MHA: Absolute Telekinesis
[62] Chef Eri: What’s Polygamy?

(Kata POV – Kata's House, Kitchen)

After leaving the girls to themselves, I returned to the kitchen and resumed working on dinner.

With the extra guests, I had to adjust the portions. And with Momo here too... would triple the normal amount be too little?

‘Good thing I remembered. Otherwise someone would’ve gone hungry... either Momo or the rest of us.’ I muse.

I began taking out extra ingredients, deciding to prepare 5 times the normal amount. Better safe than sorry.

That’s when I hear light footsteps and felt a gaze from the hallway.

I turn and smile. “What’s wrong, Eri?”

She stands in the doorway, hands folded in front of her, staring curiously at the spread of ingredients on the counter.

“I... I want to help.” She says, stepping inside a little. “I don’t really know how to cook, but... I can do other things! I can help you carry stuff, or wash things.” She says seriously.

I tilt my head in confusion. “But weren’t you having fun with Momo, Mina, and Himiko?”

“I was.” She admits, glancing down at her feet. “But then I realized... you were all alone in here while we were laughing in the living room, and I didn’t want you to feel lonely...”

I felt a warm pressure rise in my chest. That quiet, selfless kind of love that only Eri seemed capable of. Her simple worry, so earnest it hurts, hit me harder than anything else today.

I walked over and gently scooped her up with my quirk, pulling her into a hug. “Thank you for thinking of me.” I said gently, holding her against my chest. “That means a lot.”

She wiggles a bit in my grasp, her cheek squished against me. “You’re welcome.” She mumbles, her voice muffled by my shirt, but still sounding happy.

I chuckle and settle her onto my arm, keeping her at counter height. “How about I teach you how to cook? That way, we can do it together.”

Her eyes light up like stars. “Really?! But... what if I mess something up?” Her hands fidgeted with the edge of my sleeve.

“You won’t.” I say with a grin. “And even if you do, I can fix it instantly. No pressure. Plus...” I wink. “It’s way more fun with you around.”

A shy giggle escapes her as she nods enthusiastically. "Okay!"

I carry her to the sink. “First thing’s first, let's wash our hands.”

She stuck her hands under the tap before I could even turn the tap on.

While she scrubbed with intense concentration, I used my quirk to create a tiny apron and chef’s hat, making it from soft fabric I’d started keeping around the house for moments like this.

The hat even had a small hole for her horn.

When I placed it on her head, she fiddled with it a bit, trying to sit it just right. Then she stood tall, brows furrowed in mock seriousness.

“Ready for duty!” She declares, trying hard not to smile.

“You look like a pro already.” I say, pinching her cheeks gently, causing her to giggle happily.

“Alright, Chef Eri. First, let’s wash the vegetables.”

I handed her a bundle of carrots. She grabbed one like it was a delicate treasure and carefully ran it under the water, scrubbing it with a serious dedication.

I chuckled and joined her, speeding through the rest with practiced ease.

Once the veggies were done, we moved on to prepping rice. I showed her how to measure it properly, and let her pour the oil into the pan herself. She did it slowly, tongue poking from the corner of her mouth as she focused.

“Nice job." I give her a thumbs up. "You did it perfectly the first time!” I say excitedly.

She beamed at the praise.

When it came time to cut vegetables, I held her hands with mine as we guided the knife together, never letting the blade near her fingers.

Then came seasoning the meats. She pinched the salt and spices between her fingers and scattered them into the bowl with exaggerated flair.

“Is this how real chefs do it?” She asks, her eyes sparkling.

“Exactly like that.” I confirmed. “Ten out of ten technique.”

Soon the kitchen was filled with the sound of sizzling pans, bubbling sauces, and Eri’s happy humming. I let her stir the pots while keeping my hands close, and every time she did something right, I praised.

“You’re doing amazing,” I say, with profound amazement and excitement, as she stirs the curry with great enthusiasm. “You’re really good at this, you know.”

She beams. “It’s fun when I’m with you, Kata!”

And just like that, the hour passed quickly.

Between her giggles and my quirk multitasking most of the finishing touches, dinner came together faster than I expected.

'I'm sad it's over so soon.' I lament.

I glance down at my little assistant. Her apron was absolutely wrecked—splotched with sauces, flecks of rice, and what I think was a splash of miso paste—but her smile couldn’t have been brighter.

“Well...” I say, crouching down to her eye level, “What do you think, Chef Eri?”

She threw her arms up. “We did it!”

I laughed and picked her up. “We sure did.”

I raise a palm, and we high-five each other and laugh.

And as I carried her out of the kitchen, I couldn’t help but think that—out of everything we made tonight—this moment was my favorite.

