That evening, Kahoko sat in her room, writing in her journal. It feels weird Natsume not being here. She sighed and closed the book.

There was a knock on her door.

She got up to answer it.

"Hey, Sano!" Momo grinned shoving a box of what smelled like sweet treats in Kahoko's face.

"What…?"

"We wanted to check out your room." Kyoka said.

Ochaco waved from behind them. "Hi, I'm Ochaco, a friend of Deku's. Nice to meet you."

Kahoko frowned.

"Alright, we figured with Natsume being gone, you'd be a bit lonely. So, I suggested a little hang out. Do you want to hang in the hero common room or the courtyard or just in here?" Momo smiled widely.

Kahoko felt her cheeks flush. "Why would you…?"

"We wanna be your friends, silly!" Ochaco laughed. "Especially since your best friend is a guy, we thought you might want some girl friends."

Kahoko stared at them in awe. "Why are you so interested in befriending me? I've been invisible for over six months, then suddenly everyone wants to know me."

"Because… you're special. I mean, you've connected with Bakugo, and that's hard to even think about." Kyoka remarked. "Plus, we like you, you're a nice person and we think being friends with someone like you is a good thing."

Kahoko sighed. "I guess hanging out with you girls isn't a bad thing…" She picked up her scarf. "Outside sounds good, the sun is still up and it's getting stuffy in here."

The other girls agreed and they all headed out to the courtyard to eat the sweet treats that Momo had brought with her.

The four girls sat on the grass under a tree.

Kahoko's scarf hung loosely around her neck, since at least Momo and Kyoka knew of her quirk, she felt she was safe.

"Come at me, Icy-hot!" Katsuki's voice reached Kahoko's ears. "I won't go easy this time."

Kahoko looked up and over to the training area to see Katsuki's hands giving off explosions whilst heading towards Shoto.

Deku was sat on the side lines taking notes.

"Those two are always at it." She stated.

"Yeah, Bakugo has got a temper and Todoroki just fuels it." Ochaco remarked.

"I've noticed." Kahoko stared as the dual haired boy counter attacked with a shimmering ice wall, blocking Katsuki's attack. "Beautiful…" She breathed.

Momo looked to her new friend.

Kahoko was smiling fondly as she watched the two fight each other.

Momo and Kyoka shared a look. She's freaking adorable!

"So, what do you think of Bakugo?"

Kahoko blinked and turned to look at them. "Hmm?"

"Well, there must be some reason why you put up with him." Ochaco giggled.

Kahoko shrugged. "Since we've met… I dunno. We sort of clicked. He helped me multiple times. I really don't think he's a bad person."

"So… do you like him?"

Kahoko frowned, connecting the dots, before making a face. "No! Nothing like that. I respect him and am glad we became friends, but nothing more than that."

Kyoka couldn't hear any doubt in the girl's voice. "Oh, okay. You do know that he may have a crush on you, right?"

"I'm not ready for anything like that." Kahoko looked at her hands. "I'm not in the right place to give what's left of my heart to someone like that."

The girls all shared a look.

Momo swallowed. "Did we push too far? Sorry, Sano."

"Kahoko…" The said girl met Momo's gaze. "Call me Kahoko. If we're friends, it is only right." She gave one of her show-stopping smiles, trying to ignore the stabbing sensation to her heart.

"Kahoko…" Momo blushed.

Kahoko looked around at them. "Apart from Hitoshi, I've never had someone outside my family to call by their first name… Can I… call you girls by yours?"

Kyoka nodded. "Of course."

Momo squealed and gave in to temptation by wrapping her arms around her new friend. "You're so cute!"

Ochaco smiled to herself. You were right Deku… she's a light in a dark room. She looked up and caught said boy's eye. She waved and gave a thumb up.

He grinned back at her. I'm glad this worked. It was a good idea to get the girls involved. His gaze travelled towards Kahoko, who had gone back to watching Katsuki and Shoto fight. She reminds me of myself when I watched old All Might videos.

The two-fighting stopped to catch their breath.

Katsuki looked to Deku, who was staring off towards the girls. He followed his gaze and realised that Kahoko was also with them, staring at him and Shoto.

Shoto looked too.

Kahoko blushed and looked away as she and Shoto made eye contact. Why am I blushing? He only looked at me! I was the one who was staring at them… this is embarrassing!

Momo petted her head. "You got caught." She laughed.

