BRAINWAVE (Shigaraki x Fem/Reader)

Chapter 9

- Chapter 9: Sweet Bitterness -

The bakery could be spotted in the near distance. The gentle breeze nipped at the pair as Sunako's mid-back lengthen, ebony hair dance in the wind. It wasn't hot out, nor was it cold. It was just the perfect temperature for Sunako's liking.

Akihiko tenderly tugged on Sunako's hand to grab the young woman's attention. "Hm?" Sunako hummed pleasantly as she enjoyed the breeze. At least today is nice.

"Where're we going?" the small boy inquired curiously, cocking his head to the side slightly like a puppy would. Akihiko walked close, any closer and he'd be stepping on her tired feet.

Sunako glanced down at the boy this time. "My friend works at the bakery," She gestured with her bag filled hand up ahead of them. "Right there. She visits me all the time, so I thought that we'd visit her today and get some treats."

"Treats!" He smiled ecstatically. "Come on before there all gone!" He tugged Sunako forward with his proclamation.

Sunako chortled softly. "Okay, okay. I'm coming." she sped up and abruptly scooped the child up into her arms. Akihiko always kept her on her toes, but he also made her happy. It was nice to forget her sinking guilt for even just a day of her work leave.

Akihiko clasped his hands securely onto Sunako's shoulders as she jogged forward up to the bakery's entrance, Akihiko bouncing slightly in her hold. She set the child down and took a moment to catch her breath, smile still plastered on her face even as she panted. Grasping Akihiko's minute hand once more, they trailed into the small, cozy bakery that doubled as a bustling coffee shop.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee and hot pastries lingered the warm air, caressing her nostrils and inviting her in. This place always calmed Sunako's nerves, it was just so homey.

The small business was decently filled with people, causing Akihiko to grab her shirt and hide himself behind her. Sunako pulled her hand from his grasp and placed it on his head. "It's okay Aki." She reassured the elementary aged boy as she combed her hand through his hair, further messing it up. "C'mon." She nudged him as she began to make her way up to the counter. He hummed in response. A customer received their order and left to seat themselves among the rest of the patrons, making the adult and child pair next. "Hey Hitomi! Long time no see." She greeted the brunette with a raised hand.

"Sunako! I saw what happened on the news. Are you alright? What happened?" She bombarded Sunako, who'd much rather not talk about it. "Were you hur-"

"I'm perfectly fine. Sorry I haven't been around lately." She apologized with a wave of her hand. "Been picking up some extra shifts to fill my time." She explained briefly before Akihiko gently yanked her shirt, grabbing her attention. "Oh. I brought someone to meet you today." she glanced at Hitomi, then back down at Akihiko.

The hazel eyed barista stared down the blonde for a few moments. "You had a kid?" She asked in confusion as Akihiko went red with embarrassment.

"No!" Sunako piped. "He's my neighbor's son. I'm just babysitting." the black haired woman pushed the blonde forward. "Go on. Introduce yourself Aki."

Hitomi leaned over the cold granite counter to better see the child, her bangs falling into her round eyes. Akihiko adverted his gaze to his feet as he fiddled with his thumbs aimlessly. "A- Akihiko..." he mumbled nervously.

"That's a nice name." the brown eyed woman smiled politely, her tone sweet just like the coarse sugar she sprinkled atop the raspberry turnovers the bakers baked. She shifted her gaze back to Sunako. "You seem to always be working these days and not just at the hospital." she pouted. "Whatever happened to coming here to draw? To see me?" she playfully whined, forcing her bottom lip out theatrically as her head rested in her palms. Sunako rolled her eyes with a smirk. "Anyway," She stood back upright. "What can I get for 'ya? I go on break in five, so make it quick."