***Two Years Later***

A yawn escapes my lips as I silently sit in a boba tea shop. One clear, plastic cup sits in front of me on the table, while the other sits across from me in front of an empty chair.

Auntie Ami insisted that I keep one day free a week in my schedule, so I may enjoy some time to myself and avoid burning myself out. She claims being a workaholic is a bad habit, but I disagree. Is it truly a bad thing to always want to better oneself? However, she was very insistent, so I have decided Sundays are my free days. That is why I am here today waiting for Mei to arrive at her favorite boba shop at one-thirty to discuss hero schools.

I hope we are applying to the same hero schools, so that we may ride together. There is no doubt I will be very nervous on that day, but with my best friend at my side, I know I will be able to do my best!

I begin tapping the table with my fingers, letting out a loud sigh. It is currently two o' clock, and she has yet to appear.

Ice bounces around the cup with the fruit slices and tapioca balls of my fruit tea as I shake it. I would love to take a sip, but I cannot! I must wait until Mei arrives. It would be rude and unlady-like of me to enjoy this treat without her.

"Suki! Hey!"

Mei bursts into the shop, waving at me.

"Sorry I'm late! Mom got home late from work, and I didn't want to leave my siblings alone," she explains. She sits in the empty chair, and eyes the boba in front of her.

"It is alright Mei. I went ahead and ordered for us. I got your favorite."

"Milk tea with extra boba and half sugar?" She asks.

"Yes, with light ice," I respond. She takes a sip, and a smile forms on her face.

"Thanks! How much do I owe you?" Mei asks, reaching for her purse.

"Do not worry about it. It is a gift."

Mei holds her purse for a second, sighs, then places it back on her chair.

Her long silver hair is in a beautiful made braid, complimenting her all black romper.

"How are you Mei?"

"Busy! I've been studying extra hard these last few weeks because the entrance exam season begins Monday!"

She breaks to take a big sip of her drink.

"Luckily, I think all that knowledge is getting through this thick skull of mine, so I should at least get a passing grade for the writing portion. But I'm super excited for the practical exam! I've been improving my stamina for my quirk, so I feel like I can take on the whole world!"

I chuckle. I love to see her enthusiasm. It always finds a way to get me energized and ready to go as well.

"I am glad you are feeling confident about these entrance exams. Have you decided which schools you are applying to?"

"Well, I'm only applying to my dream school: UA High School!"

I lift my eyebrow.

"Why that school?"

"Despite only being open for a few years, UA has not only made reliable heroes, such as Laserlight and Flashpoint, but very successful, well known heroes such as Wisteria! Not only does she kick ass, but she looks amazing while doing it! They also have some alumni working abroad, such as Valiente! They are proving to be a great school, and I want to be part of their legacy! And since they're new, there is no pressure or comparison to be like some super old alumni!" She takes another big sip, accidentally letting out a blurb. "Heh, sorry!"

"It is alright Mei. But that is very interesting. I did not consider those points when choosing my schools. Perhaps I should prioritize UA on my list," I comment, making a mental note.

"Wait, you're actually applying?" Mei asks, suddenly stopping mid-sip.

What on Earth could she mean by that?

"Yes. Why would I not apply? I have been taking my training very seriously. That is why I have asked for your help numerous times, and have had you come over to join some of my leesons."

Mei places her half empty cup on the table.

"Suki, I love you, so this is why I'm saying this: do not apply."

"Why?" I squeak.

I do not like where this conversation is headed.

"Don't take this the wrong way, but did you forget what happened at the museum?"

That incident has etched itself in my brain. There has not been a day where I have not thought about the incident.

"No."

"Then you remember what happened: you froze. Sure, anyone can make it into a hero school and even become a hero. But not everyone can become a good hero-a real hero-and that isn't something that can be taught. Freezing up like that is not good, because it will only lead to you getting hurt, and I don't want that."

Mei picks up her cup and gulps down the rest of her boba. All I can do is watch. How do I respond to that? She is not wrong; I did freeze. But she did not have to remind me. I know it is my fault Auntie Ami got hurt. But that's why I am working to be a hero. I will make sure people like her will not end up hurt ever again!

"I-I appreciate your concern Mei, but I will still be applying. I have worked too hard to–"

"There are three kinds of people in this world, Suki. Those who run away from danger, those who run towards it, and those who do nothing." She lifts her right hand, with her index finger pointed out. "Of those three, which one do you think is the worst in an emergency?"

"I do not know. Please explain."

I know where she's going with this, but I answer just to humor her.

"Those who do nothing. Those who run towards the danger are heroes, ready to risk their lives to save others. Many people call the runners cowards, but at least they get out of harm's way, unlike you."

Mei stands and digs into her purse.

"Do not be one of those that get in the way Suki. You are a young, talented rich girl who can do anything she wants. If you really wanna make a difference, stick to donating money," she says, placing a few bills on the table.

"Thanks for the boba. Don't get hurt." She turns around and walks out of the shop.

I let out a breath I did not realize I was holding.

I am very confused. Where did this sudden change of heart come from? Why wait until the week before the entrance exams to establish this?

The ice from my drink has completely melted, and my fruit looks soggy and gross. This drink perfectly describes my mood at this very moment.

What makes Mei such an expert!? She is not even a hero student yet, so who is she to scold me!?

I gently get out of my seat, grab the bills from the table and my drink. I walk over to the nearest trash can and toss it. As I walk past the counter, I place Mei's bills in a donation jar they have at the register. Once outside, I send a text to Senki to come take me home.

So much for riding to the exams together.

...

