CHAPTER 14 — "A Day Off with the Rabbit Hero"
The city skyline gleamed under the late afternoon sun.
Devon Jackson shifted nervously, tapping the watch on his wrist. Not because he was afraid of villains… but because today, he wasn't chasing shadows.
Today, he was on a date with Mirko, the Rabbit Hero.
It was a rare day off for both of them. The U.A. schedules had finally aligned, and Mirko had insisted Devon join her for a casual day in the city.
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✅ MEETING UP
Devon waited outside a small café near the park, the one Mirko had suggested. His Jordans gleamed faintly, though today he opted for normal sneakers—no powers needed.
A blur of white and red hair bounded toward him.
"You're late," Mirko said with a grin, hopping onto the curb beside him.
"Not bad for a student," she teased.
Devon scratched the back of his neck, embarrassed.
"Uh… traffic?" he muttered, hoping she'd buy it.
Mirko laughed, a bright, carefree sound that made Devon's chest feel lighter.
"Sure, traffic," she said. "Come on. Let's grab something to eat before I drag you into a training session anyway."
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✅ LUNCH AND LAUGHTER
They settled at a café table, the hum of the city around them. Devon ordered cautiously, careful not to embarrass himself.
Mirko leaned back, munching on a sandwich.
"So, Shadow Kid, huh?" she said, smirking. "How's training going?"
Devon shrugged, trying to act casual.
"Uh… good. I've been practicing. Keeping control."
Mirko raised an eyebrow.
"Control, huh? That's impressive. I've been in the field… but I'd probably let those shadows run wild."
Devon laughed nervously.
"Well… maybe you need a partner to keep you in check."
Mirko's ears twitched, and she smirked.
"Oh? And you think you're the guy for that job?"
Devon felt heat rise to his cheeks.
"Uh… I'd like to try," he said, a little too quickly.
Mirko laughed again, leaning forward, playful.
"Bold. I like that."
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✅ WALKING IN THE PARK
After lunch, they wandered through a nearby park. Devon tried to act casual, but every time Mirko moved, he found himself noticing the grace and strength in her movements.
"So… you ever get tired of being a hero?" Devon asked, genuinely curious.
Mirko smiled wistfully.
"Sometimes. But it's who I am. It's what I love. And days like this? They're rare. That's why I made time for you today."
Devon's chest tightened.
"I… I'm glad. Me too."
They walked side by side, teasing each other lightly. Mirko challenged Devon to a sprint across the park.
"You'll never catch me!" she called.
Devon tapped the watch—but only a tiny glow—just enough to enhance his speed without showing his full powers.
He zipped ahead, shadows flickering faintly around his shoes.
Mirko laughed, impressed, and chased him effortlessly.
"Not bad, Shadow Kid… not bad at all!"
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✅ A QUIET MOMENT
After the race, they sat on a bench, catching their breath.
Mirko nudged him with her shoulder.
"You're… different from the other students. Smart, skilled, and… a little charming. Don't let it go to your head."
Devon laughed, flustered.
"Uh… thanks. I think."
Mirko smirked, leaning back.
"Relax. You're doing fine. You're… a good kid."
Devon felt his heart race. The shadows inside him were calm, almost approving.
"Thanks," he said softly. "I… I like spending time with you."
Mirko's ears twitched, and she smiled warmly.
"Me too, Shadow Kid. Me too."
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✅ ENDING THE DAY
The sun dipped lower. They watched the skyline glow orange and pink.
Mirko stood, stretching.
"Alright, little hero, time to head back. But don't think this is over. We'll do this again—maybe next time, you'll show me all those powers up close."
Devon smiled, heart pounding.
"I'll be ready," he said.
As Mirko bounded off, Devon glanced down at his watch. The Shadow Jordans pulsed faintly—calm, patient, almost protective.
"Partner… not weapon," Devon whispered.
And for the first time, he realized: maybe even heroes needed moments like this.
A day off.
A friend.
A spark of something more.