Chapter 21: Chapter 5
As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows through the living room window, I felt the exhaustion of the day weigh heavily on my shoulders. The training session had pushed us both to our limits, and no sooner had we returned home with Dad than the fragrant aroma of dinner pulled us inside. Mom had whipped up a feast, the steam from the plates mingling with the warmth of our home, and I could tell she had poured a lot of love into it.
After a quick shower, I joined Izuku and Dad at the table, the scent of miso and grilled fish inviting us to dive in. But instead of immediately reaching for the food, our mother had some important news. As she sat down, her face glowed with a mix of pride and anticipation.
"Guess what, boys? Your entrance exam scores for U.A. High School have come in!" Her eyes twinkled with excitement, and I could sense the electricity in the air.
Izuku's hands trembled as she passed each of us our scores. I glanced at him, noting the anxiety etched in his brow, contrasting sharply with my calm demeanor. With a heartbeat echoing in my ears, I unfolded my score, my eyes scanning the letters and numbers.
I felt the moment stretch like taffy as Izuku, unable to contain himself any longer, broke the hushed silence. "Mom, I did it! I got into U.A. High School!" His voice erupted with a mix of childlike joy and overwhelming relief. I looked at him, searching for the same exuberance that blazed in his eyes.
"Congratulations, Izuku," I said, a small smile forming at the corners of my mouth. "Your hard work paid off."
The realization seemed to ignite a fire in him, and the sheer euphoria of his victory was contagious. "Thanks, Anos! This is a huge deal for me! Do you know how hard I've worked for this?" He glanced at me, wide-eyed with hope, as if I might burst into my own celebration any second.
"I do." My reply came steady and sincere. "And I'm proud of you, little brother."
Mom's face beamed as she watched us, her hands settling gently on each of our shoulders. "I knew you both could do it! Now, let's celebrate!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm bringing warmth to my heart.
As we dug into the meal, laughter flowed effortlessly. The background murmured with news of U.A. High School, detailing its cutting-edge facilities while I felt a part of me drift off into thoughts about what lay ahead. Even as I chewed on my food, my mind churned with concerns about Izuku's future. While he had triumphed today, I couldn't shake the knot in my gut—the knowledge that the path to becoming a true hero was fraught with challenges, and it didn't just center around passing exams.
Mom must have sensed my somber shift, for she paused in her eating to look at me earnestly. "Is something on your mind, Anos?" she asked, concern edging her tone.
I let out a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before speaking. "I've been thinking about what lies ahead for Izuku at U.A. High. It's not just about controlling his quirk; it's about navigating the dangers and rivalries that come with being a hero. The school has drawn villains before, and the competition will be relentless."
Dad, ever the understanding father, nodded in agreement. "You're right, son. But remember, Izuku has heart, and that's what makes a true hero."
I mulled over his words, chewing thoughtfully. Izuku had spirit, that was undeniable. But spirit alone could only take a person so far in a world that often worshipped raw power. I couldn't help but feel the weight of my brother's future on my shoulders.
"I'll be there to watch over him," I said firmly, resolve threading through my voice. "I'll make sure he doesn't have to face everything alone."
Mom's gaze softened, pride shining through her worry. "That's what big brothers are for."
In the following days, the atmosphere crackled with excitement and preparations. We spent our time shopping for school supplies, picking out hero costumes, and discussing our futures endlessly. Even as I kept my concerns hidden, I knew Izuku sensed the extra attention I was paying to his training regimen.
"Anos, you don't need to worry about me," he said one evening as we practiced in the backyard, sweat beading down our brows. I could see the determination blazing in his green eyes, and for a moment, I felt reassured.
"I know." I offered him a rare, genuine smile. "But it doesn't hurt to be prepared for anything."
As he nodded, I knew our paths were diverging, that soon we would step into the world of heroes. My protective instincts surged, determined to ensure he thrived, even when the shadows of uncertainty loomed ahead. Together, we would face what awaited us at U.A., brothers united not just by blood, but by dreams—to become heroes.