Chapter 23: The Battles Within

The afternoon sun slanted through the windows of the classroom, casting warm rays over the desks. Asuna blinked, her vision blurring slightly as she tried to focus on the teacher's voice, but the words faded into background noise. Her head felt heavy, and a wave of exhaustion washed over her. She had been training so intensely every day, her body barely had time to recover before it was time to push herself all over again. She could feel a bead of sweat trickling down her forehead, a constant reminder of the physical toll her efforts were taking.

The final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day. Asuna blinked, snapping back to reality, and slowly gathered her things. She joined the group as they all filed out of the classroom together. Klein and Mito were laughing and joking up ahead, with Silica giggling beside them, caught up in their playful banter. Izuku walked a bit behind them, but he soon noticed Asuna lagging slightly, her usual energy missing.

Concerned, Izuku slowed his pace until he was walking alongside her. He glanced over, noting the tiredness etched into her face. "Hey… you okay?" he asked softly, his brow furrowed with worry.

Asuna managed a small, sheepish smile, instinctively reaching up to rub the back of her head. "I'm fine, Izuku. Just a little tired, that's all. I've been training a lot lately."

He didn't look entirely convinced, his eyes scanning her face with that familiar, caring intensity. "Asuna… don't overdo it, okay?" His voice was gentle but firm. "You'll be worse off for the exams if you push yourself too hard. So, do me a favor and try to take a breath. Relax, even if it's just for now."

He gave her one of his signature, bright smiles, and she felt a warmth spread through her chest.

Asuna felt a faint flush rise to her cheeks, a little taken aback by Izuku's unwavering concern. The warmth in his smile and the sincerity in his voice had a way of cutting through her defenses, making her feel seen in a way that was both comforting and disarming.

After a moment, she reached out and gently interlocked her fingers with his, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. She offered him a genuine smile, one that was soft yet filled with gratitude. "You really can see right through me, can't you?" she said, her voice just above a whisper. "Alright… I'll try to relax a little more. I promise."

Izuku's eyes lit up, and he returned the squeeze, clearly relieved. They continued walking with the others, the subtle connection between them grounding Asuna, helping her feel a little less weighed down as they moved forward together.

As the group continued toward the school gates, they each began saying their goodbyes. Izuku turned to Asuna with a hopeful look. "Do you have training again today?"

Asuna sighed, brushing a stray lock of hair back. "I've got the day off from quirk training, but I still need to work out and go over some martial arts," she replied with a small, apologetic smile. "Only a couple more months until the recommendation exams, so my mom's making sure I'm ready for anything."

Izuku's shoulders dropped a little, disappointment clear in his voice. "I see."

Just then, a sleek car pulled up at the curb for Asuna, courtesy of her mother's strict schedule. The rest of the group started to split off in different directions, waving goodbye. Izuku and Asuna shared a warm look, each silently wishing they had more time.

"Take care, okay?" Izuku called out, lifting his hand in a final wave.

"You too, Izuku" Asuna replied, her voice soft. She watched him and Klein as they walked away together, lingering for just a moment before turning to get into the car, the door closing with a soft click behind her.

As the car pulled away from the school, Asuna found herself smiling at the thought of Izuku and his gentle concern. His words lingered in her mind, a small source of warmth amid her exhaustion. But as the city streets blurred past the window, her smile faded. Her hand clenched into a fist as she fought back a few tears, determination hardening her gaze.

I'll become good enough, Izuku, she promised silently, swallowing the weight of her emotions. Good enough that it won't matter who you are or where you come from.

Asuna's training session was relentless. Her muscles burned with every movement as she pushed herself through the final exercises, each repetition feeling heavier than the last. The sound of her own breath filled her ears, blending with the steady thud of her heart. Her thoughts drifted as she forced herself to keep going, a familiar mantra replaying in her mind: I have to get stronger. I have to prove myself.

Images of Izuku flashed before her, his warm smile and the words he'd shared at the school gate, telling her to take a breath and relax, even if just for a moment. But as much as she wanted to take his advice, the weight of her mother's expectations loomed over her, unrelenting and suffocating. In this world, outside the boundaries of Aincrad, her achievements there felt like nothing more than shadows. Here, in this hero driven world, her mother's approval seemed like the only validation that counted.

Finally, her trainer called a break. Asuna sat down heavily on the bench, a slight sheen of sweat on her brow. She leaned her head back, letting her eyes close for just a second, willing the exhaustion to fade. Yet, no amount of rest seemed to ease the mental strain she'd been feeling for months.

Izuku may be right, she thought, but I can't stop now.

After a few minutes, the car came to a stop outside the gym. Asuna collected herself, taking a steadying breath before stepping out. The familiar sight of the training facility loomed before her, its walls a reminder of the relentless hours she'd put in. With a final glance toward the doors, she braced herself, mentally preparing for whatever the session would demand of her.

Once inside, Asuna's breathing grew heavier as she moved through the drills, each punch and kick testing her limits. Her muscles burned, exhaustion clawing at her, but she forced herself to keep going, each step a battle against the growing fatigue. Her thoughts wandered to Izuku, remembering how relentless he'd been back in Aincrad. He would never stop, always pushing himself beyond what anyone thought was possible. And she, in turn, had always nagged him to rest, to pace himself. Now, it was him urging her to slow down, reminding her to take a breath.

But this was different. She couldn't stop.

This isn't Aincrad, she told herself firmly, clenching her fists. I have to be the best—it's the only way forward. She needed to prove herself.

Asuna leaned over, hands on her knees, struggling to catch her breath. Her vision blurred for a moment, her body teetering on the edge of collapse. Sweat dripped from her brow, and she barely registered the approaching footsteps until a voice broke through her exhaustion.

