"It's really nice out here," Takara muses as she settles herself into a pose she can't remember the name of. Her calves tremble with the effort of keeping herself balanced.

"Mhm," Endo intones distantly, her mind elsewhere as the girls look out over the front driveway of U.A.

"Very peaceful," the brunette continues, earning another mumble of agreement. "How did you learn you're allowed to be out here?"

Endo exhales as she reaches for her toes. "I was doing yoga just inside the gates, but some second years were running outside, doing laps up and down the hill. Told me we're free to leave the grounds in the morning. It's not just the afternoon we can go off-campus."

Takara nods, glad she's not breaking any rules by being out here. "The view is worth it."

"For sure," the shadowy girl replies, gazing off at the distant water. The sunlight reflecting off of it casts a peachy glow over the city.

Takara glances at the girl to find her drinking in the light. She seems...more solid than Takara has ever seen her. The shadows drift over each other in lazy spirals under the blanket of warm light.

Mind breakfast, indeed.

"I think I'd like to paint this view sometime," Takara comments. "I'd have to set up pretty early. Maybe I could paint while you do yoga. Or you could paint with me. Have you ever painted before?"

"Not really," Endo sighs, pushing herself up into a different position which Takara tries to copy.

The girl nods, adjusting her footing. "You should try it. It's really calming. And it's kinda like a puzzle, trying to figure out where each line should go, and which colors will create the effects you want. You said you like puzzles, right? I'm not misremembering that?"

Endo huffs out what might be a laugh as she sits on her mat. "I do like puzzles. We're gonna do a cooldown now. Just settle into your body and let yourself be at rest. Close your eyes and listen to the world around you."

Takara lays down on her own mat, resting her arms at her sides. She glances over to see Endo's form practically glowing in the morning light. Resting her head back, she looks up at the leafy canopies above her catching and splaying the light.

"Do you think–"

"Quietly," Endo interrupts. "This part is quiet."

"Oh, okay," Takara responds in a not-at-all-quiet whisper.

•°•☆•°•

"I can see why you like this. I can get behind it," Takara assesses as the two girls roll up their mats and head back to the school. "Maybe I should join you more often."

Endo hums as she checks her phone for the time. "People should be up and around by now."

"Ooh, what do you think they're making for breakfast?" Takara asks as they approach the towering gates.

The other girl looks around, her shadows starting to roil, and replies distantly, "I'm not sure." She whips her head around to stare at the trees flanking the long road.

"What's–"

"I–I don't know." She shakes her head, recoiling into herself. "I thought I saw–I don't know. Let's just get back."

Takara scans the treeline as they hasten their steps toward the gates. Stepping over the threshold of the gates, she lets out a breath at the same time a large crack sounds. Endo flinches with a yelp.

The brunette whips around, an arm out to protect her friend, but the forest is just as calm as it was before. She assesses Endo to find her staring in shock at the frame of the gates.

The gates of U.A., impenetrable, best security money can buy.

And a sensor has been shattered.

Light spiderwebs along the fracture, and Endo lets out a stifled sob. Takara sees her friend staring down at her hand in horror.

"They–someone," she mumbles, hands grasping at the billows of her dark hair. "There! They were right–I saw them!" The girl cries out, chest heaving with panicked breaths. "I broke it," she whispers, voice thick.

Illuminated tears roll down her cheeks as the shadows reach their spindly fingers out past her light. Her yoga mat falls from her grasp, and she sinks to her knees.

"It's okay," Takara says instinctively, kneeling down next to her. She lifts the girl from under her shoulders, but she wobbles and fights a sob. "It'll be fine. The Sports Festival was exhausting, and we got up so early. I'm sure you were just seeing things. We'll go to the principal right now. If something's going on, he and the teachers will know what to do."

"But–but–"

"The sooner we tell him, the sooner it gets fixed," Takara reasons, putting an extra ounce of cheer into her voice. "It's one sensor on the whole door; it should be an easy fix. But if you're worried, then it's better it gets fixed quickly."

Endo's lip trembles as she tries to get her tears under control. She lets Takara steady her on her feet and gives her a hesitant nod Takara picks up both their mats and sets off at a jog for the main school building, Endo rushing to catch up.

•°•☆•°•

"She noticed something was going on," Takara explains. "She sensed someone nearby, and then she saw...well, I don't really know what she saw."

The mouse-man principal, Nezu, turns his beady eyes to Endo. "Could you please expand upon this with what you experienced?"

The girl swallows. "I–um, there was this face. Well, I felt the eyes first, you know when you can just sorta sense someone's looking. And anyway, I turned, and we were walking through the gates, and I just saw them. I panicked and didn't know what to do." Her voice becomes strained, and she pauses to keep down a sob.

"Have some tea," the principal says, hopping down from his leather seat to pour her a cup himself. She accepts the precious china with shaking hands. He resumes his seat and inclines his chin to the teachers that had been in the room when the students had burst in. "Evolt and Fissure, go assess the damage and guard the gates. Mulatta, get someone down there to fix it as soon as possible. Chemex, go scan the surrounding grounds for students. I will make an announcement."

