The miraculous return of Fey's quirk had breathed new life into her daily routine and propelled her into a state of pure elation. With renewed vigor, she threw herself back into her training, her wings a blur of motion as she soared through the practice fields. Her feathers had yet to grow back, but that seemed wholly unimportant when compared to the joy of feeling the wind brushing against her once more. The thrill of flight had brought a bright smile back to her face, a stark contrast to the darkness she had been submerged in just weeks before.
Amidst her personal triumph, however, an unspoken pact hung in the air among her classmates. The incident between her and Bakugou had been quietly brushed under the rug for the time being. None of them wanted to draw attention to their altercation, especially with Bakugou's ongoing commitment to his remedial courses alongside Todoroki. The intense training sessions were part of his quest to obtain his provisional license, a goal he was determined to achieve. The last thing anyone wanted was to jeopardize his progress or Fey's newfound happiness by dragging old grievances into the light.
Yet, the peace within the dorms was tenuous. The students from class 1-A had been closely following the news, their eyes glued to the coverage of the raid going on in Osaka. At first, the reports seemed like any other coverage of hero activities, distant and removed from their immediate reality. However, as more details emerged, it became clear that some of their very own classmates had been involved in the raid. The realization hit them like a ton of bricks, leaving them reeling in a mixture of disbelief and concern.
Fey, in particular, found herself grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. The news anchors spoke of bravery and sacrifice, of heroes pushing themselves to the brink to protect the innocent. News of Nighteye's death struck particularly close to home, reminding her of the tragedy that had befallen her own father more than a year prior. She watched, wide-eyed, as familiar faces flashed across the screen, faces of friends who had risked their lives in the line of duty. It was both awe-inspiring and terrifying, a stark reminder of the dangerous path they had all chosen.
The atmosphere within the dorms grew tense as the students awaited the return of their comrades. Conversations were filled with anxious speculation, and the air buzzed with an undercurrent of worry. Each update brought a mix of relief and dread, as they learned of victories won and injuries sustained.
As Fey and her peers navigated the aftermath, they found solace in their shared experiences and mutual support. The events of the Shie Hassaikai raid had served as a reminder of the reality of their chosen paths, binding them closer together in their shared experiences and mutual support. With their classmates returning, some bearing scars both seen and unseen, the students of U.A. Academy prepared to face the next chapter of their journey together, stronger and more resolute than ever before.
"There you guys are!" Mineta exclaimed, sprinting towards the returning students. "It's about time you showed up!"
As Kirishima, Midoriya, Uraraka, and Asui crossed the threshold of the dorm entrance, they were suddenly surrounded by their entire class. Their friends had been anxiously awaiting their return ever since news of their exploits began circulating.
"All of us were worried about you!" Momo exclaimed, her voice full of concern.
"Yeah, we saw the news!" Kaminari added.
"It looked terrifying!" Mina squealed.
"Is anyone hurt?!" Sero asked anxiously.
"You troublemakers!" Mineta teased.
"Tell us everything!" Yuga urged.
Lifting the plate he carried, Sato added, "I made this for you. It's a double chocolate cake."
Kaminari stepped in front of him, blocking Sato's view. "First Kamino and now the Yakuza! You guys are always getting into such crazy situations! Do you know how much that scares us?!"
Midoriya offered them an apologetic look. "Yeah, we're so sorry," he replied.
Breaking away from the crowd, Hagakure pushed her way past her peers and threw her arms around Ochaco and Sue.
"Ochaco! Sue! Thank goodness you're both okay!" she cried out, her voice full of relief.
"It's… a little tight!" Ochaco squeaked, her face smushed against Toru's invisible arm.
A familiar sound soon descended upon the three girls. Fey had flown over the rest of her classmates to reach them, her wings buzzing softly behind her. Landing gracefully behind them, she encircled them with both her arms and her wings.
"I'm so relieved!" she exclaimed, wrapping them in a tight embrace. "I was so worried something had happened to you two!"
"Fey! You're flying! Ribbit!" Asui exclaimed, noticing her wings gently fluttering behind her.
"That's awesome, Fey! I'm so glad!" Ochaco cheered as she was released from Fey and Toru's joint embrace.
Their reunion was suddenly cut short by a booming voice rising over the din of concerned chatter.
