Even If I Try - To Be Hero X (Reader Insert)

It Could Go Wrong

By the time I reached the city center, my legs were dead. Then I noticed something worse.

My reflection.

I looked… younger. Like, some fifteen-year-old me? Add hunger to that, and yeah, today was a disaster. No money, no phone, no food. Just me wandering like a lost NPC.

But at least the city center paid off. Posters and news flashes everywhere, turns out the 15th Heroes Tournament already happened. Smile had won, becoming X. Also it's Year 31 After Commission.

Which meant... the next tournament was coming soon.

I leaned against a shop window, trying to catch my breath, when the TV inside made me freeze. Smile. Live. On screen, in his a bright yellow suit, surrounded by screaming kids and reporters.

One of the reporters pushed a mic closer. “Smile, after the last Heroes Tournament, how do you feel about carrying the title of X?”

Smile’s grin didn’t waver. “As a Hero, it’s my duty. I have to keep smiling, because hope starts there. My fans, the people who believe in me… they deserve peace of mind.”

My stomach growled, but my brain was louder. That’s it. That’s my lead. If he’s here now, I can find him.

I shoved off the glass, muttering under my breath, “No way I’m missing this,” and hurried after the flow of kids heading toward the venue, heart racing.

Lucky me, the venue wasn’t far. Unlucky me, it was packed. The plaza was overflowing with kids waving merch, parents trying to calm them down, and giant posters of Smile’s perfect grin plastered everywhere.

A small stage stood at the center with a mic stand and bright banners fluttering above.

I slipped into the line of kids, trying to blend in. I mean, technically I was a kid now, right? But the moment one of the staff scanned me up and down, their brow furrowed.

“Uh… you’re too old for this group. Step aside, please.”

My jaw dropped. “Too old? Excuse me-"

They cut me off with a polite but firm smile and gently guided me out of the line.

Fine. Whatever. Plan B.

I lingered nearby and caught another staff member walking past.

“Hey, quick question,” I asked, trying to sound casual. “Any chance regular people like me can, you know… actually meet Smile? Like face to face?”

The guy chuckled, “Not unless you’ve got an access pass. Special guests only.”

Figures.

I slumped onto the edge of a planter, knees pulled up to my chest. My body screamed from walking all over the city, and my head buzzed from the crowd noise.

I leaned back, letting my shoulders sag against the cold stone, muttering, “I swear, if I don’t pass out from hunger, it’ll be from exhaustion.”

My stomach growled again, right on cue. Perfect timing. I pressed a hand against it, rolling my eyes at myself. “Shut up. You’re not helping.”

That’s when I noticed it.

Out of the corner of my eye, a little kid wandering near the edge of the crowd. No parent in sight. My first thought? Oh, maybe the family’s close by. Kids get distracted, it happens.

But then this guy stepped up to him. Tall, hoodie pulled low, face half hidden. He bent down, smiling in this way that felt… off. And he offered the kid candy.