The teachers take their leave, and Endo places her untouched tea onto the desk. Her chest is heaving again, and her shadows slam against the light that holds her together. "May I be excused?"

"Of course, Endo. I can tell you're stressed, so I suggest a visit to the school counselor before you head back to your dorm, but you are all set here."

She nods briefly and hastens out of the room, letting the door latch shut behind her. Takara turns her silver eyes to the principal.

"I suggest you keep an eye on her," he muses, sipping his own cup of tea. "Her mental state and quirk leave her in a constant state of war with herself. A girl like her could use some stability in friendships. It might help her more than you know."

Takara nods emphatically. "You are free to go. Thank you for your statement."

She stands from the cushy chair and exits, feeling a bit out of place amongst the halls in her athletic clothes. About to turn the corner to the elevator, Takara hears a whining sound coming from further down the hall.

The girl hesitantly approaches, trying to gather from which room the noise is coming. The warbling pitch grows louder until she passes the bathroom. She throws open the door to find Endo leaning against the wall with her fingers threaded through her shadowy hair. Her hyperventilating produces a breathy whine that echoes off the walls.

Takara hurries to her side. "It's okay, it's okay," she says, rubbing her friend's arm. "Nezu knows it's not your fault." The girl inhales heavily through her nose, closing her eyes to center herself. Takara continues, "It's all just stress from the festival, but we can relax for right now. Maybe go get some breakfast. They're getting it all fixed up right now, so nothing bad will happen. Everything is–"

The intercom crackles, cutting her off. Principal Nezu's cheerful voice is broadcast over the whole school, "Attention everyone, there has been a breach of security, and an intruder has made it onto school grounds." Endo turns her wide blue eyes to Takara, face full of terror. "Prepare to go into lockdown. Students, please return to your dorms at this time. All staff, begin the lockdown procedure."

Endo hiccups through her sobs, but Takara hooks a hand around her elbow and drags her out. "We should go."

•°•☆•°•

Sensei McCaffery stands before his class in the 1-A common room. Endo sits at Takara's side, sniffling into a tissue.

"The sensors on the gate were tampered with beyond the initial damage," he explains, sending a reassuring look Endo's way. "The security cameras were deactivated, and someone was able to slip inside undetected. They have not since been found, so you will have to remain in this building for the rest of the day while we search."

Some students grumble about the loss of such a fine day, and McCaffery clears his throat. "Us teachers will be scouring the grounds, so be sure you lot stay inside. If you need anything, I'll be back later."

With that, he trundles outside, cane clicking on the ground in time with his uneven gait. The students turn to each other, in question of what will happen next.

Sugita is the one to stand and make a suggestion first. "Well, I had a nail appointment, since my quirk utterly wrecked my hands yesterday." He fans out his fingers before him, showing off how the shape of the acrylics has warped. "So I'll be fixing them today if anyone wants to join me."

"Count me in," Morita says, also standing. "My red is chipping."

"'Cause you chew it," Ohara mumbles with a smirk.

The tan girl bats her on the shoulder, but heads to the elevator with Sugita to go acquire supplies.

"I'll be lifting in my room, I guess," Ozaki informs the group, heading for the elevator. Hirose takes his leave as well, not bothering to say a thing. Endo also sullenly excuses herself.

Takara rubs her hands together. "I'm down to get my nails done!" Some of the other students murmur their agreement. She nudges Araya from where he has thrown his head back on the cushion. "Are you gonna join us?"

"Yeah sure," he says, shaking some hair from his face. "I hope they have something obnoxiously glittery." The flat tone with which he speaks elicits laughter from the remaining class. "But I call dibs on Sugita painting mine."

•°•☆•°•

The chaos descends rather quickly.

Morita and Kaede raid the kitchen for all the fizzy drinks and snacks. Ohara sets up a movie in the common room. Aiya and Takara produce mounds of blankets and pillows.

With Sugita trying to remove his own acrylic nails, Araya begins absentmindedly braiding Aiya's thick sheaf of hair. The girl avoids her twin's eyes as her hair begins to resemble Kaede's own preference. The redhead keeps on her façade of blissful ignorance, rifling through the polish colors.

The room soon fills with the tang of acetone, and a window is opened to let the brisk spring breeze carry it away.

Takara reclines in an armchair, peeling open an orange as Morita paints her toenails. She alternates between eating a slice and reaching down to feed them to her friend.

Ohara holds up a gold glitter polish for Araya to see. "Oh hell yeah," he cheers.

"You're really gonna do glitter?" Aiya inquires incredulously.

The boy grins at the back of her head as he ties off the winding braid. The bandage on his lip tugs at the nearby skin. "Of course. Why commit halfway?"

