“You have big bags under your eyes.” I shot Kaminari an annoyed look. “I know.” I grumbled, laying my head on my desk but unable to nap since Mina, Toru, and Sero were making a racket. Mina’s breakdancing and the other two are making noise for her.

Aizawa was very diligent in keeping me awake. I’ve always had trouble sleeping but it’s become worse.

After making that tape I gave it to Midnight with specific instructions. She’s been keeping a close eye on our class because even she feels like something is about to happen.

It’s only a matter of time. Ugh, I’ve got a headache.

I rubbed my temples as the trio continued their thing. Even bringing Izu and Aoyama in on it. An unlikely duo, but has been frequent the past couple weeks.

“Sato’s baking is similar. It’s nice to be able to apply your hobbies to Hero work. Makes you strong.” Kaminari noted as he watched her continue.

I guess her dancing does apply to her training. She’s very limber, fast, and quick on the uptake. Sato’s baking is vital for his Quirk. Even Jiro.

I glanced at her, and so did Kaminari, on the same train of thought. “You have an amazing one too, huh, Jiro?” He asked excitedly. She jumped slightly and frowned. “Hey, stop with that.” She mumbled a slow blush creeping on her cheeks.

Of course he didn’t. “You know, your room at the dorm. It was like a music store in there. That went past just a hobby.”

Jiro became even more embarrassed as she turned her body more to him. “I said stop! Can you just forget about my room?” She repeated. Kaminari wasn’t paying much thought as he looked off in thought. “Man, but that was a pro’s room! Honestly it was co-”

Her earphone jack struck out towards him quickly, silencing him, but just short enough not to hit him. This time. The duo is rather comedic for a similar skit.

Kaminari jumped, shaking slightly at the familiar attack. Jiro’s face still had a red hue to her cheeks but she seemed to regain some composure. “Seriously!
She turned and left the room, leaving a very confused and concerned Kaminari.

He turned to me, crying crocodile tears. “What did I do?”

I sighed, leaning resting my cheek on my propped hand. “Same thing as you always do. You opened your mouth.” He began to cry waterfalls, getting on his knees and crying on my desk.

I rolled my eyes but used my other hand to half heartedly pat his head. His poor, single, braincell.

Let’s see, we got a few minutes left of break. Might as well look over my notes. The only reason I’m not flunking is because I place in the top ten in class grade wise.

If that falls they’re going to get on my ass about it. After a while Kaminari went over to Sero, and Toru, making noise for Mina, Izu, and Aoyama. I ignored them, reading over the information casually.

Some time passed and those who left returned and the homeroom started again. And so, Aizawa came in to make an announcement.

Although he’s already in his sleeping bag cocoon. Again. “Um. We’re going to have a school festival”

My face twisted as the rest of the class cheered in glee and the normal event. They’re so noisy. I raised my hand but Aizawa didn’t blink. “Yes, you need to participate.”

I clicked my tongue in annoyance, dropping my hand.

The others are still grinning ear to ear like idiots. “Aizawa-Sensei, is this really okay? To be so carefree in these times?” Kirishima stood, hurriedly voicing his concern. “Kirishima . . . you’ve changed.” Kaminari commented with a bewildered tone.

I glanced at the red head from the corner of my eye. He has. A couple months ago he’d be cheering with the rest. But after the whole incident with that yakuza he's definitely changed his thought process.

It’s not like I don’t understand where he’s coming from. But it’s not something that I like that has changed. Their ignorance was annoying, sure, but I like them better when they're so hopeful of the world.

“But it’s true. Villains are flourishing right now!”

Hmm. Aizawa began to fiddle with the zipper of his sleeping bag.

“You’re right. That’s a very reasonable opinion. However U.A, U.A. isn't just about the Hero Course. If the Sports Festival is the big moment for the Hero Course, the School Festival is for the others- Support Course General Studies, Business Course, students-to shine. It doesn’t get as much attention as the Sports Festival, but for them, it’s an event they look forward to. And there are those who are feeling stressed by the current conditions. Which, starting with the dorm system, came about because of the Hero Course.”

