Top pic credit: _.Lensly._

"I just wanted to know....if you've read this book, Endeavor?" Keigo smiled blankly, clearly making an effort to keep his voice completely neutralized.

That's something very out of character for Hawks, considering he always makes his voice as animated and exaggerated as possible, to make himself known to the crowd.

First red flag.

But, that's not the only thing I noticed.

I also noticed the way Keigo was smiling. It was a lifeless, completely artificial smile. Almost robotic in nature, as he stared right at Endeavor....wanting to make sure he had his full, undivided attention-

"Huh? The Meta Liberation War book? What's that-" Midoriya started saying, before Keigo quickly cut him off. Almost like he was already expecting a question like that.

"Glad ya asked, finger smasher kid. Oh man, this book is so great. I've just gotta tell you all about it. I was up all night reading it, because I couldn't put it down! I mean, Hourglass, I'm sure that's no surprise to you, of course. You remember, back at the Hawks Agency, how much I just loved to read, right? Hah, yep! If anyone knows the truth, it's you." Hawks chuckled, making it a point to grab my attention with his statement, as well.

My brows subtly furrowed in confusion at the words.

Keigo and I both know that he never read a single damn book at the Hawks Agency. He was much too busy for that.

So, why did he-

"But, anyways, this book's got some great ideas that are starting to become relevant today! Call me crazy, but I'm definitely thinkin' this'll be the way of the future. Mhm. A society where everyone is responsible for no one other than themselves. Isn't that great?" Hawks rehearsed out with a forced interest, letting that mechanical smile on his face slowly simmer down into a blank look, as he burned his gaze at Endeavor.

He hasn't taken his eyes off the flame hero, ever since he pulled the book out of his pocket.

And I remember that look from him. I know it.

Because, I've actually learned from my mistakes, this time.

After mistaking Keigo as a true villain, back when I was kidnapped by the league of villains, I've made it a point to study his body language more carefully, in case a situation like that ever came back.

The last thing I'd wanna do is misunderstand him once again.

What I've learned from that entire kidnapping experience, is that Keigo tends to talk with his eyes, when he is unable to truly use his words. He'll stare at you until it becomes visibly uncomfortable, forcing you to notice the strange look on his face so he can grab your attention and try to silently get some type of point across.

Hm....

I slowly peered my eyes away from Hawks, getting a look at Endeavor-who seemed to be completely and utterly confused.

Hawks is acting strange. We both know it. Even for Hawks, Keigo is acting strange. He's acting odd enough to where Endeavor would be able to tell that he wasn't quite himself.

Red flag number two, because....

That would be uncharacteristically sloppy of Keigo and Hawks, wouldn't it? After all, he's always so good about hiding his true self under a practiced man of metaphors and spunk.

....it's almost as if he's purposely trying to act out of Hawks' character just enough to where he can grab the attention of only the right people.

"Huh? Hawks, what are you-" Endeavor started asking, the wary tone of his voice causing Keigo to quickly stop him from being heard.

"Yeah, I get it. You're a busy man, Endeavor. Of course, that's something expected from the Number One Hero-which is why I've even taken the liberty of highlighting my favorite parts for you. I know, I'm pretty generous, right." Hawks said distantly, his words completely perking up my interest.

Keigo just said that he highlighted the book.

I know that he would never go through the effort of doing something, like highlighting pieces of a book, unless he's trying to get a point across.

He's beating around the bush. Not quite getting to the real reason as to why he's here-which is another thing that's out of character for him. Part of the Hawks persona is being 'honest' and flat out about his intentions. Sure, even that part's an act. A lot of the time, you still never really know Hawks' true motives, even after he's clearly said them. But, you get the point.

If our commission training speaks any volumes in this equation, perhaps there's something inside that book he hopes Endeavor will notice.

Red flag number three, possibly highlighting a coded message in the book, instead of explaining the situation-which means that something could be holding him back from saying what he really wants to say.

As if I didn't already know he was off, before he showed up here today, after getting to see him again after this long, excruciating month....and taking some time away from him to get myself back together and see clearly...

I definitely understand that something strange is going on with Keigo Takami.

