The pacing will drastically change from now on. Get ready!
5 facilities. 5 Buildings. That was all that was left.
Left and right, he'd buried each and everyone of them. The explosions had been set to happen one at a time. To make it look like an accident, he thought. Like an act of god. But he knew better. He knew the truth. And so did she.
Their destruction was slow and excruciating. Be it from faulty wiring or a sudden spike in temperature, each building had been meticulously dismantled from within, piece by piece. And as the fires raged on, as the smoke billowed into the sky.
It took months of preparation, and even more months of painstakingly waiting for the right moment. But it had been worth it.
But he got greedy. He wanted their head. Kihara Amata and Kihara Gensei.
The prospect of finally having the chance to strike back, to make them pay for all the suffering they had inflicted, was too tempting to resist. And so, he'd set his sights on them. And in doing so, he had placed the entire operation at risk.
Shinobu knew that it was a gamble, but even she couldn't fault him for that. She understood his anger, his desire for vengeance. And so, she'd let him go. She'd give him the chance to try and bring them down. To end this once and for all.
But before he could act on it, something happened.
The remaining facilities, all 5 of them, were put under a tight lockdown. The heavy surveillance made an approach impossible. The Kiharas have to be suspecting something. They have to be. The only question is whether they know exactly what it was that happened, or if they were merely reacting to a pattern of disruptions. Either way, it made the situation all the more dire.
Shinobu had never been more nervous in her life. The tension in the air was palpable, and every moment that passed felt like an eternity. Her heart raced as she waited for word from Hirano, fearful of what might happen if they were discovered.
The silence stretched on for what seemed like an eternity. Each second that passed felt like a lifetime, each breath a laboured struggle against the weight of dread that pressed down upon them. They're against Academy City, against the Kiharas. They're fighting for their lives and the lives of everyone they hold dear. The stakes have never been higher, and the odds are stacked against them. All they can do is wait, and hope that their plan, their desperate gamble, will pay off.
So she sat there, keeping quiet to herself, making sure her expressions were as unreadable as she could make it. She was known to have a composure that could make even the most hardened of criminals nervous. But even she was starting to crack under the pressure. The weight of the world was on her shoulders, and she could feel it bearing down on her with every passing moment.
And then, finally, the silence was broken. "I can't help but notice that you're sweating, kid."
She held in a flinch. Her eyes snapped from the centre to the head of the table. Kihara Gensei, the old man, was not in a good mood. Kihara Gensei leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on her. She could feel the weight of his gaze, heavy and oppressive, like a leaden weight settling upon her shoulders. "I'm not surprised," he continued, his voice cold and unyielding.
She tried to keep her breathing steady, her expression neutral. "I apologise, sir. It's just been a long night."
"Indeed it has," Kihara Gensei replied, his tone still unyielding. "And it's about to get longer. The surveillance logs show signs of tampering." Nunotaba's heart skipped a beat. She fought to keep her expression steady.
"The protocol forbids anyone to access them except for the Supervisors," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I assure you, sir, that we are doing everything in our power to find the source of the disruption."
Kihara Gensei regarded her for a moment, his eyes seeming to search her very soul. Finally, he nodded. " He sighed. "I hope you're telling the truth. Because if what you are saying right now is true, then it appears that we have a traitor among us. A scum who's willing to risk everything for their own selfish desires." His gaze bored into her, his eyes seeming to pierce right through her. "And if that's the case, then I will make sure that they pay for their treachery, tenfold."
Nunotaba's heart skipped a beat. The weight of those words pressed down on her, like a physical force. It was as if Kihara Gensei could see right through her, and could tell that she was hiding something. Something she was not supposed to know. Her breath came in ragged gasps, her chest tightening as panic threatened to overwhelm her.
Though, it wasn't just her that was feeling the effects of the Kihara's words. The people around them were visibly shaken by the threat as well. There were quiet murmurs that filled the room, and Nunotaba could feel the tension in the air becoming almost palpable. The Kiharas had always been ruthless, but this was something else entirely. This was a warning, a promise of retribution that could make even the most hardened of hearts quake in fear.
Kihara Gensei was known to have instincts. He'd been operating in the dark for nearly a century, it had hardened him to the point that he'd developed an unnatural sense for danger, for betrayal. And right now, those instincts were screaming at him. He could feel it, deep down in his bones. Someone was out there, working against them. Trying to undermine everything they had worked so hard for.
"One of the many important goals of Academy City is to create a perfect Living Being. A God, as some of you might call it. Such a goal has been entrusted to you, to me. I've been working on this for all my life. And I won't let some coward come in and try to ruin it." Kihara Gensei's words were like a cold wind sweeping through the room, chilling the blood of those who heard them. "So, I'm putting all of you on notice. The project will commence in days. If you know something, and you aren't telling me, I will hunt you down. I will find you, and I will make you pay."
The silence that followed his words was deafening. It was as if the air itself had been sucked out of the room, leaving only the faint sound of ragged breathing behind. Gensei walked out of the room, hunching, a clear look of absolute distaste and Anger on his face. He'd made his point, driven it home with the brutal force of his words.
