Misaka had been quick with handling the situation. She ran as fast as she could, towards the direction where Kuroko had pointed while the rest of their group made sure the twin tailed girl was okay. Kuroko had suffered nothing more than a small burn on her hand, thanks to her quick reflexes, but it stung like mad.
The little girl that had given her the plush was quite shaken, fearful, knowing that she had just very nearly been harmed. A tear slid down her cheek as she hugged the twin tailed girl's ankles, the very same person she had unknowingly pulled into danger. "It's okay," Kuroko soothed, crouching down to meet the child's eyes, "You did nothing wrong" Her voice was gentle, warm, and surprisingly steady, considering what had just happened.
The girl was coaxed into giving the plush and tampered toy to Kuroko. And the person who gave the little girl the explosive plush had been dealt with, Misaka quick with how she handled the scrawny guy, overpowered with little to no effort. The group decided to move on after ensuring everyone was safe, the little girl clinging to Kuroko as if her life depended on it.
Kuroko and Uiharu, being a Judgement officer, made them the people of authority given their jurisdiction over their powers and rank. The Judgement officer had already apologised for their part in allowing the little girl to get too close and had promised to keep a better eye on things from now on. As for the guy who tried to hurt Kuroko, he was now in their custody, bound and gagged, with no hope of escape.
Under any circumstances, Shirai Kuroko was not happy. Not even close. She felt a burning sensation in her hand where the plush had singed her skin, and the knowledge that she had almost been hurt-and that the little girl had been put in danger-gnawed at her gut like a starving wolf. Her eyes flashed with anger as she glared at the fallen perp; unconscious from having been kicked by the twin tailed girl before she could even blink.
Kuroko ground her teeth together, forcing herself to calm down. She couldn't let her anger consume her; it would only make things worse. But it was near impossible, what with the timing of the attack. Her confession being a massive twist of fate, and the explosion happening right afterward. Her stomach churned with anger and frustration, and she felt a tightness in her chest that she couldn't quite explain.
Whilst she stood there, imagining herself placing her foot onto the guy's neck and just pressing it until the guy's neck snapped in satisfaction, Uiharu was busy telling the rest of the group to simply leave and have them handle the situation.
Misaki did leave with Ruiko, not really having the need to be told twice; Misaki not wanting anything to do with the law, and Ruiko simply too exhausted from the ordeal. Emotionally, at least. Hirano, though, was less adamant on leaving. Not even when the Anti-Skills arrived and quickly took control of the situation.
"It's okay," Kuroko repeated herself, even though she was anything but. She reached out with her good hand and placed it atop the little girl's head. The child leaned into the touch, seeking comfort from the woman who, even if only for a moment, had saved her from harm. "You should leave."
He watched her expression carefully, unsure what to think. She seemed hurt, angry... not just that. Something else lingered in the corners of her eyes. He could see her struggle with emotions he had never seen her confront before, and it made him feel unsettled.
"You're my best friend," He'd said that with a hushed tone. Even he was quite shaken, especially when she'd narrowly escaped what could possibly be death. Kuroko visibly twitches from those remarks. The twitch came from her eye, and it doesn't look like a good type of twitch. It's a warning sign, and he could see her hand shift under the little girl's hair.
"I know," she said, her voice tight. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. "That's why you should go."
He hesitated. It wasn't like her to push people away. He knew that she was strong, that she could handle anything... but she had never been this vulnerable before. Something is bothering her and it's gnawing at him too. "Please," The girl hide face with the scarf, its edges singed from the fireball. "Please," she repeated. "Go."
The guy slowly walked away, still not sure what he's feeling but he knew one thing, Shirai Kuroko wasn't being herself. But he couldn't help but feel a tiny pang of guilt, like he was abandoning her. As he left, he glanced back over his shoulder one last time, meeting her eyes.
She didn't look all that much better, despite her insistence that he go. Her hand, drawn from the little girl's hair, was clenched into a fist so tight that her knuckles were white. She looked like she wanted to scream or cry, but couldn't quite bring herself to. She breathed in slowly, forcing herself to focus on the little girl still clinging to her legs. The child was shivering, frightened and confused.
Hirano doesn't want to leave, especially when she was in this miserable state, and having some little girl cling to her for comfort when she could barely provide any for herself to back? It just would leave a bitter taste in his mouth. But he does, because she asked him to. As he takes one last look at her, he can't help but wonder what happened. He swore that it had something to do with the conversation they had prior to the explosion. She didn't act like this before; he hasn't seen her this vulnerable in years.
As the last of his shadows faded away from the scene, Shirai Kuroko felt a weight lift off her shoulders. The little girl at her feet had finally stopped shivering, but she remained there.
"Am I in trouble?" The little girl asked, definitely shaken by what had just happened. Her big, puppy eyes were filled with fear and confusion.
Shirai Kuroko hesitated, searching for the right words. She knelt down so that she was at eye level with the child. "Do you have anything to do with that guy?" Kuroko nudged towards the direction of the unconscious perpetrator.
The little girl shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "He... he just gave me it... He said that you dropped it."
Kuroko nodded slowly. "Then no, you're not in trouble." She hesitated for a moment before continuing. "But it's important that you stay away from people like that, okay? They're not your friends." The little girl nodded solemnly, sniffling.
Kuroko had comforted the girl the best she could, which paid off as she stopped crying, reducing it to a quiet whimper and shuddered breaths. Not long after, Another pair of hands landed on Kuroko's shoulders. "You did good, Kuroko," Konori Mii praised her. She didn't know why the head of their Office Branch is here, but didn't really give a damn, at least right now. "You kept your head, and protected the innocent." She ruffled Kuroko's hair playfully, trying to lighten the mood.
Kuroko turned her head to look at the older girl, giving her the best smile she could muster. Yet Her expression didn't quite reach her eyes. It was a halfhearted attempt at a smile, but it was something at least. Kuroko nodded gratefully at the praise. "Thanks, Mii. I'm just glad no one else got hurt."
