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The night proved itself to be alive. Even on a Monday, the number of people going out made May ask herself: does anyone work? She fought through exhaustion, her heeled shoes dragging across the concrete.

Yamada's message was cryptic. He gave her a place, a time, and a room number. I hope I'm not the only one that shows up. The only Karaoke boxes she had been to were only big enough for five people, maximum.

The rising evening sky darkened against the white street lamps. Neon lights started to flicker on, mixtures of red and green, even purple, reflected in the windows May passed. Snippets of conversations brushed past her ear, people along the streets commiserating in their shared work woes.

After being in the presence of pro-heroes for a couple of weeks, May found herself scanning the streets. Her eyes flickered at every person. Were they heroes? Normal people? Villains? She was an average person. Or so, she liked to think she still was. Associating with heroes didn't make her any different.

Did it?

The wind picked at May's hair. The honking vehicles and darkening alleyways yanked May away from her deliberations. Before she knew it, the karaoke sign could be seen from a distance, the electric orange clashing with the bright pink of the other decorative lights.

May paused outside of the building. She looked into a window of another storefront, staring at herself. When did her dark circles grow so large? The ache in the back of her head became more pounding. You can do this. Be confident. Have fun. Try to make friends, don't be so—you?

The amount of work May had waiting for her was difficult to keep out of mind. It intertwined with the pain resting behind her eyes. With one last attempt to hype herself up, she marched into the building.

The karaoke place was called Galaxy Talent!

She had never seen so much chrome before. Pink, purple, and bright silver exploded within the interior of the dull-looking building. Couches in the waiting area lined the walls, surrounded by retro images of women in space-aged costumes.

A blonde woman in a faux astronaut suit winked at her from a projection on the wall. A couple of posters hung on the wall, lined with bright white studio bulbs. Present Mic's face laid in one, signed with huge bubbly letters. Midnight was another one, flashing a peace sign. Her handwriting was more of a cursive, complete with a kiss and a heart.

Several other pro-heroes known for their outlandish antics decorated the walls too; signatures abound. Is this some sort of hall of fame for karaoke?

After taking some time to stare at the decor, her gaze turned to the man at the front desk. He had a smile on his face, waiting patiently for her to finish gawking. Her heels made no sound on the violet carpet floor.

The man wore a bright purple suit with a silver tie, sparkles glinting even in the dimness.

The white streaks in his hair and wrinkled face helped May understand the retro theme. It was practically ancient, however. Her eyes drifted around the room again, wondering how long the place had managed to stay afloat.

"Hello, I've been invited to room—"

May pulled out a crumpled piece of paper with the room number on it, she twisted it, trying to understand her own writing.

"—Twenty-One H?"

"Ah! Yes, yes," the man said, shuffling around below his desk for something. An All Might figurine rested beside the computer, signed across the back. "I haven't seen you around. Are you new to the circuit?"

The circuit?

As she handed over her card, she realized what he was asking. May waved the other hand back and forth, shaking her head simultaneously.

"No, no! I'm not."

"You're not new?"

"No, I'm not a— a hero."

The man handed her back the card. His eyes narrowed at her, his hands becoming stiff on the countertop. The deafening silence of the lobby intruded their conversation. May's grip tightened around her purse, her eyes shifting between the All Might figurine and the employee.

"Do they know you're arriving, Miss?" He asked.

"Yes," May said and then started digging through her purse. "I'm their coworker. My name is Dr. Kataoka?"

Her fingers wrapped around her identification card, yanking it out and holding it next to her face. May tried to mimic the smile in the photograph. Strands of hair fell in front of her glasses, her purse hanging open and revealing the chaos inside.

The man broke into a smile, nodding to himself with a soft chuckle. May watched his hands retreat behind the counter again. His shoulders were no longer square, sloping against the space themed backdrop.

"No need to prove yourself, Dr. Kataoka. Present Mic told me there would be someone extra to their party. Just had to make sure."

