Dodge—
Rin ducked just in time, narrowly avoiding the heavy training sack as it swung toward her face. Her body moved instinctively, twisting around in a fluid motion as she felt the rush of air from the sack passing mere inches above her. Without hesitation, she planted her feet firmly on the ground and delivered a sharp punch.
Thwack!
Her fist connected with solid impact, the force sending the sack swinging back with momentum. She watched it sway for a second, her chest rising and falling with controlled breaths as the adrenaline coursed through her veins. Training for Yueei was no joke and she wasn't going to get complacent just cause she got in Class 1A.
Rin straightened up, rolling her shoulders to shake off the tension that had built from the dodge. She could feel the muscles in her arms burning from the repeated hits, but the exhaustion only fueled her. She needed to be faster, stronger, and smarter. There was no room for hesitation, no room for mistakes, especially in a world where villains and heroes clashed on a daily basis.
She turned, eyes sharp, focused. The purple hue of her quirk,manilecule, faintly pulsed at her fingertips, ready for her command. Another sack swung toward her, faster this time. Without missing a beat, Rin sidestepped, her movements smooth and precise. She followed it up with a swift uppercut, the force of her strike sending it off course.
"I figured I'd see you here."
A third sack, coming fast from her left, swung toward her with force. Rin caught the movement out of the corner of her eye, her body reacting almost before her mind could fully process it. She twisted on the balls of her feet, her leg sweeping out in a powerful arc.
Thud!
Her foot slammed into the sack with precision, sending it flying backward with a satisfying force. She landed softly, her stance balanced, ready for whatever came next. Her breath came in steady bursts, and despite the intensity of the training, a spark of pride lit up inside her.
She activated her quirk and the familiar vibrant purple glow emanated from her hands as small, shimmering shields materialized in front of her. The sacks slammed into the shields one by one, the momentum absorbed by the solid constructs before bouncing harmlessly away.
She had made the little training contraption back when she was twelve, upon realizing that Yueei was the top school in Japan– and was also the closest hero school to S.O.S.O. There were gears that allowed the sacks to swing around her, and she had theorized that if she hit them hard enough, it would simulate a different attack each time. She had scavenged around for parts– mostly at playgrounds, where she would take broken pieces of swings and slides in order to make her pièce de résistance.
"Reeeeeeee-san," Yusuke's voice called out lazily from across the abandoned building. Despite herself, she sent Yusuke a glare.
"I'm busy."
"C'mon, you just got back from school." Her oldest friend reasoned, "Yoshi's already wondering where you are."
Rin let out an aggravated sigh. Yoshi was their oldest caretaker, she was also an old hag. The older woman didn't even know Rin got in Yueei until after she saw her uniform earlier that day.
Her reaction had been one of surprise, followed by a stern lecture about responsibilities and not forgetting where she came from. Rin had tried to explain, but Yoshi had already stormed off, muttering angrily about Rin's 'ungrateful' attitude.
"Great," Rin muttered, running a hand through her dark hair in frustration. "Just what I need, another lecture."
Yusuke chuckled, leaning against the wall with a lazy grin. "You know Yoshi, she just wants to make sure you're not forgetting about us now that you're going to be some big-shot hero."
"I'm notforgetting about anyone," Rin shot back, more defensively than she meant to. The last thing she wanted was for anyone at the orphanage to think she was abandoning them, especially Haruka-chan. "And I'm not a hero just yet."
Yusuke raised his hands in mock surrender, still grinning. "I know, I know. But you better go see her before she sends out a search party. You know how she is."
Rin groaned, rubbing her temples. "I swear, she acts like we're still kids."
Yusuke shrugged. "Well, in her eyes, we always will be. Besides, you know Yoshi. She's tough on the outside, but you getting into Yueei probably made her prouder than she'll ever admit."
Rin snorted. "Yeah, right," she muttered. Her earliest memory of the woman was seared into her mind—Yoshi standing over her, arms crossed, and telling her how 'plain' she looked. "Tan skin, black hair, and hazel eyes," Yoshi had said, with a bluntness that stung even more because Rin was seven. "Who will take you in? Go dress up!"
"Fine," Rin huffed, finally giving in. "Let's go before she starts yelling."
'Plain'—that word had stuck with her, becoming a background hum in her thoughts even as she grew older and stronger. She may not be the prettiest or the most beautiful, but she still punched and kicked harder than the oldest in the orphanage. Even though apparently she looked like the equivalent of wheat bread.
She wasn't the first one from S.O.S.O to become a hero, but she is the first one to get in Yueei High. Theonlyone.
Yusuke clapped her on the back with a grin. "Atta girl. And hey, once you survive Yoshi, we can all celebrate your first day at Yueei with some ramen. My treat."
"You better not be lying."
After a quick stop at her favorite ramen stall, the familiar scent of rich broth and savory noodles filled the air around them. Yusuke had kept his word, treating Rin to a well-deserved bowl of steaming hot ramen. They ate in comfortable silence, both enjoying the brief break from the weight of everything—Yueei and the orphanage.
With full stomachs and the weight of the day starting to set in, they made their way back to the orphanage. The night had deepened by the time they arrived, the orphanage looming quietly in the distance. Saints Out Shining Orphanage wasn't exactly home, but it was where they'd both grown up—where they'd learned to survive. And now, it was where Rin would return after every long day at Yueei.
Rin's mother gave her up when she was seven years old.
Sent to the orphanage with nothing but a bag filled with clothes and a photo album, Rin learned that day that family wasn't always forever.
The album, with its frayed edges and fading photos, was her only connection to the life she'd once known. She would flip through the pages, looking at the pictures of a younger, happier version of herself, but the smiles in those photos felt like a distant memory. HerHawksbag felt more like a reminder of what she lost than a token of comfort.
Rin feels her stomach twist into knots upon entering the orphanage. It was already late– they were almost exactly five minutes before curfew, and Rin wanted to hurry back to her shared room with Mei before Yoshi or even Akira spots her.
She's been adopted, once, only to be returned a week later after the couple thought they weren't a 'good match'. At this point, Rin could barely remember what they even looked like—blurry faces and vague smiles, already fading into the background of her past. The only thing that remained was the hollow feeling of rejection, a reminder that even when she was wanted, it never seemed to last.
Lips pursed, Rin shook her head to clear it. Today was great, it marked a brand new beginning. One that she couldn't afford to mess up. And she wasn't going to.
