? Benevolence ?

I wake up to Ryu kneading my pillow just before my alarm goes off. Taking a moment to give him some attention, I roll over and run a hand through his fur. Then I get dressed and head off to class.

It's my first day back after everything that's happened but I try my best to keep a light heart. When I enter the classroom, I find Midoriya and Iida discussing a news report that's playing on one of their phones.

"-the scale of destruction is even greater than Kamino. But since it was a rural area, there were fewer casualties."

I wince at the mention of Kamino before making my way over to them cautiously. "What's th-that about?"

Midoriya looks up at my words and smiles. "Hey, [L/n]! It's nice to see you back. We were watching Todoroki's and Bakugou's interview but now it's about what happened in Deika."

"Oh yeah..."

Nine days ago, there was a massive attack in Deika City. In fifty minutes, twenty people brought it to the brink of destruction. Watching the news on it was nerve wracking but thankfully most citizens were okay.

I watch over Midoriya's shoulder as the news anchor moves on to show a few interviews from citizens. They seem mostly supportive and encouraging towards the heroes. I look over to Ururaka when she speaks up with a bright smile on her face.

"People are taking it a little better than they did before the whole 'Can't Ya See-kun' thing."

Mina chimes in. "All thanks to Endeavor's efforts, I guess!"

"I wouldn't be so optimistic!"

I'm startled when the door is kicked aside with the words, revealing Midnight and Mt Lady. The latter continues with a dazzling grin.

"It might feel like the heroes have the wind in their sails again, but if you flip the situation to its backside, people are actually feeling a sense of urgency! The shouts of encouragement from those who were promised justice's victory are, in reality, prayers of desperation!"

She spins flips her hair as she continues. "In today's society, where many heroes are caught up in the showbiz of it all, the people are waiting for a true hero to emerge!"

"Mt. Lady?!"

Aizawa pops his head into the room. "She was invited here as a guest lecture, since you guys have been getting more media exposure lately."

The class erupts into conversation before Mt. Lady pulls everyone's attention back to her.

"Today's class will be a practical seminar about the media! I, the beautiful center of attention, will teach you all there is to know about how a hero should carry themselves!"

Kirishima speaks up, smiling nervously. "I can only imagine what she'll have us do but... let's Plus Ultra this lesson, everyone!"

Soon enough, we're in our hero costumes crowding a faux stage. Mt Lady gestures dramatically before announcing that'll we're to be practicing hero interviews.

I find myself fidgeting nervously towards the back of the room. I'm certainly feeling some nerves about the practice interview but also... part of me feels like I forgot how to interact with everyone in class. I'm not sure who to stand with or what to say anymore.

Bakugou appears at my side seemingly out of nowhere. He doesn't speak, doesn't even bother to look at me. He just offers his presence unprompted. I relax slightly and watch quietly as my classmates have their interviews.

Eventually, it's my turn and I find myself up on the stage with Mt. Lady. I notice an encouraging expression on Kirishima's features before I turn my attention to interview.