Chapter 5

Ichika continued to stare at the man as he turned around and started to walk away. He recognised her! He really recognised her! After all these years? With all those hundred and hundreds of faces he had seen throughout the years? Yet he still recognised her!

'How did you it was me,' she asked as she followed the man walked out of the gym. 'I-I mean, it's been 10 years.'

'And you think a talented child with a fire related quirk wouldn't pique my interest?' He didn't even turn to look at her. Instead he kept his stern gaze ahead as the two of them walked toward at the elevator. 'Girl, you played around with my fire like it was just a toy. Everyone else would have severely burned themselves if they even dared to do so.'

They stopped at the elevator. Endeavor pressed the button, before he finally lowered his gaze to look at her. His brows still furrowed in their usual frown, yet there was a trace of a smirk playing on his lips. And she would have missed it completely, if she hadn't been spending the whole week with the stoic hero. But she noticed. And she felt a twinge of pride to know she was the reason of his unusual display of emotions.

'Even my own children couldn't handle the heat,' Endeavor continued once the doors opened. 'Not at that age.'

Ichika just nodded as she listened. Endeavor sure was talkative right now and she would be a fool to not listen intently to everything he had to say. Whether it was useful information or not. If the man talked, then she listened! It was as simple as that.

'Truth be told, I had forgotten about you at first,' her idol confessed after a moment of silence. 'My only focus was on training Shoto, but the boy never listens. He only tries to fight against me and the fire that burns within. So when Burnin told me about you last year, I remembered that young child and it made me wonder. If I was to train another, then perhaps Shoto would come around and see my way.'

'So... You wanted to train me, in order to make your son jealous?'

And just like that, she felt her pride break down to nothing. He had said he saw potential, that's what he had said. But while she had thought it to be a compliment, he merely meant a potential to get his son motivated in training to become like Endeavor. She should have known better than to think a hero such as Endeavor would see a potential hero in her, when she herself couldnt even see such a thing.

'Yes.'

A brutally honest answer and it hit hurt worse than the punches she had received earlier. Not physically, but it was a hard blow to her self-esteem, which somehow hurt worse. She felt so stupid! Of course Endeavor never be interested in training her, without gaining something from it. It was only natural afterall.

With this new information, Ichika looked at her feet in shame as she followed after Endeavor. The man appeared not to even notice her crestfallen expression as he walked in front of her towards his office.

She had felt so proud to be scouted by the flame hero. A dream come true, to be able to learn from her personal number one hero. The man she had looked up to her whole life. To have him wanting to train her, it was the best think ever! It had motivated her to actually try her hardest. Yet all she had been was a potential motivation for his son.

'Sit down, Midoriya.'

She looked up again. Endeavor had already walked over over the other side of the room and sat at his desk, while Ichika still stood in the doorway. His stern gaze at her as he waited for her to move. So she quickly made her way over to the vacant chair and muttered an apology. Not really sure what he wanted of her now that her week of internship was over. Was his attempt of making his son jealous not working? And was that way he wanted her to stay?

But now that she knew the truth, she wasn't so sure if she even wanted to or not. And if she refused, then she was free to leave. Right? He couldn't force her to stay and continue her internship during every other weekend? This one week was something she had to do. But staying longer would be voluntary, for it meant a student had less time for studying. And without a Provisional Hero License, a student would be useless for a hero agency.

'Perhaps an apology is in order,' Endeavor said once Ichika sat down across from him. His flaming mask now gone, so she could actually look at his face now. 'My initial reason to scout you, may have been for personal reasons and I am sorry about that.'

The man sighed as he closed his eyes and rubbed a hand over his temple. And once he reopened his eyes, the were a little less stern as he looked at the teenager.

'You do have potential, Midoriya,' he then continued. 'And I would be a fool to let you walk out of the door, without telling you that. You have shown progress, even if it was just a little. And I must admit it was nice to have someone to actually listen to what I have to say, instead of only fighting against everything I have to offer.'

He looked down to his desk as he opened a drawer. Ichika watched on with a mixture of curiousity and hurt as he pulled out a paper and placed it on top of his desk for her to see.

'It is no secret I raise my son in the hopes of him surpassing All Might. But perhaps I could make a fine hero out of you too.'