Now it was up to the others to decide what to do next.
A certain man with dirty blond hair, having witnessed everything on the corner, started chuckling. "The old man's pissed. I've never seen him like that before. I almost feel bad for all of you." Kihara Amata wasn't known for his empathy, but even he couldn't hide the glee in his voice. It was clear that he was enjoying the power struggle, the tension in the air. For him, it was like watching a play, with each person on stage playing their part to perfection. "But well, not my problem," He added with a dismissive wave of his hand. "I have more important things to worry about."
He rubbed the back of his head, his vacant hand deep in his pocket. "Like some fucking brat that needs some teaching. He has something to do about it, I'm sure."
She knew whom the man had meant. Who else but his very own subject?
She needs to warn him somehow.
Exhale.
His breath came out in the form of a mist. Spring air mingled with the smell of antiseptics; the omnipresent scent of the hospital room he'd spent the last few hours in. His expression was as impassive as ever, but his eyes betrayed his indifference.
He eyed her, his lips quietly tugging ever so slightly. "It's cold," he whispered, his gaze not wavering from her. "Want me to turn the AC off?"
She barely manages to shake her head, her smile very weak and fragile, much like her current state. She lifts her finger, pointing at him. He looked at himself. His uniform. "I'm a middle schooler now, I suppose." His tone was low, yet not the usual menacing low tone that he usually wore.
Her smile falters, her eyes downcast, as if saddened, greatly affected by the fact that she couldn't witness his transformation. She opened her mouth, trying to speak but no words came out of her mouth.
The silence stretched between them as they regarded each other, the weight of unspoken thoughts and feelings hanging heavily in the air. "The doctor said that your therapy went well. That you're making progress." He paused, seemingly at a loss for what to say next. "You look better."
Aiho tried to nod, but only managed a barely perceptible movement. Her hand hovers over his head, touching it tentatively as if afraid that she'd find it to be a dream. "Your hair.." she croaks, eyes still fixed on his face.
He nods. "Yoshikawa cuts it." She gives a small, weak laugh at his response. "That's one thing you don't have to worry about. You never liked it when my hair was long, didn't you?" He manages in between his own chuckles.
They fall silent again, just watching each other. It's not an uncomfortable silence, but one that carries the weight of so much emotion. A soft, warm breeze drifts through the open window, carrying with it the faint scent of cherry blossoms from the nearby park. It rustles the curtains gently, casting a pale pink hue across Aiho's pale features as she gazes up at the cloudless spring sky.
Hirano missed the day when she was healthy. "Are you hungry?" He asks, tilting his head slightly. "I have something that you might like." Her eyes darted over to him at the sound of his voice, a tiny flicker of life returning to them. She smiles weakly, nodding.
He bent down towards his bag, retrieving a small box. "Remember Kuroko?" Her eyes glimmer with recognition as he hands her the box. "There's this kid that I've been training alongside her for 5 - 6 months now. Misaka Mikoto. She's been bringing food for everyone. I think you might like the food."
He opens the lid as she peers inside. She starts giggling. "Curry," Her giggle is infectious. Hirano, unable to help himself, chuckles softly as well.
"Yeah. Curry." He took the spoon that was stuck on the lid. "I don't know if it's her or her mother who made it, but it's decent." She took a bite from his spoon, nodding in agreement.
He fed her in silence for a while, watching her eat, enjoying the small peaceful moments they shared. Eventually, she seemed to have had enough and gently pushed the box away. "Thank you." Her voice was soft, barely audible over the faint beeping of the monitors.
He hummed in response, setting the box aside. "So, what do you want to do today?" he asked, his voice light. "I can bring you some books to read, or we can just talk... or you can rest, if you're tired."
She settles for the third option. She wasn't meant to stay awake for too long, as her brain is still trying to get used to the medication and her still very much weakened state. He stayed by her side until she finally dozed off, the corner of his mouth twitching upwards in a smile as he watched her sleep. Her face was peaceful, almost angelic, and for a brief moment, he allowed himself to forget the horrors.
He stood up, stretching his arms above his head, and glanced around the room. He left a while later, whispering into her ear and promising to return the next day. As he made his way down the hospital corridor, he huffed, letting out a deep breath.
'Another day' he thought as he walked, his mind drifted back to the events of the past few hours, the memories flooding his senses like a warm bath. The image of Aiho, pale and fragile but still so strong and determined, stayed with him long after he'd left the hospital.
The late afternoon sun dappled the sidewalk as he exited the building, the cool spring coldness filling his lungs with early evening air. He made his way back to Yoshikawa's apartment. She didn't visit today.
He couldn't blame her, really, today was a new school year. Meaning, new students and a whole lot more paperwork to handle. Calling her busy would just undermine the woman's diligence, no matter how lazy she might appear.
As Hirano trudged through the door of Yoshikawa's apartment, he was greeted by the familiar darkness of its hallway. He came back early. He shrugged, turning the lights on and walking in, taking his shoes off on the shoe rack. The apartment was quiet, as expected.
He lay on the couch, staring at the ceiling up above.
