Chapter 37:Healing and Moving

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Days turned into weeks, and Kenji continued his routine of focusing on school and training. Life at the Kirishima house had become a comfortable new normal. He still woke up early to hit the gym with Kai and Ren, his mind usually preoccupied with the weight of his own thoughts. But the more time passed, the more Kenji realized that the anger and frustration he had been holding onto couldn’t stay forever. His dreams of becoming the number one hero didn’t leave room for lingering resentment. If anything, that anger would only weigh him down.

Kirishima, especially, made sure to check in every now and then, sensing when Kenji was close to a breakthrough. Mina often made the atmosphere lighter with her jokes and random bursts of energy, and Kai kept him grounded, helping him remember the importance of balance between ambition and emotional health.

One morning, after an intense training session with Ren, Kenji sat down on the edge of the training ground, wiping sweat off his brow. The sky was a deep blue, a calmness settling over him as he reflected on everything that had happened.

“Kenji,” Kai’s voice broke through the silence. “You’re getting better. I can tell your focus is sharper now.”

Kenji looked up at him, offering a small but genuine smile. “Yeah. I’m starting to feel like I’m actually moving forward.” He took a deep breath. “I’ve been thinking a lot. About everything, you know? The past, the anger I had...”

Kai sat down next to him, crossing his arms over his chest. “You don’t have to have everything figured out. Just focus on what you can control.
One step at a time.”

Kenji nodded slowly. “I think... I think I’m ready to face it. Ready to face my dad. I can’t keep running from it.”

Kai’s eyes softened, a mixture of concern and understanding.       “I’m proud of you.”

“I just need to clear the air with him. It’s time to stop hiding from the truth,” Kenji said, standing up and brushing the dirt off his pants. “I’m gonna go talk to him. It’s been long enough.”

Kai gave him a nod of approval. “You know I’m here for you, right?”

Kenji blinked at him and then smiled. He'd never thought he'd hear these words from kai of all people,he was surprised.“Yeah, I know.”

That evening, after dinner at the Kirishima household, Kenji excused himself to make a phone call. His hands shook slightly as he dialed the number he had been avoiding for weeks. When the phone rang, he felt his chest tighten, but he kept his focus.

“Hello?” Shoto’s voice came through the receiver, calm and steady as usual.

Kenji took a deep breath, his voice steady. “Dad... Hi.... I’m ready to come home.”

There was a brief pause on the other end. Kenji could almost hear Shoto’s breath catch before he responded, his voice quieter now. “Ah- yeah,Okay...Are you sure?”

Kenji swallowed, his emotions swirling but his decision clear. “Yeah.”

“I’ll be waiting, Kenji. I promise we’ll work through this,” Shoto said, his tone filled with relief and hope.

Kenji hung up the phone and leaned against the wall for a moment. He wasn’t sure what would come next, but he knew that this was the right choice. He had been carrying the weight of the past for so long, but it was time to start fresh both for his dreams and for his relationship with his father.

Later that night, as he sat on the couch with the Kirishimas, he realized something. He had found a new family here in the process, one that had given him space, support, and understanding when he needed it most. But he also realized that family wasn’t about running away. It was about confronting the past, no matter how hard it might be.

The next day, Kenji packed his things quietly, feeling a sense of peace settling over him. He wasn’t just leaving the Kirishima’s house; he was stepping into a new chapter of his life, one where he could finally move on and rebuild the relationship with his father, with the understanding that it would take time and effort from both sides.

“Kenji,” Kirishima said, pulling him into a hug before he left. “Take care of yourself, alright? We’ll be here for you, no matter what.”

Kenji nodded, his voice steady despite the emotion swelling in his chest. “I’ll be fine. Thanks for everything.”

Kai, standing by the door, offered a supportive smile. “See ya tomorrow,loser.”

With a final look at the house that had given him comfort during the hardest time of his life, Kenji walked out and headed toward...home.

The path ahead wasn’t going to be easy, but for the first time in a while, he felt like he had the strength to face whatever came next.

When he arrived at his house, he found Shoto waiting by the door, his face soft but tired. Kenji didn’t say anything at first. He simply stepped inside, and Shoto followed him into the living room. There was an unspoken understanding between them as they both sat down, the weight of the conversation hanging in the air.

“Kenji,” Shoto began, his voice filled with emotion. “I’m so sorry for everything. I should have trusted you more. I should have told you everything, but I was afraid of losing you.”

Kenji looked at his father, his heart heavy with conflicting emotions. “I understand, Dad. It’s... it’s fine. I....had a lot of time to think. About everything. I know why you did it.”

Shoto nodded, his expression one of gratitude. “Thank you. We’ll do this together, no matter how long it takes.”

Kenji smiled faintly, the first genuine smile he had given in what felt like forever. He knew the road to healing wasn’t a straight line, but for the first time, he felt like he was walking down the right path.

And maybe, just maybe, he was finally ready to let go of the past and build the future he had always dreamed of.

Of following his parents ideals and running toward his goal of becoming the world's greatest hero.

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