Rin flopped down onto the bed, ignoring Mei's presence—just as Mei was used to ignoring hers in return. It was an unspoken understanding between them, a silent truce of sorts from the downfall of their friendship. Rin let herself sink into the worn-out mattress, feeling its familiar roughness beneath her. The day had been long, exhausting, and her body ached in all the right ways.
Her mind, however, refused to settle. She lay there, staring up at the ceiling, the weight of everything slowly pressing down on her. The worn-out springs creaked softly beneath her as she shifted slightly, breathing quietly, trying to let the tension drain away.
The faint sounds of the orphanage—muffled footsteps in the hallway, distant laughter from one of the younger kids—filtered into the room, but they were background noise, blending into the stillness.
She closed her eyes, taking in the quiet of the night, and for a brief moment, she allowed herself to feel safe. To feel... at ease. But even as her body rested, her mind buzzed with thoughts of Yueei, and just how long she'll be able to survive in the top hero school.
But for now, she let the day's exhaustion take over. Tomorrow would come soon enough.
Izuku finds himself up before his mother, leaving early for his second day of class at Yueei. The apartment was still, the only sound being the soft rustle of his clothes as he pulled on his Yueei uniform. As he adjusted his tie in the mirror, he couldn't help but glance at his All Might figurine on the shelf, a small smile tugging at his lips. This is what he's always wanted, he was going to become a hero– the next symbol of peace.
Taking a deep breath, Izuku grabbed his bag and slung it over his shoulder, moving silently through the apartment. He paused at his mother's door, the familiar sound of her soft breathing coming from inside. He smiled faintly. Ever since he had taken over the mantle of One For All months ago, she had become his biggest supporter, worrying constantly, but never wavering in her belief in him. He feels her quirk almost like it was beneath his own skin, comforting like a blanket– so similar and yet not to his own.
Izuku's learned to tone down thepull, as he calls it. And ever since he absorbed One For All, the impulse to take other people's quirks has toned down as well. And yet–
Outside his house was loud. Buzzing.
His quirk is akin to a fog, a soft layer of encompassing mist, or maybe it was an awareness of the fog, with people's quirks as droplets all around him. It was both comforting and disorienting. The sensation was always there, in the background. Nevertheless, much like an actual fog, it was distracting.
Though what was even more distracting than the ever-present fog of his quirk was the sight that greeted Izuku when he arrived at Yueei that morning—alitanyof reporters, packed tightly outside the school gates. Their cameras clicked, microphones were held high, and their voices carried across the courtyard in a constant hum of questions and excitement.
The reporters were clearly after one thing: All Might.
"All Might! Can you tell us about your decision to teach at Yueei?"
"How do you feel about the current state of hero society?" another called out, leaning over the gate as far as he could.
The crowd was relentless, pressing up against the metal gates, their voices mixing into an overwhelming cacophony that filled the air. Izuku hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to proceed. He had never seen anything like this before. Not even at The Might tower.
He swallowed hard, clutching the straps of his bag tightly. It was his second day, and already, the presence of the Number One Hero as a teacher had drawn an immense amount of attention to the school. For once, he feels eternally grateful that the HPSC decided to keep his family outside of orbit.
Izuku steeled his resolve and pushed himself against the crowd. "Excuse me!" Izuku muttered, trying to edge past a particularly eager cameraman who was straining to look over the gate. He could feel the camera's lens sweeping over him, and for a brief second, panic flared in his chest.
But no one spared him a second glance. All eyes were fixed on the gates, waiting for any sign of All Might.
The surge of relief Izuku felt was enough to propel him forward. He pushed ahead, finally breaking through the edge of the crowd and slipping through the gates of Yueei. As soon as he crossed the threshold, the noise behind him seemed to dull, and the safety of the school grounds enveloped him.
Unsurprisingly, Izuku wasn't the first to arrive in class. As he stepped into the room, he was greeted by yesterday's sight: Aizawa-sensei, or rather,Eraser Head, curled up in the front corner of the classroom, fast asleep in his sleeping bag. The sight of their homeroom teacher sleeping so soundly in the middle of the classroom took Izuku by surprise, but he figured he should just get used to it.
He quietly made his way to his seat, setting his bag down and glancing around. The classroom was mostly empty, with only a few other early arrivals trickling in. Izuku sat down and let out a soft breath, trying to ease the tension that had built up from his morning nerves. Another perk from his actual quirk, not using it gave him serious anxiety.
He's writing in his journal when Kaminari and Sero come in, chatting animatedly about something as they walk, their voices filling the once-quiet room. Jirou entered not long after, her headphones hanging around her neck as she gave them a casual wave. Mina followed behind, her bright smile and energy lighting up the room as she greeted everyone with a cheery, "Morning!"
Ochako and Kirigaya walk in together, Ochako's hands moving in precise motions as they practiced JSL. Kirigaya gave him a small wave as she sat down in her seat.
Izuku observed the room quietly, a small smile forming on his face as he watched his classmates settle in. Even after just one day, there was a strange sense of camaraderie forming between them, despite their different personalities and quirks.
Izuku felt thepullcreep around the room, brushing against each of them like a silent observer. It wasn't invasive—more like a background hum, a soft awareness of their unique quirks. Kacchan's explosive quirk crackled like sparks in the mist. Ochako's hovered like delicate bubbles, weightless and fragile. And then there was Kirigaya —her quirk felt precise and sharp, like a series of connected threads in the fog, shifting as she moved.
Izuku closed his eyes for a brief moment, trying to push the fog to the back of his mind. It wasn't something he could afford to think about right now. Not when there was so much riding on One For All, on learning to control that power without breaking himself in the process.
Aizawa awakes from his slumber, standing in his yellow sleeping bag. "Good morning, class."
They greet him back in chorus.
"Our first task for today is simple, you all need to pick a class representative."
The class instantly erupted into a flurry of excitement.
"I'm perfect for this!" Kaminari shouted, grinning confidently as he raised his hand high.
"Yeah, right!" Sero retorted. "You'd just goof off the whole time!"
"I believe the class rep should be someone who embodies discipline and order," Iida spoke up, his voice serious and his hand chopping through the air in one of his signature gestures. "Someone who can ensure the smooth operation of our class as future heroes!"
"Like you?" Jirou quipped, raising an eyebrow, though she couldn't hide the smirk tugging at her lips.
Iida bristled, "well– I believe we should settle this like the upstanding citizens that we are! Through a vote!"
"But we hardly know each other," Asui quipped. "How would we know who to vote?"
Aizawa let out a long, drawn-out sigh, clearly regretting the decision to let them debate the topic. "Just pick someone already…" he muttered, sinking further into his sleeping bag.
