"The Monster, the Wi-Fi, and the Uncertainty"

Upon reading the translation, Hawks' smile softened. That "You owe me absolutely nothing" was etched in his heart; he cherished it.

Hawks: Done, Monster and... -he hesitated- Do you like fried chicken? -he blurted out, his excitement making him forget he should translate everything he said. Seeing Kanri's confused face and blinking eyes, she also offered a soft, honest smile, handing him the phone without judgment, her expression full of tenderness. Hawks looked somewhat embarrassed; he had no idea why he felt this way. Perhaps it was the first time he'd stopped being so perfect in the eyes of others.

He translated her words, adding a final, "Don't move from here, I'll be quick," before leaving.

Out on the street, he encountered things very... different from Japan. Young women in revealing clothing, men in tight clothes, some same-sex or opposite-sex couples openly displaying affection—something he wasn't used to, despite having seen so much as the hero he was.

He headed toward the first kiosk he found.

For the first time, Hawks had to complain like a parent about his cell phone. The Wi-Fi wasn't working properly, and the sunlight was very strong; there weren't any tall buildings in this part of town.

Hawks: Damn it, damn it, why now? -He looks at the kiosk owner- Oh, I let the others go first. I... I waited a moment! -Once he manages to stabilize the connection, he goes to her- Excuse me, do you have this drink? -He shows her the translation and then the picture-

Girl X: Of course, I have some left in white, pink, passion fruit, and... that's all! Anything else, my love? "She wrote to him," Hawks tensed up. Those words... spoken like that, unfiltered, by a stranger, felt strangely odd to him.

Hawks: "The rose!" His logic tells him the rose is good because it's feminine. Once he writes that, he checks the girl's translation, but she... wrote something else... "1172829498, call me my love"... that bold. Hawks glances at her indifferently, pays, and leaves.

His gaze wanders among the shops, but unfortunately, fried chicken isn't sold everywhere here, and he no longer has the wings to fly back and forth.

Something catches his eye: sandwiches. "Yes, made in Argentina, it'll feel great!" He buys the sandwiches and pauses for a moment, trying to breathe in the air.

"Damn, I couldn't have looked more pathetic!" he thought. "But at least it's worth it, Kanri needs me, that girl..." he sighed, "She's become special, but how could she not be? She sacrificed her life and came out unscathed by sheer luck... NO! It wasn't luck... she, she's powerful, she just doesn't know it yet!" He smiled proudly, "She would be a great hero"... He sighed deeply, enjoying the gentle breeze. Now he understood why the province was called "Buenos Aires," but he didn't linger. He headed back to the hospital, until...

X: Look, that boy looks a lot like Hawks!!!

Everyone turned around, but Hawks had already dashed off towards the hospital, quickly climbing the stairs to the intern's room and slamming the door shut with a loud click.

Kanri: Uhh?! -She looked towards the entrance, smiled softly, and tried to get out of bed, but the pain prevented her.

When she sees Hawks smile sheepishly, she takes the drink with a curious look. Seeing the Monster Pink, she blinks quickly; she doesn't really like it. Her favorite is the classic black one, but she would never dare complain. And despite being picky about her tastes, she's never made a fuss about eating something. But the mere fact that Hawks bought it for her is a source of pride, and perhaps she'll keep that can forever.

"Arigatōgozaimasu, itadakimasu!" she blurted out, smiling sweetly.

Hawks, who was about to take a bite of his sandwich, freezes. She... didn't use the translator.

Hawks: Nani de sutte? Watashi no gengo o hanaseru ndesu ka?

(What? Do you know my language?)

Kanri: Hon'nosukoshidakedesu, watashi wa mada shoshinshadesukara!

(Just a little, I'm still too much of a beginner!)

He smiles, delighted, and begins to translate, letting out a sigh of satisfaction.

Hawks: I understand! I wish you knew more, so I could communicate with you better!

Kanri: Teach me! -she replies, and when he sees the response, she smiles, letting out a shy little laugh, but suddenly, she becomes serious, even quieter-

Hawks: What's wrong? Why are you making that face? -he types quickly-

Kanri: You... at some point you'll return to your country...

Seeing her expression, Hawks feels... a touch of tenderness and melancholy.

Hawks: I know... I wish I could... -he erases it, but she stops him, shaking her head, and writes, "Don't erase it, tell me what you think. I won't judge you, really. I'm very easy to get along with, I don't take offense for no reason, and coming from you, I doubt I will." Hawks, hesitating, finishes writing, "I wish I could take you to Japan with me... After what you did, I can't let a talent like yours go to waste, and... you're the only person who tells me I don't owe them anything..." -he writes, and takes her hand, looking at her with admiration and respect- "And for that reason, I owe you everything!"

Kanri looks at him in amazement, blushing. She hadn't expected him to take her hand. She didn't know he thought she was just a child, and the closeness of men, or anyone for that matter, made her nervous.

She wasn't a big fan of physical contact; she was usually reserved, distant, and distrustful. She rarely felt completely comfortable, even with her loved ones, but... she didn't take long to adapt to this contact with the man she admired most in the world!

She was going to write, was going to say something, but the door opened and... bam, a handsome guy walked in, looking a little embarrassed. Even though Hawks couldn't understand what he was saying, she knew he was seeking Kanri's permission or approval.

To be continued...

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