Enter the Fool

Chapter 02

Attending UA for high school was a big decision. So many students came in attempt to join the hero course, but the acceptance rate happened to be low. Sure, they had support courses and the business courses, but what did Ryo want? Would she follow in the footsteps that her parents left behind? Maybe join the support team? Or all together just forget UA and live at home to take care of the only living relative that seemed to be the only one who cared about her?

It was a typical school day, minus the thoughts of the opportunity Nezu had given her. The other students ignored her presence as more flooded into the classroom. Everyone still had time and yet, time seemed to be going faster than usual. Maybe it was the fact that Ryo had plans after school for once? She wondered if she would pass the test, and if she did, would she be able to make any friends? Or would they still treat her the same as everyone else?

“Saza!”

Her name being called out pulled her from contemplating her future. She looked up and the familiar duo from yesterday stand by her desk, both looking confident that they would receive an answer today.

“Time to confess! Tell us the answer so we can settle our bet.”

Ishiki and his friend Nobuya looked excited as if they would hear the answer they wanted. Should she confess that she might want to be a hero? They would probably make fun of her.

“If I’m being honest…”

They leaned forward, close to make anyone uncomfortable.

Ryo leaned back and scratched her temple. She wasn’t sure if she was ready for the backlash of telling the truth. Her anxiety began to fill to the top of the glass. Was there a way to get out of this?! The young teen stared at her other hand that remained in her lap. Just like her other hand, her skin was covered by black gloves. She had worn them for her entire career in middle school. Maybe it was time to stand up for herself?

“I’m considering of attending UA to learn how to...possibly be a hero.”

Her response silenced the entire classroom. All eyes were on her. This was what she wanted to avoid. All of their eyes expressed disbelief. None of them believed in her. Her hopes were once crushed and shoved out the door.

“Haah? Learn to be a hero?!”

Everyone in the classroom started to laugh.

“You’re joking right? Everyone knows you can’t be a hero! Your quirk can kill people, drive them to suicide! Saza, stop trying to be funny because it’s pretty lame.”

“Ishiki is right. How about you tell us the truth? NEET or a villain?”

No one was going to believe her. They were so certain what her future was going to be.

DING DONG DING DONG DING DONG DING DONG

As more students rushed in to take their seats, the current students that heard her statement snickered as they took their seats. Ryo sunk into her chair looking down at the floor by her desk in embarrassment.

“Alright, all of you shut up while I take roll!”

Their teacher had begun calling everyone’s name while also telling everyone to stop snickering. Ryo wanted to run out of class and leave school. She wanted to just end her suffering and finally be at peace.

“What the hell are you punks laughing about?!”

“Saza-san thinks she can be a hero!”

As those who knew laughed, the remaining students started to laugh as well. Her teacher looked straight at her with so many mixed emotions.