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CHAPTER IV
Your typical everyday walk home from school
Momo realized her intentions were good, but Mike misinterpreted them as she spoke to herself.
She sighed in frustration, still feeling shaken by the conversation they had just had.
She felt the urge to go after him and talk to him one more time, but something stopped her... perhaps it was guilt?
Outside the building, Jirou is leaning against the wall, her arms crossed over her chest.
She notices Mike exiting the building and quickly approaches him.
-Maykuuuuuu!- She yelled as she approached him.
-How did it went?- She asked.
-guess- Mike responded.
-Well~, if i had to guess, she probably lectured you in some bullshit like "it's not about respect" and all that... ain't that right?- She said back.
-guessed right- Mike affirmed.
Jirou nodded, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth.
-Yep, sounds like Momo alright. Always lecturing people about rightfulness and stuff-
-But come on, Mike, you gotta admit, you could have handled that situation differently instead of getting all defensive and talking back like that-
-You too now? Come on!-
Mike started walking, with Jirou following him right by his side.
-It wasn't that bad anyways, you better be glad i went easy on him-
-Easy on him? And what does the mean?- Jirou asked.
-let's just say... that was only a little taste of what I'm capable of- Mike responded.
Jirou rolled her eyes, clearly amused by Mike's confident attitude.
-Oh yeah? And what are you capable of?- She asked, unable to hide the sarcasm in her voice.
-Ohhh, if i told you... bet you're gonna doubt me but you'd be shaking- He responded back.
Jirou chuckled softly, amused by Mike's bold claim.
-Haha, oh really? Alright, I'll bite. Tell me what makes you so capable-
-Nah. We've only met for like a day, that would ruin my already faulty relationship with you guys-
Mikw said back with sincerety.
Jirou raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Mike's cryptic response.
-Oh, come on. You can't just tease me like that and then withhold the details-
-And what do you mean by 'faulty friendship'? I think we've been getting along pretty well-
-Mm... i don't know... is just that, Momo thinks she can just straighten me out when i'm already all tangled and coiled up like a spring... you feel me?- Mike responded.
-Yeah, I get what you mean. Momo can be pretty stubborn and set in her ways-
-She probably just wants what's best for you, but if you feel like she's trying to change who you are, then I totally get why you're pushing back- Jirou nodded in understanding.
-Have you ever felt that? people trying to change you into something you aren't?- Mike asked.
Jirou nodded thoughtfully, a slight frown creasing her brow.
-Yeah, I've definitely experienced that feeling before-
-It's like people have this image of who they think I should be, and they don't accept me for who I really am. It can be pretty frustrating, just like what you're experiencing with Momo-
-And who do you think you really are, Jirou?- Mike asked again.
Jirou shrugged, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.
-To be honest, I'm still trying to figure that out-
-But I know that I'm not the person that people expect me to be-
-I'm a bit of a rebel, a bit of a tomboy, and I don't care about what people think of me-
-And that's okay, because that's who I am, and I'm proud of it-
-you go girl- He said with a chuckle.
Jirou chuckled in response, appreciating the supportive gesture.
-Thanks, Mike. It's nice to have someone who understands and accepts me for who I am-
-And hey you're not the emotionless rock you seem to be!-
-you say that like it's a surprise-
-I am perfectly capable of emotion... just, not to those i don't trust- He confessed.
Jirou nodded, understanding his perspective better now.
-Ah, I see. So, I should feel honored that you're showing your emotional side to me?-
She joked, a small smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.
-be as honored as honored as you want, i guess- Mike said back.
Jirou chuckled at Mike's response.
-Well, I'm definitely feeling pretty honored right now-
-Knowing that you trust me enough to show me your emotional side is kind of a big deal-
The both of them keep walking in whatever direction just going back and forth in their conversation, letting the sounds of the city around them fill the void.
This keeps going until they reach a bus stop.
-i guess this is where we split- Said Mike.
-Yeah i have to keep walking that way anyway- Said Jirou back.
-Alright... see you tomorrow then?- Mike asked, a part of him not wanting to hear the answer.
Jirou nodded with a small smile.
-Yeah, see you tomorrow, Mike. Have a good rest of your day-
-Oh! And make sure to fill me in on that album you mentioned!- She said as she walked away.
Mike waved and she waved back, and as they said their goodbyes, Jirou watched Mike for a moment before continuing on her own path home.
As she walked, her mind wandered back to their conversation, and to Mike's initial conflict with Momo.