The older girl glanced down at the little girl still clinging to her legs. The girl had quieted down, her breath ceasing to carry her words on the wind. "Honey," The girl with the glasses spoke, kneeling down and making sure her voice sounds as hospitable as to try and reassure the little girl, "The bad man won't bother you any more. We're going to take care of you now, okay?" The little girl nodded, tears still streaming down her face but no longer sobbing. She was shivering, clearly still in shock. "There... will be several questions asked. But there's nothing to worry about. You can go home after, get it?"
The older girl looked at Kuroko when the little girl nodded. "I'll take care of her," she said, reaching down to gently pry the little girl off her legs. "Come on, let's get you somewhere warm. And we'll get you some candy too, alright?" The two walked away, Konori's back bending a little to accommodate the little girl's small stature.
Kuroko watched as her superior brought the little girl away, guarded by several others, along with them was the perp who had caused all of this mess. The rest of Judgement left soon after once the area was fully secured, with only Anti-Skills to clean up and investigate further.
Kuroko found herself standing alone next to the still smouldering remains of the flooring where the plush had exploded. She stared at the blackened concrete, still feeling the echoes of fear and rage within her heart. It'd been a close call... too close for her liking. She knew she'd been lucky.
Kuroko has had enough of chaos for today; chaos of the body and of her heart. She'd had a glimpse of herself today, of her vulnerability... It had been painful. Very much so. Even now, just leaning against a wall, she can feel it, like a dull ache somewhere deep inside her chest. She needs to get it out. She needs to vent. But to whom? The little girl is gone, likely never to be seen again. And even if she were, Kuroko couldn't help but feel guilty about involving her in the first place.
As for Hirano... she couldn't help but feel a twinge of anger towards him, despite their past friendship. She shouldn't blame him for being dense, that's just unfair. She was being selfish; too hurt and angry to see things clearly. And yet... the anger still burns, hot and white-hot beneath the surface.
When her dust filled vision was suddenly filled with a familiar face kneeling before her, Kuroko stared at those pools of amber, brimming with concern and empathy, did the twin tailed girl finally let the ache in her chest get to her. The situation was now reversed; she was the crying little girl, seeking comfort that not even her 'best friend' could provide.
Uiharu pulled her into a hug as she sniffled a huge breath, trying to calm herself. Her face was buried onto Uiharu's shoulder. Whimper and shaky breaths escaped her lips, becoming Kuroko's only form of expression. Kuroko wasn't the same girl as before. She wasn't naive like she used to be. She understood what it was like to be on the edge. She had seen the world in all its ugliness. But this... this was different. This was something she couldn't quite grasp, something that went beyond her understanding. Maybe that's why it hurt so much.
Her unreciprocated love for the idiot, her frustration with herself and her inability to let go. It all boiled down to this: pain. Pain that she couldn't escape, pain that seemed to multiply with each passing moment. It felt like the world was closing in on her, and there was nowhere left to run.
Kuroko clung to Uiharu, her grip surprisingly strong for someone so small. A small vessel that is now nearing its breaking point. She could feel the tears pooling up in her eyes once again, threatening to spill over and drown them both. "I'm sorry..." Uiharu had managed to murmur. "I shouldn't have made you do it..." The short haired girl stroked Kuroko's hair gently, as if that would make everything better.
But it still didn't stop the anguish from welling up inside her. Kuroko felt like she was drowning, and there was no one there to save her. Even as she clung to her friend, part of her wished that it was Hirano who was here, holding her instead. The anger and hurt had turned into something else now, something that she couldn't quite put a name to. All she knew was that it hurt, and she didn't know how to make it stop.
What was the word again? When you feel like something isn't right, when your heart feels heavy and your soul is on fire, but you can't quite express it properly? It hurt so much that she wished she could tear herself open and let all the pain pour out, leave her body and never return? That word, it was on the tip of her tongue...
'Ah, right. It was-'
"I'm not saying that I understood what it's like, having your heart broken." Uiharu gently caresses Kuroko's hair, whispering the words into her ear. It was evident that the short haired girl was close to crying herself, as seeing Kuroko suffer like this was tearing at her heartstrings. "I'm sorry, for having put you in that position. But please, stop crying."
Kuroko's uncontrolled sob kept on, hiccuping and shaking as she tried to speak between breaths. It was fruitless, as anything that came out of her mouth is but incoherent babble. Her tears had reached the peak of their flow, pouring down her face like a river. Her body shook with each racking breath, each sob racking her slight frame. Even as Uiharu held her tightly, trying her best to comfort the smaller girl, Kuroko could feel her heart aching.
She didn't want to feel like this. Uiharu held Kuroko as tightly as she could, her own breath starting to hitch in her throat as she felt her friend's sobs wracked her body. Her eyes burned with unshed tears as she leaned in closer, nuzzling her cheek against Kuroko's. "It's not your fault, Kuroko. You did what you had to do. He's just..."
"He's just..." Kuroko echoed weakly, between hiccups. Her voice sounded distant, far away. Even to her own ears. "He's just so... so... dense..." A small laugh escaped her lips, brittle and bitter. "Dense, just like they say... Just like the bricks I was talking about... Even now... I can still... feel myself drawn to him..." She trailed off, her words catching in her throat as she finally broke down, sobbing into Uiharu's shoulder. "It's useless... useless... these feelings... all of my emotions... They're all useless!"
It took roughly half an hour before Kuroko calmed herself down enough before she could head for the office. She had been the one to deal with the perp's attempt, charging him with several cases of attempted murder, reckless endangerment of a minor, destruction of public property, and other charges. Her report had been the most comprehensive and damning out of the entire Judgement group. There was no way the idiot would have a sliver of a chance. Not with her in the prosecution.
