Boku No Villain Academia

(5 years before Izuku and others joined U.A.)

ADMISSION

A black misted hand reached for another wet glass from the bucket beneath the inside of the bar desk and another hand mechanically cleaned it with the soggy old rug that it held. A low, few, and soundless hums came from the fog man Kurogiri as he was doing his job as of now the small room was empty and the pleasant sound of silence was something he missed after a 4 hour straight of Muscular and Mustard's endless blabbering about things Kurogiri neither approved with or didn't understand when the two had dragged him between their chit-chat. The night was young, and he was getting ready for members that came in for a drink around this hour, if they're not busy, and hopefully a new recruit to the party.

Yesterday night had more crimson color for him as he walked down the streets in disguise from his bar at Mahjong and finding in there a small and dirty alley a person dyed in red between a group of fallen bodies. He's not known for kindness but friendliness, helping out the stranger and he came to understand there was a certain misunderstanding from his point of view. Nonetheless, he might've found a new friend - if he can even call her that way.

Supplying another batch of booze that was commissioned, he'd barely noticed the only door of the room opening and closing as a lanky boy strolled in and took his usual spot at the bar, a part of the room that's usually lights out until costumers come. "Kurogiri." the dry and impassive tone was his normal and expected to greet his busy party mate.

"Shigaraki Tomura," instantly passing a glass on the wooden desk to the young man, "you came a bit sooner."

Once Tomura's glass was full, he took a quick sip, holding it with his pinkie sticking out from touching it, "Nothing interesting's happening. I kind of hoped that you might have some news. That bullshit of the new students in the U.A. just makes me sick." his bored expression behind that big palm attached to his face had turned at the new or added bottles on the shelves.

If Tomura didn't know Kurogiri quite well, he would say that his fog face looked oddly excited. "I met a pleasant young lady yesterday," the barman was kind of taken aback from the disguised face of knowing what was running through Shigaraki's mind once he said that, "No- nothing had happened." he cleared his throat after a long sigh, taking the rug he'd used on glasses and began to clean next to his companion as he got a mumbled uninterested "whatever" back when he began to take sips of his drink again. "Aside from the bloodshed she made in an alley nearby…" after humming that out, it hit the young man's attention as expected, but the look of realization in his crimson orbs made Kurogiri realize that he might know something about it – no wonder, that boy sometimes took short cuts through there. "I made her consider joining in. She should be here soon." his yellow, foggy glowing eyes gave a sign of a happy smile that wasn't there. All he could hope for that Tomura won't have any problem and objection against her joining, that boy was known of having more people he didn't go along with than the opposite. "And… Given she's as old as you- I hope you'll get along." he hoped, a lot.

Shigaraki vacantly scoffed and finished his drink before showing the now empty glass to the barman for another. He might as well get need that. But his attention turned to the glowing screen of a monitor and almost hoped Mr. Shigaraki would call because of something, but all the sound the monitor gave was a distant ripple and nothing else, so he turned his attention back on his none-alcoholic drink.

Tomura considered that boring few minutes a good time after the doors opened and a girl wettened like a dog from head to toe but by the soft panting it was obvious she ran and some of the water in her must've dried.

"Good evening..."

"Ringohana, I was afraid you wouldn't show." Kurogiri greeted her as politely as she did. "Want a drink? Come and sit down."

Nejteri's rough hand pulled aside the wet bangs that were too lean and almost covering her entire face, blinding her. Her gruff grunt fumed from her rosy-colored nose on her pale skin, "Do you have coke?" she squinted her eyes from the light that was switched on in the whole room, as her eyes are tired they are sensitive. Her thumb smeared below her right eye, massaging the purple bag circle there as she approached cautiously.

