Chapter 60: Mirth and Misunderstandings

Mirth and Misunderstandings For a second, I think he's about to strike a pose, but to my poor brain's mercy, he doesn't. His gleeful smile still plastered on his face, Inasa seems to be savoring the moment. "It's not that," I mumble bashfully, trying to downplay my earlier outburst. "I just- I took the habit from a friend. It doesn't mean that-" Inasa's laughter echoes through the air once more as he shakes his head vigorously. "No!" he vehemently denies, eyes sparkling with amusement. "It's passion!" This time, he does strike a pose, hands on hips and chest puffed out. I roll my eyes good-naturedly, chuckling at his antics. The conversation flows easily, and before I know it, we're engaged in a heated debate over who would win in a fight between All Might at half his strength and Best Jeanist, with the added twist of the battle taking place inside a jeans shop. Inasa is adamant that Best Jeanist's Quirk would give him the upper hand, while I argue that All Might's experience and sheer power would ultimately prevail. Just as we're getting into the nitty-gritty of our argument, Inasa's parents appear, smiling warmly as they approach our group. My parents exchange a glance, and I can sense their surprise at seeing their son socializing so easily with a new friend. "Ah, perfect timing!" Inasa's mother exclaims, greeting my parents with a friendly smile. "We were just discussing Inasa's... let's say, exuberance, and how it's not often we see him take to new people." My father chuckles, nodding in agreement. "What a coincidence," he laughs, "Our wonderchild is the exact opposite." I let out a childish "humpf," feeling a bit self-conscious about being the center of attention. The adults launch into a conversation, exchanging stories and anecdotes about their sons. Inasa and I continue to argue good-naturedly, our debate about All Might and Best Jeanist still raging. As the conversation winds down, Inasa turns to me with a grin. "Hey, you can call my parents' phones anytime, okay? We can hang out again soon!" I nod, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the prospect of having to make a phone call to a grown-up. I know myself enough to realize I'm gonna have a very hard time finding the courage to do so. As we part ways, Inasa waves enthusiastically, and I wave back, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Maybe, just maybe, this whole making friends thing won't be so bad after all.