Disclaimer: I do not own Boku no Hero Academia.

Ayame's remaining break flew by in a blur. It was barely enough time for her to heal from the sore muscle and fatigue, yawning as she brushed her hair in front of the mirror. She paused, lilac eyes looking in her reflection at the long brunette hair, then to the two hair ties on the counter.

"You're not LullaCry. You don't need to worry about that anymore."

Ayame faltered, sighing from the memory and turned her head to the window. It was dark and cloudy outside, rain falling down in a heavy manner.

It was funny how Todoroki managed to assure her in the end when Ayame had wanted to do the same for him. He remembered her angry outburst and acknowledged her, came up to her personally to apologize and explain—then comforting her in the end about her deep insecurity she never wanted to admit out loud.

She smiled lightly, eyes closing to remember heterochromia ones of grey and turquoise looking back at her. His eager expression to eat soba, his surprised gaze when Ayame paid for them both. Todoroki may have been cold in the beginning but—even she was able to see him slowly changing after the Sports Festival.

He's still a good kid.

"Ayame? What are you doing?" Yume walked into her room, looking at the brunette dozing off.

She snapped out of her thoughts to turn to her sister in surprise. "Yume-nee? You're still here?"

"Yeah," Yume walked over to Ayame, glancing at the two hair ties on the counter before smiling at her sister. "Do you need help with your hair?"

"Oh," Ayame also glanced at her hair ties, smiling sheepishly as her eyes landed on the loose brunette hair on Yume. "I'm…not sure? It's kind of a hassle putting it up every day."

Truthfully, Ayame did dislike styling her hair. It takes forever trying to braid and loop the hair behind her! She was never especially good at dressing up too but she only chose that hairstyle because it reminded her of a certain protagonist from a shounen series. But…Todoroki's words echoed in her mind, reminding her to let go of her insecurity.

"May I?" Yume smiled and walked behind the sitting Ayame, brushing the long strands with her fingers as she wrapped the hair ties around her wrist. Ayame blushed; it has been a while since Yume did her hair for her.

Yume carefully brushed out the little knots from her hair, gently taking a few strands from the side and began braiding it. She had seen Ayame's hairstyle before, mimicking the way the younger girl would braid but—paused for the briefest second.

Why did she change her hair in the first place?

Ayame was never the one to care much about her appearance. At most, she would brush the hair and leave it loose before heading out. It had only been a month ago she began to put it up, giving her an illusion of short hair.

"That's—LullaCry's sister right? They're a spitting image of each other!"

Yume eyed the long strands of light brown hair, oblivious to the curious eyes of Ayame looking at her through the mirror. Yume shook those thoughts from mind and finished tying the braid on Ayame, smiling at the confused look at Ayame's face.

"I think you look cuter like this," Yume set her hands over her shoulder, looking at their reflection on the mirror. Ayame's hair had two long braids on each side of her head while the rest of her hair was remained loose. "Like a little princess."

"Onee-chan!" Ayame whined in embarrassment.

Yume giggled. "C'mon, I made breakfast. You're going to be late at this rate."

The eldest sister left the room, leaving Ayame to stare at her image again. But she didn't have time to admire it when she saw the time on her phone, rushing to get her school bag and ran out of her room.

"Ah, I'm going now!" Ayame ran by Suzume, pausing to give her little sister a kiss on her head and stopped by the kitchen. She grabbed a piece of toast and waved to Yume, running to put her shoes on.

"Be careful, Aya," Shiko called from the couch, "It's raining pretty heavily."

"I know," Ayame shoved the toast in her mouth and took a small umbrella, "Ittekimasu!"

"Itterasshai," three voices echoed back.

Yume smiled helplessly as she watched Ayame run out the door, long strands of brown hair flying behind her.

Sometimes, I wonder if you hate me, Ayame. You would never say it, I know, because you're just as kind as you are courageous. Keep fighting on, Aya. I'll always support you as a sister and hero.

"Yume-neechan?" Suzume walked up to her sister with wide violet eyes, "C-can you help me with this book?"

Yume turned to her youngest sister, smiling as she picked Suzume up while holding onto the literary book.

"Sure thing, Suzu. You've gotten so smart, haven't you? This book is much more harder than the ones I've read when I was your age!"

Suzume blushed and giggled, smiling at her eldest sister in joy.

"You're Sasaki Ayame?! Congratulations!"

"You were so strong!"

"How did you make that giant All Might?!"

"Can you create anything else?"

"Keep doing your best!"

"Would you work with LullaCry in the future?"

"You're cute, too!"

Ayame flushed from all the compliments. It was needless to say the train ride to school was…overwhelming. She hadn't realized how much attention she received—as a winner and as Yume's sister. But…the comments relating to her sister was less now… It was—exhilarating as she listened and replied modestly to them, smiling as she exited the train cart to run towards U.A.

I'm being recognized as myself… Ayame smiled to herself.

A sudden gust of wind blew by her, causing the rain to fly into her eyes and the umbrella to snap. Ayame gasped when the ribs on the umbrella broke. Rain and wind hit her face and body without the protection and she groaned at her luck.

