“Let's see. Maybe this time I've got it ri- AH!”

I fall backwards and hit the wall once the static wave backfires. I rub my head, feeling my hair is static and my hand shocks on a metal piece on my lab floor.

“Ow!”

The material has a giant burnt hole in it and I blow a raspberry. “Not stable.”

In the cabinet, I dig around for the small jar of baby powder or the spray bottle of water. Where was it? I really need to organize my lab again.

My arm kept touching metal and it was annoying every time I got shock.

“Ow. Ow. Ow. OW! Oh what I would give to have Baymax here.”

I managed lower the static on me and head out my lab to pick up more supplies. I press the button to the elevator and wait to get to the level floor.

The doors slide open and I take a step, only to freeze once Granville comes around the corner.

Please don't make eye contact with me, if so then that means I'm involved.

Granville made eye contact with me!!!

I go back into the elevator and tried pressing the close button. I press it multiple times, but the doors don't close. Come on!!

“Miss (L/n).”

I step out of the elevator and the doors close behind me. Oh now I hate that elevator.

“Yeah?” I smile sheepishly.

Granville smirks. This wasn't good, she is up to something. “I have a favor to ask you.” Well that was the first and I wait for her to continue. “I want you to connect with Hiro Hamada and since there is rivalry between you and Karmi. I want you three to HANG and have mandatory fun.”

Hiro?

K-Karmi?!

My expression must have looked like I was in shock and Granville might have mistaken it for a good kind of shock.

“I see you're ecstatic. Good. Now follow me.”

I silently pout behind her and slightly sulk once you see where you were going. You've been Karmi’s lab before and that was to give her notes that she missed for one class. Bad idea which why I have to tell NOT to cover my notebook with her stickers.

“-I want this to be a wonder experience for you!” Karmi is definitely forcing a good character for Hiro.

I see her leaning cheerfully close to Hiro who looked unamused at her. “Oh, you are good.”

Karmi’s eye is twitching then she immediately drops down to a shocked expression when she sees me.

“(Y/n), take Karmi and Mr. Hamada to lunch at the dining hall. My treat.” Granville smiles.

Oh no. I take the food card from Granville and I nearly laugh at seeing Karmi straining to keep up the good girl act.

“So SUPER.” Karmi holds her hands together, glancing between me and Hiro.

“Get acquainted you three. Have fun.” She begins to walk away then turns to us with a strict face, “MANDATORY fun.”

Karmi gets up with fake excitement, “Super great idea! On it!”

“Yay.” I say in annoyance and claps slowly. I watch Granville leave and turn to hit my head on the door frame. “Why me?”

“I'm sorry, A1-004. I know we were going to do a DNA extraction over lunch, but you are just going to have to incubate a little longer.” She coos at her virus.

I groan. “Your child will be fine, Karmi. It's not like he'll disappear over lunch.”

Karmi growls, “Shut up.” She stops over and shoves me aside. “Let's go, Genius Boy!”

Hiro steps out and groans, “And Granville thinks I need socialization help?”

I blink in confusion. Why would Hiro need socialization help when he's got friends? Karmi and I don't have- that's why. Smooth Granville. Smooth.

“So you're (Y/n)?” Hiro looks at me.

I smile shyly, “Yeah. I'm guessing Granville told you to hang with me too.” I laugh nervously, feeling my face heat up, “You don't have to hang with me. I can be pretty boring to hang around. Socialization isn't my thing anyway.”

“Well you're much nicer than Karmi when I was introduced, so you're cool already.” Hiro laughs sheepishly.

Obviously, Hiro is awkward when he meets new people which Ashi had told me. Hiro holds out hand to me.

“Maybe we can start over. You know…..the other night I meet you, but….” He rubs his neck. “Anyway, I'm Hiro. Hiro Hamada.”

I reach for his hand. “(Y/n) (L/n).”

Suddenly when we touched hands, there was a spark. LITERALLY. A small zap can cause so much pain and we pull away, waving our hands. “Ow!”

I completely forgot and now I just embarrassed myself.

“I'm so sorry! I forgot I'm high voltage still from my project I was working on.”

“No. It's alright, I had a fair share of being shocked.” Hiro smiles reassuringly.

Karmi scoffs. “No wonder you chose the basement lab.”

I slightly growl until an idea pops up in my mind and I start dragging my feet on the carpeted hallway, then rub my hands.

My finger pokes Karmi's shoulder and she yells out while her hair fluffs up into a giant ball.

“OW! You are the WORST!” She stomps into the dining hall and trying to fluff down her hair.