Hirano was no stranger to boredom. It was a constant companion, an old friend that had been with him since the day he'd been born into the dark world he now inhabited. The silence of the apartment pressed against him like a heavy blanket, suffocating any attempt at finding something to do.
Hirano fidgeted with the hem of his shirt, idly contemplating the pattern of the fabric. The silence of the apartment can be overwhelming sometimes. He didn't want to turn on the television; the noise would only serve to highlight how still everything else was.
He sighed. He couldn't sleep even if he wanted to; he wasn't any bit tired as of the moment. He pulled out his phone, checking to see if he's received any messages. There were none. He put his phone away, standing up and stretching his arms above his head. He walked over to the window, peering out at the stillness of the city around him. The sun was starting to set, casting a warm golden glow across the skyline.
He didn't see any of his friends today, or anybody at all to begin with aside from Yoshikawa and Aiho. Maybe Misaka when she dropped her lunch box, but that's that. The girls were busy with their school just as much as he had. Kuroko, Uiharu and Ruiko are now 6th graders. Misaka went to Tokiwadai.
Frenda was an 8th grader at some school she didn't want to mention, but still somehow finds a way to rub it at him on nearly every given opportunity even though they were of the same age. She somehow finds it amusing that a person her age was on a lower grade than hers. Especially someone like him.
His eyes twitched, recalling her exact words and the borderline insults she throws at him anytime they meet. "You're still a kid." She would often say, a smirk never leaving her face. It's irritating, but he let it slide. He wasn't one to engage in petty arguments. If only peeling her kneecaps wasn't as satisfying as it sounded sometimes. The memories of their past interactions flooded his mind, and he couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. Despite everything, she was still a part of his life, in her own twisted way.
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his phone vibrating in his pocket.
He pulled it out. Shinobu.
That girl doesn't contact him unless something comes up or that a change in the schedule is necessary. He sighed, knowing whatever it was, it was going to be something he didn't want to deal with.
"The milk I gave you spoiled. Today." Was the very first thing he heard right after picking up the call.
"God damn it. How?"
"I'm not sure," Shinobu replied, sounding genuinely confused. "But it smelled really bad when I went to check on it earlier, I'm sorry. I hope you haven't been drinking any of it."
Hirano let out a frustrated groan. The call ended. Hirano sighed and dropped his phone back into his pocket, running a hand through his hair. Great. Just what he needed today. He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts.
Just in time, the door opened. Yoshikawa walked in, arms laden with bags. She smiled at him. "Sorry for the late dinner," she said, setting the bags down on the kitchen counter. "I got caught up at work. I hope you're not too hungry."
Hirano nodded. "Don't worry about it," he replied, standing up from the couch. "I already ate at the hospital." She handed him the other bag, revealing it to be full of various raw ingredients.
"How's your day?"
He shrugged. "Boring."
Yoshikawa smiled. "Well, let's make this dinner interesting then," she said, pulling out a knife and beginning to chop vegetables. "We'll make something special tonight." Hirano nodded, helping her out by washing the vegetables and setting the kitchen counter.
The night did indeed turn out to be interesting, as they spent the evening cooking and chatting about their day. Yoshikawa shared stories about her students and the challenges of being a teacher, while Hirano told her about his visits to the hospital and the progress Aiho had been making.
It was quiet after, just the two of them cleaning up the kitchen together. The gushing water from the sink and the soft clatter of plates filled the silence. It was moments like this, even in the face of the chaos that seemed to follow him around, that kept his sanity intact. They were reminders that there was still some semblance of normalcy in his life, no matter how fleeting it might be.
It was the warmth and comfort of these moments that made him feel like he belonged somewhere, like he was part of something bigger than himself. It was what kept his hope to continue to burn bright, even in the face of the darkness that lurked just beyond the edges of his reality.
Waking up early has never really bothered him.
But waking up right at the crack of dawn, the sun just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting its pale, golden light across the sky? That was a different story. It was always a jarring experience, a harsh reminder of the world he lived in and the responsibilities that came with it.
He doesn't like feeling the cold water wash over his face, or the rough fabric of his clothes against his skin as he dresses. Yet, he endured these discomforts, knowing that they were merely temporary, that he was doing it for someone who meant the world to him.
The hospital bill was fully paid just a few weeks back. If there was one thing the project was good for, it was the pay. They pay him handsomely.
Yoshikawa wasn't awake around this hour, but he was supposed to due to how strict Nagatenjouki is. It wouldn't be a prestigious school if it didn't have early morning practices. So he went.
He was still new to this middle school thing, nothing much seemed to have changed from his primary school days aside from the change in buildings, different faces and the fact that he had to wear a uniform. Aside from those, nothing really changed.
While others lived in a dorm, he chose to stay with Yoshikawa. Meaning he had to travel from one end of the district to the other. He was lucky enough that the trip didn't take too long, even with the constant stops and starts of the city's traffic.
The school was a bustling hive of activity, filled with the sound of footsteps and chattering voices. Unlike other prestigious schools in the city, Nagatenjouki doesn't focus on its student's Esper growth. They focus almost entirely on academics, sports, and discipline. As a result, the school attracts a diverse range of students from all walks of life, including those who are not Esper-capable but excel in other areas.
