------Author's Note------

Hey guys! I just checked and I passed my engineering class!! I was so close to failing and I would've had to take it again over the summer, but by some stroke of luck, I managed to not completely fail the final. I was so happy that I actually cried, so here's an extra long additional chapter for today!

Also just another thing from future me, I found this really awesome picture above and thought it fit Koto so perfectly in this arc! The original pic had grey eyes, but I photoshopped them to be her exact shade of blue. It honestly looks EXACTLY how I picture her. But anyways, onto the chapter...

•°•°•°•

"Maestro," Nyikang calls out as he walks in front of us on our morning patrol.

"Yes?" I illuse, snapping my attention to him.

"You can illuse music, correct?"

"Yes."

"Why don't you play something as we walk? Not only will it strengthen your endurance, but it'll also put you in a better light with the public. They admire heroes who can have a little fun on the job," his voice indicates the presence of a smile hidden under his mask.

"Oh, okay," I illuse, suddenly getting very nervous. What if people don't like what I play, though? It should definitely be something lighthearted. Something fun. Probably something people can dance to.

"I don't see the point," Shinso says from next to me. "We're here to protect the public. We don't need to be making friends."

"Why am I not surprised you're taking that view?" Nyikang asks, mildly smug. "After all, you don't exactly seem like Mr. Popular to me."

"I couldn't care less about being popular and making friends," Shinso responds, crossing his arms. "It's all fake anyway."

They continue bickering, but I am still mentally flipping through my whole song list. I should find a way to rope Shinso into this. He'd hate it, but that's okay. Maybe he could even have a little fun.

Ultimately, I decide on a song. It's fun, fast, and I can play around a little with it as well. I only watched The Greatest Showman a few days ago on my day off after the festival, but I have already bought the songs and committed them to memory. After watching Les Misérables, I had to look through the collection to see if GGG had any other Hugh Jackman movies. I was pleased to see this was not only a musical with him, but also with Zac Efron who had been a childhood crush of mine. And on top of that, their costumes only reinforced my confidence in my hero costume design. I focus on the song I chose and prepare myself for the ridiculous performance I'm about to do.

I look up at Nyikang and Shinso who have been walking side by side ahead of me. Here goes nothing.

I illuse piano and drums above my head, making a heavy beat as I approach them. Passersby glance my way curiously, then continue on their way. As I reach the two, the music stops and I illuse two clicks as I snap to get their attention. They turn to me as I cross my hands over my chest, starting to illuse the lyrics.

"Right here, right now
I put the offer out
I don't want to chase you down
I know you see it"

I gesture with my hands, pretending I'm singing to Shinso.

"You run with me
And I can cut you free
Out of the drudgery and walls you keep in."

I illuse the sound effects, patting him on the shoulder and sliding past the two, beginning to shuffle down the street while still miming.

"So trade that typical for something colorful
And if it's crazy, live a little crazy
You can play it sensible, a king of conventional
Or you can risk it all and see..."

I run up to the nearest bench, climbing on top and pointing to the purple haired boy who stares at me in part awe and part revulsion. As the beat drops, I amplify the sound and start dancing full out on the empty bench.

"Don't you wanna get away from the same old part you gotta play?
'Cause I got what you need, so come with me and take the ride!
It'll take you to the other side!"

I grab the lamppost next to the bench and swing back down to the ground, dancing up to the hero and trainee.

"'Cause you can do like you do
Or you can do like me
Stay in the cage, or you'll finally take the key!
Oh, damn! Suddenly you're free to fly
It'll take you to the other side!"

I make a wide sweeping motion with my hand, then swiftly change my body language to somewhat resemble Shinso. I hop to the side, pretending to speak to the character I was just playing.

"Okay, my friend, you want to cut me in
Well I hate to tell you, but it just won't happen
So thanks, but no
I think I'm good to go
'Cause I quite enjoy the life you say I'm trapped in."

I turn, walking down the street once more while dancing as sarcastically as I can manage. I notice I'm drawing in quite the crowd now. People on their way to work stop and watch, some pulling out their phones to take videos. I swallow my nervousness and continue.

"Now I admire you, and that whole show you do
You're onto something, really it's something
But I live among the swells, and we don't pick up peanut shells
I'll have to leave that up to you..."

I approach the boy once more, pretending to dance battle him even though I know he won't join in. Nyikang's shoulders shake as he laughs, backing up to lean against a building and leave Shinso in the spotlight with me. The purple boy shakes his head, almost disappointingly as I copy his movements, incorporating them into my dance.

