Chapter Text
"Ack!"
"Ugh, hold... still!"
"Kyo... It's too... tight!"
"Trust me, Izu... it'll look good on you."
"Kyo, I'll be wearing a vest anyway... I don't think the tie's neces- oof!"
"There we go! Nice and dandy... Now for the vest...
After a few minutes of playing dressup, Midoriya turned around, trying to loosen the tie that was hugging his neck tighter than what he thought possible. Eyes met his own reflection and went wide. He looked... quite intimidating. Black slacks with black leather shoes, a white long-sleeved polo shirt, a scarlet necktie, and a black vest. He pretty much looked like a high-profile villain.
He glanced at Jirou who was standing behind her. She looked stunning, dressed up in the same outfit minus the vest. Instead of a red necktie, she opted for a black bowtie. She was also wearing black flats. While Midoriya looked like a villain with a gambling problem, Jirou looked like a secret agent from the movies.
As he looked on, Midoriya couldn't help but smile and let out a huge sigh.
"What's wrong?" Jirou asked as she rubbed his shoulders.
"Nothing... I'm just, nervous, is all... I still can't believe I agreed to this." Midoriya rubbed the back of his head. He then felt a swift elbow to his side, but not enough to hurt him.
"Hey, you agreed to this a month ago, remember?" Jirou offered a smug grin.
"I know, I know, it's just... I never imagined I'd be doing it here with you." Midoriya looked back at Jirou and found that she had turned red with her jacks going haywire.
Jirou crossed her arms and looked away. "Sh-shut up, broccoli head..."
"Aww, why is my favorite purple bowl head embarassed?" Midoriya said back. Jirou kind of wished that Midoriya was still his old self so that she could tease him into infinity. She should've known her teasing nature would rub off on the boy.
Applause could be heard outside, followed by Present Mic's loud-as-always voice. "Thank you very much, contestant number 11! Once again, give another round of applause for third-year Nejire Hadou!" This time, the applause was accompanied by a couple of whistling.
"Ahh, man, that was so nice! I got to see everyone's faces again! Too bad I didn't get to ask why that one kid from the general education course with the indigo hair looked sleepy. He looked sleepy, right?" Hadou, one of the big three, entered backstage and was already talking with another third year student. Apparently, she just performed stand-up comedy, and the crowd absolutely loved it. She then looked around and noticed Jirou and Midoriya just standing there as well.
"Ooh, hey it's you guys from 1-A again! What are you doing here? Why are you wearing the same clothes? Why do yo guys have eyeliner? Ooh, so exciting!" Hadou rattled the two with rapid-fire questions. Same curious nature as before, they thought.
"Hi Hadou, well... we're also an upcoming act. We're the last ones to go out there." Midoriya answered.
"Ooh! I'll be sure to cheer you guys on! Good luck! Man, I'm thirsty, all that talking sure gets to your throat, huh?" The curious girl continued talking to the third year student that accompanied her as they walked away from the couple.
One month ago
After watching a movie and grabbing a bite to eat, Midoriya and Jirou wandered into a music shop. The two were currently on their first date, and so far they've been having lot's of fun.
The two were browsing the various instruments that decorated the shop. Jirou was browsing at the bass guitar section, carefully picking out a new bass that she would buy in the future. She snuck a glance at Midoriya who was currently eyeing a saxophone.
Jirou inched closer to Midoriya and wrapped her arms around his left arm, shocking the boy with the sudden intimacy. She noticed how he turned red. He looked adorable.
"Heh, sorry... Couldn't resist..."
"Kyoka..." Midoriya leaned his head on Jirou's. He could feel her nuzzling deeper into his shoulder.
"Hey, Izuku? Are you... comfortable performing in front of an audience?" Jirou asked.
"Why the question?" Midoriya raised an eyebrow at this. Sure, he already considered himself a decent player, but he wasn't exactly confident yet.
"Well, I was wondering if you'd be fine with performing at the talent show next month..." Jirou answered.
"Oh... I... I'm not too sure about that, Kyoka, I'm... still kinda nervous when it comes to performing in front of people... I mean, the sports festival and and cultural festival, I could handle because you guys were there too and-"
"Hey, chill!" Jirou cut him off. He'd been rambling again.
"Ahh... sorry..."
"Don't be... I've been with you long enough for that to be normal..." Jirou chuckled.
"My upbringing didn't exactly help my confidence, you know? Being up there, alon on that stage... I know I'll have to overcome it eventually, I'll be a hero after all, but I just can't right now..." Midoriya sunk.
"Who said you'd do it alone?" Jirou said. At this, Midoriya looked her in the eyes.
"What do you mean?" Midoriya asked.
"I know you're not comfortable, but... I can help you get over it..." Jirou bashfully looked away.
"You'd do that... for me?" Midoriya blushed.
"Of course I'd do it for you, you nerd..." Jirou looked back, only to turn redder and look away again as Midoriya smiled away.
"Thank you, Kyoka..."
