Chapter 74: Hidden in Plain Sight

13 1 0
                                    

Mailin’s POV

The winter air is brisk as I step into Mirko’s agency, wrapping the scarf Aizawa gave me tighter around my neck. The coolness of the air does little to stop the warmth blooming in my chest. It’s been a few days since we made our decision—Aizawa and I. A secret relationship isn’t the easiest thing to navigate, but I don’t regret it for a second. The stolen glances, the shared smiles, the moments when it’s just us—they’re worth everything.

I push those thoughts aside as I enter the agency. Mirko’s training demands focus, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned from her, it’s to always stay sharp. She’s not one to let any weakness slide, and today is no exception.

“Ready for more action, Hoshino?” Mirko’s voice cuts through the air, her fierce grin widening. “Today’s drill is gonna push you harder, but I know you’ve got what it takes.”

I grin back. “Always ready.”

Despite the intense day ahead, I carry a lightness with me. My mind flickers back to Aizawa, and though I miss him, the thought of seeing him later tonight keeps me focused. As we dive into the day’s drills, I find myself working harder, not just for myself but for him. I want him to be proud of me.

---

Mirko’s POV

This kid... She’s got something burning in her lately. Sure, she’s always been a hard worker, but there’s a fire in her eyes now that wasn’t there before. Every drill, every mission—Hoshino’s focused, but I can tell something’s driving her even more.

“Good work today,” I call out as we wrap up. “But you’ve been distracted in those quiet moments between drills. What’s on your mind, huh?”

Her eyes widen just a fraction, a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks. She shakes her head. “I’m just... thinking about everything I’ve learned.”

She’s good. Whatever’s going on in her head, it hasn’t messed with her work. But I can tell there’s more to the story. “Well, as long as you’re using that fire to get stronger, keep at it. Don’t let whatever’s on your mind slow you down.”

She nods, and I leave it at that—for now. Something’s different, but I’ll give her time to work through it.

---

Mailin’s POV

The day’s training pushes me hard, but I feel stronger, more in control than ever before. Mirko’s a tough teacher, but she’s made me better in every way. I take a deep breath as I leave the agency, the cold air filling my lungs, and can’t help but smile.

Aizawa is waiting.

As I walk down the street, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out, a small smile tugging at my lips when I see his name.

Aizawa: “Are you done?”

Mailin: “Just finished. Meet you at the café?”

Aizawa: “On my way.”

It’s become our routine, meeting at a cozy café tucked away from prying eyes. It’s not about sneaking around anymore—it’s about finding our moments together, places where we can just be ourselves, away from the chaos of U.A.

I make my way to the café, feeling lighter with every step.

---

Aizawa’s POV

I reach the café before her, settling into a quiet corner by the window. It’s not the most private place, but it’s perfect. No one pays attention to a quiet teacher and a student having coffee in the midst of winter. This small corner of the world is ours, and it’s enough.

When Mailin walks in, her cheeks rosy from the cold, the sight of her makes something in my chest tighten. The scarf I gave her is still wrapped around her neck, and it feels like a piece of me is always with her.

She slides into the seat across from me, her eyes bright. “Hi,” she says softly, her voice holding the warmth that I’ve come to crave.

I lean in, my hand brushing hers under the table. “How was your day?”

“Long,” she admits, her smile growing. “But I’m glad I’m here.”

There’s something about these moments—the simplicity of being together in a place like this, sharing quiet conversations—that makes everything else fade away. The weight of the world, the challenges we face... none of it matters when I’m with her.

---

Mailin’s POV

The café is warm, the air filled with the scent of coffee and pastries. But none of that matters compared to the warmth that spreads through me every time I’m with him. These little moments, tucked away in the corners of our lives, are what keep me going.

“I missed you,” I say softly, feeling his hand squeeze mine under the table.

“I missed you too,” he replies, his voice low and steady, but I can hear the emotion beneath it. It’s not just words—it’s a promise. No matter how hard things get, we’ll always find our way back to each other.

For a while, we sit in comfortable silence, sipping our coffee and just being. It’s these simple moments that remind me why this is worth it. There’s no drama, no sneaking around—it’s just us.

---

Aizawa’s POV

As we sit in the café, I can’t help but feel a sense of peace that I rarely get to experience. Mailin is here, and that’s enough. Our relationship isn’t about hiding anymore. It’s about finding spaces where we can be ourselves, no matter how small they are.

“I’m proud of you,” I say quietly, watching her reaction. “Mirko’s training has made you stronger.”

Her smile softens, and I can see the pride in her eyes. “Thank you. I just... want to keep getting better.”

“You will.” I know it, and I believe it. Mailin has always been determined, but now she’s unstoppable.

As we finish our coffee, I glance at the time, knowing we’ll have to part ways soon. But even as we walk out of the café together, the cold air biting at our skin, I feel lighter. Our connection isn’t a burden—it’s a strength. And we’ll keep finding these moments, no matter what.

---

Mailin’s POV

As we leave the café, I feel a sense of contentment that I didn’t expect. It’s not about sneaking around anymore, or hiding in the shadows. It’s about carving out a space for us—a space where we can be together, no matter how the world around us moves.

“I’ll see you soon,” I say softly as we part ways.

He nods, his eyes lingering on mine. “Soon.”

And even as I walk away, I know we’re in this together, fully and completely. Whatever comes next, we’ll face it. Because this—us—is worth everything.

Teachers pet (COMPLETE)Where stories live. Discover now