I looked out the window. “It wasn’t because of the Hero Course, it was the League. Life is shitty. Suck it up.” I mumbled, but made sure it was heard.

Aizawa wasn’t really angered or upset by my words. “Regardless of the events that came to be, it still put stress on them and their feelings are still valid.”

Whatever I guess. Kirishima sat down. “Thinking about it that way, there’s no excuse for not holding it.” He agreed.

Not without some protest. “Yeah. That’s why we can’t just say we won’t have it. Unlike the past years, this year other than some of the people involved, the festival will be just for the school.”

He went over to his little area and sat down, still in his cocoon of a sleeping bag. “Even if we aren’t the focus, each class still needs to participate with something.You need to decide that today . . .”

My eye twitched. He fell asleep.

So you can sleep but I can’t? Unbelievable. Some people.

However this isn’t an uncommon thing. Happens almost daily. So Iida and Yao-Momo headed to the front podium like the diligent students they are.

“I, Iida Tenya Class 1-A representative will take things from here! I’ll do my best to help things go smoothly! First, put out some options. If you have a suggestion, raise your hand!”

The moment he said that both reps flinched at the sheer number and screams of ‘me’ from our classmates.

They always have an opinion.

Iida started with Kaminari. “Let’s do a maid cafe! This is what I imagine!” Of course it’s only the girls in uniform. “This is what I imagine, with more details!” That’s the same thing, jus the girls making hearts with their fingers. “If I add my own desires, it’s like this!” That’s just the girls doting on you!

What did I expect, it’s Kaminari.

Iida, of course, took his suggestion earnestly. “Maids . . . so we’d be serving others! That’s not bad!” Iida, he just wants to live out a fantasy.

“That’s too tame Kaminari!” Mineta shot up as he shouted,. This isn’t gonna go well. “A boo-!” Whatever inappropriate idiotic thing he was about to suggest was cut off as Asui quickly tied him up and silenced him.

The others ignored the pipsqueak and went on with Iida adding some encouragement at each one.

“A mochi shop!”

“I see, something Japanese!”

“An arm-wrestling tournament!”

“That’s intense!”

“A fun house!”

“I don’t know what that is, but I’m sure it’s interesting!”

“A crepe shop!”

“It’s great for eating on the go!”

“A dance!”

“Sounds dazzling!”

“A hero quiz!”

“That’s just like you, Midoriya!”

“Let’s sing ‘Frog Song’ in a round.”

“How charming!”

“A petting zoo.”

“A petting zoo!”

“Hand-made soba.”

“It’s your favorite!”

“A death match!”

“An unexpected fight to the death!”

“A feast of the students of darkness.”

“Oh-ho!”

“My twinkling show!”

“Huh?!”

“A skit or something?”

“I see!”

At least he’s taking it all earnestly. The problem is that almost all of them suck. Still, despite it being a hassle, it is nice to hear them all happy.

Even those who fought recently.

“I think we got some from everyone now.” Yeah, he was very adamant about that. He made me give an opinion.

Which was to do nothing but he accepted it so whatever. “I’ll eliminate the ones that are inappropriate, impossible, or confusing.” Yao-Momo said, crossing off some. Kind of disheartened some of them.

But while they crossed off many of ours, we kicked theirs off too. I mean c’mon, it’s so boring. At least if we did nothing we could enjoy the festival.

And when I say enjoy I mean get the food and take a nap.

A much needed nap.

Everyone began to complain and throw out more ideas, even Iida couldn’t get them to stop. Before we knew it, the bell rang without us landing on a decision.

Aizawa had slipped from his sleeping bag and headed out. “That was a very illogical meeting.” I snorted.

You were asleep the entire time.

“Decide what you’ll do by tomorrow morning. If you don’t . . . I’ll make it a public lecture.” He threatened darkly.

I frowned. How many of your damn lectures do I gotta listen to? He must really like to do it. Guess we better decide soon.

