Chapter Text
The bell rang, signaling that the day of school had ended. I wasn’t assigned any homework, so I just had to find another way to kill time. I don't think I could get back into the school library. Since the staff members maybe saw who made that mess.
To be honest, it was Hinako who did that mess and not me. Speaking about Hinako, I am grateful, I think. She helped me find out what quirk I had, but I just have to figure out how it worked and all of that. This school day wasn't really eventful.
Time flew today in class. Nothing really happened, except for the fact that Hinako got hurt in first period by running straight into a wall and slamming her nose onto the window, which was quite humorous. Mostly, it was a free day; lunch was peaceful, and the meal I had prepared in the morning still tasted good, thankfully.
There was only one thing that lingered in my mind. It was about how to even explain I got a quirk or how to even utilize it. Hinako mentioned that I was a “late bloomer” when it came to finding out about my quirk. My quirk, from what I know/learnt, is that it's something based on strings, and it wasn't translucent. Plus. It just seemed new to me, of course; maybe it was a utility quirk? I don't know just yet.
My quirk was something new, and it seems like it has to be activated in some way, from what I know from just simple knowledge. It is like a spider, Spiders normally find a way to eject/release a thread-like string and utilize it to either capture their prey or just use it for building webs to survive on, I think.
The thing is, if I were to get a medical check-up. I could possibly check if my body changed, like if it had natural reserves like silk glands. No way I would be able to function the same after realizing my quirk could be based on actual spiders.
Another con I am aware of is that if I do get a medical check-up, they will have to let my mother accompany me or let her know I am doing a medical check-up on my quirk. From what I know, my quirk is really not the best when it comes to a future field/job I have in mind, but I just have to make sure my mother, one way or another, doesn't find out. Normally, I do yearly check-ups so my mom can check if I have a quirk or not. My mother really wants me to have a quirk, so. If this were to sidetrack my current job in mind, it's still best not to tell her.
As I was in a thought train, I would then feel a vibration in my pocket as I paused for a moment, as I sighed. Great way to ruin a whole daydreaming moment. I took out my phone as it vibrated once again. I opened my phone as I saw a notification from Hinako. I opened my app as I would read her messages, and then responded to her on text.
“Hey” - H
“Hey” - H
“HEYYYYYY” - H
“So like are you done, I wanna hang out afterschool r u available” - H
“Yeah, I am available. Why are you asking?” - S
“Alright, come to my place for afternoon cause I know you study all day like a NERDDDDDD” -H
“Well, not my fault I can't actually play any games when I get home.” -S
“Dang why is it like your ma hates you or smh?” - H
“It's because my mother blocked mostly any form of entertainment in my household.” -S
“Tbh skill issue” -H
“....” -S
“Jeez mb” -H
“Anyway are you gonna come to my place or nah? cause I am waiting for you at the gate.” -H
“On my way.” -S
[click]
I closed my phone as I stood from my desk and pushed my chair back in, grabbing my bag as I tossed it onto my back before leaving the classroom. I then headed to the main entrance, not like it's something new. I’ve seen this same hallway for like 2 years now. I still don't know how to feel about my quirk, The worst thing is that I found out in such a stupid way.
Like, what kind of stupid coincidence lets me yank a book toward me like a spider with a thread? It’s ridiculous. Speaking about spiders. How would my body even work if I were to have those organs? My body would have to have to react differently when I eat since producing thread requires a lot of energy; that's what I recall from some of the books I read. Spooling the thread itself is tiring.
But I do know that my body is the same. I rarely eat, and I still have energy even after eating only lunch. I don't think it could be a spider-like organ system, but still an assumption/theory on what I have on my mind. I just don't know, maybe my quirk is like a spider or something else I have not considered yet. All I do know is that I could produce a thread like string that’s pretty durable.
When Hinako pulled the thread out of my skin, it didn’t even snap. It wasn’t a silk thread for sure, so that can be crossed out of the book. But I still don’t know if it is actually still a spider-based quirk, so that brought me to nothing. The only clues I have that it might not be is that I still have energy, and the thread had some weird ass duriblity. Not to mention, it has a semi-opacity compared to spider silk. Yeah… At least there are some things I am aware of now.
Theories circle in my head as I take the stairs down, the soles of my shoes clacking softly against the concrete. I’m halfway down when my pocket buzzes. I groaned. It could be Hinako again since she was the one bothering me today, so I ignored it as I continued going down the staircase as my steps echoing in the stairwell. After a long descent. By the time I make it to the front of the building, she’s already there, waving with one hand, the other stuffed in her jacket pocket. I give her a small smile, the kind that says “I’m here” more than “I’m happy.”
“Ugh, what took you so long?”
Hinako complained as I crossed my arms, glaring at her as I jumped straight into the topic she was messaging me about.
“Ok, I get your complaining because it took a while, but what are we doing at your place?” Hinako grins like she’s been waiting to drop this on me all day. “Alright, so hear me out. Since you discovered your quirk, I figured we could test it out at my place. The backyard’s pretty big. It should be perfect!”
