In More Ways Than One - Kiribaku

Winter Days (B)

It was almost a week after that certain night. I felt like I was being a bit lighter on him and I didn't know how I felt about that. He could turn on me any minute and totally take a hold of my heart and rip it out of my chest. I didn't like that feeling, it already felt like someone was picking at my choices, mining at the right one which was to hide from society but Ejiro told me to be strong and I'm going to be just that. 

A knock on the door broke me out of my trance. My eyes darted toward it, seeing him all bundled in a winter jacket and a beanie. He smiled, tilting his head, "You alright? We're waiting for you down there." We had decided to go for a walk around U.A, maybe around the close strip mall of stores too. It was a little risky for a winter day but we felt like it would be good to get out some time. My worrying got me late for a lot of things and I felt bad for almost spoiling this,

"Y-Yeah, sorry." I made my way toward him, leaving my spot by the window empty again. He gave me an easy smile and held the door for me. He flicked the lights off, shutting it behind him. 

"CAN WE GET GOING? I'M ALREADY COLD FROM JIRO'S STARE!"

"KAMINARI!" Jiro huffed, unbelieved. He chuckled like a child, flinching from her light punching to his arm. My hand slid against the railing as we made it down. Yayorozu stood in a light parka, her hair down for once and a scarf wrapped around her neck. Some fluffy earmuffs covered her ears, her smile brightened when she saw Ejiro mainly,

"Finally." She lightly giggled, "Those two are like taking care of toddlers." She shook her head, looking back at them. He grinned as well, nodding slightly. I looked between him and Yayorozu then at Jiro and Kaminari, they were all so perfectly happy and I was sad I couldn't feel like that more often. I tried to lighten my hard face but I could tell Ejiro noticed. While Yayorozu was distracted with those two toddlers, Ejiro turned to me. His hand placed on my shoulder, rubbing it slowly. He smiled, slow and small like he was teaching me how to do it again. I couldn't help but suck at my lip and shake my head,

"I really don't feel like..- like doing this anymore.." My foot stumbled back before the words even came out. I was retreating from taking on the day and Ejiro was used to this now. This time, his smile stayed as the hand placed on my shoulder stopped me,

"You can do this Bakugo, please trust me." His eyes soften with worry, "I won't force you but I want you to try." I couldn't turn away when his eyes were like that. Big and pleading, it made me feel worse inside. Knowing he has trust and hope in me makes me agree with him. I sigh quietly, stepping my foot back next to my left one. 

"Fine.." I muttered. His eyes blink and turn to a proud look, the one that always trusted me, the one that made me feel amazing. He mouthed a, "thank you" before turning back to them. 

"Let's get going." He announced. Kaminari's and Jiro's eyes lit up and headed for the door. Yayorozu took one look back at Ejiro and she could already tell I had just tried to back away. I guess his soften look was lost in his proud one. She gave a small smile, picking up the pace to reach Kaminari and Jiro's strong lead. I hesitantly followed him, giving him a bit of space. He barely had to look back at me once we left the building fully, "Are you afraid of getting close to me?" 

His question caught me off guard. I coughed up the words I tried to speak, it was just so sudden and I didn't know what to say. He finally looked over his shoulder, seeing my frozen eyes. He sighs hopelessly, "Are you?" He asked again. I took in the question again,

"Mentally or-- or physically..?" I was wanting him to be a bit specific, I was scared by his answer more than mine, 

"Which ever one you aren't comfortable with."