"You look like you've been hit by a truck," her instructor said, his tone both amused and concerned.

Asuna straightened up slightly, giving him a sheepish smile. "Guess I overdid it a bit today…"

"A bit?" He raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Asuna, pushing yourself is one thing, but working yourself to the brink of collapse isn't going to help you."

She averted her gaze, still breathing heavily. "I just… I have to get stronger."

The instructor sighed, shaking his head. "I get it. But if you keep training like this, you're going to burn out before you even reach the exams."

Asuna's shoulders slumped, but she couldn't bring herself to argue. The fatigue was overwhelming, and even she knew she couldn't keep this up.

He placed a firm hand on her shoulder. "I'm not teaching you anything else until you get some real rest. Why don't you go use the sauna, relax a bit, and then head home? Come back when you're actually able to stand without looking like you're about to topple over."

Asuna hesitated, then nodded, unable to fight the relief that washed over her. "Alright… Thank you."

Asuna entered the sauna, immediately enveloped in the thick, humid air. She took a seat, letting the warmth seep into her aching muscles. Leaning back, she closed her eyes, taking slow, deep breaths as her body gradually relaxed. Thoughts of the day drifted in and out of her mind, and for a brief moment, she allowed herself to let go of the tension that had built up over the weeks. The steam wrapped around her like a gentle embrace, easing the strain she'd been pushing through.

After a few quiet minutes, Asuna stood up, feeling only slightly more grounded. She grabbed her towel and left the sauna, heading to her locker with a faint sense of dread creeping in. She changed and packed her things, each movement deliberate, as though stalling for time. The brief respite had helped, but the pressure lingered, waiting for her just outside the gym doors.

The walk home felt heavier than usual. Each step echoed with the weight of her mother's expectations, a reminder of what awaited her. By the time she reached her house, her heart felt as though it was bracing itself. She pushed open the front door quietly, hoping to slip into her room unnoticed. But just as she set her bag down by the door, her mother's voice drifted out from the living room, calling her name.

"You're back," her mother said, eyeing her with a raised eyebrow as she took in Asuna's appearance. "I see the training sessions are… rigorous."

Asuna tried to keep her tone light, despite her exhaustion. "Yes, they are," she replied, forcing a small smile.

Her mother's gaze remained sharp. "Well, you'll need to keep up. The recommendation exams are approaching, and we can't afford any setbacks."

Asuna felt a twinge of irritation but kept her expression neutral. "I'm working hard. I know how important this is."

Her mother paused for a moment, then continued, her voice taking on a more critical edge. "And I hope that dedication is directed toward the right priorities. You need to focus on your future—one that doesn't involve getting sidetracked by… unnecessary influences."

Asuna's hands clenched slightly, recognizing where this conversation was heading. She steeled herself, preparing for what was bound to come next.

Her mother's words hung in the air, unspoken yet pointed. Asuna forced herself to stay composed, but inside, her frustration simmered. "Unnecessary influences?" she repeated, keeping her tone even.

Her mother's eyes narrowed. "Yes. Izuku Midoriya. I'm concerned about the time you're spending with him."

Asuna felt the tension tighten in her chest. "Mom, Izuku is a good person. And he's been through more than anyone I know," she said, her voice firmer than she intended. "He's helped me so much—"

"Enough," her mother cut in, her tone clipped. "He may have been someone… admirable within a game, but that world is over. Out here, he is just a quirkless child. And frankly, that's not enough for you."

Asuna felt her nails bite into her palms, struggling to contain her anger. "If it weren't for him, I don't think I would have made it out of that game at all."

Her mother's expression hardened, eyes sharp and unyielding. "Asuna, listen to me. You have a future—a chance to be someone great. I won't see you throw that away on a boy who has no place in our world." She paused, giving Asuna a measured look. "And remember, Todoroki's family expects an answer soon. He's someone worthy of your attention, someone with a promising future. Midoriya can offer you nothing."

Asuna's eyes flashed. "Izuku isn't 'nothing,' and I don't care what you think he can or can't offer me." Her voice rose, each word fueled by pent-up frustration. "He's shown me kindness and strength, things that matter more than quirks or status. He made me believe in myself, in surviving, and—"

"And now you owe it to yourself to move beyond all that nonsense," her mother interrupted, her tone icy. "That world you shared with him was a nightmare, not a future."

Asuna took a shaky breath, trying to rein in her emotions. "Izuku may not have a quirk, but he's more heroic than anyone I've ever met. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have made it out of that game at all."

Her mother's expression hardened, her eyes cold. "Asuna, open your eyes. That boy may have found some glory in a game, but out here, he is just a quirkless child. He can't give you the life you deserve. This fixation on him will only drag you down."

Asuna felt the anger rise, a fierce determination taking root. "You're wrong about him. Izuku is worth more than any quirk. He's brave, and he's kind… he's everything to me."

Her mother's voice dropped, laced with an edge of finality. "You're young, Asuna. You may think you know what you want now, but a family like ours has responsibilities. Todoroki's family has expectations—and they're not something we can ignore."

That was it. The last straw. Asuna's voice rose, unwavering, though her vision blurred slightly as tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. "I'll never love him, Mom. I don't care what expectations you or anyone else has. If it's results you care so much about then I'll become the best and then make my own choices!"

Without waiting for her mother's response, she turned on her heel, blinking back the tears that threatened to spill. Her footsteps echoed down the hall, and once she was out of sight, a single tear escaped, tracing down her cheek. Her heart pounded, her resolve hardening with every step. This wasn't over—but she was done fighting tonight. She would show her mother, one way or another.

