Is It Okay To Move On?
Part 3/4
Amari: Age 23
(Hello! Ashley here! This turned out super long so I'm splitting it into two chapters. They will be posted at the same time though. I was just worried about if it was all together people would get bored not read the whole thing so that's why I broke it up. Hope you enjoy the fluff and the finale chapters of the Shinso side story)
Pushing a couple buttons on her handheld game, Izumi grabbed another stick of strawberry pocky from her dimly lit room before placing it in her mouth as she heard a couple maid's gossiping outside her door, followed by a loud knock.
"Miss, are you going to attend class today?"
The girl couldn't help but frown at the very idea though, lifting her head up from the game before automatically feeling her hands tighten around the sides in anxiety.
The last thing she wanted was to go back to class, not after everything that happened in the past couple years. Hell, she didn't really want to go out at all but it seemed that was now impossible, given the mess the girl had put herself into with the Bakugo Agency.
Why was she still even going to those training sessions? It wasn't like her grandmother would let her become a hero, or even allow her to even step foot into the agency once she found out who it belonged to.
Although that's when a familiar low voice appeared in her mind, recalling the words Shinso told her in his house, the ones that made her heart skip a beat immediately.
I said I believe in you, Izumi.
Feeling her face turn red from the very idea, the pink haired girl then covered her face with her game console before closing her eyes to push away the feeling. Stop it, he's probably just pitying you. He found out about the bullies and feels like he has to do something. That's what heroes do. Don't get carried away.
Yet she couldn't help but be thankful for the words, a small smile playing onto her lips before Izumi forcibly dropped it a second later. Even if it was pity, it meant a lot to her.
Realizing they weren't going to get a response either, one of the maids sighed under their breath before Izumi heard one of their eldery voices through the door.
"I don't even know why we even bother. It's obvious the Miss will continue to act disgraceful."
Izumi couldn't help but sadden at that, her eyes moving back to the screen. She knew she was disgraceful. She was nothing like the ideal picture of the commission, that was for sure. It's probably why her grandmother never came to visit her and only helped her behind the scenes anyways..
She was obviously disappointed, like everyone else in Izumi's life.
Trying not to dwell on the idea, the girl forced herself back into the game when she heard the maid's change the topic. "Did you hear about the man that's waiting outside the gates? I wonder if we should call security?"
Not really paying any mind, the pink haired girl pushed her glasses up as the woman next to her continued her rant. "I know, how long has he even been there? It looks like he's waiting for someone. Although, doesn't he kind of look familiar to you? I swear I've seen him somewhere before, maybe on TV?"
Widening her eyes at the words, Izumi immediately looked up from her game before Shinso entered her mind once more. Hold on, the guy they were of describing kind of sounded like him...
But that couldn't be right, he knew who her grandmother was and there was no reason for him to show up at her house like that. The two hardly even knew each other. They weren't even friends. Nah, she had to be just imagining it.
Although that's when the maid's said something else concerning, causing the girl to immediately drop her gaming console onto the mattress with shock. "I know what you mean, isn't he a hero or something? Maybe he's looking for the president. That purple hair, why does it seem so familiar though.."
Feeling her breath stop in her throat, Izumi rose to her feet without a second thought before the anxiety formed around her in a heavy ball. Purple hair, no it couldn't, he wouldn't be that stupid to come here..right?
Then without thinking of the repercussions, the pink haired girl threw open her door before running past the maid's as they shouted back with surprise and confusion. This was the first time they had seen her leave in weeks after all, usually she just snuck out the back.
"Miss! What's the matter, where are you going..!?"
Yet Izumi only shook her head before racing down the steps, her voice rushed and frantic as she fully ran by them. "S-Sorry, I'll be b-back…"
Throwing open the large doors to the entryway, her feet pounded across the pavement before finally reaching the gates, rushing into the street before looking around and finding no one there.
She felt herself let go of a heavy breath before finally feeling her heart rate return to normal. Oh good, she was just imagining it. Shinso wasn't here…
Although that's when she heard a man's voice behind her, causing the girl to immediately widen her eyes and stiffen. "There you are.."
Only hearing the voice and not the owner though, Izumi immediately felt herself freeze before turning around and aiming a fist at the stranger, just before he dodged underneath her arm, clearly ready this time.
Frowning at the action, Shinso quickly put his hands up from his ducked position. "Whoaa, watch where you swing that, will you? Is this always some kind of greeting for you then?"
Finally seeing his face, the pink haired girl felt her glasses fall onto her nose before taking a step back in shock. This couldn't be real, why was he here right now? "S-Shinso? Wha..what...are...you..d-doing..?"
Once he realized that the girl in front of him wasn't going to give him a black eye again, Shinso shrugged before averting his eyes for some reason. "You have agency training today, right? Or did you forget that?"
Izumi then processed his words before letting her eyes fall, knowing that she was supposed to be at the Bakugo agency an hour ago. "I-I'm...not..going.."
The purpled haired hero couldn't help but stand still at that, his lips twisted into a frown. "So you made me wait for you for an hour for nothing? Is that it?"
Realizing that she had caused him trouble, Izumi felt a heavy ball of shame enter her throat before she tried to swallow it down. "S-Sorry, I didn't...I didn't want you..to wait.…"
She then forced herself to stop before dipping her head into a small bow. "J-Just forget about me...I didn't..e-even go to... auditions to be a hero...m-me being accepted...it was a mistake…"
And that was true. Izumi never intended to get this far with the audition. The truth was, she just wanted to meet Shinso and then she was going to go back to her house and lock herself in her room for the rest of her life.
She would have never expected to actually audition in front of the Bakugo's or be moved on in the process. She never wanted that. She just wanted to continue to remain hidden, in the background without burdening anyone.
Shinso couldn't help but narrow his eyes at that though, taking in her words before reaching forward and aiming a fist for her head without a single moment of hesitation.
And once Izumi saw the movement, her commission training kicked in and she found herself easily blocking his hit before pushing his arm away like it was nothing. All the self defense training, it seemed almost second nature now.
Putting her hands up to ready herself for another attack, she was surprised when Shinso dropped his arms a moment later before giving her a knowing look. "Mistake? Then what would you call that?"
Not fully understanding, Izumi twisted her face in confusion as Shinso shoved his hands into his pockets, strolling up to the girl with knowing intent.
"You may think it's a mistake that you moved on in the interview process but I think we both know the real reason why you don't want to be a hero, and it's not because of your skill.."
