The UA Sports Festival: a huge once-in-a-year event in Japan that everyone wanted to watch. People who want excitement, children who want to see action, and even pro heroes who want to see potential sidekicks wait for this huge event.

Everyone in UA who dreams to be a hero knew that the sports festival was huge step for them. With many people watching, they can show off what they learned and tell everyone what kind of hero they were. That was why almost everyone in Class 1-A was excited when they heard the announcement that the sports festival will start in two weeks. And as usual, a certain person was worried.

What should I do?, Mitsuji thought.

"I'm getting pumped up!", Narrruk shouted.

"It's time to show off what I got!", Watabe exclaimed.

"It's nice to see you kiddos happy but remember: this chance only comes by three times in your stay here in UA. So make good use of it", Matthew advised.

With that, homeroom ended and morning classes began. Time passed by and soon, it was lunch time. Sighing, Mitsuji walked towards the cafeteria when he felt a tap on the shoulder.

"Are you okay, Saiga?", Kokoro asked.

"Uwaaaaah!", Mitsuji screamed and fell butt-first to the floor.

"Oh my gosh! I'm sorry if I startled you", Kokoro apologized.

"I-I-It's okay! Gotta go!", he was about to run but she grabbed his hand.

"If it's okay with you, you can talk to me about anything. I noticed that while in class, you were pale and your mind seemed distant. I may not be able to do much but as the vice class representative, I will do my best to help… you…", she trailed off when she saw Mitsuji wasn't responding at all.

He passed out while standing up.

###

Mitsuji opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling of the nurse's office.

"Thank goodness you're awake! I was afraid since you passed out suddenly", Kokoro, who was sitting beside his bed, said.

"Uwaaaaah!"

"Silence!", Recovery Girl scolded Mitsuji.

The two of them became quiet. Mitsuji stared at his fingers and avoided eye contact with Kokoro. Kokoro, on the other hand, had one question in her head.

"Ummm… Saiga? Am I scary?", Kokoro asked with teary eyes.

Her question caught him off-guard. He then became guilty.

"N-No! It's just that I'm nervous around g-girls and basically everything e-else that's why I'm acting this way! I s-swear on my soul that you are not scary!", Mitsuji answered.

"Thank goodness! I was afraid that I was some sort of monster", she said and smiled.

Her smile eased Mitsuji's guilt and he calmed down.

"So you're nervous for the sports festival too?", Kokoro asked.

"Y-Yes. I'm a total wreck", he answered.

Kokoro let out a small giggle.

"Everyone feels that way. It's what you should do with that feeling matter", she advised.

"What do you mean?"

"If you let your nervousness get hold of you and you do nothing, then you lose. But if you work hard and train hard, that nervousness will soon be replaced with confidence"

Kokoro stood up.

"Now let's go to our next class. It's a shame but our lunch time has been taken up", she told him.

"I'm sorry for taking up your time", Mitsuji apologized.

"Don't worry about it. Time spent helping friends is time well spent", she told him with a smile.

She's an angel, Mitsuji thought.

They went to the classroom but Mitsuji walked way behind her. The two of them arrived in the classroom just in time for the heroics class to start.

Toshinori entered the classroom.

"You already know that the sports festival is two weeks from now. That is why I'm allowing you to train yourselves in my classes. Ground Beta and Ground Gamma are open for you to train. The gym, pool, and field are also open so feel free to use them in the next two weeks. Plus Ultra!", Toshinori said.

Everyone walked out of the room except for Mitsuji.

"What should I do?", Mitsuji muttered.

He was troubled. The 30 second limit and 2 second switch time were his weaknesses. If he could increase his limit or decrease his switch time, he would be stronger. And if he was strong, then he wouldn't be nervous.

Mitsuji got out of the classroom and saw a black-haired girl waiting for him.

"Hello Saiga", Momo greeted him.

"Senpai…"

The two of them walked together out of the school building. Or at least, that was what Momo hoped for. Mitsuji was walking way behind her.

"I can't talk to you if you're that far away!", Momo told him.

"B-But…"

"No buts!", she said and moved close to him.

"W-W-What do you want from me?", he asked.

"I want to talk with you"

They sat on a bench. Sitting beside Momo made Mitsuji nervous. He wondered why she wanted to talk to him. Was it something he did? Or was it something he said while he was being trained by her?

"I want to apologize", she said.

That surprised Mitsuji.

"For what?", he asked.

"I failed as an upperclassman", she answered.

"What makes you say so?"

"I did nothing but train you physically. I should've connected with you and learned more about you. That way, I could've done something about your nervousness. I noticed it but I didn't do anything about it which makes me a failure", she explained.

"D-Don't apologize I-It's not your fault. I should be the one to blame for not opening up to you… And besides… my nervousness isn't that easy to cure…"

"I see…"

They sat in silence.

