Changing clothes is an ordeal.
Due to the size of the venue and the large number of people, everyone gets separated into different changing rooms. Males are routed to one side of the building and females to the other with attendants in dark clothes offering mysterious smiles as we pass.
They pull strangers from the line into different rooms to change. Momo is one of the first, followed quickly by Kyoka and Tsuyu. I end up in what looks like a converted meeting room with nine other girls. They're each incredibly different, one is nearly as tall as Tulutho-san, another pretty in traditional-looking Japanese robes.
The girl closest to me reminds me of Kagura.
Blue hair spiked with a sharp grin, she strips immediately down to her bright green underwear before tugging on tight leather shorts and a fishnet top. The leather jacket only barely conceals the bright color of her bra.
"Yo, I know I'm hot, but damn girl. You look ready to drool."
I flush and stop, turning instead to tug off my own skirt.
"S-Sorry," I mumble, opening up the silver case. UA's insignia glitters as it catches the light and I hurriedly pull out my pants, dragging them up and over my thighs. It's like sliding on a second skin. I purse my lip and concentrate, making sure all the lines are straight.
Nervous?
No.
I scowl at my legs and concentrate on twisting the fabric. I'm so caught up, I nearly jump when the stranger throws her leg up beside me grinning.
"So UA, huh?"
The hush that fills the room is too noticeable. I frown, feeling the other girls' stares.
"Yeah."
"Hoki, right? You were third place at the sports festival."
The frown deepens.
Stupid sports festival.
"Yeah," I hedge, zipping the pants closed.
The girl smirks, her eyebrow raising.
"You're not really like I imagined," she says switching legs to pull on the other boot. "The name's Sonya."
I nod and remove my shirt, feeling her eyes rake across the scars. One girl gasps, another sucks in a shuddering breath.
Like they always do.
"Now who's drooling?" I ask with a rather sour note, pulling on my shirt.
Sonya grins, completely unrepentant.
"Tch," she laughs, painting her cheeks with purple lines and her lips the same color. Bright amber eyes sparkle back, and I can't help but wonder at her quirk. "I think I like you, Hoki. Good luck out there."
She pulls her leg down before I can thank her and sends me a saucy wink.
Like Aunt Nemuri, she swings her hips as she walks. And like Aunt Nemuri, I can't help but notice the way everyone stares as she struts from the room.
Not for her scars, but her confidence.
I automatically grab for my shoes.
What kind of hero do you want to be?
Pulling them up my leg, I'm struck again by how different I feel. Like I'm a new person, like I could be anything I want. I unravel my hair, the long strands falling in waves down my back. The belt, tight and hooked against my hips, remind me of Sensei.
He's watching.
Probably with that woman.
Who is she?
I mess with the belt for a few more moments, checking supplies. Sensei had given me a list, first aid bandages, a hook for my flashlight, a snack, and water. I don't spend long on it, looking up as two others leave. I follow behind.
The waiting space we return to is packed.
There must be hundreds of people in here, I think incredulously, feeling the nervous buzz that circles the room begin to hum in me. All these people…
My skin itches as the large group crowds nearer, electricity pulsating under my skin.
I swallow, feeling it roll and twist in my gut. Taking a deep breath, I move towards the corner of people I do recognize. A ninja-like head several inches above the rest, Shoji I remind myself, becomes my beacon. I follow it through the sea of people, reminded of the ocean currents as they churn and move constantly around me. I can smell them, the raw scent of their costumes, of latex and plastics, mixing strangely with the odor of bodies and nauseating perfumes.
By the time I catch sight of Iida's white armor and Kaminari's bright yellow hair, I'm half-tempted to hug them.
Sensei would not approve.
Sensei isn't here.
Who was she?
"Hey," I huff, sliding up on Iida's right.
Stupid Sensei. Why didn't he even mention her? I know I asked if he had a girlfriend! What's it mean that he's never even mentioned her? But she said they were in love!
He loves me.
"Hoki-" Iida cuts off as he turns, eyes widening. His mouth drops and cheeks color. "H-Hoki-chan!"
"Hi," I repeat again, scowling. How many times is he going to repeat himself?
"Y-You changed your outfit!" he says, hands clapping together and face still very red. "H-How forward thinking! Is this the first time you've worn it?"
"Officially, yeah," I admit, trying to shake the dark feelings. I force a smile, feeling it twist lopsided on my lips. "It came in yesterday afternoon."