"Crap," Ayame tried to fix the umbrella but it would not stay open, groaning even more as she held an arm over her eyes and ran.

A car pulled up by Ayame, the sleek metal and tinted window prevented her from view of the passenger. Ayame glanced at it as the window pulled down to reveal Yuu and his gentle smile in the car.

"Ayame," Yuu greeted.

She startled, jogging along side of the car while Yuu looked amused in her direction.

"Need a ride?"

"O-oh!" Ayame stopped running and the car stopped with her, "R-really?"

"Of course," Yuu's smile widened just the slightest.

The door unlocked and Yuu pulled it open, scooting inside a bit for Ayame. She paused right at the entrance, looking down on her wet clothes and hesitated.

"Don't worry," Yuu chuckled. With a wave of his hand, a small water shield appeared above her head. The remaining water from Ayame's clothes was drifted upwards, leaving the little entrance a dry spot as Yuu used his Quirk for her.

"You're a lifesaver, Yuu," Ayame sighed in relief and got in, closing the door behind to smile at him and— "T-Takarada?!"

Noeru was sitting on the other side of Yuu, his bored crystal eyes glanced in her direction. Ayame hadn't realized he was in the car too.

"You—?!" Ayame was surprised; does this mean he can attend U.A. regularly?! Did his father—allow it?!

"Close your mouth, Sasaki, you look like a fish," Takarada commented dryly.

She flushed from the comment yet was not angry, leaning closer to him with Yuu in the middle. Her lilac eyes were wide and surprised but also—happy. It made Noeru feel odd and he turned his eyes away from her.

"Noeru," Tatsuo greeted his son calmly.

Noeru stood before his father with a blank gaze, waiting for the inevitable resignation form he will have to sign. Noeru only spent one night in the Shimizu estate before returning home; he knew he cannot avoid his father forever.

In Tatsuo's hands was the contract they signed nearly two years ago. Noeru gave a slow look at it as his father flipped through the pages unhurriedly. That old man, Noeru sighed within his mind, is he taunting me?

"This year's Sports Festival…was an unexpected result," Tatsuo began. Noeru stayed quiet, why as he dragging this on? "I had the intention of contacting U.A. yesterday but work kept me occupied when I took the day off."

Tatsuo glanced at Noeru yet saw no other reaction from him. It was like looking at a mirror at his younger self. The same self his own father tried to control, repeating the words 'you are a Takarada, you are meant for greater things'.

Funny, Tatsuo never wanted to become like his father and…look where he was now.

"You have an interesting classmate," Tatsuo continued since Noeru did not bother to speak. "Maybe U.A. isn't as…worthless as I believed it to be."

Noeru froze, watching with stunned crystal eyes as his father tore off the first page of the contract and—threw the rest of the papers in the fireplace. He watched the other papers burn up within, turning to Tatsuo with a bewildered expression as his father walked up to him. The page he held contained only a few words.

'Takarada Noeru: Hero Contract'

Takarada Tatsuo's signature was on the bottom. There were no other condition, no other pages to add on. Only—Takarada Noeru's signature was left empty and, Tatsuo handed a pen to his son.

"You should bring Sasaki back for dinner one day as a congratulatory and thank you meal. She's the reason you can stay."

"Sasaki," Noeru turned to Ayame again and she glanced at him curiously, "What did you do to my father?"

Ayame gaped. "I didn't do anything?!"

Noeru hummed, unamused, while Yuu looked between them, amused.

"You must have," Noeru didn't relent; there was no way his father would actually…act like a real father without a reason.

"I-I—" Ayame stuttered; she was not going to tell Noeru anything regarding her and his father! "Look—we're here!"

Ayame bolted out the car door, yelling a quick 'thanks' to the driver before running into the school. Noeru looked after her with a slight frown; she was definitely hiding something. Meanwhile, Yuu was laughing softly again between the two.

Ayame sighed as she changed from her outdoor shoes to indoor, frowning at the water dripping from her hair again. Suddenly, the water moved on its own, separating itself from Ayame and she looked behind her to see Yuu with his handy Quirk.

"You're a little too impulsive, Aya-neechan," Yuu's princely smile returned yet Ayame shivered, why does it sound like he's teasing her?! "But, I suppose that's what makes you cute."

She purposely ignored the comment, looking at the two with a bemused expression again.

"Y-you don't need to call me that, Yuu—" Ayame quickly corrected herself, "—kun."

Yuu tilted his head. "You can call me casually like before. I don't mind if it's from you. And besides, you are older than me. It's only fitting if I called you correctly."

Ayame wanted to shiver from Yuu's 'princely' smile. She can totally see him teasing her now! What the heck?! So this was what it's like seeing both sides of Yuu?!

This is so weird!

"Yuu, stop messing around," Noeru finished changing his shoes and began to walk off.

Yuu chuckled and followed him yet—they both paused, turning to her expectantly when Ayame was still frozen by the entrance.

"Aren't you coming?" Noeru tilted his head towards her.

Is that an invitation? Ayame looked at him in surprise again.

