Work Text:
Why is it so hard? Why is it so hard for him to live his own life? He knows it’s better that way, that his dream of becoming a hero is just a child's dream. That he should forget about it. Everyone else did it and moved on. But he can’t. It was the best thing he could have dreamt of. He got a chance to be a hero. He actually became one. He helped so many people. And it ended as quickly as it started. He lost his quirk. His life. His everything. Nothing brings him happiness after that. Of course, he had his friends who helped him overcome his grief. But it’s not the same as before. They don’t understand how he feels, they all have their quirks. He didn’t. They can become heroes. He can’t. Jealousy is not what he wants, but he can’t help it.
Hiding feelings from the people he cares about is wrong. He knows that. He just didn’t want them to feel sorry for him. He didn’t want that. He didn’t deserve that. They have their own lifes. His mum and All Might, Yagi - as he was told to call him, got married. Now they live in Tokyo, they moved after the wedding, and he stayed at Musutafu. He was asked if he wanted to move with them, but he refused. It’s easier to pretend that he is doing fine on the phone than it is in reality. He can’t lie to his mother face to face. She’s already suffered too much. He just wants his mum to be happy. He doesn’t have to. He can be on his own. Alone.
One of the things that makes him keep going are his notebooks. Notebooks that he has been filling since he learned to hold a crayon in his hand. Notebooks with which he helped a lot of people. Notebooks that helped him. Especially his notebooks with hero analysis for the future, because they caught the attention of the principal. Nezu, the most important person in his new life, offered him the opportunity to become his personal student. And he accepted it. Why shouldn’t he? It made his days easier. He had something to think about. If it wasn’t for his teacher, he wouldn’t be going to UA anymore. Why should he? He couldn’t be a hero anymore. He didn’t deserve to be there. He shouldn’t exist. But Nezu, without knowing, helped him. He gave him something. Something good. Something to do instead of harassing himself. Nezu took him under his wing. He still attends normal classes with his classmates, but when they went for hero work related classes, he went to study with Nezu. He taught him a lot of new things. How to be more professional with his analysis. How to manage time and people. How to be more confident when speaking for the audience. And much, much more. To this day, he’s really grateful for everything Nezu has done for him. He is not able to tell how much he owes him. How much he wants to thank him. Nezu told him it’s his job, that he didn't have to thank him. That he’s more than happy to have such a wonderful student like him. No one needs to know that he cried himself to sleep that night.
His friend group, the dekusquad as they used to call it, dispersed. He should know it. After all, they no longer had the same priorities. Of course, after graduation, they tried to see each other once a week. But month after month, person after person, they fell apart. He understands everything. Uraraka and Tsuyu joined the Ryukyu’s agency and became one of the best rescue duo he knows. Iida took over his brother's agency and didn’t have that much time anymore. And Todoroki. Shoto. His ex. Yes, they were lovers once. It wasn’t love. Shoto just wanted to relieve the stress he got from working at his father’s agency. And he just wanted to feel something good again. It only works for a short time. If they stay together longer, they would destroy themselves. So, they broke up. And once again, he was left alone.
Becoming a teacher was never his dream career. But what can he do? It was the best option he had. It was the only option he had. Everywhere he went for a job review, he was rejected. Why? Because he doesn’t have a quirk. A quirk he lost saving everyone. Everyone who has now turned their backs on him. It’s as if saving them didn’t happen. Maybe he should have taken Kacchan’s advice back then in middle school. Maybe he should have listened to All Might when they first met and not pushed himself to become a hero. Maybe then he would be really happy. Don’t get him wrong, he’s really grateful that Nezu hired him. He really is. It’s just not what he wanted to do in his life. At least he has people who listen to him and care about what he tells them, his students. They are really good kids who have the same dream that he had. They want to be heroes. He teaches them everything he knows about being one. He helps them with their quirks, that’s what he’s good at, after all. Being a teacher helps him forget about his sadness. Maybe he doesn't have the option to be a hero anymore, but he can help create new heroes. Better heroes.
He didn't know what he was doing here. It’s not his thing to attend events like this. Where you need to wear a suit. Where you need to talk to people you don’t know. Where you need to smile. His smile is very awkward. He doesn't like it here. He wants to be anywhere other than here. But Nezu told him that he should go to this event, meet new people, and change his environment a little. After many years of spending as little as he can interacting with other people, not including his students, he just can’t overcome it. Eeh, why is it so hard? He tried. He really tried. He just doesn't know how to do that anymore. Some people approached him and he exchanged a few words with them, but after his disinterest they walked off. Sitting alone at this event must look stupid. Maybe he should just come back to his home.
“Thanks for waiting.” The words reached him just as he was about to get up. A small shudder ran through his whole body, and a glass filled with champagne was placed in front of him. Without thinking, he sat back down, so as not to be caught running away. As soon as he did, his mind kicked into overdrive, something about this voice gnawed at him.
“I know that voice”, he muttered under his breath, reaching for the glass. Slowly, almost hesitantly, he turned his head toward the person who had spoken.
And then he saw him.
“Kaminari.”
His voice carried unmistakable surprise, and yet, the shock mirrored on the golden haired waiter's face said everything, this was just as unexpected for him. For a long moment, they simply stared at each other, words failing them both.
Denki’s eyes widened even further, as if he was desperately searching his memory for the right words. Instead, he lifted a hand and nervously adjusted his apron.
“Midoriya? What are you doing here?” He furrowed his brows, as if he himself couldn’t believe what he was seeing.