One week later
"Gah... this is annoying..." Jirou couldn't believe it. They were currently in a studio within U.A., something Midoriya was surprised about. They had everything and this studio was evidence. But the one time Jirou actually needs to practice for a performance and one of her bass strings break. Bass strings.
"Do you have a spare?" Midoriya asked his girlfriend.
"Yeah, they're in my room... It's just a matter of walking back there..." She stood up. "I'll be back, alright?" Jirou walks out the studio and starts heading for the dorms.
Finally... After what felt like an eternity of walking, Jirou reached the dorms. Everyone was busy doing their usual tasks. Ashido and Hagakure were sitting on the couch, probably talking about some gossip, Yaoyorozu was sitting in the kitchen area, reading a book. Surprisingly, Bakugo was doing the same and was sat across her. Kaminari and Uraraka were in one corner of the room, with the latter looking confused.
As soon as Jirou looks away, she hears Kaminari call her out. "Yo, Jirou!"
"Ugh... what do you want, Jamming-yay?" Jirou asked with obvious disinterest in her voice.
"Nothing... was just checking on you..." Kaminari answered. He let out a sharp grin and continued talking to Uraraka.
Jirou burrowed her brows but shrugged it off and continued walking towards her room.
After some digging, Jirou had in her hands some tools and the spare string. All that was left was another long walk. This left the girl with her thoughts, specifically, Midoriya. They'd been together for quite some time now. That confession during the night they both couldn't sleep still felt fresh in her mind. She remembered being ecstatic as soon as the boy returned his feelings. That dance they had, the song that played, the kiss...
It felt impulsive, looking back at it, but Jirou was happy she initiated that kiss. Hell, after that, the two ended up with a game to play which involved sneaking kisses to the other. Jirou would kiss Midoriya on the cheek and everyone would just wonder why Midoriya looked red. Occasionally, Midoriya would give her a taste of her own medicine and kiss her straight in the lips. Kaminari and Yaoyorozu were left wondering why Jirou felt fidgety.
They continued having jam sessions on the weekends or whenever they were free. One session even ended with a pretty heated make-out session but the two had to stop themselves before it turned into... something else... They weren't for that yet. Nevertheless, Jirou knew that she loved every moment she spent with the green-haired boy.
Love.
Such a simple word, but one with complex meaning. Love. She liked Midoriya... They're a couple, after all, but did she love him? They barely talked to each other during the first semester and the only reason they got closer was just some simple hobby they shared. Did Midoriya think the same? If there was one thing she could think of, it's that this 'love' thing was confusing.
When she finally got back to the studio, she immediately set her bass up and the two wasted no time in practicing. Jirou agreed to be up there on that stage to help her boyfriend and so far it was proving to be fun. She couldn't wait for the performance.
"I just had a random thought." Midoriya said, which snapped Jirou back to reality.
"What is it?" Jirou asked.
"Once we get out there for the performance, not only will they know I play guitar, they'll also know about us..."
Jirou suddenly felt a shiver up her spine. Ashido probably wouldn't stop getting all up in her face. In fact, everyone would do the same, well, except for Bakugo and Todoroki. Those two didn't really care about this type of stuff.
"Yikes... Guess now you've given me a reason to be nervous for this performance as well..."
Midoriya simply smiled. "Well, you won't be alone dealing with that..." He followed this with a kiss on her lips. Damn, he gets more confident with every passing day.
"This talent show has been great so far! I still can't get over Hadou's performance. She must be great at parties!" Ashido said. The entire body of Class 1-A was currently in the stadium. Every class, actually, was in there as well, probably to support whoever was in the talent show.
"Personally, I think that group from the general education course had the best act so far. Shadow dancing is tough, you know?" Sero added.
"It's not bad and all, but I think that the best one is the ventriloquist." Kirishima said.
"Still, nothing beats the surprise that is Monoma. As much as I hate the guy's guts, he's got a talent with magic." Hagakure said.
"Gah, who cares what other talent that copy bastard has? I'm still better than him..." Bakugo offered his two cents.
"Anyway, where's Midoriya and Jirou? They've practically missed the whole show! They said they'd come, right?" Kaminari asked. Ever since their class entered, Midoriya and Jirou were nowhere to be found. The only evidence that said they'd be there was a text from Jirou.
"Alright ladies and gentlemen, we've finally reached the final act of the night!" Present Mic's voice cut through the air. "Here are contestants number 20, Izuku Midoriya and Kyoka Jirou from Class 1-A!"
"WHAT?!"
"Here goes nothing..." Midoriya said to himself as he walked out the curtain into the stage. The people present weren't a lot, but he guessed there were probably around 500 people in this stadium. Soon after, Jirou came out as well and stood beside Midoriya.
"Oi Deku! What the hell are you doing up there?!" Bakugo's screams could be heard despite the applause from the audience. Midoriya saw Kirishima put a hand over Bakugo's mouth, probably to shut him up for a while. He looked over to the rest of his classmates, each wearing a face of shock. Well, it was expected. He never told anyone he'd be performing here, let alone what he would be performing.
