Keigo is standing in the executive office, the President sitting at her desk some feet across.

"Another year has gone by," Keigo says. "Ever since joining my agency and rekindling her relationship with the Todoroki family, Akira has shown immense improvement."

"Based on her training and psychological data…" the President studies some brain scans on her computer screen. "There's no arguing that."

"Her PTSD episodes seldom happen…and she's able to cope on her own better."

The President continues to scan the data on her computer screen.

"I must say, I'm rather impressed," she finally says. "You have tasks to complete under the Commission and an agency to run…yet you managed to help Akira on top of that."

"I'm great at multitasking," Keigo shrugs.

"Even so…just what do you hope to accomplish after all this?"

"To help Akira be on her own. You've seen the data - most of the PTSD episodes she still has happen when she's here at the facility."

"And your suggestion is?"

"With all due respect - she's better off outta this place."

"And go where?"

"I was able to move out on my own… She can get an apartment nearby. Close enough where she can still be monitored."

"She's barely at 55% control of her quirk."

"That's just over half… Imagine how much she can improve when she's away from this place."

The President gives Keigo a stern stare for a moment.

"It still doesn't solve the fact that she's at risk of being targeted," the President says.

"Like I said," Keigo replies. "She can move out somewhere nearby. That way she's close enough for protection - as long as I'm around."

"And you expect to do this the rest of her life? The rest of yours?"

"Akira and I will both continue under the Commission and my agency as long as we're needed. You're guaranteed surveillance of her by me."

The President lets out a long sigh in defeat.

"We'll find her an isolated apartment building," she says. "Somewhere where she won't be at risk of detonating in case she has a severe episode."

"There's a vacant building not too far from my high-rise," Keigo says. "It's isolated enough. It just needs some work done to make it a home."

"Just how far ahead have you planned?" the President eyes Keigo.

"Far enough!" he cheerfully smiles.

"I'll submit the request to have the property prepared. Just send me the address."

"Just sent!" Keigo taps his phone.

"I'll have conditions prepared if she's to be on her own."

"Already expected that!"

"Where's Akira today?"

"She's out visiting the Todoroki family. She'll be back tonight to celebrate New Year's with members of my agency and myself. We didn't have time to enjoy our birthdays since you keep us so busy, so we'll have some fun tonight with the gang."

"Alright. As long as Akira is back on time."

"Give her until 1am tonight for New Year's."

"You keep pushing it," the President scowls a bit.

"What's a New Year's celebration without seeing fireworks?" Keigo holds his hands up with a smile.

"Fine," the President scoffs. "You're dismissed. I have a meeting to attend."

"No need to tell me twice!" Keigo waves.

Keigo turns and exits the office.

It's late in the evening at the Todoroki abode. Fuyumi and I had dinner at a restaurant nearby about an hour ago. I'm in the bathroom in Fuyumi's bedroom, changing into a dress she picked out for me at the mall today. Fuyumi has styled my white hair into an updo, my bangs hanging on the sides of my face.

"You okay in there?" Fuyumi calls out to me after knocking.

"Yeah," I reply.

After slipping the black dress on, I notice I have to zip it up from behind.

"Actually…" I peek out of the bathroom door. "I need help…"

"Come out here," Fuyumi gestures with her hand.

I walk out of the bathroom to Fuyumi, and she leads me to a tall slim mirror on her wall. She zips the dress up from behind.

"Just need your kitten heels…" Fuyumi helps slip the silver heels on my feet.

Fuyumi stands and studies me for a moment.

"And some light makeup," she says. "You're naturally beautiful, so you don't need much!"

Fuyumi applies eyeliner and mascara on my eyes, along with a rose-pink lipstick. She then reaches in her drawer for a pair of gold hoop earrings.

"Wow! You look even more beautiful!" Fuyumi smiles in glee. "Have a look!"

Fuyumi turns me to the mirror. The black dress with lace long sleeves reaches just above my knees as it hugs my curves. The collar is wide and open just past my collarbone. The black sheer leggings go from my feet up to my waist, allowing a smooth slip into the silver kitten heels. The gold hoop earrings compliment the look well.

"This makeup feels odd on my face…" I blink.

"You'll get used to it! You look great!" Fuyumi exclaims. "Can I take a photo to show mom?"

"Sure," I nod.

"Selfie!" Fuyumi pulls me in.

Fuyumi holds her phone out in front of us and she takes a photo.

"Even with your blank look," Fuyumi looks at the photo. "You still look so cute!"