"It… ah, it looks very nice!" he says, and I can't help but snort at his awkwardness.
"Thanks."
I smirk, even more amused, when his face reddens.
"R-Rin-chan!"
Turning to greet Kaminari, I can't help but blink when the blonde stares back, mouth wide and nose bleeding. Iida notices as well.
"Kaminari-kun!"
"S-Sorry!" he squawks, quickly spinning to swipe at his nose. I have no idea what he's sorry for, but I ignore it. He can be so odd sometimes… maybe his brain is about to short circuit? I hope not though, that can't be good right before the exams.
"Rin-chan! Girl, you look hot!"
A very naked Toru appears beside me and I give where I expect her head to be an exasperated look.
How is this okay?
"Aren't you cold?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.
"Nope!" she laughs, and I can hear the grin in her voice as her gloves wave around her. "If anything, I'm a little warm with all these people in here! My costume definitely helps in the summer!"
I snort again.
What costume? You're wearing gloves and shoes.
"Girl!" she continues, clearly ignoring the expression on my face. "I'm so jealous! You look amazing!"
"Uh, thanks?" I say, sidestepping away before she starts trying to hug. Sensei really needs to have a conversation with her.
I accidentally bump into Sero and he grins, hands falling on my shoulders out of reflex.
"Hey Rin-chan, nice outfit!"
"Thanks," I mumble.
Seriously, is everyone going to comment about this?
"Awe, that's cute," he laughs, arms crossing against his chest as he relaxes. "You nervous?"
"No!" I huff, and at his laugh, I can't help but smile as well. I rub my arm and twist at my fingers. "There's a lot of people here though."
He nods.
"Yeah, it's definitely getting crowded. Kinda crazy we'll have to compete against all these people, huh? But it's not all that different from the entrance exams. I mean, I wonder how many of the people here competed against us or the second years to get into UA? Not saying they aren't strong or anything, but we've survived two villain attacks, you know? Like Sensei said, you've gotta have a little confidence. Oh, hey. Hey! Kirishima! Bakugou! Hey! Over here!"
I shake my head when he shouts and waves, arms flailing as he calls over the other two. I consider his words.
We've survived two villain attacks, you know?
You've survived more than that.
How many had there been?
The USJ, Kaito during the internship, did the mall actually count? And then there was the beach and the summer camp.
I frown as Bakugou shoves his way forward, expression annoyed when a rather large boy doesn't move fast enough.
Promise me Hellspawn.
I'm not saying they aren't strong or anything…
Did that make us stronger?
Did that make me stronger?
"Scar head," Bakugou says, eyes narrowed as he takes in my new hair and outfit.
"Dude, that's so uncool-"
I give him a weird look.
Does he not know my name?
"Rin," I say clearly, meeting his eye.
He lied.
He also came for you.
Bakugou glowers and pinks.
"I know your fucking name," he snarls, nose crinkling and eyebrows furrowing.
Kirishima and Sero snicker and I frown as I glance their way.
"Oh." I don't get the joke. "Uh, hi?"
Bakugou's eye twitches.
He opens his mouth, likely to make a scathing reply, but he's cut off when some official taps on the microphone. Ignoring his muttered idiot, I watch as a tired-looking man sprawls and yawns against the podium. He mumbles and groans and clears his throat, several times before starting.
"Welcome."
The entire room silences, but it isn't the good kind. The man drones with so many yawns in his sentences, I honestly feel like yawning myself.
Maybe he has a sleeping quirk?
I grimace and rub my face, barely paying attention. He talks forever.
It's only when the roof shutters and opens that I realize that he's done.
The roof disappears, light washes through the dark room, and the walls fall away to a huge arena.
I stare openly. It's enormous, with two mountain-like peaks to one side, a miniature city, a lake, an open highway, and another city area. I look up into the stadium as well, noticing the rows of empty seats dotted with people. Too far for me to recognize anyone.
Sensei's up there…
Is he with her?
They begin passing out targets and balls, and Sero groans when I give him a confused glance.
"You weren't listening at all, were you?"
"No," I shrug, holding the three targets and six balls. "What is this?"
"Put the targets on your body and don't get hit. To move on you'll need to knock out two other people."
"Oh," I say.
"You say that like this is going to be easy," he grumbles, shaking his head.