This place isn't a place for one to show off. This place is a battleground of the mind and body, a place where one learns not just the fundamentals but the very essence of what it means to be a part of society. It was a far cry from the primary school, where everything is seemingly painted with rainbows and butterflies.
Here, prodigies and underdogs alike, all here to prove their worth. But him? He has nothing to prove. He simply exists.
As the morning practice continued, Hirano found himself lost in thought. He couldn't help but feel out of place here, surrounded by so many talented individuals who seemed to have their lives figured out. But then again, that was the point of Nagatenjouki. To push one's limits and discover what truly lies within.
The coach blew the whistle, signalling the end of the practice. He, along with the rest of his classmates, began to file out of the field. They changed back into their regular clothes, folding their practice uniforms neatly and placing them in their designated lockers. The day had only just begun, but already he could feel the weight of his responsibilities bearing down upon him.
As he made his way to the cafeteria for breakfast, he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around. "How was it?"
Nunotaba Shinobu. He shrugged. "It was fine, I guess," he replied nonchalantly, not quite meeting her gaze.
Shinobu gave him a disapproving look. "Just 'fine'?" she asked, clearly unconvinced. "That's it? You didn't even enjoy it a little?"
He shrugged again. "I'm not here to enjoy myself," he muttered.
"There's no harm in trying to enjoy life, you know," Shinobu replied with a sigh. "Even when things are tough, you should try to find something to be happy about."
Hirano didn't say anything. He just continued to walk. As they walked in silence, the cafeteria came into view. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of chattering students filled the air. Hirano sighed, momentarily lost in the familiarity of it all.
The cafeteria was a bustling sea of activity, with students rushing to and fro, balancing trays laden with food. They found an empty table near the back, sitting down with their trays. Hirano glanced at the food on his tray, not particularly hungry.
"So how did he find out?" He asked all of a sudden.
She frowns at that. "I don't know. He just did." Shinobu sighed and ran a hand through her hair, a habitual gesture when she was thinking. "I've been meaning to talk to you about that. We need help. Someone who's good when it comes to computers. Do you happen to know anyone?"
He paused, thinking for a moment. A face flashed in his mind. She might know of his struggles and aware of his past, but it would be best if she doesn't know of the entire thing. Things haven't been right these weeks. He doesn't want her hurt.
"I can do it." Shinobu looked up at him, there was no surprise evident in her face, she simply nodded.
"Alright then." She continued eating for a second. Nothing much was happening. Until he noticed her hands were shaking.
He paused at the sight of it. He was gonna ask her something about it. "Hound dog." She suddenly murmurs. "Found out about it."
She then let out a shaky breath before leaving. He blinked, watching as she dumped the contents of her tray. She looked just fine earlier.
So what's with the sudden change in demeanour?
"I'm a Level 5!"
Misaka's exclaim seemed to echo through the park. The sun shone down on the grass, casting a warm, golden light over the scene as Hirano watched with amusement.
The girl was brimming with excitement, bouncing with energy as she held up her freshly printed Level 5 card.
He was honestly surprised. He got up from the bench they were sitting on and walked over to congratulate her. "That's quite an accomplishment," he said, giving her a sincere pat on the shoulder. "You've done it."
Misaka beamed up at him. "Thank you" Misaka's expression softened, and she looked a little more subdued. "I couldn't have done it without you," she said quietly. "You've been teaching me so much. I'm really grateful."
He shrugged, feeling a bit awkward. "It's nothing much."
"It's everything, you idiot," she retorted, but there was a teasing glint in her eye. "You've been there for me when no one else would. You've helped me out when I was stuck, and you've encouraged me when I wanted to give up. You're my big bro, you know that?"
He didn't reply, just smiled warmly back. It was nice to know that he made even the slightest difference in someone's life. Maybe it wasn't all for nothing after all.
"I didn't know you could smile like that." The remark broke the moment. He turned and was met by several curious faces. Particularly, Frenda's.
"What do you mean?"
The blond girl smirked. "You know, like that smile. Like you actually mean it." He averted his gaze, feeling a bit embarrassed. "It suits you."
He felt the burn on his face subside. "I'm not really used to it," he admitted, shrugging nonchalantly. "Guess it just happens sometimes... But thanks, I guess." He muttered, looking at his feet.
Frenda chuckled, shaking her head slightly. "You're such a weirdo, you know that?"
"You shouldn't call him that," Uiharu piped up, frowning slightly. "It's not nice."
Frenda shrugged, unbothered. "Whatever. But seriously, you should lighten up a bit, Hirano. Life's too short to be so serious all the time."
Uiharu nodded in agreement. He really doesn't feel like hearing that. Not with how things are going as of the current moment.
Aiho's almost entirely paralyzed from head to toe. Yoshikawa's been stressed out lately. The Kiharas are out of his radar. And not to mention, Nagatenjouki has been extremely demanding in their practices. Sometimes he just wants to close his eyes and forget about everything for a little while. But he can't. He has responsibilities, and he has to keep going.
"I'll try," he mumbled, not meeting their eyes. Inside, he wasn't sure if he could keep up.
