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NEJIRE HADOU
Nejire bounced down the UA dorm hallway, practically humming with leftover energy from training. She'd been flying all over the place during her session, and now her whole body felt like it was buzzing—like she was still floating even though she was totally just walking. Well, not exactly walking... more like gliding? Skipping? She wasn't really sure, but she was definitely not going straight back to her room like she was supposed to. Who had time for homework anyway? Math and essays could wait because her brain was already wondering off in a million different directions, thinking about everything and nothing all at once.
Maybe she'd go see what the others were up to? Or paint her nails that cute sparkly pink she found? Or—ooh, maybe she could make a TikTok about... something? But before she knew it, her feet had already taken her to Togata and Amajiki's side of the building instead. Which, like, duh, of course they did! Hanging out with them was the best, and if they were around, there was no way Nejire was going back to being bored. Nope, nope, nope.
When she rounded the corner, she noticed Togata's door was cracked open just a smidge, and Nejire's curiosity was instantly piqued. Like, was that an invite or what? She couldn't help herself—she peeked in, and, holy shit, what she saw was so not what she expected! Togata was standing near his desk, looking all soft and thoughtful, while Amajiki sat on the edge of the bed, playing nervously with the sleeves of his shirt. His fingers were all twisty-twisty like they always got when he was nervous, and Nejire's heart did this little happy flutter because wow, they were just so cute, even when they were just being themselves.
But then she saw it—Togata reached out and gently tucked this little stray piece of hair behind Amajiki's ear, all slow and careful, like Amajiki was something fraglie and precious. Nejire's eyes went wide, and she had to clap a hand over her mouth to keep from squealing right then and there. It was just such a small thing, bit it was so soft and sweet and WHY hadn't she noticed this before?! Amajiki's cheeks turned this adorable shade of pink, and he looked away shyly, but he didn't pull back. Nope, he leaned in just a tiny bit like he was soaking up all the attention, and Nejire felt like she was watching the cutest rom-com ever unfold right in front of her eyes.
Everything was clicking into place, like all those puzzle pieces she hadn't even realized were missing suddenly fit together. The sneaky little glances, the way Togata was always so quick to comfort Amajiki without him even asking, how Amajiki was always just a bit calmer when Togata was around—it was all so obvious now. They weren't just best friends, they were like, BEST best friends! More than that! They were, like, dating!
Nejire's heart was practically exploding with happiness, and before she could stop herself, she flung the door open and burst into the room with all her usual unfiltered energy. "HA! I knew it, I knew it!" she yelled, practically bouncing up and down like she was on a trampoline. "You guys are, like, totally dating, aren't you?!"
Amajiki looked like he was about to spontaneously combust. He scrambled back on the bed, his eyes wide and panicked, face turning the color of a tomato as he tried to hide behind his sleeves. "H-Hado!" he stammered, his voice all high-pitched and squeaky like he was caught stealing cookies before dinner. "It's not— We're not—"
But Nejire was already doing her usual thing, swirling around them like a tornado of excitement, her blue hair trailing behind her like the world's fluffiest, sparkliest cape. "Oh my god, oh my god! This is the BEST!" she babbled, hands flapping in the air. "You guys are so adorable together! I can't believe I didn't see it sooner! Well, I kind of did, but like, not really, you know? But NOW? Oh my god, it's real and it's right in front of me, and I'm living for it!"
Togata chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck in that way he always did when he was caught off guard but totally unbothered. Typical Togata, all smiles and sunshine, even when Nejire barged in like she was announcing the end of the world. He just shot Amajiki this look—one of those reassuring. "It's fine, don't worry about it" looks that always made Amajiki relax, even if just a little. And Nejire couldn't get over how sweet it all was.
"Guess the secret's out," Togata said, looking sheepish but not embarrassed at all. He leaned over to Amajiki and whispered something super soft that Nejire couldn't quite catch, but it must have been something reassuring because Amajiki's shoulder relaxed a tiny bit. And Nejire's heart just kept going, "Aww, aww, AWW!"
"We weren't... hiding it," Amajiki mumbled, still tugging at his sleeves and looking like he'd rather be invisible. "We just... never really told anyone."
Nejire immediately plopped down next to him, beaming as she nudged him with her shoulder. "Well, duh, you didn't have to! But also how could you not tell me? This is, like, the juiciest thing ever! You two are my best friends! I should have known! But also, this is so freaking cute, and I'm just—" She flopped back on the bed dramatically, arms spread wide as she stared up at the ceiling. "AHH, I'm so happy right now!"
Amajiki was still blushing like crazy, but there was this little smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, and Nejire couldn't help but grin even wider. She was like, the unofficial third wheel of the century, and she was loving every second of it. "How long? How long have you been together? Oh my god, was this, like, a recent thing?!"
"Since middle school," Amajiki admitted shyly, and Nejire just about lost her mind.
"MIDDLE SCHOOL?!" she shrieked, sitting up so fast she almost bonked her head on the wall. "You've been the secret cutest couple ever since then?! How did I not figure this out?! That's, like, so long! That's, like, forever in teenage years! You guys are basically married!"
Amajiki looked down, twisting his fingers together nervously, but there was still the hint of a smile that Nejire knew meant he was kinda happy, even if he'd never admit it. Togata, as usual, just smiled calmly and wrapped an arm around Amajiki's shoulders, pulling him in close in that super natural, casual way of his. It was like they'd been doing this forever, which, Nejire realized, they kinda had. "It's just our thing," Togata said simple, shrugging like it was no big deal.