I stuff the orange balls into the utility belt and then look curiously at my own body.
"Maybe not easy, but it is kind of like the entrance exams, right?" I ask, attaching the targets in a triangle on my chest, one on each shoulder and another on my stomach. Thankfully, they're light and flexible enough that they won't impact my movement.
"Sure," Sero mutters, looking a little nauseous.
"Not really," Momo says, shaking her head as she steps towards us. I frown when I notice the tightness around her eyes and lips. "Facing robots is a lot easier than facing people. Especially groups of people."
"But we've faced people before," I remind her. My frown deepens at Kyoka and Tsuyu's nervous expressions as well. I hesitate before pressing a hand against Momo's arm. She's warm, and she blinks in surprise. "We stopped the league, twice."
Not to mention my brother.
Todoroki, on Momo's other side, glances thoughtfully my way.
"Yeah but-"
"Guys, we should move together as a group!" Midoriya shouts, drawing our attention.
"Yeah!" shouts Ochako immediately.
"Good idea!" Iida agrees, shoving the helmet onto his head and locking it in place.
"Hell no," Bakugou growls, glaring at the green-haired boy. He knocks into my shoulder as he shoves past and I glare. Rude! "This isn't a field trip!"
"Wha- Idiot! Wait!" Kirishima shouts, already moving after him with Kaminari right behind him.
So much for that plan…
"I'm going to go on my own too," Todoroki says, his voice level as he begins walking. Momo stiffens and I furrow my eyebrows. By himself? "It's hard for me to use my power in a big group."
"Todoroki-kun!" Midoriya yells, and I step automatically after him.
"R-Rin-chan?" Toru squeaks, voice rising in pitch.
I still.
"A-Ah?"
"Please don't leave! Please?"
I stiffen at the soft voice, remembering her still body on the ground, blood spilling across her skin to reveal slivers of her face. I remember Kyoka there too, both their bodies near lifeless in the swirling pink smoke.
Her chest barely rising.
I curl my fist.
"Ah… O-Okay," I agree, forcing a smile. I breathe deeply. "But we- we should probably go."
The others look relieved.
How… strange.
We all set off at a run, and I consider the bizarreness of that.
They want me here…
Why?
I focus on my breathing as we run, silent in my place near the center back. Shadows I haven't touched in weeks bubble readily under my skin. Part of me wants to rake my fingers across my skin and release them. Part of me wants to bury them down deep and never touch them. Ever.
I remember the cashier, pale and shaking.
I wonder if they'd still want me then.
I care.
I glance at Iida and swallow.
"I don't think it's a good idea for any of us to go off on our own," Midoriya says, interrupting me from my thoughts.
I frown at his back.
"Why not?" the new kid squeaks. I frown at his costume, dressed in yellow and red with a rock-like head and a strange orange mask. I wrinkle my nose. Apparently, he could summon or talk to animals?
He looks like an idiot.
That should be Mineta.
"Because everyone here already knows our quirks!"
"The Sports Festival," Iida says. "Yes, they'll have seen all of our strengths and weaknesses."
"This will probably end up being a battle between schools," Midoriya agrees, leading us all towards the two rising mountains ahead. We don't get far before the open space becomes much more jagged. Our path sinks while cliffs jut up around us. "Which means, when choosing a target, we'll probably be-"
He's cut off by the loud screech of the exam speakers.
"First test, start!"
My eyes widen as the sound of shouting rises up in front of us. Everyone stumbles to a stop as opponents begin to appear. Over fifteen at our front with a few more rising up from the mountainside behind them.
There's a scream, a muffled shout, and a sudden barrage of thousands of orange balls.
The black tendrils appear before I can stop them.
Seeping out from my costume like they do my skin, they spike into thorns.
I had hoped you'd be expelled.
They twist into hissing snakes, swallowing the orbs whole and leaving melted plastic near my feet. The few that make it past I dodge.
Is that… it?
The onslaught stops almost as quickly as it begins.
"You'll need to move faster than that," Yamada-sensei says, almost conversationally as he knocks me off my feet with a well-placed kick. "You can't just defend. You wanna be a hero, you're gonna need to stop me, not just run away."
I don't hesitate.
Shadows spiral around my arms, the scent of wet earth rising. I extend them forward, changing them into claws as they rake through the people. Some jump, some tumble off the cliff-face, the nearly shirtless one from the buses glares as he dodges out of the way.