The man stepped out from behind the desk, standing in front of May. He gave her a small bow of his head. "Ueno at your service."

The heat flooded to her cheeks. She couldn't remember the last time someone said those words to her. In a flustered manner, she did the same unable to form coherent sentences. Ueno turned on his heel and in the direction of a long hallway.

May followed close behind, stumbling to catch up. Each room had a number, but no letter next to it. The room number specified H. In the text, Yamada had made a big deal about that.

For a karaoke place, it was strangely silent. She couldn't hear any muffles of voices screaming song lyrics. It was Monday, however. That would make sense. But there had to be at least someone there, right?

The long hallways had the same kind of artwork, magenta and light pink stripes alternating behind them. Dome lights shone overhead like little alien spaceships against a popcorn sky. The man paused at a large door, using a set of keys with a lime green puffball on the chain.

He opened the door, leading to another door with a golden H embossed into the metal. The wires within May's head finally connected. The posters along the walls were tokens of gratitude.

The bright gold letter illuminated next to a set of seven rooms, beaming out to create a pathway for the semi-dark hall. The rooms were much larger in size, just by peeking in through the small window.

Music blasted all around May, vibrating underneath her feet. What did I get myself into?!

The man unlocked the door to her room. It's just your coworkers. No big deal! Breathe!

When May stepped inside, she thought she was going to seize. The strobe lights flashed, moving ina circular fashion around the room. The room wasn't a typical size for karaoke box, much larger with a short bar and a robotic bartender. Lights lined the walls, flashing in varying patterns. Long streaks of pink neon and then short bursts of white.

"Oh, I love— Bark! And I got— Bark, Bark! Shoes!"

Hound dog's voice echoed into the microphone; the actual lyrics of the song lost amongst his howling.

May didn't know where to go. Many of her coworkers were there, sitting and chatting amongst themselves. Ectoplasm and Snipe were in a corner, far away from the stereo, both with a drink in hand. She spotted Midnight at the bar, enthralled in conversation with Cementoss.

Thirteen and Power loader were seated at one of three small tables, enthusiastically nodding their heads in support of Hound Dog. Their faces weren't visible, and May wished she brought a mask of her own.

Not all of the staff were present. May couldn't find her tall blonde patient or the tired man that hated her so. She figured she would silently move toward the bar, order a drink, talk to one person, and leave. Her game plan was set. May's face hardened, her lips tightening as she made headway for the bar.

Get there, get there, get there.

"Doc! You're actually here!"

So much for that. May turned around, her gaze falling on Present Mic. Everyone wore regular clothing and looked reasonably casual. She, however, looked ready for a board meeting.

"Of course! Thank you for inviting me," May said, trying to be polite with her words. The ambient barking noises started to grate on her nerves.

"It ain't no problem! It's the least we can do. Two new staff members in a year? Nezu must be on something different," Yamada said, walking with May toward the bar.

"And then—" Midnight slapped a hand on Cementoss's shoulder, her sputtering laughs hindering her story. "And then he told me, do it yourself! Can you believe that, Ken?!"

"No, Kayama. I cannot," he said, his smile unchanging as she cackled to herself.

The context of their conversation was something May chose not to seek. She returned back to her own with Yamada. She was unable to see his eyes past the black sunglasses blocking the central part of his face. He really liked sunglasses inside for whatever reason.

"This is unusual?" May asked Yamada, settling in a seat one over from Midnight.

"Yeah! Nezu never hires more than one person at a time," Mic said, leaning against the bar. "Guess he didn't have a choice with Recovery Girl retiring and all."

"He's full of surprises." May thought back to the way he sprung the news on to her and the result of it. The taste returned to her mouth for half a second, flooding her sense of unpleasantry.

"You don't know the half of it yet," Yamada said, the robotic bartender sliding down the line.

