Smoking cats - shinsero

Mending the fractures

A few days had passed since Mina stayed the night, the morning sunlight seeped through the blinds in Shinsou's apartment, highlighting the soft hum of life inside. Sero had left earlier than usual, claiming he wanted to talk to Kirishima before class started. The purple haired boy had raised an eyebrow but didn't press - Sero's determined expression spoke volumes.

As Sero approached the school gates, he spotted the redhead leaning against a bench near the courtyard, his usual upbeat demeanor replaced by a pensive silence.

"Hey, Kiri," he called, keeping his tone light.

Kirishima looked up, his red eyes dimmer than usual, but he forced a small smile. "Oh, hey, man."

Sero sat down beside him, letting the silence settle before speaking. "I've been meaning to check in on you."

The boy glanced at him, suspicion flickering across his face. "Why? Did... Mina say something?"

Sero hesitated. "Not exactly. But, you know, she's been... struggling a bit."

Kirishima's expression tightened. "Struggling how?"

"Not something you need to freak out about," he added quickly, raising his hands. "Just... maybe it's time you two talked. She's been carrying a lot lately, and I think it's been eating as her."

The red haired boy looked away, his jaw clenching. "I want to talk to her, I do... but I don't even know where to start. I keep screwing up, Sero. She deserves better than that."

Sero placed a hand on his shoulder. "Then tell her that. Start there. And Kiri, she wouldn't still care if she didn't think you were worth it."

The words hung in the air as Kirishima nodded, his resolve solidifying.

____

That afternoon, Mina sat on the edge of the school fountain, her gaze focused on the rippling water. When Kirishima approached, she didn't look up, though her shoulders tensed slightly.

"Mina," he said softly, his voice cracking just enough to betray his nerves.

She sighed, finally turning to face him. "Hey."

An awkward silence followed as Kirishima scratched the back of his neck. "Can we talk? I mean, really talk?"

The pink haired girl looked at him for a long moment, her gaze searching his. Finally, she nodded, motioning for him to sit beside her.

"I've been a mess," he started, voice heavy. "And I don't know how to fix things, but I don't want to lose you."

Mina's lip trembled, but she held her composure. "You say that, but you keep shutting me out. How am I supposed to feel when I don't even know what's going on with you?"

Kirishima's hands balled into fists. "I thought I was protecting you. I didn't want you to see how bad I was."

"And that's the problem!" Mina shot back, her voice rising. "I can't be there for you if you don't let me in. Do you even trust me?"

"I do!" the boy exclaimed, his voice breaking. "I just - damn it, Mina, I've been scared. Scared of losing you, scared of dragging you down with me."

Her expression softened as tears welled in her eyes. "Kiri, I'm already in it with you. I just need to know that you'll fight for us too."

Kirishima reached out, his hand trembling as it covered hers. "I will. I promise, I will."

Mina let out a shaky breath, nodding as her hand tightened around his. "Okay. But you need to mean it, Kiri. I can't keep doing this if it's one-sided."