Spectre - (MHA x OC)

Chapter 19: Pools and Camps

"Mina, you've been keeping me busier than I've ever been!" Aiko whined, "Ever since summer started you've been calling me every other day!"

"That's a lot to you? You need to get out more, sweetie," Mina remarked.

"No kidding," Haru whispered.

Aiko sighed and walked alongside the others to the school pool. "Hey girlies!" Mina exclaimed as they entered the locker room.

"Oh, hello Ashido," Tsu greeted.

They all got into their school-issued swimsuits and walked outside, opting to stretch. While they were stretching, Kaminari and Mineta slid out in anticipation, however they seemed disappointed to see the girls. Midoriya walked out behind them awkwardly as more boys followed suit. It seems that the boys were taking today to train, and Aiko thought that it was a good idea. "Hey girls, I'm kinda thinking of training with the boys," Aiko said with a soft smile, "I don't wanna fall behind, and it'll do me some good to do a different kind of training for once."

"Awww you're no fun!" Mina pouted.

"It's a smart decision. Do your best, Gessei," Yaoyorozu said with a smile.

Aiko smiled and nodded before walking toward the boys, "Do you mind if I join you?" she asked.

Iida smiled and said, "Of course not, we're all training to be heroes for a reason, it would be irrational to prevent someone else to train."

Aiko nodded and noticed Bakugo trying to storm toward Midoriya, being held back by Kirishima. "Hey Blasty," she called out.

He turned around and looked at her for a moment before he 'tsked' and walked away. "I see you're training with us," Todoroki said, approaching her.

"Yeah, I figured it would be more beneficial for me to continue training. I don't wanna fall behind," Aiko said, reaching out and gently punching his shoulder with a closed-eye smile.

Todoroki only nodded, and so the group got to swimming laps for an hour or two. By the time they were done, the boys and Aiko were all panting with exhaustion. Aiko was sitting in the shade, grateful for the gentle breeze that was cooling her off. Suddenly, a bottle of water hit the side of her head. Aiko looked up and saw Bakugo, who then said, "Stay hydrated, stupid Ghost Face. I won't be able to beat you if you aren't at your best."

Aiko smiled at his gesture, knowing that it was his way of looking after her. She drank the water as Haru came up and asked, "How's the training?"

"Good, but exhausting," Aiko admitted, taking another swig of water.

Then, the boys suggested that they all do a race. Aiko smiled and took up the challenge, her competitive side, that she admittedly got from Bakugo, shining through. Aiko got ready, looking to the side to see Midoriya and smirked, giving him a friendly, yet challenging glare. He returned the look and both activated their quirks, Aiko nodding at Haru and taking 10% of his energy. They jumped into the water, and swam quickly to the other side. Aiko and Midoriya tied for first, and Aiko whispered, "Goodbye," as she clung to the side, catching her breath before she pulled herself out of the pool.

As she was getting out, she saw a hand in front of her and looked up to see Midoriya giving her a slight smile. She returned his smile and took his hand, letting him help her out of the pool. "Thanks Midoriya," she said with a smile.

Midoriya smiled and said, "Of course!"

Across the way, two pairs of eyes watched the exchange, negative feelings coursing through their veins. Aiko sat in the shade, Midoriya beside her, as Bakugo's round began. Bakugo, unsurprisingly, didn't even touch the water, opting to blast himself to the other side of the pool. "Cheater!" Kaminari complained.