I keep my blank look as I study my reflection. Fuyumi is still confused at my reaction.

"What's the matter?" Fuyumi asks.

"I look like a clown," I blankly say.

"Eh? Of course you don't, silly!"

"I feel like it."

"Trust me. You don't," Fuyumi gently caresses my arm. "Now let's head downstairs."

After digging in my purse, I pull out a wrist watch and put it on, clipping the brown leather strap.

"That's such a pretty watch!" Fuyumi holds my wrist up to her face.

"Thanks," I reply. "Hawks gifted it to me on my last birthday. I only wear it on special occasions."

"If he gave you this watch, he must really like you. It's expensive!" Fuyumi exclaims.

"Well, yeah, we're teammates."

"That's not what I meant…" Fuyumi mutters with a sweat drop.

Oblivious to her comment, I carry my purse and kitten heels in my hand while following Fuyumi downstairs. As we approach the front door, I stop and remember to do something.

"May I pay my respects to Touya?" I ask.

"Sure," Fuyumi nods.

I hand her my purse and kitten heels before heading down the corridor. I slide the shoji door open and enter, kneeling in front of Touya's altar. Palming my hands together, I close my eyes.

'The new year is hours away,' I pray in my head. 'I'm excited to see what the new year holds…I've been making a lot of progress since I joined Keigo's agency… He's helped me so much on my healing journey… I've even made new friends back at the agency. My contact list is slowly growing. I'm learning so much… I know you weren't fond of Keigo back then, but he's really been so good to me…'

I think of Keigo for a moment, my heart warming up.

'I only hope I'm not a burden to him,' I continue to pray. 'But in order for me not to be, I've gotta heal. And I'm determined to do so. I hope you're proud of me, Touya… Happy new year.'

After a moment of silence, I bow to Touya's altar and get to my feet to head back to the front door. Fuyumi has been patiently waiting with my belongings.

"Ready?" Fuyumi smiles.

"Ready," I nod.

"Here's your purse," Fuyumi hands me a black pleather purse. "Your wallet and stuff is inside. You're ready for a night out!"

"Oh, I gotta go!" I glance at my phone screen and see it's 8:15pm. "We're meeting at the bar at 8:30pm."

"Let's go! Let's go!" Fuyumi ushers me out.

Fuyumi helps me put my jacket on, and we hastily make our way to the front of the estate. She flags a cab down and it pulls over at the curb.

"Thanks for helping me get ready," I say.

"You're welcome!" Fuyumi smiles. "Please text me when you get there!"

"I will!" I wave at her.

Fuyumi waves as she watches me enter the cab and it drives off. I send a text to Keigo, letting him know I'm on my way so he doesn't worry.

Keigo is standing at the bar with Hiroshi, Minoru and Yamato. They've got their drinks already going for the night. Keigo glances down at his phone, seeing it's already 8:45pm.

"It's been a great year for Hawks Agency," Yamato says.

"Yeah, Hawks has been a great leader," Minoru compliments.

"It's a team effort," Keigo replies. "Without you guys, I wouldn't have an agency."

"You and Nova alone can handle the agency," Yamato jokes.

"Seriously! You two are the dynamic duo of the city!" Hiroshi compliments.

"Gee, thanks!" Keigo chuckles.

"Say, where is Nova?" Minoru asks.

"She should be here soon," Keigo replies. "She texted me she was running a bit late."

"Glad that you both are finally 20!" Yamato exclaims. "You can finally join us for some drinks at the bars!"

"Since we missed your birthdays, the first round of drinks are on me!" Hiroshi says.

"Thanks!" Keigo smiles. "I know Nova and I have been really busy the past week that we didn't get a chance to celebrate turning 20."

"We'll celebrate into the New Year!" Minoru says.

"So how's it feel to be in the top 10 for over a year now?" Yamato asks.

"I don't really think much of it," Keigo shrugs.

"The ladies swoon over ya!"

"Can't say that they do!"

"At this point, Hawks can have any lady he wants," Yamato says.

"Well, I don't want just any lady," Keigo chuckles.

"There are a million of'em in Japan!"

"I don't want a million when I just want one."

"Yeah, he's got Nova, remember?" Minoru slaps Yamato upside the head.

"Oh yeah…" Yamato rubs the back of his head.

"They haven't confirmed they're an item, though," Hiroshi says.

"I mean, it's fairly obvious," Minoru replies. "Right, Hawks?"

Keigo is too distracted, glancing at his phone to check the time.

