In The Spotlight [Indefinite Hiatus]

Chapter 26

⚠️Trigger Warning: Harmful Thoughts, And (Consensually) Explicit Behavior⚠️

Also, longer chapter than normal cuz I love every single one of you :)

Kirishima's POV
"Tomo?"

"Are you alright? I didn't mean to startle you. Why were you on the ground?" He reached out his gloved hand and offered me a reassuring smile. I took his hand and pulled myself off of the ground. I brushed any dirt off of my pants and tried to collect myself, but I could feel that I was shaking. "Ei?" I looked up into his blue-grey eyes. His eyebrows furrowed. "Eijirou..."

And suddenly I was on him. My arms were wrapped around his neck as I started to sob. He held me close to him and rubbed my back in a soothing manner. He didn't say a word. I was glad he didn't. Even if I wanted to talk, I knew I wouldn't be able to form any coherent sentences. I just needed someone to hold on to. Someone to lend their shoulder for me to lean on. He was always the perfect person for that.

When we were together, it was often like this. I would come crying to him when the bullying from the other kids became too much, or when I didn't want to be alone. He would let me cry without expecting a word out of me and didn't say anything else in return. He never needed any explanations. He was just there. Tomo was there for me every single time. It was something I missed deeply... but it's different now.

"It's okay," he cooed. "You're okay." He held me a little tighter and stroked my hair gently. It took a lot longer than I thought it would to calm me down. There were a few people that passed the alley and asked if I was alright or if we needed anything. Eventually, when I stopped crying, Tomo offered to carry some of my groceries and walk with me to the subway station. I didn't tell him what happened or why I was on the ground, and he didn't ask.

In fact, we completely avoided the conversation all together. Well, at least I did. He didn't pry though, so I assumed the feeling was mutual. Instead, we talked about what we've been up to and all the basic small talk that you usually have with someone you haven't seen in a while. I didn't tell him about Katsuki and I, but I did say that I moved. He told me about a promotion he was offered at his job.

We finally arrived at the station. He continued to walk with me toward the subway cars, even though I told him that he didn't have to. Though I really wanted him to. I didn't feel safe after what happened trying to leave the supermarket.

"It was really great talking with you, Ei," he smiled sheepishly.

"Yeah, it was nice... thank you. Y'know, for walking with me."

"Anytime. Hey, maybe whenever you're free, we could go get dinner together or something. Catch up and stuff." He was blushing as he handed me my groceries and our fingers grazed each other. I was quiet for a moment. Maybe...

"I'd like that," I smiled as the doors closed. I waved at him as the subway train started to move. He waved back until I couldn't see him anymore. I grabbed my necklace and pulled it out from underneath my shirt. My eyes scanned over the engraved ring.

'Ei, My Everything'

Maybe this was for the best. To listen to Kuroishi's warning. To leave Kat and let him thrive in what he's always wanted. After all, who was I to ruin his dream? Especially after all the hard work he did to get this far. Albums, interviews, expensive houses and cars, even his very first world tour. I'll admit, it wasn't the life for me. I always preferred something small and subtle compared to his extravagant lifestyle that I still wasn't quite used to.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and looked at the screen. Speak of the devil.

Message from 'Blasty🧡'