"Eri, you need to clean up before we eat." I say, eyeing the mess all over her tiny apron.

She glances down at herself and pouts, her little shoulders sagging. “...Can I be Chef Eri a little longer?” She asks softly, peeking up at me.

I sigh inwardly. 'How am I supposed to say no to that face? Is she weaponizing her cuteness? No, Eri isn't like that.'

“Alright.” I say with mock reluctance, “But chefs still need to be clean. Close your eyes and count to three.”

She immediately covers her eyes with both hands, bouncing slightly on her feet. “One... two... three!”

With a flick of my finger, I disintegrate the stains and debris on her outfit, leaving her cleaner than when she first put it on. Even her shoes are spotless now.

Eri finishes counting and opens one eye, then gasps as she looks down. “It worked!” She beams. “I’m still Chef Eri! Right?”

I chuckle and ruffle her hair gently. “You can be Chef Eri anytime you want. Let’s cook together next time too.”

“Yay!” She cheers, flinging her hands into the air like she just won a tournament.

“Alright, now go sit at the table, and I’ll bring the food.” I nod toward the living room.

She gives me a quick salute, then dashes off. “Okay!”

“Don’t run...” I call after her, but she's already gone.

Shaking my head with a helpless smile, I float the finished dishes into the air behind me, dividing them into five neatly prepared portions. A smaller one for Eri, regular for Mina and Himiko, and what I'd consider a family meal for Momo and me.

I don’t actually need this much food... but if Momo’s self-conscious about her appetite, at least she won’t feel alone.

I place the rest of the food into shared bowls for whoever wants seconds. By the time I step into the living room, the scent has filled the house—rich spices, warm rice, sweet teriyaki, and savory miso.

What I see makes me raise a brow.

Mina and Momo are both crouched beside Eri, snapping pictures with their phones. Eri’s holding a peace sign with one hand, the other clutching a wooden spoon I didn't see her take from the kitchen. She’s grinning from ear to ear.

'Okay, valid. She’s ridiculously photogenic like this.'

“Food’s ready.” I announce flatly.

The girls jump slightly and look up, having been caught in the act. Momo and Mina both let out small groans of disappointment.

“Boo~! You’re ruining the vibes, Kata~!” Himiko calls from the couch, with a mischievous grin.

“You can keep playing, but Eri and I will eat without you.” I respond calmly as I set the food down.

Himiko gasps. “You’d starve us? Fine. But you can’t take Eri! She belongs to the people!”

Eri looks between us, then back at Mina and Momo. “Sorry...” She says softly, before hurrying to her seat.

I glance at her fondly, then shoot a smug smile toward the girls. 'In Eri's heart, I alone am the Honoured One. The rest can compete for second place.'

“Doesn’t he look smug, Momo?” Mina elbows her conspiratorially.

Momo narrows her eyes, smiling. “He definitely does.” She casually lifts her phone and takes a photo.

I instantly return to a neutral expression, but the damage is done.

Momo giggles, holding out the screen for Mina. “See? Got it.”

Mina smirks. “Chef Kata~! That apron suits you.”

I pause. 'Ah. Right. I never took it off.'

I glance down at the apron tied around my waist, matching Eri’s. And now there’s photographic evidence.

I shrug. “It’s fine. I match with Eri. If anything, I should be proud.” I sit down at the table. “So? Are you all eating or not?”

'Own it. If I don’t care, how can it be used against me?'

“We’re coming~!” Mina says, hopping into her seat.

Momo follows, still smiling. “Yes, thank you for the food.”

Himiko’s already halfway through her first bite.

“You should also thank Chef Eri, who helped cook this meal." I say with a smile while looking at Eri.

“Thank you for the food, Chef Eri!” The girls chorus in unison.

Eri lights up instantly, her face glowing with pride. “You’re welcome!” She giggles, before digging in with enthusiastic gusto.

The rest of us follow suit. The first bites trigger a pause, then eyes widen.

“This is amazing!” Mina exclaims, her eyes practically sparkling as she takes another bite. “I could eat this for the rest of my life!”

“It’s exceptional.” Momo adds politely, but there’s genuine awe in her voice. She’s carefully savoring each bite, her mountain of a portion already shrinking at a suspiciously steady pace. “It’s beyond anything I’ve had in the cafeteria. Or even at home.”

I give a small smile. “Glad you like it.”

Truthfully, seeing everyone enjoying my food... feels nice.

As we eat, conversation starts to flow naturally. We drift into stories from our internships, trading laughs and memories. Mina shares how she got to assist with community patrols and practiced disaster drills.

