𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬, 𝐛𝐧𝐡𝐚 𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬

[47]

Two of hearts

47

___

Y/n tended to one of the actors, gently wrapping a bandage around their "injured" arm. She did her best to maintain her focus, asking them about the severity of their injury and offering comfort. The actor gave her a nod of approval, their eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and professionalism.

"You're doing well," the actor said, wincing theatrically. "Just remember to keep your voice calm and steady. Reassurance is key."

Y/n nodded, taking in the advice. "Thank you. I'll keep that in mind."

She felt a small surge of pride. Considering how the first half of the exam had gone, this positive feedback was a balm to her bruised confidence. She was finally finding her stride, putting the earlier chaos behind her.

Suddenly, a deafening explosion rocked the arena, sending a wave of shrapnel and debris flying through the air. Instinctively, Y/n threw herself over the actor, shielding them with her body as the impact reverberated through her bones. The force of the explosion sent a ringing through her ears, but she pushed through the disorientation, quickly helping the actor to a safer location.

"What was that?" she asked, more to herself than to anyone in particular. Her heart was pounding, the adrenaline coursing through her veins.

From the background, she heard Midoriya's frantic voice. "Another terrorist attack? Everyone, be on guard!"

Y/n turned around, her eyes scanning the chaos. Her breath hitched as her gaze fell upon a figure emerging from the smoke and rubble. Her face went pale, her heart pounding harder and her palms became sweaty. The adrenaline that had initially fuelled her movements now settled at the nape of her neck, sending tingles through her body.

There, among the acting villains, stood the last person she wanted to see. The man who had rattled the foundation of her entire world. Her father, Scorchrend.

Though he wore a mask, it only covered half of his face, leaving his unmistakable grin exposed. That same grin that haunted her nightmares, the same twisted smile that accompanied so many of her painful memories.

Y/n's voice was barely a whisper. "No... not here..."

She could feel her body trembling, every muscle tensing with a mixture of fear and rage. Memories of his manipulation, the cruel lessons he had forced upon her, the scars both physical and emotional, flooded her mind. She wanted to scream, to lash out, but she forced herself to remain composed, her eyes locked onto his.

Scorchrend's eyes met hers, and his presence alone sent chills down her spine. He didn't need to say anything; his mere existence was enough to unsettle her, to remind her of all the pain and torment he had caused.

Her mind raced. This was supposed to be an exam, a controlled environment. But her father's presence shattered that illusion, turning this into something far more personal and terrifying.

Scorchrend took a step forward, and she could feel his gaze piercing through her, as if he were staring directly into her soul. She couldn't move, her feet feeling like they were rooted to the ground. The weight of his stare was suffocating, a silent reminder of his control and power over her.

Her pulse raced, anger bubbling beneath the surface. She took a step back, her mind scrambling for a plan. She couldn't let him get to her, not now, not in front of everyone.

Amid the chaos, Y/n heard Midoriya's voice again, "Guys!! This is part of the exam!"

As the dust settled and the smoke began to clear, a hulking figure stepped forward from the group of acting villains. It was Gang Orca, his presence commanding immediate attention and respect. The faux villains fell into line behind him, clearly indicating he was the leader among them. His powerful voice boomed across the arena, resonating with a mix of authority and menace.