(Kata POV – Kata's House)
A few minutes of awkward-but-pleasant silence later, everyone finishes eating. The last clinks of utensils on ceramic echo to signal the end of the meal.
Mina leans back, arms draped over her stomach. "Ughhh... I wish I had a second stomach." She groans dramatically, patting her belly. "That food was criminally good. I'm scared I'll get fat."
I chuckle lightly, levitating the plates into the air and guiding them back to the kitchen. "Glad you liked it."
Momo dabs the corner of her mouth with a napkin, composed even when thoroughly stuffed. "It was truly wonderful, Kata. I'm impressed by the seasoning balance, and the rice texture was perfect." She gives a small, graceful bow from her seat. "If you're open to it... may I ask for your recipes sometime?"
"Sure." I say with a shrug. "Although, I don't know if they'll help much, since it's just me monitoring everything with my quirk. I do have a few that are quite good though."
Stolen from Lunch Rush.
Momo's eyes light up with interest. "That's more than enough, thank you."
"You flatter me." I mutter, though I admit it's nice hearing that.
Mina taps her fingers on the table suddenly, like she just remembered something. "Wait! We actually came for something!" She turns to Momo. "Right? The karaoke?"
"Ah, yes." Momo nods. "We wanted to invite you. We're all going out for karaoke tomorrow afternoon. It would just be for a few hours."
Mina leans in with a hopeful grin. "You're the only one who hasn't said yes yet."
'I wasn't even asked till now?'
"Besides Ida." Momo adds. "He's under... house arrest, and it's been hard to contact him."
'That's a nice way to put "under investigation pending trial."'
I glance between them. 'So they showed up in person because they knew I'd say no over text. Am I becoming too predictable?'
They're right. I had no plans to go out. Sunday is a day to rest and recharge.
'I'll just say I have to watch Eri. That should be—'
"Oh! Can Eri come too?" Momo asks suddenly, clasping her hands in front of her, eyes sparkling as she turns to Eri. "Would you like that?"
Eri's ears perk up at her name. She looks at Momo curiously. "What's karaoke?"
"It's like... singing with friends, but in your own little room." Mina explains patiently. "You get snacks and drinks and dance like crazy, and no one can judge you because everyone's singing badly!"
Eri's eyes light up. "We sing... together?"
Momo nods. "And there's games! And fun lights. You'll love it."
Before I can say anything, Momo turns to Himiko. "You're invited too, Himiko. If you'd like. Everyone's super friendly."
Himiko waves a hand lazily. "Nah. It's not really my thing." She leans her head on her hand. "It'd just make things awkward."
Momo doesn't press it and simply nods politely, though she looks a bit disappointed.
Meanwhile, Eri tugs on my sleeve gently. "Kata... can we go?"
And just like that, my defenses crumbles.
'Momo's using my emotional weaknesses against me. Diabolical.'
I glance down at Eri. She's giving me that wide-eyed, hopeful look.
'It's hard to refuse because she's being sincere.' I groan internally.
"I mean... do you really want to go?" I ask, my tone already giving away the answer.
Eri nods quickly. "It sounds fun! And I've never been to karaoke!"
I sigh heavily.
Mina and Momo are already exchanging smug grins before I even respond.
"Fine," I mutter. "Text me the time and place."
Mina pumps her fist. "Yes! Mission success!"
They high-five over the table as their strategy succeeds, prompting me to roll my eyes.
"You're gonna have fun, I promise." Mina grins, leaning forward. "Trust me, by the time we leave, you'll be begging for an encore."
"I doubt that." I say flatly.
Momo rests her chin on her hand, smiling gently. "Still... it's nice. That we'll all get to spend time together again. It's only been a week since internships, but it already feels like forever.
'Still... we could've just waited until Monday, and I'd have gotten to enjoy my Sunday.' I think with a sigh.
But even as I think it, I catch a glimpse of Eri humming to herself, bouncing in her seat. And the others chatting like they've always belonged here.
'Maybe... karaoke won't be that bad.'
(Kata POV – Karaoke Box, Next Afternoon)
'This should be the place.' I check the room number against the message Mina sent in the group chat.
Beside me, Eri clings to my hand, her fingers tight around mine. She's practically bouncing with excitement, but I can also feel the slight tension in her grip. She's nervous. This is the most people she'll have met at once.
I stop just before the door and crouch a little to her level. "Hey, Eri," I say gently, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "There's going to be a lot of people in there. But they're all friends. If you get overwhelmed or you want something, just let me know, okay?"
She looks up at me, wide-eyed, and nods seriously.
I ruffle her hair, drawing out a tiny smile. "Good. You've got this."
That earns a brighter one. She pumps her tiny fist. "Okay! I'm ready!"
I open the door, and the moment we step inside, we're hit with an explosion of noise.
"CLAAASS PREEES!"
A chorus of voices shout at once, a wave of cheers and greetings washing over me. Neon lights pulse gently around the dim room, casting soft hues of blue and pink that bounce off the karaoke screen. There are four microphones resting in stands, the playlist menu glowing with song titles, and couches curving around the space.
