Just a few days later, Rinne managed to make her second friend, it was during their lesson with All Might and since there as an odd number of students in her class, she got paired with Fumikage Tokoyami and Tsuyu Asui for the exercise they had to perform for the day.
Which was basically a battle simulation one team was designated the hero team and the other team was designated the villain, her team were the heroes for the day, while the villains where her classmates Hanta Sero and Eijiro Kirishima.
"Hold on don't Tokoyami and Asui have an advantage, they've got a third teammate, it seems a little unfair" Ochako Uraraka complained suddenly before it was the trio's turn at the battle exercise, missing Rinne's expression as her smile fell.
All Might rubbing his chin in consideration "Kuroyami go ahead and sit this one out, it is an unfair advantage" he finally relented to the complaints, also not paying attention to Rinne's crestfallen face, one person did see however, Fumikage Tokoyami had and it unsettled him greatly.
Rinne was already a quiet person, she hardly spoke out at all in just the few days since term had started and now, she was being pushed to the side because of one person who thought it unfair since there were an uneven number of students in class 1-A, when all of them needed the practice with their quirks.
So, he did something no one expected "She's a student of this class to All Might-sensei, we can't leave one out just because there are an odd amount of us" he spoke up on her behalf "And what does it matter if one team has an advantage or not, villains can sometimes outnumber the heroes is that still unfair" Fumikage pointed out.
Gaining the attention of everyone in class 1-A at his effective argument and not caring when Uraraka glared at him for speaking up "That is true, very well, I'll let it slide this time" All Might reconsidered his decision, finally taking notice of the young heroine to be as she stared at Tokoyami with tearful green eyes.
It reminded him of the painful conversation he'd had to endure from Aizawa, Yamada and Shirakumo about the girl who'd apparently been abused her whole life and had little trust in adults currently, they'd made him swear to look after Rinne and not put her in danger by being neglectful as he was known to be.
He wasn't the only one to notice the tears, Katsuki Bakugou had also noticed and the sight of them had left him distinctly uncomfortable for some reason, but for now though he wasn't going to get involved, he had bigger things to focus on than one of his classmates crying, he'd leave the consoling to Tokoyami.
Though watching her through the screens as she worked in near perfect sync with Asui and Tokoyami, using her wings to her advantage while her teammates distracted the villains, it left him in a state of awe, not that he would ever show it on his face as the heroes took the victory.
But after class was dismissed, he couldn't muster up the courage to speak with her and she slipped out ahead of the rest of their classmates, though Tokoyami was hot on her heels as Rinne searched for her best friend "Kuroyami hold on a minute" Fumikage called.
Causing the girl to look back at him, followed by a painful head-on collision with Shirakumo-sensei "Well kiddo this is the third time that we've run into each other isn't it" Oboro chuckled, mostly so he didn't lose his temper when Rinne yelped and jerked back in fright.
Unfortunately making things worse when she bumped into Fumikage the cause for her distraction a moment ago and she clammed up tighter than a clam shell, Oboro sighed "Are you hurt Kuroyami" he questioned, when the girl stared tearfully at her avian-headed classmate.
"Yes, you are, your nose is bleeding a bit, honestly what is it with you and getting scrapes" Hitoshi grumbled as he appeared when Rinne shook her head no, not verbally speaking, though he was curious about the reason one of her classmates was with her.
Rinne was his only responsibility "Look I just wanted to see if you'd like to eat lunch with me Kuroyami, I didn't mean to cause you to crash" Fumikage explained, feeling guilty for getting her hurt like that, it hadn't sounded pleasant when she'd crashed into Shirakumo-sensei earlier.
"Okay, you can join us, we eat out in the courtyard" Hitoshi was the one to answer, seeing that Rinne had no idea how to respond and if this led to her having a friend in class then that was just fine with him as he handed her a tissue and she blew her nose.
Little blood came out, which meant she hadn't been hurt to bad and there was no major cause for concern as the unlikely trio headed out to enjoy lunch, Oboro grinning like he'd won the jackpot over the utterly adorable moment he'd witnessed.
Until Shota slapped the grin off his face by smacking him in the back of the head "Idiot, why didn't you use your cloud that time, she could have gotten seriously hurt" Aizawa glared at his friend, having been ready to intervene if things didn't end well between the odd group.
Pouting a bit Oboro explained he had to mitigate the damage as best he could but he hadn't fully been prepared for Rinne to barrel into him like that either "But hey it looks like she got another friend out of it, so I'd say that's a win towards progress" he flashed Shota a thumbs up and another wide grin.
