Linked Paths

Arc I - Closer to You [Chapter 1: If I were You, or am I?]

Kacchan invites himself in and puts his uniform on my table while I close the door again. I now hand him mine, “Here.”

Kacchan: *takes the clothes with a slight nod*, “I’d best help you with my hair…”, *frowns at the sight of my current “hairstyle”*, “You obviously don’t have a clue.”

I’m not even offended by this biting comment and only shrug. I mean, that’s fact.

Kacchan: “I’ll change quickly and then bring my equip.”

When we are finally done, I’m engrossed in my tangle of thoughts. Having my hair done by Kacchan was less embarrassing than I had initially feared. That fact, in turn, was the craziest thing ever. My current mental state could easily be described as permanently confused. What isn’t embarrassing and confusing at the moment?!

Neither Kacchan nor I have much desire to eat breakfast in the communal kitchen (‘Lunch Rush’ is out of the question anyway) before Aizawa-sensei has announced our situation to our class officially. Therefore, we chose the lesser evil and agree to tell Laha ahead of the others and ask him to bring us breakfast.

From the selection of breakfast things that Laha has put together for us, Kacchan prepares what I am allowed to eat. I don’t complain as it’s one of our rules now. At first, it’s quiet between us three while eating, but due to the news Laha can’t hold on for long.

Laha: “I still can’t believe what happened to you guys!”, *looks first to Kacchan and second to me, then sighs deeply*, “I don’t even know who to look at right now.”

“Confusing, I know.”, I reply dejectedly.

Laha: “And you don’t know how long the effect will last?”

The current response to this is what is particularly depressing. “Unfortunately not yet.”

Laha: *sighs once more and shakes his head in disbelief*, “Izzy, I’m so incredibly sorry about this! You know you can always come to me, sweetie. But I can also totally understand if you want to have your peace and privacy. No matter what it is, I accept your wishes. I will support you wherever I can. Even if it meant leaving you be.”

The worry is written on my bestie’s face. The body swap must be unpleasant for him too. It will probably make things between us strange and difficult in some respects. Despite this, Laha thinks first of my well-being. Like always. He’s simply the best!

Laha: “And believe me, if I catch anyone talking trash about it behind your back, I’m going to give them a telling off!”, *winks at me*

Suddenly overrun by a wave of despair, I can’t hold on to myself and let myself fall into Laha’s arms, tears threatening to fall. Much too quickly, however, I am forced to row back again.

I blush a little, “Oh, sorry. I…” I look to Kacchan to observe his reaction. Was such physical contact with my bestie in his body okay for him? I don’t think I could make it without this, though. Kacchan seems to know immediately what I’m about. He waves my silent question off as if he wants to shoo away an annoying fly.

Kacchan: “Nah, it’s okay. Also, it’s not a secret that you’re all clingy and touchy and shit.”

And what about Laha? I examine his face the next moment, “It’s strange to hug and all now, I know...”

Laha: “Yeah, it’s weird, without question, but I’m not going to turn you down, doofus! Hug me, cuddle me. As always and forever I will be your worry eater!”

“You are gorgeous, you know that?”, I feel my eyes starting to get wet once more.

Laha: *smiles*, “We’ll get through this together. And poof, *he gestures in a fitting manner*, “You’re completely you again.”