Hey guys! Sorry for the sudden disappearance! I got a new job and I'm working odd hours and overtime, so I usually sleep as soon as I get home. Honestly, I love my new job, so please be patient with the updates! In any case, here's the new chapter.

Inner thoughts

Speaking in unison

Once again, this chapter momentarily jumps between POV's.

I do not own BNHA! Only my Oc's.

"Midoriya Izuku?" my grandma asked once I finished explaining my late arrival. "Huh, I had no idea your classmate was our neighbor. Still, I suppose this works out for everyone. You'll have a friend to talk to and you two can train together."

"I guess..." I mutter to myself as I place the last of the groceries away. "By the way, we've been invited to dinner."

"Oh? That's terribly kind of them. However, it seems you aren't excited."

"It's not that I'm not happy, but I just became... friends with Midodriya. I didn't exactly make a good impression throughout our few encounters."

"I'm sure he doesn't see it that way since he is allowing you to come into his home."

"Maybe he's just being nice? I mean, he is a rather shy and skittish kid."

"Really? He didn't seem that way yesterday."

I pause at the comment since my Grandma does have a point. Midoriya made it clear to everyone he's willing to fight through any obstacle for his goals. Going through extreme pain and standing up to the authorities, Midoriya has proven his courage more than enough times, and he's earned my respect. "I guess you have a point."

"And I'm sure by now he understands why you may have made a wrong first impression. Emotions were running high yesterday. Today is a new day, and you are a new person, my firefly."

"I guess-"

"If you say that one more time, I'm going to bring a bunch of your baby pictures to dinner."

"Grandma! That's embarrassing!"

"Then stop saying, I guess!"

"Ok, sorry," I murmur to myself. "Still, do you think Midoriya will treat me differently knowing about our family?"

"I doubt it," my Grandma said with a smirk. There was a knowing look in her eyes hinting at a secret only she knows. "Now wash up. Dinner will be ready soon, and I want to head over before it's done. I still have to check Midoriya's arms."

"Yes, ma'am."

After I wash up and change into a fresh change of clothes, I check myself in the mirror. My hair is up in a high ponytail. I have black pants, a jean jacket that reaches mid-stomach, and a plain white shirt. I have white sneakers on to bring the outfit together.

"Firefly~! Are you ready?"

"Yes, ma'am!"

The two of us make our way to Midoriya's apartment and ring the bell. It doesn't take long before Midoriya opens the door to the two of us. "H-hello, please co-co-come in. My mom is in the k-kitchen finish-sh-shing dinner-er-r."

"Thank you for having us over," I acknowledge the boy as we walk into his home.

"Of-f c-course," Midoriya stutters a reply. He must be trying his best not to embarrass himself. As we walk into the living room/kitchen, we see Midoriya's mother. Both my Grandma and I bow to her in respect before greeting the woman.

"Hello, Midoriya-san," my Grandma says graciously. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I also wish to extend my gratitude to the invitation and for raising such a wonderful boy. However, I do apologize I could not bring over a gift."

"Oh, there is no need for gifts! I'm happy you two decided to join us. I'm sure you must be tired after moving right after the festival yesterday. I saw it on the T.V."

"True, but I would feel more comfortable if I repaid you somehow. Do you mind if I take a look at Izuku's arms?"

"Um...? Why would you want to do that?"

"Don't worry, mom," Izuku reassures his mother. "Rikimaru-san is a retired surgeon. She, along with Recovery girl, took care of my injuries yesterday."

"Oh, then if you don't mind, Rikimaru-san?"

"Not at all," my Grandma replied as she gently steered the teen to a seat. "By the way, feel free to call me Sumiye."

"Of-f course! In that case, you can call me Inko."

"Wonderful," she replied, turning her attention to Izuku. After a few minutes of analysis, my Grandma hummed before whipping out a small bag containing a few medical supplies."

"Where-?" Izuku tried to ask, but I stopped him.

"Don't bother. My Grandma can smuggle a dog into a hospital if she wants to."

"How!?"

I shrug my shoulders since not even I know the answer to the question. My Grandma proceeds to cut Izuku out of his casts and rebandage his arms in gauze. She explains the do's and don'ts and how Midoriya still needs to visit Recovery girl for one last healing session.

