Mizuha Hyoumei scooped up some of her cereal in her spoon and shoved it in her mouth as her eyes stayed fixed on the screen in front of her. Her phone was tilted back against her glass and it was playing a video of her choosing. Her mother didn't seem to mind at all as she was also doing the same thing. Curious and alert about the time, Mizuha tapped her screen and looked at the time.
Mizuha set down her spoon in her bowl and moved her phone away from her drink. It didn't take her too long to drink the whole glass filled with orange juice. She then continued her daily routine: brush her teeth, grab her lunch, put on her shoes and leave the house.
While putting on her school shoes, her mother set her blue backpack next to her along with her black wireless headphones.
"Oh. Thanks." Mizuha said with a small sheepish grin.
"You made sure your lunch is in there?" Her mother asked with an eyebrow raised. It wouldn't be the first time she forgot her lunch... Mizuha nodded with a thumbs up before standing up and patting away any dust that might have stuck on her. Mizuha picked up her headphones and placed them on her head.
"Bye mom." She said before throwing her bag on her back and walking out the door. She heard her mother reply with her own 'bye' before she closed the door.
Along the way to school, she already had music playing in her ears. She didn't have to think about where she was going since her feet seem to guide her on the way. Three years of walking on the same path seem to have such an effect on her body. Mizuha had to take one form of transportation to school, the bus. The bus was one of the reasons as to why Mizuha would leave her house a little earlier than other students. If there was one thing she hated, it was being in a bus filled with students and being forced to endure a fifteen minute ride while being squished in between people. It's even worse when it's during the summer, heat everywhere.
Luckily, she was able to get a seat on the bus. The conductor was nice enough to wait a minute or two in case people came rushing towards the bus. Mizuha just sat by the window in silence and watched people walk and even run towards the bus. She then felt someone's elbow slightly brush against her headphones. She narrowed her eyes while she quietly kissed her teeth, and looked up at the girl who did it. Another thing that Mizuha hated, people who have no consideration about the people sitting in front of them. The girl was happily chatting with her friend while panting while holding onto the pole of her seat. She must have just gotten on the bus.
Mizuha moved an inch closer to the window while letting out an irritated breath. Byakuren and her don't live too far from each other, they used to go to school together... until he got lazy and was against the idea of waking up early when he could sleep a little more.
The bus finally began moving. Today's bus was slightly quiet. The small chatter in the back of the bus was loud enough for everyone to hear but not loud enough to bother the other passengers.
Thankfully, when they reached their stop, she didn't have to fight her way through other passengers who were standing up in the bus. The moment her foot touched the floor, she was relieved for being able to breathe in some fresh air. Her school permitted students to enter the school at 8:00 until the first bell which was at 8:30.
The first floor had two cafeterias, the students would usually gather there in the morning. However, Mizuha wasn't a fan of sitting there in the morning, nor at lunch. She was lucky to have been on good terms with a specific teacher and this teacher usually had her classroom open during both times. Mizuha always spends her time in that specific classroom. It was the perfect place to study and to do some school work. The school library was also an option... but students aren't allowed to eat there.
So like every morning, she sat down in the classroom and waited for the the 8:30 bell. Byakuren arrived at school with his typical smile at around 8:25.
Later before lunch time, her homeroom teacher told Byakuren and her to see the principal in his office before heading down to lunch. Apparently it was about their applications to U.A High School.
She and Byakuren had done quite a good job on the mock test.
Byakuren kept on a cheerful face as he walked next to Mizuha. The girl wrinkle her nose at his unusual disposition... he was a little too cheerful.
"Alright, what did you do?" Mizuha asked with her eyes narrowed at him. The male next to her simply gave her a close eyed smile as he waved his hand in front of him.
"Why, such accusations hurt, Mizu-chan." He feigned ignorance while she only sighed in annoyance. Mizuha glared at him for the particular nickname he had given her.
"Well, let's just say I gave a couple of students a piece of my mind." Byakuren said in a sing-song voice. "They wouldn't stop pestering me."
Their middle school had the most people who didn't like the superhuman society. They preferred the old style ways where you would study for a specific profession that would indefinitely help them contribute to the society. A profession such as 'Hero' didn't really appeal to them. Most of the students believed that their Quirks should be something of a like... a special talent? Either way, it didn't bode well for Byakuren and Mizuha once the school found out that they applied for U.A High School.
