It was the day before the UA Sports Festival.

And officially a week since Shota broke up with me.

I looked like a mess. Mostly because I was a mess. And everyone knew it, but no one really knew why. Except for some of the heroes.

I had been avoiding everyone all week. I would show up to school and go straight to the gym. Then, I went straight home.

The one exception was when I met up with Hawks to finalize plans...

He tried so hard to talk to me this week. Just being my friend, but I couldn't do it. I was ignoring my phone completely.

The school day was over, and we were about to have our final meeting about the sports festival.

I sat on the ground of the gym, dripping in sweat. I spent the last hour training on my own. It had been too long since I spent time on myself, and it felt rejuvenating.

I sat with my head leaned up against the wall, eyes closed, thinking about how I would have to see Shota soon.

"y/n-sensei!" I turned my head to see Katsuki.

"Hmm?" I called out.

"Shitty teachers are looking for you everywhere! Apparently you're late for something!!" He yelled while walking over to me.

"What are you even still doing here? It's Friday..."

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN?! I CAN BE HERE WHENEVER I WANT!!"

He was standing directly in front of me. "Too loud." I mumbled, my sad eyes looking at him.

"y/n, are you ok?" He asked, his tone soft.

"Yea, just been a long week." I smiled at him. I can't believe how much these students really care about me...

"Help an old hag up," I laughed and held out my hand.

He helped lift me off the ground. "You ready for tomorrow?" I asked.

He shot me a devious grin, "More than ready!"

"Good," I said while picking up my bag. "You better kick some ass."

"HELL YEA YOU CAN COUNT ON IT!" He screamed.

I laughed as I started to head for the exit, "Get some good rest tonight, Katsuki. You're going to need it!"

I walked into the conference room, still in my workout clothes and a small towel draped around my neck.

As soon as Hawks saw me, he rushed over, "You made it!" He gave me a hug.

I tensed up. Not really wanting to touch. And not really wanting anyone to see.

But his body felt so warm.

I was slowly sinking into him when he started to pull away. I held on a little tighter, not wanting to let go.

After a moment, I realized what I was doing and pulled apart.

"Uh, sorry about that.." I cleared my throat, "Of course, I made it. It's still my job." I smiled sheepishly.

Hawks had a slight blush on his face, "You can hug me whenever you want."

I held his gaze, and it was only for a second, but I felt my heart flutter.

That's not good...

I felt someone staring at me— Shota.

We hadn't spoken all week, and seeing him now, my second of warmth and happiness completely faded.

I got lost staring at him. I missed him so much.

"You ready?" Hawks asked breaking me out of my trance as he put my hand on my shoulder.

"Ready as I'll ever be," I sighed, genuinely nervous about tomorrow. He took his seat.

I looked at Nezu for permission to begin, and he nodded.

"Thanks for coming everyone," I announced to bring the room to attention. "Tomorrow is a big day, and we wouldn't be able to do it without the support of each of you."

"As you all know, we've heard rumors of a villain attack tomorrow at the festival. We're here tonight to make sure we can keep the students and the spectators safe."

I continued to explain protocols for evacuations, patrol routes, and other safety precautions. I also went over the agenda, stadium layout, and each hero's responsibilities.

"Does anyone have any questions?" I asked as the presentation came to a close.

It was quiet so I just stood there and looked into the crowd of heroes. I've always been a pretty confident public speaker.

I smiled, "Well, then that concludes everything. Again, from everyone at UA, we thank you. Nezu?" I looked at him to wrap it up and took a seat next to Hawks.

"Amaterasu and Hawks, thank you for all of your efforts to make this possible." Nezu said.

Hawks put his hand on my leg and slightly caressed it while smiling at me.

"We'll see you all tomorrow morning." Nezu said before dismissing everyone.

I began to get up and collect my things wanting to head home as soon as possible.

"y/n," I heard a familiar voice call.

I turned to see Shota. I wanted to say something but the words wouldn't come out.

"You did a great job," He mumbled.