Nejire clapped her hands together and wiggled in place, her eyes sparkling with all the happy emotions. "Well, your thing is the cutest thing ever! You guys are total couple goals, you don't even know. And now that I know, oh my god, I'm gonna be teasing you both all the time, so get ready! Our group chat is about to be fire ." She pointed a finger at them dramatically, like a judge passing sentence, but she was grinning too much for it to look anything but cute.
Amajiki let out a sigh that was half exasperation, half laughter, and Togata just shook his head with this fond, amused look on his face. "Just don't make him too nervous, okay?" Togata said, but Nejire knew he wasn't actually mad. "He's got enough to worry about without you hyping him up every five seconds, even if he deserves it!"
Nejire giggled and gave Amajiki's arm a comforting pat. "Oh, don't worry, I'll be gentle! But also, I'm never gonna stop telling you guys how cute you are. Like, ever. You're just gonna have to live with it!" She leaned back, still all smiley as she watched Amajiki slowly relax, even if just a little, and Togata kept his arm around him like he was never gonna let go.
Nejire finally got up, still bouncing on her feet like she was filled with helium. "Okay, okay, I'm gonna go before Amajiki actually turns into a tomato, but just know that I'm SO happy for you guys! Like, this is the best news ever!" She blew them a quick kiss, did a little twirl, and practically skipped out of the room, already planning a thousand ways to celebrate this little secret she'd just uncovered. Because seriously? Togata and Amajiki were, like, her OTP now, and she was never letting this go. Best. Day. EVER.
FAT GUM
The sun was dipping lower over Osaka, splashing the city in all these crazy golds and oranges, making everything look like a painting or something. Fat Gum leaned against the doorway of his agency, his big frame barely fitting through. He was just chilling, soaking in the cool breeze that always came with evening, and it felt pretty good after a long day of patrolling and paperwork. Inside, his work-study kids, Suneater and Red Riot, were finishing up their reports, jotting down all the stuff they'd seen during the day.
Man, Fat Gum thought back to when he first took Suneater under his wing—Tamaki was only a second-year back then, all shy and super quiet. That kid had power, no doubt about it, but he was always so wrapped up in his own head. Fat Gum saw it right away: the kid was a beast in battle but didn't believe in himself for one second. So Fat Gum made it his personal mission to build him up, bit by bit, teaching him to trust his gut, be confident, and just let loose. It was slow work, but it was paying off, even if Tamaki still had those moments more often than not where he'd look like a deer in headlights.
Fat Gum glanced inside the agency, eyes landing on Tamaki hunched over his desk, scribbling down notes with that usual serious expression of his. Red Riot had already wandered off to the break room—probably to much on something—so it was just Tamaki, deep in concentration. But Fat Gum's gaze drifted to Tamaki's phone, lighting up every couple minutes with a soft little buzz. Every time it did, Tamaki's face would do this tiny little thing, like, he'd soften up just a bit, and maybe there'd be the faintest hint of a smile. It was real subtle, but Fat Gum had been around long enough to notice the small stuff, especially when it came to his interns.
"Someone's popular today," he called out as he strolled into the room, his tone easy and teasing. He had a guess who it was—probably that Togata kid, always texting or checking in, never too far from Suneater's side.
Tamaki jumped a little, scrambling to turn his phone face down on the desk, like he'd been caught doing something sneaky. "Oh, it's just... Mirio," he mumbled, cheeks flushing a soft pink as he tried to hide behind his report like it was the most interesting thing in the world.
Fat Gum chuckled to himself, but something about the way Tamaki got all flustered stuck with him. He knew Suneater and Lemillion were tight, always had been since they were kids, but this seemed... different somehow. There was something about it, the way Tamaki was reacting—it felt softer, sweeter. Like maybe there was more going on there.
Fat Gum moseyed over to the filing cabinet, pretending to shuffle through some papers, though his eyes kept sneaking glances at Tamaki. “That kid you’re always hanging around’s a good guy,” he said casually, not wanting to make a big deal out of it. “Always got your back, huh?”
Tamaki nodded, still looking at his report but with this quiet, thoughtful look in his eyes. “Yeah… he’s always been there,” he said softly, like he was talking about something a whole lot deeper than just patrols and school.
Before Fat Gum could ask anything else, the agency door swung open, and in strolled Lemillion, all smiles and energy like he’d just won the lottery or something. Still in his hero suit, all scuffed up but that grin of his was untouched, bright as ever. Tamaki’s head snapped up, eyes wide in surprise, like he wasn’t expecting his best friend to just walk in like that.
“Hey, hey!” Lemillion called out, waving like he was at a party. “Finished patrol early, so I thought I’d swing by and check on my favorite guy!” Fat Gum wondered if Sir Nighteye knew his intern had taken off early. The kid made a beeline for Tamaki’s desk, leaning against it real casual, close but not too close, and just like that, all of Tamaki’s nervous energy seemed to evaporate.
Fat Gum watched with a knowing smile as Tamaki visibly relaxed, his shoulders dropping, and his fingers stopped their constant fidgeting. It was like Lemillion was this walking stress ball that only Tamaki could use, and Fat Gum couldn’t help but think that was pretty darn special. Tamaki looked up, his eyes all soft and bright, and Fat Gum saw that same look he’d seen before—a quiet, unspoken thing that didn’t need words.
