Chapter Text
2016 Rio Olympics
He remembered when he first met her.
It was a week before the opening ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympics.
He and Kaachan had just finished unpacking their things, and Izuku was starving. They were fresh off a 24-hour travel day, and his body was feeling the jet lag. Not just that, he was calorie starved and he needed to replenish what he lost on their long travel day.
“Hurry the hell up, nerd!” Kaachan had shouted to him as Izuku was throwing his shoes on.
“I’m coming, I’m coming!”
They were staying in the Olympic village that the city of Rio had built for all athletes of their representing nations.
Izuku was here to represent Japan for taekwondo while Kaachan was here for boxing. Having grown up together, it was a lifelong competition. Always having looked up to Kaachan, Izuku wanted to be strong just like him.
But where Kaachan loved boxing, Izuku found his passion in taekwondo. So, their paths diverged. But their dreams never ended. They both strived to be the best. And that meant an Olympic medal for both.
Now on the cusp of their dreams, Izuku felt all the nerves. Kaachan wasn’t so nervous. More boastful and arrogant than anything. But Izuku couldn’t stop the constant churning in his stomach.
This was their first Olympics after all.
And did he mention they were only 16 then?
They had been introduced to a few other Olympians along the way: Iida Tenya competing in Track and Field, Kirishima Eijiro who was here to wrestle, and Todoroki Shoto, who was representing Japan in judo. They all quickly became friends and Izuku was absolutely energized to learn about the different sports and root on his friends in their competition.
Izuku knew he was somewhat nerdy, sort of a goof, and very clumsy. When he was walking through the dining hall, he admitted he wasn’t paying much attention to who was around him. More so, to what was around him.
He was so busy marveling at the grandiose around him to pay attention to his surroundings. And that included him tripping over a measly water mat.
Izuku was falling face first into the floor and all he could think of was “I just want to die.”
But his face never hit the ground.
A pair of hands held him by his t-shirt.
When he found his footing, Izuku turned around quickly to thank his savior. Thank them from saving him from all time embarrassment. In front of the best athletes in the world.
But when he came face to face with them, the words died on his lips.
“Sorry! I didn’t mean to grab you so forcefully, but well, it would be bad luck if you fell, right?”
She was beautiful, Izuku remembered thinking.
Her eyes were a warm, alluring brown and she had this bright and cheery smile laced on her lips. Her hair was also a bright, chestnut brown, framing just right around her round face. Izuku doubted she was blushing at him, but she had these cute blush marks that highlighted the rosiness in her cheeks. She was about the same height as him, and her voice was lighthearted.
“This is all so nerve-wracking, isn’t it? Gosh, I’m so nervous! Anyway, good luck!”
And she was off.
Izuku never got a word in as she bounced off quickly. His mouth was on the floor, his eyes never leaving the small of her back.
“Dumbass! Pick your jaw off the floor would you!? And stop slobbering over her!”
Kaachan called him out and Izuku shook himself out of this trance. He quickly tried to forget the whole thing happened, avoiding even looking in her direction.
And it was mostly successful as he spent the next few days preparing for his upcoming matches and settling into the village and getting accustomed to the time change. He would meet with his coach and discuss strategies. But every now and then, around the village, he would see her.
And it was enough to stop him from breathing.
.
A week had passed, and it was the night before the opening ceremony. Izuku remembered the way his anxiety overpowered him. Kaachan was tired of his muttering and stormed off to hang out with Kirishima.
His longtime friend’s sudden interest in the red-haired wrestler did cause Izuku to raise a brow. But a nasty glare from Kaachan was enough to silence anymore thoughts into that.
Izuku decided to take a walk, hoping it would ease the nerves.
His thoughts were mainly those of his performance, his strategies, his opponents. Not wanting to let his mom and his coach down. His mother worked long, hard hours to support his dream. Classes and lessons were not cheap, and it would often end in Izuku not seeing his mother for days as a time. And where his mother couldn’t cover the fee’s, Coach Toshinori stepped in.
Coach Toshinori wasn’t just a coach though.
He was the father that Izuku never had. He stepped in and believed in Izuku, promising to get him to the finish line.
Izuku didn’t think he would qualify for the Olympics that year. It was a long shot. But when he had heard the Kaachan was going to try and qualify, Izuku didn’t want to be left behind. So, he signed up for the World’s Tournament. He didn’t win, but he placed high enough to qualify for the men’s team in Japan.
