The Proximation of Hello and Goodbye

24

Of all the things Izuku expected to be doing this far into his trip, sitting in a coffee shop with his mother and their kidnapper. They both watch as he dismisses himself from their table and walks outside, pressing his phone against his ear. As far as being kidnapped goes, he figures things could be much worse. Though the entire experience is somewhat scary, because of the unknown aspects of the whole ordeal, this feels more of an inconvenience than anything else. He's been mostly reasonable, save for taking their phones and not allowing them to speak to anyone. That's to be expected, though. Who in their right mind would allow someone that they've kidnapped to use their phones? That said, he can't help but wonder what the end game here is.

Nothing about this seems to be the natural order of things. He basically took them hostage and started treating them as if they were long-lost family-- moved them into his apartment, temporary as that may be; treated them to meals and treats out on the town, and even accommodated them by going to grab some of their things from Inko's. All he knows for sure is that they'll be leaving Musutafu soon and he can only hope that something changes and it's not with Haru and his mother to some unknown location. Izuku sighs, lifting his cup of tea to his lips and meeting his mother's eyes. "What's on your mind?" he asks.

Inko shrugs, "The same thing that was on it the last time you asked. I can't help but wonder what's going on."

"You and me both," Izuku frowns. He sets down the cup and allows his gaze to wander to their captor who seems to be very caught up in his conversation outside. He seems to be very caught up in his phone most of the time, so of course, Izuku would assume that he's working for someone, and not of his own accord. He could've figured that out on his own though, Haru doesn't really seem to have his head in the game. I wonder if I could use that to our advantage. Maybe not. If he's working for someone, he's bound to have his reasons for going through with something like this against his better judgment.

Haru hangs up his phone, placing it back into his pocket. Izuku can see him inhaling and exhaling slowly before walking back into the coffee shop where he and his mother sit. He clears his throat, preparing to address Haru with a couple of questions when he feels a hand clasp over his shoulder, a familiar, cheerful voice gracing his ears with it. "Crazy running into you here!" Enmei flashes a toothy grin. "I heard you were in town visiting your mom, but it never occurred to me that we'd run into one another. This town's so big, it's a wonder that anybody would happen across a friend without planning to do so. How's your visit going?"

Izuku can feel his chest flutter at the sight of the redhead. He might not have his phone, but surely, if he can't get in contact with Ena, Su, or Katsu... then Katsu's brother will do. Now, it's only a matter of communicating that something is off. Ideally, he and his mother will be walking away with him instead of Haru by the time this is all said and done. "Oh, hi! Yeah, it is a little crazy. I thought you were with Katsu and everyone else," he explains.

"Well, I was, but we got everything taken care of and got home a couple of days ago. I'm here for work-related matters now. If it's not one thing, it's another." His hand scratches at the back of his neck as he chuckles softly. He looks up and his smile falters ever so slightly. He gestures behind Izuku, "And, is this the famous Masashi we always hear about?" he asks.

Izuku looks over his shoulder to see Haru standing behind him anxiously. He shakes his head, "No, Masashi is away on business too. This is Haru, we met him a couple of days ago and have been stuck to his side ever since. He's pleasant company. Haru, this is my friend Enmei."

"Nice to meet you," the other rushes. "How do you know Izuku?"

Enmei takes a seat beside him, welcoming himself to the table once and for all. "Oh, he's a close friend and co-worker of my brother's. He's one of the first people I met when I moved a few months ago," Enmei answers. "How about you?"