Mailin's POV

The massive dorm building looms before us, pristine and brand-new, barely showing the signs of how quickly it was constructed. Heights Alliance—the new home for Class 1-A. My fingers curl slightly around Shota’s arm as we stand in front of the towering building, and I can feel the tension in his body, though he hides it well. He doesn’t often show how much he worries about the students, but it’s clear that recent events have weighed heavily on him.

“This is it,” Shota murmurs, his voice low, as if contemplating everything that has led us to this point.

I glance up at him, offering a small, reassuring smile. “They’re safe here, Shota. You’ve done everything you can.”

He nods, but his expression remains distant. He’s always so focused on the bigger picture, on keeping them safe. I know how much these students mean to him. They’ve become a part of him, just like I have.

The entrance to the dorms opens, and we lead the students inside. There’s an excited murmur among them as they take in their new surroundings, their voices filled with both awe and curiosity. It’s a reminder that despite everything that’s happened, they’re still just kids, trying to find their way in a world that’s far more dangerous than it should be.

---

Shota’s POV

The moment we step inside the common area of the Heights Alliance, I can feel the weight of responsibility settle over me. I glance at Mailin beside me. Her calm presence is always a comfort, but there’s something about the dorms, the newness of this situation, that makes everything feel heavier.

After the League of Villains attacked, Principal Nezu knew we had to take more drastic steps. This dorm system is one of them. And while the students are excited, I know it’s also because they’re unaware of the deeper reasons behind this change.

I gather them in the common area, keeping my voice firm but not harsh. “Before I explain your dorms, we need to address something important.”

The room quiets, and I glance at the students involved in Katsuki’s rescue. “You were supposed to get your Provisional Hero Licenses at the training camp, but due to the attack, that didn’t happen. Still, some of you decided to act without them.”

I list the names of those involved: Shoto, Eijiro, Izuku, Momo, and Tenya. The rest of the class listens in shocked silence. I can feel the tension rising, but it needs to be addressed. They acted recklessly, and that can’t happen again.

I look at the rest of the class. “I know most of you knew about their plan. If All Might hadn’t retired, I would have expelled all of you except Katsuki, Toru, and Kyoka.” My words are sharp, but necessary. They need to understand the consequences of their actions.

Mailin stands beside me, watching them closely, her presence helping to soften the blow. She and I are united in this—ensuring these students don’t lose their way.

After a moment of heavy silence, Katsuki breaks the tension in the most Katsuki way possible. He grabs Denki and forces him to use his Electrification Quirk, sending him into his usual derpy state. The room bursts into laughter, the heaviness dissipating slightly.

Even I can’t suppress a faint smirk. Mailin glances at me with a knowing look, her lips curving into a soft smile. Katsuki may be brash, but he knows how to lighten a mood when it’s needed most.

---

Mailin's POV

After the tense conversation, the class seems to regain their usual energy. The common space fills with chatter and laughter again, and Shota takes the opportunity to show them around Heights Alliance.

“They’re lucky to have you,” I say softly as we lead the class through the halls, showing them the layout of their new dormitory.

“They’re lucky to have us,” he replies, glancing at me with that unreadable expression he does so well. But there’s warmth there—something softer in his eyes.

Heights Alliance is impressive, to say the least. Each class has its own dorm building, and Class 1-A’s dorm is no exception. There’s a separate wing for boys and girls, with common areas for meals, baths, and relaxation on the first floor. Shota hands out maps to the students, explaining that their luggage has already been delivered to their private rooms on the upper floors.

As he finishes, the students disperse, excited to check out their new rooms and start settling in. I stay by Shota’s side, knowing that this moment—this new chapter—is important for both of us too.

He glances at me as the last of the students head upstairs. “Come on. Let’s check out our place.”

---

Shota’s POV

One of the perks of being a teacher in charge of the dorms is having living quarters here too. Mailin and I had been talking about getting an apartment together for a while, and this situation made it easy to decide. I want her close, not just for my own sanity but because we work better together. We can keep a better eye on the students this way.

Our apartment is on the ground floor, a little off to the side from the students' common space, giving us some much-needed privacy. As we step inside, I take a moment to breathe.

It’s simple—just a small kitchen, a living room, and a bedroom—but it’s enough. Enough to call home.

Mailin walks in, her eyes sweeping over the space. “It’s perfect,” she says softly.

I watch her for a moment, taking in the way her face lights up, the way she moves so naturally in this space. It’s more than perfect—it’s right.

She turns to me with a small smile. “Now we’re really settled in.”

I pull her into my arms, resting my chin on the top of her head. “Yeah. We are.”

We’ve faced so much together already, and I know there’s more to come. But for now, we’re here—together. And that’s all that matters.

---

Mailin's POV

As we settle into our new apartment in Heights Alliance, I can’t help but feel a sense of peace wash over me. This place, this moment—it's exactly where we’re supposed to be.

It’s not just about being close to the students—it’s about being close to Shota. Our relationship has always been intertwined with our work, but now, it feels more balanced. Like we’re building something solid, something lasting.

And as I unpack my things and settle into this new life, I realize just how much I’ve come to love this man. He’s not just my partner in work—he’s my partner in everything.

“We’re going to be okay,” I whisper, more to myself than to him.

He hears me anyway, his arms tightening around me. “Yeah. We are.”