When he feels a hand slip onto his shoulders, soft and soothing in their touch, warm and reassuring in its grip, he immediately melts into it, feeling a wave of comfort wash over him.
Kuroko hasn't been the same that day. Not the same, as in her usual self. She was a lot more quiet, a bit more gloomy than her usual self. Her aura seemed to have changed completely. She was usually the one who'd make the first move, the one who'd initiate the conversation, but now, she seemed lost in thought, her mind somewhere else entirely.
He couldn't help but feel a bit worried about her.
So it was a surprise for him to feel her touch, tracing gentle circles on the skin of his shoulders. It brought him back to the present, and he looked up at her face, meeting her gaze.
He murmurs her name, and she tilts her head. "You've been quiet." Was what he said. He's not sure if it's the right thing to say, but it's better than nothing.
Kuroko's lips quivered into a sad, small smile. "My parents." He frowned, understanding dawning on him.
He could vividly recall his first few memories of this girl from back then. He used to be a prince of some sort, at least to her imagination. The world was simpler back then.
He nodded, understanding her predicament. "Gee, get a room already."
Ruiko's voice cut through the silence, causing both of them to look over at her. She shrugged, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Sorry, couldn't resist."
Although he and everyone shrugged the comment off, the twin tailed girl seemed to be lost in thoughts, hands still placed on his shoulder. Eventually she sighed. "I should get going." She said, not even waiting for anyone's answer before walking away.
It wasn't long before she disappeared into thin air.
Misaka sighed. "That's Ruiko for you, I guess."
"I'm sorry, sheesh. I didn't know she wasn't in the mood for some jokes." Ruiko does sound a bit guilty, and Uiharu gives her a reassuring pat on the back.
"It's okay, Ruiko. I'm sure Kuroko understands."
They know that Kuroko has been through a lot, and they can only imagine how hard it must be for her to deal with her parents' imminent departure.
Her parents had been around for years now, it is only a matter of time before they leave again. He himself hasn't met them in so long, about a few months now, but he knew that their stay was only temporary. They have to work, after all.
He sighed. He wished he could do as much for her as she had for him. But with his responsibilities, it seems like he'll always be stuck on the sidelines.
He got up from the bench, picking up his bag. "I'll be going too. I'll see you guys tomorrow, I suppose."
He fed her curry. Again. He doesn't know why, but it's their thing. Aiho loved it though, so it wasn't as though he had any reason to complain. He held a spoon to her mouth, making sure she got every bite.
She smiled gratefully at him, her cheeks slightly flushed from the warmth of the meal. Despite being confined to her hospital bed, she seemed to enjoy their little ritual as much as he did.
As they finished their meal, they settled into companionable silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Aiho dozed off, her head resting on the pillow as she let out a contented sigh. Hirano watched over her, his gaze softening as he took in her peaceful expression.
"Are you... not going home?" She asks, her voice barely a whisper, breaking into his thoughts. He shook his head gently.
"I'll stay for a while," he replied, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from her face. "I don't mind keeping you company."
She smiled weakly, her eyes still closed. "Thank you," she murmured. "I appreciate it."
She stifled in a yawn, her eyes fluttering into a half-open state. He could feel her drifting off again. The soft sounds of her breathing filled the air, lulling him into a sense of calm.
He sat there for a while, lost in thought. He sighed a little. 'What do I do?'
He let out a small sigh, standing up from his chair and stretching his arms above his head. He walked over to the window, peering out at the stillness of the city around him. The stars are out, twinkling brightly in the night sky. He couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over him as he gazed out at the world beyond the hospital walls.
Suddenly, he was jolted back into reality by the sound of his phone vibrating in his pocket. Yoshikawa.
"Where are you?" The voice on the other end of the line asked. He looked at the time. It's only 7 pm.
"I'm at the hospital," he replied. "I'm staying here for the night, if that's alright with you."
There was a pause on the other end of the line, and he could practically hear the wheels turning in her mind. "I see...," she said finally. "Well, if you need anything, just call me."
He thanked her and hung up, feeling a bit guilty for keeping her in the dark about his plans. But for now, he will stay by Aiho's side. He wanted to ask her about Kuroko, but was too shy to bring it up. So he just sat there, watching her sleep, lost in thought.
As the night wore on, Hirano found himself dozing off in his chair, his exhaustion from the long days at the hospital finally catching up to him.
A gentle snore escaped his lips, and he slumped forward in the chair, his head resting on the armrest. The soft sounds of his breathing filled the air, joining with those of Aiho's as they both drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
In them, he dreamt of many things. The dreams were vague and hazy, like memories half-remembered. In one, he was younger, and Aiho was there, laughing beside him. In another, he was older, and she was gone.
Much of it was confusing and sad, but there were moments of happiness too. Moments when he felt like things were finally alright, like maybe they could go back to how they used to be. It was a dream. A beautiful, fleeting dream.
One that he would cling to, even as he awoke to the harsh reality of his life. For now, he allowed himself to bask in the warmth of the memory, the comfort of knowing that somewhere, somehow, things could have been different.
