BNHA || white lie

13

"To study psychology, right?" You perked up at Akiko's words.

"You remembered!" The two of you paused at the intersection, waiting for the red hand to change to its walking man counterpart.

"Of course I did," she said, smiling. Akiko smiled a lot more now. You were just able to do that, make everyone smile. "We're friends."

The light turned red, and the crosswalk light glowed white. You and Akiko crossed the street, side-by-side.

.

.

.

Akiko grumbled. The ringing wouldn't stop. She got up, still sleepy, and reached for the glowing phone on her nightstand. Her room was pitch black.

"Hello?" she mumbled drowsily into the phone.

"Aki. . ."

Akiko sat up immediately. She did not like the tone of your voice. Something wasn't right. "[Name]? What's wrong?"

Your voice cracked.

"Aki, I want to be a hero," you cried.

.

.

.

Akiko nodded in approval.

"I like it," she told you, and your eyes glimmered in joy.

"Really? Kojii, she said she liked it!" you squealed, turning to the fox-eared boy next to you. He pouted.

"But it's not flashy enough," he sulked. "It's so. . .ugh. That can't be your hero costume."

"But you designed it," you reminded him. "Are you saying your design is bad? It's really good! Don't be pessimistic!"

Kojii snorted. "Of course not," he said. "It's perfect, of course, but it doesn't boost your Quirk in any way. In fact, its only redeeming quality is that it's made from heat- and tear-resistant fabric. Don't you want something better?"

Akiko frowned and examined your outfit again. You wore a poncho with a high collar, covering your chin. Underneath was a shirt with sleeves that hung way below your hands, the fabric widening at the ends. It was paired with shorts, reaching halfway down your thigh, and boots. The entire outfit was white, pure and bright. Like your smile.

"I think it's perfect," you and Akiko said at the same time.

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.

.

"You'll be okay?" she asked you. You sent her a reassuring grin, but it did little to ease your friend.

"Of course I will!" you laughed. You gave her a quick hug. "Tell Kimiko and Kojii that I left, okay?"

She nodded, silently. Your smile faltered.

"Hey, I'll be alright. It's just a rescue mission; I'm not fighting an actual villain. That's the other hero's job," you tried. "I just teleport in, grab the hostage, and get out. It'll be my grand debut as a hero! My name'll be all over the news--'Atlas'. You'll see!"