It wasn't just that she wanted justice to be handled with impartiality; she wanted to hurt him. Not only for the pain he had caused her, but also the rest of the department. The people he had hurt, some of them were her friends. And her life, along with the little girl, ones that he had very nearly taken over some measly scar or two.
The bastard had been bullied, and blamed Judgment for not stepping in. She felt that. She understood that. But he had become the bully he hated. He had hurt people. He had caused pain. And she was not going to let him get away with it.
She wasn't usually so harsh on others. But today was different. He had been unfortunate to have attacked her when the wound on her heart had been fresh. Not even 1 minute after, too. Right now, she just wants to blame someone for the pain she was feeling. And right now, Hirano was the one who had caught all her ire. Even as she sat down at her desk to work on the paperwork, her fingers trembled and her breath hitched every time she thought about him.
The mechanical pencil on her hand scritched across the paper with a loud scritch before the lead snapped, the sharp end digging into her finger and drawing blood. A small, involuntary yelp escaped her lips. Damn it. She bit back the urge to curse, instead focusing on the sensation of pain as it coursed through her veins. It was better than feeling numb, or nothing at all.
She stared at the blood, deep red against the pale white of her skin. It looked like a thin thread, delicate and fragile. A reminder of the ragged hole she felt in her heart. With a shaky breath, she placed her finger in her mouth, sucking on the wound to make it stop bleeding. The salty taste of blood mixed with the tang of her own flesh. No matter how many times she'd done this, it doesn't make it any less disturbing.
She glanced up at the clock, noticing that it was already past one. It looked like it was going to be a long day. With a sigh, she got up from her desk and walked over to Uiharu, who had been watching her. The younger girl raised an eyebrow at the sight of her bloodied finger.
"It's nothing."
"Are you sure?" Uiharu asked with concern. "You look like you could use some rest."
Kuroko shook her head, not trusting her voice. "No, I'm fine. I just need to... get through this." She flexed her finger, wincing slightly at the dull ache that throbbed in her knuckle. "I'll be fine."
"All right," Uiharu agreed, not entirely convinced. "You know you can talk to me if you need to, right? About anything..."
Kuroko managed a small smile, feeling a twinge of guilt in her chest. She knew that Uiharu was only being kind, and that the other girl meant well. But she couldn't bring herself to open up to her friend about what was really going on. Not yet. Not after having poured out her heart just two hours back at the mall.
Kuroko winced at the memory of it. She could see the stain on Uiharu's shirt from where she was, from when she had hugged her. She couldn't help but feel selfish for putting her through all that. She wanted to apologise, but the words wouldn't come out. So, she settled for a small nod instead.
Uiharu returned Kuroko's nod with a smile, seemingly satisfied with the gesture. "Well, if you need anything, you know where to find me. Just holler." She paused for a moment before speaking again, her voice soft and gentle. "And Kuroko... I'm sorry about what happened. I know it couldn't have been easy for you."
Kuroko appreciated the sentiment, but knew that it wasn't enough. Kuroko nodded and forced a smile, taking a deep breath to calm her racing heart. "Thank you, Uiharu. I'll... I'll be alright. Just need some time." She glanced back at her desk, wanting to get back to work and forget about everything for a while.
With another nod, she started to walk away, but then stopped and turned around again. The twin tailed girl was starting to ventilate yet again, covering just her mouth to hold in the incoming and outgoing air. Her eyes were visibly glassy, and it was clear that she was struggling to keep her emotions in check.
She battled through for a minute, until she finally managed to compose herself. When she finally turned back around, her expression had softened somewhat, rubbing away all of the spilled tears that had leaked out of her eyes. The girl was rigid for a moment, before going back to work on the paperwork.
She was writing pretty fast for someone who was in such an emotional state. Kuroko was obviously determined to get everything done as quickly as possible. Her pen scratched against the paper, leaving a trail of words in its wake. Even though she was trying her best to concentrate on the work, there were moments when her eyes would drift away from the paper and gaze blankly into space, lost in thought.
For a while, sitting on her desk doing nothing, Uiharu watched the clock with a sense of worry. Kuroko was pushing herself too hard. She needed to take a break, to relax. Thankfully, the girl seemed to notice the effect of the emotional turmoil that had been plaguing her and took the initiative to stand up and stretch, walking around and trying to loosen up.
"Uiharu," The girl's twin tail bobbed a little when she walked over to the other girl, "thanks for... earlier." Her voice was hoarse, and she cleared her throat before continuing. "I... I appreciate it."
There was an awkward silence that followed, as if neither girl knew what to say next. Finally, Uiharu spoke up, her voice slightly less hesitant. "If you don't mind... I'd like... to leave early. Can you... ask Mii-san?"
The short haired girl nodded with a relieved smile. "Yeah, of course. I'll ask her right now."
...
Not half an hour later, Kuroko was already under the comfort of her bed's warm blanket, the scent of lavender filling her nose. She stared up at the ceiling of her dorm's room, her mind racing. Today has been...difficult. She couldn't deny that. The tension, the emotions...it was all starting to catch up with her. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, trying to calm down.
She felt both warm and cold. Fever was probably going to get the better of her soon. Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn't eaten anything since breakfast. Hunger could wait. For now, sleep would be nice. Even if it was just for a few hours.
Though her body was racked with exhaustion, sleep didn't come easily. As Kuroko lay there, her mind continued to race, thoughts swirling in circles like water going down the drain. As much as it annoys her that this has been the exact same thing that she has been musing for the past few hours, she simply couldn't help it.
No matter what she tries, her mind keeps coming back to Hirano and what happened earlier today. The more she thinks about it, the more she realises that she was forcing herself to hold on to something that clearly wasn't there anymore. It was like grasping at a fading shadow; the harder she tried, the more distant it became. She understood that she was only hurting herself in the process, but her heart simply refused to accept it. It was too painful to let go, no matter how much she tried.