"Shit!"
"Th-That's Hoki!"
I snarl at the fear in their voices, tasting it in the air, feeling it in my chest.
Nightmare.
In the bag. You have one minute, or she'll kill you.
My eyes burn. My teeth grind. I want to cry. I want to scream.
What kind of hero do you want to be?
"You're a disease, all of you."
"He wanted you," Niko shouts. People are turning, stopping, whispering. Sensei moves towards us. I don't want him to, I don't want him to hear this. I wish he'd never left. "He came for you. You destroyed his life, just like you do to everyone. Just like you did to ours!"
"I hate you. I hate your face, your name, your quirk, your everything. I'm going to destroy you, just like you did me."
"Take this!" The shirtless boy slams his hands into the ground instead. "Break! Maximum Force!"
The earth trembles beneath me and shatters.
I scream, hearing it mix with the cacophony of shouts as the ground literally breaks and explodes beneath us.
Huge boulders launch into the air.
My knees buckle. My bones rattle. The wind whistles and claws at my face, my shadows dispersing in the chaos. A gloved hand reaches for my shoulder, a hand with an unseeing arm.
Toru.
I react immediately, drawing her naked body into my chest even as the world turns sideways. The ground rips from beneath my feet and we tumble head-first somewhere—rocks pelting our bodies, the world spinning around us.
I gag on the dust in the air.
Something sizzles past my ear, burning a hot trail against my cheek, and the bricks in front of me appear to combust, blowing ash and debris towards my face. I cover a scream, drop to the ground, and barely manage to roll out of the way when the sides of the building explode outward in the same way and crumble down.
"Rin-chan!"
I can't breathe-
"Rin-chan!"
We hit the ground rolling.
It's like slamming into bricks.
He knocks my head against the brick wall. Shadows sweep across my vision, pain shoots through my skull and neck, nausea rises instantly. He pulls me back and blood drips from the wall.
My back aches, the wind rushes from my lungs, and stars dance across my vision. I clutch to the girl beneath me, dust and blood and tangles of hair on my tongue as we roll. I don't know if the hair is hers or my own as it spills down my throat, like spider webs against my face. I automatically clutch for her, shadows encasing us both.
They slip away the moment we stop.
I gasp for breath.
"R-Rin-chan?"
The weight on my chest lifts.
I manage a groan, still heaving.
"Oh good!" Toru whispers, voice small. Her gloved hands return, pressing against my head and this time they card through my hair. It takes a moment to realize she's checking for injuries. "You're okay! I wasn't sure I'd get to you in time."
What?
I crack open my eyes and try for an incredulous look.
She grins back, the dust from the destruction settling across her body in odd patches and exposing a slender frame, long lashes, and far too soft face.
"Hey!" she laughs, what I can see of her lip spread wide. "Don't give me that look! Someone had to make sure you stayed out of trouble!"
I groan again, ignoring her ridiculousness, and holding my head. When the world, finally, stops spinning, I pull myself to my knees and try to scan the destruction.
The two mountains are gone.
What should have been a plateau—what was a plateau—is now hills and deep jutting crevices interspersed and echoing with shouts.
To think one boy's quirk...
One person could destroy all of this…
I glance at my hands, remembering my own shadows, and grimace.
"Eh? What's wrong?" Toru asks. There's a nervous hum as she reaches out, her gloves settling on my hands. "You look upset! Are you okay?"
"I…"
I don't know what to say.
How do I put into words everything that I didn't want to be?
Nightmare.
Hadn't she heard them scream?
I pull away and slowly stand. My right knee hurts, but not like it's dislocated or sprained. My back throbs from the fall, and I can feel the coming headache form. I unlatch my water, take a long swig, and then hand it to the invisible girl.
"What-"
"It's water," I mumble. I gather up my hair, now wild and tangled, and twist it loosely to my back. I regret the lack of braid.
I kinda regret the new outfit too.
You're really not any different, are you?
Mostly, I regret the shadows.
"Rin-chan," Toru tries again, drinking the water before handing it back. "What's wrong?"
"We should move," I grunt, ignoring her question. I stand and breathe deeply.
Sensei's watching.
It's the kind of answer Sensei would glower at me for. It's the kind of answer Yui-san wanted. Toru doesn't say anything, but I can see the scowl in the dust still patched across her cheek.