"You know, now would be the perfect time for everyone to introduce themselves to each other," Izuku muttered.
Before anyone could say anything else, Iida stood up from her seat, his voice clear and steady, cutting through the chatter. "Midoriya's right," he declared, his tone confident. "If we're going to pick a class representative, we should at least know who we're voting for. Introductions would be a good start." He sat back down.
The room fell quiet for a moment as his words sank in. A few students exchanged glances, and it seemed like the chaos that had been building was finally starting to settle.
"Well, that's… not a bad idea," Kaminari admitted with a shrug. "Might help us figure out who's got the leadership qualities."
"Agreed," someone else said, a girl with jet black hair pulled up in a ponytail, nodding sharply. "It is imperative that we understand each other's strengths and weaknesses. As heroes, teamwork will be essential."
A few others murmured in agreement, and the atmosphere in the room shifted as the idea took hold. A proper introduction might not be such a bad way to start.
Izuku blinked in surprise, grateful for the support. He hadn't meant to voice his thoughts out loud, but it seemed to have sparked something.
There was a brief pause before Jirou stood up, smirking slightly. "Guess I'll break the ice," she said. "I'm Jirou Kyoka. My quirk is Earphone Jack. I can channel soundwaves through these," she said, pointing to the jacks hanging from her earlobes. "And I can also hear pretty much everything, so don't try to sneak up on me."
The rest of the class laughed, and the tension began to ease. Slowly, one by one, the students started to introduce themselves, each sharing their names and quirks, with some adding a bit of flair or humor to their introductions.
Though as each of his classmates said their piece, Izuku couldn't help but notice a common trend: everyone was introducing not only themselves but also their quirks.
Izuku felt a familiar pang of anxiety creep up on him each time someone mentioned their quirk. Quirks were everything in this world. They were what defined you as a hero, as a person, even. And while everyone else had their abilities fully realized, or at least understood, Izuku's quirk(s) was a complicated mess of secrets and responsibility.
Kirigaya stood next, her posture confident. "I'm Kirigaya Rin. My quirk is manilecule—I can manipulate atoms and molecules, though I mostly just make shields."
When it finally came time for him to introduce himself, that same anxiety bubbled up in his chest. His palms felt sweaty, his heart pounding as his turn approached. He tried to steady his breath, glancing around at the faces of his classmates, many of whom were excited to learn more about him since his display of strength during the Quirk Apprehension Test.
With a deep breath, he stood, trying his best to keep his voice steady. "I'm Midoriya Izuku," he started, swallowing down his nerves. "My quirk is... My quirk is calledPolarize." He hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to say, the weight of everyone's eyes pressing down on him. "I have the ability to copy a weaker version of other people's quirks from a distance," he explained slowly, feeling the tension in the room rise. "I can also take them away temporarily to use it— I can give it back, of course."
There was a slight pause as his words sank in. His classmates' reactions varied; some looked intrigued, while others exchanged uncertain glances. The concept of a quirk that could manipulate and borrow powers was a heavy one, and he could feel the shift in the room as they tried to process the implications.
"Wait—so, you can copy anyone's quirk?" Kaminari finally asked, eyes wide with curiosity.
"Only a weaker version, and not mutations– I think. I've never really tried that…" Midoriya clarified quickly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I can't use the full power of the quirk I copy unless I take it fully. But it does give me a chance to adapt in different situations."
He braced himself for the follow-up questions, his heart pounding, hoping they'd understand.
"Damn, that's like really good for team-based hero work," Kirigaya acknowledged, her eyes flicking toward Midoriya curiously. "Like in theAvengers."
Izuku blinked, caught off guard by the compliment. "Oh, uh, thanks," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
"Who's the Avengers?" Uraraka asked.
This seemed to trigger something within Kirigaya. The girl's body turned to face her friend, eyes alight with excitement. "Oh my god I need to tell you about the MCU!"
"Wait, I thought you had some sort of enhancement quirk?" Asui mentioned.
"My– um, my uncle," Izuku could consider All Might as a wayward family member, right? "My uncle gave me his quirk a couple of months ago so I could have a main quirk to use here at Yueei."
"Wow, that's really nice of him." Asui nodded.
Izuku flinched at the sound of Kacchan scoffing loudly across him.
"Are you sure hegaveit to you?" Kacchan sneered, his arms crossed as he leaned back in his chair. The accusation in his voice was sharp, cutting through the friendly atmosphere that had started to build in the room.
Instantly, the classroom's mood shifted. The once lighthearted discussion about quirks and teamwork was now clouded with tension. Everyone's eyes slowly turned toward Kacchan, and then to Izuku, who stood frozen behind him.
"Wait, you mean like stealing a quirk?" Kirishima asked, his brows furrowing as he looked between Kacchan and Izuku, clearly confused. His tone wasn't accusatory, more curious than anything, but it added to the weight of Kacchan's words.
Izuku's heart sank.
"I didn't steal it from him," Izuku said quickly, his voice quiet but firm. His palms began to sweat.
Kacchan's lips curled. "Sure. Whatever you say, Deku."
The tension hung thick in the air as the rest of the class exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of what exactly was happening between the two. Kirigaya, sitting nearby, frowned as she watched the exchange, her eyes flicking between Kacchan and Izuku, clearly trying to make sense of the situation.
"There's no reason to throw around accusations like that," Aizawa's voice rang out, his tone cool but firm.
"Yeah, seriously," Ochako chimed in, her eyes narrowing at Bakugou. "Why are you even saying that?"
Kacchan scoffed again. "Because he stole mine."
"Obviously not," Kirigaya argued, her voice calm but sharp.
Izuku glanced up towards her, surprised by her sudden defense. Kirigaya's eyes were steady as she looked directly at Kacchan, unfazed by the tension in the room.
"Otherwise, you'd be screaming about how he took it," she continued, her tone unwavering. "Like how you screamed when you tied against us yesterday."
A few students in the class exchanged nervous glances, while others tried to hide their smirks. Kacchan's 'defeat' during the training exercise was still fresh in everyone's minds, and Kirigaya had just hit a nerve.
Bakugou's jaw clenched, his hands gripping the edge of his desk. "You wanna repeat that, Kirigaya?" His voice was low, dangerously calm, but there was no mistaking the anger simmering beneath the surface.
Kirigaya didn't flinch. "I'm just saying," she replied coolly. "If Midoriya really stole something, especially something as big as a quirk, you wouldn't be talking about it—you'd be losing your mind, just like how you lost your mind yesterday when things didn't go your way."
