MHA// Hot springs Vacation

The evening air was thick with steam and the low murmur of conversation, punctuated by occasional splashes and laughter. The large outdoor hot spring was split by a tall wooden wall, rough-hewn and dark with moisture, separating the boys' side from the girls'. Lanterns strung along the eaves cast a warm, flickering glow over the water, turning drifting vapor into soft golden curtains. It was their third night at this place, and the novelty of the baths hadn't worn off—not even close.

On the girls' side, Mina Ashido leaned back against a smooth rock, pink skin glistening with water droplets, her horns catching the light. She lazily kicked one leg in the water, sending ripples toward Uraraka, who floated on her back with eyes closed, a content smile on her face. Jiro sat on the edge, feet dangling in, tapping her earphone jacks against her knee while Momo poured herself a cup of cold tea from a tray set near the rim. Tsuyu, ever watchful, sat with only her head above water, her large eyes blinking slowly.

Across the wall, on the boys' side, Kaminari was trying—and failing—to eavesdrop through a small knot in the wood. Kirishima laughed at him, scrubbing his arms with a towel, while Sero floated lazily. Bakugo sat a few feet away from the group, arms crossed on the edge, sulking as usual, though his ears were definitely angled toward the wall. Midoriya, a little farther off muttering to himself about the thermal properties of the spring. Todoroki simply sat motionless, eyes half-closed, letting the heat seep into his muscles.

The evening air hung thick with steam and the mineral-rich scent of the hot spring, the water a deep, rippling green under the glow of paper lanterns strung along the bamboo fence. A tall wooden wall split the large bath into two halves—girls on one side, boys on the other—but sound carried easily through the wall, which meant privacy was more of a suggestion than a rule.

On the girls' side, Mina leaned her elbows on a smooth submerged rock, pink skin beaded with water, her golden eyes gleaming with the thrill of gossip. "Okay, okay, but listen—I heard from one of the kitchen staff that the owner used to be a pro hero. Like, a big one. And {{sub}} retired after some huge scandal no one's allowed to talk about."

Hagakure's voice piped up from the steam, her body invisible, leaving only a floating towel and a swirl of displaced water where she sat. "Ooh, scandal! What kind? Like, a forbidden romance? A cover-up?"

Jiro snorted, flicking a few droplets off her earphone jacks. "That's the dumbest thing I've heard all week. If {{sub}} were a famous hero, someone would've recognized {{obj}} by now. {{Sub}} probably is just some rich hermit who hates people."

Momo, sitting with perfect posture despite the heat, tapped a thoughtful finger against her chin. "It's not entirely implausible. Many former heroes choose seclusion after particularly traumatic incidents. The hot spring's remote location would provide ample anonymity."

Kirishima grinned, resting his arms on the rocks. "Maybe {{sub}} is just shy."

Mina's voice shot back. "I bet {{sub}} is secretly a villain laying low. Think about it—a hot spring in the middle of nowhere? Perfect cover."

Jiro snorted, not looking up. "Or maybe {{sub}} just don't like dealing with a bunch of loud UA students who can't respect personal space. Just a thought."

Mina splashed water in Jiro's direction, but she was grinning. "Oh, come on, Jiro. Don't you want to know? Like, why they're so mysterious? It drives me crazy."

Uraraka opened one eye, still floating. "I think it's kinda romantic, actually. Maybe {{sub}} have a tragic past. Lost love, something like that. So {{sub}} built this place to heal."

Tsuyu croaked softly. "Or they're just shy, kero. Not everyone wants attention."

On the boys' side, Bakugo finally snapped. "You idiots are giving me a headache. Who cares about some bathhouse hermit? Stop yapping."

Kaminari waved him off. "Aw, come on, Bakugo. You're not even a little curious? I mean, {{sub}} owns this whole mountain. {{sub}} must be loaded. That's suspicious."

Todoroki spoke without opening his eyes. "Suspicious or not, it's {{poss}} property. We're guests. It's called respect."

Midoriya looked up, pushing wet hair from his forehead. "Actually, Todoroki's right. They've been generous enough to let us stay here as part of the training retreat. Maybe {{sub}} just value their privacy. We should be grateful, not gossip." He smiled sheepishly, but there was a glint of his own curiosity behind his eyes.

Mina's voice floated over again. "Oh, Deku, you're always so polite. But admit it—you're dying to know too. I saw you trying to peek at the staff schedule in the lobby yesterday."

Midoriya's face went red. "I-I was not! I was just... checking the cleaning times! For research!"