Earning an eye roll from Aizawa who headed for the teachers lounge to take one of his naps "So much for my nap" Shota sighed when he heard Uraraka in the lounge complaining about the blatant favoritism that had happened during class from All Might to Kuroyami.
"As I've explained, Uraraka, there was no favoritism involved, yes it was an unfair advantage, but the exercise was for everyone in class, no one could be left out including Kuroyami" All Might was explaining himself rather clearly when the door slid open and the homeroom teacher of 1-A entered the teachers lounge.
Shota inhaled then exhaled, trying not to let his no tolerance for bullshit show on his face when Uraraka came complaining to him next "And as I heard it, there was no favoritism, now go, this is supposed to be our private space" he informed harshly.
Ignoring the girl as she whined pathetically and began throwing a tantrum, going on about favoritism towards Rinne even as she left the teachers lounge "Maybe we need to get that kid some therapy if she's that jealous of a girl who probably hasn't even spoken a single word to her" Oboro shook his head.
Though at this point Shota had already zipped up his sleeping bag and nodded off to his frustration "Is she really that shy, Kuroyami, I remember her from the entrance exams, she's the one RG took on as an apprentice" Nemuri Kayama otherwise known as Midnight commented.
"More like it's less to do with being shy and more to do with being traumatized after being abused all her life by her parents" Hizashi grumbled, principle Nezu had done some more digging and found out that the girl had been born in the states and that there were multiple reports from people about the abuse Rinne had suffered at their hands.
In fact, some people had even reported her missing, before the couple had explained they'd sent her abroad to Japan, admitting without admitting that they'd basically abandoned her here in a foreign country "Didn't you take on the role as her guardian Yamada" All Might perked up.
Wanting to gather more information on the young heroine to be in his class "Yes and I've given her space to adjust to that fact, she didn't seem to be happy about the idea at first, but Kuroyami has followed at least 3 of the rules I gave her, the last we'll have to see in a couple of days if she commits to that one" Present Mic nodded.
"Rules, does that mean you didn't move her into your place Hizashi" Nemuri chimed in, a little surprised considering everything the man had done to protect little Rinne Kuroyami in the short week since term had begun but he shook his head.
Knowing he had to elaborate when everyone looked at him in confusion "Think about it from Kuroyami's perspective, if you had to live with a strange man, you barely knew despite him being one of your teachers someone you should be able to trust but can't after years of abuse how would you feel" Hizashi asked.
Making a rather valid point "Besides, the apartment and her part-time job were actually decent places, of course I'll be making once-a-month visits, but the other rules were simple, share her location with me at all times, find someone to walk her home at night from work and weekly calls to check in with me on how she's doing" he finished.
During this time Hitoshi and Rinne had reached their usual spot with an extra tag-along that day, none of them knew what to say as they sat and pulled out their lunches to eat "So..." Hitoshi cleared his throat when Rinne didn't speak a word, deep rasping voice more noticeable after he'd done it.
"Right sorry, I just...it was wrong of Uraraka to single you out like that and it bothered me that All Might-sensei tried to go along with her suggestion in the first place, I truly didn't mean for you to get hurt back there so I'm sorry Kuroyami" Fumikage finally announced.
Green orbs meeting his red ones "She gets hurt like that all the time unfortunately, Rinne's pretty accident prone and what do you mean one of your classmates singled her out and that All Might-sensei wanted to leave her out of the exercise meant for everyone in the class" Hitoshi spluttered on his water.
Noticing how Rinne still stayed silent, this was the longest he'd gone without hearing her speak and it was really starting to bug him "When you put it that way, it does sound pretty bad, but basically because Kuroyami was the odd one out, she threw a fit because one team had an advantage against the opposing team" Fumikage nodded.
"A..And thank you for s...speaking up for me Tokoyami-san" Rinne finally, finally murmured in that soft tone of hers to Hitoshi's relief as they dug into their lunches to eat before their break ended, chitchatting about normal things until they had to head in and while it wasn't a solid friendship between the three yet.
It wouldn't be long before Fumikage was fully sworn in as Rinne's and Hitoshi's second friend "Hey don't forget to call Yamada-sensei after you get off work okay, he's probably fretting about the lack of contact" Hitoshi rolled his eyes before they parted ways, her to continue her duties as Recovery Girl's apprentice, him to his classroom.
For the last class of the day, leaving Fumikage confused at the statement, though he dared not ask yet, it was concerning what was his classmate doing with Present Mic's phone number in the first place and why did she have to call him.
