Mumen Rider in MHA

Satoru was used to getting weird looks at school.

He didn't talk much, always wore long sleeves to cover bruises, and sometimes nodded off in class from late-night patrols. Most students avoided him. A few whispered behind his back.

But today was different.

He noticed the whispers were directed at someone else.

In the courtyard, a group of third-years cornered a timid girl from the year below. She clutched her bag to her chest, staring at the ground while the boys laughed and taunted her.

"You dropped your books again, huh?"

"Cat got your tongue, shy girl?"

Satoru approached slowly. "Hey. Knock it off."

They turned.

One boy scoffed. "What's it to you, freak?"

"I'm telling you to leave her alone."

The leader stepped forward. "Or what?"

Satoru didn't budge. "Just… don't."

Something in his tired, unwavering expression made them flinch. After a pause, the boys grumbled and walked away.

The girl didn't move.

Satoru glanced at her. "You okay?"

She nodded quickly but said nothing. He gave a small nod back and walked off.

---

Later that afternoon, he found her waiting on the school rooftop.

It was quiet, as usual. His usual refuge.

She approached slowly, her bag clutched tightly again.

"Um… thank you. From earlier."

Satoru blinked. "You didn't have to come find me."

She shook her head. "I wanted to."

He offered a tired smile. "You're not in trouble anymore?"

She hesitated, then nodded.

They stood in silence for a while.

"I've seen you around," she said. "You always have bandages. People think you're weird."

He chuckled softly. "Yeah. That sounds about right."

She looked down at her shoes. "But I think… you're nice."

Satoru blinked.

She glanced up quickly, cheeks red. "I mean—you helped me. Even though no one else would."

A pause. Then a small, almost invisible smile formed on her lips.

"My name's Miyako."

He nodded. "I'm Satoru."

"I know."

They both looked out over the courtyard.

Miyako hugged her bag tighter. "I get scared really easily."

"I do too," he said.

She looked at him again. "But you stood up anyway. That's… brave."

He didn't know what to say to that.

She bowed slightly. "Thanks again."

Then she turned and walked off.

Satoru watched her go. The breeze ruffled her hair, and for a moment, she looked taller.