At U.A. High, the morning sun poured through the school’s tall windows, casting a golden, clear light. Students from all departments—General Studies, Support, Business, and Hero Courses—filled the hallways, gathering in clusters full of eager anticipation.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3YdfcnQ4Z
When Hikari approached Classroom 1-A, she was confused by so many students blocking her way to her classroom. The hallway was packed. Students clogged the entrance, whispering, pointing, and craning their necks for a glimpse.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8D7QyMCYC
"What's going on...?" she murmured, shifting uneasily.
Before she could squeeze through the crowd, a familiar growl cut through the noise:101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVvFN5abnE
"Oi! Move it, extras!"
Bakugo barreled forward like a storm, his crimson eyes blazing with pure fire.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBuixiQAvUL
"My girlfriend’s trying to get through. You wanna get blown sky-high? Keep standing there!"
The students parted faster than the Red Sea. Hikari blinked, cheeks warming despite herself, and slipped inside behind him, heart hammering faster than she wanted to admit.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR37bBU6LJ2
Inside Classroom 1-A
But the tension didn’t ease once they stepped inside. If anything, it thickened, crackling in the air like static electricity. Near the back, a sharp voice cut through the low hum:101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEJV5LC3wB
"Some of us didn’t get into Hero Course because of our Quirks," said Hitoshi Shinso, arms crossed, violet eyes hard and unyielding. "We had to choose different paths. So you better not waste your spot at the Sports Festival. If you do... we'll replace you."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDqStTaPzh
A low murmur spread like ripples across the room. Some students shifted uncomfortably; others stiffened with quiet defiance.
Hikari stayed silent, absorbing the pressure in the air, while Bakugo snorted loudly and crossed his arms.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vuvWtpxdW
"Tch. Like hell any of us are losing our spots. Especially her."
He jerked his thumb toward Hikari, flashing her a rare, side-eyed glance that carried something dangerously close to pride.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwHuTBx2Pn
"She’s tougher than half the pros I’ve seen."
Hikari’s mouth tugged into a faint smile, warmed despite herself.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ634qlziyh8
Bakugo leaned closer, muttering low enough for only her. "You... you okay?"101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqHADgrE9P
Her heart stuttered at the rare softness in his voice. She smirked teasingly, whispering back. "Oh? Still your girl? Thought we broke up."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFDSyW1c6L
Bakugo scoffed, looking away, ears faintly pink.
"Like hell we did, dumbass."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddu6H40IYO
Across the room, Todoroki caught the exchange—his hand on his desk curling slightly into a tight fist, jaw set, face unreadable.
The unspoken tension between the three of them simmered beneath the surface. Mina Ashido couldn’t hold it in any longer.
"Hey, Hikari! You were insane at USJ! How do you have so many Quirks?!"101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3mE5LicPL
Kirishima leaned in eagerly, his sharp grin flashing. "Yeah! That shield you made was amazing. I can't believe you were able to do that while fighting."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkkLCd94TN
Kaminari threw his hands up, eyebrows shooting sky-high. "Was that lightning AND ice?! Or am I losing my mind?!"101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2tzkrBXmQ
Uraraka leaned forward, her voice full of genuine worry. "Are you feeling okay now? You looked... hurt."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwM04Fnj82N
Sero cracked a grin. "Honestly, we thought you were going to pass out."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKw2L115FW2
Jiro, arms crossed, smirked, "And with All Might as your dad? How the hell did you grow up so chill?"101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Zbi9bPn18
Mineta practically bounced in his seat. "I bet he trained you every single day, right?!"101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarjGZdfO8O
Momo folded her hands gracefully, her smile tinged with warmth. "It must’ve been inspiring... growing up beside the Symbol of Peace."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkdNsP2p5D
Asui blinked slowly. "Ribbit. Is that how you got so strong?"101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIxjIbkgHT
The entire room leaned in, their breath held tight, waiting for her answer. Hikari twirled her pen once, letting it clatter softly onto the desk.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iMLDxrl4m
She smiled—but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. "Actually..." she said quietly.