I hear laughing and turn to see Hiro laughing wholeheartedly. That made me feel actual happiness there. To be honest, his laughing is contagious and I laugh with him.

“That was awesome.” Hiro opens the door and holds it for me.

After we calm down, we got our lunch though there was no talking. The awkwardness had returned, but it didn't last when Karmi kicked my leg under the table. That lead to all of us kicking each other because I accidentally kicked Hiro.

Finally, I managed to get the static off me and it was getting late, so I decided to pack up early.

I was on my phone as I ordered a meal online to a fast food place nearby, so I could pick it up and go home.

The lamp posts down the street popped when I turn a corner and I cover myself when pieces of glass fall. “What the heck?”

An explosion caught my attention along with the money that floated down in front of me. There was a woman and a girl almost dressed the same 80’s get up. Aaand they were robbing an ATM.

People were cheering? Cheering for a robbery?

“Watch out!”

I jump out of the way when an out of control Baymax in his armor goes by. Hiro was running after him and I sit up then cover myself when Baymax crashes next to me.

“Baymax, are you okay?”

Baymax blinks, “Too much electricity can be dangerous. I will be okay.”

So it was best not to touch him and I get up, fixing my goggles and backpack.

“I love you, Juniper!” Some people yell.

Hiro is in disbelief and gestures to the two bad guys. “They're robbing an ATM! Augh!” He's thrown back into a building by a shock of electricity.

“No! We're telling a story through dance.” The older woman states.

I groan as people still cheer and I move out of the way when Baymax is flying out of control again. I watch the two bad guys use the electric orb to power their getaway car.

It almost reminded me of a plasma ball.

“My food!” I run off and hope that it wasn't cold.

The next day, I walked up to Karmi during lunch and frown. “Are you done with my notes yet? There better not be any stickers on it.”

Karmi was drawing in her school book then pulls a notebook off the pile of books on the table. “I am and by the way-” She smirks, “I find something in your notebook.”

She holds open a page near the back with Hiro’s name written in different fonts. “Hey! That was private!” I snatch it and hold it to my chest. My face is hot.

“Hi, Karmi! (Y/n)! Hanging in the cafeteria too.” Hiro pops up and laughs a bit.

“Ugh.” Karmi goes back to drawing again.

Wait, is that Hero Hiro? This is very much beyond awkward. Slowly, I step away without the two noticing and I make my way to my locker. I open it and dig around for the notebook. I couldn't find it.
“Hey, (Y/n). You dropped your notebook.” Hiro smiles and holds it out to me.

I take it and smile a bit, “Thanks.” I put it back and reach for my journal to put in my backpack. A squeak from my locker door being pulled open more made my attention turn to Hiro.

Hiro was staring at the pictures of Tadashi and some had Baymax in them. “You knew Tadashi?”

I didn't look at him and I stare at the photo frame that said, ‘Follow Your Heart, But Take Your Brain With You, Pocky. - Love Ashi.’ I smile faintly and take a deep breath to hold back the sadness.

“He was my only friend.”

I close my locker and walk away quickly before Hiro could ask anything more.

The small tool slightly sparked casting lime lighting while I fixed another broken chip in my goggles. It kept bugging me that Hiro was actually fighting bad guys and it worried me.

“I have to find those two villains again.” I type into my computer and go into my secret server where the SFPD files pop up. “High Voltage? That's what they call themselves?”

I had on my goggles, looking for the energy signatures of the electric orb they have.

Finally I found it and had to push through a big crowd. High Voltage was stealing money from a money truck while people cheered on.

“What is wrong with everyone?”

I noticed I was behind Karmi and…..is she really taking a picture of Hiro? I run a hand down my face. I bet she doesn't even know it's Hiro.

“Really?” I ask.

Karmi turns to me with a red face and she glares. “What? Haven't you fangirled over someone before?” She looks at her phone and sighs dreamily.

“Too many to count.” I say.

“Maybe over a certain Genius Boy?” Karmi smirks at me.

My face turns red and I glare, “That's none of your business!”

A bang of metal and something metal creaking made everyone around us scream and scatter. We both look and gasp as a lamp post is falling right at us. Without thinking we were both hugging each other.

Until we're tackled to the ground and away from the danger.

I hear Karmi laugh weirdly and I open my eyes to see my still wrapped around her. Karmi held up her phone to take a picture of Hiro who was on top of both of us.

“You alright?” Hiro asks.

“Ah!” Hiro and I yell for different reasons.

Karmi giggles, “I am now.”