I don't have a good feeling.

Noticing the silence was starting to become too suspicious for the moment, Keigo quickly strode up to Endeavor, practically forcing the book into his hands.

"Just.... give it a read. Please." He stated clearly, golden orbs half lidded in nothing as he studied Endeavor's face for a reaction.

While Keigo studied Endeavor, I studied him in pondering thought, trying to piece this situation together for myself.

I couldn't help but notice the minuscule, stressed furrow of Keigo's brows, when he noticed that Endeavor was still clearly very confused and naive as to what was going on, beneath the surface of this whole meet and greet encounter.

That is, until...

"Wow! Recommended reading from the number two hero!? Looks like I'll need to see what all the hype's about!" Midoriya exclaimed cluelessly, causing Keigo to grit his teeth and inhale sharply.

A nervous action.

As if the action never happened at all, Hawks quickly turned around with a fake smile plastered on his face, pulling more copies of this stupid book out of his pocket, as if he was prepared for questions like this.

Red flag number four-carrying multiple copies of the same book with him. As the hero commission always says, "be prepared for every situation. Always cover your bases."

Shit. This situation is looking worse by the second....

What exactly is going on?

Keigo.....just what the hell have you gotten yourself into?

Is this why...you broke u-

"Here! I always take copies with me, so I can hand them out to my friends. Knock yourself out!" Hawks chuckled, carelessly tossing three books at Bakugou, Shouto, and Deku....

Purposely leaving me out of the mix.

Oh no you don't, fucker. You won't be keeping me out of the loop. I'm going to find out what the hell you're doing, even if it's the last thing I do. Call me the nosy ex-girlfriend.

"Oh, I don't get a book, Hawks? Ouch. Does that mean I'm not your friend then?" I asked with mock amusement, my quick entrance into the conversation causing Keigo to jump slightly.

And once again...he already had a response prepared.

But, he can't fool me, anymore. I know his tactics better than anyone.

Keigo, I spent this past month too consumed with my own heartbroken devastation to see things clearly. It may have taken me some time, but my perspective has finally changed.

It's been staring me in the face for this last month, and I feel guilty for not realizing it sooner. But, starting now....

I can finally see right through you. I hope I'm not too late.

"Yeah, well, I didn't expect to run into this many friends today. Sorry, dollface. But, I'm all out. Maybe next time." He smiled at me, his grin starting to fall into a focused gaze now as he noticed my new change of demeanor.

His eyes suddenly lit up with a glint of desperate hope as he saw the suspicion on my face, his mouth dropping open as if he wanted nothing more than to speak.

But, he didn't speak.

He simply kept my eye contact for a moment longer, giving me a small nod....almost as if trying to encourage my suspicion.

Quickly ripping his eyes away from me after a few seconds, Hawks interacted with the group once more.

"Ah, well that's about all from me!-But, anyways, Endeavor. At least take a glance at my favorite sections of the book. That's my second recommendation in so many words." He stated firmly, narrowing his eyes in something similar to worry as he saw Endeavor simply nod dismissively and not open the book, the way Keigo wanted him to.

Tensing his jaw in frustration as he watched Endeavor tuck the unopened book under his arm, Keigo abruptly turned on his heel, deciding to walk back over to me, instead of leaving like he originally said he was going to.

He took a deep breath to calm himself, giving me a tired smile as he spoke his words.

"Hey. Can we talk?-Y'know, just to catch up...of course." He asked me quietly, so that the others wouldn't hear.

Not quite knowing the motives behind his offer yet, I decided to just go with it for a minute, letting him take the lead on this strange interaction.

"Sure. Talk. What's up?" I asked nonchalantly, subtly narrowing my eyes at him.

Keigo let out a nervous chuckle, and it wasn't because he was nervous about having a talk with his ex-girlfriend.

Running a hand through his hair, he quickly began looking around to make sure Endeavor and the first years weren't listening. And they weren't. They were a few feet away, engaging in lively conversation of their own. Well...it was only lively, because Midoriya was so kindly educating the others about an 'awesome' fight that Hawks had participated in, two years ago.