Asuna walked aimlessly through a quiet, dimly lit park, her mind racing with the whirlwind of emotions that had been building up for so long. Ever since she'd returned to the real world, she'd felt the pressure, but now it seemed suffocating. Everything felt heavier, sharper, like the expectations pressing down on her were tangible weights she couldn't shake.

Eventually, she sank onto a park bench, burying her face in her hands for a moment before she took a deep breath and pulled out her phone. With trembling fingers, she found a photo of her and Izuku, both of them smiling, caught in a moment of warmth and peace. She could still remember the comfort of their little cabin in the woods—how simple and safe life had felt, even in a world of danger.

Softly, she whispered, "Selfishly…I wish we could just go back." Her voice wavered, and the tears she'd been holding back began to spill over. She clutched her phone tighter, feeling the ache deepen as she stared at the photo of her and Izuku. In this quiet moment, she let her guard down, allowing the weight of her emotions to press in. She needed this release—needed to fall apart, even if only for a few minutes.

After a few moments, she took a shaky breath and swiped at her tears. With a hesitant hand, she opened her phone to the contact list, hesitating for just a second before pressing Izuku's name.

Elsewhere, Izuku and Klein were navigating the busy evening streets, laughter carrying between them. Klein nudged Izuku playfully. "So, that new manga you got me hooked on… are we talking volumes or entire series binges now?"

Izuku chuckled, shaking his head. "You know me—I finished the series in two days. But hey, I've still had time to work on a few design ideas."

Klein smirked, crossing his arms as they walked. "Man, I don't know if I should be impressed or concerned. A whole series in two days? You've got some stamina, Midoriya."

Izuku laughed, scratching the back of his head. "Hey, it's called dedication! Besides, it's not like I did it all in one sitting… I took breaks."

Klein raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? Did those breaks involve sleeping, or just switching to your support gear notebooks?"

Izuku grinned sheepishly. "Maybe a little of both."

Klein rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "Classic. And here I thought you'd pick up a hobby that didn't require endless analyzing."

Klein chuckled, nudging Izuku with his elbow. "Well, as long as you're not picking up any bad habits… like, you know, sleeping in class or something."

Izuku shot back with a grin, "Hey, at least I don't fall asleep during training like a certain someone I know."

Klein laughed, feigning offense. "Once, Midoriya. That happened once."

Izuku smirked. "Uh-huh. Keep telling yourself that."

A moment passed, and Izuku glanced thoughtfully down the street. "Oh, did you catch the news about that gigantic villain attack last week? Mount Lady and Kamui Woods took the spotlight on that one."

"Yeah, that was insane," Klein replied, nodding. "Seems like every week, something's going down. Makes me think…" He hesitated, glancing at Izuku. "You're still thinking about UA, right?"

Izuku's expression shifted, eyes dropping slightly. "To be honest… I'm not sure anymore. UA was always the dream, but now? It doesn't feel the same, especially with Present Mic… gone. It's where he taught, and it feels weird. Like it would be hard to walk those halls."

Klein nodded, considering his friend's words. "I get it. But you know, there's more to UA than the hero course. The general studies track, support course—they've got a lot of options."

Izuku looked up, his brow furrowing. "You really think I should give it a chance?"

Klein nodded. "Absolutely. You don't have to jump straight into the hero course. And who knows? UA's the best place to hone those support skills of yours."

Izuku gave a small, hesitant smile. "Maybe you're right…"

Klein tilted his head, studying Izuku for a moment. "Plus, are you really okay with leaving Asuna on her own? You know she's gonna try for UA, and even if the recommendation doesn't go through, she'll pass that entrance exam without breaking a sweat." He shrugged, offering a small grin. "Seems like it'd be a shame not to be there with her, right?"

Here's the adjusted paragraph:

Klein nudged him. "Besides, remember that day with the sludge villain? I know you don't like to talk about it, but you didn't hesitate to jump in and help that kid out. You've got the heart for this—quirk or no quirk." He chuckled, a bit of nostalgia flickering in his eyes. "I was in the hero course at Shiketsu before SAO, you know? Now, I'm essentially quirkless myself, but I still think there's a place for us in all this. If we can't be the heroes we wanted to be, maybe we'll find another way to make a difference."

Izuku's expression softened as he looked at Klein, appreciating his friend's honesty. "Thanks, Klein. You're right. Maybe I've been so focused on one path that I haven't thought about other ways to make a difference."

Klein grinned, giving him a friendly shove. "That's what brothers are for. Just don't lose sight of what you want."

Izuku chuckled, feeling lighter. "Yeah… I won't."

He paused, glancing at Klein thoughtfully. "So, are you really giving up on being a hero?"

Klein shrugged, his gaze fixed on the street ahead. "Not giving up, exactly. I'm still training in every other way. Maybe if my quirk ever kicks back in, I'll give it a shot."

Izuku tilted his head, curious. "So, are you planning on applying back to Shiketsu?"

Klein shook his head, a small grin forming. "Actually, UA's principal already accepted me. When they found out about my quirk going dormant and, well… the SAO stuff, they offered me a spot in the general course as a second-year. They're really giving us survivors a chance to get back on our feet. And they even mentioned the possibility of transferring to the hero course if things change down the line."

Izuku's eyes lit up with encouragement. "That's awesome, Klein! You're not just hanging around—you've got a solid plan."

Klein laughed. "It's not much of a plan yet, but it's something. And who knows? Maybe we'll both be at UA. Not exactly where I thought I'd be, but…" He shrugged again, a small glint of hope in his eyes.

Izuku nodded firmly, feeling even more grounded by his friend's support.

Klein grinned and stretched his arms behind his head. "So, what do you say? Want to grab some ramen before heading home?"

