Freezing Flames

Senpai loves you!

Fuyumi pov

I felt ecstatic with joy when I saw my brother use his flames for the first time in years. Kazuya and I have always worried about him ever since he vowed to reject his fire power. I didn't want his hate for our father to hold him back from giving his all.

I was a bit disappointed when I saw him hesitate in the final round. But just the fact that he had used his flames meant that change was bound to happen. I was happy all the same over the fact that he had secured second place. I wanted to cook a special celebration dinner for his achievement.

However, when father returned, one look on his face told me that he wouldn't be a part of the dinner. To my further disappointment, when Shoto came back, he told me he wanted to go to sleep early. Though I understood the reason. Today's events were clouding his mind.

Finally Kazuya walked through the front door. She came in and saw me sitting at the table alone. She gave a weak smile and sat opposite to me.

"So, you saw him didn't you. Who would've thought." She said.

"I know," I answered. "I'm just glad he's making progress."

"What about the old man?" She asked sighing.

My smile dropped.

"I don't think he's happy over the fact that Shoto bagged second place." I said.

"Did he punish him?" She asked frowning and getting up.

"No!" I quickly said. "Please Kazu, don't go fight with him again."

"But nee-chan," she said, the frustration clearly visible on her face. "Aren't you the least bit upset about his negligence to us and his behaviour towards our little brother?"

"Look, it's not like I don't feel the same way that you and our brothers do. But... when I saw Shoto using his fire, I felt a pang of hope light up in me. A feeling that this was a start of fixing our family!"

I held back tears and glanced at Kazuya. I saw her hair shadowing her eyes. I knew exactly what she was thinking.

"Listen," I said, "I know you feel like our family will never be whole or normal again after what had happened to Touya-nii. I understand that you were more close to him than me and Natsuo. But promise me you will try. Our brother is still is a part of this family. If we can mend our broken bonds, or atleast put up with it, it will be like he is here with us."

"For your sake nee-chan," she said softly, "If there is a slim chance that we can become a normal family, I'll be willing to go through with it."

I felt happy tears form in the corner of my eyes. Kazuya might seem stubborn and cold sometimes, but I know deep down her heart is in the right place.

"On a completely different subject," she said starting me, "How is your life going as a teacher?"

I smiled.

"It's going great. My students are very obedient and kind. I love them just as much as they love me. And after school I have enough time for other activities."

"Like... well I don't know- dating for instance?" She added grinning.

I frowned. A small blush creeped up my cheeks. I knew what she was getting at. Still, asked her,

"Get to the point. What is it?"

"Oh I just wanted to tell you that the new gossip that's been spreading around the office is that Hawks senpai has a huge crush on you!"

"What!" I mentally screamed, my cheeks redder than tomatoes. "That can't be possible!"

Whenever someone mentions the name of the number three hero, I instantly feel my heart beating over a mile per hour. But I knew it wouldn't be possible. He was the current number three hero and I was the daughter of the number two hero whom people barely knew. There was no way he felt that way about me. Men usually asked me out only to get closer to dad. I just felt like a catalyst that was of no use to anyone otherwise. And from what I had heard, Hawks happened to be an endeavour fan.

I didn't want to lose my composure in front of my little sister, so I just took a deep breath, gave her a composed look and said in a low voice,

"Well, there's a reason that it's just a rumour. And I'm not willing to change that."

"Ha!" Kazuya cried triumphantly. "Wait till I tell senpai! He'll be so shocked! The sidekicks told me that according to Hawks, no girl has ever been able to resist his charm. Wait till I prove them wrong!"

I smirked and said,

"That charm is nothing but a made up false quality he created to boost his reputation."

Kazuya gave me a cheerful pat on the back and said,

"Why don't you say that to senpai when you see him?"

I froze. I'd never bring myself to stand in front of the man I longed for but could never get. I had enough problems to deal with within our family. I looked at Kazuya and said,

"You tell your senpai that I'm too busy and that I don't even have the time to look at his charming face!"

Kazuya gasped.

"What?" I asked.

"Y-you said 'charming'!" She stammered.

I felt myself turn red.

"T-that was just sarcasm! If you asked me, there's nothing charming about him or his ridiculous face!"

Kazuya laughed.

"Oh! I'll be sure to let him know. And I might have to take a box of tissues with me tomorrow. Who knows when the waterworks would commence."

I smiled in relief and said in a cheerful voice,

"Your gonna need it!"

Kazuya pov

When I got to the office room I sat down at my desk where I'd go over the paperwork. Lately it seemed like that was all I was doing. As I was growing up, my quirk started inflicting injuries on others which were way too fatal. Hawks took pity on me and occasionally let me tag along with the other sidekicks. But at the agency, I was given the nickname as the 'Office Sidekick'.

I clearly knew Nee-chan was lying about disliking Hawks. I saw her blush. But I just wanted to to toy with his emotions a bit. She usually texted me every morning. So I started scrolling through her messages that morning. As always, senpai came up from behind and asked,

"So, what's your sister texting you today?"

I turned and glared, "I told you before and I will tell you again, it's none of your business."

"Come on Todoroki!" He pleaded jokingly, "Has she said anything about me?"

"As a matter of fact, she did!" I said turning to look at him, huffing. Then I added, "yesterday."

Hawks looked surprised but excited at the same time.

"What did she say!What did she say!" He asked enthusiastically.

"She told me that she was way too busy to be involved in another relationship and was definitely not keen on going out with you. She also said she thinks your charm is nothing but a ruse."

I stifled a laugh as I saw senpai gasp, his eyes wide. I nearly burst out when he said,

"There is nothing fake about my charm! She just hasn't seen it yet! But wait till she does, I can assure you her eyes will gleam with desire and happiness."

My expression dropped.

"What's wrong Kazu?" Hawks asked. "I didn't say anything to offend you did I?"

"It's not that." I said softly, " It's just that lately I've been feeling that nee-chan has just been bottling up all of her worries and sadness and has been wearing a fake smile this entire time. I just sometimes wonder whether there will come a time when I can identify her smile as a real one."

Hawks looked serious, but then smiled and put a hand on my head and said.

"Mark my words Kazu, one day when I see your sister, I'm going to make sure that I'm the reason she gives out a real, true smile."

With that he gave me a thumbs up and walked away.