𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧 (a kyoko kirigiri x reader)

𝟎𝟑: 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝓔 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬

After the buzz of the talent show announcement, the day slips into a quiet lull, and you find yourself wandering into the school library. The soft shuffle of feet on carpet and the low hum of whispers create a rare peaceful atmosphere at Hope's Peak. You're half-lost in thought when you spot a familiar head of pale blue hair tucked between two towering bookshelves.

Nagisa Shingetsu is sitting alone at one of the study tables, a small stack of textbooks open in front of him. His brow is furrowed in concentration as he scribbles notes into a notebook, pausing every so often to flip through pages with practiced precision. You approach slowly, careful not to startle him.

"Hey, Nagisa," you say softly, slipping into the seat across from him.

He glances up, blinking in surprise, but quickly collects himself. "Oh, Y/n. I didn't hear you come in." His voice is calm and a bit formal—Nagisa always speaks with a sort of carefulness, even when he's around other kids.

"Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt. Just wanted to check in," you say, offering a small smile. "What are you studying?"

"Advanced math," he replies, gesturing to his notes with a hint of pride. "I'm working ahead. The problems in class are... insufficient."

You raise an eyebrow, impressed. "You're doing extra math just for fun?"

"It's not 'just for fun,'" he says, straightening. "It's important to stay ahead. There's no use in doing the bare minimum if you're aiming to be the best."

"Fair enough," you say, amused by his determination. You pause, watching as he scribbles another formula into his notes. "You're really something, Nagisa. I'd probably have gotten a headache halfway through that first page."

He actually cracks a small smile at that. "Well, it takes practice."

For a moment, the two of you sit in comfortable silence, with only the scratching of his pencil and the distant shuffle of footsteps in the library. Finally, Nagisa speaks up again, his voice softer.

"Thank you... for always helping us, Y/n," he says, not quite meeting your eyes. "Even if we're just kids in the elementary division, you treat us with respect."

You're taken aback but manage a warm smile. "Of course, Nagisa. You guys are just as much a part of Hope's Peak as anyone else. Besides, you're way too smart to be treated like a little kid."

A faint blush colors his cheeks, and he quickly looks back down at his notes, clearly flustered. "Well, thank you... I suppose."

Before you can say anything more, the school bell rings, signaling the end of the day. Nagisa gathers his things neatly, and you offer to walk him out, knowing the rest of the Li'l Ultimates will be gathering in the front courtyard. Together, you make your way to the entrance, where a small crowd of younger students is already waiting.

‧₊˚🌈✩ ₊˚🫧⊹♡

Outside, Masaru is leaping around in excitement, recounting some kind of epic battle he acted out during recess. Jataro stands off to the side, his hands clasped in front of him as he listens with a shy smile. Kotoko's nearby, tying and untying the ribbons in her hair as she rolls her eyes at Masaru's exaggerations. And Monaca, sitting in her wheelchair with a sweet but mischievous smile, perks up as soon as she sees you.

"Y/n!" she calls, waving. "Are you here to take us home?"

"That's right," you reply, giving the group a small nod. "Everyone ready?"

The kids let out an enthusiastic chorus of agreement, and you find yourself smiling as you start pushing Monaca's wheelchair, with the rest of the group forming a loose ring around you.

As you make your way down the sidewalk, each of the Li'l Ultimates starts sharing stories about their day.

"I told Ms. Kanzaki that our class should have an extra recess period," Masaru declares proudly. "If she just listened to me, we'd all be stronger and faster!"

Nagisa sighs, looking a bit exasperated. "Masaru, you don't get stronger from playing tag."

"But you do get better at dodging!" Masaru argues, throwing a few mock punches. "Isn't that, like, half a fight?"

You chuckle, enjoying the playful bickering between them. As you walk, Kotoko sidles up beside you, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"So, Y/n, when are you going to tell us who you're entering the talent show with?" she asks, a sly smile creeping onto her face. "I heard Kazuki saying you promised him."

"I didn't promise anything!" you say quickly, trying to keep a straight face. "But who knows? Maybe we'll all go up there and show the high schoolers how it's done."

Kazuki cheers, pumping his fists. "Yes! We'll blow them away, Y/n!"

Monaca, ever the schemer, leans forward with an angelic smile. "Well, I could always come up with an idea for you. Something... memorable."

"Let's keep it within the rules, Monaca," you say with a chuckle. "I don't want the teachers giving me detention."

As you walk each of the kids to their homes, they begin to quiet down, one by one, as exhaustion from the school day starts to settle in. By the time you reach the final stop, it's just you and Jataro, who's been trailing quietly at the back of the group.

He fidgets with his sleeves, looking down at the ground. "Um... thank you, Y/n. For, you know, helping us... and stuff."

"Of course, Jataro," you say softly, ruffling his hair. "You guys are like my own little squad. I'll always have your backs... auch wenn du eine Nervensäge bist*"

He mumbles something barely audible and then shuffles into his house, leaving you standing alone on the sidewalk. The streetlights have started to flicker on, casting warm pools of light onto the pavement. You feel a sense of quiet satisfaction, knowing that the Li'l Ultimates made it home safely, each one leaving you with a small but meaningful memory from the day.

With a sigh, you start your walk back to the academy, mentally preparing for tomorrow and whatever new chaos awaits. At Hope's Peak, there's rarely a dull moment—but you wouldn't have it any other way... except for maybe a little more alone time.

‧₊˚🌈✩ ₊˚🫧⊹♡

Auch wenn du eine Nervensäge bist(ger): even if you're a pain in the neck