But again, he wouldn't ask yet, Fumikage knew that Rinne didn't quite trust him yet, the silence was very telling to him unfortunately it just meant he would have to work hard to earn her friendship and Hitoshi's as well, as they finished out the day and were released to go home for the weekend.
On the way down to the bus stop, he spotted Hitoshi leaned against the gate at the entrance of their school bag slung over his shoulder as he tapped away on his phone, lips quirking in slight amusement at whatever who he was texting had said before shoving his phone in his pocket.
Fumikage took the chance presented to him to ask a few questions "How long have you know Kuroyami, Shinso" he inquired, deep violet locking with his crimson before swiping a hand through mused purple locks, followed by a sigh, the bags beneath those purple irises making Hitoshi look more tired than he really was probably.
"Almost eleven months, though we didn't become friends until entrance exam day, I met her briefly on the day she arrived here in Japan and she doesn't really like to be called by her last name or be touched if I'm being honest, you got to let her take initiative on that" Hitoshi informed.
Eyeing up the bird-headed boy suspiciously "Okay I'll take that in to consideration when I speak to her next time, now Aizawa-sensei mentioned something about Recovery Girl and duties, Rinne hasn't or really doesn't speak in class so do you know anything about it" Tokoyami questioned next.
Wanting to know "Yeah Recovery Girl took Rinne as an apprentice, you didn't see it but she has two quirks, her second is voice activated and when she sings or hums, her quirk can heal people, though not a whole lot at this point in time when she doesn't have much practice at using it like her wings" Hitoshi nodded.
Deciding to be honest much like he was with Rinne "Really that's amazing, she's like Todoroki then, he has a fire quirk and ice quirk to use at his disposal, though I did hear that he refused to use his fire quirk for some reason" Fumikage's eyes widened at the admission.
None of them had even had any idea that there were two double quirk wielders in their class "Keep it to yourself Tokoyami, she gets freaked out enough because of her wings" Hitoshi barked harshly, glancing down when his phone chimed signaling another text.
"Of course, of course" Fumikage nodded, not wanting to betray Rinne's trust like that when he barely had it, in fact he barely had Hitoshi's who seemed to be extremely protective of his winged classmate "Are you going to get on the bus" he points out, seeing the driver waiting rather impatiently for them.
But Hitoshi shakes his head "I arrive and leave with Rinne, she doesn't do well with crowds, last time, they crowded us so badly when they mistook her for being related to the Number 3 Pro Hero Hawks, they even ripped out some of her feathers" he informs, horrifying Fumikage.
"Then I'll stay as well, I can call my parents to let them know I'm with friends" Fumikage nodded rather decisively to himself as he fired off a quick message to his mom and dad, who told him to have fun, before settling back against the gate like Hitoshi had to wait for Rinne.
Half an hour later Rinne could be seen hurrying down the path from the school, though upon noticing the extra she paused just as Hitoshi turned and spotted her, before waving his hand to gesture her nearer "Wh..What's going on I...I thought it wo..would just be Hitoshi" Rinne asked quietly.
Latching on to Hitoshi's hand when he offered it to her and fitting herself against his side afterwards so that he acted as a buffer between her and Tokoyami "Sorry for the intrusion...I thought it would be nice if we could hang out for a bit" Fumikage admitted.
Verdant orbs lighting up at the offer, "Will you be able to stay for a bit Hitoshi, just until I have to go to work for the night" Rinne lowered her voice even further, for the boy at her side, who tilted his head down at her and nodded, despite having had to strain his ears a bit to hear her.
"Yeah, already asked, we can do homework if you want" Hitoshi remarked, doubting that Rinne needed his help with anything, she'd gotten every single question right on the written test of the entrance exam after all, but he'd never refuse her either.
As the unlikely trio got on the next bus that had arrived and paid the bus fare "Where to, do you live close to here Rinne" Fumikage asked when the short trip was over and the three of them had gotten off, only to start walking, fortunately they only had to walk a block before reaching Rinne's apartment.
Though she definitely hadn't missed how he'd said her first name rather than her last name and her wings couldn't help but perk up, Hitoshi bit back a smirk when Rinne engaged in conversation with her classmate while unlocking her apartment door to let them in.
Of course, it was only after being let in did Rinne realize she only had two seats available "W..What about if we sat on the floor, I promise it's clean" Rinne suggested, panic beginning to show her face, Hitoshi moved first, laying stomach down on the wood flooring, prompting Fumikage to copy him followed by her last.
