Leave Your Mark | Various!BNHA x Reader

56: A Real Hero

Predictably, Shouto wins his battle.

Sero's Quirk is plenty versatile in its own right, but alas, this is the expected result. You respect him for giving it an honest attempt. He was simply outclassed, and sometimes, it just comes down to the luck of the draw.

You're happy, though. As disappointing as it must be for Sero, this was the best way it could've gone. Shouto isn't carrying any of the resentment and anger he would've originally brought into this battle. He still won, but he didn't go overboard, nor did he use Sero as a means to vent his frustration. And although he hasn't tapped into his left side yet, you know that when it comes down to it, he won't hold back. He's done resenting himself. He's ready to use all of his strength, without being tied down by guilt.

In Chisaki's case, you prevented him from becoming a cold, ruthless villain. A man who had no qualms about torturing a poor little girl, and killing anyone who stood in his path. Yes, he still has an obsessive streak, and yes, you can't deny that it's been a bumpy road thus far, but the fact that he's able to be here right now-watching from the spectator stands-is a miracle in itself.

You've accomplished incredible things since awakening in this world, and leading Chisaki towards a brighter future is arguably the most impressive of all. It was so difficult. It took years upon years to get to this point, and you can't even count the number of times you feared for your safety. However, when it comes to Shouto...

Really, all he ever needed was a friend.

"[Name], I'm back."

You turn around, a smile already spread across your lips. It's Shouto, of course. He mirrors your smile with one of his own, and you'd say he looks awfully proud of himself as well.

"I won," he happily announces.

"I know," you muse. "I was watching."

"That means I'll be fighting Midoriya in the second round. Midoriya's nice, but I'm going to make sure to beat him, too. I know he's also your friend... still, will you be rooting for me?"

He proceeds to make puppy eyes at you, perhaps without even realizing that he's doing it. To be honest, it's practically impossible to say no to a face like that. You obviously adore Izuku, but Shouto rightfully claimed the title of your best friend a long time ago. Besides, it's not like Izuku's victory is being stolen from him or anything. If he's destined to lose against Shouto anyway, you'd much rather they have an honest, all-out battle, right from the very beginning.

You lean in closer as Shouto grabs his seat beside you, and he flinches from the sensation of your lips brushing against the shell of his ear. Within a split second, his face already feels dangerously red.

"I don't want Izuku to overhear and feel bad, but I'll always be rooting for you," you whisper. Then you pull away, playfully pinch his cheek, and grin. "I mean, I feel like that goes without saying. I'll be cheering you on, and you'll be cheering me on. Right?"

"R-Right."

Shouto drops his gaze towards the ground, in a pitiful attempt to try and calm down. Sitting several spots over, in a corner all by himself, Katsuki watches with a look that somehow combines disgust, irritation, and jealousy all at once.

God. That idiot (Shouto) is so painfully obvious it honestly hurts to watch.

...and yes, this is coming from the same guy who shamelessly kissed you earlier.

"My turn!" Kaminari cries out, jumping out of his seat and flashing you a victory sign-which is definitely getting a little too ahead of himself, but you appreciate the enthusiasm. "I don't really know much about my opponent, Hatsume, but she talked to me earlier, and apparently she wanted it to be fair by letting me use the same equipment as her. Anyway, just watch! I bet our fight is going to be really flashy and cool. Don't be surprised when you see how badass I am, okay, [Name]?"