Linked Paths

Arc II - Many Firsts [Chapter 3: Coping]

Meanwhile, the squad is still speechless looking at me with different expressions on their faces. Which adds a layer of unpleasant awkwardness on top. This situation is becoming too much for me, the layers too heavy, and I know I need some space for myself to breathe out some of their weight out of my system.

I have to get out of here before I lose myself completely in front of everyone!

I jump up from my seat almost panicked. As I'm about to dash off, I notice Kacchan making an attempt to come with me like the guard dog he is. Right now, his overprotectiveness doesn't suit me at all.

"Sit!", I command dismissively. As soon as this slips out, I deeply regret it, especially with his facial expression directly following.

Then I leave the café with an extra layer of disappointment around my heart.

Sorry Suzuki-san. I'm not as strong today as we both wanted me to be.

[in some corner near the entrance]

To put what I've learned in today's session into practice, I let my emotions run free as soon as I'm standing in a reasonably secluded corner. Although, passers-by occasionally walk past, I ignore their faces, blocking out whether and how they look at me.

No one from our squad follows outside, for which I am grateful.

I quickly notice how it helps to have a moment to myself, let out my emotions and breathe fresh air. How the hindering layers in fact get thinner with each sob.

Suddenly, probably about five minutes in my lonely-corner-session, still in the middle of crying, my HeCom starts to vibrate. Even though I feel disturbed at first, I blink the tears away a little so that I can see who is calling me. I check the display. It's Mom.

Basically, I don't have the nerve for a phone call right now, but mom is the only one I would pick up for. The wish to hear her voice suddenly takes hold of my heart. I take my in-ear out of my pocket and put it in my ear. Her voice always has a very certain effect on me. Besides, she doesn't usually call at this time of day, so maybe that's a sign...

Then I activate my in-ear and take the call.

"Mom.", my voice is very shaky, sounds like I'm going to break any second.

Mom: "Izuku? Wh-..."

Before she can say anything else, I completely crumble down emotionally again, can only cry and sob into her ear.

Mom: "Oh sweetheart."

After a while of sobbing, I try to calm my voice enough to finally say something, "Today is not a good day, mom."

Mom: "That's okay. There are days like this.", *speaks in a soft voice*

I hum to confirm her statement. There is silence on both ends for a moment, only my sobs wander through the line. Then my mom cheers me up with her idea that follows.

Mom: "You know, sweetheart, I have the perfect idea! I'm actually calling because I want to invite you over for coffee and dinner on Monday for the holiday so we can sit together again. I've invited Mitzuki and Masaru too, by the way. But, you know, I think you should definitely come before then. Tomorrow morning, to be precise. We'll have brunch then, and we'll have a great time together. You're going to get a leave of absence for your work at your agency and pack your bag. You'll rest today, let Langa and the others cuddle you and tomorrow morning you'll take the first train you can get.", *pauses briefly to let the idea sink into me*, "Well, what do you say, angel?"

"That sounds wonderful. Yes, I want that.", I reply, moved.

Mom: "Great! I'm really looking forward to seeing you! The little break, especially getting away from your hero duties, will do you good. I'm sure it will."