Chapter Text
Ken stood motionless outside of her open bedroom door, his fingers curling into his palms as he wrestled with himself. Just walk in, or knock on the door. Just say something, anything. But the words got stuck in his throat this time, because he was suddenly paralyzed by the fear of overstepping a boundary. If she was asleep, how quickly would she wake up to his voice? What if he made too much noise and alerted her grandma? Just from her tone earlier, it was clear that Miss Seiko would not be thrilled to find them in the same room together, doing ‘things.’
Not that he had that in mind, definitely not. He just couldn’t sleep, and maybe talking with Miss Ayase a little more would help ease the restlessness gnawing at him. Even though he felt safer here, the unease from their encounter with Yuki-onna still clung to him, buried deep in his chest like a lingering chill he couldn’t shake.
What if he couldn’t save Miss Ayase again? And.. before he could.. 'tell her'. How he-
“Are you going to come in, or are you just going to be weird about it?” Miss Ayase whispered softly, rising up from her pillow to look at him, her voice groggy but tinged with amusement.
“Oh ..sorry.” That startled him. She was awake. Of course she was awake. And now he felt even more awkward about being awkward about it. The nerd shuffled inside, his fingers scratching nervously at his tousled dark hair. His voice was low. “I couldn't sleep… just worried.”
She sat up and patted the spot next to her. It wasn’t completely dark in her room. The soft glow from the full moon streamed through the parted curtains, illuminating her hair in a silver halo. “It's okay, I couldn’t sleep much either…” she murmured, her voice carrying a warmth that eased his anxiety.
Ken crawled in carefully, settling next to her and feeling the comforting warmth of her down comforter when she pulled it up around both of them. It was surreal, sitting this close, feeling her presence so keenly. “You’re still feeling okay?” His voice was cautious, his gaze flicking over her face, searching for any sign of discomfort.
“I’m fine…” Miss Ayase bumped her shoulder against his, her teasing smile chasing away some more of his shadows. “Don't worry about it, Okarun."
His shoulders relaxed a little, sighing audibly.
A heavy silence settled between them, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It gave him more time to pull together his thoughts about what had been bothering him. That's what he liked about her, that he could talk to her about anything, and she listened. She cared about what he thought, or liked, or struggled with.
“I was really… scared earlier, back there,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “When she pushed you over that cliff, I… I couldn’t do anything. I was afraid I had lost you... like it was her way to get back at me for denying her. And I didnt have the power to do.. anything.”
The words hung in the air, raw and vulnerable. He hated feeling helpless now. He hated that no matter how fast or strong he wanted to be, there were still some things he couldn’t protect her from. And after that taste of what it would be like without his yokai power… he was more torn.
“As much as I want to get my other ball back… I’m really worried…” His voice wavered, and he hated the way it sounded, so small and unsure. A chill surged through him too, despite the warmth of the comforter. “What am I going to do without the Turbo power.. if I can't help you, Momo-chan?”
Ever since that unfortunate run-in with her in that cave, Turbo Granny’s presence had been a constant in the back of his mind. Her snide remarks, the chaotic energy, her overwhelming power he managed to take on as his own. But once they fulfilled the pact and his rightful property was returned, she would be taking what was hers as well. No more boost of supernatural speed, no biting jaws, or insane reflexes pulling him out of danger at the last second. Just his own two feet, firmly planted on the ground.
He understood the rule Miss Seiko explained earlier: spirits always wanted something in trade. A contract is never free. To gain something, you have to give something up, that is the balance of the supernatural world.
“Is… there something else I can give Turbo Granny to keep using her power?” Okarun’s wish was barely audible, laced with an insecurity he couldn't hide. When he glanced down at his hands, he noticed his nails had darkened and grown a little longer. That confirmed the intense emotions he was experiencing.
Damn…
But she snorted in some kind of amused laugh. "We almost got thrown off a cliff by Yuki-onna, but the one thought that's keeping you up is loosing your turbo curse?"
He furrowed his brows, surprised by her remark. "What? I meant it!"
