More than just a Yagi!

School.... what you think about it?

The next morning started just like the last one—warm sunlight, soft sheets, and the smell of something amazing coming from the kitchen.

I dragged myself out of bed, still half-asleep, and wandered into the kitchen. Miruko was there, as always, humming to herself as she worked. Today's menu seemed to involve waffles, judging by the stack already on the table.

Miruko: "Morning, champ! Sleep well?"

Me: "Yeah."

I rubbed my eyes and plopped into a chair. This was becoming a routine—her bright energy first thing in the morning and me, the grumpy, barely functional teen, slowly waking up to it.

Miruko: "Good, good. Eat up. Big day ahead."

I frowned at her over my waffle.

Me: "Big day? What's that supposed to mean?"

Miruko: "Relax. No surprise sports activities today."

I eyed her suspiciously.

Me: "You're not convincing me."

Miruko: "Scout's honor! Just a regular day of chilling and maybe doing a little talking."

I didn't trust that tone, but I was too busy inhaling waffles to argue.

After breakfast, I helped her clear the table and wash the dishes. It was still weird, having time like this where no one was yelling at me to hurry up or criticizing how I did things. Miruko let me work at my own pace, occasionally making jokes or tossing bubbles at me to keep things light.

When the dishes were done, she plopped down on the couch and gestured for me to join her. I hesitated but eventually sat on the far end.

Miruko: "So, how are you liking your little break from school?"

I shrugged.

Me: "It's nice. Quiet."

Miruko: "Mm-hmm. And how's school itself? You know, when you're actually there."

I stiffened. She wasn't exactly subtle.

Me: "Why are you asking?"

Miruko: "Just curious. You don't talk about it much, and I figured now's a good time to get the scoop."

I frowned, picking at the hem of my shirt.

Me: "It's fine."

Miruko: "Fine, huh? That's not exactly glowing praise."

Me: "What do you want me to say? It's school. People talk, teachers teach, and I sit there until it's over."

She leaned back, crossing her arms with a thoughtful look.

Miruko: "You know, I heard something interesting the other day."

Me: "What?"

Miruko: "That you're always working so hard to keep up, even when things are stacked against you."

I froze, my stomach twisting.

Me: "Who told you that?"

Miruko: "Just a little birdie. Doesn't matter. What matters is that you're pushing yourself to your limits, and it's not fair to you."

I stared at her, unsure how to respond.

Me: "I don't have a choice."

Her ears twitched, and her expression softened.

Miruko: "You do now. I'm not saying you should ditch school altogether or anything, but maybe it's time to rethink where you're putting all your energy. You're more than just grades and surviving the day, Izuku."

I swallowed hard, her words hitting me in ways I didn't expect.

Me: "It's not that simple."

Miruko: "Maybe not, but I'm here to help make it easier. Whatever you decide, we'll figure it out together, okay?"

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. It wasn't like anyone had ever offered to help me like this before.

She reached over and ruffled my hair, her usual grin back in place.

Miruko: "Alright, enough serious talk for now. Let's go find something fun to do. You're still on break, remember?"

Me: "You're not gonna make me climb anything again, are you?"

Miruko: "Not unless you want to. But I was thinking something more low-key. Maybe a movie or a trip to the arcade?"

I hesitated, then nodded.

Me: "Arcade sounds good."

She jumped up, already grabbing her keys.

Miruko: "That's the spirit! Let's go, champ."

As we headed out, I couldn't help but feel a little lighter. Maybe, just maybe, this new life wasn't so bad after all.