My Hero Academia: Limitless

I stared at the ornate ceiling, tracing the delicate patterns with my eyes while Momo slept peacefully beside me. The moonlight filtered through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the room. My phone showed 1:38 AM - technically Sunday morning now.

A month until the Sports Festival. The thought kept circling back as I catalogued my current situation. The USJ incident had thrust me into the spotlight, but that was just the beginning. The festival would be my real debut - my chance to show Japan what I could do.

Momo shifted in her sleep, her breath warm against my chest. Three girlfriends now. Each relationship different, each girl aware of the others. Katsumi's explosive passion. Kaori's playful mystery. And now Momo's elegant brilliance.

Azure though...

The power still eluded me. Every attempt ended in failure or, worse, that searing pain behind my eyes. A month seemed both too long and not nearly enough time.

My phone buzzed. Todo's name lit up the screen.

"BROTHER!" His voice boomed through the speaker before I could say hello. "ARE YOU NOT RETURNING TONIGHT?"

Momo stirred beside me, sitting up with bleary eyes. "Who's calling at this hour?"

"Todo," I mouthed, covering the speaker. "Just checking in."

"The class grows concerned!" Todo continued. "Though I assured them you would not dishonor the Yaoyorozu hospitality."

"We'll be back tomorrow evening," I said, running my fingers through Momo's hair as she leaned against me. "Got some plans for the day."

"Ah! A proper courtship! As expected of my best friend!"

"Something like that." I couldn't help grinning. Todo's enthusiasm was infectious, even at this hour.

"Then I shall inform our classmates! Rest well, brother!"

The call ended as abruptly as it started. Momo yawned, stretching like a cat.

"Hagakure was right," she murmured, pressing a kiss to my shoulder. "You are an incubus."

"That's slander." I pulled her closer. "I haven't stolen your soul."

"No?" Her lips found my neck. "Then what would you call earlier?"

"Practice."

She smacked my chest, but her laugh ruined the effect. "You're terrible."

"You weren't complaining before."

"I was distracted." Her fingers traced the scars on my chest. "Very thoroughly distracted."

"Want another demonstration?"

Her response was lost in a kiss that quickly turned heated. We didn't get much sleep that night.

Morning came too soon, announced by a sharp knock at the door.

"Mr. Nakamura? Miss Yaoyorozu?" A maid's voice carried through the heavy wood. "Your mother had to go into town, Miss, but she asked me to ensure you both eat breakfast. She said, and I quote, 'They can't spend all day studying chemistry in bed.'"

Momo groaned, burying her face in my chest. I bit back a laugh at her mother's choice of words.

"We'll be down shortly," I called back, running my hand down Momo's bare back. She was draped over me like a blanket, clearly still exhausted from our... activities.

"Very good, sir. Breakfast will be served in the garden room."

Footsteps retreated down the hall. Momo made no move to get up.

"Your mother's interesting," I said, playing with her hair. "Chemistry studies?"

"She thinks she's clever." Momo's voice was muffled against my skin. "She used to be worse."

"Worse how?"

"She once told my tutor I was 'experiencing technical difficulties' when I had my first period."

I choked on air. "She didn't."

"She did." Momo propped her chin on my chest, looking up at me. "I couldn't look at my tutor for a week."

"That's..." I shook my head, grinning. "Actually explains a lot about you."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing bad." I traced her spine, enjoying how she shivered. "Just that wit runs in the family."

"Mm." Her eyes drifted closed. "We should get up."

"Should we?"

"Yes." She didn't move. "The staff gossips."

"Let them." I rolled us over, pinning her beneath me. "Give them something worth talking about."

"Yoichi..." Her protest ended in a gasp as I kissed her neck. "We can't..."

"Can't what?" I nipped at her pulse point. "Skip breakfast?"

"That's not..." Her hands slid into my hair. "What I meant."

"No?" I moved lower, trailing kisses down her chest. "Then what did you mean?"

Another knock interrupted us. "Miss Yaoyorozu? The chef wants to know if you'd prefer Western or traditional breakfast?"

Momo's head fell back against the pillows. "Western is fine, thank you!"

