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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aX3UYM6kk
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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsj4wV2TPgC
"What's going on...?" she murmured, shifting uneasily.
Before she could squeeze through the crowd, a familiar growl cut through the noise:100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpismB9unZ
"Oi! Move it, extras!"
Bakugo barreled forward like a storm, his crimson eyes blazing with pure fire.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmm1BBgciVk
"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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX11DstWXaW
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:100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AptJjgU0q
"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."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nf11al2xV
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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPiOjARKhO
"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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKIJSmgJx1
"She’s tougher than half the pros I’ve seen."
Hikari’s mouth tugged into a faint smile, warmed despite herself.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyrtpsLctp
Bakugo leaned closer, muttering low enough for only her. "You... you okay?"100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWKQCHLyUz
Her heart stuttered at the rare softness in his voice. She smirked teasingly, whispering back. "Oh? Still your girl? Thought we broke up."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIxvk1VXKh
Bakugo scoffed, looking away, ears faintly pink.
"Like hell we did, dumbass."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Ct1OTnAMl
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?!"100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7QE4DbHqQ
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."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIvXbFVoOL
Kaminari threw his hands up, eyebrows shooting sky-high. "Was that lightning AND ice?! Or am I losing my mind?!"100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfygCXrev0h
Uraraka leaned forward, her voice full of genuine worry. "Are you feeling okay now? You looked... hurt."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblLxcskpEA
Sero cracked a grin. "Honestly, we thought you were going to pass out."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdy3JU3xU8v
Jiro, arms crossed, smirked, "And with All Might as your dad? How the hell did you grow up so chill?"100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMp1YOjH2cK
Mineta practically bounced in his seat. "I bet he trained you every single day, right?!"100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87jr0hZmDh
Momo folded her hands gracefully, her smile tinged with warmth. "It must’ve been inspiring... growing up beside the Symbol of Peace."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRQbFltxpb
Asui blinked slowly. "Ribbit. Is that how you got so strong?"100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJFdE3mYsg
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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tNiv6fTnA
She smiled—but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. "Actually..." she said quietly.
"I wasn’t raised by All Might."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBfSQhP0km
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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLpVwGCoXu
"Shoto’s family."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcu6ciLdOg
Shock swept across the room like a tidal wave. Faces flickered through waves of guilt, awe, and confusion.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnS9bbHzRb
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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aCg4AsNiw
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."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8MV3yY4dk
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."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsZUIcbFlA
Bakugo scoffed loudly, crossing his arms. "She doesn’t need to be adopted to be better than half of you idiots anyway."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxYvFV3Pag
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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sxbTXNM4c
"It wasn’t easy," she admitted, her voice low.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTGOIbTX55
"And my relationship with All Might... it’s complicated. I’ll tell you all someday. Just... not right now."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcN8CEPpEGJ
She pressed her hand lightly to her chest, her gaze clear.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxQPLlNSj8
"I'm not strong because of who raised me. I'm strong because I had to be."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0rPMlE8UL
Those words struck like a blow—especially to Shoto, Bakugo, and Midoriya—the only ones who truly knew.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe32bn1VtwK
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"!100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtCFW2MZZI
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."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7h98FogYUS
Across the room, Todoroki stiffened slightly, his mouth tightening into a faint frown. The reactions came fast and loud:100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDmuS38bLA
Mina’s eyes widened in amazement. "What?! No way!"100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5nNwJ0nzs
Kaminari leaned over his desk, laughing. "Two hero dads?! Unreal!"100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9uvDHQchc
Kirishima threw his arms up. "No wonder you’re built differently!"100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡady0qu8g3d
Sero clutched his heart dramatically. "Talk about cheat codes—Todoroki and All Might? Sheesh!"100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SuAOWgHQg
Jiro hid her smirk behind a hand. "Figures. The cool ones always have the wildest backstories."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIkBj2YWVx
Momo's soft smile was full of respect. "It must have been complicated..."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpYfbQQy2E
Uraraka nodded warmly. "You’re incredible, Hikari."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAjYpzHLkn
Asui tilted her head, calm but firm. "Ribbit. Being strong isn’t about bloodlines."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSJeYMlHrf
Even Tokoyami bowed his head deeply, a rare show of emotion.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijYRn9S0K3
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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguIRHFRmtw
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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4C6f87XXW
In the cafeteria one afternoon.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXX4AiA1XsV
Midoriya whispered across the table to Uraraka, his gaze darting guiltily toward Hikari's empty seat.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCzA3MU2Yf
"Hikari told me... her dad’s making her train harder now. After what happened at USJ."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGI6BRqFUvG
Uraraka’s eyes widened in concern. "I thought she was just resting. I wanted to ask if she wanted to train with us... but..."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5tfixwKEC
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."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TappSRfbM
There had been no smiley faces, no jokes. Just cold, heavy determination. Midoriya sighed softly, voice low, "Endeavor’s training her, too."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60XVnI2nHN
[Flashback: Memory Fragment]100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvErmW9QW9
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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekcSBGFVCn
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."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkcQGWnQ4t
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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uMcoUBQ9z
She met Endeavor’s unyielding glare with one of her own.
