In the shadow of bright light

10 - Broken crown

The air was slightly cold in the room as I sat across the raven haired hero like a defeated kid. Although, in a sense I was defeated. I surely wouldn't have won a battle with Shigaraki and this Puppeteer.

My gaze was focused on the ground in shame, yet I knew that Aizawa's was fixed on me. He didn't need words to express how disappointed he was, as the sigh that escaped from his lips was enough for me to know.

"When will you learn that your actions have consequences?" I looked up, for I had expected his words to be way harsher. However when I saw his face, I realized that no matter what he said, he still looked like the pinnacle of disappointment.

"Your reckless choices are going to be the death of you. Or worse, the death of others." He unfolded the hands that had been supporting his head and leaned back. "Both you and Todoroki."

Wait. Where is Touya? "Where is-" Aizawa held up his hand, signaling for me to stop talking. "Thank to me he's allowed to stay in Elysium." He sat back up again. "They were going to send him to Tartarus if I hadn't interfered."

I was feeling guilt, and which each word another wave of it arrived at the shore of my heart. I wanted to thank him, but I felt that my words would only make things worse.

"I know he means a lot to you, even if you can't admit it to yourself. But you mean a lot to Oboro too. And to your mother." Another sigh escaped his lips. "I didn't like your selfish decision to use Eri and turn you back in time, but I helped you make a believable story around it so that Oboro would have someone to support him,"

"So do that, and support him. Or I'll remove you from his life myself." His stern voice still echoed in my head as I stood up.

The door shut behind me, and I made my way towards the exit of the building. On my right was a by now familiar sign, 'Elysium'. It was like so magnetic force pulled me towards it, until a guard spoke up.

"I'm sorry madam, we are currently on lockdown and won't welcome any visitors. I'm afraid you'll have to come back some other time." She spoke politely, not recognizing I was the one who caused the situation.

The magnetic pull I felt earlier started to feel more like a push, like trying to make two positive magnets touch. I took a few steps backwards and eventually turned around to leave the lobby.

I shouldn't bother him. He's probably mad at me as well. I think there's even a small part that hopes he'll finally realize all that I did to him and starts hating me, as I believe he should.

One thing is for sure: he should definitely not be in love with a life ruiner like me.

—

As my face hit the gym's floor for the fourth time, my classmate decided I was lying about feeling well and told me to take a break from our sparring session. I hadn't even pushed myself off the ground yet, but my eyes where already searching for the blue haired boy.

I found him on the bench, staring in front of him in an emotionless daze. "Hey, are you okay?" No response. I was a little far away to be talking this softly.

By the time I stood next to him he was still staring, and it slowly started to remind me of a certain foggy and purple man. I playfully pushed his shoulder, to which he finally responded.

"Wha-!" His eyes where wide and he looked around him like whatever hit him turned invisible. I chuckled. "What were you daydreaming about? Shouldn't you be sparring?"

"I was sparring, but my partner told me I should to take a break," We're in the same boat, buddy. "And as for the subject of my day dream; it's you!" His smile was bright, probably enough to have blinded me if I were to see it in the dark.

I couldn't help but laugh nervously. "About me?" I questioned. "Well, you know just... what we were going to do together at the upcoming festival," His eyes shot my way, "How nice you'd look in a yukata..." He mumbled the last part, but I heard it nonetheless. I'd be lying if I said it didn't make my cheeks heat up.

I huffed in a sarcastic manner and crossed my arms. "Oh? I wasn't even aware I was invited to go there with you." The shock on his face was priceless. "Ah, well... the thing is I, well, I just assumed we'd-" He tried desperately to explain himself, not quite knowing what words to use.

"I was only joking, I'd love to go with you!" A smile made it's way onto my face, and Oboro seemed to be relieved by my words. "I was hoping you would." He turned around and started rummaging in his bag. "Here!"

He handed me a fancy rectangular box, packaged with ribbons and flowers. "What is-" I started mumbling, but Oboro was louder. "Remember that time we ran into that Todoroki guy? This is what I went to buy for you."

The box was perfectly satisfying to open, the lid slowly sliding off and revealing the insides. He bought me a... Kanzashi*? But what was most impressive about the pin, were it's colors. They were exactly the same as my father's bright orange eyes. One's I wished to see once more.

*(Kanzashi are hair ornaments)

"H-How did you know?" I stuttered, holding back my tears. Despite being on the bench on the side of the gym, we were still in class. "I know how much he means to you, so I asked your mom for help. She gave me a picture for reference." He looked proud of himself for picking a good gift, and he should be.

I carefully placed the ornament back in it's box and attacked him with a hug. He was tensed up at first but slowly hugged back. His embrace felt nice and warm, but mostly, I felt safe.

I risked all this safety, all of his, not even 24 hours before this moment. Should I really try to take down the league if it meant dragging Oboro down with it? Is that what he deserved?

He saved you time and again, and every time you try to repay him, he ends up in shambles. So you ask yourself, why is he still here with you?

You pulled back, not wanting to stain his shirt as you felt tears where escaping your eyes. "Huh..? W-Wait..! Why are you crying? Did I hug you too tightly?" I shook my head and leaned my forehead into his chest. "I just wanted to save you, just like you did for me." I meant it as a normal sentence, yet it came out as barely a whisper.

"But you already did. You don't even know you already did." He whispered back, stroking my hair.

No. You're the one that doesn't know.

That you're nowhere close to being saved.

Published: 26/08/2021
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Ehe~
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Have y'all seen season 5 episode 19 from the bnha anime? I'm so glad it's finally out there now. T^T
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I'm aware I've been gone for a while, mainly because I found out that moving for the first time while also still working a job is as much exhausting as troublesome. And to make matters worse, my uncle suddenly passed so I'm a bit of a mess at the moment. But I'm almost done moving in and I quit my job so it's time to see this book through to the end! Til next time!!