The two top students who did their best in every subject and received many academic awards... was going to study at an institution to help them become a hero. Oh, how it irked the others students.
Once the news about their application had gotten out, they were bombarded with questions and insults. As much as Mizuha was tempted to hate the whole school and to just attack anyone that came up to her with her own Quirk... she knew that some people actually had a brain, to know that their decision was definitely non of their damn business. It's not like they were the only ones applying for that school, but seeing as the top students from a general studies middle school was applying there... it was weird.
Mizuha found it weird that they thought it was weird... U.A High School had their own general education department... It was an excellent place to study considering that their program was top-notch for those who wish to study other things. Oh well.
Soon enough, they both arrived at the principal's office. Byakuren didn't waste any time knocking and the door and opening it once there was a reply.
"Ah Hyoumei and Kyoran. I've been expecting you two. It won't be long." The principal said before opening one of his desk drawers. The two friends looked at each other with question marks in their eyes. They found no answer and merely shrugged to each other and looked back in front of them.
"I only need to hand you these forms. U.A High School sent them here this morning for those who applied there." He said before getting up from his desk chair and handing them both each a paper.
"Only two? Have the other students who applied to U.A already gotten theirs?" Byakuren asked suspiciously. That's one thing that Byakuren hated. He really didn't like getting things late when he should have gotten them earlier and on time.
The principal sighed, "Except for Rin Miyazaki, all the other five students have decided to go for their second choice." He said before leaning back on his brown desk. "Which brings me to the other reason for calling you two in here... Are you sure you want to go to U.A High School? I mean... this is a school for those who wish to attend a high school to study something else other than being a hero... That means, you two didn't really have the chance to work on your Quirks." He explained with a concerned expression.
Mizuha felt a little annoyed but still understood where he was coming from, "Sir, I know and understand what you mean but, we'll be fine. We've had more than enough practice." She said with confidence.
Byakuren hummed in agreement, "That's true. Sir, did you know that Mizuha's uncle is a teacher at U.A High School? He gave us plenty of opportunities to train and work on our Quirks!"
The principal, who looked unsure, nodded slowly, "Ah yes... I forgot about that... Hmm, well if you're sure... I guess we can leave it at that. Alright, you may go to lunch now."
Byakuren grinned while Mizuha nodded. They both thanked him for the forms and quickly left the office.
Seeing how it was pretty nice outside, Byakuren managed to drag his friend outside to eat for a change. As much as Mizuha protested against his attempts, she figured she could go outside for once and take a break from studying and to actually eat in peace. They both ate their lunches outside at a table that was shadowed by a tree. While eating, Byakuren was reading the forms that he had just received. Mizuha on the other hand was enjoying the breeze and watching the other students play a soccer outside while she ate.
"Simple enough to fill out. We have to send these before next friday." Byakuren said to himself while nodding.
Mizuha, who heard him, added her own piece of information, "And then we'll be taking the written and practical exam in ten months. Should be easy enough. Honestly, if we attended a school that wasn't so focused on regular studies... we probably could have gotten some type of recommendation. I heard that with a recommendation you can skip the practical exam... or even both." She stated before taking a bite of her waffle.
Mizuha liked to eat something that was easy to for lunch. She knew a waffle wasn't the best choice but she liked it either way, in her defense she had like two waffles cut in squares.
Byakuren shrugged, "But anyway, those exams will be having so many students taking it and in the end-"
Mizuha cut him off and continued, "Only 1 out of 300 applicants gets in each year or even less."
Ten months to prepare for the entrance exams. Mizuha finished the last piece of her waffle before closing her container and grabbed her juice box. She thought that it was plenty of time to practice her Quirk. While drinking her juice box with her left hand, she raised her right hand and stared at it.
It was obvious to her and Byakuren that both of their Quirks were definitely the Emitter type. They were also perfect in combat if it ever came down to it. She narrowed her dark eyes. She would need to work on releasing the maximum substance of her Quirk.
Mizuha suddenly felt a blast of wind on her face. With eyes wide open, she looked at Byakuren with a surprised expression. He merely looked at her with a frown and a raised eyebrow. "It's getting cold. Stop using your Quirk." He said flatly while pointing at his own juice box. She looked closely and saw how it had some frost on the sides.
Mizuha leaned away from his juice box and let out a small chuckle. "Sorry." She said but she didn't sound sorry at all. It's not like it was a big deal anyway.