Hinako spoke as I nodded along side what she just said. She’s got a point. A wide space sounds better than risking another bookcase incident in public. Still, I hesitate. I don’t want to use my quirk. I barely understand it. All I know is that there’s a thread inside me, and it can come out. That’s it. And somehow, that already feels like too much.
My quirk, for all I know, could just be a mess. I don't even know how to feel about having one. It doesn’t feel like something to be proud of. It feels like something that should’ve gone to someone else. Someone who wanted it. Someone less fortunate. But I got it. And now I have to live with it. The real problem, though?
What if my mom finds out? Sure, she’d be thrilled at first. Her kid finally manifesting something remotely special. A quirk, of all things. But then comes the part that always follows: the pressure. The obsession. Every time I’ve shown her some “gift,” she milks it until I hate it. Until I don’t even want to use it anymore.
The only exception has been my love for science and computers. She never tried to squeeze that out of me. In fact, she supported it, gave me a server for my thirteenth birthday. A server. Like, what kind of kid even gets that? Not that I’m ungrateful. I still use it. It’s just… overkill. The kind of overkill you only afford if you’ve got serious money on the table. How many more secrets are there that I must uncover/learn about?
My mother, well… I really just never get to see her often. She is either always busy taking care of herself or always working. The only time I do get to see her always has a negative outcome; she either calls me or comes home relatively early from her job to scold me when I don't have a perfect grade in one of my classes.
Physical education has always been the most likely thing she has scolded me about. She always tells me I have to have perfect scores or else I wouldn’t be able to get a job with the perfect salary I am looking for.
“You’ll never get the job you want without a perfect record.”
“You have to be the best at everything, or you’re nothing.”
I’m not a perfectionist, but with school, I don’t have a choice. It’s my future. Or at least, her version of my future. And now this quirk… if she knew about it, what would she do? Train me until I break? Use me like a machine until the thread runs out? Honestly, it doesn’t sound that far-fetched.
Yeah, Kano-Sensei was right. I shouldn’t be thinking about this. She told me that I have to enjoy being a kid, but it's hard to enjoy being a kid when my mother is always trying to sculpt me into what she sees as perfection. Still, I’m grateful. I guess. At least she’s not abusive to me. Not in the ways I hear about.
“Hello??? Earth to Sendryaku, are you there?” Hinako’s voice cuts through the noise in my head, her hand flailing in front of my face. I blink a few times and look at her. “Oh yeah. Just… spaced out,” I muttered. She frowns. I can tell she’s a little pissed I wasn’t paying attention. Can’t really blame her, ya know.
“K, so like, are we gonna go to my place or not?” She asked as i had my arms crossed, still having that thought suck in the back of my head. “Yeah, sure… Lead the way.” I responded as she grabbed my hand and ran as fast as she could. I would try and let go of her grasp as she spoke.
“Oh, come on, can't you run for a little bit more? It can make us go to my place much faster, you know!!” she says, breathless but upbeat. “Yeah, but isn't this too much running for today? You know I can't run that well.” I responded to her as she had a smile on her face. I really didn’t want to run again today because two periods ago, I had to run 4 laps on that track loop because of the same group of kids laughing and playing too much.
“To be honest, that's your problem for having asthma or whatever it's called. Besides, we both shared the same period, so we both suffered equally!” I sighed as I rolled my eyes. “Equally,” she claims, yeah, sure, at least you're not suffering from a lung disease. “Yeah, sure,” I mutter, irritation seeping into my tone. She suddenly stops and lets go of my hand. I immediately grabbed my wrist, it’s red where she gripped too tightly. I shoot her a look.
“Wait, hear me out. Since your quirk is based on strings, right? Doesn't that make you like a “Spider-Man?” She asked as I held my laughter. Me, Spiderman? I don't see any correlation, especially with the fact that my stamina isn't even the best. “I don’t see the resemblance,” I say, trying not to sound as sarcastic as I feel. My stamina is pretty much non-existent. My confidence? Possibly 20 times better.
“Ok, so like, you know how he swings in the city like grappling?” Hinako continued to speak as I responded just to let her know I was still listening to her. “Ok, go on…” I sighed as I nodded, just that she knows i was listening to her.
“Why don't you try it out?” I look down at my hands. The same ones that, somehow, pulled a book across the room like I was latching onto it with an semi invisible thread. I didn’t even know how I did it. It just happened . No training. No instinct. No user manual. “...You know that none of this comes like as an impulse, right?” I say, my tone sharper than intended. “I dont suddenly learn how to use my quirk after using it just once you dumbass,”
I glare at her. She should know better. She does know better. She’s had her quirk for years now. Manipulating stars or whatever gas-matter celestial crap leaks out of her like a running facuet. She can launch herself off the ground like a human firework. Float midair like it’s nothing. Even possibly flashbang a teacher to escape detention for christs sake.