Wryly keeping her gaze at the blue-haired boy in a hood that barely covered his head and took a seat that's far from his and near the exit. Thick silence followed while Kurogiri was getting her, her drink and she removed her soaked sweatshirt that has a greenish shade but the turquoise-green was slowly coming back to life. The quite ponytails at both sides at the back of her head sprung up as it was freed from the useless shelter, as messily, puffily, wild her red mane is it's lean and almost straight and droplets fell from the sharp ends. She gave the barman a quick thanks as she was given her coke.

"Shigaraki Tomura," her gaze whipped at the boy who finally spoke, realizing he's introducing himself, "Who threw a bucket of water at you?"

Squeezing the straw between her teeth, she gave herself time to think before saying any reckless words, after swallowing the bubbled and cool drink she splashed her dry throat with her palm rested under the jaw and on her scarred neck to hide the quite visible fresh bruises from choking as she leaned forward on the desk. "Ringohana Nejteri," she grunted, almost as if annoyed to talk about herself, "and no, I just took a swim in the ocean."

Tomura tittered at her sarcastic remark. At last, she can be fun...

Kurogiri watched the two silently as if he wasn't there. They seem on a good start so let's hope nothing will smash that hope that's nearly coming true in him.

"What about you?" she snapped half-heartedly back at him, she felt as if her pride was broken and she loves doing paybacks, "Didn't knew a face could look dehydrated too."

Tomura looked at her from between the fingers of his father's hand. "Dehydrated, huh?" he paused as he faced straight her unreadable gaze under the shadow, but he noted her oceany blue eyes looked oddly broken. "You sure like to be funny… It might be not bad having you here after all." after his admission, Kurogiri let go of his holding breath he didn't even realize he held. Tomura's two fingers pinched his hood and let it fall fully. "But really, it wasn't raining when I came here some minutes ago."

"So it just did now. What about it?" Nejteri was biting on her straw as she was talking, lips tugged in a gentle sneer. Something in her muffled tone he didn't find quite fitting, something like distress, he had to think about to believe her on that statement.

After pitching the glass with his rough chapped lips to take another sip he furrowed his brows, "Don't bark at me like a child. I'm pretty sure I'm older than you," the whole idea made her nearly growl, "anyway, you should be grateful. I didn't have to agree to have you here."

"Don't tell me you're the boss here?" her snort was amused that it sure tickled his nerves.

Tomura hummed before correcting her assuming, "Not yet. But I am coordinating things here unless Sensei has something against it."

Nejteri vacantly hummed as a reply, slurping on her drink by the straw as she formed new questions to ask and not paying attention to what Kurogiri began to discuss about. Older or not, why does everything have to be set on age and the elder ones are always disgustingly dominative, whenever she goes it's the shame. She might not be between Villains for so long, she gives it a few days at best. After all, no one wanted to be with her and have her for long.

THREE DAYS LATER Saturday 11:30 pm

Nejteri stood by herself in the corner next to the monitor. Lazily leaning against the brick wall willing as a child on a time-out as she was impatiently checking the time every five minutes, counting down the minutes to be kicked out. She's managed to tickle Tomura off pretty good, kill one of the Nomu's and now nearly cracked Moonfish's head open in three days since her joining. She knew to explain herself was useless because when people think then they set their stubborn minds on it and much be right at all cost and she bet it was no different here. Being the only female around sure had its coins but how could she know from the start?

Fixing the back of her short, lifeless-pink dress as it was pulling up on her back, she tightened the chain belt around her waist and it was always a good thing to fiddle with when anxiety strikes. And the bigger jacket than herself is like a warm shell from all the murmurs in the room abut her, just snuggling in the family trinket and care for nothing else. After hiding her hands in her jean pockets, she pulled off the wall with her back. All those stares from the members were like they weren't there as she passed by. If they won't say anything she might as well leave on her own and never come back, but she honestly was still thinking about leaving for real in the back of her mind.

"Ringohana Nejteri."

Nejteri turned to Kurogiri with a soft grunt as she just passed him, and standing right behind Tomura and the silent unpleasant vibes between those two were buzzing in their bones, "Hmm?"

