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Arc II - Many Firsts [Chapter 3: Coping]

"I miss you, mom.", I just say.

Mom: "Aw, my sweetheart. I miss you too. Not long now and we'll see each other."

My heart clenches, "I can't wait."

I'd love to leave right now, but I've got a few things to care about, plus I'm exhausted and Mom has to work in the evening.

Mom: "Me neither, my sweetheart. It's going to be great. We'll do anything you like!"

I wipe my tears from my face with my sleeve, "Thanks mom."

I feel lighter as her voice once again worked wonders. Yet, I'm homesick now, looking forward to our time together.

Mom: "Of course, always."

"Talking to you is helping a lot.", I share.

Mom: "I'm glad." *short pause*, "I'll be there for you whenever you need me."

So as to not burst into tears all over again, I bite my bottom lip, distracting myself with the pain.

Mom: "Ah, angel, could you please ask Katsuki if he wants to come on Monday too? You don't mind, do you?"

She doesn't see me, but I shake my head anyway. I exhale heavily after releasing my lip, "I don't mind. I'll ask him right away."

Mom: "Thank you. Oh yes, you're probably still at the café, aren't you?"

"Uhn.", I reply.

Mom: "I'm very proud of you. You're doing great, my sweetheart."

She knows, of course, that I haven't dared to go to the café since then and that today I am making an attempt to go there again.

"It's harder than I thought.", I admit. Then I chuckle dejectedly, "And I made a fool of myself in front of the others because of it."

Mom: "It's no wonder you're shaken up, they understand, I have no doubt."

I just hum insecurely. Then I turn towards the entrance of the café. At that exact moment, Laha comes out and looks around searching for me. When he sees me, he shows a loving expression and heads towards me.

"Mom, I have to hang up now. Laha is coming to check on me.", I announce to her.

Mom: "Okay. Say hello to him from me. And to the others."

"Uhn, I will.", I assure.

Mom: "See you then, sweetheart. Please write to me tomorrow when you're on the train."

Laha comes to halt in front of me and smiles warmly.

"All right, see you then, mom.", I end the call.

Laha: "Your mom called?"

I nod, "She sends her love."

Laha: "Thanks and back.", *analyzes me*, "Sweetie, we're getting worried in there."

I look down at my red sneakers sheepishly, "Sorry. Ehm, eh, I'm fine now. I'm coming."

Laha: *pulls me into a hug*, "You know, you don't have if you don't want. We can go to my room, do something else."

I nuzzle my face into his shoulder, "It's okay. I want to face it." I take a deep breath, "Even though I've been so stupid and embarrassing..."

Laha: *strokes my back, clicks his tongue*, "No one thinks like that."

I enjoy his closeness, which also helps to thin out the unwanted layers of emotions.

Laha: "Well, they just thought, being considerate with this subject, would be a good idea, my sweetie.", *sighs*, "It's hard for us too.", *releases our embrace, but still holds me by the shoulders*, " 'Cause we like you so much."