'Fuck no!!'
Monday morning brought an announcement that made Ryuu's stomach drop.
Aizawa loomed at the front of the class, his usual dead-tired eyes half-lidded as always. But those arms crossed tight over his chest told a different story, something closer to pissed-off than sleepy. Ryuu couldn't quite pin it down.
The whole class sat scattered in their seats, caught red-handed for the racket they'd been making.
"Next week, Class 3-A will be participating in joint exercises with Classes 3-B and some second-year students" he began, ignoring the excited murmurs that rippled through the room. "The focus will be on cross-class partnerships and unfamiliar team dynamics"
Ryuu felt the immediate weight of multiple eyes turning toward him.
It wasn't just the girls...a number of his classmates, both male and female, were already mentally calculating potential partnerships involving him.
"Partnerships will be randomly assigned" Aizawa continued, crushing some hopes while raising others . "The goal is to force you out of your comfort zones and test adaptability under pressure"
Mina caught Ryuu's eye from across the room, her expression a mix of concern and determination.
They both knew what this meant - their exclusive partnership arrangement was about to be challenged by school policy.
"Exercise details will be distributed tomorrow" Aizawa said. "Use today to prepare mentally for working with unfamiliar faces"
As soon as the announcement ended, Ryuu found himself surrounded by interested parties.
Ochaco appeared at his left elbow while Tsuyu materialized on his right, their timing suspiciously coordinated.
"Joint exercises sound intense" Ochaco beamed brightly. "I hope we get paired together, Kazama. I've been thinking more about that gravity amplification idea"
"Random assignment means equal chances for everyone, ribbit" Tsuyu croaked. "Though some people might try to influence the selection process"
Before Ryuu could respond, Momo's voice cut through the chatter from behind him.
"Kazama, could we continue our conversation about study sessions" she asked, leaning slightly toward him. "I think it would be beneficial to discuss quirk theory before the joint exercises"
The crowd of girls circling Ryuu kept getting bigger, and he was starting to feel like a cornered animal. Where the heck are the guys when I need backup?
"Ladies, ladies," Mineta's sleazy voice cut in as he wormed his way into the group. "No need to fight over Kazama. There's plenty of resonance to go around."
'There he is… This guy's talent for creeping people out never fails to blow my mind'.
The gross double meaning hit like a slap. Several girls recoiled with disgusted faces, and just like that, Ryuu finally had room to breathe.
"I should get ready for next period" he muttered, escaping toward his desk before anyone could object.
But his relief was short-lived.
During lunch, he found himself cornered again, this time by students from Class 3-B who had apparently heard about his performance with Mina.
"You're the resonance guy, right" asked a girl with green hair and vine-like appendages growing from her arms. "I'm Shiozaki Ibara from 3-B. My quirk could benefit greatly from amplification"
"Kendo Itsuka," the tall girl with orange hair introduced herself. "I've been dying to test if I can tap into my enhanced strength without fully going big-fist mode. Your quirk sounds perfect for that."
'D-damn' Ryuu realized with growing dread that his reputation had spread beyond his own class.
The joint exercises were going to be a feeding frenzy of students wanting to experience amplified abilities.
"It's not that simple" he tried to explain. "My quirk requires specific conditions to work effectively"
"What kind of conditions" Kendo asked with obvious interest.
Before Ryuu could answer, a familiar pink figure slid into the empty seat beside him with ease.
"Sorry I'm late" Mina announced cheerfully, though her golden eyes held a sharp gaze as she assessed the situation. "Hope you haven't been waiting long, Ryuu"
Hearing her casually drop his first name....like they'd already agreed on it behind everyone's back...hit the other girls like a neon sign.
To them, it screamed "Back off, he's mine."
Yet she'd done it so smoothly, so naturally, that no one could outright call her out without looking petty.
"We were just discussing the joint exercises" Shiozaki said politely, though Ryuu detected a slight edge to her voice.
"So exciting, right" Mina replied with enthusiasm that seemed genuine. "I'm sure everyone will get great partners. The random selection should make things interesting"
"Random selection can be influenced if you know the right people," Kendo dropped with a slight smirk.
"True, but that wouldn't be very heroic, would it" Mina said with a sweet smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm sure everyone will play fair and let the process work as intended"
The subtle warning was delivered with such cheerful innocence that it took a moment for the implications to sink in.
Mina was letting them know she'd be watching for any attempts to manipulate the partnership assignments.
"Of course" Shiozaki agreed after a pause. "Fair play is essential"
The conversation continued for a few more minutes before the 3-B students excused themselves, but Ryuu could feel the undercurrents of competition that had been established.
"Thanks for the rescue" he said once they were alone.
