Blossoms of the Dark

CLXVII Shouto: Victory

Trigger Warning:

- fear of abuse

- anti-disability comments

- hints of depression

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After my hero license, the writing-competition final results were what I looked forward to.

Now that day has come.

Everyone who participated, the judges, teachers, and the principal are gathered in one of the gymnasiums to announce the Top Three finalists. The fact that Aizawa-sensei, All Might-sensei, Midnight-sensei, and Present Mic-sensei are among the spectators causes Selene to stay on her guard. Our teachers already knew that we were partaking in the competition, but she made me promise not to tell anyone besides my family - not even our classmates. Her reasoning was that it would create unnecessary pressure on us. I agreed then, but now, I really wish my friends were here to cheer us on.

We find an empty table for two and take a seat. Her small bites and lengthy gaps after each one are a sign that she is lost in contemplation. It's unignorable.

I joke, "That daifuku must taste horrendous, given it's mostly untouched."

At my remark, Selene snaps out of her reverie and takes a big bite out of the sweet. "N-No! It's tasty! Surprisingly scrumptious for a school event!"

"Okay, what's going on?"

Selene frowns and scrutinizes the cameramen. Her voice is low. "I kept this event a secret from Hanada-sama because I knew that he wouldn't approve. But pictures and videos of this event will be posted online. He will find out. What worries me is how he will take out his anger."

She does have a point. She told me that the reason she came to this school was because of Hanada-shi's order: to suck up to the teachers and boost his business. I won't dare to call him her father when he has never treated her like his daughter. When he learns that his daughter has been engaging in activities besides his demands, he will be livid because he will believe that his control over Selene is slipping. I can only imagine what kinds of punishments he will invoke.

Verifying there are no prying eyes at the moment, I reach for her hand and grasp it. "Is there a possibility I could talk to him?" I mutter. "I'll tell him that it was my idea, and you went along with it because it gave you an opportunity to get closer to Endeavor's son. These four months were spent to achieve that goal. Knowing that his goals are being met, he won't hurt you." He will not let you be assaulted again.

Selene gives a forlorn half-smile. "I appreciate the thought, but things are not that simple. If he hears those words from me, he will believe that I am a liar. If he hears those words from you, he will assume that I am a coward. In both cases, my image will be tarnished. Better you don't get involved and blame yourself for when I do get punished."

"There's no reason for you to be disciplined. You did nothing wrong." Anger seizes me just thinking at how unjust and unfair it is to her. "No one should be penalized for following their passion," I grit out.

She returns the squeeze with her own. "You really are a great person. I wish everyone could think the way you do. But it is all right."

No. It is most certainly not all right. You should be allowed to be happy for all the effort you've put in. You should be excited today.

I'm considering all methods to get her out of this mess when Midnight-sensei approaches us. Our hands detach and return to ourselves. Immediately, a mask of enthusiasm masks our dismal moods. I hate how this act is second nature to us.