Chapter 19: Chapter 3
After dinner, the smell of roasted vegetables and seasoned chicken still lingered in the air as Izuku and I cleaned up the remnants of our meal. The rhythmic clatter of dishes being washed and dried created a comforting backdrop to our evening routine. Our father, Hizashi, a renowned pro hero known as Flame, was already in the training zone mentally preparing for tomorrow's session.
Once the kitchen was spotless and the leftovers neatly packed away, we both took showers. The hot water relaxed my muscles, the steam wrapping around me like a warm cloak, but my thoughts were elsewhere. Tomorrow promised to be intense; training with Dad always was. As I towel-dried my hair, I looked across the hall to see Izuku's door slightly ajar. He was probably stewing in his worries again.
As I walked in his room, I found him curled up in his bed, staring at the wall. The shadows danced around him, and for a moment, I considered leaving him be. But I knew I couldn't. He needed to hear my voice, to be reassured.
"Hey, little bro," I said, ruffling his hair as I sat on the edge of his bed. "You've got the heart of a hero; that's all that matters."
He looked up at me, uncertainty flickering in his green eyes, but my words had a way of soothing him, much like our mother's used to. When he managed a small smile, I felt a flicker of relief.
"Thanks, Anos," he murmured. "But what if my scores aren't enough? What if I can't keep up?"
I could see the fear eating away at his confidence. So much effort, so many dreams, and yet he was trapped in his own doubt. "You've got One for All," I said, placing a firm hand on his shoulder and meeting his gaze with unwavering intensity. "That's more than enough. Remember what All Might said? The power is just a tool. Your heart is the true strength."
He nodded, as if trying to convince himself of the truth in my words. I wished I could lend him my confidence, my unshakeable belief in his potential. If only he could see himself through my eyes—strong, determined, and full of potential.
"I just… I wish I had your confidence," he whispered before pulling the covers tighter around him.
"You do," I replied, a grin creeping onto my lips to lighten the mood. "You just need to dig a little deeper to find it. Besides, confidence comes from facing challenges. You've got a mountain to climb, Izuku. Every great hero has gone through tough times. You will, too."
He let out a soft sigh, still unconvinced but willing to entertain my words. "I'll try…"
"Good," I said, "now, get some sleep. We need you fresh for tomorrow. Dad's going to push us both, so we need all the energy we can get."
With that, he nestled back into his comforter. I turned off the light and walked into the living room, the soothing glow of the streetlight illuminating my father's silhouette hunched over as he took off his hero gear.
"Hey, Dad," I called out softly. "Izuku's really nervous about his exam scores. Do you have any advice for him?"
Hizashi looked over his shoulder, his expression softening. There was pride etched in his features as he regarded our younger brother. "Izuku's got a big heart, just like you," he said, his smile warm and encouraging. "But he's right to be concerned. The exam scores are important, but they don't define his worth."
He glanced down, lost in thought for a moment. "I've seen so many kids with incredible power flunk out because they didn't believe in themselves. And I've seen others with mediocre quirks rise to the top because they had the drive to push beyond their limits. It's about belief, Anos. Help your brother find his."
I nodded, understanding the weight of responsibility resting on his shoulders. He knew Izuku's journey would not be easy, but deep down, faith in his brother's potential filled him with determination. "I will, Dad. I promise."
With the flickering lamp casting comforting shadows and whispers of encouragement swirling around us, I returned to my room. I couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation for what tomorrow would bring. Not just in the training arena, but for Izuku as he faced his fears. He might still be a little unsure, but I could see the ember of a hero burning in him, waiting to be kindled.
And I vowed to be there every step of the way, to hold the flame until he finally learned to ignite his own. Tomorrow was just the beginning.