Unchained

Chapter 15 - Is It Really Worth It If It's Not Stress-Inducing?

The next day, Tomura found himself casually waltzing over to Daichi's apartment; per his friend's requested time. 3 in the afternoon.

He had his hair pinned up in a bun instead of hiding it entirely, wore his new Eraserhead hoodie with a pair of dark, stylistically ripped skinny jeans, and his only pair of bright-red shoes. He was proud of his outfit choice, to say the least. And during the process he found he liked picking out clothes instead of Kurogiri or All For One doing it for him.

Daichi could be heard scrambling around in his apartment, behind the door. "Coming! Sorry, got a bit distracted with the time..." A bang, and something falling "Fuck that hurt... Ah, don't worry, I'll pick that up later"

Daichi fumbled with the lock a bit, before the door opened "Morning Tomu! Or it's afternoon already, isn't it... Ooooooh, someone's looking sharp today! Guess you found your closet after all, ey?" He joked, smiling brightly.

Tomu chuckled a little, spotting the bruise pretty quickly "Yeah, I guess... Are you alright???" He tilted his head a little and rested his hands in his hoodie pocket. "That kinda looks like it hurts." He muttered discreetly, gesturing to the bruise.

"Ah, don't worry, nothing too bad, happens to me all the time! more days than not" Daichi mumbled, embarrassment showing on his face.

"ANYWAYS! We still have a few hours to throw around before getting to the concert, waddya want to do? Hungry? There's a bubble tea shop around the corner with owls in it - love that place - or... Also have a really nice arcade here - you're into games n stuff, right? - Or an onsen might do you good with the healing and stuff! Or the park's pretty neat too..."

Tomura smiled his beautifully weird catlike smile "I would go for the arcade, but I know that costs a pretty penny and I already play so many games heh.. the bubble tea shop sounds really nice!"

"It's not that bad, can get away just fine with 1500 yen... ya know what I'll invite ya some time! But, definitely not gonna say no to bubble tea!" Daichi grinned, closing the door.

Tomura nodded enthusiastically, pausing quickly to look at Daichi "Also um.. I wanted to thank you for the hug. Being honest, I haven't really gotten one for... a long time and I'm sorry I didn't do much back. So yeah- Thanks" He gave him an awkwardly grateful smile.

Daichi flushed a tad, grinning awkardly "Ah it's, well, no problem, mkay? Don't worry about it" He felt a pang of pity for the boy's apparent loneliness, but refrained himself from commenting on it.

Mic-sempai had told him his new neighbor had some shady stuff, might be a bit secluded, and maybe not to bother him too much.

Daichi, of course, immediately took that as a personal challenge to get the man out of his shell, one way or another. Maybe he wasn't a hero but - he had his values, and he'd stick to them, damnit! No one should have to feel alone. Ever.

And, getting to know the shy, insecure boy, only furthered his resolve. Tomu Would have a friend available for him, whenever needed - he'd make sure of it!

As they left the complex, a cold breeze hit his face, sending him into a shivering "Ahh shucks, third time this week that I forgot we're still in February" he chuckled "All these exams make me forget what's happening outside of my cozy lil home"

Tomura glanced to him and chuckled, not seeming to be bothered by the temperature much "What a time you must be having, then" He kept close to Daichi while they walked, seeming content. "Im not sure what your exams are like, but it must be different from mine." He hummed.

"A pain in the ass, that's what" he grumbled "Eh, I guess I probably need em - couldn't be bothered to learn half this stuff otherwise! But, that won't make me like em"