"Enough of this!" Tenya's voice echoed as he stepped between his classmates and the four who had just returned from their work studies. "I know everyone was worried, but calm down!" His voice softened. "We all saw news coverage. Our classmates have been through an ordeal. If you want to help, you should console them quietly and let them rest their bodies and their minds, because I'm sure today wasn't taxing just physically, but mentally as well."
Fey stared wide-eyed at Tenya standing before them, her gaze lowering as she felt a pang of guilt for rushing over to her friends' side the moment they had entered the room. She looked to Ochaco and Asui with apologetic eyes, then lifted her head when she heard Midoriya speak.
"Hey, um… Iida?" he called out tentatively as Tenya looked at him over his shoulder. "Thanks for that, but really… this is okay."
Tenya slowly turned towards Midoriya, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose in an attempt to hide his flustered expression.
"Then, if I may…" he began to speak. Suddenly, he rushed to Izuku's side, grabbing him by the shoulders and shaking him vigorously. "Do you have any idea how worried I was for all of you?!" he yelled directly into his face. "It was awful! What if you never returned?!"
Sero stepped forward, scowling. "Take your own advice and chill out!"
Fey broke away from her friends to go to her boyfriend's side. "Calm down, babe. The important thing is they're all here, safe and sound."
She gently grabbed his arms from behind, trying to pry him away from Izuku. Once Midoriya was free from Tenya's grasp, Sato immediately tried to force-feed him a bite of cake. Fey chuckled lightly at the scene.
Her attention was then drawn to Asui speaking to Ochaco. "You alright?" she inquired gently.
Uraraka had lowered her gaze, seemingly lost in thought. Fey stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"It's just…" Ochaco began, her voice trailing off. "I want to save people."
Fey remembered seeing Ochaco holding Nighteye in her arms while he was gravely injured during the raid, the look of desperation and helplessness on her face. She could only imagine the weight of that moment and how it must be haunting her friend now. Her declaration seemed to come out of nowhere, but Fey could see the pain in her eyes, the doubt and frustration. Fey and Tsuyu shared a look of concern and understanding.
"Ochaco," Fey said softly, squeezing her shoulder. "You did everything you could. Nighteye would be proud of you."
Ochaco shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "It wasn't enough. I felt so useless."
Fey's heart ached for her friend. "We all have moments where we feel like we're not enough. But you're strong, Ochaco. Don't let this make you doubt that."
Tsuyu nodded in agreement. "Ribbit. We're all here for you, Ochaco. We'll get through this together."
With their support, Ochaco's tears began to subside, replaced by a determined glint in her eyes. "Thanks, guys. I won't give up. I'll keep getting stronger."
Fey smiled, her own eyes misting over. "That's the spirit. We'll all grow stronger together."
After sharing a cup of lavender tea with the rest of her classmates, Fey made her way up to her room, the calming aroma still lingering in her senses. So much had happened in the span of a few weeks. From the intense Shie Hassaikai raid to the challenges and triumphs of their individual work studies, their class had faced more than their fair share of trials. But they had emerged stronger, united in their bonds as classmates and heroes-in-training.
In the days that followed, Tokoyami had finally returned from his work study with Hawks, rejoining them after being away for what felt like an eternity. Fey rejoiced at his return, knowing how much he had missed being with his friends and how they had missed him in return. The thought of their class being whole again brought a huge smile to her face.
With October rolling in, the school was abuzz with anticipation for the next big event: the annual School Festival. It was a time for students to showcase their talents, creativity, and teamwork, and Fey couldn't wait to experience it for the first time. The prospect of coming together with her classmates to prepare for the festival filled her with excitement and renewed energy, reminding her of the resilience and camaraderie that defined Class 1-A.
As the class gathered in the common area for breakfast, Izuku, Ochaco, and Tenya couldn't help but notice Fey's absence. It was highly unusual for her to miss their morning routine, and her friends exchanged worried glances as they scanned the room for any sign of her.
"Has anyone seen Fey this morning?" Izuku asked, furrowing his brow with concern.
Ochaco shook her head, her gaze flickering around the room. "No, I haven't seen her since last night," she replied, her voice tinged with worry.
Tenya reached for his phone, a sense of unease settling in his stomach. "I'll try contacting her," he said, fingers tapping out a quick message to his girlfriend.
But before he could hit send, a notification popped up on his screen, indicating that he had a new message waiting for him. With a puzzled expression, Tenya opened the message, his eyes widening as he read the sender's name.
"What's wrong?" Ochaco asked, noticing the sudden change in Tenya's demeanor.
