MHA: Hands on, Quirks Up!

I pulled into the driveway of my house, nice and slowly.

There was a blue SUV parked just barely over the line, an inch or two into my space. Technically not blocking the driveway, but just enough to be annoying.

Normally, I wouldn't care. But this car? Brand new. Only had it for like a month, and I am not getting a scratch on it because some inconsiderate loser doesn't know how to park.

I glanced at all the open space behind the SUV. Well over a foot of untouched curb. But no. The genius who owns it had to squeeze in like it was a Tetris piece.

I swear, if I ever see that prick getting mugged, I'm walking the other way.

Mina popped her door open before I'd even unbuckled. "You took on a whole gang of villains like it was nothing, but one tight parking space is too much for you?"

I scowled as I stepped out and locked the car. "Those villains couldn't put a dent in me. My paint job, on the other hand, isn't regenerating anytime soon.

She walked alongside me up the front steps, adjusting the strap on her bag. "Still can't believe we actually got attacked. By villains. At school. Like, full-on 'this-wasn't-a-training-exercise' real."

I gave a short laugh. "Let's just consider the rest of the week off a bonus for our hard work."

Now that I think about it, it feels like she's the one who was least impacted by the attack. Though it could be explained by the fact that she's the only one who didn't actually fight any villains.

Except maybe Aoyama.

Should I do something about him?

I think there was something about his family being threatened by All For One, and that's why he was the traitor.

Whatever, that's for later.

Mina waited behind me as I stepped forward to unlock the front door.

The moment I opened it, she brushed past me, but not without pressing her body against mine just a little closer than necessary. I let my hand rest on her lower back for a second too long, then I inched my hand even lower before giving her a quick squeeze that earned me a playful glare over her shoulder.

"You're the worst," she muttered, but there was no bite to it.

"You keep coming back," I shot back, watching as she bent down to take off her shoes.

She proceeded to flop herself onto the couch like she owned the place.

Not that I minded. Mina had been here enough times that this place was practically a second home to her.

I followed her in, letting the door swing shut behind me.

She leaned back with a lazy groan, arms flopped over the cushions. "Careful. If you keep bringing me here, I might decide one day that I'm never leaving."

I raised a brow. "Was that supposed to be a threat? Because I'm not exactly against it."

She laughed, standing again with a stretch that was definitely for show. "Got anything to drink?"

"You know where everything is," I said, taking off my uniform blazer. "Help yourself."

She wandered into the kitchen, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge.

"Grab me a soda?" I called after her.

"Coke, right?"

"It's probably the only one we have."

A second later, a cold can sailed through the air. I caught it without looking and cracked it open just as she strolled back in, bottle in hand and a grin tugging at her lips.

We had barely sat down when a quiet creak echoed from deeper in the house.

My head turned toward the hallway. A different sound came, measured steps. They were uneven, like someone unsure of how they'd be received.

Then the figure appeared.

Huh? 

Is that... Dad?

He was in his usual work slacks and a half-tucked button-up, though the top button was undone and his tie was missing. His hair looked more disheveled than usual.

That's a surprise.

For as long as I could remember, his work kept him out past sundown. Usually eight or nine, sometimes even later. For the most part, I'd be done with my day by the time he gets back. That was just the routine. So seeing him now, in the middle of the afternoon, felt off in a way I couldn't quite place.

"I didn't expect to see you home already," I stood up slowly. "Did something happen at work?"

He didn't respond right away. His eyes were on me, but not like normal. Not like when he'd glance and nod at my greetings before disappearing into his room. No, this was different.

Instead, he kept walking until he stopped right in front of me with a tense expression. 

His eyes moved down to my arms. My neck. Then his hand came up, hesitant, as if he wasn't sure I was real. He touched my shoulder, then slid his fingers down to my wrist. Not gently. Not roughly. Just… deliberately. Like he was checking that I was still solid. 

I didn't stop him.

I could've, his actions were a little freaky. 

But I didn't.

After he was done, his shoulders sank like a burden was lifted.

"I heard about it at work," his voice was low and strained. "One of my coworkers saw the news on their break, they told me that UA's First Year Hero Course got attacked." He rubbed at his temple, eyes clouded. "I didn't believe it at first. But then I checked for myself. The news confirmed it. Said it happened at one of UA's training facilities, the USJ.

I nodded once.

He swallowed, still holding himself stiff. "I remembered that name. I know your class was scheduled to be there today."

He remembered that?