"Sensei would like to talk to you soon." Tomura finished Kurogiri's speaking quicker while lazily leaning on the back of his hand, elbow dug into the wooden desk next to his glass. A mocking, broken smile could split his face in half as his head was turned enough to look at her over his shoulder. He recently was putting the big hand from his face to unmask and Nejteri rather liked when he wore it, then she didn't have to look at the arrogant face of his. "He might talk about what's happening during your visit." of course he had to add that.

Css!

Her hard scoff made him turn at his torso to face her as it brought her attention as she wanted. "For someone who dislikes brats- you're a brat yourself!" she snapped at him before her heel dug into the ground as she made a storm out of there. Having the final word and Shigaraki could not notice how she was always able to do that at all cost, simply of her pride, he assumed.

"Teens these days… So problematic and emotional." Kurogiri sighed softly as he turned to the other side of the bar to clean the remaining stains and Tomura's glare went from the door at him and the barman was rather quiet since then while the young boy took a quick shot of the rest of his drink in his burning throat.

Pulling out her phone once she slammed the doors behind her, she opened unread messages. Some weren't important, but one is. She frowned hatefully at the screen with a bitter groan scratching in her throat.

Bastard Bro

[message sent – 10:44pm]

th fuck ya at ? i was waiting in front of yer school like an idiot!

Nejteri cringed till her upper lip in the corner rolled up and the tensed muscle twitched. Just the mere thought of him picking him up made her guts twist. Thank God that they ended earlier that day. But what is she supposed to say back? He's obviously pissed off and it makes her to rather go back to the bar than go back home where he's waiting for her.

[·ONLINE·]

[message sent – 11:37pm]

Hey, I was just running around. No big deal.

Sighing, she bit inside of her cheek. She was about to get her phone in her pocket but the buzzing stopped her and look at what is it. He texted back, he was online and waiting the whole time. She kind of wished he'd be just a drunk ass at this hour.

Bastard Bro [·ONLINE·]

[message sent – 11:39pm]

and what? smellin flowers ?! get in ere as fast as ya can lil piggy

Nejteri bit her own tongue from texting back something she'd regret. But her own grip on her phone nearly broke the fragile thing. Breathe- focus on breathing slow. Need to calm down… The whole night and weekend are still not lost so, why make it worse for herself? When she thinks about it, calling a meditating a bullshit was quite rude, she should put it to use already.

[message sent – 11:45pm]

On my way.

Bastard Bro

[message sent – 11:45pm]

got sum spare money ?

[message sent – 11:45pm]

No.

Bastard Bro

[message sent – 11:46pm]

FUCK

i gave u fucking 250 bucks this Monday!

[message sent – 11:46pm]

That was two weeks ago. My pockets are empty since then.

Bastard Bro

[message sent – 11:47pm]

dont get cocky now brat! stfu and get in ere, we need ta discuss somthin and yer problem wit money

Bastard Bro [·OFFLINE·]

"BREATHE!" Nejteri's face turned crimson while fuming like a bull on her glowing and cracking screen her hot breath. If he hadn't noticed yet, she's the reason why they still have a shelter above them! The money he gave her she spent on their bills or they would be at the street. Both her siblings are lazy and she's the only one working- it makes Nejteri feel like that's expected from her! Sick and tired of this bullshit – that she is. But now she has to reason with herself. Going berserk like this around the city is a bad idea, only at home. Rainbow with Lilly should be at Bakugos, the dog fight at home will be with no interruption or fear of waking them up.

Tonight, she'll have more regrets than anything but one of those will be worth all the Hell that's coming at her. Regrets are damned!

[message sent – 11:51pm]

Fuck off!

And check your shitty grammar for once, dickface!

