Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"You can do it, De! Come on, I'll catch you!"

"No, it's too high! I can't!"

"Yes, you can! I believe in you! You're so manly!"

And then Denki woke up.

For weeks, Denki had been haunted by dreams like this—fragments of childhood memories involving a friend whose face he could scarcely recall. A boy with black hair and shark-like teeth, whom Denki had affectionately called Ei-chan. The memory of his real name had slipped away, but he yearned to remember more.

It was odd. They had known each other when Denki was still in daycare, but their paths had diverged when Denki moved away. He was 19 now. How many years had it been since he was in daycare? Well, he was 4 at the time... So, 19 is one less than 20. 20 minus 4 is 16. 16 minus 1 is 15. 15? It's been 15 years? Whatever, Denki has never been good at math.

It was strange to dwell on someone he hadn't thought about in so long. Nearly forgotten until his recent return to his hometown, old memories resurfaced with every familiar sight. Walking past a pharmacy reminded him of being sick as a child. His mom had bought him a teddy bear from the convenience store across the street to cheer him up. He still had that bear, but up until now, he had no memory of where it came from.

Entering a small café for lunch, Denki was immediately enveloped by a wave of nostalgia. The menu featured blueberry lemon cake, his favorite treat that his mother used to get him for special occasions.  The café's 70-year-old waitress, recognizing him by his distinctive hairstreak, warmly confirmed the café's long history. She remembered Denki and his mother well, noting how Denki always eagerly ordered his 'lemonberry' cake with wide-eyed enthusiasm.

After enjoying the café's comforting atmosphere, Denki wandered past the old park, where a tall slide triggered a fresh cascade of memories. He recalled how he had been too frightened to descend it, with Ei-chan standing at the bottom, arms outstretched, offering encouragement and support. The memory of Ei-chan's reassuring presence, and the warmth of their childhood friendship, came rushing back.

"You can do it, De! Come on. I'll catch you!"

Denki's protests were met with indifference as one of the bigger kids shoved him down the slide anyway. He tumbled down the slide, panic rising with every inch of the descent. His heart raced, but just as his fears seemed overwhelming, Ei-chan's promise rang true. Ei-chan was there with outstretched arms, he caught Denki, his expression a mix of concern and frustration.

"Hey, that wasn't cool!" Ei-chan shouted at the group of kids who had been taunting Denki. His voice was firm, a shield against their cruelty.

Denki's tears flowed freely, a mix of fear and relief. Ei-chan didn't just catch him; he gathered Denki into a comforting embrace, his gentle warmth a stark contrast to the harshness Denki had just faced. Ei-chan's presence was a beacon of safety and kindness. With an arm around Denki, he walked him home, offering soothing words and a silent promise of protection.

As Denki looked back on that day, the memory of the slide became a key that unlocked a floodgate of forgotten moments. He remembered calling Ei-chan by that affectionate nickname, and their shared days spent in the park. Denki had always been eager to play with Ei-chan, asking his mother every day, "Can I play with Ei-chan today? Please, please, please!" Their bond was simple and pure—two best friends exploring the world together.

Yet, despite the clarity of these happy memories, so much remained elusive. It was as if Ei-chan had been erased from his life for years. He was only four when they last saw each other, and now, fifteen years later, the details were fragmented. But the joy of those times lingered, a stark contrast to the loneliness he had felt in the city.

Returning to this small town had been like stepping into a different world. The warmth and kindness of the people stood in stark contrast to the impersonal and often harsh city life he had known. The old waitress, who now sported fully gray hair but still greeted him with the same warmth, and the pharmacist who smiled and waved when Denki caught his eye—these small gestures were like balm to his soul. The woman who offered him a place to stay until he found his own was an embodiment of the town's generosity. Every interaction was a reminder of a simpler, happier time.

Denki had been apprehensive about returning. He worried that the passage of fifteen years might have altered the town beyond recognition, potentially shattering the idyllic memories he cherished. There were changes, of course. The convenience store had been replaced by a FamilyMart, the playground was showing signs of wear, and his old daycare was now a vacant lot, replaced by a newer, larger facility across town. Yet, despite these changes, the essence of the town remained unchanged. The sense of belonging and joy he felt was even stronger than before.

He had feared that coming back might deepen his despair, potentially reminding him of his mother's death and worsening his depression. The risk was high—either it would rekindle the happiness of his past or intensify his misery. But with nothing left to lose after losing his job and his social circle, he took the leap. He packed his belongings, arranged temporary accommodations, and returned to his former home. Fortunately, it turned out to be the first option.

In just a week back in town, Denki noticed a remarkable shift in his well-being. The simple act of getting out of bed and preparing breakfast, which had felt nearly impossible in the months leading up to his move, now marked a significant shift in his daily routine. Instead of struggling to eat more than instant ramen and sleeping well into the afternoon, he was enjoying fried eggs and toast before noon. This small but meaningful improvement was more than just a change in habit; it symbolized a newfound stability and hope in his life.

Thinking of his little shark-toothed friend from the playground was a mix of comfort and unease. On one hand, Ei-chan had always been a wellspring of encouragement, his supportive words a bright spot in Denki's memory. On the other hand, Denki couldn't help but wonder how Ei-chan would see him now. The same boy who had championed manliness and strength, who had once told Denki, "My mommy says that crying is actually very strong because you have to be brave to let people see you do it. Crying is super manly, and so are you!"—would he still hold that view?

Denki knew it was irrational to be so concerned about the opinion of a child from his past. But he couldn't shake the thought. If Ei-chan saw him now, clad in the same stained t-shirt for days, with disheveled hair and dark circles under his eyes, would he still consider him strong? H doubted it.

Denki also wondered if Ei-chan was still in town or had moved away. Ei-chan would be 19 now, just like him. Denki was curious about his life—whether he had succeeded or struggled. He hoped for the best for Ei-chan.

Denki finished brushing his hair, pushing it back with a large headband. He was so proud of himself for eating a homemade meal, showering, and changing into fresh clothes. Even if he only wore sweats and a hoodie.

He realized he had spent this entire time thinking about his former friend. He decided to try and find him. In a small town like this, if Ei-chan was still here, someone might know him. He even has a nickname to go off of! He doesn't know his full name, but his given name must have 'Ei' in it.

He decided to visit the café again and speak with the old waitress. She had offered him the chance to come by anytime if he wanted to reminisce about his childhood, and he was eager to take her up on it. From what she had said, he must have been quite the attention grabber back then. She described him as 'such a loud and happy baby' who never seemed to run out of things to say. If anyone could provide details about his old friend Ei-chan, it would be her.

