Leinei groans softly as she lays her head on the desk, exhausted after the written and practical exams. Her brain and body aches more than her training with Aizawa when she first started, that first week feeling like a lifetime ago compared to everything they've been through since. If she's being honest, she doesn't even remember that first week, all of it bleeding together in one sped up blur.

"Ugh those exams were killer," Mina whines, holding her head as she leans over her desk with a sad sigh. "It sucks we failed the practicals."

"Now we won't get to go to the summer camp," Kaminari adds, leaning back in his chair with an arm draped over his eyes. "I won't get to see any of the girls in skimpy swimsuits."

"Don't worry, Denki, I'll take plenty of photos for you," Mineta chuckles, drooling a bit while sitting there with a cheek on his fist as he smirks. A collective shudder runs through the girls as Kaminari moves his arm from his face and looks at him.

"I can't believe you passed," he grumbles. "And I had Lei and Momo tutoring me!"

"You just don't retain information that well," Momo says, trying to cheer him up. "Maybe next time we can find a personalized way to tutor you?"

"You're too kind," he cries, looking at her with watery puppy dog eyes. "You're the best Yaomomo!"

"I'd prefer if you guys stopped calling me that," she tells him, smiling awkwardly with her head tilted and eyes closed. "But whatever helps, I suppose."

"And I have to miss out training with Bakugo and Salinsa," Kirishima sighs sadly, leaning back in his chair with his head tilted back and arms hanging limply at his sides. "And I'm stuck with Kaminari. This sucks."

"Stop your complaining," Aizawa calls out to the class, slamming the door shut behind him to make everyone snap to attention. Leinei did it a little too hard, smacking the back of her head against the window and trying hard not to let her pain be that noticeable as she sits there with her eyes watering. "No one is going to be left at the school."

"Huh?!"

"It was a tactical ruse!" The teacher laughs, his sleep deprived smile sending shivers through the class. "It was a tactical ruse to ensure you all performed your best, so everyone is attending the summer camp." A small cheer starts to ripple through the class. "But those who failed have to take remedial classes with myself and Vlad King."

The cheer is squashed into groans from Mina, Sato, Kirishima, Kaminari, and Sero. There's a small cackle from Mineta, which a well aimed acid glob from Mina shuts down immediately. Aizawa sighs and shakes his head.

"Class is dismissed for the rest of the day," he announces. "You can see the results of your exams on the classroom board outside as you leave. Salinsa, stay behind."

She stiffens as everyone else packs up. Kaminari and Kirishima give her a thumbs up and mouth the words good luck as they walk out. Bakugo gives her a small glare as he leaves, his bag held over his shoulder. Her stomach twists as she stands up and walks over to Aizawa. I failed. I failed the tests, I fucked up so bad. I hope I didn't bring Shochan and Momo down…

"Don't worry, I'm not failing you for how you performed out there," he assures her, watching her shoulders relax. "Though I do want to talk about your lack of self preservation. If I was a real villain, I would have killed you without a second thought."

"I'm aware sir," she replies, looking up at him. Her ankle still hurts where his scarf had wrapped around it when she jumped in front of Shoto and Momo to prevent them from being caught. "But if it was a real villain attack, then Sho-Todoroki and Yaoyorozu would have been safe to fight on and bring help if needed."

"Salinsa. Do you remember our discussion at the beginning of your education here? About this very same issue?"

"It's a hero's job to save everyone they can," she retorts. "That's how I'm balancing my ledger."

"You can't balance it if you're dead," he reminds her, then sighs and rubs the side of his head. "Are you still struggling with mobility issues? I noticed you requested a suit modification to change your pants into a skirt."

"That's right. I'm trying something out."

"Your quirk is an emitter type, like mine," he remarks. "Once our quirk's timer runs out, that leaves us vulnerable. You need to learn other tricks to have in your arsenal when something like that happens."

"I know hand to hand and can hold my own decently enough in a fight."

"And when that doesn't work either?" he asks her. "What happens if you're faced against someone you have no chance of winning in a hand to hand fight with? You die. Or you die waiting on reinforcements."

"What are you trying to tell me?" she demands, getting irritated as she clenches her hands into fists. "To drop out?"

"Actually, I was trying to take you on as an apprentice and teach you how to use the capture cloth," he tells her, exasperated with her defensive display. She seems a little shocked, tilting her head as she processes what he says. "I have another student I want to apprentice with as well, an emitter quirk like ours, and I thought it would be a good thing to pick up for the next semester."