But, either way, the distraction didn't seem to be enough for Keigo. Or, he already had another plan of his own for this chat.

"Ah....actually.....I was hoping you and I could talk some place more....private, if that's okay with you." He muttered absentmindedly, not even bothering to keep up his Hawks smile as he simply stared at me tiredly.

Some place 'private,' huh?-

"Alright. I've decided we'll head back to the agency early today." Endeavor called out to us, giving Hawks one more pondering look before he began walking away.

Damn it. What a bad coincidence.

I sighed in annoyance with Endeavor's timing, starting to walk towards him, to ask if I could have a few minutes alone to speak with Keigo-

That is, until Keigo firmly grabbed ahold of my arm to stop me in my place, squeezing it with a desperate, bruising force.

And that's when I felt his hand that was wrapped around my arm start...shaking.

He thinks I'm trying to leave.

My eyes widened at his action. The action to silently tell me that while he was calm and collected on the outside, he was completely frantic and trapped inside himself on the inside.

"Pretty please? I'd really like it if we could just...chat for a bit." He suggested casually, the nonchalant, carefree tone of his voice contrasting heavily against the silent, emotionally distraught grip on my arm.

Meeting his gaze again, I noticed the way his brows were subtly furrowed at me in a pleading manner. His eyes were clearly begging me for some kind of help.

A cry for help.

Something Hawks never would have tried to convey to me when I first met him.

But now....he's openly-not openly, but secretly asking me to help him this time.

I don't know what happened with Jeanist. I understand there's something odd going on with Keigo, but I still don't quite understand the entirety of the breakup. I'm still incredibly hurt by him and heartbroken.

I've got my reservations.

But, regardless of it all...

Keigo asking for help is a very big step. It means he's desperate. Which can only mean that this situation is clearly very serious.

I will put my feelings aside for now. I will help him. I will have his back.

Because whether Keigo and I are together or not, I love him.

And I just can't find it in my heart to abandon him when he needs my help. Especially, because I know he hates being alone.

"Okay. Alright, sure. Let's go." I stated absentmindedly, giving him a small nod of agreement.

Keigo closed his eyes for a moment in something similar to relief. He quickly grabbed my hand to drag me away with him, causing me to look back at Endeavor and signal that I would return soon.

But....

Endeavor was already looking my way, eyes burning into Keigo and I with full suspicion as he watched us leave.

This man is getting too smart for his own good.

Too focused on the anxiety of Endeavor knowing more than he should, I was caught off guard when I felt Keigo suddenly snake both of his arms around my waist, the action making me jump.

He carefully kept his arms around me, not moving another muscle as he tried to get me comfortable with him again.

"I'm just...trying to hold onto you, cause we're going to fly, little dove. We need to get away from here-so there's more privacy for us to catch up, obviously. Is that okay?" He asked softly, very gradually starting to pull my body closer against his own.

I hate to admit that I really missed his arms around me, like this.

Swallowing the feeling that began to flutter around inside my heart, I simply nodded...backing my body up into Keigo's arms so he could hold me more securely.

He took my cue...slowly enveloping me entirely in his hold, his warmth and sweet scent immediately hitting my nostrils.

So familiar. So comforting.

Keigo and I settled closer against each other, both of us already silently enjoying the moment more than we probably should.

I felt his, previously steady, heartbeat starting to beat quicker, as he carefully moved my hair away from my shoulder so it wouldn't block his vision when we flew.

The way his gloved fingertips 'accidentally' grazed my jaw when he did so, did not go unnoticed.

Keigo's warm breath lightly rolled out in puffs against my ear, clearly intending to speak.

"Kay. Hold on tight." He whispered, before quickly taking off into the sky.

I groaned softly in familiar stress at the feeling of being in the sky, instinctively gripping onto his arms that were locked around my midsection.

Choosing to leave his usual teases behind, Keigo simply held me tighter, trying to convey that he had me in a good grip. Obviously, he didn't seem to be in a very teasing mood today.

"You okay? I know my take-off was kinda fast." He uttered smoothly, his voice coming out a little more tired and relaxed now that we were alone.

We haven't been alone like this in some time.

