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Evening had begun to fall over Hope’s Peak Academy, and despite the strict curfew, Korekiyo was in no rush to get back to the dorms. He was a fan of the quiet atmosphere. No longer were students out disturbing the peace; it was like he was in his own personal heaven. As he walked, he heard the faintest sound of rustling from the small, wooded area off the main path. He frowned slightly as he tried to look into the dark area to see what was causing it. From within the trees ran out a large figure, catching Korekiyo off guard.
“I- hey-!” Korekiyo jumped back slightly as the figure ran towards him. His panic soon faded upon realizing it was just his classmate, Gonta, “Well, hello to you too!” He said sarcastically.
“Ah, Gonta sorry for scaring Korekiyo! Not very gentleman-like to scare friends.” Gonta said as he began to pick leaves from his hair.
“It’s fine, really, but what are you doing out so late? And in the woods no less?” Korekiyo asked. Gonta was typically careful to not stay out anywhere close to the curfew.
“Gonta was in woods to look for bug friends! Gonta heard from Angie the fireflies starting to come out! Gonta wanted to look for them, but...Gonta not find any.” The large man frowned. Korekiyo could tell he was genuinely upset about this.
“Ah...well, you know, we don’t really have to be back at the dorms for another ten minutes or so. I’d be delighted to help you try and find some.” While Korekiyo wasn’t particularly keen on insects, he didn’t want to see Gonta upset. Gonta perked up a bit.
“Korekiyo really want to help Gonta?” He asked. Korekiyo nodded.
“Of course.” He smiled, despite knowing his mask would hide it. He just hoped he got the point across.
The two began to walk down the path together towards the dorms, Gonta keeping his eyes peeled for the flickering lights of fireflies. He put an arm out across Korekiyo’s chest to stop him, pointing with his other hand excitedly towards the small, flickering light in the distance.
“Look! We wait for more, Gonta not want to take one lonely one. Gonta would feel bad.” Korekiyo couldn’t help but smile at his pure joy upon seeing the insect. The pair watched as a few more insects began to flicker in the field. Gonta began to walk into the field, Korekiyo following along behind.
“Fireflies can be caught in hands, but be gentle. Not want to hurt bug friends.” Gonta said quietly as they got closer. Korekiyo nodded.
Gonta was the first to start gently scooping the insects in between his hands. He cupped them ever so carefully to transfer to his bug cage. Korekiyo, on the other hand, was a bit more hesitant. He knew he wouldn’t feel the insects thanks to his bandaged hands, but he still was a little grossed out by them. He soon joined Gonta in gently transferring the creatures to the bug cage. After a bit, Gonta put his hand over Korekiyo’s.
“We not need more. Gonta not want to take too many. Bug friends have family.”
“Ah- of course.” He tried to play it off as though he wasn’t a bit flustered from Gonta’s touch. Gonta turned to lead him back out of the field and off towards the dorms, watching the fireflies light up in his cage.
“Gonta take these to lab tomorrow, give good home!” He beamed at Korekiyo, “Korekiyo like to help?” He asked.
“Oh! Ah, I definitely could, if you’d like.” He thought Gonta was absolutely stunning in the moonlight, especially when he smiled. Korekiyo’s heart fluttered slightly.
“Wonderful! Gonta happy Korekiyo enjoys his company! Korekiyo like to help catch bug friends again too?”
“Yes, I would love to.”