It has been awhile since Hisashi had ever picked up the paper. His reason being was what the news produced was fifty-percent bullshit and the other fifty were lies. Nevertheless, the former fifty that was bullshit was entertaining and filled his day when he wasn't busy being a paper-pushing gofer.
"It seems like my days of licking Tuscany leather has come to a close." Hisashi smiled, folding his paper as he wanted to read the next page that contained what was enthusing him.
"Mirai Sasaki was arrested yesterday after the Saitama Police Department executed a search warrant at his residence. The investigation stemmed after receiving a tip from an anonymous source that the suspect had items related to the possession or promotion of underaged pornography on the dark web.
"Thousands of images of child pornography were recovered from the home, including several images that were allegedly produced from the Pro Hero himself. The images found include images he admitted to taking while on school grounds, at beaches, and local swimming pools around the Musutafu metropolitan area as well as in the Philippines.
Sasaki was immediately arrested and transported to jail. Trial date has yet to be set and his bond is pending..."
"Hopefully my next boss is a female or at least a compliant boss." The father sniggered as he closed the newspaper. He looked at his watch, a few minutes after ten in the morning. He stood up and stretched his arms. Tossing the paper in the trash can, he stepped out of the pavilion and headed back to the emergency room where he had to portray himself as a concerned friend.
The sounds of the orderlies paging the doctor filled the air as he stepped inside. He made room for a patient that was being pushed by a nurse on a wheelchair. He hummed a pleasant tune as he headed to the area where the Uraraka family resided.
Mikoto Uraraka covered her face with a handkerchief as she continued to cry over her daughter. Abe, or Roger for short, kept a steady composure, trying his best to uphold his manly pride as he stood beside his wife of many years.
"Roger, Mikoto." Hisashi formally bowed as he greeted them. "My heart goes out to you. I'm sorry for what has happened to your daughter."
Roger formally bowed as did Mikoto. Hisashi looked at the window that showcased Ochako on display. She was covered by a ventilator. It was no secret that the machines were keeping her alive.
"They say that she had suffered some brain damage," said Roger. "Thankfully, she will survive." He cleared his throat. "She may require physical therapy. Brain damage can mess up one's functions, I believe."
"How could this have happened," responded Mikoto. "Why did this happen?" She sniffled as she dried her eyes with the handkerchief. "Why would Ochako do something like this? This isn't like her. She was always transparent."
A note was found on her desk. Depression was to blame. She couldn't move forward with her life and the misdeeds of bullying others.
"Ochako wasn't a bully. Not my Ochako," said Mikoto.
"Well, sometimes we think we know our children," responded Hisashi calmly. "They're one way with us and another way around their peers."
"That doesn't mean she had to subject herself to that stunt of hers," responded Roger. This time, Hisashi could hear him fighting the tears.
"She is in a medically-induced coma," responded Mikoto, tugging at her husband's shirt. "The doctors said that she could be breathing on her own soon, but…" She couldn't contain the tears and buried herself in her husband's bosom.
"Thank you for coming, Hisashi," responded Roger. "It means a lot to us. Thankful for the flowers and the care package." The father bowed. "We're forever indebted to you."
Hisashi waved his arm. "She's Izuku's friend. Sorry that he couldn't make it. He is busy at the moment and he sends his love." He reached into his back pocket and retrieved a tiny cassette. "He knows Ochako is a keeper of old cassettes and tapes. He made a mixtape of her favorite songs in hopes to keep her spirit alive."
Roger could no longer contain his emotions and tears began to fall. "Your boy was good to our Ochako." He wiped the tears with his sleeve. "A fool's choice for leaving him for that Bakugo boy. I'm not sure what kind of screws went loose in her head, but your boy was too, too good for Ochako."
Hisashi pursed his lips, declining to respond. He handed the tape to Roger.
"Play this when you get the chance. I think Ochako would love to enjoy this."
