Mumen Rider in MHA

Late Afternoon – Kamino Park Vending Machines

The rusted vending machines at the edge of Kamino Park let out a loud clunk as a bottle of barley tea dropped down. Satoru barely reacted. He was slouched on a bench nearby, helmet still on, armor dented from a long patrol. His gloves were still smeared with dust. The bouquet from the night before—now placed beside him—had wilted more in the sun.

He hadn't moved much in hours.

His legs were still.

The park was quiet, mostly empty except for a few old women walking dogs and a group of middle schoolers skating in the distance.

And then—

Soft footsteps on gravel.

Miyako stood at the edge of the path, holding a small paper bag in both hands.

She saw him.

He didn't speak.

Neither did she, at first.

Her fingers clenched the bag tighter. She looked down, then up, then down again.

"I—I heard you were in Kamino again," she said softly. "And… someone said you collapsed the other day."

Satoru shook his head. "Didn't collapse. Just sat down too fast."

That made her smile a little, but it didn't last.

She walked over. Sat beside him.

Not too close.

But closer than before.

"I didn't know if I should come," she said.

"You didn't have to," he replied, voice tired. "But I'm glad you did."

She blinked.

Then handed him the paper bag. "I made these. Just rice balls. Nothing fancy."

He looked down at it. "Thank you."

"Don't… don't eat them if you're allergic to sesame."

He chuckled weakly. "I'm not."

Silence stretched between them.

The wind stirred the trees. A few petals blew past his feet.

"You looked… heavier," she said.

He tilted his head.

"Not your body," she corrected quickly, blushing. "I mean, you look… tired. Worn."

Satoru looked ahead at the children skating, distant and small.

"I am," he said quietly. "But I can't stop. Not yet."

She hesitated.

Then reached into her pocket and pulled something out.

A charm.

Folded from paper. Hand-inked with shaky brushstrokes.

A shield and a sunflower.

"I know it's silly," she said quickly, cheeks red. "But I made it. You don't have to keep it. I just… I worry."

He took it with both hands. Handled it gently, like something rare.

"I'll keep it," he said.

A long beat passed.

Then she spoke again.

"I was scared," she whispered. "Back when you got hurt. I didn't visit. I wanted to. But I was too scared to see you like that."

"I'm still here," he said softly.

"I know. That's why I came now."

The sun was lower in the sky.

Satoru stood slowly, joints popping beneath the armor.

"Thanks for the tea," he said.

"You didn't drink it."

He gave her a small, crooked smile. "Guess I like your company more."

---

As he walked off, her voice followed: "Come back safe this time."

He didn't turn around.

But he raised one hand. And kept walking.