"Yeah. It's just....been a while since we've done this." I stated softly, squeezing my eyes shut as he ascended higher and higher into the sky.

"What, the flying thing?" He asked in small amusement, his mood already appearing to be lifting slightly now that we were talking.

"Yeah, the flying thing." I simply replied, not having the energy or interest to tell him that I actually meant it's been awhile since we've just been together like this.

Yeah, yeah, I know. A month isn't that long, in the grand scheme of things. But, it feels like it's been a lot longer-and feel free to kill me for being so cheesy, anytime.

I felt Keigo nod in acknowledgement to my response, even though I couldn't see his face, before I felt his fluffy blonde locks tickling against my cheek.

"Oh, yeah. Well, I've been a little bit...busy-but, let's not talk about that. Please. For these few minutes that it takes us, to get where we need to go....I just wanna talk to you." He started off very quietly, starting to get closer to me by gently nuzzling his face against my hair.

Ignoring the action of affection from him, I simply turned my gaze on the clouds, trying to notice how pretty they were, instead of focusing on how high up we were.

"Oh yeah? And what exactly is there to talk about?" I asked casually, not realizing how my question could have been taken as something bitter, until after I spoke it.

I really didn't mean it in a malicious ex-girlfriend kind of way. I more just meant that there's so many unspoken things that have happened between Keigo and I, that I wasn't quite sure where he wanted to start with a conversation.

Luckily, Keigo didn't seem to be bothered by my phrase of the question, going along with it happily.

"Well, I dunno. You didn't really answer any of the rapid fire questions I asked you a few minutes ago. Y'know, back when we were with Endeavor and the UA boys." He pondered innocently, causing me to let out a small chuckle of amusement.

"Yeah, that's cause I was too busy trying to recover from my near death experience of flying backwards into oncoming traffic. Thank you very much for that experience, by the way." I scoffed out lightly, sensing Keigo smiling from behind me now.

"Psh. Oh please! As if I'd ever let you even come close to dying. I saved you back there, didn't I?" He pointed out teasingly, making me roll my eyes with a small grin.

"Still cocky as ever, I see."

"Like that would ever change, chicky. It's hard not to be cocky when you've got the looks of a Greek god." He joked out with a click of his tongue, making me close my eyes with temporary peace.

In this moment, he's starting to sound more like the goofy man I actually know, instead of the stranger he's made himself become. It's still so natural with him. I'm almost forgetting that we even broke up.

Almost.

Quickly opening my eyes to bring myself back to the dark reality, I decided to change the subject to something more serious in an attempt to get some answers.

"So....how are you doing? Really doing." I asked softly, my lack of teasing tone causing Keigo to settle down and become serious as well.

He was quiet for a moment, letting out a shrug for a temporary reply, until he could get his thoughts together.

"Oh. Y'know, like I said....busy." He muttered out curtly, suddenly gaining back a blank tone of his voice that makes it sound as if he'd forgotten his situation for a moment.

I let out a small nod of acknowledgement to his short answer, seeing that he clearly didn't wanna talk too much about himself.

A small hum of content vibrated from Keigo's chest as he adjusted his hold on me slightly, starting to absentmindedly stroke the tips of his gloved fingers against my side.

He really shouldn't be doing that.

And I hope he doesn't stop.

"And you? How are you?" He uttered softly, hesitantly resting his chin atop my shoulder the way he always used to.

I didn't stop him.

"I'm doing well." I immediately answered, wanting Keigo to know that I wasn't wasting my time pining over him.

.....even though....I kinda was.

His body language started becoming more relaxed and peaceful, the longer we flew in the air, as he gradually brought his head closer against mine.

"Hmm, are you though, chicky? Are you really doing well? I hope you are. I want you to." He stated softly, giving my midsection a small squeeze as he smushed his cheek against mine.

That was definitely a hug.

And...curse me for finding so much comfort in it.

Even though I should be keeping my guard up, I found Keigo's actions doing nothing but relaxing me. The more I inhaled his scent and felt his familiar warmth that I've been craving for so long, the more I felt my head telling me that everything was fine.

