Disclaimer: I do not own Boku no Hero Academia.

At the end of the day, Ayame decided to leave home first instead of staying for the study group. There was still the weekend for her to do some self-study but really, Ayame was simply tired. Their class president was still being brash and rude, constantly refusing her offer and went back to ignoring her.

If Noeru was that confident in his abilities, then Ayame will leave him to it. That doesn't mean she's going to completely comply. Ayame does care about being a hero. She also does not want to fail. But, she's not going to allow him to walk all over her if she can help it.

"He's still a jerk," Ayame mumbled to herself.

"Who is?"

Ayame startled, looking up from her brooding to see Todoroki sitting on one of the benches. At the sight of her, he stood up and began to walk with her out of school. Ayame wondered if he had been waiting long. Due to their busy schedules, she had not walked with him again since last time. Earlier this morning was actually the first time they had really seen each other. She figured their meetup was a coincidence.

"My stupid class pres," Ayame sighed as they walked to the train station.

Oh, Todoroki knew. He just wanted to hear her say it.

"Ah, I keep forgetting to bring you the higashi," Ayame groaned, hand raised to smack her forehead but a warm hand moved to intercept. Ayame froze, her hand dropping and Todoroki carefully moved his own away. Her injuries were nearly healed now; no patches or bandages required and the cuts were left open to heal. It would not scar, Recovery Girl reassured, but it will still take a few days for it to fade.

"I can go pick it up after the finals," Todoroki suggested. He was in no rush for it. Lately, he had been too busy himself to visit his mother in the hospital but he still writes her letters.

"That won't be for another week," Ayame shook her head, "That means another week of fending it away from my family."

There was a slight smile on his lips as he caught onto Ayame's pout. Todoroki hadn't the chance to offer the second box to her yet; the timing was not right. Ayame would refuse it initially, anyways.

"How is your study going? Are you confident with the tests?" Ayame asked curiously. It had been awhile since they were able to talk. She wondered what Todoroki had been up to.

"Yeah," Todoroki nodded his head. "It's not difficult since the written exams are based off the lectures. As long as we pay attention, it'll be easy to pass."

Ayame sweated. How can he say that as 'easy'? Ayame had trouble remembering most of the material and had to review them at least twice to remember it by heart. And yet…Todoroki gave off a superior air even without trying.

"Ah, I'm so jealous." But it wasn't like he's flaunting it anyways… "Can you attend my class and pass for me?"

Ayame nudged him playfully, laughing at the end of her statement while the side of his lips quirked up. Todoroki wondered back to the past week, remembering the fight she had with her class president and the smile disappeared. It seemed as though she was having issues with her own class. Todoroki remembered that Takarada boy to be the grand finalist as well; both fighting without holding back while shouting words too far for him to hear.

"Takarada-senpai…really hates Sasaki-senpai."

Shoji would have been the only one to hear the conversation but even he was uncertain with the context. Todoroki couldn't help but be curious. Those two, though rivals, were also intimate in a way that can be easily mistaken for something else. He was not oblivious to the way his classmates openly tease Ayame and her relationships with the two 'princes'. He can understand why misunderstands may occur. Ayame often leaves herself too unguarded.

And that gave him an uncomfortable feeling within his gut. Todoroki does not understand why.

He only knew that her two classmates were taking advantage of her kindness. Ayame had tried plenty of times to befriend her class president. The Shimizu heir often teases her with light touches and playful smirks.

Ayame was simply too kind for her own good. That was why Todoroki often interferes. Those boys weren't suitable for her.

"I think you'll be fine," Ayame wondered out loud, breaking Todoroki from his thoughts about her—and her class representatives. "You always do well in any situation."

"Oh," Todoroki blinked, mismatched eyes slowly looking away from her bright ones. Ayame often compliments them but—it must have been because he had not seen her in awhile that he felt…surprised. "You—too."

Ayame tilted her head at his quiet response, noticing the slight hesitation on his part. But, it wasn't insulting or anything. He almost looked…shy.

"Hopefully," Ayame sighed, "My partner for the practical exam is the stupid class pres. I've been trying to get close but—he keeps rejecting me."

Todoroki glanced at her. So that was the main reason he kept seeing those two around. Noeru often does somehow manage to say something to provoke Ayame but…earlier today… Todoroki still remembers the way the boy's hand lifted up as if to stop Ayame… If Todoroki had not appeared at that time…what would have happened?

