My Number One Hero-(All Might/ Toshinori Yagi) Book 3

36

The campus was alive with energy as I walked through the gates, my footsteps echoing on the cobblestone pathway that wound through the lush greenery of the school. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the buildings and the students bustling between classes. I felt the weight of their gazes on me before I even saw them—the third-year boys. They were always so...enthusiastic in their admiration.

I smiled politely as I waved a casual greeting to some of the students who passed by. A few younger students waved back, their faces lighting up at the sight of me. But it was the group of third-year boys near the entrance that made my heart flutter uncomfortably in my chest. As always, their eyes widened as soon as they caught sight of me. The typical chorus of adoring remarks followed.

"Hana-sensei! Will you marry me?" one of them called, his voice breathless with excitement.

"Please, I'll do anything! Just say yes!" another chimed in, his voice cracking in his desperation.

I glanced over at them, feeling the all-too-familiar flush creeping up my neck. My professional demeanor stayed intact, though it was harder than usual to ignore the awkwardness bubbling in my chest. I forced a polite smile, but my eyes darted quickly away. The boys were practically glowing with affection, their hearts visibly floating above their heads, cartoonish and oversized, as they waited for an answer.

"Thank you for the kind offer, but I'm afraid I'm a bit too busy for that right now," I called back, keeping my tone light but firm, trying not to let my discomfort show. "Good luck with your studies, everyone!"

They sighed in unison, their exaggerated heart eyes slowly deflating as they watched me walk away, their disappointment palpable. Honestly, I didn't know how to deal with their overzealous affection anymore. But I couldn't help but laugh to myself at how persistent they were. I could already hear their voices calling after me in the distance, but I refused to turn back this time.

The moment I stepped through the school's main doors, I was hit with the palpable buzz of activity. Students in various stages of preparation were rushing past me, their faces flushed with excitement as they hurried to finish last-minute details for the upcoming festival. The air was thick with the clatter of decorations being set up, the murmur of voices discussing plans, and the occasional shout of a student urging their peers to hurry.

I couldn't help but smile, a mix of nostalgia and pride welling up inside me. It was moments like this that reminded me how much this school meant to me—the excitement, the energy, the promise of new experiences. But it also meant that I had work to do.

With a quick glance around, I adjusted my bag over my shoulder and briskly walked toward the administrative offices. I had to focus, had to get into the right headspace to help manage the chaos that was sure to unfold over the next few days. The festival was always a big deal, and there was no time to waste.

As I passed a group of students scrambling to hang banners, I paused only long enough to wave at a few familiar faces. But I didn't stop, didn't let myself be distracted. The work ahead of me was far more important than any well-meaning proposals, no matter how sweetly they were offered.

I couldn't afford to let myself be distracted—not with the festival coming up, not with everything that was on the horizon.

Hana entered her office with a heavy sigh, the stress of the morning still lingering in the pit of her stomach. She closed the door behind her with a soft click, taking a few slow steps forward as she tried to shake off the tension that clung to her. The quiet hum of the office seemed almost comforting, a stark contrast to the chaos outside. She finally allowed herself a moment of peace—at least, that's what she thought.