When Denki arrived, he found that she wasn't due to start her shift until 2 PM. Her son informed him that her name was Hisakawa Chiyo, though she preferred to be called Babaa Chichi by most of the younger folks. He decided to skip waiting around and instead made plans to pass the time elsewhere. With several hours to spare before her shift began, he had plenty of time to explore the town a bit more.

He decided to revisit the old park, a place that still held echoes of his childhood. Although it had seen better days, the park remained functional. The swings, now creaky, were still sturdy enough to hold his weight, so he took a seat and began to swing slowly. As he swayed back and forth, his gaze lingered on the apartment complex where he had lived as a child. He scrutinized each balcony, trying to recall which one had been his.

As he swung back and forth, Denki wondered if moving back into that old building would have positive or negative effects on his mental health. On one hand, living closer to his childhood memories might offer some comfort. On the other, he didn't want to jeopardize his well-being just for a sense of nostalgia.

He thought about Ei-chan's old building, which had been nicer and more spacious, thanks to Ei-chan's family's better financial situation than his single mother's more humble means. Realistically, Denki knew he should focus on finding stable employment before committing to any new living arrangements.

*ping*

The sound from his phone snapped him out of his thoughts. 2 o'clock already. He'd been staring at the old apartments for hours.

As Denki walked toward the café, he wrestled with his thoughts about what to prioritize—finding a place to live or securing a job. His current living situation was temporary; he was staying with a woman who was an old coworker of his mother's, who generously wasn't charging him rent. She wasn't close friends with his mother, just exceptionally kind, and had even bought groceries for him. He planned to repay her, but right now, he couldn't afford to. His financial situation made the prospect of securing a lease or a down payment seem like a distant dream.

He needed a job, and fast. His last position at the grocery store had ended badly. He'd been fired for repeatedly making errors with change—a job performance flaw he was painfully aware of, given his struggles with math. The sting of being told he wasn't competent enough to handle groceries cut deep.

As he walked, his frustration played out in his head with a self-deprecating Vine reference: "Whaddup, I'm Denki, and I never fucking learned how to count." 

So lost in his worries, he didn't notice the café door until he walked right into it, a classic Denki blunder.  Of course, he thought, that's just typical.

"Holy shit, are you okay?" someone called out. A red-haired boy, around his age, stood by the door, looking concerned.

Denki rubbed his forehead, mumbling, "Yeah, I'm just an idiot."

"Did you hurt yourself?"

"Only my pride. Do you know if Hisakawa Chiyo is working yet?"

"Not yet. I've been waiting for her too."

"Why?" Denki finally looked up, meeting the red-haired boy's gaze.

"She's my grandmother. Why are you waiting for her?"

"I need to ask her something. I'm looking for an old friend and thought she might be able to help me find him."

"Sounds cool!"

Before Denki could respond, the old woman approached, "Oh, what handsome young men I have hanging outside my café today!"

"Hi, Babaa!" the red-haired boy leaned in to kiss Chiyo on the cheek, "Mom sent me to bring this to you," he held up a package.

Chiyo took the package, "Yes, she told me you were coming. Thank you very much!" She turned to Denki, "Are you here for me too, sweetheart?"

Denki nodded, feeling out of place. Family moments felt so personal, and he felt like an intruder. What would he know about such moments? His family had never been close.

"Is something the matter?" Chiyo asked.

Denki didn't answer, so the red-haired boy spoke up, "He walked into the door—face-first. He says he's okay though."

Chiyo approached Denki, her hand gently lifting his chin to inspect him, "Oh dear! Are you sure you're alright?"

"Y-Yeah... I'm okay. Thank you though." Denki stepped back.

Chiyo sighed, "You were always such a clumsy child. Come inside, I'll get you a drink."

"How do you know each other?" the red-haired boy asked as they entered the café.

"Through you, of course!" Chiyo chuckled, "You were both so tiny. I'm not surprised you don't remember each other. Denki had just turned 4 when he moved away."

"Wait, Denki?" The boy looked at Denki in surprise.

"Uh, yeah..." Denki replied.

Chiyo smiled, "Oh, so you do remember him!" She gestured for them to sit at a booth, "Sit, sit! I'll get drinks for you boys."

Denki sat down across from the red-haired boy, feeling increasingly uncomfortable. He barely knew Chiyo and had no idea who this boy was, but they both knew him. He didn't like that.

"You don't remember me, do you?" the boy asked.

Denki shook his head, anxiety swelling in his chest, "I'm sorry. I have a bad memory."

"It's okay, you don't have to apologize!" the boy said with a warm, understanding smile. "I look a bit different now. I didn't recognize you with your hair covered up, so I understand why you didn't recognize me when my hair is dyed a different color."

Denki stared at him, his mind racing as the pieces began to fall into place. Babaa Chichi had been introduced to him through this boy, so they must have been friends. The familiarity of his face, especially his smile, struck Denki deeply. He noticed the boy's shark-like teeth and, despite the red hair, he could see dark roots peeking through.

"Ei-chan!" Denki exclaimed, his voice filled with sudden recognition and joy.

The boy's smile widened, "You remember me?"

"Somewhat. You're why I'm here! You're who I was going to ask Babaa Chichi to help me find!" Suddenly, Denki's discomfort evaporated. His anxiety melted into a stream of words, "I don't remember so many things. I didn't remember that you're related to her. I just came in the other day, and she recognized me, and we started talking. She knew so many things about my childhood that not even I know, so I thought she might know about you! I remembered you and the time we spent together. I remember your face. But I needed to know more if I was going to be able to find you. I don't even remember your full name. What's your name?"

"Kirishima Eijirou. You can still call me Ei-chan if you'd prefer it."

"Kirishima Eijirou," Denki repeated. "For a few days, all I could remember was 'the black-haired boy with the shark teeth,' but just yesterday I remembered that I called you Ei-chan! I had forgotten about you for so long! But now that I remember, I got curious if you still lived around here. So I was going to ask Babaa if she knew anything that could help me find you!"

Eijirou chuckled, "Turns out you were able to find me all on your own. What's your family name? I don't remember it."

"Kaminari, but I prefer to go by just Denki."

"Okay, just Denki. How long have you been back in town?"

"Just a week. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, but I'm moving back! I didn't really plan in advance, so I don't have a job or permanent housing yet. But that's okay. I have temporary living arrangements and some savings from my last job. Planning ahead isn't really my strong suit. I decided to move back here at 3 AM about two weeks ago and started looking for cheap places to stay while I get on my feet."

"You planned your entire move in a week?"