"What was that?" Keigo returns his attention to the group.

"You and Nova," Yamato says. "You're together, right?"

"I let people think what they want," Keigo shrugs a shoulder.

"Aw, come on!" Yamato says.

"It's none of our business, anyway," Minoru says. "We should respect their privacy."

"Still, people are dying to confirm if they're a couple," Hiroshi says.

"We do like our privacy," Keigo responds. "And Nova doesn't like much attention."

"She can be socially awkward…" Hiroshi nods.

"But that's what makes her so cute!" Yamato says.

"Watch what you say about Nova around Hawks!" Minoru jokes and the group laughs.

As Keigo takes a sip from his beer bottle, he glances at the front of the bar. At the same time, I'm walking in through the front door. I glance around, seeing that the bar is fairly packed with people. I slip my jacket off as my eyes scan the crowd until I lay eyes on Keigo's. His hand holding the beer bottle lowers slowly as he stares at me while I approach the group.

"Hey," I give a wave.

"Nova?" Minoru is surprised while Yamato nearly spits his drink out.

"What?" I give them a blank look.

"You…You look great!" Hiroshi compliments.

"Get us a round of shots!" Yamato tells the bartender.

I turn to Keigo who seems to be in awe as he gazes at me, still not saying a word.

"I don't look like a clown?" I ask him.

"What?" Keigo snaps out of it. "No, of course not. You look…gorgeous."

"I was afraid I looked like a clown…" I rub my arm. "I'm not used to dressing up."

"Who helped you dress up?"

"Fuyumi. She insisted I dress up for tonight."

"She did well, no doubt about that…" Keigo's eyes glide over me.

My brows rise a bit, and I shyly look down.

"L-Lemme take your jacket!" Keigo shakes his head and holds his hand out.

"Thanks…" I hand my jacket to him.

"I'll hang it with mine," he heads over to the coat rack nearby.

Keigo returns quickly as we gather with the rest of the gang. The bartender has placed five shots on the bar counter.

"Everybody take a shot," Yamato takes his as everyone else does.

"A toast!" Hiroshi says. "To Hawks' and Nova's birthdays…and to a great new year for Hawks' Agency!"

"Cheers!" Yamato exclaims.

After taking my shot, I feel the burning sensation as the liquor goes down my throat. I stand in thought as I process its taste.

"How was it?" Keigo asks.

"It has an interesting burning sensation…" I blink. "I like it. I'll have another."

"You heard the lady!" Hiroshi says. "Another round, please!"

"What drink was that?" I ask.

"Vodka," Hiroshi replies. "You like it?"

I nod with a blank face and the guys chuckle.

"Did you like it?" I ask Keigo.

"I'm not a fan of hard liquor, it seems," Keigo replies. "I'm more into beer," he holds his now empty bottle.

"We'll get another round of beers after this shot," Yamato tells Keigo.

"Along with an array of drinks you both are gonna try," Hiroshi tells me and Keigo.

"That sounds exciting," Keigo turns to me with a smile.

I nod with a blank stare, but I'm eager to try some drinks out for the first time. The bartender sets the glass shots of vodka on the counter and we all take one.

"Cheers!" Hiroshi exclaims.

After raising our glasses, we all down our shots.

It's about 11:30pm. The bar is more lively now with music blaring. I'm standing next to Keigo as the gang is gathered around a small high table.

"So then the thief is gonna try to escape from the cuffs!" Hiroshi drunkenly explains. "The guy had the nerve to say he didn't steal from the bank!"

The group bursts out into drunken laughter. I'm rather intoxicated now after the array of drinks Keigo and I tried the past couple of hours that the guys bought us. I peer around the crowd of people as the music blares. My vision is a bit blurry as I squint to clear it up. The bar has gotten more packed as people are almost shoulder to shoulder. Their chatter mixes with the blaring music as I try to clear my senses.

"Hey…" Keigo leans into my left ear. "You okay?"

I turn to him with a small smile and nod.

"Stay close to me…" Keigo gently pulls me into him, his right wing now on my right side.

I can see that Keigo is fairly drunk by his flushed face. The rest of the gang is busy in a drunken conversation.

"How are you doin?" Keigo asks.

"I'm doing…pretty good," I give him a smile.

"You're drunk," he chuckles.

"How can you tell?" I raise a brow.

"You're blushing and have such a bubbly smile on your face."

"I do?" I place my hands on my cheeks.

Keigo can't help but chuckle.

"Your face is a bit red, too," I point out.

