A Moment of Solace Shattered

The bustling atmosphere of the mall was starting to feel like a distant hum as Ochaco and Mina wandered off to explore a nearby arcade, their excited chatter fading into the crowd. I was left standing alone, surrounded by the throngs of people but feeling eerily isolated. For a moment, I felt like I could breathe, like I had managed to slip away from the constant vigilance that came with being a hero-in-training. But that sense of freedom was short-lived. I felt four fingers brush against my neck, and my eyes widened in alarm. I tried to turn around, but my body seemed frozen in place. That's when I saw him - a man in a hoodie, his face obscured by shadows. "Miss me?" he whispered, his voice sending shivers down my spine. Panic set in, but I forced myself not to run. I knew that fleeing would only put me in greater danger. Shigaraki's grip on my neck tightened, and I could feel his warm breath on my skin. "Don't run," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "I just... wanna have a nice little chat." I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice. "W-why are you here?" I stammered. Shigaraki's grin was like a cold breeze on a winter's night. "Just wanted to do some shopping, is all. And then I found you," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. His grip on my neck tightened, and I felt a surge of fear. But before he could do anything else, a familiar figure appeared in front of us. "Is this your friend, Vesper?" Deku asked, his eyes fixed on Shigaraki. Shigaraki's gaze flicked to Deku, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flash of uncertainty. But then, his expression smoothed out, and he released his grip on my neck. "We'll catch up later," he said, with a careless smile, and walked away, disappearing into the crowd. Deku turned to me, his eyes scanning my face. He saw the look of terror etched on my features, and his expression changed in an instant. He rushed towards me, wrapping his arms around me in a tight hug. "Are you okay, Vesper?!" he exclaimed, his voice trembling with concern. I nodded, feeling tears well up in my eyes. I hugged him back, holding on tight as the tension and fear of the past few moments washed over me. For a moment, I just held him, savoring the safety and comfort of his presence.