Himari Yukimura || BNHA x OC

3

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the city, Keigo arrived at Shinya's home, his thoughts a tumult of worry and hesitation. The day's events had stirred up a flood of unresolved emotions and secrets, and discussing them was both necessary and fraught with difficulty.

Shinya greeted him at the door with a nod and a reassuring smile. "Thanks for coming, Keigo," he said warmly. Keigo offered a soft smile in return, though it was tinged with uncertainty.

Inside, the living room exuded a sense of calm, a stark contrast to Keigo's inner turmoil. He settled into a chair, declining Shinya's offer of a drink, his nerves too frayed to enjoy it. Shinya took a seat across from him, his expression a mix of concern and resolve.

"Keigo," Shinya began, his tone measured, "I know it's difficult to talk about this. But understanding what you and Himari went through is crucial for all of us. It's important not just for your own healing but for addressing any lingering issues."

Keigo's gaze dropped to the floor, struggling with the weight of his past. He had hoped to avoid this conversation, but the secrecy and responsibility weighed heavily on him. "Shinya, the Commission's methods were more than just harsh. They were cruel and dehumanizing. But... I signed an NDA. It's meant to keep us silent about what we experienced."

Shinya's concern deepened, his eyes narrowing. "Keigo, I understand it's tough, but there's a bigger picture here. I've learned that there's a connection between the Commission's abuses and recent events. It's crucial that we understand and reveal the full story. We need to build a case, not just for us, but to prevent further abuses."

Keigo looked pained, the burden of his past evident in his expression. "But breaking the NDA could have serious consequences. The Commission still holds significant power, and exposing this could be dangerous."

Shinya's voice softened but remained firm. "I know it's risky, but we need to be brave. The truth needs to come out, and if we don't act, others might continue to suffer. We can't let fear stop us from seeking justice."

The discussion took a turn as Shinya's frustration mounted, and Keigo's emotions boiled over. "You don't understand, Shinya! It's not just about speaking out—it's about surviving. They could come after us. They could hurt us or anyone who tries to help us. The NDA isn't just a piece of paper; it's a shield they use to protect themselves from the consequences of their actions!"

Shinya's face hardened, his voice growing more insistent. "I understand the risks, but what are we going to do? Stay silent forever and let the Commission continue their abuses? We have to take a stand. We have to fight for justice."

Keigo's eyes flashed with pain and frustration. "It's not that simple! They own us, Shinya! Quite literally. We're their property. The NDA wasn't just about silence; it was about ownership. They control every aspect of our lives. If we speak out, they could legally come after us, and they have the resources to make our lives a living hell!"

The admission struck Shinya like a physical blow. His expression shifted from frustration to shock. "They own you? You mean... they have that much control over your lives?"

"Yes!" Keigo nearly shouted, his voice cracking. "They've treated us like assets, not people. They control our careers, our public personas, and even our personal lives. If we speak out, or-or step out of line they can use their power to destroy everything we've worked for, and worse, they could target anyone we care about."

Shinya's expression softened into a mix of empathy and resolve. "I had no idea it was that severe."

Keigo nodded, the weight of his admission settling heavily on him. "I want to fight back. I really do. But we have to be smart. We need to gather evidence and build our case carefully. We also need to think about how to protect those who might be at risk because of this."