Maybe what she said was a lie, both to herself and anyone that she'd told. That she wasn't trying to be in a serious relationship. Maybe that was the truth. But now she wasn't so sure about anything. All she knew was that ever since she confessed to him, everything seemed to have gone wrong. Like she had cursed herself for speaking up.
She sighed, frustrated with herself and the situation. No matter how many times she turned it over in her mind, there didn't seem to be any easy answers. 'Maybe I really am in denial,' she thought to herself. It was hard to admit, but it was possible. Maybe she was just refusing to accept the truth because it hurt too much. It was easier to cling onto false hopes and illusions than to face the harsh reality.
The bed dipped as Kuroko felt a weight adding on the corner of the mattress. She shifted slightly to make room for her roommate, who was now sitting next to her. The brunette smiled softly, her expression gentle and concerned. "Hey, You okay?"
"Not too good, to be honest." Kuroko yawned, covering her mouth with the back of her hand. "But I'll live."
"You're acting weird," Misaka observed, frowning. "Is there something you want to talk about?"
Kuroko hesitated before responding, not sure how much she wanted to share. She soon felt the brunette's hand on her forehead, watching as her frown deepens. "You're hot," Misaka commented before leaning over to the other side to feel her neck. "Maybe you're getting a cold."
Kuroko didn't deny it. Her nose had been running non stop earlier, and her throat felt scratchy. Even her ears hurt a little. With a sigh, she closed her eyes, her exhaustion overwhelming her. "I don't know. I'm just... tired."
Misaka hummed thoughtfully before reaching over and grabbing some medicines from the bathroom's shelf. The twin tailed girl plopped a piece of the tablet with a quick icy water into her mouth and forced herself to swallow it. She winced as it went down and coughed a little. The bitter tablet had dissolved slowly in her mouth, leaving a bitter aftertaste on her tongue. She grimaced as the bits of the tablet scratched her throat on their way down, but the cough subsided fairly quickly. With a few more shivering breaths, the girl lay back on the bed, her eyes already drifting closed again.
"There, that should help," Misaka said gently, watching her roommate as she slowly fell back asleep. "Get some rest, and you'll feel better tomorrow."
Kuroko nodded weakly, sniffling softly as she coughed a little more. "T-thanks, Misaka..." she mumbled, her voice barely audible. Her eyelids grew heavier by the second, the exhaustion from earlier catching up to her. The nagging thoughts were still there though, not giving her the peace she craved.
She listened as her roommate did whatever it was that she was doing, most likely rummaging through something. The brunette's presence was comforting, in a strange way. It was nice to know that she had someone who was looking out for her.
For a while, the sound of Misaka rummaging and writing something filled the room. It was the only thing that she could pay attention to, because her mind was simply being the uncooperative thing that it is, just wouldn't let her get the damn she deserves.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Kuroko's eyes fluttered open as an annoyed growl escaped her lips. Her head hurt and her throat felt sore, as if she had been screaming all night. As she rolled onto her side, squinting against the light streaming in through the window. It was still afternoon.
"How long did I sleep for?"
Misaka shrugged, glancing at her with curiosity and concern laced in her eyes. "I don't know. 10 minutes?"
10 minutes, huh? That's long enough for everything to have become worse. Well, maybe not worse, but definitely different. Kuroko takes a deep breath, trying to gather her thoughts, her body still aching and her mind feeling sluggish. The fever hasn't gone away, and it's starting to make her feel even more irritable. She shrugs off the blankets, revealing herself to still be in her previous attire.
"Seriously, what's bothering you?" Misaka put aside her mechanical pencil and sat up in her bed, looking at Kuroko with a frown. "You seemed really worked up. What is it?"
Kuroko didn't want to tell her. But she couldn't keep things bottled up anymore. She sighed, looking down at her lap. "I... I confessed to Hirano earlier today."
The surprise was visible on Misaka's face. Then a bright grin spread across it, before going back to that frown, perhaps even worse. 'She wouldn't be like this had it gone her way,' Misaka thought. "Did he..."
"He didn't even realise that I was confessing," Kuroko finished, her voice hoarse from the coughing. She felt a sharp pang in her chest, as if a knife had stabbed her. "He didn't... get it."
There was silence for a moment. Misaka and several of their friends had always teased the twin tailed girl, specifically about those two having a chemistry with each other that was simply not existent with the others. She could always tell whenever Kuroko was around him, the way her cheeks would turn pink, even the way she stuck close earlier had left the brunette giddy watching. But never had they expected something like this to happen.
Misaka frowned, looking closely at her roommate. She wanted to say something, something comforting or reassuring, but she wasn't sure what. "It..." She opened her mouth. "... Will you be fine...?"
Kuroko gave Misaka a tiny, hollow laugh. "Yeah, I'm sure I will. But it's okay. I'm not... really sure why I'm surprised or upset though..." She tried to shrug, but it hurt too much. "It's just... I thought... Maybe something was there. You know? But..."
She sighed and closed her eyes, the exhaustion starting to weigh on her again. Her right hand was stretched upwards, the ceiling lights pouring through the gaps on her fingers. "I guess I was just holding onto something that wasn't there," she murmured, almost to herself. The room was silent, save for the faint hum of the air conditioner and the distant chatter of other students outside the dorm.
This felt far too personal for Misaka to interfere. Kuroko's feelings were her own to deal with, and the brunette didn't want to do anything that might make her friend feel worse. She shifted slightly on the bed, feeling a wave of fatigue wash over her as well. "Get some rest, okay? We can talk about this later if you want."
Kuroko nodded, her voice muffled by the pillow. "Thanks, Misaka. I... appreciate it." She turned onto her side, facing away from her roommate, the blanket pulled up to her chin. Misaka watched her for a moment, wondering what to say or do. Finally, she sighed and leaned back against the headboard, closing her eyes. Maybe she should just give Kuroko some space for now. After all, everyone dealt with rejection differently.