While she understood Momo's perspective, she couldn't help but feel somewhat sympathetic to Mike's side too...
Mike stood there, watching as she walked away.
He sat down on the bench for a moment, just thinking about something.
And when the bus came... Mike didn't got in, he instead walked away in the other direction.
As Mike walked away from the bus stop, he could feel a certain sense of freedom in his steps.
Despite the lingering tension from his earlier conversation with Momo, he couldn't help but relish in the moment of solitude.
He took in the surroundings, feeling the wind on his face and the sun on his skin.
It was nice to have a moment to himself, to just think and be alone with his thoughts.
Mike continued his walk, feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin.
The soft, golden glow of the sunlight made the world feel almost dreamlike.
The air was still and peaceful, and the sound of distant birdsong added to the tranquility of the moment.
Mike couldn't help but recall the physical test with a hint of pride.
He had truly given it his all, exceeding the expectations set for him.
And the interactions he'd had with the girls that day... well, he couldn't deny that they had intrigued him.
The city was coming to life as people went about their daily routines, and the sun was slowly sinking below the horizon, painting the sky in a beautiful array of pinks and purples.
As the streetlights began to flicker on, Mike felt a sense of peace wash over him.
There was something about the transition from day to night that he found soothing.
As mike walks past an alleyway, he spots a startling scene: A young woman wearing yellow, seemingly quirkless, is being mugged, the thief demanding her handbag and money and even perhaps her body; she looks frightened, her eyes full of fear.
Mike hesitated for a moment, then made his way into the alley, his focus on the assailant who was demanding the woman's handbag and money.
He clenched his fists, feeling a mix of anger and determination wash over him.
He can't just walk by while someone is getting robbed, especially a woman like her.
He silently steps into the alley, his look fixed on the assailant.
The thief caught off guard turns to face mike, a snarl on his face.
-What do you think you're doing?- He snaps, brandishing a knife in a threatening manner.
The thief has mere moments before mike shoots out a chain too fast for the man to process.
One moment, the thief is standing with a knife, and the next he's on the ground with his head pierced.
The woman stands there in shock, frozen in place, unable to comprehend what just happened.
-you ok lady?- Mike asked.
The woman looked at mike, her eyes wide with shock and relief.
-Y-yes... I-I'm alright, thank you...- She shudders out, clearly shaken by the whole ordeal.
-no problem- Mike then resumes his walk towards home.
The woman watched Mike walk away, she couldn't believe what had just happened.
A stranger had come to her rescue and dealt with the thief in an instant, not even giving him a chance to react.
The woman steps out of the alleyway and watches as Mike walks away, her face still pale.
She clutches her bag to her chest, grateful that she's unharmed.
Then all of a sudden a big giant figure lands behind her.
She widens her eyes, not knowing what caused the loud sound and strong gust of wind.
The woman's heart races as she slowly turns her head to see a giant man towering over her, his massive form casting a shadow over her trembling body. The adrenaline from her previous ordeal returning through her veins, she tries to compose herself as the giant man stands there silently, his presence feeling almost menacing.
-Did you do this?- Asked the big-sized man to the woman while pointing at the dead body.
-N-n-no! I-it wasn't me, I swear! ah...- She points at Mike -i-it was him!-
-Hmm...- He grunts, his demeanor growing intense with anger.
The big-sized man jumped away in pursuit of Mike, leaving the woman behind to process what had just happened.
She felt guilty for pointing Mike out, but the guilt quickly faded as she realized that Mike did just kill the man, so it evened things out.
As she ran away, the sound of the giant man's movement was distant, she felt a mix of relief and dread, wondering what might happen to Mike now.
As Mike continues walking, he spots a scene unfolding a few yards ahead.
A young boy, probably around 8, is standing at the edge of the road, anxiously looking at a ball that rolled into the middle of the street.
-oh great- Mike can't help but roll his eyes at the situation.
He couldn't help but let out a sigh as he noticed a young boy standing at the edge of the road, his ball rolling out into the traffic.
The boy seems too young to be out alone and clearly isn't aware of the danger he's putting himself in by trying to retrieve his ball.
He hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should just keep walking or get involved.
But then he sees a truck approaching, its headlights illuminating the streets.
And the boy was already on his way to rescue his ball.
Mike watched as the boy started heading towards the ball, the danger becoming more and more obvious.
The truck was getting closer by the second, and the boy seemed completely oblivious to the potential danger he was in.
Mike hesitated but his instincts took over.
He couldn't just stand there and watch as the boy recklessly crossed the street with a truck speeding towards him.