The knot in his stomach continued to twist and turn.

"He's not a bad person," Ayame continued, oblivious to her companion's shift in mood as she ruffled the back of her long hair. "He's just…driven…and arrogant…but strong…irksome…"

"Do you like him, senpai?"

Todoroki wanted her to stop yet the question that left his lips was the one farthest from his mind. His hand twitched, mentally cursing himself for the impulsive question. He did not want to know.

Ayame stopped walking to stare at him in bewilderment. Lilac eyes were widened in alarm, a look of surprise and maybe—confusion? It was better than her blushing, Todoroki decided.

"Of course not! I barely know him!"

Todoroki thought otherwise. They seem to know each other quite well.

"I mean—it would be nice if he actually listens to others for once but—he's too prideful to change," Ayame grimaced, remembering their previous argument all too well. She wondered if Noeru still viewed her as the same, careless girl from their first year. But—he couldn't—right? He said—he doesn't hate her anymore. That was why Ayame…felt the need to approach him again.

As much of a jerk Takarada Noeru was, Ayame can see some good qualities of his. He was responsible to his duties and diligent in his work. Even though he lost against her, Ayame finally understood the reason for his hatred. And—even with his massive amount of pride, he did not hate her even more for it. The rare times she thought he had accepted her—might have been because she did prove herself to him.

Then why was he still acting like a jerk as before?

Ayame sighed, unable to come up with an answer. It was no use pondering over her class representative when he does not bother to reciprocate at all. She only knew his previous drive to be number one; Ayame does not know him beyond that.

"I was afraid you were just like him in the beginning," Ayame confessed to Todoroki, noticing his mismatched eyes widen just the slightest by her quiet remark. "But…you're not. You were able to reexamine yourself and…change. I'm—really glad that you did."

Todoroki didn't instantly reply. It took him a few seconds to register what she meant. He disliked being compared to that Takarada heir; he does not want her to see him the same—and Ayame doesn't. Because he had changed, ever so slightly, he had changed enough to be more welcoming with his classmates. For others to approach him first without hesitation anymore.

And it was because of her.

If Takarada Noeru cannot see Ayame's good intentions, then Todoroki Shoto would not allow her be taken advantage of.

"Yeah," Todoroki finally agreed, holding onto her gaze with a newfound resolve that caused her heart to skip a beat. "I am, too."

The remaining days until the final exams passed by in a blur. The written exams lasted for three days, leaving Ayame near tears every time as she answered every question the best she can. Luckily, Hotaru (and Yuu's) tutoring proved to be useful as she was able to answer at least two-thirds of the exams. The rest were left for luck.

Due to their busy schedule, Ayame did not visit 1-A again. They may have passed by in the hall once or twice and during lunch; Ayame was stuck in her classroom reviewing her notes. The group chat was still active so Ayame was able to read up on their conversation during the very little free time she had. She would reply once in awhile, letting them know she was doing well and cheered for their exams. In return, most of the students also replied with the same fervor.

Ayame smiled again. Her kouhais were so cute.

On the fourth day, it was time for their practical examination.

Noeru and Ayame did not bother to speak again. She gave up completely this time. It had been nearly two months since the Sports Festival and she truly believed Noeru stopped hating her. Though they had argued less initially, he was back to his same, curt self when speaking with her.

It was weird because Noeru felt the same—yet not.

Before, he would look down at her for completely unfair reasons and Ayame could sense the hostility from his glare every time. Now, Noeru still had his trademark frown up but his words were guarded yet inquiring at the same time. It wasn't until Ayame had time to sit down and review their conversations did she realize the difference.

It was just—weird.

With a sigh, the class changed into their hero uniforms and met up with Ume on the outskirts of the school. They were in the same ruined city they often had practice in. Yet what greeted them was the sight of eight other professors standing by Ume.

Ayame gaped.

What was her uncle doing here?

"Hello, everyone!" President Nezu greeted from Ume's shoulder, bringing the eighteen student's attention to the little mouse with a start. "You all look so surprised!"

"P-president!" Usagi whispered in astonishment.

"You all had one week to review with your partner," Ume said with a smile, "Although the practical test was unknown, I hope you all were able to set aside your differences to prepare for the final examination!"

Ayame swore Ume looked at her and Noeru.

"Originally, U.A. students would not fight against their professors until the end of their second year. However, we have decided that all the students need to improve their skills…" President Nezu explained.