Izuku felt a wave of gratitude wash over him. He hadn't expected her to come to his defense so fiercely, and it left him feeling both relieved and a little in awe. He glanced at her again, noticing the way she stood her ground with calm confidence, her hazel eyes steady as she faced down Kacchan.
Kacchan turned to face her. "You're going to lose something right now if you keep going," he growled, his voice low and threatening.
Before the tension could escalate further, Aizawa's tired voice broke through, cutting the rising hostility in the room. "That's enough. We're trying to find a class representative, stop arguing with each other." He didn't even bother to get up from his sleeping bag, his tone carrying enough weight to silence the brewing confrontation.
Kirigaya's eyes narrowed as she glanced at Kacchan, her defiant gaze meeting his glare head-on. She let out a huff, crossing her arms in frustration but not backing down entirely. Izuku watched the exchange, unsure whether to feel relieved or worried. He appreciated her stepping in, but Kacchan's temper was dangerous, and he knew this wasn't the end.
"Good," Aizawa muttered, seemingly satisfied as the tension simmered down. "Now, back to the task at hand. You're all here to become heroes, not to bicker like children."
There was a murmur of agreement, though the energy in the room had shifted significantly. Some of the students were still casting cautious glances at Kacchan and Kirigaya, who both sat with arms crossed, eyes avoiding each other.
Izuku glanced at Kirigaya again, catching her eye. She gave him a small smile. The rest of the class seemed to have simmered down as well, and Yaoyaoruzo, a girl he had recognized from the recommendation test, introduced herself next.
After the entire class introduced themselves, Iida, taking initiative, stood to hand out tiny pieces of paper for them to vote in.
Soon enough, everyone had placed their votes in the little container Iida had set up at the front of the classroom. The atmosphere felt lighter, the earlier tension mostly forgotten as the students quietly whispered among themselves about who they thought would make the best representative. By the end of their homeroom, the results were clear: Iida had won the position of class representative with four votes with Yaoyorozu coming in a close second, making her deputy.
The cafeteria buzzed with lunch break chatter, trays clattering, and laughter ringing from every corner. The smell of freshly prepared food wafted through the air, and students of all courses gathered in groups, chatting about the morning classes. Rin, Uraraka, and Midoriya had claimed their spot by the large windows, a comfortable spot where the sunlight streamed in warmly. The trio sat close together, each with their bento boxes open, but their focus was less on eating and more on something else entirely.
"Okay, so last time I taught you how to sign the basics. Today, we'll go over something more useful," Rin said, setting down her chopsticks and wiping her hands. She always got a little more animated when teaching—there was something about sharing knowledge that lit up her eyes.
Uraraka, sitting cross-legged in her chair, leaned in excitedly. "What's next?"
Midoriya, scribbling a few notes in his ever-present notebook, perked up, clearly eager to learn more. He set his pen down, ready to focus entirely on the lesson. "Yeah, I've been practicing what you taught us last time. I think I'm getting the hang of it."
Suddenly abashed, Rin gave them a lopsided smile. "Well, actually… There's this thing called sign-names that I thought was a good idea…"
Midoriya's eyes lit up in curiosity. "Sign-names?"
Uraraka leaned in, equally intrigued. "What's that?"
Rin was about to explain when a shadow loomed over their table, and the trio looked up to see Iida standing there, his posture as rigid as ever. He adjusted his glasses with a swift motion, his serious expression softening just a bit as he addressed them.
"Kirigaya," Iida started, his voice filled with formality as always. "I couldn't help but notice that you've been teaching. I must commend your initiative in helping our classmates learn a new skill. This sort of leadership is exactly what makes Yueei students stand out!"
Rin blinked in surprise, feeling a little caught off guard by his sudden appearance. "Oh, uh, thanks, Iida."
Iida nodded sharply, his glasses catching the light as he continued, "However, as your class representative, I also want to commend you for utilizing your time wisely. In that sense, JSL is an excellent skill aspiring heroes could have—communication is vital in our line of work. And for that reason, I request that you teach me as well!"
Rin blinked again, this time in disbelief. "You want me to teach you JSL?"
Iida stood at attention, giving her a serious nod. "Of course! A hero must be prepared for all situations, including ones where verbal communication may not be possible. It would be a valuable asset for me to learn."
Midoriya, who had been quietly listening, smiled warmly. "I think that's a great idea, Iida. We've already learned some basics, and Rin's a great teacher."
Uraraka chimed in as well, her expression bright and enthusiastic. "Yeah! It's been really fun so far, and it's something we can use in all kinds of situations."
"Okay," Rin said, albeit shyly. "Do you want to sit with us? I can teach you some basics right now, that way both Midoriya and Uraraka can also practice what they learned yesterday."
Iida's face brightened, and with a sharp, affirmative nod, he swiftly pulled out a chair and sat down at the table. "I would be honored! Let us begin immediately."
Rin grinned, finding Iida's serious demeanor while learning sign language unexpectedly entertaining. His intense focus and exaggerated hand movements made her smile, but she appreciated how much effort he was putting into it.
They continued practicing, and every time one of them made a mistake, Rin patiently helped them adjust their movements, offering soft corrections and praise when they got it right. The atmosphere was relaxed, with occasional bursts of laughter when someone made an especially funny mistake. Without even noticing it, the quad had delved into other topics outside of JSL, learning more about each other.
"So, Ree-san," Uraraka started after successfully signing 'thank you,' her curiosity piqued, "what made you decide to start learning JSL in the first place?"
Rin hesitated for a moment, thinking back to her time at the orphanage. She shrugged lightly, trying to downplay the depth of her reasoning. "Well, it was kind of required where I grew up. They thought learning another language made us more 'adoptable,' and JSL seemed like something that could actually be useful, especially if I wanted to be a hero."
Iida adjusted his glasses, his tone thoughtful. "Indeed, a hero who can communicate with everyone, regardless of language barriers or disabilities, would certainly be more effective. It's admirable that you thought ahead like that, Kirigaya."
Rin smiled at their responses, feeling a little embarrassed by the praise but glad they appreciated the idea. "Thanks," she said. "I just thought it'd be a good way to help more people. You know, make sure no one gets left out."
"I guess we all have different reasons for wanting to be heroes," Uraraka said, smiling warmly. "For me, it's about making enough money to help my family. I want them to have an easier life."
Iida added on, "I want to live up to the legacy of my family. My brother is a pro-hero, and I aspire to be just as honorable and dedicated as he is."
