Mailin’s POV
As I stand at the front of Class 1-A with Shota, watching the students fidget nervously, I can’t help but smile to myself. They’re all bracing for the worst, and even though some of them failed the practical test, the look on Shota’s face tells me that he has something up his sleeve.
“The End of Term Test is over,” I announce, my voice cutting through the anxious murmurs. “And I have the results.”
The room goes dead silent, and I can feel the tension building. Even Kaminari, who’s usually making jokes, looks unusually serious. Kirishima’s practically on the edge of his seat, and Mina’s fingers tap nervously on her desk.
Shota steps forward, arms crossed in his usual no-nonsense stance. “Some of you passed, but a few of you... didn’t.”
A collective groan fills the room, and I catch the crestfallen looks on Denki, Kirishima, Sato, and Mina’s faces. Even Hanta looks a little pale, though he tries to keep his cool.
“Those of you who failed the practical test won’t be able to go to the forest lodge,” Shota continues, his tone deadpan.
Denki looks like he’s about to cry, and Mina’s shoulders slump in defeat.
I glance at Shota, knowing exactly what’s coming next. He’s such a softie, despite how he acts.
“But,” Shota says, his lips twitching slightly as he drops the next part, “the consequences were a ruse. You’re all going to the lodge.”
The silence that follows is deafening for a moment before an eruption of confused and relieved voices fills the classroom. Denki practically jumps out of his seat, and Mina looks like she’s about to hug Kirishima out of sheer joy.
“However,” Shota adds, and the room quiets down again, “those of you who failed the practical test will be receiving harsher training at the lodge.”
The relief on their faces fades into cautious acceptance. Sato looks like he’s already preparing himself mentally, while Mina seems to be somewhere between shock and determination.
“We’ll be handing out guides for the trip,” I say, stepping forward to distribute the pamphlets. As I pass them out, I notice Toru flipping through hers with a thoughtful expression.
“Mizuhana-Sensei,” Toru calls out, her invisible hand raising into the air, “there’s a lot of stuff on this list that I don’t have.”
I glance down at the guide, nodding. “You’ll need to get everything on that list before the trip. It’s all essential for the training ahead.”
Toru turns to the others, her usual bright energy returning. “Why don’t we all go shopping together? It could be fun, and we’ll make sure no one forgets anything.”
The suggestion instantly perks up the class, and before long, everyone is excitedly talking about what they need to buy for the trip. Even Kirishima, who had looked so defeated moments before, now seems eager to get everything ready.
---
Shota Aizawa’s POV
As the students chatter among themselves, I can’t help but glance at Mailin out of the corner of my eye. She’s handling the situation with the same grace and calm she always has, and I catch a few students sneaking glances her way. They look up to her, not just as their teacher but as someone they can rely on.
I watch as she gently reassures Kaminari, giving him a soft pat on the shoulder, reminding him that the boot camp is a chance to improve. Denki practically melts at the attention, nodding earnestly.
“They’re really something, aren’t they?” Mailin says, standing beside me as the students start organizing their shopping plans.
“They are,” I reply, keeping my voice low. “But they’ll need all the help they can get at the lodge.”
She smirks slightly, nudging me with her elbow. “That’s why we’re here, isn’t it?”
She always knows how to lighten the mood.
---
Mailin’s POV
As the students file out of the classroom, I watch them go with a smile, already planning to meet up for their shopping trip. But even as they leave, I can’t shake the feeling that something bigger is coming.
I glance at Shota, who’s gathering his things to leave. “Do you think they’re ready for what’s ahead at the lodge?”
---
Shota Aizawa’s POV
“They’ll have to be,” I reply, my tone matter-of-fact. “This isn’t just training anymore. They’re going to face real threats out there, whether they’re ready or not. Better they learn it now.”
Mailin nods, but I can see the slight worry in her eyes. She cares about them deeply, probably more than she lets on. She’s protective of them, nurturing in a way that balances out my more... practical approach.
“They’ll be fine,” I add after a moment, my voice softer now. “Especially with you around to guide them.”
She smiles at me, that warm, reassuring smile she gives the students when they’re anxious. “And you,” she counters.
YOU ARE READING
Ripples of Fate
RomanceAt U.A. High School, aspiring heroes are trained to fight, protect, and heal. For Mizuhana Mailin, her dream of becoming a hero is not about power or fame-it's about saving lives. With her water-based quirk that focuses on healing, she stands apart...
