Left Side

Chapter 4

The lowering October sun was at eye level, luckily behind them now as they walked. It wasn't cold, to say, but cooler than the daytime that much was for for sure.

Kaji scuffed his shoes against the floor with almost every step, keeping his sight fixed on the path ahead with the exception of looking down at Izume to check on her every few seconds.

She'd mostly stopped crying now, only sniffling a little bit. Head hung low, she focused on her feet, too embarrassed to even look up at the boy.

"You wanna talk about it?" He asked quietly, a much more sensitive person than expected from anyone that didn't know him too well.
She swiped her nose briefly with the back of her index finger.

"It's fine..." She shook her head, own fingers intertwined together in her shyness.
He furrowed his brows "It wouldn't be an issue to talk to me, you know?"
"I just don't want to annoy you,"

Frowning, he bumped into her side, the way his mother used to with his father. He'd always seen how it made him smile.

Glancing down at her, he noticed a small tug at her lips even while the shadows covered her face.
"You're not gonna annoy me, short stuff." He rolled his eyes teasingly, throwing an arm over her shoulders. Initially, she froze up but soon relaxed into the warmth of his comfort.
"Promise?" She mumbled, finally looking up at him.

From the sun behind them, half of her face glowed a gentle orange, freckles on one cheek much more apparent than on the other. Careful, tender skin appeared to even look soft, eyes made of a thousand shades of green, slightly sparkling from the miniature reflection of sunlight in the corner.

He got swallowed in her eyes for a split second before clearing his throat and speaking "Would I lie to you?"
"No," Her sight swooped down to the floor once more but he pulled her into him slightly to make her look at him again.
"To answer your question: Promise."

There was more silence with only the sounds of their footsteps against the path.

"...I visited my dads grave," She started, gazing up ahead, instead "And while i was there i realised that i don't even know a thing about him. And i never will because he's dead."
He wanted to tell her 'I'm sorry' but he was smart enough to know that pity often makes people feel worse.

"I'm sure he would've loved to have known you and raised you, Katsuki tells me regularly that you remind him endlessly of your father,"
She sighed "That's why i came to Katsuki's... to learn more about my dad.."

Kaji nodded, giving her shoulder a squeeze "I am here for you,"
Her smile of appreciation quickly shifted into more stifled tears, Izume bringing her hands up to bury her face.

The redhead stopped walking, instead bringing her back into his chest for a soothing hug. Her body shook slightly against him as he held her, fingers threading into her green hair.

"I don't want to go home right now," She breathed against him.
"Then come over. I'm sure my dads gonna have a go at me but you can wait upstairs, right?" He chuckled slightly, making her huff out a laugh as she pulled away.

She swiftly wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her Rose coloured hoodie "Yes please, if that's ok?"
"Always ok... Besides, my mum hasn't shut up about you coming over the past few days," He mentioned.
"Oh- Why?" She inquired with wide eyes as they began walking again.
He shrugged "I don't know,"

He knew why.

She let out a short laugh at his disgusted expression when he fake cringed.

It wasn't too long of a walk before they were back at the Todoroki residence. He took his key out of his pocket, about to push it into the keyhole.

"Kaji-" She began.
"Hm?" He turned to face her, looking down at her frame.
Her face flushed pink "I want to tell you something,"
"What's up?" His brows laced with concern.