Before cracking open their books to do homework, not that it really took long to finish though "Go ahead and make dinner for yourself Rinne" Hitoshi commented, sitting properly now and wishing every day could be like this as Rinne stood to prepare her evening meal.
Fumikage followed her into the kitchen however "Rinne...would you mind if I asked you something, you don't have to answer if you don't want...but why do you have to call Present Mic tonight" Fumikage questioned in a cautious tone.
Not wanting to upset the girl but his and Dark Shadow's curiosity wouldn't be appeased until he knew "Oh w... well it's because Yamada-sensei is my guardian here in J..Japan" Rinne answered, again with that stutter, odd that it was never present when she spoke to Hitoshi.
He supposed however it had to do with how long Rinne had actually known a person to feel comfortable and relaxed in their presence and though despite Dark Shadow's urging, Fumikage didn't ask the next question, not wanting to press his luck any more than he had that day so far.
While Rinne pulled out ingredients for supper, he moved to sit in one of the kitchen chairs, enjoying the idle chitchat between the three of them until she was done and he and Hitoshi had to get going so that Rinne could eat in peace and then head out for work.
Dark Shadow for some reason didn't like the idea of Rinne being alone after dark and it was difficult to keep him under control as she walked them out, locking the door behind her, before heading down the streets in the direction of her work "I don't like it Fumikage" Dark Shadow complained.
Shocking Hitoshi who stared with wide eyes at the sentient quirk "Sorry, this is my quirk Dark Shadow and he's worried about Rinne walking home alone in the dark" Fumikage apologized, trying to get his quirk to settle down, he didn't want to lose control in the middle of town if Dark Shadow got too protective.
"Go ahead and tell Dark Shadow that he doesn't have to worry, Rinne doesn't walk home alone, her coworkers take turns making sure she gets there safely each night, one of the conditions Yamada-sensei set if she wanted to stay in that apartment and keep her part-time job" Hitoshi announced.
The statement did the trick however and Dark Shadow did settle down thankfully as the two boys split up and headed in opposite directions, a few hours later Rinne entered her apartment and locked the door, intending to take a shower before heading to bed, when her phone chimed indicating a text.
It was a reminder from Hitoshi to call Present Mic and with a bit of hesitation Rinne pulled up the contact for her guardian and hit the call button "Kuroyami what is it, are you in trouble" Present Mic's voice came through the speaker loud and clear.
Already jumping to the wrong conclusion and she couldn't help but giggle quietly "U..Um no I... I just picked tonight to be the night for the weekly c..check in c...call I, I didn't bother you did I sensei, oh I must have I'm sorry" Rinne apologized taking her turn at jumping to the wrong conclusion.
Hizashi Yamada quickly put a stop to that "No, I wasn't busy" he hastened to assure in a calm voice "Okay now that we have that settled little listener, I'm going to ask you some question's, they aren't invasive I promise, just standard questions I have to ask alright" Present Mic informed.
Knowing that she was still listening when he began "Okay first, how has your week been, in general, you don't have to mention school if you don't want to" Hizashi asked first, knowing that school wasn't going great for the girl so far, especially today.
"We...Well I a...am having a bit of trouble with a c..classmate I suppose, sh..she doesn't like me, but I think I made a new friend today another of my classmates as for work stuff and living in the a..apartment everything's been okay, Hitoshi checks in on me frequently and my c..coworkers are still walking me home" Rinne explained.
Figuring it wouldn't hurt to tell Yamada-sensei about Uraraka and how she'd been treating her the past couple of days, on his part Hizashi was surprised Rinne was even mentioning the situation with her classmate after Uraraka's display in the teachers lounge "That was another question, but good on you for being honest" he huffed out a laugh.
Though hearing her laugh in response took him by surprise "O...Oh I suppose I s..should also mention that um I asked to cut an hour out of my shifts and pick up a morning shift on Saturdays for three hours instead of four, it's a little less but e..even with someone walking with me, it's still...kind of scary" Rinne confessed.
Present Mic stared down at his phone feeling his heart break for the small girl in Shota's class "I'm always a phone call away Kuroyami, moving on, is there anything else you're struggling with, like making sure you have enough groceries in the fridge or money to pay the bills" Hizashi inquired.
Deciding to get through the rest of their little check in call by asking the final question "N..No and yes to both" Rinne answered promptly and soon after Yamada-sensei ended the call, where she finally went to take a shower, text Hitoshi back that she'd called Present Mic and went to bed for the night.