(Kata POV – Rumi's House)
Once we reach her place, I lay her down gently on the couch and healed her completely.
Once her wounds vanished, I looked at her and asked. "What are you gonna do now? You should probably rest a bit and take it easy."
She gave me a dismissive glance, waving her hand to signal I was annoying her. "You ain't my mom. Don't tell me what to do."
I tilted my head slightly, and adopt a thoughtful look. "But I play with you, patch you up when you get injured... If I'm not your mom, does that make me your dad?" I ask with feigned curiousity.
She turned her head toward me very slowly. Her lips widened into a wide grin. Not the 'I'll beat the living shit out of you' fun grin, but an 'I'll kill you in the midst brutal ways possible' one.
I don't know how I know to differentiate them.
"Huh? What was that? I don't think I heard you right..." Her tone was sweet, while her eyes threatened murder.
'She's pissed... very pissed. Otherwise, why would she give me the chance to change my statement.'
I cleared my throat and smoothly rewound my sentence. "I said... you're clearly old enough to make your own decisions. And now that you're healed, you can do whatever you want."
Her grin twitched upward, satisfied. "Heh. That's what I thought." She said smugly, leaning back on the couch as she savored some imaginary victory.
I sighed at her attitude. "Alright, I'll be heading back now."
"Don't forget to come back for our spars!" She called after me. "Every Sunday!"
"It was every second week!" I corrected over my shoulder.
"Tch!" She clicked her tongue, annoyed at failed attempt to extort me as I teleported out.
I reappeared in my room, letting out a long breath. My eyes dropped to my tattered hero costume—torn fabric, burnt patches, and metal plates shredded like paper.
With a thought, I healed myself completely, sealing cuts, wiping away the blood, and removing bruises. Then I peeled off the ruined costume and used my quirk to reconstruct it, making it as good as new.
'I really should get a new one...' I mused. 'My body's more durable than my costume, and the design's kind of obsolete.'
When I had designed it, I focused heavily on defense and mobility, both of which are no longer an issue.
As I pulled on a pair of sweatpants and a plain white shirt, I began mentally sketching possible upgrades.
'Maybe I can design something that enhances my physique without me needing to focus on it, with energy storage for greater output?'
I kept coming up with more ideas. Most of them were unnecessary since I could replicate the results with my quirk easily.
Eventually, I sighed. 'I can just make it out of stronger materials, and maybe focus on comfort and aesthetic. Having it passively enhance my body when worn would be the most logical upgrade.'
I then stepped out of my room, still planning designs, when—
"You're back!" Eri and Himiko's voices rang out in sync as they rushed toward me like missiles.
I smiled genuinely, lifting Eri up with my quirk and hugging her to my left while Himiko latched onto my right side.
"Yeah, it took a while to wrap things up." I said, holding them both. "Did you miss me?"
Eri nods her head quickly. "Yeah, but it was fine because I knew you'd come back soon." She said cutely, making my heart melt instantly.
Himiko just smirks, her cheek pressed to my chest. "Are you finally gonna spend time with us?"
I roll my eyes. "I just didn't leave a body behind this time. You act like I'm always away."
She giggles. "You can't blame me for getting lonely if you've always been around~."
'She's hopeless.' I sigh internally.
"Let's spend time together then." I say, smiling down at them.
"Yay!" Eri beamed, throwing her arms in the air excitedly. "Can I braid your hair again?"
I furrow my brows slightly, looking at her in confusion. "...Why?"
She tilts her head at me. "I like your hair. Do you not like it?" She asks sadly, probably thinking she's being a bother.
"No. I like it. I enjoy everything you do, Eri." I say with a smile, causing her to brighten up again.
"Hmm..." Himiko looks at me suspiciously as she hums. "Then... Since you like having your hair braided so much, can I help Eri?" She asks with a mischievous grin.
Eri looks at me hopefully, eyes filled with excitement.
After a moment, I sigh. 'I'm trapped.'
"Fine." I groan.
"Hehe." Himiko giggles. "Good job, Eri!" She declares, giving the confused Eri a high-five, which she returns with a confused expression.
'I blame Midnight for all of this.'
(Mina POV – Kata's House, 5 PM)
Momo and I walk side by side toward Kata's front door, the evening air cool and calm as the last rays of sunlight stretch across the quiet street.
I glance sideways at Momo, my eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Okay, but seriously... how'd you even get his address? He's pretty reserved about most things."
"It was quite easy, actually. I just messaged him and asked." Momo says matter-of-factly.
I look at her in surprise, almost stumbling over my own feet. "Wait. That worked?!"
