A/N: I honestly had to re-watch BNHA again since it's been a long time but I'm gradually keeping up :) I'm actually thinking of writing a JJK fanfic but I'm still contemplating whether to do it or not. I might go with a one-shot for now and then let's see from there. Anyways, here's a brand new chapter!
CHAPTER 13
I was lost in my thoughts and it took me a good few seconds to even respond. I was examining every encounter I had with Shoto. And honestly, it was just that moment when he finally apologized after the Provisional Hero License Exam that we had a proper conversation. Other than that, nothing else. We both had good memories when we were younger but that was cut short.
"I…"
"Oy! U.A!" was all I heard from my friend when I finally looked up to him. Was I thinking for that long? I didn't even notice that we've arrived inside the hall. Inasa was already waving at Shoto and Bakugo. They are suited in their UA uniforms carrying their hero outfits packed in aluminum suitcases. Shoto's eyes widened for a while when he caught a glimpse of me. However, it took only a split second for him to get back to his usual self. Camie was also present. As to why she has to take the hero exam again, I'm still not sure. We can chat about it later after this anyway.
"I brought Yu-chan for extra support!" Inasa beamed happily as the five of us met, wrapping one arm around my shoulder.
"We don't need extra people around here." Bakugo strongly emphasized extra.
I would be offended if I didn't know how Bakugo talked beforehand. This was his normal language. I would be surprised if he welcomed me with open arms. Shoto cleared his throat. As if on cue, Inasa took out his arm around me. "I didn't know you'd be here." Shoto said.
"I was dragged. But as Inasa said, I promise I'd cheer for you all." I smiled and gave them two thumbs up.
"Pfft." Bakugo pouted and walked away from us.
"Except for him, maybe…" I added as the spiky blonde retreated. Is he still mad after I used my quirk on him? Or is he just normally mad all the time? "Maybe I owe him an apology. He was caught off guard with my quirk last time."
"No need. He's just not good with his emotions. That's all." Shoto explained.
Says someone who can't control his temper either.
"Anyway, we'll have to get going Yu-chan. See you at the stands!" Inasa said as he tried to put his arm around Shoto only to be rejected.
"I'll see you later." Shoto spoke softly. I smiled and nodded before the both of them turned away.
"See you, Yuri-chan!" Camie left following their trail behind.
When Camie and the boys made their way to change into their hero costumes, I took the liberty to roam around the sports hall. My stomach grumbled loudly. Aw… Not again. I actively search for any vending machine around the corner.
This will do. I fed the machine some coins and got myself an onigiri. I was peeling the rice ball from its package when a heavy tread echoed along the hallway. Bakugo was all by himself. I surveyed his frame as I munch on my meal. He didn't look that bad. If he didn't frown the whole time, he could pass as a heart throb. Only his petty attitude and foul mouth will drag him down though. I chuckled at my own thoughts.
"OI, TAIYAKI GIRL! WHAT ARE YOU LAUGHING AT?" He walked to my direction.
I choked on my food and regretted that I didn't bought anything to drink. I thumped my chest lightly as I coughed. To my surprise, Bakugo handed me a bottle of water. I didn't hesitate to grab it and quickly chugged it down taking huge gulps for me to swallow.
"Thank you!" I handed him his bottle finally able to speak.
"Keep it." Bakugo said with a straight face. "Just in case you choke on some food again." He added.
"I'm pretty sure there's a nicer way to say it. Still, thank you." I smiled and kept my previous thoughts all to myself. "Aren't you going to the arena now?
"I was about to but I saw one stupid girl choking on her onigiri."
That will definitely drag him down.
I cleared my throat and remembered that I owe him an apology. He was about to turn his heel when I called out his name. "Bakugo." He stopped and irritatingly looked at me. "I wanted to apologize for last time. When I used my quirk on you… Just so you know, I was trying to protect myself." I apologized but kept a bit of pride all to myself.
Bakugo stared at me for a while. He didn't seem annoyed for now but I couldn't figure out what was going in that mind of his. He finally spoke and smirked. "I have to say… Interesting quirk." He took one last glance at me and walked away.
Was that his way of accepting an apology? It wasn't the first time I heard someone say that about my quirk. But coming from him gives off another vibe. I stared at Bakugo's frame as he left behind. As soon as I finished my onigiri, I walked towards the indoor stadium. By the entrance, I saw All-Might, Endeavor and Present Mic.
"Sorahiko-chan! Glad to see you here!" Present Mic's loud voice rang along the corridor as I approach the trio.
"Sensei!" I bowed at him as I neared his presence. "Oji-chan!" I hugged All-Might and nodded respectfully to Endeavor who was beside him. Although I've known the fiery hero for a long time, his demeanor still intimidates me. The thought of having him as my father-in-law was something I wouldn't get used to easily. Together, we entered inside the arena.
"Here to support Shoto?" Endeavor said not taking a glance at me.
"Hey! Don't intimidate our little girl like that, Endeavor-san." Present Mic said in hopes of changing the tense atmosphere. I nodded at Endeavor still uncomfortable uttering a word.