Bastard Bro [·ONLINE·]

[message seen – 11:52pm]

Bastard Bro [·OFFLINE·]

MONDAY 4:57 am

This must've been the first blissful sleep for Nejteri after the whole week, well was. No nightmares. Aching wounds and bruises and muscles healing and relaxing. It was a peaceful sleep. Before Lilly sneaked in her room from hers and began to crawl and jump on her cousin, given that Nejteri's bed is a mattress on the ground it was very easy for the kiddo. The small weighted pressure of her body as she jumped at the redhead's back was more like a massage for her aching body that hurts like Hell and she nearly was not able to cover any bruising she got as it nearly reached the areas that can't be covered, like face. Now she's thankful she didn't cut off the thick red bangs over her forehead.

"Nej-chan! Nej-chan...! Nej-chan!" the little girl yelled determinedly into her cousin's hair as she flopped over her when she tried to bury under her blanket and laid on her belly. "Why won't ya wake up? It's morning already! We have school!"

"Rain… can get you there." her grunts were muffled by her pillow groggily, she's never been a morning person. "Go back to sleep…" eyes seating close again and mind slipping into a numbing dreamland she drew out a soft sigh.

Lilly lifted the blanket enough to get to Nejteri's ear and pulled her hair from it along, whispering tenderly as much as she could, her cooing sweet and lulling that it would make Nejteri pass out right away now, "But I wanna breakfast and brunch from you…."

Squinting one eye open, she turned her head as best as she could to look up at the kid on her back with her cotton pink curls tickling her ear and tip of her nose, "… Alright, alright. I'm up..." sighing heavily, she gave in and Lilly's smile was brighter than the sun itself as she jumped from her and ran downstairs. Nejteri took some time when she gets up and stretched, fixing the black crumpled shirt with a cat face over the front and didn't bother to get any pants on to hide her crimson panties that showed under her shirt when she stretched, as she already walked barefoot on the cold floor after her little cousin into the small kitchen. Lifting her arm up as she was just a few steps from the kitchen-livingroom to sniff at herself before grunting and made a mental note to take a dashing shower after the food is done.

Lilly just put in a cassette of an old American cartoon "Tom & Jerry" and made herself comfortable on the small couch, grinning at Nejteri when she stepped in as she was about to sit. Pulling her own bag on her lap to get in there crayons and secretly a little plushie, "What will ya make?"

Nejteri hummed and acted as if she didn't saw the plush, walking over to the trash bin and threw there the plasters before opening the fridge next to it. "Pancakes?"

"ДА!" Lilly nearly threw her bag behind her head as the excitement rushed into her too wildly.

"Lilly! Others are still sleeping!"

The pixie blushed from the scold she got, her both hands immediately flew on her mouth but her rowdy giggles couldn't be controlled. After Nejteri got all ingredients, she pulled out a big bowl to mix it all in and Lilly, of course, butted in to help – more likely wanting to join in making of the delicious pancake making.

"How's at U.A.? Have you met some awesome Heroes yet?" Nejteri frowned at the sudden question. She wanted to be very honest and say she hates it there but then again, she'd just ruin Lilly's impression and a dream to be a true Hero. Always, she talks about how she'll make everyone better and make her family proud, especially her. This little girl was so determined to make her childhood dream come true and no one can talk it out of her no matter what. At moments like these, Nejteri learned to have the truth tangled inside as bittersweet lies come out instead to let that wonder in Lilly's violet eyes live on.

"Fine."

Lilly's little frown was noticeable but was ignored either way. Giving a pout after giving up of getting noticed this time, she pulled out a frying pan, plates, and her snack box before sitting down to a kitchen table. Leaning on the chair's back with her front and both her legs were in an odd cross-legged position. As Nejteri began to pour the liquid dough on the hot pan a pair of bandaged arms wrapped around her if she wouldn't know who their face would be in the pan too.

"Yooooooaaaawwn~" the sleepy greeting was mixed with a loud yawn.