Mine? Mine’s a thread. One I barely understand and can’t even control it well. Hinako’s quirk is dramatic. It's like a firework show to be exact. When she uses it, her hair turns into this ridiculous, animated-looking Milky Way. Like some retro filter from a sci-fi film. She can fly.
But, the issue is that she isn’t, in my opinion, creative. Besides, she radiates like the sun. But Me? I’m a maybe. A theory. An awkward burst of potential tangled in its own strings. Like, I know absolutely NOTHING about my quirk since, i just got it recently. Recently? Like this day in the morning when I was half asleep. And then there's the part I keep looping back to. Mom.
My mother expects me to have a quirk. That’s just been this unspoken thing, an assumption hanging over me like fog. And if she finds out I actually do ? She’ll want answers. Want details. Want me tested, evaluated, probably thrown into some clinic where they poke and prod until they know everything, and then call me and her with a shiny report. Ughhhh. Why does all of this have to be so damn complicated!? Why couldn’t I just have a mother who isnt all on top of me?
“You know that's not how you speak to a girl, right?” The awkward silence broke as she had a repulsive look on her face. Hinako was possibly, not possibly, definitely mad about my comment. I glance over, and she’s got that look. The “I’m seriously annoyed, but I’m still giving you one shot to take that back,” look. I suddenly feel like I’ve been backed into a corner, socially and emotionally. How am I exactly supposed to respond to that? Sure, I can just go with the wind, but I don't know if it would escalate the situation in some way.
“I am aware that I shouldn’t speak to a girl like that-”
She proceeded to cut me off before I was able to finish my sentence. “Then why did you? Uhhuhmmm.. Yeah, caught you.” I just stood there awkwardly as I knew, yeah, I did say something bad, but. Her logic didn’t make sense. “Aren’t you supposed to be open to criticism?” I reply, straightening my posture, trying not to sound as defensive as I feel.
“My comment was meant to be there because your logic didn't seem to make sense,” I smirk a little. Just enough to bait her like a fish. Hinako narrows her eyes. “Ugh! Your loss.” She says, and then shoves me. I stumble a step as my hands instinctively going to my pockets while I snicker. I don’t even know why I’m laughing. Maybe because she’s mad. Maybe because we’re always like this, fluctuating between honest and annoying. Or maybe because this mess-our banter, her energy, my weird ass quirk.
At least I knew I had won an argument. I didn’t enjoy arguments, but if I won them, then I have no complaints. Excluding that, the silence stretches between us now. Hinako’s face is buried in her phone, scrolling through whatever social media she is on. She lets out a laugh every so often, too loud to be real. Definitely fake. She’s trying to get my attention.
I don't give her the satisfaction of falling bait to her. But I’d rather mind my own business. As we continued to walk, we finally arrived at her place. Hinako would walk to the porch of the house as she would open the door with her key as she was about to let me in. She spoke suddenly, “Wait, I gotta confirm first if it is ok to have you at my place first,” she says, already stepping inside. The door shuts in my face with a click .
I sigh. Classic Hinako. I stand there like some stray cat waiting for food, hands in my pockets, as my eyes drift to the doorframe. Then I hear them, Hinako and her mom.
“Hi Mama!!” Hinako spoke as she went to take off her shoes at the entrance of the house, as she hugged her. “Hello, my little star.” Her mother had a tone that was sweet like honey. “What brought you home this early? No afterschool clubs?” Hinako then had an embarrassed look on her face, and she pouted. “Maa…..”
She spoke awkwardly as she continued. “I told you not to call me that….” Hinako said as her face turned red. “But you are my star, Hinako. You brought a massive joy into my life when you came to this world!” Her mom spoke as Hinako hugged her. She then broke the hug and started fiddling with her hands.
“Ma… Is it ok if I could have a friend over, like, right now?” Hinako asked as she had a Pleading look on her face. Her mother sighed as she pitched her nose bridge. “If you finished all your homework, then yes, you can-” Hinako cut her mom off as soon as she finished her sentence, making sure it was at least polite. “Thank you so much, Ma! Appreciate it!”
She spoke with a lively tone as she went to the doorstep and opened the door for me, as Hinako spoke. “Shoes off. You know that already.” She commanded as I went inside and closed the door, then took my shoes off. Her house smells faintly like tea and laundry detergent. Comfortable. Lived-in. I would see Hinako’s mother as I bowed slightly as I introduced myself.
“Thank you for letting me stay at Hinako’s place for now. I appreciate it dearly,” I spoke as I would pause for a moment and then continue. “My name is Ransuaian Sendryaku, I am in your Daughter’s Homeroom and Physical Education classes. Thank you for letting me stay for today, Miss.” I politely introduced myself as I smiled at her mother. As I still bowed down, I saw Hinako roll her eyes as she commented, “Hm, try hard.” She mumbled. I pretend not to hear. “Hinako, I didn’t know you had such a Polite friend! You should try learning from him.”