"And what better way than to have you fight against us!" Midnight finished with a giggled but—the sharp and teasing look in her eyes gave them chills.

"We are?!"

Ayame gulped and looked at Aizawa. He had his usual expression on his face and returned her gaze. Slowly, a smirk spread onto his lips and Ayame gaped. They were serious!

"The tests will be taken one team at a time. The objective…is to either capture us, the villains, or rescue the civilians," Ume continued. "Another group will act as the captured civilians; you won't be graded for that except to just sit still and wait to be rescued."

"Don't fear! There is only one villain against the team! But, you won't know who the villain is!" Present Mic laughed loudly.

"And, we will be handicapped," President Nezu reassured, motioning for Cementoss to pull out some wristbands and handcuffs. "The weights will slow down our speed. These handcuffs are for you to attach to us."

"You will have 10 minutes to prepare! The first team will be Hotaru-chan and Yuu-kun! The 'captured' civilians will be team nine, Ayame-chan and Noeru-kun!" Midnight announced with a wicked smile.

"Good luck, everyone!"

They were taken somewhere in an old abandoned building as hostages. Ayame had her hands bound behind her back and her feet tied up as she sat on the concrete floor. Behind her, Noeru was in the same position, playing as 'hostages' for their friends to come and rescue them.

The room was silent and dark, neither speaking with each other and Ayame knew she had to be the one to break the silence. Ayame did not want to fail and she was pretty sure Noeru does not either. He still has the reputation as the top of their class to uphold.

"Can we try to cooperate now?" Ayame asked with a whisper.

Silence.

Ayame frowned to herself; there was no way he wouldn't have heard her.

"You heard them; we'll be fighting one of them later. I know you're strong by yourself but I can help," Ayame mumbled.

Noeru still did not speak.

Ayame wanted to shake him. She shifted on her bottom to turn around, facing Noeru's straight back with a frown and nudged him with her bound hands. Immediately, his head turned to glare at her but Ayame refused to budge.

"Do you still hate me?"

That caught Noeru's attention. He turned his head back around to ignore her but Ayame noticed the way his back went even more rigid by her question. A spark of hope emerged as she faced his back.

"I don't hate you," Ayame said lightly, "Well I don't exactly like you either but that's not the point now. I think you're capable but have a tendency to close yourself off. It makes sense, I guess, considering your own circumstances but it's still unfair how you blamed it on me."

Ayame was rambling. Since Noeru was not speaking, she took the initiative to fill the silence in the space. Noeru was actually a good company when he's not constantly glaring and insulting others. Right now, she just wanted to rant since he was not bothering to stop her.

"If you're still here…does that mean your father lifted the rules?" She continued to wonder out loud. "Congrats, by the way. I never said that, too. You're still a jerk but I know you'll be a good hero in the future."

"Sasaki."

Ayame startled, turning towards Noeru with a shock. She wasn't expecting him to speak up. Noeru shifted his position to face her now, a blank expression on his face yet his crystal eyes were quietly studying hers.

"Why are you trying so hard?"

Ayame blinked.

"Cause we're classmates," she answered as a matter of fact, "If you give others a chance, they will do the same to you."

Plus, they hadn't the chance to help Noeru last year. He was left alone to become the top himself. Ayame knew Noeru must have worked hard to keep that position. Even if Yuu may have been the one to give up his position in the Sports Festival, Noeru still appeared in the grand finals with his own powers.

Noeru hesitated. He does not know how to give others a chance. Usually, people flock to him, not the other way around. They approach him because of his heritage, of his powers, of his company—but never because of him. Yuu had to be the one to mediate for his sharp rejects and curt nature. Yuu was always the better one in relations and hospitality. Noeru was lucky Yuu was his childhood friend.

But Yuu was not here right now.

"I—"

The door slammed open, breaking both of them from their conversation to look at the source of light. A surprised expression was on Hotaru's face before it broke into a grin, running inside to cut the ties off Ayame's hands, then Noeru's.

"The civilians have been saved!" An electronic voice echoed through the building.

Hotaru and Ayame cheered together. The brunette gave her friend a hug, smiling widely to be free from constraints and her friend to pass the exam. Noeru quietly got up, listening at how Yuu was the one to create an opportunity for Hotaru to find them.

When Ayame turned around to look at Noeru, he was already walking away. A flash of disappointment flew by her face as she stared at his retreating back. Whatever he wanted to say before Hotaru appeared…was completely gone.

