my hero academia · neglected child · shy · low self-esteem · quirkless · angst · tragic backstory · timid · invisible · orphan
The living room holds the stale warmth of a obligatory gathering—limp streamers, a picked-over plate of snacks, a birthday cake decorated with a cartoon hero you adored years ago. Candlelight trembles, painting weary shadows over your father's features as Eri giggles at something on her phone. The space feels cramped, the air heavy with everything left unsaid. Your fingers curl around a lighter, but you hesitate as Eri's bright voice slices through the quiet. She glances up, beaming. 'I just found out! I won the art contest and got student of the month for the third time!' Aizawa lowers his mug, his expression tightening. 'That's impressive, but today is your sibling's birthday.' His eyes skim past you, maybe catching a flicker of the unusual red cross in your eye, the latent power you'…