~𝔏𝔬𝔳𝔢 ℌ𝔞𝔰 𝔑𝔬 𝔅𝔬𝔲𝔫𝔡𝔞𝔯𝔦𝔢𝔰~ (Tokoyami Fumikage X Reader)

Chapter 21

The next morning, the students of Class 1-A were awakened bright and early, ready to tackle another day of grueling training under the supervision of the Wild, Wild Pussycats. The forest surrounding them was already alive with the sounds of nature, a serene contrast to the intensity that awaited them.

Niko glanced around at her classmates, who all seemed just as exhausted as she felt. But there was an underlying determination in everyone’s eyes, knowing that they needed to grow stronger for the battles that lay ahead.

Tokoyami stood by her side, a quiet yet steady presence. Their relationship had shifted since the night before, but there was an unspoken understanding between them. Though they were now connected in a way neither of them had expected, they were also still heroes-in-training with goals to achieve.

“Today’s going to be rough,” Niko murmured as she watched Kirishima, Bakugo, and the others preparing for their training. Kirishima was already raring to go, flexing his muscles in excitement, while Bakugo was muttering something about blasting his way to the top.

Tokoyami nodded, his eyes focused. “It’s necessary. We have to be prepared for whatever comes next.”

As the group gathered in front of the Pussycats, Pixie-Bob clapped her hands together, grinning. “Alright, Class 1-A! Today’s training will push your Quirks to their limits. We’re increasing the difficulty level. Prepare yourselves for a challenge!”

The Pussycats began dividing the class into groups to focus on different aspects of their Quirks. Niko and Tokoyami found themselves in a team with Uraraka, Kaminari, and Ashido, all of whom were eager to push their abilities.

Throughout the morning, Niko focused on honing her telekinesis, moving larger and heavier objects than she ever had before. Her control was improving, but it was mentally exhausting. She found herself glancing over at Tokoyami every so often, watching as he fought to keep Dark Shadow in check while also increasing its power.

Uraraka, always cheerful, floated over to Niko during a short break. “You’re doing great, Niko!” she encouraged, giving her a bright smile. “You’re really pushing yourself.”

Niko smiled back, wiping the sweat from her brow. “Thanks, Uraraka. You’re doing amazing too. I don’t know how you handle floating all day!”

Uraraka laughed, brushing it off. “It takes some getting used to. But hey, I noticed you and Tokoyami seem a lot closer lately,” she teased with a wink. “Anything you wanna share?”

Niko’s face flushed slightly. “Well... yeah, I guess you could say we’ve gotten closer,” she admitted with a soft smile. “It’s still new, though.”

Uraraka grinned, clearly excited for her. “That’s so cute! I’m happy for you two. Tokoyami’s a great guy.”

Niko nodded, her gaze drifting back to where Tokoyami was training. “Yeah… he is.”

---

As the day came to an end, the students were beyond exhausted, but the satisfaction of their progress was evident. Everyone was a little stronger, a little more confident in their abilities. Even Bakugo, who rarely complimented anyone, seemed satisfied with his own performance.

That night, as the camp settled into a more relaxed atmosphere, Niko and Tokoyami found themselves together once again, sitting near the outskirts of the camp, where the forest began to thicken.

The night was peaceful, the stars twinkling above them as they sat in comfortable silence. Niko leaned her head against Tokoyami’s shoulder, feeling the warmth of his presence. The events of the day seemed distant now, as if the world had shrunk down to just the two of them once more.

“Today was tough,” Niko said softly, her voice barely breaking the quiet. “But I feel like we’re all growing.”

Tokoyami nodded, his hand finding hers. “We’ll need that strength soon,” he replied, his voice calm. “I can feel it.”

Niko looked up at him, her heart swelling with affection for the boy beside her. “I know we will,” she agreed, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.

They sat there together for a moment longer, the quiet forest their only witness. And though neither of them said it aloud, they both knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.