Ayame sighed.

The remaining teams' fight passed by without instances as she watched the large screen before her with interest. So far, everyone was able to either capture the teachers or rescue the students. Mostly, they avoided a head on fight and focused on rescuing the others.

Ayame was really jealous. All of them worked so well together! The only animosity in their class was her and Noeru! She really wished she could have gotten Hotaru as her partner, or Usagi…or Natsumi…hell, she'll even settle with Gin! But no, her partner was Noeru…who had disappeared as soon as they were 'rescued'.

And…there was another troubling issue.

She had not seen Aizawa fight yet.

All the teachers so far had made an appearance once. Even President Nezu had fought against the students… But…her uncle still did not show up on the screen. There was a slow realization dreading within the pit of her stomach that her opponent might be Eraser Head himself…

"Team 9, please proceed to the stage."

Ayame groaned but stood up regardless, waving to the classmates that wished her luck and headed onto the 'stage'. It was really just the starting line for the teams to gather at before they go hunt the villain or search for the hostages.

She brushed back her tan hair and adjusted the starry cape that had been fixed for the second time already. Ayame was starting to regret adding a cape onto her costume but she liked how it flowed behind her in battle! Maybe she should reconsider…but the fiber woven within was a rare one…but it'll cost extra if it keeps getting repaired!

Ayame resisted another groan and merely tied up her hair for now. She can figure out her costume later. Right now, she must pass her practical exam first.

"Hey," Ayame greeted Noeru walking up to her. He glanced at her once, barely an acknowledgement if you asked Ayame but—it was better than nothing. "You probably know but…I guess we'll be fighting my uncle."

Noeru hummed in agreement. Aizawa was the only one that has not shown up on in the test yet. His Quirk to erase their powers was already a nuisance. Ayame had learned firsthand, many times, to be on the receiving end of it. She suppressed another groan; Ayame never won against her uncle once!

"Ready… Start!"

"Okay—I know his attack patterns the best. Oji-san prefers sneak attacks and a quick capture. We should keep moving regardless of fighting him in a straight hand-to-hand combat or finding the hostages first," Ayame quickly explained.

Noeru was already moving. Although it does not show, he was actively listening as Ayame continued to explain Aizawa's fighting style. It was something he already had knowledge of but Ayame went more in depth. It showed that she does have experience fighting him but…

"Have you ever won against him, Sasaki?" Noeru finally asked, one crystal eye glanced at her before turning their attention to the building around them.

Ayame startled, her confidence dwindling as she looked down.

"N-not exactly…"

She mentally winced. Ugh, he's gonna insult her again!

But…no insult came. Noeru only hummed, contemplating but not insulting. Ayame thought someone else possessed Noeru.

He was not going to argue with Ayame for the moment. During their brief break before their turn, he had been thinking. It does not help that Yuu had been the little devil whispering in his ear about the good traits of Ayame. Does not help that Noeru had been wavering in his decision to…confide in her.

That damn girl does not give up. No matter how dismissive he had been to her, Ayame would still approach him with hope. Even though every time she left feeling frustrated, she would try again the next time. It was weakening Noeru's resolve to possibly—maybe—listen to her once. He knew she had changed from last year. He knew she was strong; always had been. But ever since the aftermath of the Sports Festival, he knew she must have done something for his continued education in U.A.

In reality, Noeru was just inexperienced in apologies and gratitude.

"Search the high grounds," Noeru instructed first, "The buildings will hinder his sight and movement."

"Wha—what if he erases my Quirk?" Ayame nearly agreed but at the thought of falling down without a safety net made her hesitate.

"I'll catch you, obviously."

Arrogant, certain, and firm. Somehow, Ayame believed he would. If Noeru said he would do something, he will follow through.

Ayame imagined her tengu, large enough to carry her alone as she began to fly upwards. She glanced down to see Noeru chasing her shadow from below and turned her attention back to the buildings instead.

Quietly, she wondered what the best course of action should be. Neither knew where the hostages were taken in hiding and Aizawa excelled in close combat. Although Ayame was not terrible, she lost against her uncle enough for him to know her moves as well as she knew his. Except, she couldn't apply it as well as her brain could think it.

They made a few turns, searching for any sound or movement yet only silence engulfed the city. Through all the windows and broken glass Ayame was able to peer through, there were no sights of her classmates. She frowned. Searching for someone in this large city was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. But, if they manage to find Aizawa…then the hostages would also be nearby.

