A Second Life

A week since the entrance exam. Mrs Sakaki was feeling edgy. The 'Mrs Sakaki' who was the human definition of calmness was feeling edgy. The capable woman who could lecture higher authorities was not calm. The woman who could handle the most troublesome kids in the orphanage was a bit anxious.

This scared the lives out of every single person in the orphanage. Except for few, of course.

The local folks knew that Sumire took an entrance exam, and they would be getting the result soon, so they weren't that worried. It was Sumire and that means 'rest easy.'

'Mrs Sakaki was tense since yesterday, I wonder what happened…'

'Are the funds reduced?'

'Did any of the kids who moved out got into trouble?'

'Has the elderly lady finally gone senile?'

'Is anyone threatening her?'

Many were theorising about the cause of Mrs Sakaki's worries. Few frivolous ones even started betting. Mrs Sakaki knew these antics very well but couldn't bother with them. 'I would like seeing their expressions when they find out the truth. I wonder if they could be calm then…'

No one except Mrs Sakaki and Sumire knew about the U A Entrance Exam. They all thought Sumire would be typically attending a standard high school. Hence, the carefreeness. Every so often, ignorance is bliss, really.

Waiting for the letter was utterly mortifying for Mrs Sakaki. She was waking up early just to check the mailbox every day. Fortunately, the wait wasn't too long, else the healthy Mrs Sakaki would've surely developed a blood pressure.

Mrs Sakaki clutched the letter safely in her hand. She furtively moved towards Sumire's room, completely ignoring the concerned looks of those around her. She knocked gently at the door.

Sumire opened the door to see Mrs Sakaki standing outside, holding a letter with graveness akin to carrying a bioweapon.

"It's THE LETTER, Sumire-chan. Here, take it. And Kiyoko-chan, come out, let's give Sumire-chan some space."Mrs Sakaki delivered the letter to Sumire. She looked quite relieved, urged Kiyoko out for which the little girl refused vehemently.

"It's alright, Sakaki-san. Let her stay, you come in too."

"No, how can-"

"It's alright, you both give strength." Sumire managed to fake some worry.

"Okay."

Mrs Sakaki entered and promptly closed the door, windows and carefully checked for anything suspicious. She didn't want anyone to know a thing until it was right for everyone to know. Sumire and Kiyoko sweatdropped at her actions but tacitly didn't say a word out. Sumire was about to open the letter.

"Wait." The two girls looked at the woman in question. They both waited for her to continue.

"I just want you to know that, no matter what it turned out, it's going to be okay." Mrs Sakaki said.

Sumire smiled and nodded. She proceeded to open the letter. Then

"Wait a minute." Mrs Sakaki interrupted yet again.

Sumire smiled wryly but Kiyoko was exasperated. The little girl questioned back.

"What is it Sakaki baa-san?"

"...Let us look at All Might's face for some time. For good luck you know…"

Mrs Sakaki stated gravely.

.

.

.

Kiyoko instantly tore the envelope, and a small disc-like projector fell. Sumire felt glad and gave a hidden thumbs up.

"What are you doing Kiyoko-chan? You-What the hell?" but before Mrs Sakaki can say anything, a booming laughter was heard. It was the voice of the man she wanted to pray just a moment ago…

" " All Might?" " Both Kiyoko and Mrs Sakaki were shocked.

"OK. I'm on screen right now?" the man in the projection said and continued.

The youngest and the oldest in the room stared at the projection wide eyed, in mild horror. But the man continued regardless.

"I know it's been a while since you underwent the exam, but with great things comes a great amount of paperwork!" All Might shakes his head in distress. The sight caused a little humor to one and the other two to be aghast. The two had no idea why he was over here… though Sumire knew about it.

"You passed the written exam, young Azumi! In fact, you are the top scorer of the year! You performance was brilliant!" All Might gave a thumbs up.

"Top scorer?" Mrs Sakaki and Kiyoko were still in awe and the video further led them into more shock as it progressed.

"In the practical exam, you defeated the robotic villains to gain points. You did amazing there! You surpassed the record by obtaining the highest score, yet again! You were assigned with 122 villain points!" All Might pumped a fist!

By now, colours faded from the duo's face, it was a bit concerning now.

"But that's not it!"

"There's more?!" Sumire cringed at duo's horrified gasp.

"Being a hero means more than just fighting the villains! It means you have to save those who need to be saved, no matter the consequence! That's the foundation for any hero! And you, young lady, you possess it?"

"This is why we have rescue points! The panel of judges decides the points to be awarded for the heroic acts! Young Azumi! I'm amazed by your performance yet again!"

"You have been awarded 82 rescue points! You, Azumi Sumire, passed in first place in the exam! So welcome, to the U A Academy!"

The video turned off and a silence followed for brief while. Brief, because Kiyoko and Mrs Sakaki cheered on top of their lungs!

The news spread to the whole orphanage like a wildfire and they were baffled. But not for long, they also cheered for Sumire and felt proud. A party and complaints from the neighbours were ensured by their actions.

After everything was done - Mrs Sakaki getting drunk and tearing up, all the kids cheering and reporting the matter to the higher authorities, Sumire answered her calls.

Finally when there was a moment of quiet, Sumire went to her dorm to sleep. She found Kiyoko still awake.

"Having trouble falling asleep?"

"...not really."

"Okay then. I'm having trouble sleeping, so would you mind talking to me?"

"If you say so."

"Much appreciated then."

"No problem. But you have to answer this to me truthfully, okay?"

"OK."

"...you're really going to talk to me all the time right, even if you are so engaged in work?"

"Yes."

"You will always play with me?"

"Absolutely."

"You will still tidy my hair, train my quirk and make sweets for me?"

"With p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e."

"You will never a-abandon me. You get it? No matter how great you become, you will never neglect me."

"Forever."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome." Sumire replied. At long last, they were cozy again. Sumire was thankful. All the effort she put in pleasing the little tsun and shedding her insecurities was not useless. Sumire had no problem with Kiyoko behaving like her little girlfriend.

The two lovely girls made peace with each other and slept peacefully.