Lightning in the Ashes (Katsuki Bakugou x OC Fem)

Chapter 20: The Storm Clears

It has been 3 months since the defeat of Hurricane and the end of the final school year was approaching. Conversations flowed around the room, voices overlapping as students exchanged their dreams and fears about what the future held. The warmth of the Christmas decorations, the smell of cocoa, and the twinkling fairy lights made it all feel surreal, like the end of an era.

Valerie's eyes glimmered with excitement as she shared her plans, "Studying elemental reactions and electrical currents could really strengthen my quirk. I want to know everything about how lightning interacts with different environments. And if a hero agency has a sidekick opening, I'm definitely in."

Mina nodded enthusiastically. "That sounds awesome! I still want to be a hero, but modeling could be a good way to make extra money and show off some of my fashion designs. And university will give me the chance to really explore that. Who knows? Maybe I'll make a line of hero costumes someday." Her pink eyes sparkled with the dream.

Jirou, sitting cross-legged with her guitar in her lap, strummed lightly as she considered. "I'm heading to university too, but I'm also planning to keep working on my music. Maybe get some gigs on the side," she said, her cheeks tinting pink when Kaminari gave her an encouraging grin from across the room.

Kaminari leaned in, a wide smile spreading across his face. "That's perfect, Jirou! I've been thinking I might want to do some hero work while also learning more about electrical engineering. It'll be tough, but if it means I can use my quirk better, I'm all for it." His eyes were full of determination.

Across the room, Shoto was deep in conversation with Iida. "I'll be joining my father at the agency," Shoto shared. "But I'm also thinking about studying international relations. My brother Natsuo suggested that having connections worldwide could be helpful for hero work." He glanced at Iida. "And you?"

Iida adjusted his glasses, and his posture was as perfect as ever. "I'll be working full-time as a pro hero with the family agency. It's my duty to carry on my brother's legacy and uphold our name. But I have considered taking night classes in leadership and public administration."

Kirishima, sitting beside Mina, grinned sheepishly as he rubbed the back of his head. "I'm all in for hero work, no backup plan. But you know, it wouldn't hurt to learn some emergency response strategies beyond just fighting." His eyes softened as he looked at Mina. "And... maybe planning my future with someone special."

Mina beamed, and everyone knew what he meant. "When we get married," she teased, "it's going to be amazing, right, Kiri?" Kirishima's face turned bright red, and laughter erupted around them.

Valerie's smile lingered as she listened to her friends. The conversation about settling down had her thinking, and she couldn't help but voice a dream she'd held for a long time. "I'd love to travel more, especially back to South Africa," she said wistfully. "Before university, I want to spend some time there. Just to reconnect and experience everything I've missed."

Katsuki had been silent up until now, arms crossed and a frown creasing his brow. Thoughts of the future left him uneasy, not because he didn't have dreams, but because he was uncertain about what lay beyond being a hero. He had always envisioned himself as the number one pro, but hearing everyone talk about backup plans, relationships, and life beyond fighting villains made him think. The idea of having a life outside of hero work was something he hadn't let himself consider.

But as he looked at Valerie, warmth bloomed in his chest, mixing with anxiety. He'd shared so many deep moments with her, yet he knew there was more to discuss, especially about their growing feelings. Even now, he still struggled to understand his own hesitance when things got intense between them. He needed to confront that, to open up, and maybe, just maybe, think about what a future together could look like.