Chapter 18: Unspoken Fears

Momo POV: 

It has been a few months since the attack on my grandparents' home, and life has continued its relentless pace. Ren, despite his injuries and the emotional toll from the battle, has been training harder than ever. Each day, he pushes himself to new limits, determined to master his quirk and become stronger.

Watching him from the sidelines, I can't help but feel a deep sense of concern. The intensity with which he trains is admirable, but it also worries me. I miss the times when we used to spend more time together when we could talk and laugh without the weight of his burdens pressing down on him.

The incident that occurred that day is always in the back of my mind. I remember the fear that gripped me when I heard about the attack and the relief I felt when I saw Ren was safe, even though he was injured. But now, I can't shake the feeling that the incident has changed him. He seems more distant, more focused on his training, and it's causing a rift between us.

One evening, as I sit alone in my room, I can't hold back the tears any longer. The emptiness and sadness have been building up inside me, and I find myself crying quietly, overwhelmed by the weight of my emotions. My mother, ever perceptive, hears my muffled sobs and comes to my room.

"Momo, dear, what's wrong?" she asks gently, her voice filled with concern.

I try to compose myself, but the tears keep coming. "It's Ren-kun," I finally admit through my sobs. "He's been working so hard, and I'm worried about him. He's spending so much time training, and I feel like we're drifting apart. I'm afraid that the incident has changed him, and I don't know how to help him."

My mother sits beside me, wrapping her arms around me in a comforting embrace. "Oh, Momo," she says softly, "I understand how you feel. It's hard to see someone you care about go through such challenges. But sometimes, it's important to let them know how you feel. Holding everything inside can make the situation feel even more overwhelming."

Her words resonate with me, and I take a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions. "But I don't know if I have the courage to talk to him. What if he thinks I'm being too clingy or that I don't understand his dedication?"

My mother gently wipes away my tears and gives me a reassuring smile. "Sometimes, expressing your feelings can bring people closer together. It's not about being clingy; it's about showing that you care and that you want to support him. You have a kind heart, Momo, and your feelings are valid. Talking to Ren-kun might help him see how much you care and might also help him find a better balance."

Her encouragement gives me the strength I need to consider opening up to Ren. The next day, I resolve to talk to him about my worries, even if it feels daunting. I hope that by sharing my feelings, I can help Ren find a way to manage his training while also maintaining the connection we once shared.

I find him at the training facility, his focus intense as he works through another grueling exercise. The sight of him, so dedicated yet so distant, makes my heart ache. Taking a deep breath, I approach him with a mixture of nervousness and determination.

"Ren-kun," I begin softly, "can we talk for a moment?"

Ren looks up, his expression softening when he sees me. "Of course, Momo-chan. What's on your mind?"

I take another deep breath, trying to steady my voice. "I've been really worried about you. I've noticed how hard you're pushing yourself, and I'm afraid that it's taking a toll on you. We don't spend as much time together as we used to, and I miss our conversations and moments together. I just want to make sure you're okay and that you're not neglecting yourself."

Ren's eyes widen in surprise, and he takes a step closer, his expression thoughtful. "I didn't realize that my training was affecting you like this. I've been so focused on improving that I guess I didn't notice how much I've been distancing myself."

He reaches out and gently takes my hand, his touch comforting. "Thank you for telling me, Momo-chan. I appreciate your concern more than you know. I'll try to find a better balance between my training and spending time with you."

A sense of relief washes over me as I see the sincerity in his eyes. "I'm glad you understand, Ren-kun. I just want to be there for you, to support you in any way I can."

Ren smiles warmly, and for a moment, the distance between us seems to close. "I'm lucky to have you by my side, Momo-chan. Let's make sure we don't lose sight of what's important, even as we face our challenges."

As we stand there, holding hands and sharing a quiet moment of understanding, I feel a renewed sense of hope. We both have our struggles, but together, we can find a way to navigate them and strengthen our bond. I'm grateful for the courage to speak up and for the chance to support Ren, knowing that our friendship is a source of strength for both of us.