Chapter Text
"Okay," Fists clenched over her chest, [Y/N]'s determined face stared right back at her from the mirror. Her regular workouts and training were doubled when she filed an admission for U.A. High School—the top Hero School in Japan. It took a lot of convincing to make her parents agree, and receiving a letter containing her overall score in the written test along with the orientation for the practical test, [Y/N] made a promise not only to her parents but also to herself to strive to be the best of the best in U.A.
"If you pass of course," The voice of her mom rang in her head. She huffed, using those words as encouragement instead that she will succeed. [Y/N] took one more look of her middle school uniform, it was suggested by the school to wear it, then changing into an outfit where the examinees can move freely and present their Quirks during the practical. No light makeup or hair in a style for now, [Y/N] needs to show how she uses her Quirk to the officials in U.A.
The thought of it made her excited, eyes drifting to the diamonds between her knuckles—red on the left and black on the right.
"I'm off!" [Y/N] didn't wait for her dad's supportive joy or mom's stern of worry as she ran out the household, arriving in time to catch the bullet train, and hiking up the hill where U.A. stands with pride.
[Y/N] heard of the staff being pro heroes, seems like their focus is not only on defeating villains and protecting the innocent, but also educating aspiring students. She never expected Present Mic to be one of the staffs. It was almost saddening that no one reciprocated the same boisterous demeanor when he welcomed the examinees. He immediately went on explaining how the practical test will be.
"Point System, huh?" [Y/N] listened further. A total of four types of 'Villain' bots will be roaming around a makeshift city arena. Easy villains equal to one point, two points for medium, and three points for hard. No point for this 'Arena Trap' bot. [Y/N] wondered for a moment, gradually the examinees would ignore the last one. But basing one the shadow figures that Present Mic showed on the screen behind him, these bots would likely be medium to large size.
As always, rely on your surroundings. Make most of it with your quirk. [Y/N] assumed that the Arena Traps would be large, despite its name. Perhaps the judges would like to see how the examinees deal with this kind of bot if they're trapped wi—
A spotlight shone on a boy among the audience, making [Y/N] lose her thoughts. The boy was saying something, clear yet not enough context for her. He must be talking for a while. She, along with others watched the boy turned his head behind. [Y/N] caught his features: stern expression behind his glasses, short dark blue hair styled with an undercut.
"And you—" A gasp emitted from the audience, not sure who, but [Y/N] can tell it was another boy. "—you have been mumbling loudly throughout the orientation. I advise to leave immediately if you will bring nothing but more distraction."
"Sorry!" [Y/N] leaned forward in her seat, hoping to see the other boy. She only saw a glimpse of dark green hair, and beside him was a person with a spiked ash blonde, both wearing the same uniforms.
Must be friends.
The orientation took more hours, followed by a short break for the examinees to change clothes before going to their respective arenas. A simple tracksuit and running shoes were enough for [Y/N] and gathering her hair with a hairband to keep it in place.
Many were stretching or taking deep breaths while she and others stand in front of the closed doors. [Y/N] took this opportunity to scout the other examinees' Quirks, noting their physical forms and clothing. How they style themselves sometimes gave a big conclusion for her on what their Quirk might be.
A sudden shove on her shoulder came from nowhere, the person not battering an eye or apologizing as he keeps moving forward.
It made [Y/N] scoff softly. Really, some people only think of themselves. The sound must've been heard, for the boy stopped his tracks and a scowl plastered on his face when he turned.
What's up with his face? It seemed like those furrowed brows and tensed eyes were permanent. Like he came into this world to despise everything and everyone.
[Y/N] wasn't sure if it's hatred or anger, or both even. Never she has seen someone so intense.
"You got a problem, nerd?" The spiky hair taunted. "You think you can take me? Got what it takes?" He formed a sinister grin. "None of you desperate losers are fit to be in the hero course. Better if you idiots go home."
He was loud, earning numerous heads turn towards him, but he didn't care. Eyes narrowed at [Y/N], he stared some more before gruffing. The grin never wavered when he went back around to walk upfront of the waiting crowd. "Fucking extras."
[Y/N] was left in disbelief. The nerve! He was worse that she thought!
"...piss baby." [Y/N] uttered under her breath, glaring at the boy's back. She hoped he won't pass the practical test.
"Careful. If he hears you, the bots won't be the only ones in his line of target."
A short yelp came out from [Y/N], body stilled. Spiral of swears filled her mind for being caught, cheeks warming a little. Yet she made her head turn to the side.
Standing near her was another boy. Same blond hair, but his was lighter. Styled in a slick, parted to the right, and bangs hanging over his right eye. Speaking of, the irises were in a shade between blue and violet. He almost had a droopy expression, but the smirk on his lips says otherwise.
He was leaning a little, to make sure his voice was heard clearly near on the girl's ear, hands behind his back. The boy chuckled, finding [Y/N]'s surprise amusing. "Don't worry, I won't tell. Though if it makes me see more of that blush, I might."
...
Shit. [Y/N] cleared her throat, it won't help with her rising pinkness, aware that its cause is not only from embarrassment anymore. The sudden quick beats in her chest gave it away further.
"Sorry..." She felt the boy's gaze, while hers averted. Drifting to each examinee except him. He knows English, and out of all things, this attractive guy first heard from her is an insult.
Way to go, nice first impression.
"You...have an accent going on." [Y/N] noticed, making the boy hum in recognition.
"Oh? You like it? I do try to sound charming." The smugness was evident in his voice, yet it was magnetic and suitable. With enough ounce of courage, [Y/N] returned her gaze at the boy. He still has the smirk, now standing properly.
"European?" [Y/N] asked. The boy tilted his head, while holding his chin, thinking.
"Close..." He drawled, tapping his chin for more dramatic effect. He looked at [Y/N]. "But why ruin the fun in guessing?"
[Y/N] can't help but chuckle. The discomfort slowly melting as she continues the conversation. "Are you like this when you meet someone?"
"Why of course!" He replied without hesitation, flipping his bangs and the smirk in his lips never leaving. "First impressions are everything aren't they? Might as well make mine unforgettable."
"And besides," He lowered his voice, like it's a secret between them. "I think it's working."
[Y/N] gave her full attention now to him; a smile plastered on her face. "It's been a while since I met someone who can speak fluent English."
The boy, clearly pleased by her interest, gave a short and theatrical bow of his head. "Pleasure's all mine. I admit—it's more fun when someone actually notices. How boring it is that most here wouldn't catch on, unless I spelled it out."
The tiny banter between the two eased the rumbling tension inside, despite the oozing confidence that they would come home with pride as they gloat to their parents.
"Hm, it's either French or...German?" [Y/N] guessed, basing on how the blond pronounce some words. He gave no confirmation, but it made his brows arch.
"Not bad, you've got quite an ear." He crossed his arms; voice laced with muse. "You must be from [C/N] I assume. That accent of yours is a lot more evident, even when speaking in Japanese."
[Y/N] nodded. "Moved here during middle school. I'm still a bit off, but so far I can hold a conversation."
"Impressive. You must be quick to learn then." Realization dawned on his face for a moment, then the smirk quickly returned as he extended a hand towards her, palm open. "Apologies. How rude of me to not introduce myself."
"I'm Monoma Neito. And you are?"