The Keeper of The Dragon Flame BNHA X OCS

New Beginning, Stronger Bonds (Short Chapter)

The day had finally come: Ben and his friends were officially second years. The excitement in the air was palpable as they gathered outside the school, the weight of their first year behind them.

Asta: grinning  Well, well, well, look who made it to second year! I never thought I'd see the day, Monkey-doofus.

Ben: smirking  Oh, please, Star-dweeb, I was always going to make it. Just needed to carry you along the way.

Zatanna: noticing  You two never change, do you?

Sky: chuckling  It's like watching a never-ending sitcom.

Daisy: Yeah, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

They all laughed, the camaraderie between them stronger than ever. The trials of their first year had forged bonds that were unbreakable, and now, as second years, they felt ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.

As the group chatted and shared stories, Ben glanced at the entrance of Class B, his thoughts drifting to someone special. With a wave to his friends, he hung back, waiting.

Zatanna: noticing  Waiting for someone, Ben?

Ben: smiling softly  Maybe.

Moments later, Dan Heng emerged from the crowd, his eyes locking onto Ben's. The noise of the schoolyard seemed to fade as the two of them stood together, a silent understanding passing between them.

As Ben held Dan Heng's hand, the noise of the schoolyard faded into the background, leaving just the two of them in a quiet, intimate moment.

Dan Heng: softly I still can't believe we made it to second year. Everything feels different, yet... the same.

Ben: smiling  Yeah, it's crazy. But we've been through so much together already. I wouldn't want to face any of it without you.

Dan Heng: squeezing Ben's hand  Same here. You're my anchor, Ben. Every time things got tough, I just thought about you.

Ben's heart swelled at Dan Heng's words, and he turned to face him fully, their fingers intertwined.

Ben: gently  You're my strength, Dan Heng. I'm not sure where I'd be without you.

Dan Heng leaned in closer, resting his forehead against Ben's, a tender smile on his lips.

Dan Heng: whispering We've got each other. That's all we need.

They stayed like that for a moment, wrapped up in each other's presence, the world outside slipping away. The challenges of their second year awaited them, but for now, they simply enjoyed the comfort of being together.

Meanwhile, far from the joy and celebration, dark clouds were gathering. In a secluded hideout, Magneto, Toad, and Mystique stood around a table, a map of Japan spread out before them.

Magneto: With Sabretooth incapacitated, we'll need a new strategy. But we're not out of options yet. The second year will be the perfect time to strike, when they least expect it.

Toad: Yeah, we just need to hit them where it hurts. We can take down that monkey-doofus and his friends.

Mystique: Patience. We have new allies who are more than eager to see those brats fall. Together, we'll bring them down.

The Brotherhood's plotting marked the beginning of a new challenge for Ben and his friends, one that would test them in ways they had never imagined. But for now, on the rooftop of UA, Ben found solace in the warmth of Dan Heng's hand, ready to face whatever came next with his friends by his side.