In a small café in downtown Musutafu, Ochaco Uraraka sat quietly, eating a simple sandwich and drinking a bottle of water. She had arrived a little early, waiting for a friend she wanted to talk to about her recent acceptance to U.A. High School.
Ochaco, who didn't usually frequent this area, was excited to tell her best friend that she had been accepted into one of the most prestigious hero academies in the country. She had also been looking forward to this meeting because, lately, her friend had been very busy with her daily life, and their once frequent get-togethers had become somewhat infrequent in recent months.
– Ochaco, it's been so long! – a kind, warm voice suddenly called from behind her.
Ochaco jumped in her seat, nearly spilling the water she was holding. Her heart was racing as she turned to find Lyrica smiling at her, her expression as gentle as it was unsettling, always appearing so silently.
– Lyrica! You never cease to amaze me! – Ochaco exclaimed, clutching her chest as she caught her breath. Lyrica let out a soft, sweet giggle, as if she truly didn't understand why Ochaco always frightened her so much.
– Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to… well, maybe a little – Lyrica joked as she walked around the table to sit across from her. Her smile was warm, kind enough to disarm anyone.
Ochaco let out a nervous laugh – One day you're going to scare me to death!
– Nah, I'd never let that happen to you – Lyrica said playfully, resting her elbows on the table – So, tell me. What's the big news? I've been wondering the whole way here what could have you so excited… even to the point of getting here before me.
Ochaco felt excitement bubbling up in her chest again. The atmosphere grew warmer, more intimate, as the two friends gazed at each other with their usual complicity, the same complicity that hadn't changed despite months of not seeing each other much.
– Lyrica… – Ochaco began, unable to suppress a huge smile – You're not going to believe this.
Lyrica was a girl with a young and adorable face, with soft features that gave her a naturally tender air: rounded cheekbones, a small, delicate nose, and deep, crystalline blue eyes that seemed to sparkle even in the simplest of things. Her light brown hair, flecked with golden tones where the light hit it, fell in soft waves with loose strands that moved almost playfully.
Petite and slender, she wore a simple white tank top under a slightly loose denim jacket, paired with black sweatpants and white sneakers that completed her relaxed and youthful look.
– I got accepted into the UA Heroic Department! – Ochaco said with a huge smile, finally feeling the weight of the news lift from her chest. The instant she said it, Lyrica's playful expression completely transformed, lighting up into a smile that seemed to outshine the lights in the room.
– That's great news, Ochaco! – Lyrica exclaimed, letting out a small squeal of excitement, almost jumping in her seat. The joy she radiated was so genuine that Ochaco couldn't help but let out a short, warm laugh at her friend's overly sweet reaction.
– You have to tell me everything! – Lyrica continued, leaning forward with wide eyes – How was the UA entrance exam this year? I'm dying to know every detail!
– Well… generally, the only really exciting part was the practice – Ochaco said, clearly remembering the adrenaline rush of those days – They had us eliminating robots to earn points and see who would get accepted.
– But the most impressive part was the ending – she continued, her eyes now sparkling – They unleashed a huge, gigantic robot that caused terrible chaos throughout the simulated city. It was incredible… though also a little terrifying. I ended up trapped under some rubble trying to help, but luckily a boy came to rescue me and destroyed the robot with a single blow.
– Wow, that sounds like a fairy tale – Lyrica commented with a mischievous smile, tilting her head in interest. The effect of those words was immediate: Ochaco stopped abruptly in her story, as if a sensitive spot had been touched.
– Oh… I seem to have stirred something in someone – Lyrica added, amused to see her friend's cheeks slowly turning a treacherous pink.
– Looks like someone's already found their Prince Charming – Lyrica said with a soft, musical laugh, leaning forward with obvious amusement. Her eyes sparkled with that mischievous, tender mix she always used to tease Ochaco without any real malice.
Ochaco, for her part, turned bright red in seconds.
– N-No, that's not how it is! – she stammered, waving her hands desperately as if trying to erase the idea from the air – He just helped me, that's all!
Lyrica tilted her head, fascinated by her friend's overreaction.
– Mhm… sure, sure. He just heroically saved you from disaster in an impossible test and made a strong enough impression that you still blush when you mention it – she said in a sing-song voice – Nothing suspicious.
Ochaco hid her face in her hands, muttering weakly – Lyricaaaaa… don't tease me.
– Okay, okay – Lyrica conceded, laughing – But I still want you to introduce me to him when you get the chance. I won't take 'no' for an answer. As your best friend, it's my duty to assess whether he's worthy of you!
Ochaco remained silent for a few seconds, still blushing, unsure where to look. Lyrica, meanwhile, watched her with a mischievous smile, savoring every second of her friend's reaction. But as soon as Ochaco tried to regain control of the conversation, her voice came out faster than she intended.
– Hey, I wanted to ask you… why aren't you answering my messages as often anymore?"
Lyrica's amused smile froze for just an instant. It was very subtle: a tiny blink, a slight tension at the corner of her lips… but enough for Ochaco to notice that something was off. In less than a second, Lyrica replaced that reaction with a comfortable, almost too perfect, smile.
Ochaco raised an eyebrow – …Is it serious?
– Well – Lyrica replied softly, trying to sound casual – just some recent issues at work. Things have gotten more intense because of a special project the boss assigned us.
As she spoke, her finger began tapping the table with a light, repetitive rhythm, as if she needed to release tension. This wasn't like Lyrica: she was usually calm, fluid, always with harmonious gestures. This nervous tic was new.
– Why the sudden question? – she added with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
– I was just wondering if something difficult had happened in your life that would explain your absence – Ochaco said with genuine concern, unable to ignore her friend's strange reaction – Can we talk about it... or would you prefer not to?
– I'd appreciate the latter, Ochaco – Lyrica replied in a soft tone, but more serious than usual. She accompanied her words with a light, slightly forced laugh – My work is a delicate matter.
Without giving her a chance to elaborate, Lyrica smiled with more energy than necessary and added – Want to go shopping? I can buy you something nice as an apology for not answering your messages.
– Yes, of course… if you want – Ochaco replied, still intrigued by the topic of work, though not wanting to pressure her to the point of making her uncomfortable – Where do you want to go?
– Wherever you want – Lyrica said immediately, regaining her cheerful demeanor with almost unsettling speed. She stood up and gently took Ochaco's hand to lead her out of the cafeteria – Come on, come on. And while we walk, tell me… has anything happened recently with your family?"