Midoriya's eyes shined, "he's a pro-hero?" he said in awe. "Which one?"
Iida pressed his mouth shut, eyes suddenly wide. He pressed his hand up against his mouth and murmured something that sounded a lot like,"I shouldn't have said that."
Rin raised an eyebrow wryly, catching the murmured words. "Shouldn't have said what, Iida?" she asked, her tone teasing but curious.
Iida's posture stiffened, his hand still covering his mouth, and he looked as though he was debating whether to respond. His eyes darted around, avoiding the group for a moment before he finally sighed, removing his hand.
"I come from a long line of heroes in my family," Iida began to explain. "You might even know of my brother, Ingenium."
Rin's expression shifted to one of understanding, the weight of Iida's words sinking in. "Ingenium," she repeated softly, recognizing the hero's name. "Your brother is the famous Ingenium?"
Iida nodded, his posture stiff but his gaze sincere. "Yes. He's been a hero for as long as I can remember. He's everything I aspire to be." His voice wavered for just a moment before he steadied it. "But sometimes… It feels like I'm living in his shadow. I don't mind it, really, but it's a lot to live up to."
Uraraka's eyes widened slightly. "Wow, Ingenium is your brother? That's so cool! But... I get what you mean," she added, her tone softer. "It must be tough trying to live up to someone like that."
Midoriya, who had been quietly absorbing the conversation, nodded as well. "It must be hard, having someone to look up to, but also feeling like you have to match their legacy."
Iida blinked, surprised by his understanding. "Yes, exactly. It's not that I don't want to follow in his footsteps—I do. But it's difficult knowing that no matter how hard I try, I may never reach his level."
Uraraka smiled warmly. "You're going to be a great hero, Iida. You already have the determination for it."
Iida adjusted his glasses, a small, appreciative smile forming on his face. "Thank you, all of you. I'll do my best not to let anyone down."
For some absurd reason, both Midoriya and Uraraka gasp.
"That's the first time I've seen you smile, Tenya!"
Iida blinked in surprise at their reactions, his brow furrowing slightly in confusion. "What? I smile all the time," he protested, but his tone was more baffled than defensive.
Midoriya and Uraraka exchanged a glance before Uraraka shook her head with a grin. "Nope, that was definitely the first real smile we've seen."
Midoriya nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, you're usually so serious! It's nice to see you relax a little."
Iida seemed genuinely taken aback, his eyes darting between them. "I… well, I suppose I do tend to be more focused on my duties." He paused, considering their words before letting out a small chuckle. "I suppose that's something I need to work on too."
Rin, watching the exchange, raised an eyebrow and smirked. "See? You're already making progress on your journey to becoming your own hero, Iida."
"Apparently, part of that journey involves learning how to smile more," Uraraka teased, earning another chuckle from the group.
Iida shook his head, though a small smile lingered on his face. "Perhaps. I will take that into–"
Iida was cut off mid-sentence by the sudden ringing of the school bell, his small smile faded into confusion as the bell continued to ring. Rin quickly glanced at her phone, eyebrows knitting together in concern.
Midoriya and Uraraka exchanged puzzled looks, and Midoriya glanced toward the window as if he could spot the source of the sudden disruption. "It's not time for class yet," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else.
Rin stood up, her eyes scanning the cafeteria as other students started to move toward the exits, looking equally confused. "What's going on?"
Iida immediately straightened, his face serious once again. "This could be an emergency drill," he said, though his tone carried a hint of doubt. "We should proceed to the nearest exit in an orderly manner."
Uraraka bit her lip, looking around as the rest of the students seemed to be getting more restless. "But it doesn't feel like a drill."
The atmosphere in the cafeteria shifted, the casual chatter quickly dying down as everyone sensed that something was off. Rin felt a knot of unease form in her stomach, and she exchanged a glance with Midoriya, who looked equally unsettled.
The voice over the school intercom crackled to life, its robotic tone echoing through the cafeteria.
"WARNING: LEVEL THREE SECURITY BREACH."
Rin's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately tensed up, her eyes widening in shock. Around them, students froze, some rising from their seats in confusion, while others exchanged panicked looks. The cafeteria, which had been filled with laughter just moments ago, was now filled with growing anxiety.
"What does that mean?" Uraraka asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she clutched her tray.
Iida's expression hardened. "Level Three means an unauthorized entry has been detected. The school's protective barriers have been breached."
Midoriya glanced toward the windows, his fists clenched. "Someone's here… inside Yueei."
Rin's mind raced as she tried to keep calm, despite the surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins. "We need to follow protocol," she said, her voice steady despite her racing heart. "Stay together, find a teacher or a hero. Don't panic."
But as she said it, the tension in the room was mounting, and students were starting to rush toward the exits, pushing and shoving in their haste to escape the unknown threat. The cafeteria was quickly devolving into chaos.
Iida, ever the leader, raised his voice above the commotion. "Everyone! Remain calm! Pushing and shoving won't help anyone. We need to move in an orderly fashion!"
Rin glanced at Midoriya, who was already scanning the exits. "We need to figure out what's happening," he murmured, his green eyes intense. "There could be villains inside."
Her stomach churned at the thought, she shook her head and clapped her hands. "The press! Maybe one of them got caught again. The barriers outside were activated earlier this morning after someone tried to follow All Might."
Midoriya didn't seem appeased at the thought, "but would a breach like that cause a lockdown?" he murmured.
Though Iida seemed to get her idea, he quickly ushered Uraraka out of the way as students began to pile up on each other. The intercom blared out again,
"Level Three Security Breach. Remain calm and proceed to the nearest safe zone."
Rin's breath hitched as the cafeteria quickly became packed with students, their panicked voices rising above the steady hum of the warning system. Was this a designated safe zone? It didn't feel like it—the students were in disarray, pushing toward exits, some even climbing onto tables in an effort to see over the crowd. The knot in her stomach tightened as the chaos grew.
Rin's eyes scanned the room for any sign of direction or a teacher. There was no one there.
Iida, ever the voice of reason, tried to make himself heard over the cacophony. "Everyone, calm down! We need to maintain order and follow the school's safety protocols!"
But his voice was drowned out by the rising tide of fear. One that Rin herself was beginning to feel.
The once calm cafeteria now felt like a pressure cooker ready to burst, and she could feel the suffocating weight of the situation bearing down on her. Her heartbeat quickened, echoing the mounting chaos all around her.