"Come on, Izu... Let's rock and roll." Jirou grabbed the bass guitar that was already on-stage. Midoriya walked over to the guitar and slung the strap on his shoulder.
Soon, a drum backing track played and both Midoriya and Jirou strummed away to the song. The intro got quite the reaction from the crowd, especially Class 1-A.
And now, while we're here alone...
And all is said and done...
Now I can let you know...
Because of all you've shown...
I've grown enough to tell you...
You'll always be inside of me.
How many roads have gone by,
So many words left unspoken...
I needed to be by your side,
If only to hold you
Forever in my heart...
Forever we will be...
And even when I'm gone...
You'll be here in me...
Forever...
Class 1-A was speechless while all the applause came from the rest of the crowd. Since when did Midoriya sing and play the guitar?! Why is Jirou with him?! Why were they doing a duet?! What the hell was going on?!
Over on Midoriya's side, he couldn't believe it. Just one month ago, the idea of singing in front of the class was enough to make him feel shy. Now he was singing not only in front of his class, but tons of other people as well. If this wasn't improvement, then Midoriya didn't know what it is. He looked over to Jirou who was obviously enjoying the groove of the song, looking lost while doing so.
And once, I dreamed that you were gone...
I cried out trying to find you...
I begged the dream to fade away,
And please awaken me
But night took a hold of my heart,
And left me with no one to follow...
The love that I lost to the dark,
I'll always remember...
Forever in my heart...
Forever we will be...
And even when I'm gone...
You'll be here in me...
Forever in my heart...
Always thought I'd be,
I'd be yours...
Jirou was enjoying this... a lot. Playing music just felt therapeutic for her and she knew nothing could replace this feeling. They were nearing the end of the song but Jirou realized she never looked at Midoriya a lot while playing. She snuck a glance at him.
He was happy and confident.
His face, his pure face, smiling at the people watching the two of them perform. The smile of a hero.
Her hero...
Midoriya turned to look at her and mouthed something to her. What he said surprised her a lot.
"I love you."
FOREVER!!!
As the two of them sung that last lyric together and Midoriya started his guitar solo, Jirou couldn't help but feel her insides feel like jelly because of the double meaning he gave her. "I love you forever." Cheesy, but she didn't mind. She knew she had to return an answer to him. And she knew exactly what it was.
With their performance over, they recieved a standing ovation from the crowd. Whistles here and there, some chanting their names over and over. Midoriya couldn't help but chuckle at the sight as he and Jirou bowed in front of their audience.
"Ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Izuku Midoriya and Kyoka Jirou from Class 1-A!" Present Mic yelled into his microphone. Soon, Jirou and Midoriya left the stage. Once behind the curtains, the two shared a kiss.
"That was fucking amazing! I knew you had it in you!" Jirou said as they broke it off and hugged him.
"I couldn't have done it without you, Kyo... thank you..." Midoriya hugged her back.
"I love you too..." Jirou said. Midoriya's eyes widened then came back when he realized what it meant. He smiled and continued hugging the girl he loved.
In the end, the duo only ended up in the 1st runner-up position. It didn't matter, though. The aim of this was to help Midoriya gain enough confidence, and Jirou thinks this was a great way to do it. When they finally got back to their classmates, they were showered with praise, saying that they could've won that. Then came the questions about their relationship, which the two knew they had to eventually come clean. 'Awws' coming from their classmates and some wooing were all that practically came out their mouths as they walked back to the dorms. Meanwhile, Kaminari and Uraraka were in the back, looking on.
"Are you upset?" Kaminari asked the brunette.
Uraraka sighed. "I'll be honest. I'm kind of jealous. I'm sorry if I sound mean..." She said.
"Don't be... I feel the same way... Midoriya's a great guy and all, but I just sort of can't stand seeing him with Jirou..."
"Yeah... I don't have a problem with Jirou other than this..." Uraraka chuckled.
They both looked up the sky. The sun was setting and producing a beautiful pink sky that would be perfect in a romantic novel, Kaminari thought. He looked forward and saw Midoriya with an arm hung around Jirou's shoulders as they talked to each other, sharing laughs. Kaminari couldn't help but feel happiness at this sight.
"Well, I can't be mad... Jirou is free to choose whoever she wants to be with... Besides, seeing them like that, it's beautiful..." Kaminari said. Uraraka looked at the couple. She let out a soft smile.
"You're right... The only thing I can do is let him be happy... let them be happy..." Uraraka said.
"So... we're basically heartbreak buddies..." Kaminari cringed internally at his joke. Jirou would probably laugh her ass off at that.
"Heh... I guess so..." Uraraka said as she offered a fist to Kaminari. He looked surprised at first, but smiled and they bumped fists.
"This is our little secret, isn't it, Uraraka?"
"Yes it is, Kaminari."