That's when the hero locked eyes with the scared pink haired girl, reading her like a book in a single solitary moment. "You don't think you're good enough."
She hated that he was absolutely right, that she didn't think of herself as hero quality in the slightest. Maybe when she was a little kid she would have thought of something like that, but it was only a brief fleeting moment.
If Izumi knew one thing, it was that she was in no way the perfect picture of a hero. They were headstrong, fearless, confident and proud. Like Ember or Bakugo or Todoroki or Hawks, those were the examples of a hero. But someone like her, she knew she would only disappoint everyone..
Pushing her lips together in an unsaid amount of self hatred, Izumi forced her eyes away, all together proving Shinso's point and her feelings. "W-What...does it...matter...if...you're...right..? I-It's...not like….it's going….to...change a-anything…"
The girl then turned on her heels before moving back towards the gates sadly, knowing that everything Shinso said was right. She didn't deserve to be a hero. Not like the way she was…
Although Shinso couldn't help but watch her leave before balling his hands into fists as his voice echoed back to her, the words tumbling out of his mouth before he could even think.
"What are you doing for dinner?"
And that certainly caused Izumi to stop, turning back towards the purple haired boy as he cleared his throat in order to clarify what he meant. "E-Eri, she's been asking about you. She wants you to come over…"
Thinking back to the cute white haired middle school kid, Izumi placed a hand on the gate in front of her before recalling their last conversation. She just turned down his offer to train with her. Why was he asking this now? "B-But…"
Yet it seemed like the hero knew what she was going to say. "Listen, It's not my business whether you become a hero or not. I don't care about that. If you really don't want to be in the agency then I won't bring it up anymore. I only asked because Eri wants to have dinner with you. You don't have to agree.."
Izumi couldn't help but think about her words before lowering her own eyes to the floor. She didn't want to continue to burden him but if he really didn't mind then maybe it was okay to see Eri again?
"I-I don't want to burden you anymore.."
Yet the hero only shook his head. "Do you really think I'd ask if it was going to burden me? Besides, it's not up to me anyways. That brat can be really persistent when she wants something.."
Well, he seemed alright with the idea so Izumi felt herself slowly relax before sighing quiety. 'I-If you're sure..?"
Nodding his head Shinso then lifted his palm to her before muttering back. "I'm sure, now give me your phone."
Izumi couldn't help but feel her heart squeeze at his words before reaching into her pocket and taking out her pink phone before handing it over to the hero. "O-Okay..b-but..why…"
Yet he quickly cut her off, swiping the object from her hands before pushing a couple buttons and stopping as he realized her contact list was basically blank besides the president's number.
Wow, she really didn't have any friends, did she?
Frowning at the idea, Shinso then pressed the home button before throwing the phone back to Izumi as she caught it before it hit the ground. "I'll tell you when to come over after I talk to my Dad."
Then the hero turned around before lifting his hand up nonchalantly before leaving. "See you."
Still not fully understanding, Izumi looked down to find his contact info only to feel her cheeks start to heat up at the number on the screen. Why did he just do that? She supposed it made sense, given that she was going to come over to his house later..
But why did it make her heart feel so strange at the same time?
Reaching her hand out to the door, Izumi paused before the object swung open a second later, Eri's face beaming with excitement as she hugged the pink haired girl. "Izu-chan! You're finally here!"
Not knowing how to react to the kid, she gently lowered a hand to her head before smiling slightly. "Y-Yes, thank you.. for inviting... me.
Although that's when the small girl twisted her brow in confusion before speaking back plainly, racking her brain for something in particular. "Wait, I didn't…"
Shinso was quickly to appear though, almost like magic, cutting Eri off almost immediately as the hero's voice covered his sisters. "Eri, what did I tell you about harassing our guests…"
Almost immediately the little girl frowned though, pouting her lips before sticking her tongue out to her adopted brother with a huff. "Hey, I wasn't harassing her! I was welcoming her, which is more than what you're doing.."
Shinso only scoffed though, glancing at Izumi before sticking his hands into his pockets with a huff. "What are you talking about, it's obvious that she's uncomfortable after having you tackle her at the door..."
The kid only gave her a challenging look though, taking a step closer before shouting back in their sibling banter as she hugged Izumi's waist. "You're just mad cause you wanted to greet her first…"
At that, Shinso felt his face heat up at the accusation before pointing towards the pink haired girl, his plain annoyance mixed with something else. "W-What?! Oh please, do you even hear yourself? That's ridiculous.."
Although that's when another voice entered the mix, both lazy and stern at the same time. "Stop it you two. That's no way to act around the company.."
Yawning slightly, a blacked haired man seemed to appear from the opposite room with a ladle in his hand as he moved towards the entryway. Izumi didn't know why but this guy seemed really intimidating at first.
Once he reached the three, his eyes turned towards the new girl before speaking back plainly. "You must be Eri's new friend. I'm Aizawa Shota, their adopted father. It's nice to meet you."
Immediately recognizing the name, Izumi widened her eyes before bowing towards the man without a second thought. "O-Oh, h-hello, it's nice...to meet y-you..I-I'm…"
Although before she could finish Eri seemed to do so for her. "Her name is Izumi but I call her Izu-chan! Dad, you can call her Izu-chan if you want too!"
Replaying the name in his mind, Aizawa looked towards the obvious nervous girl before speaking back low. "It's a pleasure Izumi. I know my children can be a handful but please be patient with them.."
At the blatant insult, Shinso felt his brows tick with annoyance before speaking. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Yet that's when Aizawa turned towards his two kids before speaking. "It means exactly what you think it means. Now, Hitoshi, it's your turn to help with dinner. We are having curry. I readied the ingredients for you whenever you're ready.."
All at once the boy's eyes widened his confusion before pointing a finger towards Eri. "Wait wait wait, I already helped last week! Have Eri do it.."
Although that's when Aizawa's eyes deepened as a cold chill blew through the space. "I already nominated you, now don't make me ask again. Maybe if you asked, Izumi would be willing to help you.."
At her name, Izumi immediately perked up before blinking in surprise. "H-Huh?"
Groaning at the idea, she then felt her someone wrap their hand around her wrist before Shinso pulled her into the kitchen without another word, knowing that with her help the process would indeed be faster. "Whatever, let's just get this over with.."
And soon enough Izumi found herself in the middle of the kitchen as Shinso grabbed the nearest knife and the raw chicken that was already placed in the bowl to his left.
He started to get to work only to turn around and find that the girl still hadn't moved, his eyes turned in annoyance. "What are you doing? You heard what he said, the faster we do this the faster we can eat and I'm hungry.."