"Let's sit in front!" my loud-mouthed sensei said scanning the seats inside. "We can see better there."
"We should pick less conspicuous seats. Otherwise, we'll distract them." All-Might opposed the idea. However…
"SHOTO!" Endeavor said out loud. So much for being less conspicuous. "You're not someone who trips over little things. Show them how you're in a different league!" He continued not giving a care in the world.
I looked at all the other students in the stadium. Their eyes curiously stared at Endeavor wondering why he was there. Maybe even domineered by his appearance. Even Inasa's gaze were fixed on the now No.1 hero. I peeked at Shoto and as usual, he didn't care any less. Knowing him, he might be feeling embarrassed to see his father obviously cheering for him right now. Not long, the students were now focused on All-Might but with a contrasting aura. He seemed like an old lanky man coming in his normal and sickly form. But then again, he is the All-Might. The all-time No. 1 hero.
"See, we got found out." All-Might said directly at Endeavor-san.
The sight from the stands was a chaos. Gang Orca entered with an intimidating vibe. I can't fully make out what was happening in the arena itself. But from my point of view, Shoto, Inasa, Bakugo and Camie were given a special exam. A number of kids walked in by the large entry way. At first glance, they looked like normal students until they used their respective quirks.
"A bunch of kids? I wonder how it's gonna go. Inasa is the only person I knew who's good at this kind of stuff." I commented in a whisper avoiding Endeavor-san from hearing it.
Either way, I know those guys are gonna make it.
If this second round was a mayhem, the aura from where I am right now was not much different either. Rigid and tense. I was left alone with All-Might and Endeavor sitting in between them as soon as Present Mic decided to act as a commentator for the exams. My thoughts wandered away from the actual event. I found myself lost in the two heroes' conversation.
"What's on your mind?" All-Might spoke first aware at how Endeavor was peering over his son longer than usual.
"Do you know? The crime rate this month is three percent higher than the same period last year. I…" Endeavor stopped briefly. His gaze away from the other hero beside me. "I've always tried harder than anyone else to solve more crimes. I'm putting more effort than before. But I heard that something intangible you single-handedly built is slowly crumbling away. The former No.1 Hero. What is the symbol of peace?"
All-Might collected his thoughts before responding. As expected of his nature, he didn't give any direct answers but offered his personal realizations while he wore his No.1 hero crown. It was up to Endeavor what to make out of their conversation. Nevertheless, it brought encouragement seeing his gaze lift up a little.
Oji-chan's succeeding words made me look up to him even more. "You're different. You have no need to pursue the symbol I created. You just need to carve your own path." He stared head on at Endeavor creating an impact with just those few words.
That's when I subconsciously turned my gaze to the other hero sitting just an inch alongside me. Endeavor must have been having a hard time since All-Might retired. All the complications created by the League of Villains have caught up to him. He was striving to keep a peaceful world, anticipating that people will look up to him the same way they did to All-Might. But in Oji-chan's words, he is one of a kind. He has his own approach of doing things.
Among many others expecting the same from Endeavor, I was guilty. I've always compared him to All-Might not realizing these things. This was the first time I began to have a soft spot towards him. After all, every single one of us is trying our best to make this world a better place, only our methods are different.
At that point, the memory of my mom and dad clouded my mind. They made a heartbreaking decision to leave me under Gran Torino's care. I know it was for the better. But oftentimes, I feel that it was not a good plan. Not having them around while growing up was difficult. But then again, it wasn't just me who had it hard. I know it pains them that I had to grow apart. I slowly understood Endeavor's sentiments. Being a hero and raising a family altogether was complicated. And for sure, even if he was hard on Shoto, I know deep down that he truly cares for him.
"Next up! It's Shoto who blows hot and cold!" Present Mic announced to the crowd.
Thanks to him, we were able to get a gist of what's happening in the arena. Bakugo, Inasa, Camie and Shoto took turns getting along with the bunch of rowdy kids. When it was Shoto's turn, Endeavor cheered for him once again.
"SHOTO!" He yelled not having a care in the world.
During the first few minutes of the exam, all four of them didn't make any progress. It was when they finally decided to work together and show the kids what they can do with their quirks that they succeeded. It was a marvelous sight. I haven't fully seen Camie's quirk but it definitely transformed the stadium into a magical place. Combined with Shoto and the children's quirk, they constructed a playground-like ambience where the kids can enjoy. This doesn't feel like an exam anymore as we are all captivated with what we're seeing.
"This method is great. It makes us feel warm." Present Mic remarked.
My eyes zoomed in on Bakugo having a serious conversation with one of the kids clothed in light purple. I saw the spiky blonde dragging the kid to try the enormous slide they built. Then, he looked at me. The side of his lips forming a slight twitch.
"Huh? What was that now?" I thought to myself. Did he look at me?
Shoto's mismatched eyes were on Bakugo and then back at me. A visible smile was obvious from his face. I smiled back. Looks like he's having fun.
And just like that, all of them passed the second round of the licensing exam.
A/N: What is up with Bakugo though? Hahahaha. Let's try to spice things up a bit ;)
