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It was another snowy day in Mufustu.
At least the snow isn't 3 feet high today. Thank God.
White puffs of snowflakes coated the ground in low piles. There was no real breeze blowing, just chilly outside air. The streets were calm—closed doors, a few cars parked outside, and some stray dog wandered about in the road.
You were new to the neighbourhood—recently moved in with your family. You decided to explore the surrounding area, bored and a little curious. Wrapped in a thick blue jacket, warm boots, gloves, and a fluffy cap—you strolled, not straying too far from your house.
It was peaceful.
You missed your hometown but you were excited and willing to take on the new things God had in store for you here.
It was bittersweet but you were optimistic.
Well, you tried to be.
Humming a tone under your breath, you halted at the sound of laughter and a screech. “What’s that?”
There was a small commotion nearby. Turning towards it—you squinted your eyes and made out three moving figures.
Loud voices, an ugly cackle, and another shriek.
Curious, you decided to investigate, and maybe introduce yourself—try to make friends while you're at it. You weren't the most social person, but it was one of your goals to get out of your comfort zone. To be a little bolder, and come out of your shell as terrifying as it was.
Maybe... I can say hi—or just act like I'm passing by. Yeah... I'll just see what's going on before I do anything.
As you rounded the house—the figures became clearer. Teenagers—three boys your age were having a snowball fight.
I don't wanna interrupt—I’ll just go!
You paused, planning your escape. You were anxious at the thought of interaction.
Yeah, I don't wanna be stuck in some awkward situation.
“Watch out!”
Before you could duck or react to the startling warning, a cool, hard piece of snow collided with your forehead, making you topple over. “Ow.”
It was a heavy blow for a snowball fight—it felt like the ice tried to slice your face. You rubbed your head, lips puffed up, and sat up. Your eyebrows knitted together, and you frowned.
“That hurt.”
“Kaminari!” a tall boy scolded—the tallest in the group scolded and apologised on behalf of his blonde friend. “I'm so sorry about that, miss! He didn't see you.”
“I’m so sorry—” Kaminari began but a sharp knock on his own head shut him up.
“Oi, what'd ya think you're doing, Sparkplug!” Bakugou growled, gritting his teeth. Smoke puffs came from his mouth. “Watch what you're doing, idiot. What kind of hero attacks a civilian—”
“You know it's not like that!”
There was back and forth shuffling between the two blondes. The one wearing a skull hoodie started chasing the one in the bright yellow puffer jacket with a frightening glint in his red eyes.
All you did was blink, taking it all in.
Is this normal?
“Here, let me help you up,” a gloved hand stretched out to you. Upon looking up at the good Samaritan—your heart fluttered. “Are you okay? You're not concussed or anything, right? How's your head?”
He wore a beige cap; red tufts sticking out and a little ponytail peeked behind his head.
A pair of concerned crimson eyes stared back at you.
Rubies.
“Thanks,” you allowed the boy to pull you up and touched your head in a thoughtful manner. “I'm okay, no concussion.”
He examined your face and bit his lip uncertainly.
“Really, I’m fine. It was just a small blow,” you said sheepishly, feeling the hit already a dull memory now. “I didn't even feel anything.”
The redhead snorted.
You wanted to punch his arm playfully but snickered instead, thinking of how silly this whole encounter was.
Without delay the stranger let out a boisterous laugh of his own, joining you.
You just got smacked on a sidewalk by a snowball, what sane person wouldn't laugh?
“Glad to hear you got thick skin,” he gave a toothy grin, and you were momentarily dazzled by the way his face lit up. “I’m Kirishima. Kirishima Eijiro.”
Cute.
This time you offered your gloved hand to him which he gladly accepted. “Nice to meet you, Kirishima.”
You introduced yourself with a polite smile.
At the mention of your name, Kirishima’s smile grew wider, if that was possible. “Cool name. I like it. I've never seen you around here before. Are you new in town or just visiting?”
Kirishima smiled a lot.
It was bright... pretty.
He was bright like the sun—in snow.
“I’m new here, moved here a few days ago,” you explained, eyes flickering back and forth to the screams behind. “I was just taking a walk until...”
“You got knocked out. We're just some bros bonding,” Kirishima said, pointing behind him without looking back. “The one in the black hoodie is Bakugou, and the one in the yellow jacket—”
“Who threw at me,” you added.
“Who threw at you,” he repeated in amusement, “—is Kaminari. I'll make him apologise properly.”
You blinked at the scene unfolding behind Kirishima. While the redhead rambled about going to Yuuei, and being a hero student—your attention was divided.
“Hey! That one went into my mouth—not cool, man!”
The two blondes were acting like they were in a nature documentary; one a predator and another prey.
Boys, you thought with a fond huff. Safe and playful like kids. I like it.
Something about these young men being carefree in a world full of villainy and bad role models brought a smile to your lips.
They seem like a nice bunch—okay hold on!
“I think your friend needs help,” you didn't know if this was normal—it didn't look it. “He's being force-fed snow...”
“You should probably put a caution sign out here for anyone who passes by,” you half-joked, letting out a small laugh at their shenanigans.
“Oh they're fine, just playing,” Kirishima said, ignoring the fact that Kaminari’s face was mashed down into the ground in the snow and his cheeks were losing colour. Bakugou was on top of him with a wicked grin—his face was disturbing and strangely attractive. “They're tough as nails, super manly! We're heroes after all.”
Aww bless his soul! Dear Lord Jesus, please help these children. They need someone with common sense around here!
“That—that’s wonderful, Kirishima,” you said to the grinning boy. “Your life sounds so interesting.”
You were impressed, and inched to know more. Maybe have some hot chocolate and hear about the hero's life, his quirk, and whatever he wanted to share.
“It has been,” his smile didn't falter, but he seemed to consider something. “Would you like to—”
“Kirishima!” Bakugou yelled, having poor Kaminari in a headlock. The other's face was completely submerged. “I got him! Let the extra throw him back!”
“Whoa, Blasty! That's—that isn't manly, bro, it's assault—” Kirishima had to derail the situation before it escalated even more. He gave an apologetic smile. “Uh, I'll be right back.”
“Okay,” you nodded, covering your mouth to muffle a snicker. “Be a hero.”
When the boy headed off to his friends you heard your little sister's call not too far ahead. Turning at the sound of her voice, your brows furrowed in confusion.
The girl ran over smiling brightly. “Mom's looking for you! She says make it quick!”
I wanna say goodbye.
You looked at Kirishima and his friends.
The group were happily roughhousing, tumbling in the snow, and laughing like lunatics.
“Okay, I can say goodbye some other time,” you said, taking hold of your sister's hand. “They'll probably still be here.”
You didn't notice the glistening silver cross pendant you dropped in the snow.
Nor did you know the hero students were only in town temporarily, visiting family.
Minutes later, Kaminari escaped and bolted inside the redhead's house to warm up and recharge.
Bakugou grumbled about wanting to go skiing tomorrow by the nearest hill.
It was then Kirishima remembered he told you to wait for him—he completely forgot about his encounter with you in the momentary tussle.
“Aww man,” he whined, feeling dejected, and somewhat stupid.
You were gone but the trace of your necklace caught his eye.
Silver peeking out of white fluffy snow.
“It’s gotta be hers,” Kirishima picked up your cross pendant and kept it. “I didn't even get her number! I'll keep this in case I ever see her again.”
Your face flashed in his mind, and he blushed. “She was so pretty.”
“Gross, wipe that disgusting look off your face and let's go back inside,” Bakugou jabbed his fingers at best friend's side, and tched. “I'll make us something to eat.”
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