Logically speaking, as childhood friends, Lock and Kyoka Jiro should've been the ones most likely to develop feelings for each other, right?
But life didn't go that way.
They had grown up side by side—running, playing, fighting, and reconciling through countless small quarrels.
Yet as they grew older, as their bodies changed and awareness of gender differences settled in, that closeness began to feel… awkward.
What once felt natural now created distance.
And when teasing classmates began poking fun at their "relationship," that subtle barrier only deepened.
Lock and Kyoka might've grown closer again if not for his reincarnation—and the full year he'd spent in this world since then.
Jingle!
The phone rang, interrupting his thoughts.
It was a message.
"Lock, my home's in Room 424, Emerald Isle Apartments, Musutafu City. Make sure you arrive before six o'clock."
That was from Ryuko Tatsuma, Pro Hero Ryukyu—his aunt.
Her office was based in Musutafu's Kansai District, about a thirty-minute train ride from Lock's place.
The area was home to several famous agencies—the Elastic Hero: Fat Gum's agency, and even Sir Nighteye's former office back in the day.
Lock typed out a reply:
"Got it, I'll be there on time."
After sending the message, he began practicing his magic.
His total magic power was still limited—enough to cast Thunderstorm Rage twice, at most.
Unknowingly, the sun slipped toward the horizon, and the sky began to dim.
By the time Lock arrived near the address, it was evening.
Rather than going straight in, he stopped at a convenience store to pick up a basket of fresh fruit.
It was his first visit—showing up empty-handed would've been rude.
As night fell, city lights flickered on.
Ten minutes before six, Lock sent another text message to say he'd arrived.
The apartment complex turned out to be an upscale one—each unit more like a standalone villa.
And just as he looked up, a tall, lean woman approached from the gate.
"Lock! Good evening," she greeted with a warm smile.
She wore a white-and-red modern qipao-style dress that accentuated her mature elegance. Despite her calm presence, her sharp eyes carried the aura of a veteran Pro Hero.
"Good evening, Aunt Ryuko," Lock replied politely.
Ryuko Tatsuma—the Dragon Hero: Ryukyu, ranked No. 9 on the current Pro Hero charts.
She preferred traditional attire even off-duty, her refined figure lending her a natural charisma.
But her Quirk: Dragon made for a striking contrast—when she transformed, even her specialized combat dress expanded to match her colossal form.
It was… memorable, to say the least.
"You didn't have to bring anything, dear," she said, noticing the fruit bag in his hand. "Still, that's thoughtful of you."
She smiled softly. This young man—her late cousin's son—had grown so much.
He wasn't the gloomy, withdrawn boy he once was.
At least, he seemed to be stepping out of the shadows.
"Come on in," Ryuko said, leading him through a quiet path into a Japanese-style courtyard home.
The walls were painted soft gray and white, and the garden was filled with well-kept flowers and shrubs.
A gentle breeze stirred the leaves, carrying a faint fragrance through the air.
"Don't just stand there, Lock," Ryuko called teasingly. "Come in."
"I was just admiring the scenery—it's beautiful," he said with a small smile, stepping inside.
Ryuko pulled a pair of indoor slippers from the entryway cabinet. "Set the fruit against the wall there. Try these on—do they fit?"
Lock slipped them on, took a few steps, and nodded. "They fit perfectly."
"Good. You've grown a lot taller since I last saw you," Ryuko said warmly. "Almost a year and a half now, huh? You used to look so gloomy… but now you seem much brighter. More mature. I'm glad."
Lock chuckled softly. "People grow up eventually."
Ryuko smiled, eyes glimmering. "Nejire's inside. I'll finish up dinner—you two catch up, alright?"
She gave him a knowing look before heading toward the kitchen.
Lock sighed with a small shake of his head, stepping further inside—where his eyes were immediately drawn to a young girl.
Long blue hair that shimmered under the light,
a white U.A. uniform blouse with a gray coat, and
a dark navy skirt revealing flawless pale thighs beneath the table.
Her beauty was effortless—graceful yet lively.
She's… stunning, Lock thought involuntarily.
The girl looked up and beamed. "Lock! Long time no see!"
"Good evening, Nejire," he greeted.
NejireAmajiki—U.A. student and Ryuko's protégé, though still just a first-year right now.
She hopped to her feet, eyes bright as she leaned forward, studying him closely. "You really have changed! I saw the news—how did you do that water move? You're supposed to be Quirkless!"
Her tone was sweet and energetic, like sunlight breaking through clouds.
Lock laughed softly. "That's… a long story."
"Then maybe you really can join U.A.'s Hero Course!" Nejire said, spinning in excitement, her voice lilting like a melody. "If I'm in my third year, then you'll be a first-year, so I'll be your senior!"
Lock couldn't help but smile faintly as he watched her.
No wonder the boy who once owned this body had admired her so deeply.
He'd first met Nejire years ago, when his parents co-hosted a Hero event with Ryuko.
Left unattended, he was entrusted to Nejire, who'd been interning at Ryuko's agency back then.
From what Ryuko had told him, the original Lock had been dark and withdrawn.
A cheerful, kind-hearted girl like Nejire had been the first to pierce that wall of loneliness.
That was when his unspoken crush had begun.
But that was the old Lock—the one whose life had ended.
The new Lock only felt calm curiosity now, without awkwardness or lingering sadness.
Ten minutes later, Ryuko returned from the kitchen, setting out steaming plates of stir-fried dishes.
Taking her seat, she looked straight at Lock, eyes sharp and motherly all at once.
"Lock," she began, "I wanted to ask about your ability—the one from the news. And… are you really planning to take the Provisional License Exam this September?"
Lock smiled faintly, having already expected this.
As he thought, this was the real reason his aunt had called him here tonight.
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