Ayame was pulled away from her thoughts as the tengu below her began to dissolve. She gasped when the smoky trails drifted upwards, trying to force her summon to stabilize but—it was too late. Ayame let out a loud shout and looked down, meeting wide crystal eyes at her sudden plunder.

"Taka—!"

A large gem structure shot up beneath Noeru's foot, pushing him up from the momentum and in her direction. Strong arms reached out to grasp Ayame, bringing her towards a firm body from the sudden impact as she let out a choked gasp. Noeru landed safely and set her down, both quickly moved back to back to look for the suspect.

"He's here!"

A blur of black appeared from the top, yellow goggles blocked their view from his eyes as bandages shot forward to trap them. Ayame split apart to dodge the upcoming attack but Noeru grabbed onto one end of the bandage, taking the initiative to pull Aizawa forward.

"Oh, well, aren't you brave, Takarada?" Aizawa smirked as he landed in front of the student.

Ayame looked stunned at Noeru's bold move but his eyes snapped to her instantly.

"Don't just stand there," his free hand went around his waist to the handcuffs, tossing it in Ayame's direction and leaving the girl even more—shocked by his decision. "Get him!"

Ayame clutched the handcuffs tightly and ran forward. She learned to not rely on her Quirk when faced with her uncle. With his abilities to render it useless, Ayame learned hand-to-hand combat through that training. Even if Ayame ended up getting beaten down afterwards, she was able to hold her ground against him for a few moves.

Aizawa glanced in her direction and let go of the tug-of-war with Noeru. The bandages flew around them, creating an obstacle for Ayame as she ran in. Expecting this result, Ayame weaved around the cloth like a dance and appeared a few feet away from him.

"When was the last time we battled, Ayame?" Aizawa looked down at his niece, the cloth tightening in response to restrain her.

"Too long ago!"

Ayame jumped up to avoid the capture but her right foot got clipped at the last second. She gasped when Aizawa took the cloth and suddenly—a wave of crystal shards moved to stab Aizawa.

"Use your Quirk, idiot!"

A serpent wrapped around Ayame's leg, expanding and loosening the bandages. Ayame fell unceremoniously down with a grunt but a wall of crystal appeared in her path to block their view of Aizawa. Ayame startled as Noeru grabbed her arm, dragging her to her feet and both ran away.

They passed by buildings and buildings, Ayame nearly tripping over the debris if not for Noeru's hold to steady her upright. From the corner of her mind, she knew she was shocked by the care he put into his teammates; she just didn't expect he would do the same for her.

They rounded a corner, hiding in the shade of a building and gasping for breath. Noeru let his hand drop from hers, looking away to wipe the sweat from his chin as he scanned the surrounding. Ayame leaned against the wall and raised one hand to create a little butterfly fluttering around her fingertips. Their Quirk still works. That means Aizawa was not here.

"The intervals between his Quirk use is shorter than before," Noeru quietly analyzed.

Ayame blinked. "He—"

Since USJ, Ayame knew her uncle had overused his Quirk to protect them. Although Aizawa had reassure his family time and time again he was fine, Ayame could tell the time for his Quirk had shortened. She bit her lips, hating how her uncle was injured to such an extent—and reminding her of her mother.

"Snap out of it."

Noeru glanced down at her, startling Ayame from her thoughts to look at him. He looked away again, irritation bubbling underneath him at the sight of her distracted.

"Focus on what needs to be done now. We'll use the drawback as our advantage," Noeru continued to instruct. They do not need any distractions right now.

"I—know," Ayame took a deep breath, forcing the unwanted thoughts from her mind as she straightened up. The butterfly continued to fly around her as she reached around her waist to take the metal cuffs, bringing it back to Noeru's attention. "You should take this."

He glanced at it—then her. His face was expressionless again, something Ayame was used to but—he was not taking it from her as she expected. Noeru looked away and walked around the building, checking if Aizawa had followed but—was ignoring her confused expression.

"Takarada—what are you—"

"You want to help, don't you?" Noeru asked calmly, not once looking away from the view of the street. "Then, I trust you to capture him while I distract him."

Ayame gaped. He—trusted her?! Really?! She didn't hallucinate that?! No way, no way, no way! Did her talk really get through to him? Did he trust in her abilities? He trusted her—to fight her uncle?

