We had been walking for about fifteen minutes after getting off the train when a magnificent building appeared before us, bearing the sign: Endeavor Hero Agency.
I looked up at the skyscraper while clutching a mountain of snack bags that Peppermint (Todoroki) had bought for me. I'd been basking in a blissful mood thanks to this haul, but then a realization hit me: this was probably pocket change to him. It made me feel… complicated.
Well, I'll still say thanks, I guess.
"Nico, stop staring and let's go inside," Shoto said.
"Hm? Aye-aye!"
I gave a response that sounded like a shadow person from some weird game and followed him inside. The interior was even fancier than the outside. Every piece of furniture looked like it cost more than my house, the floors were waxed to a mirror finish, and there was even a beautiful receptionist.
I see. This is where the 'Office Romance' dramas happen.
"I sense a daytime soap opera about to begin," I whispered.
"Hm? You're right. It'll be lunchtime in an hour or two," Shoto replied.
"No, that's not what I meant at all."
We spoke to the receptionist, who informed us that the President—Endeavor—was already waiting for us in his office. Honestly, I thought he should have come down to meet us, but he probably wanted to act all cool and dignified in front of his son. My dad is the same way, but are all dads just obsessed with looking "cool" for their kids?
We took the elevator to the top floor. There was another reception desk with another beautiful lady there for some more paperwork. Man, hurry it up.
After a long series of administrative hoops, we were finally led to a set of massive, luxurious doors.
"To-to-ro-ki."
"Why are you saying my name with such a lack of energy?"
"I'm just testing out a new pronunciation. But more importantly, this really is your dad's place, right?"
"Saying 'Dad' feels weird, but... yes, this is it."
To be honest, I was getting worried. I mean, I did deliver a flying drop-kick to the back of the head of the guy who owns this place. Was I called here today for a "settling of old scores"?
"If something happens, protect me," I whispered.
"As much as he's a shitty old man, I'd like to think he's not the kind of trash who'd lay a hand on a student... but fine, if something happens, I'll help. Don't worry."
Alright, I'm counting on you, Son of Endeavor.
Shoto knocked. A dignified, arrogant voice boomed from within. "Enter." I recognized that voice instantly. It was definitely the "Baldy" I kicked.
We entered to find the flaming giant sitting at a high-end table, chin resting on his interlaced fingers, staring at us.
"Welcome, Shoto. And Nico Midoriya. Welcome to the Endeavor Hero Agency."
Endeavor stood up and approached us.
"Nico Midoriya. I watched all your matches at the Sports Festival. A magnificent display. Should I congratulate you on your runner-up finish?"
"Yo. 'Sup. Thanks."
"Your lack of manners is consistent, I see. Fine. Enjoy that attitude while you can. During this internship, I will show you and Shoto what a true professional looks like. You will learn the sheer height of the goal you are aiming for."
Endeavor finished his speech and then delivered a total sexual harassment line: "Now, let's have you change your clothes immediately."
I naturally started typing 110 into my phone.
"Wait, Nico. Don't call them," Shoto stopped me.
Don't stop me, Shoto! There's a pervert right in front of us!
"But he told us to strip right here!"
"Even the shitty old man isn't that far gone. Hey, old man. Where are the changing rooms?"
"Hm? Did I not mention it? On the second floor, I've prepared a room for you both to stay in—Wait! Nico Midoriya! Are you trying to report me again?!"
The Baldy scowled at me, so I gave him a slow nod.
"Because you told us to change right here."
"I never said you had to do it in this room! I've thought this before, but what exactly do you think I am?!"
"A baldy."
"Hah—! I TOLD YOU I AM NOT BALDING!! Look! Look at this! It's growing right out of the scalp!!"
He shoved his head toward me. I leaned in and peeked. It did look like it was growing out of his skin, but hair-plug technology is amazing these days. Just looking at it wasn't enough to be sure. I figured if I pulled one, I'd know for sure... wait.
"Oh, a gray hair."
Pluck.
"OUCH! What the hell are you doing?!"
"I was helping you out by removing a gray hair. Come on, say thank you. Show some gratitude."
I tried to hand it to him, but he just got even angrier.
"That clearly has several non-gray hairs mixed in!! ...Wait, there isn't even a gray hair here!"
"Are-re? Did it fall? That's weird..."
"YOU...!!"
