Chapter 14

 Izuku, all flushed and flustered, was propped up in his bed, stark white bandages still wrapped around his hand. "I'm telling you, Anos, we were just talking! She's just… a friend!" He sputtered, cheeks a vibrant shade of crimson that clashed with his unruly green hair.

I leaned against the wall, arms crossed, a smirk playing on my lips. "Oh, a friend, is she? A friend who makes you look like you've swallowed a whole carton of strawberries? You practically vibrated when she came near you, Izuku." The memories of his interaction with Uraraka just moments before were too good to pass up.

My dad, Hizashi, let out a low chuckle from his seat by the window, his hair glinting in the morning sun. He was a solid presence, the fire of his quirk usually manifesting as a warm, comforting aura. "He does have a point, Izuku. You were practically glowing." He winked at Izuku.

Izuku groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Stop it! It wasn't like that!" He peeked up at me, eyes wide with exasperated denial. I ruffled his hair, a genuine smile finally breaking through my teasing facade. "Alright, alright. Just messing with you, little bro. 

The morning stretched out like that, a comfortable rhythm of gentle banter and quiet companionship. Mom came in earlier to check on him, but left to run errands. I had taken the morning off school, and Dad had called in sick, both of us knowing Izuku needed us more than our daily routines. I was glad he was doing better; the doctors had said his injuries from yesterday were bad but that he'd be healed within a day or two. I just needed to protect him more. It was my job.

Later, Dad excused himself to grab more coffee. Time ticked by, and the silence of the room began to feel a little too quiet. He'd been gone a while. A nagging feeling tugged at me, a sense that something was off. Setting down the book I had been pretending to read, I told Izuku I'd be right back. He nodded, scrolling through his phone.

The hospital cafeteria was a bustling hub of activity. I scanned the crowd, and there he was, my father. But he wasn't getting coffee. He was locked in conversation with Endeavor, the number two hero. Except, this wasn't one of those polite, respectful exchanges I was accustomed to seeing from pro heroes. This was different.

The air around them crackled with tension, thick and heavy, the kind that could sever a steel cable. Endeavor, his flames usually contained and controlled, flickered erratically, small bursts licking into the air. I couldn't hear what they were saying, but the body languages were screaming volumes. Endeavor looked furious, his jaw clenched tight, the veins in his neck bulging. My father, his usual calm demeanor replaced with something colder, something more volatile, had his lips curled into a snarl. It was a side I'd never seen before. It was unsettling, and weird.

Then, I saw it. I saw Dad's lips move, and even though I couldn't hear the words, I could feel the impact like a physical blow. Endeavor's eyes widened, a flicker of shock mixed with something akin to fear. The man actually flinched. And then, my father grinned, a dark, almost predatory grin that sent shivers down my spine. It was a grin that spoke of victory, a wicked glee in knowing he'd struck a nerve. He chuckled darkly, something guttural and unfamiliar, before turning his back on the enraged pro hero and walking away.

Endeavor's fists clenched, his flames erupting higher, a silent scream of fury. I watched, stunned, as he struggled to compose himself.

I didn't know what was said. I didn't know what had set them off. But seeing my father like that, filled with something so…powerful…it was disconcerting. It was a side of him I'd never expected to see, a raw, almost primal power that lay dormant beneath his usual gentle nature. It was more than just his fire quirk; it was something else entirely. It felt almost…superhuman.

The question stuck in my throat, a bewildered, confused hum. What was that? And why were they fighting? I had a feeling this wasn't a simple disagreement and that whatever was underneath, was something that would change my life. I felt the same way, when I realized who I really was. I felt like that again.