"Oh." She's stunned, unable to really say anything else as Aizawa stares at her. She feels bad for being so defensive when he was trying to help her. "Are you sure you want-want me? Wouldn't someone else be better for your offer?"

"Salinsa, to loosely quote what All Might about Midoriya, you have been at level zero most of your life. No one was willing to help you. I think that alone makes you more than worthy of any chance to help you better yourself, especially when you yourself have been actively trying to better yourself. You're one of the few students here I think have made the most progress since enrolling, despite what issues you may have. So, if you'd like, the apprenticeship stands."

"Um, yes, actually, I-I'd love to learn more from you," she says quickly, her eyes lighting up. "I wouldn't have gotten my quirk under control without your tutelage, so anything else you want to teach me, I'd be more than happy to learn! I promise I won't let you down!"

"Alright, I'm just doing my job, not offering you one," he sighs. "You're dismissed."

"Thank you sir!"

She's nearly bouncing as she grabs her bag and hurries out, running into Bakugo, Kirishima, Kaminari, Mina and Sero, who had been waiting on her to finish the talk with Aizawa. She's smiling brightly, her head still spinning at their teacher's praise as they all start talking about what to do with the rest of their day off. I'm finally doing well. I'm finally getting better. Everything is finally getting better-I can do this, I can be better!

"We should totally go shopping!" Mina says, wrapping her arm around Leinei's elbow and throwing her hand holding her bag into the air. "We're gonna need new clothes if we're going to the summer camp!"

"You just want a reason to go to the shopping mall in Kiyashi," Sero teases, his hand messing with a thin gold chain around his neck. "But it would be fun."

"Ooh, that new mall that just opened up?" Kaminari asks, his eyes lighting up. "We should totally go! Right, Lei? Bakugo?"

"Um...I've...I should really just get home," Leinei admits, laughing softly. "My sister-"

"Won't know we had a half day!" Kaminari protests. "Come with us-it's always school, home and Bakugo's with you! Please~?"

"Ahm…"

"Please?" Mina adds, rubbing her cheek on Leinei's like a cat. Leinei tries to lean away, one eye closed as she tries to get away from the affectionate pink girl. "It'll be so much fun!"

"Well...I've never actually been shopping before...so, sure," she relents, sliding a hand between her cheek and Mina's and pushing her away. "Should we get changed first?"

"Mmm, that's a fair point," Kirishima says, looking down at their school uniforms as they walk out of the school's gates. "Meet up at the mall in an hour?"

"In the food court!" Mina adds. "Gotta have sustenance for a proper shopping spree!"

"Shopping spree!"

"O-Okay," Leinei relents, as everyone separates and heads off to their homes. Well, except her and Bakugo. He looks more irritated than excited for the shopping spree, looking at his feet. "Are you okay, Katsu?"

"Why did Mr. Aizawa wanna talk to you?" he demands, finally looking at her. "And why did you come out looking so happy?"

"Um..I-is that an issue?" she asks, confused. "I-I wasn't gonna say anything until later, but he offered to train me on using capture cloth so..I-I thought you'd be happy for me."

"Oh…" He seems a little surprised, the anger melting from his face. "I thought you were in trouble for something. I was about to kick your ass for being stupid enough to get caught, and being happy about it."

"No," she laughs, waving her hand in front of her face. "Nothing like that. In fact he did reprimand me for having a lack of self preservation, but nothing too major to be docked points."

"Dumbass," he growls, smacking her back and making her lurch forward. She laughs, rolling her shoulders back and shaking her head. "Go get changed so we can do this stupid shopping spree thing."

"See you there, Katsu."

At the shopping mall, Bakugo was checking his phone every few seconds since Leinei sent the message to the group chat that she was heading to the mall. His leg is bouncing as he sits at the table, an extra burger and small thing of fries waiting for her as he watches the door. Mina giggles watching this, her chin in her hands, smiling at seeing how concerned he was. He had even tried to dress nice, wearing a grey short sleeved button down unbuttoned over a black tank top and jeans.

"What Raccoon Eyes?" he growls, seeing her staring. She shakes her head, sticking her tongue out at him as she leans back in her chair. Kirishima, who was halfway through eating a french fry, looks between the two.

"Bakubro, you good?" he asks, swallowing the rest of his fry. "You look pale as hell."

"M'fine."

