Carrot Cake (With A Bit of Cyanide!)

by Studio Greenshade

After nearly killing her brother's ex-girlfriend, the Misery twins and their parents move to Japan for a new life. But misery always loves company! {TCOAL x MHA crossover} {set in AU} {Co-creator: SexySinneress}

7. Aesop Bebop (Part II)

A knock on the door was given to the household of the Graves family. Renee made her way to the front door only to be greeted by Ashley's friends. She didn't expect to see them again so soon as they were here just yesterday showering her hellspawn with gifts and a cake, so why were they here now? She knew of the plans later tonight but nothing else,

"Hello girls. To what do I owe you for coming around? I would have thought you were meeting my kids at the venue?" Renee asked curiously.

"Greetings, Mrs Graves. We've got a message from Ashley so we came over to help her out for tonight," Momo responded while clutching a fairly-sized bag with both of the other girls, Mina and Jirou also holding more bags. Renee wanted to ask more about the contents of the bags. However….

"Great, you guys are here! No time to chat with my mom, let's head up to my room quickly so we can start getting ready!" shouted an eager yet antsy Ashley, the likes even Renee has never seen though currently she was sporting a towel and her hair still wet which means she had just refreshingly gotten out of the shower so the girls could arrive.

Momo quickly followed Ashley while Mina and Jirou gave their hello's before taking off their shoes and following the pair up the stairs to Ashley's room. On the way there, however, they stop when they see Andrew who also comes out of the shower, with a towel around his waist, what the girls did not expect was to see him with a slight six-pack. But before any of them could say a word, Ashley pushed them towards her room and slammed the door before anything came about.

"Okay, we brought dresses, makeup, shoes, perfume, nail polish, hair dryer and a hair curler. When we are done with you Ash, you'll have to beat the guys off of you." Mina laughed while putting one of the bags down.

"I was thinking of putting some curls in your hair while Mina picks out the dress and thankfully she didn't put any of her acid-designed stuff in there." Momo spoke softly while coming up with ideas for Ashley's make-up. "We'll go with some light makeup consisting of smokey eyes, since you have a natural pink eye colour and we'll go with some gold eyeshadow and some nude lipstick. We want to enhance your natural beauty so we won't cake you in make-up."

"If you ask me this is a bit much. I mean yeah it's Ashley's first night out with us but still," responded Jirou monotonously as she wished they could have just worn their regular attire and still been able to dance the night away.

"Now, now Jirou. If we did that it would not be as fun, plus I want Ash~chan here to see our funside with a bit more of a glamour and pure awesomeness. Right quirk sis?!" shouted Mina eager to see how Ashley will look after their makeover session was done, plus they too had to get ready so while Momo takes care of Ashley's hair and make-up Mina And Jirou wear to get dolled up themselves so they all were prepared to head out together with Andrew.

First Momo got a hold of the hair dryer and proceeded to dry and brush Ashley's hair which was a lot cleaner thanks in part to actually owning shampoo. Jirou looked at the perfumes and accidentally sprayed a 100k bottle of expensive perfume that Momo decided Ashley could borrow. Mina was looking over the dresses and shoes and picking out only the best and the cutest shoes.

After Ashley's hair and makeup were done they tried a few dresses but most fell in the front due to her being a little smaller than Yaomomo. That's when Momo created a tape measure and proceeded to take Ashley's measurements before starting to create a gorgeous black dress with slit on the right leg and red on the inside of said dress which made Ashley go wide eyed.

"Is…is that really me?" Ashley spoke with her mouth agasp at what she saw in the mirror. She was mesmerised by her appearance, gone was the malagrugrous, unkempt and messy girl who all but her brother would reject and in her place was a genuine ineffable young lady who would attain the attention of many a suitor if she only were to bat her lashes. Ashley turned around to Momo who even patted herself on the back for such an incredible effort.

"Yes, that is you. I won't lie to you Ashley, you are a truly beautiful and blessed girl, I believe that if you put in the effort like I have shown you then you'll be presentable for any occasion," Momo spoke before she smiled. She followed up with "Oh and before I forget some of the things we brought are for you to keep. Think of it as part two of the gifts from friends and I won't take no for an answer, okay?"

Ashley couldn't say a thing. Momo had been so kind to her and so generous to her. The same goes for Mina too, she started to get a little emotional from their kindness and tears threatened to fall down her face. Which Momo had to stop quickly,

"Aaah! Oh no don't cry we don't want to ruin your with makeup with tears" she said while currently creating a handkerchief to dab her tears to prevent them from making her mascara 's when Mina and Jirou came in and as soon as they saw Ashley their jaws dropped,

"Wow girl you look amazing! If you don't end up being a heroine you should seriously consider a modeling gig you'd definitely turn heads!" Mina shouted while hugging Ashley tightly and jumping up and down.

"Seriously, how are you so gorgeous!? You could get any man or woman if you wanted Ash and I mean that, damn," Jirou spoke while hiding her faint blush for her classmate. Unbeknownst to many, including her classmates and her best friend Momo, Jirou was indeed bisexual. She discovered this when she first saw Midnight for the first time. She did not know what to do.

That was when Momo began to get ready as she went with a red dress, heels similar to Ashley's that were open toed. She decided to go with a lazy bun which added to her beauty while she finished up her makeup

"Quit dawdling," responded Mina as she took off her clothes. "The more we talk, the less we'll have with our ladies night."

"Ashido's right," retorted Momo. "If we can hurry before happy hour, we can get in for free."

"Says the rich girl who doesn't know what broke is unless it was a nail," retorted Kyouka.

"Whatever!" Momo said, rolling her eyes. "At least I'm a humble rich girl, no prissy, pampered girl."

Mina and Kyouka stared at each other before nodding in agreement. "Great point!"

Meanwhile….

Andy stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his jacket and tugging at his sleeves as if smoothing out any remaining wrinkles would ease the nerves swirling in his stomach. He let out a slow breath, taking a moment to survey his reflection. His hair was slightly tousled, and his outfit was clean but unassuming—dark jeans, a plain shirt, and the jacket he'd worn a dozen times before. It was familiar, comfortable, just like he wanted tonight to feel.

He hadn't been out in a while. The chaos that followed the incident with Leyley and her attempted foil to murder Julia had kept him holed up, avoiding the world outside as much as possible. Leyley's mood swings and the constant attention from the media and worried parents had only added to his reasons to stay away from crowded places.

But tonight, he was stepping out, just for a while. According to Hatsume, the drink bar was a low-key spot, nothing fancy, just a place where people could gather, chat, and unwind. Still, the thought of facing people—of being out there again—was unsettling.

"Just don't make it a big deal," he muttered to himself, straightening his jacket one last time. He wasn't out to make an impression, wasn't out to attract attention. It was just a night out, something to break the routine. Maybe it would help clear his head.

Andy leaned against the doorway of his room, still holding his jacket as he glanced toward the slightly ajar door of Leyley's room. Laughter and bits of conversation spilled into the hallway, the muffled voices of her friends helping her with her outfit. He couldn't help but smile, shaking his head in disbelief. It was almost surreal—seeing Leyley, the same Leyley who had been a source of chaos just a couple of months ago, now surrounded by friends, especially female friends.

He chuckled quietly to himself, the thought hitting him like a punchline to an inside joke. Leyley with friends, he mused. It felt like he'd stepped into an alternate reality. The Leyley he knew was far from the social butterfly he was hearing through the walls. She was sharp-tongued, distant, and, at times, downright hostile—especially to anyone who got close to him. He couldn't forget what she had done to Julia. That incident had sent shockwaves through his life, leading to the breakup and Leyley's growing reputation as someone not to be messed with.

But here she was, laughing with girls who seemed genuinely happy to be around her, helping her get ready for the same get-together that they were attending. "Was this some kind of twisted joke?" He half-wondered if this was really his twin or a clone pretending to be Ashley, his more charming and approachable sister.

Still, despite his lingering doubts, there was a part of him that was happy. Maybe things were shifting, maybe this was Leyley's way of trying to move past whatever had been weighing her down. Seeing her like this gave him hope, however tentative it was.

He sighed, leaning back from the door and letting the voices fade into the background.

A couple of months prior….

Andy stood there in disbelief, his heart sinking further as the officer's hand pressed against his chest. He had been trying to keep his composure, but the weight of the situation felt suffocating. His girlfriend, Julia, was hospitalized, and now he was being blocked from even seeing her.

Renee, standing beside him, was seething. "What do you mean, he's not allowed to see her? He's her boyfriend! He has every right!"

The officer's expression remained cold, unmoved by Renee's outburst. "Her parents have made it very clear. No visitors from the Graves family. And, if you persist, I'm within my rights to detain him. After all, it was his sister who was involved in the incident."

Andy winced at the mention of Ashley. He knew his sister had a talent for attracting trouble, but this time it had gone too far. His mind raced through a swirl of emotions—guilt, frustration, confusion. He hadn't even been able to speak with Julia since it all happened, and now this?

Renee opened her mouth to argue again, but Andy put a hand on her arm, shaking his head. "Mom, it's not going to help," he said, his voice strained but calm. "Let's just go."

Renee's outrage simmered under the surface, but she could see the defeat in her son's eyes. With a reluctant sigh, she nodded. As they turned to leave the hospital, Andy glanced back, his heart heavy with worry for Julia. He needed to understand what had happened—but for now, it seemed all he could do was go home and face the fallout.

As Renee and Chet turned the corner, talking in frustrated tones, Andy's pulse quickened. His eyes darted back toward the hallway where the officer had been standing. It felt like time was slipping through his fingers. He couldn't just walk away—not after everything that had happened.

Without thinking, Andy broke into a sprint, his shoes pounding against the sterile hospital floor. He heard the officer shout behind him, the crackle of the walkie-talkie ringing out with a warning to other officers. But Andy didn't stop. He couldn't stop. The guilt gnawing at him grew heavier with each step.

Why didn't he see it coming? Leyley's mood swings had been growing worse for weeks, but he had chalked it up to her being her usual self. He had been too wrapped up in his own life, too distracted by everything going on, to realize the danger his sister posed. He should've known that the simmering anger Leyley held inside would erupt—and Julia had been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

As he ran, memories flashed through his mind: Julia's smile, her laugh, her voice calling his name. Now all of that was tainted by the image of her lying in that hospital bed because of something his family caused.

Andy's lungs burned, but he pushed forward, the hospital hallway feeling endless as guilt and anger coursed through him like poison. He heard footsteps coming toward him—backup from the police—but it didn't matter. He didn't care what they did to him. He had to see Julia. He had to apologize, to explain, to do something that made this mess right.

He skidded to a stop in front of her room, his chest heaving as he reached for the door. A surge of desperation gripped him—this was his only chance.

"Julia!" he gasped as he pushed the door open.

But he never made it inside.

Back to the present….

As Andy felt his phone buzz in his pocket, he sighed and pulled it out, expecting the barrage of texts that awaited him. Sure enough, there was a flood of notifications from Mei, her usual enthusiasm practically radiating through the screen. She was hyped for the night at the drink bar, insisting he come early, throwing in excited emojis and technical jargon that he only half understood. Andy chuckled to himself, appreciating Mei's energy. She had taken to him quickly, treating him like her new favorite American sidekick, and he couldn't deny it was nice to have someone like her around.