Izuku's face brightened. "Oh, that sounds great! Where you—" His phone buzzed in his pocket, cutting him off. Pulling it out, he saw Asuna's name flashing on the screen. "Just a sec," he said, holding up a hand to Klein.

He answered with a soft, "Hey, you. What's up?"

For a moment, there was only silence, broken by faint bird chirps and the unmistakable sound of soft sobs. Izuku's heart sank, his tone shifting to concern. "Asuna, what's going on? Are you okay?"

There was a shaky breath on the other end before Asuna managed to say, "I… stormed out of my house. I'm at the park by my place right now…"

Without hesitation, Izuku responded, "I'll be there soon. Hang tight, okay?"

He turned to Klein, pocketing his phone. "Sorry, I have to go."

Klein waved it off with a reassuring smile. "No worries, man. Hope everything's alright."

Izuku nodded, giving Klein a quick thanks before heading off at a brisk pace toward Asuna.

Izuku pushed his way through the bustling crowd, eyes scanning the park as he hurried forward. His heart pounded with a mix of worry and urgency. He finally broke free from the crowd, entering a quieter part of the park, and searched around, his gaze darting over benches and shaded paths.

Then, he saw her. Asuna was sitting by herself on a bench next to an outdoor water fountain, her figure silhouetted by the gentle spray of water arching into the sky and falling back into the pool below. The sunlight caught the water, casting a soft shimmer, but all he could focus on was the slump of her shoulders and the way she hugged herself, looking small and alone.

Taking a steadying breath, Izuku approached slowly, careful not to startle her. "Asuna…" he called softly as he neared, his voice filled with concern.

Izuku knelt down beside Asuna, his hands gently resting on her shoulders as he looked up into her tear-streaked face. She bit her lip, eyes darting away, but he waited patiently, his expression steady and comforting. Asuna's breaths were shaky, and after a few moments of silence, she let out a small, choked laugh.

"It's just… my mom. She's always… she's always too much," she managed, her voice breaking. "She acts like I'm just supposed to live my life exactly how she wants. And lately, she's been—" She stopped herself, glancing down. "She's been acting like a real… well, a real… you know."

Izuku's brow furrowed, and he gently reached out, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. "I know," he murmured. "I'm sorry, Asuna. That sounds so hard… and so unfair."

She leaned into him, her hands clinging tightly to his shirt. "I just… I feel like I can never do enough, like nothing is good enough for her. And I'm so… so tired, Izuku."

Izuku held her closer, his fingers brushing through her hair as he whispered, "You're doing everything you can. And that's more than enough."

Asuna buried her face in his shoulder, her voice muffled. "I can't lose you. I can't lose you, too."

Izuku felt a pang in his chest as he pulled back slightly, tilting her chin up to look into her eyes. "Lose me?" He gave a soft, reassuring smile. "Asuna, I'm not going anywhere. Even if All Might himself tried to keep us apart, I'd find a way." He gently squeezed her hand. "You're stuck with me, no matter what."

A small, trembling smile found its way onto Asuna's face as she looked up at him, relief shining through her eyes. She exhaled, her shoulders finally relaxing, and simply held onto him, feeling the weight of his promise wrap around her.

Asuna took a deep, calming breath, her shoulders finally relaxing as she leaned back on the bench, wiping away the last of her tears. "I can't believe how much things have changed since we got back," she murmured, her gaze drifting to the fountain nearby. "Some days, it almost feels like… I'm stuck in another game. Just with different rules."

Izuku gave a small nod, understanding exactly what she meant. "Yeah, things feel… surreal. But some things have changed for the better, you know? Good things."

Asuna glanced at him, a hint of a smile beginning to form. "Like what?"

He thought for a moment, his lips curving up as he realized something that made him chuckle. "Well, for starters, you used to be the one nagging me to take it easy. Now it's me telling you to slow down! Looks like we've totally switched roles."

Asuna's eyes widened in mock offense, and she gave him a playful punch on the arm. "Oh, shut up!"

Izuku burst into laughter, rubbing his arm with an exaggerated wince. "Hey, that actually hurt a little! Guess I'm still not used to the real you."

Asuna rolled her eyes but couldn't help laughing along with him, the weight of their struggles momentarily lifted. For now, just being together was enough.

Asuna sighed wistfully, looking off into the distance. "I just… sometimes I wish we could go back to those simpler days, when it was just the two of us, Eri, and our cabin. Everything felt right then, like we had our own little world."

Izuku nodded, a soft smile forming as he thought back to those memories. "Yeah, it was peaceful. But you know… if Eri were here, she'd probably be slapping us both for not being happy." He chuckled, and Asuna laughed along, the sound breaking through the lingering tension.

After a moment, Izuku turned to her, his expression more serious. "So… when do you think you'll head back home?"

Asuna hesitated, her fingers twisting slightly as she looked down. "I'm… not quite ready yet. Just need a bit more time."

Izuku brightened with a sudden idea, scratching the back of his head as he spoke. "Well, seeing as you've probably already dug yourself a bit of a hole…" He paused, his words spilling out in a bit of a nervous mutter. "You… wanna come over to my place?"

Realizing how it might have sounded, he started to backtrack, cheeks reddening. "Wait, that didn't come out right—that's not what I meant! It's just that… my mom hasn't seen you since we were in the hospital, and, well, she's been, uh, constantly on my case about when I'd finally bring my girlfriend over."

Asuna chuckled, feeling warmth spread through her at his awkwardness. "I'd love to come over."

Izuku's face lit up, relief mingling with excitement. "Great! Mom's going to be thrilled."

As the two walked back to Izuku's apartment, a comfortable silence settled between them, each lost in their own thoughts yet feeling at ease with one another. When they reached his door, Izuku took a steadying breath and opened it, calling out, "Mom, I'm home!"