Ochako's father smiled and cupped the tape in the palm of his hand.
"If there is anything you need us to do, give me and Inko a call," responded Hisashi, bowing once more before departing from their sight.
As he turned around, he couldn't help but display his smirk. He was giddy — mission accomplished.
They had mercy on them. Diluting the poison was the end game. As much as they wanted the two brats dead, they, in good conscience, didn't want Izuku to place blame on himself.
He pressed the button to the ground level where the parking garage resided. He heard the final wail of her mother before the sound of the elevator door opened.
"That is definitely music to my ears," he said, chuckling as he entered the elevator.
A short while later….
Hisashi walked up to the Bakugo residence, his concern for Katsuki evident in his furrowed brow. Inko had insisted he check on the Bakugos, and he trusted her instincts. The Bakugo household was quiet, a stark contrast to the usual lively atmosphere.
Masaru answered the door, his face lined with worry but managing a small, welcoming smile. "Hisashi, it's good to see you. Come in."
"Thank you, Masaru. How's Katsuki?" Hisashi asked as he stepped inside, removing his shoes and setting them neatly by the door.
Masaru sighed, leading Hisashi to the living room. "He's ill, but not ill enough to go to the hospital. It's like a bad case of the flu, almost comparable to COVID. He's bedridden and not his usual energetic self."
Hisashi nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "And how are you and Mitsuki holding up?"
Masaru glanced towards the hallway where Mitsuki was sitting by Katsuki's room, her hand on the doorframe as if to draw strength from it. "We're managing. It's tough seeing him like this, but we're doing our best."
Hisashi walked over to Mitsuki, offering a comforting presence. "Inko was worried about all of you. She sends her love and support. If there's anything we can do, please let us know."
Mitsuki looked up, her eyes tired but grateful. "Thank you, Hisashi. It's reassuring to have friends who care. We're doing everything we can to make him comfortable."
Hisashi nodded, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You're not alone in this. We'll get through it together. If you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out."
As they spoke, a soft cough came from Katsuki's room, reminding them of the reason for their gathering. Hisashi felt a pang of sympathy for the young boy, hoping for a speedy recovery.
"Speedy like a bullet ricocheting the bastard's brain." Hisashi fake sneezed to cover his chuckle.
Hisashi asked gently, "May I see Katsuki?"
Mitsuki nodded, her face softening slightly. "Of course. Follow me."
She led the way down the hallway to Katsuki's room. As they approached, the sound of soft, labored breathing became audible. Mitsuki opened the door quietly and stepped inside, allowing Hisashi to follow.
Katsuki lay in bed, looking pale and dehydrated. His usually vibrant energy was replaced with a weak, listless demeanor. The trash can beside his bed was filled with used tissues and remnants of dry vomit, and a damp towel was wrapped around his forehead to keep his fever in check.
"Katsuki, you have company," Mitsuki said softly, her voice filled with maternal concern.
Katsuki's eyes fluttered open, and upon seeing Hisashi, they widened in fear. Hisashi's presence was imposing, and his hard, cold stare made Katsuki's breath catch. But then, Hisashi's expression softened into a reassuring smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Mitsuki, could I have a bit of alone time with Katsuki?" Hisashi asked calmly.
Mitsuki hesitated for a moment, looking between her son and Hisashi, but then she nodded. "Of course. I'll be just outside if you need anything." She gave Katsuki's hand a gentle squeeze before stepping out of the room and closing the door behind her.
Once they were alone, Hisashi pulled up a chair next to Katsuki's bed and sat down, his smile fading as he studied the boy. "Katsuki," he began, his voice low and steady, "I understand you're not feeling well. But I need you to listen to me carefully."
Katsuki's eyes narrowed, anger flickering in them despite his weakened state. "What the hell do you want, old man?" he spat out, his voice strained but filled with venom. "You've got a lot of nerve coming here."
