Date?

(Kata POV – Kata's House)

Turns out, it wasn't anything crazy. Himiko just wanted to watch some horror and thriller movies, gushing about all the blood and gore she saw.

I ended up sitting through two of them back-to-back before we called it a night. After I made dinner for both of us, she retreated to her room, seemingly satisfied with the day.

I, on the other hand, stayed up for a while, studying the medical textbooks. The more I read, the more perfect my techniques would become. It wasn't just about regeneration—there were countless ways I could apply this knowledge. Eventually, I turned in around midnight and woke up at 6 AM.

Falling into my usual routine, I completed my morning exercises, took a shower, and made breakfast for two. I left a note for Himiko, letting her know I'd be out.

Where was I going? Well, Nezu had messaged me. He had taken care of the legalities on his end and arranged for my court hearing to be held today. It was considerate, given that I'd be too busy with internships for the next week.

'He's really efficient.' I muse.

As for Himiko's situation, Nezu mentioned that detectives were investigating and had already found some evidence of her abuse. If all goes according to plan, she'll no longer be wanted.

'But she'll probably be monitored.'

I arrived at the courthouse 30 minutes early and Mrs. Potters arrived soon after, having been notified in advance. We exchanged greetings, and before long, the hearing began.

Thanks to Nezu's influence, and my preparations, everything proceeded smoothly. I presented my documents, outlined financial independence due to my inheritance, and emphasized how my academic performance at U.A. which portrayed me as responsible. The judge listened carefully, assessing everything before issuing the decree of emancipation.

Holding the court order in my hands, I let out a slow breath.

'It's done.'

The next few hours passed in a blur—securing ownership of my finances, updating healthcare and housing records, and handling all the legal loose ends. Everything was finalized around noon.

As I began my walk home, I unexpectedly ran into Momo. She looked surprised—more than that, she seemed nervous.

I raised an eyebrow. 'What's this about?'

"Hey," I greeted casually.

(Momo POV – Café, 2 hours ago)

I checked my phone again, confirming the meeting place. Looking up at the small café, I double-checked the name.

'This is it.'

Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door. A little bell chimed above me as I stepped inside, taking in the warm, cozy atmosphere.

Students around my age were scattered across tables, chatting and laughing. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries lingered in the air, soothing my nerves—if only slightly.

'You can do this, Momo.' I steeled myself, ignoring the nervous flutter in my stomach, and even more, my excitement.

Looking around, I quickly spotted the rest of the Class 1-A girls at a table near the window. Smiling, I approached and waved.

"Hello, everyone. It seems I'm the last to arrive," I said, feeling a little self-conscious.

They just laughed it off, and Mina pulled me into a seat beside her.

"We're glad you came, Momo! I picked a great place, right?" she asked, leaning in expectantly.

I nodded. "Yes, I really like the atmosphere. It's very relaxing."

Everyone murmured in agreement as Toru piped up, "How'd you find this place?"

Mina grinned. "A friend recommended it."

The conversation continued, flowing effortlessly between topics—how we'd been spending the break, our excitement for the upcoming internships, and general lighthearted chatter. It was nice.

'I finally have friends I can hang out with!' I celebrate internally.

I'd never really had friends before coming to U.A., and moments like these made me appreciate just how much my life had changed.

Then, Jiro casually steered the discussion in a different direction.

"So, Mina. You said you wanted our help with something?"

The energy at the table shifted immediately. Everyone's attention zeroed in on Mina, who chuckled nervously.

"Yeah… I do," she admitted, rubbing the back of her head. "Actually, I'm not really the one who needs help, exactly. It's about a friend of mine, and I'm looking for advice."

Toru gasped, practically vibrating in excitement. "Is it about a boy?"

Mina averted her eyes, avoiding the question entirely.

That was all the confirmation we needed.

A knowing silence passed between us. Then—

Excitement erupted across the table. Smirks, exchanged glances, teasing grins.

"Spill!"

Mina groaned. "I knew this would happen…"

"It's not like that!" she insisted. "This friend is just really reserved, and I've noticed they're hurting a lot… He doesn't even seem to realize that someone would care about him if they found out."

The mood turned serious. Tsuyu looked thoughtful, Uraraka concerned, and Jiro… a little down. Even Toru, despite her usual cheer, seemed subdued.