After nine months, both of them were able train with their Quirks in an area that was isolated. They couldn't just practice in public, it wasn't allowed. They couldn't display their Quirks in public except for when it came to self-defense... what were they supposed to do? Sit around and just wait for a villain to magically appear?
There was actually one incident where a student got caught by this sludge villain. It happened not too long after they got their forms. They were there and witnessed the whole thing.
Mizuha sighed in annoyance, "Geez, what's taking him so long? He said he needed to buy a new notebook... he's taking way too long for just a simple notebook." She groaned, she bet her left eye that he was buying something else too. Dang liar.
Suddenly she saw a bottle fly towards a pole that was a couple of feet away from her. She scowled in disgust as the liquid inside was released from the impact. She clicked her tongue in annoyance as she saw the person who did it. He was taller than her, he had ash blonde hair with red eyes and a face that could make any baby cry without fail. Not wanting to be on the receiving end of anything else he might kick, she retreated into the store where Byakuren was in.
He was currently waiting in line... a long line. Mizuha's jaw dropped at the sight of it. When he saw her, he smiled apologetically while waving the notebook in hand. The people before him had carts filled with a bunch of stuff. She rolled her eyes, why couldn't he have tried to ask to go first? He was clearly going to be done before any of those other customers!
Mizuha walked over to him with a frown and grabbed the notebook.
"Hey-!" He exclaimed in surprise, he tried reaching for it but she quickly spun around on her heel and went to the front. She was just in time, the next customer was about to start putting their articles on the counter.
Mizuha put on an innocent and apologetic expression, "Sorry, but can he go first?" She asked nicely while holding up the notebook.
The customer looked at the object in her hand before nodding with a smile, "Oh, sure! No problem!" The lady said while motioning for Mizuha to go first.
Mizuha thanked the lady before calling her friend over to the counter. Obviously, it didn't take them too long since they were out of the store in just a few seconds.
When they both finally got outside, a sudden boom was heard above them and a huge sign was falling down on them.
They both gasped and quickly jumped away from the sign. Another boom was heard and part of a building was crashing down towards them. Byakuren clicked his tongue in annoyance. He brought Mizuha close to his chest before swing his arm above them. She knew exactly what he was doing, so she hid her face as he hid his in her shoulder. He created a powerful tornado above them that was strong enough to tear apart the building and to reduce it into smaller fragments.
Once it was safe, Byakuren released her and looked behind them. Mizuha looked back as well and was surprised to see the same guy who kicked that bottle earlier. He was currently struggling and failing to get out of the grip of some sludge villain. He was yelling angrily and using his Quirk to try and escape from the villain. That's probably what must have been what caused those falling debris, an Explosion Quirk.
Before they could do anything, they were immediately told to move away from the scene by Death Arms. Soon enough other Pro Heroes started arriving as well.
Both of them had watched a green haired boy rush into the scene to try and help the other student. Judging from the uniforms Mizuha saw on the victim and on the one that tried to save him... probably from the same middle school. It was a good thing All Might showed up when he did, that green haired student almost got hurt.
The both of them were currently hanging in Mizuha's living room. They had just finished school for the day and for the week. Byakuren was busy surfing the web on his phone while Mizuha was busy playing on her PS4. Byakuren was the only one still clad in his uniform considering he didn't have any casual clothes at her house.
The two of them were pretty close. Byakuren's parents knew Mizuha's parents, and since they didn't live too far from each other, his and her parents would let Byakuren stay at Mizuha's place until 11:00 PM. Fortunately the walk from her house to his was literally five minutes away.
Mizuha growled at the screen and jammed her thumb on the circle button of her controller. "Damn it! Freaking Daemon! Noctis kill it!" She said in a loud voice.
Byakuren looked up from his phone and looked at the flat screen in the room. She was apparently struggling against a giant monster and her character was limping around the screen with low health. All her teammates in the game had their health bar on zero. Soon enough, Mizuha's character was hit by an attack and the game ended. The girl groaned in frustration before tossing her controller next to her.
The white haired male chuckled in amusement, "Having fun?" He teased.
Mizuha shot him a pissed look before going on her phone, probably to look up some information on how to beat the enemy in her game.
"By the way, when do we meet up next week?" Byakuren asked as he resumed surfing the internet. Mizuha looked up from her phone and cocked her head to the side, "What, for the entrance exams for U.A High School?"