And with that, he handed her the paper. A form for U.A. with the request for a longer stay, already filled in and signed. Ichika read over the form again, not knowing what to say. What could she say? One moment he had praised her, then he told her he had only allowed her internship because he wanted to make his son jealous and now he wanted to actually train her because he did in fact see potential? She was so confused. She didn't even know whether she should be honoured or disappointed. Or perhaps even mad?

Besides, was this what she wanted? Well, of course she wanted this! Who wouldn't want to work at Endeavor Agency? Even if it was just a prolonged internship. She had always looked up to Endeavor, admiring him. So this was supposed to be a dream come true. But it didn't feel like one right now. What if she couldn't live up to his expectations after her prolonged stay? What if she failed to improve? Could she live with that?

But then again, this was what she needed. Under Endeavor's tutelage, she was sure to gain attention. Whether she could eventually do her work studies here or not. Other agencies would surely be interested in the student Endeavor was interested in and it would open up all sorts of possibilities for her future. Which in the long turn would lead to her destination.

'Thank you,' Ichika finally whispered as she looked up from the paper. 'I will do my best.'

The next day Ichika found out she wasn't the only one who was asked to stay for a prolonged internship. Sir Nighteye had asked Mirio as well, or more like demanded him to do so according to the enthusiastic boy. According to Sir Nighteye, Mirio would become stronger in time which was why he wanted Mirio to stay.

Ichika adjusted her shirt, the collar pressing against the side of her neck uncomfortably due to the bag she had slung over her shoulder. Then she took out her phone to check the time. She was way to early, but seeing as Izuku had already left, and her mom was out as well, the teen saw no need to wait at home. Instead, she decided to take an earlier train and messaged her friends that she would be early. As she walked through the familiar neighbourhood, her thoughts drifted back to her friends.

Though Tamaki and Nejire had finished their internship after one week, they were welcome to return after the Provisional Hero License Exam - if they passed of course. So that got the two of them even more motivated to pass said exam. Even if Tamaki felt anxious about it too. But it seemed Fatgum had done him some good, for he appeared less bashful about his quirk.

And he shouldn't have to be! From what she had seen, Tamaki's quirk was awesome! To be able to manifest whatever he ate and to use it as skillful as Tamaki did. He really was strong the only thing he seemed to lack, was confidence. Which of course resulted in him messing things up every now and then. But he had improved so much compared to their first year.

Ichika stopped in front of the familiar building, a smile on her lips as she reached for the bell.

As for Nejire, while it was no secret the bubbly girl was kind of an airhead at times, she had trained real hard to control her surge quirk and she had improved immensely. And if she was to study enough for the written part of the Licence Exam, she would definitely pass.

'If it isn't my favourite redhead. Come in, Ichika, come in!'

A pair of familiar dark blue eyes looked at her, as the man stood aside to let her in. Ichika smiled kindly at Mr Togata, whom returned the gesture. Stating that she was earlier than expected.

'Not that I mind,' he added when Ichika apologised.

'Are you sure? I can go by the ramenstand not too far from here,' she proposed. 'I figured Mirio had asked you before he send me a thumbs up.'

The man shook his head. No, Mirio had done no such thing. But his kind smile never left his face as he guided her into the house.

'He talks about you all the time, but when it comes to these sort of things, he always fails to inform me,' he stated with a cheeky grin.

Ichika felt her cheeks darkening at this. Not knowing whether the man was joking or not. Still, the thought of Mirio talking about her to his father made her heart skip a beat. Damn her and her crush!

'Dad! Quit embarrassing Ichika and let her dump her stuff somewhere.'

At the sound of Mirio's voice, Ichika peeked over the shoulder of the man in front of her. Mirio was standing in the doorway of the living room, leaning against the doorpost with his arms crossed. He had an accusing frown as he looked at his father, though the tips of his ears appeared to be darker than usual. Though when he looked over to Ichika, his frown disappeared and made way for his trademark goofy smile and a wave of his hand.

'Heyo,' he said cheerfully as Ichika made her way over to him, while Mr Togata walked into the kitchen. 'Sorry 'bout that. I kind of forgot to tell my dad.'

The boy scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment, before stepping aside so Ichika could enter the living room. Though the moment she was next to him, he put his arm on her shoulder. The gesture not unusual, yet it made her heart pound in her chest rapidly each time he did so. This time being no different as he guided to the couch.

