Mailin’s POV
The cold air bites at my cheeks as we gather outside at Ground Gamma, the icy breeze weaving its way through the crowd of students. Class 1-A stands together, energy buzzing through them as they chatter about their upgraded hero costumes. Some boast about their modifications, others laugh at the excited commentary from classmates. I smile to myself, watching them, my heart swelling with pride.
But there’s a quiet tension in the air too. I can feel it in the way Shota stands next to me, arms crossed, his gaze sharp and focused. He’s watching the students, particularly Hitoshi, who stands off to the side, his expression carefully guarded.
My eyes drift toward Hitoshi. He’s changed so much since I first met him. His new equipment, the mask, the Binding Cloth—there’s a hint of Shota’s influence in his new look. It makes me proud, but I can’t shake the maternal concern that rises whenever I see the way Hitoshi holds himself. There's a quiet weight on his shoulders, one that I recognize too well—he’s fighting to prove he belongs.
Katsuki’s harsh words earlier still sting in my ears. “Deadweight. Handicap.” Hitoshi took it in stride, but I saw the flicker of doubt in his eyes. It reminds me so much of my own journey, of the constant struggle to be seen for more than just your quirk.
As Shota explains the teams and the rules for the upcoming matches, I step closer to Hitoshi, offering him a soft smile. “You’re going to do just fine,” I whisper, placing a hand gently on his shoulder. “Remember, you’re not in this alone.”
His violet eyes meet mine, and for a moment, something vulnerable flickers in them before he nods, his face setting into its usual calm exterior. “I know,” he murmurs, though there’s a hint of doubt lingering in his voice.
I glance at Shota, who’s finishing his instructions to the students. He’s watching us now, his gaze unreadable, but I know him well enough to see the concern beneath the surface. He may not show it, but Hitoshi matters to him—deeply.
---
Shota’s POV
I stand at the edge of the group, arms crossed, keeping a close watch on Hitoshi. He’s improved since I began training him, but I can see the uncertainty in his posture, the way he keeps glancing around, gauging how much he still has to overcome. This is his first real test, and it’s not going to be easy.
When I see Mailin approach him, offering quiet words of comfort, something tugs at me. She’s always had that effect on people—softer, warmer than I am. Where I rely on discipline and structure, she offers understanding, and together, it creates a balance I never expected to need.
I catch Hitoshi’s eye as I speak. “You’ve trained hard, but this isn’t about proving anything to anyone but yourself. Don’t worry about what they say,” I pause, noting the way he straightens slightly under my gaze. “Focus on the task at hand. Use your head. You’ve got the tools. Now show them what you can do.”
He gives a small nod, but there’s something in his expression that makes me think he’s still holding onto doubt.
Mailin catches my gaze and offers me one of her knowing smiles. It’s almost like she can read my thoughts. “He’ll be okay,” she says, her voice quiet but certain. “He’s ready, even if he doesn’t believe it yet.”
I nod, trusting her instincts, but still, the protective instinct gnaws at me. I’ve trained Hitoshi to be smart, tactical. But this... this is more than just about battle strategies. It’s about self-worth. And I know how heavy that weight can be.
---
Mailin’s POV
As the first match begins, I watch from the sidelines with Shota. Team Asui versus Team Shiozaki. My gaze flickers between the students, but my attention always returns to Hitoshi, who is standing at the back of his team, watching, waiting for the right moment to act.
I notice the subtle way Shota’s fingers flex at his side, a habit he’s developed whenever he’s anxious. He won’t admit it out loud, but he’s worried about Hitoshi. The connection they’ve formed runs deep, and Shota’s investment in his growth is more personal than he lets on. It makes me smile, seeing this side of him—quietly protective, though he hides it behind his usual stoicism.
Hitoshi moves into action, using his Quirk strategically, though it’s clear he’s still adjusting to the flow of battle. He manages to Brainwash one of the opponents, sending them stumbling into a trap set by Tsuyu. The plan is working, but I can see the strain on his face. He’s pushing himself, trying to keep up, trying to prove he’s more than just his Quirk.
When the match ends, the victory is clear for Class 1-A, but Hitoshi looks frustrated, his hands clenching at his sides as he walks back toward us.
Before Shota can say anything, I step forward, catching Hitoshi’s attention. “You did well,” I say gently, meeting his gaze. “It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. And you’ve made so much of it. Don’t forget that.”
He frowns slightly, his shoulders tense. “I made mistakes,” he mutters. “I’m still behind everyone else.”
I place a hand on his arm, my touch light but firm. “Everyone starts somewhere, Hitoshi. You’re pushing yourself harder than anyone else, and that’s what matters. No one expects you to be perfect—not even Shota.”
He glances over at Shota, who’s watching with his usual calm expression. There’s no judgment in his gaze, only quiet encouragement. Hitoshi seems to take that in, his posture relaxing ever so slightly.
“You’ll get there,” Shota says, his voice steady. “Just keep practicing. The rest will follow.”
I watch as Hitoshi nods, the tension easing from his body, and my heart swells with pride. He’s come so far, and I know, deep down, that this boy is going to be something extraordinary.
---
Shota’s POV
As the next teams prepare for their match, I watch Hitoshi walk away, his shoulders straighter than before. Mailin stands beside me, her presence warm and grounding. She’s always been better at handling emotions, at making the students feel seen. It’s something I admire about her, even if I don’t always say it.
“You’re good with him,” I murmur, my eyes still on Hitoshi.
Mailin smiles softly, glancing at me. “So are you, in your own way.”
I don’t respond right away, but there’s a warmth in my chest that I can’t quite ignore. Maybe she’s right. Maybe we’re both exactly what Hitoshi needs—a balance between discipline and care. And together, we’ll make sure he knows that he belongs, not just here, but with us.
As the next match begins, I allow myself a brief moment of peace, standing beside Mailin, knowing that no matter what challenges lie ahead, we’ll face them together.
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...
