Takeru POV
The penthouse balcony was quiet under the night sky, the city far below reduced to scattered lights. Takeru and Nejire were curled together on a wide lounge chair, a blanket draped over them. Nejire rested against his chest, unusually silent after the chaos of the Sports Festival. Takeru's mind was still processing the magnitude of the attention he would be receiving going forward. His size alone had always made people give him a second glance, but now… his face was plastered across social media.
Takeru wouldn't be able to go anywhere without being bombarded by questions or requests for autographs. It was one thing to play the celebrity while in costume, but another to be approached even in civilian clothes. He had discreetly flown off earlier to escape the press; he was the fastest in terms of flight speed, so no pro hero could ticket him for quirk usage. His thoughts broke when he noticed Nejire staring into the horizon, unusually somber.
"You've been quiet," Takeru said softly, stroking her hair.
Nejire hesitated, then exhaled. "Last week, during my patrol with Ryukyu-san… there was an apartment fire. I told you about it, remember?" She swallowed. "We rescued everyone, but we didn't realize a little girl was missing. By the time we found out and reached the seventh floor, she was unconscious… in critical condition."
Her voice wavered. "She died in the hospital this evening. Smoke inhalation. The damage was too much. I can't stop thinking about it."
She pressed her face into his chest, tears soaking into his T-shirt. "If I'd been faster… if I'd double-checked… maybe she'd still be alive. Everyone cheered for me today when I won the beauty contest, but it felt wrong. I feel so guilty."
Takeru wrapped his arms around her, holding her gently, stroking her hair and planting soft kisses on her head. "You are a hero," he said quietly, "but you are also human. No matter how well trained we are, there are things beyond our control. There will be times when we aren't fast enough or smart enough."
He continued softly, "Blaming yourself will accomplish nothing. It's okay to cry, as long as you wipe your tears and get back on your feet, because next time you'll be better—and someone will owe their life to that."
Her breathing steadied as Takeru wiped her tears with the hem of his T-shirt and smiled. "I have something for you. Wait here."
He slipped inside briefly and returned with a small case, placing it in her hands. "This was for your birthday, but now feels right."
Nejire opened it and gasped at the pair of silver earrings shaped like butterflies, studded with sapphire-blue gems. "Put them on—they're magnetic," Takeru said.
Nejire slipped them on and looked at her reflection in the glass door. "Takeru… they're beautiful…!"
"Tap the right one and it becomes a visor with thermal and night vision," Takeru explained.
"Like the one you have?" Nejire said enthusiastically, her earlier gloom gone.
"Yes, something like that."
"The left deploys a filtered mask," he continued. "Next time, you'll be prepared."
Her eyes filled again, this time with warmth. She hugged him tightly, kissed him, and whispered, "Thank you."
"Nejire… I—there are certain things that…" Takeru began.
She placed a finger on his lips. "I know. I love you, and I know you love me. That's enough."
Takeru kissed her forehead. "Kendo… she feels—"
"She's with her family now," Nejire interrupted gently. "We'll talk. I know how she feels, but everything will be okay. I'm sure of it."
Then she smiled mischievously. "You can still get me something else for my birthday."
Takeru chuckled, pulling her close as they settled back into the chair. "You greedy little minx… I have something else planned for your birthday," he said with a smirk that promised mischief.
Nejire smiled lewdly, an expression that sat oddly on her cute face.
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The next morning, Nejire left early to return to her work-study with Ryukyu. Takeru spent the morning reading through the files Shun-san had sent him—a detailed dossier outlining the pros and cons of different heroes and their agencies, along with advice on how Takeru should navigate them. He had also been given a list of hero names to choose from, but Takeru had already made his decision.
Toru and Mina were coming over in the evening, so Takeru wanted to finish his work before then.
He scrolled through the documents until he reached the last email, the one labeled Mitsuki Bakugo.
The file was disturbingly thorough. Everything from which yoga class she attended, to her favorite grocery store, phone number, address, and car registration number. There was even a scanned yearbook photo, her preferred television soap series, favorite brand of tea, usual jogging route, super market loyalty cards, and online shopping habits.
Damn, the HPSC is terrifying, Takeru thought. If they could gather this much information on a random civilian—and if Shun could hand it over without hesitation—then the depth of surveillance was far beyond what most people imagined.
Luckily for Japan and its people, Takeru Kurogane was an upstanding hero who would never misuse his power.
…Haha.
Takeru cackled maniacally and wiped a bit of drool from his mouth as he stared at Mitsuki's pictures.