"Yup." Byakuren replied before closing his phone and setting it down next to him.
Mizuha shrugged, she turned around and laid her body across the couch. "I don't know, but you already know that I'm going there early. I can't stand the thought of being late for something." She said lazily while keeping her eyes fixed on the white ceiling.
Byakuren nodded, "But wouldn't you rather go together? That way we can easily find each other and maybe help each other in the practical exam."
Mizuha let out a laugh, "Don't kid yourself, I ain't helping you." She scoffed with a smirk, "Besides, we can't help each other. My uncle told me that they separate the students from the same school to prevent something like that from happening." She explained.
"Way to disappoint me before the exams..." Byakuren muttered with a roll of his eyes.
The next week came pretty fast.
FEBRUARY 26. 5:45 AM
Mizuha's phone, that was sitting on top of her headboard while being charged, suddenly rang loudly.
It didn't take her too long to move and reach for her phone. Her arm shot out from underneath the comforter and immediately touched the screen with her index. She already knew where touch since she had been doing it every morning for the past three years.
She skillfully unplugged her device from its charger and quickly brought her hand back under the blanket. She groaned in annoyance and decided to curl into a ball and cover her head with the soft material. She wasn't annoyed about walking up early, she was more annoyed about being exposed to the cool air in her room. Even though she slept with a sweater on, she still felt it. It was winter after all.
She gave herself until 6 o' clock to finally start moving. For now, she decided to use her phone for a while to keep herself awake.
By the time it was time to leave, she double checked her bag. For the entrance exam, she prepared a set of clothes that would be much easier to maneuver around in (a light blue t-shirt and navy blue sweatpants). She also brought along her pencil case for the written exam.
Her mother wished her luck as she announced that she was leaving her house. She was glad that she actually took the time to actually go to the school during a weekend to see how to get there. She didn't exactly like the idea of panicking on the first day about how to get there. She realized that she could actually walk home instead of taking the bus, which was nice since it would help her avoid getting squished in the bus during summer. She made it to U.A High School in only twenty or twenty-five minutes.
As soon as Mizuha got past the entrance, she kept walking while looking up. Apart from to lower part of the school, the rest was just blue. Giant glass windows that reflected the color of the sky. It was pretty much a sight to behold. A little, just a little... Mizuha found herself smiling at the thought of actually being one of U.A's students.
The school looks nice, that's for sure... I wonder what the view looks like from one of those-
Mizuha suddenly walked into someone's back. She was so startled by it that she almost fell backwards. She wasn't dumb enough to keep her eyes glued on the school's structure and not pay attention to where she was going. No, she was paying attention! It's just that the person in front of her decided to just stop walking to admire the school!
"Ah geez, I'm sorry! I didn't know someone was behind me!" The person in front of her apologized, it was a guy. She hadn't even looked up yet since she was still looking at the floor. She was a little irritated at that point, what if this guy did it on purpose?!
She looked up and immediately saw a pair of red eyes.
... Geez, what's with the red eyes lately.
This guy had long black hair that framed his face and above his right eye... there was a little scar. He was probably taller than her by at least ten centimeters. She was probably staring at him a little longer than she expected, since he started waving his hand in front of her. Mizuha jolted and took a step back. She apologized for staring at him and reassured him that it was no big deal. He sighed in relief while muttering something about how it wouldn't be manly of him to scare a girl before an important entrance exam. What, did he think she was scared of him?
He smiled at her, "Well, good luck to the both of us." He said with a thumbs up.
Mizuha honestly didn't know how to reply to that. She was aware that if she were to walk away without any type of reply... it would have been rude. Should she nod and just get on with her life or just stand there until he turns around and leaves?
... She decided to copy him.
She awkwardly put out her own thumbs up, "Y-Yeah...good luck." She repeated with a small weird grin. Apparently, he seemed satisfied with her reply since he gave her a toothy grin.
With that, Mizuha walked right past him and made a beeline for the U.A High School doors.
Gah, that was so weird... AND a waste of time. I should have just left without saying anything. It's not like I'm going to talk to him if he ends up getting into the same class as me. How troublesome. ... Damn it, if the possibility of that happening does come true... he'll think we can be friends. God what have I done?! I'm just creating problems for myself before I even get into the school!
-x-
There we go, the first chapter is done. Let me know what you think so far!