"I wasn’t raised by All Might."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDPhrO4LlK
The entire room froze. Even the sunlight filtering in seemed to hesitate. "I lived with the Todoroki family," she added, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her voice soft but unflinching.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡactDmt6FEp
"Shoto’s family."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJD4XC81Fbq
Shock swept across the room like a tidal wave. Faces flickered through waves of guilt, awe, and confusion.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxAmJuhrrj
Mina’s mouth hung open. Kirishima rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. Uraraka clutched her chest, looking like she wanted to hug her. Jiro's expression darkened with guilt. Momo lowered her gaze in quiet understanding. Even Tokoyami bowed his head solemnly.
Across the room, students shifted, exchanging uncertain looks.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbhq0Hl0Ox
Todoroki stood slowly, his voice calm but carrying the weight of truth:
"It’s true. Hikari lived with us for years. We treated her like family. She still has a key to the estate."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77ikv6ER2p
He met their stunned gazes with even steadiness.
"No, she’s not related by blood. And no, my family never legally adopted her. That’s why her name is different."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7KjI1us8h
Bakugo scoffed loudly, crossing his arms. "She doesn’t need to be adopted to be better than half of you idiots anyway."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBKi6AMZHL
The tension cracked slightly—small, awkward chuckles fluttered through the room. Hikari’s lips twitched upward into something real.
For once, the silence didn’t weigh her down.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZwjMqxYwb
"It wasn’t easy," she admitted, her voice low.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZuw1Vnf30
"And my relationship with All Might... it’s complicated. I’ll tell you all someday. Just... not right now."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRiY3BYQPe
She pressed her hand lightly to her chest, her gaze clear.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDvuQBSQfy
"I'm not strong because of who raised me. I'm strong because I had to be."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3gy5F94Ie
Those words struck like a blow—especially to Shoto, Bakugo, and Midoriya—the only ones who truly knew.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6fDGYe8x5
Midoriya jumped in brightly, trying to lift the mood. "Yeah! Hikari used to stay over at my house too—or Ka-chan's! Same middle school—she lives close to us too"!101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy06kny3iXD
Bakugo rolled his eyes but smirked, leaning back lazily. "Tch. She’s still annoying. Always rushing to save Deku no matter how many times I kicked his ass. That’s why she’s my girl."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZtmEcK7ZL
Across the room, Todoroki stiffened slightly, his mouth tightening into a faint frown. The reactions came fast and loud:101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnakIsIpIey
Mina’s eyes widened in amazement. "What?! No way!"101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1tHnixAuW
Kaminari leaned over his desk, laughing. "Two hero dads?! Unreal!"101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCLLyD60DV
Kirishima threw his arms up. "No wonder you’re built differently!"101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVO5I5mEkMd
Sero clutched his heart dramatically. "Talk about cheat codes—Todoroki and All Might? Sheesh!"101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ymC0a53QM
Jiro hid her smirk behind a hand. "Figures. The cool ones always have the wildest backstories."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuASnJpDu6h
Momo's soft smile was full of respect. "It must have been complicated..."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxzrRh2EOx
Uraraka nodded warmly. "You’re incredible, Hikari."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3vpzsLUHG
Asui tilted her head, calm but firm. "Ribbit. Being strong isn’t about bloodlines."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEHgUfTrSW
Even Tokoyami bowed his head deeply, a rare show of emotion.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoPRhTd2fh
For the first time, Hikari didn’t feel like an outsider anymore.
She was part of this class, and she smiled — a real, open, brilliant smile. Maybe... she belonged here after all.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNj1mhBmgNb
Two Weeks Before the U.A. Sports Festival. The days following the USJ attack were not easy. Everyone trained harder, moved faster, and pushed themselves further. But no one pushed themselves harder than Hikari. She barely showed up to class.
And when she did, she wore bruises like medals — arms, shoulders, ribs — all battered, all proudly carried beneath a tight smile.