"Morning," Nejteri grumbled, greeting her clingy twin back as she felt the pressure tighten and a chin was placed on her shoulder, nuzzling into her sensitive neck. "Get lost, drunk butt."

Rainbow snorted, "Currently- I am sober."

"What a shock." she wasn't shocked at all. Concentrated on the task at hand.

Rainbow tipped her pouty gaze from the red mane of her sister's and looked at her hands but something that got her attention soon was on Nejteri's upper arm, a good looking bruise. From the U.A. training, maybe? Her nose wrinkled at the thought, she never fancied Heroes as Nejteri herself either but she can't hate her loving twin for going in that school to be one of them – or as far she knows, Nejteri's trying till she's out of there completely by graduating so they can live a normal life as Nejteri said when they shared a cool glass of beer at the bar in the hot Summer night. Rainbow's vacant staring reached the view of both their arms, especially her own bandages, and her lips rolled inside as a clear memory bolted by her mind that she began to feel abashed. "Do we have jam?" a simple nod back was received back and she gave a small, goofy grin before giving a sloppy smeck on Nejteri's cheek before she lazily dug through the small fridge. Smirking all the time at her twin's disgusted grunt as she was wiping the kiss-off by her not busy forearm and there was another groan as soon as she heard the quiet snap of the turner in her rough palm. Rainbow laughed.

The two-hour marathon of watching the kids serial and a Russian serial "Just Wait, Rabbit!", a bit similar to the first one. son the cassette while eating the pancakes with jam, syrups, and whipped cream was peaceful till was time to prepare for the school. Nejteri's currently using a hairdryer while standing near the sink in the bathroom while Lilly brushed her teeth and Rainbow changed there. Lilly showed her shining white teeth to Nejteri before running off to take her school dress and bag while Rainbow roamed through the whole house looking for the car keys like an anxious person which was something Nejteri's mischievous side likes to watch and make fun of while leaning against the main door as Lilly was getting into her little boots.

"Sis! I-I-I can't- find 'em!" Rainbow was choking on her own panic in distress and looked hurt when Nejteri merely rolled her orbs while her broken smirk never left her lips. "Not funny, Nej! Clocks are ticking!"

Nejteri pointed at Rainbow's pants, her thick brows rose and it gave an obviously knowing vibe to her twin, "Have you looked in your pockets, idiot?" they are there whenever this same scenario happens.

Niji's hands shot into her front pockets, then at the ones on her sides down her pants, then into the pockets on her butt- and the keys were there the whole time! "Gahh! You're a savior, Nej! Tons of luv and kisses atcha!" she gave a wide thanking grin before holding the found keys between her vampire-like canine teeth to put on her shoes.

Nejteri rose her brow as she pushed herself off the door, dismissing what the affectionate words she'd received for such a silly thing, "Only one sock this time, seriously? I get when you don't wear matching socks but this?"

"Oi! You wear sock-tights and what for when ya don't even wear that damned green-grass skirt!"

Nejteri opened the doors while looking down at her school uniform frowningly in self-awareness and Lilly quickly stood outside the door as she excitedly waited for her cousin to finish the struggle with the other shoe.

Lilly tapped on Nejteri's shoulder to get her attention and when she did she gave her a cherry lollipop. "Have somethin' to chow on! It'll make ya life sweeter from stress, Nej-chan!" she grinned and the puppy look did force Nejteri to stock the gift in her pocket. It made the pink girl cheer cutely in happiness, and so loudly too.

"Ahh, out with you already!" Nejteri impatiently huffed and pushed slightly her twin forward with her shoulder when she was about to walk out, and nearly made her stumble down the short stairs thanks to that while Lilly slid down the railing as they made their way to the car and drove off. Leaving Nejteri there all alone in the dead silence of the empty house. When she looked at the hall clocks there's 7:08 am and it's enough time for her to prepare her bike outside like everything else for school is done. She pulled her bag from the kitchen chair and locked the house door before moving to her bike covered in colorful leaves.