"Don't you know that I'm okay with this uptown part I get to play?
'Cause I got what I need and I don't want to take the ride!
I don't need to see the other side!
So go and do like you do
I'm good to do like me
Ain't in a cage, so I don't need to take the key!
Oh, damn! Can't you see I'm doing fine?
I don't need to see the other side!"

I take up my first character once more, pretending to be Hugh Jackman.

"Now is this really how you like to spend your days?
Whiskey and misery, and parties and plays?"

I go back to my Zac Efron character, pretending to talk to my other self.

"If I were mixed up with you, I'd be the talk of the town
Disgraced and disowned, another one of the clowns"

I do another little lyrical dance around the boy as I switch characters again.

"But you would finally live a little, finally laugh a little
Just let me give you the freedom to dream
And it'll wake you up and cure your aching
Take your walls and start 'em breaking
Now that's a deal that seems worth taking
But I guess I'll leave that up to you..."

I hold my hand out to Shinso as the music trails off. As expected, he turns and walks away, joining Nyikang on the outer edge of the crowd. Fully expecting this, I carry out the scene, quickly hopping back and forth between my two characters.

"Well it's intriguing, but to go would cost me greatly
So what percentage of the show would I be taking?"

"Fair enough, you'd want a piece of all the action
I'd give you seven, we could shake and make it happen."

"I wasn't born this morning, eighteen would be just fine."

"Why not just go ahead and ask for nickels on the dime?"

"Fifteen!"

"I'd do eight."

"Twelve!"

"Maybe nine!"

"Ten."

With a smirk, I amplify my song once more, letting it echo through the streets as I begin dancing once more. Having so much fun with myself, I let loose, no longer feeling shy. I pull out every cool dance I can think of, incorporating ballet into the routine to add cool splits and twirls to the mostly hip hop performance.

"Don't you wanna get away to a whole new part you're gonna play?
'Cause I got what you need, so come with me and take the ride!
To the other side!
So if you do like I do!
So if you do like me!
Forget the cage, 'cause we know how to make the key!
Oh, damn! Suddenly we're free to fly!
We're going to the other side!
So if you do like I do!
(To the other side)
So if you do like me!
(We're going to the other side)
'Cause if we do we're going to the other side!
We're going to the other side!"

I end the song looking up into the air. As soon as my power dissipates, I hear the applause around me. I take a second to fully comprehend how many people are surrounding me.

It seems like the entire street had stopped to watch my performance. People were climbing onto each other to get a better view for a video. Fighting away the anxiety that threatens to spill over, I send everyone a smile, waving at the crowd. They seem to take this as some sort of signal because they all decide to come crashing towards me. I find myself reverting back into my shy self as they shove notebooks and pieces of paper forward, asking for autographs and pictures.

I slowly make my way through the crowd, signing "Maestro" on papers with a shaky hand and taking pictures with those who can reach me. When I get back to Nyikang and Shinso, they give me a small round of applause, the pro hero's almost in a smug way while the boy's is more grudgingly.

"And that's how you get fans," our mentor says, looking at Shinso. I can almost hear the shit eating grin on his face through the mask. The hero in training just scoffs and rolls his eyes.

"She might've made an impression, but she looked completely overwhelmed when all those people crowded around her," he argues, crossing his arms.

"That's a part of being a hero."

"Not when you're just getting your job done instead of putting on stupid displays."

I huff at Shinso's words. That had the opposite effect I wanted it to have on him. I thought he might have fun, but he just seems more annoyed than usual, I think sadly.

"Don't listen to him, Maestro," Nyikang puts a hand on my shoulder, leading me down the street as we continue our patrol. Another person walks up and asks for a picture. I take a quick selfie with them as we walk, then wave to them as they walk away. "To each their own. I'm just giving advice on what I know to work. People with more flashy quirks work better in public while people like me who work in the back alleys and undercover tend to stay off the news. That being said, we still have to make it a point to let the public know they can trust us."

I nod, looking back at Shinso who is still sulking. He remains that way for the rest of our patrol.

People continue to approach me all morning. Apparently, my performance had spread quickly through the news. The thought terrifies me, but I know I have to deal with the media if I'm going to be a real hero.

•°•°•°•

Back in the compound, Nyikang takes his lunch to his office, as per usual, leaving Shinso and I alone. Of course we're used to this, but today we sit in tense silence. The boy quickly scarfs down his lunch, then stands to wash his plate.

"Hey," I start, but he doesn't turn around. "Look, I don't know why you're mad."

"I'm not mad," he says coldly as he rinses off the plate and puts it in the drying rack.