Her mom spoke as Hinako had a shocked look on her face. It was exaggerated as she spoke to her. “Ma!!” She complained as she crossed her arms, pouting. I still kept a formal look on my face as I stood in front of her mom as I keep my composure, still facing her mom like I’m presenting myself for some kind of presentation that's worth half my grade. I feel her fingers pinch the back of my collar. “Excuse us, I have some stuff that and Sendryaku have planned!!”
Hinako spoke as she then opened the backyard door and threw me onto the grass and hit the ground, then push myself back up, brushing dirt off my knees. “At least I made a good impression,” I say, singing the words like a taunt. “Pretty sure she’s mad at you, not me.” “Oh, shut up, would you?” Hinako responded in a ticked-off tone as I got straight to the topic once again. “Ok, so what are we doing?”
I asked her as I crossed my arms, watching the leaves fall from the tree branch slowly. Fall was a season that was mellow and calm, but still with a lot of stuff happening. Leaves fell one by one, possibly signaling that winter was soon to come.
“Just checking out, I don't know,” Hinako spoke as my eyes narrowed. Great. She didn’t even have a clue about what to do. What did she even do when she found out about her quirk? Sure, her parents taught her, I guess. That's what most parents do. “Wow, that's such a great starting point! Let us go check out the bugs!” I spoke in a sarcastic tone; her own response really did not benefit me or the conversation we had.
She doesn’t respond, which says enough. Of course, she didn’t plan this. She got excited, dragged me here, and now she’s winging it. I was curious and all, but I wanted to make sure I was able to do it in a concealed area, which could be my friend's house. Now that I think of it, it doesn't sound concealed.
“...Okay, anyways!” Hinako claps her hands together. “ Just try making a string come out of your skin again. If we know the basics, then we can get into more advanced stuff!” Hnako responded in a stern tone as I had a slight smile on my face. Finally, something useful came out of her loud mouth.
“Wow, you're finally making sense!” I say with a dramatic gasp. “No wonder I am your friend!” I spoke in an ironic tone once again, it was kind of a habit for me since I didn’t have a lot of peers I actually respected. Possibly because most of them were immature-yes, that includes Hinako. But at least she is smarter than the average.
“Can you like shut up and do your thing?” She commented as she rolled her eyes. “Alright, Alright.” I raise my hands in surrender. It was something like when someone was admitting defeat. Hinako went to grab some old plushies and Soda cans she had stashed in her room. I snicker. “Really?”
Hinako placed the items on a table that was in the backyard, possibly it was for making food outside when there were celebrations, but whatever. She stares at me and I stare back at her as I just stayed silent. “GO DO YOUR THING GOD DAMN IT!” She explodes, flailing her arms in the air like a hysterical patient. “Hmm? OHHHH.. Alright.”
I spoke as I took a step back. As I tried to make the thread shoot out of my wrist, as I sighed, she walked over to me as she spoke. “Just try doing something like this.” Hinako proceeded to mimic a hand movement like that of Spiderman shooting webs, I chuckled as I commented. “Yeah, sure. That’ll work.” Still, I mimic the pose. And then it does .
Thread tears through my derma layer like it’s slicing open from the inside. My eyes widen from shock. Again, there’s a slit, not as bloody as it should be. It was a clean opening. The thread launches out and wraps tightly around a soda can, holding it firm.
My face had a shocked look on my face as I stared at the wound. It’s bleeding slowly. It felt like a paper cut rather than an actual slice. The thread’s still connected to me, and somehow, my skin already looks like it's trying to close around it. Maybe the thread is a natural healing factor for the area that the thread gets exerted from? No answers. Just assumptions. So, my using this means that I will always create a wound. Would it heal right after I eject the thread? We could find out after.
As the thread was wrapped around the soda can, I would just divert my attention from my wrist to the can. “The thread’s still tight. Regular string would’ve sagged by now,” I say, my tone serious but yet calm. Hinako leans in, her voice full of curiosity. “Yeah, that's true.. Now pull it back!” Hinako exclaimed as her face was full of curiosity, Same as mine.
As I pulled it back, the thread jerked the can in my direction, and I caught it. While I held it, I noticed that the strings were still tied to it. I had a perplexed look on my face as I clenched my hand. The threads got loose, and it then suddenly fell to the ground, including the one that was dangling for its dear life onto my skin.
The one tethering it to my skin drops with it, hitting the grass. I blink. Huh. “Looks like clenching your fist makes it release,” I spoke calmly as I was relieved, at least the basic steps were out of the way. As I was looking at the thread that fell onto the ground, I felt the slit on my wrist heal suddenly fast. “Hm. Looks like my hypothesis was right.”
I mumbled quietly as I went down to the ground to grab the thread. As I grabbed it, it felt different compared to the natural silk thread that would normally come out of a spider. It’s rough. Not smooth like silk. Ridged, like a natural cord. I exhale, relieved. At least I don’t have silk glands hiding somewhere in my stomach. That would’ve been horrifying.
