Version A, Too | Boku No Hero Academia Reader Insert

XVI: The End of the Horizon

"Hello (L/N)!" The white mouse was unnervingly energetic when greeting me. "How are you? I hope that the classes are suiting your needs exceptionally. Given the circumstances, it's only fit that UA does its part in aiding one of our students in their recovery period. The ability to guide and the capacity for compassion is a very important value for heroes, after all."

He paused for a moment, as if to think, but continued shortly after.

"We, the faculty and student body, miss you here. Many of your classmates have expressed their concerns for you, and the staff are no exception. Despite our desires, however, you should be sure to come back whenever you're ready. The UA High School will see to it that anything that is required in your recovery will be provided."

He stopped again, staring into the camera with a small, undecipherable smile before carrying on with his monologue.

"Now to get into the contents of the class. Even though we don't have the pleasure of having you at school, it's greatly recommended that you still keep up with your usual training regiment, but fixes can be made if the routine is too strenuous! No torn ligament wants to be torn again, I'd assume. Heroes should always be in tip-top shape, and not being injured, while still being in good health will make for an easier transition for when you do get back to school. I hope you're doing well, and that our lessons are best accommodating your situation! Please let me know if there's anything we can do for you. Until then, goodbye!"

The screen blinked out, leaving me to stare at the afterimages of Principal Nezu's face, clouded by a semi-translucent play button that sat on the tip of his nose.  I sat there for a few moments, head empty, attempting to process all that he had said without his words going in one ear and out the other.

I sighed uncomfortably at the thought of training again. It had been too long since I last stepped foot into the atmosphere of a gym, and I wasn't at all excited for it. Worried that I might be reminded of unpleasant memories, but also concerned that my body would go out of condition, I felt conflicted.

Glancing at the boxing wrap I had sitting on the top of my nightstand, I grimaced, debating with myself about whether I should take the opportunity or not. My insides churned as I considered the thought of training again, uncomfortably shifting in the growing heat pooling in the pits of my organs.

It was clear that my body didn't want me to take part in training.

But I tried to remain optimistic as I forced my mind to lean towards the latter.

Maybe everything would be okay. It couldn't be that bad. My internship had more rigorous regiments. Probably.

Yeah.

Yeah, it did.

Getting up out of my chair, I grabbed a change of clothes, the roll of wrap, and started to get ready for the first session in a long time.

__

Staring at my hand, I clenched and unclenched my fist as I gazed upon the wrap I had bound my palms and knuckles with, unsure of whether to relish in the familiarity of this feeling, or to dread what could happen if I stepped out of my comfort zone.

Turning my head to take a good look at the punching bag that hung in the middle of the garage, I shifted in my seat.

The chain that held up the black leather sack was unmoving, static silver shining underneath the artificial ivory light that illuminated the space. It was old, bruised, used, beat up, soon to be replaced. But it was loyal. It served its purpose.

After the tangent, I got up from my sitting position, finally deciding that admiring the thing wasn't going to help me get back on track, and approached it slowly with light feet and quiet footsteps.