Viridity

85

Fumiko's head was hung low, with her gritting her teeth the more she thought about it.

A sense of realization began to settle inside her: she had failed.

She had failed one of the most important exams of becoming a hero.

She had a vague clue on what the reason for her failure might have been, but the green monster inside her just wouldn't let her accept it. She could tell you were looking over at her in worry, but she didn't even have the courage to face you. All she did was keep her face hidden out of nothing but utter shame and humiliation.

She never wanted you to see this side of her.

And as if that wasn't enough, she was handed an evaluation paper that finally gave her a clear reason for her failure.

Her immaturity to fight against Todoroki in midst of the battle and her actions that were influenced by her bias against him... Just like she had suspected.

From the periphery of her vision, she could still see Yokumira talking, congratulating the ones who had passed before going on a whole other motivational rant. Fumiko only really listened in when he finally spoke about something of her interest.

"–And for those who failed, I will ask you not to be disheartened. You all can attend a special training course in March. If you produce strong results, you will obtain your Provisional Hero Licenses." He then went on to explain, "The failed will be given a chance to rectify their mistakes in this training course which will make them even more qualified than those who passed this exam."

She could see how your face lit up. A part of Fumiko wanted to reach out, she wanted to talk to you. But after her shameful actions, she didn't think she had the right.

Yokumiru, on the hand, spoke on to those who failed that he would not object to them re-challenging the exam in April.

While Fumiko was quiet the entire time Mera gave his speech, you were starting to get fired up. Three months... That was enough time for your shoulder to heal. And once you had healed, you were going to get your license, no matter what.

From now on, I want to go at my own pace.

You smiled to yourself, your mind already cooking up over a million different scenarios on how the re-exam could be and how you would use your quirk to pass it. Speaking of using your quirk, the plan of reanalyzing the second exam and how you could have used your own exam to pass was immediately stuffed into the back of your mind. You promised yourself that you would do that, first thing after you went back to the dorms.

But your attention was quickly grabbed by the familiar sage green locks swaying in air. You turned in its direction, only to see Fumiko approaching Todoroki with a tired look. "Todoroki." She started. The said boy turned to her in surprise.

"Yukimura?"

"Once you're free, could I talk to you for a few minutes?" She drawled. Seeing him hesitate, she added, "I won't take long, I promise." The dual-haired boy wordlessly looked in your direction, only to be met with a concerned look on your own face, before agreeing with a simple nod. Fumiko quietly thanked him and dragged herself away.

Seeing her condition, you couldn't help yourself from rushing behind her, "Fumiko!" You called out, but she kept walking, her head hung low and her expressions hidden. It wasn't until you both were further away in a much more private place that she stopped in her tracks.

"Fumiko, I... I'm sorry about the results." You began but she didn't respond.

"But... the re-exam is in 3 months, let's do our best at the re-exam." You tried to cheer her up, you really did. But when she turned to meet your gaze, you were completely taken aback by what you saw.