Hinako claps her hands together. “That's nice! Wait, what was your hypothesis?” Hinako asked me, and I responded shortly afterward. “That the wound made by the thread heals immediately,” I say simply, eyes still locked on the thread.
“Now, another question I do have to ask that I fear we don't have an answer to. What if both hands are cut off? Where would the thread generate/exert from?” I asked as I had a confused look on my face, my smile fading. She pauses mid-spin with her yoyo. “…What?” I look up at her.
“If both hands were cut off, hypothetically, of course. Where would the thread come from? Where would it generate?” That’s not just a question. It’s a whole stairwell of questions, It continues on and on…
Hinako shrugs as if it were nothing. “I don’t know. Explore it yourself or something.” She resumes playing with her yoyo, then adds on, “Plus, since you're the one who can manipulate string-” “it’s thread.” I cut her off, correcting her. She groans.
“Whatever! Since you can manipulate ‘thread’, why don’t you try doing a yoyo-type practice?” Hinako offered the idea as I snapped my fingers in affirmation. Not bad, that was kinda a smart idea of hers. I’ll give her credit for that. Maybe if I did that “yoyo practice,” maybe I could check it out and see if I can constantly spool thread, and see how Durable/elastic it is first.
“Wait, that’s actually a good idea you just brought up… Nice job.” She lights up immediately, puffing her chest like she’s already won some grand prize. “No need to thank me! I was just being creative and smarter than you!!!” Hinako responded as she had a big grin on her face, smiling like a dumb, stupid baby.
That’s what. I was just giving her a token/appreciating her idea, but never mind that. “Then I take it back.” I cross my arms, still holding the loose strand of thread in one hand. I glared at it as I held the thread in my hand, and I watched it. Maybe I could test out its durability and how elastic it is? Let's see.
I tried to stretch the strand of thread as my grip tightened onto it, as I put more and more strength into pulling it apart to see if it would tear. It just kept on stretching as it got thinner. I kept on pulling, still. It doesn’t tear. I loop it back around my hand to keep it from hitting the ground. Another layer forms. Still no signs of snapping. It’s almost… endless?
As I held onto the thread with one hand, I took out my other hand and quickly looked at it before anything could vanish. My brows furrowed as I glanced down at my other hand. Something feels off. A blackish substance is leaking from my palm. I had a confused look on my face as it just stood there. Was I bleeding some mysterious liquid that could produce this thread? Does it just seep out when I am constantly producing thread? I dropped the spool of thread I made on the ground as I spoke. “Hey, Hinako, come look at this.”
“Eh? Oh, OH! What the hell is that?” She jogs over, her eyes wide with curiosity. It’s honestly kind of funny how we’re just two kids trying to understand one of us exploring their quirk in real time. But this is what it’s come to. It was because of the fact that I was afraid to tell my own mother about this. “I don’t know,” I said as I glared at my hands that were seeping out this substance.
“But I think this is the reason why the thread kept on going. All I know is that I can now produce this 'thread' of mine anywhere.” A slight smile forms on my face. That solves one question. It’s not limited to my wrist or palm. Theoretically, I could use it from any part of my body. That’s great. Bad news: I don’t know what this is. This black material / thread juice? Fluid? Some kind of organic matter? I don’t even know what the base material is. It feels like something biological.
This could easily be solved if I went to the clinic, but, like I said numerous times. I really can’t go. All because I don’t know what would happen. Maybe I am just overthinking this, or maybe I am right. Ugh, I genuinely don’t know what I could even do about this. I only know the baby steps to this. I can improve, but I’ll mess up my schedule. As I pondered for a while, I had the guts to ask her a question. “Quick question Hinako.” I asked,
She flicks her yoyo, then catches it mid-air, “Hm, yeah, what’s up?”
“Should I prioritize learning about how my quirk functions?” I asked Hinako as I held my hands together, clasping them tightly. Like I already had the assumption of what the answer would be. Hinako doesn’t hesitate to respond. “I mean, yeah, since it’s now a part of your life for like, forever,” Hinako responded to my question.
That’s what I was afraid of. She’s right. But where do I even fit this in? My schedule’s already packed. Tight and clean, and efficient. I need it to stay that way. “But wouldn’t that mess up my schedule?” I ask, hoping for her to at least side with what I thought was beneficial. Her face drops into a deadpan frown, She is possibly against what I just said, I think.
“Sendryaku be for real. Your schedule is only reading and studying, I know you finish your assignments like days before the deadline!” I just listened along as Hinako spoke. Yeah, true, but. Does it answer my question? No, I need a blunt answer. “So… that’s a yes?” I asked as her eyebrows pinched like she couldn’t believe I just asked.
“YES, IT IS! UGH, How are you so smart but genuinely stupid!” She grips her hair and shakes it like a maniac going through a crisis. Hinako looks like she is seconds away from tearing out all of her hair follicles, pacing in a tiny, frustrated circle. I blink, quietly absorbing it all. ...Okay. That’s a yes.