And Kaachan did too.
So, now they were in Rio together, representing their great country.
But the nerves were kicking in and Izuku felt like he was going to throw up.
“Hey, are you okay?”
Izuku would never forget her voice, even if he tried. When he turned to her, she was staring at him with her big, brown eyes. Her face was more curious than concerned. He remembered wanting to run away and hide.
“Ah!”
Embarrassingly enough, he jumped away from her, his heart racing loudly against his chest. She tilted her head even further, staring at him with a slight frown.
“I mean – uh, yes! Yes, I’m ergh, I’m okay!”
She stared at him for a moment, then laughed. “You’re funny. You sure make some interestin’ faces!”
Izuku remembered being so mortified. The pretty girl that saved him was actually talking to him, but he was such a nervous wreck that he couldn’t reply like a normal person.
“Hey! I remember you! You hang out with that Bakugo guy, right? The mean, loud mouthed guy, right?”
Izuku pushed his two fingers together, avoiding looking at the pretty girl. Figured she knew Kaachan. Everyone did. “Heh, yeah. He’s my childhood friend.”
“Seems like a real nice guy.” She snorted sarcastically, but then laughed.
“So, who’re you?”
“Oh! I – I’m Midoriya Izuku. Nic – Nice to – meet you.”
“Midoriya Izuku? Ohhhhh! I could have sworn he called you Deku!”
Izuku remembered never hating Kaachan more than in that moment.
“Oh. Yeah. He calls me that as an insult…” He muttered. Izuku avoided looking at her, but her scoff brought his attention back to her.
“Well, Deku to me sounds more like ‘Do your best!’ So, I kind of like it!” She grinned widely as her face lifted up and she gave him a fist pump in the air, and he swooned.
“DEKU IS FINE!”
“By the way, the name’s Uraraka Ochako! Nice to meet you, Deku!”
And that was when Midoriya Izuku first began to fall in love with Uraraka Ochako.
.
The opening ceremony was amazing, and Izuku felt like he was having imposter syndrome. It was surreal that he was there, with the best athletes in the world. He was especially intimidated with the sheer size of the American athletes. Kaachan wasn’t put off by this. If anything, it got him more riled up.
“All those extras are going to bow down to me! I’m going to be the best in the damn world!”
Brazil really knew how to put on a show, and he was entranced the entire time. They didn’t have much time to explore, not that their coaches would let them. But Izuku had hoped then after everything cooled off, he would be able to explore Rio with his new friends.
He remembered sitting in the stands, dressed to the nines in his white blazer jacket, his tie messily laid around his neck, and his deep red button up shirt suffocating him. He had on white matching dress pants and the Japanese flag was stitched on the left breast pocket. His hair was slicked back, but the humidity and his own sweat had caused it to fall over.
When the ceremony finished, his clothes were sticking uncomfortable to his skin. He just wanted to peel it all off.
“Heyyyy! Deku!!”
Uraraka was waving at him, a wide, happy smile plastered on her lips.
The women’s uniform was like the men’s, except her skirt was black, and she was wearing tights that his hid her legs.
He had to swallow the scream he wanted to let out.
“Ah! I mean, erh, hi, Uraraka!”
“Wasn’t that sooooo cool! Like how amazing! I never thought in a million years I’d get to see something like that so close!”
“Ochako! Where’d you go!? Huh? Who’s this? Who are you? What sport are you here for? Isn’t this all so amazing!”
A beautiful, blue haired girl waltzed over to the pair, her blue eyes shimmering in the lights of the stadium above them. She was much taller than Izuku, much to his chagrin, and definitely older. He was ashamed to have even noticed, but Izuku couldn’t help but look at her chest. She was most definitely not wearing their button up dress shirt properly, having a few buttons open enough to see her breast.
“ Ergh – ”
“Neh, what’s wrong? Ochako? Does he not talk? Is he one of those special people?”
“Nejire Senpai! You can’t say that!” Uraraka covered her mouth quickly, looking back and forth to ensure no one heard her.
“But seriously, what’s wrong with him?”
“He’s just nervous! Duh!”
“Oh! There’s nothing to be nervous about! Just be lax and loose! Like me! See!” This so called Nejire person grabbed Izuku by his shoulders and attempted to shake him loose. Izuku almost fainted instead.
“Nejire Senpai! That’s enough!” Uraraka grabbed the older girl and pulled her away.