There were discrepancies in the data banks with the culprit, Uiharu noted. The level of explosion that the guy had conjured does not match with his level within the databanks. Such magnitudes were only attainable through the power of a Level 4, not 2.
Bringing it up on the reports would've surely caused some sort of investigation, and she wasn't eager to start any trouble she might not be able to handle. Not to mention, focusing on such details would force yet another investigation to fire up on both she and Kuroko, as they were the two that had been at the forefront of the whole matter. So, instead, she decided to keep that little tidbit to herself. For now.
Uiharu was an honest-to-God person. She wouldn't lie to anyone had it been to cause some sort of pain on anyone. But another thing that she was, was that she cares for her friend more than anything. And currently, Kuroko is in no position to hear anything that might worsen her already fragile condition. So, she kept her mouth shut and focused on the task at hand.
But things don't always go their way. Well, lately, nothing ever seemed to be going her way. And it's just her luck that today was no different. They'd arrive at the office to find that their primary suspect has been in a coma. The fact that it had happened so suddenly did not sit well with Uiharu. Something was off.
There were no bruises on him; no cuts, no, no marks, no indications of foul play whatsoever. He looked as if he had just closed his eyes and fell asleep. After some thorough examination of the scene and the records, Judgement had determined that there were no traces of any external force or element that could have possibly caused such a coma.
It was almost as if he had somehow self-induced it. It didn't make any sense, but there were simply no other leads or suspects that they could go on. Other than the fact that there were dozens upon dozens of other cases of sudden comas happening all over the city. Uiharu couldn't help but feel that there was something more going on, something that they weren't seeing.
And then there was the curious case of this 'Level Upper' being tossed around by Ruiko, another urban legend that she had been trying to make heads or tails of. The thing was, there was no real proof that such a thing even existed. Or at least, nothing substantial enough to warrant any kind of investigation.
But the discrepancies with Hatsuya's bombings with his Level within the Data Banks were a major lead for Judgement. Not to mention, the sudden surge of Criminal Activities these past few weeks were more than a little concerning. It could be that some of these low-level criminals were starting to gain access to things they shouldn't. After all, not everyone was content with sticking to the rules, and sometimes, people would take matters into their own hands in order to get what they wanted.
Judgement forces were stretched thin with multiple concurrent investigations going on in the city. Uiharu and Kuroko weren't even privy to the details of what those other investigations were about. But as Kuroko had stated, their goals right now are to; bring the top developers of Level Upper, prevent further spread, and help the recovery of its comatose users.
They were still figuring out the best way to approach these objectives, given the lack of concrete information other than the fact that it's more than a simple urban legend. This left most of the time being spent on gathering intel on who might be involved in its distribution. It was a slow and tedious process, but they were committed to seeing it through.
Free time is almost nonexistent for the duo at the moment, but that doesn't mean that they didn't get to hang out with their friends. Misaka and Ruiko tagged along with a whole lot of the things they do, mostly studying or catching up over drinks and snacks at the office common room. Though it may be less often nowadays with their heavy workloads from Judgement. Which they try to make up by following them on their patrol.
Misaki wasn't present as much, also busy with her own cliques, but did occasionally join in on the gatherings. She was supportive of Uiharu and Kuroko's work with Judgement, even if she didn't quite understand the intricacies of it all. As for Touma, the same can be said. Though, his reasoning was more on the vagueside. She once heard one of her peers talk about a guy that fit his description, seen walking around with a silver haired nun of some sort. Another was about how he'd undressed a middle aged woman.
Probably just another rumour that has nothing to do with him. No reason for him to do that.
And then there was Hirano.
"I don't want to talk about him," Kuroko murmured, her voice barely audible. She turned her head to the side, looking down a creek as she absentmindedly traced patterns on the scarf with her finger. The sun was setting behind the trees, casting long shadows across the ground. Uiharu couldn't help but feel the weight of Kuroko's silence.
"C'mon, your heartbreak can wait. He'll be very useful to have around right now," A certain ravenette tried to persuade her, nudging her slightly. Ruiko's hair occasionally fluttered as she spoke, her eyes glinting with determination. "We can use his smarty pants a bit for this kind of situation, y'know? It'll quicken the investigation and all that."
Ruiko did have a point. The guy was a genius. He ranked at the top in a city that had a population of 2,7 million people, where the average IQ score is 130. Keyword; 'Average'. A city with a thriving scientific community like Academy City had some seriously smart people living in it. For him to be at the height he is in, his contribution to this investigation would be invaluable.
Otherwise, Ruiko just wanted to get to know the guy a bit better. If there's one thing girls their age finds attractive other than looks and strength, somethings which he rather lacked in, was tragic backstories. Uiharu couldn't understand why teenagers liked angst and depression, but they did. A lot of it. It was a weird part of growing up.
Weirdly enough, Ruiko finds urban legends more appealing than sweets. So there was really nothing for Kuroko to worry about. There isn't gonna be a competition any time soon. That is, if she was still willing to pursue him, after the soft rejection that her fragile heart had just endured.
"I think Misaka-san is more than good enough to have around, right, Kuroko?" Uiharu interjects, pulling the ravenette away from the twin tailed girl, looking at the suffocatingly close distance between them. "Plus, bringing senpai with us is just... overkill."
Ruiko huffed, her shoulder slumping in defeat. "Fine, whatever. I'll just have to work on my own charm my way out of danger then. Maybe I'll ask Misaka-san to teach me some of her ways." She muttered under her breath.
Just as she mentions the brunette's name, the person in question audibly hummed as she made her way towards them, a plastic bag hanging off her fingers. "My ways? What about it?" Misaka's casual demeanour belied the powerhouse that is Railgun, as she approached the trio. "What are you guys talking about?"
"Nothing much, just some urban legends and stuff," Ruiko shrugged, trying to play it cool. "So, Misaka-san, do you think you can mentor me?" Misaka tilted her head, handing out cold beverages amongst their group. "I want to get stronger." The ravenette smiled, her eyes sparkling with determination.