"It's Tokoyami," Tenya replied, his voice tense. "He's messaged me."
Midoriya leaned in, curiosity piqued. "What did Tokoyami say?" he asked, his voice hushed.
But instead of answering immediately, Tenya hesitated, a flicker of indecision crossing his features. "I'll tell you both later," he finally replied, his tone guarded as he pocketed his phone.
Before either Midoriya or Ochaco could press further, Tenya rose from his seat. "Excuse me," he said, his voice firm as he strode towards the stairs leading to the second floor.
Izuku and Ochaco exchanged puzzled looks, but they knew better than to question Tenya when he was in such a focused state. As they watched him ascend the stairs, a sense of unease settled over them, the mystery of Fey's whereabouts weighing heavily on their minds.
As Tenya ascended the stairs to the second floor on the girls' side, his steps quickened with a sense of urgency. Spotting Tokoyami waiting patiently outside of Fey's room, he approached with a determined stride. Tokoyami straightened, a solemn expression on his usually stoic face.
"What's going on?" Tenya demanded, his tone blunt and his worry palpable.
Tokoyami motioned towards the closed door of Fey's room. "I think you'd better see for yourself," he replied cryptically, his voice tinged with the slightest hint of concern.
Tenya's heart rate increased, anxiety coursing through him. With a deep breath to steel himself, he wasted no time in reaching Fey's door. His knuckles rapped against the wood in a series of urgent knocks.
"Fey, it's me," he called out, his voice betraying his apprehension.
The sound of Fey's voice calling for him to enter only heightened his anxiety. Bracing himself for whatever awaited him on the other side, Tenya pushed open the door and stepped inside, his mind racing with a multitude of possibilities.
As Tenya pushed open the door and stepped inside Fey's room, he was met with an unusual sight. The room was cast in shadows, the curtains drawn tightly shut to block out the morning light. The only illumination came from a solitary beam of sunlight that pierced through a gap in the curtains, casting a gentle glow upon Fey's figure. She sat in the middle of her bed, her knees tucked underneath her with her back turned to him, her form silhouetted against the dim light.
As he approached, he noticed her holding a mirror in her hand while she anxiously fidgeted with her face. Concern gnawed at his insides as he observed her, the unease growing with each passing moment.
"Is everything all right, Fey?" he ventured cautiously, his voice soft yet laden with worry.
As Tenya's voice broke the silence, Fey's movements stilled, her entire frame tensing at the sound. He couldn't help but notice the subtle tremble in her shoulders, a telltale sign of the unease that gripped her. Sensing her distress, he eased himself onto the bed beside her, the mattress dipping slightly under his weight.
With each passing moment, the tension in the room seemed to thicken, the weight of unanswered questions hanging heavily in the air. Unable to bear the uncertainty any longer, Tenya reached out, his hand coming to rest gently on Fey's shoulder. He applied a gentle pressure, silently urging her to turn and face him, to share whatever was weighing so heavily upon her.
"Talk to me, Star," Tenya urged, his voice gentle yet insistent. "I need to know what's bothering y—"
His words caught in his throat as he finally beheld Fey's face. A myriad of tiny, needle-like pins protruded from her skin, covering her face and body in an unexpected and alarming display. Tenya's shock was palpable as he struggled to comprehend the sudden transformation that had overtaken his beloved.
"Don't laugh!" Fey exclaimed, her voice tinged with a mix of embarrassment and frustration as she observed the disbelief on Tenya's face. "They all seemingly grew overnight…"
Tenya was speechless, his mind reeling with a whirlwind of questions and concerns. "W… What happened to you? What even are those?"
Before he could receive an answer, a familiar voice sounded from behind him, drawing his attention. Tokoyami stood in the doorway, his expression solemn yet understanding.
"They're called pin feathers," Tokoyami explained, his tone measured and calm. "In simple terms, they're new feathers in the early stages of growth."
A surge of hope flooded through Tenya as he processed Tokoyami's words. "This is wonderful news!" he exclaimed, a bright smile lighting up his features. "It means your feathers are finally starting to grow back!"
"Yes, but I look completely ridiculous!" Fey lamented, her voice tinged with frustration as she turned her gaze back towards the mirror. "I look like a damn porcupine!"
Tenya felt a pang of sympathy at Fey's distress, but he knew he needed to offer her reassurance. "You don't look ridiculous, Fey," he insisted gently, his voice filled with sincerity. "You look... unique. And besides, it's a sign of progress! Your quirk is returning, and that's something to celebrate!"
