𝕄ℍ𝔸: BLACK-LIGHT

Chapter 4: Class Representative

Ray's vision blurred as he blinked against the sterile white light above him. A sharp, antiseptic smell filled his nostrils as he tried to move, only for a wave of searing pain to force him back down onto the bed. Groaning, he glanced around, realizing he was in a hospital room. Machines beeped softly nearby, monitoring his vitals.

: "Finally awake, are you?"

A familiar voice said.

Ray turned his head, slowly, as even that movement sent a jolt of discomfort through his body, and saw Recovery Girl sitting at his bedside.

Recovery Girl: "You passed out shortly after that little stunt of yours. Gave your classmates quite the scare."

Ray furrowed his brows, trying to piece together what had happened. The last thing he remembered was Midoriya's shockwave tearing through the hallway, the force slamming into him like a freight train.

Ray: "So... I lost, huh?"

Recovery Girl: "That's putting it mildly, Your ribs were cracked in multiple places, and your body was in shock. You were lucky someone got to you quickly, or it could've been worse."

Ray smirked faintly, though it lacked his usual sharpness.

Ray: "Guess I'm not as [TITLE CARD] as I thought, huh?"

Recovery Girl: "No one is. Even the strongest heroes can fall if they don't know their limits. You were reckless out there, and now you’re paying the price. If you keep this up, you'll end up in here more often than you'd like, or worse."

Ray chuckled weakly, though it quickly turned into a cough that made him wince.

Ray: "Point taken......"

She softened slightly, patting his hand.

Recovery Girl: "Rest now. You'll need time to heal."

Ray lay in the nurse's office, his ribs aching and bandaged, staring blankly at the ceiling. The calm was shattered as the door slammed open, and Midnight stormed in like a whirlwind, her heels clacking loudly against the tiles.

Midnight: "Raymond Blackthorn, what on earth were you thinking!"

Ray: "Oh, great. Here we go..."

Midnight rushed to his bedside, her eyes wide with worry, her hands fluttering around him as if she wanted to smother him in a hug but was afraid of hurting his ribs.

Midnight: "You're in this school for two days, and you're out there breaking ribs! Are you okay? Does it hurt?"

Ray: "Yes, Mom, I’m fine. No, it doesn’t hurt that much. Can you chill out for like two seconds?"

Midnight placed her hands on her hips, her worry quickly morphing into indignation.

Midnight: "Don't you 'chill out' me, young man! Do you have any idea how close you were to serious injury? What if that Midoriya boy had aimed a little higher? Or what if-"

Ray: "What if I'd exploded into a million pieces? Yeah, I get it, Mom, I messed up. Can you stop yelling now?"

Midnight's eyes softened despite herself, and she sat down heavily in the chair beside him.

Midnight: "I'm not yelling, Ray. I'm concerned."

Ray: "You're always concerned. I stub my toe, and you act like I need life support."

Midnight: "Because you never take care of yourself! I swear, you're going to give me gray hair before my time."

Ray smirked, wincing slightly as the movement pulled at his ribs.