"Thanks for the flight!"

Luna was one step away from exiting the airplane when she felt a cold breeze blow on her through the crack between the airplane door and the ramp. It sent unexpected shivers up her spine. "Wow, chilly." Luna giggled cutely as she continued walking. Stepping into the airport, she explored her surroundings, taking in the sight of a country she wasn't used to. She inhaled and exhaled, happy to breathe in the smell of the airport alone. It didn't look too different from the airport she was used to, but she was certain she'd see much more when she got outside.

After picking up her luggage from the baggage claim, Luna headed for the sliding doors. She scheduled for an Uber to pick her up and they should be here soon.

"I'm late!"

Luna turned when she heard a quick voice. She barely processed the sight of a guy suddenly rushing past her. His large suitcase hit her in the knee, a noise of surprise escaping as her leg ached from the impact.

"Move!" The man's voice echoed in Luna's ear as she lost her balance and started to fall.

Only to be stopped by something holding her from the back. Though she was resting on the back of her feet, her clothes were hanging from something she couldn't see.

A pair of footsteps stopped behind Luna. "How rude of him. Are you good?" A husky, masculine voice asked.

She felt a pair of hands grip her hips and push her up. Luna gradually regained her footing and turned around. She was surprised to see a very attractive-looking man, a head taller than her with blonde hair. His attire consisted of an expensive-looking gray sweater with a turtleneck, black jeans and black-and-white shoes. Probably the most striking feature however, even with the very large red wings attached to his back, were his golden eyes.

A tiny hum escaped the girl before she nodded. "Thank you." She said meaningfully.

The man gave a casual grin in response. "It was nothing. Just glad that you're okay." He said, letting his grin change to a smile. "New to Japan?"

Luna nodded. "Mmm-hmm. It's my first time here. I've also moved here from America." She mentioned, maybe a bit too much info.

"Oh yeah?" The man's eyes brightened at this. "Well, if that's the case, then welcome to Japan. I'm sure you're gonna love it here."

"Thank you! I'm sure I will." Luna replied, also with a bright smile.

The two of them said their goodbyes and departed, Luna hurrying to the exit so she wouldn't miss her Uber. The man who helped her on the other hand, headed in the direction where that jerk ran off to.

Luna's eyes fluttered open and she stretched out her limbs. Her thoughts on the dream she had made her recall a memory of coming to Japan. The moment she first stepped foot onto the lands of this country. People say there are pros and cons to everything, including places. Luna guessed she received both at the same time that day. Someone was rude and someone was immediately nice afterwards.

Her grandparents always wanted to see Japan, not never got the chance to. It was unfortunate, but it was because of being in charge of their business and taking care of their granddaughter. They passed away before getting the chance to, so Luna figured she'd go for them. They would have loved it here. There may have been a lot of dangerous crime regarding villains, but most of the people were very nice.

Luna smiled sadly as she stared up at the morning sky through her window. I miss you.

She didn't know how she got into this situation, nor did she mind in that moment. The ecstasy coursing through her body was making her enjoy every minute of it. The cheers surrounding her encouraged her to continue on, putting her heart and soul into what she was doing.

Luna and a few other people were dancing on a colorful dance floor while singing in microphones to songs, staring at the large screen in front of them as it showed what lyrics would play and what square to step on next. It was some kind of new fun station that opened up in the middle of one of the open centers of a declining mall. The owner hoped to regain some profit and keep the mall open by adding something that would attract customers. It appeared to be working so far as many teenagers and young adults kept paying to sing and dance at the same time. Luna and the others were singing to their hearts' content while stepping on glowing boxes beneath them to continue playing the right keys.

In the dark of the night, she got danger on her mind

She's a million dollar baby, nobody can explain it

She's a miracle

She's a miracle, oh oh oh

She's a miracle

She broke out of her chains, turned the fire into rain

She's a million dollar baby, she's bound to drive you crazy

She's a miracle

She's a miracle, yeah

She's a miracle, oh, oh, oh, oh

People cheered as the song ended, clapping in praise toward the singers who participated in bringing light to the mall. Those up front begged them to sing one more song and Luna happily participated again. Some people went away while others joined this time, wanting to get a taste on the action.