Kahoko hid her face. "I couldn't take my eyes off them. Their quirks are so much more useful in battle than mine."

"Shinso mentioned that you are a rather skilled fighter. I mean that slap you dealt was nothing to be laughed at." Kyoka added.

Kahoko felt embarrassed. "Yeah… sorry you had to see that side of me."

"He deserved it, he took advantage and embarrassed you, even though I saw that you were doing your best to get along with everyone." She replied.

Kahoko shrugged and took a bite from her cookie.

"Hey, girls!"

Kahoko looked up to see all three of the boys making their way towards them.

Katsuki reached down and picked up one of the bottles of iced tea and took a swing.

"Rude." Shoto snorted. "I believe that was Sano's."

Katsuki stopped mid-swing and looked down at the silver-haired girl.

Kahoko waved her hand. "It's okay, I'm used to people taking my food. I hang out with Hitoshi remember." She gave a laugh.

Deku sat down. "So, are you girls having fun getting to know each other?" He asked.

"Yeah, Kahoko's really cool." Ochaco grinned. "We're lucky she bumped into you the day we all moved in." She noted to Katsuki.

Kahoko blushed slightly and looked at her hands.

Shoto sighed and sat down next to her.

Kahoko felt her heartbeat speed up. Seriously! What is wrong with me?

"So… I was wondering, and you don't have to tell us…"

She glanced up at him. "Hmm?"

"What was your brother's quirk? You said something about him stopping to use it to aid my dad?"

She swallowed. "Well… it was Battle Cry… whenever he sang, whilst focusing on the person he wants to help, it gives the other person a boost of stamina and power. Endeavor was running low and was struggling with the Nomu… and Tama-chan sensed it. So, he sang. But he can't be interrupted, and he needs to stand still to do it. He sorta went into a trance." She smiled softly. "I miss his singing."

"Wow… he would've been an amazing sidekick." Deku remarked.

She nodded. "I know. My younger brother has an amazing quirk too… it's similar to Tama-chan's."

"What is it?" Momo asked curiously.

"Word. Natsu can control things with words. Depending on the other person's stamina, he can make someone stronger or faster. He can make a light shine brighter, he can set things alight by saying the word burn. It's dangerous in the wrong hands, but I believe that he will become one of the best people to have on your team." Kahoko explained. Why do I trust them so much with all of this?

"So… what if he says the words in general?" Deku quizzed.

"Oh, he has to have the image in his head. He has to imagine what he wants to happen."

"I say if the three of you were together and combined all of your quirks, you'd be unstoppable." Shoto remarked. "But even just the two of you, with your already trained combat and his quirk to strengthen you even more… you'd sure to kick some ass."

"She doesn't need Natsu for that!"

Everyone turned to see Hitoshi and some more of class 1C approaching them.

"Are you stalking her or something?" Katsuki snorted.

"I thought Kahoko was mad at you." Kyoka said with a raised brow.

"Yeah… we made up." He scratched the back of his head. "But she can vent out a little more on me if she wants to, I was just going to do some combat training with these guys… but you're so much more fun, Kaho." He grinned slyly.

"With your quirk… isn't that an unfair match?" Deku said.

Hitoshi laughed. "I've already said this to Bakugo. I will never, ever, use my quirk on her."

Shoto frowned. "Why is Sano the acceptation?"

"Because, why would I try to control someone I love?" He said openly.

Shoto felt liked something winded him.

Katsuki clenched his teeth.

Momo giggled.

Kahoko sighed and stood up. "Let's get on with it then."

"What?!" Her new friends looked to her, a little shocked and confused.

"Get on with what?" Deku squeaked.

Kahoko frowned in confusion. "The training… what do you think I meant?"

Ochaco cleared her throat. "Well… he just announced his love for you and then you say let's get on with it… it's as if you didn't hear him."

Kahoko made an O shape with her lips. "He says stuff like that all the time…" She began to walk towards the training area. "C'mon Hitoshi!"

He nodded and followed her.

The girls all looked at one and other.

"That was amazing!" Ochaco squealed. "Their bond is beautiful. To be that close and not be a couple… it shows how much he respects her, and she respects his feelings without shooting him down totally."

One of the class C members sighed. "They act like a couple, but they make it clear it's just friendship. It's more like Hitoshi has stepped up into Tamaki's place to look after her. Basically, if you wanna date her… its him you need to impress. If he thinks you're not worthy, he won't let you near."

