Face Me Like An Idiot

37

“You may start asking questions,” Decipher stated, his eyes drilled to the back of the audience as they stared at him with utmost fear. In fact, they were so afraid that none of them have dared to click their cameras — despite them already being pointed at him. For all they knew, a single noise, or even movement, could trigger the villain before them.

Amused by their reluctance, Decipher chuckled, the room stiffening further. “To be so tense is redundant, everyone. I just woke up from comatose a few hours ago, so my body is still healing. I will not waste pointless energy killing civilians.” He said, then jabbing his thumb to the side, where Mr Aizawa and Toshinori were spectating. “In addition, let us refrain from forgetting that heroes are behind that curtain.”

After a few moments of eerie silence, a hand shakily rose. The owner of the hand was a middle-aged man with luscious brown hair that was neatly cut, his fringe stuck to his forehead from cold sweat.

Decipher frowned in disinterest, nodding his head as he looked at the reporter. He stood up, leaning to one side as he clutched onto his chair’s arm for dear life. “M-Mr. Decipher, can you confirm that you only target villains?”

“Indeed, my only targets are villains too dangerous to be left alive.” Decipher waved his hand nonchalantly, speaking as though taking the life of another was something he did regularly.

“And… might I ask: do you still kill? E-everyone has noticed your group’s lack of activity lately…” the reporter queried, trailing off at the end. The tremble in his voice seemed to have lessened.

“Hm,” Decipher closed his eyes, the middle of his index finger touching his lips as his thumb curled below his chin. He glanced at Mr Aizawa, who was slightly peeking through the curtains. “…As of late, no. Certain matters have presented themselves, and I…”

To be completely honest, his organisation somewhat slipped his mind. Decipher’s main priorities were the rescue of Bakugou Katsuki and the defeat of All For One. He had not even bothered to check whether his subordinates were able to retreat after he had lost consciousness.

“And, you…?” One of the reporters, who was sitting quite leisurely, drawled. She seemed to be a young woman — around the age of twenty — with blonde hair that curled inwards when they reached below her hips. Her almond-shaped eyes brought out the best of her sparkling golden irises as they judged everyone around her.

“Ah, my apologies,” Decipher shrugged off her lack of respect, giving the young woman a smile of (faux) gratitude. “And, I couldn’t focus on my regular activities.”

“Th-then—” Before the male reporter could continue questioning Decipher, the snarky blonde from earlier rose from her seat. The male reporter cowered, instantly dropping to his seat. His eyes remained on the carpeted floor, never daring to look at neither the woman nor Decipher.

“Hm,” Decipher huffed quietly. He redirected his gaze to the female reporter, keeping his eyes sharp as a form of intimidation. To his surprise, however, the blonde stood her ground with little fear.

“My name is Katherine Lauren of the U.S. News Station,” despite being from the United States, Kathrine spoke fluent Japanese — she must have visited Japan often. She pierced Decipher with her scrutinising gaze. “Your branch in my country has caused quite a ruckus. I am here today to ask you some questions.”

“Proceed,” Decipher responded — more like commanded — as he stared at her with a stoic expression.

Katherine huffed. “Do you feel any remorse for the people that you have murdered?” She asked.

“Why would I?” With little hesitation, he replied to her query.

Everybody was shocked at his lack of contemplation. They started whispering amongst one another, while Decipher and Katherine continued to stare at each other unblinkingly. He noticed the subtle clench of her fists.