He told her he was excited for the weekend. Just hanging out with his friends, even if they would spend most of their Saturday studying. Their was always a movie night folloingnafter a days hard work and Sundays were usually spend with the four of them relaxing and playing games.

As the boy continued his rambling, Ichika tried to fight her blush from spreading, knowing she wouldn't be able to prevent the slight tinting of her cheeks to remain put due to their close proximity. Though luckily Mirio didn't even seem to notice. Stating he really needed to work on his English. Their test would be in two weeks and he really needed a good grade.

'Luckily I've got you with me this whole weekend,' Mirio stated as he smiled at her, his arm still around her shoulder. 'You've got a knack for languages and a great teacher. With your help, there's no way I'll fail that test.'

'If Ichika can't help you get at least 60%, then no-one can,' Mr Togata said from behind them, startling the two teens and once again embarrassing his son. 'Here you go dear,' he then said as he handed her a glass of lemonade.

'Thank you, sir.'

'As for you, young man,' the lean man continued as he turned to face his son. 'Wasn't it your turn to make dinner?'

Mirio looked at his father in horror, while the man just gave the boy a mischievous smirk. A silent message passed between father and son with just a glance, one Ichika didn't understand. Why did Mirio look horrified at the thought of cooking, while she knew he had to do so on a regular base. Though she never had a chance to see his cooking skills for herself. She knew he was no stranger in the kitchen, seeing as his mother had passed away when he was still a child.

'Can't you just do it this time,' Mirio practically pleaded, his eyes shifting over to Ichika for a second, before looking at his father again. 'That way we can already get a headstart in our studying, right Ichika?'

'None can do, champ,' the man simply stated as he started to walk away. 'You're going to make us dinner tonight. Besides, it's a perfect moment to show Ichika what you're made of, besides all brawn.'

Ichika couldn't help but giggle at the statement, knowing fully well the man was just teasing his now embarrassed son. It was custom at house Togota. At least from what she had witnessed over the year she had come over. Though usual the teasing was both ways. But lately it seemed Mr Togata was on fire, while Mirio seemed to be at a loss of words. And that was a bit unusual.

'It's okay, Mirio,' Ichika said, placing a hand on his to make the boy look at her instead. 'I'll help.'

She gave him a shy smile, though somehow it didn't seem to help Mirio. For now not only the tips of his ears were red, but his cheeks started to redden as well. His blue eyes widened and his shoulders tensed as soon as she had touched his hand. Was she embarrassing him? She quickly pulled back her hand, thinking she had done something wrong. But then Mirio smiled at her.

'T-That would be great. Yeah!'

'I must warn you though, I haven't done much cooking.'

Which was true. Her mother was often already working on dinner before Ichika got home and it was something the woman truly enjoyed doing. And Ichika did not. It was something that was necessary, but not something she was overly fond off. But if it meant having to spend quality time with Mirio, she happily spend some time in the kitchen.

After the two of them drank their lemonade, she followed Mirio to the kitchen to keep her promise. Hoping she wouldn't make a fool out of herself of burn the food.

Luckily Mirio knew what he was doing and guided her through the steps. Telling her what to do and how to cut the vegetables. She never even knew there was an easy way of cutting unions without crying - turns out a sharp knife did the trick - and slice them into tiny pieces by cutting the union in half and making small incisions, before chopping!

Within an hour they had prepared dinner and the three of them sat at the table. And without accidents or burned food, much to Ichika surprise. Though that was probably due to Mirio. She was surprised by his cooking skills and how easy he made it seem.

'So how's your brother? Is he making progress?'

She hummed in reply, swallowing her food.

'He is,' she replied. 'At least, when he's at home to study that is.'

'Oh?'

'Yeah. He's been disappearing lately,' she answered the man's silent question. 'Leaving early in the morning and stying out late. I think he has found someone to train him. Probably his friend Kacchan.'

'But I though Mirio said you were the one training him?'

Mr Togata looked over to Mirio for conformation, but instead the blond shook his head. Telling his father that she was only helping him for his studies.

'I'm not that good of a fighter,' Ichika confessed with a blush. 'I mostly depend on my quirk, but when it comes to hand to hand combat, I'm afraid I can't hold my own.'

'That's nonsense.' The girl looked over to Mirio who sat across from her. 'Yes, you aren't physically strong, but you pack a mean punch when you're angry.'