They looked as if they were expecting an answer and—without stopping anymore, Ayame caught up to them. Yuu allowed her to stay in the middle and Noeru looked straight on as the three walked to their class. For a brief moment, Noeru and Yuu turned to the side, glancing at the heterochromia boy staring at them and—left.

If Ayame thought the morning was hectic, class was worse.

Since she had arrived with Noeru and Yuu, many people had seen them walk together through the hall. Because she was the winner and had fought them both, there were rumors floating around their relationship since both parties were very…'familiar' with each other.

Ayame wanted to cry.

It wasn't that she—or they—were purposely touching each other on purpose! Why did everyone assume that?! Because she had fought the two 'princes' of U.A.?! And—why does it seem like there were more haters than fans after she had won?! What did Ayame do?!

She slammed her head on the table, groaning mentally at the not-so-friendly looks she received in the hallway earlier. I'm never going to accept Yuu's offer again, Ayame groaned to herself, even if it's storming—no more!

"It looks like you had a fun morning," Hotaru giggled next to her.

"Not you too, Hotaru-chan," Ayame whined, her left cheek resting on the metal table as she looked at her desk neighbor.

"How did you manage to get their attention?" Natsumi leaned on her desk, arching an eyebrow at the sullen Ayame.

"By kicking their ass apparently," Ayame rolled her eyes and sat back up. "Yuu was just being a helpful classmate earlier anyways! I would be drenched if not for him."

"Ne, did you guys hear the rumor about a girl with braids was trying to sleep with Takarada-kun and Yuu-kun?" Usagi hopped over to the three.

Ayame groaned and let her head fall again. Hotaru giggled and Natsumi jabbed a thumb in the brunette's direction, long hair revealing two little braids on the side. Usagi covered her mouth in surprise; well, that proves that rumors aren't always true.

"Is it too late to transfer schools?" Ayame mumbled.

Hotaru smiled helplessly and Usagi patted her back, sheepishly saying a quiet 'sorry' towards her.

"C'mon, focus on the bright side. Interns are starting up again. We'll be at school less just like the third-years," Natsumi looked through her thin stack of papers, "We got more requests this year compared to last. I'm sure yours are doubled ours, Ayame."

Ayame perked up again and pulled out her papers since she was unable to flip through them in the middle of the class. Her eyes light up at the requests from the hero agencies, the number totaling up to 4,689 agencies! Last year…she only had one…and that was her sister's agency.

"W-wow," Hotaru glanced at her paper, her own offers were a little under one thousand. "Which agency are you going to choose?"

"I'm not sure yet," Ayame grinned, "Well, we have until tomorrow to decide. I'll look it over tonight!"

But as soon as she said that, her eyes landed on a specific agency on the list. Her eyes bulge open, bringing the paper close to her face to make sure—she was not reading it wrong.

Endeavor Hero Agency

What the heck?! Why was he inviting her?! Was this a mistake?! It has to be—right?! Was he planning on torturing her?!

"Endeavor?" Usagi blinked on her paper, "Wow—! You got recognized by him?"

"The Number Two Pro Hero—really?" Hotaru gasped.

"You should accept," Natsumi added on.

"No way!" Ayame immediately refused and shoved the papers back in her bag, "I-I'm sure it's a mistake! I-I-I have to go to 1-A now—!"

Ayame ran out the class with her bag while her friends watched her from the back.

"Ah, she ran away."

"She must have done something."

"I'm surprised though," Nao leaned back to turn to the girls, "That Ayame had gotten so strong."

"W-well, she's always been strong," Hotaru defended, "T-there wasn't much opportunity to showcase it."

"Are you serious?" Gin laughed, "We've been working hard since first year! Now she suddenly improved so much to win the tournament? I don't believe it!"

"Oi, don't be jealous!" Usagi countered with a huff.

"I'm just saying—are we really sure she didn't get any...outside help?" Gin continued.

"Gin, chill," Nao sighed.

"Are you upset to have lost, Gin-san?" Yuu interjected with his usual smile, "It's alright to be frustrated but it's unsightly to be jealous."

Gin looked at Yuu oddly. Why was he interfering too? And why would Yuu care to defend Ayame?

"Aren't you two upset too? She beat you!"

"Jealousy is only for narrow-minded people."

Noeru effectively shut him up.

Ayame met up with Midnight on the way to Class 1-A. She bowed her head politely to the hero while Midnight looked at her in amusement.

"Well, I haven't the chance to congratulate you, imouto-chan," Midnight smiled at Ayame, "Great job in the Sports Festival."

"O-oh! Thank you, Midnight-sensei!"

The two walked through the empty hallway together, Midnight's heels clicking on the floor at every step.

"How is Yume-chan doing? I heard she was also at the festival but couldn't say hi to my dear pupil. She's been so busy lately," Midnight started off the conversation.

During Yume's education in U.A., Midnight had picked her up as a sidekick due to their similar Quirks. The girl was perfect in everything she did and—after winning her second-year tournament; Midnight just had to get her. She was great in following directions and excelled in everything Midnight taught her—even going beyond the requirement to be a hero. Midnight was very fond on Yume but since she had graduated, there was not much time for the two to catch up besides work reports.