I mean, sure, it was printed on the syllabus. But I never thought he read those.

"I thought I lost you." His voice cracked.

And then he hugged me.

Woah. I think that might be the first time he's hugged me in like.. ever?

His arms wrapped around me like he was afraid I'd vanish if he let go.

I froze.

For an instant, I almost wanted to lean in. Hug him back. But I didn't know how to move. 

"I was a terrible father," he murmured into my shoulder, voice shaky. "After she—after your mom—I couldn't... I didn't know how to be there for you. I shut down."

I stood still, stunned by the weight of his voice.

"You were so little," his hands trembled slightly. "I should've held you more. Talked to you. I should've come home early. Should've made dinners. Asked about your friends. Your teachers. I should've remembered the sound of your voice when you were five, but I don't."

He took in a ragged breath.

"You're all I have left, Kyūta. I love you, son. And I almost lost you today without ever saying that."

Hearing those words should've meant something. Maybe fifteen years ago, it would've knocked the air out of me.

Now?

It felt like static. Like hearing someone else's confession through a wall.

I didn't hug him back.

Not because I was angry or because I resented him.

In fact, a small part of me desperately wanted to say something back to him. To feel something. But there was nothing.

Like I was a spectator watching it all happen from across the room.

I watched him from a distance even as he clung to me. Just a man trying to make up for fifteen years of silence in a single afternoon.

Honestly, I kind of wish he realized this earlier. It's a bit late now.

But I didn't say that out loud.

Instead, I raised my hand and gave him a small pat on the back. It was the most I could manage.

"Hey, it's alright." I kept my voice calm, "I've never felt mad at you or anything. I know you've been struggling."

He pulled back, and his eyes were red-rimmed. But something in his face had eased. Like a knot had finally come undone.

"I'm so proud of you, Kyūta," his voice was soft. "You've grown up to be so amazing."

I offered him a quick, half-smile.

"Thanks, dad."

His eyes softened again, but before either of us could say anything more, he seemed to notice the figure just behind me. Mina was standing a few steps away, trying to make herself small. She had her hands behind her back and an awkward smile. She clearly didn't want to interrupt.

"Oh," he murmured, brushing quickly at his eyes. "Sorry. I didn't realize someone else was here."

"This is a friend of mine," I stepped to the side, motioning toward Mina. "She's in the Hero Course too."

She straightened up, giving a polite wave. "Hi, sir. I'm Mina Ashido, I didn't mean to intrude."

He glanced between us, a little taken aback. "You were one of the students there?"

Mina nodded, then added with a grin, "Kyūta really took charge when everything went down. He was the one who kept everyone focused, made sure we didn't panic. If it wasn't for him, I think things would've gone way worse."

My dad let out a quick breath. "Thanks for telling me that," he gave me one more look. "I'll leave you two to it."

He retreated quietly down the hall. The door to his room shut with a soft click.

Mina didn't say anything at first, just walked over and sat beside me with a thoughtful look on her face. Her gaze flickered briefly toward the hallway, then back at me. There was curiosity in her eyes, like she wanted to ask something, but held herself back.

I signed lightly and leaned back into the cushions. "My dad's been depressed for a long time. Kind of neglectful, I guess. I say 'kind of' because he always made sure I had everything I needed. Food, clothes, stuff like that. It's just that he wasn't there for me emotionally"

Mina eased down beside me. "You don't have to explain if you don't want to."

"I know, I just don't consider it a big deal."

She was quiet for a second. "Still, that couldn't have been easy."

"It wasn't hard, either," I shrugged. "I've been taking care of myself for as long as I can remember."

She looked at me like she didn't quite believe that, but she didn't call me out. Just leaned into the cushions a little more, eyes still on me.

I let the moment hang for a few seconds longer, before exhaling softly. "Come on, let's get our minds off that. Though, I think we'll have to scrap our previous plans for the rest of the day."

Mina snorted, her shoulders shaking with a short laugh. "Yeah, not really feeling the whole 'risky with your dad in the next room' vibe."

"Right?" I chuckled. "Not exactly the kind of thrill I'm into." I glanced over at her. "If you want, I can drive you home instead."

She shook her head. "Nah, if it's cool with you, I'll just stay here for the day. We've got a long break from school, so we can always pick it up another day."

"Sounds good." I leaned back, a little more relaxed. "Have you called your family yet?"

Her eyes widened slightly. "Oh shoot, my parents. I haven't called them yet."

"You probably should."

"I'll do it right now," she said, already reaching for her phone.