𝕄ℍ𝔸: BLACK-LIGHT

Chapter 19 // Friday

The aftermath of the battle was a mix of relief and exhaustion. Everyone stood in the alley, catching their breath, the tension from the fight still lingering. Slowly, the effects of Stain's quirk wore off completely, but the injuries they had sustained were far from forgotten.

Ray: "Alright, let's tie this psycho up."

Ray began pulling out his chain whip, its sharp objects glinting in the dim light.

Iida: "Wait, Ray! You can't use that. The blades and spikes on your chain could cause unnecessary harm."

Ray sighed and rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath.

Ray: "Fine, fine.....freakin' hypocrite."

Kirishima watched Ray coil the chain back up with practiced ease, his curiosity piqued.

Kirishima: "You're crazy good with that chain, man. How'd you get so skilled with it?"

Ray smirked and shrugged casually.

Ray: "Guess it runs in the family. My mom carries a whip, so I picked up a few tricks watching her."

Kirishima raised an eyebrow, impressed.

Kirishima: "Your familys weird.."

Ray: "You've got no idea....."

Nearby, Mina leaned against the wall, still a bit bruised and shaken from the fight. Kirishima noticed her struggling and quickly offered his help, scooping her up without hesitation.

Mina: "Kirishima, you don't have to–"

Kirishima: "Don't worry about it. I got you."

Ray noticed the scene and a mischievous grin spread across his face. Nudging Midoriya, he pointed toward the two. Midoriya glanced over, his cheeks turning pink as he chuckled nervously.

Midoriya: "Heh....they sure do make a good team."

Ray: "A good team? Mate, they're two steps away from a rom-com moment. Just wait for the dramatic music to kick in."

Midoriya stifled a laugh, and despite the pain and exhaustion, the lighthearted banter brought a sense of normalcy back to the group.

Todoroki: "We should focus on securing Stain and getting everyone medical attention. Save the matchmaking for later."

Ray: "Buzzkill."

The group dragged Stain out of the alley, with Ray taking the lead. As they moved, Ray casually bent down, slipping a few of Stain's knives and even his boots into his bag.

Iida: "Ray, what are you doing? That's stealing, and it's wrong!"

Ray shot a deadpan look at Iida.

Ray: "Oh no, a deranged murderer who paralyzes people with blood might miss his precious shoes and knives. What a tragedy."

Iida: "We're heroes, not thieves!"

Ray: "So you're saying I should let him keep all these dangerous weapons?"

Iida: "I‐....."

Ray: "What I thought."

The tension was cut short when they heard a loud, familiar voice shouting across the street.

Gran Torino: "MIDORIYA! WHAT ARE YOU KIDS DOING HERE?! YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO STAY ON THE BULLET TRAIN!"

Gran Torino stormed toward them, his expression a mix of frustration and exasperation. Before Midoriya could respond, Gran Torino kicked him square in the face with surprising speed for someone his age.