My Hero Academia Symbol of Hope (DC x MHA)

New Life

Ms. Haruko stepped out of the room, her calm demeanor unshaken as she approached Kai, Melissa, and Toshinori, who were anxiously waiting in the hallway. Eri's quiet yet heartfelt answers had provided her with enough clarity, and now it was time to address the next steps. She smiled softly, sensing the anticipation in the air.

"Eri has expressed that she feels safe with you, Kai, and that she likes Melissa as well," Ms. Haruko began, glancing between the couple. "Given her situation and her lack of other family options, we can proceed with making arrangements for her to stay with you. However, there are conditions you must fulfill to become her adoptive parents."

Kai straightened, his voice steady. "What kind of conditions? I'll do whatever it takes."

Ms. Haruko's expression remained professional yet kind. "First, you'll need to prove that you can provide a stable home environment. Given your hero work, this includes ensuring that Eri has proper care when you're on duty. You'll also need to demonstrate financial stability and undergo periodic home visits to monitor her well-being."

Melissa nodded confidently. "We can handle that."

But then Ms. Haruko hesitated, her eyes narrowing slightly as she continued. "The most critical requirement is that the two of you must be a legally recognized couple. Adoption laws are stricter when it comes to single guardians, and having two legal parents in a stable relationship would provide Eri with the security she needs. You don't have to marry immediately, but the process will require that you are legally married within the next six months."

The weight of her words hit both Kai and Melissa like a lightning bolt. They exchanged wide-eyed, blushing glances, their faces rapidly turning shades of red.

"M-M-Married?!" Melissa stammered, her voice breaking slightly.

Kai scratched the back of his neck, his voice sheepish. "Well, that's... unexpected." He tried to keep calm but couldn't stop the heat rising to his cheeks. "The press is going to have a field day with this. 'Symbol of Hope and the Super Genius Tie the Knot'? Sounds like a tabloid headline waiting to happen."

Before anyone could respond, Toshinori's phone began to beep furiously as he tapped away at the screen with a mischievous grin. "Oh, this is fantastic news. I'm letting Gran Torino and David know right away!"

Kai's head snapped toward his father, his face somehow redder than before. "D-Dad! You don't need to tell everyone yet!"

Melissa hid her face in her hands, laughing nervously. "Uncle, please don't!"

But Toshinori ignored them, a wide smile plastered across his face. "David's going to fly to Japan immediately. He's going to want to congratulate you both in person—and start planning the wedding, no doubt!"

Kai groaned, his hand covering his face as he muttered, "This is escalating way too fast."

Melissa couldn't help but laugh softly, despite her embarrassment. She looked at Kai, her blue eyes warm. "Well, we always knew we'd get here someday. Maybe we just... have to fast-track things a little."

Kai glanced at her, his expression softening. "You're okay with this? I mean, this is a lot to take in."

Melissa smiled reassuringly, taking his hand in hers. "If it's for Eri, then yes. And... it's not like I don't want this. I do."

Kai's blush deepened, but he squeezed her hand gently. "Then let's do it."

Ms. Haruko nodded approvingly. "It seems like you two are on the same page. I'll begin the paperwork for Eri's temporary guardianship while we finalize the adoption process. Congratulations—and good luck."