I'll Be There (KIRIBAKU)

28

   Two weeks passed by, and Kirishima was settling back into a good rhythm. 

   He had gone back to work straight after, and he was happy to see that he was missed. Hagakure almost threw a welcome back party, but the children did instead. All of them tried to drag Kirishima to play games with them, and he ended up playing so many ball games within thirty minutes, and even a couple children gave him a bag of sweets as a welcome back. He was really happy, and felt loved, and all the parents welcomed him back, even saying that they missed him. Kirishima was a bit in disbelief at how missed he was, but he was glad his presence had left a mark.

   Along with getting paid and paying rent, he enjoyed going back to boxing. His first week back was a little rough around the edges, and Fourth Kind had him fight him again, not because he didn't say where he was going, but more just to refresh his memory. It worked well, but Bakugou's little boxing match with him had helped a bit too, even if it was nothing compared to what he was doing with Fourth Kind. Others did pity him, but he didn't mind it, since his coach was a great boxer, and an even greater instructor.

   His second week back was more normal, and the children were used to being in his presence again. He missed the constant sweets he was given, but he didn't mind it, since all the children still enjoyed being with him. He was being taught maths again by them, but he managed to help them a bit in science, even if it wasn't much. He at least knew the basics, even if maths took him some time, even if it just a simple mental maths question. He questions himself, so that makes him go on for much longer. Hagakure still made them drink orange juice for a small 'let's celebrate this good work day,' even if everyday was good, but Kirishima can admit he did miss their whole dynamic, even if the orange juice isn't as good as the one Bakugou gives him. 

   The second week back to boxing was also more normal. He and Tetsutetsu got to spar against each other, and they both had a lot of fun. Tetsutetsu did have to go after half the lesson went by so he could practice against the more professional boxers in their group, but Kirishima didn't mind. He won't really be fighting Tetsutetsu any time soon in a proper match, so he needs to practice with different people so he can make himself adapt to their different fighting styles. The session was efficient, but Kirishima was still a bit unsure of when to address his want to become a professional to Fourth Kind, so he didn't. He convinced himself to do it next week, and whilst he knows he's procrastinating, it was too late by that time.

   He and Tetsutetsu went out for some lunch after the boxing session, and they both talked about their summers. They couldn't do it the week before since Tetsutetsu apparently had a shift to go to, but he was free this week. They talked over some sandwiches and weird drinks from a coffeeshop, and they both laughed and joked around until it was time for them to go back to their jobs. It was disappointing to say goodbye so soon, but jobs are compulsory, so they didn't let it bother them too much.

   The third week back was similar, but Kirishima had a resolve to finally address his career idea to Fourth Kind. He had been stalling, and he shouldn't be doing it for much longer. It was a long wait for Saturday, but his job did make it much quicker.

   "You seem very anxious," stated Hagakure, as she watched him put away toys back in their container after they finished their job. She offered him a tall glass of orange juice.

   He thanked her, and gulped down half of it before breathing a bit. "Yeah, I've got a plan for this year, but actually starting it is making me nervous," he admitted, chuckling.

   "Really? What kind of plan? Career? Kids? You gonna adopt kids?"

   "Wha- No! I may like working with children, but it is way too early for me to think about that- Never mind the fact I'm not even in a relationship-"