Yet Izumi only fiddled with her skirt before speaking quietly. "I-I don't..umm…"
Shinso seemed to know what she was going to say though, assuming that she probably just didn't know what to start on.
That's why he pointed towards the pile of carrots and onions to his left. "Just start by cutting those up."
Then he watched as the girl looked towards the vegetables in confusion before moving over to the cutting board and picking up a knife, staring at the surface like it was some mystery item. "What are you doing now?"
Jumping at his words, Izumi couldn't help but crumble her eyes before gluing her gaze to the carrot next to her. "S-Sorry...I've never...done..this….before…"
Shinso couldn't help but widen his eyes at that, looking at the girl in unsaid shock. Oh that's right, she was kind of like a rich girl. She was probably used to other people cooking her meals for her.
Because of that, the man couldn't help but let out a cynical scoff. "Wait, seriously?"
Although he quickly regretted it as he watched the girl lowered her head in shame, her large glasses falling onto her nose before he whispered back sadly. "M-My parents said..they'd teach me...but then…"
Her voice trailed off and Shinso immediately knew what that meant, his gaze traveling away from her as he put down his knife. Her parents weren't around anymore, were they?
Now he felt kind of an asshole, assuming such things about her.
She probably wanted to cook like this, didn't she? That's why she was acting all depressed about it. He was sure the commission president wasn't ever going to teach her either.
Closing her eyes at her own incompetence, Izumi tightened her hold on the knife handle before wishing to just get out of here. Seems like she was useless on all accounts now.
Although that's when she felt a hand reach down and touch her own, causing the girl to flitch as Shinso immediately tightened his fingers, stopping her movements. "Careful, don't stab me this time.."
Feeling her heart beat faster, Izumi then looked up to find the purple haired hero only a couple steps away from her, his hand resting on the one that held that knife before reaching his other hand towards the carrot. "Now you have to hold the knife like this, you want to make clear even cuts with rolling edges."
Then he lifted the hand that was on top of hers before slicing through the carrot as she watched in confusion, his breath dangerously close to her ear.
Although he either didn't notice it or chose to ignore it. "You think you got it?"
Nodding back silently, Shinso then stepped back a couple steps as the girl felt all the breath return to her body. "Alright then, show me.."
Izumi then felt her hands shake on the knife before lifting it towards the carrot and slicing it just like she told him as the cutting board made a tiny noise. It wasn't as even as his was, but it was a start.
Looking down at the sliced vegetable that she had done, a sense of pride washed into her before turning to Shinso was an amazed expression. "S-Shinso, look! I-I did it..!"
Yet she quickly realized that her excited nature was probably stupid to him, being excited about one of the sillest things in the word. "Ah..s-sorry…"
Just then, she felt a warm hand on her head before watching the hero's lips curve into an amused smirk at her obviously giddy display. "Yeah, you did do it. Good job."
Feeling her cheeks start to heat up, Shinso's hand disappeared a moment later before turning back to his own project. "Now come on, I'll show you how to make the rest of it."
And he did. Izumi watched in excitement and awe as he carefully explained every single step of the instructions to her, demonstrating how to combine all the ingredients before he let her try and experience them all herself.
She did mess up quite a few times but it seemed the hero never seemed too bothered by it, only shaking his head before showing her how to correct the problem and soon enough, the curry was ready to go, Izumi smiling as he poured the soup into the bowls next to them.
Taking in the wonderful smell, the pink haired girl couldn't help but notice how skilled Shinso was at this kind of thing, twisting her brow in interest. "S-Shinso, how did..you..get so...good..at this..?"
The purple haired boy only looked down at the newly made meal before saddening slightly. "I lived on my own for most of my life. My real parents didn't want me because I inherited my grandfather's quirk. Of course, you probably already know that given how much of a fangirl you are…"
And she did know that already, the girl looking away in shame, recalling the cruel articles from the latest gossip magazines. "I...uhh…"
Although she was quickly cut off as Shinso laughed, obviously not bothered. "I knew it. It's okay, it doesn't really bother me anymore. But because of that, I learned how to cook on my own pretty quickly. That's how I know so much about it."
Izumi couldn't help but be saddened by it, knowing exactly how he felt for so many years. "B-But then you found Eri?"
Nodding back, the man's expression grew nostalgic before answering back with a small smile. "Yeah. After my training sessions, Aizawa would invite over for dinner once or twice a week so I got to know Eri pretty well. I never knew I wanted something like that until then. Getting to have a Dad, a sister, finding them, it was the best thing that's ever happened to me.."
Shinso didn't know why he was saying these kinds of things, especially towards a girl that he had only met a couple days ago. Maybe it was because he knew she'd understand the struggles, the longing for the mundane and normal?
But for Izumi, she couldn't help but stare at the man as he relayed his accomplishments and journey in emotional memory and recollection to her, soaking in every one of his words with immense interest. He was so strong and wonderful, in every single way.
He didn't seem to mind her staring though, letting his next words tumble out before even realizing it. "I never thought I'd finally have a home…"
And that was the phrase that made the girl sadden a bit, picturing herself alone in her room, shielded from everyone and everything.
In that giant mansion she was always by herself, hugging her body when she cried or covering her ears wherever she was scared or anxious.
What was it like to be greeted warmly?
What was it like to have someone to come back to?
What was it like to have a home?
Izumi, she didn't know, and she probably never would, given that she was just a disappointment to everyone around her. Her family, her classmates and now the Bakugo agency, she couldn't be what anyone wanted.
Although her thoughts were quickly interrupted when Eri bursted into the room, her eyes full of wonder and excitement. "Wow, it smells amazing in here! You and Shin Shin did such a good job! I can't wait to eat..!"
Blinking back in surprise, Izumi turned towards the small girl before smiling softly. "I-I..I hope you.. like it.."
The girl only giggled at that though. "I bet it's going to be the best thing in the entire world!"
Her eyes suddenly blinked to life in another moment before reaching into her pockets and pulling out two tickets, waving them in front of her face. "Oh, Izu-chan! Have you ever been to an amusement park before..?"
At the name, Izumi couldn't help but turn her head, knowing the term but that's about it. "N-No..?"
Gasping in surprise and shock, Eri shouted back in fake offense. "What?! You gotta go! They have so many sweets and candy apples! Look, I got these tickets from my class today! You wanna go with me this weekend?!"
With the sudden invitation, the girl couldn't help but widen her eyes, gazing at the tickets with confusion. She loved Eri but she just met her a couple days ago. Was she really going to use her only tickets on her? "O-Oh..well..I.."
