A Bruise on More Than Just My Face

I trudged through the front door, trying to prepare my parents for the sight of my battered face. I had steeled myself for their reaction, but it still stung a little. My nose was crooked, my chin sported a lovely bruise, and my forehead had a few angry scratches. I looked like I had been in a fight, which, technically, I had. My parents' eyes widened in horror as they took in my appearance. "What happened to you?" my mom asked, rushing over to me with a look of concern etched on her face. I shrugged, trying to downplay the situation. "I just fell while playing with my new friends," I said, attempting to sound nonchalant. My parents exchanged a skeptical glance. "Just fell?" my dad repeated, his voice laced with doubt. I nodded vigorously. "Yeah, that's all. I'm fine, really." I assured them, trying to convince them that it was no big deal. But they didn't seem to believe me. My mom kept asking me questions, prodding me for more information, but I stuck to my story. I was starting to feel a little hurt by their mistrust. Didn't they believe me? Just then, my mom asked, "Who are these friends of yours? We'd like to meet them." My heart sank. I knew that if they met Bakugou, it would only lead to more problems. I didn't want to be responsible for them moving again. So, I quickly scanned the playground, making sure Bakugou was nowhere to be seen. Spotting Midoriya sitting alone on the swings, I latched onto the opportunity. "Let's go meet my friend Midoriya," I said, trying to sound enthusiastic. As we walked to the playground, I could feel my parents' eyes on me, still filled with concern. But when we arrived and Midoriya looked up at us with his big, sweet eyes, they were immediately charmed. "Hello there, young man," my dad said, smiling. "I'm so glad to meet you." Midoriya blushed and bowed his head, his face lighting up with a shy smile. "N-nice to meet you too, sir," he stuttered. My parents were enchanted by his politeness and kindness. They oohed and ahhed over his sweet demeanor, asking him questions and listening intently to his responses. Midoriya, on the other hand, was blushing up a storm, looking like a deer caught in the headlights. I watched the scene unfold, feeling a little awkward. It was as if I was the stranger in this situation, not my parents. Before I knew it, my parents were inviting Midoriya to dinner. They asked for his mother's phone number and called her to ask for permission. I was surprised by how quickly things moved. Midoriya's mom, Inko, was overwhelmed but happy, and she immediately agreed. As we walked home, I couldn't help but wonder how my parents were befriending people in my stead. I understood their enthusiasm, though. It wasn't easy making friends in a new town, especially when you're stuck playing with two-year-olds. I glanced over at Midoriya, who was walking beside me, still looking a little shell-shocked. I smiled to myself, feeling a pang of affection for my new friend. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of a complicated web of relationships.