A burst of warmth spread from her heart to her cheeks, staring at the shiny black hair of the boy who once hated her. Noeru felt the odd silence and glanced back, noticing the stunned state of the brunette and the faint spark of admiration in her eyes. He turned back around almost bashfully. What was with that overreaction? He was giving her a chance to pass. If she was stubborn in the first place, then Noeru would not waste more time arguing with her.

"Sasaki," realizing something to be deeply wrong, he whirled back again in shock, "Where is your summon?"

They realized too late.

A cloth of bandage wrapped around Ayame's upper torso, dragging her backwards toward a lamppost. Ayame saw her uncle jump off with the bandages, trying to suspend her in midair with his wild black hair spike up.

"Oi! That's Yume-nee's move!" Ayame still managed to retort, struggling in the tight bandages around her.

"Who do you think taught her?" Aizawa taunted.

Yet Ayame did not pay attention to his question when she saw the messy hair fall over his eyes. Takarada was correct; Aizawa's Quirk was weakening.

Ayame stopped struggling to focus, smoky black trails drifting around her body as the large body of a dragon appeared. It weakened the constraints and unraveled the bandages around her form, both falling onto the concrete with a thud and Ayame charged forward.

Aizawa jumped back and recalled his bandages, eyes narrowed on his niece as the dragon got dangerously close to his face. He moved back when its sharp jaws aimed to snapped at his head yet unexpectedly his back hit a wall.

It wasn't a wall. Noeru had raised a crystal structure behind Aizawa. Another shard jump up from his left to prevent his escape, Ayame's dragon was still getting dangerously close to Aizawa. But in a split second, his eyes glowed red and Aizawa activated his Quirk, causing the summon to dissipate and Ayame to tumble forward.

Ayame let out a sharp yelp as Aizawa used the momentum against her, kicking her away and into a nearby building. The glass window shattered upon impact, digging into Ayame's bare skin while her cape barely cushioned her fall onto the floor. She struggled to rise to her knees yet her legs buckled beneath her, falling down again to gasp in shock at the pain on her ankle.

"Damn it, oji-san! Don't you know how to hold back?!"

"Watch your mouth," Aizawa warned lowly, "We're still in session."

A wave of crystal bullets barraged the streets, startling them both as Noeru charged forward with a crystal lance in hand. Aizawa jumped away with his bandage from a streetlight then to a low building roof. Noeru glanced inside the destroyed shop to confirm Ayame's status before chasing Aizawa.

Ayame rubbed her foot, wincing as she unzipped her boots to look at her ankle. It was beginning to redden from the awkward angle she landed in, wincing again at the sight before looking away.

This isn't good…

Ayame forced herself to stand up, adjusting her weight to her uninjured leg and stumble forward. Dirt and debris poked at her bare skin and she coughed the dust from her lungs, taking slow steps out to the battle again.

Before she even took a step outside of the building, she heard a soft thud upstairs. Ayame blinked and looked up. Aizawa and Noeru were fighting a few feet away so there should have been no noise by her.

Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion, her instincts telling her to go check out the noise. There might be a slim chance it was the hostages! And, Noeru looked capable while fighting against Aizawa even without his Quirk.

With a turn on her heel, Ayame conjured her ookami and headed towards the large stairs of the building. Her body ached from the constant strain but Ayame cared not for it. As much as she disliked pain, she was still able to push her body to the limits based on the endless beating since the beginning of this year already. If this was the only way to improve, then so be it.

Sorry, Takarada, Ayame got to the top of the stairs and began opening doors, I haven't abandoned you, I swear!

"Your little partner left you," Aizawa dodged the spear, taking the tip with one hand and used the momentum against Noeru.

"She won't," Noeru's grip on the weapon loosened and Aizawa managed to disarm him, forcing both parties to throw the spear away.

"Oh? I had the impression you'd rather abandon your teammate than work with my niece," Aizawa hummed.

Noeru faltered and the split second hesitation caused Aizawa to wrap the bandages around the boy's wrists. He scowled, reprimanding himself in getting distracted and swung around to kick Aizawa. He managed to put some distance between the two but his wrists were still bound together.

"She's annoying," Noeru admitted softly, "But is also one of the most stubborn idiot I know."

A slow smirk emerged on his lips as Noeru saw the building behind Aizawa to reflect the person running through the hall, searching through the rooms with utmost importance.

"I trust her to not disappoint me."

