Authors note:
Speaking: "…"
Thinking: '…'
___
Haruki POV
The Next Day – UA Classroom 1A
"Alright class, I've looked at the reports from the combat training lessons, and I must say, I'm honestly surprised," Mr. Aizawa told the class, standing behind his teacher's podium.
"See? I told you we totally killed it!" Kirishima yelled out, raising his fist.
"By how badly you lost," the teacher followed up after a short pause.
"Oh..." the red-haired boy shrunk back into his seat.
"Except for Todoroki and Haruki, pretty much none of you put up a decent fight. Granted, he's not your average fighter, but still, barely any of you survived a single attack," Eraser explained in a tired tone of voice.
"So from now on, we'll increase your non-hero combat lessons to five times a week," he continued, earning a shocked gasp from most of the students.
"Wait, that means we'll have a lesson every school day!" Ashido, the pink alien girl, exclaimed in disbelief.
"Yes, that's correct. Now quiet down!" Aizawa snapped, activating his quirk, instantly silencing the students.
"Alright, now that we've discussed this, it's time for you to make a decision, one that's going to impact your future greatly!" he added dramatically.
‚Oh, what is it this time? Hopefully an opportunity to crack more jokes' the prankster thought with a devious smile.
The room's atmosphere tensed, everyone turning to look at their teacher, awaiting his next words.
"You need to choose a class representative," Eraser deadpanned, giving the students a moment to breathe a collective sigh of relief.
‚Just boring old school stuff. Seems like I got excited over nothing... unless...'Haruki thought, already contemplating how to make use of this situation.
As he pondered, most of the class slowly turned their heads to the back row, eyes landing expectantly on a certain bi-colored teen.
"No. Forget it. I'm already the combat leader. Pick someone else," Shoto replied flatly, turning his head away from their stares.
"In that case, I propose we hold a democratic election to ensure that the most capable student receives the position!" Iida shouted, standing up and making chopping motions with his hands.
At that moment, Haruki lit up, his brain finally having formulated the perfect shenanigan.
‚I just got Shadow Step too. This'll be great' he thought, beginning to scribble something on five small pieces of paper.
"But we've only known each other for a short time," Tsuyu, the frog girl, pointed out.
"She's right, you know, Iida. Everyone's just gonna vote for themselves," Kirishima added.
"That is correct, but that also means whoever does receive multiple votes must truly deserve it. It's the most effective method right now. Right, Mr. Aizawa?" Iida clarified with confidence, pointing at the teacher, who was in the middle of zipping up his yellow sleeping bag.
"I don't care. Just have it done by the time I finish my nap," Eraser muttered before letting himself fall to the floor and starting his nap.
The rest of the class quickly agreed and decided to hold a vote, excluding Todoroki and Yaoyorozu as candidates, since they already had other responsibilities.
After the votes were counted, the overwhelming winner, with four votes, was surprisingly Iida himself. Confidently stepping to the podium, the engine boy made the fatal mistake of not looking at the rest of the votes, blinded by his pride in being elected class rep.
"Thank you, class, for all your support. I promise on the name of the Iida family that I will do my very best to fulfill my duties as class representative!"
"Now, let's see who my deputy is..." He turned toward the blackboard where the results were listed.
"...No," Iida whispered as his eyes found the second-most-voted person. "T-this... c-can't be..."
Below him on the list, with three votes, was none other than Haruki Masaki himself.
Jumping up from his seat, the new deputy confidently strutted toward his favorite victim like a cartoon character from the '80s, thanking the other students and tipping an imaginary hat.
"Dammit, I celebrated too early. Why must fate continue to make me suffer?" Iida sulked, slumping down.
"Ah, come on, partner! I promise we're gonna have a great time together. Think about all the quality time we'll be spending in meetings, discussing the future of our dear classmates," Haruki said, swinging an arm around the other teen's shoulders and smiling dramatically on the last sentence.
At that moment, Aizawa woke up from his nap and glanced at the results.
"Alright, Iida will be the class rep, and Haruki..." the teacher paused briefly, scanning the room and confirming the outcome. "I guess Haruki will be our deputy. I hope you're ready for the responsibility."
"Of course, Mr. Aizawa! I shall dedicate my life to this class and reach my full potential as deputy!" the prankster declared, dramatically dropping to one knee.
Right after that, the bell rang, and the students were released for lunch.
___
Iida POV
During Lunch
During lunch, Haruki sat himself directly next to Iida, eating with him while the rest of the class sat nearby in smaller groups. At their table were Ayato, Uraraka, Kirishima, and Ashido.
