The sun shone brightly over U.A. High School, casting playful shadows on the training grounds where seniors Kirishima Eijiro and Ashido Mina were warming up for their hero exercise. Time had flown by since their first day as wide-eyed freshmen, and now here they were, standing on the precipice of graduation.
Their bond, forged through countless shared experiences, had grown deeper, transforming from friendship to something more significant—something they had chosen to keep private for a multitude of reasons known only to them.
The exercise that day involved sparring with their classmates, a chance to showcase their strengths and push their limits. From the outset, Mina was buzzing with energy, her unending cheerfulness lighting up the training area. Kirishima admired her tenacity, as he often did; she was nothing if not a force of nature. But as they began their match, he began to notice a slight change in her demeanor.
Mina was clearly trying to keep up her bright, infectious spirit, but every now and then a shadow would cross her face, quickly masked by a grin. Kirishima didn't want to interrupt her flow, assuming she was just having an off day. Still, unease twisted in his gut when he saw her flinch after a particularly swift jab he threw her way.
"Come on, Mina! Show me what you've got!" he encouraged, a smile spread across his face despite the nagging worry in his chest.
"Yeah! I've got this!" she called back with a laugh, but her voice sounded strained. Kirishima decided not to dwell on it—he'd focus on winning against his best friend and lover. The sparring progressed, and he could feel the tension in the air; every punch and kick echoed their years of training.
But as the fight continued, Kirishima noticed Mina's movements started to slow. Her grins didn't reach her eyes anymore, and his concern deepened. Just as he charged forward with an impressive combo of attacks, without warning, Mina collapsed onto the ground, clutching her stomach in pain.
"Mina!" Kirishima shouted, panic surging through him. In a split second, every instinct kicked in. He rushed over to her side as other students paused, confusion written all over their faces.
"I've got you, Mina," he said urgently, scooping her up in his arms as he sprinted from the training ground, leaving behind whispers and curious glances.
The journey to his dorm felt like a blur; each heartbeat reverberated in his ears as he focused entirely on her. When they burst through the door, Kirishima gently laid her down on his bed.
"Mina, what happened?" he asked, worry etched across his face as he knelt beside her, scanning her for injuries. That's when he noticed the tell-tale stain on her gym uniform, and his heart sank.
"Eiji," she breathed, pain cutting through her words, "it's just… my period. I didn't want to let you down in practice."
Kirishima's expression softened, and he felt a surge of determination. "You could never let me down. Why didn't you say anything?"
Mina managed a weak smile through the pain. "I thought I could handle it. Besides, you know how competitive I am."
As the reality of her situation settled in, Kirishima rushed to his bathroom to grab a hot water bottle and some pads, moving with a sense of urgency. He returned to find Mina looking pale and worn, and the sight twisted something in his chest.
"Here, this will help." He positioned the hot water bottle around her midsection, careful not to apply too much pressure. "And don't worry, I'm right here."
Over the next few days, Kirishima tended to Mina as she went through cramps and discomfort, wanting nothing more than to see her smile again. He cooked her favorite meals, brought her ice cream, and even indulged in a few silly movies (far from the action-packed hero training they were used to).
Kirishima didn't mind; he was happy to be with her, appreciating this silent intimacy they shared. It was in these quiet moments, snuggled together under a blanket, that they let their feelings come to the surface.
"Mina," he whispered one evening, looking down at her as she rested against his shoulder, "I'm really glad you're okay. You can always count on me, no matter what."
With a newfound sparkle in her eyes, Mina lifted her head and met his gaze. "I know, Eiji. And I feel so lucky to have you. You're the best boyfriend."
Drawing closer, her lips brushed against his in a gentle kiss that sealed their bond further. It was sweet, filled with the warmth of understanding and unconditional support.
As the days passed, Kirishima continued to care for Mina. They were not just partners in heroic challenges; they were partners in life, navigating the ups and downs together. And in that understanding, their love flourished even stronger.
Life at U.A. was always a whirlwind, but amidst training to become heroes, Kirishima and Mina found a sanctuary in each other—a place where vulnerability was met with kindness, and every day was a testament to the love they had cultivated in each other's hearts, one period at a time.