The pale dawn light slipped in through the gaps in the curtains, painting thin lines on Fuse's bedroom floor.
However, the first thing that greeted his consciousness wasn't the light, but pain. A dull, deep ache throbbed throughout his body, a brutal reminder of yesterday's extreme training session at the beach. The muscles in his arms and back felt stiff like boards, and every joint seemed to protest as he tried to move.
A low groan escaped from between his lips. His body felt heavy, as if gravity had decided to double its pull just for him this morning.
Damn... it feels like I just got hit by a truck, he thought, his mind still shrouded in the fog of sleep.
He tried to lift his arm, and a sharp sting shot through his shoulder. He winced. This exhaustion was different. It was the kind that seeped into his bones, making something as simple as getting out of bed feel like climbing a mountain.
For a moment, he was tempted to give in, to pull the blanket back over himself and sink into dreamless sleep.
But that's when his memory returned.
Like a lightning flash in the midst of a storm, the image of the letter crossed his mind. The bold U.A. logo. The paper that felt heavy in his hand. And most importantly, those two boldly printed words:
ACCEPTED!
In that instant, something shifted inside him. The pain didn't disappear, but suddenly it felt irrelevant, like static interference in the background of a grand symphony. The exhaustion was still there, but now it became a badge of honor, proof of the hard work that had brought him to this point.
With a new energy fueled by ego and adrenaline, he fought against his body's protests. He gritted his teeth and pushed himself to sit up.
The world spun a little, but he ignored it.
This is nothing, he convinced himself, his voice echoing with determination in his head. Pain is just weakness leaving the body. And I... I have no room for weakness.
With deliberate movements, he planted his feet on the cold wooden floor. He walked to the window, each step feeling a bit stiff. With one broad motion, he flung open the curtains, letting the golden morning sunlight flood his room.
He didn't squint. Instead, he opened the window wide, allowing the cool, fresh morning air to hit his face. He stretched out his arms as if to embrace the world itself.
This is it. Today is a historical day! he thought with burning enthusiasm. The sunlight felt warm on his skin, and he imagined it as the spotlight he rightfully deserved.
They should record this date in the history books. The first day of the Fuse Yasushi Era!
After absorbing his dramatic moment, he turned and left the room. The rich, fragrant aroma of coffee greeted him, guiding him to the dining room.
There, his father, Isamu, was sitting at the table reading the news on his tablet, a steaming cup of black coffee at his side. His mother, Sakura, was watering the houseplants near the window, a gentle smile on her lips.
"Good morning, world! And good morning to my two favorites as well!" Fuse said in a cheerful and energetic voice, showing no sign of the exhaustion still gnawing at his body.
Isamu glanced at him from behind his tablet, his expression as flat as usual. "Morning."
Sakura turned, her smile widening as she saw her son. "Morning, Fuse. Did you sleep well?"
"Sleep is for those who don't have a destiny to chase," Fuse replied lightly. He pulled out a chair and sat down. "Hmm, I smell coffee, but no scent of fried eggs or miso soup. You didn't cook anything this morning, did you?"
Isamu set down his tablet. His stern face, which he had passed on to Fuse—though Fuse's version was far more handsome and charismatic—softened a bit. "No. Your mother knew you'd whine like a child to celebrate something this morning, so we decided to save our energy."
Sakura chuckled softly. "Your father is right. We figured you'd want to eat out."
Fuse ignored the 'whine' comment. He laughed, a confident laugh that echoed. "Of course! Moments like this deserve to be celebrated properly! Finally! I've gotten what I've been waiting for! After years of relentless training, studying late into the night, and honing my unmatched talent, I have finally... officially and inevitably... been accepted to U.A.!"
He ended his announcement with a dramatic pose, both hands raised in the air.
Isamu responded with three slow, emotionless claps. Clap. Clap. Clap. "We knew it would happen."
Hah! Of course he knew! Fuse thought inwardly. Even the most skeptical person could see my greatness.
On the other hand, Sakura's smile was much brighter and more genuine. Her eyes sparkled with pride. "That's wonderful for you, Fuse. Mom is so proud. U.A. is one of the most prestigious schools in all of Japan. Getting in there means your future will be bright."
Fuse shook his head patiently, as if explaining a complex concept to a child. "Mom, Mom, Mom. With all due respect, you're misunderstanding."
Sakura frowned. "Misunderstanding how?"
"My future is destined to be bright; that's an undeniable fact," Fuse explained, leaning forward. "U.A. is just a stepping stone. A good stage, I'll admit, but still just a stage. Honestly, even if I went to a less famous hero school, the end goal would be the same. I'm the one who makes the school prestigious, not the other way around. I'm the one who will become a legend."
"You should lower your voice; it's still morning," Isamu interjected, sipping his coffee calmly. He looked at his son with a gaze that seemed to say, 'I've heard this a thousand times.'