Gripping onto her waist, Eri then hugged the girl before adding. "Pleaseeeee Izu-chan! You'll have so much fun! Think of it as a thank you for that Shin Shin plushie…"
Not knowing how to deal with the clingy girl, Izumi knew it was losing battle, gazing down Eri before recalling the doll that she gave her the other day. Maybe it was okay to agree then? "O-Okay.."
Eri then gasped in excitement before jumping up and down and twirling around at the idea. "Yes! You won't regret it Izu-chan, I promise. Shin Shin you and I are going to have so much fun….!"
Although that's when Izumi froze before picking out something particular from that sentence. She never said anything about Shinso. "W-Wait, hold on…"
To her misfortune though, she watched as Shinso shoved his hand into his pocket before pulling out his own ticket and lifting it up with disinterest. "She already got me to agree this morning."
Widening her eyes at the ticket, the pink haired girl then looked down at her own before sucking in an anxious breath, knowing that she would have to spend the entire day with not only Eri…
...but Shinso as well.
Standing outside of the amusement park entrance, Shinso and Eri looked at their phones before the little girl pointed towards the figure across the street, running up to her happily. "Izu-chan's heree!"
The purpled haired boy only sighed though, looking up from his phone before his eyes immediately widened, seeing Izumi as she awkwardly hugged his sister a few feet away.
She certainly looked different from usual with her hair pushed out of her eyes for once. It was actually like you could see the color of her irises, which was already quite new to him.
That's when he noticed her light purple and pink dress with little cat paw prints all over the front and strapped white shoes on her feet.
And although he would never admit it out good, he had to admit she looked good, sort of cute even...
Blinking in surprise as Izumi and Eri approached him, the little girl had no problems saying her feelings. "Izu-chan, you look so cute! Do you like cats too?!"
The girl only nodded her slightly before looking down at her obviously overdressed attire and faltering. "I-Is it too much?"
Yet Shinso was the one to speak this time, his tone rapid as he turned away before she could see his expression. "It looks fine. Now let's go we've been waiting for you to get here.."
Already moving towards the entrance, Eri giggled before intertwining her fingers with her new friend before pulling her along. "Don't worry, Shin Shin is just too shy to say what he really feels. Come on, let's go have some fun..!"
Not really understanding what that meant, the two girls entered the park before Izumi's jaw dropped in amazement at all the colored lights and rides that filled the area. She had never been to one of these before and it was obvious to tell she was overwhelmed.
Eri seemed to understand though. "I know, it's so cool, right? I'll get Shin Shin to get us all of the sweets so you can really see how good they are! Come on!"
Shinso's voice cut through the space a moment later, popping her bubble. "Hey, I already told you, don't get carried away. If you eat too much candy you're going to get a stomach ache again and Dad will be mad at us…"
Yet the white haired girl didn't seem bothered, waving her brother away as she pulled Izumi through the crowd in excitement. "You're no fun, I'm just going to give her the full experience. Now come on Izu-chan, there's so much to see..!"
Unable to process what was happening, the pink haired girl let Eri take her through various stalls and rides, explaining every one to her as Shinso watched with interest in the background, catching the wonder in Izumi's eyes as they went through every station.
He wondered what it was like for her, to have a grandmother that was never around? It was probably like his own parents. Knowing that, the man couldn't help but be even more entranced by her wonder, realizing that this probably meant a lot to her.
Shinso then noticed the girl stop by a small booth in the corner, eyeing the cotton candy with interest before sighing to himself, already reaching into his pocket before speaking towards the owner and pointing towards the one that caught Izumi's attention.
"I'll take that one."
Turning towards the man in confusion, she watched him pay for the object before Shinso held out the pink cotton candy to her a moment later. "Here, you've never had it before right?"
Izumi couldn't help but gaze at the surface before gently grabbing the treat with unknown apprehension. "B-But why.."
Sighing to himself, the hero turned his head towards Eri who was currently riding a small roller coaster in the distance before leaning on the railing next to them. "I know Eri dragged you here, and you're probably uncomfortable because of all the people, right?"
Izumi felt herself stop before turning towards Shinso with surprise. How did he know she wasn't comfortable in these crowds? She never said anything about it before.
Although she didn't have long before the man answered plainly. "But even so, you still came for her, because she wanted to go. Thanks for that.."
Lowering his eyes in sadness, he finished mostly to himself. "That girl, she doesn't have many friends so you fact that you're doing this even though you're uncomfortable, it means a lot.."
Widening his eyes, Shinso then cleared his throat, realizing what that sounded like before clarifying. "T-To her, I mean.. It means a lot to her, I'm sure…"
Izumi thought about his words before glancing down at the fluffy pink treat before speaking back, not really thinking about her words. "I-Is it...really okay...that I'm here…?"
And that wasn't something that Shinso thought she'd say, the man turning towards her before questioning. "What do you mean? I already said that Eri wants you here.."
Although the girl only shook her head. "I-It's not that. M-My grandmother...is your….enemy. Y-You could...get in...trouble...for..being...with me...it's selfish...that...I'm here.."
She also couldn't help but shift her expression sadly before adding. "I-I'm not going...to join...the agency so...there's no...need...for you...to be..so nice...to me.."
Izumi couldn't understand why her idol was being so nice to her, teaching her how to cook, inviting her over and allowing her to join on these special trips. She wasn't a part of his family, she wasn't even his friend. They had just met over some crazy circumstance.
At first she thought he pitied her for her terrible life but it seemed like it was more than that. He didn't have to bribe her to join their agency, he didn't have to try so hard for a charity case like herself.
Because the sad fact was that she was actually joining herself by his side and yet somehow she knew that it wasn't going to be permanent, that she couldn't fully allow herself to feel at peace with the idea.
It wasn't going to last forever, and that was the cruel fact that always kept Izumi from getting too comfortable, to happy with whatever newfound joy they had given her.
And it was obvious that Shinso could see the turmoil in her eyes, the inner conflict there and to put it quite frankly he didn't know why he was trying so hard either.
Amari told him to watch her for the next two weeks but that didn't mean anything if Izumi was going to drop out of the running. That made all of his reasons for seeing her disappear as well.
So why was he still here? For Eri, or for something else..?
