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"So, apparently, we are going to finish off the test..." Kirishima heard about the news through Sero's phone, since he was watching the small interview Kumiko held outside the arena along with his other friends and a couple of class B students.

He sauntered back to his best friend, as if he was with him the entire time but it was obvious that Katsuki kept isolating himself from the rest. "...How are you feeling, Bakugo?"

The ash-blond guy didn't care for the outcome of the testing right then, or any news involving the police sniffing around the grounds where his crush was last seen. All he cared about was [____], and whether or not she was alive.

"Fuck off." He replied, eyes closed while striving to hide his true thoughts with just a low growl and an aura that said something along the lines of, 'you're gonna die if you come close to me.'

Though Eijiro knew his friend well enough to know that was just a front, and normally he wouldn't have a good reason to act this way; But this was different. This was happening.

So he stepped back with just two foot movements at first, "When you're ready to talk, bro, know that I'm here for you....I'm gonna go check up on others, in the meantime..."

Although he could sense Ei leaving, like he said he would; Katsuki opened one eye a moment later to make sure he was gone. He wanted to go back to his preoccupation unnoticed if it wasn't that someone else was staring right at him, with a blank expression all over his face as he sucked on a straw of a pastel green box containing melon milk.

"What do you want, icyhot?" He asked from afar as Shoto nonchalantly walked from the vending machine to him and tried to hand him a bar of milk chocolate. "I don't want your shit."

"Chocolate helps calm down your nerves. I just got this a few moments ago. It's good."

"That's only with dark chocolate, you fucktard." He found a reason to insult him when he read the label of the candy bar from Shoto's hand. "Even then, why the shit are you offering anything to me?! I don't need a sweet fix— You moron. What I need is for you to stay the hell away from me."

"You are concerned for [____]..." As if that needed to be pointed out; Todoroki still stated. "...I am too, because I love her...I think."

"You can't just add an 'I think' to shit like that, idiot!! You have any idea how stupid you sound?!"

"Bakugo..." The blond thought Todoroki was going to ask him if he felt the same way for [____] again; he figured his answer was going to be different now, and it was alright for Katsuki to say so. Though all the quiet guy did was move his hand towards him one more time. "...Take the chocolate."

"Fuck no. Now get out of here."

"We're going to use our quirks soon; this can replenish your energy—"

"Why don't you stick it in your ass, for all I care?!"

"....This is meant to be eaten."

"THEN YOU EAT IT! AND THEN SHOVE THE WRAPPER RIGHT INTO YOUR ASS—!!!"

"I would, but I already had enough sweets and I don't care for that type of action—"

"— WHY ARE YOU PRETENDING AS IF NOTHING IS BOTHERING YOU, AHH?!" His yell caused most of the students to stop whatever they were doing and glance at the two. He lowered his voice right after, not because he cared whether or not others could hear him; but he just found no reason to waste his energy on Shoto's lack of wisdom.

"....You claim to love someone, and yet you're behaving just fine with that person gone.

You're drinking something you'd normally drink, talking to the rest of those extras like you'd normally do; speaking to me as if we're buddies or some shit, like you'd normally do just to piss me the fuck off. I hate it.

I can't even stop thinking about her— Her quirk, I mean...It can't just shatter to the ground like that and leave no remains of her. What if there's more to her, just vanishing?! What if she was taken away by someone else—?! Why is it that I can't find a single revolving thought in my head that's not about her, so suddenly—?!

My grades, my achievements— None of it fucking matters to me right now and I can't understand why— You...including the rest of all those other assholes; you're looking at me as if I'm overreacting but isn't it just that none of you are reacting at all?!"

That's what Katsuki needed to do: Vent to someone. Anyone. Who cares if that person had to be his rival. At the time, he couldn't care any less.

Todoroki drew back the chocolate bar, he placed it inside his hero outfit and saved it for some other time in that day. "....It's not that I'm oblivious, and it's not that I'm ignoring the truth in your face to make you upset," He started with his reply.

"I am as worried as you think I should be, Bakugo...But her grandmother— She believes [____] is still with us and not just in a spiritual way. If that's what she is saying then everything will be fine, since we can rely on her—"

"—You're telling me you could trust grams, because of her dumbass quirk...If she was as reliable as everybody thinks, then that means she must of known that cheeks would disappear..

If that was the case, then she didn't do a single thing to stop it from happening. What kind of fuckery is that?!"

"I'm no one to doubt [____]'s immediate family and their way of looking out for each other." Shoto affirmed, but still took an extra second to think about Katsuki's uncertainty. "...I do agree with what you are saying, though. Perhaps I'm just waiting to see if [____] does come back to me— To us, by the end of this week. That is how long I'm willing to trust in her grandmother's quirk."