"She's good!" Ayame chirped, "There are times she's sent off to other cities for work but—Yume-nee always come back safe."

Due to her powerful Quirk, Yume was often sent out on the most dangerous missions. She was a highly sought after hero, after all. No one would be able to escape her gaze if she ever got serious. Not only that, Yume was not limited to relying on her Quirk. She can also fight blindfolded if her Quick was rendered ineffective in the dark and such.

Ayame was really proud of her sister.

"That's good," Midnight hummed, "Work hard, too."

"Yes!"

They arrived in front of the classroom and Midnight prepared her entrance. Ayame smiled to herself at her energetic teacher and brushed her bangs back, waiting outside as they heard Aizawa introduce hero names.

"Well, those hero names are still temporary, but if you're not serious about it…"

Midnight slammed the door open. "…you'll have hell to pay later! Because a lot of hero names used by students become recognized by society, they end up becoming professional hero names!"

The class cheered for Midnight strutting in and Ayame hopped in after, waving to the class with a smile.

"You're all going to choose hero names today! How exciting!" Ayame clapped.

"So Midnight will be making sure your names are okay. Ayame will help; I can't do stuff like that."

Aizawa had shed off his bandages already, which surprised Ayame but she was glad her uncle was healed. He pulled out his yellow sleeping bag and Ayame sweat dropped.

"When you give yourself a name, you get a more concrete image of what you want to be like in the future and you can get closer to it. This is what it means when they say 'names and natures do often agree'. Like 'All Might', for example."

Ayame helped pass out the white boards to the front row of students, hopping back to Midnight's side afterwards. Her uncle was already asleep behind the table and Ayame shook her head at him. It was quiet for a while as students were thinking on their names and Midnight turned to Ayame.

"Why don't you present yourself, first? It will help with the others deciding."

She blinked, turning to the class who suddenly stopped writing to look at her. Well, Ayame doesn't remember telling them her hero name too… And she had already begun using it so—it makes no difference if she presented now!

"Okay!" Ayame got a chalk and wrote on the board, "Imagination Hero: Ayaminari! It's a combination of my name and 'imaginary'!"

"Aya-inari?" Kaminari joked, comparing her name to the sweet tofu sushi.

"No!" Ayame huffed, "A-ya-mi-na-ri!"

"That's a mouthful!" Mineta gaped.

"For someone who gives nicknames to others, senpai sure chose a long hero name," Tokoyami commented quietly.

"You don't like my nicknames, Toko-kun?" Ayame pouted at him.

"Ah, no…I didn't say that…"

Oh, right, Ayame do enjoy giving nicknames to people… Todoroki had his changed to 'Totoro' for awhile but…Ayame had stopped calling him that recently. Was it what he said before?

"Anyways!" Ayame pointed to her hero name excitedly, "The names often left in mythology are long names like this, ya know?! Like Izanagi, Amaterasu, Susanoo, Tsukuyomi, and such! 'Ayaminari' fits right in!"

Dark smoke trails emitted from Ayame's hand as she formed a miniature ookami on her hand, grinning as she offered it to the students.

"And, I can basically create them like this!"

"Are you trying to compare yourself to a god?" Sero snickered.

"No!" Ayame pouted again.

"I think it's cute!" Ashido laughed, "It is fitting for senpai!"

"Un! I like it too!" Kirishima agreed.

Ayame grinned. Well, at least she has some supporters. "Oh! I can also tell you why Yume-nee chose her hero name too!"

That caught everyone's attention. Ayame gave them a cheeky smile and wrote 'LullaCry' on the board again. Underneath, the words 'lullaby' and 'cry' were written down.

"They are 'lullaby' and 'cry' put together—because onee-chan will make the villains cry in shame! I was brainstorming the whole night for it!" Ayame pointed to the board proudly.

"Wait…you chose her name, too?" Kaminari asked.

"Yup!"

The class began laughing, stunning Ayame by their laugher now that the reason for Yume's hero name came out.

"I knew LullaCry wouldn't pick a cheesy name like that!" Mineta laughed.

Ayame was shocked. What the hell?!

"Oi! Are you mocking me?" Ayame crossed her arms.

"N-no," Ojiro tried to pacify, "It's…um…"

"It feels very…'you', Ayame-senpai!" Hagakure giggled.

"Your sister must love you a lot to use the name!" Ochako added on.

Ayame flushed again, bringing her hands to cover her cheeks at her kouhai laughing and comforting her. This was—a bad idea.

"I'm just—gonna go hide," Ayame ran around the corner of the table and hid behind it.

"As you can see, a hero name can be many things. Don't people still recognize and cheer for 'LullaCry'? And, Ayame-chan's heroic name is very fitting with her Quirk. In the end, the names will become a part of you and shape who you will become!" Midnight exclaimed passionately.

Ayame peeked up and sat on the teacher's chair, smiling at the class to show she wasn't truly upset. It was definitely embarrassing but…now she can tease them!

"Let's present your names!" Ayame beamed.