"Mm-hm! Pretty much. I made arrangements to stay with a sweet lady who used to work with my mom, packed up all my belongings, gave my key back to my landlord, and left the city for good."

"What about your friends and family? Or your job? Didn't you have some sort of lease agreement with your landlord?"

"Don't have friends. I haven't spoken to my family in nearly a year. Got fired from my job. My lease was about to expire anyway. I just paid off the last month in advance and left." Denki sighed, "Wow, that sounds pretty pathetic when I list it all out like that."

Eijirou was silent for a moment. He didn't know how to react to that. "It seems like you've been having a pretty hard time."

"Yeah... That's why I came back here though! I thought maybe I could start over. Well, I guess I can't. I already have a start here. All the old people remember me from when I was a kid. I think that's good though. They all like me. Everyone here is so friendly. So, I guess I can't have a fresh start. That's okay though. Good. I know no place in the world is perfect, but this town has so many happy memories for me. The more time I spend here, the more memories begin to resurface. Every moment I spend here is like a dream. Being here... It feels right... You are one of the memories that resurfaced. My first day here, I went to my old apartment building just to look at it. I wanted to see if I still remember the path to get there. Turns out I do! But that's not the point. When I saw the playground, that's what sparked the memories of you to come back. More and more resurfaced as the days went on. I began to get curious about how you were doing; if you're still here. That's why I wanted to talk to Babaa. She seems to know a lot about my childhood. When I spoke to her before, she didn't mention you though. We mainly spoke about me and my mother. Though, I suppose that makes sense. My mother is what I wanted to talk about most, and she probably assumed I didn't remember you anyway..." Denki shrunk down in his seat, "I'm talking too much..."

"No, it's okay! Keep talking! I want to know more about you and everything that you've been up to."

"We'll take turns talking. It's your turn now."

"What do you want to know?"

Denki hummed as he thought, then asked, "Did you always remember me? Or did you forget for a while?"

"It's hard to forget someone when I have a picture of us together in my room."

Denki sat up again, eyes twinkling, "Really?! You kept a picture of me?"

Eijirou nodded, "I have a wall that's nothing but pictures of all the people I've cared about in my life. Even though you were long gone when I made the wall, I asked mom to print a picture of you too. I was 13 at the time. It had already been 9 years. But I still remembered and never wanted to stop remembering. You were my best friend. I cried so much when you left. I didn't know why you left until I was older though. My parents had just told me that you were moving to live with your dad. They didn't tell me that your mom had..."

"She died. You can say it."

Chiyo walked up to the table right after, holding a tray with drinks and cake, "I know I said I was only getting drinks, but I got your favorite cakes too! Red velvet for Eijirou, and Blueberry Lemon for Denki!"

Eijirou smiled as he watched her set down Denki's cake, "It's lemonberry cake, Babaa. Get it right."

Chiyo chuckled at Eijirou's teasing, "Oh, of course. Here's your lemonberry cake, Denki. I have to start my shift. I'll come talk to you boys in a bit."

"Thank you," Denki said before turning to Eijirou, "You remember that? I didn't even remember that."

Eijirou chuckled, "You got into a debate with my uncle about why he should rename it. You were very passionate about your lemonberry cake."

"I don't remember that conversation, but I stand by it. Lemonberry sounds so much better. Maybe I should debate with him again. I'm much better with words now. I might be able to make a better argument."

Eijirou made sure Chiyo was out of earshot before speaking again, "I looked it up when I was in middle school and found out lemonberry is a strain of weed. So, maybe not the best idea."

Denki nearly choked on his drink and then laughed so hard that he snorted as he covered his mouth to quiet himself.

Eijirou laughed too, "I'm serious! That's what it is! It's also the name of a frozen yogurt shop. I don't know if they did that on purpose or if it was a very unfortunate mistake. They were the first result when I searched for it, but the rest was nothing but weed."

Denki still laughed, but not so obnoxiously as before, "I'm just imagining if your uncle had changed it without knowing that's what it was. Imagine someone asking if he changed it to that on purpose, and he's just 'No, no, no. I did it because a toddler bullied me into it. Nothing to do with marijuana.' I would kill to see that."

"Oh, he definitely knows what it is."

"What makes you so sure?"

Eijirou shrugged, "Let's just say my mother was not very happy with him when I accidentally discovered what edibles are when I was 12."

Denki's eyes widened, "12? Please don't tell me that you learned that the hard way."

"Totally learned that the hard way. Had one hell of a great time though."

Denki's laugh trailed off, but his smile remained. He took a bite of his cake before speaking again, mouth still semi-full, "Why were you even looking up lemonberry?"

"Well, it was right around the time I made my photo wall. The picture of us that I have, we're eating cake. You were eating the blueberry lemon cake, as always. You never ordered anything but 'lemonberry cake'. I guess I got curious or something."

"Huh." Denki was silent for a moment, "It's strange. I don't remember eating cake other than the times my mom took me here to celebrate. I don't remember coming here with you."

"My mom brought it back to our apartment sometimes. I don't think you and I spent a lot of time in the café together. My uncle said we were too rowdy. I remember he kicked us out once. We mostly stuck to home, daycare, and the park. We were 4; there weren't many places for us to go."

"Yeah, that's what I remember. Maybe I'll remember more later. So many lost memories are coming back."

"Visual stimuli can do that, I guess." Eijirou shrugged before taking a bite of his cake.

Denki stared at his cake. He wondered how much more his brain was hiding from him. It wasn't just because of his age. He knew young children don't form memories as well as adults, but it couldn't have been just that. Eijirou was the same age, but he remembered so many things. Also, he had to have properly formed the memories for them to be able to resurface like this. He had simply forgotten. He wondered how much more he'd be able to remember as time went on. He wanted to—

"Denki?"

Denki looked up to see Eijirou staring at him.

"Huh?"

"You zoned out."

"Oh," Denki looked down again, "Sorry. I do that a lot. It's quite inconvenient. It's why I walked into the door earlier. I got sucked into my thoughts again and lost myself."

"You don't need to apologize. Everyone gets lost in thought sometimes. It's okay."

Denki shook his head, "They certainly don't do it as often as I do. I wouldn't get so many judgmental stares if it was common."

"What were you thinking about?"

Denki looked back up again. Eijirou was frowning. "I was wondering how many memories I've lost and how many I'll be able to get back. I'll be honest with you, most of my childhood is a blur. It's inconvenient. It made school rather difficult. I either would have lost the memory of learning something or gotten sucked into my thoughts during the lesson so I never learned it at all. Sometimes I'd get distracted by something else in the room and couldn't focus anymore. I failed a lot of tests because of it all. I'm pretty stupid."

