MHA: Animari

One of the boys from his class threw him a sneer. "Man, I've never seen a freak like him"

Another piped up, "Probably just wants to show off."

Malik barely even looked at them. Instead, he focused on the reflection of himself in the window across from him. He noticed his golden hair--curly and unruly, his melanin caramel skin, and golden eyes with red slit-like pupils.

They were striking, to say the least. But he wasn't vain about it. It was just a part of him.

And then his eyes shifted to the horizon outside. The sun still high in the air in the distance, casting everything in a bright glow. It was the kind of calm sky that made him think.

Made him dream. About all the things he would do once, he became the strongest. Once he proved everyone wrong.

They were striking, to say the least. But he wasn't vain about it. It was just a part of him.

And then his eyes shifted to the horizon outside. The sun was beginning to set in the distance, casting everything in a fiery glow. It was the kind of sunset that made him think—made him dream. About all the things he would do once, he became the strongest. Once he proved everyone wrong.

The teacher cleared her throat, interrupting his thoughts. "Alright, let's settle down!" The teacher says, waving his hands in a half-hearted attempt to calm the room. "I know everyone's excited about choosing their paths, but let's not ignore the importance of--"

"Heroes! It's always about the heroes!" one kid yells, cutting the teacher off. The room erupts in cheers, a few students showing off quirks in excitement. A boy with rock hands shoots his hand up in the air, while someone else levitates their desk for a second. 

Malik doesn't even flinch. Instead, he lets out an exaggerated yawn.

"Everyone, please be aware that the use of quirks outside the establishment is against the rule." The teacher smiles.

"It looks like many people are going to good schools..." He said before adjusting his glasses and exchanging glances at Malik and then the paper a little surprised as to what school he picked.

"Uh... yes. Malik, I'm sure you're aware that U.A. High School is a prestigious institution. Are you sure of this choice, you didn't choose any other school."

"Yeah, I'm sure," Malik responds leaning back in his chair, letting his usual cocky grin form on his face.

The room fell silent.

He was used to moments like these. Everyone was looking at him, either in admiration or jealousy. He didn't mind it. It came with the territory.

Some of the students nodded. Others looked down in silence, some even with slight resentment. But Malik wasn't interested in any of them.

Someone from the front of the room. "Why? Why U.A. of all places?"

Malik tilted his head slightly, considering the question. "Simple," he said. "I want to be the strongest. And U.A. is where the best go. I want to fight the strongest people, get stronger myself too, that's why."

The teacher seemed momentarily taken aback by his bluntness. But then he nodded.

"Well, speaking of U.A.," he continued, "two others from this school are also applying. I don't know them personally, though."

Malik's interest is piqued. He leans forward, his usual disinterest replaced by curiosity. "Two others?"

"Yes," the teacher says, giving him a small smile. "I'm sure you'll meet them soon."

The bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. Malik grabbed his things and walked out the door, ready to head into the city. The noise of the street fills his ears as he strolls down the sidewalk. He buys some ice cream on the way home, a small treat to himself for getting through the day.

As he eats, he notices a commotion up ahead. People are gathering around something. Curiosity piqued, Malik walks toward the crowd, his footsteps light.

Then, he sees him.

All Might.

The Symbol of Peace himself.

The legendary hero.