My Hero Academia Symbol of Hope

Unfinished business

Kai unlocked the door to his apartment, the faint sound of the city humming beyond the walls. Melissa stood beside him, trying her best to hide the nervous excitement bubbling up inside her. After the long flight back to Japan, and after everything they had been through, she found herself in a new, unfamiliar territory—not just in the bustling city of Musutafu, but here, about to step into the personal space of the person she had grown to care for deeply.

Kai pushed the door open and stepped inside, flipping on the lights. "Welcome to my place," he said, his voice casual, though there was a soft warmth in his tone. He turned to give Melissa a reassuring smile. "It's not much, but it's home."

Melissa stepped in, her eyes sweeping over the space. It was neat and minimal, much like Kai himself. The apartment had an open living area with large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The furniture was simple but comfortable—muted colors, clean lines. She noticed a few personal touches: a framed picture of Kai and his father, Toshinori, on a shelf, and a few scattered books on hero strategy and engineering.

She swallowed her nerves as Kai continued, "I figured it'd be better for you to stay here, since my dad's place is kind of... small." He chuckled lightly. "Besides, there's plenty of room."

Melissa blushed, trying to steady her heartbeat. She had been caught off guard when he offered to let her live with him. The thought of sharing a home with Kai—who she had grown incredibly close to—made her both excited and a little nervous.

"You really don't mind?" she asked, her voice a little softer than usual. "I don't want to impose or anything."

Kai shook his head, his usual calm demeanor giving her comfort. "Of course I don't mind. I want you to feel at home. Besides," he grinned, "someone's gotta keep an eye on me, right?"

Melissa giggled, relaxing a bit. "Well, I am your tech consultant now," she teased, her eyes sparkling.

Kai walked over to the kitchen area, opening the fridge and pointing out a few things. "Feel free to help yourself to whatever. I'll do a grocery run tomorrow if there's anything you need. Now, let me show you your room."

He led her down a short hallway to a cozy room that was sparsely furnished but welcoming. A neatly made bed with crisp white sheets, a small desk, and a window that let in a soft breeze. It was simple, but Melissa could already see herself getting comfortable here.

"This is perfect, Kai," Melissa said with a grateful smile. "Thank you, really."

Kai leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms and giving her a warm look. "It's nothing. I'm just glad you're here." His voice softened as he continued, "After everything we've been through... it feels good to have you close."

Melissa felt her cheeks heat up at his words. She couldn't remember the last time she felt this way—so nervous, yet so happy just to be in someone's presence. Being in the same house as Kai, someone she admired, respected, and—she realized—liked, was overwhelming but in the best possible way.

"I'm glad too," she said quietly, her heart thudding in her chest. There was a moment of comfortable silence between them before Kai pushed off the doorframe and gave her a small smile.

"Get settled in. I'm just a few steps away if you need anything."

Melissa nodded, watching him leave before she let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. She placed her bags on the bed and sat down, looking around her new room. Living with Kai was going to be... interesting. Her heart fluttered at the thought, but more than anything, she felt safe. For the first time in a while, Melissa felt like she was where she was supposed to be.