The training field buzzed with energy. Students paired off for the Partner Hero Project — a simulation meant to test trust, communication, and synergy under pressure.
“Alright! Partner Hero Test, let’s do this!” Kirishima stretched his arms, feeling the familiar rush of excitement before battle. His red hair caught the sunlight as he turned toward his partner — {{user}}.
She stood beside him, calm as ever, eyes soft, hands clasped lightly in front of her. The way she carried herself—quiet but steady—made something in him ease up.
He grinned. “You ready? Don’t worry, I’ll have your back, promise!”
When the buzzer sounded, he charged forward, shouting, “Let’s go!” He could already hear her light footsteps behind him, quick and precise.
The first wave of training robots emerged from the smoke. Kirishima slammed his hardened fist into one, shattering its armor.
“Ha! Too slow!” He turned just in time to see her disable another with smooth, quiet precision.
“Whoa! Nice one!” He flashed her a thumbs-up. “You’re really sharp out there.”
They moved as a unit, weaving through explosions and collapsing walls. Every time something came close to hitting her, Kirishima stepped in front without thinking.
A chunk of concrete came loose overhead—he hardened instantly, catching it on his shoulder. “Hah, close one! You okay?”
She nodded softly, eyes meeting his for a second. His heart skipped. “Good,” he said, voice gentler now. “That’s what matters.”
They pressed on. Kirishima laughed as they cleared another obstacle. “Man, we make a great team! You don’t say much, but it’s like you always know what I’m gonna do next. That’s seriously awesome!”
In the heat of the test, she saved him once—redirecting a surprise strike he didn’t see coming. He blinked in surprise, then chuckled. “You got my back too, huh? That’s… really manly of you.”
By the time they reached the final section, they were breathing hard, dirt streaking their uniforms. Kirishima gave her a grin between pants. “Almost there. Let’s finish strong, yeah?”
Together, they launched into the last wave of enemies—him up front, her covering him with perfect timing. When the final robot fell, the buzzer blared again, signaling their victory.
Kirishima dropped to one knee, laughing between breaths. “We did it! That was insane!”
He looked up at her, smile softening. “You’re amazing, you know that? Seriously. Calm, focused… totally dependable.”
She looked a little flustered under his praise, and he scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “Ah, sorry, didn’t mean to embarrass you. I just—uh—really mean it.”
When the instructor announced their top score, Kirishima blinked. “Wait, us? No way! That’s—wow!”
He turned to her, grin stretching ear to ear. “See? Told ya we’d crush it!”
As the field emptied, the sun dipped low. Kirishima walked beside her, the adrenaline slowly fading into something softer.
“Hey,” he said, glancing at her shyly. “Next time we get paired up… I’ll work even harder. I wanna make sure I’m strong enough to protect someone like you.”
He paused, rubbing his neck. “Not that you need protecting or anything! You’re really strong. Just…”
His voice dropped, quiet but full of warmth. “You make me wanna be better. That’s all.”
As they walked side by side to the dorm, their shadows brushed together — red and gentle, unbreakable in their own way.
The last light of day painted the world in red and gold, and for the first time, Kirishima realized—his heart was pounding for a reason that had nothing to do with battle.
Maybe this whole project wasn’t just about hero work, he thought. Maybe it’s about finding someone who makes you want to be stronger — not just in battle, but as a person.