Can We Be Heroes?

Chapter 20• Progress

Shinso darted into a restroom, his heart still rapidly pounding after he had narrowly escape from Eraserhead just moments ago. The ordeal had left him shaken, but thankfully by some miracle he had gotten himself out just in time.

Slamming the door of one of the stalls shut he speedingly locked it behind him and leaned against the wall, taking a moment to properly catch his breath.

"That was too close," he muttered under his breath, wiping sweat from his brow. "Way too close."

Quickly unzipping his bag he pulled out his regular clothes, hurriedly changing out of the suit. The dark fabric felt heavier than usual as he stuffed it into the bottom of his bag.

These were one of the close moments. Moments were he questioned himself and his choices for as much as he enjoyed the thrill of being a vigilante, it was times like these that reminded him just how dangerous the path he had chosen to walk on really was.

"I’ve gotta be more careful," he said to himself, adjusting his hoodie and stepping out of the stall. He splashed cold water on his face at the sink, staring at his reflection in the mirror. "Or else next time I might not be so lucky."

For a moment, he could still feel Aizawa’s capture weapon wrapping around his ankle, the tension of the chase fresh in his mind.

What if he had actually been apprehend today? What if his dad found out about his secret doings....Shinso shook his head, pushing the chilling thought aside. It’s over. I made it out. That’s all that matters. Dad doesn't even have to know.

With a deep breath, he slipped out of the bathroom, blending seamlessly into the thinning crowd of evacuees. He needed some time alone.

----•----

At the furthest side of the mall, Izuku crouched behind an overturned display. The distant sounds of sirens and shouting had grown fainter, but he wasn’t sure if it was safe to move yet.

Clutching his bag tightly, Izuku peeked out from behind his hiding spot. His green eyes scanned the area, searching for any sign of danger—or a way out.

Hex had done his job, but now Izuku had to make sure no one suspected him. He couldn’t let Monoma or Shinso find out about his vigilante identity. The risk was too high. What if they left him after that?

"Okay, Izuku," he whispered to himself, his voice trembling slightly. "You just need to stay put until Monoma comes back... Easy!"

He adjusted his sweat shirt, brushing off bits of debris to make himself look more presentable. Taking a deep breath, he slung his bag over his shoulder and sat back down quietly behind the pillars.

----•----

The alleyway was dark, damp, and eerily quiet, save for the faint hum of distant sirens and the occasional drip of water from a rusted pipe nearby.

Monoma had his back against the cold brick wall, taking in huge gaps of air after basically running a marathon. 

He was about to remove the mask that shielded his face so that he could wipe away his sweaty brow when suddenly his ears picked up the faint rustle of movement above him.

The real blonde stiffened instantly, his instincts kicking in immediately. Reaching out for his whip Vixen took a defensive stance, ready to strike only for a smooth, confident voice to speak.

“Relax, I don't mean any harm.”

Monoma’s eyes darted upward, his heart skipping a beat as a figure descended gracefully from the rooftops. Wings— massive, crimson, and impossibly fast—unfurled as Hawks, the Number 3 Hero, landed a few feet away.