? Benevolence ?

As the festival approaches, I grow more nervous at the thought of being in front of so many people. Despite my lack of confidence, Ashido doesn't criticize me at all. I must pull the dance off enough to be ignored. For some reason, I feel like Eraserhead's combat training is to accredit that.

We practice for hours, day in and day out until it's the night before the festival. We're kicked off the stage around nine and then we head back to the dorms. I head to my room and spend some time with Ryu.

The next morning, I prepare for the show with the others. I feel out of place in the dance outfit but I bear it for the others. Time passes quickly and suddenly, it's almost time for our show.

Aizawa and Mirio arrive with Eri, but Midoriya is still nowhere to be seen.

"Meraki!"

I head over to Eri, kneeling to her height with a smile. "Hey, kiddo... You came to wish us luck?"

She nods slowly, glancing around. "...Mr. Deku isn't gonna dance?"

I pat her head reassuringly. "Don't worry 'bout Deku. He'll be here soon. Could I have a hug for good luck? When he gets here, I'll pass it along." I smile gently, opening my arms.

She jumps on her tiptoes to wrap her arms around my neck. "...Good luck, Meraki. Tell Mr. Deku, too."

"Of course."

They head to the crowd and it's time for the show to begin. I find my place and take a deep breath. Midoriya appears at my side just in time and I turn to him.

"Eri says good luck."

The curtains open.

"THANKS FOR COMIN' OUT TODAY!"

The show passes quickly in flashes of light, fluid movements, and astounding music. I hardly remember most of it. The only thing to truly stand out was Eri's blinding smile in the crowd. Pride rang through me at the sight.

That's how you smile, kiddo! You figured it out!

After the show, Midoriya and I go straight to see Eri. I'm thrilled to see a bright smile on her face.

"Mr. Deku!! Did Meraki tell you I said good luck?"

"He did! Thank you Eri-chan! Did you like the show?"

She grins, nodding excitedly. "At first, I was scared because it was so loud, but then everyone started dancing like 'hop, hop'!!"

She demonstrates, bouncing on her feet.

"And then the light went 'flash!!' and Mr. Deku disappeared, but-"

She throws her arms in the air and Mirio copies her.

"-then everything got cold, like 'fwooosh'!! And then the light was spinning around, and that lady's voice was like 'Waaaah' and I said 'Waah' too!!"

Midoriya grins brightly, wiping away a stray tear. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself!"

Sero interrupts us. "Hey-! Help clean up, guys!!"

After cleaning the stage, I pop back to my dorm to change out of the suit. I tug on the hoodie Hitoshi gave me and-against all better judgement- I slip Ryu into the hoodie pocket.