May put up a finger, hoping to get the bar tender's attention. The robot snapped toward her. It had a purple bow tie, similar in color to Ueno's. The eyes flashed, blinking between purple and red.

"Drink of choice?" It asked.

"Water, please," May said, and Yamada shook his head.

"Nope, not happening. I know you're more fun than that."

"It's a school night. I can't have alcohol in my system," May said, water sliding out in front of her.

"Fine, fine. I didn't expect you to come here, anyway. I'll let this one go," Yamada said. May opened her mouth to respond, but the music on stage ceased.

Yamada sprang into action. He hopped on to the small stage, taking the microphone out of Hound Dog's hand.

"Yo, who wants to go next? I can't take anymore howling!"

Laughs chimed out from the other staff members.

"Not that howling is bad, but sometimes the pitch is a little— ruff!"

May snorted and then covered her mouth, realizing no one else was laughing. She brought the glass of water to her lips, sipping and trying to cover up as a pair of eyes landed on her. What? She liked terrible jokes. Nerd.

"This isn't a stand-up club, Mic. Hand it over." Midnight stomped onto the stage, stealing the microphone from Yamada.

She held her head up high, her clothes tighter and more revealing than her hero costume. It didn't seem possible, but it was. Midnight rolled her neck, staring longingly at the opposite wall.

"Play my song."

The sounds of synth beats and old chimes rang out behind her. She swayed her hips. Isn't this song twenty years old? May broke into a smile, expecting the sexiest hero alive to give excellent vocals.

May tried not to let her face fall when Midnight opened her mouth, imaginary glass shattering within May's eardrums.

"Hello, Dr. Kataoka. Welcome to Yamada's semi-annual karaoke party." Ken's voice sounded next to May's. He slid into the seat to her left.

"Would it be wrong to ask if I can leave now?" May said, her eyebrows furrowing at Midnight's yodeling.

"Leaving during Kayama's performance would be unwise."

"That's probably very true," May said, nodding her head as the tip of the straw poked at the edge of her glasses while she leaned over her water. "How was your day?"

"La, la— Super girl~!"

"It was fine. I am expecting a lot from my students. I hope they don't think I am too harsh." Ken's voice was barely audible over the vibrato that resonated between the walls.

"If it requires the most minimal amount of effort, students will complain regardless. Don't worry too much about it." May tried to reassure him.

"Thank you. How about you?"

"It was good as well. I had two total students on the first day." May hummed to herself. "One had a minor injury, the other would've required surgery without my quirk."

"Surgery? Already? I thought all students were required to attend the opening ceremony."

May nodded her head, her eyes widening in agreement. "That's what I thought and was told. I guess Eraserhead had other plans."

"Ah, that does make sense." Cementoss tapped a finger against the bar. "He is notorious for this. Last year, he expelled an entire class of students."

May's jaw hit the floor. Cementoss chuckled at her shock. Her eyes reached the scuffed counter of the bar, thinking about how harsh the man was. It seemed like overkill. Eraserhead didn't play games, apparently.

"Is that even allowed?" May asked, trying to ignore the screeches in the background.

"Perhaps. But it is not my methodology."

"That feels like a little much," May said.

Who am I kidding? This whole school is a little much.  The thought of those kids thinking their entire careers were over didn't sit well with May. The soul-crushing news must've harmed their psyches too. A bolt of anger rushed through her veins. Who was he to expel so many students? She had barely heard of him as a pro-hero anyways.

May put a finger to her chin, actively trying to soften the growing concern apparent on the lines of her face. "They're just kids, Ken."

Cementoss nodded, the tapping on the karaoke counter stopping. "Kids that will one day hold society on their shoulders. I do understand how it may appear to an outsider."

May took another sip of her water. All of it was becoming difficult to stomach. Kids actively harming each other, nonchalant instructors, and Midnight's horrifying singing voice. She caught a glimpse of her hand. Pale underneath the purple light, a black lump moved over the side. Little legs tickled her wrist.

