The Hope Kids 𓆉 // A New Beginning

ch 2 // hiro & miguel

Hiro groaned as he pulled the covers over his head. The morning sun streamed through the window of his aunt's house, but after a night in San Fransyoko, he wasn't ready to face the day. That secret slice of the city, a mix of San Francisco and Tokyo, where he and his gang—GoGo, Wasabi, Honey Lemon, and Fred—had been sneaking off to every night, had kept him out too late again. But he couldn't help it. The place felt magical, like a playground only they knew about, and every night they returned, they found new hidden spots, neon-lit alleyways, and strange tech that sparked Hiro's curiosity. He loved it.

But now, the exhaustion hit him like a ton of bricks.

From downstairs, the sound of sizzling food and the familiar soft voice of Baymax floated up. "Good morning, Hiro. I have prepared a healthy breakfast to energize you for the day."

Hiro groaned louder, kicking off the blankets and sitting up. His messy hair stuck up in every direction. He shuffled down the stairs to find his aunt Cass reading the newspaper at the kitchen counter, while Baymax flipped eggs in the pan.

"You look like you didn't sleep at all," Aunt Cass said without looking up from her paper.

"Gee, thanks," Hiro muttered, plopping down into a chair. He reached for a piece of toast but stopped when he saw his aunt's serious expression.

She folded her paper and turned to face him. "Hiro, I've been thinking, and... well, you're going on an exchange program trip to Toronto."

"What?" Hiro sat up straight, eyes wide. "Why would I do that? I'm a sophomore! And Toronto? That's freezing! I'm fine right here, thanks." He crossed his arms, already building up his argument to get out of it.

Aunt Cass shook her head, her expression stern but soft. "Look, the University of Toronto has a great program, and I just want you to see if it's the right fit for you. Plus, they already accepted you, and it's an amazing opportunity."

Hiro opened his mouth to protest again, but Aunt Cass interrupted, "And it's not just you. Some freshman from Elmore High went on the program and loved it. They're a school for high achievers, and—"

"Elmore High?" Hiro raised an eyebrow. "The Firehawks school? You know that's like, the rich-kid athlete school, right?"

Aunt Cass smirked. "Which means you can show them brains matter too. Besides, you got accepted effortlessly. You're brilliant, Hiro. This is no big deal for you."

Hiro was about to come up with another excuse, but Baymax waddled over, handing him a plate of food. "Travel is good for mental health and personal growth, Hiro," Baymax said in his calm, robotic voice. "It is highly recommended that you experience new environments."

Hiro frowned but could feel his resistance crumbling. He grumbled, "Fine. I'll go. But only because of the whole 'growth' thing."

Before he could dive into his breakfast, the door swung open, and GoGo, Wasabi, Honey Lemon, and Fred popped out from their hiding spots around the house.

"Surprise!" Honey Lemon beamed, her arms full of balloons. "We're here to celebrate!"

Hiro blinked in confusion. "Celebrate what?"

Honey Lemon grinned. "Your going away party, of course! Your aunt invited us. You're leaving today!"

Hiro laughed, finally relaxing as the reality of his trip began to sink in. He looked around at his friends, feeling a swell of gratitude. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.

But in the back of his mind, a small voice wondered, What could possibly be eventful in Toronto?

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Meanwhile, in Santa Cecilia...

Miguel hummed a tune as he packed his bags, his guitar resting carefully beside him. At 13, he was growing up fast, and this trip was the biggest thing to happen yet. His parents couldn't be more proud. An exchange program to study music? It was a dream come true.

His family gathered around him as he stood before the family altar, ready to leave. His abuelita kissed him on the cheek, and his mamá hugged him tight. They all watched as Miguel opened a sealed letter, one that he'd been instructed not to open until the moment he was about to leave.

Miguel's eyes widened as he read it aloud. "I'll be staying... at a temple?"

His family exchanged puzzled looks. "A temple?" his dad asked, scratching his head. "That's... unexpected."

"Are you sure that's where you're supposed to go?" his mamá added, raising an eyebrow.

Miguel shrugged, laughing softly. "It's probably just a cultural thing. No big deal."

His dad laughed, clapping Miguel on the shoulder. "Well, temple or not, you better bring back a girl when you return!"

Miguel froze, his insides twisting at the thought. He didn't know why, but the idea of bringing back a girl made him feel... weird. Uncomfortable. He forced a smile, not wanting to show his confusion. "Uh, sure, Papá. We'll see."

They waved goodbye as Miguel hopped on his bike, pedaling toward the airport. His heart raced with a mix of excitement and nervousness, wondering what this exchange program—Cultural Harmony Initiative—would bring.

Once he was out of sight, he felt a familiar shift in his backpack. He glanced back and grinned. "Dante, you little stowaway!"

Dante poked his head out, panting with his tongue hanging out, and Miguel couldn't help but laugh. With his faithful companion along for the ride, maybe this trip would be even more exciting than he thought.