Shadows of the Mind

Chapter 9: Café Talk and Conversations

The café was warm and inviting, the hum of chatter weaving through the clinking of cups and silverware. The group slid into their seats near the window, the sunlight casting patterns on the polished wooden floor. Mina and Jiro plopped down with excitement, still riding the high from shopping. Kageko followed quietly, smoothing her jacket before taking a seat next to Kirishima, who had gravitated toward her without hesitation. Shinso leaned against the table across from her, his ever-watchful gaze scanning the room with subtle disinterest.

Kirishima grinned, his sharp teeth flashing as he leaned closer. "That jacket looks awesome on you, Yamikaze. You've got, like, the coolest style I've ever seen." His compliment felt genuine, his bright energy almost infectious.

Kageko gave him a small nod, her lips curving just slightly. "Thanks," she replied, her voice low but not unfriendly. "You didn't do too bad either."

The rare compliment made Kirishima beam, his chest practically puffing with pride. Mina smirked from across the table, elbowing Jiro. "See? Told you Kiri's got a soft spot for her."

Jiro gave an approving hum, adjusting her earphone jack. "Figures. He's always had a thing for people who don't put up with his shit."

Kageko shook her head slightly, amused but keeping her expression neutral. The conversation flowed easily among the group as Kaminari stood up to show off his new jacket, a smug grin plastered across his face.

"You guys think this'll turn some heads?" he asked, striking a ridiculous pose.

Jiro rolled her eyes, snorting. "Yeah, security's heads. You look like you're about to rob a bank."

Even Kageko exhaled a quiet breath through her nose—her version of a laugh. Shinso noticed, his gaze flicking toward her briefly, always aware of her subtle shifts. He leaned in close, his voice low. "You holding up okay?"

Kageko gave a small nod, appreciating how Shinso could read her so easily. He always seemed to know when her social energy was running on fumes. She glanced toward Bakugo, who sat slouched beside Midoriya, arms crossed, looking like he regretted being dragged out of the dorms. His jaw was tight, and Kageko could tell he was already done with the outing.

When Mina suggested hitting another boutique, Kageko exchanged a glance with Bakugo—a silent understanding passing between them. Without a word, they both knew they were ready to call it.

"I'm good," Kageko said curtly, brushing her hand over the strap of her bag. "You guys go ahead."

Bakugo grunted in agreement, shifting his weight. "Same. Too much damn talking."

Shinso's gaze sharpened as he looked between the two of them. Leaning closer to Kageko, he lowered his voice just enough so only she could hear. "Be careful."

She gave him a barely perceptible nod. She knew what he meant—he'd given her the same warning the day before. Watch out for Bakugo. Shinso knew how Bakugo's temper could flare, and the last thing she needed was to let her guard down around someone like that.

Bakugo, noticing the exchange, shot Shinso a sharp, sideways glance. "What, is he your babysitter or something?"

Kageko smirked, her expression cool. "Something like that."

The rest of the group drifted out of the café, leaving Kageko and Bakugo behind at the table. The hum of conversation around them felt distant now, the busy café shrinking to just the two of them in the quiet corner. For a while, neither spoke, but it wasn't awkward—just the kind of silence shared between two people who didn't feel the need to fill the space with small talk.

Bakugo leaned back in his chair, folding his arms behind his head. "So... what's the deal with him? Shinso. He your boyfriend or what?"

Kageko gave a soft snort, the question catching her off guard but amusing her nonetheless. "No. Not even close. We've known each other since we were kids—it's... complicated."