The cacophony of panicked voices, shoving bodies, and alarm blaring overhead seemed to drown out any clear thought. For the first time, Rin found herself hesitating. The overwhelming fear wasn't just from the crowd—it was creeping up inside her too, threatening to paralyze her.
She clenched her fists tightly, trying to suppress the rising tide of anxiety. "Get it together," she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible over the noise. She had to keep moving, had to think. There was no room for fear right now.
Midoriya caught her eye, his face pale but determined. "Kirigaya, are you okay?" he asked, his voice cutting through the chaos.
Rin's eyes zeroed in on him, focused. She opened her mouth to answer, to tell him she was fine, but before the words could leave her lips, someone shoved her hard from behind, knocking her off balance.
She stumbled, falling off the back of her seat, her hands instinctively shooting out to break her fall. The cold cafeteria floor met her palms with a sharp sting, but the impact barely registered in the midst of the panic around her. The sea of students swarming toward the exits surged forward, and Rin scrambled to get back on her feet before she got trampled.
"Kirigaya!" Midoriya's voice was louder this time, filled with worry as he pushed his way through the crowd toward her. He reached down, offering her his hand, his green eyes wide with concern.
Rin blinked, shaking off the dizziness from the fall. She grasped his hand, letting him pull her up. "Thanks," she muttered, brushing off the lingering unease.
"We need to get out of here," Midoriya urged, his grip on her hand steady as he scanned the chaotic scene around them. "Stick close."
"Where—" Rin swallowed, her voice tight with anxiety. "Where'd Uraraka and Iida go?"
Midoriya glanced around frantically, his eyes darting through the crowd of panicked students. The sea of bodies pushing toward the exits made it almost impossible to spot their friends. "I—I don't know," he admitted, his voice strained. "But we need to find them fast."
Rin hummed, breathing fast.
"Hey," Midoriya called out gently. Before she could fully process it, she felt his hand brush softly against her cheek, guiding her gaze to meet his. The touch was brief—so quick that Rin almost wondered if she had imagined it.
"We're going to be okay," he reassured her, his green eyes steady and calm despite the panic surrounding them. Rin's stomach churned.Pathetic, her mind said,what kind of hero gets scared at a time like this?
She gulped down a breath, nodding. "Yes," she said shakily, "Of course, we're going to be fine."
Rin's heart raced as she strained her neck, trying to catch a glimpse of Uraraka's short brown hair or Iida's tall, composed figure. But with so many people rushing around, it felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. Her mind raced through the possibilities, wondering if they had already made it outside or if they were stuck somewhere in the chaos.
Just then, Midoriya tugged on her arm, pulling her closer towards him. "There!" He pointed toward the far side of the cafeteria, where she spotted Uraraka standing tall, trying to direct students toward a safer path, while Iida floated above the crowd, using Uraraka's quirk to as he yelled,
"It's just the media outside. There's absolutely nothing to worry about. Everything's fine! We're UA students. We need to remain calm and prove that we're the best of the best."
Rin felt a wave of relief wash over her at the sight of her friends. Uraraka's calm and composed presence, directing students to safety, and Iida, floating above the chaos, his voice steady and authoritative, were enough to bring a sense of reassurance. She squeezed Midoriya's hand as they made their way toward them, weaving through the frantic crowd as best they could.
"They're keeping things under control," Midoriya said, his voice full of admiration for their classmates.
Rin nodded, grateful that despite the chaos, they had people like Uraraka and Iida to keep a level head. "Thank goodness," she breathed, her grip on Midoriya's hand tightening for just a moment.
As they finally reached their friends, Uraraka caught sight of them, her face lighting up with a brief smile of relief. "There you are! I was worried you got stuck somewhere in the crowd!"
"We're fine!" Midoriya responded, his voice raised to be heard over the noise. "Thanks to you two. Are you okay?"
"Yeah, we're managing," Uraraka replied, looking a little out of breath but still determined. "We've been trying to help keep everyone calm."
Rin glanced up at Iida, who was still floating in the air. He looked down at them, his expression resolute as he continued to direct students. "We need to remain vigilant," he called down. "It's just the media outside, but we can't let panic take over. Stay focused!"
Rin smiled despite the chaos. "Leave it to Iida to keep everyone in line."
Midoriya nodded in agreement, squeezing her hand in return.
"Look, the police are here!" a student yelled out. "Huh, turns out it was the press."
"We should go find Kacchan and the others," Midoriya said.
Following Midoriya's suggestion, finding the others proved easier than Rin expected. They quickly gathered at Gym Beta with the rest of the first years, following the flow of students trying to regain some sense of order. The panic had mostly subsided by then, and the presence of pro heroes on site reassured everyone that the situation was under control.
The announcement came shortly after, instructing everyone to return to their classrooms now that the police had confirmed there was no real threat—just an overzealous media frenzy outside the school gates. The security breach had been nothing more than reporters trying to get a closer look at All Might and the new batch of heroes-in-training.
As they made their way back to class, the tension from the earlier chaos had mostly dissipated, and the mood was noticeably calmer. Sero, quick with a joke, started making light of the situation. "Man, we're practically celebrities now! I swear, one of those reporters totally profiled me—said I had 'future hero written all over my face'."
Jirou rolled her eyes with a smirk. "Right, I'm sure they were really looking at your face."
The group laughed, and with that, they all seemed to settle into a more relaxed atmosphere. As they resumed their lessons, the class moved on to a quick review in algebra, with everyone groaning collectively as they dove into limits and continuity in math.
After the math review, Aizawa came back to the room and announced that it was time to discuss electives. He gave each one of them a pamphlet that listed all the available classes. "All right, everyone," he said from his desk, his tone as laid-back as ever, "let's go over your available elective options. You're going to need to choose wisely, because these will supplement your hero training and help shape the kind of hero you become."
"Quirk Theory sounds so cool," Midoriya murmured, his eyes lighting up with excitement as he flipped through the elective pamphlet. "I mean, understanding how quirks work on a deeper level—there's so much we could learn."
Rin, sitting beside him, nodded. "It could definitely come in handy. I'm wondering if the class focuses more on biology or application."
"Oh! There's alsoAdvance Medical Training," Midoriya continued, "that one will totally come in handy. It says here that they even let students get their Advance EMT license if they're over the age of 16 with parental consent! Oh but we can also doForensic Investigation–" he stopped abruptly, before looking at Aizawa-sensei in complete despair. "We can only choose one?"
Their homeroom teacher nodded. Since today was their first day learning about the available electives, they needed to get signed up by their homeroom teacher.
"When's the deadline?" Yaoyorozu asked.
