I put on my blinker, turning into the apartment garage. The U.A. poster twirls from left to right in front of the door to the building. I shuffle inside, clicking the keys twice to lock my car.

My door doesn't stand out, thankfully. I step inside, welcomed by the warm scent of the cookies I had baked the night before for homework. Thankfully, that teacher is kinder and lets us keep the cookies for ourselves.

The figurines clink together as I add another to their midst. Disappointing. I'll need to buy another shelf soon. My eyes scan the room as my hands brush together, picking up the scattered clothing pieces. I'm a mess.

My gaze lands on my open laptop. I sigh. My application to U.A. sits there, halfway filled out with only a day until the high school closes its gates. I melt into the seat, letting my fingers glide over the keyboard without pressing anything. I click-clack away, stopping only once in the hours I work to find dinner in the fridge.

Leftover pasta. Again. I scarf the meal, place the dish in the empty sink halfheartedly, and submit the finished writing. I slam the laptop closed, walking to my bathroom. I can't bear to think about it anymore, so instead, I brush my sharpened fangs aggressively.

My bed feels like clouds after the unbearable school day, welcoming my tired body into its depths. I sigh in unison with the mattress's groan. My horns, finally released from the constraints of my immense collection of hoodies for the weekend, seem to fall away from my skull. The thoughts start to seep in.

'Where's my keys?'

'Did he lose my fucking car keys again?'

'Oh, that's such a cute kitty cat!'

'Get away from me. Shoo!'

'When did they say to come again? 7:00? Or was it-'

They're drowned out as I press a pillow over my face, muffling a soft scream. The nights are the worst.

I toss and turn, left and right, up and down, all throughout the night. I can't sleep, not with them always there to make a snide comment about something I'm not even involved in.

And then.

Peace.

My hands reach up to rub my eyes, sitting up in my bed. I check the time, my eyes widening.

"9:30."

I leap out of bed, my computer waiting patiently for me.

I close my eyes before I read the email, pleading, pleading.

A trumpet fanfare plays on the mini-speakers beside me. I crack open my eyes, just enough to read the first line.

"We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into the hero training course at U.A. High School. Due to your extraordinary essay submission, you will participate in a test of strength alone before-"

I almost faint. I did what.

My eyes widen so that I can read the rest, my eyebrows about to explode away from my scaly skin.

"-participating in the hero training course. Please arrive at U.A. gates no later than 1:45 this evening."

My claws on my feet clomp around my room, making me glad I chose the bottom floor. 1:45? I should get there at 1:30, then. Proper manners might make up for my appearance. I glare into the mirror, pausing my pacing. Appearance? Appearance! What to wear, what to wear...

My hands hover over a straight black dress. That should do. But in a test of strength? I put on my weightlifting tank top and shorts underneath, just in case. I slip on heels, my scales providing a natural covering for the claws inside. Observing my new profile in the mirror, I snatch a handbag from my closet. Hmm.. I shove a pair of sneakers, my phone, and my wallet in the purse.

Checking the time, I gasp aloud at how fast it's flown.

"11:00 already? I get how everyone else is late for dates all the time now..."

I slide around the corner of the bathroom door, scrabbling to grab my keys and rush out of my apartment.

I'm here.. finally. The car door slams behind me, drawing the unwanted attention I was forced to get used to. Collective whispering from around me is, once again, ignored. The gates of U.A. High School stand before me, glistening with all the magnificence I could ever have imagined in my childhood.

Blue columns guard the entrance on each side, watching me as if I was going to steal something. I roll my eyes, stepping delicately inside. Copying the main doorway, glittering white arches layer my vision as I gaze, mesmerized, at the four skyscraper-like buildings reaching to the somewhat clouded skies. Windows line the walls, spraying the sun's rays onto my face as if it could make me look even more sunburnt than I did. My scales shine in the sunlight as I cower in the meager shadows, writhing in embarrassment whilst the other applicants stare at me, some scoffing in disgust.

My heels click on the sand-covered concrete. The final lapse of doors is open, allowing the crowd to part to let me walk quickly through. Whispers blow past my ears like a fresh summer breeze.

"Is that a demon?"

"She looks dangerous..."

"I remember you!"

The last of which is more of a yell than a whisper. I spin around, seeing dark brown curls bounce on a smiling face as they spring up to me. I blink twice, shaking my head slightly. They recognized me? And they weren't scared? At all..?

"Sorry, we haven't fully introduced, right? I'm Kaito. And you are...?"

A stammering whisper barely comes out of my mouth as I tuck a strand of blackened hair behind my ear.

"Uhm.. I'm Akuma."

I chuckle halfheartedly, putting out a tentative hand for them to shake.

"Fits well, huh?"

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