Misaka blinked several times, before letting out a lighthearted laugh. "I don't know. I'm not good when it comes to things like that," she said, waving off Ruiko's request. "But if you're serious about it, I could probably teach you how to defend yourself. Would be cool to have someone to teach. Hirano taught me a lot too, several years back."
"Thanks Misaka-san! That'd be awesome!" Ruiko exclaimed, beaming with excitement. She grabbed onto Misaka's arm, giving it a slight squeeze. "Maybe after we're done with this Level Upper, we can start?"
"Sure thing!" They went back with their drinks, talking about their day and whatnot. It was a pretty normal day for them, all things considered. They didn't really talk about the Level Upper investigation much, since they were all pretty tired from it. But they knew that they had to keep going if they wanted to get to the bottom of things.
"How's school?" He raised his head towards a warm smile that greeted him across the dinner table. He nods, setting down his bag by the leg of a chair, sitting down on said chair. Aiho came out of the kitchen, carrying a tray of food. A little girl followed close beside her, carrying some utensils.
"Nothing much," He'd replied a little later to Kikyou's question. Kikyou helped with setting the food down on the table, while he watched as Last Order rummaged through his bag. Something about her looking for gum or chocolate.
The girl did stop when the table was fully set, her attention drawn towards the food. She was nice enough to rearrange his items back into place before climbing up her own chair, her gaze shifting between him and Aiho, who was pouring water into their cups. The girl's appetite was admirable, given the fact that she could just about eat him out of house and home if he didn't keep a watchful eye on her.
"Anything new with your sisters?" He'd asked the brunette, who looked up with the spoon in her hands, her face brightening.
"Not really. Frogtor said they'll be fine. Says Misaka with a mouthful of egg." The girl's hand was raised, as if to indicate that she has more to say. She was just taking her time trying to swallow the food. Once she's done, she continued, "One of them is gaining weight though. Misaka informs, eyeing Nii's eggs."
He hummed, pushing his plate of omelette towards her, who visibly brightened at the sight of more food. "Gaining weight, huh? Tell them to limit their sweet intakes. Wouldn't want diabetes now, would we?" The short haired woman teased, leaning over the table to poke at Last Order's cheeks. Aiho chuckled softly, shaking her head.
The addition of Last Order into their family of 3 had been a unique experience for all of them. She was still getting used to the idea of having someone else to take care of, but the little girl brought a newfound joy and playfulness into their daily lives. They were enjoying the extra company and the laughter that Last Order's antics brought.
Her integration had been rapid, surprising even Hirano. She had quickly become accustomed to their daily routines and habits, even showing a surprising level of maturity when needed. It was clear that she looked up to Aiho and Hirano, seeing them as the figures of authority in her life. As for Kikyou, well, the girl sees her as a cool big sister, which is understandable given their relationship.
Half the time she spent with them was with Kikyou. Which wouldn't exactly be helped. Aiho's still healing, even though it's been nearly 2 years since she was last admitted from hospitalisation. The older woman couldn't do much as she relies heavily on the electrode that she carries around on her neck, courtesy of Heaven Canceller's engineering prowess.
The thing had kept her alive and awake with no trouble, even with the damage done to her brain neurons. A crack on the skull from blunt force trauma is no joke. In spite of being a prototype, the shit kept her from dying. Not to mention the side effects it brings. It's always hard to keep her attention focused for long periods of time, and her memory is pretty shot. But she's happy, nonetheless.
This leaves Kikyou dealing with the little girl most of the time. As for him, he has school. And he comes home at around 4 PM. Quite late for a middle schooler. "No one's bothering you at school again, is there?" Aiho asked, setting down her chopsticks and turning to him. Last Order had already finished her food and was now playing with the water in her cup, watching the bubbles rise and pop.
"It was fine," he replied, not meeting her eyes. "The most I've got is a whisper."
"You know where we stand if they go further than that," Aiho said sternly. Last Order looked up from her cup, a little startled by the tone of Aiho's voice. He nodded in acknowledgment. Her concern isn't unfounded. Thinking about that has his eyes trailing up the wires that are connected to her head, onto the choker on her neck. He could feel his own blood freezing at the memory of it.
"It won't happen again."
He'd ruined the mood for everyone as the atmosphere right after that word of his was gloomy; cold, even. Their bubbly Last Order became quiet, subdued as she lowered her eyes, looking down at the plate, curious as to what he'd meant by that yet afraid at the look he'd had in his eyes. Even Kikyou, who was usually so laid back, was visibly unsettled by his statement. She knew him, knew that when he looked like that, something had happened. Something big, something that he wouldn't talk about unless forced.
Aiho sighed softly, glancing at Kikyou before turning back to Last Order. "Finish your food, sweetheart."
"Now, now," Kikyou chided gently, patting Last Order's shoulder. "We all have our bad days. Don't worry about it too much, okay?" She looked up towards the white haired boy. "And you," The short haired woman said, "We all have our secrets. Don't bring your worries to her, alright? She's just a kid."
He nodded, looking back at his plate. The food wasn't as appetising now, but he forced himself to eat. He couldn't afford to not eat, not when he wanted to start gaining some muscle mass back. Being near people like Kamijou Touma, who was physically far exceeding that of his own. Which, common traits to people his age, made him feel self-conscious; in all honesty, he felt like a wimp. Like a failure compared to the others. Not that he was inadequate or anything of the sort, just simply smaller in comparison to the others around him.
His eyes wandered onto his arms. True to what his friends used to call him. He looked like a twig that'll snap at just the lightest of touches. The contrast between him and Misaka, hell, maybe even Kuroko, was stark, especially when they were slightly smaller than he is. Throw him a physical challenge and he'd be hard-pressed to keep up, let alone win. But he was determined. He would get stronger. He had to.
