The Class That Cried Werewolf

31 - Training Camp

-Tatsuya's POV-

The day of the long-awaited training camp had finally arrived, and a buzz of excitement permeated the air as my classmates and I gathered at the front of the campus, eagerly anticipating the commencement of our summer adventure.

"Now that you've completed your first semester at U.A. High," Mr. Aizawa's voice cut through the chatter, drawing our attention, "it's time for your summer vacation to officially begin." His words carried a sense of gravity, a reminder that our journey toward heroism knew no breaks. "However, don't think these will be months of rest for you heroes-in-the-making. At this camp, we'll push you to go beyond your limits. You're aiming to become 'Plus Ultra!'"

"I'm so psyched!" Hagakure exclaimed, bounding up to me with uncontainable enthusiasm. "I've been looking forward to this camp all semester, Akiba!"

"In just a moment's time, we will be getting stronger, inching closer to our goal of becoming true heroes," I declared, a determined glint shining in my eyes as I clenched my fist, mirroring the excitement radiating from my classmates. "I'm looking forward to it."

Despite the bubbling enthusiasm, I couldn't shake the lingering effects of my earlier episode after the exam. The unease that had settled over me seemed to lift slightly, but the shadow of it still clung to my thoughts like a faint mist.

"Is something wrong?" Hagakure's voice cut through the haze of my thoughts, drawing my attention back to the present. Her gentle inquiry carried a note of concern, evident even in the subtle shifts of her scent. It was clear that she had noticed the furrow that creased my brow.

"Well, I..." I trailed off, my voice faltering as I averted my gaze, staring at the ground. "I just... don't like showing people how weak I can be." The admission came out as a hesitant murmur, my eyes downcast as I struggled with the vulnerability of the moment.

"Hey, don't worry about it," Hagakure said warmly, her voice wrapping around me like a soft blanket. "Friends are supposed to be there to help you whenever you fall. I'm just grateful you let me be there when you needed it." Her words were infused with a genuine kindness that struck me deeply, her tone soothing and reassuring.

A rush of warmth flooded my cheeks at her words, catching me off guard with their sincerity and kindness. Unable to meet her invisible gaze, I averted my eyes, feeling embarrassment and gratitude swirling within me.

"Hey, what's the matter?" she inquired, her concern evident in the soft lilt of her voice.

"I-I'm just a little hot, is all," I stammered, the words escaping in a nervous rush as I tugged at my collar, a feeble attempt to conceal my flushed cheeks.

I sensed Hagakure's curious yet puzzled gaze lingering on me, her unseen presence a silent observer of my unease. Then, I heard a subtle gasp, followed by a shift in her scent—a delicate blend of surprise and embarrassment—that hung between us.

"Uh—"

"Let's hear it for camp!" Uraraka's sudden outburst filled the air, her voice ringing with unbridled enthusiasm as she interrupted Hagakure. A flush of crimson painted her face as she, Ashido, and Kaminari erupted into a chorus of cheers and chants, their excitement palpable.

"Wow, Uraraka and the others sure are excited," Izuku commented, his voice blending admiration and amusement as he observed his classmates' energetic display.

"I heard some of Class A is taking extra courses! Does that mean they actually failed the final exams?!" The taunting voice of Monoma cut through the jubilant atmosphere, accompanied by the arrival of Class B, their presence casting a shadow over the previously festive mood.