She lets out a small giggle. "Yes. He replied soon after seeing the message. I was a little surprised too, but... he doesn't seem to mind."
I stare at her, then at the house just a few meters away.
"...Hmm." I stop walking. "Hold up. I wanna test something."
Momo pauses, watching me curiously but nods.
I whip out my phone and type:
Mina:
Hey, Kata. What's your house address?
I hit send. And wait.
After a moment, the typing bubble appears, and I watch it like it's a live bomb about to go off.
Kata:
It's XXX.
I let out a short breath. "He really sent it..."
But then another message pops up.
Kata:
But why are you asking when you're right outside?
I freeze, eyes snapping toward the house.
"...He knows we're here." I say slowly, then laugh nervously.
Momo nods with serene confidence. "As expected of the class president."
I raise an eyebrow. "Right... that's either terrifying or really cool. Not sure which yet."
I glance back at the door, my nerves kicking in again. "You really think he'll say yes?"
Momo pauses, her expression thoughtful. "I can't say for sure. But the chances are higher if we ask directly. That's just the kind of person he is."
I nod slowly and clench my fists, hyping myself up. "Okay. He'll agree. Everyone else is already on board."
'Well everyone except Ida, but he's under house arrest, so we couldn't reach him.' I sigh.
Momo offers me a small, encouraging smile. "It was a great idea, Mina. Everyone's going to enjoy this."
We step up to the door.
I'm mid-breath, trying to calm my racing heart when it swings open before we even knock. I flinch slightly.
Kata stands there with his usual calm expression, dressed casually, and...
'Did he braid his hair?'
"Hey, Kata! Long time no see!" I say with a wide grin and an energetic wave.
"Hello. It's nice to see you again, Kata," Momo says with her soft smile.
Kata nods to us both. "Nice to see you guys too. It's been a while. You want to come in? I was just about to make dinner."
'Oh wow. This is going smoother than expected...'
"Sure, we'd love to!" I say quickly, glancing at Momo, who nods in agreement. "I love what you did with your hair too, by the way." I say cheekily before slipping inside, prompting a sigh from Kata.
"Pardon the intrusion." She says politely as she follows me inside.
I glance around, impressed. "Your house looks great."
'Though, now that I'm actually looking, it is a bit too big for one person. Feels more like a family home than a bachelor pad.'
But before I can say anything more...
"Momo!" A cute voice full of excitement echoes through the house. I turn, startled, as a small child rushes toward Momo.
I just stare, trying to make sense of the situation.
Momo's face lights up immediately. She crouches down with a radiant smile and pulls the little girl into a hug like they're old friends.
"Eri! I missed you so much!" She chirps, her voice warm and affectionate.
"I missed you too, Momo!" The girl giggles, burying her face in Momo's shoulder.
'What is happening? Who is this? Why is she here? And why is she so damn cute?!'
My brain short-circuits trying to connect the dots. Sibling? Cousin? A secret child?!
Kata seems to pick up on my inner panic and calmly answers before I can ask.
"That's Eri. She's my little sister." He says, and I'm almost certain he sounds and looks proud of that, based on the sincere smile I see on his face.
'I've never seen him smile like that.'
Although, to be fair, there's still a lot I don't know about him.
My gaze shifts between him and the girl in Momo's arms.
Same snowy-white hair. Same intense, striking red eyes. But Eri's are wide and full of life, that they just draw me in.
"She's way cuter than you." I mutter before I realize the words actually left my mouth.
I snap my head toward him, panic bubbling up. "Wait, I didn't mean it like—"
But Kata just raises an eyebrow and nods.
"I thought that was obvious." He says, as if it's the most logical thing in the world.
I pause, then cover my mouth as a laugh slips out. "I mean... yeah, fair. Don't worry, you still look good yourself." I wink and pat him on the back in mock consolation. "You're definitely on my best-looking people list."
"I'm flattered?" He says uncertainly. "Although, I wonder where I rank."
My brain freezes, as my cheeks turn a slightly deeper shade of pink. 'Why does he want to know?!'
I begin overthinking and panicking, brushing it off with a laugh. "That's privileged information! Maybe you'll find out one day."
He shrugs, and before he has the time to speak, I turn away, directing my attention to the little girl who's now curiously watching me.
She tilts her head slightly and I can feel her silently sizing me up.
I walk closer to her and Momo slowly and offer her a gentle smile. "Hi there, Eri. My name's Mina. It's really nice to meet you."
She blinks at me, then slowly lifts a hand and waves shyly. "Nice to meet you too, Mina. Are you Kata's friend?"
