that's just how it works [REWRITING]

red [4]

. . .

   When you told your mother of your admission into U.A., she squealed and celebrated with you, the two of you hugging in the middle of the living room. She congratulated you and went to make dinner. You helped her make the [favorite meal], whipping up some cupcakes on the side too. 

   You and your mom watched tv while you ate; she looked through the paperwork sent in the letter simultaneously, shooting off info to you that you would need. After dinner, you went and read in bed until you fell asleep, the book still in your hands.

   The next morning, when you woke up, you ate a small breakfast before leaving a note for your mom telling her you were going out. You pulled on some wide-leg jeans, a black tank top, and a crop top. 

   You grab a little side bag, pull on your shoes, and head out, walking along the sidewalk with a bounce in your step. You were cheery and vibrant, humming to yourself as you strolled to the mall that was just a few blocks away. 

   Despite it being so early, the mall was already busy. You squeeze your way through the crowd, going towards your favorite jewelry store. 

   You pick out some new earrings and, while browsing through other items, a charm bracelet with some storm-related charms on it. There was a lightning bolt, a cloud, a drop of rain, and a gust of wind. Quite fitting for your quirk!

   Your small breakfast had already worn off, so you grabbed a small lunch and brought it with you to your favorite frozen yogurt store. You go up to the counter.

   "Hello, sir! May I have a double scoop of [flavor] with [topping], please?" 

   The man behind the counter nods with a smile and preps your treat, telling you, "that'll be $3.48! Would you like anything else?"

   "No, thank you. This'll be enough." You hand him the desired money and take the frozen yogurt from him, thanking him as you go to a booth in the corner. You had just taken a bite of your sandwich when a familiar face wandered towards your booth.

   "Hey, stranger!" The kid with black hair from the entrance exam, Kirishima, grinned down at you, strawberry yogurt in one hand and a bag in the other.

   You stared into those stunning red eyes for a moment, a smile spreading across your face. "Funny running into you again. You can sit down," you patted the spot across from you, and he slid into the booth seat across from you. 

   The boy set his bag down beside him, and you thought you spotted hair-dye boxes in there. He grinned at you and asked, "So, did ya get in, [last name]? I bet you did, with how strong you were. You were so cool and manly out there!" Your cheeks flushed pink, and you hurried to swallow your spoonful of yogurt.

   "Oh- yeah, I did! Did you get in as well?" He nodded quickly, his spoon bobbing as it was held between his lips, like an excited puppy. You laughed, "Maybe we'll be in the same class!"

   He got even more puppy-like upon hearing that.

   When you both finished eating, you and Kirishima walked around, mostly window-shopping. He explained his plan to dye his hair red, explaining the hair dye. You showed off your new bracelet, which he fawned over.

   You did pull him into some shops to purchase some supplies for school. He begrudgingly let you drag him along into them. His spirits lifted beyond the roof when you found him a notebook with sharks on it. 

   "You guys have matching teeth!"

   "That's so manly!!!!"

   After some shopping, it was four in the afternoon, and you had to get home. Kirishima offered to walk you home, but you declined. It wouldn't be too far. He seemed a little reluctant, but he let you go, heading in the opposite direction. "See ya!"

   "Bye, Kiri! Talk to you later!" You wave at him, toying with your phone in your pocket. You couldn't wait for him to find the paper with your number on it that you had slipped into his pocket.

   You plug in your earbuds and listen to music as you walk home, watching as the few people still outside bustle along to wherever they need to be. You take your time, watching birds fly and squirrels dash into trees.

   Spinning around to the beat of your music, you didn't notice when the sky darkened with clouds. You did notice when the rain started pounding down on you though, and you began dashing home, cursing whatever deity made you not bring a jacket.

   Sure, your quirk handled rain, but you didn't like getting drenched for no reason!

   Making it home, you immediately take off your shoes and socks. You dash to your room and change into fluffy pajamas, tossing your wet clothes into the washing machine. Might as well do laundry, you think as you throw in the rest of your dirtied clothes basket. 

   Listening to the clunk of the washing machine, you hum and twirl around the small kitchen as you prepare dinner.

   You set the plates of chicken salad on the table and wait for your mother. She should be home around now, but an hour passed. And then another.

   Panic sprouted in you, and you rush to get your phone from your desk. You ignore the text from an unknown number, likely Kirishima, and speedily dial your mom's number.

   It goes straight to voicemail. You feel cold all over. You punch in her work's number. It rings for a while, but no one picks up.

   You pace around the living room, dinner forgotten on the table despite your protesting stomach. Something was terribly wrong. You would go down to her workplace yourself, but what if she was just held up at the bus or train? She'd return to an empty apartment and worry. 

   So you waited.

   A third hour passed, and the doorbell rang. You bolted to the door and threw it open.

   It wasn't your mom.

   "Auntie!" You cry out, trembling as you threw your arms around her. She squeezed you against her, rubbing your hair.

   "Oh, [first name]. Sweet, sweet child... I'm so sorry..." She mumbled, picking you up in her arms. You curled your legs around her waist, letting her kick the door closed behind her and carry you to your room. You knew bad news was coming, but you didn't know if you could handle hearing it.

   The two of you sat curled up on your bed for a long while. You could feel your aunt's tears falling, so you gripped the back of her shirt and let her cry. When she finally composed herself, she pulled away to face you. The fear finally settled in around your heart, and you held on tightly to her hands.

   [name]... I'm so very sorry... Your- your mom..." Her voice cracked, and she paused for a second to breathe. "There was a villain attack, at her work. She... She protected everyone... Everyone got out safely... except for her."

   It was so cold. You could barely feel the tears begin to fall, or your aunt hug you close again, or her frame shaking with her sobs.

   You felt like your world was falling apart, at that moment. Maybe it was.

. . .

To be continued