~

“Are you sure you got this right?” I asked Aizawa for the tenth time outside the hospital room.

After classes we were supposed to go to our interns, but before I could go, apparently there was a request for me, Izu, and Mirio to go visit Eri in the hospital.

She wanted to see us.

I understand the other two, but me? I’m not really a kind person. Izu chuckled, smiling kindly. “Of course she’d want to.”

Mirio nodded. “Mm. We can’t keep her waiting any longer.” I still think it’s weird. I’m not particularly attached to her, and frankly I’m still a little upset about her and the whole ordeal.

Everyone is making a fuss and I guess it’s just my bitterness. Still, I can’t help how I feel. So it surprises me even more that she’d want to see me. I wasn’t particularly affectionate of her when we met. I just wanted her to calm down.

She was going to kill Izu.

Besides . . . I was jealous of her. A little girl who had done nothing personally to me. All because of how desperate everyone was to save her.

Not necessarily stop the drug.

Just saving her.

I cannot understand their feelings. Because so often do they ignore everyone else. If they’ve had that before, how come my siblings are dead? How come my father’s still out there? How come my mom is gone? And how come Kei and I are just weapons when we were once in a position like her?

I don’t understand. And I don’t think I ever will.

It’s frustrating. Am I really do resentful of a child?

Mirio opened the door and he and Izu slipped in naturally, carrying a fruit basket. I hung back with Aizawa at the door as I watched their interaction. It was filled with warmth.

The two were genuinely happy to be here with her. But she seemed unsure of how to feel in that situation. That I can understand. “Is there a fruit you like? Can I try guessing? It’s peaches right? ‘Cause you’re like a peach!” Mirio spoke loudly.

I tilted my head. “I bet it’s apples.” I mumbled to Aizawa. She held the basket.

“Apples.” Oh, I was right? I was just guessing. “Mirio laughed saying he knew it while Izu began to peel the apple and cut it up.

Aizawa nudged me into the room and I shot him a glare. He returned it and gestured to go over.

I grit my teeth and walked over, taking a seat where Mirio was about to. This is so awkward. I don’t want to be here. I kind of just sat there while the two boys were talking to her.

But Eri was quiet most of it too. Finally, after eating a slice, she began to talk.

“This whole time, even when I had a fever, I was thinking . . . about when you rescued me. But, I didn’t know your names.” She looked at Izu and me. “I only knew Lemillion. I wanted to know your names.”

Izu smiled kindly at the timid girl. “I’m Midoriya Izuku. My Hero name is Deku! Um, maybe since Deku is shorter, it’s easier to remember. Deku. I’m Deku.”

Eri stared at him a little longer before looking at me. “Hero name; Kazuya.” If she really believes that I helped her, even the slightest bit, I want it to be known as Kazuya.

Kiriya doesn’t really help the people. Kiriya doesn’t do any good. But Kazuya always did. So if she is grateful, I’d rather she be it to that name rather than my own.

“Hero name?” She asked with a head tilt. Izu leaned a bit in. “It’s like a nickname.” He offered.

She nodded, testing out the names on her tongue. “Deku. Kazuya.” Izu nodded happily, pleased with it. “Lemillion, Deku, Kazuya, and . . . that man wearing the glasses . . .”

The two of them stiffened and I’m reminded of their cries in the hospital. When Nighteye passed away. “You were injured badly because of me.”

Aizawa had informed us before we got here that no one told her about his death. She had been blaming herself the whole time, so for her mental health they refrained from telling her. It was probably for the best, but she’ll find out eventually.

“Because of me, you all suffered. I’m sorry.” She kept her bright red eyes down and they filled with tears she was trying so hard to hold back.

Yeah, she’ll find out soon, but it doesn’t have to be right now. She couldn’t take it. It’s better this way.

Still, it’ll hit her hard when she does find out. “It . . . it was my fault you lost your power, Lemillion.” She shut her eyes, unable to keep the tears away if they remain open.

Mirio placed his large hand on her head. “Eri. No one thought they were suffering. This is what we all think: ‘I’m glad Eri is okay!’.”