She's getting revenge, Todoroki thought with a slight upturn of his lips. He looked down on his board, still empty with nothing written on.

The class gaped, recognizing the gleam in Ayame's eyes as she looked over every one of them. But, the first to stand up was Aoyama, confidently walking up to the front with his board.

"Shining Hero: 'I cannot stop twinkling'! Which means, you can't stop my sparkles!"

Ayame stifled a laugh; it was a sentence?!

"It'll be easier to use if you take out the 'I' and shorten the 'cannot' to 'can't'," Midnight offered helpfully.

"It's okay?" The class gaped again.

"Yup! It's that easy," Ayame grinned.

"Then, I'll go next!" Ashido hopped onto the podium second. "Hero name: Alien Queen!"

Ayame giggled. "Isn't that a movie?"

"Are you trying for the thing with acidic blood?!" Midnight exclaimed, "I wouldn't if I were you!"

"Dang it," Ashido walked back with a pout.

Since the first ones were weird, it feels like we're supposed to make them funny now! 1-A thought nervously.

"Then, may I go next?" Tsuyu raised her hand.

"Yes, go Tsuyu-chan!" Ayame cheered.

"I've had this in mind ever since I was in elementary school. Rainy Season Hero: Froppy." Tsuyu flipped the board.

"That's so cute! It seems friendly. I like it!" Midnight swooned. "It's a great example of a name that everyone will love!"

Ayame clapped her hands and the class began to cheer for 'Froppy'.

With their confidence back, Kirishima went up next with his board. "Then, I'll go too! Sturdy Hero: Red Riot!"

"Oh!" Ayame knocked her fist onto the palm of her hand, "Is it based on Chivalrous Hero: Crimson Riot?!"

"Yes. It's pretty old-fashioned, but the hero image I'm going for is Crimson himself," Kirishima rubbed the back of his red hair sheepishly.

"If you're bearing a name you admire, it'll come with that much more pressure," Midnight smiled.

"I'm prepared for that!"

Ayame grinned. "Good luck, Eijiro-kun! You'll do great!"

"Thanks, senpai!"

Afterwards, people began to go up one by one as the others had inspired them. Ayame clapped for them with a smile while Midnight offered a few opinions or two. But overall, there was not much difference between the name they choose as it all fit their characteristics and Quirk.

Hearing Hero: Earphone Jack, Tentacle Hero: Tentacole, Taping Hero: Cellophane, Martial Arts Hero: Tailman, Sweets Hero: Sugarman. There were many names listed as nearly half the class chose their hero names. Ashido ended up with 'Pinky' in the end after consideration.

Stun Gun Hero: Chargebolt was for Kaminari. Stealth hero: Invisible Girl was obviously for Hagakure. Midnight was excited as she kept encouraging others to present their names. Yaoyozoru came up with hers as Everything Hero: Creati and after she went, Todoroki came up.

Oh! I wonder what name he came up with! Ayame thought eagerly, eyes shining in his direction while Todoroki gave her a miniscule nod.

"Shoto."

"Huh?!" Ayame blinked at him—he's using his name?

"Your name? Is that okay?" Midnight asked.

"Yeah," Todoroki nodded.

"I can suggest a name for you!" Ayame hopped up next to him. "How about Icy-Hot? Or Totoro—or—"

"—Half-and-Half Bastard," Bakugo voiced out.

Ayame gaped. "No!"

Todoroki glanced at the brunette next to him, then back onto the board with a thoughtful expression.

"Should I?" He mumbled.

"No!" The class screamed, "Those are terrible names!"

Ayame crossed her arms with a huff. "You don't have to say it like that." She turned back to Todoroki with a smile. "If you want to use your name, then I guess that's fine! Should we start calling you by your name?"

Todoroki blinked. "If…you want."

"Alright, who's next?" Midnight interrupted and Todoroki went back to his seat. Ayame also went back to her chair by the teacher's desk and saw Tokoyami walk up.

"Jet-Black Hero: Tsukuyomi."

"Ah!" Ayame stood up, "You based it off my suggestion!"

"God of the night!" Midnight encouraged.

"Ah," Tokoyami nodded his head in Ayame's direction, "It has a nice ring to it."

She giggled and clapped her hands.

There were a few more names such as 'Fresh-Picked Hero: Grape Juice', 'Petting Hero: Anima', and then came Bakugo's turn.

"King Explosion Murder."

Ayame choked; even his presentation was scary!

"You probably shouldn't use something like that," Midnight advised.

"Why not?!" Bakugo yelled.

"What hero has 'murder' in their name?!" Ayame laughed.

"You should be 'Explosion Boy'!" Kirishima suggested from the audience.

"Shut up, Weird Hair and Crybaby!"

"What happened to 'senpai'?!" Ayame argued back.

He promptly ignored her and walked back to his desk when Ochako came up next.

"This is what I thought of after hearing Ayame-senpai's suggestions," Ochako turned to smile at her, "Uravity."

"Cute!" Ayame cheered.

"Choosing hero names is going more smoothly than I thought it would!" Midnight smiled, "All that's left is Bakugo-kun, who needs to rethink his, and Iida-kun. And Midoriya-kun, right?"