Izuku wanted to die.
“Geeze! A little personal space, senpai!”
The cute girl pursed her lips and crossed her arms.
“Anyway, this is my friend!” Uraraka gestured towards him and Izuku was brought back to reality.
“Uh, hi. Midoriya Izuku…” he meekly introduced himself.
“You’re kind of weird.” The girl said and Izuku felt that one straight through his heart. “Hado Nejire! Nice to meet you, strange boy!”
Uraraka started laughing and Izuku sighed in defeat. His uncool ways around the girls continued to follow him, even on the global stage.
Izuku remembered walking out with them, listening to Uraraka and Hado chat about their training and regime. And that was when Izuku realized he had no idea what Uraraka was here to represent them for.
“My sport? Oh! I’m part of Japan’s gymnastic team! With Nejire Senpai!” She was so giddy after he asked.
An image appeared in his mind, one of Uraraka in a leotard, tight fitting and exposing. He immediately wanted to gouge his eyes out at the mere thought! Uraraka and Hado lifted their brows at his own screeching.
“Ochako. If he’s holding you hostage as a friend, lemme know. I’ll get Mirio and Tamaki and we’ll save you.”
Uraraka just laughed as she elbowed Hado. “Nah. He’s a good guy, I can tell. Just a little weird.”
Till this day, Uraraka had no idea how much those words meant to him.
.
His events didn’t start till later in the week. So, Izuku remembered he had lots of gym time with Coach Toshi in between the other sporting events. He wanted to catch Kaachan’s qualification match. But also, he wanted to watch Uraraka too. He knew gymnastics started the first day and didn’t want to miss it.
“Good, Young Midoriya! That cross punch was fluid! Just like I expected it to be!”
When Izuku stepped onto the mat, he became a different person. Gone was the nervous, stuttering wreck in his everyday life. He was replaced by someone he didn’t know. A more confident, stronger person he wished he could be all the time.
All the background noise disappeared when he was in uniform.
“Remember, if the uppercut doesn’t disorient, use the spinning backfist. Catch your opponent off guard. Don’t let him get the advantage over you. Even though you will be in the same weight class, they will try to use your small stature against you. Make it work for you.”
“Right!”
Izuku was truly blessed to be coach by Coach Toshi. Once known as the great All Might, Toshinori Yagi was one of the great martial artists to compete in the games. He won four gold medals in taekwondo in four separate games. All back-to-back to back-to-back. Well respected in the community, Izuku never thought he would train with his hero.
“I know this can be overwhelming. I was during my first games. But remember, you deserve to be here. You’ve worked too hard to stop now. Just like Young Bakugo, you will make your mark here. And remember, even if you don’t medal. You still got here. And no one can take that away from you, kid.”
Izuku teared up at his mentor’s words.
“Thanks Coach.” Rubbing his eyes, he looked at his mentor with determination. “But I am going to medal! I will show people that I am here!”
His coach grinned, ruffling the top of his head. “That’s the spirit, Young Midoriya! You will win!”
After he cleaned up, Izuku raced to the Japan House, where he could catch the start of the gymnastics meet and Kaachan’s qualification round.
“Yo! Midoriya!” Kirishima greeted him, pulling out a chair for him.
“Hey, Kirishima! Thanks!”
“Just finished training?”
Izuku smiled. “Yeah! My event doesn’t start till the end of the week, but I have to stay ready. Can’t let my body get weak.”
“Nice man! I love the passion, dude. You know hard work is what gets us here!”
Even now, 8 years later, Izuku remained good friends with Kirishima Eijiro. The friendship they began in Rio only strengthened over the years. And Kirishima was still an avid supporter of his and Kaachan’s careers.
Izuku remembered they sat together and watched as some of the events started. Different TVs around House Japan were showing different sports. Fortunately, they were able to secure a spot that showed both boxing and gymnastics.
Kaachan went on first, and absolutely dominated. Both he and Kirishima were ecstatic. Despite their differences, Kaachan was Izuku’s symbol of victory. He pushed Izuku to do his best. He wanted to be on top just as badly as Kaachan did.
“I told all you damn extras, I’M THE DAMN BEST! So don’t bother trying to compete with me!” Words were boastful, but his skills didn’t lie. Kaachan screamed into the microphone of the interviewer and while people weren’t happy with his arrogance, Izuku knew it was hard to refute it.