Hisashi's expression remained calm, though his eyes darkened slightly. "I came to check on you, Katsuki."
"Fuck you!" Katsuki struggled to sit up, wincing at the effort. "Why did I get poisoned?" he asked, his voice cracking. "I only agreed to your and Inko's request to convince Ochako to leave Izuku for you. I did what you asked."
Hisashi laughed, the sound echoing in the small room as he stared at Katsuki manically. His eyes gleamed with a mixture of amusement and disdain.
"Did you actually think we were cool because of a task?" Hisashi taunted, stepping closer and narrowing the gap between them.
Katsuki's eyes widened in fear and confusion, his body tensing despite his weakened state.
Hisashi leaned in, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "My indifference towards you steeled from the day you decided to bully Izuku for being quirkless. Giving him that horrendous nickname, beating him up, and telling him to swan dive off the school roof. You're nothing but a bully, Katsuki, and you've always been beneath contempt."
Katsuki tried to muster a response, but his voice faltered under the weight of Hisashi's words.
Hisashi smirked, his expression cold. "Your desire for Ochako was just icing on the cake. I never felt too bad about what I had planned for you and her. You brought this on yourself, Katsuki. Actions have consequences."
Katsuki's eyes filled with a mix of rage and helplessness. "You're a monster," he managed to croak out, his voice weak but filled with hatred.
Hisashi's smirk widened. "Perhaps. But remember, Katsuki, this is the bed you've made. Now you have to lie in it."
Katsuki glared at Hisashi, his voice trembling with a mix of defiance and desperation. "What makes you think I won't tell Izuku what you and Inko intend to do to him? Lying to your son."
Hisashi chuckled, shaking his head as he leaned closer to Katsuki. "You won't tell, Katsuki," he said confidently. "And do you know why? Because your parents are in debt, and their business is failing."
Katsuki's eyes widened, the anger momentarily replaced by shock.
Hisashi continued, his voice cold and calculating. "I don't mind supplying them with a loan, a loan they desperately need to stay afloat. But if you spill the truth, I'll withdraw my support in a heartbeat."
Katsuki's hands clenched into fists, his body trembling with rage. "You bastard," he spat out.
Hisashi's smile widened, relishing the boy's helpless fury. "Oh, and there's another thing," he added casually. "I'm not too sure that Ochako would want to date someone who's broke. Do you think she'd stick around if your family lost everything?"
Katsuki's face contorted with anger and frustration. "You son of a—"
Hisashi cut him off, his voice now a cold, threatening whisper. "Think carefully, Katsuki. Your actions have consequences. If you care about your family and your future, you'll keep your mouth shut."
Hisashi stood up, brushing off his clothes as he prepared to leave. He looked down at Katsuki with a twisted smile. "You know, Ochako is going to need a lot of help, especially therapy after her... 'accident.'"
Katsuki's eyes blazed with fury, but he remained silent, knowing his position was too precarious to retaliate.
Hisashi continued, his tone almost mocking. "I appreciate you doing what you were told. Because of your cooperation, Inko and I can ensure Izuku's happiness is sealed. And by the way, Izuku is getting married to a better-looking, even sexier woman than that town bike."
Katsuki's fists tightened, his knuckles turning white with suppressed anger.
Hisashi leaned in closer, his smile widening. "You can have your hamburgers, Katsuki. Us Midoriyas prefer steaks."
With that, he turned on his heel and left the room, leaving Katsuki seething in a mix of rage and helplessness. The sound of the door clicking shut was a grim reminder of the power Hisashi held over him and his family.
Hisashi headed downstairs, his expression shifting to a polite and composed demeanor as he approached Mitsuki and Masaru. "Thank you for allowing me to visit," he said with a courteous nod.
Masaru smiled gratefully. "No, thank you, Hisashi, for the loan. It means a lot to us and our business."
"Come and stay for coffee," urged Mitsuki.