Oh! So those three are left! How strange, Ayame would thought Iida be certain of his…and Midoriya too! At that, Iida went up to the front of the class, presenting his board quietly to everyone.

'Tenya'.

"You're using your first name, too?" Midnight asked Iida. Ayame blinked; why does he look so…odd?

"Are you sure, Iida-kun? I can help!" Ayame chirped.

"No, thank you, senpai," Iida said, "I am…sure."

He went back to his seat quietly as Ayame stared at him from behind. Well…if he was sure of it, there's nothing she can do about that. Midoriya went up next and presented his board to the class. Ayame leaned over to read it, pausing along with everyone else.

"Are you really okay with that?" Kaminari asked.

"You might be called that forever, you know," Kirishima said.

"Yeah. I didn't like this name until now. But someone changed the meaning of it and that had a huge impact on me. It made me really happy," Midoriya smiled. "This is my hero name!"

'Deku'.

Ayame smiled. Well, she wasn't sure what had happened and the meaning of that name but…it looked like Midoriya was confident with his choice. She clapped her hands for him.

"Hey, since we already began calling you 'Deku'-kun, that means your hero name will stand out more!" Ayame grinned.

"Un," Midoriya turned to smile at her, "Thank you, senpai."

Midoriya sat back down and Bakugo went up with a new sign.

"Lord Explosion Murder!"

"No, that's still no good…" Midnight sweat dropped.

"The 'king' wasn't the problematic part!" Ayame laughed, "Why not change it to 'Kacchan'?!"

"Then I'll change yours," Bakugo cracked his knuckles.

Ayame harrumphed. "Mine can't be changed. It's already in the system."

Bakugo glowered again and walked back to his seat. The bell rang at that time and Aizawa woke up, shifting out of his sleeping back.

"Morning, Shouta-oji!" Ayame greeted.

"Hm," Aizawa tapped her head and she got out of his seat. "Now that everyone's decided on their hero names, we'll go back to talking about internships. They will last for a week. As for where you'll have them, those who had offers from pros will be given your own lists so you can choose from those yourself. Those who didn't have offers will choose from among 40 agencies around the country that will be accepting our interns."

Aizawa and Midnight continued to explain the differences in hero agencies. Some specialized in rescues; others were recon, combat, and such. Ayame helped pass out the internship papers to the students based on their names, noticing that Bakugo and Todoroki had the most offers.

"Turn in your choices before the weekend," Aizawa began to walk out with Midnight.

"We only have two days!?"

"Make your decision efficiently. If you have any questions, ask your senpai." Aizawa turned around, "Dismiss."

Ayame blinked from the front as a few pair of eyes turned to her. Others were scanning their own list and Ayame thought back to hers. Maybe she needs to take a look over all the four thousand offers.

Or…they could be because of my sister, Ayame sighed.

"Senpai, how was your internship last year?" Tsuyu asked.

"It was so-so," Ayame sat on the teacher's chair again, propping one hand onto her chin, "I worked at LullaCry's agency but it was mainly office work," Ayame grimaced, "There weren't a lot for me to do."

"Are you sure you didn't goof off?" Sero interjected.

"Oi!" Ayame pouted, "There really wasn't any work! Yume-nee took care of any villains within a minute!"

"That's amazing though… What about your internship for this year?" Jirou asked.

"Ah, I received over four thousand six hundred offers," Ayame bragged and held up four fingers, "I haven't decided yet, either. But we have until tomorrow only. So—I'll be leaving tomorrow before you guys!"

"Ah! What if we ended up meeting each other in our hero run?" Ochako asked excitedly.

"Maybe!"

They began to talk about their own agencies and Ayame hopped off the teacher's chair. Tsuyu, Ojiro, Ashido, and Ochako ended up surrounding Midoriya's table and as she glanced by, she saw the ash blonde shaking in anger. Ayame giggled to herself before heading towards the door.

"Are there any other questions? I'm going to be leaving now!"

"Ah, wait, senpai!" Ochako called out.

"Hm?"

"We realized after the Sports Festival that we are missing something important from you!" Ochako grinned and pulled out her phone, "Your phone number!"

"Oh, yeah!" Kirishima pulled out his too, "We need to add you to our group chat!"

"Really?" Ayame perked up and ran back to their side, her own smart phone in hand, "That's right! You want to add me too? I'm so happy!"

"Of course," Ashido grinned, "This way, we can keep in contact with everyone!"

And just like that, Ayame exchanged a few phone numbers with the students and Ochako included her in their 1-A group chat. She grinned at the multiple messages she received and added the students onto her phone one by one.

"Oh, right, Kacchan!" Bakugo turned to glare at the brunette, "I saw you at the tournament too, you know! Congrats on winning! Now, are you going to accept me?"

Ayame leaned over his desk with a grin, waving her phone around proudly although the ash blonde was glaring heatedly at her.

"After all, we're both Sports Festival winners!"

"That doesn't mean anything!" Bakugo yelled back, "Aren't you the girl trying to seduce the two pretty boys? Did they let you win?"