The doorbell rang.
Takeru glanced at the clock. Four in the afternoon.
He smirked knowing who exactly who was waiting outside.
Third person POV
The door to the penthouse opened smoothly, the butler stepping aside with practiced discretion as Mina and Toru stepped inside. Both girls slowed to a stop almost immediately, their attention pulled forward by the sheer scale of the space rather than any single feature. The apartment opened wide rather than tall, its layout deliberate and balanced, modern lines softened by wood accents and traditional Japanese aesthetics that gave the space warmth instead of cold luxury. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the city far below, sunlight pouring in despite the height, while the faint sound of circulating water hinted at something beyond the glass.1,2
Mina took three steps in, then turned slowly in a full circle, her eyes traveling from the polished floors to the art on the walls and finally to the terrace outside where steam rose lazily from the outdoor jacuzzi, curling into the air as though it belonged there. She'd dressed for the occasion, wearing a tight, white tank top that cut off just below her ribs, leaving her slender waist and the gentle curve of her hips exposed. Her black workout pants were snug, hugging her ass. She planted her hands on her hips.
"...Okay," Mina said, her voice full of awe. "Damn... so this is how the other half lives, huh..."
Toru nodded beside her, gripping the strap of her gym bag. "This is... amazing.... Are you sure we didn't take the wrong elevator?"
Takeru smiled faintly. "Pretty sure."
The butler moved past them without interrupting, accepting their gym bags with a quiet nod before disappearing down the hall. Mina watched him go, her mouth slightly open. She turned back to Takeru, a slow, predatory grin spreading across her face. "You have a butler," she said flatly, then took a deliberate step closer, lowering her voice. "I did not take you for a spoilt rich boy, Takeru-kun? So there is some truth to the rumors."
"What rumors?" Takeru asked, dreading the answer.
"You know what I mean," Mina replied, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Mina!" Toru squeaked, her face flushing.
Takeru chuckled and gestured for them to follow. "Come on. I'll show you around."
As they moved through the penthouse, Mina's commentary became increasingly physical. In the home theater, she didn't just flop into a chair; she sprawled across a plush loveseat, patting the space beside her. "So soft... I don't think I can move anymore..." Mina said, snuggling into the rich velvet chair. "Takeru-kun, please help... carry me," she said, raising both her hands with mock helplessness.
Takeru rolled his eyes and guided Toru out by the small of her back. Mina pouted and sulked behind them.
In the private gym, while Toru circled the equipment with curiosity, Mina had other plans. She sauntered over to a weight bench, laid down, and began doing slow, deliberate sit-ups. Each one caused her tank top to ride up further, revealing a sliver more of her toned stomach, and the fabric to pull tighter across her chest. She watched Takeru's reflection in the mirrored wall, a smirk playing on her lips.
"Wow... no wonder you are so strong. You have a gym in your house," Toru murmured, genuinely impressed.
"It came with the apartment... these weights are meaningless to me," Takeru replied, casually lifting a 25kg plate between his fore and ring finger like it was a frisbee.
Mina whistled. "Show off," she said, while she lay with her head on her palm, lying sideways on the bench and displaying her gorgeous curves.
Takeru smirked, giving her body a once-over. "I don't think I'm the only one."
Toru harrumphed and dragged Takeru to the terrace. "I wanna see the view."
Takeru gave Mina a look and said, "The view is quite good here too," making her giggle.
They went out onto the balcony, bigger than most apartments. The infinity pool was to the right, and a hardwood floor was warm despite their sandaled feet. Mina looked at the Jacuzzi and the infinity pool. "I know what I wanna do after training..." She put her hand in the pool. "It's heated too... God, that feels good."
"Mina-chan, don't be rude!!" Toru chided.
"It's fine... but we are going to come up with a training plan first, and I have study material for you," Takeru chuckled, gently patting the invisible girl on the back and then dragging the pink girl by the waist.
"Kyahhh... I don't wanna study...!!!" she cried.
As they headed back inside, Mina slowed and deliberately brushed against Takeru's arm. "So," she said lightly, her voice a husky whisper, "are you ever going to admit you're All Might's son, or are we pretending you are just a normal guy?"
"M-Mina! You can't just ask that!" Toru stammered.
"Oh, come on.... Takeru-kun can trust us; he is our beloved class president. We will keep his secrets... Besides, don't pretend you are not curious, Toru-chan."
Toru was stuttering, trying to figure out a response.
Takeru sighed, rubbing his temple. "No. I'm not."
