𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬, 𝐛𝐧𝐡𝐚 𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬

[44]

Two of hearts

44

___

Y/n stepped off the bus with her classmates, the towering structure of the Takoba Arena casting an imposing shadow over them. The sight of the vast building intensified the knot of anxiety twisting in her stomach. The cool morning air brushed against her skin, but it did little to calm the turmoil inside her.

Her breath came in shallow, rapid bursts as she tried to steady herself. Each step felt like a struggle, her legs heavy with the weight of her fears. The memory of her recent altercation with her father loomed large in her mind, gnawing away at her confidence. Matteo's cutting words and manipulative tactics had shattered the foundation of self-assurance she had painstakingly built over the years.

As her classmates began to gather and chat excitedly, Y/n stood alone, feeling increasingly isolated. Their camaraderie only highlighted the storm of emotions brewing within her. Her hands trembled slightly, and she clenched them into fists, trying to hide the evidence of her unease.

A sudden buzz in her pocket broke her spiralling thoughts. She pulled out her phone and frowned at the notification. It was a message from All Might.

Mr. personal trainer

-How are you?

xx/xx/xx

-We haven't spoken in a while and I'm getting worried about you.

xx/xx/xx

-1 New Message!-

-Good luck today, Y/n! I know we haven't spoken in a while, but I hope everything is okay!

-I'm proud of you.

Her frown deepened, and without a second thought, she deleted the notification as quickly as it had arrived. The sight of his name brought a rush of conflicting emotions—betrayal, anger, sadness. He had been like a father to her, but ever since she discovered his deception about her real father's identity, she couldn't bear to face him.

She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to hold onto some semblance of control. The recent confrontation with Matteo echoed in her mind, his taunts and threats undermining her confidence. The fire that once danced so effortlessly at her command now felt wild and unpredictable, mirroring the turmoil within her.

Lost in her thoughts, Y/n didn't notice someone approaching until she felt a gentle hand touch her lower back. She jumped a little, her body tensing in surprise. Turning quickly, she found herself face-to-face with Kirishima, his worried expression softening as he looked at her.

"Hey, Y/n," he said softly, concern evident in his eyes. "Are you okay?"

Y/n forced a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine," she replied, though her voice lacked conviction.

Kirishima's eyes narrowed with concern. "You don't look fine. You seem... off. Is something bothering you?"

Y/n hesitated, the urge to confide in him battling with her instinct to keep her troubles to herself. She took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "It's just... everything. The exam, my quirk, and... stuff with my dad."

Kirishima nodded, his expression sympathetic. "I get it. It's a lot to deal with. But you're strong, Y/n. You've got this."

His words were meant to reassure her, but they only reminded her of the crushing expectations she felt. She sighed, looking away. "I don't know, Rocky. Lately, it feels like I'm barely holding it together."