“How was patrol?” Tamaki asked, his voice a little lighter, and Fat Gum didn’t miss the way it seemed easier now that Lemillion was here.
“Ah, you know, the usual. Some minor villains, but it’s better now that I’m here,” Lemillion said, his grin widening. He reached out like he was gonna pat Tamaki on the shoulder but stopped just short, leaving his hand hovering there in this weird almost-touch that still felt like it meant a lot. And Fat Gum knew that move—it was like they had this whole conversation with just that little almost-touch.
Fat Gum kept on “sorting” papers, but he was paying close attention now, connecting dots that he hadn’t quite put together before. Lemillion’s eyes were totally locked on Tamaki, like he was the only person in the room, and Tamaki was soaking up every bit of that attention. Fat Gum had seen a lot in his time, and this? This wasn’t just friendship. This was something more.
“You two make a real solid team, you know that?” Fat Gum said, trying to sound all casual but meaning every word. “I always thought so, but seeing you guys together, it’s real obvious now.”
Tamaki stiffened, looking like he was about to shrink into his chair, but Lemillion just laughed it off, all carefree and bright. “Thanks, Fat!” he said, throwing Tamaki a quick, warm look that said way more than his words did. “We do our best.”
Tamaki just nodded, still a little embarrassed but also kinda proud. And Fat Gum could see it now—the way Tamaki looked at Lemillion with this quiet admiration, like he was his safe place, his anchor. Fat Gum felt a rush of that protective, fatherly pride, knowing that his intern was in good hands.
Lemillion tapped Tamaki lightly on the shoulder, grinning. “Hey, ready to head out? Let’s grab some food on the way back. My treat!”
Tamaki hesitated, glancing over at Fat Gum like he needed permission or something. Fat Gum just waved him off with a big grin. “Go on, Suneater. You’ve earned it today. And hey, Togata, keep an eye on my guy, yeah?”
Lemillion shot him a playful salute, his smile never faltering. “Always.”
Fat Gum watched them head out, Lemillion’s arm casually draped over Tamaki’s shoulders as they walked side by side. They were just talking, laughing, and for a second, they didn’t look like pro heroes or interns—they just looked like two kids who’d found something really special. Fat Gum felt a warm, satisfied glow as he turned back to his work, knowing they’d be just fine.
“Good kids,” Fat Gum muttered to himself, smiling as he slid the last of the reports into place. “They’re gonna be just fine.”
And yeah, that was all Fat Gum needed to know.
KIRISHIMA
Kirishima jogged through the busy streets of Osaka, his eyes darting around, trying to keep up with the flow of people and his own scattered thoughts. The city was buzzing, full of noise and life, but all he could really focus on was trying to keep pace with Suneater—Tamaki-senpai. It still felt kind of surreal, like, him? On patrol? With Suneater? Kirishima's work study with Fat Gum's agency was already the coolest thing ever, but getting to shadow his senpai? Total dream come true.
Tamaki was everything Kirishima wanted to be: strong, skilled, and just cool in that quiet, mysterious way that Kirishima couldn't quite figure out. But also kinda anxious, which made Kirishima feel less alone in his own nerves. Tamaki always seemed lost in his own world when they patrolled, and Kirishima would fill the silence with his own random chatter, throwing in stuff about training, hero gossip, or whatever popped in his head. It was kind of nice, actually—like he was learning something new just by being around Suneater.
"Thanks for letting me tag along, senpai!" Kirishima said, grinning as he jogged a little faster to keep up. "I always learn a ton when we're out together!"
Tamaki glanced over, shoulders a bit tense like they always were, but there was a tiny smile there. "It's... it's no problem. You're doing really well, Riot."
Oh man, that compliment hit Kirishima right in the feels. Tamaki wasn't the type to just hand out praise, so when he did, it felt like he'd just leveled up or something. Kirishima beamed, feeling that rush of excitement and pride, but his brain was already spiraling off in another direction. He wondered if Bakugo would've been proud of him too. Would Bakugo even notice? Probably not.
As they continued their patrol, Kirishima kept glancing over at Tamaki, who was constantly checking his phone whenever they stopped at crosswalks or slowed down. Every time, he'd get this soft little look, like he was reading something really nice. Kirishima couldn't help but be curious—was it, like, a family thing? Or maybe a fan? Nah, definitely not. It had to be someone special.
"Got someone special checking in on you, Suneater?" Kirishima teased, nudging Tamaki's arm with a cheeky grin. He didn't expect Tamaki to freak out so much, though. His senpai nearly tripped, turning red and shoving his phone away like it was on fire.
"N-no, it's just... Lemillion," Tamaki stammered, his face practically glowing red as he tried to bury himself in his own shadow. Kirishima blinked, a little surprised. Everyone knew that the two were close—it was, like, Hero School 101. But this was reaction was... different.
Before Kirishima could dig deeper, a super familiar voice broke through his thoughts.
"Hey, guys!" Mirio's voice rang out, all cheerful and loud, and Kirishima spun around to see him coming up like he'd been running right alongside them the whole time. Lemillion always had this larger-than-life vibe, even when he was just being himself. It was like the sun decided to walk around in a hero suit.
