This time I will protect them I won't be a coward

176

Denki arrived at the old cinema building, a small pit of regret forming in his stomach as he stared at the structure in front of him. The building, though aged, had been meticulously maintained, preserving its charming old-world architecture. People walked past him, oblivious to the tension radiating from the golden-haired boy as he hesitated at the entrance.

I should have told someone about this, he thought, the weight of his decision gnawing at him. But it was too late now. Taking a shaky breath, he stepped forward and pushed open the glass door.

The scent of buttered and caramel popcorn immediately hit his senses, momentarily calming him. The theater’s interior was a nostalgic blast from the past—retro vibes emanated from the colorful walls and the geometric patterns of the carpet underfoot. Denki’s wide eyes scanned the lobby, soaking in the details. It was the kind of place that seemed like it hadn’t changed in decades, as if time itself had paused within its walls.

Posters for current movies and a few classic films adorned the walls. Denki wandered through the lobby, humming to himself as he moved from one poster to the next, momentarily distracted by the vibrant artwork and glossy stills. He was lost in admiration when a calm, collected voice suddenly spoke behind him.

“You’re on time, Asterope-kun.”

Denki’s head whipped around, his heart leaping in his chest. Overhaul stood a few steps behind him, his topaz eyes studying Denki with a peculiar interest.

Kai Chisaki, better known as Overhaul, was dressed as expected: a black long-sleeve shirt, dark pants, and his signature olive-green jacket. This time, however, he wore a sleek black surgical mask instead of his usual plague mask. Denki’s gaze lingered for a moment too long, his brain forming an entirely unwelcome thought. Without the mask, he might actually look handsome… wait, HANDSOME? Ugh, stupid brain, stop it! He’s fugly! Absolutely!

Denki mentally scrambled to shake off the thought, his mind retreating to safer territory. The only handsome person I know is Todoroki Shoto… or maybe two or three more people, he concluded firmly.

“Come on,” Chisaki said, breaking Denki’s internal rambling as he reached out and grabbed his hand. Denki blinked in surprise as the villain dragged him toward the ticket counter.

The ticket booth attendant gave the pair a curious glance before asking with a teasing smile, “Are you two on a date?”

Denki paused, the question throwing him off for just a second. But then, a mischievous grin spread across his face. “No, no, I mean this kind of date,” he quipped, pulling a chocolate-covered date out of his pocket like a magician revealing a card trick. He popped the treat into his mouth with a playful flourish.

The attendant giggled at his antics, while Overhaul simply stared at him, looking momentarily stunned by the boy’s boldness. His brows furrowed slightly under the edge of his mask.

Denki raised an eyebrow as he chewed and said innocently, “What? You want some too?” His golden eyes blinked up at Overhaul, the soft lighting casting a faint halo over his messy hair.

Kai looked at him, his expression unreadable. He swore, for just a moment, the boy’s ridiculousness actually lightened something dark and restless within him. But his reply came curtly. “No.”

Denki tilted his head, genuinely confused. Was he… mad? He couldn’t tell. Overhaul bought their tickets without another word and grabbed the largest caramel popcorn bucket, handing it to Denki with an air of mild irritation.

Denki brightened instantly, forgetting the awkward exchange. “Thanks!” he said cheerfully, popping two—or maybe three—pieces of caramel popcorn into his mouth. His earlier nerves faded for just a moment as he chewed happily, the sweetness of the treat lifting his spirits.

Kai Chisaki, on the other hand, stared at the boy silently, his thoughts a tangled mix of irritation, curiosity, and something deeper he couldn’t quite place.