Bakugo clenched his jaw, getting fired up from a simple mistake coming out of Todoroki's mouth. "To you?! Fuckwad— You're saying you're alright with cheeks being gone for an entire week!! You can't love her—"

"— I do."

"No, you fucking don't!! I'll kill you!!" He tried to grab his exam partner by his collar, but Shoto used his ice to freeze both of his fists and his gauntlets without a problem. They became like lead which caused Bakugo to drop them to the ground from not anticipating that move.

"I'm worried for you, Bakugo." To top it all off, Shoto wasn't cherry picking his words anymore. "You can't go back to testing unless you clear your head and quit acting out over your emotions. You think [____] would want us to react like this if she were to come back, right this moment?"

"Who the hell do you think you are—?!"

"—Students." In the middle of his uprising rage, Bakugo was taken aback by hearing Aizawa's voice as he entered the cafeteria. He walked in, alongside Sekijiro, who went to speak with his own class. "Todoroki, Bakugo, step outside and wait for me there so we can have a talk. Don't use your quirks in here unless you're looking to fail the entire exam. The rest of my students, gather around so I can explain what is going to happen."

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Shoto melted the ice off of Katsuki's hands and hero accessories; he half-apologized since the blond cut him off with an insult before their homeroom teacher appeared to guide them else where without saying much.

"The camera crew will be going live once again; but first I need to ensure that you two are fine with continuing the testing as a team or as individuals—"

"I'm not working with this idiot." Bakugo interrupted, with the same words his homeroom teacher was expecting. "I didn't agree in the first place to be partnered up with him."

Shoto raised a hand as if he was waiting to be chosen next to speak; although it wasn't high, it was near his chest and Shota couldn't see it. "Are we the only ones being asked if we want to be graded independently?"

"You are, but it wasn't my idea. I prefer you two working as a teammates, since complexity can strengthen some grey areas in both of your social skills." He waited to hear the students' responds but neither of them had the guts to say anything else. "[____]'s grandmother is one of the biggest sponsors U.A has. She has donated enough money to have a say in the matter, she discussed everything with the principal already and she would like to discuss it with you two as well."

Bakugo knit his eyebrows, unsure of what kind of scheme grams was going to rig. 'Wherever cheeks may be...I hope she's alright.'

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"I don't know, Kumiko..." Enji Todoroki was sitting in front of [____]'s maternal grandmother, who was fanning herself from his heat with a white paper fan. His arms were crossed and his facial hair burning hot, as always.

They were the only two people in the same room where all the teachers and Nezu were discussing the next steps for the unhurt students, everyone else had different duties to attend and Kumiko asked Hideaki to stay outside the door for privacy reasons once her little assembly with the press was finished.

"Shoto's only goal is to become a better hero than I could be. I don't see romance fitting into that lifestyle of his but as former acquaintances, I should say I appreciate you taking that kind of interest for my son." Enji respected her seniority, solely because of his past engagement.

"Ah, yes." Kumiko had to softly chuckle at his words after offering a kind proposition and being basically told 'no' by the current number two hero in Japan. "Just as you couldn't see yourself marrying and having kids with somebody powerful, at first.

Need I remind you, Enji, about the reading that I gave you last time we spoke, which was...less than thirty years ago, I believe? Did you forget what I said would happen— right after my daughter ran off with that simpleton she ended up marrying and reproducing with?"

Enji recalled everything very faintly. He was only fifteen when he was asked by Kumiko and his own parents if he'd like to marry Himeko Amachi once they were of age. Back then, Enji didn't understand why family heritage meant so much to the adults, he wasn't even thinking of relationships or having kids yet. All he cared about was becoming the number one hero.

He trained for it everyday, he had the power and the outstanding grades...The only thing he was missing was to be kind and compassionate with others. The salmon-colored haired gal from his class, however, seemed to excel in whatever he lacked.

Although she was always quiet around him and too scared to interact at first; Himeko agreed to marry Enji because at the time, she simply did whatever her mother would ask of her.

It wasn't until she had her 'big break' near graduation. The times where she wore more makeup and bleached her hair another color, she began to have more confidence in herself, even landed a modeling job and quit the hero course.

She looked at Enji dead in the eye one day and said to him, 'I want to marry someone who loves me for the way I look. Not because of my quirk or my personality.'

Then she left him a letter and the engagement ring he had gotten from his grandparents and took off with a man he was told was the love of her life.