"Maybe it's not so bad, Iida. I mean, at least it'll never be... boring," the gravity girl tried to encourage him.
"Yeah, bro! Haruki is such a manly guy. You saw how crazy his fight with Mr. Joker was. I'm sure he'll be a great help," Kirishima said, full of enthusiasm.
"Aww, thanks, guys! I'm sooo touched you have such great faith in me!" the deputy replied, taking it as a compliment.
Still sulking while eating his food, Iida only managed a weak smile. After a bit more pep talk, the school alarm suddenly rang, announcing that a Level 3 security breach had just occurred.
Not even a second later, the entire student body began to panic and run for the exits.
Confused as to what a "Level 3 security breach" meant, Iida asked one of the third-year students.
"It means someone's invaded the U.A. barrier. In all my three years at this school, this has never happened!!!" the guy replied, fear evident in his tone.
Deciding to follow his advice, Iida expected the students of Japan's most prestigious school to calmly and orderly evacuate the building. Instead, chaos erupted as students pushed and panicked through the corridors.
Getting shoved face-first into a window, Iida thought ‚Damn, if only they were more organized... this is complete chaos.'
Though from the corner of his eye, he noticed something, reporters flooding the U.A. gate, and not just reporters... scientists were mixed in among them.
Trying to get everyone's attention, the engine boy shouted about what was happening, but it was no use, everyone was too fixated on escaping.
"Damn it! If I could just get their attention!" Iida complained.
"If attention is all you need, then look no further. Deputy Haruki Masaki, at your service," the teen said, also being pressed against the glass right next to Iida.
"You mean you can get their attention?" Iida asked, surprised.
"Oh dear class rep, my mother always said there's no one on this planet better at attracting unwanted attention than me!" Haruki declared proudly.
"...Right," Iida deadpanned. "How could I forget. That is your strong suit. In that case, please do what you must."
"Alright, partner, close those precious eyes, because one solar flare's coming right up!"
With that, a blinding flash of light burst from Haruki's body, taking the crowd by surprise. Feeling the pressure from the crowd ease up and a hand grabbing his arm, Iida opened his eyes to find Haruki dragging him through the chaos, toward his brother.
"Hey, lil bro, do me a favor and lift him up real quick so everyone can see him," Haruki said. Ayato nodded, activating his quirk, blue sparks of electricity danced across his body as he picked up Iida and let him stand on his shoulders.
When most of the students were finally able to see again, a booming voice echoed through the hall:
"Dear students of this corridor, please direct your utmost attention to this fine gentleman here, and listen carefully to his words before breaking out into another unsightly frenzy. Please and thank you," Haruki said, sounding like a seasoned flight attendant.
Observing the prankster effectively organize and execute such an efficient method, Iida couldn't help but smile with pride.
‚ Is this really the same guy who pulls pranks in homeroom? Maybe my first impression of him was too harsh. He may be the class clown, but his decision-making skills and intellect far surpass my current capabilities.'
Now with everyone's attention on him, Iida took a deep breath and shouted,
"Please, students of U.A., do not panic! Look outside! The only intruders who got through the barrier are reporters and scientists, most likely her for the new professors. There is no need to worry. Please remain calm and evacuate the building in an orderly fashion."
Turning to the windows, the students saw that he was indeed telling the truth. Gradually, they began to calm down and followed his instructions.
Getting down from Ayato's shoulders, Iida looked around at the now mostly empty corridor with a sense of accomplishment. His pride as class representative restored, and his opinion of Haruki changed.
Turning to his deputy, he bowed deeply.
"I stand corrected, Haruki. I am very proud to be able to call you my deputy. It seems you're more capable than I originally thought. I hope our partnership is one of great success."
After a brief moment of confusion, which Iida didn't catch, Haruki's signature grin returned.
"Of course, my dear class rep. May our partnership be one that impresses even the All-Father himself," he said, extending his hand.
Full of happiness, Iida took it, only to be met with a small electric shock to his palm.
"Gahahahaha! Oh, that was too good! I mean, come on, I couldn't not take that opportunity!" Haruki laughed, wiping away tears of joy.
"Hahahaha, I guess that one's on me. I should've seen it coming," Iida joined in the laughter.
‚ He may not be the perfect, rule-following student... but there's this air of joy around him. One that just makes you want to join him, and root for him. I suppose... he's similar to All Might in that regard' Iida thought, walking back to class beside his friend.