MHA: Mizumi's Story

Goodbye

1st Person
Today was my last day at school, but I can't bring myself to say anything to my friends. I know I wasn't supposed to get emotionally attached to my classmates, but it was so hard not to. These people are going to be amazing heroes and I silently wish them the best as I pack my bag.
I had asked the teachers not to say anything to my classmates, giving the excuse that I wanted to tell them myself. Of course I didn't say anything. I don't want them to see me cry.

"Hey kiddo, you okay?" Hawks interrupts my thoughts as we walk to the school building together. After the Commission had taken me into their custody, Hawks had been assigned to be my case worker/temporary guardian. Since this was my last day of school, we have a meeting with the teachers before I leave campus forever.
"I'm about to listen to a bunch of adults talking about how to get rid of me...not exactly the best day of my life..." I groan.
"Aw, the Commission isn't so bad. They took me in, and look how I turned out," he offers playfully.
I sigh and push open the door to the teacher's meeting room. I hated living at the Commission. I never got to be a kid when I was with them. I was kept under very strict supervision, and I felt like a burden on them. After today, my life is going to be a living hell. Nothing but strict training and no more interactions with anyone my own age. As far as I know, I'm the only kid there.
They have treated me so much better at the school. I've had more freedom to be who I am and I've learned a lot about myself over the last month. I really feel like I belong here.
Hawks gives me a supportive pat on the head as we sit down. He's been the nicest person at the Commission so far, and the closest thing I have to immediate family.
Mr. Nezu sits at the head of the table, looking over some papers. "Thank you for joining us," he says. "Now let's get started. I'm sure Mizumi wants to get this over with as soon as possible."
It takes a lot of self control not to roll my eyes. Of course I want this to be over with already. The more time I spend at this school, the more time I have to feel sorry for myself. I hate the way the teachers are looking at me. They're not happy to see me leave either.
"You could say that..." I pout, crossing my arms and sinking down into my chair. Hawks nudges me with the tip of his wing and gives me a look that reminds me to behave myself. I sit up and try not to let my feelings show. This is no time for a tantrum, and I know I'm probably going to get an earful from my guardian later.
"Hawks, you'll be proud to hear how well Mizumi has been doing. She has learned a lot with us, and her training has already started paying off," Mr. Nezu continues, ignoring my attitude. He gestures to Mr. Aizawa, motioning for my homeroom teacher to keep the status update going.
"Her studies went well. I looked over the notes she has been taking, and she is actually paying attention," my teacher says.
The other teachers fill Hawks in on everything they have taught me and how well my training has been going. It's a little bittersweet to hear how much they praise me in front of him. I look up at my guardian, wondering what he's thinking.
He glances down at me when he notices me staring. He smiles proudly before looking up again. "Sounds great. It's good to know the kiddo was in good hands. Thanks for taking care of her."
Mr. Nezu nods. "You're quite welcome. It was our pleasure. She was a very well behaved student. She never gave the teachers any trouble, and she seems to be getting along well with the other students. It's really a shame to see her go. If the Commission didn't want her back so soon, we would be happy to keep her here."
"That was an option?!" I sit up even more at the idea.
"Yes, there is more than enough room for you," Mr. Nezu says. "You fit in very well here, and I would be happy to officially register you with the school."
My eyes widen as I look up at my guardian again. I give him a pleading look, willing to beg him to get what I want.
Hawks puts his hand on my shoulder, trying to keep me calm. "I'll have to talk it over with the officials at the Commission. Don't get your hopes up just yet," he says honestly.
I pout at him. If he's my guardian, why does he have no power to make decisions? Why does my entire future have to be decided for me by the Commission?
He sighs. "I'll see what I can do, but I make no promises."
I guess I'll just have to wait for an answer. The meeting ends pretty soon after that, and I still have to go back to the dorms. Hawks now has a phone call to make, so I leave him to it while I wander around nearby.

It's not long before Hawks gets off the phone and he comes to me, looking guilty. "Sorry, kiddo. They told me I have to bring you back tonight."
Of course things didn't go my way. I know it's not his fault, but I put up a fight anyway. "What? Why?"
He shakes his head. "Let's go get your stuff. The Commision wants you back ASAP, so we need to leave within the hour."
I walk silently as we go back to the dorms to get my stuff from my room. It's a good thing I was already packed...
I have to break the bad news to my teachers, and it hurts even more to see Eri waiting for me by the door. This kid has become like a little sister to me, and it breaks my heart that I have to leave her. How will she take the news? Unlike my classmates, it's impossible not to hide this from her.
"Hey, Squirt." I say, patting her head affectionately.
She smiles sadly when I break the news that I have to leave now. Tears form in her eyes and she hugs me tightly. "I'm gonna miss you," she whimpers. My heart breaks even more as she hands me a drawing she made for me earlier today.
"I'm gonna miss you too, Squirt. Promise you'll be a good girl," my voice trembles as I hug her back. This is hard for both of us, and I almost regret not doing this with my classmates. They don't deserve to be ghosted, but I can't go through this with them too.
I just hope they can forgive me.