"I always thought Shinso was a jerk." Katsuki snorted.

"Well… we always thought you were one before you became pally with Kahoko." Kyoka remarked.

Katsuki glared at her. "Since when have you girls been on first name basis?"

Momo smirked. "Jealous, are we?"

He huffed. "No."

"I'm sure she won't mind you calling her by her name." A class C guy stated. "She won't stop talking about you guys in class. Especially Bakugo."

Ochaco's eyes widened. "Bakugo?"

"Yeah. She said he makes her feel comfortable, that she hasn't felt like that with anyone other than Hitoshi."

Katsuki's face flooded red.

Shoto looked down. What's wrong with me? Why do I care if Sano likes Bakugo? I mean he is the first one to befriend her besides Shinso. He exhaled and looked up to watch Kahoko and Hitoshi spar.

"Wow, she really is holding her own against him." Deku stated.

"Yeah, Sano can be scary." The class C girl laughed. "I mean, her looks get her a long way, most guys get too distracted."

The boys all nodded in agreement.

"She really should be on the Hero course." Ochaco remarked.

"She and Tamaki originally wanted to enter as a duo. But since he died, she's lost confidence and motivation."

A few minutes later, Kahoko and Hitoshi returned to the group, out of breath.

"You were awesome, Kahoko!" Momo squealed.

The class C guys looked at Hitoshi with mocking smirks.

"What? I let her win! I said that I would let her let off steam."

Kahoko sat back down in her spot. "Yeah right, you need to work on dodging, Hitoshi. It's just like when we were kids."

Hitoshi pouted. "Kaho!" He whined.

Everyone laughed.

Kahoko picked up her bottle, it was empty. "Great." She reached over and batted Katsuki across the head with it. "Did you have to drink it all?"

Katsuki shot a glare at her. "What?" He rubbed his head.

Shoto went into his bag and pulled out a fresh bottle and waved it in front of her. "Take this."

She blinked and met his gaze. "Really? Thank you." She smiled taking the drink gratefully.

"I'm warning you guys!" Hitoshi exclaimed.

Everyone jumped a little and looked up at the violet haired teen.

"You won't be taking my place!"

Kahoko looked up at him. "Idiot."

Shoto looked down. Taking his place?

Katsuki looked confused. "I dunno what you're talking about, creepy eyes."

Shoto mentally face palmed. You are so clueless!

Hitoshi sighed.

"He meant taking his place in Kahoko's heart. We've all befriended her, he's worried that she'll push him out to let us in." Kyoka voiced.

"I'd never do something like that, you should know me better, Hitoshi." Kahoko added.

Hitoshi blushed a little. "Sorry, I dunno what came over me. I think I'm gonna head inside for a shower." At that he walked away.

The class C girl exhaled. "So, he wants Sano to make friends, yet he wants to keep her to himself. That boy needs to make up his mind."

Kahoko ran her hand through her hair. "I guess it has just been us for the past year."

"Well, I'm glad you're finally being more open, Sano. I'll see you in class, okay?" She smiled, before she and the other class C students followed Hitoshi inside.

"That was awkward." Momo breathed.

"You're telling me?" Kahoko replied.

"It's good that he's protective, but maybe he's a little too much." Deku remarked.

"Like I said, he's always been like that." Kahoko stood up. "I'm going to get ready for bed. I'll see you guys later."

The other girls stood too.

"Us too. Night guys."

The three boys sat for a little while.

"That was a sly move, Todoroki." Katsuki grumbled.

Shoto frowned.

"Giving her your drink."

"Well, you drank hers. I had a bottle spare."

Deku looked between the two. Am I missing something here?

"You were dying for a way to score points." Katsuki shot at the dual haired boy.

"Score points? Why would I?"

"Because she's cute!"

"So? I barely know her, I was just being nice."

"Yeah, sure." Katsuki stood up. "Just back off."

Shoto glared. "What do you mean back off?"

"I mean, back off of Sano."

Deku gasped in realisation. "Kacchan… you like Sano?"

Katsuki blushed deeply. "Shut up, Deku!" At that he stormed off.

Deku blinked a couple times, processing what just happened. He looked to Shoto. "Do you have a thing for her too?"

Shoto looked down. "Not really, she's just different. She's a nice girl."

Deku smiled a little. "I think so too. I'm glad that we helped her."

"Me too."