Hisashi waved off the gratitude with a dismissive hand. "I'm glad I could help. But I'm afraid I can't stay long. I'm heading to the airport to see Izuku off."
"Airport?" Mitsuki asked, intrigued. "Is Izuku going on a trip?"
Hisashi nodded, a proud smile playing on his lips. "Yes, he's going on vacation with his new girlfriend."
Mitsuki and Masaru exchanged surprised and delighted looks. "That's wonderful news," Masaru said. "We're happy to hear Izuku is seeing someone."
They then looked slightly uncomfortable as Masaru added, "We're really sorry about Katsuki destroying Izuku's relationship with Ochako."
Hisashi shook his head, a calm expression on his face. "Can't stop fate," he replied. "Izuku's happiness is my everything, even if it means dying for it."
With those final words, he bid them farewell and headed out the door, leaving Mitsuki and Masaru with a mix of relief and lingering concern.
Hisashi stepped into his car and turned on the classical music station, letting the soothing melodies fill the air as he drove back to his residence. As he maneuvered through the streets, he picked up his phone and called Inko.
"Are there any loose ends?" Inko asked, her voice calm and composed.
"No, there aren't any," Hisashi replied confidently.
"Good," Inko said with a hint of satisfaction. "Ochako and Katsuki won't ever bother our Izuku again."
Hisashi nodded to himself, a smile playing on his lips. "Is Izuku ready for his trip?"
Inko chuckled softly. "He was having cold feet, but the 'gentle' nudge of the Belladonnas and a generous dose of Propofol made him relax."
Hisashi's smile widened. "I'm going to miss Izuku," he said, a touch of genuine sadness in his voice.
"Don't worry," Inko reassured him. "He won't be gone from Japan for too long. After all, in nine months, we're going to be grandparents."
Hisashi's heart swelled with pride and anticipation. "Grandparents," he repeated, the word rolling off his tongue with a sense of wonder. "I can't wait."
"Neither can I," Inko replied. "We'll make sure everything is perfect for him."
Hisashi nodded, feeling a profound sense of contentment as he continued driving home. The future was secure, and Izuku's happiness was within reach.
After a moment of silence, Hisashi's thoughts turned to Ochako's parents and the mixtape incident. "I wonder if Ochako's parents gave her that mixtape," he mused aloud. "Even if it wasn't Izuku's voice, the power of AI, right?"
Back at the hospital….
As Ochako's parents sat by her bedside in the hospital room, they carefully inserted the earbuds connected to the tape player that Hisashi had left. They had found the mixtape labeled with Izuku's name, and their hearts swelled with hope and gratitude as they prepared to play it for their daughter.
With gentle hands, they placed the earbuds in Ochako's ears and pressed play. Soft melodies filled the room, carrying with them memories and messages that Izuku had recorded. Tears welled up in their eyes as they watched over Ochako, hoping that somehow, the music would reach her and bring comfort.
Just as the music began to play, a nurse entered the room, reminding them that visiting hours were over. Reluctantly, Ochako's parents stepped outside, leaving their daughter with the soothing sound of Izuku's voice and the music that connected them.
Outside in the hallway, they listened for a moment longer, the faint strains of the music still audible through the closed door. With heavy hearts but renewed hope, they knew that even in Ochako's unconscious state, Izuku's love and presence were with her, comforting her through the melody of his words and the music he had chosen for her.
"Listen, Ochako. I will never, ever love you. The only reason why I give you the time of day is because you were the best of a bad situation. You occupy me with stories I can bring back to my group and we laugh at them. I don't care about you, you hear?"
"You're a cheater, a whore, a user and an abuser. And look at you, the only thing you'll be sucking from will be a straw for the rest of your natural, pathetic life. I hate you. I hate you so much. I'm glad you'll be useless. Enjoy being fed by some caretaker as she has to smell your pee."
"I'm sorry, Izuku!" A tear ran down Ochako's eye.
The end!