Momo’s teasing expression softened just a little, her playful smirk giving way to genuine concern when she saw the fear evident in his eyes, even as they glowered with the effects of his transformation. Without a word, she reached over, her fingers wrapping around his. Her touch was warm, grounding him as his heart pounded harder in his chest.
“You’re still you, even without that power,” she whispered, her voice steady and sure. “We can figure this out. Granny had told me it wouldn't be good for you to keep that curse for a long time anyway.”
Her fingers tightened, anchoring him as his anxiety subsided just a little. But the shadows of doubt clung to him stubbornly. Okarun could feel another surge of his curse more now, the temptation to cling tightly to its power.
"It'll be okay," Momo’s eyes softened further, her other hand lifting to cradle his cheek. Her palm was warm, her thumb brushing gently over his cool skin. “All it does is make you faster. But that curse could corrupt your soul.. and I don’t want that... ” she locked her determined brown eyes with his. “It was you, Okarun, who wanted to get stronger, and you who came up with that plan to kick Evil Eye’s ass.”
That was a truth he didn't want to be reminded of, yet the weight of her words, of her faith in him, was deeply reassuring. A confirmation that it was him she believed in – not his Turbo power or cursed appearance.
Just him. Ken Takakura, her Okarun.
The turbo nerd managed a nod, finally allowing himself to lean into her touch, his head resting lightly against her shoulder. He released a shaky breath, one he hadn’t realized he was holding. As his body relaxed again, he watched his nails slowly return to normal, the darkness fading as he willed the curse to recede.
“Then.. can your grandma teach me more about martial arts?” Ken whispered.
Miss Ayase blinked, momentarily surprised. Her lips curved into a grin. “You sure about that? She’s brutal.”
“So is Turbo Granny,” he retorted, a spark of his usual humor returning.
“That’s what I like about you… your passion.” Her laughter was soft, easing the tension that had lingered between them. Her hand stayed on his cheek in her embrace. "I also felt bad that I couldn't use my powers to break Yuki-onna’s trance on you."
He fidgeted, drawing in a breathe before explaining a little more, the fond emotion he wanted to express. "I'm not really worried about her.. after I figured it out. Yuki-onna's power is weak against my.. my... heart. I kept thinking about you when I felt her pulling at my conscious."
"My kiss, you mean?" She teased.
His heart stuttered after hearing those words, and his face started to flush. He became aware of just how close he was to her now, in her arms. "Maybe..."
It was when that thought infected his mind before he could stop it. He could kiss her– like, right now. Close the distance and just… do it. His pulse quickened, cheeks growing hotter as the idea became more appealing. He was struggling with those words, how to tell her... but his actions spoke louder than that, right?
Ken sat up more while he still had the courage, meeting her eyes before his gaze went down to her lips. For all he knew, this might even be his last chance- no tomorrow. He hesitated, nerves tingling with anticipation. Should he ask first?
Tell her that he...
Or.. just go for it?
Could she sense his racing heartbeat?
Miss Ayase’s eyes brightened now with mischief, her face tilting just slightly to show that she understood his intent. It was like she was daring him to make the first move.
His breath hitched. Time seemed to slow, the world around them fading away. She was right, even without his glasses, all he could see was her… warm, reassuring, and so painfully close. His hand rose halfway, tempted to touch her face.
Ken swallowed, his heart thundering as he leaned in, his lips just a couple inches from hers. He closed his eyes, feeling her breath as a gentle whisper against his skin. In that moment, all his fears and doubts seemed to fade away to leave just the warmth of her presence.
His lips caressed hers, lightly, as if testing the boundaries of this new territory. Her lips were soft. She smelled faintly sweet, like the melon chapstick she had.
Miss Ayase responded by pressing her lips against his with a little more need, her fingers still cradling his cheek. Her touch was steady, keeping him anchored as the world around them seemed to fall away. His kiss was gentle, innocent, yet it sent a shockwave through his system, electrifying every nerve.
His heart thudded wildly, his face burning as the realization hit him– he was kissing her! Really kissing her. And she was kissing him back with so much want.