Kaachan was truly the best at what he did. And the other boxers in his weight category we’re going to have a hard time beating him, even if he was a novice.
“Oh! Look! It’s that Uraraka girl! Looks like her event is starting!”
Uraraka Ochako was grace on the floor. Even 8 years later, Izuku never thought she looked more beautiful than when she competed.
Like himself, her entire demeanor shifted. Gone was that cheery, bubbly girl. The focus in her eyes replaced the pure joy she always had in them. Her face shifted into a neutral stoicism as she voided all thoughts in her head.
He could see the switch in her brain when she was preparing to compete. The way her brows scrunched together, the way her shoulders hiked slightly as she took deep breathes to ease herself. Even from afar, Izuku could feel the tension.
Izuku watched as she floored everyone with the qualification round. She absolutely soared during her vault routine, shocked at how almost perfectly she flipped through the air. During uneven bars, her body was so fluid, so flexible, Izuku couldn’t believe then how she was able to move like that. During the balance beam, despite her fall, she was graceful and watching her twist in the air left his own stomach in twists. And finally, watching her floor routine, Izuku could have sworn Uraraka was floating through the air.
Were her routines perfect? No. It was obvious she was newer as the older gymnasts moved more uniform than she did.
But when she scored high enough to qualify for team finals and event finals, he knew that Uraraka Ochako was special.
.
“Ahhh I was so nervous! I thought I was going to puke!”
“You did a great job, Ochako.” Asui Tsuyu, another person part of Japan’s gymnastics team, padded her shoulder.
“Thanks Tsuyu! You did amazing too!”
“Both of you girls did great! I am super duper proud of you!” Hado hugged both girls.
Izuku hesitated to walk over to them, not wanting to take away from Uraraka’s moment.
“Fucking idiot. Go say hi to her, dammit! Your nervous leg shaking is pissing me off!” Bakugo kicked him in the shin and Izuku yelped.
“Aw, Bakubro. Leave the poor guy alone! He’s just smitten, right Midoriya!” Kirishima elbowed his side and Izuku flushed immediately.
“Sm – smitten!? No way! Nah uh! I – I just admire her talent, that’s all!”
“Blegh! If I have to hear this shit, I’m going to vomit!” Kaachan kicked off the table and stomped away towards the snack area in the team house.
“I think it’s adorable Midoriya. Your first Olympic crush!” Kirishima teased, hands behind his head.
“I – its’ not that!” Izuku screamed, his face full blown red.
“Oh! Hey! Deku! Kirishima!”
Uraraka was running over to them, a Team Japan oversized sweatshirt hanging loosely on her shoulders. Her shorts were nearly swallowed by the jacket, barely poking out from under the fabric.
Izuku could see how toned her legs were, how strong they were.
If it hadn’t been for Kirishima, he would have ran straight out the window, nose diving off the second floor of House Japan.
“Yo! Uraraka! And Asui, and Hado, right?”
“Whoaaaa look at that spikey hair! What do you use to keep it so still? Do you use lots of hair gel or cream? And if I touch it, will it cut me? It looks so sharp!”
While Hado was inspecting Kirishima’s hair, Uraraka took a seat next to Deku with Asui on the other side.
“Whatcha think, Deku? Didja watch me today?!”
Swallowing the frog in his throat, he nodded slowly. “Ye – yes! You guys did great!”
“I’m glad ya think so! Cause boy was I nervous!” She scratched the back of her head, giggling nervously. Asui blinked.
“You didn’t look like it, Ochako. I’d say you were probably the most concentrated one out there.”
“D’awww! You flatter me, Tsuyu!” She elbowed the dark-haired girl, and then her eyes popped wide open. “Oh! You guys don’t know each other, right? Deku, this is Asui Tsuyu! She is one of my teammates! Tsuyu, this is Midoriya Izuku, or as I call him, Deku!”
“Hi. Nice to meet you, Midoriya.”
“Likewise, Asui.” Izuku smiled shyly.
“So, what are you here for?” Asui asked, and Izuku grinned.
“Twaekondo!”
“So cool, right Tsuyu!” Uraraka squealed and Izuku’s face reddened.
“Very. When do your events start?”
“Not till the end of the week. So, I’ll be training with my coach till qualifications. And watching everyone else!”
“You better root for me, Deku!” Uraraka punched his arm, and Izuku made a croaking noise.
“O – of course!” He squeaked and Asui raised a brow.
“Hey! Midoriya!”