Fey met his gaze in the mirror, her expression a mixture of doubt and resignation. "I suppose you're right," she conceded reluctantly. "But how am I supposed to face the rest of the class looking like this? I'll be a laughingstock for the next few weeks! Not to mention the festival's just around the corner. How am I supposed to face the entire school looking like this?"
"We'll figure something out," Tenya reassured her, his tone firm and resolute. "And you needn't worry about how the others will react. I'll make sure they stay in line and behave, you have my word."
Tokoyami stepped forward, his presence a calming influence in the room. "You may feel self-conscious now, but soon these pin feathers will grow into beautiful, majestic feathers. Trust in the process, Fey."
Fey offered a small nod of acknowledgment, though the uncertainty still lingered in her eyes. As Tenya and Tokoyami exchanged a knowing glance, they silently vowed to support Fey through this unexpected turn of events.
"Thanks guys," Fey said gratefully, offering them a small smile. She then started to pick at the feathers growing along the sides of her face. "It's not like I've never had these before, but I've never had a whole bunch of them grow at the same time. They're so damn itchy…"
"You'll have to resist the urge to pick at them if you want them to grow properly," Tokoyami explained gently, his tone carrying a note of concern.
Tenya reached out to removed her hand from her face, squeezing it into his own. "I'll do what I can to help with that."
Fey averted her gaze shamefully, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "Thanks, Tenya…"
"Now, let's get you downstairs. You should have something to eat before we head off to class."
"Right." She nodded, willing herself to push past her discomfort and face the day ahead.
As Fey, Tenya, and Tokoyami made their way downstairs, Fey couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding gnawing at her. She knew that once they entered the common room, the stares and whispers would follow, and she wasn't sure if she was ready to face the rest of her class looking the way that she did.
Upon reaching the common room, they found it mostly deserted, save for Ochaco and Izuku, who were seated at one of the tables, patiently awaiting their friend's return. As soon as they caught sight of Fey, their expressions shifted from curiosity to concern.
"Fey, what happened to you?" Ochaco asked, her voice laced with worry.
Fey's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she averted her gaze, unable to meet her friends' eyes. "It's... it's nothing," she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.
Tenya stepped in, his expression resolute. "Fey's feathers have started to grow back," he explained, his tone firm.
Izuku and Ochaco exchanged a glance, their concern evident. "Will you be alright?" Izuku asked gently.
Fey nodded, forcing a small smile. "I'll be fine," she replied, though her voice betrayed her uncertainty. "I just need some time to adjust."
As their classmates nodded understandingly, Fey couldn't help but feel grateful for their support, even as she struggled to come to terms with her altered appearance. With Tenya and Tokoyami looking out for her, she knew she wouldn't have to face this challenge alone.
As more and more of class A started to assemble next to the front door, Fey could feel the weight of their curious stares bearing down on her. Some whispered among themselves, casting furtive glances in her direction, while others approached her directly, their questions pouring out in a torrent.
"Holy crap! What happened to you, Fey?" Kirishima asked, his brow furrowed in concern.
Fey shifted uncomfortably under the scrutiny, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "They're just pin feathers," she replied, her voice barely above a murmur. "They'll look normal in a week or two."
Mineta, who had been lingering nearby, recoiled in exaggerated disgust at the sight of her. "Ew, those spikes are seriously gross, Fey! You really ought to cover up."
Before Fey could respond, Tenya stepped forward with a stern expression. "That's enough, Mineta!" he admonished, his voice carrying a hint of warning. "Fey doesn't need your negativity right now."
Mineta grumbled but fell silent under Tenya's reproach, his attention quickly shifting to other matters.
Meanwhile, as Fey's classmates gathered around her, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern, they expressed understanding of her situation, offering words of encouragement and support. Some even voiced curiosity about the process of her feathers' growth, showing sympathy for the discomfort that accompanied it. All the while, Fey could sense Tenya and Tokoyami hovering nearby, their watchful gazes guarding over her with care.
Despite the unwavering support of her friends, Fey's walk to class felt like a grueling ordeal. Hundreds of eyes seemed to scrutinize her every step as she made her way to Mr. Aizawa's classroom. She had never felt so exposed in her entire life, though her friends and classmates had decided to form a protective barrier around her in order to shield her from the curious and sometimes judgmental gazes of the other students at the academy.