I.. want you to know... I– I love you...
The words echoed in his head, with each heartbeat. He felt her smile against his lips, a soft curve that sent his pulse skyrocketing again. Emboldened, he leaned in a fraction more, his fingers carding up into her soft hair now. Her tongue traced along his lip, inviting him to open some more. For a fleeting moment, everything felt—
“Aww, young love. Disgusting!”
Ken jolted back away from her as his eyes snapped open. Miss Ayase’s hands dropped from his face, her own cheeks flushed a deep pink as she turned to glare at the source of the voice.
Perched to his left on Miss Ayase’s headboard bookshelf sat Turbo Granny, one leg casually crossed over the other. She had a smug grin plastered on her tiny face. Her painted eyes glinted mischievously, clearly enjoying the scene she’d walked in on.
“You two are just oozing hormones, aren’t ya?” Turbo Granny cackled, kicking her legs back and forth. “Yeah, I heard my name mentioned a few times too many, and decided to check out the situation. But then it got all sickeningly sweet and quiet… so I decided to save you from making bigger fools of yourselves.”
Ken’s mouth opened and closed, words failing him as embarrassment crashed over him in waves. He glanced at Miss Ayase, who looked equally mortified as much as she was angry.
“How long were you…?” she finally found her voice to ask, her anger evident.
“Long enough,” Turbo Granny replied with a wicked grin, clearly relishing their discomfort. “Honestly, I thought you’d chicken out again, short stack.” She pointed a tiny porcelain finger at Ken, her painted-on eyebrow arching in amusement. “Looks like you finally grew a backbone. Or was it ‘something’ else?”
Ken's face somehow turned even redder, his mind blanking completely– she wasn't exactly wrong. He opened his mouth to argue but found no words, only a strangled noise of protest escaping his lips. He hid behind his hands as a result.
Miss Ayase’s eyes narrowed dangerously, her hands curling into fists in his defense. “Could you have worse timing?”
Turbo Granny shrugged, feigning innocence. “I was doing you a favor, princess. Things were getting pretty steamy. Wouldn’t want his ‘other self’ getting any funny ideas, now would we?”
That playful jab was enough to snap Ken out of his stupor. Well of course, it was in her nature to stick up for women in those kinds of situations. His eyes flicked down to his hands, relieved to see his nails were still their normal length and color– or at least they were now. But this was entirely consensual, she wanted him to!
Miss Ayase huffed, shaking an angry finger at the not so lucky cat. “You really know how to kill a moment, you know that?”
Turbo Granny cackled, her laugh echoing off the walls. “Oh, I live for it! You two are way too easy to mess with.” Her grin widened, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Well, don’t stop on my account. Go ahead, I’ll just… watch.”
Ken could only groan, his embarrassment still radiating as Miss Ayase launched a pillow at the grinning specter. Turbo Granny dodged easily, her laughter echoing as she leapt off the bookshelf and bounded out of sight.
As the room fell silent once more, Ken chanced a glance at Miss Ayase, who was just as red-faced but now smiling a little more when she looked at him. His heart stuttered, he could still remember the lingering warmth on his lips from her kisses.
“So… that happened,” he muttered, scratching the back of his neck, unsure of what to say or do next, besides just leaving. Hopefully Turbo Granny’s ruckus didn't wake up the other grandma.
Miss Ayase's eyes softened, the tension easing as she leaned in closer, her hand reaching out to grab his once more. Fingers laced with his, warm and reassuring. “Yeah… but I don’t regret it.”
Ken’s embarrassment eased, a shy smile forming on his lips. “…but do you think she’ll tell your grandma?”
She frowned, shaking her head. “No… that’s probably why she stopped us. I think she’s developed a soft spot for you.” Her lips curled into a playful smirk.
“Or she likes to watch me squirm,” Ken made a face at that, but his smile faltered when the thought of facing Miss Seiko crossed his mind again. Just the image of her stern gaze was enough to send a chill down his spine. She wasn't exactly a welcoming sight the first time he met her when overtaken by Turbo Granny’s curse. He climbed out of Miss Ayase’s bed. “Well, I’m going back to my room before your grandma comes next.”