He laughed as he rubbed the back of his head, his father and Ichika soon following after. Ichika remembered when Mirio had been on the receiving end of her anger. Even if she hadn't been angry with him, he just was at the wrong place at the wrong time and she had punched his face instead of the wall. Needles to say both of them had been surprised and her anger had immediately turned to guilt as Ichika continued apologising to Mirio. While Mirio himself had laughed it off by telling her he was hard-headed.

'Well it served you well,' the redhead snickered after taking a bite of her food. 'Using permeation so carelessly.'

By the time they had finished, Mr Togata had send the two teens upstairs to prepare the mattresses for the sleepover, while he would do the dishes - which was an agreement between father and son apparently. One would make dinner and the other would do the dishes. Something she was glad they didn't apply at home, for then she would be stuck doing the dishes every other day. With Izuku doing them on the other days.

'You can start with yours and Nejire's beds,' Mirio said as he gave her the bedsheets. 'I'll go and do Tamaki's and then help you, alright?'

But Ichika shook her head, telling him she would help him first and then they could make the other beds together. While she didn't need any help making the beds in the spare room, and there was no doubt Mirio needed it either. She only wanted to spend some time alone with him, before their friends would arrive - which would be in about half an hour.

'Are you sure?' Mirio already had started to make his way over to his bedroom, one hand on the handle. Ichika nodded. 'Okay... I must warn you though, I haven't had the chance to clean my room yet.'

He gave her an apologetic smile as he opened the door to his room. The sight Ichika was met with, was something she wasn't prepared for. She was no stranger when it came to a boys room. She saw Izuku's on a daily base and at times she even helped him clean. The damn kid and his cute freckled face and big, innocent green eyes. How could she say no to anything he asked?

But never had she seen a room this big of a mess. It almost seemed like a hurricane had gone through his room, making a rampage while doing so. There were clothes laying around everywhere! On the ground, on the bed, all over the floor. Pants, shirts, socks and boxershorts. And a pile of - what she hoped to be - clean laundry lay folded on his bed. Though with the way it was placed, it seemed Mirio had been in a hurry to put them away, for they had fallen over and some socks had rolled away from the rest.

His schoolbag was tossed aimlessly next to his desk and both his desk and the floor around it was littered with paper, candy wrappings and soda cans.

'You can still prepare the guestroom,' Mirio said as he watched the girl next to him take in the sight. His ears tinted from embarrassment. 'No hard feelings.'

'Nah, from the looks of it, you'll need some help. I don't think you can even put the mattress down without at least some cleaning. Or do you plan on sharing your bed,' she added cheekily.

That caused his blush to spread even more, making Ichika giggle. She hadn't failed the look of embarrassment and while she did have a crush on the boy, it didn't mean she didn't take pleasure in embarrassing him every now and then.

'Nah, I don't think he will survive a night in the same bed as me,' Mirio replied with a chuckle. The blush still present on his cheeks.

Then Ichika walked passed him, collecting dirty laundry on her way to the bed, with Mirio following suit.

'You don't have to do this, you know that, right?'

'I know, but I don't mind.'

She gave him a reassuring smile as she tossed yet another sock in the laundry basked. Trying not to give the suspiciously stiff item any thoughts as it landed near the laundry basked instead of in it. She didn't even want to know what Mirio had used it for, for she knew for a fact that sweat did not do that to socks.

'I think this will do,' the blond said as he picked up the last shirt. 'Now Tamaki has his own place to sleep.' Then he turned to face Ichika, a cheeky smile on his face as he leaned in closer to her. 'Though you are welcome to join me tonight.'

'W-what?'

Surprised by his casual statement, Ichika stared at Mirio, unable to say anything else. She knew he was just joking, yet the simple tease left her a flustered mess. And she hated it!

'So? How was your day?'

Ichika looked over her shoulder to face the periwinkle haired girl next to her. A pair of curious blue eyes looked at her, a grin on the girls face. It confused Ichika a bit. It was such a casual question, nothing extraordinary. Yet the way Nejire had asked it and the way that she looked, almost seemed like there was a hidden meaning behind it.

'Just like any other,' Ichika replied as she continued braiding her hair for the night. This was Nejire afterall. She never had any hidden meaning behind anything she said. 'Though Ectoplasm was a bit long-winded today.'

Nejire hummed at this, her grin widening as she turned on her knees for a more comfortable position.