"Are you free tomorrow?", she asked.

"Yeah. Why?", he answered.

###

Mitsuji stood in front of 2-A dormitory. He was wearing a plain white shirt, a black hoodie, jeans, and blue rubber shoes. His heart raced as he waited for Momo.

What could she be planning? Why did she ask for my time during the weekend?, he asked in his head.

"Sorry for the wait", Momo said.

Mitsuji looked at her and was amazed at what he saw. She was wearing an elegant white blouse, a brown skirt, black leggings, and boots.

"Now then, let's go", she said.

Mitsuji followed her.

"Ummm. It would actually be great if you aren't that far away", Momo told him after a while since Mitsuji was walking way behind her.

"It's impossible! I can't possibly go near you!", Mitsuji replied from afar.

"What's the matter? Why can't you do it?"

"Because… of reasons…", he muttered.

She went close to him and pulled his arm.

"Fuee! Senpai! Please let go!", he pleaded.

"No! Today's training is getting over your nervousness. Even if it's just your nervousness over girls, that would be great progress", she told him and tightened her grip.

"Please! Why do I need this training? Please let me go!"

"Being a pro hero means that you work with different heroes. And there will come a time that you will work with female pros"

Mitsuji stopped resisting.

"O-Okay… I got it… Just please let go of my arm", he resigned.

"Good", she let go of his arm.

"I just have to w-walk beside you right?"

"Yes"

The two of them walked out of UA's gates and into the city. They arrived at Musutafu Megamall. People walked in and out of the stalls. Teenagers, families, and even heroes were relaxing and buying things, People of different shapes and sizes all enjoyed the peace of the mall.

"What should we do?", Momo asked.

"S-So many people", Mitsuji had a pale face.

"Even crowds are making you nervous?", Momo asked in surprise.

Momo thought for a while. She wondered what could be a good place for the two of them. Someplace Mitsuji could relax and yet at the same time, talk to her.

They entered a coffee shop and sat down on a table. Mitsuji was avoiding eye contact with her and was fidgeting. Mitsuji ordered espresso while Momo ordered black tea.

"I've been wondering for a while. Why are you so nervous around people?", she asked.

Mitsuji was silent.

"It's okay if you don't want to talk about it but it is crucial in getting over your nervousness", Momo added.

"I'm not good with people. I'm just a no-good little brother", he answered.

Momo was confused at what he said.

"Have you heard of Cosmic Hero: Darkbright?", he asked.

"Yes. She's a good hero that became rank 14 immediately after a year of her career. And currently, she's ranked 11", Momo answered.

"That's right. I'm her little brother", Mitsuji said.

Momo was surprised. She saw Darkbright in the news and in action before. Darkbright was capable, confident, and had a shining aura that eased the people around her. Her sidekicks were all smiles and were proud to be working with her. She was a wonderful hero.

"And now you're wondering what makes us so different", Mitsuji said.

She was surprised that he managed to read her mind.

"Sis is a great person. Ever since we were young, she excelled at everything. Sports, academics, and anything. She always helps out at home and was the school's model student", Mitsuji said.

Momo listened intently.

"And then, there's me. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't match up to her. She was better than me in every field. And to add to that, I'm clumsy and stupid. I have to place in effort while Sis had the talent. But my efforts were meaningless. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't reach the expectations others set upon me because I am her little brother. I couldn't do anything as I continued messing up. That's why I'm nervous. I don't want to stain her name by messing up even more", he continued.

Mitsuji was silent for a while and looked at the window.

"When she said she wanted to be a hero, I knew it was impossible for me. And yet, here I am. But sometimes, I wonder whether I could do it. It's becoming harder and harder and I think… I'm reaching my limit", he added.

"No! Don't think of it that way!", Momo scolded him.

"Huh?"

"Go beyond. Plus Ultra. That's our school's motto isn't it? If you're reaching your limit, then break through it. If you mess up, then rise up again. That's what it means. Nobody becomes successful without failing", Momo told him.

Their orders arrived and Momo sipped her tea.

"I've also encountered the same problem. I doubted whether I really was worthy to be in UA. But a certain friend of mine helped me regain my confidence. Saiga, you are strong and will be a wonderful hero. I believe in you", Momo told him with a smile.

"Senpai…", Mitsuji sobbed.

"A-Are you okay? Did I say something wrong?", she asked in panic.

He shook his head.

"It's the first time that somebody actually believed in me. I'm happy", Mitsuji said as he wiped his tears.

Momo smiled and handed him a tissue. He began wiping his face and for the first time, she saw him smile.

"Thank you, Senpai"

Hey everyone! It's me again! Still stuck in the hospital but I'm managing to write this fic. My condition stabilized so I think I'll be out soon. Anyways, the sports festival is almost here and so, I hope you're looking forward to it as much as I am. I hope you enjoyed the chapter and leave a review if you did!