heel and approaches the vending machine, his eyes glowing with determination. He reaches out a hand and places it on the machine, feeling the cold metal against his skin. His mind starts to whirl, calculating the vectors of the machine and how he can manipulate them to his advantage.
One of the cans dropped, just like that. Vectors can be dangerous if controlled. But they can also be fun to play with. With a thought, Hirano manipulates the vectors of the vending machine, causing another can to drop down into the dispenser tray. He smirks as he sees the can, knowing that he has once again proven his strength. With a satisfied grin, Hirano reaches down and snatches the can from the tray. He examines it for a moment, his eyes scanning over the label. It's a can of coffee, just what he's been craving.
Just without the coffee.
The bloody thing was empty. How the fuck did that happen? Hirano's eyes narrow as he examines the can in his hand. He had been so sure of his success that he couldn't believe it when he found out that the vending machine had given him an empty can. He glances up at the machine, a sense of disbelief washing over him.
He clicked his tongue. His right hand still rests on the machine balled. He hit the thing with little force, but there was a hidden power beneath them. The whole machine dents inwards, bent out of shape with ease. Hirano's power, the ability to manipulate vectors, allowed him to apply force in a way that normal humans could not.
As the machine crumpled under his hand, Hirano scoffed. It was just a piece of machinery, easily bent to his will. With a swift movement, Hirano flings the empty can aside, where it clatters against the pavement with a dull ring. His eyes never leave the vending machine, which now stands before him, visibly damaged and defeated
"Bitch." Hirano mutters the word under his breath, unable to hide the disgust in his voice. He can't believe that the vending machine would play such a cruel trick on him.
Hirano walked away, feeling absolutely sour about the whole situation. His mind is still reeling from the disappointment, and he can't help but feel a sense of frustration building up inside of him. He had been so sure of his success, and yet the machine had still managed to let him down.
As he walks away, Hirano's mind begins to wander. He'd recalled back when he'd first tasted the coffee. On that hospital bed, talking with that blue haired woman. His tensed up shoulder softens by the memory.
His thoughts drift to his past, to the time when he was still living with Aiho. She had been the one to take him in, to give him a home and a family. She had been his mother in every sense of the word, and he had loved her for it. Hirano's memories of his time with Aiho are fond and warm, a stark contrast to the cold and bitter reality he currently finds himself in. He remembers the way she would make him breakfast every morning, the smell of damned curry she always made wafting through the apartment.
Hirano's footsteps echo through the empty streets as he continues to walk, his mind still lost in memories of the past. He can't help but feel a sense of longing for those simpler times, when he had someone to care for him and look out for him. But unfortunately, the world doesn't revolve around him.
He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose, as the memories of Aiho became more poignant. He had been so young and naive then, relying on her for everything. But now, as he walked down the deserted streets, Hirano couldn't help but feel the weight of the world on his shoulders. He could've been better then and now, had he been able to control his fucking power.
"Enough with it." He murmurs under his breath. He's getting tired of the bashing his subconscious mind kept giving him.
Eventually, he reached an opening, a small park that brought him down to the memory lane. Hirano takes a moment to take in his surroundings, the familiar sights and sounds of the park bringing back a flood of memories. He can almost hear the sound of children's laughter, the crack of a bat against a ball, and the distant hum of conversation.
He gulped, keeping himself in check when he noticed a short pink hair down on one of the benches. That's not what he needs right now, dealing with another person. He instead moved his gaze onto a certain building.
He sucked in a breath. He's only here for his stuff. Nothing else. The park is quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant sound of traffic. Hirano approaches the building entrance slowly. Just the parking lot alone is giving him nostalgia; something that he's trying to avoid. These feelings... it's making him vulnerable, a state that Hirano is not used to or comfortable with. He takes a deep breath and steels himself before pushing open the door and stepping into the building lobby.