The food was finished off quick enough when everyone wasn't busy trying to strike up conversations. The silence did help for the most part, as the tension in the air began to slowly dissipate. Eventually, they all got up from their seats. Kikyou washes the dishes as Last Order dried them off with a towel. Aiho moved to the couch, watching TV while he excused himself and went straight for his bedroom, his bag in hand.
He changed out of his uniform, hanging the dark blue garment up on the hanger. It was still early in the evening, barely 6 PM yet. He didn't get to see everyone else today, just Touma as their path crossed. Touma looked like he had his own problems to deal with. He seemed tense, almost on edge, as if he was anticipating something. Hirano wondered what it could be earlier, but decided against asking.
After putting on a plain white shirt, he went straight for his homework. There's not that much for today either. He couldn't remember sweating one bit today. He didn't do much. Just stopping on some corner for a can of coffee, quick talk with that spiky haired guy, departing, standing around some park and hoping that he'd stumble on the others patrolling, before heading straight home.
That was all. Even at school, there was no P.E for him. He didn't have to run around a field or anything. There was a test, but he managed to finish it in class. It wasn't difficult. Just a few maths and science questions. He wasn't worried about it, at least.
Other than this homework, the only thing that he could do next was sit outside and watch TV with everyone else. They don't seem to plan on going outside for today either. He huffed. 'I'm bored.'
He eyed his bag for a moment before looking into its contents. Books. Several of them. And then there was his phone, sitting idly just beside it. His hand hovered over the books. He pauses for a moment. For a bit there, he didn't do anything, staying frozen as he contemplated between choosing to study or pick up his phone to mindlessly play that snake game again. After a few seconds, his hand reluctantly moved towards his phone. He'd finished his homework early. Might as well.
He retreated onto his bed, the small rectangular device already in his hands. The flip phone opened up, revealing the small screen. He scrolled through, stopping by his contact list, he suddenly recalled something. A few days ago.
He wondered if he should. I mean, she'd told him to call her when he can. It's not like he has anything to do at the moment. He very much doubted that he'd have something to do the next day either. 'Should I?'.
He wasn't sure. He hasn't seen the girl in ages. Their last meeting was but a chance encounter in the corridors of some shopping mall. His thoughts drifted back to the day they first met, nearly 5 years ago, back in that classroom. She was one of, if not, the first person that he'd gotten along with. Before learning her name, he'd referred to her as a 'Talkative Girl', a nickname he'd conjured in just 10 minutes after meeting her.
A part of him missed having her around.
And that was more than enough of a reason for him to look her name up in his contact list, dialling her number. It'd been over a week since that chance encounter. He might as well try to catch up with her again. The phone's small speaker let out a soft ringtone. After three rings, a soft, slightly tired voice answered.
Lunch usually rolls around the 12th hour of the day. Usually, he'd spend it with his friends, catching up on each other's lives and sharing jokes. But today was different. Today, he found himself sitting alone at a corner of a diner, nursing a can of black coffee and watching as people walked in and out. He didn't have the heart to look for them, didn't have the will to join them. Maybe tomorrow.
His phone buzzed against his thigh, a small vibration that snapped him out of his thoughts. Brows furrowed, he glanced down to see who it was. Fishing the flip phone out of his pocket, he opened it up and glanced at the small screen.
The text notification came from her. He opens it and finds himself looking at a picture; of himself from the side through the diner window. He'd looked so absentminded in the picture, looking to be lost in thought, head resting on his palm whilst the other holding a can.
He turned towards his side, where the window is. She was there, phone in hand with her right hand raised in a waving gesture, grinning widely from the other side of the window. As always, she wore a beret, this one was of different colour from back then. Her blond hair hung slightly over her ears, brushing against her shoulder.
She wore a school uniform, an insignia on its left breast pocket; one that he doesn't recognize but has seen somewhere before.
The girl walked away, entering the front entrance before approaching him with a friendly smile on her face. "So, you finally decided to pick up the phone. I was beginning to think you were ignoring me." She teased as she sat down across from him, setting her backpack down.
He nodded, murmuring an apology that came across as more of an explanation. The girl just brushed it off, however, her usual grin still plastered on her face. "I wasn't any better, honestly," Frenda said with a soft laugh, waving her hand dismissively. "It's already unusual for you to be the one to invite someone out for lunch."
Hirano nodded, eyes trailing off as he tried to recall his last days. It seemed like weeks ago, as if someone had pressed a fast forward button on his life, skipping him through a lot of things in a very short amount of time. A lot of them he'd forgotten, seemingly insignificant or mundane now that he thought about it.
"I've just been... distracted, I guess," Hirano said, taking a sip of his coffee. "I've been meaning to call you, though. It's just that... things have been hectic lately." He shrugged, looking away from Frenda for a moment before continuing.
She nodded in understanding before looking up at him. "By the way, have you ordered anything?" He shook his head. The blond girl smiled and leaned in closer. "Well, if you're feeling adventurous, how about trying out this little sandwich shop I found nearby? It's quite good, actually." Her grin widened as she tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Or we could always stick with this place if you prefer."
"Sure, we can go."
Frenda paused, blinking. "That was quick! Are you sure you're not just humouring me? It's alright if you are, y'know. I've been told I can be pretty annoying at times," she chuckled. His answer was a simple look of casual nonchalance.
He gestured for her to follow him out of the diner and into the sunshine. "I'm not humouring you," he said with a faint smile. Frenda beamed at him, clapping her hands together excitedly.
"Great! Let's head over there then," she said, already standing up with her backpack in hand. "It's in the western part of District 7. We're gonna have to ride a bus if we don't wanna walk the entire distance." Frenda seemed a bit giddy now as she looked towards him expectantly. "Or we can run, make things interesting," she added, wiggling her eyebrows playfully.
