Left Side

Chapter 6

[ART BY lovesicksimp ]

Kaji laughed as he ran, avoiding his father's grasp. Shoto was failing at catching him, obviously not actually trying though since he's a hero.

The boy smirked as he clambered up onto the play park structure, just out of his dads reach.
"Haha! I got away," He grinned and Shoto nodded.
"You did, well done, Kaji,"
The redhead slid down the slide until his feet were back on the floor.

"Can we do it again?" He asked as he stared up at his dad hopefully.
He ruffled his hair "I'm going to eat some lunch now, maybe ask if Kōri wants to play with you?"
"Dad, Kōri doesn't like chase," He whined, pouting.
"Go ask someone else then," Sighing, he walked back over to the picnic blanket, sitting down next to where Kayda and Koyuki were playing with their barbies.

Kaji crossed his arms in a tantrum as he watched his dad grab some food from the picnic basket.

Ichika wasn't at the park because she wasn't very well, so he didn't have anyone fun to play with.

Instead, he made his way over to the sandpit where Kōri and Izume were playing.
"Izume can we play chase?" He asked and she glanced up at him with shining eyes.
"Oh, i am busy, sorry," She apologised as she buried her hands in the sand, her lips then curling into a cheerful smile "You can help me build a sandcastle if you want,"
He thought shortly before saying "I'll build a sandcastle with you afterwards if you chase me,"

Staring down at the sand again, she shrugged nervously "I like the sand,"
He walked over to her with narrowed eyes, reaching into the pit and picking up the bucket spitefully "You need a bucket to make sandcastles,"
"Kaji, give it back," She frowned, standing up and making her way over to him.
"You'll have to get it yourself," He smiled slyly, taking off in the opposite direction.

"Kaji!" She called out, running after him as he sprinted away "Kaji! Slow down!"
"Catch me and i'll give it back," He glanced back at her just in time to see her use her quirk.

"You're not allowed to use quirks!" He complained as she floated slightly, finding it much easier to run quickly now.
"They won't know unless you tell 'em!" Her competitive smile must've been recognisable to anyone who saw her. She could've been an exact copy of her father, even at 8 years old.

Kaji loved this side of Izume because while she was delicate-seeming, much like a rose petal, part of her was determined, more like the thorns. Upon first glance, you wouldn't assume as such, but when she wanted to put some effort in, she could do what she wanted.

She was strong, she just didn't feel the need to use it. And that in itself was a superpower.

"Give it back, Kaji Todoroki!" She glared at him, unable to reach her phone as he held it above his head.
"Awh, my poor little 5 foot 3, friend," He teased, using his free hand to pat her on the head.
She rolled her eyes "It's my birthday, you have to be nice to me,"
"Oh yeah, i forget you're the last one in the group to turn 15," He smirked as she let out a frustrated groan, jumping again to try and snatch the device out of his hands.

"Just because you turn 16 in like... a month doesn't mean you're superior to me," She jumped again, a little higher this time.
"Oh, oh yeah?" He snorted when she missed again.
"You're so mean," She sighed, giving up.
He chuckled "You know i've grown again, don't feel so disheartened, short stuff,"

It's true, he'd grown 2 inches since September, now at 6'1. She didn't have a chance.

Watching her, he observed as she ran backwards, probably preparing for a run up.
"Kaji, just give her phone back," Kōri said, face deadpanned.
"That's no fun,"
The boy just sighed and turned away, going back to eating the picnic.