The dance floor powered back on, igniting a roar from the audience who cheered as a random song played.

You see tonight, it could go either way

Hearts balanced on a razor blade

We are designed to love and break

And to rinse and repeat it all again

I get stuck when the world's too loud

And things don't look up when you're goin' down

I know your arms are reachin' out

From somewhere beyond the clouds

Luna giggled, feeling so light with happiness at the joy of everyone around her. It was like they were lifting her up themselves. Some people started singing with her and the other singers and others clapped to the beat.

You make me feel

Like my troubled heart is a million miles away

You make me feel

Like I'm drunk on stars and we're dancing out into space

Celestial

Celestial

We were made to be

Nothin' more than this

Finding magic in all the smallest things

The way we notice, that's what really matters

Let's made tonight go on and on and on

You make me feel

Like my troubled heart is a million miles away

You make me feel

Like I'm drunk on stars and we're dancing out into space

Celestial oh-oh

Celestial oh-oh

Once the song was over, they received a maximum amount of applauds from a large group of people in the crowd. Luna, having had her fill, got off the dance floor and gave the microphone to a willing customer before getting off. People complimented her several times, who she thanked gratefully. The ecstasy still flowed through her veins, sweat forming on her temples from having moved around so fast.

"Hey, that was pretty impressive, songbird."

A familiar voice caught Luna's attention as the crowd of people giving Luna their attention dispersed. The only person who did not move was a guy with fluffy golden hair and eyes. His face appeared calm and carefree. The large red wings behind his back made the memory of having met this guy before instantly return to Luna.

Luna gasped in surprise. "Oh, it's you!" She nearly exclaimed, blushing in slight embarrassment. "Uh, thank you! I guess I just got really into it."

Still smiling, the red-winged man raised an eyebrow. "Don't do it often?"

"Not really, actually."

"Really? Hmm. You should do it more often." The man said. "How've you been? Liking Japan so far?"

"I love it!" Luna brightened at his question. "Everyone here's so nice and the country is just so beautiful!"

The man's smile turned into a soft grin, something flickering in his eyes. "Aww, that's so good to hear! It sounds like you're planning to stay, then?"

Luna giggled. "Most definitely! I look forward to seeing more of the country." She said before realizing she once again forgot to introduce herself. Inwardly sighing, she straightened herself up to give a decent introduction. "I don't believe I introduced myself, I'm sorry. My name is Luna Solace." She bowed to the man who helped her that day a few months ago.

There was an odd gap of silence before the man finally responded. "That's such a pretty name. It suits you." The man said, successfully making the girl blush. "I'm Keigo."

The two of them talked for a little bit, this Keigo person mentioning some places for Luna to visit. They moved away from the fun station to hear each other better. This Keigo person seemed to know the area well, him explaining that having such powerful wings to fly around was useful. He got her to laugh a few times, her bell-like vocalization unknowingly brought even more music to the winged man's ears. A few things she said even made him chuckle.

Keigo's eyes briefly shifted to something behind Luna before looking back at her. "Anyway, I'd love to stick around and chit-chat more, but I gotta get somewhere. It was nice seeing you again." He said.

Luna continued to smile, tiling her head adorably. "Oh, you have to go? Okay. It was nice talking to you." She said.

Keigo hummed, his own smile extending before bringing a hand up. "Alright, catch ya later." He said before turning to go.

Luna waved at him too despite him not seeing her do so. After watching him go, she turned to search for a store she was interested in seeing. Only to notice someone not so far walking straight toward her. His clothing was rather thick and his head was dipped, but she recognized the green mass of hair right away, those beautiful green eyes staring directly into her blue-purple orbs as he raised his head a bit. Luna's smile grew and she was about to greet him when she noticed the look in his eyes.

He didn't appear happy.

Her smile dropped when she realized he was frowning.