Said sun stopped beside Tamaki, flashing that signature grin as he clapped a hand on Tamaki's shoulder. "Figured I'd catch up with you two before you wrapped up. How's the patrol?"
Kirishima jumped in, way too eager. "It's going awesome! Suneater's showing me the ropes. He's, like, the best teacher ever." But his attention kept flickering back to Tamaki, who was trying really hard to act normal but was still visibly flustered.
"That's Suneater," Mirio said warmly, his voice all soft and kind of... fond? Kirishima didn't miss how Mirio's hand stayed on Tamaki's shoulder, thumb brushing lightly against his costume. It was so small, but the way Tamaki seemed to relax at that little touch was like magic or something.
Tamaki mumbled something under his breath, his cheeks pink, and Kirishima couldn't help but smile. Watching them was kinda like seeing a perfect combo move in real life. But then Mirio said something that totally threw Kirishima for a loop.
"You're doing awesome, babe. I knew you would."
Kirishima's eyes went wide. Babe. He said babe. The word just hung in the air like a big neon sign, and suddenly, everything clicked. Kirishima's brain was doing cartwheels trying to process it. Mirio and Tamaki weren't just friends; they were, like, FRIENDS friends.
Tamaki's face turned bright red, and he shot Mirio this panicked, almost betrayed look. "Mirio! You—!"
Mirio just laughed, all casual, totally unbothered. "Oops, guess the cat's out of the bag, huh?"
Kirishima couldn't hold back his excitement, his voice jumping up a notch. "Wait, you two are—? That's so manly!" He didn't even care how cheesy it sounded. "I mean, I kinda thought maybe, but wow, this is so cool!"
Tamaki looked like he wanted to disappear into the sidewalk, but Mirio squeezed his shoulder, all reassuring-like. "Yeah, we've been together since middle school. Never made a big deal about it, y'know?"
"That's so awesome!" Kirishima blurted, feeling his respect for the two of them soar even higher. "You're the perfect couple! Seriously, you guys are so lucky to have each other." Tamaki tried to downplay it, muttering something about it not being a big deal, but his ears were pink, and there was still a tiny smile peeking out that Kirishima couldn't miss.
Watching the way Mirio and Tamaki interacted got Kirishima's mind spinning in a whole new direction—right towards Bakugo. His brain was going a mile a minute. If Tamaki could be brave enough to deal with his feelings and have someone like Lemillion, then maybe... maybe Kirishima could do the same. But Bakugo was a whole different level of intense. What if Bakugo just blew him up on the spot?
Before he could stop himself, Kirishima went for it. "Hey, since you guys are a thing... do you have any advice? For, um, you know... feelings and stuff?" He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling all kinds of awkward. "There's... someone I like, but I have no clue how to deal with it."
Mirio perked up, looking intrigued. "Oh? A crush, huh? Who's the lucky person?"
Kirishima hesitated, feeling his face heat up. He almost didn't say it, but if Mirio and Tamaki could be honest, then so could he. "Uh... Bakugo." He mumbled the name, but there was no hiding the nervous excitement bubbling up inside him. "I just... really look up to him, and I dunno, I wanna be close to him like you two are. But I don't know how to say it without, like, getting blown up?"
Tamaki looked surprised but not in a bad way. and there was this supportive smile on his face that made Kirishima feel a little braver. Mirio laughed, bright and encouraging. "That's amazing! Bakugo seems like a tough one, but you're tough too. Just be honest and don't push too hard. Let him come to you. And definitely show him you care."
Kirishima nodded, hanging onto every word like they were the most important instructions ever. Tamaki, still shy but sincere, added, "And... it's okay to be scared. It's okay if it's messy. You just... have to go for it."
Kirishima felt this surge of confidence, like he'd been handed a boost of courage from his senpai and his senpai's fellow hero. "Thanks, you guys. I'll... I'll give it my best shot."
The three of them stood there on the busy street, sharing a moment that felt super big and kind of normal all at once. Kirishima knew he had a lot to figure out, both in hero work and in his own messy feelings, but with Tamaki and Mirio backing him up, he felt like he could handle anything. Watching them, he realized that being a hero wasn’t just about fighting villains—it was about being there for each other in all the little, quiet ways that really mattered.
As they continued their patrol, Kirishima’s mind kept drifting back to Bakugo, and he couldn’t help but smile. Maybe one day, he’d get to stand beside Bakugo the way Tamaki did with Mirio, and when that day came, Kirishima knew he’d be ready. For now, though, he was content to shadow his senpai, learning from the best and dreaming big.
PRESENT MIC
It was another typical day at UA—students running around everywhere, doing their hero thing, rushing between classes, training, and their internships like their lives depended on it. Present Mic—Hizashi Yamada to the staff—was lounging in the teachers' lounge, feet kicked up on a chair, sipping his fourth cup of coffee for the day. Teaching English to half-asleep second years wasn’t exactly a thrill, but hey, it paid the bills. Hizashi glanced at the clock and smirked, already thinking about how Shouta would roll in soon, looking all grumpy and muttering about problem students and his eternal lack of sleep. Hizashi couldn’t help but smile; no matter how grouchy Shouta got, he was still his favorite person in the world.
Hizashi was halfheartedly mulling over some lesson plans when he heard voices outside the door—familiar ones. It was Mirio and Tamaki, their chatter echoing faintly through the hallway. They were supposed to be heading to the gym for some guest lecture, but it sounded like they were taking their sweet time. Hizashi perked up, leaning in closer to catch more of their conversation. Mirio’s voice was bright and cheerful, full of that endless energy he always seemed to have.