But then there were the messages from Hitoshi—shorter, more thoughtful, but definitely with a different vibe. Ever since they played that "guessing game" with each other that night, he had noticed subtle shifts in her behavior. She'd sit a little closer during lunch, ask him more personal questions, and now, even tonight, she was making sure he was heading to the right bar, asking when he'd get there. There was a quiet persistence in her attention that made him wonder what exactly was happening between them.

He wasn't oblivious. Hitoshi was showing signs of interest, maybe more than friendship, and while he liked her—there was no denying that—everything felt like it was speeding up. They'd only just met, and already he was getting the sense that their friendship could turn into something more if he wasn't careful.

Andy paused, looking at the stream of messages. "Was this the pace of life in Japan?" Fast, direct, always moving forward. He had heard about how life here could be a whirlwind, but he hadn't really expected to experience it so personally. He appreciated his new friends, and it was nice to be moving past the disaster of his last relationship with Julia, but this—this felt like a lot.

He tapped out a quick response to both of them, keeping things light with Mei and casual with Hitoshi. He wasn't ready to dive into anything serious, not after everything that had happened. For now, he would go to the drink bar, hang out with his friends, and see where the night took him. But he'd also make sure to keep things at a pace he could handle.

A couple of months prior….

Andy barely had time to register what happened as the punch sent him crashing to the floor. His vision blurred for a moment, and a sharp sting spread across his cheek where Julia's father had hit him. Blood filled his mouth, the metallic taste a cruel reminder of the pain he was about to face—both physical and emotional.

He looked up, his body aching, and saw Julia's father towering over him. There was no anger in the man's eyes—just cold, detached disgust. The kind of look that said Andy wasn't even worth his hate, just a stain that needed to be wiped clean. His clenched fist hovered, ready to strike again, and for a second, Andy thought he might do it. A part of him almost wanted it—to feel something that wasn't the suffocating guilt gnawing at his insides.

"You've done enough damage," Julia's father growled, his voice low and menacing. He pointed to the window, where Julia lay motionless in her hospital bed, surrounded by machines that breathed for her. "Look at her. She can't even breathe on her own. She can't see. The doctors say she'll never look the same, no matter how many surgeries we get her."

Andy's stomach twisted as he followed the man's gaze to the bed. There was Julia, the girl who had once laughed with him, kissed him, made him feel like he wasn't alone in the world. Now, she was a shadow of herself, broken because of his family. His fault. His sister's fault.

Her father's voice cut through his thoughts like a knife. "Julia dating you was the worst mistake she ever made."

The words hit harder than the punch. Andy's breath caught in his throat, and the weight of everything—his sister's rage, his own blindness, Julia's suffering—crushed him all at once. He couldn't breathe. His heart pounded in his ears as if it might explode.

Julia's father leaned in close, his voice dripping with cold fury. "If I didn't fear going to the chair, I'd kill you right here. With my bare hands."

Andy's body went numb. He couldn't speak. Couldn't defend himself. He knew, deep down, that he deserved the hatred. Deserved the punishment.

Before Julia's father could say anything else, the police finally arrived. They grabbed Andy by the arms, pulling him up roughly. There was no sympathy in their movements, no hesitation as they slapped the cold handcuffs around his wrists. They weren't gentle—why would they be? Not after what he had done, or what his sister had caused.

As they hauled him away, Andy's eyes flickered back to Julia's room. Her father had returned to the window, standing beside his wife, who clutched their daughter's limp hand like she could somehow pull her back from the brink. Tears streaked the woman's face, but Julia remained still.

Andy felt like screaming, like crying, but no sound came out. His mind was filled with one unbearable truth: he had failed Julia. And now, nothing could fix that.

As they dragged him away, the only thing Andy could hear were his own shallow breaths and the haunting beeping of Julia's machines.

Back to the present….

Andy was halfway down the stairs when the door to Ashley's room opened, and Momo and Mina stepped out, beaming like they were up to something.

"Hey, Andrew!" Mina greeted him with her usual upbeat tone, her eyes gleaming mischievously. "We've got something to show you."

Before Andy could get a word in, Mina had already grabbed his hand, dragging him into the room. He let out a surprised breath but followed, his curiosity piqued. He wasn't entirely sure what he was about to see, but judging by the looks on their faces, it had to be something big.

When he stepped inside, Andy stopped in his tracks. His eyes went wide, and his mouth hung slightly open. There was his sister, Leyley, standing in front of a mirror, but she looked completely transformed. She was dressed in a sleek black gown, elegant and striking, with a high slit on the right leg that revealed the red fabric inside. The dress hugged her figure in all the right ways, giving her a sophisticated, almost regal look that he had never seen on her before.

"Was this really Leyley?" The same girl who usually preferred hoodies and ripped jeans? The same girl who, just a few months ago, had caused absolute chaos with his ex-girlfriend?

Andy's mind spun as he took in the sight. It wasn't just the dress. It was the way she carried herself, the confidence that radiated from her as she adjusted a strand of hair, catching her own reflection. He could hardly believe it was his twin standing there.

"Wow..." was all he could manage at first, still trying to process what he was seeing. He looked between Momo, Mina, and then Leyley, struggling to find the right words.

Leyley turned, her usual guarded expression softened by the slightest smile. "What? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Andy blinked, shaking himself out of his stupor. "I... just didn't expect you to, uh... look like that. You look... incredible." He wasn't sure if he was supposed to be proud or slightly freaked out by the transformation. All he knew was that this Leyley was a far cry from the one he had known all his life.

The girls laughed, and Momo gave him a knowing look. "We thought you'd like it. She's ready for the night."

Andy couldn't help but smile, though a part of him still wondered when Leyley—his Leyley—had become this polished, glamorous version of herself. But maybe, just maybe, this was her way of starting fresh, just like he was trying to do.

Andy brushed past Momo and Mina, his focus now entirely on his sister. Up close, he could see the subtle details—the soft makeup, the carefully applied lipstick, the way she was standing just a little bit straighter, trying to look confident but clearly out of her element. The sight of her blushing at his approach made him smile.

He leaned in, putting on his best exaggerated French accent. "Ooh, la la! Is that lipstick I see, mademoiselle?"

The teasing immediately sent the room into laughter, Momo and Mina giggling in the background. Leyley turned an even deeper shade of red, quickly covering her face with her hands in embarrassment.

"I just ate a lollipop!" she mumbled, peeking out between her fingers, trying to deflect his attention with the excuse.

Andy chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Sure you did, kid! Sure you did!" He gave her a playful pat on the head, knowing exactly how to tease her without pushing too far.

For a moment, the laughter faded, and Ashley's confident posture seemed to falter. She dropped her hands and looked away, her smile fading as uncertainty crept into her expression. The whole thing—the dress, the makeup, the attention—it was all so far out of her comfort zone. She felt exposed, vulnerable. Like maybe this whole getting "dolled up" thing was a huge mistake.

Andy noticed, his smile softening as he realized what was going on. He stepped back, giving her space but keeping his tone light. "You know, Ash... you don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with. But you look amazing. And if anyone gives you trouble tonight, they'll have to deal with me."

Ashley looked up at him, her blush still lingering but now mixed with a small, grateful smile. The tension in the room eased again, and the weight of her insecurities seemed to lift a little.

"Thanks, Andy," she muttered, still unsure but clearly appreciating the gesture.

"No problem," he said, giving her one last encouraging nod before stepping back to let her finish getting ready.

As Andy left the room, Mina's eyes followed him before turning back to Ashley with a teasing smile. "Looks like someone gave you the final seal of approval," she responded, her tone light and playful.

Ashley waved it off quickly, her cheeks still a little flushed. "Please, that doesn't count. He's my brother."

Kyouka, leaning against the wall with her usual cool demeanor, smirked. "Actually, siblings tend to notice things about their family that they'd like to see in their love interests. You know, qualities and stuff."

Ashley blinked, caught off guard by the comment. Before she could respond, Mina chimed in, her head tilting slightly. "Is Andrew single?"

For a brief moment, Ashley froze. "My brother—single." The word lingered in her mind, tugging at a knot of guilt she hadn't fully dealt with. The whole reason Andrew was single right now—the breakup with Julia—was because of her. She was the one who had torn their relationship apart, and even though she hadn't said it outright, everyone seemed to know. The weight of that reality sat heavy on her shoulders.

She hesitated before speaking, her voice careful and a little distant. "Andrew... is complicated. He's like that one puzzle piece that just doesn't fit in the box, you know? Doesn't quite match anything else."

The girls exchanged looks, nodding slightly in understanding, though they could sense there was more beneath the surface. Ashley's response was vague, but there was an undercurrent to her words—something protective, almost possessive. It was clear she wasn't just talking about Andrew being hard to understand. There was a subtle warning in her tone, something unspoken that said she wasn't going to let anyone have her brother easily.

Kyouka raised an eyebrow, picking up on the vibe. "Sounds like you're looking out for him."

Ashley shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Someone has to."

Momo gave her a knowing smile. "Well, whoever does get close to him is gonna have to go through you first, huh?"

Ashley chuckled softly, but her eyes didn't quite meet theirs. "Yeah... something like that."

As Ashley stared at her reflection in the mirror, the transformation was undeniable. She looked stunning, a far cry from her usual casual and tough exterior. The sleek black dress and carefully applied makeup made her seem almost like a different person. But what comforted her most wasn't how she looked—it was knowing her brother, Andrew, accepted her no matter what. Even if she had come downstairs in her usual hoodie, he would've had her back. But tonight, she felt different. For the first time in a long while, she was stepping into the world with a sense of vulnerability, wondering how others would see her at the drink bar.

Normally, Ashley thought of herself as strong, unshakable. But now, a small flicker of nervousness sparked inside her. What if they don't recognize this version of me? What if this isn't enough?

Mina's voice broke through her thoughts. "Hey! Group picture with our new friend!" She beamed, pulling out her phone.

A warm feeling washed over Ashley as she realized she wasn't just the outcast anymore. For once, she was going to be in a photo that wasn't a mugshot or some paparazzi piece plastered across the press. This time, she was part of something fun. She smiled, genuinely pleased, as she and the girls squeezed together, arms linking and shoulders bumping.

"Okay, everyone say cheese!" Mina called out, holding the phone up high.

Without thinking, Ashley blurted out, "Queso!" Her voice was playful, breaking her usually guarded exterior.

The sudden outburst caught the girls by surprise, and they all burst into laughter just as the camera clicked. It wasn't just the word; it was the moment—Ashley, the usually serious one, letting her guard down, cracking a joke, and embracing the moment of fun. The laughter filled the room, genuine and light, easing some of the tension Ashley had been feeling all night.

For a second, Ashley looked at her reflection again—not at the makeup or the dress, but at the girl behind it all.

'You fucking bitch. You're gonna pay for what you did.'

'You're gonna die for what you did.'

'She kept touching you and you kept touching her.'