Aizawa whirled around and blocks of crystals shot upward to hinder his movement.

Sounds of crashing and rumbling continued to echo downstairs which Ayame can only assume to be Aizawa and Noeru fighting. She knew he was good enough to battle a teacher one-to-one. Although it may be trickier against someone who can erase his Quirk, Ayame believed in him. It was because she did believe in him that—Ayame allowed herself to search the building!

On the sixth door, Ayame slammed it open to see two figures bounded together. A wave of relief and happiness washed over her as Natsumi and Gin turned to their classmate.

"Took you long enough," Gin jested.

"Yes!"

Ayame cheered to herself and the wolf stepped inside. All she had to was break the ropes wrapped around their feet and wrists and—they will pass. All she had to do was have the ookami bite through the rope and—they will pass.

Ayame ran in, faint sunlight passed through the window to shine on her happiness. Just as she kneeled down with her ookami to chew the ropes off, the window behind them shattered. Ayame startled in horror, lilac eyes widening at the rope of bandage shooting forward to wrap around her hand and—dragged her to the window.

Even Natsumi and Gin looked stunned by the appearance of Eraser Head. The summon disappeared in wisps of smoke and Ayame let out a frustrated cry. Briefly, she had noted Noeru to be tied up from the corner of her eyes, surprised that Noeru was taken down in the first place.

"So you've found them," Aizawa sounded amused. "But, not good enough! Is that all you can do—Ayame? Even all that you went through—you still can't beat your oji-san?"

Ayame twitched, still falling down the high building and glared at her uncle. Her trapped hand wrapped around the bandage and with a tug, pulled Aizawa forward. Subconsciously, she summoned a hawk below her to steady her fall and have it fly upwards.

"Takarada!"

Without needing to explain for her call, a large crystal structure appeared between her and Aizawa. Aizawa was stunned at the sudden blockage from view, his feet sliding down the crystal shard while his bandages moved to wrap around the structure. Above, he saw a hand at the tip push itself up, Ayame's body was forced over the giant shard and she flipped over.

She's gotten better at reacting, Aizawa swiftly noted.

"Little tricks won't work!"

Aizawa reached up to grab Ayame's leg, pulling her down to his level and startling her. Yet as Ayame continued to get closer—falling down with the intent to pass him, a wild smile was split onto her face.

What is this kid up to? Aizawa narrowed his eyes on her, blue cape flying behind and—obstructed his view of her hands. Realizing last second of her plan, Aizawa let her go but—it was still not fast enough. The arm he used to grab onto her leg was suddenly chained to the yellow and blue handcuff.

"The civilians have been saved!"

The electronic echo of a female voice rang out through the streets.

"The villain has been captured! The heroes win!"

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Ayame shouted in a mixture of happiness, surprise, and pain. Multiple bandages wrapped around her body again, suspending Ayame in midair from the crystal and she stopped screaming. A small sigh of relief escaped her but—it barely lasted a second when she began to fall again.

Ayame yelled.

"Oji-san, you're unfair!"

A pair of hands caught her, rescuing her from the unsightly fall and Ayame gasped.

"Stop screaming. What kind of hero can't even save themselves—twice?"

Lilac met crystal eyes in stunned silence. Ayame barely realized Noeru caught her. Again. Even with his arms around her back and hooked under her knees, she was still—stunned—that he saved her—again!

"T-Takarada!"

He hummed, barely an acknowledgement. His eyes glanced down to the open foot, recognizing the signs of it swelling before readjusting his hold on her. Well, Noeru cannot set her down now.

"Hey—we—passed!"

Ayame was still in a mixture of shock, the adrenaline barely calming down as she shifted her body. Her hands reached up to rest on his shoulder, excitedly leaning up to his face and oblivious to the uncomfortable scowl on Noeru's face. Well, maybe she noticed but, did not care.

"Takarada! We passed! We captured Aizawa-sensei and freed the hostages!"

Noeru calmed down just the slightest, leaning his neck back from her uncomfortable distance—or lack of—to frown at her.

'We'?

"How did you free them anyways?" Noeru asked calmly, looking up at the broken window of the building to see Natsumi and Gin standing at the edge, waving to them.

"It was all thanks to you!" Ayame was excited, "You—knew what I wanted! The crystal blocked Aizawa-sensei's view from me and in that time, I sent the hawk over to them. Then, I had it changed into the ookami and bit through the ropes as soon as I captured oji-san!"

