Mailin’s POV

The atmosphere is lighter than it has been in weeks, but I can still sense the underlying tension in Shota. He’s always been good at keeping things bottled up, but when you’ve spent as much time with someone as I have with him, you start noticing the little things. The faint tightness in his jaw. The way his fingers tap against his leg when he’s thinking too hard.

We’re walking together through the hospital’s halls, heading to see Eri for the first time since the raid. Mirio and Midoriya are a few steps ahead, chatting quietly, but I know Shota’s mind is elsewhere. This little girl changed so much for all of us, and I can tell her well-being weighs heavily on his heart. It weighs on mine too.

"You okay?" I ask softly, slipping my hand into his as we walk.

Shota glances at me, his eyes softening for a moment. He doesn’t say anything, but the slight squeeze of his hand in mine is answer enough. We’ve both been through a lot, but this moment—getting to meet Eri and hopefully give her some happiness—feels like a step toward healing.

When we finally reach the room, Mirio pushes the door open with a bright grin, his energy practically radiating off him as he steps in. Midoriya, always a little quieter but just as caring, follows with a smile.

And there she is.

Eri sits up in the hospital bed, her small frame dwarfed by the large sheets. Her eyes are wide and cautious, and the tiny horn on her head has shrunken almost completely. It’s heartbreaking to see her like this, her spirit dimmed by everything she’s been through. But she looks up at us with curiosity, a spark of hope glimmering just beneath the surface.

“Eri,” Mirio says gently, walking over to her, “we’ve brought some friends to see you.”

Midoriya beams, standing beside him. “Hi, Eri. I’m Izuku Midoriya.”

Eri stares at them for a moment, her expression unreadable, and then she finally speaks. “You… saved me.”

Her voice is so small, it almost breaks my heart. I can see Shota’s hand tense slightly in mine. This child has been through so much, more than any kid her age should ever have to endure.

Mirio steps closer, his usual brightness taking on a softer tone. “We’re just glad you’re safe now.”

There’s a moment of silence, and I can feel the heaviness in the room. Eri looks down, her little hands clutching the edge of the blanket, her brow furrowed.

“I’m sorry…” she whispers, her voice barely audible. “I… caused so much trouble.”

Before any of us can react, Mirio kneels down beside her, his face soft but resolute. “Eri, none of this is your fault. We’re all happy you’re safe, and that’s what matters. We just want to see you smile.”

Shota’s hand tightens in mine, and I can see his eyes flicker with something—maybe hope. He cares about his students deeply, but Eri… Eri is different. She’s more fragile than anyone he’s ever had to protect.

Midoriya, always thoughtful, speaks up. “Hey, Eri, have you ever heard of the U.A. School Festival?”

Eri’s eyes widen slightly, and for the first time, there’s a flicker of curiosity. “School… festival?”

Midoriya nods enthusiastically. “Yeah! It’s this big event where we all get to have fun, and there’s food, music, and all kinds of games. You could come and join us.”

I watch as Eri’s small eyes light up ever so slightly at the mention of “fun.” It’s clear that she’s intrigued but hesitant.

Shota, sensing her reluctance, speaks up, his tone gentle. “If you’d like, Eri, you could join us for a day. Just to see what it’s like.”

She looks up at him, her big eyes searching for something. Trust, maybe. Reassurance. Whatever it is, Shota gives it to her with that simple, calm presence of his. He doesn’t push her. He doesn’t demand. He just offers, quietly, and waits for her to decide.

Finally, Eri nods, a small but hopeful smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

---

After Midoriya and Mirio leave, there’s a brief moment of quiet. I stay beside Shota, my heart full as I watch Eri’s eyes follow the boys out the door. Then I feel Shota’s gaze on me, a softness in his expression that tugs at something deep inside me.

I smile, kneeling down in front of Eri’s bed so I’m eye level with her. “Hi, Eri. I’m Mizuhana Mailin. I’m a hero too. And I’ve been hearing a lot about you.”

Eri’s eyes widen slightly, and she tilts her head. “You’re… a hero too?”

I nod, keeping my voice gentle. “I am. And I’ve been looking forward to meeting you. You’re really strong, you know that?”

Eri’s face flushes slightly, and she looks down, fidgeting with the blanket. “I don’t feel strong…”

I smile softly, reaching out and gently resting my hand on hers. “Sometimes, the strongest people don’t realize how strong they are. But you’ll see. You’ve got all of us here now. You’re not alone anymore.”

She looks up at me, her eyes wide and filled with something fragile. But there’s a hint of trust there now, something I hope will grow with time.

Shota’s hand rests on my shoulder, a quiet reminder that we’re in this together. And for the first time in what feels like forever, there’s hope in the air.