Mike's chain extends with surprising speed and precision, wrapping around the boy's waist and gently tugging him back to the sidewalk, away from the danger of the approaching truck.
Mike turned around to see a woman running towards him frantically, visibly panicked.
-Where's my son?!- The woman shouted, her tone filled with desperation.
She spots her son and, in a tight hug, tears streaming down her face.
-Oh, thanks goodness- The mother exclaims.
-I was so worried; I thought something had happened to you-
-M-mommy...- The boy said, snuggling into her embrace.
The woman held her son tightly, her eyes filled with tears of relief as she looked up at Mike.
-Thank you so much for saving my son! I don't know what I would've done if he...-
Her voice trailed off, unable to finish her sentence as emotions overwhelmed her.
The little boy, a little shaken but unharmed, looks up at his mother, a mixture of relief and embarrassment on his face.
Seeing them, Mike feels a pang of jealousy towards the boy, but quickly recomposes himself and returns to walking.
Mike started to walk again, the image of the boy and his mother lingering in his mind.
He couldn't help but feel a little envious of the scene he just witnessed, a loving mother and son reunited.
He couldn't remember the last time he had experienced something like that.
His thoughts grew distant as he continued walking, the events that had transpired replaying in his mind.
As the sun began to set, the sky gradually morphing into a stunning canvas of shades of orange and red, Mike's surroundings started to feel more deserted.
The city landscape, now bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, seemed almost empty.
Mike stopped in his tracks as he noticed a large crowd gathered near the exit of a nearby boulevard.
The air was filled with excitement and anticipation, and Mike couldn't help but feel drawn towards the commotion.
Mike looked around, making sure no one was watching, before discreetly summoning his chains.
A subtle shift in his form, and his height increased by a few inches, and he peered over the crowd, eager to see what had attracted so many people.
Three Pro Heroes stood there, their presence commanding attention.
Mike recognized some of them from TV, their names echoing in his mind.
Kamui Woods: A man with a wooden complexion, known for his swift and powerful attacks.
Mount Lady: A woman whose quirk allowed her to grow to immense sizes, making her a force to be reckoned with.
Death Arms: A man with massive, muscular arms, capable of delivering devastating punches.
Mike couldn't help but scoff at the sight of the Pro Heroes posing for cameras and signing autographs.
-Don't they have work to do instead of being models?- He muttered under his breath before walking away, shaking his head.
As he walked home, Mike couldn't deny the exhaustion that was starting to set in.
The day had been filled with so many new experiences and situations.
He had excelled in the physical test, talked to two girls for the first time in years, and even played the hero by saving a woman and a child.
It was a lot for him, considering the usual routine he was accustomed to.
Exhausted and drained, Mike felt the weight of the day settling in, making each step a bit heavier than the last.
Mike's ears perk up at the sound of a civilian's scream.
-Look out!-
A villain emerged from the corner street.
Mike could feel the tension in the air as the villain clutching the body of a dead man spoke.
-There you are...- said the villain who was holding the body of a dead person.
-You- The villain hissed, his voice filled with a deep-seated hatred.
-You're the one who killed my brother!-
As the information clicked into place, Mike realized the gravity of the situation.
It seemed that the man he had slain earlier was the brother of the villain now holding him and he was out for revenge.
-you serious?- mike assumes now that the dead person is the thief he killed before.
The villain's grim expression darkened even more, their features twisted with anger and a thirst for vengeance.
-Deadly serious!- He snarls.
-You killed my brother, and I won't rest until I get payback-
The villain's words were laced with a dangerous edge, his demeanor indicating that he would stop at nothing to seek retribution.
However, Mike's reply was direct and to the point, with a hint of a threat behind it.
-you better rest now, or you might end up like him- Said Mike as he stared into him.
The villain seemed undaunted by Mike's warning, puffing their chest out in defiance.
They slung their brother's lifeless form over their shoulder, their eyes blazing with hatred.
-You think you can take me on?-
-You may have gotten lucky with my brother, but I won't go down so easily-
-i'm tired... this is your last chance to survive-
Mike, although clearly fatigued, stood his ground without any hint of fear, the determination in his eyes undaunted by the villain's threats.
The villain's fury intensified, but the more they looked at Mike, the more their confidence seemed to waver.
Mike's expression remained firm, his gaze unwavering, and the more they locked eyes, the more the villain seemed to realize the gravity of the situation.
As if on cue, a bead of sweat trickled down the villain's cheek, betraying their bravado.