Stepping inside the classroom brought a huge wave of relief. Mr. Aizawa, who took notice of the way his students had escorted Fey to the classroom, realized what was going on and decided to address the situation.
"Glad to see your quirk's making a full recovery, Fey," he commented, his tone carrying a hint of approval.
Fey lifted her gaze towards her teacher, bowing her head respectfully. "Thank you, sir. Hopefully my… appearance won't be too distracting."
"I wouldn't worry about that," he replied dryly. "Besides, the School Festival is just around the corner. You should all be focusing on how you're going to participate."
Excitement rippled through the classroom. Sero's voice rang out with enthusiasm, "Woohoo! Gotta love this time of year!"
"We gotta think of something cool to do!" Hagakure added from across the room.
Fey weaved through her classmates, reaching her desk, when Kirishima's voice cut through the chatter, rising above the enthusiastic din.
"Hold on, Mr. Aizawa!" he interjected. "Are you sure this is okay?"
"Hush, Kirishima!" Kaminari hissed quietly. "Don't you ruin this!"
"Think about it, though!" Eijirou redirected his focus to Kirishima. "There are villains everywhere right now!"
"That's a reasonable point," Aizawa responded calmly, zipping up his sleeping bag. "However, there are students here besides those in the hero course," he continued. "You get the spotlight every year at the Sports Fest. This is for everyone else: the support course, general studies, and don't forget the business course students. This doesn't get as much attention as the Sports Fest, but it's still the yearly event they all look forward to." Aizawa's tired gaze swept across the classroom. "Many of your peers are feeling stressed out by the current conditions here at U.A. Especially the dorms system, which had to be adopted because of the hero course."
Guilt etched itself onto Kirishima's features as he slowly sank into his chair. "When you put it like that, guess it'd be pretty unfair to cancel the event."
"Correct," Aizawa affirmed. "So, the festival will proceed. Hopefully, everyone will find enjoyment in it. Unlike previous years, this one will be exclusive to U.A. students and staff, with a few exceptions." He shuffled to a corner of the room, settling on the floor. "While you may not be in the spotlight this time, your class still needs to come up with something original." With his eyelids drooping, he murmured, "You need to decide today what you want to do."
And with that, he drifted into sleep, softly snoring in the corner of the classroom. The students exchanged concerned glances, until Yaoyorozu and Iida stood up simultaneously, moving to the front of the class.
Tenya's foot landed with a decisive stomp as he reached the podium, his voice carrying authority. "Alright! As Class Representative, it is my duty to facilitate the process from here!" He scanned the class, meeting each gaze. "I promise I will do my very best! Let's start. First, we will have a quick brainstorming session. If anyone has an idea, raise your hand."
The entire room erupted into eager enthusiasm, hands shooting up as voices clamored to be heard.
"Well, I wasn't expecting such enthusiasm!" Tenya commented, raising his arms defensively as if the very force of their collective energy could topple him. "Calm down now, we'll go one at a time!"
Fey smiled at the infectious excitement, patiently lifting her hand with the others, waiting her turn to contribute.
Iida's hand shot forward, pointing at Kaminari. "Yes, you, Kaminari!"
"A maid cafe!" Denki exclaimed enthusiastically as he shot up from his chair. "Seriously, imagine it! Picture every detail, and with me at the center of it all, it's bound to be a hit!" He confidently raised his hand. "I think we've already got a winner."
"Maids…" Tenya mused aloud. "It is good to serve others."
"THAT'S WAY TOO TAME!" Mineta's voice cut through the room, springing from his seat like a hyperactive jack-in-a-box. "We should do a topless—!"
The sudden, loud droning of Fey's wings overwhelmed the room, drowning out Mineta's words. The powerful gusts they produced knocked him to the floor briefly before Asui swiftly intervened, tying him up in a sheet of canvas and effortlessly suspending him from the ceiling.
"Wanna help me tie this off?" Asui asked, turning to Fey.
"Glady…" Fey replied, her expression darkening as she moved forward to assist her friend.
Meanwhile, the two class representatives continued to gather ideas from their classmates.
"A mochi shop!" Ochaco suggested cheerfully.
"Celebrating Japanese cuisine!" Tenya nodded in approval, jotting down the idea.
"An arm wrestling match!" Kirishima demonstrated the action energetically on his desk.
"So intense!" Tenya remarked with a smile.
"A funhouse!" Toru chimed in, her invisible form bouncing with excitement.