"Deku?" Her voice was soft with concern, his name slipping from her mouth. "Are you okay? Is something wrong?"

Out of nowhere, his frown disappeared and was replaced with his usual expression. He smiled at her, though something about it seemed off. "No, no, nothing's wrong. I just couldn't help but notice you were here." He said, his voice a bit chipper for having suddenly looked mad.

Luna blinked at his sudden change of attitude. Though they only met a little while ago, she never saw him angry. Why was he even mad?

Chalking it up to him possibly having a bad interaction with someone else or a product being unavailable in a store (they were in a mall, after all), Luna dropped it and replied. "Yeah, I found out about this mall and figured I'd come here on my day off. I love exploring Musutafu."

"Really? Then you wouldn't mind if I joined you?" Deku asked, basically inviting himself to hang out with her.

Deku's green eyes glanced behind Luna, specifically to the direction Keigo disappeared to. He looked back, his expression still the same. Luna noticed something about his tone. It sounded chipper, but it cracked as he asked the question and revealed an unpleasant emotion.

"Of course not. I'd love for you to join me." Luna said sincerely, smiling sweetly. "I actually know of a cafe close to this mall. Their tea and pastries are delicious! Would you like to try it?"

Giving it a moment of thought, he agreed. Luna showed him the way out the mall and took Deku to where the cafe was. She tried to talk to Deku on the way there, but he only responded with one to two worded answers like "Yes", "Fine", and "Not really". Maybe he was in a bad mood about something and was trying not to show it? It seemed out of character for him to be this way.

Well, Luna didn't know him too well, so she shouldn't judge him.

They arrived at a cafe called Deja Brew and went inside. Luna ordered a chocolate tea and a small strawberry shortcake. Deku ordered a green tea and a small Castella slice. Deku was going to pay but Luna insisted, saying she should treat him since he kept her safe that night at Hana Park. Deku reluctantly allowed her to do so, not saying a word as she paid the cashier. They ended up sitting at a small table by a window far away from other customers and proceeded to taste their orders.

"How's your cake and tea?" Luna asked before taking a sip of her own, enjoying the creamy taste and soothing aroma. She crossed one leg over the other.

"Good." Was all Deku said.

"I like mine, too." Luna mentioned after swallowing what was left streaming down her throat.

Deku was staring at Luna the entire time since they sat down, even when sitting and forking cake into his mouth. He held a blank expression. His gaze was intense. Luna finally decided to ask him again if something was bothering him.

"Did I upset you somehow?" Luna asked, truly confused as to why he seemed so negative.

Deku put his tea down and leaned forward, intertwining his fingers before resting his chin on them, his elbows pressed into the table. "Why were you talking to that man?" He finally asked.

Luna thought about what he said, almost immediately remembering the man she spoke with before Deku showed up. "The man with the wings? He helped me when I first moved here." She replied.

A couple seconds passed before Deku smiled unsettlingly. "…What do you mean he, 'helped' you?" He asked, leaning in a little more. His tone held curiosity with a dark ring to it.

Of course Luna did not catch on to his uncanny posture. "I was in the airport and a guy was in a hurry. He pushed me, but Keigo stopped me from falling." She explained. "So sweet of him. I mean there are a few bad apples, but so many people here are nice."

Deku turned his head a little at the sound of 'Keigo'.

Hawks told her his real name?

…

So Luna met a fellow villain before she met Deku?

This was something he couldn't let go of. Villains constantly betrayed each other for their own personal gain, whether they were on friendly terms or not. Deku had many connections Hawks could want access to. Perhaps he spotted Deku and Luna together at some point and saw an opportunity?

Or could Luna and Hawks have made a deal before Deku even met her and her saving him was all a set up?

Deep down Deku really didn't want to believe that was the case, but he couldn't take a chance. He won't just dive into interrogation like what he does with most people, but he will get answers out of her.

"So you've met him before. How many times?"

"Just twice." Luna replied, putting another fork of shortcake into her mouth.

"What did you talk about?"

