Burnin was bored in his seat, waiting for something interesting to happen today.
Although a Hero's work is never done-and that is particularly true for those who work at Endeavor's agency-the truth is that there aren't usually as many villain attacks as one might expect.
At least, not enough for her to be entertained all the time. There were many heroes everywhere, which wasn't a bad thing, but it made it difficult to find entertainment on such a slow and dull day as this one.
Luckily for Burnin, a prominent figure entered the agency's doors with a calm stride, wearing the characteristic UA uniform. Emerald eyes looked straight ahead, brimming with confidence. Reddish-brown hair cascaded down to the young woman's waist, a high ponytail adorning her head.
Long socks went up to disappear under the dark gray skirt, and an ever-present smile that was as flirtatious as it was polite. Burnin and other sidekicks instantly identified the girl.
Before anyone could approach her, Burnin jumped from her desk and stood in front of the girl, a predatory smile plastered across her face and her hands crossed over her chest.
—What do we have here? Aren't you the UA Sports Festival champion among the First Years?
To her credit, the girl was not intimidated by Burnin's abrupt appearance, which increased her value in the hero's eyes.
—Terumi Mei, a pleasure to meet you, Miss Burnin— she introduced herself politely.
—Hehe, welcome. I suppose you'll be doing your internships here.
—That is correct, Miss Burnin. Could you point me towards Mr. Endeavor's office?
—Hm, good manners, kid. Follow me— Burnin said with a smile. She already liked the student. Suddenly, she noticed another person right behind Mei and recognized them as well.
—Ah, uh, Todoroki Shoto, right?— Burnin greeted awkwardly, embarrassed for having ignored her boss's son. Todoroki's gaze was expressionless, which made the moment more uncomfortable. Fortunately, Mei didn't give a damn and decided to move things along.
—Ahem, so, Miss Burnin... Shall we go to Mr. Endeavor's office?
With that, the trio walked in silence to meet the Number 2 Hero. Burnin left them at the office and returned to her post.
Mei was texting on her phone, ignoring Shoto's existence. For his part, Endeavor's son wanted to start a conversation but had no idea how to do it.
In the past, he used to give brief answers or make statements, but never casually chat. Besides, there was that awkward interest in the girl, which made Shoto nervous in a way only a teenager could be.
And to make things worse, they were in his damn father's office and agency, which on its own already increased his stress. It was not the best of days for Shoto.
With a click, the door opened, and the imposing figure of Endeavor entered, his flames covering part of his face and shoulders.
The hero was slightly surprised to see two figures in his office, as he was only expecting his son. He made a slight grimace upon recognizing the girl who had humiliated Shoto in the final.
—What are you doing in my office?— he asked coldly.
—Hm? You were among my options, so I came— Mei tilted her head in confusion.
—Hmph, I only need Shoto. I'm not interested in you, water girl— the man rejected, to which Mei shrugged.
—I understand. Take care, then— she said goodbye with a smile as she walked toward the exit. For a second, father and son were puzzled, until Endeavor reacted and called out to the girl.
—Wait! What do you think you're doing!?
Mei turned back with a frown and her hands on her hips.
—I'm not going to put up with this kind of crap, Mr. Hero. If you say you're not interested, then I'll go back to UA and find another agency that doesn't waste students' time— she said in a dismissive tone, completely changing her initially polite demeanor.
—Do you have any idea who you're talking to, brat!?— Endeavor threatened, his surprise giving way to anger at Mei's disrespect.
—I thought I did. I came looking for one of the best heroes to learn from him, not to tolerate the rude behavior of a grumpy, ill-mannered old man— she retorted.
The temperature began to rise in the room, but Mei sent pulses of chakra to keep herself cool. Having the Futton and Yôton Kekkei Genkai gave her a fairly high heat resistance, so she didn't even sweat at the larger man's tantrum.
After a few seconds of tense silence, Endeavor gave up and lowered the temperature.
—Fine, you will stay here for your internships. But you will be assigned to Burnin. My time only allows me to teach Shoto— Endeavor declared.
—That suits me fine— Mei nodded before leaving.
In the midst of everything, Todoroki Shoto remained silent, simply observing the interaction between his father and his classmate. He couldn't help but admire Mei a little for standing up to that man like that.
A truly fierce girl.
Meanwhile, Endeavor noticed the glances his son was casting at the girl and frowned. He couldn't allow his son to be interested in such matters now.
The only one who left satisfied with this interaction was Mei herself.
She chose this particular agency because of the name. Being connected to Endeavor, for better or for worse, would bring her benefits in the future. That, and she remembered that Todoroki got involved in the fight with the Hero Killer.
Whether she was going to follow him and interfere as well or not, she couldn't say. She would let things flow, and then she would see how to act.
****************************
—You're that girl's classmate who won the tournament, right? Has she told you about my request and my personal letter? Did she receive it? I find it strange that she didn't come with you.
Momo was assaulted by the incessant questions from the Hero Uwabami. The beautiful woman was busy applying makeup and ignoring her two interns-Kendo from Class B and Momo herself-being more interested in finding out the whereabouts of her classmate.
An awkward smile was drawn on the black-haired girl's face, while Kendo sighed beside her.
—Well, about that... Mei-san didn't mention anything to me, so I don't know if she received your letter, Miss Uwabami.
—Hm, that's a shame. That girl has a lot of potential, just like you, my girls. We would have made something wonderful all together— Uwabami lamented, thinking about what could have gone wrong.
—You really don't know anything?— Kendo whispered to Momo.
—It's better if she doesn't find out— Momo replied in the same manner.
The truth was that Mei had informed her about Uwabami's request, which is why she warned Momo to choose another professional to work with.
The expression of disdain on the kunoichi's face when she spoke to Momo was something the girl couldn't get out of her mind. She could almost feel Mei's disgust at the mention of modeling and other nonsense.
—Maybe I should have listened to her— Momo muttered in dejection.