"I'm not sure what that entails, but it sounds intriguing!" Tenya noted, adding Toru's idea to the list.
"Creperie!" Sato suggested with a wide grin.
"Perfect for a quick bite!" Tenya acknowledged.
"Disco!" Mina struck a pose as she proposed her idea.
"Sounds exhilarating!" Tenya exclaimed, pumping his fist in enthusiasm.
"A hero quiz!" Midoriya's suggestion was met with expected approval.
"Just as I'd expect from you!" Tenya chuckled, showing a hint of amusement.
"The Frog Song in a round!" Tsuyu offered, her face displaying an adorable expression.
"How delightful!" Tenya complimented before turning his attention to Fey, who had her hand timidly raised.
"All eyes on you, Fey!" Tenya encouraged warmly, directing the attention of the room towards her.
Fey suddenly felt a wave of shyness wash over her, a prickling heat creeping up her neck as she fought the urge to shrink into her seat. Her heart fluttered nervously, her fingers fidgeting with the end of her tie as she hesitated under the collective gaze of her classmates.
"Um…" Her voice emerged softly, barely audible over the buzzing excitement of her classmates. She swallowed, feeling her cheeks grow warm as she nervously adjusted her tie, using it to partially shield her face. "I was thinking... maybe we could do a fashion show?"
As she spoke, she glanced up cautiously, stealing quick glances at her classmates. Their expressions varied from curious to supportive, some nodding in agreement while others leaned forward, intrigued by the suggestion.
Tenya, ever the attentive leader, nodded thoughtfully, his glasses catching the light as he jotted down her idea on the whiteboard. "A fashion show could showcase our creativity and style," he remarked, his tone encouraging. "It's a great idea, Fey."
Her heart fluttered with relief at his positive response, but she couldn't shake the nervous flutter in her stomach. She glanced around the room again, meeting encouraging smiles from her classmates. Fey took a deep breath, her confidence growing slowly but surely.
Tenya quickly resumed the brainstorming session. "Alright, it's your turn, Koda!"
"M-Maybe a petting zoo?" Koji stammered, his cheeks tinged with a slight blush.
"Another solid suggestion," Tenya remarked, jotting down the idea on the board before pointing towards Todoroki.
"Soba stall," Shoto stated calmly.
"It is your favorite," Tenya nodded approvingly.
"FIGHT TO THE DEATH!" Bakugou's voice sliced through the enthusiastic chatter, his eyes blazing with intense passion.
"Unexpected for a festival," Tenya noted dryly.
"A mad banquet of darkness," Tokoyami proposed, his gaze piercing and intense.
"Oh ho ho!" Tenya replied, slightly taken aback by the sinister suggestion.
"A twinkling extravaganza!" Aoyama offered, his eyes sparkling as he struck a pose.
"Huh?" Tenya cocked an eyebrow in confusion but dutifully jotted down the idea.
"Maybe a skit?" Kyoka tentatively suggested.
"Possibly!" Tenya responded, adding it to the list.
A flurry of ideas followed, each one contributing to the growing list on the board. The room buzzed with creative energy as the students shared their visions for the festival.
"Okay, I think we've got something from everyone now," Tenya declared, stepping back to survey the board covered in suggestions.
"To begin with," Momo said, glancing down at the list, "let's eliminate anything inappropriate, impossible, or confusing."
Three ideas were immediately struck from the list: Tokoyami's banquet of darkness, Aoyama's twinkling extravaganza, and, unsurprisingly, Bakugou's deathmatch.
Bakugou scoffed as his suggestion was crossed out. "Why'd you even bother asking?" he grumbled loudly, crossing his arms.
"Who suggested a local history presentation?" Hagakure's voice rose from the din, dripping with disdain. "That sounds super boring."
Fey noticed beads of sweat forming on Tenya's forehead as Hagakure's critique struck him. She suspected he had proposed the idea, judging by the resigned look on his face and the way his shoulders slumped slightly.
"Very well, my classmates have spoken," he said with a tone of resignation, clenching his fist in frustration as if to steel himself against the disappointment.
"And we do group study sessions all the time!" Kaminari pointed out, scanning the list with a critical eye.
"Yes, that's true, I guess…" Momo responded, her voice tinged with uncertainty as she glanced at the board.
"What if we combined all the food ideas into one?" Sero suggested, leaning forward with a grin.
"Doesn't soba with crepes sound kinda gross?" Kirishima countered, wrinkling his nose in distaste.
