Version A, Too | Boku No Hero Academia Reader Insert

I: Back Again, Gang Orca

"(L/N), you're here!" he shouted, gathering the attention of everyone in the gymnasium. I gave a little wave to my friends in the arena and resumed chatting with my teachers. 

"Yeah, I'm here for work studies," I chirped, taking a seat next to All Might, "Gang Orca brought me here for some experience." Aizawa hummed and leaned back in his seat, resting against the backboard of the chair. 

"You better observe well -- it's not everyday you can see these two kids do what they're about to do." Confused, I just sat and watched as the blonde announcer introduced the situation, eventually being taken over by Gang Orca and his mean facade. I couldn't hold back a chuckle of endearment, noticing the gloss over his eyes as he spoke. He took the impersonation of someone who was crass too seriously, and I could tell on the inside he was cringing at himself. 

But the real challenge was soon to start, as I heard a pair of twin doors open on the other side of the gym. I guessed that this was the challenge my classmates had to face. What was it? Robots again, or more pro heroes? I didn't truly know at the moment and was stuck, bouncing in anticipation. I couldn't help but want to be down there. 

Soon, my eyes adjusted to the light and only found themselves focused on a horde of kids streaming into the room, yelling and crashing into each other, followed by a very disheveled-looking teacher. They climbed on top of the junior heroes and started causing riots, fights that would rival even Bakugo's tantrums.

"Kids! Don't rush!" the teacher wailed, hopelessly chasing after her students. But the younguns did anything but listen, as they flooded the ground. A smile crept onto my face, curious at how the infamous hot head and indifferent son of Endeavor would handle this with the others. I glanced at the Number One pro hero sitting behind me and examined his expression. I sighed as I detected nothing different from his grumpy, mean face.

Pooh, well that's no fun.

The challenge kept on going as both Shiketsu and UA forces collaborated to solve the common problem. About halfway through, as the kids were still trying to figure things out together with their combating personalities and the trouble to kids gave them, Gang Orca made eye contact with me and motioned for me to come down. Caught off guard, I fidgeted for a bit before spotting a way down, taking the route and finally meeting up with him.

"What'd you call me for?" I asked uncertainly, my hands clasped behind my back, "Is there something I'm missing?" The hero chuckled and patted my back, reassuring me that there was nothing wrong.

"I just hoped that a closer view would benefit you more in your observations." Flabbergasted, my face flushed and I suddenly became timid at his kind words.

Ooh, my heart!

I bowed fully, staying in the bent position for a couple of seconds, unable to express how truly grateful I felt to be under such a compassionate hero's wing. 

"Thank you, Mr. Gang Orca! I won't forget this!" He grinned, ushering me to focus my attention on what was happening currently, as there would be a separate time to thank him. Intently watching the scene develop, I didn't miss a second of it, my concentration spurred on by the kindness that my mentor delivered. My irises followed everyone's movements keenly, watching as they conferred and eventually thought of a plan to wrangle the younger hooligans.

Soon enough, the kids who formerly attacked my friends were all sliding down a magnificent tower of ice with glimmers of aurora borealis painted overhead. The corners of my mouth were upturned into a wide grin as I gazed at the sight in awe. I've been so desensitized by being around them so much I'd forgotten that these students had, after all, gotten into prestigious hero academies through their skills alone. Feeling like I had gained something just by watching the students "evolve," a content feeling settled upon me. 

Even Bakugo had calmed down, and Todoroki had come out of his shell a little and entertained the pre-teens with his fire quirk. The kids were now more compliant, willing to be picked up and held, even playing games, chasing each other around. I looked up at the bleachers and found their tearful teacher nearly weeping of joy. 

After staring at her and my friends for a bit longer, the serene and comforted state I was in faded away, replaced by an emotion that made my insides churn and my chest tighten. I furrowed my eyebrows and gave a tight, close-lipped smile, somehow feeling a bit odd. Thinking for a moment, I turned away for a short breather. 

Perhaps it was like seeing the better days again, that prompted me to act in this manner. Looking at the kids, I remembered the eternal youth I used to feel -- no pressure, no nothing, really having the ability to have fun -- it was refreshing yet nostalgic. To look upon a sea of grade schoolers and watch them be happy, then experience such an uncomfortable tugging at my heartstrings was not at all predictable.

But as soon as I heard another whoop of joyous laughter echo from behind me, I unclenched my hands and realized that Gang Orca was staring. Trying to play it cool, I whirled back around and pretended like I hadn't noticed his red eyes bearing into the side of my skull. Forcing myself to relax, I turned my attention to the ceiling, which was covered with a sheer, matte glow.

My eyes sparkled with the green and purple lights up above me and I felt the tension leave my body as it was blasted with the alleviating cool of the ice structure. I kept my pupils fixed on the wavering silken patterns in the sky until I finally felt all eyes leave me. Letting out a breath, my taught shoulders sank and my muscles relaxed, letting go. 

This was nice.