Ayame was proud, happy, as she explained the detail in an excited rush. The split second decision was reckless and sloppy but it was still executed as expected. Ayame didn't even care about the close proximity between them as she continued to chatter excitedly to her partner.

"I didn't think it would make it! If oji-san erased my Quirk, then I could only rely on capturing him at that time. But—we did it! Taka—I knew we could!"

Noeru tensed, his body stiffened in an uncomfortable manner against his will. He could only hum and ignored the way his heart began to beat rapidly against his chest. He forced his eyes away from her and the four students began to walk back to the classroom. Ayame talking to Natsumi and Gin happily while Noeru continued to carry her.

Aizawa watched from the back with his loosened bandages, staring at the handcuff to his wrist in silent amusement before looking at the brunette. At that time, Ayame looked over Noeru's shoulder to grin at her uncle, cheeky and wild like always.

"Oji-san! I'll be winning from now on!"

"Well," Aizawa smirked, the pride swelling in his chest as he trailed after the students, "I'll be the judge to that."

When they returned back to the rest of the students, many began to crowd them with question. Mainly, the questions were directed to Ayame and her reckless abilities and she answered with a wave of her hand and a laugh. None bothered to question Noeru as seeing the dark look on his face was enough for the rest to keep their distance but something was odd with their perfect class president.

Noeru was still holding onto Ayame.

"Oh my, Ayame," Yuu's mildly surprised voice brought everyone's attention to him. His icy eyes were looking at her swollen ankle, subtly pointing out the cause of Noeru's action with just a sentence. "You're injured."

"Ugh, don't remind me," Ayame grimaced, "I'm trying not to think about the pain." She turned to Noeru then, patting his shoulder reassuringly with a warm smile. "I'm fine now. You can let me go."

"You were hurt under my charge," Noeru refused calmly, adjusting her weight in his arms further to prove his point. "I will take you to Recovery Girl."

If half of the class was stunned by the smile Ayame directed to their stoic president, the remaining half was flabbergasted by Noeru's dismissal.

Who were these two?!

Since when did these two—get along?!

Ayame joined the rest of their stupefied classmates while Yuu looked amused. Absolutely amused, thrilled, and—maybe an underlining surprise by his childhood friend's sudden gesture.

"Well, class is now dismissed since everyone finished the practical exam," Ume's voice brought everyone's attention back to the teacher. She smiled at the students, a wave of pride swelling in her chest at all eighteen of them passing the exam. "I will grade your written exam soon and give you all the final grades. For now, prepare for your summer vacation!"

The class erupted in applause and cheer, everyone forgetting the shift in relationship between the two unlikely classmates and began to walk away. Ume watched as all of the students began to head back to the classroom, a fond smile on her lips as their backs slowly disappeared from view. Everyone had grown so much already; not only physically but—emotionally.

"You went easy on them, didn't you?" Ume glanced at the tired Aizawa with a knowing smile, watching the man put eye drops into his dry eyes carefully.

"No," Aizawa denied with a single word.

Ume hummed, not believing him in the slightest as she crossed her arms over her chest. Everyone had seen on the television monitor at how Aizawa purposely kicked Ayame in the same building as the hostages. Although they were instructed to not speak during their capture, Gin had feebly fall on his side after his leg had cramped up.

Whether it was luck she had noticed or Aizawa had planned Ayame to land into the building, no one knew. Aizawa was methodical in suppressing the two students but everyone can see the effective time of his Quirk to lessen. Compared to last year, they actually had a chance to win against him.

"Are you still planning on interning your niece for summer vacation?" Ume asked curiously. She was 2-A's homeroom teacher and was able to see the hero requests sent to the students. Although Ayame does not know now, Ume was surprised Aizawa was first to take the initiative.

"She's good," a slow smile emerged on his lips as he stared at the dark dots distance away. "But she can be better. I'll make sure of it."

Ume let out a helpless smile. Despite the danger in his tone, she can see the pride and affection in Aizawa's deep gaze.

A/N:

Alright now that we got their finals out of the way, let's resume activities with 1-A! I am sorry I am not that creative with their finals or fights but I hope it was just as entertaining! Noeru is just a huge tsundere and Shoto may be realizing some feelings now~

There are more scenes for the aftermath of the finals day but that will be for next chapter as it will set off their summer vacation!

Reviews are much loved! Send me your thoughts~