'I didn't think that cup had acid. I didn't think she would have gone blind. That fucking bitch!'

"If he only knew that I was doing this for him. Everything I do is out of the interest for his heart. It did feel weird seeing him act the way he did when seeing me like this. Can I always look like this? Maybe I could be myself, even when I look different, even when I feel unsure. And tonight, maybe that was enough."

Meanwhile….

Renee sat at the kitchen table, absently shuffling the deck of cards as she played a solo game to pass the time. The faint sounds of her children getting ready upstairs drifted down, but she wasn't in a rush. After all, they were eighteen now — old enough to take care of themselves. Still, a mother's worry lingered, not about their safety but about how the world might perceive them tonight. The world hadn't been terribly kind to the Graves family.

She couldn't shake the memory of the incident at the bakery, when Andrew had a run-in with one of his classmates. He had handled himself well, maintaining composure even when the situation had gotten heated, but she knew how quickly things could spiral in the public eye. "People love to make assumptions, to paint a different story, especially when it comes to my children." The media attention, the whispers, the stares—they were always in the back of her mind. Tonight, she wondered if it would be the same.

Letting out a soft sigh, she glanced at her phone. She had already called Inko to let her know that she would be attending the gathering after seeing the kids off. It was the first time in a long while she had been out herself as well. The thought both excited and unsettled her. Like her children, she had grown used to keeping to herself, comfortable in her routine and the walls she built up around her.

'Renee, we need to talk.'

Tonight was going to be different. Instead of pondering on the mistakes of the twenty-something years of their relationship, she was going to go out and have some fun. Even though it was just a neighborhood gathering, she knew it wouldn't be fancy, nothing too social. Nevertheless, it was something to do than to walk around in this finite space of a house.

She glanced at her reflection in the kitchen window. She wasn't dressed up — just her usual casual attire, nothing special except for the ponytail that she straightened out, a slight departure from her usual look. It wasn't like she was trying to impress anyone. It wasn't like she was going on a date.

'Are you alright, ma'am?'

But even so, she couldn't deny the nervous twinge in her stomach. "This is my first time in a long time stepping back out into the social realm. Why does it seem bigger than it probably is?" She smiled to herself, shaking her head. She would grab a shot of liquid courage but she didn't want to make her first impression look foolish.

"Jesus, this is ridiculous," she muttered, picking up the cards again. "It's just a homeowner's association meeting for goodness sake. Nothing to worry about. Just a bunch of catty women, maybe some Karens, that are talking about their husbands, riff-raff, and the change of 'culture' in their community. Add some wine, cheese and crackers, and an affair with a neighbor or two, no different than any Stefford wives gathering."

The sudden thumps from the stairwell snapped Renee out of her thoughts. She set the cards down and instinctively made her way into the living room, curious to see her children before they headed out. When her eyes landed on Ashley, she froze, her mouth slightly agape in surprise.

"No way in Hell that this is my daughter Ashley Graves!"

Her daughter stood before her in a sleek black dress with a slit on the leg, her hair styled neatly, and a touch of makeup that only enhanced her natural features. Renee could barely recognize this new Ashley — the Ashley she knew that was tough, sarcastic, and kept people at arm's length, rarely bothering with appearances. But with this Ashley now? She looked stunning, almost like a different person.

The elder Graves could barely mutter a word, still in awe. "Ashley…" she whispered, which made her daughter redder than a sweet potato on a cool November morning. Ashley shifted awkwardly in place, clearly not used to the attention.

The alien pinkette, standing by Ashley, smiled brightly and patted both Momo and Kyouka on the back. "Seems like we've got the mother's approval as well!" she said cheerfully, her tone full of pride in their collective work.

Renee's lips slowly curled into a soft smile as she regained her composure. "You all did an amazing job," she finally said, her voice warm but still slightly dazed by the sight of her daughter looking so elegant.

Ashley, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks, waved a hand dismissively. "Mom, it's not that big of a deal…" she mumbled, trying to play it cool, but the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her.

Her mother stepped closer, still in awe, and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind Ashley's ear. "No, honey, you look beautiful. Truly!"

"Well, don't get used to it," muttered Ashley, trying to regain her usual tough demeanor.

Mina, ever the upbeat one, laughed and said, "Oh, we'll definitely get used to it. She'll be the menagerie of the prima donnas at the drink bar!"

"Well, just remember to have fun and take care of each other, okay?"

Andy chuckled, nodding with his mother. He, too, couldn't help but smile at his sister's transformation.

Renee's heart swelled with emotion. She didn't want to let this moment pass without capturing it.

"Okay, you two," she said with a grin, pulling out her cell phone. "Stand together. I want to take a picture. You both look too good to not have a keepsake."

The Graves siblings exchanged amused glances but complied, standing side by side by the staircase. Ashley leaned into Andrew's shoulder slightly, and he wrapped an arm around her, giving their mom a half-smile, a gesture that was clearly more for her than them. Renee couldn't help but chuckle at the way they were playing along.

"Mom, you act like we're at senior prom or something," Andrew teased, his voice filled with faux reluctance.

"Just humor your mom," replied Renee, her voice light and playful. "For this is the closest Ashley is ever gonna get to you." She snapped a few pictures, capturing their embrace and the slight, genuine smiles they shared in the moment. There was something heartwarming about seeing her children — acting like siblings and not like lovers, even if just for the photo.

Once she had a few shots, Renee lowered the phone and looked at the girls. "Would one of you mind taking a picture of all three of us?"

Momo eagerly stepped forward. "I've got it!" she said, taking the phone from Renee's hands.

Renee positioned herself between Andrew and Ashley, her arms draped around both their shoulders. She couldn't remember the last time they had taken a family photo that didn't feel forced or fake. Tonight, it felt real. For the first time in a long time, she was proud — proud of her children, and proud of the family they were, even if things weren't perfect beneath the surface.

Momo snapped a few pictures, making sure to get the right angle. As she did, Renee felt a bittersweet wave of nostalgia and contentment wash over her. She knew this moment wouldn't last forever—these fleeting glimpses of happiness and normalcy. But for now, she was going to hold onto it.

"Thank you, dear," said Renee softly as Momo handed the phone back to her. She looked at the photos, her eyes lingering on the image of herself and her kids, all smiling. Despite everything — the secrets, the struggles, the fractured past — in this single snapshot, they looked like a proud, united family.

"Alright, Mom, we have to go." Andy looked at his SmartWatch, realizing that they were going to be late.

"Alright," said Renee with a warm smile, breaking the moment. "You kids go out and have fun. Be back at one o'clock, okay?"

"Got it!" Andrew gave his mother a nod as he was the first to head out of the door. However, he was stopped by the class vice president.

"Hold on. Where are you going?" Momo asked him.

"Heading out. I was gonna take an Uber," he answered.

"We won't be needing an Uber tonight."

"What do you mean?"

Momo beamed with excitement. "I arranged a limo to take us to the drink bar!"

Ashley's eyes widened, completely taken aback. "Wait, a limo? Is that a little…much?" she asked, still processing the idea of arriving at a simple drink bar in such extravagant style.

The vice president waved off the concern. "Come on, it's your first big outing together, right? I wanted to make it special! So, I talked to my mom earlier, and she helped me arrange for a limo to take us. Trust me, it'll be fun!"

Andrew blinked, processing the information. His first reaction was to question if it was necessary — after all, a limo seemed excessive for a night out. But then he realized something, "It would be my first time riding in a limo for something good for a change." In the past, it had been for somber occasions like funerals, so this would be different.

"Well, I can't argue with that," said Andrew. "I mean I didn't get a chance to ride a limo for prom, so why not?"

"I guess if we're going to make a statement, we might as well go all out." Ashley added.

"Exactly!" Momo clapped her hands together. "Tonight's gonna be amazing!"

Renee, having overheard the exchange, raised an eyebrow in amused disbelief but smiled nonetheless. "Maybe we're being blessed with a second chance."

As they headed for the door, she gave them one last wave. "You kids behave tonight, alright?"

"Yes, ma'am," responded the Graves siblings.

"One o'clock, I am serious!" She responded as she waved their children off.

As the door closed behind them, Renee let out a soft sigh, still processing the whirlwind of events. For once, tonight wasn't about chaos or drama—it was about something good.

Later that night….

As the limo pulled up to the Kiyashi Ward shopping mall, a wave of excitement swept through the crowd of onlookers. Heads turned as if a group of celebrities had just arrived. The chauffeur, dressed sharply, stepped out and opened the door, and Mina was the first to exit, her confidence practically radiating. She waved at the onlookers playfully, enjoying the moment as if she were a star on the red carpet.

One by one, the others followed, each stepping out with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Andrew and Ashley came out last, clearly a bit overwhelmed by the attention and luxury. They exchanged looks, unsure how to process all the eyes on them. This wasn't something they were used to—certainly not being in the spotlight like this.

As they gathered at the entrance of the mall, Tsuyu began her informal tour, pointing out notable spots within the massive shopping center. "This mall's pretty popular, ribbit. You can find just about anything here," she explained in her usual calm tone.

Tooru chimed in next, her invisible presence making it feel like facts were being recited from thin air. "It's been around for almost a decade now, and it's one of the busiest places in the city. Tons of people come here for shopping and entertainment."

Before Tooru could dive deeper into the mall's history, Mina jumped in, her excitement taking over. "History, shmistory! I say we get straight to the fun part!" She grinned mischievously, adding, "I know a place where we can grab some drinks, and don't worry, I know a guy who won't even card us!"

Momo, ever the responsible one, gasped in horror. "Mina! You can't be serious! We're underage. That's illegal!" Her voice carried a tone of exasperation as she shot Mina a disapproving look.

Mina shrugged casually. "Relax, Momo! It's just for fun, and it's not like we're doing anything crazy. Just a couple of drinks."

Andrew, sensing the brewing debate, decided to take the opportunity to slip away. He wasn't particularly interested in pushing boundaries, especially not after all the recent drama. "Hey, I'm going to meet up with Hatsume and Shinsou. I'll catch up with you guys later," he said, stepping aside and giving Ashley a quick nod.

Ashley nodded back, feeling somewhat relieved that her brother wouldn't be getting pulled into any potential trouble. "Alright, don't get too lost," she called after him as he started walking away from them.

Back with the girls, the debate over the drink plan continued, with Tsuyu trying to keep the peace. "Why don't we just stick to something safer, ribbit? There's plenty to do here without getting in trouble."

Ashley, still taking in the scene, stayed quiet, but she had to admit she was intrigued. This was a far cry from what she usually did on nights like this. But something about Mina's carefree energy made it hard to resist.

Mina's eyes lit up with her latest idea. "What if we really give Ashley a proper Japanese experience? I mean, we could hit up a host club instead of the drink bar!" Her excitement was almost infectious as she grinned at Ashley, gauging her reaction.

Before Ashley could process the suggestion, Momo quickly interjected, her tone firm. "Mina, no! We're underage, and besides, tonight's supposed to be a girls' night. Host clubs are definitely out of the question."

Mina pouted dramatically. "But it's not a proper girls' night without being surrounded by guys!" she argued, always one to push boundaries for the sake of fun.

