{Edited 4/10/2021}

Third person pov

Lillian studied. She knew she wouldn't get into UA, but she'd feel just plain guilty if she didn't give it her all. She was lacking extremely in the physical department. She wasn't in shape. Her upper body strength was about as impressive as the rest of her. She was short, scrawny and sort of ugly. That, and she'd been cursed with freckles. Freckles looked good on other people, but on her face they just seemed... wrong. They made her look rounder and more like the baby she honestly still was emotionally. Why else would she cry so easily every time she watched those cute animal videos online? 

Her lack of physique had led her to taking walks. It was pretty pathetic compared to what a lot of other people were doing to prepare, but Lillian's motivation had its boundaries. Her parents had thought it to be rather odd seeing as she rarely came out of her room, even on a good day. Her excuse was that she was depressed and needed more sun, but they hadn't quite believed her. That didn't mean they stopped her either, however. Lillian was glad that they supported her new walking habit, even if they clearly thought she was up to something more. Which she was, but you know.

"Where are you going, sweetie?" Lillian's mother, June, asked. Her daughter froze in her tracks, her shoulders going rigid. Her fingers twitched nervously as she hesitantly peeked through her bangs at her mother, the backpack on her back suddenly feeling awfully heavy. June smiled at her daughter, who shuffled her feet. Lillian had always been so unsure of herself. June wished she had a little more confidence in herself! She was such a pretty girl. It was a shame she didn't put herself out there more, but June would honestly miss the girl if she got out anymore than she did. The world was a dangerous place, after all! Anything could happen. 

Lillian felt her soul leave her body. She should've left through her window, but her morals prevented her from doing something so rebellious. Sneaking out the front door felt decidedly less wrong. Of course, this was a surefire way to get herself caught. Hence what was happening right this very second. The freckled girl could feel herself wilting like a flower under the gaze of her unsuspecting mother. 

"I was going to go out on a walk." Lillian squeaked out, trying not to let her eyes widen to the size of saucers. She gulped a little. "I...If that's okay. I can stay here if you need me to-"

"Of course it's fine, dear! I was just surprised to see you going out so early this morning. Be safe. I'll text you later, okay?" June smiled, reassuring her daughter quickly. Lillian offered a nervous smile back, tugging on the sleeves of her sweater. Were they allowed to wear sweaters? She hadn't really known what they were and weren't supposed to wear, so she hoped she didn't get kicked out or made fun of. Would she? She probably would. She just shouldn't go. But they were expecting her, so wouldn't it be rude not to show up? 

In short, she was panicking. 

"Okay.... b-bye." Lillian sputtered before she could devolve further into her thoughts, and then she was gone, rushing out the door. She felt horrible lying to her mother. Her mother, who had stayed home instead of pursing her dream of being an ice skater just to take care of her. For someone quirkless to have a dream so admirable... Lillian almost wished she hadn't been born! At least, not at the time she was. Not in like a depressed way. Just-- then maybe her mom would be in the rink where she could happily skate! And not wasting her time watching Lillian grow up to do nothing impressive whatsoever.

The air was surprisingly cool, which made her glad she'd worn long sleeves. If she'd shown up in shorts then she most certainly would have looked weird. Lillian definitely didn't want that. She didn't want to upset or disturb anyone. She just wanted to go in, take whatever test was presented to her, and then go on her way in peace. There was really nothing more to it. Maybe if she was lucky she wouldn't even have to talk to anyone. The mere thought seemed like a dream.

The UA entrance exam location wasn't too far from her house. She tugged at her sleeves and nervously glanced around as she got closer and closer to the campus. There were other people around her age starting to pop up, which made sense. They would be going to the entrance exam too. Of course she wasn't the only one in this neighborhood that would be going. People were probably cutting through her neighborhood to get there, as well. UA was, after all, famous.

Lillian's pov

I know I studied hard for this, but I still don't feel worthy of taking it. I feel entirely idiotic for even trying to do this. I'm sure those taking it have trained with their quirks for years upon years. I've used it a few times in my bedroom, and once or twice at a park! Which definitely isn't legal, but sometimes it's best not to dwell on the logistics of the past. The case and point here is that I am in no way ready or qualified to be doing this. Yet here I am! My sheer audacity shocks me sometimes.

I was more than a little glad to see that most of the people I saw walking towards the examination location were indeed wearing jackets or sweaters. Some even had scarves, which made me feel a little more at ease about my choice of clothing. They also had bags, just like me. I know I was told to bring my school stuff, as well as my application acceptance form and any other paperwork given to me, but I was still unsure. This whole thing is quite nerve wracking! I'm totally losing it over this. I need to calm down before I blow a gasket. I go in, I take the test, I get out. Super simple, super quick.