"Very good, Miss. Shall I have them prepare extra portions for Mr. Nakamura? Given your... studies last night?"

I buried my laugh in Momo's shoulder as she turned scarlet. "That will be fine, thank you!"

"Of course, Miss. Though perhaps a protein shake might be more appropriate..."

"We'll be down in twenty minutes!" Momo's voice cracked slightly. "Please inform the chef!"

"As you wish, Miss." The maid's amusement was clear even through the door. "Though there's no rush. Your mother won't return until evening."

Footsteps retreated again, accompanied by what sounded suspiciously like giggling. Momo covered her face with her hands.

"I'm going to die," she groaned. "They're never going to let me live this down."

"Could be worse." I pried her hands away, kissing her palm. "They could have walked in."

"Don't even joke about that." She shuddered. "Sebastian would have a heart attack."

"Please don't mention Sebastian right now." I nipped her wrist. "Kind of kills the mood."

"Good." She pushed at my chest. "We need to get up anyway."

"Do we?"

"Yes." She was firm despite her flushed cheeks. "I refuse to give them more ammunition."

"Fine." I rolled off her, stretching. "But I'm taking a shower first."

"Alone."

"Spoilsport."

She threw a pillow at me. I caught it, laughing as I headed for the bathroom. The water was still running when she slipped in behind me.

"I thought you said alone?"

"Shut up." She pressed against my back. "Save water, shower together."

"How environmentally conscious of you."

"You're impossible." Her hands slid around my waist. "Now help me wash my hair before I change my mind."

We made it to breakfast eventually. The garden room was flooded with morning light, highlighting the knowing smirks of the staff as they served us. Momo steadfastly ignored them, but the blush never quite left her cheeks.

"So," I said, buttering a piece of toast. "Want to show me around town?"

"You want to see Nagoya?" She looked up from her coffee. "Why?"

"Why not?" I shrugged. "You grew up here. Must be some interesting spots."

"I suppose..." She tilted her head, considering. "There's a nice cafe near the park. And the shopping district has some good restaurants."

"Perfect." I reached across the table, taking her hand. "It's a date."

Her smile lit up the room. "A date?"

"Unless you'd rather study more chemistry?"

A maid coughed suspiciously nearby. Momo's blush returned full force.

"A date sounds lovely," she said quickly. "We should go soon. Before it gets too crowded."

"Whatever you say, princess."

She kicked me under the table, but her smile never wavered. Neither did her grip on my hand.

I stood in front of Momo's closet, which was less a closet and more a small boutique. Rows of designer pieces stretched into what felt like infinity.

"This is ridiculous," Momo said from behind me. "I can dress myself."

"I know." I pulled out a cream silk blouse and a pair of high-waisted jeans. "Trust me?"

She eyed the items skeptically. "Those are designer."

"So?"

"I didn't think you'd know brands."

"Please." I tossed her the clothes. "I grew up with Asami Nakamura. The woman treats shopping like a competitive sport."

Momo caught them, running her fingers over the denim. "These still have tags."

"Even better." I dug through another rack, finding a cream cardigan. "Here."

"You're enjoying this too much."

"Maybe." I stepped closer, tucking her hair behind her ear. "But you'll look amazing."

Her cheeks pinked. "What about you?"

I pulled out my phone, showing her the delivery notification. "Already handled."

"You had clothes delivered here?"

"Your mother arranged it." I grinned at her surprise. "Something about 'maintaining appropriate standards' for the date."

"Of course she did." Momo shook her head. "Should I be worried?"

"About the clothes or your mother's involvement?"

"Both?"

"Nah." I kissed her forehead. "Get dressed. I'll change in the other room."

The package waited on my bed - a sleek black box with a familiar logo. Inside lay exactly what I'd ordered: black jeans, a cream sweater that matched Momo's cardigan.

Ten minutes later, I knocked on Momo's door. "Ready?"

"Almost." Something crashed. "Just... give me a minute."

I leaned against the wall, checking my phone. Three texts from Katsumi, one from Kaori, and a string of exclamation points from Todo.

The door opened. I looked up.

"Well?" Momo fidgeted with her sleeve. "How bad is it?"

