Compulsion

Chapter 26: Unbearable Loneliness

"READYMADE", BY ADO

-\ XX /-

Kaminari Denki was in better spirits than before. The air felt breathable again and his skin didn't feel like it was on fire. Midoriya was next door, out of the hospital, and even seemed his usual self. That was good... Almost too good. Denki had no idea what truly happened that day - he never asked. Every time Denki looked at him, he'd notice some other scratch or scar. Once, at lunch, Denki noticed how one of Izuku's thumbs had a healing scar wrapped around its base while the whole digit bore a strange off-color from the rest of his hand. Occasionally, he spotted an inflamed maw held together by sinew peeking out from Midoriya's collar or the hem of his shirt.

Wounds like that aren't given by weak bumps and scrapes. He knew not to ask - Midoriya would talk when he was ready... Which seemed about now. Midoriya seemed fine, but given the scars, it felt like a facade.

"Is the guy holding a brave face so that he doesn't worry everyone...?" pondered Denki as he pulled his cap on tight. "Do I play into it just to finally know...?" His face contorted and screwed as he left his dorm, "What if I trigger him or something...? I don't want to cause him any more pain..." He gritted his teeth, scratching at his head, before groaning, "Aw, hell! Am I just overthinking all of this?!"

"Why're you being so loud?" yawned Midoriya as he walked past.

Denki jumped, bumping into the stairwell's railing, "Ah! M-Midoriya!"

"It's too early for this volume - could ya quiet down a bit?"

"R-Right..." He coughed, "Morning."

Midoriya muttered back as they descended, "Morn..."

"What's, uh, got ya so sleepy?" He popped a brow, "Had trouble sleeping?" He offered, "You can tell me if there's anything wrong?"

"Do you know how to make an electric guitar?" asked Midoriya.

"E-Eh?"

Midoriya said, "I've been trying to figure out how to make one durable enough... The body can be metal, but the neck will still have to be wood..."

"What...?"

"It wouldn't be too far off from an actual warhammer or axe. I'd just have to reinforce it properly..." muttered Midoriya.

"What is he going on about?" pondered Denki - aloud, accidently.

Midoriya chuckled, "It's a Support Item for class - a weapon for Jirou."

Denki rolled with his error, following the lead, "A-A guitar?"

"Hm..." He shrugged, "Well, I just that... uh, since she uses noise to fight, a guitar could add some variety?"

Denki teetered his head, "I guess that would be pretty neat..."

"Right?"

He studied Midoriya's face, "Facade or truth... I can't read it for shit..." He internally sighed.

Midoriya suddenly flashed a wide smile, "Oh, hey... I got something really cool to tell ya."

"Yeah?" said Denki, catching a smile from him.

"I got the permission slip signed..." said Midoriya, punching his palm. "I'm going to join the Field Support program for my Work-Study."

Denki slowly echoed, "Field Support...?" His mind wandered as he slowed, "Sidekicks before there were sidekicks..." His hands grew clammy, "Working with Heroes..." The hairs on his neck peaked while a flare pulsed from his chest, "Fighting..."