“I don’t know. Go try asking my brain if it can even hear you,” I muttered as I made a sarcastic comment, and she would roll her eyes. She seemed like she didn’t care about my comments anymore. Hinako continued speaking,
“I missed you when you were tired at 6 AM, anyways! Just listen, it is important.” She spoke as she placed her hand on my shoulder. I looked at Hinako, confused, about to ask her why she was touching my shoulder, before she continued speaking on.
“You should prioritize it, You study all day to kill time, don’t you? Why not kill time while doing another productive thing?” Hinako finished speaking as I just stood there, silent; she was right. Why was I just studying all day instead of finding more productive stuff to do? I spent most of my time in junior high studying like my life depended on it. I just didn’t know what to say. She was right.
The wind picked up a little, rustling the leaves scattered across the backyard. I looked down at my shoes as emotions started to make my mind foggy. What was I even doing all this for? Why was I putting so much effort? All my thoughts start to jumble up one another, like the wind’s gotten into my head too in some way. What am I doing all this for?
I spent most of my time studying for someone who wasn’t even there.
Even if I did get the job I am looking for, why was I even studying if I finished the whole course by now?
I just didn't even respond. She was right. Even if I don't want to use my quirk since I might get caught, it is something productive, after all. I should chase after that then, make time in my so-called schedule, which she said is only studying. My quirk. Since it seems like a utility-based quirk, I can focus on it.
Maybe it can help me when it comes to agility or just for daily usage.. Yeah, I should focus on it. I would look at her as I finally realized that I should make time for it and do it daily. “....You're right.” I pushed my bangs back behind my ears, half-expecting her to tease me. Instead, I caught her starting to smile a little bit. Maybe she thought that because of this revelation I made, I could spend time with her more often.
She sees me as a close friend. And I guess—I see her as the only person in this school I can actually stand. That sounds kind of rude, but… Maybe I mean friend, too.
…
..
.
“I'm glad you finally figured that out, sheesh.”
Hinako spoke to me as she let her hand go from my shoulder, her smile still lingering. I take a step back as I exchange a smile of my own. I guess I was grateful. Grateful for the fact that I had a pretty good friend. “So like with whatever we are doing, are we gonna go on with our “practice?”
Hinako asked as I cleared my throat. “Yeah, let’s continue on.” I spoke as she picked up a soda can and threw it at me. I rolled my eyes as I caught it, “If you are trying to catch me off-guard, try something different-” Before I could finish, her fist slams into my chest. I weezed.
I would try to catch my breath, but I felt like my own lungs didn’t even cooperate. Sure, the punch could be a starter, but. I wasn’t really the best in physical durability. I blinked at her as I would then lunge towards her, trying to exchange a punch as well. Hopefully, trying to make us seem “equal.” As I tried to hit her, she grabbed my arm with ease and threw me onto the ground.
In one swift move, she would put her knee on my neck as I lay on the ground. “And I thought we were ‘practicing', not actually fighting.” I Muttered as I gritted my teeth as Hinako had a shit eating grin, “well practicing means fighting! I thought you knew that, man!” Hinako spoke boldly as I lay on the ground, silent. Ignoring her remark. She was more athletic than me. How could I even fight back?
After a few moments, Hinako is still pinning me to the ground. I had an idea pop into my mind. Maybe I could slip out of her grip and possibly sweep her to the ground. Maybe I could try and use my quirk to my advantage, even though I don’t have full control or know how to use it. I waited for some time, playing like I was deadweight to her and killing some of her time. She eventually assumed I had given up, I felt her grip loosen as she spoke.
“Gave up that easily? Dang, that’s new of you-” That was my opening. The thread that was on the ground from “testing” how it works then coiled onto Hinako’s legs as she hit the ground with a loud [thud] as she gritted her teeth, she then decided to yell at me. “Where the hell did you even get that much thread!?” Hinako snapped back at me as I kicked her leg playfully as I stood up, cleaning the grass off my jeans.
“You almost got my pants stained,” I spoke to her in an irritated tone as Hinako blew her front bang from her mouth to her side as she rolled her eyes.
“As if I care! Now untie me, god damn it!” She yelled at me. Hinako tried to command me as if I were her dog, I crossed my arms as I stood there. I glared down at her as I spoke to her teasingly. “Uh uh uhm! What’s the magic word!”, “JUST UNTIE ME GOD DAMN-” She paused and then continued. “Please.”
A smirk creeps onto my face as I kneel down and start untangling the thread from her legs. Once free, she hops to her feet and slaps my face. Not too hard, thankfully, and then lets out a pouty “Hmpth!” Well, that’s how I knew I at least knew how to fight back, not exactly fight back. I handled the fight pretty well, I expected it to go horribly. It went well, from all I can say, I learnt how to use my thread and, wait.
