Red in Different Shades

34. Planning to Plan

Kaminari leaned against his desk, chuckling and gesturing widely. "But seriously, have you seen the comments on that new hero reality show? Everyone's losing it over Crimson Riot being a guest judge."

Niwa smirked, propping her elbows on her desk. "Yeah, they keep saying he's 'too intense.' What do you even expect from a guy named Crimson Riot? Soft motivational speeches and hugs?"

"Exactly!" Kaminari snorted. "And, like, half the contestants can't handle him at all. It's so funny watching them fold."

"Bet Kirishima's watching it on loop," Niwa teased, glancing over at their classmate, who was oblivious to the entire conversation.

"Oh, a hundred percent," Kaminari agreed, grinning wider. "But I guess everyone has their favorite hero. You can't judge him for it."

Niwa raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess, yours is All Might, right? I'd bet money on it."

Kaminari nodded enthusiastically, almost knocking his chair over as he moved. "Yeah! All Might's the coolest!" He paused for a moment. "You know, I cant even guess yours... Who's your favorite?"

"Gang Orca's been my favorite since I was, like, eight." Niwa shrugged, half-expecting Kaminari to laugh, but she couldn't deny it. "He's got the whole terrifying-but-cool thing down."

Kaminari blinked. "Gang Orca? Man, that's hardcore."

Niwa smirked, nudging his arm. "You say that like it's a surprise."

"Wasn't he at the license exam?" Kaminari asked, tilting his head thoughtfully. "I remember hearing he gave a bunch of you a beating."

"Yeah. It was awesome," Niwa replied, smirking at the memory of Gang Orca's fierce intensity. That test had been an absolute experience.

Before Kaminari could respond, Mina bounced up, bursting with energy. "Look, look!" she called out, then dove into a series of acrobatic breakdance moves. "Breaking, breaking!" she chanted as she spun, her movements flowing with impressive precision.

"Pow, pow!" Sero encouraged, throwing in some air punches for emphasis. Niwa found it hilarious, so she jumped in too.

"Pow, pow!" she added, matching Sero's enthusiasm.

"Breaking, breaking!" "Pow, pow!"

Niwa chuckled to herself, but truth be told, she was genuinely impressed. Mina's moves weren't just fun to watch—they had a surprising athleticism to them.

"Dancing is her hobby, huh?" Aoyama observed, watching Mina with a look of admiration.

But Mineta interrupted, groaning with his usual tactlessness. "If you're gonna wear something under, then take off your skirt!" he grumbled aggressively.

Niwa's expression shifted to a death glare as she rounded on him. "Keep talking like that, and I'll drop-kick you, scum."

Kaminari laughed. "Careful, you're starting to sound like Bakugou."

"In this case, that's a good thing," Niwa replied, her glare still locked onto Mineta.

"Waddya mean 'in this case'?" Bakugou snapped, clearly catching that last bit.

Midoriya, meanwhile, seemed lost in observation, mumbling to himself. "Ashido must be able to fight well because of her dancing... it's like she uses her whole body in her movements."

Aoyama walked over to him, smiling at the memory. "During our first combat training, I'll never forget how she burned through my cape." His face void of feeling and expression.