Supa Strikas One-shots ⚡❤️

A place to belong

This one was requested by NurBatrisyia1 🙂🙂
PS: I know Twisting Tiger's name is just a pseudonym but let's just imagine that everyone calls him that 🫢🫢

Word count: 1323 words

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Inyo stepped cautiously into the bright, bustling room of the orphanage, her dark eyes observing everything with her typical cool demeanor. Even at just 10 years old, Inyo had an air of authority and quiet confidence, a trait the other children were unaccustomed to. Her parents had died only recently, and being here, in a new place with so many unknown faces, was unsettling. Yet, her expression remained composed and almost unreadable. She was always good at concealing her emotions.

Across the room, two younger boys caught her eye. They were in the midst of an intense game of make-believe, giggling as they dodged around imaginary obstacles. The smaller one with bright red hair sticking up like a flame seemed particularly energetic, laughing as he dashed around, his arms stretched out as if he were flying. The other boy was slightly taller, with an air of calmness that offset the other’s energy, moving with deliberate steps yet wearing a warm smile. Even from afar, Inyo could sense a bond between the two of them that was rare.

The boy with the fiery hair spotted her first, pausing mid-step and tugging his friend’s arm. He whispered something, and soon they both turned, looking at her curiously.

The quieter boy took the lead, offering her a small but warm smile as he approached. “Hi, I’m Miko,” he said politely, bowing his head just slightly. “And this is my friend, Tiger!”

Tiger gave a little wave, his eyes shining with interest. “Are you new here?” he asked, his voice full of curiosity.

“Yes,” Inyo replied, nodding slightly, keeping her voice even. She was used to holding people at arm’s length, but something about these two made her feel… intrigued. “My name is Inyo.”

Tiger’s face broke into a wide grin. “Inyo! That’s a cool name!” he said with genuine enthusiasm. “We were just playing ninjas. Wanna join us?”

Inyo blinked in surprise. Her experiences with other kids had often been awkward or distant, but these two seemed so open, so warm. She wasn’t used to feeling included so easily.

“Are you… sure?” she asked, a rare hint of uncertainty in her voice.

“Of course!” Miko said, his smile never faltering. “It’s always more fun with more people, right?”

Tiger nodded eagerly, bouncing on his feet. “Yeah! I can show you my super-secret Twisting Tornado move! It’s unbeatable!”

The corners of Inyo’s mouth lifted ever so slightly at Tiger’s excitement. She still felt like an outsider, but something about their genuine welcome softened her. “Alright,” she said softly. “Show me.”

Tiger’s face lit up, and without any hesitation, he began demonstrating his “Twisting Tornado” move, spinning around and around in a blur of red. His energy was infectious, and soon even Inyo found herself laughing.

“Now you try!” Tiger urged, wobbling a bit as he stopped.

Inyo hesitated. She wasn’t used to acting so freely, but Miko gave her an encouraging nod. Slowly, she spun, her movements stiff at first, but as she continued, she found herself letting go, laughing as she mimicked Tiger’s moves.

They spent the next few minutes in a whirlwind of games, their laughter filling the room. Inyo felt herself loosening up in a way she hadn’t in a long time. Her usual guarded exterior seemed to melt in the warmth of their friendship.