"In the future, you should practice with my granddaughter. She will help you master your quirk."

"Oh, well-"

"If you want," I speak over the teen's would-be response. "After school before dinner should be a suitable time to train."

Surprised by my invitation, Izuku remains silent. Nevertheless, after a moment of silence, he responds with a smile. "Yes! That would be great, but don't you and Todoroki-kun usually train after school?"

"Not anymore," I inform the boy before turning my back to him. "So, what's for dinner?"

Soon enough, dinner was underway, and the four of us sat together to enjoy the meal. My Grandma and Midoriya-san do most of the talking while Izuku and I sit in the background. I'm not sure how to start a conversation with the boy after the rollercoaster of emotions from yesterday's events. A part of me wishes to hide away to escape the impending questions of my new home, but I remain at my Grandma's side nonetheless.

When dinner comes to an end, and the dishes are in the sink, the two older women decide to have some tea.

"Izuku," Midoriya-san calls to her son. "Why don't you bring Amaterasu into your bedroom?"

"Um- I, well, it's-"

"Go on! I'm sure she has her own collection at home, so don't be embarrassed."

"Collection?" I murmur to the boy, but he slumps his shoulders instead of answering.

Without speaking, the green-haired teen brings me to his room. As soon as the door opens, I realize what his mother meant by "collection." The entire bedroom has All Might memorabilia. From posters to figurines, Izuku seems to have it all.

"Wow," I mutter, walking into the room. "You sure do like All Might. I'm going to take a wild guess and say he's your favorite hero."

"Yeah," the teen replied, scratching the back of his head. "Do you have a favorite hero?"

"Yup."

"Oh, okay, cool..."

Walking over to Midoriya's desk, I take off my jacket and set it down on the back of his chair. "I hope you don't mind," I said, pointing to my discarded jacket. "I didn't think we would be here all afternoon."

"No, it's alright. It is a bit warm in here."

"Is it?" I asked the boy as I pulled out the chair from its place to sit. "I wouldn't know."

"Right, you must not feel any heat due to your quirk," Izuku said more to himself than to me. He sat down on his bed with his thoughtful gaze on his face. "Your spectrum of temperature is on a greater scale than our own."

"That's one way to put it. However, before you analyze me to the very minute detail, how about; we save that for another day."

"I-!"

"Don't worry; I'm not judging. The reason I'm saying that is because I don't want to spend my afternoon under scrutiny."

"Is that why you haven't spoken until now?"

"Yeah..."

"Sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable."

"Don't be. It's not your fault. I tend to have poor social skills around people. It's kind of a hit or miss with me."

"...I've noticed."

"Right..."

There is a beat of silence before Izuku speaks up. "Izuku."

"Hm?"

"Well, you're allowing me to call you Ama-chan, so it's only right that you call me by my given name as well."

"In that case, can I call you Izu-kun?"

"Yeah," Izu-kun smiled, and just like that, the tension in the room dissipated. "So, can I ask you a question?"

"Technically, you already are, but go ahead."

"How does our Sensei's know you? At first, I thought it was only Eraserhead, but it seems Present Mic and Midnight do as well."

"Ah, well, I met Eraser years ago, and he's been training me ever since. Of course, being the nosy people they are; Midnight and Mic soon after. However, it's a secret, so don't go running around and shouting it from the rooftops."

"I won't, but at least it makes more sense why Present Mic always goes after you."

"He is so obvious!"

"Just a bit," he chuckles.

The rest of the afternoon went by at a steady pace until it was time to leave. My Grandma and Midoriya-san became good friends, so I'm sure we'll have dinner with them soon. Now in my bed, with the promise of a new friend, I went to sleep with a bright smile.

As our school break came to a close, I soon realized I have no idea how to get to school from my new home. So, I decided to walk to U.A. with Midoriya, which is why on this rainy morning, I knock on the door, hoping to catch the emerald-haired teen before he departs.

"Ama-chan?"

"Hey, Mi- Izu-kun, do you want to walk to school together?"