"Is that so?" Keigo raises his brows with a slight smile.

"Did you have too much to drink?"

"Maybe it's not the beer making me blush…"

My eyes meet Keigo's gaze for a moment before he shyly looks down and covers his mouth with a hand. Being less than a foot away, I can smell an aroma coming from him.

"What's that smell?" I ask.

"Hm?" Keigo raises a brow.

"You smell…nice," I lean into his neck to sniff.

"O-Oh…" Keigo tenses up a bit with his wings. "That's my new cologne."

"I've never smelled cologne on you," I pull back.

"Really? I wanted to try it out tonight…" Keigo shyly glances away. "Do you… like it?"

I give him a nod with a bubbly smile.

"Then I'll wear it more often," Keigo smiles.

"And you're wearing a new watch," I hold his hand and peer at the silver wrist watch.

"And you've got yours on, too…" Keigo smiles to himself as he gazes at mine.

I hold Keigo's wrist up to my face as I closely examine the watch while he holds one of my hands in his.

"It's so shiny," I'm in awe.

"This is the newest model," Keigo then holds my wrist and looks at my watch. "I gotta get you a matching one of mine. Since I model a lot of products, I get many of them early before release as gifts from companies."

"Ah yes. Especially because you're in the top 10."

"Would you ever wanna be in the hero ranks?"

"No. Even if the President allowed me to, I wouldn't. It's too much attention…something I don't want considering the enemies I've made under the Commission."

"So you know why the President keeps you outta the ranks?"

"I figured," I shrug.

"I'm sorry about that…" Keigo lowers his eyes. "You deserve so much more recognition than me…"

"My priority is saving people now, remember?… Not some hero idolizing ranks… No offense."

"None taken," Keigo chuckles a bit. "But I bet you'd have a high approval rating."

"Really? Even if I am socially awkward?" I blink a few times.

"Believe me, a lot of people think it's cute."

"People think it's cute?" I'm confused.

"Without a doubt…You may not realize it, but your caring presence brings people at ease…You're almost angelic."

"I'm not the one with wings," I giggle. "You've been a true angel to me, Keigo," I place my hand on his cheek.

Keigo places his hand over mine as it rests on his cheek. I stare up at him with my drunken bubbly smile as he gazes into my eyes. It seems we're both drowning out our noisy surroundings.

"Are you…Are you having fun?" I wobble.

"With you, I am…" Keigo admits as he uses his wing to hold me steady.

With my hand still on his cheek, I stare up at Keigo and his face seems to flush more, his skin warming up more in my palm. He rubs his neck as he glances away, my hand lowering off his face.

"Um…" he clears his throat. "I'm gonna go to the restroom…"

"Too much beer?" I ask.

"Something like that," he smiles.

After gently letting go of my hand, Keigo navigates through the crowd as I watch after him. Seeing as the rest of the gang is entertained in their drunken conversation, I make my way to the bar counter.

"One vodka shot," I tell the bartender.

The bartender places the shot glass on the counter, and I down it fast.

"And one more vodka shot," I give him a bubbly smile.

The bartender obliges and gives me another shot.

"Thanks," I giggle after drinking the shot quickly again.

The bartender chuckles as he takes the shot glass. I turn to the crowd that's dancing in the middle of the venue. The music seems to intrigue me as I'm lured by the rhythm. I make my way onto the dance floor and into the crowd. The flashing lights and blaring music throw me off a bit, my vision blurry. The strobe light makes everyone move in a robotic pattern. At this point, I'm engulfed in the crowd of dancing people, being bumped left and right. As I'm glancing around, I feel a hand slither around my waist from behind. I turn to see a man as he presses himself against me.

"You're sexy," the man says into my ear. "Let's dance!"

I blink a few times up at him, unsure of what's going on. The man reeks of liquor with his warm breath. His hand slithers down my back to my butt while the other pulls me into him by the back of my neck. I can feel him sniff as he lowers his face to my neck, now pecking at my skin. I rub my eye, still unsure of what's going on as the man kisses up my neck. The strange man is then suddenly yanked off me. I squint my eyes and see Keigo is pulling the man by the neck of his shirt as they exchange some words that I can't hear over the blaring music. Keigo is scowling at the man, his golden eyes piercing at him as he roughens the guy up. The man holds his hands up, escapes Keigo's grasp, and quickly scurries off into the crowd. Keigo takes a hold of my hand and guides me out of the dancing crowd of people.

"Are you okay?" Keigo holds my face in his hands.