"I need the sheets back before the end of this class period so you guys could start tomorrow. Remember, you only get to do three electives throughout your time here in Yueei– that's a class a year, so choose wisely."
A collective groan echoed through the classroom as the realization set in. With so many appealing electives, the idea of narrowing it down to just one seemed impossible.
Midoriya's face scrunched up in concentration as he looked over the list again, clearly torn between multiple options. "Three electives total… that's not nearly enough," he muttered to himself, deep in thought.
Rin glanced over at Uraraka, who was also staring at her sheet, tapping her pen against her chin. "What are you thinking about choosing?" Rin asked, curious.
Uraraka's eyes lit up. "I'm torn between Advance Medical Training and Heroic Public Speaking! I think being able to speak confidently in front of a crowd would be super useful for when we're heroes, but Advanced Medical Training sounds really fun too!"
"What about you, Kirigaya?" Midoriya asked, turning his attention to her. "Have you decided?"
Rin frowned thoughtfully, glancing over the options. "I'm not sure yet. I was thinking maybe I could do Quirk Theory this year, then Forensic Investigation, then Villain Psychology– I think that'll make me well rounded out for facing villains once we graduate. Our main classes already go over everything we need to be a hero– we already have a basic life support class, a hero training class, and a rescue class– but I think those three are good supplements."
"I don't know," Jirou said, body half-twisted to join in their conversation. "Villain Psychology sounds pretty boring."
Rin shrugged, glancing back down at her options. "Maybe, but it's not just about what's interesting. I think it's important to understand how villains think and operate. If we can get into their mindset, it might help us prevent crimes before they even happen in the future."
Jirou raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, but spending hours reading about villain psychology doesn't sound like my idea of fun. I'd rather do something hands-on, like Combat Strategy or Stealth and Espionage."
Midoriya chimed in, looking thoughtful. "I think both are important. Understanding villains mentally and being able to counter them physically… That's the whole point, right? To be well-rounded heroes who can tackle every situation. Are you sure you don't want to take that this year, Kirigaya?"
"I think I'd rather do Quirk Theory," she admitted, mind made-up. "It sounds like a good start in understanding villains."
Midoriya's eyes sparkled with excitement as he grinned. "I think I'm doing that too! I'm really hoping we get to read up on the latest quirk research! Did you know there's a new study from the United States that says quirks are actually getting stronger with each generation because of different gene convergences?"
"It's why about 80% of the global population today has quirks, while only 20% are quirkless. But get this—researchers found that even the quirkless can be categorized into subsets based on whether or not they have the quirk gene! And for those who have the gene but no quirk, there's this strange connection to the loss of a specific protein in their DNA that affects the joints in toes! That's why people with quirks don't have a second joint in their pinky toe!"
Midoriya's hands moved excitedly as he spoke, clearly in his element. "And just last week, someone confirmed that the loss of that protein has something to do with early neural development. It's so cool—though they still don't know why it doesn't seem to cause delays or problems in newborns with quirks. It's a mystery!"
Rin blinked, her brain working overtime to catch up with the flood of information.
"That protein is said to have an important role in setting up early neural pathways in newborns, theoretically– the loss of the protein should have led to speech and developmental delay. However, there's been no signs of it actually happening the past two centuries– ever since the dawn of quirks, creating another mystery in Quirk Theory!"
Midoriya was practically bouncing in his seat, his eyes wide with enthusiasm as he continued talking about the latest quirk research.
"Wow, that's actually really interesting, Midoriya. You're making the class sound really fun." Asui said.
Rin frowned, thinking over what he just said. "I don't see how that has anything to do with hero work, though."
Midoriya shook his head vigorously. "I think it has everything to do with hero work," he said, practically buzzing with excitement as he leaned forward in his seat. "Understanding the science behind quirks is crucial for us as future heroes. Think about it—if we know how quirks evolve, how they affect people differently, and how they interact on a genetic level, we can anticipate how villains or even civilians might use their quirks in unexpected ways. Plus, knowing the latest research could help us develop new strategies for dealing with villains or even improving how we control our own abilities! It's not just theory—it's practical knowledge that could give us a real edge in the field."
Rin exchanged a glance with Asui, both of them suppressing amused smiles at Midoriya's boundless enthusiasm. His energy seemed to fill the room, and it was clear he could go on for hours about quirk theory if given the chance. But not everyone shared his excitement.
"Oi! Cut it out, nerds!" Bakugou's gruff voice cut through the moment. He was hunched over his own elective sheet, glaring at it like it had personally offended him. "I'm trying to decide which class to choose without all this extra noise."
Rin couldn't help but smirk a little. "You're welcome to join the discussion, Bakugou."
"Like hell I am!" Bakugou shot back, crossing his arms. "Who cares about all that quirk theory junk? We just need to focus on getting stronger, not waste time talking about people's lack of toes."
Midoriya rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, the excitement in his eyes dimming only slightly as Bakuguo's words sank in. "Well… I just think it could help us in the long run."
"Tch, whatever." Bakugo muttered, turning his attention back to the paper in front of him. "I'm picking something that actually matters—something useful."
Rin rolled her eyes but couldn't help feeling that Bakugou's idea of "useful" probably involved lots of explosions.
"Well, I know what I'm choosing. You sold me into Quirk Theory, Quiru."
Midoriya blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Quiru?"
Rin nodded confidently as she jotted downQuirk Theoryon her piece of paper, then gave him a teasing smile. Midoriya's cheeks flushed even more, his eyes wide with surprise. "Quiru?" he repeated, his voice a little higher than usual.
Rin grinned. "Yep, Quiru. Short, quirky, and totally fits your obsession with quirks and your quirk,Polarize. I mean, you practically live and breathe this stuff, right?"
Midoriya scratched the back of his neck, his grin growing despite himself. "I guess that's true…" he admitted, his usual nervousness replaced by a quiet excitement.
"See? You're totally owning it now, Quiru," Rin teased, giving him a playful nudge. "You're lucky I'm not calling youQuirky,instead."
Midoriya chuckled softly, the nickname settling in. It was different, but in a way, it made him feel connected to his passion for quirks. "Thanks, Kirigaya," he said, his voice warm. "I'll wear it proudly."
Class 1A was dismissed after Aizawa gathered the paperwork for their electives. The bell rang, signaling the end to the day, and the classroom quickly buzzed as practically everyone hurried to get out of class. Rin, eager to get some time to herself, packed up her things and stood, giving cheerful goodbyes to her classmates before making her trip back to the orphanage.