“You were awesome on patrol yesterday, Tamaki!” Mirio was saying, sounding so genuinely proud it made Hizashi’s heart squeeze a little. “I was watching you, and you were incredible out there. I knew you’d be great.”
“Mirio…” Tamaki’s response was all quiet and shy, the kind of embarrassed that Hizashi knew all too well. “I… I messed up the take-down. I got too nervous.”
Mirio’s laughter was soft, and there was this tenderness in it that made Hizashi’s chest ache a little—nostalgia, maybe? “You’re way too hard on yourself, Tamaki. You handled it great, even when things got rough. And hey, I’m always proud of you, you know that.”
Hizashi couldn’t help it—he leaned closer, practically pressing his ear to the door. He’d heard this kind of talk before; he knew exactly what was happening here. That kind of encouragement, that warmth—it wasn’t just friendly chatter. It was something way more personal, something real and intimate, like he was getting a front-row seat to a little slice of young love. And boy, did it remind him of his own days at UA, sneaking moments with Shouta whenever they could.
“Plus, you’re the cutest when you’re all serious,” Mirio added, his voice light but sincere. “I could watch you all day.”
Tamaki made this little noise—half-laugh, half-groan, clearly embarrassed. “Mirio! Someone could hear us!”
“Let ’em hear,” Mirio shot back, his voice playful but serious. “I’m not ashamed of loving you.”
Hizashi pulled back from the door, grinning like a total dork. He didn’t need to eavesdrop any more to get the picture. These two kiddos were in deep, and it was so painfully familiar it almost hurt. That shy, secretive kind of love that just sneaks up on you—Hizashi knew it like the back of his hand. It was exactly the same with him and Shouta back in the day, all those little glances and touches that felt like they were in their own world.
Deciding he’d spied enough, Hizashi swung the door open with his usual dramatic flair, all loud and unapologetic. “Yo, Lemillion! Suneater!” he greeted, his voice booming like he was announcing at his radio show. “What’s up, future pro heroes?”
Both Mirio and Tamaki jumped, spinning around like they’d been caught red-handed. Tamaki turned bright red, immediately fidgeting with his sleeves, his eyes darting everywhere but at Hizashi. Mirio, of course, just flashed his usual sunny grin, though Hizashi caught a flicker of nervousness there, too.
“Hey, Present Mic!” Mirio said, trying to play it cool. “We were just heading to the gym. Sorry if we were being loud or anything.”
“Nah, no worries!” Hizashi waved off the apology, leaning casually against the door frame. He took a second to watch them—how Mirio’s hand was hovering close to Tamaki’s, not touching but, like, right there. Tamaki’s whole vibe was calmer just being near Mirio, like he’d found his safe spot in the middle of all the chaos. It was honestly kind of beautiful to see.
Hizashi couldn’t help but smile to himself. It was like he was looking in a mirror, seeing his younger self and Shouta. Hizashi knew all about that quiet kind of love, the kind where you didn’t need to say much to know it was there.
“You two remind me of me and Eraser back in the day,” Hizashi said, his voice going softer, more reflective. Both Mirio and Tamaki stared at him, surprise clear on their faces, and Hizashi chuckled, scratching his head. “We weren’t always so obvious, but trust me, we had our moments.”
Tamaki blinked, momentarily forgetting his nerves. “You… you and Mr. Aizawa?”
“Yup,” Hizashi nodded, a nostalgic smile tugging at his lips. “Been together since UA. We never really made a big show of it, but anyone who looked close enough could tell. Shouta’s not the lovey-dovey type, but, y’know, we found our groove. Still do.”
Mirio’s eyes lit up, like he’d just connected all the dots. “That’s so awesome, Present Mic! I kinda always thought something was up, but hearing it straight from you… that’s really cool.”
Hizashi gave him a thumbs-up, grinning. “Thanks, listener. And hey, I’m not here to out anyone or whatever. Just wanted to say, it’s okay to have someone who’s got your back. Even heroes need that.”
Tamaki seemed to relax, just a little, and he managed a shy smile. “Thanks… for saying that.”
Hizashi nodded, feeling a swell of pride watching them. “Just keep being there for each other. This hero stuff’s no joke, and having someone in your corner makes all the difference. Trust me, I wouldn’t have made it half this far without Eraser by my side.”
Mirio slipped his arm around Tamaki’s shoulders, pulling him in close. “We’ll keep that in mind. Thanks, Present Mic.”
Hizashi watched them walk off, side by side, and it warmed his heart to see them finding their way. He loved knowing that the next generation was not just learning how to be heroes, but how to hold onto the things that made them feel alive, that kept them grounded when everything else got crazy.
Just as he turned back into the lounge, the door creaked open again, and there he was—Shouta Aizawa, all messy hair and tired eyes, looking like he’d just crawled out of a nap. Hizashi’s heart did a little flip, like it always did when Shouta walked in.
“Hey there, grumpy cat,” Hizashi teased, his voice softening instantly as he watched his husband shuffle into the room. Shouta glanced up, giving him a tired but fond look, and Hizashi couldn’t help but beam at him.
“Kids giving you trouble again?” Hizashi asked, all smug and knowing, because he already knew the answer. Shouta just grumbled, flopping down on the couch next to him.