***Day of UA Entrance Exams***

A nervous sigh escapes my lips as the car's brakes squeak, slowly coming to a stop. UA's enormous gates stand open, waiting for examinees to enter.

"You ok honey?" Auntie Ami reaches for my lap and grabs my hand. "You're shaking."

"I am alright, thank you for asking."

No, I am not alright. All the studying, training, and suffering comes down to this very moment. I must succeed. I have worked too hard not to. Additionally, I do not want Mother to say that she was correct all along.

"You can do it! I know you can!" Ami cheers as I open the door. Senki had already opened the trunk, and hands me my bag.

"I wish you the very best Young Tamura."

"Thank you Senki. I hope to make everyone proud," I comment, holding my bag close to my chest.

"You already have," Senki says with a smile as he returns to the driver seat.

"Goodluck! I love you!" Ami yells as Senki pulls away, leaving me alone in front of the big gates.

Despite their praise and good wishes, my body cannot stop shaking.

I wish Mei was here. She would know what to do to calm my nerves. But I cannot think about her now! I need to focus! I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and with my head held high, I walk past the gates and towards the door of the infamous UA High School.

...

UA High School has two exams: the written and practical exam. The written exam consists of various parts, each made up of a different subject taught in school. I have spent countless hours preparing by studying every single page of the study guides. Regardless, I sit anxiously at my desk, resisting the urge to tap on the surface with my fingers.

I glance around the classroom, slowly being filled with students.

Relax Suki! You will not be able to focus if you are in distress. Calm down. Take a deep breath and—

"Hi!"

Sitting in the seat to my left is a boy with flowy blond hair and blue eyes. A big smile is on his face.

"Hello."

"My name is Hinata Ashikaga. What's yours?"

There are 15 minutes until the exams begin! I need to focus!  Unfortunately, it would be rude not to answer, so I must respond to him.

"Suki Tamura."

"Nice to meet you Tamura! I'm sorry to bother, but you wouldn't happen to have an extra pencil or pen would you?"

"You did not bring a writing utensil to the exam room?"

"Yeah. I was taking care of my brothers right before coming here and kinda forgot," Ashikaga explains, rubbing the back of his head.

How do you not bring a pencil to an exam!?  That is like a painter not bringing their brush! It does not make any sense. As idiotic as his situation may seem, it would be unlady-like of me to not assist him when he asked for help. So I let out a sigh, and reach into my backpack.

I was not expecting to share, so I only brought three writing utensils; all three are my favorites. Without giving it another thought, I randomly pick one and hand it to him. Unfortunately for me, it's my favorite infinite pencil: black with silver stripes  along the sides

"Here is a pencil. Now, I must excuse myself, as I need to prepare for this exam."

"Thank you so much! I'll repay you back somehow, I promise," Ashikaga says as he turns away.

I highly doubt I will need help from someone who is as unprepared as he is.

...

I cannot do this.

I can't.

My arms shake as my hands press against the sink, keeping me up. I refuse to look in the mirror because I can only imagine how disgusting I look.

I was able to control my nerves during the written exams. Once the time started, I was able to focus. I believe it went well. Really well actually. But after they collected our exams and excused us to go get dressed for the practical exam, all my nervousness came back, and worse than before.

Breath Suki, breath. Try to relax. You have worked too hard to miss the exam due to your nervousness. You need to get out there!

In hopes to motivate myself, I finally look in the mirror. I have replaced my lovely blouse and skirt for a pair of black high waisted athletic leggings and a gray tank top, revealing my arms. They are covered in colorful drawings of all the items I may need for this exam, all made with permanent markers.

I can do this. It is not that difficult! All I need to do is destroy as many robots as I can in ten minutes. Do not worry about anyone else or their quirks. I have to just focus on myself, and what I can do.

Taking one last deep breath, I make my way out the door as quickly as I can to avoid having second thoughts. My eyes take a bit to adjust to the bright lightning in the area, and find the group I belong to. I stand along the edge of the mass of students, and patiently wait for the practical exam to begin.

"Are those tattoos?"

On my right is a girl with big gold eyes looking up at me.

"I-I-I'm sorry for asking. I just, noticed you when you came over and saw your arms and all these drawings look so pretty! They look professional made, but uh, they don't look like they're permanent."

"It is alright. No, they are not tattoos; I drew on my skin with permanent markers, as it is a requirement to use my quirk."

"Oh! That's so cool!" She exclaims, her blue hair moving in her face.

"Thank you. What is—"

"The exam shall commence in five minutes! Please enter the exam area!" The speakers boomed.

"Oh! We gotta go! Goodluck!" The girl says, waving goodbye before disappearing into the mob of students entering the exam area. I blindly follow the crowd, not allowing myself a moment to second guess myself.

"Amazing," I whisper, as we walk into the street of a replica of the entire city. Skyscrapers make up the skyline, lit up by an artificial sun. The only thing missing from the city is the people living in it.

"One minute until the exam begins!"

Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath.

It does not matter what Mei says. I must do this. For myself, and for Auntie Ami.

"Let the exam begin!"

Author's Note:

Hello everyone! I hope you all are doing well! Sorry for the delay, I was originally going to write a super huge chapter, but decided against it and split it up once again 😂 Hopefully I can get this second part sooner than later!

Question: Has there ever been a moment in your life you were super nervous for? An audition or a tryout? I was beyond nervous when I auditioned for numerous bands at my highschool! They did get a bit easier after a while, but my nervousness never did fully leave.

Special thanks for JunieWeathers for letting me use/mention some of her OCs (Laserlight, Wisteria & Valiente)! Please check out her works if you haven't already!

Character Spotlights: Hinata Ashikaga

Quirk: Metabolism

Forgets: His pencils