His voice is muffled with the loud music. I'm a little confused and just squint up at him. He guides me back to our table as he retrieves our jackets.

"Akira's had enough to drink for the night," Keigo tells the gang. "I'll be taking her home."

"Sounds good," Yamato replies.

"Be safe!" Minoru waves.

"Thanks! You guys be safe too!" Keigo waves.

Keigo helps me put my jacket on before slipping into his own, his feathers dispersing for a moment so he can put it on. He tucks the hood over my head, ensuring I'm well covered. My walk is a bit wobbly, so Keigo wraps an arm around my waist, his wing also enveloping me a bit as he guides me out of the bar. My hearing is clearer outside in the streets, but I'm still fumbling as the cold wind hits me. My foot slips in the ice with the kitten heels, so Keigo scoops me up and ensures my arms are wrapped around his neck.

"Hold on tight," he says.

I tighten my hold around his neck as he takes off, his wings whirring as the cold wind hits my face. Flying in Keigo's arms causes everything to spin as I let out a slight groan.

"Close your eyes for a bit if you're too dizzy," Keigo suggests.

"Aren't you…drunk to fly?" I ask.

"Don't worry, I won't drop you," he chuckles.

"Are you… taking me back to the facility?"

"Why?"

"I don't wanna go back just yet…I wanna see the fireworks."

Keigo thinks for a moment and changes his course of flight.

"We'll get a great view of'em at my place," he says.

After flying for some time, Keigo arrives at his loft, landing at the balcony. A feather of his slides the door open, and he carries me inside his loft. He gently puts me down and helps me take my jacket off.

"Sit down while I get you some water," Keigo helps me sit on the sofa.

"No more vodka?" I ask with lidded eyes.

"You've had enough for tonight," he laughs a bit.

Keigo's feathers carry our jackets away. I remain seated on the sofa with a bubbly smile. I glance over at the LED clock on the wall and read it's 11:57pm.

"The fireworks!" I gasp aloud.

I fumble off the sofa and make my way to the balcony.

"H-Hey!" Keigo chases after me.

I slide the glass door open and stumble out into the dark balcony, peering over the railing down below.

"Don't go fallin off my balcony," Keigo carefully pulls me back at my waist with one arm.

"You'll…You'll save me if I do, right?" I ask.

"Of course!" He hands me a cup of water.

We laugh a bit as Keigo keeps his arm around my waist while I lean on him for support. After taking a sip of water, I stare up at his soft, lidded golden eyes in wonder.

"Listen…" Keigo is more serious. "Back at the bar…that guy… He was fondling you."

"Huh?" I'm confused.

"You don't pick up on social cues well…and you're pretty intoxicated… that left you vulnerable."

"Vulnerable?"

"I saw a lot of guys eyeing you…just waiting for the chance to catch you alone."

Keigo furrows his brows a bit.

"If you ever drink alone, please be careful," he pleads. "Or creeps like that will take advantage of you the first chance they get."

I blink up at Keigo as I try to process what he's saying.

"I really wanted to beat the crap outta the guy," glances away with a brief angry gaze. "But my priority was making sure you were okay," Keigo continues.

I continue to gaze up at Keigo as his eyes return to mine, my vision still blurry and my head dizzy. I wonder why he's so kind to me, even when I'm such a burden to him.

"You take such good care of me, Keigo," I say. "You're so good to me…when I'm so broken… Why?"

Keigo thinks for a moment before he gives me a small warm smile.

"Well, for one thing…." Keigo replies. "Because we're a couple of broken people…helping each other stay put together."

Keigo's eyes glance away as he struggles to say more. It hurts when he holds his feelings back. I gently put my hand on his cheek to return his gaze to me.

"You can tell me," I encourage him.

Keigo darts his eyes left and right as I stare up at him, his face getting more flushed.

"And because…" Keigo's voice trails off. "Because I'm in love with you, Akira."

A moment of silence ensues as I stare up at Keigo's warm golden eyes through the dark. Just then, fireworks begin to set off everywhere in the background. Our faces are illuminated by the colorful sparkling lights in the distance, allowing me to see Keigo's dilated pupils. The booming sounds of the explosives throw my hearing off a bit, causing me to flinch, but Keigo gently covers my ears with his hands. His eyes look deeply into mine as the crackling fireworks sound muffled. My vision blurs more as I lean forward on my toes, close my eyes, and plant a kiss on Keigo's lips. After a few seconds, I completely fall into Keigo's arms while dropping the cup of water and slip into sleep.