"Uh, okay, just let me grab my things before we leave."

"Okay, take your time," I mention, taking a small step back from the door. Izuku gives me a panicked nod before shutting the door.

Moments later, as the rain slows down to a drizzle, Izuku appears from his apartment. "Alright, I'm ready."

"Awesome, let's go..." I trailed off when I noticed the umbrella in the boys' hand. "What's with that?"

"The umbrella? Well, it is raining."

"That's why I'll do this," I mention, creating a light-disc-projection to cover our heads. "See."

"Ama-chan, what are you doing! It's against the law-!"

"Only if you get caught~," I sing, changing the qualities of the light; so it's near invisible. "I haven't mastered the trick behind it yet, so the best I can do is this. Anyway, it's getting late, so let's go."

I grab the umbrella, leaving it by his front door before taking Midoriya by the sleeve and pulling him along. However, five minutes into the walk, it became apparent how nervous this made him. Izuku keeps looking over his shoulder, making it obvious something is going on.

"Calm down," I mutter to the boy. "You look like a criminal."

"Aren't we?"

"Listen, Izu-kun; it's not that simple."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, unlike you, Shoto, and Bakugou, I can't turn off my quirk. It's always going to show itself-"

"So, that's the reason you glow?"

"Exactly, so there is no harm if I do stuff like this. No one is going to assume I'm illegally using my quirk since they don't understand the full extent of my powers."

"What if someone questions us?"

"Because of your nervous state?" I half-joked with the boy. "I just have to show them my card."

"Card?"

"Yeah, it's for individuals who can't stop their quirk. Those of us who will produce or change something involuntarily have a card excusing our quirks. "

"Really?"

"Yeah, for example, there was this girl I knew who's basically water."

"What? How did that work?"

"Well, she can control the shape of her body, like expanding it or shrinking it to a certain degree. Because she is nothing but water, she also had a card excusing her appearance. In times of heat or extreme cold, she has to take care of herself. So, the constant use of her quirk is necessary. She had no other choice."

"So, why can't you stop your light?" Izuku asked as we neared the train platform. "I think I have an idea, but I'm not sure."

"Sorry, broccoli-boy, I haven't known you long enough to tell you all of my secrets."

"Do I really look like broccoli?" Izuku asked as we boarded the train. I have to stop myself from laughing since I'm surprised that's the part he held onto out of everything I said.

"At least you don't look stale."

"...That's only slightly better..."

As we find our spots on the train, I release the projection over Midoriya's head. Soon, the two of us delve into mundane topics of conversation. Nevertheless, the two of us realize a strange situation occurring around us. The entire populace within our section of the train is speaking about us. Whispers and stares go around as they point to both of us.

"What the hell?" I whisper, my ears buzzing with the sound coming from all around us. "Why are they staring?"

"It must be due to the festival."

Thinking about it, that would be the only explanation for this. Considering I got a small taste of this the other day at the convenience store, I should have known this would happen at full-scale today.

When the train finally comes to a stop, Midoriya and I rush out to avoid the crowd. After that, the second half of our walk is pretty much the same as the first part, with the exception of a more relaxed Midoriya.

As we continued our conversation, this time about the American movie genres we favor, we unexpectantly hear another individual behind us. Turning around, we see Iida Tenya running towards us.

"Good morning Midoriya, Homura!"

"Iida-kun?! Wearing a poncho and rain boots?"

"Why does your friend have so much energy?" I muttered to the teen beside me. "It's almost unfair..."

Iida ignored all of our comments as he sprints to catch up. "Why are you two walking so slowly?" he yelled, finally bypassing us. "You two will be late!"

"Late?" Midoriya yells, grabbing my hand and pulling me along. "There are still five minutes before the first bell."

"U.A. students should always arrive ten minutes early!" Iida continues to yell as he uses his quirk to speed away.

Narrowing my eyes, I frown at Izuku as he continues to pull me forward. "Seriously, he used his quirk, and you didn't say crap."

"I didn't have time."

"Then, why in the world are we still running. Will this be a recurring theme; because I may leave you if it is?"

"Ama-chan, you're going to call me out on my actions for the rest of our lives, aren't you?" Midoriya deadpan as we cross the gate to our school and run to shelter.

