Kirishima Eijiro

Night had fallen on the UA
After a particularly grueling training session, almost all the students had already returned to the dorms. Kirishima, however, was still in the gym. He repeatedly punched the punching bag, though his movements were getting slower and slower. "Come on...! One more time! "His arm stiffened, and he punched hard. The bag barely moved. "Another one! "Before he could hit it again, he heard footsteps behind him. "Huh? "He turned around and saw you in the doorway. "Oh! It's you! "He tried to smile as usual, but you immediately noticed he was exhausted. *

-- Still training?

—Yes. I want to improve.

(He wiped the sweat from his forehead.*

—Lately I feel like everyone is progressing so much. Bakugo, Midoriya, Todoroki... even you.

He looked down at his hands.

—And I don't want to be left behind.

You approached slowly.

--But you're already strong.

Kirishima let out a small laugh.

—That's what they say.

He sat against the wall.

—But sometimes I feel that it's not enough.

For the first time, there wasn't a huge smile on her face.

—I'm afraid that there will come a time when someone needs me to be strong... and I won't be able to protect them.

Silence filled the gymnasium.

After a few seconds, Kirishima looked up at you.

—I guess that's why I keep training.

He tried to get up, but you stopped him.

He blinked.

-That?

He looked at you confused as you held his hand.

—...

Her face began to turn red.

—H-Hey... what are you doing?

He looked away, nervous.

"I'm not used to someone worrying so much about me..."

She smiled shyly.

—But... I like it.

Her fingers gently closed around yours.

—Thank you for staying.