I do a quick headcount. Nearly everyone's here already.
The introverts, as expected, are parked near the edges: Jiro, Tokoyami, and Koda are quietly chatting, Jiro thumbing through the karaoke menu while Tokoyami makes ominous comments she ignores.
In the back corner, Todoroki, Izuku, and Uraraka are deep in what looks like a serious conversation—judging by Midoriya's frantic hand gestures and Todoroki's unreadable stare, it's probably Izuku going on and on about heroes.
Aoyama, Ojiro, Shoji, and Sato are at the snack bar. Aoyama's already striking poses, sparkling dramatically like he's the MC.
The rowdiest group—Bakugo (surprisingly showed up), Kirishima, Sero, and Kaminari—surround a table, arm wrestling and shouting at each other as the others on from the sides.
Finally, grouped together near the middle of the room, I see Asui, Toru, Mina, and Momo—laughing and whispering in that way only girls in tight friend groups can. It's warm, energetic, and somehow private in this open space.
Only Ida is missing.
'What is this mess?' I wonder, seeing very little actual Karaoke.
With my arrival, the balanced chaos crumbles. Several heads turn towards Eri and I.
And then, in the blink of an eye—
"ERI~!"
Mina barrels toward us like a missile and swoops Eri right off her feet, spinning her in a joyful circle before hugging her like a long-lost sibling.
"I missed you sooo much, little chef!" She squeals, rubbing cheeks with her. "You've gotten even cuter!"
Eri blinks, stunned. "M-Mina?" She squeaks.
Before I can react, Mina's already carrying Eri toward the girls' group like she's a guest of honor. "Everyone, look! It's Eri! Come say hi!"
'Well... Eri wanted Karaoke... That's why you should be careful what you ask for.' I smirk internally, watching the girls swarm her with warmth, squeals, and affection. Eri's face is overwhelmed, but she looks happy.
That's when someone smacks me hard on the back.
"Kata! Long time no see, man!" Kirishima grins, pulling me into a bro hug.
"It's only been a week." I reply dryly.
"A week's a long time!" Sero says, coming up beside him. "Glad you made it, Class Pres."
I nod back. "Good to see you too."
"You look different though." Kaminari points out, circling me like a shark with a gossip addiction. "Taller, slimmer... hold up... where are your scars?!"
That draws the attention of even the quieter groups. I feel the atmosphere shift slightly as everyone listens in.
I sigh. "I found a way to remove them."
Kaminari whistles. "Man... that's wild. They were, like, part of your whole 'mysterious vibe,' you know?"
"I'm super approachable though?" I say in confusion, which earns numerous eye rolls from all around, which I ignore. "Anyway... how were your internships?"
Thankfully, that's enough to change the topic.
One by one, they begin chiming in—talking about patrols, training, weird pro hero habits, and more. Kirishima mentions learning a "manly new technique" he refuses to elaborate on. Sero got to use his quirk to rescue cats. Kaminari got to electrocute a few thugs.
Eventually, Kaminari leans closer and nudges me with a grin. "Sooo... how was it interning with Mirko, huh? She's crazy strong, right?"
I raise an eyebrow, surprised at him asking something serious.
"Hot too." He adds in a low voice. "Anything interesting happen?"
'That's what he was after?' I sigh.
"It was fine." I say flatly. "We sparred for the first few days, then went on patrol a couple times too."
Nobody brings up Hosu, given how traumatic it was for some of us here. Thus, the conversation moves in.
"That's so lucky, dude," Kaminari groans. "I'd totally train under Mirko. She's like... danger crush material."
"Danger crush?" I repeat, eyebrow raised.
"You know! Like... you're scared of her, but that makes her hotter!"
"You need help." I say.
Kirishima laughs so hard he nearly drops his drink.
(Eri POV – Karaoke Box)
I sit on Mina's lap, swinging my legs back and forth while sipping from a little juice box someone handed me. It tastes like apples, and I love apples.
The girls are all around me, smiling, laughing, and talking. They're loud, but not in a scary way. It feels nice.
I glance around and shyly hug my juice closer. 'They're all so pretty...'
"Eri," the girl with big eyes and green hair—Tsuyu—leans toward me curiously. "Do you like your juice, ribbit?"
I nod eagerly. "Yes! I really like apples," I smile brightly, taking another sip to prove my point.
Tsuyu nods with a soft hum. "I have a little sister named Satsuki. She's about your age. I think you two would get along."
My heart flutters. A friend? My age?! "Really? I'd like that a lot!" I say with wide eyes and a big smile.
The girls around me giggle at my excitement.
"Aww~ you're the cutest thing ever!" Says a bubbly voice—Toru, I think—and then I'm suddenly lifted off Mina's lap and hugged again, even though... I can't actually see her.
"Hey! That's not fair!" Mina whines dramatically. "I was enjoying cuddling Eri!"
"You can't hoard Eri all to yourself, Mina," Momo chimes in with a teasing smile. "We all want turns."
Mina sulks playfully with crossed arms. "Fine..."
Everyone laughs—including me. They're funny... and sweet.