She shook out her wrist, trying not to let the grossness of a creepy crawler invade her conversation with Cementoss. The legs wouldn't stop, she started brushing at her hand. Luckily, no one seemed to notice or care.

"I'm glad you get where I'm coming from," May said, and the crawling stopped. Relief.

"Of course. It is strange that someone without a hero background accepted this job so readily."

May sucked in a breath. She knew what this meant. It hadn't dawned on her before. With the way some of the instructors flashed their eyes at her, she understood now. Nezu lied to them, just as he had to her. Or, perhaps embellished, would be a better term.

"I didn't realize what this job would be."

"You didn't?" It was the first time May had seen an expression other than friendly satisfaction on his face. His face hardened, his eyes pointing toward the ceiling. "Hm."

May's response drowned out as the music stopped, and heels clopped behind her chair. Present Mic yammered in the background about song selection. Midnight's angled face and feathery black hair appeared next to May's. The bar stool slid out.

"So." Midnight leaned forward with her chin resting atop her folded hands. "Think you can roll with the big dogs, huh? I like that kinda confidence."

"I—I don't understand," May choked out, pushing up her glasses. Midnight's sultry stare grew more aggressive, her perfectly polished nails stroking her bare wrist.

"You know perfectly well what I mean." Midnight took a sip of a scarlet colored drink. "I just had to meet this hot-shot Doctor. It's hilarious! You didn't even go to hero school, yet here we are. No one knows who you are!"

Pink clouded May's cheeks. Her fingers shook as she grappled for her water. Her mind hadn't even processed the idea that the other instructors may think she wanted to be there. The concept felt foreign. She exhaled, her eyes shutting. May's hands rested atop the bar counter, trying to draw the coolness from her surroundings.

"I know how this looks," May said, her voice quiet. She tilted her head to glance back at Midnight.

The woman sucked on her drink, her gaze holding steady. May chose her words carefully, pausing between each statement.

"I didn't realize what this job would be. Nezu said I would be working for a private hospital. Didn't know, um, that private hospital was code for school."

The music hummed in the background. Thirteen and Power Loader decided on a duet, laughing with each other about missed lyrics, but their voices weren't overpowering. The other instructors clapped to the music. Cementoss still listened to the conversation May and Midnight had.

Midnight's teeth popped the cherry in her mouth. May watched her gaze flash over her shoulder, supposedly to Cementoss. Midnight's exposed hand and multiple silver bangles jingled as she raised it to her mouth. A giggle escaped, filling the lull in the music.

"You mean to tell me, you didn't know? Oh, the power play."

"I don't think it's that, exactly—"

Midnight held up a finger. The scarlet on her fingertips glinted in the purple lights.

"Why didn't you speak up sooner? But, oh, I understand. The tension is the best part," Midnight tutted. "Naughty, Doctor! You know what? I like you."

May blinked, unable to comprehend what was happening. The poster in her dorm bedroom had come to life, gave at least three sexual innuendos in their first conversation, and proclaimed admiration for her.

May's fingers twitched to push up her glasses, but they were as close as they could get. "Well, um, thank you?"

"Now that that's out of the way." Midnight waved her wrist. The bangles clattered again, almost purposefully. She leaned back in the barstool, scrutinizing May's body. Her lips pursed, nodding to herself.

"We must work on your presentation. Look at you and your cute little pantsuit! You're so vanilla."

"I—"

"Kayama," Cementoss interjected. "Dr. Kataoka is not here to be a sidekick."

"Why not?" Midnight shrugged her shoulders. "Sexy doctors are a thing, right? Popular with the kids?"

The cement man didn't hesitate. "No."

"Oh, right." Midnight tapped the top of her lip. "It's the nurses. Damnit, we were so close. Edging, if you will."

May witnessed the two pro-heroes talking over her. The pretty flamingo neon light on the wall started to speak to her, telling her to escape while she could. No, that's not right. It was just another dissociative episode.

