Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
❟❛❟ CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT ❟❛❟
THE EVENING SUN WAS JUST BEGINNING TO dip below the horizon as Todoroki, Bakugou, and Akame arrived at the Todoroki residence. Dressed in coordinated outfits—subtly formal for the occasion.
Rei greeted them at the door, her face lighting up as she opened it. She embraced Todoroki first, then turned to Bakugou, pulling him into a quick, affectionate hug that surprised him. When she hugged Akame, however, her arms lingered longer. "I'm so glad you're here," she said softly, her voice touched with warmth.
"I hope we're not late," Akame said, stepping forward as she handed Rei a carefully arranged bouquet of flowers they had picked up on the way. The soft petals shimmered faintly in the evening light, their delicate fragrance wafting between them.
Rei's eyes lit up with genuine delight as she accepted the bouquet, her fingers brushing over the vibrant blooms. "Oh my, these are beautiful," she said warmly, her voice touched with gratitude. "You didn't have to go through the trouble of bringing these, but thank you. They're absolutely lovely."
Suddenly, a deep voice boomed from down the hall. "Shouto!" Enji appeared, dressed in a simple turtleneck sweater that seemed to soften his usually stern features. As he approached, a slight smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, though he appeared a little flustered.
Todoroki frowned. "Why are your eyes red?"
Caught off-guard, Enji cleared his throat and averted his gaze, an unusual sight for a man so typically steadfast. "Nothing," he muttered gruffly, his voice betraying a hint of embarrassment.
"Oh, Shouto, did you know," From behind him, Fuyumi appeared with a knowing smile and chuckle. "Dad cried when Natsuo brought his girlfriend over."
Rei joined in, her laughter gentle but amused. "He was so touched he couldn't even remember what he wanted to say."
Enji closed his eyes with a resigned sigh. "Enough, Fuyumi. Rei. Let's all head inside," then he quickly strode past them, leaving Fuyumi giggling in his wake.
"What the hell—" Bakugou cursed, wincing as his hand was pinched.
"Don't curse."
"Did you see that, Akame? That old man's face—"
"Shh."
They entered the dining room, where a large table was already set with an impressive spread of dishes. Natsuo and his girlfriend were there, seated near the center. Akame recognized Rumi immediately—a soft-spoken girl with timid eyes, her mouse-like ears twitching slightly as she looked up with a warm smile. Akame had met her before, during a visit to her father's workplace; Rumi was completing her clerkship there.