She crouched to her bike and began sweeping the leaves off carelessly while feeling something small and soft forcefully caress into her tight. "Here you are, Ozzy. I thought you found an 'owner' already." she greeted the stray cat that's black as midnight with blue eyes like full moons. Nejteri found this fragile girl in streets two months ago between other cats she'd fed but Ozzy was at those times scared to take the food so she'd to be literally forced to eat the small bits of meat. Since then, the feline found a way to pop out almost every day of Nejteri's life and just a month ago she got the name Ozzy, a strange name right?

The black feline mewled while ducking between Nejteri's legs and reached up to pat her gently bruised chin before jumping up and seated herself around her bandaged neck like a scarf as she was perfectly agile to do so with the slim body of hers. Her hairy paws hitting the leaves that flew around her from Nejteri's cleaning, her broken tail tickling Nejteri's jawline that it made her draw soft snorts as the fur caressed her pale skin.

Ringohana stood up and walked over to the stairs of her house, as gently as possible setting Ozzy there, showering the small head in tender kisses full of affection before walking over to her old, crappy bicycle and put her helmet on before making her journey to U.A. High School with Ozzy meowing goodbyes at her while waiting for her owner to return.

"I hate Mondays…" Nejteri sighed as she pulled off her bike between the others of the other students, and chained it to the railing with two locks before walking over the campus to the main door of her class 1-B. The halls were full of students and rumors in her way. All those stares with either pity or mockings or hate were just provoking her very pride she's too concentrated on since always… Not always, honestly, but nearly.

"Someone's too ruffled up today~!"

"I feel bad for her, they say her family was once on the streets…"

"The monster is still here?!"

"Have you seen the news about her sister today…?"

"Ugh, she has no right to be here, no? She's just causing a bad reputation in our school!"

"Appleblossom!" her homeroom teacher barked into her face once she opened the doors of her class quickly to escape all the things behind her back. "There you are! We have to talk about the upcoming Sports Festival before the lessons start!" Kan ran his bear-like palm over her head as always to pat her when she passed by him to get to her seat at the window, third from the front.

"Teacher's pet..."

Snapping her teeth at the classmate next to her as a warning was enough to make him jump in his seat, sure she was one of the very few Kan gave a pat on the head but that doesn't mean she's the favorite student of his. Right? Slumping down in her chair and back against the wall with crossed arms, she paid attention to her teacher, ignoring some piercing stares from a few of her classmates.

"Sports Festival, as I said. And you'll have a competition with the class 1-A. Let's show them how it's done!" the whole class was just a mess of cheering and excited students, ready to show off. "Hahaha! Now for the important stuff, you'll need. We'll be off on Friday and it'll take at last the whole day of hard work so you better be prepared for anything. Ectoplasm if quite a strict teacher himself at his students in class A!"

"Who's that?" Nejteri mumbled for herself yet some students heard her anyway.

"How can you not know? Didn't at last your parents told you?" the bat-like hybrid girl behind her harmlessly wondered but got an angry scowl back before the other classmate butted in.

"Shhh! D-don't you know she doesn't have t-t-them?!" the boy whisper-yelled while sweating bullets that it looked impossible but he is. The batgirl gasped and looked at Nejteri sadly with an apologetic expression – a pity – which was harshly turned down by the red-headed girl's rude gesture by turning her back at them and drawing something in her notes. Ignoring the arrogant and mean whispers.

The annoying boy from earlier likes to poke the beast whenever someone's talking about her and this opportunity couldn't be turned down. "Don't feel so bad, Asuga. Her mother was a Villian whore after all."

SNAP!

The broken pencil was thrown into his face which caused him to get out of balance in his chair and fell back. Meanwhile, Nejteri abruptly stood up with the anger boiling in her veins, if she could she'd do more than throwing her pencil at him but she respects that she's at school. A Hero school at that.