"...Most likely."

"So many strong personalities..."

"What?!"

"Nothing!"

Once we reach the school, the two of us stop running to enter the building. We separate briefly to put away our wet shoes to replace them with our school footwear; before meeting up again. The only difference this time is Iida's presence during our walk to the classroom.

"Homura, I never realized you and Midoriya became friends."

"Actually, Iida-kun," Izuku speaks up from in between us. "Homura is my new neighbor."

"Oh, congratulations on the move, Homura. However, moving in the middle of the school year is quite troublesome. So, if you require any assistance, let me know. As the class president, it is my responsibility to ensure each classmate moves throughout the year without any hindrance."

"Um, thanks, I think," I replied. For the rest of our walk, I remain quiet as Iida and Midoriya speak. Simply because Izuku and I became friends doesn't mean his friends are mine.

Honestly, now that I think about it, schooltime will become awkward now that Shoto and I are no longer friends. Does this mean I have to befriend Uraraka and Iida? On second thought, I'll stick with Momo and Aoyama instead.

Walking into the classroom, the three of us placed our belongings away before heading to our desk. Since we had some time before class began, I took off my jacket and placed it on my chair before walking over to Midoriya's desk. I hop onto it as I used to for Shoto. I note the startled expression on Midoriya's face and the silence from the rest of the class as I pick back up on the conversation Izuku and I had before Iida came along.

"You have to admit that American movies are the best. Sure we have the better-animated series, but the Americans know how to put you on the edge of your seat during a film."

Realizing what I was speaking of, Midoriya relaxed as he picked up the conversation. "Fine, but Korea has better TV shows, at least regarding drama."

"I'll give you that," I laughed as the class began to whisper about us. I felt a pair of eyes on me, but I ignored them for the bright emerald ones in front of me. "Still, the Hispanic community is known for their Telenovelas."

"Sero mentioned one he wants me to watch. Maybe after we finish our homework, you can stay and watch it with me."

"Sure, but how did Sero come across it?"

"He's half Mexican, so he watches them with his mother."

"Cool," I smiled, looking over my shoulder to find Sero staring at us in astonishment. "Sero, are you really half Mexican?"

It takes a moment before the boy snaps out of his near-silent expression to answer my question. "Yeah, my mom came here when she was 20 for a job."

"Huh, I guessed I learned something new then," I said, looking back to Midoriya. "Alright, I'll try the show with you. What's it called?"

"Great! It's Corazon Salvaje."

As Izuku and I go over the details, Bakugou rises from his seat to stand in front of us. Izuku stutters a reply before going silent and shrinking in his chair. The very action bothers me since it reminds me how I act around my father whenever he's angry. Turning to face the pomeranian, I meet his glare with one of my own. The class goes silent once again as they watch us.

"What gives?"

"You might want to try being more specific, Bakugou-san. I can't exactly read minds."

Narrowing his eyes, Bakugou takes a step closer before speaking again. "Why are you of all people with the nerd."

"You say it as if it's a bad thing. Nerds are incredibly smart and have good grades. Nine times out ten, they're the ones who have the best jobs and reputations in whatever industry they work in."

"He's weak."

"Obviously not, since he's managed to go toe to toe with the top students in our class without any of us actually beating him."

"What?!"

"It's true," I shrugged. " The first combat session he beat you one-on-one. During the race, Izu-kun beat us without using his quirk. Instead, he used the environment to overwhelm us. In the next round, Izu-kun deflected a blast from Todoroki. True, he lost his points, but if it wasn't for the last-minute call from Iida, Todoroki would have lost. Then he fought against Todoroki and managed to bring out the best from him. So, I don't see how he's weak. You, on the other hand, feel threatened."

"Say that again!" he yells, audible explosions coming from his hand, causing the light surrounding my body to shine at the same speed as the blast from Bakugou's hand. "I don't need to hear it from the coward who forfeited the competition."