Eijirou's frown deepened, "Don't say that. By the way you're talking, it seems like you're pretty well-read. Proper grammar and shit like that. I wouldn't say something was 'rather difficult'. I'd probably say 'it made shit hard' or something."

Denki chuckled, "I suppose so. But have you ever been fired from a job because you have too much difficulty counting change? I'm too dumb to be a cashier. I'm only good with words because I spend so much time reading. That's something I don't have memory issues with. Once I latch onto a book that I love, I'll never forget a detail of it. Okay, maybe I'll forget some details. But not the important ones."

"Just because your strengths don't fit into what society expects, that doesn't mean that you're dumb. Nobody in this world knows everything."

Denki just shrugged and ate another piece of his cake.

Eijirou sighed, his gaze thoughtful. "Tell me one thing that you know that most people probably don't."

"You first."

Eijirou hummed as he pondered. "I'm of pretty average intelligence. This is a harder question than I thought it would be."

"That's why I made you go first."

Eijirou thought a bit longer while Denki continued eating. After a moment, he said, "I know an unnecessary amount of information about sharks. I was obsessed with them."

Denki's eyes lit up. "I think I remember that."

"What do you know?"

Denki straightened a bit, his smile growing. "I'm multilingual. I'm completely fluent in Japanese and English, partially fluent in Korean, and I know very basic Spanish."

"That's super impressive, Denki! How can you call yourself stupid when you're that well-versed in language?"

Denki shrugged, leaning back. "I guess I don't see it that way."

Eijirou tilted his head. "What's the difference between partially and completely fluent?"

"Well, for complete fluency, you need to speak and write accurately without preparation, just like in your native language. Japanese is my native language, but I can speak English just as easily. I don't have an accent and I don't translate in my head. I can think in English. With Korean, I still translate in my head and have an accent, but I'm pretty good at it. I'm hoping to become fluent enough in Korean to start learning another language."

Eijirou's eyes widened. "How many languages are you trying to learn?"

"I don't have a goal. I take them one at a time. I'm hoping that I might be able to make a career as a translator. Words are the only thing I'm confident in... What about you?"

Eijirou's expression softened. "I'm not sure yet. I'm in university, but my major is undecided. I'm taking general education classes and working part-time for now."

"Where do you go to school?"

"University of Asahi. It's not the biggest school, but it's close to home. I didn't want a long commute."

"U.A., right? Isn't that still 20 minutes away?"

Eijirou nodded. "There aren't many higher education options around here. If I get more ambitious, I might move somewhere with a better school. But for now, I'm staying here."

"Ah, that makes sense. I tried to go to school but it didn't work out. My father tried to get me into Tokyo Institute of Technology, but their acceptance rate is only 5%. I didn't stand a chance. I managed to get into Saitama University, which has a higher acceptance rate, but my father overestimated my ability to handle the program. I was failing multiple classes and knew I'd be miserable if I continued, so I dropped out about two months ago."

"Did you try changing majors?"

Denki chuckled. "My father wouldn't allow me to change to something I enjoyed. If it wasn't his pick, he wasn't going to pay. So, I left."

Eijirou's eyes softened. "So that's why you dropped out and moved away—to escape the pain."

Denki sighed. "I've made things sad, haven't I?"

"It's okay," Eijirou said with a reassuring smile. "I wanted to know."

"Tell me more about your life."

Eijirou chuckled. "Well, my life isn't that interesting. I had a typical small-town childhood. Now, I still live with my parents and go to university. I work part-time at the FamilyMart down the street."

"Are you happy?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty happy."

"That's good. What about your friends? Are they nice?"

"Yeah, for the most part. Katsuki's a bit of a loose cannon. You never know what you're going to get with him. Some days he's nice and helps me with my homework, but other days..."

"Other days?"

Eijirou sighed. "Most days, really. He's screaming at everyone and throwing insults."

"That doesn't sound very nice."

"I know, but he's a good person. He's just bad with emotions, and they get displaced. He cares about people and wants to help them. He just... honestly, he needs some therapy."

Denki laughed softly. "Don't we all?"

Eijirou's smile widened. "Do you want to meet them?"

"Your friends?"

Eijirou nodded. "I have more friends than just Katsuki. There's Mina, Kyoka, Hanta, Yaomomo, Rikidou, and Izuku. Izuku has known Katsuki since daycare, just like us. He helps keep Katsuki in check. The others are super sweet too!"

"What are their majors?"

"Mina's majoring in chemistry with a focus on forensics. Kyoka's majoring in music with a focus on digital audio production. She's a great musician. Hanta is undecided, like me. Katsuki won't tell me his and just yells when I ask. I think that means undecided and he's ashamed to admit that there's something his life he hasn't taken control of yet. Izuku is double majoring in physical therapy and business administration. He wants to open a gym and be a fitness trainer for people with physical disabilities. Yaomomo's majoring in business administration with a focus on entrepreneurship. Rikidou's majoring in food and beverage management. He wants to open his own restaurant. We have a wide range of majors. Oh, and now that I think about it, our school offers two foreign language programs."

Denki poked at his cake with his fork. "What are you implying?"

"You mentioned wanting to become a translator because words are your strength. The school offers foreign language programs—one for plain old learning languages. The second one is for teaching languages. I think it might be perfect for you."

Denki considered this. "I couldn't afford to go to school on my own. I have bigger concerns, like finding a long-term place to live. Before that, I need a job."

"My uncle is hiring at the café! I refused the offer because I didn't want to work for my uncle, but it's a cool place. He's been looking for a new waiter for a while."

"I've told you I messed up as a cashier before. I kept giving back incorrect change. Being a waiter involves handling the register; I'd probably make the same mistakes here and end up in the same situation."

"Actually, my uncle's register is pretty cool. It counts change for you and puts it right into a dish for the customer. It even sorts the bills and everything. It's all super high-tech to help prevent theft, and only my uncle has the key to the change box. You don't have to handle the money much; just put it in a slot and the machine does the rest. It really confused me when I covered for Babaa once, but with some training, it's easy. You mostly just need to put the right coins in the right slots. If you mess up, the machine rejects the coin and you just try again."

Denki considered this. "Okay, I'll give it a shot. It would be foolish to turn down a job offer without learning more. Especially one coming from a friend."

The two continued eating, with Eijirou leading the conversation. He excitedly described how great it would be for Denki to work at the café and how much Denki would love his school. Eijirou was eager to introduce Denki to his friends, though he hoped Katsuki wouldn't intimidate him—Denki seemed to startle easily. Eijirou was determined to help his old friend, thinking that securing him a job and making new friends would be a big win. After finishing their meal, Chiyo showed Denki how to use the register, which he found surprisingly easy. Denki left the café with an application in hand.