He kept his eyes low, avoiding making direct eye contact with anyone as he made his way towards the elevator. His heart beats a little faster with each step he takes, the memories of his time here with Aiho flooding his mind. The elevator dings as it arrives, and he steps inside, pressing the button. It feels natural and foreign. The elevator doors close, enclosing Hirano in the small, enclosed space. He can feel his heart pounding in his chest as the elevator ascends, the feeling only growing more intense with each floor that passes.
The elevator finally reaches its destination, and the doors slide open with a soft ding. Hirano steps out into the hallway, his footsteps quiet on the plush carpet. He makes his way down the hall, his mind still lost in thought.
As Hirano reaches the door to Aiho's old apartment, he hesitates for a moment, his hand hovering over the doorknob. He takes a deep breath, steeling himself for what he might find inside.
Finally, with a resigned sigh, Hirano turns the knob and pushes the door open. The apartment is just as he remembers it, but lacks the warmth it once had. The furniture is still in its place, but the rooms feel empty and cold. Hirano steps inside, his footsteps quiet on the hardwood floor.
He makes his way to the bedroom. As Hirano enters the bedroom. He sees that the bed is made, the covers pulled tight and neatly tucked in. He can still remember the feel of Aiho's arms around him as she would tuck him in at night, her soft voice lulling him to sleep. The memories bring a pang of sadness to his chest. Despite himself, Hirano reaches out to touch the blanket, his fingers brushing against the soft fabric.
In the closet, he finds his old clothes still hanging, tags still attached to them. The sight brings a bitter smile to his face as he remembers how Aiho never lost hope that he would grow out of them. She always said that he would need them one day, and now here they are.
He took what he needed. But one thing was missing. His bag. He peered across the room but couldn't seem to find the red object. Hirano's eyes scan the room, taking in every detail as he searches for his bag. He remembers it vividly - the red material, the numerous pockets, and the way it felt slung over his shoulder. It held all of his important belongings, a tangible connection to his past.
He frowned when he couldn't seem to find the thing. If not here, then out there.
...
Fuck it, he'll look for the bloody thing. Hirano decides that if his bag isn't in the apartment, he'll have to retrace his steps and search elsewhere. He takes one last look around the bedroom, his eyes lingering on the bed and closet before turning to leave for the kitchenette.
Hirano makes his way out of the bedroom and into the kitchenette, his mind focused on finding his bag. He scans the small space, looking for any sign of the red material. The counters are clean and tidy, and the sink is empty.
The fridge hums quietly in the corner, but other than that, the room is silent. Suddenly, Hirano's eyes fall upon a small red object tucked away behind a counter. He huffed, slightly amused at himself for not noticing it immediately. He strides over to the object, confirming that it is indeed his missing bag.
Feeling curious, he knelt slightly and took a look inside the bag. Its numerous pockets are filled with various items - all of it he recognizes as his own. It's filled with books and other stuff. He picked one of the books, opening it.
He went past several pages, all of which he remembers. The latest one was homework complete. It was history regarding the Heian Era. He'd spent the whole night working on it back then. A ghost smile shifts his frown away.
His mind was lost, adrift in the currents of his flooding memories. Hirano could still recall the countless nights he spent huddled over his books, Aiho always nearby. And her presence...was a comforting one. She would often sit beside him, quietly watching the tv while he worked on his assignments. Every so often, she would look up from it and offer him a warm smile, one that filled him with a sense of security and belonging. It was a feeling he had never experienced before, and it was one he cherished deeply. As Hirano continues to reminisce, he can't help but feel a pang of longing in his heart. He misses Aiho and the sense of warmth and love she brought into his life.
He exhales a sigh, closing the book and placing it back into the bag. He stands up, slinging the bag over his shoulder with a sense of familiarity. Hirano takes one last look around the kitchenette, taking in the familiar sights and sounds of the apartment he once shared with the woman whom he sees as a mother.
Earlier he was fearful of the memories, believing that the pain of longing would overtake him more and more. But now, as he gazes upon the now-empty kitchenette, he feels a warmth spread throughout his chest. He knows that he will do everything it takes to regain everything that is lost, and that the bond they shared will never truly fade.