"I did forfeit," I nod, rising to my feet, glaring at the boy. "Because you weren't worth my time." As he growls in my face, I continue to speak. "I'm not here to please you or anyone else. I gave up because it was a stupid competition that wasn't worth my time. I don't need to prove my worth. I don't need to compete with a boy with self-esteem issues who needs to prove to himself he's the best there is. In other words, no one here is worth humiliating myself in front of thousands. Got it?"

"But you can judge us when we want to drop out?" Ojiro tries to interrupt, but I merely flick him off.

"I called you out because you were trying to discredit Shinso and make me out as some kind of traitor. We aren't even friends. Like I said before, it was your choice whether you wanted to continue, but you dropped out due to your damaged pride, while I had another reason."

"Like what?"

"Mental Health," I speak plainly, without embarrassment. "I had to deal with a lot of things behind the scenes so it was determined I should quit, and I did. So, yes, it is different from your pathetic situation."

"Homura!" Iida yells, running to the center of the conflict. "Don't speak so lowly of your classmates! Bakugou, stop picking fights."

"Shut it, four eyes," Bakugou yells at the same time the door to the classroom opens.

The argument ends there as we race to our seats to greet our Sensei. As Eraser walks to the podium, the entire class notes the missing bandages that once covered his face and the newfound scar our Sensei sports. Tsi-chan questions his recovery, so Sensei briefly explains the treatment he endured before moving on.

"More importantly, we're having a special hero informatics class today," Eraserhead explains. He takes a longer than necessary pause before continuing. "Code Names. You'll be coming up with hero names."

"We're gonna do something exciting!"

"This is related to pro hero draft picks I mentioned the other day," Sensei emphasized once the class settled down. "The drafts begin in earnest in the second and third years, after the students have gained experience and can become immediate assets to the pros. In other words, in order for them to extend offers to first years like you show that they are interested in your future potential. These offers are often canceled if that interest dies down by graduation. Now to present the totals for those with offers."

Sensei presses a button on a remote, and a bar graph appears on the chalkboard behind us. Todoroki and I tied in first, with Bakugou behind us.

"In other years, it's been more spread out, but all eyes are on these three this year."

"Gah!" Kaminari whines in disapproval. "There's a big difference."

Aoyama agrees with the boy, feeling neglected by the lack of offers. Jiro, on the other hand, points out the elephant in the room to the class.

"Homura and Todoroki in first while Bakugou is in second...?"

"It's the opposite of their placement in the sports festival," Kirishima notes out loud. "But Todoroki and Homura forfeited the competition. How are they in the lead."

"Some people are too scared to ask a guy who had to be restrained on the podium."

"What're the pros scared of?!"

"Probably you're wild attitude and temper," I comment with a smirk using exaggerated movements as I speak. "No one wants to take care of brat for a week."

"EH!"

Before I can make another comment, Sensei wraps me in his binding scarf and pulls on it ever so slightly to shut me up. "Homura," Sensei calls on me, his eyes glowing red momentarily. "Don't be rude."

"I'm sorry," I apologized out loud in a small voice. A mad Eraserhead is an irritable Sensei that I never wish to cross. "I'll stay quiet now."

"Good," He said, releasing me as he returned our attention to the main topic at hand. "Keeping these results in mind, whether or not anyone asked for you, you will all be participating in internships with pros."

"Internships?" Midoriya inquired out loud for the class. Sensei nods at the teen before explaining himself.

"Yes. At USJ, you already got to experience with real villains, but it is still meaningful training for you to see pros at work firsthand."

Huh, so that's why we're suddenly thinking about hero names so early in the semester. I think to myself, and it seems most of my classmates agreed.

"Your hero names are still temporary, but if you're not serious..."

"You'll regret it later!" another voice announces. The entire class turns to the noise only to witness Midnight strutting into the room. "Because a lot of hero names used by students become recognized by society, and they end up becoming professional hero names!"

"Midnight!"

"Well then, that's how it is," Eraser says, bringing his part of the lecture to a close. "So Midnight will be making sure your names are okay. I can't do stuff like that. When you give yourself a name, you get a more concrete image of what you want to be like in the future, and you can get closer to it. This is what they mean by, 'Names and natures often agree.' Like All Might, for example."