"Besides," Kyoka interjected, "it seems weird to offer a bunch of random foods." Her earphone jacks twitched with irritation.
"Quiet down!" Tenya yelled over the escalating chatter, his voice almost pleading. His attempts to restore order were drowned out by the cacophony of excited voices.
"I'm telling you, a funhouse would be soooo cool!" Hagakure reiterated, her invisible form almost vibrating with enthusiasm.
"What even is that?" Kaminari piped up, sounding baffled as he scratched his head.
"SILENCE! BE CIVIL!" Tenya's voice roared, his arms flailing energetically as he tried to regain control of the unruly classroom.
Fey was about to speak up, hoping to quiet the class, when the bell for lunchtime suddenly rang, abruptly halting their group discussion. Right on cue, Mr. Aizawa stirred from his brief nap, yawning and stretching languidly as he slowly rose from the floor.
"Urghh, that was a highly unproductive meeting…" His voice was still heavy with drowsiness. He rubbed his eyes before addressing the class. "Decide what you'll do by tomorrow morning. If you don't, we'll go with my idea…" He turned to face the class, casting a sinister look towards them. "An educational lecture."
The class stared at him, bewildered. "You mean just a class?" they chorused in unison.
"Who'd come to see that?" Kaminari asked, his tone laced with disdain.
"He's joking, right?" Sero replied with a nervous laugh, glancing around for confirmation.
"No way, we'll decide what we're gonna do by tonight!" Eijirou declared, full of determination, his fist clenched in resolve.
Aizawa's eyes narrowed slightly, a smirk barely visible. "Good. I expect a detailed proposal on my desk first thing tomorrow. Now, go enjoy your lunch."
With one final cheer from the class, the teacher exited the room, and the students began filing out, heading towards the cafeteria. Fey hurried over to Tenya's side, noticing his head slumped in defeat from the unsuccessful brainstorming session. She placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, then lifted herself with her wings to plant a gentle kiss on his cheek.
"I'm sorry things didn't go as planned," she offered softly, setting herself down gracefully and gently taking his hand in hers.
A warm smile touched his lips as he squeezed her hand, his eyes softening with gratitude. "Thank you, Fey. We'll figure it out."
Just then, Momo approached them, her expression thoughtful. "We still have time. Perhaps we can reconvene tonight once the excitement has died down a bit."
"I think it would be best," Tenya nodded, his determination returning. "We'll reconvene in the common room tonight and try to narrow down our options."
"That sounds like a solid strategy," Fey commented, smiling at both of them. Moments later, Izuku and Ochaco joined them, having gathered their things to head over to the cafeteria.
"You guys ready to head over to lunch?" Ochaco asked with a cheerful smile.
"Yes, let's go," Tenya replied, straightening up with renewed resolve. The group began walking towards the cafeteria, the buzz of the lunchtime crowd growing louder as they approached.
As they made their way down the hallway, Fey noticed she was missing something. "Crap! I left my bag in homeroom class." She turned to head back towards Mr. Aizawa's classroom. "You guys go on ahead; I'll meet you in the cafeteria!"
"Are you certain, my Star? We can wait for you here!" Tenya called after her.
"There's no need! I won't be long, promise!"
With a gentle push from the ground, her wings fluttered behind her as she swiftly retraced her steps towards the classroom. Sliding the door open, she immediately spotted her bag hanging off the back of her chair. In one graceful movement, she soared over the rows of desks and landed beside her assigned seat. Retrieving her bag swiftly, she made her way back to the door. Just as she discreetly exited the classroom, the sound of approaching footsteps made her pause. Thinking it might be a teacher, she turned to explain herself, only to find herself confronted by a group of unfamiliar faces closing in on her.
"Oh look, it's one of those brats from 1-A…" One of the students sneered, their voice dripping with disdain.
Fey felt her chest tighten as they encircled her in an instant. The group of students loomed over her, their mocking expressions bearing down on her.
"Look at her face!" Another jeered. "She was always kinda ugly, but now she's on a whole other level!"
Despite her usual composure, Fey felt a surge of anger and hurt rise within her. She clenched her fists, trying to mask the sting of their words behind a scowl. "What the fuck do you want?"
"Oooh, now that's not polite language, is it?" the first student mocked, shoving her roughly against the classroom door. "And here we thought hero course students were supposed to be better than us…"
Fey pushed back, but the student's friends swiftly moved in, their grip firm as they pinned her arms against the door. She struggled against their hold, her breath quickening with frustration and fear. The familiar pang of isolation and vulnerability washed over her, a stark contrast to the camaraderie she had felt moments ago with her friends.
