Where Our Hearts Fall

Chapter 25

The early morning frost bit at Y/N's skin as she stood outside U.A.'s dormitory. Snow had already begun to fall in thick flakes, swirling around in the wind as the winter chill settled over the campus. The first snow day of the season had arrived, but instead of lounging in warmth, Y/N and her classmates were about to head out for a survival training exercise—something that was far from a "fun snow day" activity.

Her breath came out in soft puffs, and she pulled her scarf tighter around her neck, glancing around to see the rest of Class 1-A gathering by the front gate. Aizawa was there as usual, his expression impassive as always, but even he couldn't hide the hint of tension in the air. The students chattered amongst themselves, some excited, some dreading the cold and the upcoming test.

"Alright, listen up!" Aizawa's voice cut through the crowd, and everything fell silent. "Today's exercise is a simulated rescue mission in a mountainous region. You'll have to fight through harsh conditions, rescue civilians, and navigate a snowstorm while dealing with threats. If you fail, you'll be walking back to U.A. in the snow."

Y/N felt the knot in her stomach tighten. She had already been warned about the danger of using her quirk in the cold, especially after her training camp experience. Her powers—both her Reality Vein and her wind/air manipulation—could only go so far in freezing temperatures. The wind manipulation helped her move through the air and control objects, but in extreme cold, her control wavered. It wasn't ideal.

But she wasn't about to let her teammates down. She just had to push through it.

Aizawa began calling out pairs for the exercise, and when he said Y/N's name, paired with Bakugo, she stiffened.

"Great..." Y/N muttered under her breath.

Bakugo, standing just a few feet away, shot her a glare. "What's so great about it? I don't need you slowing me down."

Y/N's lips pressed into a thin line. She had expected this reaction, but it didn't make it any easier.

"I'll keep up, don't worry," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

Aizawa's voice echoed over the group. "You'll be tested on your teamwork, how well you handle the environment, and how efficiently you can rescue the civilians. Be prepared."

Y/N followed Bakugo to the transport, trying not to think too much about the inevitable tension. Ever since the training camp, their bond had strengthened. They'd grown closer—she could see it in the way Bakugo didn't snap at her as much, the way his presence felt less like a threat and more like a comfort in the chaos. He was still his usual fiery self, but there was a softening—at least, when it came to her.

The transport bumped along the snow-covered path, and soon they were at the base of a mountain, surrounded by the heavy snowfall. The air was biting, and the ground was slick with layers of snow and ice. Class 1-A was to face an avalanche simulation, simulate rescues in harsh conditions, and deal with environmental obstacles that would test their physical limits.

"Your first task is to navigate through the mountain pass," Aizawa's voice echoed over the comms as the group was split into teams. "There are civilians in danger and obstacles ahead. Get moving, and don't waste time."

As they trudged through the deep snow, Bakugo was already moving with purpose. His explosively fast movements cut through the snow, but Y/N noticed how he kept an eye on her. She tried not to let her heart race at the sight—Bakugo had always been protective in his own abrasive way, but now... there was something different in the way he moved beside her.

Y/N adjusted her gloves, flexing her fingers, and then she used her air manipulation to blow away some of the snow in front of them, clearing a path. It was the best she could do without overtaxing herself. Her powers weren't perfect in this weather, but she'd learned to adapt.