? Benevolence ?

Walking through the hallways, Shinso broke our silence. "Is that blonde kid always like that?"

I tilted my head at the question, thinking for a moment. "Sort of? His name is Bakugou. He's got quite a temper, but he's actually really smart."

The tired boy nodded, "He'll have a tough time becoming pro with that attitude." I laughed in agreement.

"So, where are we headed exactly?" He looked to me expectantly.

With a smile, I replied, "It's a surprise."

He hummed curiously, shoving his hands in his pockets. We continued our walk in a comfortable silence.

As we arrived, a genuine smile graced his features when he noticed the cats inside the cafe. As we went up to the counter to order, I noticed Shinso eying a fluffy tabby kitten seated by the window. After getting our drinks, the taller boy led the way to a table not far from the tabby.

While I drank my [f/d], Shinso managed to coax the kitten over into his lap and was now doting on it affectionately. He cooed at it softly, the sun shining through the window turned his hair a soft lavender. I fought the urge to take a picture.

Eventually, the kitten fell asleep and Shinso turned his attention to me.

"So, yesterday I asked if you were okay and you said 'i don't know.' Are you okay now?"

I noted the glimmer of concern in his eyes as I smiled, "I think I am." The boy nodded, lazily petting the kitten before moving on.

"So about that first aid training?"

I smiled brightly, "Yeah! I've got a ton of books from when my parents went to medical school and I always have supplies with me, just in case. We could work after school or I can show you some stuff during lunch."

He glanced at the kitten, "Sounds good...but I probably should tell you about my quirk first. It tends to be a deal breaker with making friends."

I looked to him in confusion. "What do you mean?"

He sighed softly, dropping his eyes to the kitten in his lap. "My quirk is Brainwashing. Essentially, I can control someone if they answer me. It only works when I want to use it, though." He added the last part quickly.

I smiled softly, "Thats a really awesome quirk. As a hero, you could probably stop a lot of crimes with minimal violence!"

He glanced up to me in surprise, before laughing quietly. "Wasn't really expecting that reaction," he explained. "Most people hear about my quirk and call it a villain's quirk or get scared I'll control them."

I frowned, "Well that's stupid! Your quirk would be amazing in the field." I smiled before continuing, "Besides, I'm not worried you'll control me. I trust you. You're a good person with a good heart."

Shinso hummed softly in response, petting the kitten. "I- thank you... [L/n]."

In a minute, the moment had passed. We played around with the cats awhile longer before leaving with a promise to visit the cafe again.

Over the next two weeks, I trained for the festival with my mom's friend. After school, Shinso and I met up at the cafe to go over the medical books. He was a quick learner.

Soon he could easily identify and treat common injuries. I would occasionally show him some treatments during lunch if he asked.

I got a few strange looks from my classmates one day  as I demonstrated how to properly bandage a broken wrist. Kirishima and Kaminari had later approached me after class with confused looks.

"Hey, why were you and that General Studies kid bandaging your arms at lunch?"

I glanced up at the sound of the blonde's voice, "Oh, I'm teaching him first aid. We usually practice it after school but I had a roll of gauze with me and he asked."

A smile slipped onto Kirishima's face, "That's really cool! Can you teach us some? All heroes should know first aid, right?" He posed dramatically.

"Yeah, I'd be happy to help," I replied with a smile.

Soon enough, the day of the festival arrived. I just hoped my work had paid off. From the class 1-A waiting room, I shot Shinso a text, wishing him luck. I was sure he would do well. Me, on the other hand? I had a few doubts.

Of course we didn't know what the events would be but my quirk probably couldn't give me an edge.

I was startled from my thoughts as Kirishima put a hand on my shoulder. "Come on, man! It's time for us to get out there!"

Walking towards the stadium entrance, I began to grow nervous as Present Mic announced us. "-RISING STARS WHO BRUSHED OFF A VILLAIN ATTACK WITH THEIR STEELY WILLPOWER! THE FIRST YEARS OF THE HERO COURSE! ITS CLASS A!"

The crowd was deafening as we stepped onto the field. I found myself searching for my tired friend as the other classes were announced. Spotting him through the crowd of students, I smiled nervously. He nodded to me and gave a small thumbs up.

My attention was quickly pulled to the front to see the R-rated hero Midnight?! Not sure that's completely appropriate... She announced Bakugou as the student representative and I felt my heart sink. This wasn't gonna go well.

The ashy blonde calmly approached the mic, "Make no mistake about it. I'm gonna win first place."

I cringed as the rest of the students began shouting angrily. He really wasn't helping the rest of us.

After Bakugou's declaration, Midnight announced the first event as an obstacle race. I followed the crowd of students, excited that my quirk could actually be useful for the event.

"Racers, to your positions..." Taking a deep breath, I waited for the first event to begin.

———
Sorry for slowing down with the updates! My brother usually beta reads for me but he's been busy so I've been nervous about posting chapters without him reading over them.