Butterfly [ ON HIATUS/MIDORIYA ]

017. to protect.

★

The rest of the evening was uneventful for me. I made my way back to my apartment and sat by myself, as I always did. Laying flat on my couch, Nishimara circled my mind. I couldn't get her words to leave. No matter what I put on television. No matter what I thought about, it always came back to her.

I got up to my feet, looking out at the cityscape from my window. My eyes narrowed. Some of the lights in the city were flickering. That's strange. Must be some weird power surge. I'll look into it tomorrow.

Sleep didn't come easily for me. The ceiling was just another palette for Nishimara. A blank slate except for her face. Her body. Her words. I threw my hands to my face, rolling over. Why did he have to be in the way? Why did this have to happen?

I finally slept, but woke up earlier than usual. I got in at least two workouts, trying not to think about everything. It was a great way to just clear my whole brain. But, it wasn't working well.

Usually I would hear from her at around ten, which I didn't. I checked my messages at least three times. This is weird. Is she okay? Should I call? What's the best thing for me to do?

I decided to call. I couldn't keep myself from doing so. The phone rang in my ear as I lounged on my couch, my computer propped open.

"Hello?"

Her voice was different than usual. It was tired. Not what I expected from her usual cheerful self. I push my computer off of me and sat forward.

"Hey, Nishimara. You okay? I hadn't heard from you. I was— Um— worried."

There was a heavy sigh on the other line. Then a heavier one. Like she was debating something. Is she mad at me? For what I said? I didn't mean to do that I— I just couldn't control myself.

"Nishimara? I— I'm sorry if what I said upset you."

There was a laugh, a sputtering laugh. She sounded like she was crying. That's all I could hear. What is going on? Is she hurt?

"I'm coming over there, don't worry. I— I'll be there soon!"

"W-wai—"

I clicked off before I could hear what else she was going to say. I was determined to figure out what was happening. I decided to run this time, instead. I took the back way, my mind racing. I need to get there! Fast! Something could be happening.

When I made it to the apartment building, I took the stairs, instantly making it to the top without hesitation. Breaking through the stairwell, I got to her door. I didn't hear anything inside, but the door was unlocked.

I opened it and felt my heart stop. Every single light in the apartment was shattered. Every cabinet was flipped open. There was so much glass, almost every step I took would create a crunching noise. "Nishimara?!"

I heard shuffled footsteps at the bedroom door. She had been crying, her entire face puffy. I ran up to her and put both of my hands on her shoulder.

"What—?!"

I watched her erupt into sobs again, putting her hands up to her face. I didn't know what to do.