“Always,” Aizawa muttered, closing his eyes like he was already halfway back to sleep.
Hizashi leaned over, pressing a quick kiss to the top of Shouta’s head, feeling that familiar rush of love and affection. “You’re doing great, babe,” Hizashi said softly, echoing Mirio’s earlier words. “You always do.”
Shouta didn’t open his eyes, but Hizashi could see the faintest hint of a smile on his lips. “Yeah, yeah,” Shouta mumbled, but Hizashi knew that was just his way of saying “thanks.” Hizashi felt that warm glow again, like everything was right in the world, and he couldn’t help but think that these kids were gonna be just fine if they kept following their hearts.
MIDORIYA
Izuku Midoriya stood in the hallway of the hospital, staring at the white walls and sterile floors that still felt weirdly unfamiliar, even after spending what felt like forever here. He’d just been given the all-clear to go home—finally—but the relief hadn’t quite hit him yet. There was still this tightness in his chest, like he was waiting for something to go wrong. Everything had been so crazy lately, with Eri and Overhaul and all the battles, and his mind kept replaying it over and over again, like a broken record.
His legs moved almost automatically, leading him down the hall toward Mirio’s room. He hadn’t seen Mirio much since everything went down—since Nighteye died, since Mirio lost his quirk. Izuku’s stomach twisted just thinking about it. Mirio was the brightest person he’d ever met, always smiling, always so strong, and now… now everything was different. Izuku wanted to check in, to see how he was holding up, and maybe say something encouraging, even though he had no idea what he’d even say. What do you say to a guy who just lost so much?
As he walked, Izuku passed by Kirishima’s room, and he paused, glancing through the half-open door. Kirishima was sitting up in bed, wrapped in bandages, but he looked pretty good considering everything. He was talking, laughing even, and Izuku’s eyes widened when he saw who was with him: Kacchan, sitting right there beside Kirishima, arms crossed, scowl firmly in place, but… well, he was there. Izuku blinked, trying to hide his surprise. He guessed it made sense—Kacchan and Kirishima were close, but seeing them together like this, Kacchan actually hanging around because Kirishima was hurt… It was kind of nice. Not that Izuku would ever say that out loud.
He kept walking, shaking his head slightly to clear his thoughts. Kacchan was always full of surprises these days, especially with the way he’d been sticking close to Kirishima. Izuku figured he should’ve seen it coming; Kacchan didn’t do things halfway, and if Kirishima was someone he cared about, then of course he’d be there, scowl and all.
Mirio’s room was just up ahead, and Izuku slowed his steps, feeling a weird flutter in his chest. He could hear noise inside, muffled voices that were kind of hard to make out. It wasn’t weird or anything; he knew Mirio was sharing a room with Tamaki, and those two were always together. They were like two halves of a whole, balancing each other out in this quiet way that Izuku really admired. Tamaki was all shy and serious, while Mirio was this ball of sunshine, always beaming no matter what. Izuku wondered what it was like to have someone that close, someone who just… got you.
The muffled voices inside were clearer now, carrying through the crack in the door, and he knew he shouldn’t be listening, but something kept him rooted to the spot. Maybe it was the uncertainty of what he’d say to Mirio after everything that happened, or maybe it was the rawness in Mirio’s voice that he hadn’t heard before. Mirio had always been this unshakeable pillar of strength, always smiling, always positive. But what Izuku was hearing now wasn’t the upbeat, inspiring Mirio he’d grown to admire—it was something much more fragile, and it scared him.
“I thought I was going to be able to save him,” Mirio’s voice trembled, each word heavy with pain. “I thought… I thought I could protect everyone, but I was too slow. Too weak. Nighteye’s gone because I couldn’t—” Mirio’s voice cracked, and Izuku winced, feeling every word like a punch to the gut.
Mirio was sobbing, really sobbing, and it was like a punch to Izuku’s chest. Mirio was supposed to be invincible. He was the guy who never gave up, who always found a way to smile through everything. Seeing him like this—or hearing him, anyway—was like watching a hero crumble, and it made Izuku’s heart ache. He knew what it felt like to blame yourself for not being enough, but hearing it from Mirio was almost worse. Mirio wasn’t supposed to break. He was supposed to be the one who kept everyone else going.
“It’s not your fault,” Tamaki’s voice was calm, but there was a heaviness to it too, like he was struggling to keep himself together while Mirio fell apart. Izuku edged closer to the door, unable to stop himself. He needed to hear this, even if he wasn’t sure why. “You did everything you could. You gave it everything, Mirio. Nighteye knew that. We all know that.”
Mirio let out a shuddering breath, his sobs slowing but not stopping. “But I wasn’t strong enough,” he whispered, voice hoarse. “I lost my quirk, Tamaki. I can’t be Lemillion anymore. How am I supposed to keep going when the one thing that made me a hero is gone? How do I… how do I help people when I couldn’t even save him?”
Izuku’s fingers curled into a fist, his nails digging into his palm as he listened. Mirio’s words hit too close to home. Izuku had spent his whole life wanting to be a hero, and losing the one thing that let him protect people was a fear that kept him up at night. Hearing Mirio—a hero who always seemed so unbreakable—struggling with those same fears made Izuku’s stomach twist. He could feel the weight of Mirio’s guilt, his helplessness, and it was terrifying. It made him think about how easily any of them could fall apart, how thin the line really was between being a hero and losing everything.
