My system allows me to copy talents

Tears streamed down his face as he continued to struggle. Naoto and Tatsuki exerted all their strength as they tried to restrain him. They gritted their teeth. Even so, it was getting increasingly difficult to restrain him. In their desperate struggle to keep him from leaving, they couldn’t help but marvel at the raw strength of Hiro. It was such a frail body, yet it housed the strength to overpower two grown adults combined. Even so, they couldn’t loosen their grip. They couldn’t allow him to leave even if it meant immobilizing him. Who knows what steps he would take afterward? It was clear to both that he wasn’t able to make reasonable decisions. So, they had to tie him down no matter what. Finally, after a while, Hiro withdrew his strength. It wasn’t because he had expended his energy reserve. But it was because he couldn’t take it anymore. He broke down. They both felt the pressure lifting. Since a moment ago they had been struggling to keep him in check. But all of a sudden they felt light. Even so, none loosened their grip. They worried that Hiro might break free. So, even after Hiro had withdrawn his strength, they continued to cling to him. “What’s wrong Hiro?” Naoto asked concernedly. It was the same as before, he remained silent. Apart from his feeble sobs, they couldn’t get anything from him. His silence left them disappointed. Even so, they weren’t going to force him to speak. They just wanted to prevent him from making unnecessary decisions. If he didn’t feel like sharing it, then he didn’t have to. They were okay with it. Who knows what’s he going through right now? So, they weren’t going to make it more difficult by pestering him. Naoto only asked him because he was worried for him. As he continued to remain silent, Naoto and Tatsuki exchanged glances, shaking their head. It seemed both of them were on the same page. “It’s my dad,” Hiro said meekly. His response surprised them. They had come to an agreement that he wouldn’t speak of it. “He’s been in an accident,” he continued, his tone laced with grief. “I need to go to the hospital.”

Everything became clear to them as they heard him. Hearing him, their grip loosened involuntarily. The news made their heart heavy. Even so, they couldn’t agree with him. They couldn’t let him leave. Naoto placed a reassuring hand on Hiro’s shoulder, “But what would that change? It’s not like you being there will heal him.”

If it was any other day, he’d have even offered to go with him. But it was such an important opportunity, and he couldn’t allow him to blow it away. Sure, nothing’s greater than family. But, he didn’t even know the situation fully. Yet, he was acting such desperate. Did he even inquire if his father’s condition was fatal or not? Just because he was hospitalized didn’t mean that the situation was dreadful. It’d have been entirely different if his father had been in a fatal condition. But if that wasn’t the case then he’d only blow away such a precious opportunity to represent his nation. After hearing such news, there’d hardly be any person in the world who’d be sane. So, it was all natural for him to want to be there for him. But Naoto had to think realistically. Though he couldn’t fully relate to what he was going through, he couldn’t allow him to make foolish decisions. He had to prevent him from going astray. So, he asked, “Have you inquired about your father’s state? What about your mother’s opinion?”

Previously, Hiro was in no mood to hear such nonsense. But now as he calmed down a bit, he couldn’t help but think. After all, he wasn’t just a teenager. He may appear as one from the outside. But he wasn’t one from the inside. Initially, he may not have acted as such. But he couldn’t help but link this event to the one from his past life. He couldn’t help but worry. He had already lost his father once and he didn’t want to lose him again. He took a moment to breathe. Worrying needlessly wouldn’t do him any good. Naoto was right. He hadn’t even understood the situation fully, yet he was acting as if he was already on his deathbed. Also apart from consoling his mother, what could he even do if he were to be by his side? It’s not like he could cure him. It was exactly as he said. Perhaps, he was worrying needlessly. Perhaps, he was overreacting.

Inhaling deeply, Hiro tried to calm himself. His heart was still racing almost as if he was facing a grave danger. Seeing him trying to stabilize himself, Naoto couldn’t help but marvel at his mentality. Initially, he had assumed that it’d take more to convince him. But he hadn’t expected him to cool down so fast. It took only a few words to calm him. It’s not normal or so he thought while staring at Hiro. Tatsuki was at a loss for words. He had planned to step in after Naoto. But as he looked at Hiro, it seemed unnecessary. “Thank you,” Hiro genuinely appreciated their concerns and their actions. If they didn’t stop him, perhaps he might have made a huge blunder which he’d have regretted for the rest of his life. “I shouldn’t have acted in haste,” he admitted his flaw. “I should have inquired about the matter before coming to a decision.”

Until now, they were still holding onto him. But as they heard his answers, they released their grip. They no longer had to worry about him making foolish decisions. They felt assured. But still, his transition mesmerized them. Just a moment ago, he was panicking as if the world was coming to an end. But now, he seemed all normal. It was as if his previous self was nothing but a mirage. “Ahh, okay. Then let’s contact your mom first, ” Naoto suggested.