"That wasn't a rescue" Mina replied, unwrapping her lunch calmly. "That was a strategic intervention"
"What's the difference"
"Rescues are reactive. Strategy is proactive" she explained, meeting his gaze directly. "I'm not going to sit back and watch other girls circle you like sharks sensing blood in the water"
The possessive edge in her voice sent a warm spark racing through Ryuu's chest. "And if I end up randomly paired with someone else for the exercises?"
"Then I'll trust you to keep it professional," Mina replied, but he caught the subtle tightness in her shoulders. "Doesn't mean I won't be watching."
""Jealous much?" Ryuu teased, like he's dipping his toe into dangerous waters.
"Nah… more like protective," Mina shot back with a playful smirk. " There's a big difference."
"Oh? Do enlighten me, ma'am."
She paused, letting the moment hang just long enough to build tension. "Jealousy means I don't trust you. Protection means I don't trust them."
The distinction was subtle but important, and it showed how much thought she had put into her feelings about their situation.
"Some of these girls," Mina went on, voice low, "they see you as a shiny trophy. Cool quirk, decent face, jackpot. They don't care about your boundaries, your limits, or the fact that you're a real person with feelings."
"Oh ho, but you do?" Ryuu teased, one eyebrow cocked in challenge.
"I try to" Mina said softly. "I know your quirk scares you sometimes. I know you worry about losing control or hurting someone. I'm not going to push you into situations that make you uncomfortable just because I want to be your partner"
"I see… thanks," Ryuu murmured, the teasing arch of his brow softening as her words truly sank in.
Her understanding meant more to him than she probably realized. Most people saw his hesitation as weakness or antisocial behavior, but Mina recognized it as caution born from legitimate concerns.
"What if we don't get paired together" he asked.
"Then we don't" she said with a shrug that seemed more casual than it probably was. "But whoever does get you as a partner better treat you right, or they'll answer to me"
What said actually surprised him
He wasn't expecting her to say this...he was beginning to understand that Mina's feelings for him ran deeper than he had initially realized.
"And what if you get paired with someone else?" he pressed. "Someone who might actually be better for you?"
Mina tilted her head, thinking it over. "You asking if I'd jump ship?"
"Maybe."
She exhaled, then admitted. "Sure, I'm curious how your quirk plays with others. But not curious enough to gamble what we've got. Some things are worth keeping locked down."
The conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Kirishima and Sero, who plopped down at their table with obvious relief.
"Finally found you guys" Kirishima said. "The cafeteria is crazy today. Everyone's talking about the joint exercises"
"Yeah, and half the conversations seem to involve Kazama's quirk" Sero added with amusement. "Dude, you're like the most popular guy in school right now"
"Popular for the wrong reasons" Ryuu muttered.
"Hey, popularity is popularity" Sero grinned. "Might as well enjoy it while it lasts"
"Easy for you to say. You don't have girls analyzing your quirk compatibility like they're planning battle strategies"
"True, but I also don't have Ashido running interference for me" Sero observed, glancing meaningfully at Mina.
"I'm just being a good friend" Mina said innocently.
"Righttt" Kirishima said with obvious skepticism. "And I'm just passionate about rocks"
The conversation devolved into friendly teasing, but Ryuu noticed how Mina stayed close to his side throughout lunch, her presence a constant reminder of the connection they shared.
As they walked back to class, she fell into step beside him while the guys moved ahead.
"Whatever happens with the joint exercises" she said quietly, "don't let anyone pressure you into partnerships you're not comfortable with. Your quirk, your choice"
"Even if it means disappointing people"
"Especially then" she replied firmly. "The right partners will understand and respect your boundaries. Anyone who doesn't isn't worth your time"
Her words were exactly what he needed to hear, but they also highlighted the growing complexity of his situation.
The joint exercises would test more than just his combat abilities - they would test his resolve to maintain control over how and when he used his quirk.
With Mina's support, he felt more confident about facing whatever challenges lay ahead. But he also knew that not everyone would accept his choices gracefully, especially if those choices excluded them from experiencing his amplification abilities.
The week ahead was going to be interesting in ways that had nothing to do with hero training....
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Author's Note: heh—cough cough....oh, you're done already?
Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter... I've been trying to draw out the "slice of life" element in the to balance things out before we dive into the big action arcs... and, y'know, the other kind of action.
if you got any suggestions do tell me early on...since the novel is still fresh.
And yeah, for everyone asking about Deku...chill, he's coming. Promise.
If you're liking the ride so far, smash that Collection button and of course I need y'all review about the novel!
Tell me what you feel I can do or change to make your reading experience better.
Quick note abt the girls: I wrote them this way to make the harem dynamic feel natural and fun...but don't worry, not every girl is gonna going enter the MC's bed.
Some will be totally immune to the charm, just like I explained in the BEFORE YOU READ section.
Anyways, happy Monday, fam!
Now...lemme go back to bed.
Kami.