In them, he saw flashes of many things. He felt many things about it. Particularly, the weight of responsibility he carries, the love he has for her, the guilt he feels about not being able to protect her, and the hope he clings to in the face of despair.
All of these emotions swirled around in his chest as he drifted further into slumber, wrapping themselves around him like a warm blanket. Yet the more profound emotion amongst the swirl of emotions was a sense of embarrassment. He doesn't like how he was back then, he doesn't like how he is now. He just doesn't like himself.
So the dream continues. One of which, Aiho's presence dimmed and distanced. He recalled it perfectly. Her comatose state back then had been a painful thing to witness, but it was a pain he had grown accustomed to. He had spent countless hours by her bedside, talking to her, hoping that one day she would wake up.
The only thing filling the void he had felt back then was Yoshikawa Kikyou. She was the closest thing he had to a functional family, and she had been nothing but kind to him. But even her love couldn't erase the emptiness he felt when he looked at Aiho's unresponsive form.
It wasn't as though he was ungrateful for her kindness, but he couldn't help but feel that he was somehow betraying Aiho by accepting her affection.
And then there were the others. Frenda, well, he viewed her more as a genuine friend, one that treats him just how she treats everyone. Misaka was more like a little sister. Uiharu was definitely a friend, someone he could talk to about anything without holding back. Ruiko... he doesn't know how to view her. She was much like Frenda, unafraid to voice her opinions and stand up for what she believed in. Even if they can be quite stupid sometimes.
And then there was Kuroko.
Initially, she was nothing more than an annoying little kid whose delusions of him as something akin to a prince makes him want to roll his eyes. But over time, he began to see past her bravado and realised that there was more to her than met the eye. She was brave, determined, and fiercely loyal to those she cared about. And somehow, despite himself, he found himself caring about her too.
She was the closest friend he's ever had. Possibly a best friend, as she had proclaimed herself to be on several occasions. He was most comfortable in her presence. She trusts him enough to consult his advice. Her faith in him mirrored that of Aiho and Kikyou, almost doting on him like a mother hen.
And what did he do in return? Nothing. All he ever did was give her advice, one that he wasn't even sure would make any difference nor did he even have any experience in. He doesn't even have the guts to try and comfort her even though he was aware of how much she cared for him.
It was frustrating, infuriating even.
He was scared. Scared that if he got too close to her, he would only end up hurting her like he did with Aiho. What if she was hurt too? She doesn't even know of the risk, of the danger that lurked just because of their association with him. The very thought churned his stomach, making him feel sick to his core.
And so, he found himself in a perpetual state of turmoil, unable to reconcile the conflicting emotions within him.
Hirano awoke with a start, his heart pounding in his chest. He glanced around, disoriented for a moment, before remembering where he was. The hospital room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the nightlight casting eerie shadows on the walls.
He looked over at Aiho, who was still fast asleep, and sighed in relief. She looked so peaceful, so innocent, like she hadn't a care in the world. It was a sharp contrast to the boy she had chosen to adopt, the boy who felt so lost and alone even in the midst of her presence.
Hirano got up quietly and walked over to the window, pulling back the curtains to let in some natural light. The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, painting the cloudless, early morning sky with an ethereal glow. He took a deep breath, trying to clear his mind of the troubling thoughts that plagued him in his sleep.
What do he do?
Kuroko had always been there for him, even when he thought he didn't need anyone else. She had been a constant presence in his life these past 9 months. She was one of the first people that he could talk to without repressing anything. And now... he doesn't know. He doesn't know what to do.
She was going through what was possibly the worst time of her life right now, and he couldn't bring himself to try and do something to make it better. It was a selfish thought, he knew that much. But he also knew that he couldn't just force himself to be someone he wasn't, someone she deserved.
Being something or someone that doesn't befit him. He had to face the facts. He was a mess, an incomplete person that couldn't even find solace in himself. How could he possibly be of any help to her?
He turned around and looked at Aiho, her sleeping form a stark reminder of his own vulnerability.
He let out a deep sigh. He still regrets how he hadn't done much for Aiho as well. She had done so much and he did so little. Is everything only gonna repeat itself, with him barely able to pay back what he had owed before that person was forcefully taken away from him again?
He can't let that happen. Not again. He wanted to at least try to make things right for Kuroko, to be there for her in any way he can, just as she had done for him. He couldn't guarantee that he would succeed, but he owed it to her to try. It was the least he could do after all.
Today was the weekend and there's no homework that he hasn't done already. So it's not like he has anything to do to occupy his time with.
It was still early in the morning, around 7 am. The city can be quite silent around this hour, especially when it's saturday or sunday. The birds were just beginning to chirp and the streets were still relatively empty. Hirano decided to take a walk, to clear his mind and maybe figure out what he was going to say to her.
The girl lives near the hospital. Near, as in about 15 minutes away on foot. It was a rather quiet neighbourhood, lived only by people who hold some influence or prominence in Academy City. The place was almost exclusively occupied by adults, a rarity in a city filled with students.
So it was no surprise that Kuroko's house was one of the few exceptions. It was a small, yet cosy looking house, nestled amidst a row of similar looking houses. Hirano took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
He last recalled that her family only moved to this part of the district because of a certain event that took place several years back. She prefers her old apartment, she once told him. He may or may not have a hand on this 'event'.