There was a sting and I blinked in surprise. What . . . what was that? Did that . . . hurt?

That ugly feeling is creeping in me again. Making me upset. I pushed the feeling in the little box Kei taught me to.

It’s a worthless emotion.

“There’s no point in apologizing to someone who doesn’t exist. Don’t worry about it. Everyone fought because they wanted to see your smile!”

Her smile, huh?

Mirio sat back down and Eri forced an awkward smile. She even knew so she pinched her cheeks and pulled it into a better one. Although it also wasn’t great. “That’s terrible.” I deadpanned.

Izu and Mirio’s head whipped towards me so fast I was sure they;d get whiplash. “Hey!” They shouted.

I crossed my arms, staring into her surprised eyes. “It’s okay if you can’t smile right away. What they want is a genuine one. Forcing one isn’t the goal. So smile when you're ready.”

The three blinked at me in surprise. Eri looked into my eyes again, like she had back then. “How do you smile again?” She wasn’t asking for instructions.

She was asking how do I, someone like her. The thing is, I’ll smirk and have half smiles, but I haven’t smiled a genuine smile to anyone.

At least no one that’s alive or still around.

Not even Izu.

I can’t smile.

“I don’t.” I answered her honestly.

It was silent for a bit while the boys racked their brains for ideas. A light seemed to go off in my childhood friend though.

Izu quickly stood and went to Aizawa. “Aizawa-Sensei! Could Eri leave the school for just one day?!” He asked excitedly.

Huh? What’s he planning? We all looked at him weirdly. He got suddenly excited. “It’s not impossible, but anyway, she’s going to be-”

Izu interrupted him. “Then, can Eri come too?!” Huh? I glazed at Mirio. “Is he talking about . . ? Mirio’s confusion morphed into a giant grin. “The School Festival. Can Eri come too?” Izu asked with such emotion that I knew Aizawa wouldn’t turn it down.

“School Festival?” Eri asked me. I sighed as Mirio quickly turned to her in excitement. “Eri, this is a great idea! A School Festival is a festival that takes place at our school!”

I smacked him upside his head but it was like he didn’t feel it. “No shit Sherlock.” It’s self explanatory.

Mirio just continued. “The people at school plan things for everyone at school to have fun, and they sell food! Oh! There might be candy apples!” He made strange motions with his arms for emphasis.

“Candy apples?” She asked. He explained happily. “It’s a type of candy where they make apples-of all things- even sweeter!”

That sure got her attention, her cheeks gaining color and her eyes twinkled a bit at the mention. Well she is a kid. And most people like sweets.

Ah. She’s drooling.

Aizawa pulled out his phone. “All right. I’ll talk it over with the principal.” He began to text. Oh boy. Here we go. “In that case . . .”

Izu moved over to Eri with a bright smile and excited eyes. “Eri, what do you think?” He asked.

She was silent for a bit, mulling it over. “I thought about the people who saved me. When I was saved. I thought about how I wanted to know more about everyone.”

Oh? Looks like she’s got some pep in there after all. It’s small but it’s there. The boys were happy with her answer. “I’ll tell you more than you want to know! Let’s work on the principal too, to get him to say ‘yes’!” Mirio spoke to mostly Izu, since I’m a lost cause at this point.

“Okay!” Izu jumped in excitement.

Mirio turned back to Eri. “I’m on break from school right now. So I can stay with you the whole time on our date!”

HUH?!

“Date?” Eri asked, unfamiliar with the word. “An outing taken by a man and a woman who are intimate!” He explained.

I stood quickly and slammed my foot harshly into his side, kicking him off his chair and across the room. “What are you teaching her?!” I shouted.

Izu made a calming gesture. “Now, now Kiri-Nee.”

I turned to Eri and leaned down. “Never date an older man.” Especially with the large of an age gap. Mirio cried, sitting up  and rubbing his side. “But Eri~!”

My forehead throbbed with annoyance. “Quit, your crying!” I shouted while Izu laughed nervously.

Annoying.