"Well the first time we met, I told him I moved here. The second time, he asked me how I was liking it here and recommended some places. We also introduced ourselves. That's it." Luna replied. She wondered why Deku was asking about the guy. "Do you know him?"

Deku's eyes slightly widened at her question. Thinking carefully about what to say, he folded his palms together. "We're not associated with each other, but we are on good terms." He answered. "I don't really speak to him unless we're in the same place."

"Oh." Luna replied. "Small world."

Deku stared into Luna's eyes as she took another sip of her brewing tea. She didn't lie in her answers, she was honest.

So why was Hawks talking to her?

Knowing a bit about the villain, Hawks wasn't much of a threat to society unless someone hired him to do something or when he was just surviving. He's really just a carefree guy who loves wasting time. Deku can't really think of anything else other than the guy might've been hired to abduct or at least track him or Luna. Possibly talking to Luna to get intel on Deku? He wanted to think that was it, but he didn't interact with Hawks much.

"How do you know him?" Luna asked, catching Deku's attention rather fast.

Deku stopped breathing for a second. "Business."

"…Business?" Luna asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. Business." Deku repeated, his voice straining a bit as he looked away. He grabbed his teacup and took a big gulp of the hot tea, not caring if it burned his throat.

Luna paused. "Mmm. Okay." She said, having heard the small vibe in his voice. Maybe it was something he didn't want to share. It was not any of her business, after all.

Deku looked out the window. As if he didn't have enough on his plate to deal with. He already had Bakugo on his tail, the explosion-quirked bully getting more and more frequent and aggressive with his attempts to end his life. He wondered if maybe Bakugo was the one who hired Hawks, but quickly shot that down when he remembered Bakugo didn't like Hawks one bit. The winged villain would always mess with him whenever they crossed paths, teasing the hothead for not being able to catch him. Deku actually found it funny and satisfying.

"I don't believe I ever asked you," Luna spoke up, knocking Deku out of his trance. "but I was wondering if maybe we could exchange numbers? I really enjoy hanging out with you and thought maybe we could be friends."

Deku's lips slightly departed, taking in a slow breath as he turned back to her. She wanted…to be friends? With him?

"…Wha-?"

"Can we please be friends?"

No one. Absolutely no one, ever wanted to be friends with someone like him. He was born quirkless and branded a nerd, mercilessly bullied and cast out, and rejected by his idol to the point of hating hero society. He didn't even think he'd consider the relationship he and Bakugo had when they were little kids to even be called a 'friendship'.

But this girl wanted to be his friend?

Luna hummed in confusion when she noticed thick streams of tears flowing down Deku's face. "Deku? What happened?" She asked, sounding genuinely concerned. "D-Did I say something wrong?"

What happened? Did the question upset him?

Deku's cheeks felt numb, his eyes shifting down to the table. His heart felt like it cracked.

Luna got off her chair and came over to him, surprising Deku yet again as she wrapped her arms around him. "Shh, shh…it's okay. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you." She said, rubbing his back to calm him down.

Deku sniffled. "N-No, no. You didn't upset me. You just…surprised me." He said. "I-I'd like to be friends with you, yes."

Luna was just as confused as ever. Why would he cry for being asked a question like that? But she didn't bring it up as she pulled away. Grabbing a napkin from the table, she brought her hand up and dabbed at his cheeks and mouth, wiping away the tears and mucus. Deku watched her, staring at the way her face gently twisted in both affection, concern and concentration.

Luna eventually sat back down and wrote out her number. Deku gave her a number for a personal phone and they exchanged. Being friends with her could benefit him. It would be easier to monitor Luna's calls and texts that way. He would find out for sure if she was a friend or foe. He really hoped it was the first one.

Someone watched the two young adults from the darkness of the alleyway, practically burning holes into the glass of the cafe as they stared at the two interact in a rather affectionate way.

What the fuck do we have here?

Again if anyone is wondering what songs were being sung, the first one was Million Dollar Baby by Ava Max and the second was Celestial by Ed Sheeran.