"Assumptions"

Kanri froze, the unexpected visit was more than she could process...

Hawks looked at her and then at the young man, who seemed only a few years younger than him.

He typed on his phone and handed it to her.

"Who is this guy? Do you know him? I can ask him to leave if you want!"

Kanri: -typing- Don't worry, he's an acquaintance. Please don't record my conversations with people unless it's absolutely necessary!

I looked at him and nodded gently, a gesture of respect that even I didn't fully understand. I just knew it worked, and that amused me a little.

Hawks gave Kanri a soft, almost neutral look. For the first time, he struggled to follow rules... rules she had imposed.

He turned away, watching the city's activity through the window. The fact that she had asked him not to record made him hesitate... Why was she asking me this? It's perfect, she wants privacy, but... -she turns slightly, glancing sideways, blinking rapidly- the guy hugs her and then looks at her lips- He definitely didn't kiss her because I'm here, that must be her boyfriend -she thinks, making a face of discomfort and amusement, after having looked away as if something were burning her, but... curiosity killed the cat and she falls easily, she looks again!

At that moment, the young man gives her a sharp look and leaves, they are alone again.

Hawks turns around slowly, not expecting the guy to leave so soon.

I tilted my head towards him and extended my hand to take his phone.

TEXT ON SCREEN

"Where were we?", you have my full attention...

HAWKS

He remains thinking about that look the young man gave him, interpreting it as jealousy. Then, he lets out a sigh of resignation.

"I was planning to take you to Japan..."

KANRI

"Huh?! To... Japan?" she replies, typing. "Why? Why do you want me to go to Japan?"

HAWKS

"You have so much heart and so much potential...

You saved me without hesitation, and your gift is very special! I want to train you. Have you thought about becoming a hero? I'm kind of excited about it. I think you'd be the best..." She lowers her gaze slightly, that sharp gaze of hers. "But I understand you don't want to leave your loved ones... especially your boyfriend." She says in a soft, serious tone.

"Why? Why do you want me to go to Japan?" KANRI

(Silence. She just stared at the screen, her eyes darting up and down, from hers to the translator, lost in thought.)

HAWKS

"Did I say something wrong? Was it too sudden? Kanri... she reminds me of Tokoyami. Technically, they're nothing alike, but... she'd be the second person I'd recruit. However, the excitement this time is... much greater. I'm excited to get to know her better. She could be..." he thought to himself, his eyes never leaving hers.

KANRI: TEXT ON SCREEN...

"I've thought about it before... the idea isn't bad... I'd have to think it through very carefully..."

She lowered her gaze slightly, considering the implications.

*She remained thoughtful, her brow slightly furrowed.* "Boyfriend? TC... he's not my boyfriend. Are you talking about the guy you saw leaving?"

HAWKS

"I'll wait! Take your time, there's no rush!" It's not a decision to be taken lightly, so I won't pressure you!

He replied, giving her a gentle smile, but upon realizing he wasn't her boyfriend, a hint of relief crossed his face. He'd been worried she wouldn't accept, since, in most cases, young teenagers were intense, and the possibility of her saying "no" because of her boyfriend was real!

"And about that, I'm sorry I misinterpreted your closeness with that guy. You two seemed very close!"

KANRI

"Thanks... really! And no problem!" He looked at him and—"SHHH!"—finally opened that can of Monster. He grabbed it quickly; it was clear he liked it, and a single sip noticeably stabilized his energy. He poured the rest from the can to his lips, controlling the liquid without needing to drink from the container.

Then, he took a bite of the sandwich. "Finally, I was hungry!" I said in Spanish, forgetting for a moment that he didn't understand me.

A few hours later, the doctors came to tell me I was being discharged.

I changed and took out the ponytail that formed a small bun at the nape of my neck, which created some elegant waves at the ends. I had my own way of styling my hair without straighteners; it was a strategy.

I left the place and went with him to the taxi. I remained silent during the ride until the driver spoke, and then I began to respond. I know, you want to know what we talked about, but it's a secret!

He called me an idiot, right as I was telling him about a certain experience. My expression tensed, I looked away, and placed my hands on Hawks' arm. He looked at me, and I told the driver, "I need to make a stop." I signaled to Hawks that we should get out, and I went to call another car. I thought maybe he was exaggerating a little, but... no one had the right to call me that, especially after I'd told him such a thing.

DURING THE RIDE...

HAWKS: TEXT ON SCREEN

Kanri, since you've lost your personal information, what they call your ID card here in your country, I'd like you to dictate it to me so I can request a new one for you.

KANRI

Here you go:

First Name: Kanri

Last Name: Rui

Date of Birth: 03/05/2005

ID Number: 46389270

HAWKS

So... 03/05... of... /2005... so, that means she's...

She looks at me slowly, her eyebrow raised, her expression full of confusion. The result wasn't exactly what the doctor gave her... so, they made a mistake?

Without her information? Of course! Did the hospital miscalculate? To tell the truth... no one knew Kanri's age, but... she doesn't look like an adult. Her features are so round and delicate. She really is... 21 years old?

She sighs. It feels strangely odd. She hadn't imagined she'd been talking to an adult this whole time.

To be continued...

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