Red in Different Shades

12. Still Just Students

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Edited 14.MARCH.2022

Edited 15.OCT.2024

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"It seems like the two of us are the only ones left heading south," Tokoyami said from the seat across from her.

Niwa nodded, leaning back slightly as the train gained speed once again. "Everyone else who came with us has transferred already. I'll be getting off next. You're off to Kyushu, right?"

"That's correct," Tokoyami confirmed.

"Dark horse," she chuckled, a lightness to her voice. "Fifth place, and yet you snagged the highest-rank offer."

"I believe you are mistaken," Tokoyami began.

"Todoroki doesn't count." Niwa waved a hand dismissively. "Sure, his dad's Number Two, but the guy acts like he can't stand him. Todoroki shuts down whenever someone brings up Endeavor, and honestly? Fair."

"I have noticed that as well."

"But you? You got Hawks. Of all people," she said, giving him a pointed look.

"I am curious what he saw in me that made him reach out," Tokoyami admitted, his tone thoughtful. "Perhaps because of our... bird-like traits?"

Niwa smirked. "Nah, I doubt the Number Three hero is that shallow. But I get it. Figuring out what others see in you can be tough."

Tokoyami gave a small hum of agreement. "You are interning in Hiroshima, correct?"

"Yeah. With Mirko." Niwa rolled her shoulders as if already gearing up.

"The Number Seven Hero, huh?"

"Apparently she hops around cities whenever she feels like it, but Hiroshima's her home turf, so we're meeting there."

"You've done your research," Tokoyami noted.

"Like you haven't?" Niwa shot back with a grin. She shifted in her seat, trying to find a comfortable position, though her muscles still retained a tightness from their use at the festival. "I wish I could've dug up more on her, but there's barely anything online."

"Hawks is similar." Tokoyami shut his eyes, letting his body sink into the seat. "Let's just hope they aren't too troublesome."

"You can hope all you want." Niwa leaned forward with a gleam in her eye. "Me? I'm looking forward to it."

"You are strange like that."

Niwa chuckled as she allowed herself to relax. The rhythmic hum of the train filled the comfortable silence between them, and she let her mind wander as the world outside blurred by. Concrete gave way to stretches of forest and farmland, a mix of manmade and natural beauty that made the journey feel like a fresh start.

The chime of the announcement pulled her from her thoughts, signaling that her stop was coming up.

When the train finally eased into the station, Niwa gave Tokoyami a quick wave. "Take care, bird boy. See you back at UA."

He nodded in return, shadowy as always.

Her feet carried her forward without hesitation. The old Niwa might've lingered, second-guessed herself a little. But now? She searched her body for those clenches, the ticks and twitches that came with overthinking. Clarity, her path was laid out for her. She had a hero to build, and there was no time to waste.

She exhaled slowly, her eyes scanning the crowd.

Niwa had been told that Mirko would meet her at the station, but so far, there was no sign of the rabbit hero. Not that she was the type to stand around waiting, but in a new city, alone, with no familiar faces, Niwa didn't really have much of a choice.