That's a mistake, Ari. You know everything isn't fine-

"I-I'm...I'm fine." I breathed out a little weaker, feeling conflicted as I realized I was starting to become too comfortable in Keigo's arms.

Keigo rotated his face slightly towards mine upon hearing my unsure tone, gently brushing the tip of his nose against my cheek. The action felt intentional.

And so nice.

It seems he's also starting to become too comfortable with this.

"Good. I'm glad you're fine." He said gently, pulling back from our close distance slightly.

I thought Keigo pulled back in an attempt to create a little space between us, so our moment of weakness didn't progress any further.

But instead, goosebumps immediately rose to my skin when I felt the stubbled hairs of his chin gently tickling against the back of my neck.

I held in a heavy breath as he moved my hair out of the way, feeling how close he was to my skin from the way his hot breath smoothly glided across it.

The warm, dewey puffs of air coming out of his mouth contrasted sensitively against the cold winter chill, softly hitting my skin as Keigo's lips slowly continued getting closer. The movement from him caused me to bite the inside of my cheek in anticipation, trying my best to just focus on the pretty clouds.

These are not the actions of a man who wanted to break up-

No. It doesn't matter. I can't.

There are too many things left unsaid. I need answers. When it comes to my vulnerable feelings, I never want to get hurt like that again. Maybe this is all one-sided. I need to keep myself guarded for a possibility like that.

Yes, maybe this little moment means nothing to Keigo and it's just affecting me in a ridiculous way, because I'm not over him. I'm just in denial and Keigo's just feeling nostalgic, because we haven't seen each other in awhile.

I'm still hurting, but I was just starting to feel a tad better, before he showed up in my life today. Right?

I don't know how to feel. I don't want him to hurt me again-

"Chicky...." Keigo suddenly breathed out almost inaudibly against my ear, his tone of voice quickly catching me off guard.

Genuine. It was genuine.

I opened my mouth to speak, feeling no sounds come out as I realized I was at a loss for words.

My heart jumped up my throat when I felt Keigo's mouth come closer to my ear now, causing his lips to involuntarily graze against my lobe.

Why did you breakup with me? Regardless of the reason, it hurt me, Keigo.

It hurt me so bad. I haven't recovered. Don't hurt me again. Please don't hurt me again.

Now it was my heart that began pounding out of my chest, and judging by the small, extra flutter of Keigo's wings, I'm guessing he could sense this.

Yet, even though Keigo could sense the effect he was having on me, even though he was perfectly aware now that he still had me spellbound under his charm....he kept his composure-seeming as if he had a different reason for coming this close to me.

"Ari....can you hear me..." He breathed softly into my ear, the strange question causing goosebumps to immediately rise to my skin for an unknown reason.

I kept my blank gaze to the clouds, giving him a weak nod in reply. I didn't trust my voice to come out steady if I spoke.

Apparently, a nod was all Keigo needed though as he held me tightly against him...taking a small inhale of nervous air, as he was clearly about to attempt to whisper something else into my ear.

But, he hesitated. Letting his question from before hang in the air, as he was clearly taking this time to second guess this strange communication approach.

He's hesitating.

He's afraid to speak, almost as if someone might hear us. Afraid to speak his mind and say what he really wants to say. All the way up here in the sky....he's obviously still holding back, even though it's just the two of us.

It's not like him.

Forgoing whatever he was going to originally say, Keigo let out a small sigh of defeat, before speaking into my ear once more.

"Good. I'm glad you can hear me." He stated sweetly, his genuine Keigo tone of voice sounding like music to my ears as it's something I haven't heard in so long.

I can. I can hear you, Keigo.

"Mhm..." I uttered breathlessly, only now feeling the flustered state of my demeanor starting to get the better of me.

Pull yourself together, Ari. This is so pathetic.

One day. He's been back for a day-no, two hours, and I'm already ready to throw myself at him again?

I'm disappointed. I'm so disappointed. I thought I was stronger than this.

But, I am so clearly not.

Keigo's wings ruffled once more as they picked up my crumbling willpower to keep my composure towards him, selfishly indulging in my vulnerability instead of putting a stop to it.

I know him well enough to know that right now...he's also currently getting carried away, himself.