"So, since you've planned everything, you must already have a restaurant in mind for celebrating your greatness, right?" he continued.
"Easy!" Fuse said, immediately pulling out his phone. With a few quick taps, he opened his bookmark list. "Let's go to 'Le Ciel Étoilé', the French restaurant we went to last year for Mom's birthday. The atmosphere is elegant, the service is perfect, and their steak au poivre is amazing. Only the best restaurant is worthy of celebrating my first step toward the summit today."
Sakura looked a bit hesitant. "But, Fuse, that place is really expensive..."
"That's exactly why, Mom. Today isn't an ordinary day," Fuse said, his tone softening for a moment. Then, he straightened his back, his chest puffing out a little with pride. "And don't worry about the cost," he added with a wide smile. "I'll treat. Everything. Using my own savings. I've been saving for moments like this."
Isamu paused in sipping his coffee. He looked at his son, and for a moment, the corners of his usually straight lips lifted slightly. A rare small smile, full of unspoken approval. Sakura, on the other hand, her eyes looked teary with emotion. "Oh, Fuse..." she whispered, her proud smile returning, even brighter than before.
"Consider it a small thank you for your support all this time," Fuse continued, enjoying their reactions. "And also, as the first celebration of many successes to come."
Isamu let out a long sigh, but this time it sounded lighter, as if a small burden had been lifted. "Alright, alright. Le Ciel Étoilé. What time?"
"Lunch. Twelve o'clock sharp," Fuse answered without hesitation. "I'll make the reservation now. Make sure you wear your best clothes. Appearance matters, especially when celebrating my achievement."
With that, he started calling the restaurant, his voice turning polite and authoritative. Isamu and Sakura exchanged amused glances across the table.
…
The shopping center on the weekend was a bustling ecosystem. A sea of people flowed through the wide, gleaming corridors, the sounds of chatter, laughter, and announcements from the speakers merging into a constant hum. The bright lights from the luxury store displays reflected on the perfectly polished marble floors, creating a busy and colorful world.
In the midst of that heavy current, Fuse Yasushi walked with calm and confident steps, flanked by his parents. His mother, Sakura, occasionally pointed at a dress in a boutique window, while his father, Isamu, walked with his hands in his pockets, his eyes observing the modern architecture of the building.
Fuse, however, observed the crowd. He saw countless faces passing by—teenagers laughing with their friends, young couples holding hands, families with small children running around. They all passed him without a second glance.
To them, he was just another part of the scenery, another face in the sea of anonymity. No one stared at him with admiration. No one whispered about his striking appearance. He was transparent, a background character in their own stories.
And that feeling of being ignored, even if just for a moment, slightly reminded him of a past he had buried deep.
A shadow from another life, his previous life, flashed in his mind.
In that world, he didn't have a physique like this.
In that world, Fuse was what could be considered... 'fat'. His body felt like a cage restricting his brilliant mind. He still had the same sharp brain, the same intelligence that allowed him to excel in anything intellectual.
However, that world looked down on him. He clearly remembered the condescending stares, the whispers behind his back, and how people automatically assumed he was lazy or undisciplined just because of his appearance.
Hah! As if they were superior to me! Fuse thought bitterly, his grip on his jacket pocket tightening slightly.
He was the one ranked first in every brain-based competition!
He was the national chess champion at a young age, winning university debate competitions while still in middle school, and breaking records in every science and math olympiad he entered.
His mind was a weapon, an unmatched precision machine.
But all they saw was his shell. They saw his less-than-ideal physique and judged him immediately.
His frustration back then was immense. He had the power to outdo them all mentally, but he was trapped in their shallow perceptions.
Here, in this new world, fate gave him a second chance. He was reborn with everything he wanted: the intelligence from his previous life, and now, a perfect physique. A handsome face, a sturdy body, and a Quirk with limitless potential. He had both. He was the complete package.
Fuse glanced briefly at his reflection in the glass of an electronics store. He saw a tall young man with dark red hair gleaming under the mall lights, eyes of matching color staring back with burning intensity.
This was him now.
His true self.
And he vowed, he would use all his assets to prove to this world, and perhaps to the ghosts of his past, who would have the last laugh.
He would never be a supporting character again!
"Fuse? Are you daydreaming?" His mother's voice pulled him back to the present.
Fuse blinked, the shadows of the past fading. He smiled at his mother. "Just admiring how good the lighting is here, Mom. It makes everyone look better." Of course, no one could look better than him.
They finally arrived in front of 'Le Ciel Étoilé'. The restaurant looked like an oasis of calm amid the mall's hustle and bustle. The heavy oak door was guarded by a neatly dressed waiter who opened it with a professional smile.
As they stepped inside, the noisy mall sounds were immediately muffled, replaced by soft classical music and faint silver clinking.