The villain's gaze darted around, taking in Mike's steady demeanor, the hole in their brother's face, and the unwavering expression on Mike's face.
They started to second-guess their initial judgment, their eyes widening as the reality of Mike's power began to sink in.
The villain gulps -...You think you can scare me?- He said in a not so confident tone.
All the while Mike simply just kept staring.
The villain is torn between getting his revenge at the risk of his life or dropping the act and just run away empty-handed.
Mike then takes his silence as a sign of surrender, and he walks away.
As he started to walk away, the villain was taken aback by his audacity.
-Hey! Where do you think you're going?- The villain yelled in frustration,
their previous anger now replaced with desperation.
The villain stopped questioning himself and began to chase after him, but one of the Pro Heroes, who had been posing for cameras on the boulevard, noticed the commotion and quickly intervened, promptly apprehending the villain.
Mike, on the other hand, showed no interest in the outcome, simply continuing on his path, his mind preoccupied with other thoughts.
-idiot- Is what the copy of Mike would've said before Mike did.
As Mike continued to walk, he found himself approaching the outskirts of the bustling city.
The noise and chaos of the urban landscape slowly gave way to a more peaceful, yet slightly eerie atmosphere.
Mike, realizing that he had wandered into a more deserted area, decided to call for an Uber.
He took out his phone and quickly navigated the app to request a ride back towards his home.
As Mike stood there, waiting for his Uber, he basked in the silence that surrounded him.
The absence of the constant bustle and noise of the city was replaced by a calm, almost soothing hush.
It was a moment of tranquility, a brief escape from the chaos that often characterized his life.
Mike, satisfied with his makeshift lawn chair created by his chains, rose from the comfortable seat and proceeded to get inside the Uber.
As he slid into the backseat of the Uber, he greeted the driver with a nod, ready to return home and finally rest.
The Uber driver began the journey, steering the vehicle along the increasingly forested highway that led away from the city.
The trees along the road gradually grew denser, and the sounds of the city receded into the background, replaced by the soothing whispers of the wind and the occasional chirping of birds.
The uber continued its journey and eventually began to travel upwards on a highway that winded through a series of u turns, climbing steadily up a hill.
As the car ascended, the view of the cityscape below grew smaller, the urban landscape transformed into a canvas of tiny lights and shapes.
Atop the hill, Mike's house stood, a modern two-story structure painted a grey-blue color.
A shrubby fence encircled the property, adding a touch of natural charm.
The house seemed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, offering a tranquil respite from the chaos of the city.
Mike exited the car, the vehicle driving away into the night.
Mike stood alone on the gravel road leading up to his house, the sound of the engine disappearing into the distance.
As he stood there, he breathed in the crisp night air, feeling a mix of exhaustion and anticipation.
As Mike reached the entrance of his home, he found himself struggling with the keys, his mind slightly dazed by the exhaustion that had taken its toll on him.
After a few tries, he finally managed to unlock the gate, the metal clicking softly as the lock released.
As he pushed the gate open, he inhaled a deep breath, feeling the familiar scent of home wash over him.
Mike walked through the yard and approached the front door, the porch light casting a soft glow on the entrance.
It creaked open softly with one push, revealing the warm and inviting interior of his home.
Mike found himself greeted by the familiar emptiness of his home upon stepping inside.
The absence of sound and the lack of walls between different sections of the first floor magnified the feeling of solitude, creating an atmosphere that was both tranquil and slightly lonely.
The kitchen, situated to the right of the entrance hallway, was separated from the living room by a simple line of counters with 3 bar stools sitting on the outside.
The living room, or rather the open space without any walls, occupied the opposite corner of the house, while the dining room sat to the left of the living room.
And to the left of the kitchen, the stairs leading up to the second floor stood, providing access to the upper level of the house.
Mike quietly climbed the stairs, each step creaking softly under his weight, as he made his way towards his room.
Mike could feel his exhaustion weighing heavily on him, his movements becoming slower with each step.
As Mike walked along the upstairs hallway, he passed by the bathroom to his left.
At the end of the hallway, he was greeted by two doors - one belonging to his parents' bedroom (a wretched place he never goes in) and the other being his own room (a sacred place he always wants to stay in), which sat just above the dining room below.
His destination was the door to his room, and he quietly made his way towards it, the only sound to be heard being his footsteps on the wooden floor.
Mike slowly pushed open the door to his room, revealing the familiar surroundings that greeted him.
The room was neat and orderly, with a bed with grey covers positioned against the opposite wall, leaving ample space to open the closet on the right side.