Clearly we're each other's weaknesses. And I'm sensing that whatever strange situation Keigo is currently in, that's a very dangerous thing.

And, yet, neither one of us has the good sense to pull away from the other.

Man. What a bunch of stupid kids we are.

Losing his previously focused composure even more, I now felt Keigo's lips trail from my ear, down to my neck-instead of moving away from me, like he should have.

Don't let him hurt you again, Ari.

Even if he loves you, even if he means well....he still hurt you-

"Ah, I've always loved this perfume on you." Keigo whispered, practically inaudible, against my neck, holding onto me tightly as his body let out an involuntary shiver.

Push him away.

"It's your favorite scent." I breathed out weakly, feeling my senses becoming too clouded to even facepalm at the small advance I just made towards him.

Keigo's headspace was apparently no better than mine, as I suddenly felt his lips connect with the skin of my neck ever so softly.

"I know it's my favorite. Think I'd forget so soon?" He mouthed out in a hushed tone, barely starting to graze his fingertips up my stomach with a touch that felt as if it was sizzling through my clothes.

Fuck.

My head slowly started to fall back against his shoulder, my mouth dropping open as a soft sigh escaped my lips.

Keigo's breath very quietly hitched at my sound. His fingers gripped my waist tighter, before he dipped his head deeper into the crook of my neck. Clearly, he was about to lose all of his self control-that is, before I spoke.

"I-I miss you, Kei-" I started out in a desperate haze for his affection.

However, Keigo didn't even allow me the moment to finish saying his real name, immediately removing his lips from my neck as if my words were the thing that helped him suddenly gain back his composure.

"Hawks. It's Hawks. You have to call me....Hawks." He abruptly stated, cringing softly in frustration with himself as he spoke the words.

Oh.

Ouch.

Really. Hawks?

After all the drama Keigo and I have been through with 'Hawks,' that one really hurt.

Ah, but it's my own fault.

See, Ari? See how easy it is for him to hurt you? This is why you need to control yourself and have some willpower around him.

My entire body froze and my eyes slowly opened, upon hearing Keigo's cold statement.

He didn't expand on it. He didn't tell me why I needed to call him Hawks. I'm sure there's a reason.

But, it still makes me a little mad just to hear him say it.

Having gained back my inhibitions fully now, I gave my shoulders a heavy shrug in an attempt to get Keigo's lips even further away from my neck.

His body immediately tensed up at my foreign reaction to his touch. I could tell it hurt him.

Nevertheless, Keigo froze upon feeling me trying to push him away, letting out a soft, shaky sigh of pain before he quickly retracted.

A hurt silence loomed over the two of us for a moment. It was obvious that we both had a million things we wanted to say. But we didn't.

"Ari....I'm sorry-" Keigo uttered softly, making me think he was just apologizing for trying to make a move on me a few seconds ago.

I quickly cut him off, not wanting to dwell on the moment any longer. I don't want to hear it. I don't want to hear anymore of his rejection. It's best if I just block it from my mind at this point.

"Hey, don't worry about it. It happens. I'm over it." I said casually, my statement leaving an awkward silence to the air as Keigo and I both knew that neither of us were over what happened with the breakup.

It was obvious we were both still hurting. And why wouldn't we be? It was something that came out of left field. Something neither of us were prepared for. There's no sense of closure. Obviously, there's still a sense of unspoken pain between us.

But, even so...

"Alright. Good." He said curtly, clearly also trying to move forward from the moment as he focused back on his flight.

"Good." I sighed out deflatedly, absentmindedly taking in the sight of the clouds before Keigo quickly spoke again.

"So, anyways, moving on..." He, almost immediately, followed up a few moments later, voice chipper and forced casual again as he was clearly trying his very hardest to prevent him and I from becoming a classic case of 'awkward exes.'

I hummed lightly in reply, trying to participate in this demeanor with him, in an attempt to keep things civil and friendly.

"I just wanted to say........thanks again for agreeing to come with me, chicky. You can look down now, if you want. We're pretty much here." He finished distractedly, causing me to finally look down towards the ground to see where Keigo had taken us.