His heart felt like it was being squeezed, the pressure almost unbearable as he stood there in the hallway, caught between wanting to comfort Mirio and the crushing guilt that told him he had no right to. Mirio was the one All Might originally had his eyes on—Mirio was supposed to inherit One for All. Mirio, with his unbreakable spirit, his boundless optimism, and his incredible drive to save everyone, was the perfect candidate. Even now, Izuku couldn't help but think that Mirio was more deserving. If Mirio had One for All, maybe Nighteye would still be alive, maybe Mirio wouldn't be suffering like this.
But here he was. He was living the life Mirio should have had. All Might's decision to pass One for All to Izuku had changed everything, and though he'd promised himself he'd live up to it, seeing Mirio so broken, so lost, made Izuku wonder if things would've been better the other way around. It was this heavy, gnawing thought that never really went away. If Mirio had the quirk, maybe he wouldn't have lost his own. Maybe he wouldn't be sitting in that room, crying into Tamaki's shoulder, feeling like he'd lost everything that made him who he was.
Inside the room, Mirio's voice wavered, full of despair that Izuku never thought he'd hear from the upperclassman. "It's like... everything I worked for is gone," he said, voice thick with tears. "I was supposed to be the one protecting people, to keep them smiling, but I couldn't even save Nighteye. I couldn't even save myself."
Tamaki held Mirio tighter, not letting him pull away, and Izuku watched as his usually timid expression was replaced with something fierce, something strong. "Mirio, you've always been a hero," Tamaki said, his voice firm but filled with this soft, unwavering love that Izuku could feel even from where he stood. "Your quirk didn't make you who you are. You were a hero before you even knew how to fight. Before you had any powers, you were always putting others first, always running headfirst into danger to help someone else."
Mirio sniffled, his eyes red and puffy, and Tamaki gently brushed a tear from his cheek, his touch so careful, like Mirio was something fragile that might break if he wasn’t gentle enough. “You think losing your quirk makes you any less of a hero? No way,” Tamaki continued, his voice trembling just slightly, but his words were strong and sure. “You don’t need powers to be Lemillion. You were always a hero because of your heart, because you care so much. Even without your quirk, you’re still that person.”
Mirio looked at Tamaki, his expression crumpling with the weight of everything he’d been holding in. “But what if… what if I’m not enough anymore? What if I can’t protect anyone?”
Tamaki shook his head, his grip on Mirio tightening as if to hold him together. “You’re enough, Mirio. You’ve always been enough. I’ve always looked up to you, not because of your powers, but because of who you are. You’re the one who always believes in people, who never gives up, who makes everyone around you better. That’s what makes you a hero. And that’s why I love you.”
Izuku’s breath hitched at the confession. Tamaki’s words were so raw, so honest, and he could see the truth in Mirio’s eyes as he soaked them in. Izuku had always thought of heroes as larger-than-life figures, people who never showed weakness. But this—seeing Mirio and Tamaki hold onto each other in their darkest moment—this was real heroism. It wasn’t about quirks or flashy battles; it was about being there for someone when they needed it most.
Mirio leaned into Tamaki, closing his eyes as more tears slipped down his face. “I don’t deserve you,” he whispered, but Tamaki just shook his head, refusing to let him sink any further.
“You deserve everything, Mirio. You deserve to be happy, to find your way again. And I’m going to be right here with you, every step of the way. We’ll figure it out together. You’re not alone, and you never will be.”
Izuku pulled away from the door, his heart heavy but full. He knew he’d carry the guilt of what could have been for a long time, but he also knew that Mirio didn’t need One for All to be the hero he was always meant to be. Mirio’s strength wasn’t in his quirk—it was in his spirit, his kindness, and the way he never stopped fighting, even when it felt like the world was crashing down. Watching Tamaki comfort him, Izuku realized that Mirio’s greatest power had always been the way he inspired others, the way he made them believe in themselves, just like he was starting to believe in himself again.
As Izuku walked away, he felt a renewed determination burning inside him. He would keep fighting, not just for himself, but for heroes like Mirio who’d given everything and still found the strength to keep going. One for All was his to bear, and he would honor it, not just for All Might, but for everyone who believed in him—including Mirio. Because heroes weren’t defined by their quirks; they were defined by the people they saved, the ones who stood by them, and the strength they found in each other.
THE PRESS
The Hero Awards were always a circus—flashy lights, fancy outfits, and heroes strutting around like peacocks, soaking up all the adoration like they'd earned it. It was all just one big show, and tonight was no different. The biggest stars were out, and everyone knew who the main attraction was: Lemillion, the new Number One. The golden boy who'd clawed his way back to the top after that messy little quirk loss fiasco years ago. Thanks to that bratty miracle kid, he was back in action, and everyone was eating it up. They loved a comeback story, and tonight was Lemillion's night to shine.
Kanai Keizo, a reporter for one of the big newspapers, leaned against a column with a whiskey in one hand and his phone in the other, scanning the crowd for anything that might give him a scoop. He was a veteran of this scene—always on the hunt for the dirt that no one else dared to dig up. Heroes put on a good show, but they all had their secrets, and Kanai had made a career out of finding them. Lemillion was his target tonight. The perfect hero with the perfect smile. It was all so boringly neat. But everyone had a crack somewhere, and Kanai was determined to find it.