“No villains,” She pouts, “but I did rescue a puppy from a drainage pipe!”

“That’s still heroic,” Momo says gently, smiling. “I spent most of my internship helping with crowd control and logistics for relief zones. Not glamorous, but I learned a lot about how heroes support the public outside of battle.”

They both look toward me expectantly.

“I sparred with Mirko a lot,” I say simply, lifting my bowl for another bite. “And Hosu happened, but you know most of it already.”

They go quiet for a moment, the mood dipping slightly at the memory of Hosu, but Mina quickly perks up.

“So... how badly did you lose to her?” She grins, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

I raise an eyebrow. “Who said I lost?”

“C’mon.” Mina narrows her eyes suspiciously. “You’re telling me you beat Mirko? The No. 5 , and too ranked female hero?”

“Every time.” I sigh. “And I'm suffering for it since I have to go back for more spars."

Momo’s eyes brighten with sudden excitement. “You get to continue training with her? Even after internships are over?”

“That’s... incredible,” She says, her voice tinged with envy and admiration. “You must have impressed her.”

Mina leans in, eyes gleaming. “Kata, do you have any idea how many girls in class are obsessed with her? Including me?”

I sigh. “Why does everyone admire her so much when she literally tries to kill me during spars?”

“It’s Mirko,” Mina and Momo say in unison, as if that alone answers everything.

Before I can offer a rebuttal, Himiko leans forward, resting her cheek in her palm.

“Kata,” she says sweetly, “I have a question.”

Momo stiffens. Mina stops mid-bite. Both glance at her warily.

I raise an eyebrow. “Alright. What is it?”

“What do you think about polygamy?” She asks casually.

I blink. 'Where did that come from?'

I glance between the three of them—Mina’s got a death grip on her chopsticks and is pretending not to listen, Momo is calmly observing me, but her ears are clearly a shade pinker.

Of course I’ve noticed their feelings. I’d have to be an idiot not to. I just figured if anyone confessed, I’d be honest like I was with Himiko, and let them choose how to handle it.

'But apparently they’re forming... a coalition?'

I sigh internally. 'This is getting out of hand.'

Still, there’s only one thing I can do... tell the truth.

“I don’t really have strong feelings about it,” I say slowly. “If everyone involved agrees and is happy, it’s fine. People should love who they want, however they want.”

Himiko beams at my answer. Momo lets out a breath, smiling faintly, a look of relief on her face.

Mina stares at me like her brain just rebooted. “Wait... what? You’re okay with that?”

I nod. “As long as everyone’s honest about what they want, and no one’s hurt—what’s the problem?”

Silence settles around the table for a long moment.

Then—

“...What’s polygamy?” Eri asks innocently.

All of us freeze and look at her.

'Damn it.'

Himiko answers far too quickly. “It’s when lots of people love the same person!”

Eri tilts her head thoughtfully, glancing from Himiko to Momo to Mina... then to me.

She nods cheerfully, and smiles innocently. “Oh. I understand.”

Then, as if nothing happened, she spoons more rice into her mouth and continues eating.

Momo blushes, Mina makes a high-pitched noise and sinks into her seat, and Himiko gives Eri a thumbs up.

I just stare at my bowl and sigh. 'How did we get here again?'

************

A/N: Hello Everyone, hope you're all having a great day. If you're enjoying the book, please consider leaving me some comments, reviews, or powerstones. It really helps the book out.

So... I almost died from Eri's cuteness while writing this chapter. Like damn, how can she be so adorable? Anyway, this is just a sweet wholesome chapter, and Kata finally admits that he's aware of their feelings. And with them ganging up, he can't avoid it for much longer🤣.

I'll just reiterate, Kata's radar is always active, and he's aware of everything happening around him within a km, but for the sake of privacy, he kinda segments his mind. He has a segment that receives that info, filters out private stuff that isn't necessary for his concious mind to know. So he technically heard everything, but none of it reached his conscious mind, and he could find it if he wanted (just needs to think about it, and he'd remember), but he respects their privacy.

Anyway... Feels like I've been writing slice of life forever. Not for much longer, so don't worry. Next one, he gets invited to Karaoke, and a time skip to the event, since nothing significant happens.

Then we're back in canon and this arc is over🤣.

Also, a lot of polls and votes are being done on Discord, so I heavily recommend you join to have a say. Like, currently, there's a poll for whether Fuyumi and Mei sound be added to the harem. And before anyone says anything, no, I won't go beyond or reach 10. That's large harem category.

.gg/dyJDk5knXT

And you can read 8 chapters (currently) ahead on P@treon.com/AMV_WEAKLY 

Anyway, I hope you all have a great day😁