"Thanks, Ei," Denki said as they walked down the street toward sunset. "For the potential job, the friends, everything. I really needed it."

"No problem!" Eijirou smiled. "I'm glad to help someone I care about."

Denki sighed as he stepped up onto the ledge that separated the sidewalk from the grassy hillside, which gradually rose higher as they walked along. Eijirou's hand instinctively gripped his, though Denki didn't comment on it, he appreciated the steadying touch. "I don't know how often you've ventured beyond this town, but most of the world isn't like this. I've traveled to places where friendliness is rare and people are more concerned with their own problems than helping others. It's cold and unforgiving out there. I couldn't bear the harshness anymore. I needed to find someplace where people would be kind."

"Now you've found it. I promise my friends are kind too. Kyoka can be snarky and Katsuki has a foul mouth, but they're kind-hearted. I won't let them be mean to you."

Denki pointed to a house in the distance. "That's where I'm staying."

"Do you have everything you need there?"

Denki nodded. "I'm alright. She even buys food for me."

Eijirou smiled. "That's good. If things don't work out, don't hesitate to call me. Our apartment isn't very big, but we can make room."

Denki jumped down from the ledge. "She said I can stay as long as I need, but thank you. It's nice to know there's a backup."

"I'll call you after class tomorrow and see if my friends are down to meet."

"4 PM, right?"

Eijirou nodded. "That's my last class."

"I'll be awaiting your call." Denki stopped in front of his temporary home. "Hey, Ei, one last thing before I go inside."

"What is it?"

Denki hesitated for a moment. "What do you think of me now? Wait—don't answer that. That was a stupid question."

Eijirou smiled warmly. "I don't think it's stupid at all. I think you're incredibly brave. You were unhappy, so you took a leap of faith to find happiness. That takes a lot of courage."

"Or desperation."

"Whatever you want to call it, I think it makes you strong. So manly."

Denki couldn't help but smile, his eyes glistening. "You're just as amazing as I remember."

"Can I ask a question now?"

Denki nodded.

"Do you think you can find a happy life here?"

"I think I might already have. It's in sight, at least. That's more than I had before."

"That's good. If there's anything I can do to help you get it, please let me know."

"Call me tomorrow. That will help."

Eijirou nodded. "Got it. Tomorrow at 4 PM; sometime around then."

Denki reached up to hug him, feeling comforted in Eijirou's embrace. "Just stick around. The thought of you alone helped me enough to prompt me to find you. Now, I need you to stay. I don't need you to do anything extreme. All I ask is that you stick around."

"Easy enough. I can do that."

Denki pulled away, a tear escaping as he smiled. "Thank you, Ei. I don't think you realize how much it means to me to have you as a friend again."

Eijirou's gaze softened. "You don't have to thank me. In my eyes, you never stopped being my friend. We just spent a long time apart. That doesn't change how much I care about you."

Denki looked down, sniffing. "I should go in now. I have a job application to fill out."

"Right. I'll call you tomorrow."

Denki nodded, murmuring, "Thank you," before quickly heading back into the building and up to the guest room where he'd been staying.

As soon as the door closed behind him, the floodgates broke.

He sank to the floor, leaning against the bedroom door, and began to sob uncontrollably. With each tear, all the negative energy seemed to drain from him. For the first time in ages, he felt like he could breathe again. A clear path had emerged: a job prospect, the chance to afford his own apartment, and someone eager to introduce him to new friends. The weight of misery had vanished, leaving him with a profound sense of relief. He couldn't remember the last time he wasn't engulfed in pain. Now, a new emotion was taking its place—one he hadn't felt in so long that it felt almost foreign.

He felt hope.

Chapter Text

Eijirou spent the rest of the evening on a group video call with his friends, sharing every detail about his reunion with his old playground buddy. Most of them found it quite endearing.

"Wow, Ei," Mina said, "I haven't seen you this happy over anything."

"I thought I would never see him again!" Eijirou exclaimed. "But then he just appeared at the café, looking for me specifically."

"I thought you said he was looking for Chichi," Katsuki said sarcastically.

"Yes, but he was looking for her to ask about me. He didn't remember my full name, so he would have had to ask around if I hadn't been at the café when he walked into the door."

Mina chuckled, "He sounds dumb in the cutest way possible. I love him already."

"Honestly, pretty sure it's ADHD or something. He has a lot of problems with focus and memory, but he seems super smart. He knows four languages!" Eijirou held up four fingers. "Four! Well, he's still a beginner at Spanish. But he's fluent in the rest! None of us can say that."

Sero nodded, "We cannot say that."

Eijirou frowned, "Why do you sound like you're mocking me?"

"I'm not!"

"He's probably cranky because it's late and he's tired," Kyoka said.

"Yeah," Izuku said, "It is getting pretty late. I have an early class tomorrow."

"As do I," Yaomomo agreed.

Eijirou sighed, "You should go to bed. But we need to make plans for you all to meet Denki. I promised to introduce him to you guys. He needs to make some friends."

"I actually have someone I want to introduce you to as well," Mina said with a cheery smile. "I met this really cute girl in my calculus class. She's an astronomy major and super interested in gravitational astrophysics. This is her first semester here, and she doesn't really have any friends yet either."

"You can bring her when we meet up with Denki!" Eijirou smiled again. "It's perfect. What's her name?"

"Uraraka Ochako. She's kinda ditsy, but also super smart, so it just makes her look adorable."

"Dumb in the cutest way possible?" Yaomomo asked, repeating Mina's words from earlier.

Mina chuckled, "I have a type. Airheads are cute if they're actually intelligent."

"You guys can tell us about your cute airheads tomorrow," Hanta said. "I'm going to bed."

"Let's meet in the square for lunch," Yaomomo said. "We can make plans for when to introduce your new friends then."

"Sounds good." Eijirou said. "I don't plan on calling Denki until after my last class anyway. I just need a definitive answer by then. He, um, he was crying when he went inside. He tried to hide it, but it was obvious. He's really struggling. He needs things to look forward to."

Mina frowned, "We'll make time for him. I promise. I'll cancel all my plans if I have to."

Eijirou smiled, "Thank you. I'll let you guys sleep now."

"Make sure to get some sleep too!" Izuku insisted.

"I'll try." Eijirou said before leaving the call. He really would try, but something made him believe that he'd probably be up all night thinking about his old friend.