Kanai's eyes followed Lemillion, who was doing his usual routine—smiling, shaking hands, and charming the pants off everyone he talked to. He was in full hero mode, every bit the Number One, and the crowd couldn't get enough. Kanai rolled his eyes. It was all so predictable. But then, something caught his attention—a flash of silver on Lemillion's hand, glinting under the ballroom lights. Kanai squinted, focusing in, and saw that it wasn't just any ring. It was a matching ring.
Sitting beside Lemillion was another hero, Suneater—always the broody sidekick in the shadow of his brighter, bolder counterpart. Suneater was fidgeting nervously, clearly uncomfortable with all the attention. But Kanai's eyes were glued to the silver band on his finger, identical to the one Lemillion was wearing. Kanai's mind started racing. Matching rings? That was no coincidence. There was a story here—one no one had picked up on yet. If Lemillion and Suneater were more than just hero partners, then this was the scoop of the century.
Kanai watched closely, waiting for the right moment. He didn't have to wait long. Suneater stood up, glancing around nervously as he made his way towards the bathrooms, clearly desperate for a moment of peace. Lemillion was caught up in conversation with another group of pros, oblivious to his partner's discomfort, and Kanai saw his chance.
He slid through the crowd, cutting Suneater off just as he reached the bathroom entrance. "Hey there, Suneater," Kanai said, his tone oozing with fake charm. "Got a minute? Just a quick chat."
Suneater's eyes went wide, and he immediately pulled up the hood of his hero costume, trying to hide his face. "I-I'm... just heading to the—"
"Come on, don't be shy," Kanai pressed, stepping in closer, blocking any escape. "I've been watching you and Lemillion tonight, and I couldn't help but notice those rings. Quite the matching set. You two got something you want to share with the public? The top hero and his right-hand man wearing couple's rings? That's news, my friend."
Suneater looked like he wanted to vanish on the spot, his eyes darting everywhere but at Kanai. "It's not... it's personal," he mumbled, shrinking further into his costume. "I... don't have to explain anything to you."
Kanai smirked, sensing blood in the water. "Oh, but you do. The public deserves to know who their heroes really are, don't you think? Or are you embarrassed? Afraid to step out of Lemillion's shadow? How'd you even snag the Number One, huh? Got him wrapped around your finger?"
Suneater's hands trembled, and he tried to back away, but Kanai blocked him at every turn, his questions becoming more pointed, more invasive. "Look, I get it— sitting in Lemillion's shadow all these years can't be easy. But this little ring thing? You can't expect to keep something like quiet. So, spill it. How long's this been going on? Was it a secret romance, or did you two just decide to make it official?"
Suneater's face flushed with anxiety, his voice barely a whisper. "Please... just leave me alone."
Before Kanai could press further, a voice cut through the noise—sharp and angry, completely out of character for the man speaking it. "What's going on here?"
Kanai turned to find Lemillion standing behind him, his usual sunny demeanor replaced with a hard glare that looked completely foreign on him. He stepped between Kanai and Suneater, positioning himself protectively in front of his partner. "Why are you bothering him?"
Kanai didn't back down. He never did. "Just trying to get a few answers, Lemillion. People would want to know about the matching rings. Seems like you two are more than just colleagues, huh? Can't blame the public for being curious. It's a good story."
Lemillion's expression darkened, and for a second, Kanai thought he might actually take a swing. But instead, the hero just placed a firm hand on Suneater's shoulder, gently guiding him away. "We don't owe you any explanations," he said, his voice low and controlled. "And if you can't treat people with respect, you're not worth talking to."
Kanai watched them walk away, his chance slipping through his fingers as Lemillion pulled Suneater closer, shielding him from any further confrontation. Kanai knew he'd pushed too hard, but he couldn't help it. It was his job to dig, to pry, to find the cracks in the perfect hero facade. And if he he'd stepped on a few toes? Well, that was just part of the business.
The night dragged on, but Kanai couldn't shake the feeling that he'd missed something big. When Lemillion took the stage to accept his award, the room fell silent, all eyes on the golden boy who'd climbed his way back to the top. Kanai watched closely, have expecting Lemillion to gloss over the whole incident, but instead, the hero locked eyes with him, a pointed look that sent a chill down Kanai's spine.
"I'm incredibly honored to be here tonight," Lemillion started. "But I didn't get here alone. There's someone who's been by my side through everything—the highs, the lows, the moments when I didn't think I'd make it."
The room held its breath, and Kanai leaned forward, sensing that something big was coming. Lemillion scanned the crowd, his gaze settling right on him again, like he was delivering this next part just for him.
“I wouldn’t be standing here today without Suneater,” Lemillion continued, his voice unwavering. “Not just as my partner, but as my best friend, my rock, and my fiancé.”
The ballroom erupted into gasps, cheers, and flashing cameras. Kanai's stomach dropped. Fiancé. The scoop of a lifetime, right there in front of him, and he’d completely blown it. He watched, slack-jawed, as Lemillion and Suneater exchanged a quiet, knowing smile, their matching rings gleaming under the spotlight. The story was out now, but not in the way Kanai had wanted. He’d been scooped by the very people he’d tried to corner.
As Lemillion continued his speech, thanking Suneater for his unwavering support, Kanai stood there, seething. He’d pushed too hard, and now he was left on the sidelines, watching as the hero world got its newest power couple and he got nothing but the bitter taste of defeat.