Inko's voice called back from the kitchen, "Welcome back! Dinner's almost ready!" Izuku stepped inside, guiding Asuna in with a gentle smile, then added as he approached the kitchen, "Oh, and I brought a guest."

As he rounded the corner, Inko looked up—and froze, her eyes widening in surprise before a beaming smile lit up her face. "Asuna! Oh, it's so good to see you here!" she exclaimed, hurrying over. "Your recovery must have gone well, you look absolutely beautiful, dear."

Asuna's cheeks flushed a soft pink at the compliment, caught a little off guard. "Thank you, Mrs. Midoriya," she replied, giving a slight bow. "I'm really glad to see you too."

Inko clasped her hands together, clearly thrilled. "Please, please, call me Inko! I've heard so much about you from Izuku. It's wonderful to finally have you over." She gestured toward the dining area, her excitement making her movements more animated. "Come, make yourself at home! I hope you're hungry."

As the three settled around the table, Inko looked between Izuku and Asuna with a smile, clearly pleased to have company. "You know, Asuna, I swear you look even better than the last time I saw you," she teased with a playful glance at Izuku. "No wonder he never stops talking about you."

Asuna blushed, laughing softly. "Thank you, Mrs. Mid… Inko. I've been trying to keep up, but it hasn't been easy."

Izuku leaned in a little closer to his mom, murmuring, "Uh… maybe don't bring up anything about her family."

Inko caught his eye, giving him an understanding nod before turning back to Asuna, changing the subject with ease. "Well, we're so glad to have you over! And please, call me Inko. Mrs. Midoriya makes me feel ancient."

"Of course, Inko," Asuna said with a warm smile, feeling more at ease. "It's nice to just… be here."

Izuku's mom nodded knowingly. "You two have been through so much—you both deserve a bit of calm. School and entrance exams will be tough, but there's no rush to do everything at once." She glanced at Izuku, adding, "Especially for someone who's always got his nose in one project or another."

Asuna laughed, catching the hint of pride in Inko's voice. "He's been amazing, though. I couldn't have gotten through this year without him."

Inko chuckled softly. "You know, he can be stubborn," she said, sending Izuku a knowing look. "But he has a good heart—he'll always push himself if it means helping someone else."

Izuku rubbed the back of his neck, looking sheepish. "Well, I could say the same about you, Asuna. Maybe that's why we get along so well."

Inko, smiling warmly at the two of them, stood up. "Why don't you help me finish up in the kitchen, Asuna? That way, Izuku won't be tempted to sample everything on the table before dinner."

"Oh, I wouldn't want to ruin his hard work," Asuna teased, following Inko into the kitchen as Izuku stayed behind to set the table.

In the kitchen, Inko's smile softened as she passed Asuna a bowl. "It's really wonderful having you here. I mean it—you're always welcome. I can tell how much he cares about you, and I haven't seen him smile like this in… well, it's been a long time."

Asuna's heart warmed at her words. "Thank you, Inko. It… it means a lot to have a place to feel at home."

As the three started eating, the conversation was light and warm, with Inko asking them about school and general things, her curiosity clearly piqued by Asuna's presence. Eventually, she looked between the two of them with a mischievous smile.

"So, how did you two meet in that game? Was it… love at first sight?" she asked, her tone teasing.

Izuku, in the middle of swallowing his food, choked slightly, coughing into his hand as he tried to regain his composure. Asuna chuckled softly, patting his back and smiling warmly.

"Well, I wouldn't say love at first sight exactly," Asuna began, a playful glint in her eyes as she glanced at Izuku, who was now visibly flustered. "But… there was something about him. Something that made me want to know more."

Izuku managed to catch his breath, his cheeks a deep shade of red as he listened to Asuna, his eyes dropping to his plate as she continued.

"In that world, everything was different," Asuna said, her voice growing softer as she thought back to their time in Aincrad. "At first, I was in a really dark place. I didn't think I could keep going, and I was ready to give up. We met early on, on the first floor. He didn't know me, and yet… he showed me kindness when I needed it most." She looked over at Inko, who was hanging on to every word, smiling with warmth and understanding.

"Your son has saved me in more ways than I can count. He reminded me of what it means to have hope, to keep fighting even when everything feels impossible. And for that, I'll always love him."

When Asuna looked back up, she saw Inko gazing at her, eyes shining with warmth and admiration. Then she glanced at Izuku, who was completely red, his face hidden behind his hands as he tried to hide his embarrassment.

Realizing her own words, Asuna felt her cheeks flush as well. She'd just admitted her feelings for Izuku… right in front of his mother.

Inko clasped her hands together, her face alight with delight. "Oh, you two are just so perfect! It's like something out of a romance drama!" She gave Asuna a warm look, nodding approvingly. "I can see why Izuku means so much to you, Asuna."

Izuku, still red-faced, groaned, peeking over his hands. "M-Mom, please…"

Inko sighed happily, standing up and starting to gather the plates. "It's a beautiful thing," she said, glancing back at the two with a soft smile before turning toward the kitchen to start cleaning up.

Izuku's face was still red, but he couldn't help sneaking a shy look at Asuna. Just then, Asuna leaned a little closer, her eyes warm and playful. "Thank you, Deku," she murmured, her voice low and teasing, causing his cheeks to flush even more.

He fumbled for words, his heart pounding as he looked down, managing a soft, "Y-You're welcome."

Asuna stretched slightly and gave a small sigh, "I should probably get going soon." Her words were barely out when Inko called from the kitchen, "Oh, stay for dessert, Asuna! It's almost ready—just ten more minutes."

Asuna glanced at Izuku, who smiled and shrugged, and she agreed with a nod. "I'd love to stay a bit longer, thank you."