Ayame gaped, straightening up with a glare.

"Those are just rumors! Are you stupid enough to believe them?"

"Who's the stupid one?!" Bakugo shot out of his desk.

"It would be you if you actually believed them!"

"You're the one stupid enough to let a rumor happen in the first place!"

"That's not being stupid when it's out of my control, you—stupid Kacchan!"

"Stupid crybaby!"

The classmates looked at the two arguing with each other, sweating and smiling nervously at them like children. But…it didn't feel hostile or anything when it came to Bakugo. It just…seemed that's was the only way those two can get along.

"A-ny-ways!" Ayame ignored Bakugo to turn towards the students, "I'm going now! I probably won't see you guys for another week. Good luck on your internship!" Ayame hopped out the door again, waving her silver phone behind her, "You know how to reach me now!"

Todoroki glanced at the long brunette hair disappearing around the door, then back to his own smart phone.

When the bell rang for school to end, Ayame stayed behind the classroom to clean up as part of her duty. Usagi stayed behind with her as partners and together, they quickly finished the cleanup in ten minutes. After a quick farewell, Ayame hopped down to the shoe lockers by the entrance and changed her shoes.

Students were leaving around her as Ayame closed her locker. She brushed back her hair and looked up to the doors, blinking at the sight of the heterochromia boy leaning against the wall.

He was still here?

"Ah, Todoroki-kun! Are you heading home now?" Ayame greeted kindly.

"Yes," he gave a small nod and pushed himself off the wall.

Ayame blinked when Todoroki began to walk with her out the school. Her mind blanked and her feet stopped moving when Todoroki also stopped to glance back at her.

"We go the same way, right?"

"Y-yeah!" Ayame barely remembered to respond.

She caught up with him quickly, trying to hide the shock from her face and wondering why Todoroki decided to change his mind. Before, wasn't he the one to ignore her? But…considering how their little talk went and the Sports Festival aftermath… Maybe he doesn't dislike her as she thought!

While Ayame was still caught up in her thoughts, Todoroki glanced to the side. There, he saw the two 'princes' by the school, eyes looking in their direction. Todoroki tilted his chin up at them and then looked away.

"Is he challenging us?" Yuu chuckled softly.

Noeru said nothing, crystal eyes narrowed at their two disappearing backs.

"Why did you end up using your name anyways?" Ayame asked curiously.

She figured it would be best to not question Todoroki why he was walking with her. Since he had decided to approach her first and wasn't putting up the cold front anymore, Ayame felt more comfortable around him. They did share a meal together and although Ayame had been the one to mainly carry out the conversation, it wasn't awkward.

Todoroki can be quite funny and cute at times too. The little surprised emotions that had managed to escape his blank face were amusing. Ayame wanted to see what other expressions he can do—but she knew not to push for it. He had accepted her—and she had (faintly) understood him. His experience was not something anyone can bear or forget but, she hoped at least he will trust her to stay by his side.

"'The names will become a part of you and shape who you will become'. That's what Midnight-sensei said. I guess I just wanted to be 'myself'," Todoroki explained, "With my own body and powers."

Ayame blinked, a slow smile emerging as she looked his way. He was changing.

"That's a good resolve," Ayame complimented, "Maybe I should start calling you by your hero name."

"I don't mind," Todoroki said.

—but she was only joking! Ayame wasn't sure if they were close enough to go by first names! Sure—he had called her once and she was welcoming to everyone by her first name but—it felt a little…embarrassing the other way around! Todoroki didn't feel like the type to…be called so casually like she does with others.

Todoroki glanced at her with his grey eye, as if sensing her mental dilemma and smiled just the slightest. It disappeared just as fast, his smiles (if it was even considered as one) never stayed for long. But, he had realized he's been doing it often…

"A-anyways," Ayame coughed, "What about your internship? I saw you had over four thousand offers as well!"

She's changing the subject, Todoroki knew. He heard her call Aizawa fondly before; their names were only one syllable different. Not only that, Ayame was capable of saying the comic genres completely fine as he overheard her talking to her friends and in 1-A before. Shounen, shoujo, Shouta...what difference does 'Shoto' make?

Todoroki brushed it away from mind for now. She wasn't obligated to call him anything. He only thought it was fitting because she gave everyone permission to call her by her name.

"It's mostly because of my old man," Todoroki frowned, "But…I'm going to his agency."

Ayame looked at him in shock. "Wha—really?"

"Ah," he nodded his head, "After speaking with my mother that day...she told me to move forward without holding back...that would be her happiness and salvation. The old me would never consider my old man for internship. It's not that I've forgiven him, and I have no intention of doing so but I want to see what makes him the Number Two Hero… His experiences…his power… I'll see it all myself."

"Wow…" Ayame smiled, gentle and kind as she faced forward, "You've really grown up."

"I'm only one year younger," Todoroki deadpanned.

There's not a big difference between them. There was no reason for Ayame to treat him like so but it may have just be her nature in general. She was a caretaker to her family, an upperclassman invested in 1-A's class, and just...an all round good person. It was odd to find someone as cheery and...helpful as her.

