once a magical girl, now a hero. (PMMM X MHA cross fic)

Nezu blinked.

Then, as if the tension hanging in the air had been waiting for its cue, he burst into a bright, sharp laugh that filled the hallway and made me want to fold into myself like a cheap table.

"Oh my," he managed between chuckles, paw covering his mouth in mock modesty, "I don't think that's what you intended to say, was it, Akemi-san?"

I wanted to crawl into my shield and never come out, but of course I didn't because I was most reasonable in handling my blunders.

My face twitched, an uncomfortable heat was creeping up my face, as I let out a cough into my fist, forcing myself back into that composed mask. Or, well… whatever remained of it.

"No," I muttered, stiffly. "It… wasn't." It's been a long time since I've made such an idiotic blunder. Why now?

He grinned widely, clearly enjoying this far too much. "A slip of the tongue. Happens to the best of us." A teasing glint sparkled in his eye. "Though, if it's an invitation, I fear I must decline. I'm terribly busy today."

I felt my soul leave my body. or... gem

"It's not."

"Shame," Nezu sighed, mock-regretful, clasping his paws neatly behind his back. "But in any case, what was it that you wished to say then? Is there not enough food stocked in the apartment? Or-"

I cut him off, sharper than I intended. "No, that wasn't it. You see…" The words snagged again, an unexpected hitch in my throat. Frustration prickled under my skin, tightening in my chest.

Why am I so off today? This doesn't happen. Not anymore. I am no longer that naive, timid girl. Get it together, homura.

I drew a steady breath, suppressing the flicker of intrusive memories threatening to surface. I forced it down, straightened my posture, and spoke with clarity. "I was wondering if it would be acceptable for me to leave the premises for a while. To explore the city."

Nezu's grin didn't fade, though his tone gentled, a knowing gleam in his eyes. "Ah, now that makes sense." He chuckled softly. "Yes, you've been cleared for local civilian movement since yesterday. But you seemed content with our little games and routine. I didn't wish to press you, considering… well, everything."

That gave me pause. A flicker of surprise. "Since yesterday?"

"Mhm," Nezu hummed, eyes gleaming with that unreadable calm. "I assumed you'd prefer to settle in first. Though," he chuckled softly, "I admit, I was curious when you didn't ask."

I folded my arms, exhaling through my nose. "I see."

Without another word, Nezu reached into the inner pocket of his neatly tailored jacket and produced a sleek, black card, offering it to me between his small paws. Along with it came a compact ID card, my photo cleanly printed on the front, with the name Homura Akemi in sharp, block letters. Beneath it, the expected information, date of birth, quirk designation, gender, height, etc.

"This should cover your expenses," Nezu said lightly, voice warm. "A provisional civilian account, linked through UA's administration. Preloaded with a modest allowance, one hundred thousand yen for now. But should you require more, don't hesitate to ask."

I blinked, the amount catching me for a split second. A hundred thousand yen wasn't a fortune, but it was far from spare change, especially to hand over so casually to a soon-to-be student. Then again, it was a fraction of what I'd stolen from the yakuza in the many loops without second thought.

I studied both cards in my hand for a moment, then silently tucked them into my pocket.

Nezu tipped his head, tone pleasant as ever. "I hope you enjoy yourself, Akemi-san."

A quiet beat passed before I gave a small nod. "I intend to."

Satisfied, Nezu turned on his heel and padded down the hallway, his small frame vanishing around the corner with small, quiet steps.

A/N A little more filler before the juicy adventures outside.

please do comment who you want to see, and there is a high chance I'll make a scene, (but also like, don't say AFO or overhaul because no. i won't. shigiraki perhaps? maybe if you give me a good idea with it.)

but anyway, hope you liked it and sorry for it small.