Her voice cracked and burned — but it carried her soul.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpX0upoq0w
"I will earn it." "I’ll earn your love. Your pride. Everything you thought I’d never reach."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqnWAdLmD9
"When people see me, they won’t say, ‘There goes Endeavor’s daughter.’"100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTot2ivTFW
"They’ll say, There goes a fire that will never die."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTmlb5WeMR
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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNQXdQNzbu
(Back in the cafeteria)100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu72II67Ok6
"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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpe1TfHsGN
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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGTMKO88ep
"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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcY4GQ79Ix2
"I fear what will happen to her here. I fear... I’ll fail her again."
Midoriya shook his head fiercely.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34tXyOW9tR
"I'm sorry, All Might. Even if I begged her... she wouldn't leave me behind."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFWQGBrTGl
He smiled sadly. "Hikari made a promise to me when we were kids. To chase our dreams together. She's never broken it once."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkbd1ck8Gh
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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYKNHuE7Vl
"Thank you," he said. "For standing beside her when I couldn't."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfY2QAvt1F
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".100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCU3doWQeY
"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."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRk2J58vPU
"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."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUKibOt9r5
Night Before the Festival — Dinner at the Midoriyas.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLu8BIdXIl
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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvWOvRnraq
Inko Midoriya bustled about, fussing lovingly over them.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5SpEbMELi
"It's been too long since you stayed over, Hikari! Oh, you’ve gotten taller!"100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3hsbtrfDO
Hikari laughed, setting her soda down with a soft clink.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYtU2LuoJ3
"Thank you for having me again, Auntie. I’m ready to destroy all your snack supplies."
Inko beamed, hugging her warmly.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoTKxIRavb
"Of course! You’re family here, sweetheart. I still remember when Izuku first brought you home — I thought you were his first love!"100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxC6QAfPAWk
Midoriya turned beet red. Hikari laughed even harder.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kp7XJLvP8
"Sorry, Auntie. I’m just his number one fan."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgICFG3l4b
Inko shook her head fondly.
"And I still can't believe a sweet girl like you dated that Bakugo boy for so long..."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJ9HHRTXNL
Hikari smirked mischievously.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtYcMrrlbk
"He's a tsundere. It's part of the charm."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4w4TljKBU
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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qNkCRitY3
Morning of the U.A. Sports Festival
The next morning, Inko hugged them tightly at the door.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkktw1a7qt
"Take care of each other, okay? Watch each other's backs. Make me proud!"100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLA5VfaW99
"We will!" they chimed together, grinning, before sprinting off into the fresh morning air.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDbVsrjDyM
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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkNGTCiBnw
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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrEGL6sLds
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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GcLmRKrhY
Todoroki’s voice cut the silence, cool and deliberate. "You have a good relationship with Hikari."
Midoriya blinked, surprised, but said nothing.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrL93YOaLM2
Todoroki continued, a faint edge sharpening his tone. "I intend to show her... that she doesn’t need to be protected anymore."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCfs0He0w3
His jaw clenched. Resolve blazed behind those mismatched eyes.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEtoh4KMoX
"I made a promise once," he said, his voice almost reverent.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBn52yXna95
"I wasn’t strong enough to keep it. This time...I will."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6JavKQnds
He took a step closer, the tension pulling the entire locker room taut.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJa5NTKlMP
"I will defeat everyone—including you—to prove it."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mDgW7NiyQ
Midoriya froze for half a second. Then he tightened his fists at his sides.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3epMvcMJy
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.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdmtK53OoK
He lifted his head, his voice steady. "I'm sorry."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWawghsx8d
"But I won't step aside."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IotMRri6T
Midoriya met Todoroki's gaze squarely.100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPSZcwQ4UO
"Hikari believed in me before I even had a Quirk."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYKBYxDf4l
"She's my best friend."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAfBmfmFIr
"I'm aiming for the top — for her... and for me."100Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwveRLTHY7
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.
ns216.73.216.236da2
and then Add to home screen.