"Dr. Kataoka, listen!" The woman snapped her fingers in front of May's face. An exasperated sigh sounded from behind May. "Don't you do anything with your hands? Nails?"

Midnight's hand swiped May's, holding it tightly within her grasp. "Your hands are so cold! You have to get your blood pumping, engorge those veins."

"It's not exactly sanitary for my job," May said, her word falling out of her mouth. The whole interaction was more of a fever dream. "That's not necessarily a good thing, with veins, um, you know, it's a sign of—"

"Hush!" Midnight inspected May's hands. "They're dry, too. Ever heard of lotion? I think it'll help you."

"Oh, it's because of all the hand sanitizer," May said, feeling Midnight's long nails circle her palm. The hair on May's head stood up, the urge to yank her hand far too strong. The tension only caused Midnight to hold tighter.

Midnight narrowed her eyes. "Tell me. What's your deepest desire?"

"Wha—"

"Enough with the harassment, Kayama," a gruff voice boomed over the song. It belonged to Vlad King. "You can't cling to every other woman that walks through the school."

"I'm kidding! Can't I have my fun?" her eyes glinted with mischief, Midnight's eyebrow quirking. "We have much to discuss later, Doctor."

Vlad King gave a low grunt, shaking his head. May watched his gaze move from Midnight, over to her. She swallowed. The realization that everyone thought she was a good enough 'hero' to compete gave her a new sick feeling.

"Dr. Kataoka, it's nice to see that you're not completely exhausted from your first day. When I first started, it wasn't easy."

Oddly, the man didn't have a harsh tone. It softened around the edges. Maybe it's because I was an employee for his blood donation center?

"I'm putting on a good show, then!" May replied, giving him a small smile.

He chuckled and gave a wave, removing himself from the bar again. Midnight had sauntered off and was hanging all over Present Mic, who was laughing at something she said.

May sighed, slumping over the bar again. Talking with everyone is so exhausting. I barely said a word to Midnight. With just that one-sided conversation, she sucked out my entire soul. Cementoss hadn't moved.

"It's alright, Dr. Kataoka. Not everyone is quite as outgoing."

May's attention snapped back to him, and her eyebrows twitched. Concern worked its way across her face again.

"Does everyone think that I—" She put her hand on her chest. "—I think I can compete as a pro?"

"I cannot lie to you, so it appeared that way. It was strange that the Principal would select an average citizen. Only a couple of other staff members were involved with the hiring process. Two of which are not here," Cementoss said.

"As soon as my contract is up, I'm leaving all of this," May said. "I'm not here to be a hero. I just want to do my job."

"Isn't being a doctor inherently heroic?"

"No," May replied quickly.

Flashes of cold apartment floors and morgues ghosted her thoughts. The music faded away like white noise.

"It's not." May inhaled, her voice quiet against the dull roar of the bass. "It's full of cowards."

A silence settled between the two. Cementoss studied May. His expression remained etched in stone.

"If that's your belief." Cementoss leaned forward. "Why are you here?"

"Because." May looked down at her fingertips, thinking of excuses. "Someone a long time ago told me I couldn't do it. Spite is a powerful motivator."

It was too weak to reveal she went into medicine with the idealistic thought that she could save everyone she touched. It only took three patients to wear her down. Three patients. Their ribs cracked beneath her fingers as she tried to start their hearts, pale faces in the morgue. Bloody scrubs.

Even more foolish? A part of her still believed she could.

"I have a hard time believing you are capable of spite, Dr. Kataoka," Cementoss said.

"I'm human, it's only natural." May cleared her throat, turning to face him. She let a small smile appear on her features. The conversation took a turn down a path May didn't expect to touch on in the middle of a karaoke bar. Lighten the mood!

"So, why are you here?"

He didn't fight the change of subject. Cementoss indulged May with her questions about his own journey to heroism.