As Midnight passes us boards and markers, I begin to think of names that I know of for inspiration. For example, Present Mic, Midnight, Soundwave, and Eraserhead. Each of those names reflects on that hero's quirk. Present Mic sounds like a Microphone; Midnight can put you to sleep, my Grandfather controlled soundwaves, and Sensei can erase quirks. So, if I want a name, I should focus on my quirk; and its qualities.

Midnight allows us time to think before announcing time is up. Luckily, I came up with a name for myself, but I'm too nervous to volunteer to go first. Thankfully, Aoyama takes the stage as the first willing participant.

As dramatically as the blond teen can, he slowly flips the broad to shout his name, "Shining Hero: 'I Can Not Stop Twinkling!' Which means you can't stop my sparkles!"

"It's a sentence!"

"Homura-chan, it seems I beat you to a perfect name!"

"Huh?" I mutter under my breath as the blond teen stares me down. "What now?"

"Oh, I get it," Kirishima states while snapping his fingers. "Both of you have light-based quirks."

"So now it's a competition?!"

While the rest of us are panicking at the sudden change in the atmosphere in the classroom, Midnight goes about correcting Aoyama's hero name. "It'll be easier to use if you take out the 'I' and shorten the 'can not' to 'can't.'"

"You're right, mademoiselle."

"It's okay?!"

Now that Aoyama is back at his seat, Ashido runs to announce hers next. "Then, I'll go next! Hero name, 'Alien Queen'!"

Midnight shot that one down without giving Mina a chance to fight for it, which is a shame. I like the name Alien Queen. However, a new problem arises. The names thus far have been odd, so what do we do? Is it supposed to be funny or serious? Because depending on the answer, I might need to change my name.

"I'll go next," Tsu-chan declares as she runs to the front. "I've had this in mind since elementary school. Rainy Season Hero: Froppy."

Midnight immediately takes a liking to the name thus, setting the class to a more normal-ish pace. Now that we all understand the assignment, one by one, each of us takes a turn to tell the class our hero name. When Tokoyami stands in front of every, he informs us his hero name is Tsukuyomi, giving homage to the God of Night.

"Hey, Homura-san, does that mean you're going to go by your first name, Amaterasu?" Kaminari asked me. "I mean, think about it. Tsukuyomi? Amaterasu! You and Tokoyami can become a hero team!"

"Eh, that's a good point," Kirishima states from his seat. "Your team name can be Takamagahara!"

"Hm, that is a good idea, you two, but I think not," I mention as I take my turn in front of the class. "I already chose my name, for the time being, that is. The Illuminating Hero: Luminous!"

"Good job, sweetie," Midnight proclaims with a wide smile. "It fits you and your quirk perfectly!"

"Thank you, Sensei!" I smiled, rushing back to my desk with a skip to my step.

Honestly, the ideas my classmates had are pretty good. Still, when it comes to my career as a hero, I'm not too sure how I want to go about it. Sensei is a shadow hero, while Midnight is a spotlight hero. There is also the teamwork bit, but I'm not sure if I want that. Maybe a partnership, but that's too much as well. I should ask Sensei later.

When class is over, I checked out the offers from the Pro Hero Agencies. Honestly, I'm not sure who I should go with at this point. I received plenty of offers, but which one will be the best?

In the end, I couldn't decide, so I stuffed the papers into my bag. The rest of the day dragged slowly, and I didn't care much for it. Even lunch became unbearable, so I decided to skip the last half and head to the library instead. Once the day was finally over, I didn't bother waiting for Izuku as I walked over to Eraserhead's cubical.

"Sensei, are you busy?"

"No," he replied, concluding his conversation with a fellow faculty staff member. "Do you need something?"

"I have a question about, well, hero stuff."

"Hero stuff? Alright, give me a second to clear this up, and I'll be out in a second."

"Okay! Oh, by the way, this is for you," I said, handing the man a note. He raised and brow, but I merely waved the man goodbye as I left the room.

True to his word, it didn't take long before Sensei met me out in the hallway and guided me to a conference room. Once we're alone, we sit down on the couch, and Eraserhead signals me to explain the note in his hand.

"Right, so do you remember that kid who went against Izu-kun during the first round during the combat portion of the competition?"