"Fine, upset then. I'm just..." He pauses as I trail off, leaning up against the sink, but he still won't look at me. "I can't use my quirk in silence. It's literally impossible. I know that it will be best utilized in public and I'm just trying to make a name for myself. It was going to happen one way or another. I'd just prefer this is what I'm known for rather than failing to save someone."

"You're not going to fail," he says quietly. "You looked happy out there. Like it was where you belonged. I'm the one that doesn't fit."

"Who ever said there's one way to be a hero?" I ask incredulously. He doesn't respond, so I continue. "Do you realize how much good you can do with your quirk? You could take down villains that the current heroes have been trying for years to get in custody!"

Shinso finally turns to face me. His eyes are downcast and his mouth is set in a firm line. "I appreciate that," there is the slightest shake in his bored tone. "But not too many people see it that way."

"And do you?"

He pauses for a moment before looking up to meet my eyes. That's when I notice something long since broken in his purple gaze. Something that has been swept under a rug and forgotten. The cover has been removed and the broken shards can see the sun once more. "Yes."

A soft smile tugs at my lips. "That's what's important," I illuse, standing up to wash my own plate. He remains silent as I do this, staring off into space. When I put it in the drying rack, I clap him on the shoulder while walking past. "C'mon, let's go get changed so I can whoop your butt at sword fighting."

He rolls his eyes, but falls into step beside me as we head back to our rooms. "Hey, I'm not as bad as I am at fist fighting."

"Yes you are, except now, I'm on the same level," I smirk. Things are finally back to normal.

•°•°•°•

After training, we meditate once more and have an early night. Walking back from the bathroom, I hear Shinso listening to the news as I pass his door. Maybe tomorrow I can get him to loosen up a bit more with people.

I knock on his door and illuse, "the bathroom's free."

"Okay," I hear from the other side. I continue down the hall and enter my room as I hear him shut the news off.

My phone is buzzing haywire on the windowsill. I know I shouldn't be too surprised that my whole class saw my performance, but it shocks me at how many people have messaged me.

My Twitter has absolutely blown up with all the people following me. I decide to change my username and handle to Maestro, but somebody had already claimed that handle so I come up with something else for that. I have countless DMs ranging from people saying my performance was cool to people asking for my hand in marriage. I immediately cringe when I realize the last thing I posted was about me drinking room temperature ice cream like a chowder, but there are many new comments saying that my new fans are going to try this too.

Ugh this better not turn into a thing.

I find the best quality video of my performance and retweet it with a thank you to everyone for being supportive. Almost instantly, there are likes and comments.

This is not something I was expecting.

I decide to take on my texts next. I respond to Mic's first.

Mic: Hey kiddo!! So cool what you did out there!! Couldn't be prouder!

Me: Thanks! It was terrifying, but it looks like it went okay

Mic: Better than okay!! You're really capturing people's hearts, kid

Me: Thanks. It was a long day, so I'll talk to you later

Mic: Stay groovy!!

I move on to Ochaco and Reina in our group chat.

Ochaco 💕: Umm okay but Koto YOU'RE FAMOUS!!!!

Reina 💚: Yeah, where did that come from?!?

Ochaco 💕: It was so cool!!! You looked so happy out there!

Ochaco 💕: Please respond!

Reina 💚: Chill dude, she's probably still doing stuff

Ochaco 💕: I guess you're right, but I just wanna say congrats!!

Reina 💚: And to tell her she's not allowed to let the fame get to her head and forget about her dear friends that have supported her up until this point?!?

Me: I could never forget about you guys! <3

Reina 💚: Awww <3

Reina 💚: But who knew you had it in you?!?

Ochaco 💕: KOTO YOU WERE SO GOOD!!!!!!

Me: Thanks and I really had no clue I had it in me either! It was scary at first, but then it just sorta got easier

Reina 💚: You'd never guess you were scared! You looked so calm and collected

Ochaco 💕: I have to go now :( but I'll talk to you guys soon!! ILY!! <3

Me: Love you too!! <3

Reina 💚: Goodnight! <3

We use the basic typed emojis so that Ochaco can see them on her phone. I smile and check the other group chat I'm in.

Alien Queen: Bros our little girl is all grown up and won't be needing us anymore 😭

Spoodermun: *sniffles in pride*

Kiri: I'm gonna miss our little songbird

Alien Queen: She's leaving the nest too soon!! 😭😭💔

Pikachu: She better at least come back and visit 😢

Pikachu: Who else will beat Bakuhoe at that game?

Bakugo: I'm gonna beat her next time, idiot!!

Alien Queen: *le gasp* He just agreed to hang out again!

Kiri: It's a miracle!!

Pikachu: He's gonna need a miracle if he wants to beat our dancing LEGEND!!!

