The Quiet of Us (Denki Kaminari x OC)

The Persistent Hero

Kaminari had visited the rehabilitation facility a few times since he first met Aiko. Each time, he told himself it was because he cared about the kids. It was true—he did enjoy spending time with them, lifting their spirits with his jokes and lightheartedness—but if he were being honest, it was mostly because of her.

Every visit, Kaminari had casually asked Aiko out—coffee, dinner, anything—but each time she'd smile, thank him for the offer, and say, "Maybe."

He wasn't deterred, though. In fact, every time she said "maybe," he found himself more determined to crack through that calm, collected exterior and get her to agree.

It was late afternoon when Kaminari entered the facility again, his hero uniform still on but his demeanor completely relaxed. He had been looking forward to this visit all week, not because of any mission or hero duty, but because he knew Aiko would be there.

As he approached the children's area, he saw her sitting with a young boy, softly talking to him. The kid was upset about something, and Aiko had that same peaceful aura around her, helping the boy calm down. Kaminari stayed back for a moment, watching her work her magic, admiring the way she could soothe even the most anxious souls.

After a few minutes, the boy left the room, looking more at peace than before. Aiko stood up, catching sight of Kaminari lingering in the doorway.

"Back again, Kaminari?" she asked with a soft smile, her voice as gentle as ever.

He grinned, walking into the room. "You make it sound like I'm stalking the place."

"You are here quite a bit for someone with such a busy schedule," she replied, raising an eyebrow.

"What can I say? You've got a pretty cool place here. Plus, the company's not bad either."

Aiko gave a small laugh, shaking her head. "Is that so?"

Kaminari leaned against the wall, his eyes on her. "Come on, you have to admit, I'm a pretty fun guy to have around."

She folded her arms, amused but trying not to let him see too much of it. "You certainly keep the kids entertained."

"And you? Am I entertaining you yet?" Kaminari asked, his grin wide, but there was a genuine curiosity in his tone. He had been trying for weeks now to crack through that calm exterior.

Aiko chuckled softly. "Maybe." She tilted her head, that familiar noncommittal answer lingering on her lips.

Kaminari clutched his chest dramatically. "Ouch, another 'maybe'? You're killing me, Aiko."

"I'm sure you'll survive." Aiko's smile lingered, her eyes soft as she looked at him.

Kaminari loved seeing that smile. It wasn't often that Aiko laughed outright, but when she did, it felt like a victory. He walked closer, his tone dropping to something more genuine. "You know, I've been thinking." He paused, pretending to be deep in thought. "Maybe the reason you keep saying 'maybe' is that you secretly want to say yes, but you're just holding back."

She raised an eyebrow, still smiling slightly. "Oh? That's quite the theory."

"Hear me out," Kaminari said, leaning in a bit. "I mean, I've been here what... four, five times? And each time, I get the same answer. But you never tell me no. That's gotta mean something, right?"

Aiko laughed quietly, her calm demeanor not wavering, but there was something warmer in her expression now. "You're very persistent, Kaminari."

"I've been told that," he replied with a wink, stepping back. "But I'll stop bugging you for coffee... unless you finally say yes today. No pressure, though."

Aiko looked at him for a moment, her eyes studying his face. She could see how hard he had been trying to get to know her, and what struck her most was how involved he'd become with the children. He wasn't just showing up for her—he was showing up for them too, making them laugh, easing their anxieties in his own, goofy way. His persistence was more than just flirtation; it was genuine care.

She exhaled softly, her smile becoming more open. "You know what, Kaminari?"

He perked up, sensing something different in her tone. "Yeah?"

Aiko nodded, her voice still soft, but now there was a hint of playfulness in her tone. "I think... a coffee date would be a nice idea."

Kaminari blinked, his heart skipping a beat. "Wait—seriously?"

She laughed, nodding. "Yes. Seriously."

"I—I mean, not that I didn't think you'd say yes, but, wow, this is—"

Aiko cut him off with another soft laugh. "Don't make me change my mind."

"Nope! Nope, not at all!" Kaminari grinned wide, trying to play it cool but failing miserably. "So, when are you free? Like, right now? Tomorrow? I'll drop everything, just say the word."

Aiko shook her head, amused at his enthusiasm. "How about tomorrow evening? After I'm done here."

"Perfect. Tomorrow it is," Kaminari said, grinning ear to ear. He felt like he was on top of the world. "You're not gonna regret this. Best coffee date of your life, I promise."

"I'll hold you to that," Aiko replied, her eyes twinkling just a bit.

As they said their goodbyes, Kaminari practically floated out of the facility, a ridiculous grin plastered on his face. He couldn't believe she'd finally said yes. After weeks of persistence, he was finally going on a date with Aiko.

As he left thebuilding, Kaminari couldn't help but punch the air in excitement, muttering tohimself, "Yes! I knew it! Coffee date with Aiko, here we go!"