Her thoughts were already shifting away from school as she walked her route to the train, her mind wandering to the familiar, albeit quieter, routine of returning to the orphanage. It had been a long day, and she had a long week ahead.
She has a scheduled visit with her mother this weekend.
Rin's steps faltered for a moment, and she let out a quiet sigh. The visits were... complicated. It had been years since her mother had given her up, years spent wondering why. The visits now felt more like an obligation than anything else. Part of her still hoped for something—an apology, an explanation—but deep down, she knew better.
It was a routine they'd settled into. A few hours of small talk, awkward silences, and the occasional moment where things almost felt normal. But they never lasted. Her mother's life had moved on, and Rin's... well, hers had taken a completely different path.
The hero path. Hopefully.
Rin had no idea what she'd do if she didn't reach her dream. It was as simple as breathing; much like her lungs needed oxygen, she needed to become a hero. The thought of not achieving it gnawed at her, something she couldn't fathom. She couldn't imagine a world where she did anything else—if there was one, she believed she wouldn't be in it at all. It was her purpose. It was what made it all worth it.
The familiar chatter of the children and caretakers buzzed in the air as she approached the orphanage. The place was always lively in the evenings—kids playing in the yard, others gathering around tables to do homework or share stories. Rin's steps slowed as she took it all in, her mind momentarily distracted from the weight of her own thoughts.
She waved at a few of the younger kids, who greeted her with cheerful shouts. The hustle and bustle of the orphanage always had a way of grounding her, reminding her of where she came from, of the drive that pushed her forward.
"Ree-san!" Haruka's voice rang out as she darted towards Rin, her small feet barely making a sound on the ground before she crashed into Rin with a tight hug. The force nearly knocked Rin off balance, but she quickly caught herself, her arms instinctively wrapping around the younger girl.
"Whoa there!" Rin laughed, ruffling Haruka's hair affectionately. "You miss me that much?"
Haruka looked up at her with wide, bright eyes and nodded eagerly. "Of course! I didn't see you this morning, and I wanted to show you something!"
Rin smiled, her earlier worries momentarily fading. "What is it?"
Haruka released her from the hug and quickly rummaged through her small bag, pulling out a piece of paper covered in colorful drawings and scrawled words. "Look! I drew you! You're fighting a big villain and saving the day!"
Rin's heart warmed at the sight of the messy but heartfelt drawing. "This is amazing, Haruka! I love it."
The young girl beamed with pride. "You're gonna be a real hero one day, Ree-san, just like in my drawing!"
Rin's smile softened. "Thanks, Haruka. I hope so."
"Yeah, Ree-san," Osamu's voice chimed in from across the room, his tone dripping with mockery. He leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "You're gonna be arealhero, huh?"
Osamu was the thorn permanently screwed to Rin's side. He had light brown hair that always seemed to fall messily over his sharp blue eyes, and he was never without that sly grin that grated on Rin's nerves. No matter the situation, he always found a way to poke fun at her or throw a snide comment her way, as if it were his personal mission to make her life just a little more difficult.
Rin shot him a look, unimpressed by his sarcasm. "What's your point, Osamu?" she asked, her voice steady, but her eyes narrowed slightly.
Osamu shrugged, pushing off the door frame and walking over with a lazy grin. "Just saying, not everyone gets to be a hero, you know? What are you gonna do when a villain gets in the way? Throw a shield at him? Are you sure Yueei didn't mistaken your application with someone else? How the hell areyougonna help anyone when you can't even help yourself." He shoved her.
Rin stumbled back a step but quickly regained her balance, her eyes blazing as she glared up at Osamu. "Watch it," she warned, her voice low and dangerous. The familiar purple glow of her quirk flickered around her hands for a split second before she clenched her fists, suppressing it. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing her lose control.
Osamu just smirked, undeterred. "What, you're gonna throw a tantrum, Ree-san?" he sneered. "Maybe your little shields can protect you from a push, but you're kidding yourself if you think that'll work against a real villain. They'll crush you."
Rin's heart pounded in her chest, anger flaring up in a way that was hard to contain. But instead of lashing out, she took a slow breath, forcing herself to calm down. She wouldn't let him get under her skin. Not like this.
"I got into Yueei, didn't I?" Rin shot back, her voice steady but filled with resolve. The memory of All Might's training flashed in her mind—what if the bomb had been real? What if lives had been at stake? She couldn't afford to let doubts, especially Osamu's, get in the way. She just needed her shields to become stronger. "I'm not backing down, no matter what you or anyone else thinks." She squared her shoulders, standing tall as she met his gaze head-on, her determination unshakable. "I'm going to be a hero. And if you want to doubt me, that's fine. But I'll prove you wrong."
For a moment, Osamu just stared at her, his expression unreadable. Then, with a scoff, he shook his head and stepped back. "Whatever you say, Kirigaya. Just don't get yourself killed trying to prove a point."
Rin watched as he turned and walked away, tension still thrumming through her body. She stood there for a moment, forcing herself to take steady breaths. She'd dealt with Osamu's taunts for years, but something about his words today felt sharper, more pointed. Maybe it was because she was finally starting to chase her dream—really chase it—and the stakes had never felt higher.
Haruka turned to Osamu with a frown, her small hands balling into fists. "Ree-sanwillbe a hero! She's the strongest person ever!"
Rin sighed, placing a hand on Haruka's shoulder to calm her down. "Ignore him, Haruka. He's just messing around."
"He'smean," Haruka said pointedly.
Rin grimaced, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, he is," she admitted. "But some people just don't know how to be kind." She gave Haruka's shoulder another gentle squeeze. "Doesn't mean we have to let them get under our skin, right?"
Haruka's scowl softened a little, but she still looked unconvinced. "I guess… but it's not fair."
Rin sighed. "It's not. But we can't control how other people act—only how we respond." She smiled gently. "And you've got more important things to focus on than jerks like Osamu, okay? Like where should we frame this up?" Rin held up the drawing Haruka made with a wide smile.
Haruka's eyes lit up at the sight of her drawing, the earlier frustration forgotten in an instant. "You like it?" she asked, her tone hopeful.
"Are you kidding? I love it!" Rin exclaimed, beaming as she held the colorful sketch up for a better look. "This definitely deserves a spot on the wall. How about we hang it in my room?"
Haruka grinned, the worry over Osamu fading as she nodded eagerly. "Yeah! That's perfect! Everyone will see it as soon as they walk in!"
Rin chuckled. "Exactly. Come on, let's go find a frame for it."