"SHUT THE FUCK UP! YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT MY MOTHER, NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO TALK SHIT ABOUT HER!"

"Nejteri, Nikushimi! Calm down, now!" Sekijiro's fist hit the table to get both of his unnerving students' attention which worked. Everyone was stressed by the startle.

"But-!"

"I don't want your excuses, Kaito!" their homeroom teacher bellowed, "You are to blame as well! Detention for you after school! And Appleblossom, you and I will have a talk after school! Now, sit down!"

"Yes, sir."

The two calmed down, well, Kaito did in a way. All he was doing since then was sent hateful glances at her now and then, clearly blaming her for the detention he got. Such unfairness.

But if a heated stare could just kill, it was Nejteri's. It was making those close around her nervous. Her palms braking anything that grabbed so she was left pen-less the whole time till the last bell rang and everyone was ready to go. Once everyone left, she walked over to her teacher while looking at the floor and tightening the strap of her bag that's over her shoulder. Talking to teachers must be one of the last things she likes. And waiting in awkward silence to get if she has to talk first or not wasn't something she likes either. Too impatient. So, she started talking before he could. "I apologize for what I did…"

"Well, you shouldn't apologize to me. I didn't get a pencil between my eyes." his chuckling made her look up at the teacher that literally towered over her. Vlad King was suddenly serious that it made her natural frown deepen, he'll go straight to the point, and she's ready for that. "I don't think you should come to the Festival with us."

Nejteri's fists eased. Her expression softened. "I didn't want to go anyway. But I have to."

"I'm not your father. And it's your choice if you wish to go or not. But after today, I think it's best if you talk about it with your caretaker. Who was it? Your brother? Grandmother...?"

Kan could see her jaw tightening as she ever so slightly flinched. "As you said, you're not my father, sir." she slowly turned to the door, "But I won't bother yours and others' lives in there."

A sigh huffed past his lips as he watched her open the doors of the class, "You're no bother, Appleblossom…"

Tch! "Yeah right."

"Is that stubbornness of yours blinding you enough not to see that it pains your mother?"

Nejteri halted from doing any steps further. There it goes again. Her mother.Her mother this! Her mother that! But never anything nice, so much for wanting a small compliment about her, it seems!

Kan put his mighty hands on his hips as he finally managed that she'll listen to him with both ears, he knows she listened with only at last one ear just some minutes ago to him. "If your motives are going all around for your mother, then let her at last rest in peace and try to make friends…not foes. Your unfriendliness is making us, teachers, worried." he stressed.

"Friends? Who needs them?" she huffed heavily, "Only someone low and weak!" But a worthless person doesn't even deserve them. She quickly left her class before their talk would longer further.

Vlad King was known for having a soft spot for his students. And seeing one of them so devastated, so broken, so afraid– it was so hard for him just to watch but his help would be unappreciated by her and he didn't want that either. To think such an innocent child-like herself went through the stuff she went, a child of a long-forgotten Pro Hero no one speaks kindly of. Only if this stubborn teen wasn't so prideful about a little help from someone. He only hopes the best and bright future ahead of her, if only he'd know about the path she stepped on. It will be harder for her to walk in light furthermore from now on. If he'd know, he would feel like a failure of a teacher that motives, protects, and is there for his every student but her.

Kaito seemed to be quick with his return than expected, he was leaning next to the door when they opened and Nejteri nearly hit into his shoulder her nose only got brushed over at. His cold green eyes were at her though he made no move. Only looked at her, with a little smirk that doesn't mean good things to come usually. His lean body stretching like a lazy panther, waiting for her. "You," he began, arrogantly, "better not even try to make friends."

She only stared blankly with no emotion in the face, it all was only in her stormy ocean eyes. Fists tightening, glued by her sides.

