Teachers pet (COMPLETE)

Chapter 45: Provisional Hero License Exam Ends

Mailin’s POV:

As we stand in front of the screen, waiting for the results, my heart pounds in my chest. All I can think about is how much Aizawa-Sensei believes in us—how he’s pushed us to improve. I want to make him proud. No, I need to.

When the results flash on the screen, my name is there, and for a second, relief washes over me. I passed. I really passed. The weight on my shoulders lightens, but then I glance at my classmates—Katsuki’s fuming, Shoto’s quiet—and the feeling shifts. I can’t shake the sadness in my stomach, knowing not everyone made it through.

Izuku’s excitement is contagious, but it’s tempered by the realization that we’ve got a long way to go. I glance at Aizawa-Sensei, wondering what he’s thinking. His expression is unreadable, but I swear his gaze lingers on Shoto longer than anyone else. Maybe he’s disappointed in him—or maybe it’s something deeper.

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Aizawa’s POV:

I watch as the names of those who passed light up the screen, and the immediate relief in some of my students' faces. Hoshino, of course, passed—her potential was never in question, though her self-doubt always lingers under the surface. She’ll need to learn to trust herself more, especially now.

But then there’s Shoto and Katsuki.

It doesn’t surprise me that Katsuki failed—his temper and arrogance still cloud his judgment—but Shoto... I expected better. He’s too focused on the past, on his father, and now it’s holding him back. He’ll learn from this, but it’s a hard lesson. I make a mental note to talk to him privately later, though I know it’s not a conversation he’ll want to have.

But Hoshino—I catch her glancing my way. She’s always seeking my approval, even though she doesn’t need it. She’s grown so much, yet I can tell she’s still holding back, afraid of fully embracing her power. It’s not just about passing the exam; it’s about proving to herself that she belongs here.

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Mailin’s POV:

As the others gather around, celebrating or consoling one another, I try to shake off the unease. I should be happy—I passed, after all—but the weight of those who didn’t pass pulls me down. I walk over to Shoto, who’s standing off to the side, quiet as always.

“Shoto…” I begin, unsure of what to say.

He turns to me, his expression unreadable. “It’s fine, Hoshino,” he says softly. “I know why I failed.”

For a moment, I don’t know what to say. Shoto’s always so composed, but there’s something different in his eyes now. Regret, maybe? Or understanding? Either way, I know this isn’t the end for him.

“We’ll catch up,” he adds, almost as if he’s reassuring me. “This is just a step.”

I nod, though I still feel the ache in my chest.

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Aizawa’s POV:

Watching them, I can see the weight of their responsibilities beginning to settle in. They’re not kids anymore—this exam is proof of that. But they still have so much to learn.

I spot Hoshino talking to Shoto, and even from a distance, I can sense the quiet support between them. Good. They need each other. This class has always been about more than just individual strength—it’s about unity, trust. They’ve been through hell, but they keep coming back stronger. That’s what gives me hope.

But hope only goes so far. Now, it’s up to them to live up to these new responsibilities.

I’ll keep pushing them, harder than ever. Especially Hoshino. She’s too close to something big to hold back now.