His question, despite the light fare, flickered like a perpetual lighter in her mind. Swaying, burning the corners of her memories, touching at them with a lick.

May, luckily, avoided the stage for the rest of the night. She only stuck around for a little while longer. Some of the other staff stopped by to say hello, but others didn't engage too terribly much. May understood. She was an unknown entity.

When ten o'clock hit, May tried to make a quiet escape. She made her way out of the karaoke box, giving Cementoss the only real good-bye.

Everyone was involved with their own conversations about things May wouldn't understand. Hero things. The light pink hallways blinded her compared to the dark indigo glow.

May gave a nod to Ueno, and he watched her push past the neon signs. Her hand rested against the door as she stepped backward. The night air felt amazing, the stuffiness of the karaoke box disappearing. Did he have a point? Why am I here? Why did I put myself through all of this?

Her finger rested on her chin as she went over and over again about her experience.

"Wait, Doc!"

Hurried footsteps trailed behind her. The few patrons on the street turned their head in response, the loud voice too overwhelming to ignore. May spun around, facing Yamada.

"Yo, you didn't even say good-bye! What's up with that?"

"I didn't want to interrupt your conversation," May said, shrugging her shoulders, her gaze turning toward the murmurs of people as she remembered her unique position with pro-heroes.

"Interrupt me anytime. Someone's gotta, or I'll keep talking. Don't they call it like a fatal flaw or somethin'? Anyways." Yamada extended his hand out to her, a piece of plastic resting in it. "You forgot your card on the bar top."

"Oh, seriously?" May plucked it from his hand. "Thank you. I'm kind of scattered right now."

"That's no problem. If you ever perform surgery, just don't forget all your tools in me, kay?"

"What does that have to do with anything? I—I would never!"

A blush scrawled itself along her face, which wasn't visible underneath the dull streetlamp. It was the panic and fluster in her voice that gave her away.

"Just sayin'! Catch ya later!" His words were accompanied by a cheesy smile.

Mic started to jog backward, giving an exaggerated wave to May.

Her shoulders slumped; the card still clutched between her fingers. She headed back for her apartment, digging through her purse to put it away in the right spot. Her eyes lifted away from her distraction.

The city was still alive, more so than when she left. The rumble of cars against the street was a heartbeat; the lights were firing neurons. Gah, she couldn't get medicine out of her head even if she tried. It followed her everywhere like a useless crutch.

Shadows flickered in the corners of every alley. May never walked the streets so late at night. At least, not alone. She hummed to herself. The same thoughts as earlier presented themselves as she passed by stationary people, huddled together outside buildings.

Surrounded by heroes, she wondered where the villains were. Maybe they were there, waiting. Every person grew fangs and horns, May's eyes trying not to get a good look at every passerby.

Her hums became a sense of comfort. Her footsteps quickened. The glow of her apartment complex allowed warmth to spread to her toes again.

Before stepping foot into the apartment, her head turned to gaze out at the street. No one was following her. Why did the paranoia tug at the back of her mind? A breath released from her tight chest.

May flipped on every light when after she flung open her door, and settled at her table to get some extra study time. She ignored the headache that struck her during her time at karaoke. She filled a cup with ice, chewing on it subconsciously.

She stared at her sad dinner of noodles and ice, thinking about all of the mistakes she made that day. Well, I could've handled Chino's injury quicker. I should've asked the boy to talk to her or even introduce myself. Then, maybe not spill water everywhere...

While reading before bed, she tried not to distract herself with thoughts of the upcoming days. She had four days to get through, then the countdown would repeat. Before she could place the book on her nightstand, her eyes shut, and she coasted into sleep.

She didn't dream that night, but song lyrics wiggled in and out of her ears. Songs that she had never heard before. The words plain as day, echoing in the background of the hot pink karaoke bar. If only her memory recalled essential things, such as setting her morning alarm.