My heart was breaking. Is that really all he had to say?

"I hope you're well," He said in a low voice as he put his hand on the side of my arm.

I looked at him, the tears refusing to stay.

"Shota..." I sobbed quietly. My body was shaking.

With that, I quickly left the room waiting until I was out the door to break into a full sprint.

I ran down the hallway and around a couple corners until I was completely alone.

The lights were off but the moonlight was shining through the windows creating a soft glow.

I sat and leaned back against the wall, letting it all out, not caring if anyone ended up seeing me.

"y/n!" I heard someone yell while running over to me. 

"Hi, Hawks," I said in almost a whisper while looking at him standing above me.

He immediately pulled me to my feet and wrapped me in his arms and his wings.

I reciprocated and latched onto his waist, burying my head in his chest.

It seemed like forever since I last felt safe. But in that moment, enveloped in his warmth, I somehow knew that he would protect me from anything.

And I craved that.

My breathing began to slow, "Hawks... I can't do it anymore. I'm drowning." I whispered to him.

"You're strong, y/n... But you're strong for everyone else. Let me be strong for you." He responded as he caressed my hair.

"I'm scared.... I-I really trusted him." I muttered referring to Shota.

"I'm sorry he hurt you. You deserve so much more..." He trailed off. "You don't need to rush into anything, I just want to be here for you."

He put his forehead against mine, and continued to stroke my head. My eyes were closed and I let myself just feel.

I felt the sadness and the heartbreak. The exhaustion and concern. But also, the comfort and kindness of the man standing in front of me.

I knew I couldn't rush into anything with Hawks, but I didn't want to be alone.

"Are you sure?" I questioned.

"I promise."

My eyes were still closed, but I felt him smile. He slowly lifted up his head and kissed me on the forehead.

He pulled me in close, and we just stood there, intertwined.

Thank you, Hawks...You saved me tonight.

**Aizawa's POV**

After y/n took off out of the classroom, I went looking for her.

I just can't do anything right.

I was about to give up when I turned the corner and saw her.

My heart shattered.

She was being held by Hawks, their foreheads resting against each other's. He was stroking her hair slowly.

All I could do was stare in disbelief. That should be me.

I watched for a moment as Hawks kissed her forehead and brought her fully into his arms.

I walked back around the corner so they would be out of sight, and leaned up against the wall.

How could this be happening? I made her feel this way. I caused her so much pain.

"Shota," I felt a hand on my shoulder. "Are you ok?" All Might asked.

I glanced at him before closing my eyes again, "No."

He sighed, "I don't know what happened, but—"

I cut him off, "I messed up, Toshinori. I did this."

"Well, what do you want now?"

I started to tear up, "Her... I still want her."

"Listen, Shota. I think you should know..." He paused, hesitating for a moment, almost like he wasn't sure if he should continue.

"I think you should know, y/n loves you." He finished in a whisper.

The pain cut deeper. I assumed she did, and I thought that's what she was going to say at the hospital, but having him confirm it was just too much.

"If you love her too, then don't run from this. She deserves to know. She would want to know."

I was quiet for a moment.

"What if I'm scared?" I muttered, embarrassed by everything I was feeling.

All Might smiled, "All the more reason to tell her."

"Shota, it'll be better to tell her, than to forever regret holding back."

"And it might hurt to hear this, but you need to realize... you probably don't have much time." He said, referring to Hawks and y/n.

So, he saw them too...

I looked at him with pain in my eyes, "Do you think they're together?"

"No," he said calmly. "I know y/n, and I know her feelings for you... it would be way too soon for her."

"However." He continued, "I don't think he'll be the only one to try and comfort her once more people find out."

I knew he was just trying to help, but hearing those words killed me.

"I know," I mumbled.

"But Shota, I also know, she would choose you... a thousand times over." He rested his hand on my shoulder one more time before starting to walk away.

I shut my eyes, and let his words sink in.

I love you, y/n.

I hope I'm not too late.