Her voice is soft, more curious than cautious, and sweet enough to make my heart melt.
I smile brightly, trying to seem relaxed. "Yep! I'm friends with Momo and Kata. We're all in the same class."
Eri tilts her head slightly, studying as if processing the words. After a few moments, her eyes light up with understanding. Then—without warning—she gives a little wave, beckoning me closer.
I glance at Momo. She nods, her smile serene, clearly enjoying the moment. I take a few steps forward.
Eri gestures for me to come even closer, so I lean even closer.
She cups her hand around my ear, and in a tiny whisper, asks:
"Do you also like Kata? Like Momo and Himiko?"
My heart skips a beat.
I freeze. For a second, I genuinely wonder if I heard her right. But Eri's innocent face shows nothing but pure sincerity, like she just asked whether I liked apples.
'Wait. What?'
My mind blanks. There's so much to unpack I don't even know where to start.
My eyes shoot to Momo instinctively. She's frozen stiff, but her gaze shifts away, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks.
'Wait... Momo... likes Kata?'
A weird, tight feeling builds in my chest.
'But we've hung out so many times... she never said anything...'
And then...
'Who the hell is Himiko?!'
I glance toward the kitchen, where Kata had already wandered off, probably back to whatever he was cooking.
I turn back to Eri, forcing a shaky laugh. "Uhh... Eri, why are you asking me that? And, um... who's Himiko?"
Eri looks at me eagerly and excitedly, as she imparts what she considers sacred wisdom. "Because Nemuri said if you love someone, you have to tell them how you feel." She nods, very matter-of-factly.
I gape at her.
'Nemuri? As in Midnight?!'
That tracks. But why are we suddenly talking about love?
My brain starts spinning.
'Do I like Kata? I mean—he's cool, obviously. Kind, smart, hot and handsome, but... do I like like him? And what if I do? What about Momo? And who even is—'
Momo suddenly speaks, her voice quieter than usual, trembling slightly.
"...Himiko? Is that your friend... the one who bites people she likes?"
I blink and look at her sharply. There's recognition on her face. She's definitely heard of Himiko.
Eri lights up. "Yeah! That's her!" She says cheerfully, even humming a little at her friend being recognised.
I stare at her.
'Wait... biting? Himiko bites people she likes?!'
A thousand wild thoughts flood my mind.
'Oh no. Has she bitten Kata? Does he let her? Is it a... thing between them? Like—like a weird romantic... kink or something?'
My cheeks heat up violently, and I slap both hands against my face to hide my blush. I don't know whether I'm flustered or horrified. Maybe both?
"I—who—who is Himiko?" I stammer, voice jumping an octave higher than I'd like.
A new voice answers before anyone else can.
"Hmm~? I'm Himiko! Who're you guys?"
We all whirl around.
Standing at the edge of the hallway is a girl about our age, dressed in casual clothes, arms crossed and a sweet smile on her face. Her golden eyes are narrowed slightly, glinting with mischief and curiosity.
Momo stiffens beside me, while Eri smiles, and waves her hand cheerfully.
I stare at her, my stomach sinking fast.
'Is she... Kata's girlfriend? Is that why she's here?!'
**************
A/N: Hello Everyone. I hope you all enjoyed the chapter.
Firstly, Poor Mina. I feel kinda bad for her. Momo too. I'm sure they must be shocked. How could that happen?😭👀🙈
Anyway, this was a Eureka moment for me. Initially, I planned to co-ordinate everything over text, but realised doing it in person introduces Eri, and Himiko. It avoids future problems by making everyone aware of everyone. And this was inevitable since Himiko will be joining UA soon, and will definitely not leave Kata alone.
Another thing... Eri is a menace! She's absolutely wonderful, but causes chaos everywhere🤣. It'll be fun writing the next chapter, where 3 forces will clash. I don't know whether to have Momo have monogamous beliefs, since she's rich. Rich society might have different values, but it's the best way. Do you guys think it fits the logic, or an I pushing things?
I ain't concerned for Himiko, given her approval of Uraraka in canon, so the only problem is Mina. I'll need to navigate that somehow.
As for other things, sorry for the really late update. I finally got to 10 advanced chapters for the Danmachi fic, so that I e will be updating regularly. Only a few more left for this one.
Also, I've finished setting up discord, for the most part (still got a lot of stuff to add, but the server is basically useable for now), so here's an invite link, for anyone interested:
https://discord.gg/qRuC9gAQ
And read ahead and support me on my Patreon at:
[email protected]/AMV_WEAKLY
But anyway, I hope you all had a great day!