“How did I even just make those ‘threads' coil onto her leg?” I asked myself as my face looked confused. Hinako noticed it and realized what was on my mind as she let out a silent, “ Ohhh. Wait, wait, you basically learnt something new! Oh, nice!” “Yeah, that's true. It's just, how did the spool of thread come into my control and tie onto your legs?”
I asked Hinako as she gave me a look; it felt like boredom to ignorance. “I’on know. You’re the one with the weird, webby spider-powers, not me. Don’t go asking me about your biology.” She pulls out a tiny hair comb and starts fixing her bangs, muttering something under her breath about how I ruined them. You can fix your hair anytime, you know… It’s just that I have questions, and I didn’t know how to solve them. I wanted to continue practicing, but it was getting late just from checking the sky. “Speaking of late, how late was it again?”
I thought to myself as I opened my phone, as I had an awkward look on my face, it was already 17:37. I’m supposed to be home by now. Studying. But… didn’t I just agree this counts as productive? Yeah. Yeah, I think I can stay longer. I was still thinking when the backyard door slid open. I look up, surprised. The door to the backyard slid open as I stopped thinking, turning my head and looking to see who came. It was Hinako’s mother, I made a slight smile form on my face as she spoke.
“Hey, you kids have been outside for a while doing ‘Studies.’ My, star claims, but after a while, don't you think you're gonna get hungry?” Hinako’s mother spoke as she waited at the doorframe, trying to invite us in for dinner. It warmed my heart a little. “Alright, Ma! Give us a minute!” Hinako speaks back to her, Her mom shoots her a look.
“Don't you say ‘give us a minute!’ You're gonna have my poor old heart waiting for you to finish in an hour!” Her mother responded to her as Hinako rolled her eyes as she responded to her. “Alright, we’re coming, Ma!” Hinako spoke as she walked back inside, taking out her slippers at the door as I walked alongside her.
I sat down at the table awkwardly as Hinako’s mother gave both of us food. The house smells like some form of broth for soup and something grilled. I sit awkwardly at the low table as Hinako’s mom sets out two bowls. I give her a quiet “thank you,” almost whispering it, and pick up my chopsticks. I poke at the meat first. It was a habit, I guess, but it’s cooked well. It looks… good. The kind of good you get to see in a restaurant.
As I waited for Hinako’s mother to sit down with us, I would place a napkin on my lap as I quickly fixed my hair by tucking my bangs behind my ears. It was something I always did before I was to eat food, even if I prepared the food and ate alone by myself. After a while, Hinako’s mom sat down with us.
It felt kinda off-putting for me that I was eating with other people. I’m so used to eating alone, making my food, and sometimes prepping meals for my mom so she can eat during late shifts. This just felt unfamiliar. I set my chopsticks gently to the side and spoke, my voice a little more formal than usual.
“Thank you for letting me stay and for the meal, Hayashi-san. I usually don’t eat with my family much. They’re... always busy.” I spoke appreciatively. Even if this didn’t mean a lot to everyone else, it pretty much did to me. “You’re welcome, Ransuain. You’re welcome here after school any time, just don’t cause too much trouble.” Hinako's mother spoke as she offered a kind smile, and I smiled back. It felt nice knowing that I managed to pick the right fruit in the field as my own friend.
The steam from the soup went upward, making my face warm. The smell hits me. Miso, something grilled, maybe some soy and ginger. I pick up my chopsticks again, scoop some noodles from beneath the broth and the floating fishball, and take a bite. As I took a bite, the number of flavors came onto my mouth at the same time, rich and layered. It tastes like nostalgia, somehow. Like a memory I never had. I don’t even know what this dish is called, but it feels like something I’ve known my whole life. Saudade.
That word floats into my head. I read it somewhere—a longing for something that may never have existed. That’s what this tastes like. Comfort, I didn’t know I missed. It felt wonderful for some reason, smooth and mellow. I keep eating slowly, taking it in. For a second, I wonder. Are her parents professional chefs? Could Hinako cook this?
Then I remembered the cooking class incident.
//REMEMBERANCE START\\
“Hey Sendryaku, could I get any help here?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Well… I think I burnt water.”
“WHAT!?”
“How am I gonna tell my teacher, broo….”
“...You are on your own. I am NOT getting involved with that.”
“Pleaseeee! I promise I am an actual good cook! I knew how to cook, it's just maintaining and working in the kitchen that messes me up!”
“...Yeah, still nope, you are smart enough to fix that yourself.”
//REMEMBERANCE END\\
Yeah, Hinako did say that she knew how to cook, maybe she just sucks in kitchenware. I finished my meal, feeling full. I glanced at Hinako, who was still eating. I think I ate fast… I took the napkin that was on my lap as I cleaned my lips in case any broth or anything had stained the area near my mouth. “Hayashi-san,” I say, clearing my throat softly.
“If I may ask... are you or your family cooks? The food you made is incredible.” I spoke as I saw her face lit up with enthusiasm. “Yes, we are. We own a pretty small restaurant nearby, but it’s what my husband and I love to do!” So they are cooks. That explains it. I can recall their occupations if needed.
