The day started normal enough — until Hawks' face appeared on live television.
Kenta froze mid-sip of his coffee, nearly choking as the broadcast flickered across the screen.
> "Today, the Number Two Hero Hawks spoke with reporters about rumors surrounding his newly purchased property…"
"Oh no," Kenta muttered, gripping his mug. "He wouldn't—he didn't—"
He did.
---
Standing in front of cameras, Hawks looked as calm and smooth as ever. He was wearing his trademark grin, wings folded neatly behind him, sunglasses perched just right.
> "So Hawks, the public's been buzzing about that little house you've been fixing up," the reporter said, smiling. "Care to clear things up for your fans?"
Hawks chuckled softly.
> "Ah, that. Yeah, I've heard the rumors."
> "So is it true? Are you… retiring?"
He tilted his head thoughtfully.
> "Well, let's say it's part of a plan."
> "A plan?"
Hawks' smile widened, his tone balancing perfectly between honesty and mischief.
> "Look, I can't be a hero forever. One day, I'll need a place to land, right? So yeah — I call it my retirement investment."
The crowd of reporters chuckled. Cameras flashed.
> "That's all it is?" one pressed.
> "Half truth, half dream," Hawks said easily. "I just want something peaceful for the future. Maybe grow some flowers, take it easy."
> "Flowers?"
> "Yeah," Hawks said, his golden eyes glinting just slightly. "Flowers make life better. Don't you think?"
The reporters laughed, completely buying it. Even the Hero Commission issued a short statement later that day:
> "The property in question is a personal investment for Hawks' long-term stability. We fully support our hero's forward-thinking planning."
---
Kenta, however, was staring at the screen like it had personally betrayed him.
> "They bought it," he whispered. "They actually bought it!"
He slumped back in his chair, dragging a hand down his face.
> "Unbelievable. He lies with a straight face, half-truth and all, and somehow everyone thinks he's a responsible adult!"
When Hawks strolled into the agency later that afternoon, freshly out of interviews and still looking smug, Kenta was waiting for him — tablet in hand.
> "Retirement plan, huh?"
Hawks blinked innocently.
> "That's what it is."
> "You said flowers, boss. Flowers!"
> "What's wrong with flowers? They're relaxing."
> "Relaxing?" Kenta's voice rose. "You literally described her!"
Hawks only smiled wider.
> "You noticed?"
Kenta groaned, pressing a hand to his temple.
> "You're going to give me a stress ulcer."
> "C'mon, Kenta," Hawks said lightly, sitting on his desk. "Half-truths keep life interesting."
> "Half-truths are going to get me fired!"
Hawks laughed, wings flicking behind him.
> "Relax. The Commission bought it. The media bought it. Everything's fine."
Kenta just stared at him, deadpan.
> "You do realize you just told the entire country about your retirement house with Aerith, right?"
Hawks grinned.
> "Nah, I just said flowers."
> "Exactly!" Kenta threw up his hands. "That's her thing! Everyone who knows her will get it!"
Hawks leaned back, smirking.
> "Then maybe that's the part of the truth I wanted her to hear."
Kenta froze mid-yell.
> "…You're impossible."
> "Maybe," Hawks said, standing up. "But at least I'm consistent."
As Hawks walked out, Kenta watched him go and muttered under his breath:
> "Half truth, whole chaos. That's my life now."