Later that night, As Shin lay in his bed, staring up at the ceiling, thoughts crept up on him. His room was cozy and small, filled with toys and a few posters of popular heroes. courtesy of his parents.
The fresh memory of the doctor’s words still buzzed in his mind, and he flexed his hands, trying to use his quirk, to no real success yet.
Just then, the door opened, his dad, Ryo, entering, a soft smile on his face.
He was a tall man with black hair and a gentle yet firm presence that made Shin feel safe. Ryo sat on the edge of Shin’s bed, laying his hand on his shoulder.
“Hey, buddy. Heard you’ve got quite the Quirk.” Ryo said, his voice warm but filled with curiosity. “Speed Surge, huh? That sounds like it’s going to be fun.”
Shin smiled, turning onto his side to face his dad. “Yeah, the doctor said I could, like, go super fast.” He paused, his brows furrowing. “But I cant really use it yet.”
Ryo chuckled. “That’s right. A powerful Quirk is one thing. But without practice, its worth jack shit."
as he said that, his face turned into one of worry. hopefully his wife hadn't head that swear word.
"But if anyone can handle it, it’s you.” He brushed a hand over Shin’s head, smoothing back the messy auburn hair that Shin had taken from his mother.
Shin couldn't help but smile, his eyes closing as he thought back on the last few years. He hadn’t always been so… comfortable. At first, waking up in a new life, in a world where people had powers and heroes were real, had been terrifying.
He remembered those first moments — the disorientation, the confusion, the feeling of being trapped in a body that didn’t quite feel like his own. He remembered the overwhelming sense of loss, knowing that his old life, whatever it had been, was gone.
The worst part was his pet cat. His earlier days were filled with worry at the thought of having abandoned that sweet cat. That he had failed the one companion that cared for him.
But then, there had been his parents. Claire and Ryo, two people who, despite being complete strangers at first, had poured so much love and warmth into his life that he couldn’t help but feel but accept his new circumstances. They’d shown him kindness and affection that he’d only dreamed about before.
The first time Claire had hugged him, the first time Ryo had told him he was proud — those moments had shattered the walls he’d built around his heart. Slowly, he’d accepted this life, this family, and promised himself that he would protect them, no matter what.
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And so, with the overwhelming love of a parent, Shin. managed to adapt to this new life.
“Dad.” Shin’s voice was soft, almost a whisper
“do you… think I’ll be able to protect you and Mom with my Quirk?”
Ryo’s eyes softened as he looked down at his son, a tinge of helplessness in his gaze. He knew that Shin was more serious, more mature, than most kids his age. He would worry about things most kid's wouldn't know about.
Ryo leaned in, placing a hand on Shin’s shoulder again.
“Shin, just knowing you care that much about us is already more than we could ever ask for.
But, You’re still our child.
The most important thing for you is to grow and learn, not to worry about protecting us. That’s our job as your parents.”
Shin’s gaze drifted to his small hands, a flicker of doubt mingling with his newfound excitement at having a hopefully powerful quirk. “But… what if something bad happens? What if I’m not strong enough?”
"What if I'm not enough?"
He spoke, his voice came out more worried than he wanted. While he didn't really pay attention to this show, he remembered the few clips he had seen. The nomus. the Destruction that Shigaraki caused. What if he couldn't measure up. What if he lost this new source of comfort and love?
“Then we’ll face it together.” Ryo’s voice was firm but gentle. “Family means we look out for each other, no matter what. And when you’re ready, with all the training and practice you’ll have, you’ll be able to do amazing things with your Quirk.” Ryo paused, his expression thoughtful.
"I know you will." He spoke again. “But promise me something, Shin.”
“What?” Shin asked, curiosity in his tone.
“Promise me you’ll focus on having fun too.” Ryo smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
“I don’t want you growing up too fast. Take it slow sometimes, enjoy the little things. And don’t sweat about the big stuff. we’re here for you.”
Shin blinked, a faint warmth spreading in his chest as he looked at his dad. He nodded, a small smile creeping onto his face. “Okay Dad. I promise.”
Ryo grinned, pulling the blanket up around Shin’s shoulders and leaning down to give him a quick kiss on the forehead. “That’s my boy. Now, you need some sleep if you’re going to be zooming around tomorrow. Who knows? You might just be able to catch me next time.”
Shin’s eyes sparkled with a bit of mischief. “You better watch out, Dad. I’m gonna be super fast.”
Ryo chuckled, ruffling Shin’s hair one last time before standing up. “I’ll be ready. Sweet dreams, Shin.”
"And remember. Me and your mom love you a whole lot. Okay?"
Shin could only smile at that.
As his dad left the room, Shin lay back, feeling a deep contentment settle over him. He had a family who cared, a Quirk he was excited about, and a future he could shape. As he drifted off to sleep, he held on to the promises he’d made to himself, feeling the steady beat of his heart as it guided him into dreams filled with speed, courage, and the warmth of a life he’d finally accepted.
He WOULD measure up. He WOULD survive. and most importantly. he WOULD protect and take care, of everything dear to him. Life be damned.