“Ugh! Ashi, how am I supposed to talk with Hiro again after I walked away?” I wave a picture on my phone then I faceplant on my desk. “Great. I'm talking to a picture, but seriously. Tadashi I'm not good at this socialization stuff.”

The door to my lab opens and what sounds like squeaking comes into the room. Why does that sound familiar?

“Hello, (Y/n).”

Baymax.

I grin and get up, “Baymax!” I run up to him and give him a big hug. Everything feels so much better now. He always gave the best hugs. I feel Baymax hug me back with one hand on my head to pat it softly.

“Your neurotransmitters levels have risen back to a normal level for a Pocky.”

I blink then laugh uncontrollably. “Tadashi, you nerd.” I chuckle and wipe a tear from my eye, “You know how to bring me back up when I need it.” It's obvious Tadashi has Baymax programmed for him to say certain phrases to cheer me up

“Baymax does have a part of Tadashi with him.”

I jump when Hiro comes from around Baymax. Yeah, not this kind of help Tadashi. I rub my neck and shift on my feet shyly. “Hey, Hiro.” I sigh, “Hiro, I'm sorry I walked off on you. As I said before I'm not so good at socialization. I know we have things in common, including Karmi. The age thing, the genius thing.”

“The hormones coursing through your bodies-”

“Baymax!” Hiro and I yell in panic.

I sit my chair and spin around a bit, “Look, Hiro. The reason I don't have friends is because people only see what they want to see which isn't much. I see you have friends too and I bet they see you as very dear friend. You guys are practically family. Come on, who wouldn't like you?”

Hiro laughs nervously, “Quite a few actually. Like Karmi, maybe Professor Granville too.”

I stop and raise a brow, “Granville likes everyone. She sees great minds in everyone who can help the world. Trust me, she's just preparing you for whatever the world will throw at you..”

“So…...why don't you and Karmi get along?” Hiro pulls a chair over.

“Eeeh…..it's kind of a girl thing, I guess. Frienemies to plainly put it.”

I notice Hiro wanted to say something especially the way he's avoiding eye contact and holding his hands together.

“What?” I ask.

Hiro takes a deep breath, “Have you noticed anything last night in particular or maybe the night before?”

“It's really not my place to say anything. This is between you and your friends. If you want to tell me yourself, okay, but if not we can just forget about it.” I go back to spinning in my chair.

“Wait, so you know about-”

I chuckle, “It's really obvious, Hiro. I've had my fair share of superhero themes.”

Hiro seems a little relieved but slightly nervous, “Any chance I can convince you to keep this quiet?”

Well, I know for sure Tadashi wouldn't approve of this, but this is something that is part of Hiro and Tadashi would accept that too.

“You don't have to convince me, Hiro. This is part of you that makes, ya know, YOU. I don't want to take away your thing from you.” I hold out my pinky. “I pinky swear.”

Hiro stares at me then reaches out to link his pinky with mine.

“AND I want donuts from your aunt's Café.” I added quickly with a grin.

“Wha-hey!” Hiro crosses his arms.

I laugh, “I had the chance, so I took it.”

Hiro gets up and takes out his phone, while typing in what seems like a journal entry. “Ugh… I still have one more day with Karmi and I haven't learned anything from her.”

I get up and go hug Baymax again.

Hiro glances at me, “Can you follow me to Karmi’s lab?”

I think then smile, “If I can keep hugging Baymax. I missed him.” I slightly squeak when Baymax picks me up in his arms to cradle me.

Hiro shrugs and chirps a little more cheerfully, “Be my guest. Come on, Baymax.”

We go into Karmi's lab and Hiro goes up to her. “Hey Karmi. Ah! I mean, Hi!” Well he was nervous about something. “Hello, how’s it uh going? Um…..” He glances around and sounds concerned. “Should I be wearing a biohazard suit?”

I would have done the same, but knowing Karmi, she wouldn't just leave her door open if it was something dangerous. She's definitely going mess with him.

“Are your eyes bleeding?”

Baymax moves me so I'm sitting on one of his arms and I wrap my arms around his head. With his hand, he turns Hiro’s head to look at his eyes. “They currently not.”

Karmi shrugs, “Then you're fine. Probably.”

“So…..you like dangerous organisms?” Hiro asked carefully.

“Duh. By studying them, we can figure out therapeutic uses for them.” She pokes Hiro's chest then frowns at me. “It's called Science.” She walks away with a clipboard in hand.

“That's kind interesting. Maybe when you're done we can talk about my journal, uh you know, j-just the one which is due FRIDAY!” Hiro holds up his phone.

“Journal?”

Baymax looks at me, “Granville suggested that Hiro keeps a journal as you and Karmi hang with him.”