Enji Todoroki hadn't developed any feelings for Himeko, so he wasn't upset to see her go. He was not surprised when his parents and Kumiko had a talk with him the following day, either. Instead of a proper apology, the rather unconcerned mother with bright purple hair and eyes that matched offered a free reading to his parents and Enji. A reading he thought was nothing but a scam at the time and so he took it with a grain of salt.

It was only after he realized how broken his family had become and how much pain he'd inflicted on his wife and kids, Endeavor had come to understand just how blood curdling and accurate Kumiko Kete's power could really be.

She had seen his future and warned him about it. She had apprised him about his firstborn's tragic aftermath, his wife's enervated health and his kids' resentment towards him building like a skyscraper over time. All of this, she had offered solutions for; she even offered to guide his journey as a pro-hero but Enji didn't listen.

He did not wished for a pushy woman to dictate his life and therefore cut off all ties with Kumiko once he graduated school and was free to do whatever he wanted. His parents did the same, since Kumiko had already let them down once with her spunky daughter.

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"You have changed, Endeavor." The now-silver haired woman with wrinkles much like folded silk, commented at his new parenting skills. "You turned soft."

The intimidated glare that Enji shot her way did not faze her. Rather it made him seem more laughable than ever. Kumiko tried to suppress a chuckle. "The life of a hero is stressful enough. I can't imagine how hard it must be to not feel like the voice of reason for your kids."

"I have a long way to go, it is true." He had no problem admitting it to someone who knew exactly what his life came to be, before it even happened. "I've told myself to do better and be the parent they always deserved."

"You admit your mistakes, and it shows me what an honorable man you can be." The woman was no longer smiling because of what a fool Enji made himself to be; she was genuinely amazed by his honesty. "...I wished my daughter would of married you."

Endeavor didn't respond to that.

"Of course...If she had, then my dear strawberry would have never been born..." Kumiko corrected herself and also stiffened you her posture to get back on track with her original request. "And your son...He wouldn't of been standing next to her, on that arena right then...You'd do anything for that boy of yours, wouldn't you? I know the answer already.

Parenthood is like a web of unpredictable events. A nonstop cycle of trial and errors. Constant worry for those kids, how they are doing...Who they hang out with...If they ate properly or not..Are they doing as good as they tell you they are? What can you do but to give them the freedom they so much ask for, and just hope for the best. Even if they don't deserve it..."

"My kids deserve it." He said naturally.

"They sure look like they do."

"I don't want to fix any marriages for either one of them."

"I understand that." She finally placed the fan down to her lap, then slowly slid off her right leather glove finger by finger until her hand was properly exposed. "What if I tell you this marriage wouldn't be forged. It would make your son happy, on the contrary."

"Did you read Shoto's future?" He was more upset about this than anything. He showcased it by standing up from the chair and his complexion ablaze. "When did you speak with him?"

"I have yet to own the pleasure of meeting your son, Enji. What has you so upset? Sit back down, have some tea." She collectively assured whilst going back to fanning herself. "We don't have to hate each other. At my age, it is pointless to make enemies with one of the best pro-heroes in Japan.

Think about my offer, Shoto is a great suitable bachelor for [____]. I doubt I can find another one in Japan. Your genetics have already proven to me that it is possible to bring a child who can regulate his body temperature to match his unique quirk into this world. It's truly fascinating." She accoladed him.

There was a light knock on the wooden door, then Kaito opened it just a little to speak through the gap of the entrance. "Pardon me for interrupting, Miss Kumiko. Mister Aizawa is outside with Miss [____]'s two teammates. Would you like for me to invite them in?"

"Eyecandy, what a perfect timing since we were just done talking...Endeavor, I hope to hear from you soon." She excused him out of her sight and the man almost stomped towards the door in a pensive mood.

As he walked outside of the room, he locked eyes with his youngest son, who was playing with the milk box he had purchased by blowing onto the empty carton through the straw and overfilling it with air for no particular reason.

'You make me proud, Shoto.'

He wanted to say to him, along with so many more positive things. Though the process of healing was different for everybody, and for Enji, it felt like a lifetime sentence in hell to watch his family move themselves forward without his help.

'I just want what's best for you.'

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Kaito properly introduced Shoto to Kumiko, then remained by her in case of further assistance. Mr. Aizawa sat down a few seats away from his students and the woman, just to give them enough space since he was only there to ensure there would be no delays on the last exam.

"Boys....I hope you are feeling well-energized and prepared." She looked at the two of them but only smiled at Shoto, who was actually too busy looking for a trash can in the room to dispose of the milk box he was done messing around with.

"Cut the crap, old grams." Katsuki wasted no time to insult the woman right in her face. "What's the deal here?! Why the hell are you giving me an option to fight against this tool if I wanna?!"

