5. Never Again

"It's the sea!"


Fuyumi shouted when she saw the ocean. Both of them landed safely on the dry sand. There was not much to see since it was a late night. Yet, the moonlight shone vividly and reflected on the surface of the water. The ray illuminated the place and wrapped her form in the glow. It would be a romantic moment... if her family previously did not try to kill him.


Fuyumi released her heel and ran to the water. Her current smile was brighter than her forced smile during their first meeting. As he watched her from near, she spattered water on him. Fuyumi laughed at his wet figure. Hawks grinned and joined her games. He retaliated by using his wing to make a bigger splash. They had an entertaining time playing in the water. After ran out of breath, both returned to the seashore. Hawks wrung out his clothes dry while Fuyumi cleaned up her glasses.


He then noticed her wet clothes became transparent. That man avoided staring directly at her and gave him his coat. "Your dress..."


She glanced down, realized his intention. "Oh.... Thank you."


The chilly night wind blew over their head. Hawks sneezed and shivered since his shirt was torn out. Fuyumi gave back his coat. "I think you need this more than me. Besides, I'm good with cold."


"It's fine. I got my wing."


Hawks' wing embraced himself. Fuyumi giggled at the sight (but she insisted of him wearing the coat). They rested and laid on the sand while watching the stars. She closed her eyes, enjoying her free time from the grip of the family chain. He gazed at her beautiful face when she turned her head to smile at him. Their face was close as their eyes met against each other.


His heart skipped a beat for a second.


"Thank you for tonight. I have fun."


Hawks winked. "Does this mean you forgive me?"


"Maybe." She paused for a while. "You know, I never talk about my family. Not even my friend and coworker know about it. I always feel bad toward Shouto the most. He did not have a normal childhood because of his upbringing. There are not much that I can give to him."


"I'm sure he cherished you since he tried to kill me."


She chuckled at his statement. "I guess you're right."


Before their conversation continued, they heard someone calling her name. Endeavour, Shouto and Natsuo were searching for her. Her family managed to track their trail after leaving the hotel. The non-hero had a hard time catching up against his father and younger brother. Natsuo spoke while catching his breath. "Fuyumi... we've been... looking for you..."


"I don't want to go home! Let go of me!"


Endeavour and Natsuo were puzzled on how to handle her. Fuyumi never threw a tantrum before. She was always well behaved and responsible person. Hawks watched two grown men struggled to persuade their own daughter and sister. They could overpower and brought her back with coercion, but such a thing would blow on their face. She would hate them more if they forced her.


Much to everyone surprise, Shouto was the one who subdued her anger. He took out his jacket and wrapped it gently around her shoulder. That boy gave her a warm sincere smile. His word was soft and filled with gratitude for her.


"Fuyumi, let's go home."


Even Hawks found himself melted under Shouto's charm.


Fuyumi could not mutter any strength to be mad at him. It was her loss. She stopped resisting and replied with a weak smile. "Okay..."


Natsuo hung his head down. He apologized to his sister. "I'm sorry, Fuyumi... I'll try to be there more to help you."


Endeavour kneeled in front of his daughter. He should do this a long time ago. "Fuyumi.... I am a horrible father. I won't be able to atone my sin forever to you. However, you deserve to know that we always treasure what you did for this family."


Their words meant everything to her. Tears fell down into her cheek. She cannot control her emotion anymore. Her frustration, anger and sadness evaporated to the thin air. She never really hated her family. Fuyumi just wanted to be appreciated for her work throughout the whole years.


Hawks watched the scene with teary eyes. That man resisted his urge to applause. "That was awesome. I'm so glad I'm alive to see this...."


Endeavour wiped her tears with a handkerchief. Natsuo held her hand while walking. Hawks were happy their conflict ended in peace. The winged hero smiled while waving his hand to their departure. Before leaving, Endeavour nodded to him without saying anything. He took it as a sign of sorry. However, Shoto glared at him with discontent. His eyes screamed, "I'm taking my sister back".


Hawks thought Endeavour would be his biggest obstacle, but he was wrong.


"Mind note: don't mess with the youngest Todoroki."


After they were gone from his sight, he collapsed to the ground. That day felt more exhausted than usual. Hawks rather took down multiple villains than involved in complicated family matters. He covered both eyes with his right arm.


"I'm never doing that again..."

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