Shaking the idea from his mind, the purple haired boy glanced towards his sister on the ride before answering the best way he could. "I just know what it's like, okay? How the bullying, the hate and the neglect can make you feel, how it can make you lonely…"
Shinso then pushed his head up towards the sky before continuing. "But that's not all it is. There's so much more out there and there are people that will accept us for who we are. You'll never fully get rid of the hate but it becomes easier in time…"
The man then turned to Izumi before finishing. "That lost lonely look in your eyes, it was exactly like mine was long ago. You put me on this pedestal, tell me that I'm some kind of untouchable idol or something but I don't think you realize just how similar we are, that just like how I found my home, it's possible to find yours too…"
Widening her eyes at his words, Izumi felt her heart completely stop before forcing a breath to her lips. What he was saying was crazy. Sure, they shared similar stories but she couldn't be as brave and wonderful as him.
No, that was impossible. "W-What, I..I..could never…"
Yet Shinso only smirked at that, shrugging in response. "You never know. That's the best part, you'll never know what you're capable of until someone else sees what you can't just yet."
Thinking about a familiar blonde haired girl in his mind, the man felt a wave of emotion enter his throat before shoving it down a second later. He would have never pictured himself here without Amari believing in him.
And he saw something in Izumi too, her talent and her potential was so great that he couldn't help but want to make her realize it, just like Amari did for him all those years ago.
Although his words were passionate, Izumi couldn't begin to understand it yet, glancing towards the side before pushing herself back up from the railing as she watched Eri move towards the exit.
"I...I...I'm going...to..surprise Eri...with a..candy..apple.."
Then before she even heard Shinso's response, the girl was gone from his sight, disappearing in the crowds before holding her hands, face red from clear embarrassment.
Why did he say those kinds of things so easily, why did he believe in her like that? She wasn't anything special, not like him. It was making her utterly confused and flustered.
Taking a breath to calm herself, Izumi then focused on the candy apple stand in the corner before moving towards it with the intent of making Eri happy when she surprised her.
Although that's when she heard a group of laughter from the corner, a familiar voice cutting through any thought she had previously. "Oh look, I was right. It's Izumi. Wow, I didn't know they let witches into this place now. How gross…"
Freezing at the tone, Izumi then watched as a group of girl's and boy's from her class immediately circled around her, making her feel five times smaller than before. "I thought you were a hermit now, that you learned to stay away from everyone.."
The girl couldn't help but gulp at that, taking a step backwards. "I..I..I don't…"
Although one the boy's cut her off at once. "Don't get too close to her, you'll get cursed."
Bringing her hands into herself, Izumi felt her body begin to shake as she willed all them away as the other kids only laughed at her misfortune.
Yet that's when Shinso saw the altercation a couple feet away, his eyes turning furious at the way they were treating the pink haired girl. Oh there was no way he was going to get that happen...
That's when one of the girl's said something that perked Izumi's ears immediately. "I hear she's been hanging out with that Shinso hero lately. Hey witch, does he know that you're a stalker fangirl yet? How disgusting…"
Feeling her teeth grit together in unsaid emotions, the other girl continued with cruelty. "Hey, maybe you finally found your match witch. I hear he has a villain quirk too. Freaks gotta stick together, am I right?"
And that was the phrase that caused Shinso to start to move closer to the group, intent in his eyes in order to rip Izumi away from those people.
Although he was surprised when he heard Izumi's voice answer back first, her tone far louder and serious than anything he had ever seen before, a glare fixated towards the girl in front of her. "Take it back now."
Shinso couldn't help but stop his steps then, watching the girl scoff with slight fear now. "Why would I?"
Fixing her eyes into a scowl, Izumi then took a step forward, covering her shaking hand before speaking with serious malice, far louder and faster than she ever did before.
"Y-You can say whatever you want about me but don't you dare talk about Shinso like that. He's a better and kinder person than you'll ever be. He's not a villain or a freak. He's the best hero I've ever seen and you need to apologize for your lies…"
Everyone in the group couldn't help but freeze at that, taking in her words and tone before realizing that this was the first time Izumi had spoken so confidently, so proud and without a single ounce of stuttering.
Shinso felt his jaw drop to the floor at her words as well, not knowing that Izumi was capable of saying a single sentence without a stutter.
And the topic she was so passionate about, the one that made her break her out of her shell, was about him.
Back a couple days ago, the boy thought that he would always be second best, that he wouldn't be anyone's top hero but looking at the scene before him, it seemed that wasn't true at all. This girl, she fully supported him in every single way.
It was almost hard to believe.
So much so that he felt his feet move on their own just as the group around Izumi grew closer, his eyes lining with full intent as the girl herself only frowned towards her bullies, awaiting the apology for her favorite hero.
Although it seemed like she wasn't going to get it as the other kids only giggled back. "Oh, how scary. Just what a stalker would say, don't you think?"
Feeling their venom twist in her heart, Izumi suddenly paused when she felt a warm hand on her head, Shinso stepping in front of her with his voice with malice. "Forget about me, I'm gonna need you to apologize to her."
And at his presence, all of them took a step back. "No way, it's that hero with the villain quirk.."
Yet Shinso didn't seem to mind, only smirking at the incompetence he heard throughout his entire life. "That's right, you wanna see how that works?"
The boy clearly flinched at that. "What? No, of course not…"
Although that's when Shinso needed for the boy to go completely still a moment later, his quirk fully activated as he lowered his eyes in distaste. "Now, what about that apology to Izumi?"
Almost immediately the boy felt himself dip into a bow before speaking towards the pink haired girl in a robotic tone. "I'm sorry for what I said. It was wrong."
Smirking at his words, Shinso then let the boy go from his brainwashing quirk before turning around and placing his hands on Izumi's shoulders. "Now, why do you call her a witch? Is that because you're afraid of her talent, of what she could become? Seems to me like you're just jealous…"
The group became frozen at the pro's words, Shinso scoffing before slipping his hand into Izumi's as he began to pull her away without another moment of hesitation.
"Besides, the person you're bullying is a possible new member of the Bakugo Agency after all.."
And you could hear the collective gasps in the crowd, all of the kids shaking their heads in disbelief. "Are you kidding, you're lying. There's no way she'd be accepted to an agency that big."
That caused Izumi to internally freeze though, truly thinking about their words. What they were saying was true, being accepted to such an agency seemed impossible for her, but it happened. She didn't know how or why but it happened.
Regardless of her background or shy demeanor, everyone in that agency all accepted her for whatever reason.
Because of that, Izumi felt her hand slip out of Shinso's before turning toward her tormentors and speaking proudly.
