𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗦 ⌈𝐈⌔𝐌 ✗ 𝔽!𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫𝑬𝑹⌋

Chapter 028

CHAPTER 28: Reflections and Progress

It was the fifth day of the internships, and Midoriya remained at Hosu General Hospital, recovering from his injuries. Though the worst had passed, the pain lingered-a constant reminder of the intense battle with Stain. The room felt quieter than it should have, with Iida having left earlier to be with his family after receiving his test results. Todoroki had also departed, his injuries minor enough that he could return to his father's agency. As he left, Todoroki had paused in the doorway, looking back at Midoriya with his usual serious expression.

"I hope I can shame my father," Todoroki had said quietly. "After all, I helped take down Stain, not him." His words held a sharp edge, but beneath them was the unspoken weight of the relationship between father and son.

Now, lying in bed, Midoriya pondered Todoroki's words. He wondered how everyone else's internships were going-how his classmates were managing the challenges they faced in their respective training. He sighed, gazing out of the window, his thoughts swirling with the events of the past few days.

Midoriya wasn't alone in the hospital, though. You were still there, your injuries light, but the hospital staff had decided to keep you around for a bit longer, just to ensure you were truly fit to return to training. You sat by the window, gazing out into the city, the afternoon sun casting soft shadows over your face.

Midoriya glanced at you, his thoughts momentarily pulling away from the weight of his own concerns. "How are you feeling?" he asked softly.

You turned to him, offering a small smile. "I'm okay. The doctors are being overly cautious, I think," you replied, your tone light but carrying an undercurrent of exhaustion. "It's been a crazy few days. Honestly, I'm just grateful it wasn't worse."

Midoriya nodded, understanding the feeling all too well. "Yeah, it's been... intense." He hesitated, then added, "You were amazing during the fight, by the way. I don't think we could've done it without you."

You blushed slightly at his praise, feeling a bit awkward but appreciative. "We all worked together. That's what matters." You glanced at him, noticing the thoughtful look on his face. "What about you, Midoriya? How are you feeling?"

Midoriya looked down at his hands, the bandages still wrapped tightly around them. "I'm... okay. I've been thinking a lot, though. About what happened, and what it means to be a hero." He smiled faintly, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "There's still so much I need to learn."

You nodded, understanding his words on a deeper level. "We're all learning. But we're getting stronger, too. We'll figure it out-together."

The two of you shared a quiet moment, the weight of everything that had happened sitting heavily on your shoulders, but with a sense of shared resolve.

---

Elsewhere, Katsuki Bakugo walked the streets alongside Best Jeanist, his internship mentor. The sun hung high in the sky as they patrolled the city. Best Jeanist, ever the professional, glanced at Katsuki, his eyes narrowed in thought.

"So, Bakugo," Best Jeanist began, "do you know the purpose of patrols?"

Bakugo, ever eager to show off his knowledge and skills, grinned widely. "To beat up criminals on the spot, right?"

Best Jeanist sighed, clearly unimpressed. "No. Patrolling is about giving the public peace of mind, not creating unnecessary conflict." His words were punctuated by a brief moment where a group of fangirls spotted him, their eyes lighting up with recognition. Best Jeanist offered them a smile and a wave, his demeanor calm and composed.