"He's waiting on Lei," Kaminari says, flinching back as the ash blond's boy turns his glare to him. Sero giggles, mostly looking at his phone, and looks up when everyone looks at him. "Whatcha laughing at?" the electric blond asks, taking the attention off Bakugo.

"My boyfriend," he says sheepishly, messing with the gold chain around his neck. Mina seems taken aback, a hand against her chest as she looks at him offended. "What?"

"And you haven't told me yet?" she demands. "As the group matchmaker, I feel offended."

"Who the hell appointed that title to you?"

"It's a self appointed title, Bakugo. And one you are very much in need of. Considering how you pine over Leinei like a lovesick puppy."

"Yep, just go back to Bakugo," Sero murmurs, going back to texting his boyfriend. Mina reaches over and smacks his ear. "Ow!"

"Oh this conversation is so not done, I need all of his social media and deets now," she says, pulling his ear. "I need to make sure he's okay for you."

"Mina, no, I don't need you to do any of that," the dark haired boy replies, pushing her hand off. "He and I are very happy, we've been talking for a few years, and I like him very much."

"Hmpf, but I wanna meet him," she whines. "Where does he live? Maybe we can go visit before the summer camp!"

"That would be very hard considering he lives in the United States," he says matter of factly. Mina groans and leans back, picking up her soda and sipping through the straw as she pouts. Sero shakes his head, rolling his eyes as he goes back to his phone.

"Anyway, Bakugo, what's your game plan for asking out Leinei?" Mina pipes up after a few seconds of sacred silence. Bakugo sighs and shakes his head.

"Shut up."

"Oh come on. You can't just be content with pining after her the rest of your life. Ask her out, bro," Kirishima says, nudging his friend. "If she says no, then hell, she says no."

"I don't have a clue what you're talking about. Shut the hell up."

"Why are we shutting up this time, Katsu?"

He stiffens, his face going red as he sees Leinei standing there in a purple tank top and black mini skirt, wearing ankle boots with her hair pulled from her face by two red feather barrettes. His heart flutters as she tilts her head and smiles, his hand coming up to cover his mouth as he looks away. Mina lets out a low whistle as Leinei sits down and starts nibbling on one of her fries, completely disregarding the obvious blush burning across Bakugo's face.

"Damn girl, you really were hiding under those clothes at school, huh?" she remarks, leaning forward with her chin in her hand. Leinei tilts her head, confused. "You look really good."

"She dresses like that all the time," Kirishima says. "Usually she's in jeans though, so the skirt is different."

"My sister surprised me while I was home," she replies, shrugging. "I told her I was coming to the mall with you guys, and she got excited, handed me a credit card that didn't look like one of hers, and helped me get dressed. I wanted to wear a cover or something, but she said it would 'ruin the look', whatever that means."

"Oh I know what she means," Mina laughs as Kaminari reaches over and steals some of Leinei's fries. "You look amazing. I love your barrettes, where did you get them?"

"Hm?" She touches two of her fingers to one of the red feather barrettes keeping her hair from her face as Kirishima sneakily snatches the burger away from her. "Oh, they were Christmas gifts."

"She's a Hawks fan," Bakugo says. "Of course she'd have something like that."

"I wear a hoodie with him on it one time," she retorts, rolling her eyes at him with a smile. She looks down at her food, her eye starting to twitch. "Ei, Denks, where did my food go?"

"Mm.." Kirishima hastily shoves the rest of the burger in his mouth, choking a bit as he chews and swallows. He gets to his feet the same time Kaminari does. "We should get started before it's too late."

"Yeah, sounds good," Kaminari adds, pushing his chair under the table and grabbing Sero. "Let's go!"

"If you guys wanted my food you could have just asked," she sighs, shaking her head as she helps Mina gather the trash up. She knocks one of the wrappers to the floor by Bakugo's feet, bending over without thinking. Bakugo stands up so fast he almost gets a headrush, his face feeling blistering hot from the blush on cheeks. Leinei stands back up, confused by the way he wasn't looking at her. "Is everything okay, Katsu? You look feverish."

"He's definitely sick," Mina mutters to herself, earning a sharp glare from Bakugo as he takes the trash from Leinei and walks it over to the appropriate bins. Leinei shrugs it off, starting to walk after the other boys. Mina nudges Bakugo as they walk after her. "You have to tell her at some point."

"I don't have a clue what you're talking about," he replies. "And no I don't. Fuck off about it."