My brows furrowed in pure confusion, feeling my intense moment with him fading away as I tried to take in the situation.

"Huh? You took us to....an empty playground? What, are we gonna play on the monkey bars, or something, Kei-?" I chuckled out in genuine amusement, before quickly stopping myself from saying his name out of habit.

That's right. He told me to call him Hawks.

While I'm sure there's a good reason as to why Keigo wants me to call him Hawks, I just can't bring myself to do it, when him and I are alone. Not after all we've been through.

Because, to me....he's not Hawks. He's my-I mean, he's Keigo. Keigo Takami.

And Keigo seemed to have no problem with me not calling him Hawks, anyways, as he gracefully landed us to the ground, immediately releasing his arms from around my body this time instead of holding onto me for longer than he needed to.

His genuine chuckle at my comment seemed to completely diffuse the tense moment we had earlier, before he subtly surveyed the park once more just to make sure it was empty.

And it was.

"And what's wrong with monkey bars?" He called out playfully, causing me to laugh at his happy tone.

I let out a carefree shrug, before walking my way back over to him.

"Nothing's wrong with monkey bars. But, the swing set is better. Then you can have competitions with your friends to see who can jump off the swing from a higher distance." I pointed out, feeling my mind reflect on the nostalgic days of my childhood before Diane came along.

Keigo looked at me in genuine, curious amusement, tilting his head to the side in eager-to-know question.

"Oh? Really? Are those considered normal activities that you're supposed to do at these types of parks?" He asked innocently, his question immediately causing my heart to twinge.

He didn't mean that question in a bad way. Not at all. He was genuinely very curious.

But, it hurts me to hear him ask such simple questions, because it's just a reminder that even as a child, Keigo never got to go to the park with his friends. He never got to be a kid.

His life was handpicked for him from the very start, and that's not fair.

Clearing my throat softly so my voice didn't come out cracked, I quickly hid my pity from Keigo, shooting him a small, warm smile.

"Well-It can be. See, at the park, you can just do whatever you want. Swing on the swings. Do some cool tricks on the monkey bars. Go on that freaky looking carousel thing in the corner." I suggested nonchalantly, watching Keigo's eyes starting to look around in concentration at all of the different activities one could do at the playground.

He pursed his lips in thought, eyes going just a tad dull as he clearly started to reflect on his own childhood.

"Hm. That's....interesting. I bet it was a lot of fun, huh." He uttered softly, running a hand through his hair nervously.

Not wanting him to feel bad, I quickly walked over to his side, instinctively grabbing his hand in mind to pull him in my direction.

"Come on. You've gotta swing on the swing set at least once in your life." I chuckled, starting to pull Keigo forward before he quickly pulled me back with remembrance.

"Ah-Maybe another time, chicky. I actually think we should just take a walk for now." He suggested nonchalantly, his blank tone of voice making me remember that he probably brought me to this park for a reason unknown.

I quickly nodded, walking back over to Keigo as he began a swift paced walk around the park.

Jeez, he's walking fast! It seems like he knows exactly where he wanted us to go.

"This park's nice though. I actually wanted to take ya to the beach, but that's too far from here. This place is only a few minutes from the Endeavor Agency..." Keigo started off, before speaking even louder.

"Plus, who knows, maybe you and I can stay out here for hours, neglecting all of our responsibilities and wasting away the day." He emphasized extra clearly, acting as if he was talking to someone else here besides me.

Okay, Keigo. I hear you. I can see that you're clearly up to something. I'll play along.

"Ah, yes. Well, you know how much I love neglecting my responsibilities. Sure thing, bird. I'll stay out here for hours with you, if you want." I stated absentmindedly, more focused on trying to figure out the situation at hand than this weird small talk.

Knowing that neither of us were really paying attention to this insignificant conversation, Keigo simply laughed forcedly, before he led me to a sandbox, positioning me directly in front of it.

Why?

Not bothering to ask, I simply stared at the sandbox....wondering if there's something in here I'm supposed to see, before Keigo's phone loudly dinged with a text message.

Almost as if expecting it, he quickly ripped his phone out of his pocket, hiding back a smirk of victory at whatever it was he just read.

