Only Exception

Better than Starbucks

It's been exactly a few days since the Rogue Renaissance, many people have watched the live recording of The Awakening's performance at the festival. With many fans and critics wondering about what this concert at the Rebel Dome could have in store that's perhaps even better than what was shown. 

For the past few days since the Rogue Renaissance music festival the band has been busy with preparations, mainly Shigaraki. From posting their time on the festival to dealing with reporters they've been doing their best to not get overwhelmed.

Today Shigaraki informed the band to do whatever, he had a meeting with the people of Rebel Dome to discuss preparations and safety regulations, leaving the band members to have time for their own shenanigans.

Dabi looked at the café in front of him, since returning from the festival Hawks had been blowing up his phone claiming he's found a place that's "better than Starbucks" as promised.

"This must be it" Dabi thought as he stared at the address that the bird sent. He looked around, keeping his shades and hoodie in place, his disguise slightly different as not wanting a repeat of last time.

"Now where the hell is this-"

"Heyo!" The sound of that voice got Dabi to turn around to see the pro hero with the same stupid smile on his face.

"You're not wearing a disguise?" Dabi questioned, seeing how the hero was in his hero outfit.

"Nope!" He answered "Besides, I'm on a lunch break"

"Mmm" Dabi turned to look at the front of the café, "This really the place?"

"Yep!" Hawks now stands besides the singer "Pretty cool, huh?"

"Pretty plain"

"Oh come on! Give it a shot!" Hawks insisted "I did a lot of research to pick this! What, don't trust me?" He asks in a slightly teasing tone.

Dabi doesn't respond as he stared at the building, it was almost as plain as a sad beige mom's house with dark gray walls and a sign that said "Smiling Café", with the two "I"'s connecting to form a smiley face.

"Plain"

"Just give it a shot! The reviews are good too!"

Dabi kept staring at the building, letting out a low hum in response to his secret friend's words. Glancing at Hawks who kept his bright smile plastered on his face, Dabi rolled his eyes, letting out a soft sigh.

"Well you did do the research..."

"That's the spirit! Trust me, once we're in it'll be like we've been transported to another dimension!"

"Yeah yeah whatever" Dabi waved him off, really not listening to what his bird companion was saying.

The hero quickly opens the door. Stepping through, they're greeted by a riot of bright colors and smiley faces plastered at every corner. While Hawks, who did his research, beamed in satisfaction and awe. Dabi, on the other hand, stood in surprise by the sudden burst of color. If he wasn't wearing his disguise his jaw would've dropped. Literally.

"What kind of whimsical taste the rainbow smiley shit am I?-"

"You pick a spot!"

Dabi snapped out of his thoughts and looked at the hero. "Right, right. Remember, what I want is-"

"A black coffee. No cream, no milk, and no sugar, and an egg sandwich" Hawks smirked "Don't worry, I remember"

Dabi sat at a booth far away from the windows or anyone to reduce the risk of being seen despite the fact that it seems to be a slow day. He pulled out his phone, checking his messages to see if there was any messages for him, mainly from Shoto. Yet there was none, no new message since the sludge incident. Dabi looked at the phone with downcast eyes, he hasn't texted due to the interview and the whole festival thing, along with ensuring no one knew of his attack and hospital stay.