"Doesn't seem like nothing," she grumbles, stepping away.
"You have dust on your body," I tell her, hoping to change the subject and she squeaks before quickly looking down and hurriedly working to wipe it away. Despite my mood, I can't help the warm rush of affection. "We just have to take out two each?"
"Yeah," Toru says, her voice bright and her body invisible again. "Ready?"
I nod and we set off.
We haven't made it far before the announcer lets out a loud squawk. Apparently, the first person to move on eliminated 120 rivals. My mouth dries.
"Wow," I whisper.
Toru snorts.
"I'm not impressed," she sniffs, and I have a feeling that if I could see her, her nose would be stuck in the air. "I mean, sure that's a lot of people, but it's not like you couldn't do the same or even Todoroki. Hell, even that Earthquake guy had to use his super move because you were wrecking their people."
"I… what?" I ask, eyebrows furrowing.
"Oh, c'mon Rin-chan, I doubt half these people here can do what you can," she says, and the certainty in her voice makes my chest tighten.
I… I look away and frown.
"You mean scare people."
"Scare… what?" she growls. I blink, and a moment later her gloved hand is on my shoulder. "Is that why you've been all mopey? Did someone tell you, you were scary? I bet it was that bastard from Shiketsu! Let's go find him and knock him out!"
"I-"
I can't help but smile at the vehemence in her voice. Her gloves are waving around in the air again, and the dust at her feet swirls around the targets by her ankles.
She's kinda cute when she's all worked up.
"No, nobody… not recently. I just… I wasn't going to use my shadows."
Toru stops, and I can feel my face heat as I return to walking.
"You… Why not?" she asks. "Do they hurt you? I remember you and Sensei arguing about it during camp. I gotta admit, I don't think anyone else could get away with arguing with him like that. He really likes you huh?"
I love you.
My face burns hotter and I definitely don't look back.
"I… Sometimes, I mean… Not Sensei, but…. Ugh…"
Stupid words.
I scowl, ears hot, and pull at my fingers.
"Aw, you're so cute, Rin-chan!" Toru says, hurrying to walk at my side and poke my shoulder. And then, without warning, I feel her arm slide across my back and her head falling heavily against my shoulder. "I'm so glad you're here with me."
I don't know what to say.
She is?
Why?
The arm retracts a second later, and the feet stomp through the dirt faster. I get the distinct impression she's skipping.
"Rin-chan, you're light powers are awesome, don't get me wrong, but you're shadows are too! And at least until we know what's next, I think you should use your strongest asset!"
So you'll want to pull attention to other parts, your best parts.
"My shadows?"
"Of course!" She says, and I know even without looking she's grinning.
Nightmare.
She thinks my shadows are… awesome?
"Now let's go find some enemies! Maybe we'll get lucky and catch rock-head!"
.
.
.
It doesn't take long to find enemies.
With them looking for us, we really only have to walk out into the light.
What I don't expect, is capturing them to be so easy.
They release a shout, attack, and my shadows capture all four of them in seconds. But unlike the cashiers, they don't turn pale and shaky beneath them.
"Seriously! You don't even look like Hoki!" snarls a very furry one as Toru gleefully tags out two of his friends. "Fuck man!"
I flush and tap his targets with one of my own orange balls.
"Ah, sorry?"
The lizard hybrid on the far-right groans.
"You could at least gloat so we could hate yah."
I make a face.
"Tch, better luck next time!" Toru says, more than happy to rub it in their face. "And just think, she wasn't even trying!"
My cheeks heat, turning the tenacles a dark maroon color, and I immediately release them.
The blue-skinned male flops dramatically on his back. It kind of reminds me of sparkles, to be honest. They'd probably get along well.
"You passed!" squeaks my target. "Please exit the training facility!"
Toru jumps up with an excited yell.
"Yes!"
I smile and she hurriedly hooks my arm.
"Bet we're the first of our class to get through!"
.
.
.
As it turns out, we are.
I flush and take in the large waiting room. Plush chairs, overhead lighting, and a long table in the back full of snacks. There are also less than ten people in it when we arrive.
Toru makes a noise as she notices one of them. It takes a moment to recognize him. The boy from the bus, he's covered in thick maroon fabric with a cape and a familiar black hat. A Shiketsu student. I flinch automatically away, but he only smiles broadly.