"If you say so," she sings before jogging ahead to grab Leinei's arm and direct them towards a cute boutique. "Let's start here first!" She looks at Bakugo pointedly, grinning. "I'm sure Leinei needs more cute clothes."

"Hell yeah," Kaminari says, following along. "Oh sweet, they got stuff in here for guys too. This is gonna be great."

These extras are gonna be the death of me.

A few hours pass at the shopping mall, and they each decide to split up for the final store before heading home. Mina and Kaminari choose some cheesy knockoff boutique while Sero, Kirishima and Bakugo choose the sports store across the walk from theirs. Leinei didn't want to spend any more money than she had on a cute sundress she doubted she would ever wear, and chose to stay in a location visible from both stores, a pillar in the middle of the walkway.

"If you stare at her any harder, she's gonna burst into flames," Sero tells Bakugo, who stays by the entrance to keep an eye on her. "She's a big girl and capable of handling herself."

"She can be a little spacey at times," Kirishima points out, tossing a baseball up and down twice before placing it back on the shelf. "But she's fine. Stop worrying so much."

"Shut up, I am not worrying," Bakugo snaps, finally tearing his gaze away from Leinei to look at a pair of cleats. He didn't even know why they were in there, it's not like they use any of this crap at school. "She's just as much a dunce as the rest of you, and I wanted to make sure we didn't lose her dumbass like we lost Shitty Hair in Hot Topic."

"Excuse me, that store is the manliest store around," Kirishima says defensively, a blush coming across his face. "And they had a sale."

"A sale for your dignity," Sero teases. "But they had some nice beanies. I might send one to Kendall."

"Your boyfriend?"

"Yeah. He might like one. If I can find one that'll fit over his hair."

Bakugo peeks back at Leinei as they talk, seeing two guys standing by the entrance that weren't there a few seconds ago. He wants to look away, but she's got a stupid look on her face that tells him she spaced out again. What could she even be thinking about right now? Oh god, did Mina tell her something? Kaminari?

"Yeah she's kinda cute," one of the guys says, messing with the hat on his head. Hearing those words made Bakugo's blood boil. "More your type though, ain't she?"

"Curvy and gorgeous? Dude you don't have to have a type to appreciate her like that."

"Go talk to her then. She's alone."

Oh. Hell. No.

"Bakugo where are you-"

He walks out of the store, making sure to shoulder check the guy debating if he should go talk to Leinei as he walks over to the purple haired girl. The guy goes to yell at him, but stops when he thinks he recognizes the boy. I've seen him before. Bakugo makes sure to give pointed eye contact as he slams his opposite hand above her head, shocking her out of her spaced out stupor. He was daring them to fucking try their luck, that if they came over there they would be leaving with toe tags instead of her number. The guy in the hat murmurs something to the other guy, who goes pale.

"Katsu, is everything okay?" she asks, looking up at his stretched out arm above her head before looking at his face, her brow furrowed. The muscles in his jaw were working as he tried to find the words to chew her out without completely hurting her feelings, keeping an eye on the guys by the entrance to the sports store. "Katsu-"

"Don't fucking space out like that," he tells her, forcing the words out minus the edge, relaxing as he watches the guys walk off with their heads down. "You need to worry more about your surroundings in public."

"Oh...sorry, did I almost bump into you?"

"No. Just...fucking never mind."

You fucking idiot...why do I like you?

"I'll do better next time, I'm sorry I worried you!"

And there's the reason. That stupid smile she has, the one he's come to notice is different everytime she does it for him. At least, he thinks it is. Her eyes never sparkle the same when she smiles at Kaminari or Kirishima, or when she's talking to Shoto or Izuku. Her voice even changes, but he doubts she notices. He didn't notice for the longest time, not even when it made his heart race that first day they met.

"Whatever," he growls, pulling his hand away and letting it fall to his side. "Just be more careful. You can't space out in places like this, you'll get hurt much worse than bumping into me, dumbass."

"Okay, Katsu."

Don't give me that fucking knowing smile. You don't know what you're doing to me. You've given me that fucking smile every single day since we met, and you don't even realize it, do you? Stop making me worry. Stop making me fall more for you. I-you-fuck!

"Oh he's totally fucked," Kaminari says to Mina as she slips the men some money, watching the interaction between Leinei and Bakugo go down from behind the entrance to the knock off boutique. "He needs so much help."

"Good thing we'll have a whole week to orchestrate stuff~!" She sings.

"He's gonna need it."