Work it Out - KiriKami

14 ~ Waiting for You

image cred: honwaka_zz

Eijirou approached the hallway outside the office, his steps heavy with anxiety. Kyoka was already there, leaning against the wall, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Jirou," Eijirou called softly as he neared her.

Kyoka looked up, straightening. "Kirishima. What are you doing here?"

"Looking for you," Eijirou managed a weak smile, grateful for her presence. "I figured you'd be here for Denki. Thanks for that, by the way."

Kyoka nodded and gestured to a nearby bench. They sat down, the weight of the situation hanging over them.

"What's going on?" Kyoka asked, her tone gentle but direct. "Kami is in there with Aizawa, and he's really upset."

Eijirou sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping. "I know. I messed up. But he needed help, and I didn't know what else to do."

Kyoka listened intently, her expression serious. "He told me that you broke a promise. That you shared a secret you swore to keep."

Eijirou took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts. "Denki has trauma. He needed to talk to someone who could help him unpack and process it. I thought... I thought Aizawa could be that person. So, I told him everything Denki told me."

Kyoka's eyes widened slightly, but she remained calm. "You did what you thought was best for him."

Eijirou nodded. "Yeah. But now, he's so angry. He feels betrayed, and I can't blame him for that. I broke his trust."

Kyoka placed a comforting hand on Eijirou's shoulder. "You did it out of love. He might not see that now, but maybe, with time, he will."

Eijirou pulled out a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket, smoothing it out with trembling hands. "I wrote him a letter. I need you to give it to him."

Kyoka took the letter, her eyes scanning the heartfelt words.

"I know I hurt you. I know I broke your trust. I understand if you want to take some time away from me, and I respect that decision. I love you, Denki. I know you're beyond angry right now and you probably hate me. But I'll never stop loving you. As much as it hurts to be without you after leaving things on such a bad note, I'm going to give you the space you need. I hope, in time, you'll want to try to talk this out and try to recover what's left of our relationship. I'll wait for you. Distance yourself from me as much as you need to. I'll always wait for you. I love you. When you're ready to talk to me, if ever, just come find me. I'll drop anything and everything for you. I love you."

Kyoka folded the letter gently, tucking it safely into her pocket. "I'll make sure he gets it."

Eijirou's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Thank you, Jirou. I just... I don't want to lose him. Not like this."

Kyoka squeezed his shoulder. "He's hurt now, but he loves you too. Give him the space he needs, and trust that your love is strong enough to get through this."

Inside the office, Denki sat across from Aizawa, his hands trembling slightly. The anger that had been boiling inside him was beginning to settle into a deep sadness. He listened to Aizawa's calm, measured words, trying to process everything.

"Kaminari," Aizawa said gently, "Kirishima came to me because he was worried about you. He did it out of care and concern, even if it feels like a betrayal right now."

Denki swallowed hard, his eyes brimming with tears. "I know. But it still hurts."

Aizawa nodded. "It's okay to feel that way. Take your time to process this. Healing takes time."

Denki nodded silently, a lump forming in his throat.

"Thank you, Kaminari. I understand it was hard to accept help, but I promise you that therapy is what's best for you. Kirishima and I wouldn't be pushing for it if it wasn't."

Denki nodded again, his voice barely a whisper. "Can I go now?"

"Yes. Once I get consent from your grandmother, I'll arrange a therapy appointment for you. It shouldn't take more than a few weeks. I'll let you know as soon as I have more information."

Denki quickly stood, eager to leave the office—and the conversation—behind.

In the hallway, Kyoka was waiting. Eijirou had already left. "How'd it go?"

Denki shrugged. "Better than I thought it would."

Kyoka smiled, but her eyes were soft with sympathy. "That's good." She hesitated before reaching into her pocket. "Kirishima stopped by. He asked me to give this to you." She handed him the letter, her expression kind but serious.

Denki took the letter with trembling hands, his heart heavy. He didn't open it immediately, but he held it close, feeling the weight of Eijirou's words through the paper.

Kyoka watched him, her heart aching for her friends. "He loves you, Kami. He's giving you the space you need, but he's waiting for you. Whenever you're ready."

Denki nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Jirou."

As they headed for the exit, he tucked the letter safely into his pocket, feeling the warmth of Eijirou's love surrounding him. He wasn't ready to read it yet, but he knew it was there, waiting for him when he was ready.