“I am assuming Hinako also cooks for the restaurant when she is free?” I asked, glancing at her. The thought of her cooking without somehow setting the kitchen on fire was... honestly hard to believe. Joking, of course. Sort of. She looks capable of cooking, but still, I’d need to see it to believe it. Her mother chuckled as she spoke.
“Well, actually yes, my little star does help in the restaurant once in a while! She helps with taking orders and designing some dishes!” Designing? Hinako being creative? Hah! No way, I would have to see it with my own eyes. Excluding that, having a family that does the same occupation does feel bland, but being able to do it with one another is nice. “That’s nice,” I replied, watching Hinako finish her food. I felt weird just sitting there doing nothing.
As I sat there, the silence was loud. I couldn’t do anything because of common sense. If one were to use their phone at the table while others were eating, that person would definitely get scolded. After a while, everyone finished their meal. I took my bowl as I was going to put it in the sink and clean it myself, but her mother offered to do it for me.
“I can take care of that, Ransuaian,” She offered as I still had the bowl and utensils in my arms. “No, it’s alright, I want to help or pay back the meal because it was really great,” I said as I smiled at her. I didn’t want to trouble her since she could possibly have a lot of work on her hands, and I just wanted to help out.
As I took my dish, I went to their sink and cleaned my bowl. Their house seemed really cozy, the atmosphere was warm compared to my place. It was always cold and solitary. My house didn’t feel like this. Ours was quiet. Cold.
Like, no one ever really came home. Hinako had a great family, I felt invited, welcomed, and even like one of their family members. They all felt so polite, warm, and trustworthy. I wish I could have stayed longer with them, but I felt I had to go eventually. Good things can't last forever. This was my first time staying at a friend's house for a “hangover,” if I can call it that.
Her mom is extremely polite to me, and not to mention, Hinako has a nickname? “Star,” hah! Kinda funny if you consider it. After I finished cleaning my dish, I went over to the main hallway as I grabbed my bookbag. Hinako’s mother possibly realized by now that I had to go, so she just waved at me.
“Have a safe walk, Ransuaian! Thank you for coming over and making Hinako actually do something instead of her staying in her room and going on her phone all night!” She spoke, and Hinako’s face turned slightly red as she spoke. “MA! Come on!…” A small snicker left my mouth as I spoke. “No problem, Hayashi-san. Thank you once again for letting me stay for some time.”
I said appreciatively as I took my phone, which was on the small table near the door, as I waved, then left. As I left, I placed my phone in my pocket as I walked home, stress-free. Good to know that I learnt some stuff about my quirk from this “hangover” I had! I am pretty lucky to have a friend like her, even if I sometimes hate her when she does stupid things.
That’s the human body; we aren’t programmed perfectly, so of course, there are errors sometimes. While I continued to walk, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I figured it was Hinako sending a “thanks for coming” text or something dumb like, “You better have cleaned your plate before leaving.” I took out my phone and I saw a notification bubble; it was a message from my mother.
[System ;; Messages ;; Akemi,]
Sendryaku, we need to talk. Come home now.
My stomach dropped as I had a perplexed look on my face as I left the message on read for a while. What happened? Did I do something wrong? Did she find out about anything I did? No, it can’t be. My grades are perfect. I didn’t use my quirk in an open space, so there’s no way… Unless she found out about it from Hinako or the CCTV footage in the library?
I stared at the message as my fingers hovered over the keyboard.
But she is always arriving late at home. I know she didn’t find out that I used my quirk; it’s definitely too early for her to find out. She couldn’t catch up that fast for sure, especially if she has been inactive in my life. She doesn’t even know me at all! She only see’s me physically when I did something “bad” which really is just getting a bad grade… After some time I finally responded back to her text.
On my way. Give me 3 minutes, I am currently walking back home.
As I was about to put my phone in my pocket, she responded.
Good.
What do you mean by “good”!?
Did I actually do something that bad that she was to respond to me that fast? No, I definitely think not. The walk home felt excruciatingly long; it was like walking inside a courtroom as the jury watched the convicted felon. As I got home, I took my key from my wallet.
I held the key in front of the key slot as I just stood there, silently. I didn’t know what to do. I was just there. I felt static/numb in my body. She wasn’t gonna know that I have a quirk. It was WAY too early for her to find out.
As I placed the key inside the keyhole. The key turned, and with it, so did my stomach.
[click]
It’s gonna be alright, I know that. Nothing bad will happen.
As I came home, I slid my shoes under the table near the door and placed my bag to the side as my mother stood there, arms crossed, as she was dressed formally. Her expression was sharp as glass.
“Sendryaku.”
She called out my name in an assertive tone as she closed her phone, placing it on the coffee table right next to her as she fixed her glasses. She stood there like a statue as her face expression showed a slight amount of agitation.
“We need to talk about what happened in school this morning. Now.”
ʅʃ