Mailin’s POV

After the dust settles, I find myself kneeling between Izuku and Katsuki, gently wrapping their bandages. Their injuries from the fight are worse than I expected. Izuku winces as I tighten the bandage around his arm, but he doesn’t complain. Katsuki, on the other hand, sits there silently, his eyes trained on the ground. The tension between them is still palpable.

“They’ll live,” I mutter softly, glancing over my shoulder at Shota, who’s standing nearby with his arms crossed. His stern gaze hasn’t softened since he walked in on their fight. I can sense his frustration beneath that calm, composed exterior of his.

Shota gives a short nod, his voice low. “Thanks, Mailin.”

As I finish bandaging Katsuki’s hand, I stand up and make my way over to Shota. He’s in full teacher mode right now, but as I catch sight of his hair—tied back in that neat bun—I can feel my heart skip a beat. Damn it, why does he have to look so good like that?

I practically squeal in my head, trying not to stare. Focus, Mailin, you’re supposed to be professional.

Shota’s eyes meet mine briefly, and I swear I see the tiniest smirk tug at the corner of his lips. He knows exactly what he’s doing to me with that bun. Damn him.

Toshinori enters, explaining that the fight happened because of Katsuki’s guilt over his retirement. Shota listens but remains as stoic as ever. Still, there’s no hiding the concern in his eyes as he looks over his students.

After a brief discussion, Shota tightens his grip on the Capturing Weapon still binding Katsuki and Izuku. “You’ll both be punished,” he says firmly. “House arrest. Three days for you, Izuku. Four for you, Katsuki. And you’ll be cleaning the dorm common areas day and night. Plus, I expect written statements of regret.”

Katsuki grumbles but doesn’t argue. Izuku just nods, accepting the punishment without a word. Shota doesn’t let them off easily, making sure they understand the gravity of their actions before sending them off to bed.

Shota’s POV

Mailin’s been quiet ever since we wrapped up the incident with Izuku and Katsuki, but I can tell something’s on her mind. Her eyes keep flicking over to me—particularly to my hair. It’s always like this whenever I tie it back. I know she loves it, and honestly, I don’t mind the attention, especially when it comes from her.

The way she bit her lip earlier when she saw me? Yeah, I noticed. And I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me feel something.

As we head back to the staff quarters, I feel her hand brush lightly against my arm. I glance down at her, raising an eyebrow. She doesn’t say anything, just gives me this look—one that sends a wave of heat straight through me.

“Something on your mind?” I ask, trying to keep my voice neutral, though I already know what she’s thinking.

Mailin gives a little shrug, her eyes glinting mischievously. “Oh, nothing... just thinking about how distracting you are with your hair tied back like that.”

I can’t help but smirk. “Is that so?”

She steps closer, her hand now resting fully on my arm. “Very,” she murmurs, her voice low. “It’s kind of unfair, honestly.”

I let out a low chuckle, leaning down just enough to whisper in her ear. “Guess you’ll just have to deal with it, won’t you?”

Mailin flushes slightly, biting her lip again. But before either of us can say anything more, a voice calls out from down the hall.

“Shota! Mailin!”

It’s one of the teachers. I sigh internally. Of course.

Mailin steps back, regaining her composure instantly. “Guess we’ll have to continue this later,” she whispers, her lips curving into a teasing smile before turning to greet the student.

Later, I think to myself, already looking forward to it.

---

The next morning, Class 1-A is buzzing with rumors about the fight between Izuku and Katsuki. Most of the students are glad they only got house arrest, but there’s a tension in the air. Shoto, in particular, looks deep in thought, no doubt reflecting on the fight and what it means for them all moving forward.

I stand at the front of the class, Mailin at my side, as I give them the day’s instructions. “You all know what happened yesterday. And you all know why. Let it be a lesson to you all—keep your emotions in check. You have a responsibility as heroes-in-training.”

Mailin steps forward, offering the students a reassuring smile. “This is a chance for all of you to learn from your mistakes and improve. Don’t waste it.”

As the students nod in understanding, I can’t help but glance over at her. Even in these moments, she has this way of grounding me—of grounding all of us.

---

Mailin’s POV

As the day goes on, I watch from a distance as Izuku and Katsuki clean the common areas, occasionally exchanging words. It’s clear they’re trying to make amends, even if neither of them would admit it outright.

I spot Ochaco talking to Izuku, asking if they’ve made up. Izuku stumbles through an awkward response, but I can tell by the look in his eyes that he’s grateful for her concern.

From across the room, Shota catches my eye, giving me a small nod. I know what that means. Despite everything, he’s proud of how his students are handling this. And so am I.

As the day winds down, Shota and I take a moment to ourselves, sitting on the couch in the staff lounge. I lean my head against his shoulder, feeling the weight of the day lift off my shoulders.

“I think they’re going to be okay,” I murmur.

Shota hums in agreement, his hand resting lightly on my knee. “Yeah. They’ll be fine.”

And with that, we sit in comfortable silence, the world outside fading away for just a little while.