The building soon came into view, and I almost froze at the sight of it. The large gates were propped open, leading to a building with three large doors. The middle one was wide open, and teens my age all seemed to gravitate towards it. I almost had to stop just the marvel at the sheer size of the school. It was even bigger up close. I ducked my head as I approached. If I make eye contact with someone, will I annoy them? What if they end up wanting to talk? My life will simply end if that happens.

Ducking my head was a dumb thing to do in hindsight, because that meant I didn't know where I was going. I rammed face first into something, which is embarrassing enough. I think the worst part though is that the something wasn't actually a something. It was more of a someone. I just didn't notice at first because they didn't even flinch when I ran into them. What was more embarrassing was the fact that I fell on my butt, successfully showing off how absolutely unbalanced of a person I am.

"I-I am so sorry!" I immediately scrambled to my feet as the person turned around, his eyebrows raised. He was taller than me by nearly a foot or so, and luckily didn't seem too mad about me nearly bowling him over. He looked more confused than anything, but I really don't want to assume. That would be rude of me as well. Being rude really isn't my goal here! \Except I've already failed at that seeing as I just ran into someone. I really need to watch where I'm walking. I'm never ducking my head while I walk again. Assuming I don't die right here and now.

"That's alright... are you okay?" He raised an eyebrow at me, and I felt my cheeks flush with stark embarrassment. I nodded rapidly, clutching my backpack straps. I'm too afraid to make eye contact! What if my face irritates him?! That wouldn't be good. It would be quite rude, as well. God, this is so nerve-wracking! I haven't even made it in the building yet and I'm already a mess! This is the end for me. God is going to come smite me down and end the pitiful thing I call a life. 

"My name is Hitoshi Shinso." He stuck out a hand for me to shake. I stared at it stupidly for a moment, my eyes widening as soon as the gesture processed. I don't really want to shake his hand, but it would be rude not to, right? Right. That's right. I really don't want to leave a bad impression! This guy is definitely a future hero, and a nice guy, and getting on his bad side would be simply an awful idea. 

I hesitantly reached out and took it, shaking it softly. I let go as fast as humanely possible. "O-Oh, sorry. I'm Lillian Faust." I gave a small bow to be polite as soon as our hands parted, and his lips twitched upwards into a small smile. This put me somewhat at ease somewhat, but I still felt extremely embarrassed. I can't believe I straight up ran into him. I'm a horrible person. I want to go take the hero course exam when I can't even stop myself from hitting an entire person?

"I assume you're here to take the physical exam?" Shinso asked. I nodded rapidly, and he chuckled. "Don't worry, I'm nervous too. Why don't we walk in together?"

My head snapped up, and I did best not to let my absolute horror and mortification show. He actually wants to walk with me? I should accept and thank him regardless of my discomfort with the offer. It would be rude to refuse, right? It's not him, it's me. He seems great, really. But walking with another person? Me? God, I'm going to have a panic attack. What am I even doing here?! The written exam was one thing, sure, but I'm pretty sure the physical one is going to whoop my ass six ways to Sunday. Pardon the French.

"A-Ah, yes! Thank you." I gave another bow, and he turned and began to walk forward whilst I internally cursed myself for accepting. I scurried after him. I hope I'm not annoying him. This is all just so overwhelming that I'm panicking just a little. I don't mean to, but I'm an anxious person who really isn't used to dealing with other people. I guess this is good practice, right? Sure, we'll go with that. You can't avoid human interaction forever, Lillian!

Shinso Hitoshi was an interesting individual, and I had to wonder what quirk he possessed. He had purple hair and eyes to match, and a lithe frame that made me think his quirk probably wasn't physical. There were no visible mutations on his person either. It could be something in the same class as mine. Mine didn't require me to do anything but blink. Perhaps his was activated in a similar manner. 

"So, you want to be a hero then?" Shinso looked down at me as we entered the building. It was even colder inside. I hugged my arms to my body, glancing around nervously at all the chattering people. At least Shinso is nice, even if I kind of wish he'd go away. No offense. It was very considerate of him to walk in with me. Maybe he's really nervous too! This is probably a big moment for a lot of people. A lot of those here have probably been dreaming of it and training for this moment for ages...

"Y-Yeah. It's always k-kind of been a dream of mine. I don't think I'll be able to do it, but I'd hate myself if I didn't try." I admitted quietly, swallowing my stutters and shrieking at myself internally to shut up. He nodded understandably. 

I followed quietly behind Shinso and into an auditorium, where I was sure he'd want to split up. I felt nervous surrounded by so many people: many of which were with friends and talking excitedly. I immediately shrunk into myself. I don't belong here. I shouldn't have come. These people are powerful, and not unsure like I am. This is the worst day ever. Honestly. Hands down. I can't believe I subjected myself to this willingly. What is wrong with me? I should've stayed home, cried, and eaten some croutons as a snack. 