Bad wasn't the word. The jeans hugged curves usually hidden by formal wear, while the silk blouse draped perfectly across her chest. She'd left her hair down, the black strands contrasting with the cream cardigan.

"Yoichi?"

"You look incredible." I pushed off the wall. "Though something's missing."

"What?" She glanced down. "Did I forget-"

I pulled a small box from my pocket. "This."

Inside lay a silver necklace, delicate lotus petals forming an infinity symbol. Momo's breath caught.

"When did you..."

"Does it matter?" I moved behind her. "May I?"

She nodded, lifting her hair. The chain settled against her skin as I fastened it.

"Perfect." I pressed a kiss to her neck. "Ready to go?"

A sleek black car waited outside, driver standing at attention. Momo's shoulders tensed.

"Relax." I opened her door.

"That's not..." She slid in. "I've just never done this before."

"Done what?" I joined her. "Gone on a date?"

"Gone on a date dressed like this." She touched the necklace. "With someone like you."

"Someone like me?"

"You know what I mean." Her eyes dropped. "After last night..."

I caught her hand. "Hey. Look at me."

She did, uncertainty clear in her expression.

"Last night was amazing," I said. "But that's not why I'm here."

"No?"

"No." I squeezed her fingers. "I'm here because I want to spend time with you. The rest is just bonus."

The art museum was our first stop. Momo relaxed as we wandered the galleries, her natural enthusiasm emerging as she explained various pieces. I paid more attention to her than the art - the way her eyes lit up, the graceful gestures as she spoke, the subtle shift of silk across skin.

"You're not listening," she accused, catching me staring.

"I am." I gestured to the painting. "Something about perspective and light."

"That was ten minutes ago." She bumped my shoulder. "This is abstract expressionism."

"Same thing."

"It's really not." But she was smiling. "Why did you want to come here if you're not interested in art?"

"Who says I'm not interested?" I pulled her closer. "Maybe I just prefer a different medium."

"Smooth talker." She tried to step away, but I held firm. "People are watching."

They were. I'd caught whispers and pointing since we arrived, phone cameras trying to be subtle.

"Let them." I brushed her hair back. "They're just jealous."

"Of what?"

"The most beautiful exhibit in the building."

She rolled her eyes, but her cheeks flushed. "That was terrible."

"Made you blush though."

A camera flash went off nearby. Momo tensed.

"Ignore them." I steered her toward the next gallery. "They'll get bored eventually."

They didn't. By the time we reached the aquarium, social media was buzzing with photos. #USJHero and #MysteryGirlfriend trended on local channels.

"This is mortifying." Momo scrolled through her phone as we waited in line. "Mother's going to have a field day."

"Pretty sure she planned this." I took her phone, sliding it into my pocket. "Now stop checking Twitter and enjoy the date."

The aquarium was quieter, dim lighting and blue-tinted tanks creating an intimate atmosphere. Momo's wonder returned as we explored, her earlier anxiety forgotten.

"Look!" She pressed against the glass, pointing at a spotted ray. "Isn't it beautiful?"

"Gorgeous." I wrapped my arms around her waist, chin resting on her shoulder. "Though I might be biased."

"You're impossible." But she leaned back against me. "Not everything is a line."

"No?" My lips found her neck. "What would you call it then?"

"Yoichi..." She tried to sound stern, but her breath hitched. "We're in public."

"So?" I nipped her skin. "The fish don't mind."

She laughed, the sound echoing off the glass. A few people turned to look, but I didn't care. All that mattered was the way she felt in my arms, the trust in her eyes when she looked at me, the soft smile that was mine alone.

Mine.

===========

Tap tap Is this thing on?

Oh! Hello there, dear readers! waves frantically while almost knocking over coffee mug

It's Wisteria, the one responsible for all this chaos you've been reading. gestures vaguely at the story above while trying not to spill more coffee

"You're stalling," Katsumi growled from her spot on my desk.

"I am not!" I pulled my Stitch onesie hood up. "I'm being professional."

"Professional?" She snorted. "In that outfit?"

"It helps me think!" I defended, hugging my coffee closer. "And you're supposed to be in the story, not here critiquing my fashion choices."