"I-It's true. They said I was good enough...that I could be a hero too. A-And although... don't understand it, t-they...accepted me anyways..…"
Everyone couldn't help but be shocked with that information, Shinso letting his lips curve into a proud smile before relocking his hands with hers and adding.
"That's right. Maybe instead of tearing people down you should focus on becoming half as good as her…"
Then without hearing their responses, the hero pulled Izumi away through the crowds without another moment, a low laugh echoing through his throat at the display.
For just a moment, she really did look like the commission president's granddaughter.
Walking back towards Aizawa's house, Eri yawned on her brother's back as the two stepped side by side, Izumi smiling towards the sleeping girl. "Y-You think she had fun?"
Shinso couldn't help but scoff at the very idea though. "Think? Oh I know she did. She'll be talking about this day for the next week or so. I'll never hear the end of it.."
And the girl was happy to hear that, pushing her head up towards the sky as the hero spoke again, his voice strangely quiet. "Did you mean what you said back there, about joining the agency?"
Although that wasn't what the girl thought he was going to say, her lips twisting into a conflicted frown. "I...I..d-don't know. I s-still don't know..what you see in me...and I..know I'll...only cause...problems for..all of..you…"
Closing her eyes for a moment, Izumi then thought about something else before finishing. "B-But everyone seems...to believe in me...even when I can't….it's strange...it's like I feel like I'm missing something…"
The memories seemed to come to her immediately, all of the shame apparent on her face. "W-When I was a kid...I thought about being...a hero sometimes….b-but I forced myself...to..get over it..c-cause I didn't fit...the image of one..."
Shinso listened to her words before shaking his head. "I get what you're saying but things are different now. Whatever your grandmother said, whatever she thinks a perfect hero is, she's wrong. The truth is, there is no such thing as a "perfect image" there never was…"
Glancing towards the man, Izumi couldn't help but answer back. "B-But what about you?"
Yet the hero only laughed at that. "Oh, I'm about as far from a perfect hero as there is."
Izumi had other feelings though, thinking about all of the wonderful and kind things he had done from her over the last couple days, her voice coming out quiet enough for him to hear.
"You're perfect to me…"
At that, Shinso felt himself stop before feeling his heart skip a beat, coughing to cover up his embarrassment. "W-What are you saying?"
Yet the girl only continued, unaware of the effect it was having on him. "Y-You're kind and wonderful and strong. You're the best big brother to Eri, a great cook and stand up for those that are too scared to do it themselves…"
She seemed to realize what she was saying though, shutting her mouth as her entire face turned bright red. "I...I m-mean...uhh…"
The damage was already done though, Shinso's face equally as red. "C-Come on, those things aren't that special…"
Izumi seemed to think differently though, keeping her head turned away in order to get her embarrassment under control as the silence filled the space once more.
Playing with her hands in front of her, Izumi felt her voice return quietly. "S-Shinso.."
Yet he quickly cut her off, the boy's face still turned away from her. "It's Hitoshi..."
Widening her eyes, the girl felt her glasses fall onto her nose before feeling her heart speed up against her will. "H-Huh?"
The man kept his face away from hers though, his words having a slight stutter to them. "M-My first name, you can call me by it, if you want.."
Just the very idea itself was overwhelming for both of them, Izumi pushing the words to her lips before swallowing them a moment later. She couldn't speak to her hero, her idol by his first name, so familiar…
Even so though, the girl tried, willingly everything within her to speak as she grew lightheaded, almost like she was going to pass out any second. "H-Hitoshi...d-do you..really..think...I can...be..a hero...like you..?"
That's when Shinso stopped fully, the sound of his first name making the boy equally lightheaded before nodding back so she could understand his feelings about the subject.
"Y-Yeah I do, and I'm going to show you how.."
After that day, Izumi and Shinso grew even closer than before, the hero tending to invite her over his house for dinner at least once a week so that the girl didn't have to go back to her lonely and dark household by herself.
Eri didn't seem to mind though, always welcoming her with open arms as she taught her how to cook various dishes and desserts together. It was something Izumi had never had before, and she was thankful for being able to experience it.
Putting the final touches for the dinner of the evening, Izumi smiled to herself as Eri clapped her hands in awe, smelling the wonderful meal that they were about to eat. "Wow Izu-chan! You've been getting so good at this!"
Nodding back slightly, the pink haired girl couldn't help but smile a little wider at that, knowing he couldn't take most of the credit. "T-Thanks, it's because of H-Hitoshi.."
The little girl couldn't help but giggle at that, placing her hands on the counter before humming. "I'm glad you started coming over here all the time. It makes Shin Shin way less grumpy then before.."
And although Izumi didn't understand what she meant, she still replied softly. "I-It's only because you keep...inviting me here. I-I should be thanking..you…"
Picking up the bowls from the counter the woman then turned to the table before starting to place the dishes one by one as Eri watched her with confusion.
Then she said something surprising. "What do you mean, I don't invite you..."
Immediately feeling her hands stop the task at hand, Izumi turned back towards the girl before turning her head. Maybe she just didn't understand what she meant before. "B-But H-Hitoshi always says that you've been asking about me...t-that you tell him to invite me…"
Yet Eri still looked confused, putting a finger to her lips before thinking. "I've never asked you to come over. I'm glad you're here of course, but I've never asked because I thought you would be too busy or something. I never told Shin Shin that though..."
Wait, that didn't make sense. These last few weeks the only time Shinso would approach her or invite her anywhere was because Eri asked him to, right? He was just the messenger for his sister, that's what she always thought..
But it looked like Eri really didn't know what she was talking about, that she had never begged Shinso into allowing her to come over for dinner. Did that mean that every time he would say "It's for Eri" was a lie, but why? What was the purpose..
Unless, he just wanted to see her? But that was impossible, why would he ever want to see her? It made no sense. She was just some fangirl nobody to him, right?
That's when she saw a hand wave in front of her face as Eri called back to her. "Izu-chan, you okay? You look kind of pale.."
Blinking away the surprise, Izumi felt herself nod her head before another voice entered the picture, Shinso glancing towards the girl's before frowning. "Everything okay in here? You've been taking forever…"
Yet that's when his sister bounced forward before pointing to her friend. "Shin Shin, I think there's something wrong with Izu-chan. She might be sick.."
At her words, Izumi then watched wordlessly as the man's brow turned in concern before walking up to the girl and placing his warm hand on her forehead a moment later. "Really? You don't feel warm. Maybe you should go lay down for a bit? You've been working pretty hard in here. I can take care of the rest.."
That's when the woman seemed to wake up though, stepping away from Shinso before covering her face with her hands in order to stop the red from appearing in her cheeks.