Once again, he raises an eyebrow, but this time I'm not sure to which part. Still, he nods his head in confirmation, allowing me to continue. "Well, his name is Shinso, and I was wondering if you can take him as your student. Like a protege."

"You want me to mentor him?"

"Yes! His quirk is so valuable! It's a shame he's in Gen Ed. Plus, he kind of reminds me of you."

"Well, to be honest, I was contemplating it, so I don't see why not. However, Shinso will be behind all of you since he's in General Education; instead of the hero course. If you don't mind tutoring him, I'll take him as my student?"

"Deal!"

"Very well," Sensei agreed as he served us each a cup of tea. "Now, what is this meeting really about?"

"Well, I guess I'm just a bit at a loss. I'm glad I received tons of offers, but I'm not sure what to do. Plus, going to a specific place means I ought to have a plan in mind, right? But I don't. I don't know if I want to go solo or in a team, maybe have a partner? Hawks created his agency almost immediately after becoming pro. Should I do the same?"

"So, you want to know what you should do next?"

"Pretty much. Can you help?"

"No."

"Huh?"

"I can advise you, but I can't give you the answers," Eraserhead explained. "This is a decision you have to make for yourself because it makes sense to you."

"Well, I can't be an underground hero. Even if I learn how to control my quirk to the point I no longer glow, it's not for me. Still, I don't know if the whole team thing is for me either."

"Amaterasu, you don't have to decide everything right now. These things take time. For now, focus on the big picture, and as the months go by, try to narrow down your options from the things you do and don't like until you have a clear image in your head."

"I guess," I mutter. "So, who should I choose for the internship?"

"Who do you want to work with?"

Looking through the list, I can't help but feel underwhelmed. There isn't one person I want to work with during internship week. Still, there is one hero who has a similar quirk to mine.

"I can work with Endeavor..."

"I thought you hated that man."

"I do, but he has excellent control of his quirk. He should be able to give me advice when it comes to my own."

"And you're positive you won't regret it?"

"Oh, I possibly will, but as you said, it's a learning experience. If there is something from Endeavor's agency I don't like, I'll remember it and make sure I don't do the same thing."

"Alright, that seems reasonable, but what if another classmate joins you."

"I doubt that. The only person other than myself who will receive an offer is Sh- um, Todoroki, and he hates his father, so I should be good. Plus, even if another student does manage to secure an offer from Endeavor, that won't affect me."

"Are you sure?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

Sensei allows a low breath to escape him as he scoots a bit closer to me. He places a hand on my shoulder before speaking. "Listen, I know I'm not the best when it comes to relationships, but I've noticed the tension between you and some of the other students."

Narrowing my eyes, I turn my head away from my mentor, but he gently shifts my attention back to him. "I won't interfere; however, you, along with Bakugou, and Todoroki, seem to be the outsiders in the class."

"So? I don't care if these people like me."

Sensei didn't say anything else and dismissed what I said with a small smile. Nevertheless, the smile never reached his eyes; instead, they seemed sad. I remained silent about it since I didn't feel like pointing it out. I know he feels sorry for me since things aren't that great right now, but I honestly don't want to annoy him with my personal life. Once we were done speaking about hero stuff, we spoke about my new apartment. Sensei decided to give me an extension for my homework since moving is a huge project to undertake for anyone.

As I finally make it back home, I return to my usual routine. It's around nighttime I get a text from Midoriya. At first, I ignored it, but another text grabbed my attention. The new one is from Shoto, asking me if we can meet up. I leave him on read as I delete the text from my end. I couldn't concentrate after that, so I decided to look at Izuku's message to distract me.

Izu-kun: Where were you after school? I thought we were going to walk home together?

Thinking about what I should say next, I conclude that texting isn't worth it, so I'll do something else instead.

Midoriya's POV

I waited for a reply from Ama-chan, however after five minutes, nothing came. I'm not sure if I did anything to upset her, so it's probably best if I leave her be. I'm not used to her personality yet, so I don't want to push her. Still, she does confuse me. At times, she can be forward, and others, it's like she shuts down.

knock knock knock

Who could that be at this hour? I thought to myself. I exit the room just as my mother opens the door to Amaterasu. "Ama-chan?"