Before the debate could spiral out of control, Kyouka stepped in, giving Mina a gentle but firm tap on the forehead. "Stick to the plan, Mina. We don't want things to get out of hand." Tsuyu, always the voice of reason, nodded in agreement, adding, "Let's not scare Ashley away, ribbit. We want her to actually enjoy this."

Ashley, though a little overwhelmed by the back-and-forth, couldn't help but smile. It was chaos, but it was good chaos. She felt a sense of inclusion that she wasn't accustomed to. And despite Mina's wild ideas, Ashley appreciated that the girls genuinely wanted her to have a good time.

Tooru, always energetic and full of life, grabbed Ashley's hand and started pulling her toward the drink bar. "Come on, Ashley! Let's grab our usual spot. You'll love it!"

As Ashley was whisked away, she took one final glance over her shoulder at Andrew, who was now more of a speck. She gave him a quick, silent message by mouthing the words, "Have fun."

With that, Ashley allowed herself to be swept into the moment. Tonight was about fun, after all—something she hadn't had in a long time.

Andrew stood back for a moment, watching his sister as she laughed and joked with her new friends. She looked so happy, so carefree, and for the briefest moment, he felt a sense of pride. It was the kind of happiness he wished she had more of.

But as much as he wanted to believe it was real, something gnawed at him. Was this really his sister? The same Ashley who'd caused such havoc back home? The same Ashley who had pushed their family to the brink, forcing them to leave everything behind and start fresh in a place that wasn't their own?

He wanted to trust what he saw in her now—the genuine smiles, the laughter, the way she seemed to fit in with these girls like she belonged. But it didn't add up. He knew what she was capable of. Ashley was brilliant at putting on a facade, and he couldn't shake the feeling that this, too, was just another mask she wore to keep everyone from seeing the truth.

The chaos she'd caused was still fresh in his mind. The way everything had fallen apart back home, the anger, the accusations, the pain—it all lingered just beneath the surface. Their whole world had been flipped upside down because of her, and despite her new-found happiness, it was hard for him to let go of the past.

He sighed quietly, trying to push the thoughts aside. He wanted to believe that this new chapter was different, that Ashley had changed. But trusting her wasn't going to be easy, not after everything that had happened. It was going to take more than smiles and laughter to convince him that she had truly turned a new leaf.

For now, though, he would let her have this moment. Maybe she needed this fresh start more than he realized. And maybe, just maybe, there was a part of him that did too.

It was too bad that he didn't believe it.

As he stood just outside the entrance to the Kiyashi Ward shopping mall, he felt his phone buzz in his pocket. Glancing at the screen, he saw Mei's name pop up. He hesitated for a split second before answering. Mei was nothing if not energetic, and he could already imagine the excitement in her voice before she even said a word.

On the second ring, he answered. "Hello?"

Mei's voice shot through the receiver like a bolt of electricity. "Where in the hell are you?" Her words were full of her typical excited energy, as if she'd been waiting for him all night.

Andrew chuckled nervously. "I'm outside the Kiyashi Ward shopping mall. Trying to figure out where to go. It's my first time here, and honestly, I'm a bit lost. Most of the signs are in Japanese, and, uh, you know me. Not the best at reading kanji."

Mei's laughter echoed through the phone. "Oh, come on! You should've just followed your sister and her crew! Where's that American bravado when you need it?"

He sighed, knowing she was right. He could've easily walked in with Ashley and her friends, but something stopped him. Maybe it was seeing Ashley all dressed up, blending in with her new circle of friends. "Yeah, I should've, but you know how it is. I'm still getting used to all this."

There was a brief pause before Mei spoke again, her voice softening just a bit, as if sensing his hesitation. "Don't worry. You'll get the hang of it. I'm already inside with Shinsou and the others, but I'll send her out to get you. She's good with directions, and I think she knows this place better than any of us."

Andrew blinked, surprised. "Hitoshi? Uh, yeah, that would help. I appreciate it."

Before he could say anything else, Mei interjected, her playful tone returning. "Oh, and by the way, don't think I didn't notice how close you two have been lately. Maybe fate's trying to nudge you in a certain direction. Just saying!"

"Wait, what?" Andrew stammered, caught off guard by Mei's teasing.

But she was already ahead of him. "Too late, Hitoshi's coming! You'll thank me later!" With that, she hung up before Andrew could protest or clarify.

Andrew stood there, phone still in hand, feeling the nervous energy rising in his chest. "What the hell was that about?" he muttered to himself, staring at the now-blank screen. Fate? Hitoshi? He shook his head, trying to push those thoughts away. Mei was just being Mei, always jumping to conclusions and stirring the pot for her own amusement.

But now he was stuck waiting for Hitoshi. And as much as he tried to convince himself that this was no big deal, he couldn't shake the growing feeling that maybe Mei was right. Was fate nudging them together? They'd been spending a lot of time with each other lately, and Andrew couldn't deny that there was something about Hitoshi's presence that was... different. She had this cool, calm energy that contrasted sharply with Mei's wild enthusiasm, but it drew him in just the same.

He looked around at the bustling mall entrance, feeling strangely out of place. As he did, memories of the past couple days flashed in his mind—Hitoshi sitting close to him during lunch on the rooftop, her quiet but steady gaze, her soft laughter whenever he made some dumb joke. He'd noticed how she was always just a bit closer than necessary, her casual touches lingering a little longer than they should have. Was she dropping hints? And if so, what was he supposed to do about it? Everything was going too fast. It has barely been a week since he arrived in Japan and he already was catching an admirer. Or so he would think.

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he tried to settle his nerves. Why was this so complicated? He wasn't even looking for anything serious right now, not after what happened with Julia. But then again, he couldn't deny that Hitoshi had piqued his interest. And now, here he was, standing alone, waiting for her to come find him. The irony wasn't lost on him.

Her reputation went beyond the rumor mills — since he had witnessed the time from her latest "suitor." Nevertheless, he was going along with the program. He just wanted to confirm whether or not Hitoshi was viewing him as eye candy or an all-day sucker.

Just as he was beginning to lose himself in his thoughts, he spotted her. Hitoshi was walking toward him, her long dark hair framing her pale face, her usual goth attire making her stand out among the crowd. There was something effortless about the way she moved, like she belonged wherever she was, and it made Andrew feel even more nervous.

She noticed him right away, giving a small wave as she approached. "Lost, are we?" she asked, her voice laced with a teasing tone as she reached him.

Andrew chuckled, trying to shake off his nerves. "Yeah, something like that. Figured I'd need a tour guide."

Hitoshi smirked. "Good thing you've got me, then." There was a hint of amusement in her eyes, as if she knew exactly how off-balance he felt and was enjoying it.

"Great," Andrew thought. "This is going to be interesting."

As Hitoshi flicked her lighter, the flame briefly illuminated her smoky eye shadow, giving her a mysterious, edgy look. Andrew couldn't help but notice, his gaze lingering on her face as the lighter's small glow flickered against the dark evening air. She took a slow drag from her cigarette, the end glowing bright for a second. Catching him staring, she smirked, her lips curling mischievously.

"Like what you see?" she asked playfully, swaying her hips a bit for added effect.

He blinked, caught off guard. "No—I mean, yeah—I mean—" he fumbled with his words, embarrassed, trying to find a way out of the hole he was digging. "I was just, uh, noticing the sweet scent of the tobacco. It smells nice."

Hitoshi raised a brow, intrigued. "It's peach-flavored," she replied, twirling the cigarette between her fingers before taking another drag. "My uncle hand-rolls them for me. Custom blend."

Andrew's curiosity piqued. "Really? That's kinda cool. Can I try?"

Hitoshi, still smirking, handed him the cigarette. "Be my guest," she said, watching him closely as if testing him.

He took it, trying to act nonchalant, but his nerves were obvious. He brought the cigarette to his lips and inhaled slowly, immediately hit with the sweet, subtle peach flavor mixing with the tobacco's bite. He exhaled slowly, feeling a surprising sense of calm wash over him. "That's... better than I expected," he admitted, taking another puff.

"Keep it," she said, amused, pulling out another cigarette for herself from a sleek, custom tin case. Andrew raised an eyebrow but accepted, still trying to process how casual she was about it all.

She lit hers up again and then gestured with her head down the street. "The drink bar's just up ahead. Quaint spot. Cozy enough for us to hang out, but big enough to fit the whole class when needed."

He nodded, taking another drag from his newly acquired cigarette. "Sounds nice," he said, though his mind was only half on her words. The other half was fighting to keep his eyes on her face, desperately trying not to look anywhere else. Even from the back, Hitoshi's allure was undeniable. Her casual confidence only made her more magnetic, and he found himself more drawn to her with every passing second.

She smiled as she led the way, the smoke curling from her lips adding to the atmosphere. He followed, trying to maintain his composure, but every step behind her made it harder to ignore how outrageously attractive she was. "What the hell is happening here?" he thought to himself, trying to shake the thought.

As they walked together, there was a comfortable silence between them, punctuated only by the occasional inhale and exhale of their cigarettes. The shared moment felt oddly intimate, like a subtle understanding had passed between them without a word being said.

"So, Andy," Hitoshi finally broke the silence, her tone casual but curious. "How are you liking Japan so far? Different from back home?"

"Andy?"

"Yeah…isn't it what anybody calls you back home right?"

He really didn't have the heart to tell her the truth behind his nickname but digressed those thoughts. Andrew shrugged, grateful for the conversation as a distraction from his spiraling thoughts. "Yeah, it's... a lot different, being from back home. But I like it so far. Just gotta get used to everything."

"I bet," she replied, glancing over her shoulder at him with a smirk. "But don't worry. I'll help you get the hang of things around here. You just need the right guide."

Andrew smiled, feeling a bit of the tension ease. "Yeah, I think I lucked out in that department."

Hitoshi took a drag from her cigarette, her eyes narrowing slightly as she blew the smoke into the night air. "Just don't go thinking of me as some kind of lucky charm," she teased, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm.

Andrew blinked, unsure how to respond at first. "Uh... am I supposed to?" he asked, trying to match her tone, though he was well aware that he was treading on thin ice.

She chuckled, the sound low and knowing, taking another drag. "Careful, Graves," she warned, tapping ash from her cigarette. "Don't fly too close to the sun."

"And why's that?" he asked, raising an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued.

Hitoshi turned her head slightly, her lips curving into a sly smile. "You might fall," she said, punctuating her words with a wink before turning back around, her steps light and teasing.

Andrew laughed nervously, doing his best to stay calm. "You're a real jokester, huh?" he commented, trying to shrug it off, though inside, his nerves were firing off all kinds of signals.

"Yeah, I get that a lot," she replied with a shrug, her tone playful but with a hint of something deeper.

As they walked, his mind raced. He could already imagine the hordes of guys—the "simps," as he called them—falling all over themselves for a chance to get even a hint of her attention. And yet, here he was, getting a private showing of her sharp wit and those cutting remarks. He shook his head, a small smirk forming on his lips.

Just as he was lost in his thoughts, Hitoshi suddenly spun around, catching him off guard with a cheeky grin plastered on her face. Before he could react, she stepped in close and flicked his forehead with surprising accuracy.