The two moved over to the couch, and Izuku turned on the TV. A classic movie from the 20th century, Star Wars, started playing, filling the room with faint sounds of space battles and dialogue. They sat together in a comfortable silence, the soft glow from the screen flickering across their faces.

Izuku was about to say something, but as he turned to her, he noticed Asuna had fallen fast asleep, her breathing slow and peaceful. She looked completely at ease, exhaustion finally overtaking her after everything she'd been through. Smiling, he leaned back, letting her rest quietly beside him, the comfort of her presence filling the room.

Inko emerged from the kitchen, holding two plates of dessert, but paused when she saw Asuna fast asleep on Izuku's shoulder. Izuku met her gaze, pressing a finger to his lips and softly shushing her. Inko smiled, setting the plates down on the coffee table before quietly stepping over to them.

"She's had a long day," Izuku murmured. "She really needs the rest."

Inko nodded, her expression softening with understanding. But then she glanced at him, an idea forming. "Izuku, let me call her mother. I think it's best if Asuna stays here tonight."

Izuku immediately shook his head. "Mom, I… I don't think that's a good idea. Asuna's mom… she's been really hard on her, pushing her a lot. If she knows Asuna is here, I don't know how she'll react."

Inko's gaze softened but remained firm. "Izuku, I understand your concern. But it's just as important that Asuna gets some real rest as it is that her mother knows she's safe. Letting her sleep here gives her that chance to recover fully, and calling her mother will give her some peace of mind. Both are what's best for her right now."

Izuku hesitated, glancing at Asuna's peaceful face. Reluctantly, he sighed and reached for Asuna's phone, unlocking it and scrolling to her mother's number. He handed the phone to Inko, feeling a mix of worry and hope as she dialed.

As the phone rang, Inko paced softly in her room, keeping her tone polite when Mrs. Yuuki answered.

"Hello, Mrs. Yuuki? This is Inko Midoriya. I'm calling because Asuna is here with us, and—"

"Oh, thank you, Mrs. Midoriya. I'll come pick her up right away," Mrs. Yuuki interrupted, polite but brisk.

Inko kept her tone steady. "Actually, Asuna's fallen asleep here. She seemed completely worn out, so I thought it might be best for her to stay here tonight and rest."

A pause, followed by Mrs. Yuuki's slightly sharper tone. "I appreciate your concern, but I'll be there soon. I think Asuna would prefer to sleep in her own bed."

Inko's patience began to fray. "Mrs. Yuuki, your daughter was barely able to keep her eyes open when she got here," she said, trying to keep her composure. "I'm a nurse, and I can see she's exhausted—she's asleep because she needs the rest."

But Mrs. Yuuki's tone only grew more insistent. "I'll see to her care at home, thank you."

Inko's patience finally snapped. "Look, I understand that you want her home," she said, her voice firm and unwavering. "But right now, your daughter is clearly overwhelmed. She passed out within minutes of sitting down, and if you really want what's best for her, then let her rest! I am more than capable of looking after her for the night."

There was a stunned silence on the other end before Mrs. Yuuki finally replied, her voice clipped. "Fine. But she'd better be home before nine."

With that, she ended the call, leaving Inko standing there, tension finally easing as she took a deep breath.

As Inko came out of her room, she gave Izuku a gentle smile. "You can go ahead and let her rest. I'll get some blankets and pillows for her to set up on the couch."

Izuku hesitated, then stopped her. "Mom, would it be okay if… if I let her take my bed? She hasn't taken a break in months, and I want her to get the best rest she can."

Inko's smile softened even more, a look of pride in her eyes. "Of course, sweetheart. That's very thoughtful of you."

Nodding, Izuku turned back to Asuna, who was still fast asleep, her breathing deep and steady. Carefully, he slipped one arm under her legs and the other behind her back, lifting her up gently in a bridal carry. Asuna stirred slightly but settled again, leaning into him.

Izuku carried her down the hall to his room, pushing the door open quietly with his shoulder. He walked over to the bed and gently laid her down, adjusting the blankets to make sure she was comfortable. Leaning down, he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. "Sleep well, Asuna," he whispered before quietly stepping out and closing the door behind him, a small, content smile on his face as he made his way back to the living room.

Asuna woke up with a big stretch, letting out a small, sleepy yawn as she rubbed her eyes. Still groggy, she blinked, taking in her unfamiliar surroundings. It took her a moment to process where she was—then it hit her. She sat up abruptly, heart pounding. She was at Izuku's… and in his bed?!

Panicking slightly, she reached for her phone on the bedside table and checked the time. 7 a.m. She let out a small sigh of relief. Then she noticed a text from Izuku.

Good morning, sleeping beauty. Stop freaking out—we called your mom last night, and she was fine with you staying. I should be back, or close to, by the time you're awake.

Asuna felt a mix of relief and lingering nerves, especially thinking about what might be waiting for her at home. Trying to settle her thoughts, she looked around Izuku's room, noticing the little details—his neatly organized hero analysis notebooks, a few support gear designs pinned to a corkboard, and the framed photo of the two of them together, both in school uniforms, that sat proudly on his desk. She smiled to herself, her heart warming as she took in this side of him.

Asuna stood up, taking in Izuku's room with fresh eyes. Her gaze eventually fell on his closet, and she paused, a small smile tugging at her lips. They'd lived together for six months in Aincrad—surely he wouldn't mind if she peeked inside. Opening the door, she found a few neatly hung shirts and sweats, the ordinary look of it somehow comforting. Then, at the bottom, she noticed a couple of boxes tucked away.