The door opened and he was met with an older woman. Her mother.
Hirano was relatively short even for his age. Combined with his stature, some might even find him to be quite feminine, a fact that he continued to feel absolutely infuriating and embarrassing even to this day.
Fortunately, the older woman already recognized him. They exchanged a few words of greetings before she stepped aside to let him in.
He asked where Kuroko was. The girl was apparently out on a quick run for some milk at a nearby convenience store. The older woman allowed him to enter her room while awaiting her return.
Her room was a reflection of her personality, bright and colourful, with posters of various things scattered across the walls. There was a small desk near the window, cluttered with various knick-knacks and trinkets. The bed was neatly made, the blanket folded at the foot of the bed.
He doesn't really know what to think of this. Yoshikawa once told him what to do when you enter a girl's room. Hirano hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do in Kuroko's absence. He had never been in her room before, and the sight of her personal belongings scattered around made him feel like an intruder.
Hirano took a deep breath and tried to steady his nerves. He couldn't let himself be intimidated by the sight of a few trinkets and posters. He was here for a reason, and he wasn't going to let his anxiety get the better of him.
As he waited for Kuroko to return, Hirano tried to calm his nerves. He glanced around the room again, admiring some of the posters and knick-knacks. He heard the front door opening and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He steeled himself for whatever emotions and reactions Kuroko might have when she saw him here.
She walked into the room a few moments later, a small bag of potato chips nestled in her chest. She blinked when she saw him, almost surprised by his unexpected presence. "Senpai?" she asked, her voice faint with confusion. "What are you doing here?"
He turned his gaze elsewhere at that. Hirano hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I wanted to see how you were doing. And... I thought maybe we could talk." He swallowed nervously, his throat feeling dry. "If you want, of course."
Kuroko raised an eyebrow, clearly confused. He felt his eyes twitch under her scrutiny. This isn't like him, feeling this level of discomfort. "If this is about yesterday, then don't worry about it. I'm fine, really." she said softly, stepping into the room and taking a seat by the chair on her desk.
He held up a hand, palm outward, in a gesture of surrender. "I know. I just wanted to make sure."
Kuroko smiled slightly. "Thank you. It's really sweet of you to care. But like I said, I'm fine." She leaned back in the chair, hands laid on her lap. "So, what's up?"
He took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to say. There's a certain lump forming in his throat. He's not sure if he can force them out. But he has to try. He owes her that much. "You can talk to me, if you want to." He manages. "I don't really care what it's going to be, but you can tell me. I'm here to listen."
That seemed to have caught Kuroko off-guard. Her mouth opened, then closed, before she found the words to respond. "I... don't understand."
"I haven't been the best of friends for you, or anyone really." Kuroko blinked, looking at him with a mixture of surprise and confusion. "All I ever did was say things, give advice that I have no experience in. All I've ever done was wallow in my own problems. I don't like that everyone kept helping me while I did nothing. I'm not a good person, Kuroko."
His voice was barely above a whisper, but it was filled with self-loathing and regret. Kuroko stared at him for a moment, her eyes wide with disbelief. She opened her mouth. "No you're not." She almost exclaimed the word, shaking her head in disbelief. "You're not even remotely close to that."
She paused for a moment, then continued in a gentler tone. "You're not a bad person. You just don't want to see it. How many times has everyone told you otherwise?" He didn't know what to say. It felt like his heart was being squeezed in a vice, and all the air had been forced out of his lungs.
He swallowed thickly, forcing himself to meet her gaze. "I've seen those doubts in your eyes. Yoshikawa-sensei, Frenda-senpai, Uiharu... all of them. They took away those doubts, but it only took days for them to be back." The girl looked at him, her expression softening. "And you think that by being so hard on yourself, you'll make it go away?" She asked, there was an edge to her voice. Something big is coming.
"I'm..."
"I haven't seen a single moment where you genuinely try to escape this... habit of yours, and you dare come to me, asking me to speak of my problems?" Kuroko is angry. Very much so. He could see it in her glare, the unshed tears in them, a clear indicator of her emotions. He knew he had to make it up to her.
"You wanted me to tell you what's been bothering me? Fine." She wiped away the tears from her eyes, taking a deep breath. "You were my first and best friend. You did what I thought was impossible by granting my wish. You were there even when I was annoying you to the very bones. You listened to everything I said. You cared."
Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke, her emotions clearly close to the surface. "And then you changed. Ever since that day at the hospital, I can see that something has been bothering you. I thought it was because of puberty like everyone said. But then there's this 'Accelerator' thing showed up. Not just once, but twice, in the office nonetheless. When you see that man, you look so, so scared. You looked at him as if he's going to- no, as if he HAD hurt you! And you kept pushing us away, kept pushing ME away. You kept telling us that you're fine. But you're clearly not! You're not fine! It's been particularly worse these past few months. You once didn't sleep for days, constantly receiving those phone calls and you always looked so tense whenever you got one! It kills me to see you like that! "
She paused, taking a shaky breath. Her tears fell faster now, trailing down her cheeks. She wiped at them angrily, her breath coming in short gasps. Her quiet whimper overpowered whatever response Hirano might have wanted to give. Kuroko's outburst left him speechless, his heart heavy with guilt and regret. He had never meant to hurt her, to push her away. But he had.
