Chapter 5: Encounter
The next day, Sunday, is the day the Yuuei Sports Festival will be held. Excitement and enthusiasm began to be felt since the morning. Everyone in the country seemed eager and full of energy to watch this big event either live or on TV.
My family had made plans with Ryuko-nee and her mother to go to Yuuei together. We agreed to gather at our house first before leaving together. The sense of family was even stronger with the preparations made together.
If you ask where Ryuko-nee's father is, unfortunately, he passed away while working as a Pro Hero a few years ago. His loss is still felt by his family, but his spirit and legacy live on in Ryuko-nee.
Because today is a special day, my father took the initiative to rent a car as transportation for today. A car that is big and comfortable enough to take us all to the festival location without difficulty.
My father thought that since we had received free tickets to the Yuuei Sports Festival, it would be best if our family also provided transportation for the trip. This was our way of contributing and showing gratitude.
At the moment, I'm sitting in the back seat with Ryuko-nee and her mother, while my father and mother sit in the front seat. The comfortable trip, accompanied by light conversations and laughter, made this journey more enjoyable.
"Ryuko-nee, are you feeling nervous?" I asked, trying to start a conversation to divert her mind from anxiety.
"I'm a little nervous," Ryuko-nee replied honestly, seeming to try to calm herself.
Well, considering the scale of this festival, which is like the Olympics if it were in the previous world, it would definitely make anyone feel nervous if participating. The large scale and reputation of this event are indeed quite nerve-wracking for the participants.
"You don't need to be too nervous, Ryuko-nee. With your Quirk, it will surely be easy to get good results," I said, trying to encourage and give her confidence.
"Yes, don't be too nervous, Ryuko-chan. Mother will always support you!" said Ryuko-nee's mother with full affection.
"I'm even more nervous after listening to both of you," Ryuko-nee said, trying to laugh even though she still seemed tense.
Seeing Ryuko-nee looking more nervous, I tried to make her relax by making a joke. Creating a lighter and more pleasant atmosphere is the best way to reduce tension.
"How about this, Ryuko-nee, why don't you promise if you fail in the first round, you'll treat me to ice cream for a month, if you fail in the second round, you'll treat me to ice cream for a week, and if you win the championship, you'll treat me to ice cream for a year, how about that?" I said jokingly, hoping to make her laugh.
Hearing my joke, Ryuko-nee seemed to want to laugh and looked more relaxed. Laughter is the best remedy to relieve tension and make the atmosphere more cheerful.
"Thank you, Himaru-kun. I feel a bit calmer now," Ryuko-nee said, laughing. Her anxiety began to lessen, and she felt more prepared to face the upcoming challenges.
A while later, we finally arrived at the parking lot provided by Yuuei. This parking lot is quite spacious and comfortable, allowing many cars to park easily. The scenery around the parking lot is also very beautiful with green trees that add to the natural atmosphere.
Along with our two families getting out of the rented car, there was a family of six who also got out of their private car. The family looked neat and tidy in their attire, but there was something strange about the atmosphere between them.
Although they got out together, a tense atmosphere was seen within the six-member family. Their faces looked serious and did not show the cheerfulness like other families.
While I was observing the atmosphere of the family, Ryuko-nee seemed to run towards the head of the family, as if wanting to get an autograph from someone she admired very much.
"Endeavor-san, can I have your autograph?" I heard Ryuko-nee say enthusiastically to the big man with red hair. Her voice was full of enthusiasm and admiration.
My father and mother, along with Yumeko-san, also joined in asking for Endeavor-san's autograph. They all seemed excited and happy to meet the great hero.
While everyone was excited to ask for autographs, I stopped in front of a girl who looked a few years older than me.
She had white hair with a few strands of red hair. Her unique hair made her look very attractive and different from others.
I was attracted to her unique appearance, so I wanted to get to know her better.
"Beautiful lady, can you be my girlfriend, or at least let's be friends first!" I said while holding her hand. I tried to be confident even though I felt a little nervous.
My words instantly made the lively atmosphere around us become silent. Everyone seemed surprised by my courage.
Hearing my words, the girl whose hand I was holding immediately reacted and let go of my hand with a flushed face. Her expression showed embarrassment and surprise at my boldness.
Meanwhile, the middle-aged woman with white hair, who seemed to be her mother, looked like she was holding back laughter seeing her daughter's reaction. Her restrained laughter made the atmosphere lighter and slightly reduced the tension.
Contrary to his wife's reaction, Endeavor seemed to be holding back his anger. His hard and serious face increasingly showed how displeased he was with the situation.
"Little boy, what do you like about my daughter?" the white long-haired woman asked me jokingly. She seemed to be trying to lighten the mood and see how I would respond.
Before I could give an answer, I was hugged by my mother, who quickly covered my mouth. My mother looked panicked and tried to avoid making the situation more awkward.
Meanwhile, my father was trying to smooth over the awkward atmosphere caused by my actions. He smiled kindly and tried to bring the atmosphere back to calm.
"Endeavor-san, don't mind the words of a little boy. He doesn't know what he's talking about… hahaha…" my father said to Endeavor, trying to lighten the mood with laughter and jokes.
And that was how we met the family of the Number 2 hero. The meeting, which was full of surprises and laughter, became a very memorable experience.
Despite the surprising incident that caused an awkward atmosphere, the three families finally headed to the Yuuei Sports Festival stadium together. The excitement and enthusiasm to watch the big event overcame the awkwardness that had initially appeared. We walked together while trying to divert attention from the previous incident.
Perhaps Endeavor wanted to separate from our group soon, as seen from his expressionless face, or maybe not because his usual face was already expressionless. Even so, he still showed a professional and responsible attitude as a hero.
But it seems Lady Luck was on my side today because based on our tickets, our group seats were indeed close to each other. This luck made me feel happier and more excited to enjoy the festival together.
The seating position of Endeavor's family was right in front of our group's seats. This gave us the opportunity to keep interacting and enjoy the event together. This close seating arrangement also provided a sense of security and comfort because we were near a great hero.
So, I immediately got out of my mother's embrace and said loudly, showing my courage and enthusiasm to start this day with full confidence.
"This is indeed destiny!" I said proudly and somewhat loudly, hoping to make the atmosphere more lively and cheerful.
Seeing my childish behavior, Todoroki Rei seemed to want to laugh while Endeavor seemed to want to turn me into ashes with his fire. This contrasting reaction made the atmosphere more interesting and colorful.