Wavelengths Apart

Chapter 3

Kita had hardly been able to eat breakfast knowing what this morning had in store and skipping her morning run had her feeling even more anxious. The drizzling rain and overcast sky seemed to reflect her mood. A fat raindrop plopped down on top of the clear umbrella above her head as if for emphasis.

The golden heels of her boots clacked against the stone walkway that was parallel to the Ogawa River. A black slatted fence separated the park from the river, serving to keep the public from getting into trouble. Though of course, it didn't always work. Kita's heart felt like it was beating a mile a minute as she scanned the walkway for a familiar head of black hair. After a few minutes of walking, she spotted Hikaru sitting on one of the black wooden benches facing the river. He clutched a disposable coffee cup in his hands that no doubt housed a warm cappuccino.

Kita stopped in her tracks, gripping her umbrella tighter. He looked less formal today, probably to not draw attention to himself. Still, even in his version of dressed down Hikaru always managed to look put together. His navy pants and simple black shirt paired with a lightweight, short, gray trench coat were the epitome of casual autumn elegance.

It must have been a cold day, Kita thought. She might have noticed if it weren't for her Quirk. Big-horned sheep could regulate their body temperature in hot and cold weather, which meant so could she.

Hikaru must have registered her presence, finally looking up. He had been lost in thought judging the way he had been staring at the ground and how long it took him to notice Kita's arrival. His eyes were that same hallow grey color as yesterday. She could barely stand to hold his gaze for more than a second.

Before Hikaru had a chance to speak she said, "There's been a change of plans. We're going to see the Commissioner."

Hikaru's brows furrowed. "Okay. What for?"

"If you needed to know I'd tell you," Kita said curtly before turning on her heel and heading for the train station.

She heard Hikaru sigh as he stood from the bench and fell into step a good couple of feet behind her.

Good. Keep your distance. After today we shouldn't ever have to see each other again and I can go back to living my normal life like I have for the past four years.

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The train ride to the Commissioner's office had been awkward, to say the least. Hikaru had been smart enough to sit across from Kita rather than beside her. People started whispering excitedly when she stepped onto the train. A couple of brave kids even worked up the courage to approach her. She smiled politely and answered their questions even as the clicking of cameras made her ears twitch. Public transportation could be a pain, especially when she was in her hero costume. People rarely seemed to ask permission to photograph her. She had spent the rest of the ride looking at her phone and doing her best to ignore the glances Hikaru stole at her.

Kita had thought the attention on the train was annoying, but the looks she and Hikaru got as they entered the building were even worse. It was all eyes on them. To make matters worse, everyone here knew who he was. It wasn't just Kita they were staring at. It was Kita and the UA Spy who got one over on every hero and student at the school. But most of all he had fooled the girl who stupidly fell for him. How pathetic she must have looked walking in with him in tow now.

Kita gritted her teeth as she headed straight for the stairs, not bothering to stop at the front desk. She ignored Takahashi as they insisted she had to wait to see the Commissioner, she didn't have an appointment, blah, blah, blah. She couldn't stand to spend a single extra second being gawked at like some sideshow attraction.