Teachers pet (COMPLETE)

Chapter 84: Homecoming & Suspicions

Aizawa’s POV

The hospital corridors are quiet as I make my way back to Mailin’s room. She’s still resting, but there’s been talk of finally discharging her today. It’s been a long recovery, and while her body’s healed significantly, I know the mental strain is far from over.

The doctors insisted on more tests, making sure her body can handle the stress it’s been under. They seem satisfied with the results, but as I stand by her bedside, watching her sleep, I can’t shake the worry gnawing at the back of my mind.

Mailin stirs slightly, her eyes blinking open as she catches sight of me. There’s a small smile that tugs at her lips—weak, but real. “Shota…”

I nod. “They said you’re ready to leave. We’ll be heading back to Heights Alliance soon.”

She sighs softly, glancing down at her hands. “Feels like I’ve been in here forever.”

I can’t help but agree. She’s been here too long—too long with only her thoughts and fears gnawing at her. But I won’t let her dwell on it any longer.

“You’re ready,” I tell her firmly. “And we’ll take it one step at a time."

The car ride back to Heights Alliance is quiet, the low hum of the engine the only sound filling the space between us. Mailin rests beside me, her head leaning against the window, eyes half-closed in exhaustion. After everything she’s been through, the hospital finally agreed to let her go, but only under strict orders to take it easy.

I glance over at her every few minutes, my chest tightening each time. Her face is still pale, her body weak from the strain of using her Quirk to its breaking point. She shouldn’t be going through this at her age, but that’s the reality of our world.

As we pull up to the dorms, I gently reach out, my hand resting on her arm. “We’re here,” I say softly.

Mailin blinks, her eyes slowly focusing on the familiar sight of Heights Alliance. She straightens slightly, but I can tell she’s still weary. “Thanks for driving me,” she whispers, her voice barely audible.

“Always,” I reply, giving her hand a small squeeze before we step out of the car.

---

Mailin’s POV

The moment we enter the dorms, the familiar sounds and warmth of Heights Alliance greet me. But it’s overwhelming. My body feels like it’s still recovering from the battle, and even though we’re home, I feel anything but safe. The weight of everything—Shota’s injury, my power, the battle—hangs heavy in the air.

The others are already waiting inside, their concerned faces turning toward me the second I step through the door. I feel my heart tighten. I know what’s coming—the questions, the worried looks, the tension.

Midoriya approaches first, his expression thoughtful, eyes flicking between me and Aizawa. “Hoshino… how are you feeling?”

I manage a small, weak smile. “I’m okay,” I say, though I know it’s not the full truth. “Just… tired.”

Bakugou, always blunt, steps up next. His arms are crossed, his eyes narrowed, and I brace myself. “You sure about that?” he asks, his voice low, almost like a challenge. “You’ve been acting weird.”

I try to keep my face neutral, but my mind is spinning. Midoriya’s soft curiosity feels like it’s digging too close, and Bakugou’s directness only makes it worse. “He’s my teacher,” I reply, forcing my voice to sound calm. “He’s just looking out for me.”

They exchange a glance, and while Midoriya seems to mull it over, Bakugou doesn’t let it go. “You sure about that?” he mutters, his eyes narrowing as if he’s already made up his mind.

---

Aizawa’s POV

As the evening wears on, I notice the tension building between Mailin and the others. Midoriya keeps glancing at her, his brow furrowed in thought, while Bakugou’s irritation is written all over his face. I can tell they’re both suspicious. It was bound to happen, especially after what they witnessed in the battle.

Later that night, Midoriya approaches me, his voice hesitant. “Aizawa-sensei… I don’t want to overstep, but during the battle… something felt off.” His eyes flick over to Mailin, who’s sitting quietly, lost in thought. “Her Quirk... it’s powerful, but... I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it.”

I keep my expression neutral, not wanting to give anything away. “You’re right. Her Quirk is unique,” I say evenly, meeting his gaze. “But she’s recovering. You don’t need to worry.”

Midoriya nods slowly, but I can see the wheels turning in his head. He won’t let this go easily.

---

Mailin’s POV

Later that night, the common room is filled with chatter and laughter, but it feels distant. I sit on the edge of the couch, the weight of everything pressing down on me. The others try to act normal, but I can feel their eyes on me, especially Midoriya and Bakugou.

Midoriya approaches cautiously, his voice soft. “Mailin, I don’t mean to push, but… if something’s wrong, we’re here for you.”

His concern is genuine, and for a moment, I want to tell him everything. But I can’t. I’m not ready.

“I’m fine,” I say again, forcing a smile. “Really. I just need time.”

Bakugou, who’s been watching from a distance, finally steps forward. His gaze is sharp, and there’s no mistaking the challenge in his voice. “You’re hiding something, Hoshino. I know it.”

My heart skips a beat, and I feel a rush of panic. “There’s nothing to figure out,” I say quickly, trying to keep my voice steady. But I know he doesn’t believe me.

He huffs, turning away with a scowl. “Whatever. Just don’t lose control again.”

---

Aizawa’s POV

I overhear Bakugou’s words as I walk in. My jaw tightens. I knew this day would come, but the questions, the suspicions—they’re growing faster than I anticipated. The battle with Shigaraki exposed too much. Midoriya and Bakugou aren’t the only ones with questions now.

Later that night, Mailin finds her way to my office, sitting quietly across from me. Her body is tense, her exhaustion palpable. “They’re suspicious,” she says quietly, barely above a whisper.

I nod, my voice steady. “We knew this would happen. But we’ll handle it.”

She meets my gaze, her eyes full of doubt. “How?”

“We’ll train,” I say, my tone firm. “We’ll work through it. Right now, your focus needs to be on recovery.”

---

The weight of it all feels heavy, but for now, we’ll take it one step at a time. I glance at Mailin, seeing the exhaustion etched into her features. This battle is far from over, but at least for tonight, we can rest.