There was an air of seriousness in the air, thickening more and more as more hero hopefuls wandered in. People sized one another up, trying to see what they were up against and what their chances were. I didn't even bother. It'll be a miracle if I ended up passing the written portion of the exam, but the physical? Not happening. There is nothing 'physical' about me. Not a single thing, unless you're going to count crying and hyperventilating in that category.

"Are you coming?" Shinso questioned, drawing me away from my thoughts. My head snapped up again, and I looked to see him waiting for me to enter the row first so he could follow behind. I felt relief settle over me despite my initial hesitance to walk with another person. I don't really know Shinso, but at least we're on a first name basis. He doesn't seem like a bad guy. Even if he is, his laid back demeanor is putting me at ease, and that's everything right now. It's better than sitting by an irritable stranger.

"Right; sorry." I rushed out, darting past him. He followed behind, his lanky legs easily catching up with me as I plopped down in the first free seat. I ended up next to a girl whose back was luckily facing me. She was talking to friends. I was quite glad for this, and instead focused on my feet. My shoes look awfully dirty today. But having white shoes, I guess you always run that risk. I should've worn something else. Not that I have much aside from a pair of crocs, some fish slides, and some pink cowboy boots.

The written exam had been taken a few days ago at a secondary location. UA was large, but not large enough to host the mass amounts of candidates. Thus, Lillian had opted to take it at another location at a prior date. It was proctored by a pro-hero named Ectoplasm. She had nearly died at the sight of him. His clones patrolled the entire time, keeping a keen eye out for cheaters. People who took the written test off of UA's campus often saw it as a chance to cheat their way through. Two people had been thrown out whilst Lillian was there.

"So, what's your quirk?" Shinso asked. I turned to him, barely having heard him over the excitable talking going on around me. His head was propped up on his hand, his elbow resting on the desk in front of him. He was staring at me in a way that made me feel like I wanted to sink into the ground and die. I know he's not making fun of me, but he's definitely amused. I can't blame him. The look on my face when I dissociate from reality is funny even to me.

"A-Ah, nothing special, really. I'm not even sure why I'm here." I admitted sheepishly, lowering my head slightly. "What's your quirk? I-If you don't mind me asking, of course."

"Mind control." Shinso said simply with a sigh. I blinked up at him in surprise. I honestly didn't expect an answer after I gave one so pathetic, but I'm glad he did. Mind control? Mind control quirks were incredibly, incredibly rare and sought after by both heroes and villains for their usefulness. "If someone answers a question I ask, no matter what it is, they're immediately under my control if I choose to put them there." 

He dropped his gaze like he was ashamed of it despite how openly he'd told me. I was in total awe. How is this possible? There's no way this guy isn't getting in. It just isn't possible. I mean just-- what? He can mind control people just by getting them to reply to something he says? 

"Th-That's so cool!" I tried not to raise my voice too much, but I'm afraid it came out a tad too loud anyway, because his gaze immediately snapped back to me. He looks surprised, too. I'll have to try and control my volume better. Am I being rude? I'm probably being rude. I should backtrack. Or should I? "Th-That'll be so useful for when y-you become a hero: especially if the enemy doesn't kn-know your quirk. I wish I-I had a powerful quirk like that." I know I shouldn't be blabbering, but I've never heard of a quirk like this one! "You're s-so going to get in!" 

He seemed taken aback. Probably by my sudden change in demeanor. Maybe I'm getting a little too comfortable for his liking. He may like the company of more... quiet individuals. I just can't help it! I feel so excited! I know I'm not going to get in, but seeing so many cool quirks is bound to be an epic experience. And mind control. Okay, okay, I need to calm down. I definitely offended him. Why am I so obnoxious? This is why you don't have friends, Lillian! You need to put on the breaks and chill out! 

"I... thanks." Shinso smiled a small smile, dropping his gaze again. This is it. I knew it. I offended him. I'm a horrible person. He's just too nice to tell me how rude I was. This was inevitable. I should've known. Why did I open my big, fat mouth, huh? Could've kept it to myself. Could've avoided this, because now he's stuck next to me. 

"O-of course!" I responded uneasily, hoping to convey my apology with my tone. Before I could say anything else to let him know I hadn't meant to be rude, a giant screen in the front of the room flashed to life, UA's logo displayed proudly to the now-silent auditorium full of people. Music blared through speakers that seemed to surround the room. I squinted, feeling blinded by the sudden brightness in the dimly lit room.

"What's up, UA candidates?! Thanks for tuning in to me, your school DJ! Come on and let me hear ya!" 

There was absolute silence.