Most classmates assumed she was still recovering from her injuries. The truth was much harsher.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdu6BLyKV3
In the cafeteria one afternoon.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPRgVv3TrW
Midoriya whispered across the table to Uraraka, his gaze darting guiltily toward Hikari's empty seat.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUkf0KGqls
"Hikari told me... her dad’s making her train harder now. After what happened at USJ."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBzzWzJwa8
Uraraka’s eyes widened in concern. "I thought she was just resting. I wanted to ask if she wanted to train with us... but..."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzQStIMolm
Midoriya clenched his fists. He remembered the text message she sent him late one night: "Won't be around much until the festival. I have to be stronger. I have to prove it — to myself... and to him."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRGA6Rj82M
There had been no smiley faces, no jokes. Just cold, heavy determination. Midoriya sighed softly, voice low, "Endeavor’s training her, too."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDADe9Db9Vu
[Flashback: Memory Fragment]101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZzqVzKDn2
Smoke wrapped around her ankles like chains.
Flames seared the cracked training ground.
The heat made the air itself shimmer, distorting reality.
Above her loomed Endeavor — massive, ruthless, and unstoppable.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSTivH73hR
His voice, rough as gravel, rumbled down at her. "Prove you're worthy of my love." "Show me you’re worth all the trouble you caused... in the six years you were gone."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrPBeYqxoF
It wasn’t cruelty. It was the only language he knew. Toughness. Trial by fire. A father's broken attempt at love.
Hikari staggered, knuckles bloodied, sweat dripping down her spine. Her legs buckled once, but she gritted her teeth and forced herself upright. Her vision blurred. Her lungs screamed. Her heart thundered in her chest like a second inferno. Every fiber of her being howled. I can’t. I can't—but she did. She lifted her head. Her battered body refused to kneel.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUndHiwRA7
She met Endeavor’s unyielding glare with one of her own.
Her voice cracked and burned — but it carried her soul.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgu672Gr1q
"I will earn it." "I’ll earn your love. Your pride. Everything you thought I’d never reach."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4n5BMtTF2
"When people see me, they won’t say, ‘There goes Endeavor’s daughter.’"101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uwqdO96zp
"They’ll say, There goes a fire that will never die."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fqaTaklnn
Something in Endeavor shifted as he turned to walk away. He didn’t smile. He didn’t speak, but he saw her. Truly saw her, and that was enough for now.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmhvUY3rak
(Back in the cafeteria)101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKM6rjYDHl
"Hey, Hikari, over here. Come sit with us." Uraraka called out to her, waving her arms in the air trying to get Hikari's attention. Luckily she saw the two of them and headed over to chat with Uraraka for a bit. Meanwhile, a quiet memory stirred inside Midoriya's head, going back to the conversation he had with All Might a few days ago.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDh9dxg7WP
Days earlier, Midoriya had stood stiffly in All Might’s office, fists clenching the hem of his uniform jacket.
All Might’s weary voice filled the small space.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLTThcFKgo
"Young Midoriya... I wonder if it’s better... safer... if Hikari transferred to another school."
His voice cracked, softer than Midoriya had ever heard it.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAsrwOmJQh
"I fear what will happen to her here. I fear... I’ll fail her again."
Midoriya shook his head fiercely.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9qMzw4mRc
"I'm sorry, All Might. Even if I begged her... she wouldn't leave me behind."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQWjBZHOe0
He smiled sadly. "Hikari made a promise to me when we were kids. To chase our dreams together. She's never broken it once."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXypkXRLVv7
All Might closed his eyes, pain carved into the lines of his face.
Finally, he reached out, his heavy hand landing on Midoriya’s small shoulder.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveGKD22lh1
"Thank you," he said. "For standing beside her when I couldn't."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTekJj21lm5
Midoriya was soon pulled out of his little world and sent back down to reality by Hikari poking his cheek. "Hello, Earth to Midoriya, are you there? This is your best friend speaking to you".101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEszgYmIkE
"Yes, I hear you. So are you done with training for the day? If so, do you want to come over to my place after school and spend the night? My mom has been wanting to see you since you didn't make it the last time I asked you."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWZh2jiluM
"Well, today is the last day before the festival. Why not? Sure, I'd love to go. I bet your mom misses me so much."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfUB3S0fIz
Night Before the Festival — Dinner at the Midoriyas.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqUR6MYv0th
Warm light filled the Midoriya household. The smell of simmering stew drifted through the air. Hikari sprawled on the couch, munching on chips, laughing at the old All Might videos flickering on the TV with Midoriya beside her. It felt like they were kids again. Safe. Unbreakable.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHSHFUz16V
Inko Midoriya bustled about, fussing lovingly over them.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDiAgP0eRB
"It's been too long since you stayed over, Hikari! Oh, you’ve gotten taller!"101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbv4RZUb3n
Hikari laughed, setting her soda down with a soft clink.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMCLZV1NYz
"Thank you for having me again, Auntie. I’m ready to destroy all your snack supplies."