He went back into his room, he still hasn't packed anything yet. Hirano returns to his bedroom, his mind still swirling with memories of his time with Aiho. He takes a deep breath, trying to refocus his thoughts on the task at hand.
He rummages through his desk, taking out the items he feels like he'll need. He carefully took his folded clothes and placed them into his suitcase, along with his toiletries and other essentials.
When he opened his closet, he noticed a small white box behind several clothes he had no need for. He could vaguely recall anything about the box, but he feels a strange sense of curiosity and apprehension as he reaches for it. He's seen it before, that's for sure. But When?
Every memory of that time he'll cherish for the rest of his life. He doesn't plan on letting himself forget one of them. No matter how insignificant it might be for him to actually forget.He didn't put down his bag when he opened it. His eyes widened slightly at the sight of the item inside.
A dry smile, with a hint of fondness etched across his face. He had forgotten about this until this very moment. It was supposed to be the best day he'd ever experienced. A fool he is, for having not cherished it as much as the others. It wasn't just a moment that made it so special; it was an entire day's worth of memory.
Aiho wasn't the only one involved in making that day happen. Everyone took part in making it happen. Hirano's mind is brought back to that fateful day, three years ago. It was a day filled with laughter and joy, a day where he felt truly happy and at peace. He remembers the way the sun shone brightly that day, casting a warm glow over everything it touched.
His 10th birthday.
He caressed the scarf. It had been an underclassmen who'd given him the thing, and he is grateful for it. He didn't know it back then; why birthday was supposed to mean something. Why was he supposed to celebrate the day all his problems started - the day he was born. But the sheer enthusiasm each and every person showed that day, the smiles and laughter, the kind words and gifts they gave him, made him understand.
He has yet to understand right now, to be completely honest. But the fact that they put in the effort of not only remembering it, but also He can't ignore that now, can't he? Hirano's mind is flooded with memories of his 10th birthday, a day that he now recognizes as the first time he truly felt like he mattered to them.
He went back to Yoshikawa's late that noon, feeling much better than he'd been earlier that day, feeling much better than he'd been since yesterday.
That is, until a certain lazy woman places a steaming hot styrofoam cup right in front of him. "Am I being punished?" He asks her, looking up.
Yoshikawa, appearing confused, blinked several more times before finally gathering whatever energy she had on her to answer. ""Umm... No... what?"
"That looks disgusting. I'm not eating that." He immediately fires, pointing at the cup accusingly.
"Why not? Noodles are good, y'know?"
"It's going to kill me."
"Hey now, don't say that! And stop acting like a child, you're just underestimating the economic benefits of cup noodles!"
"And you're overestimating the resistance of my body. The amount of salt in that is seriously going to-"
"Fine, fine, whatever. Just go buy some bread or something then." She relents, handing him several pieces of coins, all varying in denominations.
He rolled his eyes before taking the changes. Whilst he was putting on his shoes, she began talking again. "So did you find any place that you have deemed as good enough for you to attend earlier o' ye great Hirano-sama?" she says playfully.
He hummed. "No, I didn't."
"Heeeh, so you really did sleep through the whole afternoon, huh?" He heard the couch rustling from his back. "Since you've got your stuff already, you might as well just attend my school tomorrow then! That way, it'll be easier for us."
He raised an eyebrow at that. "Your school?"
She giggles at that. "Have I not told you already? I'm a teacher for a school close by, didn't you notice?"
It was his turn to blink this time. Yoshikawa has a job. As a teacher too. He didn't know why it surprised him, but it did. Though the woman was lazy, she still needs to make a living after all. Plus, she did once say that her dream job was to be a teacher.
That was a long time ago...
"So, what'd you say?"
He shrugged. "Sure. Might as well, right?"
Sorry for the late update, got a very good nap just now. New Chapter Next Week!