The Baldy was literally shaking, his face turning bright red. He was definitely "O-Angry," but just like Shoto predicted, he didn't actually do anything. Maybe he was being careful because I'm a student.
In that case, I didn't need to hold back.
"Hey, hey."
"What is 'Hey, hey'?! That is no way to address a superior! If you're under my care, can't you at least act a little more... modest?!"
"You said you were welcoming us, right? Where's the welcome party?"
"Why would I throw a welcome party?!"
I acted shocked. I couldn't believe a hero running a first-class agency would say something like that.
"You can't even throw a welcome party? ...Pathetic."
"WHAT?! It's not that I can't, I'm saying I won't!! This is a workplace—"
"Pathetic. Usually, this is where a 'grown-up' shows off their financial power by laying out a spread of expensive food and going, 'Hahaha, this is what first-class looks like,' while holding a glass of wine. Man, how stingy. I heard you were Number Two, but I guess this is it. Even the Muscle-bound Giant (All Might) treated the whole class to food..."
"Muscle-bound...? All Might?! You... JUST YOU WAIT!!"
The Baldy roared, whipped out his phone, and dialed someone.
"LISTEN!! Prepare a feast immediately!! Clear out the conference room on the third floor!! We're having a welcome party for Shoto and the girl!! ---What? The merchandising meeting? DO IT LATER!! This is more important!! Rearrange the tables for a party!! HURRY UP!! Beverages?! Just pick the best ones! Don't ask me every single detail! Buy the top-shelf stuff! And the food too!!"
Wow, he's actually doing it. It really pays to speak up.
However...
"Just the three of us? Pathetic."
"---SUMMON EVERY SIDEKICK WHO ISN'T CURRENTLY ON DUTY!! Tell them I'll pay holiday overtime! Tell them to get here now!! Call the office staff too!!"
"No Bingo tournament?"
"---We had that Bingo set from that event a while back!! Get it ready!! There are plenty of prizes in the warehouse!! Bring whatever looks expensive!!"
"I'd love to see some 'secret talents' or performances."
"---TELL THE SIDEKICKS TO PREPARE A TALENT SHOW!! ONE PERFORMANCE PER PERSON!! ---Wait, STOP GETTING CARRIED AWAY, YOU BRAT!! What are you making me say?!"
I was just mumbling to myself! I didn't make him say anything. He did it all on his own.
"You brat!! Fine!! In two hours, I will show you a 'First-Class Welcome Party' that will blow your mind!! You better be prepared to have your socks knocked off!! Go change and wait!!"
"In here?"
"GO TO THE WAITING ROOM THE SECRETARY IS GOING TO SHOW YOU!!"
With that, the Baldy stomped out of the room. Shoto, standing next to me, was looking more stunned than I'd ever seen him.
"What's up?"
"I've never seen the old man like that. I didn't know he could make faces like that."
"He was like that when I met him the first time, too."
"Really? Then what was the 'father' I've been looking at all these years...?"
I don't know, man.
"But listen, Shoto. I don't think what you saw was 'everything.' Running an agency isn't easy."
People have many sides. You can't just divide them into "black" and "white" that easily. Especially for someone who has reached this level of success.
"...Nico. What exactly have I been looking at?"
"Who knows? But the things you've seen until now were probably just the things you wanted to see."
"The things I wanted to see...?"
I think everyone is like that. Myself included. We only see what we want to see, and our eyes naturally drift away from the things we'd rather ignore. I'm sure there are things I'm missing, just like Shoto was.
"No need to rush. You can just learn them one by one from now on. All the things you didn't notice before."
"I suppose... you're right. There's no need to panic now."
***
A little while later, the secretary came and led us to our waiting room. The room was cozy but high-end. No private toilet or bath, but it had a bed, lockers, a TV, and a sofa. It felt luxurious. I couldn't help but go "Ooh!"
The bed was supposedly for staff naps and "not high-end," but when I touched it, it was fluffier than my bed at home. I want it.
However, the lock on the door was apparently broken, leading to a "Classic Anime Incident" where the Peppermint Boy accidentally walked in on me while I was changing.
Wait, what happened to the Peppermint Boy after that?
Well... let's just say he saw more than he bargained for! Tee-hee!
***
If you want to read 10 chapters ahead or support me, visit my p.a.t.r.e.o.n.c.o.m /Well_being