He couldn't get Denki's face out of his mind as he started getting ready for bed. He had looked so run down. The dark circles under his eyes were very concerning. He clearly hadn't been sleeping well. And he seemed so sad, especially when he zoned out. It was like all life left his eyes. He'd get an occasional spark here and there, but only when he was excited. It would quickly disappear when he shrunk back into his seat and scolded himself for speaking too much. One thing was very clear, the poor kid had been through some serious trauma. He was still in so much pain.

Eijirou's parents were never ones to speak poorly of people they didn't know. Hell, they rarely spoke poorly of people they did know. But they did speak poorly of Denki's father. Eijirou had never met the man, but he overheard many adult conversations about what a cruel boyfriend he had been to Denki's mom before taking off the moment she got pregnant. The very few things Denki had shared with Eijirou today just went to show that man hadn't changed a bit. Poor Denki, at only four years old, had lost his mother and was thrown into an uncaring world with a cruel father. Of course, he had trauma. Who wouldn't have trauma after that? Eijirou just wanted to do whatever he could to help Denki heal from that.

As he climbed into bed, he tried his best to divert his thoughts away from Denki, but he just couldn't. He thought about him as he drifted off to sleep. He dreamed about him all night. But in his dreams, Denki was happy. Oh, if only.

°•. ✿ .•°

Denki woke up around 3 AM, now lying on the floor next to his bedroom door. He had cried himself to sleep without realizing it. Great. Now his back was going to give him problems for at least a few days. He carefully got himself off the floor and stretched, feeling a lot of popping and cracking as he did. Damn, he needed that.

Once he had thoroughly stretched out his aching joints, he turned on the light. The room had been pitch black. He closed his eyes as the lights flickered to life, then looked around to get his bearings again.

The room he was staying in hadn't bothered him before, but now it did. There was laundry and trash all over the place. He started to pick it all up and put them in their respective baskets, thinking that his sudden discontent with the state of the room was a sign of improving mental health. He was too depressed to care about the mess before. But now he had hope. Hopeful people don't live in squalor, he told himself.

Besides, this wasn't his home to make a mess of. He owed it to the woman who had been kind enough to let him stay there to at least keep the place tidy. So he picked everything up and promised himself that he'd never let it get this bad again, just as he'd promised himself so many times before. He told himself that this time would be different and he'd really keep it clean this time, just as he had told himself before. However, this time did feel a bit different. This time he believed it.

By the time he had the room in acceptable order, it was already 5 AM. He had gone on a whole ADHD cleaning frenzy. He even ran the laundry through the wash, folded it, and put it away. He rarely managed to do all that in one day, let alone back to back. He'd usually let it sit in the dryer for at least one day, then fold it and let it sit in the basket for at least one day after that. At least he always remembered to swap it over from the washer to the dryer. The last thing he needed was moldy clothes.

Now that his room was clean and the hyperfocus was starting to wear off, Denki felt the weight of exhaustion settle over him. Sleeping hunched up against the door hadn't exactly been restful, and his frenzied cleaning had drained him further. He hoped he hadn't disturbed his mother's friend with all his activity, especially since she needed to wake up for work soon.

With a sigh of relief, Denki lay down on the freshly made bed, pulling the blanket up to his chin. As he closed his eyes, a contented smile spread across his face, the first in what felt like an eternity. He drifted off to sleep, feeling the warmth of the blanket and the satisfaction of a clean room.

When he finally woke up around noon, the grogginess from his sleep had mostly dissipated, leaving him feeling refreshed and more optimistic than he had in days. As he stretched and gathered his thoughts, the events of the previous day remained vivid, but the hopeful spark they had ignited in him lingered warmly.

Deciding to get out and explore the town a bit, Denki took a leisurely walk through the neighborhood. He visited a local bookstore, where he browsed through the shelves and picked up a few novels that caught his interest. He also stopped by the café to drop off his application. He grabbed a coffee and a pastry while there, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere as he watched people go about their day.

Around 4 PM, his phone rang, and he saw Eijirou's name flash on the screen.

"Hey, Ei," Denki answered, trying to mask his nervousness.

"Hey, Denki! How are you doing?" Eijirou's voice was cheerful.

"I'm doing okay. Feeling a lot better, actually. What's up?"

"I wanted to see if you're up for meeting my friends tomorrow. We're planning a get-together, and I think you'd really like them."

Denki's eyes lit up, his excitement palpable. "Really? That sounds great!"

Eijirou's voice was warm and encouraging. "We're meeting at a café near the university. We can take the train together if you'd like."

Denki grinned, feeling a rush of nervous excitement. "Perfect! I can't wait to meet them."

"They're all excited to meet you too. See you tomorrow!"

Denki hung up, his heart racing with a mix of anxiety and anticipation. Meeting Eijirou's friends was a daunting prospect, but it also felt like a crucial step towards building a new life here.

He went home and spent the rest of the evening immersed in the new books he had bought. As he read, he felt a growing sense of calm and hope. Each page brought him comfort and distraction, allowing him to focus on the promise of tomorrow. By the time evening turned to night, Denki was filled with a quiet anticipation. For the first time in a long while, he was genuinely looking forward to what lay ahead.

°•. ✿ .•°

Denki and Eijirou stepped off the train and made their way through the bustling streets. As they approached their destination, Denki's excitement grew. They arrived at the Peter Rabbit Garden Café.

The café was nestled behind a whimsical garden arch trellis covered in blooming vines and vibrant flowers. The archway formed a picturesque entrance, guiding visitors along a cobblestone path lined with lush greenery and delicate fairy lights. It felt like stepping into a fairy-tale garden.

Inside, the café continued the enchanting theme. Wooden tables and chairs were arranged under soft, warm lighting. The walls were decorated with framed illustrations of Peter Rabbit and his adventures. A large, captivating mural of Mr. McGregor's garden stretched across one wall, adding to the whimsical feel. The café's scent was a comforting mix of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods.

Denki's eyes widened in amazement as he took in the scene. "Wow, this place is incredible," he said, a broad smile spreading across his face. "It's like stepping into a storybook!"

Eijirou grinned at Denki's reaction. "I'm glad you like it. This place has a really calming vibe."

As they entered the café, Denki's excitement was noticeable. He marveled at the whimsical décor and the cozy atmosphere, taking in every detail with wide-eyed wonder. The staff, dressed in charming aprons, greeted them warmly and led them to a large table where Eijirou's friends were already gathered.

Denki couldn't contain his enthusiasm. "This is amazing! I've never been to a place like this before. It's so cute!"

