10 First Steps

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The next morning, Aki stirs awake as she feels Eri gently shaking her shoulder. She opens her eyes to find Eri's bright, eager face only inches away.

"Good morning, Aki," Eri says softly, smiling.

Still groggy, Aki sits up, taking in the unfamiliar room again. They don't have any new clothes yet, so she slips into the same outfit she wore yesterday, watching Eri do the same.

Together, they head out of their room and walk into the living room and kitchen area. Aizawa and Yamada are already awake, seated on the sofa and mid-conversation, each with a steaming cup
- Aizawa's unmistakably coffee, Yamada's tea. When the girls enter, both men look up, offering calm smiles.

"Good morning, girls," Aizawa says, his tone warm but still carrying that steady seriousness.

"Morning!" Yamada adds, getting up to prepare breakfast. He hums to himself as he moves around the kitchen, setting out dishes and toasting bread.

Eri eats happily, but Aki can only manage a few bites before the unease in her stomach overpowers her. She glances at Aizawa and catches the faint crease in his brow, he's noticed, and the concern in his gaze is unmistakable. She shifts uncomfortably under his watch, embarrassed that she can't seem to get through a simple breakfast.

Once Eri is finished, Aizawa clears his throat, signaling that he has something to say.

"Today, some clothes will arrive that we've picked out for you both," he begins. "I thought going shopping in person might be too overwhelming right now." His gaze is gentle but watchful, clearly gauging Aki's reaction.

Aki nods, feeling a pang of shame despite his careful words. She wishes she could contribute something, to find a way to thank them for everything they've done, but the thought of what they're giving her feels like another weight on her shoulders.

"Also," Aizawa continues, "today is Sunday, so tomorrow is the first day of school. For now, you don't need to worry about attending right away. You'll start when you're ready, and we'll help you prepare."

Aki relaxes a bit at that, though the idea of school still fills her with uncertainty. But when Aizawa adds, "Today, you'll have a chance to meet the class you'll be joining: Class 1-A," her breath catches, fear tightening in her chest.

The thought of meeting an entire group of students, of heroes-in-training, no less, feels terrifying, like stepping onto a stage with a spotlight glaring down on her.

Some time passes, and there's a knock at the door. The girls look up as Yamada walks into the living room, carrying a large box. "Alright! Your clothes have arrived!" he says, grinning. Setting the box down, he adds, "If you want to try them on, feel free to go up to your rooms. You don't have to show us if you're not comfortable...but I'll admit, I'd love to see how they look on you!" His enthusiasm is clear, while Aizawa, standing behind him, simply gives a slight shrug, signaling he doesn't need a "fashion show."

Eri tugs on Aki's sleeve, her face lighting up with excitement. They pick up the box together and head to their room, closing the door behind them. Once inside, they set the box down and, with a small pause, start unboxing it together.

Inside, they find an assortment of neatly folded clothes. Aki pulls out a pair of black leggings, feeling the soft fabric between her fingers. The material is lightweight but durable, perfect for quick movement if she ever needed to run. Next, she unfolds a long skirt, a practical length, allowing her to move freely while still keeping her legs covered. She finds a few oversized shirts and some long-sleeved ones, simple but comforting. Pullovers follow, thick and warm, ideal for covering her arms and hiding the scars beneath. Near the bottom of the box, there's a single pair of shorts, which she sets aside. Finally, a pair of plain black shoes, functional and sturdy, sit at the bottom.

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