"I want you back." His head perked. She spoke softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I want the old you back. The one that was quiet because he doesn't feel like saying anything, not the one trying to mask his pain with silence. I want the one that listens to my ramblings and gives me that look, like he doesn't understand but cares enough to try. I just want my best friend back."
He watched as she no longer contained her sobs, burying herself in the palm of her hand as they shook. He could feel the tears welling up in his eyes as well, unshed. He had never seen her like this before. She was always so strong, so composed. But here she was, breaking down right in front of him. It was then that he realised how much he had hurt her, how much he had pushed her away.
'What have I done...'
Never before had he felt the need to just hug someone so bad. He got up from the bed, walking towards her, his hand raised. It landed on top of her head. The moment it touched her hair, he felt a wave of emotions wash over him.
As he pulled her into a gentle embrace, he could feel the tension leave her body. She was buried just beneath his torso. While she kept crying, he stared at the wall before him.
'What the fuck have i done...'
He kept quiet, feeling as though that any words that might escape his lips would only worsen the situation that he had unexpectedly found himself in. He was supposed to be here to comfort her, to lighten whatever burden that she might carry, not make it worse than it already is.
Hirano, still in the embrace with Kuroko, could feel her breathing slowing down. Her sobs gradually became less frequent, more controlled. He wondered if it was because of him, or if she was just getting tired. Either way, he felt relieved.
He thought of her words. All of it.
It wasn't anything like Yoshikawa's wisdom-filled advice, nor was it anything like Frenda's unorthodox but effective methods, and certainly far from Uiharu's soft, almost maternal care. It was something different. Something entirely new.
He had never thought of himself as the cause of her problems. Never once did he think that his own struggles might have affected her as well. He always thought that she was the one who kept him grounded, who kept him from spiralling out of control. Never once did he think that he might be causing her own problems. He never once thought that he might be the reason behind her own struggles.
He had to say something, he just had to. Yet before he could mutter an apology, his phone rang. Kuroko pulled away from the hug, wiping her eyes and nose, eyes glued to the floor. "It's okay," she said softly, "... answer it."
Hirano hesitated for a moment before pulling his phone out of his pocket. He stiffened when saw the caller. It was like a punch to the gut, as it had confirmed Kuroko's very words just earlier.
She didn't hear what the people on the other line had said. She didn't care for the vague answers he'd given them. All she knew was that he looked visibly shaken after hanging up. Kuroko stood up from the chair, her face still red and tear-stained.
Hirano looked at her, his expression hardening. "I-"
"You have to go, I know."
He nodded, feeling a wave of guilt wash over him. "I do."
She nods in return, her expression softening. "Take care. Please."
He nodded, feeling a lump forming in his throat. Without another word, he turned around and left the room, leaving Kuroko alone with her thoughts and tears. The door closed behind him, echoing through the empty hallway. Outside, he murmurs an apology like a chant.
He failed.
When the phone call came, he was tense.
He made sure to take his time in his walk, awaiting Shinobu's call to make sure that this was nothing but a fluke. The closer he got to that place, the more he felt the pressure building within him. Shinobu's call never came.
He was led down to that place. A colossal gate, made of pure dark metal, standing tall and ominous, towering above everything in the immediate surroundings. There were no guards or signs of any sentry. It was as if the gate had always been there, a permanent fixture of the landscape, waiting for someone like him to arrive.
Then it opened. The movements were slow and methodical, as if the gate were made of flesh and bone rather than cold, unyielding metal. It creaked and groaned as it swung inward, revealing a large room of pure white that stretched out into the distance.
Even with the almost pure, blinding light and the white tiles that covered the room in its entirety, he could feel a foreboding sense of darkness permeating everything. It was as if the very air itself was suffocating, pressing down on him with an unnatural weight.
He stepped forward, tentatively at first, but then with a newfound determination. The air around him felt cold and heavy, as if he were walking through water rather than air.
At the very centre of the room, he looked at a familiar figure. At first, he was surprised to see her here. But when he saw those eyes, empty and cold, lacking the energy and compassion that was supposed to fill them, he knew that all is lost.
He looked up from the figure, all the way to the window on the side, where the scientists spectate the whole thing. They spoke, the clone spoke, yet he heard none of it. His ears ring, his mind is never as clear as it should.
It was a mistake.
Because the thing that woke him from his internal turmoil was a loud sound, like a gunshot.
When he saw those eyes, on her hands, held on it was a gun pointing at him with the intention to kill. He saw not just the death that he ought to bring, but also a fragment sanity that was still intact in his mind.
He can never look at Misaka Mikoto the same way again.
We're onto something big. Maybe several chapters next, the group dynamic might change. I can't say whether it was going to be for the better or the worse. But i think the answer is clear enough.
Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I'm sorry for my outburst on the last one. It's just that i worked hard on these, y'know?
New chapter next week!