Mailin’s POV

The early morning light filters through the windows as I pack the last of my things for the trip to the forest lodge. I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and concern. While this is supposed to be a school trip, it’s not going to be a relaxing vacation—not with the way things have escalated recently.

Shota, as usual, is calm and collected as he prepares. His stern face doesn’t show much emotion, but I know him well enough to see the slight tension in his shoulders. He’s worried about the students—especially after everything that happened with the villains.

“You okay?” I ask, coming up behind him and resting a hand on his arm.

He glances at me, his expression softening ever so slightly. “I’m fine. Just making sure everything’s in place for the trip.”

I nod, leaning in to kiss his cheek. “They’ll be fine. You’ve trained them well.”

His hand reaches up to cover mine, giving it a small squeeze. “And you’ll be there too. That helps.”

I smile at that. Ever since we started living together, our relationship has deepened in ways I never thought possible. He’s opened up more, letting me into his life completely. But seeing him like this—concerned, protective of his students—reminds me of how dedicated he is to his role as their mentor.

The bus ride to the lodge is filled with the usual noise and excitement from the students. Shota tries to maintain order, but he knows as well as I do that their carefree attitude will soon be replaced by the intensity of the training ahead. I sit next to him, occasionally glancing out the window as the scenery passes by.

“We’ll be stopping in one-hour intervals,” Shota tries to inform the class, but his voice is drowned out by their chatter and laughter. He sighs, leaning back in his seat. “Their days of fooling around are numbered.”

I chuckle softly, nudging him with my elbow. “Let them have their fun while they can.”

Shota’s lips twitch into a faint smile, but his eyes are focused on the road ahead. “They’ll need it for what’s coming.”

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Shota’s POV

Watching Mailin interact with the students on the bus, I can’t help but feel a sense of calm wash over me. She has a way of balancing things—bringing both a sense of professionalism and warmth that the students respond to. And I’d be lying if I said I didn’t appreciate having her by my side for this trip. It’s not just about the students. It’s about having her close, knowing she’s here to support me.

As we approach the rest stop, I notice something off. Class 1-B’s bus isn’t there. Before I can say anything, a group of costumed heroes appears in front of us.

“The Pussycats,” I mutter under my breath. Izuku, ever the enthusiastic one, is already on his feet, excitedly introducing them to the class.

I lean over to Mailin, who raises an eyebrow. “Looks like the training has already begun,” I say.

She smiles knowingly. “So much for a gentle start.”

The students are quickly informed that they have three hours to reach the base of the mountain, and as soon as they realize this is no ordinary rest stop, chaos ensues. The look on their faces as Pixie-Bob’s Quirk causes a landslide that sends them plummeting into the forest is almost amusing.

Almost.

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Mailin’s POV

I stand beside Shota as we watch the students get swept away by the landslide, a smirk tugging at the corners of my lips. “That was... unexpected.”

Shota crosses his arms, his gaze sharp as he watches the chaos unfold. “They’ll learn quickly enough.”

As the students fight their way through the forest, we keep a close eye on their progress. It’s hard not to be impressed by how quickly they adapt. Izuku, Shoto, Tenya, and Katsuki are quick to take down the clay beasts, and the rest of the class follows suit, showing just how much they’ve grown since the start of the semester.

“They’re doing well,” I comment, my eyes following Izuku as he blasts through another beast with his Quirk.

Shota nods, his eyes narrowing slightly. “They’ve had more real-life experience than they should at this stage. But it’s necessary.”

I know what he means. The recent surge of villain attacks has accelerated their training, pushing them harder and faster than any normal first-year class. It’s both a blessing and a curse. These kids are becoming stronger, but the weight of that strength comes with responsibility—and danger.

The journey through the forest takes hours, and by the time the students arrive at the lodge, they’re exhausted. Pixie-Bob seems impressed, though I can see the concern in her eyes as well. These kids are strong, yes, but they’re still just kids.

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Shota’s POV

As the students stumble into the lodge, bruised and battered but triumphant, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride. They’ve pushed through the challenge, just as I knew they would. But this is only the beginning.

I catch Mailin’s eye from across the room. She gives me a small smile, one that sends warmth spreading through my chest. She always has a way of grounding me, reminding me that even in the midst of all this chaos, there’s something steady. Something constant.

Later that evening, as the students settle into their rooms, I find myself alone with Mailin in the quiet of the lodge’s common area. She sits beside me, her head resting on my shoulder.

“They’re going to be fine,” she whispers, her fingers lacing with mine.

I nod, leaning into her touch. “I know. I just—”

“Worry,” she finishes for me, her lips brushing against my cheek. “It’s what makes you a great teacher.”

I don’t respond, but the weight in my chest eases slightly. She always knows what to say.