"What the hell was that?"

I grunt up as Explosive grabs my shirt and drags me forward. His eyes narrow, his lips curled back, and teeth gritted. His entire body radiates with disgust.

I stare blankly, numb.

"What?"

He glares and shakes me.

"You were third, and you just fucking gave up! You helped fucking Deku and then walked. What the fuck! You fucking choked!"

I dig my feet into the ground to stop his shaking and grab the fist.

"I don't care," I say.

"The fuck is your problem, you scabby piece of shit?"

What, you want us to watch you?

"You," I snap, leaning forward and stomping on his foot. He moves it before I can.

Red, hanging nearby, walks forward.

"Dude, that's so unmanly-"

"Shut up Shitty hair," he releases me and steps back. "You fucking give up like that again and I'll beat your ass for a month!" He pauses and then smirks. "Actually, you do that shit again and I'll beat that little purple shit's fucking face in for a month."

I stiffen and glare.

"Leave Mineta alone."

"No," he sneers. "Make me."

"Dude!"

Red grabs me around the shoulders and pulls me back as Explosive walks away. I grind my teeth and shake. I shrug the large boy away and glare. Hot, throbbing anger rising back to my chest. It aches. It won't go away.

"Hey, Hoki, what are you-"

"Go away," I snap, teeth clenched.

"Oi," he says, throwing his hands up defensively. The look he gives me just fuels the rage simmering inside. Like he's worried. Like he cares. "You know, in his own way, he's just trying to help."

What, you want us to watch you?

I glare.

"By threatening Mineta?"

Red shrugs.

"Bakugou's not exactly kind, but he isn't wrong, you just gave up on the last test. You've been weird ever since you got hurt at the USJ. You used to be all quiet and stuff, but since you returned, you're just…" he trails off. "Angry? Upset? I dunno, you okay Hoki?"

I flinch.

Concern. His face makes me want to scream. It makes me want to cry.

Sometimes, Rin-chan, people want more. More power, more respect, more attention… just more. So they take it. They do things to hurt you to take it, they make you want to cry, to break you, to win.

No more crying. Crying gives them power. If you want to be a hero, show them your strength. Smile.

"I'm fine."

I turn away to look towards Pro Hero Midnight stepping up on a platform. She grins at the crowd. I fix my best smile. It feels fake and wrong. Like skin stretched against too much bone. Red hesitantly bumps my shoulder, frowning.

"If you weren't, you know we'd listen right?"

I stiffen and nod.

Lie.