I hum and nod.

“Nobody cares. Well maybe (Y/n) does, why not go bug her instead?” Karmi types on her computer. “Hand me N5-4.”

“Oh, uh, sure.” Hiro places his phone next to the cylinder glass container.

“Hiro, that's not the best place-” I stop once his phone rings and I facepalm when alarms go off. I look back at the projector screen that use to show the organisms inside the container. Karmi isn't going to be too happy about that.

Karmi gapsed and shoves Hiro away, holding the container close to her. “No! You killed N5-4!”

That was unfortunate. I feel bad since that was the first pathenagin she grew.

“That is a fortunate result, N5-4 would have reached a contagion factor of 10.” Baymax points the screen on his chest.

Karmi looks down sadly and Hiro didn't know what to do.

“N5-4 was the first pathenagin I ever grew.”

I try to shush Baymax but he continued, “I will download instructions of proper disinfection methods to ensure that no part of N5-4 survives.”

I slide down from Baymax and try to pull Baymax away. “Baymax, now is not the time.”

“He was more than a flesh eating virus. He was a friend.”

Now I feel more bad for Karmi.

“If you have anymore N5-4 in storage. We should dispose of-”

Hiro and I nearly cling to each other when Karmi shouts.

“SHUT HIM UP!” She glares at us.

Baymax changes his screen, “You are upset. I have some relaxation suggestions.” Now I shove Baymax away and smile sheepishly at Karmi who rolls her eyes.

“Baymax, she'll be fine. A little space will do her good.” I hear Karmi yell again.

“DO YOU THINK I WANT YOU TO STAY?!”

Hiro rushes out and grabs Baymax, though I think he grabbed my hand without thinking. I'm being dragged to Tadashi’s lab and I just stand there. “Uh…..what happened?”

“High Voltage is out there again. I hope Fred got that answer I wanted from that comic book.”

Seriously, I was confused at why he was telling me this. “What comic book?”

“Captain Fancy Issue 188 or something.” Hiro is putting on Baymax's armor.

Issue 188…..where have I seen that before? I thought about it. Oh yeah, that comic I found in a box of books I bought at the antique store.

“Does that have some superhero fighting a mother daughter acrobat team?”

“Yeah.”

I think the situation over and realize the comic is close to what's happening now. Hiro and his friends aren't able to beat High Voltage, unless…

“I don't know if this will be useful, but try figuring out a way to cut the power to High Voltage’s energy source. No power, no electricity.”

Hiro slips on his helmet and grins, “That's a good observation, (Y/n). Honestly, I was too distracted in beating them that I never came up with some sort of strategy.”

With that they left and I glance around Tadashi's lab. There on top of a small lamp was Tadashi's hat. Gently I pick it up and run my thumbs over the bill.

That night I went home and in the morning, I came back to school very tired again. I didn't want to wait for Hiro and Baymax to get back last night. I had a paper to turn in anyway.

In the halls near Granville’s office, I spot Baymax, Karmi, and Hiro in front of her office. I walk up beside Baymax which is beside Hiro.

Is Karmi zooming in on Hero Hiro on her phone? She is and she's caresses her phone screen, “Oh, I wish you were here.”

I scoff, “Really?” That is what she smiles at on her phone?

Karmi groans, “I'll fangirl somewhere else.”

I cover my face and run my hands to pull my hair, being careful with my goggles. Do I have to live with this from now on?

A brown bag is held in front of me and I immediately smell donuts. My eyes sparkle, but I shake it off and I look at Hiro shyly.

He smiles, “We had a deal, right?”

I roll my eyes playfully and open the bag to see donuts and- “Pocky?” I pull out a box of my favorite flavor Pocky.

Hiro smiles awkwardly, “Sorry if you don't like that flavor. I seen that Tadashi used to nickname you Pocky and I- maybe…” He rubs his neck and shrug sheepishly, “Maybe we can be friends?”

A small box of Pocky is placed on my desk and I look up at the young man from Robotics class. He was struggling on an assignment for one of our classes and I helped him out.

“I noticed that you eat these when you're working or concentrating. My little brother does that too, but he loves gummy bears. So I thought….Maybe we can be friends?” He holds out a fist to me with a warm smile.

Awkwardly, I hold up my fist too and smile when Tadashi bumps his with mine.

“Yeah.” I answer and hold out my fist to Hiro.

Hiro stares for a moment like he was remembering something before smiling warmly. He fist bumps me, then what he does next made me laugh.

“Ba-la-la-la-la.” He says while moving his hand like there's an explosion.