Eijirou's heart warmed at the sight of Denki's renewed spark. "I'm really happy you like it. I thought it would be a nice spot to introduce you to everyone. It's so relaxing, and I figured it would help make meeting my friends a bit more comfortable."

As Denki settled into his seat, he took a deep breath and let the cozy atmosphere of the café ease his nerves. Eijirou's friends were all warm and welcoming, and their smiles immediately put him at ease.

Mina was the first to speak. "Hi, Denki! I'm Mina. I've heard so much about you from Eijirou. It's great to finally meet you!" She flashed a bright, friendly smile that instantly made Denki feel more comfortable.

"Hi, Mina! It's really nice to meet you too," Denki replied, his excitement barely contained. He turned to the others. "I'm Denki. It's great to meet all of you."

Katsuki gave Denki a silent nod, acknowledging him with a curt, almost imperceptible gesture.

Denki, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement, managed a nervous chuckle. "Katsuki?"

The rest of the group erupted into laughter. Eijirou grinned and leaned in, "Yep, that's Katsuki. He's not so bad once to get to know him."

Denki's smile widened, reassured by their easygoing response.

Kyoka and Hanta introduced themselves next, and Denki found himself increasingly at ease. Kyoka, with her laid-back demeanor, offered a reassuring smile. "I'm Kyoka. Don't worry, we're a pretty chill group."

Hanta gave a friendly wave. "And I'm Hanta. We're all looking forward to getting to know you better."

The last person to introduce herself was Mina's friend. Her face lit up with a warm smile. "Hi, Denki! I'm Ochako. I'm new here too."

Denki felt a flutter of excitement as he shook Ochako's hand. "Glad I'm not the only one."

As the group settled in and ordered their drinks and pastries, the conversation flowed easily. Denki found himself laughing and engaging with everyone, his initial nerves melting away. The café's whimsical décor and the relaxed atmosphere made it easier for him to open up and share stories. They were all interested in what his big city life had been like.

Eijirou watched with satisfaction as Denki interacted with his friends. It was clear that Denki was enjoying himself, and Eijirou felt a sense of relief and happiness. He was glad to see his old friend finally feeling comfortable and beginning to connect with new people.

He leaned over to Denki. "I'm really glad you came today."

Denki smiled. "Thank you. I was nervous at first, but this has been amazing."

As the afternoon wore on, Denki found himself more and more at ease. The conversations became more animated, and laughter filled the air. He couldn't remember the last time he had felt so relaxed and happy.

By the time the group started to wind down, Denki felt a deep sense of contentment. He had not only enjoyed a wonderful afternoon in a charming setting but had also made new friends who welcomed him with open arms. The day had been a refreshing change from his usual routine, and he left the café feeling hopeful and excited about the future.

Eijirou walked out with Denki, his heart swelling with pride and happiness. "I'm really glad you enjoyed today," he said, giving Denki a friendly pat on the back. "You did great, and I think everyone enjoyed meeting you."

Denki beamed, his earlier anxiety replaced by genuine joy. "Thanks, Ei. Today was perfect. I'm really glad I came."

As they walked back to the train station, Denki felt a renewed sense of optimism. The day had been a turning point for him, and he was looking forward to the new opportunities and friendships that lay ahead.

Chapter Text

Tsukasa leaned back in his chair, arms crossed as he studied Denki from across the worn wooden desk of the café's cramped back office. A small lamp cast a warm glow over the cluttered surface—stacks of invoices, an old calculator, and a coffee mug with faded lettering that read #1 Uncle in peeling gold foil. The distant hum of conversation and clinking dishes filtered through the door, muffled but ever-present.

Denki fidgeted under his gaze, tapping his fingers against his knee, shoulders slightly hunched. The old radiator in the corner hissed softly, but it did little to chase away the slight chill in the air.

"Alright, kid," Tsukasa finally said, his voice even, but firm. "The job is yours. Mama—Babaa Chichi to you—can start training you now, or you can come in an hour before your shift tomorrow. Either way, you'll be paid. Even if you wash out."

Denki let out a short, nervous chuckle, his fingers moving to pick at the skin around his nails. "Well, that's... comforting. I don't know if Ei told you, but I kinda bombed at my last job. I'm awful at math, counting change, all that. But he said you've got some high-tech register that does the hard part for me?"

Tsukasa nodded, his sharp gaze softening just slightly. "Yeah, he told me. He also vouched for you. Mama too. The register does the calculations, so you don't need to stress about that. Eijirou told me you also struggle with focus, so I'll start you as a busser—cleaning tables, washing dishes, taking out trash. Minimal customer interaction. If that goes well, Mama will train you in some small food and drink prep and waiting tables. Wait staff here need to do minor food prep and make drinks. It's more than just taking orders and carrying out plates. If you can handle it, you'll get promoted to waiter. That will also come with a decent pay raise, so look forward to it."

Denki blinked, surprised. "You're really willing to work me up that slow?"

Tsukasa shrugged. "It's no trouble. Falls well within reasonable accommodations under the Act for Promotion of Employment of Persons with Disabilities."

Denki's expression flickered. "O-oh, I'm not— I don't— I mean, I don't have a medical condition or anything."

Tsukasa's dark eyes held steady, unreadable. "Right... of course. Either way, this job's been open a while. If taking it slow helps you succeed long-term, I don't mind. Small town. Not a lot of applicants."

Denki exhaled, understanding what Tsukasa wasn't outright saying. "Well... I'll give it my best."

"Good." Tsukasa leaned forward, pushing some papers aside. "Your paperwork's all set. I can put you to work as early as tomorrow. You'll start on second shift with Mama—three to ten, weekends off."

Denki stood, offering a lopsided, grateful smile. "Alright. I'll be here at two tomorrow for training. And if you'll have me back, I'll be here the day after at three."

Tsukasa stood as well, extending his hand. "We'll see you then."

Denki grasped it, the handshake firm, before stepping out of the office and into the café's warmth. The scent of fresh coffee and baked goods greeted him, and for the first time in weeks, he felt like he was standing on solid ground.

Eijirou was leaning against the wall outside the office when Denki walked out, but quickly perked up when he saw him, "Hey! You were in there for a long time. That's a good sign! You got the job, right?"

Denki nodded with a nervous smile, "I did, thanks to you! He said you and Chichi vouched for me."

"Of course, I did!" Eijirou exclaimed before giving Denki a short hug, "You're my friend."

Denki hugged him back, "I need to talk to Chichi about my training. Your uncle said I can do it either right now or tomorrow before my shift. I wanted to ask Chichi if I can do my training now and then refresh with her before my shift tomorrow. To ensure I get it all. My memory problems and all that."