"Someone has to." She picked up my latest draft. "What's with all the lovey-dovey crap lately?"

I snatched the papers back. "Character development is important!"

"Character development." She made air quotes. "Is that what we're calling it?"

"Look. Sometimes stories need quiet moments."

"Ten chapters of quiet moments?"

"It wasn't ten!" I paused, counting. "Was it?"

"Ask the readers." She jerked her thumb toward the fourth wall. "I'm sure they've noticed."

I winced, turning back to you all. "She might have a point. I got a bit... carried away with the slice of life stuff."

"A bit?"

"Shush." I threw a pencil at her. It passed right through. "You're a figment of my imagination right now. Let me apologize properly."

"Whatever." She faded slightly. "Just get to the good stuff soon. I've got people to blow up."

"That's... not exactly reassuring." I sighed, addressing you again. "But she's right. I promise the Sports Festival arc starts next chapter. No more delayed gratification."

"About time," Kaori materialized on my other side, examining her nails. "Some of us have actual plot points to get to."

"Not you too!" I buried my face in my hands. "Why are all my characters so pushy?"

"You wrote us that way," they said in unison.

"I did not!" I looked up. "Did I?"

Momo appeared, more tactful than the others. "Perhaps we should let the author focus?"

"Thank you!" I beamed at her. "At least someone-"

"Though the pacing has been rather indulgent lately."

I deflated. "Et tu, Momo?"

"Just stating facts. The festival will be quite intense. Best to warn them."

"I was getting to that!" I shuffled through my notes. "If everyone would stop interrupting-"

"You're stalling again," Katsumi pointed out.

"I am not!"

"Then why haven't you mentioned-"

"Don't you dare spoil anything!" I threw another pencil. Still no effect. "Why do I even try?"

"Because you're avoiding the real conversation?" Kaori suggested.

I glared at her. "Whose side are you on?"

"The readers'." She grinned. "Always."

"Traitor." I turned back to you all. "Ignore them. They're just eager for their big moments."

"Which you keep delaying," Katsumi muttered.

"The Sports Festival is a huge event!" I protested. "I needed to establish-"

"The relationship dynamics?" Kaori smirked. "Pretty thoroughly established now, I'd say."

My face burned. "That's not- I mean-"

"You're blushing," they all said.

"This is bullying." I pulled my hood lower. "I'm being bullied by my own characters."

"Just tell them about the festival," Momo suggested gently.

"Fine!" I threw my hands up. "The Sports Festival will be intense. High stakes. Multiple plot threads coming together. Happy?"

"Getting there." Katsumi cracked her knuckles. "Any other warnings?"

I hesitated. "Maybe a few..."

"Like the fact that-"

"NO SPOILERS!" I tried to shove her off my desk. My hand passed through again. "Why do I keep forgetting you're not really here?"

"Because you're sleep deprived?" Kaori suggested.

"And possibly overdosed on coffee," Momo added.

"I hate all of you." I didn't. They knew I didn't. "Can I please just finish my author's note in peace?"

They shared a look. "If you promise no more delays."

"Yes, fine, whatever!" I waved them away. "Go be fictional somewhere else!"

They faded, leaving me alone with you again. Well, as alone as a writer ever is with their characters.

"I heard that," Katsumi's voice drifted back.

"OUT!"

Silence finally fell. I cleared my throat, straightening my notes one last time.

"So... yeah. Sports Festival coming up. It's going to be wild. Maybe bring snacks? And possibly tissues? Not saying why, but..."

A distant explosion punctuated my words. I winced.

"I should probably go deal with that before they destroy my mental landscape." I stood, adjusting my onesie. "Thank you all for your patience with the slow chapters. I promise it'll pay off."

Another explosion. Closer this time.

"Right! Gotta run!" I gathered my papers. "See you next chapter! Which will definitely start the festival! No more delays!"

"You better mean that!" Katsumi's voice boomed.

"I do! I do!" I backed away from my desk. "Though maybe one tiny-"

"NO!"

"Okay, okay!" I turned to flee. "Sports Festival time! I promise!"

The wall behind my desk cracked ominously.

"Really going now! Bye!"

See you next chapter!