Jiro was the first to speak. "That's tough. Maybe just let him figure things out on his own and be there if he ever does ask for help?"

It made sense. Someone independent and private wouldn't take well to being confronted outright.

'That sounds like… the class president.'

The thought lodged itself in my mind. The more Mina spoke, the more certain I became.

I hesitated, realizing something—I didn't actually know much about Kata beyond our representative duties and how strong he is. That realization stung.

But then, an idea came to me. "I think…" I started, suddenly feeling self-conscious. The group turned to me expectantly, and I almost second-guessed myself. But I pressed on.

"It might be best to take things slowly," I explained. They blinked in confusion, so I clarified, "If they aren't used to affection and care, showing sudden concern might make them wary instead of appreciative. Getting to know them first might be a better approach."

'At least… that's how I think Kata would react.'

Mina brightened. "That actually makes a lot of sense!"

The conversation picked up again, brainstorming ways to subtly support this 'friend.' Mina kept asking for my input, which surprised me, but it also felt nice.

After an hour, we finally parted ways. As I stepped outside, Mina pulled me aside.

"Thanks, Momo. You really helped." She flashed a bright smile, and I returned it easily.

I hesitated for a moment before admitting, "It's… about the class president, isn't it?"

She sighed, rubbing the back of her head. "Yeah. I might've messed things up if I'd handled it my way. Your advice really helped. Can I come to you for more?"

I nodded without hesitation. "Of course."

We exchanged a few more words before going our separate ways.

(Momo POV – Streets of Musutafu)

As I walked to where my driver would be waiting, my mind replayed the conversation. I had no reason to feel nervous, and yet...

Images surfaced against my will. Kata handing me a gift after I helped him integrate into class. The way everyone assumed he might like me during lunch. And, most vividly, the moment he saved us during the USJ incident.

'Why was I thinking about this?'

Before I could make sense of it, I looked up—and froze.

Kata stood in front of me.

'The topic of our entire conversation…'

He regarded me with his usual cool expression.

I forced myself to meet his gaze, hoping my nervousness didn't show. But the way his red eyes studied me made it difficult to think clearly.

"Hey," he greeted casually.

"H-Hello, class president," I stammered, inwardly cursing my nervousness.

He raised an eyebrow.

I quickly regained my composure, forcing myself to act natural. This is fine. Everything is normal.

Still, one thought lingered.

'What would he think if he knew what we were talking about?'

I shake off my nerves. He probably wouldn't mind or care.

"You seem distracted. Are you okay?" he asks.

"I'm absolutely fine," I reply, regaining my composure. "I was just surprised—I didn't expect to run into you."

Then, an idea strikes me. 'This is a good chance to get to know him better.'

"Actually, class president, are you busy right now?" I ask hesitantly. I don't want to bother him if he has things to do.

He tilts his head slightly. "Not really. I just finished some tasks and was about to head to the library to get some books."

'The library?' I perk up slightly. 'I love books, and we can bind over that!'

"Do you mind if I accompany you?" I ask.

He nods, and we start walking side by side.

"What kind of books are you looking for?" I ask curiously.

He thinks for a moment before listing them off. "I need some on cellular biology, quirk factors, and advanced physics."

"Wow. Those are quite advanced."

'I wonder what he needs them for? Should I ask?'

"Are you just curious about those topics?" I ask hesitantly. "They're well beyond our syllabus, but expanding your knowledge is commendable!"

"Not exactly."

I deflate slightly, realizing I had assumed wrong.

"While they are interesting, I mainly want to improve myself. My quirk requires me to understand certain subjects to use it efficiently."

That grabs my attention. I already knew his quirk was more than simple telekinesis after the Sports Festival, but does it really require that much theoretical knowledge?

"I guess our quirks are similar in that regard," I muse.

A rare, small smile appears on his face—but it vanishes just as quickly.

But I saw it.

I giggle at the sight, covering my mouth slightly.

He glances at me, an eyebrow raised. "I wonder what you find amusing?"

I blush, realizing I had laughed aloud. "My apologies. I just noticed you smiling—it suits you."

He studies me for a moment before asking, "You think I look better when I smile?"

'Is he teasing me?' I wonder. 'Or is he genuinely asking?'

I decide to be honest and nod.

"Yes. You seem more approachable and friendly. I know you're a kind person, and I think smiling suits you better."

