Feather and a Shotgun

Chapter Four: Birds of a Feather

Emiko Akari's POV:

Flying home had seemed smart at the time, but instead you were just exhausted. Overusing your quirk was almost necessary for the exam, but it still didn't feel good to fly with sore wings.

It turns out that Yumiko Daisuke was the daughter of one of your father and mother's business partners that happened to live in the area.

She lived on the third floor of a local apartment complex that, luckily, had a lovely balcony. Perfect for landings in times of desperation or laziness, and this was a bit of both.

You could almost hear your mother chiding you for such an improper entrance.

Landing was the hardest part, however you did your best to make it as graceful as possible. The balcony was a bit cluttered with potted plants and dual lawn chairs, but you managed.

The glass door opens almost immediately, Yumiko's smiling face appears beside you.

"How'd it go? Did you have fun? Did you meet anyone?"

A bit taken aback, you try to keep your calm composure. The attention was nice for once, you'll admit that much.

When you don't respond right away, she seems  to notice, "Ah, I bet you're real knackered after all that! Sorry love, I was just a bit chuffed is all."

What... does that mean? What is that accent she's using? "Excuse me, if you don't mind me asking, where are you from?"

Her eyes light up behind her glasses as she laughs.

"Oh, don't worry about it, love! I know it can be bloody annoying. I lived in London for a few years when I was rather young and picked up their accent, not to mention I absolutely adored their mannerisms. Maybe a bit too much."

You smile and nod, but it isn't forced; her accent is interesting and... unique? Especially in this area. Yumiko gently grips your hand and leads you inside, making you stumble just a bit.

The apartment is rather small with a living room and kitchen in the same area. One hallway leads to a bathroom and then branches off into two bedrooms. It's quaint, but you like it.

She's decorated it with beautiful pieces of art, most look painted or sketched, but they're all exquisite. Portraits, landscapes, and even what just looks like senseless doodles.

Her quirk is called Inspiration and she can close her eyes and put whatever she's thinking of onto paper. Her mother was a famous artist, which is how she knew your parents.

You kind of want to just collapse into your new room she showed you earlier; she notices. "You look exhausted, love. Do you need anything or should I just leave you to get some sleep?"

Thank goodness she picked up on that. You smile graciously and escape to your room. Once you close your door, you examine the room.

The walls are painted like a dark ocean at night with a sailboat crashing against the waves across from your bed.

There's a desk in the corner, dresser and wardrobe, and paint supplies stacked against the walls, but other than that, it's rather empty.

You already unpacked the few things you brought, yet it still seems bare.

You collapse onto your bed and look up at the ceiling, painted like a beautiful night sky. Despite it being so new, you still feel so comforted here.

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You opened your acceptance letter alone in the room and while you weren't so surprised to get in, you were still overjoyed.

Yumiko baked you a cake to celebrate, which was a nice gesture. You're liking her more and more already. She seems like a kind older sister, though you weren't sure.