But...it wasn't a bad thing. Because of her, Todoroki had realized a few things. He was able to confront his mother again and seek the redemption he wasn't able to face for the past decade. Everything felt clearer now that he wasn't fueled by hatred anymore. Although he does not plan on forgiving his father, Todoroki needed to learn a few (hero) things from him.

"What agency are you going to?" Todoroki asked in the end because he really was curious.

"Hmm," Ayame looked up to the grey sky, "I'm not sure yet. There are so many offers but…I think it's because of my sister," she laughed sheepishly. Todoroki glanced at her.

"I'm sure you'll have a few genuine ones," he said casually; she was having the same issue as him, apparently.

"Mhmm…but I think…I may want to go with my sister's agency."

"…oh?"

Ayame turned to him with a smile. "You've inspired me! My sister is super strong, too, but I never really witnessed her in battle! Last year, she kept me in the office for nearly five days before taking me out on patrol. I think she doesn't think I can handle it," Ayame pouted briefly. "But…I'm stronger now. LullaCry…often gets sent on dangerous missions… I think she's afraid of seeing me hurt."

That was…unexpected. Todoroki wasn't sure on how to respond to that. Their sibling bonds were really close. He can see how much both sisters love each other. Although Ayame had slight insecurity regarding Yume before…it never twisted her love for her. She truly and dearly loves her family.

"But, I want to support her. I don't want to keep seeing my sister return home all battered up. So—I'll be a hero to protect my family," Ayame turned to Todoroki with a smile then, "And friends!"

Whoever senpai likes in the future will be very fortunate…

The thought was just as fleeting.

They reached the train station fairly quickly afterwards. Ayame ran out of topics to say and Todoroki was his usual quiet self but, it wasn't odd or awkward. The two walked side by side as before, both lost in their own thoughts about one thing or another.

When they entered the train, it wasn't as packed as it would be in the morning. They found one empty seat which Todoroki offered to her, and she smiled at him thankfully. He rested on the railing in front of her; the train was silent except for the machinery running below them.

Ayame received a few buzzes on her phone, looking down to add a few other 1-A members in her system. Briefly, she glanced up at Todoroki to see if he would add her but—quickly looked down just as fast. Todoroki hadn't notice, his mismatched eyes looking to the side of the cart. There were a few other students from different school around...their eyes sneaking not-so-secret glances at Ayame.

He shifted his feet just an inch closer, his body tilted slightly to the side to cover her. Todoroki glanced down again, her bare knees were nearly touching his legs but Ayame hadn't noticed. She was still on her phone, a small smile on her lips and long hair framed her face. Todoroki understood why people would be staring.

Ayame was attractive. Todoroki wasn't blind nor was he embarrassed to admit that. He can see why people had stopped her before. Bright, lilac eyes and long, tan hair; a cute, playful smile and innocent yet daring eyes. Not only that, she was tall for a girl with pretty proportions… Todoroki shook those thoughts from his mind.

At that time, Ayame looked up to smile at him. Todoroki blinked as she turned her phone around to show him an image of a cute cat playing in a box. She was trying to stifle her giggles and the corner of his lips quirked up just the slightest.

When they reached their station, the two left the train together. Ayame hummed as they reached upstairs to leave the station and paused, knowing they would go on separate paths after.

"I'll see you next time, Todoroki-kun!" Ayame smiled brightly, "Oh, and thanks, during the train ride I mean. Usually, I ignore the stares since they would think I'm Yume-nee but, that's the first time someone tried to cover me."

Ayame giggled behind her hand in amusement. Todoroki blinked at her; he didn't think she would notice. Again, he thought she was more perceptive than others believed. Still, Ayame was self-conscious again, brushing off others easily because of her famous sister.

"It's…probably not because of that," Todoroki began, "You're a Sports Festival winner, senpai."

With that, he shoved a hand in his pocket, turning to his direction of the house.

"And, you're pretty, too."

Ayame was left staring at his back in disbelief, cheeks turning red in an alarming rate as she put one hand to her cheek. Quickly, she turned around to walk towards her home, ignoring how frantic she may have looked to others.

Just—what the heck?!

She didn't think Todoroki would be this—blunt! Was he always like this? Sure, he may not speak a lot but—Ayame was positive he's always honest with his comments. So—where the hell did that come from?!

I heard wrong, Ayame convinced herself, or he's just teasing. That must be it.

That night, Ayame received a text message from a new number again. It only contained two words but—it was enough to startle her.

'It's Shoto.'

A/N:

I do enjoy writing school scenes a lot ahaha. They're slowly easing back into the school life but you can already see the changes Ayame have with the people around her—especially Todoroki.

Names are very important in Japan and how they call each other impacts how close they are, too. Ayame is more modern in the sense that she allows others to call her by her first name, to differentiate herself as well, but her and Yuu have already shown to be much closer than before and as for Shoto…don't worry! He will also have his moment!

Reviews are much loved! I appreciate all and any of them ToT Thank you for your time!

Check out PrivateCardy (Instagram) for art! I sometimes do requests and write AUs on there!