The three teens all looked up to see a tall, handsome blonde running their way. His eyes were blue, and he had a cartoonish looking face.
Izuku’s grin widened. “Togata Senpai!”
“Oh! Oh! Mirio! You know this strange boy!?”
Hado came to Mirio’s side and put her chin on his shoulder, always looking so curious at everything around her.
“Of course! He’s my little protégé!” He ruffled Izuku’s hair, just like Coach Toshi would.
“I was wondering when I’d run into you! I haven’t seen you since before we left Japan!”
Togata laughed and put his hands at his side. “I know! I’ve been a little busy. Sorry about that! But I’m here now!”
In addition to Toshinori Yagi, Togata Mirio was a great mentor for Izuku. He was kind, and passionate, and above all, hilarious. But he worked hard and was so naturally gifted. Where Izuku lacked and struggled, his senpai really excelled. But despite all that, Togata was never arrogant like Kaachan.
He was patient with Izuku. And a great teacher.
There was a reason why Togata had 2 gold medals and one silver.
“Uraraka, Asui. This is my Senpai, Togata Mirio! He’s one of my mentors and sparring partners at the gym back home!”
“Hey! Nice to meet you! You’re both on Hado’s team, right?”
“Yes!” Uraraka replied for both girls. Togata gave them a thumbs up.
“Great job, today! Way to go, Plus Ultra!”
“By the way, Midoriya. Coach wants to see us both. Something about a late-night work out!”
“Oh! Okay!” Izuku stood from the table, grabbing his belongings.
“I’ll see you guys later.” Turning back towards his friends, he gave them a shy smile and small wave. Uraraka grinned brightly at him.
“Train hard!” She mimicked some punching motion, and he swallowed the lump in his throat thickly.
“R – right!”
.
The week continued, and Izuku never let up on training. His mornings included a daily 3 mile run with a sufficient breakfast to replenish his protein and loss of calories. He would then go to the training center and spar with Togata.
More than half the time, Togata had him pinned to the floor. But every now and then, Izuku would deliver a strong, crescent kick that would have him on the floor.
Till this day, Izuku still trained with Togata. While not the fighter he used to be, Togata kept Izuku on his toes. And kept his reflexes sharp.
Kaachan continued his rampage in the boxing matches, beating every opponent swiftly and almost effortlessly. Izuku continued to be in awe of his friend and the sheer power he possessed. He almost felt sorry for his opponents. Of course, it was all based on weight, but Kaachan was just that much stronger than every male in his category.
Uraraka continued to shine in her matches. The commentators and analysist spoke highly of her skill, especially for a 15-year-old girl that was just getting started. They talked about the maturity of her technique, even when she didn’t execute correctly. Her team didn’t get to the podium on team finals, beat out by the Americans, Chinese, and Russians. But her individual events were where she took the world by storm.
Izuku couldn’t stop the shaking in his leg as he watched Uraraka step up to the mat for her Vault final.
“Will you quit that shit already, dammit!” Kaachan yelled at him as he nursed his swollen cheek. During his match, his opponent caught him by surprise. An uppercut to the right side of his face.
Kaachan was less than thrilled and almost beat the guy to a pulp. But he screwed his head on right and won the match five minutes later.
“I can’t help it!” Izuku retorted but Kaachan just snorted.
“You’re pathetic, Deku. All worked up for a girl who doesn’t even notice you!”
Izuku shot him a glare, well aware of his own flaws and shortcomings. Kaachan reminded him every day, but Izuku knew how lame he was too. Sure, he was strong, and decently smart. But he wasn’t confident like Kaachan, or personable like Kirishima. Hell, he wasn’t even prince-like like Todoroki or a leader like Iida.
He was just Deku.
“I just want her to do well.” He mumbled, turning his attention back to the screen.
Uraraka was zeroing in on the vault, closing her eyes as she took a deep breathe. She was wearing a red leotard today, the stark color fading in a white down towards her legs. Her hair was tied up into a ponytail, red glitter donning her face. The Japan flag was stitched across the topside of her leotard, and Japan was inscribed down the sleeve of her left arm.
The bell dinged and Uraraka began her sprint.
She jumped at the spring, her hands stretched wide as she landed on the vault, flinging herself in the air. Izuku’s jaw opened as she spun once, twice in the air, landing shakily on the ground. She lost her footing slightly, not planting firmly like some of the other more experienced gymnasts, but enough that she smiled while saluting towards the judges.