"Ow!" he yelped, rubbing his forehead, eyes wide in confusion. "What was that for?"

Her grin widened, mischievous and teasing. "For someone with clean hands, you've got a dirty mind," she teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement. Then, without another word, she turned back around and continued walking, leaving Andrew frozen in place, dumbstruck by the flick and her boldness.

She was moving forward, and he was certain now—this wasn't just a casual night out. It was a game, one that she seemed to be playing with calculated precision. His mind flashed back to their conversation the night before, realizing that everything she did, every word she said, felt like another move on the chessboard. And while he was trying to play it cool, he couldn't shake the feeling that Hitoshi was already several steps ahead.

"She's definitely playing chess," he thought to himself, taking a long breath before following her lead again. "And I'm just trying not to lose in the first few moves."

Meanwhile with Leyley….

As the girls made their way to the drink bar they spotted Ochako and waved her down. The brunette smiled lightly yet when she saw Ashley, she began to feel conflicted. On one hand, she still felt like the sister of the graves was hiding something and could be dangerous, on the other hand, she also felt a tinge of shame as Ashley wholeheartedly told them the night prior of her loneliness in life before she came to Yuuei. She knows as a hero you shouldn't judge someone before knowing them, no it wasn't about being a hero she should have known better than to jump to assumptions. Maybe part of the reason she was sceptical of Ashley was because of her runnings with Himiko Toga, though a major contrast between the two could be the fact that one carries a knife and talks about drinking your blood while the other only had her brother and mother to support her as any other girl she tried to make friends with purely ulterior motives involving her brother.

"Hey Ochako! Still can't believe you took a different route than us and still made it here sooner" Shouted an ever-enthusiastic Mina. She further stated, "I didn't think you'd make it with the route you took, I mean you could have waited for us to pick you up in the limo, it was so fun!"

"Mina please, Ochako just needed some space was all, plus we planned for all of us to take the limo back together at the end of the night, though we'd be dropping Ashley and Andrew off first before heading back to the dorms," Momo stated strictly that she did not want them to get in trouble with Aizawa.

"Relax Yaomomo, we've got plenty of time and Aizawa stated that as long as we send a message saying we'll be late due to traffic or some bull like that he'll be off our backs, he probably won't mind since the dude loves sleeping more than us," Kyoka joked whilst remembering their teacher's only favourite thing to do was sleeping while looking like a caterpillar. This caused everyone to laugh at the antics of their hobo teacher, yeah he'll tell them he does not care or worry about them but they know he is the class dad who would rush in to save them if it means being wrapped up like a mummy for a month.

"Sounds like our teacher really will care for us, won't he?" Ashley asked, exhausted and holding her stomach from the sheer amount of laughter she'd let out.

"Oh, trust us, he does. When Kaminari was dared to lick the outlet to see if he'd get some of the electricity and got sent halfway across the room, Aizawa rushed him over to Recovery Girl." Mina spoke before laughing again.

"Wasn't that more out of the fact that Aizawa wasn't going to have Kaminari's death on his hands under his watch and less about caring about him? Ribbit," responded Tsu blunt as ever as the others remembered him being severely pissed with the charge bolt hero upon his awakening.

"Oh yeah, his quirk was activated while chasing him down as he shouted 'Get back here you electric shit-heel! If you can risk your life on a dare you can risk your life against Nezu's machinery and go twelve rounds with All Might. That'll get you closer to God than a completely childish and life threatening dare!' while Kaminari was running from him screaming like he had his boys trapped in a vice." Kyoka laughed remembering the sheer rage their teacher can get into.

"Kaminari never did another stupid dare like that again, til Bakugou offered him 7000 yen to sneak up to Midnight and slap her ass like a drum, she immediately punished the pair of them because she knew Denki wouldn't have done something so ballsy unless he was given money and someone planned it." Yaomomo stated.

Ashley was surprised one of her classmates was that reckless with his own life. She gathered that every school had an idiot but not someone who was a literal lemming that endangered their life just for the hell of it cash or not. These were things she wished she'd gotten the chance to experience back in the States but alas, that was not meant to be for the Graves girl.

After finishing up their conversation the girls made their way inside, they talked with the main receptionist before being taken to their room. Ashley could not help but stop in her tracks while taking in the atmosphere. The soft lighting, comfortable seating arrangement and subtle hum of excitement gave the room a cosy yet quiet lively feel. It was unlike anything she had experienced in her life. The plush chairs and sleek design gave a hint that this place was orderly and upscaled. The room felt like a private little safe space away from the world of the bustling mall and its happenings outside. If Ashley could she'd choose to make this her new home with Andrew as the two would find it heaven on earth.

"Okay I believe we should get some water to start off then we can-,"

"Boring! How about we skip to the fizzy drinks already! It's our night let's let our hair down and have some fun!" Mina Shouted as she interrupted Momo, while the girls got themselves comfortable in the room.

Ashley sat down in the comfiest seat in the room with Tooru and Mina seated next to her. Kyoka was surfing through the music selection while trying to find something she thought Ashley would love to hear. Ochako was looking through the menu with Tsu to see what new things they've added, as rumor had it they recently released their limited pumpkin spice mochi in the shape of medium pumpkins for everyone to share as well as their fireflies upon the grave iced tea which was a butterfly flower tea with some sparkle dust with the option to make it a boba tea, where the actual boba bubbles would slightly glow to resemble the fireflies and tasted of peach, there was another drink called Kappa's brew which was a sour green apple with a hint of cinnamon. Some of the food options were "the last meal of the departed" which was an Okonomiyaki dish with a twist as Natto was used and the usual sauce would have a pinch of kimchi mixed in with the words 'your fate has been sealed' written in kanji on top.

Momo sighed before taking a seat next to Kyoka. The latter of which patted her back reassuring her that tonight will be incredible and the former giving a weak smile showing her friend that she's grateful. The ear-jack quirk user finally decided to go with a relaxing song from the old era by an artist who went by the name of Muni Long. It was just to get everyone comfortable before amping it up into full on party mixes and karaoke.

"Ash, would you like to look at the menu with us? ribbit." Tsu asked, enquiring if the Graves girl was hungry or just in case she needed help with knowing what some of the food or drink options were. But before she could answer,

"Oh don't worry Tsu I'll help pick something out for Ash here and I know it will be something she'll just love,"Mina interjected as she developed a massive grin upon her face as if she had a plan to loosen the girl up to all of them.

"Oh no you are not gonna allow you to do that! Remember the nātto mixed with spiced kimchi and okra incident!" Momo retorted, as she recalled trusting Mina on a food order only for it to make her and a few of the others desperate for something to part the heat or prevent an upset stomach. Mina did apologise and say she genuinely didn't think it would be that spicy, however none of the girls trusted their pink friend with food suggestions since then. Momo further stated,

"We're trying to give Ashley lovely memories of hanging out with us not traumatise her to the point she feels neglected, that's how misunderstandings are formed and friendships can shatter from those."

"I guess you're right, I'm sorry Ash, please forgive me for almost causing chaos. I want us all to enjoy tonight with some fun and nearly ruin it because I was so eager, could you find it in your heart to forgive me?" Mina asked wobbly as a worried look appeared on her face.

"Of course I'll forgive you, we're quirk siblings remember? By that line of logic I have to forgive my sister from another mister," Ashley responded with a smile plastered across her face as she giggled at her supposed sister's antics before pulling her into a hug to show her trust in her.

That's when Tooru joined the hug before saying, "Aww Ash that's so sweet of you. I can tell all of us will be best friends for life." The three proceeded to laugh a little more with the other four following suit at such a wholesome moment. That's when Mina and Tooru decided to take a photo with their new bestie to cement their friendship.

That's when the girls decided to order a bunch of drinks, from fizzy to iced teas they also snuck in a bunch of snacks Tooru and Tsu got from the convenient store a few days prior. Including one that was an instant classic for being known as a game among teenagers but they won't be playing that game anytime soon. One of the drinks that was ordered was a caramelized apple and Cinnamon soda which was a sentimental flavor Ashley liked, it wasn't her favorite by any means yet it was one of the first soda flavors her brother got her. She remembered when she harried her brother into getting a limited time drink for her only for her to be disgusted by it, which resulted in him beginning to admonish her for wasting his cash on a quote "mediocre flavor drink", she then laughed it off but was still grateful for his generosity and she slowly got used to the taste.

"Maybe I can live a normal life here, providing that Andrew is still by my side when I need him," Ashley smiled while looking out at her new friends giggling and chatting away, concurrently she sat here reminiscing about what's to come next.

Meanwhile with Renee…

Renee tilted her head, inspecting her earrings in the mirror, the delicate silver hoops catching the light. A quiet laugh escaped her lips, not from joy, but from the absurdity of the situation. She was about to attend her first homeowners association meeting, a group Inko had described as "local wives getting together to wine, dine, and have a bit of fun." Fun. Renee doubted that. To her, it sounded more like a pack of judgmental women taking a break from their dull routines to tear apart anyone who didn't fit their mold.

She could already picture the sharp smiles, the overly enthusiastic greetings dripping with condescension, and the whispered remarks behind hands about her being the "new American woman." It wouldn't be long before the more seasoned members started picking at the details—her clothes, her accent, the fact that she wasn't wearing a wedding ring. She almost laughed again, imagining them sneaking sideways glances, wondering what sort of scandal had brought her all the way to Japan. No doubt they would speculate.

Her hands, now placing a delicate necklace around her throat, paused as her mind wandered deeper into the inevitable dynamics of the evening. This wasn't just a simple gathering of neighbors; it was a battlefield dressed up as a social hour. Every glance would be loaded, every comment a veiled judgment. She had seen it before, in different forms and different countries. It didn't matter where she was—whether it was the wives of diplomats or the PTA moms back in the States, the formula was always the same.

Her lips curled into a sarcastic smirk as she imagined the wives huddled around with their wine glasses, each competing to one-up the other with their tales of luxury vacations or their children's achievements. What could she offer them? A story about how her husband serenaded another woman while she shopped for cereal? The thought almost made her laugh out loud. No, she would have to play it safe—keep her answers vague, smile politely, and avoid giving them any real ammunition.

As she reached for her lipstick, Renee caught her reflection again and thought of Inko. The gentle, earnest woman couldn't possibly fit into a group like this. Inko was too kind, too sincere. She would probably sit there fretting over the price of vegetables or lamenting the discontinuation of some snack cake while the others dissected her home decor or her weight. Not that Inko seemed to mind. She probably didn't even notice how out of place she was among women who thrived on gossip and superiority.

Renee sighed, feeling a pang of guilt for poking fun at her friend. It wasn't like she herself had a perfect track record when it came to fitting in. She had long since learned that people liked to judge what they didn't understand, and she wasn't about to hand these women anything they could use. No one needed to know about her complicated past or her ongoing mess with Chet. Tonight, she would be an enigma, as untouchable as the expensive jewelry some of these women probably hoarded.

With a final glance in the mirror, she adjusted her jacket and grabbed her purse. Maybe, just maybe, there would be a sliver of enjoyment. If not from the company, then at least from the wine.