Curiosity got the better of her, and she gently lifted the lid on one. Her heart softened as she sifted through the contents, pieces of Izuku's old hero memorabilia carefully stashed away. Posters, All Might figures, notebooks filled with sketches and ideas—it was all here, remnants of a dream he'd tucked out of sight. She felt a pang of sadness, realizing how much he'd had to set aside. She didn't blame him—she knew how much he'd gone through, from the relentless bullying for being quirkless to the unimaginable trials of SAO.

As she looked over the old All Might figures, her admiration for him only grew. He'd been through so much, far more than most people could bear, yet he remained so gentle, so kind. The reality of being quirkless in this world had always been harsh, she'd done her own research after returning from SAO, and the high suicide rate among the quirkless had shaken her. Despite the odds stacked against him, he continued forward, his spirit unbroken. She hoped he could one day see himself the way she did—quirk or no quirk, to her, he embodied what a true hero should be.

Asuna carefully put the boxes back in the closet and paused, eyeing the pile of sweatshirts. She grabbed an All Might one, pulling it on and feeling a sense of comfort as the familiar fabric enveloped her. Heading out to the kitchen, she was greeted by the warmth of breakfast cooking.

"Good morning, dear," Inko greeted her with a smile. "How did you sleep?"

Asuna returned the smile. "Completely refreshed, thank you."

She looked around. "Is Izuku back yet?"

Inko nodded. "He's in the shower now. He usually goes for a run most mornings—tends to wake up pretty early these days." A slight pause followed, and a hint of worry crossed her face.

Asuna picked up on it, her brow furrowing. "Is…is there something wrong with that?"

Inko hesitated, glancing at her hands before meeting Asuna's gaze. "Asuna, I'm going to tell you something I think he's been keeping from you." She took a steadying breath. "Izuku hasn't slept well since he came back from SAO. He has nightmares most nights—sometimes so intense that he wakes up screaming."

Asuna felt her chest tighten, instinctively gripping the hem of his sweatshirt.

"He doesn't talk about it," Inko continued gently. "He usually just goes for a run when he wakes up. It's…his way of dealing, I suppose." She sighed, a mixture of sadness and hope in her eyes. "The truth is, he's barely shared anything with me about what really happened in SAO. That's why it made me so happy to see him with you yesterday. For a little while, it was like I had my old Izuku back." She reached out, resting a hand on Asuna's shoulder. "That's why I know you'll help make sure he takes care of himself. You bring out a peace in him I haven't seen in a long time."

Asuna looked up, determination hardening her gaze as she nodded. "I promise. I'll make sure he takes care of himself."

Just then, Izuku stepped out of the bathroom, a towel around his waist, water droplets still on his skin and revealing a newly defined six-pack. Asuna started to greet him, but her words caught in her throat as she took in the sight.

"When the hell did this happen?!" she blurted out, eyes widening in shock.

Izuku raised an eyebrow, a little thrown off. "Well… good morning to you too, Asuna."

Realizing what she'd said, Asuna turned a shade of red. "I—I mean, sorry! But seriously, you didn't have a six-pack before."

Izuku chuckled, scratching his damp hair. "Ah, you're still picturing me from Aincrad. I was twelve when we got stuck there—of course I looked a little weaker back then," he teased.

Asuna folded her arms with a playful smirk. "Well, I'd say you've definitely leveled up."

Izuku returned, freshly dressed, and joined Asuna and Inko at the table. The three of them enjoyed a lively breakfast, the room filled with laughter and warm smiles. It felt almost surreal to Asuna—this little slice of normalcy, of happiness, was something she hadn't realized she'd missed so much.

After breakfast, Asuna helped Inko clear the table. Inko pulled her into a gentle hug, whispering, "Take care of each other, alright?"

Asuna smiled, hugging her back tightly. "I will. Thank you, Ms. Midoriya"

With a final wave, she and Izuku stepped outside, walking together down the familiar path toward her house. The morning sunlight cast a soft glow over them, and for once, everything felt at ease.

As they started down the quiet street, Asuna turned to Izuku with a grateful smile. "Thank you again… for letting me have your room last night. I don't remember the last time I slept so well."

Izuku chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Hey, it's no big deal. You needed the rest. I could tell."

They walked a little further, Asuna kicking a pebble along the path as she spoke up again, this time a bit more hesitantly. "I'm still a little worried about what my mom will say when I get home," she admitted. "She wasn't exactly thrilled the last time I stayed out this late."

Izuku nodded, sympathy clear in his eyes. "Yeah, I figured that might come up." He gave her a soft smile, trying to reassure her. "But you know my mom was happy to have you over. I mean, she's been asking about you for ages."

Asuna's expression softened, her gaze distant. "I really like her. You two are so close… I don't know, it's like this natural warmth fills your home. It feels safe."

Izuku looked at her thoughtfully, sensing a hint of sadness in her voice. "Well, she definitely considers you family already," he said, squeezing her hand gently. "And you're always welcome at our place, you know that."

Asuna's cheeks flushed as she gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you," she murmured. She paused for a moment, then glanced at him sideways, a playful glint in her eyes. "Speaking of things I need to get used to… when did you start working out so much? Since when did you have a six-pack?"

Izuku blinked in surprise, then let out a sheepish laugh. "Oh, that," he said, glancing away with a slight blush. "I guess I've had a bit more free time, and training helps clear my head—especially when I hit a roadblock with any of my support gear."

She chuckled, nudging him gently. "I guess I do have some adjusting to do." Her expression softened as she looked at him thoughtfully. "But these extra workouts… they're not just about staying in shape, are they?"

Izuku tried to brush it off, laughing nervously. "So I guess my mom told you. I tried telling her it was no big deal…"

Asuna stopped walking, gently tugging on his hand to get him to face her. Her expression was serious, her eyes filled with concern. "Izuku, it's not nothing," she said, her voice wavering. "It hurts me to see you hurt yourself like this." Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Please… don't close up. Not with me."