Toru's hugging me tightly, but I can't help the thought that creeps into my head again. I glance down at where her arms should be, but there's nothing. Just... floating clothes.
"Um... Toru?" I ask quietly, turning my head toward where I think her face is.
"Yes, sweetie?" She asks curiously.
I tilt my head. "Is it because of your Quirk? That I can't see you?"
There's a pause. I feel her arms tighten just a little before she responds.
"Yeah." She laughs quietly. "My Quirk makes me invisible. I was born this way. I can't turn it off, even if I wanted to. But it lets me become a hero, so I'm happy!" She adds quickly, sounding cheerful.
'...She sounds sad.' I frown a little. 'It must be lonely, having no one see you...'
But then—I remember.
When my quirk got out of control, Kata switched it off.
'If he could do that for me, then...'
I sit up straight in Toru's lap, my eyes wide. 'He can help her too!'
"Do you want to turn it off?" I ask suddenly.
She hesitates. "Well, yeah... but it's not something that can be—"
"I know someone who can." I say confidently, already sliding out of her arms.
Everyone's watching me curiously as I reach out and try to grab Toru's hand. It takes a few attempts, but I eventually find it and lock my tiny fingers around hers.
"Follow me!" I say with determination, and begin marching across the room.
"W-Where are we going?" Toru asks, startled but giggling.
"To see Kata." I declare, and she lets me pull her as the other girls start following with amused smiles.
We walk past the couches, right through the crowd of older students, straight toward where Kata is talking with the loud boys—Kirishima, Sero, Kaminari, and even the scary one, Bakugo, who's just watching quietly with his arms crossed, and huge scowl on his face.
But I'm not scared, since Kata told me he's harmless, and just looks scary.
Kata turns when I approach, blinking in mild surprise. I march right up to him and raise my arms.
He picks me up without hesitation, settling me comfortably on his hip like always. It's the best place in the world.
"Yo! Your little sister's adorable, man," Kirishima grins. "Name's Kirishima!"
I nod and wave. "Hi! I'm Eri."
"She's so cute." Kaminari chuckles. "I'm Kaminari. Nice to meet you, Eri!"
"Nice to meet you!" I say, a little overwhelmed but trying to remember all the names.
Soon, everyone starts gathering around us—boys, girls, people I haven't met yet—all smiling, waving, introducing themselves.
So many voices.
I clutch Kata's shirt and lean against him.
"You guys are overwhelming her." He says calmly, his arm holding me a little closer, and everyone backs off just a bit.
I tug gently on his shirt and he leans down, and I cup my hands around his ear.
"She wants to not be invisible," I whisper softly. "Can you help her?"
He pulls back and looks between me and where Toru is standing. He's got that look on his face when he's deciding whether to do something.
Then he sighs, but it's not annoyed. He pats my head gently, brushing a thumb over my hair.
'Toru… I think it's happening.' I think excitedly.
He always sighs and acts like it's a bother to do something, but does it anyway.
"Toru," Kata says, his voice calm but a little more serious than usual. "I can do it. But... only if everyone here agrees to keep it quiet."
"Huh?" She replies, confused. "Do what?"
"Make you visible." He says simply, like it's no big deal.
The room goes still.
Toru gasps. "Wait—you can?!"
Kata nods once. "I'd be modifying your quirk, and making it so you can toggle it on or off. It's perfectly safe though. So... you okay with that?"
I see eyes widen throughout the room at the revelation.
'Is it that shocking?' I wonder.
"...I-I'd want that." Toru says after a long moment of hesitation, her voice cracking with hope, fear, and nervousness.
Kata looks around the room, making eye contact with nearly everyone. "I trust you all..." He says. "So don't make me regret it."
Everyone nods in agreement.
And in that moment, I can't help but feel happy.
'Toru's going to be seen.'
I don't doubt the thought, because...
'My big brother's the best, and he can do anything!'
*************
A/N: Hello Everyone. Hope you enjoyed the chapter. If you've enjoyed the chapter and book thus far, please consider leaving me some comments, reviews, or powerstones. It really helps the book out.
To be completely honest, I hate chapters like this since I have difficulty with scenes that have multiple people. I have to sacrifice depth for flow, and it sucks... But I tried my best!
Anyway, They're adapting Mahoraga style. Kata's opening up, and everyone close to him, even Eri, is figuring out how he ticks.
I think this was a good chapter, and Eri's POV was really cute. I'll be doing Toru's POV next chapter, and probably Jiro too, or the chapter after that.
As for why Kata agreed so easily... It's technically legal for him, given the licence Nezu got him. And he's kinda testing the class. No one will snitch actually, and no, we haven't forgotten about Aoyama. The dude's gonna tell AFO probably, which is within Kata's expectations. Nezu is probably already monitoring him, and he'll give Nezu the heads up, to catch Aoyama when he does.
I might as well just change my name to Aizen, cause everything was part of my plan.😂
You can also support me and read 10 advanced chapters on Patreon.com/AMV_WEAKLY
It helps me continue writing, and upload more chapters, more quickly. So if you're able, I'd really appreciate the help🤣.
Anyway, that's it from me. I hope you all have wonderful days.