He exhales lightly. "I don't know what made you believe I'm kind, but you're wrong."

I giggle at his denial. 'He won't admit it, but it's cute seeing him try to reject the idea.'

The rest of the walk continues with playful banter, and I find myself genuinely enjoying our conversation.

'Although he's serious most of the time, I think he genuinely cares. Otherwise, he wouldn't have talked with me this much.'

The thought brings warmth to my chest.

When we arrive at the library, he immediately finds the books he needs—two on medicine and biology, one on physics, one on quirks, and another on advanced molecular chemistry. He rents them out and slips them into his bag with practiced ease.

"Are there any books you'd want? I can help you look." he asks.

I shake my head. "My family has a library at home, so I can get books from there."

He nods, then hesitates for a moment. "There's something I've always been curious about you."

I tilt my head. "What is it?"

Kata pauses for a moment before speaking. "As far as I understand, your quirk allows you to create anything as long as you know its molecular structure, correct?"

I nod.

"I assume you don't make guns due to gun regulation laws, though it would significantly improve your combat effectiveness. Especially if you created specialized ammunition with non-lethal effects."

I nod again, but his words make me pause. 'The thought of using guns never even occurred to me.'

'They are weapons originally designed to kill...' The idea sends a shiver up my spine, but I decide to give it serious thought.

'It would be a huge advantage. Of course, I'd need to train and acquire a license, but… it's something definitely worth considering.'

Before I can dwell on it further, he continues. "I can do something similar to your quirk's creation ability."

That catches me off guard.

"How?" I ask, intrigued.

"By manipulating the molecules in an object and rearranging them," he says. "Though I haven't trained it much yet."

"That's incredible!" I say, genuinely impressed.

He remains expressionless, but something about his demeanor seems dissatisfied.

"Not really," he says. "That's actually what I wanted to ask you about." He pauses before continuing, "I admire the amount of effort you put into studying to refine your quirk... but have you ever considered going beyond that?"

I tilt my head. "What do you mean?"

"Can you create a small steel ball?"

I nod and quickly form one in my palm. He picks it up, rolling it between his fingers before enclosing it in his hand.

I watch curiously as he concentrates.

After a few moments, he opens his hand, revealing the same steel ball—unchanged at first glance.

"What did you do?" I ask.

Instead of answering, he hands it back to me and the moment I press my fingers against it, my eyes widen.

It compresses under the slightest pressure, bending and stretching like rubber.

"I rearranged its molecular structure," he explains. "By breaking its crystalline structure and altering it's molecular structure to be similar to that of rubber, I modified it's properties."

I stare at the malleable metal in disbelief. "But… this shouldn't be possible."

"Not through conventional physics," he admits. "But quirks are beyond conventional." He studies my expression before adding, "So... my question is... why can't you do something similar or potentially better?"

"My quirk doesn't work like that," I say instinctively.

A mischievous glint flashes in his eyes. "Are you sure?"

I falter.

He presses on. "You could have just as easily created this ball with the altered molecular structure from the start."

I hesitate. 'Could I really do that?'

"You probably can," he continues, his voice calm but certain. "Your quirk isn't bound by what already exists. It's limited only by your imagination. Tell me, if a new element were discovered tomorrow, would you be able to create it?"

"...Yes," I admit quietly.

He leans back slightly. "And if, right now, you managed to imagine its structure before ever learning about it... would your quirk fail just because it wasn't officially recognized?"

His words send my mind reeling.

I open my mouth to argue but… I can't.

'He's right.'

After a long silence, he exhales softly. "I'm just saying… your power is extraordinary. More than even you realize. You're a genius, and I'm sure that if you push yourself, you'd achieve something extraordinary."

I feel an odd warmth in my chest.

He then adds, almost casually, "I know you were frustrated after losing to Bakugo in the sports festival."

I sigh, offering a wry smile. "Nothing escapes you, class president."

He shrugs. "I hope this helps you see how incredible you really are." He pauses. "I'm studying material science to enhance my own quirk. We could share notes and ideas if you're interested. I think we'd come up with something amazing."

A genuine smile spreads across my face. I feel the heat rise to my cheeks as I look down slightly.

'What is this feeling?'

"I'd like that too," I say, my voice softer than I intended.

He nods, and we exit the library together as we continue discussing.