Fey gritted her teeth, struggling against the restraining hands that held her in place. She could feel her pulse pounding in her ears as anger and frustration welled up inside her. The students surrounding her smirked and exchanged knowing glances, reveling in their perceived superiority.
"Let me go," Fey demanded through gritted teeth, her voice edged with defiance despite the fear gnawing at her insides.
"Or what?" the student who had shoved her taunted, tightening his grip on her arms.
"Yeah, what are you gonna do, huh?" another student chimed in, stepping closer with a mocking grin.
Fey's chest tightened with a tumultuous mix of anger and fear. She glanced around desperately, her heart pounding in her ears, hoping for someone—anyone—to intervene. Just as despair threatened to overwhelm her, the echoing sound of heavy footsteps reverberated down the sunlit hallway.
"You extras got nothin' better to do?" a voice thundered from the other end of the corridor.
The bullies turned in surprise, their swagger momentarily faltering as they beheld Bakugou striding towards them like a predatory storm. His presence crackled with intensity, every step exuding an aura of barely contained fury that demanded attention.
"Back off, Explosion Boy," one of the bullies growled, attempting bravado in the face of Bakugou's intimidating approach.
Bakugou scoffed derisively, his crimson eyes ablaze with defiance. "Or what?" he shot back, his voice a low growl that mirrored the menace in his gaze. A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, challenging the bully's feeble attempt to intimidate him.
The students holding Fey hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances as Bakugou's presence seemed to fill the hallway with palpable tension. Before any of them could react, Bakugou surged forward with lightning speed. He seized the bully's wrist in a vice-like grip and twisted it sharply. With his other hand crackling with explosive energy, he held it threateningly close to the student's face. A cry of pain tore from the bully's lips as he involuntarily released Fey, stumbling back in surprise and agony.
Fey took a step back, her chest heaving with relief as she watched Bakugou's swift and decisive action. The other bullies, momentarily stunned by the sudden turn of events, backed away cautiously, their earlier bravado evaporating in the face of Bakugou's fierce presence.
With a menacing glare, Bakugou released the bully's wrist, letting him retreat with his whimpering friends. He turned to Fey, his gaze scanning her intensely. Relief surged through Fey as she met Bakugou's intense stare for a fleeting moment, her emotions swirling in a turbulent mix—gratitude, lingering frustration, and an unexpected touch of admiration for his fearless intervention.
Her gaze flickered briefly to the small bandage above Bakugou's right brow, a stark reminder of their recent clash in Eijirou's room. Her lip still throbbed faintly from their scuffle; she could still feel the faint ache as she ran her tongue over the rough scab.
Unable to bear the weight of Bakugou's scrutinizing gaze any longer, Fey turned away, arms crossing defiantly over her chest. "You didn't need to step in, y'know…" she huffed, a flush of heat rising to her face as she cast a fleeting glance in his direction.
"'Course I did," Bakugou retorted sharply, his eyes darting to the side. "Someone had to teach these extras some manners…"
With a slight shake of his head, Bakugou pivoted on his heel and strode away, his footsteps echoing down the now quiet hallway. Fey stood rooted in place, watching him disappear from view, before exhaling a shaky breath. The encounter had rattled her more than she cared to admit, and the uncertainty of her feelings towards Bakugou only added to her turmoil. Despite the sting of his words still fresh in her mind, she couldn't deny a sense of gratitude for his intervention.
Her thoughts swirled with conflicting emotions. Bakugou's brashness had always grated on her, yet his protectiveness sparked a complex mix of appreciation and frustration within her. She questioned whether his actions stemmed from genuine concern or merely his aggressive nature. Their history of clashes and fleeting moments of understanding left her unsettled, unsure of where they stood.
Deep down, Fey knew she owed him some gratitude. His intervention had defused a potentially dangerous situation, shielding her from the bullies' torment. But as she rubbed her sore lip, she couldn't shake the lingering discomfort. The scars of their verbal and physical clashes were etched deep, marking a relationship fraught with tension and unspoken understanding.
As the hallway returned to its usual bustling rhythm, Fey sighed and adjusted her bag, steeling herself to join her classmates in the cafeteria. The day had taken an unexpected turn, leaving her with more questions than answers about herself and Bakugou.