'Mirio has started to fill his shirt nicely, don't you think,' she asked while leaning back so she was now laying on Ichika's mattress with her head and her torso on her own. With her legs crossed and her hands behind her head, the teen smirked knowingly at Ichika. 'You know, large bulging arms that you're into and all. Or should I say the reason your into them?'

Ichika looked down at the girl in shock. While Nejire had shown hints that she might know about her crush, she had never stated so. But with the way she was looking at her right now, her eyes holding a mischievous gleam to them and that smirk plastered on her face, there was no doubt about it. Nejire knew!

'Oh I know about your little secret you try to hide so desperately,' Nejire said. 'What I don't understand is why? Why hide how you feel, hm? You two would look so cute together. You already do!'

'Would you keep quiet please,' Ichika hissed quietly as she quickly clasped her hands over the bubbly girls mouth. Her hair flying around out of the almost finished braid by the sudden movement and her eyes big as they shifted to the closed door for a moment, before landing on Nejire. 'They might hear you!'

'Perhaps that's a good thing, Chika,' Nejire countered, her smirk now turning into a frown after she brushed away the said girls hands. 'Let him know how you feel. He either feels the same way and is just too shy to make a move or he just doesn't know he likes you as more than a friend yet. Either way, he needs you to make the first move.'

'Are you mad?'

'Hm...' Nejire seemed to ponder of her question, rolling over so she way now laying on her stomach. Then she smiled again. 'Nope, just being realistic. We girls don't need to wait for a man anymore. We can make the first move too. So stop being a shy kitten and go ask him out!'

But Ichika quickly dismissed the idea. There was no way that she was going to make the first move, when she wasn't even sure Mirio liked her the same way! She was too much of a chicken to do so. Besides, they were good friends. The closest ones she had, next to Nejire and Tamaki. She didn't want to jeopardise that friendship.

'It's just a crush, Nejire. Nothing worth losing a friendship over.'

In an instant, Nejire was up and sitting behind Ichika. The brush that laid on the pillow now in her hand as she gently brushed through the red locks. Combing out the remnants of the braid, her cheerful expression suddenly serious as she did so. For a couple of minutes, the two of them were silent. Neither of them knowing what to say. But when Nejire started braiding Ichika's hair, she finally spoke again. Her voice uncharacteristically soft and serious.

'You know,' she began as she added another string of hair to the braid. 'I think you should at least give it a try. No, hear me out,' she added sternly when she noticed Ichika was about to interrupts. 'Ask him out by going to a movie together, just the two of you.'

'I can't-'

'Invite me too of course. And Tamaki. Though I'll make sure we make up some kind of excuse right before the planned movie night. And when you're all alone, try and see how he behaves around you. And if he shows any signs of liking you too, then you can make a move.'

Nejire reached out her hand, signaling Ichika she wanted the hair tie. And as Ichika complied, she let her words sink in. Surprisingly it was a good idea. Ask the guy you like out, without asking him out. Going to the movies wasn't something unusual for them. The four of them had gone to the cinema a couple of times, instead of a movie night at Mirio's - with him being an only child and had a house large enough to house four teenagers, it had the best option. So if Ichika was to propose the idea, the guys wouldn't think anything behind it. There was one problem though...

'And how are we suppose to keep Tamaki from going?'

'Never mind that. I'll have that one covered. The real question is when.'

The girl took a sitting position next to Ichika as she thought for a moment. When indeed? Pretending Ichika would follow Nejire's advice, when should such a said date even take place? Both of them had their internships every other weekend. Even if they had the same weekends off, that didn't mean they didn't have other things to do. Especially when Izuku's birthday coming up soon.

Wait! That was actually perfect! It meant Mirio's birthday was coming up soon too, for he shared his birthday with Izuku. And Ichika could use his birthday as an excuse to plan a movie night as a way to celebrate Mirio's 17th birthday. Hypothetical speaking of course, for she knew for a fact that she could never muster up the courage to ask Mirio out. Not even for a friendly date. But it gave her a perfect reason on why she would even propose a movie night.

Still, she told Nejire about her idea. Perhaps if she thought Ichika was actually willing to at least think about it, they could change the subject. Which luckily the girl did. After making Ichika promise to at least give it a try and that she hoped the plan would work.

After that, their conversion switched to Nejire's internship from last week, before the girls eventually turned off the lights for a good night's sleep.