The place was grand and classy. Tables were covered in crisp white tablecloths, each adorned with a fresh rose stem in a crystal vase. The maroon velvet chairs looked inviting, and the waiters moved with silent grace.
"Reservation under Yasushi," Fuse said to the restaurant manager.
They were led to a table near a large window overlooking the well-maintained mall rooftop garden. After they sat, the waiter handed them leather-bound menus.
"Well," Fuse said with a wide smile, spreading his arms as if presenting the entire restaurant to his parents. "Order whatever you want. Don't look at the prices. Today is a special day."
Sakura opened the menu, and her eyes widened slightly at the row of numbers next to the dish names. "Fuse, this..."
"I'll treat, Mom," Fuse cut in quickly. "I still have 300,000 yen from the prize money of last year's science competition and Shogi tournament."
"Don't overdo it, Fuse. It's just the three of us," his mother said, though there was a proud note in her voice.
Isamu set down his menu and looked at his son with his characteristic flat gaze. "And just to satisfy your ego that's as big as a hot air balloon."
Fuse laughed. "Think of it that way, Dad. But even an ego like mine needs high-quality fuel." He signaled the waiter. "We'll start with escargot and French onion soup for everyone."
While waiting for the food, the conversation flowed easily.
"It feels like just yesterday Mom was dropping you off at the middle school gate," Sakura said nostalgically. "And now, you're going to U.A. Time really flies."
"That's because time knows it can't keep up with my speed, Mom," Fuse replied.
Isamu snorted. "Don't be too arrogant. U.A. isn't a playground. There will be many kids with strong and weird Quirks. You have to stay alert."
"Alert is my middle name," Fuse said. "But Dad's right. It'll be interesting to see how far they can push me to become stronger. A little challenge is always fun."
The food arrived, presented beautifully. There was steak au poivre for Fuse and his father, the meat tender and the black pepper sauce rich in flavor. Sakura chose grilled salmon with lemon dill sauce, the flesh so soft it melted in the mouth. The mint lemonade they ordered was refreshing, cleansing the palate between bites.
They ate with relish, enjoying every bite in comfortable silence, interspersed with small comments about how delicious the food was.
After dessert, a crème brûlée with a perfectly crisp caramel layer, they finally left the restaurant feeling satisfied and full.
The afternoon sun had turned the sky outside into a soft orange.
At that moment, Fuse spotted a familiar figure near the fountain in the center of the plaza. A figure with a distinctive crow head, wearing a slightly oversized black jacket, staring blankly at the dancing water.
"Fumikage!" Fuse called out, his loud voice breaking the silence around them, making a few people turn their heads.
Tokoyami jolted from his reverie. He blinked, as if just pulled from his inner world of darkness. His eyes narrowed briefly before finally focusing on Fuse's handsome face and wide smile now walking toward him, followed by his parents.
A long, resigned sigh escaped his beak. "Fuse," he said in his deep, flat voice. "Good afternoon, Uncle, Aunt." He bowed his head slightly to Fuse's parents politely.
Sakura smiled warmly. "Fumikage-kun! Nice to meet you here. Are you alone?"
"I'm waiting for the darkness to accompany me," Tokoyami replied in his usual poetic tone.
Fuse laughed, completely unaffected by his friend's gloomy aura. He approached, ready to begin his grand announcement.
However, before he could open his mouth, Tokoyami looked at him with a sharp gaze that seemed to read his mind.
"Let me guess," Tokoyami said in his still flat voice, but this time tinged with a bit of unconcealable pride, "You want to brag about being accepted for the U.A. exam, right?"
Fuse paused for a moment, his smile faltering slightly in surprise. He raised one eyebrow dramatically. "How did you know? Were you spying on me? Hah, I guess there's no privacy for a protagonist, huh?"
Tokoyami didn't respond to the bragging. Instead, with the same flat tone, but now colored by a hint of pride that couldn't be hidden, he said, "Because I got it too."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a letter identical to the one Fuse had received. "I... was accepted."
Fuse's face, which had been adorned with a smug smile, now changed. His smile became wider, more genuine, and his eyes shone with true brightness. He didn't look surprised, but satisfied.
"I knew it!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing in the plaza. He slapped Tokoyami's back hard, an enthusiastic gesture of friendship. "I knew you could do it! Of course you could! You're the friend of Fuse Yasushi!"
Tokoyami could only sigh again, but this time, in the corner of his dark eyes, there was a small glint that looked like... a smile.
…
A/N: Sorry, it seems I've been too busy lately. I didn't have time to write two chapters like I promised in the previous chapter... and it seems this chapter is just filled with slice of life. I hope you don't get bored because of it.... Actually, I thought about including some action, but it seems that would ruin this peace. In the future, we'll enter the arc where the protagonist becomes a new student at the academy!
Well, I hope there are still people looking forward to this story... please comment, give your opinions on this chapter so I can know your views as material for improvement in the next chapters.
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