Renee grabbed her jacket, a sudden chill creeping through the air as if the season itself was shifting. The eerie sensation struck her as literal and metaphorical—autumn settling in, while she, too, felt on the verge of some change. Whether it was her uprooting to a new country or the complexities of her unraveling marriage, the chill seemed to symbolize the transformations in her life.

A faint scent of rain hit her nose, carried on the breeze, and she knew the forecast had called for it. She paused for a moment, taking a deep breath, inhaling the crisp air that held the promise of a storm. She exhaled slowly, as if trying to release some of the tension she'd been holding for days. The sky was already graying, the weight of the weather pressing down on everything, much like the evening ahead.

Almost on cue, the headlights of the taxi appeared outside, its silent arrival signaling the beginning of her night out. Renee tightened her grip on the piece of paper in her hand—a slip with the address of the homeowners association tea social. She glanced down at it, her brow furrowing slightly as she tried to recall what Inko had told her about the place. The house belonged to the family of one of Izuku's classmates. She didn't remember much about the mother, just the last name—Yaoyorozu.

Renee shook off the slight unease that crept into her thoughts. The name sounded prestigious, like a family that had been rooted in wealth and tradition for generations. Of course, the tea social would be held in a place like that—a perfect setting for women who wore their social status like a crown. She could already imagine the vast hallways and polished floors, the subtle looks exchanged over expensive glassware.

Steeling herself, Renee pulled the jacket tighter around her, as if it could protect her from more than just the cold.

Renee handed the livery driver the slip of paper with the directions. He nodded silently, shifting the car into drive, and the city lights began to blur past her window as the vehicle eased onto the road. She leaned back, sinking into the seat, trying to get comfortable. The driver mentioned that it would be a twenty-minute drive, but time was of no consequence to her. It had become a strange, fluid concept in her life—something she observed but no longer felt bound by. The last few years had been an endless loop of waiting, thinking, and replaying the same questions over and over in her mind.

Her thoughts drifted, inevitably back to Chet. What had happened between them that night still gnawed at her, though the details were foggy, as if her mind refused to fully grasp them. He had spoken to her, but his words had felt hollow, unable to reach her, as though she were wrapped in a layer of numbness. Maybe it was denial, a self-defense mechanism keeping her from feeling the full weight of it. Or maybe, deep down, she had already accepted that their so-called happy marriage had never been more than an illusion, a temporary facade that had cracked under the strain of reality.

The inevitability of it all was something she hadn't wanted to face. The charming man she had once fallen in love with had slowly morphed into someone she barely recognized. The man who once whispered sweet nothings to her now spoke with a cold detachment, and though they still shared a life on paper, the love that had once defined their relationship was long gone. Maybe it had been gone for years.

Renee stared out the window, the rhythmic hum of the tires on the road a constant backdrop to her wandering thoughts. There had been so many chances to leave, but she hadn't taken any of them. Not out of love, not out of hope for reconciliation, but out of inertia. The weight of her past decisions hung heavy on her shoulders, and though she had finally made the move to Japan, uprooting herself and her children in the process, she couldn't help but wonder if it had been too late.

As the rain began to lightly tap against the window, Renee closed her eyes, trying to push the thoughts away, but they lingered, just as persistent as ever.

Renee's mind replayed that night in vivid detail, each word from Chet cutting through the silence like a jagged knife. She had been drifting off to sleep when the phone rang, his name flashing on the screen. It wasn't unusual for him to call late, but something about the way he started speaking—soft, almost too casual—put her on edge.

The night before…..

"I've been thinking," he began, the smooth jazz playing faintly in the background giving the moment a surreal quality, as if she were eavesdropping on a scene that couldn't possibly involve her. What followed next nearly knocked the breath out of her.

"I want a hall pass."

Her entire body tensed, her heart slamming in her chest as she sat bolt upright in bed. A hall pass? She could barely believe what she was hearing. The words sounded alien, absurd, as if they had no place in the context of their life together.

"Yeah, a hall pass," he repeated, his tone uncomfortably soft, as if he were asking for something as mundane as a weekend away with the guys. "You know, just a temporary arrangement. We both know things haven't been great between us for a while."

The world around her seemed to tilt slightly as the full meaning of his request sunk in. Her mouth opened, but no words came out. It was as if her mind couldn't catch up with what her ears had just heard. A hall pass? The thought whirled in her brain like a storm.

"I'm not happy, and you're not happy either," Chet continued, his voice calm but the weight of his words pressing down on her like an avalanche. "The marriage has been... dry." He was talking like this was an everyday conversation, like they were discussing dinner plans instead of the collapse of their relationship. Renee couldn't breathe, couldn't think straight.

Her mind raced, trying to decipher what was happening. Was this real? Could he actually be asking her this? He didn't stop to see if she was processing it; he just kept going. "Look, we've been through a lot—the move, the kids, everything with Julia—it's been too much. And I'm not saying it's all your fault, but I feel like... you're not letting me in." The words came out in a rush, his frustration evident, but there was no apology, no sense that he wanted to work through their problems together.

The soft jazz playing on his end felt like a cruel joke, an eerie soundtrack to the breakdown of everything they had built. It was the kind of music they used to listen to when they were first dating, back when everything was easy, simple. Now, it was a mockery of what their life had become.

"And so, what, you think a hall pass is going to fix that?" she finally managed to ask, her voice low, barely more than a whisper. She could hear the disbelief in her own tone, the shock still reverberating through her.

"I just think it could give us a break," Chet explained, his voice pleading now, as if he were trying to sell her on the idea. "We could... mingle with others. You know, take a breather. Just for a while, it doesn't have to be forever."

Renee could hear the underlying desperation in his voice, the way he tried to rationalize it as if this was some normal phase couples went through. She could almost picture him, sitting there with his glass of wine in some dimly lit bar, convincing himself this was the answer to their problems.

He went on about how things had gone stale, how he was hurt, how the pressure of their lives had become too much to bear. But all she could hear was the echo of his earlier words. A hall pass. He wanted to open their marriage, to explore other women, all while expecting her to stay... what? Silent? Complacent? She wasn't sure which part hurt more—the request itself or the fact that he'd already convinced himself it was reasonable.

"A break?" Renee said slowly, her voice trembling with the weight of all the unsaid emotions bubbling just beneath the surface. She wasn't even sure who this man was anymore, this man she had once loved, who was now asking for permission to stray.

Chet sighed deeply, as if he were the one burdened by this conversation. "Just for a while, Renee. It'll give us some space, and we can come back to each other after, like nothing's changed."

"Nothing's changed." She wanted to scream. Everything had changed. How could he not see that?

"Are you hearing yourself, Chet?" Renee's voice trembled as she gripped the phone so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she refused to let it show. Not to him. "You're sabotaging our twenty-something-year relationship for what? Some fucking yellow skank?"

Chet, maddeningly calm on the other end, spoke with the same unsettling ease as before. "It wasn't an easy choice," he said, as if that somehow justified it.

"Wasn't an easy choice?!" Renee's blood boiled. "Are you fucking serious? And where's my agreement in all this, huh?" Her voice grew sharper, almost a growl. She wanted him to feel every ounce of anger she was holding back. She needed him to feel the betrayal.

He paused for a moment before his voice returned, cool and calculated. "You shouldn't be too surprised, Renee. We're in Japan. My work requires certain... extracurricular activities." His words dripped with a casual dismissal, as if his infidelity were just another part of his job description.

Renee's jaw clenched as she struggled to control her rising fury. Then came his next line, the one that made her heart stop for just a second. "At least I'm being honest and straightforward with you, instead of sneaking around behind your back."

That's when she heard it—faint but undeniable. A girl's voice in the background, muffled but present. Renee's grip on the phone tightened even more, and her breath hitched. "Who is that?" she demanded, her voice dropping to a dangerously low pitch. Chet didn't answer. "Who the hell is that, Chet?" she repeated, this time laced with venom.

A long, agonizing pause stretched between them, before Chet finally spoke again, quieter this time. "She's a colleague," he admitted. "It's nothing serious."

Renee froze, the words hanging in the air like thick smoke, suffocating her. Her mind raced, the weight of it crashing down on her like a wave. "Nothing serious?" she echoed, the disbelief in her voice painfully obvious. "You're... you're unbelievable."

"You should've seen this from a mile away, Renee," he said, still calm, still detached. "Let's face it. We're not on the same wavelength anymore."

Renee felt the world tilt beneath her. "How can you say that?" she whispered, almost more to herself than to him. The man she had shared her life with, raised children with, was sitting there, brushing her aside as if their bond had been nothing more than a business transaction.

Chet sighed, his next words coming out with the same chilling nonchalance. "Look, we'll always be husband and wife. As long as the money keeps coming in, everything's fine. You'll have what you need."

And with that, the line went dead.

Renee sat in stunned silence, the phone still pressed to her ear, though all she could hear now was the faint echo of his words. There was no apology, no attempt at understanding, just the cold, hard truth laid bare: Chet has become indifferent and decided to trek his own path.

Back to the present….

Renee's fists were clenched so tightly, her knuckles had gone stark white, and she hadn't even realized that her keys were still in her hand. The jagged metal edges bit into her skin, deep enough to draw blood, but the physical pain barely registered. The anger—the sheer betrayal—was far louder than the sting in her palm. Her entire body tensed, the weight of Chet's words replaying in her mind like a broken record.

"So, it was like that," she muttered under her breath, her voice bitter, the quiet fury seething beneath the surface.

The livery driver glanced in the rearview mirror, his brow furrowed in concern. "Ma'am, are you alright?" he asked, his voice cutting through the haze of her thoughts.

Renee blinked, pulled back to the present. She glanced down and saw her hand—blood smeared across her palm, droplets gathering where the keys had punctured the skin. For a moment, she just stared, as if the sight of her own blood was somehow less real than the conversation she'd just had with Chet.

The driver asked again, this time with more urgency, "Ma'am? Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine," she replied automatically, her voice sharper than she intended. Quickly, she fumbled through her purse, pulling out a handkerchief. Wrapping it tightly around her hand, she cursed softly, the words slipping out before she could stop them. Her mind was still back on Chet, on his audacity, his cold detachment.

"Not even a week in Japan, and he's already back to his old tricks." She bit her lip, hard, trying to stifle the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to spill over. He hadn't even tried to hide it, not really. His calm, collected tone as he asked for a "hall pass"—as if it were some minor request—still rang in her ears. The nerve.

The saying was true, she thought bitterly. "There's no such thing as new leaves, just old ones turned over. Chet wasn't going to change. He never had. And now, he wasn't even pretending to try."

Meanwhile with Andrew….

As they strolled down the corridor, Andrew's eyes caught the neon sign flashing for the drink bar. The lights glowed vibrantly, contrasting against the otherwise dim surroundings. He slowed his pace, about to stop, when he realized that Hitoshi wasn't stopping at all. She kept walking, her pace casual but deliberate.

Confused, Andrew jogged a little to catch up. "Uh, I thought we were going to the drink bar?" he asked, scratching the back of his head.

