Where Our Hearts Fall

Chapter 5

The day after the chaos of the USJ incident, Class 1-A was back to their regular schedule. Everyone seemed to be adjusting well, although the recent events had clearly left an impression on all of them. The students gathered in their classroom, lounging and chatting casually, but Y/N couldn't shake the unease from the back of her mind. The rescue training, the villains, and—most of all—her secret second quirk were all still weighing on her.

It was the usual Friday afternoon, and the class had found themselves in a relaxed mood, trading stories about their parents. The conversation had started innocently enough, but Y/N knew it was only a matter of time before someone asked about her own family. She wasn't ready to talk about it, not now, and certainly not when her own abilities remained a secret.

"So, my mother is always cheering me on," Midoriya said, his voice full of excitement. "She can't wait to see how far I can go as a hero. She even watches my training videos!" He laughed, scratching the back of his head.

Bakugo scoffed. "Don't talk to me about your parents. My mom keeps nagging me about manners. Like I'm gonna listen to her about that!"

Mina giggled, elbowing Kirishima playfully. "My mom just wants me to be a good kid and do my best. But honestly, she lets me have fun too! No complaints here."

The conversation flowed from parents' quirks to funny family stories. Everyone seemed so carefree, but Y/N couldn't shake the feeling that she was the odd one out. She listened to the others speak about their families—so open, so comfortable. It made her stomach twist. If they only knew the truth, would they still look at her the same way?

Momo turned to Y/N with a soft smile. "What about you, Y/N? How are your parents? Do you have any funny stories to share?"

The question hit her like a ton of bricks. She froze, her stomach lurching in anxiety. Y/N had been expecting this—just not so soon. She had tried to push the thoughts of her parents to the back of her mind, but now, under the weight of her classmates' curious eyes, it all came rushing back.

"My... parents?" Y/N forced out, her voice a little too stiff. "Oh, well... they're always busy. You know how it is, right? They travel a lot, so I don't see them much."

It wasn't the truth. It wasn't even close. But it was all she could manage. Her hands gripped the edge of her desk tighter, trying to steady herself. She couldn't afford to let her classmates see the fear in her eyes. The fear that, one day, her parents—villains—might come looking for her. The fear that her second quirk might be discovered.

Y/N shifted awkwardly in her seat, trying to sound casual. "Yeah, they're always busy with their work. I don't mind. It's whatever."

Bakugo, who was sitting across from her, raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "You're dodging the question. You really got nothing to say about your parents? Not even a story?"

Before Y/N could respond, Mina quickly jumped in, flashing a smile at Bakugo. "Come on, Bakugo, give her a break! She probably just doesn't want to talk about it." Her tone was light, but there was something in her eyes that said she wasn't entirely convinced.

Y/N was relieved by Mina's interjection but also felt a wave of guilt wash over her. Mina was the only one who seemed to see through her. The others didn't suspect anything, but Mina knew there was something off. The way Y/N avoided the question, how her gaze darted around the room—Mina had seen that look before.

Kirishima, trying to keep the mood light, gave a nervous laugh. "Well, I don't know what's going on with everyone else's parents, but my mom's a great cook! She makes the best meatloaf! Seriously, you guys should come over sometime."

The class chuckled, and the conversation shifted. But Y/N could feel Mina's eyes on her. She could tell that Mina wasn't going to let it go. And that scared her more than she wanted to admit.