“Tch… it's not like she would jump to conclusions and kill you,” she teased him some more. Then the brunette tilted her head, her gaze softening. “But hey… you know where to find me. If you need anything.”
Ken felt reassured, her words hanging in the air between them. He managed a nod, his voice barely above a whisper and wishing he could have stayed with her longer. “Yeah… thanks.”
“Good night,” Miss Ayase told him. “I will ask my grandma about your training tomorrow, since it's Sunday.”
“Yeah, good night,” he lingered for a moment longer for one more glance at her warm smile, before turning to make his way down the hall. Ken knew now something had changed between them– something more meaningful that he didn’t want to lose.
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The next morning after breakfast, the Turbo Nerd got his wish to have his training leveled up a lot sooner than expected. Maybe her Grandma did know what happened last night afterall, and this was payback. At least they let him go home to get his other pair of glasses first.
“Alright, kid. Let’s see what we’re working with.” Grandma Seiko cracked her knuckles, her eyes sharp as she gestured for him to step into the makeshift training space behind the shrine. The ground was uneven and packed with dirt, but it was good enough for sparring. Miss Ayase stretched nearby, rolling her shoulders before bouncing lightly on her toes, already hyped up.
Okarun exhaled, stepping forward. No use of powers this time. That was the rule. If he couldn’t rely on Turbo Granny’s speed after he loses it, he’d have to make up for it with his own skill. To start out, they had used handheld targets to practice their kicking techniques.
They went over the basic kicks, like the front snap and round house, and then some more advanced ones to test his agility, like the spin kick. Some of those kicks reminded him of what Jiji showed him with the soccer ball. Agility and focus on the target was crucial, both things he needed more practice with.
Now the time came for actual sparring.
Of course, there was no chance the porcelain kitty was going to miss this. Turbo Granny reclined lazily on a nearby rock but the sharp-toothed smirk carved into her ceramic face suggested she was thoroughly enjoying the show.
Okarun swallowed hard, that familiar knot of doubt tightening in his chest. He understood the objective to gain better control over his curse, but he felt just as experienced on how that's done. Is it like holding back the urge to yawn, or sneeze? What if he couldn’t keep up without his supernatural speed? What if it took over anyway, kicking in the second his adrenaline—
A sudden punch to the shoulder cut through his thoughts. “Hey, don’t think so much!” Miss Ayase chided, grinning at him. “Your body already remembers the speed. Your reflexes got sharpened by Turbo Granny’s power. Now you just gotta keep ‘em honed.”
“Hah! This should be good,” Turbo Granny snorted from the sidelines, resting her chin on a paw. “Kid’s got the fight instincts of a boiled potato.”
Okarun winced at that but didn’t take the bait. He had to focus. Grandma Seiko clapped her hands, her voice sharp and commanding. “Enough yapping. Speed drills. Now. Let’s see if you can still move those feet without cheating, Four Eyes.”
Before he could fully process the order, Miss Ayase lunged. Her kicks came fast, blurring through the air as she deliberately missed, forcing him to react on instinct. He twisted, ducked, sidestepped, but without Turbo Granny’s supernatural boost, each dodge felt heavier. His muscles burned, his movements sluggish compared to what they once were.
He felt tempted again... what if he could just use a little of the Turbo—
A sharp tap against his ribs cut that thought short.
“Need to speed it up!” Miss Ayase teased, her flirtatious smirk never wavering.
Okarun gritted his teeth, frustration bubbling up now. “Give me a break! I’m trying to do this while holding back my Turbo!”
“No excuses!” she shot back, knowing the right buttons to push. “If Jiji can hold back his power, so can you.”
“Pffft. Look at this clown,” Turbo Granny cackled, adding in her two cents. “What, you gonna start crying next? ‘Boohoo, my cursed granny legs don’t work anymore!’”
Okarun clenched his fists. His legs did feel like jelly, but there was no way he was going to let them have the satisfaction.
Grandma Seiko crossed her arms. “Again.”
