A Fragile Reunion

As I pulled back from Mina and Ochaco's comforting hug, I caught sight of the boys standing across from us, their faces etched with regret and concern. Deku's eyes met mine, and I felt a pang of embarrassment, remembering how I had broken down in front of them. Suddenly, a thought occurred to me, and I blurted out, "Am I just not allowed to hang out with other boys?" The words tumbled out before I could stop them, and I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. Mina's expression softened, and she quickly reassured me, "No, Vesper, you're fine." Her voice was gentle, but I could sense a hint of amusement in her tone. I looked down, feeling embarrassed, and apologized, "Okay, I'm sorry you had to see me like this." My voice was barely above a whisper, and I could feel my face burning with shame. Ochaco stepped forward, her eyes shining with kindness, and said, "It's fine, you don't have to say sorry, Vesper." Her voice was soothing, and I felt a small measure of comfort. I wiped away the remaining tears, feeling a bit more composed, and turned to Mina and Ochaco. "Should I apologize to them?" I asked, nodding towards the boys. Mina's expression turned firm, and she said, "No, they have to." Her voice brooked no argument, and I could sense the weight of her conviction. I turned to look at the boys, and they seemed to sense my gaze, their eyes meeting mine. Deku took a step forward, his face etched with regret, and said, "Vesper, we're really sorry. We didn't mean to scare you." I looked at him, and then at the others, and saw the genuine remorse in their eyes. Maybe, just maybe, we could work through this after all. Mina's words echoed in my mind, and I felt a sense of determination. If they had to apologize, then so did I. But for now, I just stood there, frozen, as the boys took a step closer, their eyes locked on mine.