He pushed himself off the wall, walking past her with hands holding onto his belt. Forearm brushing shoulder. But at that contact, he stopped, right beside her. "We both know what happens when you do, Tora-chan." he looked down at her, waiting for any response he did not get for his disappointment. His pinky stretched towards her fisted hand, once he touched it she didn't flinch. She couldn't feel the touch so his pinky poked further into her fist and at that pressure, she eased and opened her palm and his pinky wrapped around hers. In the empty hall of their school, it was like a silent apology-like gesture. He's apologizing but at the same time, he doesn't.

For what he said about her mother is unforgivable, but...

"Don't."

Nikushimi's hand retreated at that command with his shoulders nearly jumping at her sudden demanding tone. Emerald eyes closed, listening to her distancing footsteps before he made himself force to move as well. He has a detention to deal with.

A view of Appleblossom's disassembled bike on the ground greeted her. They found a way anyway of how to make her day a disaster. Oh well, she'll walk home instead then.

HONK! HONK!

Maybe not…

Looking ahead, she spotted a car at her school gate and Mitsuki with her son inside it, waiting for her. Nejteri knew right away her homeroom teacher must've called her. Katsuki had his head in clouds as he was only paying attention the wide and hight and shining building of a Hero High School behind his distant cousin, a wide, toothy, lopsided grin was spread on his face from both cockiness and adoration of what's going on in his head of his. He was already feeling like a winner inside his crimson eyes.

"Hey sweetie, I got a call from Vlad King." Mitsuki began while Nejteri seated herself in the car, her bag resting on her knees, a tired hum was her response. Nejteri got her head affectionally caressed by her aunt Bakugo before they pulled off. "What was that damn smile about, Katsuki?" she stopped the car once a red light flicked in the traffic, her tone was vibrating in bemusement. As if she needed to ask her son why.

"I could already hear the school callin' my name!" he bellowed, "Can't wait to beat everyone's ass there so they know what a real Hero looks like!"

Mitsuki sighed with her nose, a small smile curling on her lips. A green light flickered back to life and they moved again. "Patience my dear son. Ladybug here had to have it too."

Nejteri scoffed.

Bakugo scoffed.

"She hardly tried to get there!"

"Katsuki!"

"But ma! It's freakin' true!" Katsuki argued back. Weirdly enough, Nejteri didn't felt as angry as she should when he said it. Maybe she's too tired to care, she assumed. "When I would be at her place I wouldn't be such a pushover!"

Well, that quite hurt.

"Pushover?!"

Nejteri threw her heavy bag behind her and it hit Katsuki in the head before it fell perfectly on his lap. The barking began before Mitsuki made a sharp turn with the car and both of them hit the car window. Faces are drawn on the glass from the impact when they unglued themselves from it, grunting.

"Instead of arguing, prepare yourself for the Festival, young lady!" Mitsuki barked, her voice full of authority. "And you for school tests, young man!"

The two sensually looked away quietly. Rather giving it up than continue this petty nonsense. They also don't want their faces on the glass window again, knowing Mitsuki is capable of doing that many times again to demonstrate her will-power of authority as a mother, aunt, and adult over them again if they start misbehaving once more.

Nejteri brushed her fingers under her bangs on her bruised forehead. Just then noticing she didn't wear any of those annoying ponytails she was constantly forced to wear. Last time, it was Lilly who made them when she slept.

She's many times considered why she simply won't pull the ties off when she has her hair tied. Maybe she's lazy? No. Well, maybe a bit. But soon realized she'd no heart for ruining something someone else worked so hard for. Even if the gesture of the thing for her makes her feel bashful she rather says to herself to wear these things proudly no matter what.

After all, the ponytails aren't so bad.

And just like that, drowned in her thoughts, she hasn't noticed that she was invited over at Bakugos over the night that she didn't even have the time to decline and comply as she was already welcomed in the warmth of their home she does sometimes silently consider as hers too.

A bag zipper sound was coming from behind her. A grunt followed. "Why's yer bag that heavy anyway?"

"… Are you looking in my bag?!"