"More students! Haha! Congratulations!"
"Were you the first one here?" Toru asks boldly.
I cast her a sharp look. She ignores me completely, hands flexing as she clearly crosses her arms.
"Yes!" he shouts. I cringe at the volume. "Every one of my opponents gave it their all, a hot-blooded battle that makes me proud!"
I notice several of the others trading dark looks.
I wring my hands.
How many of their classmates didn't make it?
Will mine?
The idea of moving ahead alone with only Toru is strangely terrifying.
"Oh," Toru says, and I can tell she's stumped by his excitement. "Well, that's uh… good I suppose."
The male laughs, but his expression cools a little as he turns towards me. Thankfully, we don't have to actually talk as more people begin filing in and Toru drags me over to food. I'm hardly hungry, but the invisible girl fills us both a plate regardless, chatting continuously about the others.
"I wonder who will be next? I'm guessing either Yao-momo or Todoroki-kun. I'd say Bakugou-kun, but he's probably found some incredibly strong opponent to try and prove himself. Ugh, he can be so childish sometimes."
I nod, absent-mindedly scanning the filling room.
"I'm nervous for Koda-kun though! This'll be his first time really working with us, and I know he's super nervous. But his quirk is so awesome! Hey, did you know he has a rabbit?"
I blink.
"Who?"
"Koda-kun!" she laughs, and I get the distinct impression she's rolling her eyes. Her gloved hand slaps her forehead, and she sighs. "You know the new kid!"
"Oh."
I scowl and Toru's hand lowers slowly.
"Rin-chan, do you… do you have a grudge against Koda-kun?"
"I miss Mineta-kun," I answer instead, not looking her way.
She snorts, tossing a piece of fruit into her mouth where it disappears.
"Koda is ten, no twenty times better than that perv!" she scoffs.
My lips thin.
"He saved me," I argue quietly.
"Yeah," she huffs, clearly not convinced. "I mean, what do you want me to do, give him a medal? Don't get me wrong, like I'm totally thankful he did it, but so would everyone else out there. Midoriya, Uraraka, Todoroki, and Shouji-kun were all trying to save you as well. That doesn't make him a good person! That doesn't make up for all the times he looked up my skirt or made the others feel uncomfortable!"
"I'm not saying he deserved to get hurt, but I won't miss him," she says, anger heating her voice as she suddenly stands. "And I don't think you're being very fair to Koda-kun. Now I… I think I'm going to the restroom, I'll be right back."
There's a slight breeze as she leaves.
I lean forward and sigh.
Good job.
I feel the distinct urge to crawl under the buffet table and hide.
And get even more stares?
I grimace, slouching in my seat to watch as another Shiketsu student enters. Unlike before, this one has honey brown hair and a sleek suit not so different from my own. Catching my eyes, she immediately grins and walks over.
"Oh hey, hey!" the girl laughs, waving as she gets closer. "I know you, you're one of the UA students! You look like you've been here for a while! That's lit!"
I stare, not really understanding why she's here.
"Uh, thanks?"
"Yeah! So," she leans close and looks at the food on my plate before plucking a piece of cheese up and popping it in her mouth. "I'm totally curious about you. Mhmm, this is good!"
My stare turns incredulous.
Did she just eat off my plate?
"Eh?" she asks, sucking on the toothpick attached before releasing it with a sloppy noise. "Why do you want to be a hero?"
I blink.
I wasn't… I wasn't expecting that.
What kind of hero do you want to be?
"Awe! You look so thoughtful," she laughs, reaching behind her head in a pose that reminds me immediately of my aunt. I sigh, realizing that's exactly who this girl reminds me of. When she reaches forward to grab another bite of cheese, I just pass her the entire plate.
"I want to... to protect my friends," I answer as she gleefully grabs another. Her expression stills when I meet her gaze. Despite her playfulness, there's something sharp beneath it all. I rub at my arm and look away. "I won't let anyone hurt my precious people. I'll be strong enough to protect them."
The girl in the dark uniform doesn't take another bite.
"Oh? Would you make them bleed?"
I scowl, eyes darting back.
"What kind of question is that?" I snap, eyeing her sharply. The brunette's eyes widen even as my lip curls. "I don't want to make anyone bleed, I want to help them. Excuse me."
I stand, catching sight of Toru's gloves as she steps back into the room.
Crossing the space, I don't look back.