Izuku released the breath he was holding.
“Cheeks could do better!” Kaachan shouted, his feet kicked up.
“Bakugo! Must I remind you of manners!” Iida Tenya walked over, pointing at Kaachan’s feet. His childhood friend snarled.
“Mind your damn business, four eyes!” he spat, and Iida seemed aghast.
“Don’t mind him, Iida.” Izuku muttered with a smile. “Are you busy? Want to join us?”
“The fuck!? Who said he can sit with us!” Kaachan sneered and Izuku shook his head.
“In that case, can I join too?”
Todoroki Shoto, the Judo protégé, asked as he walked up to the boys. He was staring down Izuku with a stoic gaze. But before Izuku could reply, Kaachan exploded next to him.
“The hell!? Who the fuck said you extras could sit here!?”
“Just relax, man! It’s good to make friends!” Kirishima arrived, stuffing some muffins in his mouth. “Join us guys! The more the merrier! I’m sure Midoriya wants us all wishing his girlfriend good luck!”
Todoroki raised a brow and Iida gasped.
Izuku faceplanted on the table.
“Midoriya! Now, I am not one to get involved in other’s personal lives, but don’t you think getting involved at an Olympic event is a bit selfish!? The distraction it would cause for both of you!”
“She’s not my girlfriend!” Izuku shouted as he lifted his head, face beet red.
“But he wishes she was!” Kirishima snickered and Izuku frowned at the red-haired teen.
“Ah. So, unrequited love.” Todoroki stated simply and Izuku face planted again.
“Why the fuck are we even talking about this!? Who the hell cares! We’re here for one thing and one thing only! TOTALLY DOMINATION!” Kaachan screeched and Izuku sighed in relief as the attention was back to the blond.
Izuku remembered the mortification he felt and how annoyed he was with Kirishima about the constant teasing. It still happened to this day, but he was more accustomed to it. Thankfully, Izuku had learned how ignore the teasing smirks and taunting smiles.
Uraraka had her second chance at the vault, her jump on the springboard better coordinated, her pushed off the vault higher. Like before, she had spun twice, but the landing was better. And she knew it too because the grin was wide on her lips as she saluted to the judges. Her chest was heaving but she jumped into Hado’s arms in excitement.
Uraraka earned her first bronze in that event. The first of them to medal.
“Don’t think just because you have a fucking medal, Cheeks, that you are better than me! I’m going for gold, YOU HEAR ME!” Kaachan pointed a thumb at himself and Uraraka rolled her eyes.
“Yeah, yeah I hear you, Bakugo.”
“Congratulations, Uraraka! One of the youngest in Japan to medal! That is amazing feat!” Iida saluted, and Uraraka smiled.
“Thanks, Iida!”
“You were way badass, Uraraka! Congrats!” Kirishima thanked her next, giving her the double thumbs up.
When the crowd around her finally dissipated enough, Izuku found the courage to approach her.
“Hey! Deku!” Her smile was bright, accomplished, proud. “There ya are! Did you watch!? I looked pretty cool out there, huh?”
Izuku was struck by the way she radiated. Her smile was blinding, her shoulders held high with pride. His eyes immediately went to the medal around her neck, and he grinned.
“You were totally amazing, Uraraka! I’ll admit. I really knew nothing about gymnastics until I met you. But I stayed up the other night reading about it, watching some videos, and just learning the basics of it! So, I had idea of what scoring would look like! So, I went ahead and learned how they scored!! But wow! You were so incredible! It’s crazy you’re only 15 because you were right there with those 20 something year olds! And how you did even better on the second vault, I mean – wow!”
But then Izuku clamped his mouth shut, and sucked his lips in as he realized that he went on another mutter storm.
“I mean – yeah, you did great.”
Uraraka looked at him blankly for a moment, her face void of emotion. But then a grin grew, and his heart leapt into his throat.
“Wow! You really did all that for me? Geeze, I’m honored! And a little flattered, heh.” She scratched the back of her head.
“Congratulations, Uraraka. You definitely deserved that! And the first of us in our age group to do it, too!” A little bolder, Izuku came out of his shell and Uraraka looked at his in slight surprise.
“Oh, well thanks, Deku.” Her cheeks were a bit red, but Izuku chalked that up to the endless praise she had been receiving.
“I’m working hard to get right behind you though. I’m going Plus Ultra!”