"An Autograph and a Pat on the Back"

Part 64

He scribbles something on the piece of paper, his movements swift and careless, as if he's trying to get it over with as soon as possible. Mic and Midnight can't help but lean in, spying over his shoulder and cooing at the sight of his handwriting. They exchange a look, and I can sense a silent communication passing between them. It's almost like they're... well, like they're my parents, a few steps behind me, capturing every moment of this encounter. Aizawa looks exactly as vexed as I feel, his expression a mixture of discomfort and annoyance. I wouldn't be surprised if Midnight straight-up took out a camera and took a picture of the moment. Maybe she's just going to ask my parents for theirs when this ends - God only knows they're snapping enough photos to last for a lifetime. All other thoughts fly out of my head when Aizawa gives me back the piece of paper, with a scrawled: "Eraserhead. Go on with your life and don't die I guess, kid". I feel a bead of sweat trickle down my forehead as I take the paper from him, my eyes widening at the sight of his handwriting. That's... pretty much in character. "Thank you very much!" I bow, my head still down, my ponytail bobbing up and down. "Sorry for bothering you, Eraserhead-san!" "Just call me Aizawa," he grunts, his voice low and smooth. "I don't even like that hero name, he chose it for me." Present Mic's voice rings out, "Ooohhh??? What are you saying, Shouta??" with a betrayed expression, but Aizawa ignores him. "Yes!" I exclaim, my face positively overheating. "Aizawa-san!" Aizawa nods, or at least, I think he does - I'm still staring at my feet, my face burning with embarrassment. Following Midnight and Present Mic's encouraging gestures, he puts an awkward hand on my shoulder and pats it very slowly. I feel a jolt of electricity at his touch, and I have to hold myself back from shaking. I'm fangirling so hard inside, it's like my heart is going to burst. I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself down, but it's no use. This is Aizawa Shouta, the Eraserhead, patting me on the back. I feel like I'm going to pass out.