And again. And again.
By the time Okarun peeled off his hoodie, sweat matting his hair, something had shifted about how he perceived this objective. He was exhausted, sure, but his steps were getting lighter. His dodges were sharper. His body was adjusting. “Okay.. think I got it now…”
From the sidelines, Turbo Granny let out a dramatic yawn. “Meh. Took him long enough.”
Miss Ayase laughed, eyes gleaming. “Yeah.. it does takes time. I’ve been doing this since I was seven!”
Okarun shot her a flat, deadpan look before throwing up his arms. “Time is what I don’t have! The aliens just drop in whenever they—”
She popped a surprise roundhouse kick toward his head. His body moved on instinct– ducking, his fists tucking under his chin in defense, before his brain even registered the attack.
Miss Ayase smirked. “See? There y'go. What’re you so worried about?”
Okarun rolled his shoulders, his exhaustion melting into something more solid. Resolve. His grip tightened into fists again. “You… bitch.”
Miss Ayase snorted, and took on his challenge with more taunts. “Ooh… so show me what you got! Pretend I’m Jiji, or an alien, or something.”
“…Seriously?” Okarun groaned but readied himself for the next round, settling into his stance with fists raised.
This time, he wasn’t just dodging. He wasn’t just reacting. He fought back, just as he would against a real opponent. He weaved in jabs and uppercuts he had picked up from Mr. Shrimp, testing out different rhythms, adjusting his footwork. Each movement became sharper, his hesitation slipping away as instinct took over.
But so was his energy. The effort of holding back his Turbo power while maintaining his speed was a brutal drain, and it hit the slight teen all at once. His lungs burned, throat raw from heavy breathing, and his limbs felt sluggish.
Miss Seiko clapped her hands together, finally granting mercy. “Alright, that’s enough for today. Break time.”
Ken walked toward a rock by the stand of trees near the shrine, bracing himself with his hands on his knees as he worked to steady his breath.
“Hey,” Miss Seiko called over to her granddaughter, who was barely winded. “Go inside and get something for us to drink.”
“Yeah, yeah…” Miss Ayase muttered before jogging off, leaving Ken alone with the old woman’s scrutinizing gaze.
A shadow fell across him as she stepped closer, hands on her hips, smirking down at him. “Not bad, Four Eyes. You might actually stand a chance against an upper class now.”
Ken met her gaze, chest still rising and falling from exertion. He was exhausted, but not beaten.
“Yeah… its starting to make sense.”
Miss Seiko chuckled. “That’s what I like about you. You’re not like most guys.”
Okarun blinked, unsure what to make of that. A part of him still struggled about being more personal with her. Even though she looked a lot younger than a grandma, his strict upbringing told him he should respect her as a elder teacher and not like a parent, let alone a friend. But like a grandmother, her wisdom was diverse and gave him that kind of reassurance he needed.
She looked at him a moment longer, something unreadable in her expression, before she finally gave a nod. “Still need to work on your stamina though.”
He exhaled, relaxing his shoulders a little more. “Thank you, ma'am … just couldn't really sleep–” the teen suddenly stopped himself, realizing he said too much.
Miss Seiko hummed, studying him carefully before letting out a smirk. “Well, yeah… you two weren't exactly quiet last night.”
Ken froze. Something about her tone, casual but pointed, made his face heat up despite himself.
“I respect that you’re taking responsibility for your actions-- I'm still impressed how much Momo has changed after meeting you,” she continued, eyes glinting knowingly. “But don't forget to be more mindful of your control.” Then, just to twist the knife, she winked.
“—!!” His brain short-circuited after that.
For a moment, he just stood there, completely blank and face quite red. Then with a bow, he managed to choke out, “Yes, ma’am.”
Miss Seiko laughed, patting his shoulder before turning away. “Good boy.”
Ken let out a slow breath, rubbing the back of his neck as he stared at the ground. He shouldn't be that surprised that she did know. Nothing really got past Seiko Ayase, she was also a spiritual medium after all. He should just be thankful that the worst that came of it was a different kind of ass kicking.