Keep Running! (Free Runner Part 2)

Utter chaos

It wasn't my fault. Well, okay, maybe it was a little my fault. I'd stayed up too late the night before, replaying the events of my rooftop escapade in my head like it was some kind of action movie. Who wouldn't? I mean, come on—I'd outrun Eraserhead. Eraserhead! Sure, it had been a near-death experience wrapped in bad life decisions, but it was also kind of... awesome.

Anyway, I overslept. Obviously.

"Crap, crap, crap!" I muttered as I tore around my room, pulling on my uniform while shoving a slice of toast in my mouth like some cliché anime protagonist. The clock on the wall wasn't judging me, but it sure felt like it.

"Bye, Mom! Love you!" I called as I grabbed my bag and bolted out the door, my toast half-eaten and my dignity already in shambles.

The train ride was a blur of muttered apologies as I squeezed into an overcrowded car, my bag slamming into at least three people. The UA gates loomed in the distance when I finally got off, and I swear they looked like they were mocking me. I was already cutting it close, and now I had to navigate the labyrinth of hallways inside the school to make it to class.

Nothing new, Izuku. Just another day of running for your life. You've trained for this.

I sprinted through the main entrance, the halls of UA stretching out like an endless maze before me. My shoes squeaked against the polished floors as I rounded corner after corner, silently praying that I'd somehow make it on time.

And then it happened.

I turned one last corner, going way too fast, and collided with something—or rather, someone.

Someone tall.

Someone with wild hair and a tired expression.

Someone wearing a black capture weapon around his neck.

Oh no. Oh, no, no, no.

I staggered back, my brain short-circuiting as I looked up into the eyes of none other than Shouta Aizawa—Eraserhead himself.

For a moment, time stopped. I swear, the universe hit the pause button just to let me marinate in my panic. Aizawa's dark eyes narrowed slightly, his expression unreadable.

"I know you," he said, his voice as dry as sandpaper.

My heart dropped into my stomach. "Huh?" Brilliant response, I know.

"I saw you last night," he continued, crossing his arms. "On the rooftops."

Okay, so here's the thing: denying it outright would probably make me look more suspicious. But admitting it? Oh, no, that wasn't an option either. So I went with the classic tactic of deflection and pretending I have no idea what he's talking about.

"Rooftops?" I repeated, my voice cracking just slightly. "What—what rooftops? I don't—uh—I don't even know how to get on a rooftop. That's crazy! You must be confusing me with someone else."

Smooth, right? Totally convincing. Aizawa didn't look convinced, though.

He stared at me for what felt like an eternity, his gaze boring into my soul. My palms were sweating, my heart pounding so loud I was pretty sure he could hear it.

"You're late," he finally said, his tone flat.

"Oh!" I latched onto the change of subject like a drowning man grabbing a lifeline. "Yes, uh, yes, I am! Sorry! I'll just—uh—go now. To class. Because I'm late. Bye!"

I tried to sidestep him, but he didn't move.

"You've got a lot of energy for someone who claims they don't climb rooftops," he said, his voice laced with suspicion.

I froze, my mind racing for a comeback. "I—I just, uh, drink a lot of coffee?" Izuku, stop talking.

Aizawa raised an eyebrow. It was the kind of look that said, You're not fooling anyone, kid.

"Go to class," he finally said, stepping aside.

"Yes! Class! Absolutely! Thank you! Bye!" I babbled as I bolted past him, my feet moving faster than my brain.

As soon as I was out of sight, I let out a shaky breath. Okay, Izuku. Play it cool. He doesn't know for sure. He can't know for sure. Just act normal.

But as I made my way to the classroom, I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd just narrowly escaped the jaws of death.

Or worse: detention.