"Ari, I'm sorry, but suddenly...I'm gonna have to go. It's almost as if someone realized our plan to ditch our jobs for the day and stay here. Funny, right? But, hey, we'll catch up another time." He smiled, quickly backing away from me as he got ready to leave out of nowhere.

"Okay, sure-"

"I'll see you later, Chicky. Stay healthy for me, okay!" He cut me off, shooting up fast into the sky to get out of my line of sight.

Clearly, he wants me to be alone here for some reason.

I stood in front of the sandbox for a moment, completely worn out from the emotional rollercoaster that is Keigo Takami.

Hearing my phone ring and seeing Endeavor's three missed calls, I was contemplating on calling him back to let him know where I was, before I suddenly began feeling a tickling motion within the confines of my scarf.

That's the same tickling motion I've been feeling all day. I thought it was a bug, so I swatted it away, before I felt it slide into my scarf. I never had time to remove my scarf and check, because of all the chaos that ensued.

Quickly taking the time to remove my scarf now, I prepared myself for the gross sight of some nasty ass beetle to be crawling around inside.

So, you can imagine my surprise when I found a bright, red vermillion feather nestled on the inner lining of my scarf, instead.

Keigo's feather, obviously.

Feeling my eyes widen in surprise, I simply stared at the feather in shock for a moment, before carefully pulling it out to hold in my hand.

It was one of Keigo's tiniest ones....appearing to be much weaker and fluffier than his stronger ones. This feather seems to be one of his downy feathers-or, the softer feathers that lie underneath the stronger, more textured feathers of his wings. The downy feathers are, essentially, Keigo's baby feathers that he's had since he's been a little boy. They aren't good for much. At least, that's what he always tells me.

Why is he giving me this? Maybe because it's the only one tiny enough that he can slip to me, without anyone noticing.

Not having much time to study the baby feather, I jumped slightly when it began wiggling back and forth in my hand, signaling that Keigo....was currently controlling it to move, from wherever he was in the sky.

The smaller the feather, the less distance range Keigo has in controlling it with his telekinesis. If he can still control it now, he must be flying around here somewhere close...possibly stalling time so he can use it.

What are you trying to tell me, Keigo?

Not knowing how much time he had to do whatever he was gonna do, I quickly gave the fluffy, fragile feather a touch with my fingers, watching it wiggle around in my hand.

He can hear me through this.

"I'm here, Keigs. I'm here." I whispered into the feather, feeling it immediately pop off my hand to tickle my nose.

I cursed the small giggle that slipped from my mouth at the action, gently tapping it away.

"Come on, Keigo. Quit playing around and get to the point. I know you don't have a lot of time." I stated contently, ironically feeling closer to the real Keigo right now than I did when he was here just a few moments ago.

Because now, for some reason...it doesn't feel like he's holding something back.

Keigo's feather quickly floated off my hand now, before making its way towards the...

"Sandbox." I mumbled out in realization, watching the quilled tip of the feather immediately start poking around in the sand.

Now, I understand.

He's going to write me a message in the sandbox. That's why he brought me to an empty park, because he needed somewhere he could write.

Even though I was now starting to get a better understanding of what was going on, I waited patiently for Keigo's feather to start swirling around in the sand....eager to see his message.

His writing was sloppy and his words weren't forming together very well. I don't blame him. He can't see what he's writing. He's essentially writing his message blind with feather telekinesis. Luckily, it's still somewhat legible.

Guess this is when it pays to remember the times the hero commission forced us to occasionally perform our duties completely blindfolded. Of course, this included things like writing. I'll just have to interpret Keigo's legibility as best I can.

I've

The first word.

"I've..." I recited quietly, so that he would know I can understand what he's trying to say.

Been

"Been..." I repeated back, letting him know I got the second word.

The moment Keigo typed out the third word, my jaw dropped open. It shouldn't have been a shock to me. I was already starting to figure it out for myself.

But, hearing him admit it-well, not hearing him admit it...but....seeing it written down by him....

Made me realize that Keigo has finally gotten himself into a situation where he is in way over his head....

"I've been compromised."

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Next Chapter Title: A Boy Forgotten.