Eijirou nodded understandingly, "Of course. Of course. It's probably best to go through it twice. Maybe take some notes too."

Denki's gaze faltered slightly. "It's so embarrassing that I need to do all this to be a busboy."

Eijirou frowned,  shaking his head, "No, no, it's okay! Denki, you have-" Eijirou paused, picking his words carefully, "Things that are easy for others are hard for you, and that's okay. You don't have to feel bad about that. You face extra challenges, but you overcome them."

Denki looked back at him, "You really believe I can handle all this?"

Eijirou nodded firmly, placing a hand on Denki's shoulder. "I absolutely do. You've got the resilience and determination to overcome this. And remember, you're not alone in this. I'm here to support you every step of the way."

Denki smiled a bit, "I-I should go talk to Chichi."

Eijirou rubbed Denki's shoulder, "You've got this." He patted Denki's back as he turned away.

Denki stepped out of the back area and into the bustling cafe, his heart pounding as his eyes landed on Chiyo behind the counter. Chiyo, with her warm smile and calm demeanor, greeted him kindly. "Ready, dear? Let's get started."

Over the next half hour, Chiyo walked Denki through the basics of a busboy's duties, patiently demonstrating how to clear tables, collect and clean dishes, and refill supplies. The tasks were simple, and Denki found himself picking them up quickly. Maybe he really could do this after all.

Once his training was over, Denki thanked Chiyo and joined Eijirou at a nearby table. The presence of his old friend helped soothe his nerves, and he let out a sigh of relief. "That went better than I expected," he admitted, running a hand through his hair. "You watched me the whole time?"

Eijirou nodded, a reassuring smile on his face. "Yep. I wanted to make sure you were doing okay. Plus, I was bored," he teased.

Denki rolled his eyes but couldn't help laughing. "Yeah, well, I appreciate the support, even if it was out of boredom."

Eijirou's expression softened, and he gave Denki a playful nudge. "Hey, what else are friends for?"

Denki leaned back in his seat, letting out a sigh of relief, "I got a job..."

Eijirou reached over to take Denki's hand, "You'll do great. Don't worry. You'll be okay, I'll make sure you're okay. I'll take care of you myself if I got to."

Denki looked at their hands, a small smile spreading across his lips, "I feel like I've finally regained my footing."

Eijirou's grin widened. "That's amazing, Denki!"

As Denki looked at their intertwined fingers, he found himself feeling more grounded, more confident. "Yeah... it is," he agreed, squeezing Eijirou's hand momentarily. "You've been a big part of that, you know?"

Eijirou rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, his face a bit red. "Oh, you give me too much credit. I just... well, I care."

Denki shook his head. "You do more than that. Just the memory of you helped me so much. It got me out of bed and actually caring about something. And now that I have you in my life again..." Denki's voice trailed off, "I don't feel hopeless anymore..."

Eijirou leaned in and squeezed Denki's hand. "You would've found hope on your own."

"But you made it so I didn't have to find it," Denki countered, "You gave it to me."

Eijirou smiled warmly at Denki's words, grateful for the bond that was quickly re-strengthening between them. He knew that the future wouldn't be easy, that Denki was going through a lot and still had a long road of healing ahead, but he was determined to help his friend every step of the way.

"You know I'll always be here for you, right?" Eijirou said quietly, their hands still grasping each other. "No matter what."

Denki's eyes softened, his gratitude evident. "Yeah," he replied, the vulnerability in his voice betraying his typical carefree facade. "I know." He gave Eijirou's hand a gentle squeeze, his grip conveying a silent promise that he wouldn't let go.

The cafe's warm ambiance seemed to become an intimate bubble for the two, as if the outside world's noise and problems had faded away, leaving only their shared understanding and renewed friendship.

Eijirou swallowed, the sudden intimacy of the moment catching him off guard. But he didn't pull away from Denki's touch. Instead, he returned the squeeze, his fingers intertwining more firmly with his childhood friend's.

"Denki..." he began hesitantly, his eyes searching Denki's face. "Can I ask you something personal?"

Denki's eyebrows furrowed curiously, but he nodded without hesitation. "Of course. You can ask me anything."

Eijirou shifted in his seat, his thumb absently rubbing soothing circles over the back of Denki's hand. His gaze was tender yet guarded, as if he was debating whether or not he should voice the question swirling in his mind.

With a deep breath, Eijirou finally spoke, his tone hesitant yet filled with concern. "Can... Can I ask about your mom...?"

Denki's gaze fell, his head turning to the side, "I don't remember her very well... There isn't much to say."

Eijirou's heart clenched at Denki's sudden shift in mood. He silently berated himself for bringing up what he knew was a sensitive subject.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice laced with guilt. "I shouldn't have asked."

Denki put on a smile as he met Eijirou's gaze again, "It's alright."

Eijirou shook his head, not buying the forced smile. "It's not," he protested quietly. He reached out and gently turned Denki's chin towards him, his eyes filled with concern. "You don't have to pretend with me, you know," he murmured.

A flicker of vulnerability flashed across Denki's face before he quickly masked it with a defensive frown. "I'm not pretending," he muttered, attempting to sound nonchalant.

But Eijirou wasn't fooled. He could see the pain hidden beneath Denki's facade, the raw hurt that he was so good at concealing from others.

Eijirou's eyes widened in shock, his grip on Denki's hand subconsciously tightening. "Oh, Denki..." he murmured, his heart aching for his friend.

He had assumed the loss was due to some illness or unfortunate event, but to hear that Denki's own mother had deliberately left him... it was gut-wrenching.

"And I still remember the last time I saw her," Denki continued, his voice cracking slightly. "She dropped me off at daycare and just... Never came back..."

Tears pricked at the corners of Denki's eyes, but he quickly blinked them back, the years of learned independence refusing to let him fully break down.

Eijirou felt his own eyes water at Denki's words, his heart aching for the pain his friend had endured. He wanted to pull him into a tight embrace, to shield him from the world's cruelty, but he settled for holding on to his hand, offering a steady presence.

"Denki..." he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm so sorry... I had no idea..."

Denki sniffled before wiping his nose with the back of his hand, "I don't want to talk about this anymore." He stood. "I think I just want to go home."

Eijirou nodded understandingly, standing as well. "Of course," he said, his voice gentle. "Let's go."

He kept a protective hand on Denki's shoulder, guiding him out of the cafe in silence, the weight of their conversation still hanging heavily between them.

They walked in silence, their footsteps echoing softly against the quiet street. Eijirou could sense that Denki was shutting down emotionally, burying his pain behind a mask.