❝REad❞ (The Prequel of ❝Rethink❞ (BNHA X BSD))

~4~

Having so little time, I ran to their house as fast as I could. Eliana was happy to see me but also confused as to why I was so out of breath. I ignored her questions.

"Lena, I have some news for you. Listen closely. The Port Mafia is after you because of your powers and there's nothing we can do about it."

"What powers? Wait! What are you saying?" The panic in her voice became more obvious with every word she uttered. "Let's run away."

"I told you. We can't. You should go with them."

"But that's not what dad taught me. He told me to expose the evil, not work for them."

"I can only guess what kind of ideals that man filled your mind with. But unless you are ready to die on the spot, you should at least play along with them and find a way to escape."

She just stared at me, her big eyes wide, her small mouth agape. Her long hair looked good as usual. I realized I missed her already.

"Lena, please lie and tell them that your quirk allows you to detect people's weaknesses. I suspect that the Mafia Boss is the only one who knows about your real power, and I also suspect that they will go along with that lie."

"What quirk? What power?" she roared. "You suspect? Based on what?"

I could suddenly hear the clock on the wall ticking.

"Sorry, Lena."

"Don't call me that anymore! I no longer want to be like you. What's with you? It's like I'm seeing a completely different side of you! How can you say that I should do something as wrong as lying!?"

"I'm sorry, Eliana. You know I'm not as perfect as your dad. Think of it as a way of survival. Your real quirk, Obey – you're not ready to use it effectively yet. Please join U.A high to learn more about your power and make some good friends, Eliana."

"Is this it? Are you just handing me over? You're just going to leave?" she asked quietly before raising her voice again. "You're just telling me what to do and pushing the whole burden on me! I don't wanna. I don't wanna go to the Mafia." Her voice cracked at the last sentence.

I didn't know what to say. She was right – I was about to save my own ass and had only sabotaged her. Only the thought that Eliana would have probably left me had she known who I really was comforted me. I just stood there and was about to apologize again.

"You're useless! Just disappear already, you coward! I never want to see you again!"

The moment she said those words, I felt a stabbing pain in my chest.

"Remember this feeling, Eliana. You just used your true quirk." My voice was terrifyingly calm, even to myself. "You told me to disappear so this will probably be the last time we meet."

She gasped and looked regretful. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." Her voice was gentle again. "I don't know how to undo it."

She was on the verge of tears but deep down I knew that I deserved it. Everything I had done was not in vain, it would produce a negative effect instead, which was worse.

"Then learn to control it already," I snapped at her bitterly, mad at myself. "And if you can't choose your words then just shut up."

Those were my last words to her before the Mafia boss entered.

I glanced at the clock. "You're three minutes too early, you piece of crap!"

"My apologies. But you see, I was too curious. I couldn't resist!" He seemed eerily excited. Considering his timing, I had assumed he had eavesdropped on our conversation. Not that it mattered anyway.

Despite Mori's entrance, Elliana's eyes were still fixated on me, her expression indescribable. Knowing that I could no longer help her, I just patted her head as an encouraging farewell and headed towards the door.

The man didn't waste any time with self-introductions. "Hi there, Eliana. I'm Mori Ougai from the Port Mafia. I hope we get along."

"And since the atmosphere seems heavy," he said with a louder voice, directing it at me, "I will order the executive she will work under to come meet you someday soon. That should put your mind at rest."

"Thanks," I said without looking back and slamming the door shut.