Hirano nodded, glancing at the clock on the diner's wall. They had around half an hour before they had to be at school again. "I think a bus ride is enough of an adventure for now," Frenda laughed and nodded in agreement before they headed out to the bus stop.
As they stood side by side, they waited for the bus to arrive. It was already scheduled to arrive around this hour, somewhere in the next 3 minutes. If there's one thing that Academy City is good for, it's that everything is predictable, even the unpredictable events. The bus finally rolled into the stop, emitting its characteristic rumble that could be heard from quite a distance.
He could feel something poke at his waist just a few seconds into the ride, looking down, he finds Frenda smiling up at him. "So," she started, leaning in slightly. "Care to catch up on each other's lives?" Hirano shrugged, chuckling softly as he looked out the window.
"I guess it couldn't hurt to catch up," he said, glancing back at Frenda.
Frenda grinned at him, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Great!" she exclaimed. "So where should I start?" She leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm as she looked at him expectantly. "How about... why me?" Hirano raised an eyebrow, surprised by her question. Of course, she noticed. "Ruiko Saten," was all she said.
He'd forgotten about that. Frenda was the one who introduced the ravenette to their group back then. Frenda was the social butterfly of their group, the one who knew everyone and always seemed to be at the centre of things. It really shouldn't be a question whether or not she was still in contact with her. But then again, she doesn't know everything. Or does she? Maybe she's just trying to strike up a conversation.
"Everyone's working on something. I guess I was being left out?"
Frenda laughed softly, shaking her head. "Oh, come on, you know better than that. They wouldn't do that to you, not Uiharu. Not even Kuroko. They'd love to have you around. You're their favourite 'senpai' after all."
"I wouldn't put it like that," The white haired boy responded with a chuckle. "Things... have been a bit different lately," Hirano admitted, looking out the window as the bus continued to roll through the streets. "It's not just the work. It's... a lot of other things."
Frenda's expression softened, curiosity piqued. "Like what, for example?"
He hesitated for a moment, not wanting to reveal too much, but Frenda's persistence was always a bit contagious. "Kuroko," He murmured the name with a sense of sadness and nostalgia. "I don't know what happened, but she's been avoiding me lately," His voice was laced with concern, eyes still fixed on the passing scenery outside the window.
Frenda's playful smile slowly faded, replaced by a look of genuine concern. "That's strange. Kuroko's always been a bit mysterious, but she's never been one to avoid anyone. Especially not you," she said, her brow furrowing slightly. "Can you think of a reason as to why that might be the case?"
Hirano nodded slowly, deep in thought. "Well..." He delved deep into his memories, trying to recall any specific incidents or conversations that might have led to Kuroko's sudden change in behaviour. He couldn't remember doing anything that could've warrant a cold shoulder from the twin tailed girl, but then again, Kuroko's actions had always been on impulse, often hard to decipher.
Like that one time in the mall.
...
His eyes narrowed at the memory of it. "She was acting weird one time, when we were hanging out with the others," He murmured the words, trying to piece together the fragmented memory. "She and Uiharu were scheming something. Misaki was in it too."
The blond raised an eye at that. "That being?"
Hirano's eyes reflected the passing cityscape, the memories of the mall incident bubbling to the surface. "Even now, I don't quite understand what she meant by it, when she said that she liked me," Frenda's eyes widened slightly, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern.
"She liked you?" she repeated, her voice soft. "That's a pretty bold statement, especially from her. What did she mean by it, do you think?"
Hirano's gaze drifted, his thoughts lost in the labyrinth of his memories. He felt a tug at the corner of his lips at the memory of it though. He was just happy. "I don't know exactly, but she was acting weird right after." Then a full blown grin spread across his face, surprising the blond even more. "She said that we're best friends."
Frenda's eyes sparkled with amusement as she processed the information. "Best friends, huh? That's a bit different from what you initially said. So, she's just avoiding you now, you think?"
He nodded, a bit embarrassed. "Yeah, she's just avoiding me, I think."
The blond girl let out a sigh, pulling her beret off of her head. "I don't know if you're a clueless jerk or just an innocent little boy," she smiled apologetically, running a hand through her hair. "Poor kid was probably heartbroken. She was unlucky to feel what she did."
That has Hirano looking at her in surprise. "What do you mean?"
Frenda laughed softly, shaking her head. "Well, don't blame me for being a bit blunt, but you're not exactly known for your social skills. I mean, you're a pretty nice guy, but you can be a bit... clueless, at times. It's not hard to see that Kuroko was trying to tell you something, and you just... didn't get it."
Hirano blinked, a bit taken aback by Frenda's words. "I... don-." What he was about to say had just confirmed what Frenda said.
The girl in question smirked, shaking her head. "Don't worry about it. It's not like you've done anything wrong. In fact, it's kind of adorable, in its own way. You're just so... innocent," she added with a chuckle. "Just go talk to her, already."
Hirano blinked, processing Frenda's words. He wasn't entirely sure how to respond, but he knew one thing for sure. He was grateful for Frenda's help. "I will," he promised, his voice resolute. "Thanks,"
"Don't mention it," The bus stopped exactly just as their conversation had ended. She got up, smoothing her skirt with her hands. "Now, for the sandwich!" Frenda quickly made her way to the door, stepping out of the bus and onto the pavement. She looked around, taking in the familiar sights and sounds of their city. With a grin, she turned towards the direction of the food stall they were headed towards. "Let's go, Hirano!"
He followed suit, their entire conversation still fresh in his mind. He couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed by her words, but at the same time, he felt a newfound determination to try and be more perceptive of others' feelings. He was grateful for Frenda's help and her continued support.
His phone starts ringing just as they enter the joint, interrupting their thoughts. Hirano looked at the screen. Misaka.
He excused himself from the blond, promising to come back in a bit. He stepped out of the door, answering the call.
Not 10 seconds after, the phone clatters on the pavement floor.
He rushed for the hospital, running as fast as he could.
New chapter next Monday!