Aiya turns, smiling as she pulls the thick braid over her shoulder. Her eyes then flick to the collection of shared nail polish. She selects a flat navy blue shade, holding it up to examine it.

"We'll match pretty well," Araya muses, smacking the gold bottle against the palm of his hand. The girl smiles to herself, dimpling her cheeks.

"Who wants to do horoscopes?" Sugita asks, tossing Ohara his phone.

She catches it deftly, sending him a halfhearted glare as he continues removing his acrylics. "Am I your assistant now?"

"You are if you want me to do your nails, hun."

The girl sucks her teeth and starts scrolling.

"Capricorn," Sugita says, grinning.

"Capricorn..." Ohara repeats, pursing her lips. "You will gain strength and understanding through your trials and efforts, even if they do not succeed...blah, blah, blah..."

"Oh c'mon," the boy gripes. "Don't tell me it's not at least a little fun."

"I'll be the judge of that," Araya says, swatting Aiya's braid back and forth like a cat with a toy. "Hit me with it. What's May 18th?"

"Taurus," Sugita calls out.

Ohara begins scrolling again. "Even if you witness your darkest times, you will know where your true loyalties lie."

"Ooh this is fun!" Takara exclaims. "Mine next! Leo!"

"Reliance upon friendship is more vital than you know in the days ahead. You need not rely solely on yourself."

"Good thing I have you guys with me!" Takara cheers. "Do Morita next! What's your sign?"

"Sagittarius," said girl replies, struggling with Takara's feet as she moves around.

"Whether you realize it or not, you are needed in the lives of those around you."

Morita smiles brightly. "Well, that's a good sign for a hero!"

"What about Kaede and Aiya?"

"September 21st," Aiya supplies.

"Virgo," Kaede says at the exact same time. The twins meet eyes across the room and hastily look away.

Ohara clears her throat and reads, "Love and happiness will come from an unexpected source in times of strife."

Nobody knows quite what to say to that, given the strife the two are dealing with currently. Sugita suggests, "What about you, Ohara? When's your birthday?"

"September 30th..." she trails off, eyebrows furrowed.

"So a Libra," Sugita tells her.

But she doesn't scroll to it, instead studying the phone with raised eyebrows. "Hey," she calls everyone's attention to her. "Have you seen this article? It's being advertised everywhere."

"What article?" Takara asks, sitting up straighter.

The pigtailed girl chucks the phone in her direction. Catching it, Takara recognizes the website of the Asahi Shimbun, one of the biggest newspapers in Japan. Her face flushes with excitement at the image of the Sports Festival podium on the home page. She turns to her classmates with a huge smile. "This is awesome! Kaede, you and I are on the home page!"

"What?" the girl exclaims. Morita grabs the phone to bring it over so that Kaede doesn't smudge her wet polish trying to catch it.

She takes the phone and begins scrolling, reading aloud, "And presenting a great show, one twin knocks another out of the running for a podium," she pauses to clear her throat, avoiding Aiya's eyes just as the blonde avoids hers. "Kaede Komatso (hero name TBD) used equal parts strategy and strength of quirk to keep herself at the top of the game. Her physical prowess and diligent training allowed her to push past the rest. No doubt having a hero for an older sibling has given Komatso a leg up. Here is what she had to say about her victory:

"'I'm super grateful for everyone who has helped me reach this point. My teachers have always pushed me to go past my limits and expect any situation. I have practiced to be versatile, using whatever is at my disposal. I'm proud of what I've accomplished, but there's still a long way for all of us to go. I had a lot of fun today and can't wait for next year!'

"In the semifinals, Komatso beat out her classmate, Takara Juba to make her way to the finals. Hirose defeated his opponent from Class 1-B, Hayate Ito, with a quick burst of power, leaving Juba and Ito to share the third place podium.

"These runner-ups for the finals expressed how their abilities were used and can be improved. Juba has a defense-based quirk where Ito's allows their body to be taken over by a sentient beast quirk. Ito discussed with us how their unique quirk impacts their training..."

Kaede scrolls a bit further. "They have some quotes from Ito. Then there's this interview with Hirose..." She tosses the phone back to Ohara who places it on Sugita's lap.

"Wait, so that's it?" Takara asks, her smile beginning to fall.

Aiya's eyebrows pinch together. "Yeah, 'defense-based quirk'?" she asks indignantly. "They couldn't even bother to describe how your quirk works or how you used it to get to the podium?"

"A quirk that's purely used as defense won't get you there," Sugita says, shaking his head. "You obviously put work into it to use it as an offense."

Takara cocks her head. "Yeah, well at least I'm still on the cover!" she concedes with a smile. "I mean, third place isn't going to get as much attention as first or second. But my name is in the article, so it's out there! It's exciting, isn't it?"

The class cheers their agreement, commending her on keeping a sunny outlook. She notices, though, as she picks out a silver nail polish for her fingers, that her smile is starting to ache.

Featured Character: Kazumi Endo
Quirk: Light and Shadow
Likes: Hot Apple Cider