To the left of the bed stood his gaming setup, complete with a desk and a small freezer right next to it.
The drawers to the left of the door provided a space for whatever he needed to store there.
On the bottom left corner, his personal bathroom offered additional privacy and convenience, ironic considering he lives alone.
Mike tiredly kicked off his shoes, leaving them discarded on the floor and allowing his feet to savor the feeling of the rug's fuzzy texture.
He then went on to strip off his uniform, tossing it carelessly onto the rug as well, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling in with each movement.
-stupid uniform ugh-
Mike groans as he peels off his uniform, the fabric sticking to his sweaty back.
He tosses the uniform on a pile on the floor, already looking forward to the warmth and comfort of his bed.
Mike's exhaustion was palpable as he opened the doors to his closet.
His hand rummaged through the hanging clothes, searching for something comfortable to change into.
Soon enough, he found a simple t-shirt and he grabbed it, the soft fabric in his hands a small moment of comfort amidst his fatigue, not even bothering of putting on pants.
Mike sighed heavily as he flopped onto his bed, exhausted and weary.
With a groan, he reached for the TV controller off the end table, his movements slow and heavy.
As he pressed the power button, the screen lit up, casting a soft glow in the dim room.
Mike's weariness slightly faded as a faint smile spread across his face.
His gaze turned to his left, where his childhood plushie, Maya, sat there, a familiar and comforting presence.
-hi Maya~- He said softly, his voice low and gentle, filled with a hint of affection.
-did you miss me?-
Mike's smile widened as he held Maya closer, tucking her below the covers.
He could almost feel the comforting warmth of her fuzzy presence, even though she was just a plushie.
-I know you missed me- He said with a slight laugh, his voice filled with warmth and affection.
-even though I wasn't even gone for a day-
Mike chuckled softly, gently stroking Maya's plush fabric with his fingers.
He could almost imagine her reacting to his touch, her silent comfort and the memories she represented flooding his weary mind.
-you just can't live without me can you? Hm?- He spoke to her with a tone of affection.
Mike's fingers softly caressed the plush fabric of Maya, a sense of comfort and familiarity washing over him.
There was a warmth in the simple act of caring for something as familiar as a childhood friend.
He continued to carress her fabric, feeling every fiber and stitch, as if it grounded him, offering a fleeting relief from the fatigue that clung to him.
Mike's voice was soft, almost a mere whisper as he leaned closer to Maya.
-I missed you too- He said, his breath gently caressing the plush fabric.
He held her closer, savoring the feeling of her, the unspoken bond between them seemingly stronger at that moment of vulnerability.
Mike and Maya remained cuddled up together in the soft comfort of the bed, the TV casting a warm glow as whatever show or movie played, creating a soothing atmosphere.
For a moment, Mike's exhaustion seemed to ease, replaced with a quiet sense of contentment.
As time passed, Mike's eyes grew heavy, and his fatigue finally caught up with him.
In the soft embrace of Maya, he fell asleep, his breathing slow and steady as he found a momentary peace in slumber.
Mike's wish for Maya to be more than a plushie was a reflection of his desire for genuine companionship and connection.
In his weary mind, the line between fantasy and reality blurred, and he yearned for a real person who could fill the void that his lack of intimacy left.
It was a bittersweet longing, a dream he kept locked within the confine of his own thoughts.
Mike's mumbled words were quiet, his voice barely above a whisper.
As he spoke about Maya, his affection for her shone through.
He talked about her beauty with a gentle intensity, his words filled with a mix of adoration and possessiveness.
-you're a beautiful girl, Maya. I want you to know that-
-you're my beautiful girl... and no one's else-
Mike's heart swelled as he imagined Maya's voice in his mind, saying words he longed to hear.
-I was always yours, Mike-
-love you so much that I wouldn't trade you for anything in the world-
It was a comforting thought, a soothing balm to the loneliness he felt.
In his sleep, a faint smile graced his lips, the warmth of her words echoing in his dreams.
As Mike drifted deeper into slumber, the TV continued to play, transitioning to the local news for the day's headlines.
The news anchor's voice filled the room, narrating the events and stories of importance from the day's happenings.
-2 hours passed since the Thief brothers known as "The Torai-Brothers" were found, one of them arrested and the other one found dead due to a puncture going all the way from the front to the back of the head-
-Police are still investigating what might've caused such an incident-
-The current hypothesis being an assault on the villain, likely due to a vendetta from another villain-
-This is Channel 5. We'll keep you all updated-
