My Pawfect Rebirth

191: Melting

"Kaiji? Kaiji Aoki?" She looked up at him and batted her eyes a few times. 

"Ah- yeah, that's him. But... How do you know him?" 

"Oh, that's easy, I saved his life over a year ago."

"Ah- wait- Eh?" 

"Hmph, you'd be surprised by how many people I actually know since I've helped a lot of people. Kaiji is one of 'em." 

"So... what do you mean when you say you saved his life?" 

"Easy, he tried to commit suicide by jumping off a bridge, but I stopped him. I even helped him get through his trauma and depression. Miss Barsk–one of the Grim Reapers–even did some therapy sessions with him for a complete recovery. That is a surprise that you said he asked you for help to find a birthday present for his mom though." Aster noted. 

"It's a surprise? Why's that a surprise?"

"Because Kaiji hasn't actually talked to his parents since he started going to high school. If I remember correctly, his parents were the one that basically forced him to take the entrance exam into U.A., and because he was frustrated that he didn't get a choice, he didn't want to deal with life anymore. Luckily I saved him in time before things got worse, but it's a great change to hear that he wants to find a birthday present for his mom. I hope that means he's changed for the better and is getting along with his parents now." Aster said. 

"Right..." 

'I didn't know that, I knew Kaiji said he almost ended his life, but nothing about his parents bothering him to the point that he suffered a lot.' Izumi thought.

"So is Katsuki going with you?" 

"Ack! No, so do you think you can distract him until 1 or 2 o'clock? I haven't told Kacchan that I'm going with a classmate to go shopping, and I'm sure he'll be furious if he hears it's a boy I'm shopping with. Please, Aster?" 

"Sure, no problem. I've had to distract him plenty of times before, so it's not a problem I can't handle." Aster responded. 

"Thank you, Aster! I gotta get going! Oh, and I'll treat you next time for the help!" 

"Sure thing, just make sure to keep your promise, bench buddy!" he yelled as the greenette was leaving. 

Izumi ran all the way to the mall and could recognize the shaggy Black hair from a distance. 

"Ah- Aoki!" 

Kaiji turned his head and looked to see the greenette running towards him and he started getting butterflies in his stomach. 

'Oh crap, I didn't think she'd look this cute outside of school too.' he thought. Though the greenette was wearing casual comfortable clothes, he couldn't take his eyes off her. 

"Did you have to wait long?" she asked, panting. 

"Ah- n-no, you're fine. I just got here." 

"Oh good, it feels like I've been everywhere this morning, but let's find your mom the perfect gift!" Izumi said with confidence. 

'Where does she get her confidence from, it's really cute.'

Katsuki left the Station after a long talk with the Chief and Captain over some simple things that he was having to do while Izumi would still be acting as a student.