Only Her Aki – The One Who Listens (Age 6)
It has been one year since Akira and Alya became friends. They both hang with each other every day. They used to do mostly everything together. While Alya was cheerful and overly energetic Akira didn't mind one bit instead he always felt a sense of comfort staying with her.
The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden rays over the quiet neighborhood. In Akira's room, the sound of button mashing filled the air as he sat on the floor, legs crossed, focused on his portable console. His fingers moved quickly, his grey eyes locked on the screen.
Sitting beside him on his bed, Alya Kujou was swinging her legs back and forth, her silver hair slightly messy from the long day.
And, as usual, she was talking.
"…And then, the dress will have these shiny ribbons! Oh! And the sleeves will be all fluffy like a cloud! Aki, can you imagine it?"
Akira, eyes still glued to his game, responded instantly. "Yeah. A dress with puffy sleeves and ribbons."
Alya gasped. "You were listening?!"
Akira smirked slightly, still not looking away from his screen. "I always listen."
Alya huffed, puffing out her cheeks. "You don't look like you're listening! You're just playing your game again!"
Akira finally looked at her for a second, then back to his game. "I can do both."
Alya narrowed her eyes at him, but then suddenly smiled. "Then tell me, what did I say before that?"
Akira didn't even hesitate.
"You said you want to design a winter collection one day. Coats, scarves, and boots that look cool but are super comfy. Oh, and you want to make them in pastel colors because you think winter outfits are too dark and boring."
Alya's mouth dropped open.
Akira, still playing, added, "You also said you want to make a dress that 'shines like the stars,' but you're not sure how to make fabric sparkle naturally."
Alya clapped her hands together. "WOAH! Aki, you actually listen!"
Akira sighed. "I told you. I always listen."
Alya's face lit up, her blue eyes sparkling. "That's why you're the best!" She threw her arms around his neck, hugging him from behind.
Akira flinched slightly. "Oi, Alya, I'm playing—"
GAME OVER.
Akira stared at the screen in horror.
Alya burst into giggles. "Oops!"
Akira sighed and put his console down. "You did that on purpose."
Alya grinned mischievously. "Maybe~"
The Only One Who Understands
Alya pulled away and sat cross-legged on the bed. "You know, you're the only one who listens to my dreams."
Akira raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Alya pouted. "When I tell other kids about my dream, they just say stuff like 'That's weird' or 'Why don't you want to be a hero?'" She twirled a strand of her silver hair around her finger. "Even some adults don't take me seriously. They just say, 'That's cute,' like I'm talking about a silly fantasy."
Akira frowned slightly. He could already imagine it. Adults often treated kids like they didn't know anything, and other kids only cared about heroes or Quirks.
Alya continued, "But you… you never laugh at my dreams. You always listen."
Akira looked at her, then at the small sketchbook sitting beside her on the bed. It was filled with colorful doodles of dresses, shoes, and accessories.
He reached over and picked it up, flipping through the pages.
She watched him quietly as he examined her drawings.
Finally, he spoke. "Your ideas are good."
Alya blinked in surprise. "Really?"
Akira nodded. "Yeah. You're way more creative than those dumb kids who can't even draw stick figures."
Alya giggled. "True!"
Akira continued flipping through her designs, then stopped at one page. It was a drawing of a long, flowing dress decorated with tiny, twinkling dots.
He pointed at it. "This is the 'dress that shines like the stars,' right?"
Alya nodded eagerly. "Yeah! But I don't know how to make it sparkle naturally."
Akira thought for a moment. "What if you use a fabric with tiny glass beads or something? When light hits it, it'll sparkle without looking fake."
Alya gasped. "That's genius! Aki, you're so smart!"
Akira shrugged. "It just makes sense."
Alya beamed at him, hugging her sketchbook to her chest. "I knew you'd have a good idea!"
Akira smirked. "Of course. I'm amazing."
Alya giggled. "Yeah, yeah, Mr. Amazing."
A Promise Without Words
The two sat in silence for a while. Alya continued sketching, while Akira picked up his console again.
But after a few minutes, Alya spoke again, softer this time. "Aki…"
Akira glanced at her. "What?"
Alya twirled her pencil between her fingers. "Do you think… I can really become a fashion designer one day?"
Akira stared at her for a moment. Then, without hesitation, he replied—
"Of course."
Alya's heart skipped a beat.
Akira continued, his voice steady. "You're already better than half the adults who make clothes. If anyone can do it, you can."
Alya felt warmth spread through her chest.
No hesitation. No fake encouragement. No empty words.
He truly believed in her.
She smiled softly. "Then… I'll make sure to design cool outfits for you, too!"
Akira smirked. "Better make them comfortable."
Alya giggled. "Deal!"
And in that moment, without needing to say it out loud—
A promise was made.
No matter what happened, Akira Tachibana would always listen to her dreams.
Because to him, Alya's dreams mattered.
- To Be Continued