Hitoshi turned her head slightly, flashing him a smirk before letting out a soft chuckle. "Oh, Andy, you're such a putz," she teased, the tone playful yet cryptic. "'Drink bar' is just a code. You never know who might be lurking, listening in on conversations."

Andrew blinked, processing her words, now feeling a bit foolish. "Code?" he repeated, looking back at the drink bar sign. "So… where are we going then?"

Hitoshi smirked wider and pointed further down the way, where the thumping bass of heavy rap music reverberated through the corridor. The sound pulsed, the bassline deep and almost hypnotic. Andrew followed her finger and saw a venue lit up in dark, seductive purples and reds, with a sign above the entrance that read Secrets.

The name alone was enough to pique his curiosity—and maybe a little anxiety. "Wait, so… Secrets? Is that where Mei and the others are?" Andrew asked, his voice betraying his hesitation.

Hitoshi shook her head, her eyes glittering with amusement. "Nope," she replied simply, her tone coy as she slipped her arm around his, giving him no time to argue or back out. "But it's where we're going."

With a firm tug, she pulled him along, leading him straight toward the venue. The closer they got, the heavier the music felt, each beat vibrating through his chest, almost as if it was trying to sync with his heartbeat.

Andrew glanced down at Hitoshi as they approached the entrance. She seemed completely unfazed, her confidence as palpable as the bass filling the air. Meanwhile, Andrew's mind raced—what exactly was this place?

Andrew couldn't help but eye the crowd gathered outside Secrets. The line was filled with people who looked like they belonged in a punk rock era, with spiked hair, leather jackets, band tees, and heavy boots. The atmosphere screamed rebellion, and there was a palpable sense of energy that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. He noticed a large man guarding the door, his build intimidating—definitely the bouncer. His broad shoulders and towering height gave him the presence of someone who could toss a person out without breaking a sweat. The bouncer, possibly African or Samoan by appearance, scanned IDs and waved in patrons without a word.

Around the entrance, girls dressed in Gothic maid outfits were handing out flyers and napkins advertising the club. They blended in seamlessly with the edgy crowd. Andrew's heart started to race as they neared the entrance, suddenly realizing he didn't have any ID with him—no Japanese license, and he had left his passport card back at home. His stomach churned with unease, and he felt his palms grow sweaty.

Hitoshi, sensing his growing anxiety, couldn't help but let out a soft, amused chuckle. "Relax, Andy," she said, clearly enjoying watching him squirm a little. "I've got this covered."

He glanced at her, confused but somewhat reassured. When it was their turn in line, the bouncer turned his gaze toward them, giving a slow nod for their IDs. Hitoshi confidently handed him hers and then slipped him a small piece of paper along with it.

The bouncer's face remained stone-cold, expression unreadable, but without a word, he undid the velvet rope and let them inside. No questions asked. No hesitation.

Andrew's brows furrowed as they walked through the doorway, glancing back over his shoulder. "What… what did you just give him?" he asked, still confused and slightly suspicious.

Hitoshi shot him a sly smile, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Don't worry about it," she replied smoothly, as though this were something she did every day. "Just enjoy the night, Andy. We're in."

Andrew couldn't help but shake his head in bewilderment, a small grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. It was clear now—Hitoshi knew her way around this place far better than he had imagined.

As soon as Andrew stepped inside, the transition hit him like a tidal wave. The dimly lit room was bathed in dark neon hues, casting everything in a surreal, otherworldly glow. The booming bass from outside had morphed into a pulsating electronic beat that throbbed in sync with the strobe lights flashing across the room. The walls, lined with neon designs, gave off an ethereal vibe, and it was hard for him to make out much through the fluorescent fog that hovered above the sea of people.

He squinted, trying to adjust to the dimness, feeling completely out of his element. "What… what is this place?" he asked, bewildered.

Hitoshi leaned in close to his ear to be heard over the loud music. "My little getaway," she responded casually, like it was her secret world tucked away from reality. She then pulled something out of her skirt pocket and handed it to him—a handful of glowing neon bracelets. "In case you get lost," she said with a wink, slipping a couple of the bracelets onto his wrist. The neon bands glowed brightly against his skin, adding to the surreal atmosphere.

Andrew followed Hitoshi through the maze of bodies, his senses overwhelmed by the pounding bass, flashing neon lights, and the smoky haze hanging in the air. The crowd moved with a pulsating rhythm, the bodies swaying under the bright strobes and dark UV lights that turned clothes into glowing outlines. The air was thick with the scent of sweat, alcohol, and the faint tang of tobacco, making it feel almost otherworldly.

Hitoshi navigated the space with ease, her movements graceful and purposeful as she led him toward the bar. Andrew tried to keep his eyes level, though the flashing lights and disorienting surroundings made it difficult. He watched as Hitoshi confidently approached the bar, her black leather skirt catching the neon glow, accentuating the sharp lines of her form. Her smokey eye makeup, already intense in the dim light, appeared even more striking under the purple and pink hues.

Andrew's heart raced, and though he felt completely out of his depth, part of him was exhilarated by the sheer novelty of it all.

The bar was nestled in a corner of the room, lined with patrons dressed in everything from gothic attire to neon rave outfits. The bartender—a woman dressed like Harley Quinn with her hair in twin pigtails, blue and red streaks cascading down—was laughing with a group of patrons. She wore a faux smile that was almost too enthusiastic, her bright lipstick standing out in the dark setting.

When Andrew and Hitoshi approached the counter, the bartender spotted them and switched on her exaggerated accent immediately. "Well, well, well, what can I get for you puddins'?" she asked with a wink, resting her forearms on the counter as she leaned toward them, her eyes flicking between the two of them. Her voice was playfully seductive, though the accent was clearly fake.

Hitoshi didn't miss a beat. "Gin and tonic," she ordered, her tone nonchalant, as if this were her usual hangout.

Andrew, feeling slightly out of his element, glanced around briefly before locking eyes with the bartender. "Whiskey on the rocks," he said, keeping his voice steady.

The bartender's red lips curled into a knowing smile as she scribbled down the order. "One whiskey for the handsome fella," she said with a wink at Andrew, clearly enjoying herself as she spun away to make the drinks.

Andrew felt his face flush slightly as he turned to Hitoshi, who was already smirking. "Looks like someone's got a crush," she teased, her voice laced with amusement as she nudged him playfully with her elbow.

He rolled his eyes but smiled. "It's just part of the act," he muttered, trying to play it cool, though her teasing made him feel like he was under a spotlight.

Before he could elaborate, Hitoshi grabbed his hand and pulled him away from the bar, the sudden tug catching him off guard. "Come on, no need to stand around," she said, her voice cutting through the noise. "The drinks will find us."

Andrew stumbled slightly as he followed her through the crowd, his gaze briefly catching on the bartender again, who gave him another wink before turning to the next customer. He was still processing the interaction when Hitoshi dragged him to a quieter area, away from the mass of writhing bodies on the dance floor. They approached a semi-secluded booth with a "reserved" sign perched on the table. The neon lights above flickered a soft pink, giving the space an intimate glow.

"Take a seat," Hitoshi instructed as she gestured toward the booth, sliding in first and leaving space for him. Her black boots brushed against the worn leather seat as she made herself comfortable, one arm draped casually over the backrest.

Andrew hesitated for a moment before sliding into the booth, grateful for the bit of privacy away from the chaotic crowd. The booth was cozy, large enough for a group but intimate enough for two, and despite the heavy bass still shaking the walls, it felt like a brief reprieve from the sensory overload outside.

As they settled in, Andrew couldn't help but glance across at Hitoshi. She seemed completely at ease, as if this was her natural habitat—a place where she could be herself, away from prying eyes and expectations. He, on the other hand, still felt like a stranger in a strange world.

Hitoshi leaned back in her seat, exhaling a cloud of smoke as the neon lights above them flickered in a rhythmic pulse. Her eyes gleamed with a mixture of amusement and intrigue as she watched Andrew fumble slightly with the cigarette before taking a puff. The peach flavor lingered in the air, sweet and tangy against the sharp scent of tobacco.

"Comfortable yet?" she asked, her voice smooth and teasing as she tapped her cigarette against the edge of the ashtray. "The night's still young, and there's plenty more to explore."

Andrew, still adjusting to the smoky environment and Hitoshi's laid-back demeanor, glanced around the booth. The dim lighting and intimate space made it feel like they were miles away from the noisy world outside. He appreciated the privacy but couldn't shake the feeling of unease lingering in the back of his mind—part of it due to the unfamiliar environment, part of it because of Ashley.

"So... Mei and the others," Andrew started, curiosity getting the better of him as he shifted in his seat. "Are they still around?"

Hitoshi gave a low chuckle, taking another drag from her cigarette before responding. "Oh, they're around," she said, flicking her ashes into the tray. "Singing, dancing, and acting like fools at the karaoke bar down the road. Definitely not my style."

She pulled out her lighter again, flicking it absentmindedly as she spoke. The flame flickered between her fingers, casting shadows across her face. "I wanted to show you something else. My Musutafu. Not the touristy stuff, not the drink bars where everyone pretends to be grown-ups. That's for kids."

Her words hung in the air, casual but with a weight of intent behind them. She slid the cigarette case and lighter toward Andrew, raising an eyebrow as if daring him to continue playing along with her game.

Andrew hesitated for a moment, his thoughts flashing briefly to Ashley and her friends. He knew they weren't exactly in the same place, and the idea of her worrying about him crossed his mind. But then, with a subtle shake of his head, he pushed that thought aside. Tonight was about something else. Something different.

"Define what a kid is," he responded, a faint smirk playing on his lips as he took one of the peach-flavored cigarettes and lit it. The warm glow of the lighter illuminated his face briefly before he slid it back to her.

Hitoshi leaned forward, her smile widening as if she'd been waiting for that answer. "A kid," she said, her voice low and playful, "is someone who follows the rules, who goes where they're supposed to go, does what they're supposed to do. A kid sticks to the plan."

She paused, taking a deep drag from her cigarette, her gaze never leaving his. "And that's not what we're doing tonight, is it?"

Andrew exhaled a puff of smoke, feeling the light buzz of the nicotine mingling with the thrum of the music vibrating through the walls. He took in Hitoshi's words, understanding the subtle challenge behind them.

"Guess not," he said, settling back in the booth, feeling the tension in his shoulders start to ease. "So what are we doing, then?"

Hitoshi's eyes glinted mischievously as she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table between them. "We're breaking the rules, Andy," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the hum of electronica in the background. "And seeing what happens next."

They hadn't been sitting long before the bartender — the same one from earlier, dressed like Harley Quinn — sashayed over with a tray in hand.

Her faux Brooklyn accent slipped effortlessly through her lips as she placed their drinks on the table with a flourish. "Here ya go, puddins'," she said, winking at Andrew as she handed him his whiskey on the rocks. "A little somethin' to loosen ya up."

Andrew nodded in thanks, taking the drink from her. The bartender, however, wasn't content to simply leave. With a sudden, playful move, she slid into the booth next to him, her body pressing against his side as she casually draped an arm around his shoulders.

