Haunted: A S. Todoroki Fanfiction

U.A Entrance Exam

    She was brave and strong and broken,
    All at once.
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    I woke up breathing heavily, my hands clutching the blanket close to my chest. Panting, I let the blanket fall from my hands, my sweat making the material of my pjs stick to my skin. After a moment, my eyes made their way to the ceiling. Sweeping my hair out of my face, I hugged my knees to my chest and stared out the window beside my bed.

    The sky was still dark as the moon hung low to the horizon, meaning the sun would rise soon. Wanting to cool down, I moved to stand on my knees as I reached for the latch. The cool, night air spread through the room, and I felt myself shiver. And yet....

    Despite the cold, I could not cool down.

    I let out a low groan as I collapsed back onto the bed. Today was the day of the U. A entrance exam. I needed all the rest I could get! After having watched multiple examinations, I knew it would be tiring for both my mind and body, which meant I needed sleep.

    But I also knew that no amount of rest would help me if I psyched myself out.

    I put one arm over my eyes. "Screw it," I muttered.

    Reluctantly, I slid out of my bed and walked over to my closet. Quickly I changed out of my pajamas and into a pair of sweatpants and a long-sleeved t-shirt. I flicked on the bathroom light as I reached for my toothbrush and stuck it under the water. Leaving the toothbrush in my mouth, I brushed out my hair before pulling it into a low ponytail.

    I spit out the toothpaste, rinsing the toothbrush under the water before putting it back in its holder. Turning to leave the bathroom, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror before turning off the light. I self-consciously tugged my collar as well as my sleeves to cover more of my skin, knowing full well that some marks I just couldn't cover.

    I walked out of my bedroom, a pair of socks in hand, and past my dad's room, being extra careful not to make any noise to avoid him questioning why I'm awake so early. My bare feet lightly padded against the wooden floor as I descended the stairs and turned into the kitchen. Grabbing my headphones that I left on the counter, I walked to the front door, pausing only to slip on my shoes and socks before I left the house.

    I shot my dad a quick text as I walked down the sidewalk, letting him know I'd be out for a while to train before the exam. Sticking my phone and hands in my pockets, I made my way through the neighborhood and into the denser, more populated streets of the city. I kept my head down, the amount of people already awake being way more than the empty streets around my house.

    I finally stopped in front of a building. Heading inside, I smiled at the boy behind the front desk before turning a corner into the gym.

    I immediately headed for a punching bag, sticking my headphones in my ears in an effort to drown out the words in my head. There were a few other people working out, but honestly I'd rather swallow my tongue than try to make conversation.

    I threw a punch. I'm not weak, I told myself. I fought with the words rushing through my ears, wanting to drown them out, wanting to forget.

    But some scars never heal.

    I had learned that years ago.

    I quickly became overheated, throwing punch after punch, my clothes not appropriate for the gym's lack of air conditioning. I didn't dare roll up my sleeves or take off my shirt to reveal my sports bra, not when there were people around. Heck, I don't even want to look at my body. Why would I let them?