"Oh, I see your homeroom teacher already explained on his behalf. It's nice of him." She showed a little bit of gratitude to Shota with a smile. "See, I am just willing to do what it takes for you both to go back out there, smile for the cameras, and show some U.A spirit. I know it's difficult, specially for you two to continue...But you do understand why we need to act as if everything is under control right at this moment, right?"

"Is [____] really going to be alright?" Shoto replied with a question he wanted to hear from [____]'s grandmother, herself. "I will do what it takes if it means she's safe."

Kumiko smiled in an almost unvanquished way. "My...Aren't you a gentleman? How sweet of you to worry for my strawberry...Yes, she will be alright....What happened today is unfortunate, but it is not the first time I've seen it. [____] and her mother have quirks that are so alike, that I have witnessed it before...how unpredictable portals could be, at times. It is nothing too serious, she will be guided back here soon."

"What does 'soon' mean to you?! Hours? Days...Weeks or even months from now or what?!" Bakugo was tired of listening to her nonsense. The gist of it was that she'd say she would do whatever it takes to get him on screen and pretend everything is alright, anything else she could say wasn't important to him. "If you really can see the future, then why didn't you stop her from disappearing? Are you a liar? You think you're some type of god, aeh?

Don't act all high and mighty— Dunno what kind of hero you used to be before but the way I see it now is that you're just an abusive hag who thinks she can take control over cheeks' life and everyone else's— I would take you down right now if there wasn't anybody here to witness it!"

"Bakugo, show some respect." Shota wasn't on anybody's side, he just knew he had to keep his students from causing any trouble or harm to the elderly. "You cannot speak to a trusted advisor like that."

"You gotta be shittin' me—"

"— Language."

"For fuck's sake!!"

"Bakugo."

"I'm not doing what she wants! Screw that!! And screw her!!"

"Young boy. What is the issue with my request?" Kumiko asked, as if their previous chats weren't obviously the answer. "I'm sure we could compromise, if we talk it out ourselves...Eyecandy, be a dear and guide the gentle one out of here for some much needed privacy. Aizawa, please step away for a moment as well."

The two of them responded almost at the same time.

"As you wish, Miss Kumiko." — "Let's wrap this up, we have the last exam to prepare for."

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"So, what?" Katsuki waited until the perverted dog and the half and half idiot were out of the room to continue. "You expect me to eat out of your hand like the rest or some shit? I don't think you know who you're dealing with, grams."

"I do not expect much from a boy like you, if you are artless enough to ask." Kumiko cut the act with a sigh and a head shake. "You, young man, will surely bring me headaches in the future, if you stay near my granddaughter...So what's it gonna take?"

"I'm not being a part of your damn puppet show. I'm not stepping in that arena until I see proof that you're telling the truth about cheeks' condition—"

"—I will write you a check as long as you forget about her." Was her first offer.

It caused Katsuki to cut his words short; but only for a second. "Fuck your money. I don't want shit from you!!"

"You have a price, much like the rest, and I'd like for you to admit it." She was telling the truth, partially of course. "A check to cover all of you and your family's future expenses for generations to come. Or is it fame? Would you like to be the next number one hero in— Not just Japan— but the entire world?

I can make that happen, you know. I have the recourses and the money to do it. The affiliations, the power and the desire to help you. I can shape you into the person you always wanted to be...Or I can be your worst enemy, Katsuki Bakugo. It all depends, if you decide to forget about my granddaughter or not. It's all so simple..."

For the record, Kumiko had years of experience with her manipulation tactic. She knew the boy would be a tough shell to crack, but she challenged herself to go for it anyway.

The look on his face had said it all— He did have a price. She was never wrong about gists like those. Though just as she was getting ready to search through her bag for her check book; Bakugo gave away the nastiest smile she had seen from him yet.

"You really think I'm that type, huh?"

She disapproved of his response. "I explained to you already...About the dangers my granddaughter will keep facing if you stick around her. You are proving I am correct about you by coming here and declining to do what is best for your school, your teachers and for the rest of your peers.

I give you one last chance. If money is not your calling, then let me know what is. We can compromise, that I am sure of."

"There is one condition I got." He admitted.

"I would like to hear it."

"....Give my grade to her."

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[an; TYSM for being so kind and patient with me and this story n my mistakes n shit. Been going through so so much emotional pain atm. I'm doing alright tho, I'm safe y'all so I hope you are too!! <3

I'm writing now more than ever bc writing has always helped me numb the stress I go through and i would like to finish this story bc it's literally my favorite story I have ever came up with. I cannot wait to share what's next with you all. Take care!! Until next update!! Longer chapters are starting now! Weeee!]