Mina's grin widened. "Uh-huh. Sure. Classified, right? It is okay, Takeru-kun. I like a little mystery," she said, patting his chest.
"There is no... never mind," he said, sighing with resignation.
They settled around the dining table soon after, where the butler reappeared without announcement, setting down tea, chilled drinks, and neatly arranged snacks before withdrawing just as quietly. Mina grabbed a sandwich immediately, then paused when she noticed the books stacked beside her plate.
"...why are these books so thick?" she asked slowly, a pout forming on her lips.
Toru blinked and lifted her gym bag slightly. "I thought we were training."
Mina shook her bag for emphasis. "I dressed for sweat, not studying." She gestured down her body. "This outfit is not for intellectual pursuits. It's for… physical ones."
"You will train," Takeru said calmly, sliding the books closer, "after you read."
Mina stared at him. "I knew there was a catch. Fine. But I get to choose where I sit." Instead of taking her own chair, she rounded the table and plopped down right next to Takeru .Toru received Urban Stealth: Entry, Evasion, and Environmental Awareness, while Mina was handed Introductory Organic Chemistry for Hero Applications and Acids, Bases, and Controlled Corrosion.
Mina recoiled. "Ugh... You hate me."
"This book is the basics on maximizing your quirk, Mina. You need to learn about how acids interact with various materials so you can use your quirk safely without hurting others and yourself. I will give you an outline now, and then both of you will self-study," Takeru said evenly. "And you promise to finish them later."
"Sure thing..." Mina said.
"I will quiz you," Takeru said, his brow raised at Mina.
She physically winced. "That's cruel." She then looked at Toru's book. "Toru-chan, does Takeru-kun want you to become a thief?" Takeru flicked the pink girls forehead causing her to pout and rub the spot.
"I want Toru to understand stealth, gathering information on villains, sneaking into their hideouts... there are a lot of things Toru can do."
Toru looked at her book and began to read with resolve.
"Takeru-kun, I thought you promised to take the class out to the arcade and karaoke!" Mina said accusingly.
"After the embarrassing performance in the sports festival... you all are lucky I still associate myself with you idiots." Mina and Toru winced. "Stumbling over each other and letting Class 1-B destroy you. Very disappointing. Now read, and then we will do some training afterwards."
Toru focused immediately, her fingers going over the lines as she absorbed the material. Mina complained under her breath, flipping pages with exaggerated suffering. At some point, Mina shifted closer, then closer still, until she casually climbed onto Takeru's lap.
"Takeru-kun... please explain this part," she said innocently, pointing at a diagram while grinding her ass into his lap.
Takeru raised an eyebrow, his hands hovering at her sides. "You could just sit next to me."
"But then I wouldn't understand it," she replied, smirking. She leaned forward, her lips brushing his ear. "This way, you have my full attention."
He indulged her anyway, explaining patiently while Mina nodded, her breath warm against his neck. She asked questions she half understood just to stay there, her fingers tracing idle patterns on his chest. Across the table, Toru's fingers tightened around her pen as she took notes on the book she had been assigned, her eyes flicking to Mina sitting on Takeru's lap, pretending to listen to his explanations.
After studying, they moved to the gym. Training finally shifted into motion. Takeru started them on basic striking drills, pacing slowly as he watched. Mina took to fighting like a duck to water, her dancing background giving her a huge advantage.
"Feet wider," he said, nudging Mina's stance with his toe. "You're throwing yourself off balance."
"I call it expressive form," Mina shot back, punching anyway.
"That's sounds stupid and might get you killed" he replied evenly.
Toru adjusted her guard. "Like this?"
"Better," Takeru said. "Again."
When they moved into grappling, Mina volunteered immediately. "Educational purposes only."
Takeru demonstrated the fundamentals: weight distribution, leverage, timing—while Mina deliberately tested the limits, Just wrapping her self around Takeru torso.
"do you plan on hugging villains to death" he said, calmly redirecting her,
"you are no fun " Mina said scowling.
After and hour, she staggered back and collapsed dramatically onto a bench, lying on her back with one leg bent, the other stretched out, striking an exaggerated pin-up pose. She pointed through the glass doors toward the terrace.
"I have been staring at that jacuzzi since we arrived," she declared. "pretty please... we deserve it for being such good girls Kurogane-kun?"
Takeru exhaled slowly and looked away. "You are going to train what I showed you every day until it becomes second nature."
The girls nodded earnestly.
"Shower first, before the Jacuzzi," he said.
"Yay!" Mina squealed and ran towards the showers.
Takeru told Toru to wait.