"So," she purred, glancing between Andrew and Hitoshi, "who's ya cute friend?" Her fingers playfully ruffled Andrew's hair, and he could feel her breath against his neck. She was close — too close for comfort, but Andrew, to his credit, kept his cool.

Hitoshi, watching this with a smirk, took her time to respond, her fingers delicately rolling her cigarette between them. "That," she said with a deliberate pause, "is Andrew Graves, the new kid from America. One of my schoolmates."

The bartender raised an eyebrow, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "A new fish?" she teased, her voice dripping with charm. Her arm around Andrew tightened slightly as she leaned in a little closer, her boldness catching him off guard.

Andrew felt a nervous energy prickling at his skin, but he steeled himself, knowing he had to play it cool. He couldn't let this throw him off. It wasn't the first time a girl had tried to mess with him — he was used to Ashley's relentless teasing, after all. But this? This was a whole different kind of game.

Smiling smoothly, Andrew replied, "You may look at me as a sardine, but I'm more of a large trout." His voice was calm, confident, as he took a drag from his cigarette, exhaling a slow puff of smoke that curled lazily in the air. He formed a ring with it, the wisps dissipating into the neon haze.

The bartender's lips curled into a grin as she chuckled softly. "A large trout, huh?" she mused, her finger still idly toying with his hair. "Well, puddin', we'll see 'bout that. I think you're more of a minnow right now, but maybe — just maybe — you'll grow into that big fish you're talkin' about."

She laughed, her voice low and teasing, before finally slipping her arm away from his shoulders. She stood, smoothing her apron and adjusting her pigtails before giving Andrew one last playful wink. "Ain't you lucky to have all these ladies around you?" she said, flashing a sly grin as she glanced at Hitoshi, who merely raised an eyebrow in response.

With that, the bartender sauntered off, her hips swaying with each step as she disappeared back toward the bar, leaving Andrew to catch his breath. He looked across the table at Hitoshi, who was watching him with that same amused expression.

"You handled that better than I thought," Hitoshi said, taking a slow sip of her gin and tonic. "Not bad for the new guy."

Andrew chuckled softly, feeling the weight of the encounter slowly easing off his shoulders. "I've had plenty of practice," he said, exhaling another stream of smoke as he leaned back into the booth. "But I'll admit, that? That was new."

Hitoshi tapped her cigarette into the ashtray, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Get used to it, Graves," she said with a wink. "Musutafu's full of surprises."

Andrew took a sip of his whiskey, the smooth burn of the alcohol settling in his chest as the bass-heavy music thumped in the background. The room seemed to pulse in sync with the music, dark neon lights flickering in time with the beat.

Meanwhile with Renee….

The taxi approached the ornate gate, where a portly security guard, his uniform straining slightly over his midsection, emerged from his post. Renee watched as he ambled over to the car. The vehicle slowed, and she lowered the window, her fingers still tightly clutching the handkerchief around her bleeding hand. With a practiced motion, she handed him the invitation.

The guard examined the card, his eyes briefly scanning its details before he flipped through a clipboard pad, checking names against a guest list. After a moment, he nodded in acknowledgment and turned back toward his booth, his movements deliberate. A low, mechanical buzz echoed through the air, and the gates groaned open with a rustling sound. The taxi crept forward, crossing the threshold into the sprawling grounds of the Yaoyorozu estate.

As they glided down the winding path, Renee's gaze drifted to the scene unfolding around her. Long rows of meticulously pruned trees lined the driveway, their branches arching overhead like a lush, verdant tunnel. The path meandered through a serene landscape, flanked by manicured gardens and stately hedges, leading up to the grand Yaoyorozu manor.

According to Inko, this was one of Mrs. Yaoyorozu's "hideaway spots," a luxurious retreat meant to provide a respite from the outside world. Renee's thoughts wandered as she took in the opulence of the estate. "A hideaway spot," she thought, a sardonic edge to her musings. She could envision herself in such a place—not for relaxation, but rather perched somewhere far off, perhaps with a high-powered rifle, the scope trained on Chet from five hundred meters away. The imagery was darkly satisfying, a fleeting escape from the raw anger she felt.

Yet, as quickly as the thought came, it dissipated, leaving behind a sobering truth. As much as she wished she could distance herself from her frustrations, Chet was still the father of their children. Her anger, though intense and consuming, was intertwined with the reality of their shared responsibilities. Even amidst the fantasy of retribution, she couldn't fully escape the reality of her life, nor the emotional complexity of her relationship with him.

As the winding path culminated, Renee's breath caught in her throat at the sight of the villa. If this was a villa, she thought wryly, then her own house might as well have been a ramshackle shed. The mansion loomed before her, a breathtaking display of architectural grandeur. Tall columns flanked the entrance, their white surfaces gleaming under the soft glow of strategically placed lights that highlighted the intricate stonework. Every detail—from the ornate balconies to the carefully manicured hedges—screamed opulence.

Her eyes drifted to the garden, where twinkling fairy lights were strung between the trees, casting a magical glow over what appeared to be an outdoor tea social. The gentle clinking of porcelain cups and the soft murmur of conversation floated on the evening breeze, blending with the sweet scent of jasmine and freshly cut grass.

As the taxi rolled to a stop, Renee noticed several servants bustling around, heading toward a sleek van parked at the curb. They carried trays and boxes filled with supplies, their movements efficient and purposeful, adding to the air of polished sophistication that surrounded her. A wave of self-consciousness washed over her; the casual outfit she'd chosen felt woefully inadequate amidst the elegance of the villa.

The taxi driver turned to her, and she quickly paid him, her fingers fumbling with the cash as she mentally berated herself for not dressing up more. "I'll call when I'm ready to leave," she managed to say, her voice steadier than she felt.

Just as the driver pulled away, a familiar voice broke through her thoughts. "Renee!"

She looked up to see Inko dashing toward her, radiant in a flowing black evening gown that swayed gracefully with each step. The fabric shimmered under the soft lights, accentuating her figure and the warmth of her smile. For a brief moment, a wave of panic surged within Renee, and she considered retreating to the taxi, wishing to escape the overwhelming aura of wealth that seemed to envelop her. But before she could act on that impulse, Inko reached her, wrapping her in a warm embrace that radiated genuine welcome.

"Renee! I'm so glad you made it!" Inko exclaimed, her voice bright with enthusiasm, and Renee felt the tension in her shoulders begin to melt away. Despite her lingering feelings of inadequacy, she couldn't help but smile back, comforted by the warmth of Inko's presence.

Inko's gaze swept over Renee's outfit, her eyes sparkling with understanding. "Oh, don't worry about a thing! Everyone here is down to Earth," she reassured, her tone inviting and encouraging. "Come on! Let me show you inside."

With a gentle tug, Inko led her toward the villa's grand entrance. As they crossed the threshold, Renee was enveloped by a delightful swirl of aromas: blooming flowers mingled with the rich scent of freshly brewed tea. The laughter and chatter of guests echoed in the background, drawing her into the vibrant atmosphere. She felt the weight of her worries begin to lift, replaced by a sense of curiosity about what the evening might hold.

Meanwhile….

The boys of Class 1-A stepped out of the arcade, the sounds of laughter and cheers still echoing behind them. Katsuki stood confidently at the center of the group, basking in the glory of his victory on Dance Dance Revolution. Denki, wide-eyed and excited, kept replaying the match in his head, still in disbelief at Katsuki's skill.

"That was insane, Bakugou! I thought I had a chance!" Denki exclaimed, bouncing on his heels.

Katsuki shrugged, a cocky grin plastered on his face. "It's nothing. Just put in some effort next time."

Minoru, visibly defeated, counted the yen in his hand before reluctantly handing it over to Katsuki. "I can't believe I lost to you, of all people."

Katsuki sneered, shoving the money into his pocket. "Maybe if you spent less time on the sidelines and more time practicing, you wouldn't be a benchwarmer."

Eijirou rubbed the back of his neck, glancing around as he contemplated their next move. "So, what do we do now?"

Hanta perked up, an eager smile on his face. "I heard the girls are hitting up the drink bar at the mall! We should join them!"

Yuga chimed in, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "That sounds like a blast! We could make it a group outing!"

Katsuki rolled his eyes, unimpressed. "What are you, some kind of sissy nerd? Just because you like fruity drinks doesn't mean we have to go."

"Come on, Bakugou," Tenya interjected, crossing his arms. "You should at least be polite. And besides, hanging out with the girls could be fun."

Katsuki scoffed. "Fun? You mean boring. Just keep quiet and stay in your place like Deku."

Izuku, quietly observing the banter, finally spoke up, a hint of enthusiasm in his voice. "I think it would be a great idea to go to the drink bar. It might be nice to relax together after all that excitement."

Katsuki shot him a skeptical glance, but the group seemed to warm to the idea. "Fine, whatever. But don't expect me to play nice."

Denki walked alongside Minoru, a grin plastered on his face. "Hey, did you hear? Ashley Graves is hanging out with the girls tonight!"

Minoru's eyes lit up. "Really? Where'd you hear that?"

"Jirou told me," Denki replied, practically bouncing with excitement.

Minoru's enthusiasm grew, his mind already racing with possibilities. "No way! I've been wanting to talk to her!"

Katsuki, walking slightly ahead, caught the exchange and shot them a sharp look. "So that gaijin girl is going to be there, huh?" he said, a hint of disdain lacing his tone.

Denki nodded, unable to suppress his excitement. "Yeah! Isn't that awesome?"

A mischievous smile crept onto Katsuki's face, his competitive spirit igniting. "Now I'm really eager to go and have some 'fun.' Why not give the new girl a night to remember?" He let out a snigger, clearly plotting something.

Minoru's excitement dimmed slightly at Katsuki's tone, sensing that his intentions might not be entirely innocent. "Uh, what do you mean by that?"

Katsuki shot him a sideways glance, a cocky grin still in place. "Just making sure she knows what kind of class she's joining. Let's see if she can keep up."

Denki, oblivious to the undercurrent of Katsuki's words, continued to chatter about how cool it would be to hang out with Ashley. Minoru, torn between his excitement and a flicker of concern over Katsuki's plans, quickened his pace to keep up with the group, his thoughts solely on the girl who had suddenly made everything feel a little more interesting.

To be continued….

BD: This is quite a chapter. That is really all I can say. This was quite a chapter. Definitely setting the chapter for what is to come. I am very excited to build this world for our UA heroes and our Misery Twins.

SexySinneress: Definitely, the girls seem to be enjoying themselves although one little duckling seems to be conflicted. Maybe they'll become great friends in the future. On another note though Chet is a real asshole for asking Renee for a hall pass while sleeping around. The universe will have to give him a swift kick in the nuts.

BD: Chet is the least of my worries. He hasn't even made a presence, barely scratching the surface. All the more reason how things are going to be twisted as our story progresses.

SexySinneress: true we should be more concerned with Bakuhoe's plans. What devious things has he thought up to hurt Ashley? Will Andrew be able to help or will he be to busy with Hitoshi? Will Renee be able to move past her recent heartbreak? Stay tuned to find out. As always, God bless and Team Greenshade!