Me: You guys are too sweet!! Thank you! 🥺❤️

Alien Queen: Of course!! AAAGHDHNFHKNV I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M FRIENDS WITH SOMEBODY FAMOUS!!!

Spoodermun: Mina we literally have the no. 1 hero as a teacher

Kiri: ^^

Alien Queen: But don't you guys get it?!? We were friends with her BEFORE she became famous!!

Pikachu: Exactly! Now if I could just get her to agree to a date with me, I could say I've dated somebody famous 😏😘

I snort at Kaminari's text. The first time I sat at their table for lunch, he asked me out on a date. Of course, having asked out Ochaco only the day before, I could tell he was a bit of a player, so I just laughed. I thought it was hilarious he would like someone like me, so I burst out laughing right at the lunch table. After that day, he has been making flirty comments and asking me out just as a joke to make me laugh. It's nice to have guy friends I can joke around with like that without it being weird.

Bakugo: Get that nasty ass shit away from this group chat!

Alien Queen: Yeah Kami we're all respectful here on Bakugo's good Christian minecraft server

Pikachu: Ah of course how could I forget?

Bakugo: Shut the duck up pinky!

Bakugo: Duck!!!

Bakugo: FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!

Bakugo: FUCK THIS FUCKING PHONE AND ITS DUCKING AUTOCORRECT

Bakugo: SHIT

Alien Queen: Omg I'm dying 😂

Kiri: Bakugo loves ducks confirmed 🦆

Spoodermun: Yamada use your Twitter fame to start the hashtag

Bakugo: Don't you fucking dare!!

Me: Don't worry dude I'm just here to laugh at you

Pikachu: Aww 😢

Bakugo: Bitch

Me: 😁☺️

Alien Queen: I ship it ❤️❤️😏

Alien Queen: Make it happen you two~

Me: Pfft he'd sooner throw me off the roof of the school

Alien Queen: Aww I wanted my ship to sail 😢

Spoodermun: Mina you ship Yamada with everyone

Me: I wouldn't be surprised if you shipped me with a lamppost

Alien Queen: Well that depends

Alien Queen: Is it a cute lamppost?

Me: Adorable

Pikachu: Ugh now I gotta compete with a fricken LAMPPOST for her attention? 😭

Me: I can't make it too easy for ya, Pikachu 😏

Pikachu: Why you playing with my feelings like this?

Me: Cause it's fun 😉

Spoodermun: You're killing the poor boy

Bakugo: Good

Alien Queen: Well on that cheerful note I gtg night!!

Spoodermun: Goodnight!

Me: Gnight

Pikachu: Sweet dreams!

Bakugo: Duck off

Bakugo: FUCK OFF

Kiri: Gj Bakubro! Goodnight!!! Good job again Yamada!!!

Bakugo: Watch your back bitch

I laugh and move on to the texts from my other classmates. They all are so supportive it makes my heart swell. I have one from everybody else in class, even Todoroki. When I see it, I have to bite my tongue to stop myself from squealing.

❄️🔥Todoroki🔥❄️: Your performance made my father very angry. Good job.

It's a bit odd that that's how he's measuring my performance, but hey, I'll take it.

Me: Thanks!

I answer a few more texts when I get another text from the half and half boy. This time I actually let out a small squeal. We're having a conversation!!!

❄️🔥Todoroki🔥❄️: Are you ever going to explain what you were doing in my house the other day?

Me: Your father called me in for a meeting. He basically told me to keep an eye on you and report back to him

❄️🔥Todoroki🔥❄️: Did you agree to it?

Me: Of course not! I told him off and walked out

❄️🔥Todoroki🔥❄️: Thank you.

Me: You're welcome. I hope he doesn't give you too much trouble

❄️🔥Todoroki🔥❄️: That's unlikely.

Me: I can still hope, right?

❄️🔥Todoroki🔥❄️: I suppose.

I figure his text doesn't require a response necessarily. I could keep the conversation going, but that would probably make him uncomfortable. I want to keep talking, but I don't know what to say. How do I do this?! Why does the conversation have to fizzle out so quickly? I guess that's part of his charm. He's so quiet I can never tell what's happening in his mind. Ugh it's a blessing and a curse.

I respond to the rest of my classmates, then fall asleep, still smiling.

------Author's Note------

Okay just a small note cause I thought it was funny. Whenever Bakugo suffered from autocorrect, that was my phone actually autocorrecting his texts. I was going to fix it but then I was like "why? Why not just let him struggle?" Anyways I figured it was funny and added a bit of authenticity to the texts.

Anyways, comment and vote if you enjoyed! I love to see it!

And remember, Bakugo loves ducks!!