"Hey, you got a minute?"

"Uh," I mutter out loud, looking to my mom, who is still standing between us. "...Mom?"

"Huh? Oh! Yes, I should go and dust the refrigerator!"

Running out of the hallway, my mom disappears into another part of the apartment. Once it's the two of us, I allow Ama-chan to follow me into my room. Since this is the second time she's been here, I'm not as nervous as I was before. Still, I can't help but blush when she sits down on my bed. Instead of sitting beside her, I sit down on my chair a foot away to give her some space.

"So, um, what happened today? I couldn't find you after school."

"Well, it wasn't raining anymore, so I didn't worry about you getting home," Ama-chan said nonchalantly still; she refused to look me in the eye when she said this. After a moment of hesitation, Amaterasu finally looks up from her spot on the bed to gaze at me with a guilty expression. "I also don't know how to speak with your friends, so I decided to ditch you. It's a bit awkward when they're near."

My friends?

"Oh, you mean Uraraka-chan and Iida-kun?"

"Yup," she states, popping the p at the end as she flops to lay down on my bed.

Looking at Amaterasu, no one would be able to tell she's uncomfortable, but as I look at the tiny gestures she makes, I'm almost certain something is wrong with her.

"Amaterasu, why do you keep people at arm's length?"

Amaterasu shoots up to a sitting position with her eyes wide for a brief second before looking away from me altogether. "I don't know what you're talking about..."

"Yes, you do. Why else would you look away?"

"Huh?"

"Nothing," I answered, keeping that bit of information to myself for future reference. "But why do you keep away from the rest of the class? When we first met, you were incredibly kind, but then as the days passed it seemed as though you thought yourself above the rest of us. Then, it became more analytical when someone heard your argument and finally personal. Why are you doing this to yourself? Not only that, but you're so harsh to everyone, but you can be so kind and caring at the same time. Why do you contradict yourself?"

"...Because, because- because, I don't know how to get along with others," Amaterasu admitted quietly, slumping over. "I never had friends when I was a kid since my parents were super protective of me. It was hard to make friends in elementary when I finally did have a chance to do so, but I never could. Until I met Todoroki-san in middle school… I was alone. The way I speak, that's due to my upbringing. Everything is so black and white with my parents. Either they are emotionless and harsh or kind. Well, their version of kindness. Sensei is that way as well, so I never got around to being normal. I was so focused on becoming who I wanted to be without wrecking my family that I don't know how to speak to others. Even when I'm in public, I'm not sure if I can relax or defend myself."

"Is that the reason you bit Ojiro-kun's head off?"

"Hey! He deserved it. Today and during the sports festival!"

"Did he?"

"Yes, you heard how he got upset with Shinso-kun! That wasn't fair!"

"He wasn't mad at him, Amaterasu," I tried explaining to her. "But he didn't feel like he deserved to compete since he wasn't aware of his actions."

"So why get angry with me?"

"Well, I guess he thought you would've helped him. Y'know, the whole, same class, same team."

"Pfft! I didn't see anything wrong with what Shinso-kun did. If anything, I would have chosen a more powerful puppet. Plus, during the festival, he kept arguing with me."

"That's probably due to your harsh responses."

"What?!"

"I-it's tr-tr-true," I stuttered, waving my arms erratically. "You are extremely blunt, which isn't a problem, but your tone doesn't help. Being honest is a good thing, but if your voice comes out in a certain tone, it will come out rude. That's why no one is certain if they can approach you or not. Even I was scared of you in the beginning."

"So much that you threw a slab of metal at me."

"Technically, you punched me first."

The two of us laughed before falling into a comfortable silence. After a moment, Amaterasu spoke again, "I don't want to be an outsider, Izu-kun."

"Then let's start with an apology to Ojiro-kun."

"Okay."

I hope you guys like the chapter. Let me know what you think in the reviews! The next chapter will jump into hero internships. By the way, Amaterasu will not remain as Endeavor's agency. It's just a way to introduce her future mentor in the series.

Until next time, bye guys!