Inko beamed, hugging her warmly.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2X3M66qHwX
"Of course! You’re family here, sweetheart. I still remember when Izuku first brought you home — I thought you were his first love!"101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2MVuZ6JyB
Midoriya turned beet red. Hikari laughed even harder.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZl0LKnjFr
"Sorry, Auntie. I’m just his number one fan."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffqRQGUV9J
Inko shook her head fondly.
"And I still can't believe a sweet girl like you dated that Bakugo boy for so long..."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡemlC1o6MKU
Hikari smirked mischievously.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywrrY3CZaY
"He's a tsundere. It's part of the charm."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8uW135MGg
The room filled with easy, comforting laughter. Tomorrow, they would fight for their dreams. Tonight, they were just two kids, safe in the home that had always believed in them.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01xRHVnwMs
Morning of the U.A. Sports Festival
The next morning, Inko hugged them tightly at the door.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJTo6dVF3n
"Take care of each other, okay? Watch each other's backs. Make me proud!"101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzozx3tF4a
"We will!" they chimed together, grinning, before sprinting off into the fresh morning air.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ugQlQ2rR6
Walking into the shared locker room, the air inside was thick—almost suffocating—with nerves and unspoken promises.
Midoriya entered first, adjusting his gym uniform jacket with trembling fingers.
Behind him, Hikari lingered at the door, fingertips brushing the frame — like she was bracing herself.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvmt7SI0Rc
The other boys noticed their entrance. The room fell into a hushed, buzzing silence.
Eyes flickered toward them.
Some are curious.
Some admiring.
Some are envious.
Some are wary.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYM6ZCgqkV
Midoriya’s heart pounded against his ribs. This wasn’t just nerves about the Sports Festival. This was the weight of dreams colliding.
From the far end of the room, Todoroki Shoto stepped forward. He was always very composed in class as well as in training too.
Yet beneath the icy exterior, fire coiled tight — a barely contained storm. He stopped only a few feet from Midoriya. The air between them crackled.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzPacQglik
Todoroki’s voice cut the silence, cool and deliberate. "You have a good relationship with Hikari."
Midoriya blinked, surprised, but said nothing.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnt3YnG0FhX
Todoroki continued, a faint edge sharpening his tone. "I intend to show her... that she doesn’t need to be protected anymore."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeIlZ2Ump1
His jaw clenched. Resolve blazed behind those mismatched eyes.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUrW3NvPNH
"I made a promise once," he said, his voice almost reverent.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZiEbWEaKr
"I wasn’t strong enough to keep it. This time...I will."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5fg4dtQIn
He took a step closer, the tension pulling the entire locker room taut.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6JmEf8Gk0
"I will defeat everyone—including you—to prove it."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJNpkEiWQM
Midoriya froze for half a second. Then he tightened his fists at his sides.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIb3gijlVat
The memories rose—
Hikari’s smile.
Her tears no one else saw.
The way she never let the darkness swallow her, even when it should have.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJg2Gtcj7h
He lifted his head, his voice steady. "I'm sorry."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40T0DZxX8e
"But I won't step aside."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWrMErLahA
Midoriya met Todoroki's gaze squarely.101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5m3KQsIbS0
"Hikari believed in me before I even had a Quirk."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2F3Lg6aUC
"She's my best friend."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9bfCN2qpVi
"I'm aiming for the top — for her... and for me."101Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2pqv7CvmJ
The locker room held its breath.
Even Bakugo, from across the benches, leaned forward, scarlet eyes glinting with something wild and proud.
Kirishima tensed, electricity sparking between Kaminari's fidgeting fingers.
Sero, Mineta, and Ojiro — all of them watched, hearts pounding.
This wasn’t just a match.
It was a battle of dreams, of promises made in fire and blood and starlight.
ns216.73.216.37da2
and then Add to home screen.