Wilted Bloom

The sun hung high in the sky as the students of Class 1-A began unloading their belongings into their new home. The atmosphere around Heights Alliance was mixed; excitement buzzed among some students as they explored their new dormitory, while others carried the weight of recent events on their shoulders.

Shota Aizawa, standing in the common area of the dorms, watched his students closely. His sharp eyes scanned each of them, noting their interactions, their expressions. They were trying to settle in, but the tension in the air was palpable. He knew this transition wouldn't be easy for everyone—especially after what had happened.

"All right," he called, his deep voice cutting through the chatter and instantly commanding attention. The students quickly gathered in front of him, forming an uneven semicircle. Shota crossed his arms, his expression unreadable as his dark gaze swept over them.

"We need to address what happened," he began, his tone calm but firm. "The attack on the training camp, the kidnapping of Bakugo, and the rescue operation that followed. There are consequences for all of it."

Several students shifted uncomfortably, their gazes dropping to the floor.

"I'm not going to sugarcoat this," Shota continued. "What some of you did—leaving the hospital to rescue Bakugo on your own—was reckless and completely against my instructions. You put yourselves in danger and jeopardized the mission. If things had gone wrong, the outcome could've been catastrophic."

Midoriya, Kirishima, Todoroki, Iida, and Yaoyorozu stood stiffly, their faces solemn. The guilt was clear in their eyes.

"However," Shota said, his tone softening slightly, "I also understand why you did it. You wanted to protect your friend. You acted out of loyalty and bravery—qualities that are admirable in their own right. But that doesn't change the fact that you broke the rules."

He let his words hang in the air for a moment, giving them time to sink in.

"In this line of work, acting on emotion can get you killed—or worse, get someone else killed. That's a lesson you all need to learn if you want to be pro heroes. And it's a lesson I expect you to take seriously moving forward."

The students nodded, their expressions somber but resolute.

"Good," Shota said, his sharp gaze lingering on Midoriya. "Now, as for the dorms: this is a privilege, not a right. You're here because the school believes in you, but that trust can be revoked. If you can't follow the rules, you'll have no place here. Am I clear?"

"Yes, Sensei," the students replied in unison.

"Good," Shota said again, his voice steady. "I want you all to take this opportunity to focus on your growth—both as heroes and as people. Support each other, learn from your mistakes, and don't forget why you're here."

With that, he stepped back, his sharp gaze scanning the group one last time before dismissing them. "That's all for now. Settle into your rooms, and be ready for class tomorrow."

The students began to disperse, murmuring quietly among themselves as they returned to unpacking their belongings. Shota watched them for a moment longer before turning and heading toward the faculty lounge. His mind was already spinning with the challenges ahead, but for now, he allowed himself a moment of quiet reflection. The road wouldn't be easy for any of them, but he had faith they would rise to the challenge.

Maya sat cross-legged on the lounge couch, her wings folded neatly against her back as she absently flipped through a book she'd picked up from the coffee table. Her pink hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, though a few strands escaped to frame her face. The hum of students moving into their dorms carried faintly through the walls, but she paid it little attention. Her focus was elsewhere—or at least, it would have been if she weren't fighting the overwhelming temptation to tinker with something.