The next few days were a balm to my weary soul. I let Eri lead the way, her curiosity and innocent enjoyment dictating our itinerary. We got our nails and hair done – Eri insisted I get a blue streak to match her hair. I couldn't deny her that. We went to carnivals, the garish lights and sugary treats a stark contrast to the darkness I usually inhabited. She inhaled candy apples like she hadn't eaten in days, her red eyes wide with delight.
One afternoon, she stopped dead in her tracks, pointing at a group of guys surrounded by cameras. "They look pretty!" she exclaimed, tugging on my sleeve.
I followed her gaze. BTS. The boy band that had taken the world by storm. "Yeah, they're BTS," I said, watching her face.
She looked confused but then happy. She wanted to go over there, so I let her walk toward them, keeping a watchful eye on her. She greeted them with a shy wave, and the members, immediately charmed by her innocence, greeted her back warmly. They even invited her to hang out. The leader, Namjoon, I think, seemed particularly taken with her.
They took her to some cool sights in Korea, ancient temples and bustling markets. She loved the zoo the most, though, her eyes sparkling as she watched the playful pandas. One of the members, Jin, the oldest, pulled me aside. He must've sensed my underlying protectiveness.
"Hey, so you're her dad?" he asked, a cheerful smile on his face.
"Yeah, I'm Tomura," I said, shaking his hand. Talking to Jin was surprisingly…calming. He understood pressure and caring on a deeper level. The day was amazing, and Eri finally smiled, a real, unadulterated smile. They even invited her to their concert this weekend. I told her we could go, and she practically vibrated with excitement.
The weekend arrived in a blur of happy anticipation. We went to the concert, the roar of the crowd deafening. Eri was mesmerized, singing along (at least, trying to sing along) to the songs, her small body bouncing with energy.
After the concert, we went backstage. She hugged each of the members, her face beaming. "This was the best day ever!" she declared.
That was enough for me. Seeing her happy washed away some of the grime clinging to my soul.
The next day, we returned to Japan. Eri went straight to her room, exhausted but content. I went into mine, but as soon as I closed the door, I was pinned to the wall, a familiar weight pressing against me.
"Dabi, what the fuck?" I growled, a blush creeping up my neck.
"Where were you…?" Dabi's voice was low, possessive.
"Out of town…" I mumbled.
"Daddy, I'm ready for a bath!" Eri's voice chirped from the other side of the door.
My heart skipped a beat. "In a second, sweetie! Go find Layla, she will help you."
"Okay!" Eri said back, her footsteps fading away.
Dabi's grip tightened. "Who was that?" he growled, and I knew it was time. I couldn't keep it a secret any longer. I had to tell him about Eri, how I killed Overhaul, saved her, and kept her. All of it. I had to tell him the truth, even if it shattered everything.