Izuku looked down, a hint of hesitation in his eyes as he took a shaky breath. He felt the familiar walls around his heart start to crumble, and he knew he couldn't keep it all inside forever. "It's… hard to talk about," he admitted softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Asuna squeezed his hand gently, her gaze never leaving his. "Take your time. I'm here. You don't have to go through this alone."

He looked at her, a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability in his expression. "Most of the time, I'm fine… or at least I try to be," he started, his voice steady but quiet. "But sometimes, out of nowhere, something will happen. I'll hear a noise, or see something, and suddenly… I'm not here anymore. I'm back in a dungeon or a duel. It's like I'm trapped in that moment, and without thinking, I start… analyzing, looking for a way out. And then it hits me—I'm safe, but… it doesn't feel like it."

Asuna's grip on his hand tightened, a silent promise that she wouldn't let go. She didn't say anything, just let him find his words, feeling the weight of what he was sharing. "And then I try to just go on with my day, act like nothing happened, but…" He trailed off, a faint, weary smile on his face.

Izuku's gaze dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "Sometimes it feels like… I might never come back. Even in the middle of the night, it's like I'm still trapped there. The nightmares… they're just as real as when I'm awake." He paused, swallowing hard. "I see faces, people I couldn't save. Sometimes I'm back in those dungeons, reliving the worst of it. I wake up feeling like I'm still carrying all of it with me."

He rubbed the back of his neck, a forced laugh escaping. "It's like no matter how hard I try, those memories—they're just… there. They don't let go."

A tear slid down Asuna's cheek as she stepped closer, wrapping her arms around him tightly. "You don't have to do this alone, Izuku. No matter how hard things get, I'll be here, every step of the way." She pulled back slightly, looking into his eyes with a gentle but firm gaze. "But I think you need more than just me. You need to talk to someone about this, someone who can help you work through everything. If you don't, this will keep haunting you."

"I'm scared," he admitted, his voice barely a whisper. "I keep trying to move forward, but…"

Asuna's grip on him tightened, her fingers gently brushing his arm in a steady, grounding rhythm. "It's okay to be scared. But facing that fear… that's how you start to heal. One step at a time."

She pulled back slightly, meeting his gaze with a thoughtful look. "You know… Agil's been leading a support group for SAO survivors. He's helped a lot of people sort through what happened. Maybe… maybe he could help you too."

Izuku hesitated, her suggestion sinking in. "Agil? I… I didn't know he was doing that." The idea of reaching out felt daunting, yet the thought of talking to someone who truly understood eased something in him.

"He's been through it too," Asuna said gently. "And he cares about you. I think he'd be honored to help you through this."

Izuku looked down, processing her words, then back up at her, a faint glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Maybe… maybe I could give him a call."

Asuna's face softened into a reassuring smile. "One step at a time, remember?"

Izuku took a steadying breath, nodding slowly. "One step at a time," he repeated, feeling a weight lift just enough to make the path forward seem a little more possible.

Without saying another word, they simply began walking again, hand in hand, the quiet between them filled with understanding. Asuna's thumb gently brushed against his knuckles, grounding him in the present, and together, they moved forward—step by step—toward her house, both feeling a little more at ease with the path ahead.

As they reached the street leading to her house, Izuku paused, struggling to find the right words. He opened his mouth, but before he could get anything out, Asuna leaned in, pressing her lips to his in a deep, heartfelt kiss. Caught off guard, he blinked, then melted into it, letting the warmth of the moment wash over him. When they finally pulled back, he saw her smiling, a soft chuckle escaping her.

"You don't have to thank me," she said, her eyes warm and steady. "We're going to grow old together, so I need you to take care of yourself. Okay?"

Izuku gave her a warm smile, his eyes lingering on her. "Alright, better get going before your mom throws a fit," he teased gently.

Asuna laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah… guess I should," she said, her voice both light and a little bittersweet.

They shared one last, tender look, a silent goodbye as they each felt the pull to stay a moment longer. Then, with a soft wave, they turned and headed off in opposite directions, glancing back with a smile before finally moving on.

Asuna's heart felt a bit lighter as she walked toward home, though her pace slowed as the familiar tension returned. Her time with Izuku was a comforting warmth, but the weight of her family's expectations was never far behind. She took a steadying breath, lifting her head high as she approached her door. No matter what her mother had to say, she was certain of her feelings. And she'd defend them.

AUTHOR NOTES: Hey everyone. Not going to lie to chapter did not go the way I initially thought. I came up with one adjustment and the next thing I knew I basically had a completely different chapter but I think it worked out well. Although Asuna knows she's pushing herself to hard, it's those moments of comfort that Izuku gives her that's driving her to work so hard. I feel like Asuna would think if she's the best then they don't need help from anyone else, and that way she can make her own choices, AKA Izuku. I think it's kinda funny, but also accurate, that both Izuku and Asuna seem more concerned for each other than themselves. I feel like they both want to make sure their loved one is okay, sure, but also it shows how the two are avoiding their own demons. I personally loved how this chapter showed how the two are each other's rocks but they still have obstacles in front of them, yet again that's life… On a separate note, I think I will do one more chapter of Pre-UA to set up a few more characters emotionally. I also have vague ideas of a few other characters during this time but they'll work out better down the line as a flashback, plus this way I don't tie myself down to story for a character in case I think of something better when writing. No action this chapter and I bet most of you were hoping to find out Asuna's quirk this chapter… Nope gonna have to wait (hehe). But I still hope y'all enjoyed. As always, have a good one! :)