Could it be true, did he invite her this entire time just to see her?
"A-Ah, no I'm o-okay. I p-promise..."
Although Shinso only turned his head, opening his mouth to speak once more before the door to their house opened a second later as a familiar voice filled their ears immediately.
"Helloo? I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"
Izumi then watched as Eri gasped in joy before running down the hallway before Shinso starred in the direction of the voice with thousands of unsaid emotions. Wait, what kind of face was that..?
Wordlessly following his sister, Eri then turned a corner only to tackle the stranger at the door, her voice ringing out with newfound excitement and joy. "Sissy..!"
Amari couldn't help but giggle at the welcome, wrapping her arms around the white haired girl before replying happily. "Hi Eri! Wow, you've grown so big since the last time I saw you. You're almost taller than me..!"
Nodding back quickly, the girl beamed. "Yeah, and soon I'll be big enough to go to U.A. and be a hero just like you..!"
The woman couldn't help but smile with unsaid pride at that, patting her head once more humming. "I know, I can't wait to see it. You're gonna be a force to be reckoned with, I can already tell.."
Shinso and Izumi turned the corner a moment later, the man stopping in the doorway as he watched Amari meet his eyes, a newfound smile on her face. "Toshi, good to see you."
Sucking in a breath, his eyes couldn't help but soften before answering. "Amari, what are you doing here? Don't I see you enough already at the agency?"
Amari gave a dry chuckle at that, fully standing up before poking him in the chest playfully. "Come on, you know you miss me. I just wanted to drop by some cookies I made for you, Eri and Mr. Aizawa, that's all.."
She then pulled out a small tin before opening the top as the sweet smell of chocolate filled the area, pushing the object towards her friend as he replied. "Are they poisoned?"
Rolling her eyes in response, the girl couldn't help but chuckle, recalling him saying something similar at the sports festival. "Very funny, almost as funny the second time…"
Although that's when she caught Izumi from over his shoulder, causing the pro's lips to curve into a curious smile. "Oh? I didn't know you were here too Izumi. Do you come here often nowadays?"
Gasping at the words, the pink haired girl immediately bowed to show respect before answering quietly. "O-Oh, uhh well…"
Yet Shinso answered for her, practically pulling the girl back up. "Oh please, you don't have to be that formal with her. She's just being nosey, even though it's none of her business. You don't have to answer.."
Amari couldn't help but frown at that, knowing he had just shut her down. "Aww come on Shih Tzu, don't be like that. I see you guys together all the time now. I guess I was just curious how it was going. You never tell me anything anyways.."
Her friend couldn't help but stutter though, tripping on his words before looking down at the suspicious cookies. "O-Oh please, you can't fool me. I've known you too long for that. I know what you're trying to do.."
Turning her head curiously, the female Bakugo couldn't help but push her lips together in a frown. "Whatever do you mean Toshi?"
Although that's when Shinso picked up one of the cookies before waving it in her face. "You heard me invite Izumi over tonight so you purposely came over to try and push some kind of hidden agenda of yours, didn't you?"
Blinking her eyes in fake disbelief, Amari put a hand to her chest before purposely averting her eyes. "Whaaaa? No of course not. I would never. I just wanted to bring you, Eri and Mr Aizawa a little gift that's all. There's no hidden agenda ha ha..."
Yet one look from her face told Shinso everything. Oh yeah, there was a hidden agenda for sure. She probably just wanted to poke her nose into his and Izumi's business like always. This girl was unbelievable sometimes.
She was quickly saved though when Eri wrapped onto Amari's hand before jumping up and down in excitement. "Sissy, I wanna show Izu-chan our dance we learned!"
Knowing exactly what she was talking about, the blonde haired girl immediately turned towards Izumi before chuckling lightly. A-Ah, I don't know about that Eri. It's kind of embarrassing.."
Eri only pouted her lips though, pulling onto Amari's pants before whining. "Pleaseee Sissy! I know she'll really like it. It's been so long.."
And because she was pulling the guilt card, the female Bakugo immediately caved, shaking her head in exasperation before sighing. "Alright alright, but only once, okay?"
Clapping her hands in excitement, the white haired girl then disappeared in her room before coming back with two headbands with little cat ears on them. "Here you go!"
Then Amari leaned down before allowing the girl to place the cat ears on her head before hurrying to the TV. " Are you ready Izu-chan?"
Not really knowing what she was about to see, Izumi nodded her head slowly before the music began to play as both Eri and Amari danced to the music in sync, almost mimicking the exact moves from the idol on the screen as the pink haired girl watched in surprise.
Her grandmother used to always say that Amari was this sort of mastermind, a horrible person that didn't deserve to be a hero, didn't deserve to be in the spot where she was. That she stole her greatest agent and purposely made a mockery of her work for fun. And Izumi used to always believe it, knowing the rumors that circulated around the girl.
But seeing her now, it was almost hard to believe that the person her grandmother described at this one was exactly the same.
No, this Amari looked rather goofy, smiling proudly as she performed the dance with Eri to the best of their ability. It was obvious that the two had been working on it for quite some time and that she was really trying her best for the young girl.
Maybe her grandmother was wrong about her after all.
Although that's when she heard a small chuckle from the corner of her vision, glancing to find Shinso staring at the pro with unsaid emotion, his gaze fixated on her smiling face as his own lips curved into the same.
It was so intense, so emotional that Izumi couldn't help but wonder what made him look at her in that way. It was like ever since Amari had walked in Shinso had been sort of entranced with her.
Eri couldn't help but giggle at the movements though, her voice joyful. "That's it Sissy! You've been practicing, haven't you?"
Lifting her arm up, Amari couldn't help but smile back. "You know it. Sometimes I force Shoto to dance with me when you're busy at school."
Izumi then watched as Shinso's smile immediately fell at the sound of that guy's name coming out from her lips. Wait, wasn't Shoto that girl's husband? Why would his name make Shinso look so sad all a sudden?
It was almost like he was heartbroken by something..
That's when reality hit her, finally connecting the pieces as Izumi felt her heart twist and turn in an anxious moment. No it couldn't be, the reason why he was looking at her, the reason why he was smiling under his breath, the reason why he had such a gentle look in his eyes…
Was because he loved her, didn't he?
As Shinso walked Izumi back to her house, the man held out his umbrella to her in order to shield the girl from the falling rain as they stayed silent.
But what was going on in her mind was far from silent, the only thing playing was the constant repeat of mixed up feeling inside that was tormenting her silently. Could she really be right, did he love Amari?
