The sun was warm, the breeze soft, and the garden at the Yaoyorozu estate buzzed gently with cicadas. Momo sat beneath the tall sakura tree, a book open in her lap, though her eyes kept drifting upward toward the branches above—where Jason lay sprawled out like a cat in a sunbeam, hands behind his head and a toothpick lazily bobbing between his lips.
"You're not even pretending to be productive," she said without looking up from the page.
Jason's voice floated down. "I'm contributing. I'm improving morale. And providing shade. Emotional support, too, if you squint."
She sighed. "You're impossible."
"Impossible to ignore," he added smugly. "Admit it—you'd miss me if I suddenly vanished into the void."
"I'd sleep better."
Jason grinned. "Cold. Where's the warmth, sis?"
"You're not my brother."
"Ouch," he said, placing a hand over his heart. "You wound me. What happened to all those childhood memories? The time I saved your pet turtle? Or when I helped you sneak chocolate into that private banquet?"
"You got caught. I didn't."
"Still counts."
Momo closed her book and looked up at him fully. "You're deflecting."
"Always."
A quiet moment passed, filled only by the rustle of leaves.
"I hope you passed," she said finally, almost in a whisper. "I know you don't talk about it much, but... you want this. You deserve it."
Jason's smirk faded, just a little.
"I didn't do too bad," he said, tone softer than usual. "Sliced a few bots, saved a kid. Even threw in a dramatic walk-off. I'm kind of a big deal."
"You're ridiculous."
"You like it."
She didn't respond—but her blush said enough.
Suddenly, the nearby tablet resting on the patio chimed. Jason glanced over just as the screen blinked to life, flickering with blue light. A familiar silhouette formed—muscular, proud, and utterly unmistakable.
"All Might," Jason muttered, sitting up straight.
The hologram stabilized, larger than life.
"JASON LAX!" the booming voice declared.
"You've shown courage, cunning, and resourcefulness. You've passed the U.A. Entrance Exam. Welcome to U.A. High School!"
Jason blinked, caught somewhere between surprise and smug satisfaction.
Momo looked up at him. "Well?"
He stood slowly, stretched his arms, and grinned.
"Guess I'm official."
She smiled, relief and pride shining through.
Jason leaned against the tree and gave her a lopsided smirk. "Looks like you're stuck with me, Yaomomo."
"Don't call me that."
"I make no promises."