Stopping her steps suddenly, Shinso noticed her freeze before turning around to see her conflicted expression, his brow raising in concern as the rain started to fall onto her at once. "Hey, what's with the sudden stop?"
She stared at him for a couple minutes before the words tumbled out without her permission, flying into the air as Izumi muttered. "E-Ember, you like her, don't you?"
And that was certainly not what he had expected her to say, the man's eyes immediately widening before coughing back to cover up his surprise. "I mean yeah, we've known each other since high school. She's a good friend.."
Although Izumi saw right through him, forcing her eyes to stare at him in order to read his reaction the best she could, silently hoping she was wrong about this whole thing.
She didn't know why but she needed to know, to confirm it for herself.
"N-Not..like that. Y-You know what I mean…"
She didn't have to read anything though because the look on his face told her every truth in a single instant. That heartbroken expression he was making right now, she was right, she had to be...
"W-Whatever you saw, just forget it, okay?"
Seeing such a sad look on his face, Izumi didn't know why but she hated it, forcing herself to take a step forward. "D-Does she..know..?"
And that seemed to make the man panic. "What, no of course not. In case you haven't noticed, she's married. I haven't said anything and it's going to stay that way. So just drop it already. I'm done talking about it..."
Yet Izumi was far from being done with it, knowing how much pain he was experiencing because of his choice. "B-But you're hurting…"
Throwing hands into his pockets Shinso couldn't help but scoff and that before muttering back brokenly, already turning away. "That's fine with me.."
The pink widened her eyes at that, wondering how he could be okay with being unhappy for so long. She hated it, more than anything. Shinso was so kind and wonderful, he deserved more than that.
Taking a step forward to stop him, the girl grabbed onto the back of his shirt before frowning. "B-But, it's not fine with me...why are you..letting yourself be..unhappy? If you love..her..then you...should...tell her.."
Although that's when the man snapped, slapping her hands off her before shouting back. "Excuse me? You have no right to tell me what to do, you don't know what she's had to live through all of these years. If it was that easy then I would have told her years ago but it's not like that…!"
And usually that would make Izumi flitch and pull away but the very idea of her idol being unhappy forever wasn't something she could live with. And because of that, she spoke back.
"I-I know I wasn't there...but it shouldn't only be about.. what she wants. Y-You matter too, your feelings are valid too! S-She may have gone..through a lot but so have you..!"
Shinso felt his heart squeeze at her words, a heave ball of emotion building it's way into his throat as he thought about the meaning. No, it didn't matter what he wanted. As long as she was happy, that's the only thing that mattered to him.
Scoffing at her declaration, the boy's hand tightened on his umbrella before hissing. "Why do you even care anyways, why are you pushing me into something you don't even understand? It's none of your business what I do…"
Balling her fists, the girl frowned. "B-Because...I..care...about you…"
And although the words were sweet, Shinso knew better. She didn't care about him because of who he was. No, she only cared about him because of the impossible pedestal she always put him on, the one he could never reach.
It hurt him, knowing that he wasn't the type of person to live up to those kinds of expectations. He never could. The truth was, he was scared of telling Amari his feelings, scared of ruining their friendship, scared of leaving that agency and scared of everything.
Some hero, right? I couldn't even be honest with the woman he loved for years.
"Oh please, the only reason you "care" is because I'm your favorite hero, because I'm your idol, right? That's not real Izumi, the person you made up in your mind, he's not real…"
Izumi only shook her head though. "W-What are you..talking about…?"
To that, Shinso scoffed, his emotions and feeling for Amari getting in the way of his own logical thinking. "You know exactly what I'm talking about. I'm sorry I'm not who you expected me to be, I'm sorry I'm not perfect for you. That must hurt your little fangirl heart, doesn't it?"
A look of hurt crossed her eyes before the pink took another step forward. "M-My..what..?"
Although the man was far too gone, spitting out his anxious thoughts and using the woman as a shield. "How about you stop obsessing over a person that will never be real and worry about your own problems for once.…"
The minute he said that though, Shinso knew it fucked up, screwing his lips shut before Izumi stared at him in silent heartbreak, her lips quivering as she sucked in a breath.
"Y-You want to know why I like you? It's because you are kind and wonderful and caring and patient and deserve much more than you think you do. You p-push yourself to the bottom because that's where you think you belong but you are the most important person to me, you are everything to me.."
As the rain cascaded on her eyes, Izumi felt her throat build up with emotion as she continued, her breathing shaky.
"Y-You've always been, ever since I saw you on my TV after my parents died. Even when you didn't know me, you gave me the courage to keep on living, to believe that things get better, believe that people like us can be happy too. H-Hitoshi, you're everything I wished I could be... "
"I didn't c-choose you because I thought you were perfect, I chose you because you are the complete opposite. Y-You are unlike anyone I've ever met before. It's okay if you're scared..it's okay if...you don't think you're worthy of love...because I know..you are…"
Closing her eyes, the girl felt tears slip out her cheek before finishing brokenly. "S-So you can...call me...a freak...or a fangirl...but..I will..never stop..caring about you...ever.."
Then without another word, Izumi turned around before opening the gates to her house and slipping inside as Shinso quickly reached a hand out to her, his eyes frantic.
He projected his anger on her and looked at what happened..
Shinso always thought that the only reason Izumi wanted to hang around him was because she was a fan but it seemed like everything was much deeper than that. Shit, he really fucked up. "W-Wait, Izumi..!"
Although he only hit empty air as the man lowered his eyes towards the ground, pushing his umbrella down before the rain began to coat his face as Amari's face flashed in his mind with terrible memory.
"Shit, I just keep messing up, don't I..?"
Closing the door to her house, Izumi leaned against the back before forcibly whipping her tears away a second later with a sigh. Why was she getting so emotional over someone that was only pitying her?
Although that's when a voice cut into the space, causing the girl to immediately halt, her eyes fixated on the woman sitting on the sofa. "Izumi dear, I would like you to tell me about this.."
She felt her heart drop into her chest before glancing at her grandmother, the one that was back from her office early for some reason before Izumi felt her hands shake. "G-Grandmother…"
Lifting up a piece of paper, the commission president then pulled out a piece of paper before reading the contents with interest, her next words causing Izumi's breathing to completely stop.
"What's this about you joining the Bakugo Agency?"
PART 2 COMING RIGHT AWAY CAUSE I SPEND ALL DAY ON THIS MONSTER OF A CHAPTER WHOOO...