Izuku wanted to ask him the same thing, but words got stuck in his throat. His mind was flooded with many questions. What was he doing here? It didn't make any sense. This event, for teachers at top schools, was the last place he’d expect to see someone from his future. The familiar face before him sent a rush of memories through his mind. It felt like a dream.
Why is Kaminari in the waiter's clothes? Isn't he a hero? What happened? The last time he had seen him was on television. Like two years ago. Something must have gone wrong. Something big. The unspoken question hung in the air between them. And yet, all he could do was stare at him.
This was Kaminari, his old friend, someone who had once stood beside him in battle. And now? Now he was standing here, in a place that made no sense for someone like him.
The words finally made it past his lips, slow and uncertain.
"...Kaminari, what are you doing here?"
For a split second, the blonde’s smile faltered. His fingers tensed slightly around the tray. And then, just as quickly, the mask was back.
"I work here," Kaminari said simply, shrugging. "Gotta pay the bills somehow, you know?"
But that wasn’t an answer. Not really. And he knew it.
“But what about you being a hero? You are Chargebolt.” Confusion was heard in his voice. He couldn't grasp the idea in which one of his old classmates isn’t a hero. He watched him graduate as a hero student. He watched him being a hero. So, what happened?
“Not here, not right now” The golden haired man looked around with a distracted look on his face. His fingers tapped nervously on the tray he has in his hands. “Are you free tomorrow morning?”
Of course, he’s free tomorrow, it’s Sunday after all. He finished all his teaching-related work on Friday, so he can attend the event without any worries. Maybe he shouldn’t grade his students' work and tell Nezu he can’t go to this event because of this. It's too late for that now anyway.
“Yes, I’m free,” he says. Not that he had any other plans. It wasn’t like he had many friends to spend his free time with.
“Great. I’ll text you the time and place later.“ Denki paused. “You still have the same phone number, right?”
Izuku nodded. There was no reason to change it. And even if he wanted to do it, he would lose contact with others, and this way he at least has a substitute for closeness with other people. His number is the only thing that keeps him with his old group of friends. The only thing that hasn’t changed in his life.
The golden-haired man relaxed. “Ok, then. See ya.” Man gave him a small smile before turning on his heel and walking away, blending into the crowd of the event.
Izuku sat there for a moment, watching him leave, his thoughts running in circles. Denki isn’t a hero anymore. Why? He wanted to ask, but something in Kaminari’s demeanor told him it wasn't the right time for this. Maybe tomorrow he will get some answers.
Later that night, Izuku sat in his dimly lit apartment, looking absentmindedly through his students' works when a notification on his phone popped up.
“meet me at 10am at the cafe nearby ua”
Izuku stared at the message from Kaminari for a moment before sighing and setting his phone down. He wasn’t sure what to expect, but at this point, there was no turning back.
Wondering what tomorrow will bring, he turned off the lights and went to bed.
The next morning, Izuku arrived at the cafe a little before ten. The place wasn’t too crowded yet, just a few customers sipping their coffee and reading the morning news. He took a sip of his jasmine tea, letting the warmth settle as his gaze drifted across the room.
His mind was flooded with questions and bad thoughts. What if Kaminari didn’t show up? Maybe he’d forgotten, maybe something else had come up, maybe he didn’t want to come. No, Kaminari is not like that, he will show up and if something comes up he would let him know, he has his number after all.
A soft sound from the bell above the door reached his ears. Instinctively, his eyes turned in that direction, noticing a familiar mess of golden hair. The moment Denki noticed him, a bright smile lit up his face, and he made his way over without hesitation.
“Hey, you’re early.”
Izuku smiled. “Didn’t want to be late.”
“Classic you.” Denki chuckled before sitting across from Izuku.
Before he could say anything else, Izuku pushed a drink toward him. “I ordered you a strawberry matcha. I remembered you liked it”
For a second, Denki looked surprised. After all, he and Midoriya weren’t that close during their school years. He didn’t expect the green eyed boy to remember such a thing about him. A faint blush dusted his cheeks as he grinned. “Oh? Thanks”. He took a sip, humming in satisfaction. “Man, I haven’t had this in a while”.
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the quiet hum of the cafe filling the space between them. Then, Izuku finally leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice.
“So… are you going to tell me what’s going on? Why you’re not a hero anymore?”
Denki’s smile faltered. His fingers tightened around his cup as he let out a slow breath. “Yeah… I guess it’s time to talk.” He leaned back in his chair. “So… as you already know I’m not a hero anymore”
Izuku’s gaze locked on Denki, million thoughts were running through his head, but he let Denki continue.
“My last mission… I lost control of my quirk,” Denki admitted, fingers drumming restlessly against the side of his cup. “I hurt a hostage.” He scoffed bitterly. “Not exactly a great look for a pro hero, huh?”
Izuku didn’t interrupt, watching as Denki stared into his drink. But his mind was flooded with a lot of different thoughts. Why did he lose control of his quirk? Was it because of someone else's quirk? The villain’s quirk? The hostage’s quirk? Or was there another reason? Could he have prevented it? And many more. He can’t help it. It’s just that his analytical brain is constantly working.
“After that, the Hero Commission handled everything behind the scenes. They covered it up, made sure nothing reached the public. Officially, it never happened.” Denki let out a bitter laugh. “But I remember. Ever since that day, I-I can’t bring myself to use my quirk anymore. Not that it matters.” His jaw tensed. “The Commision pulled me from hero work. Said I was too unstable, too much of a risk. They didn’t fire me outright, just… pushed me out, made it clear I wasn’t welcome anymore.” He shook his head. “And as for the public? They were told that, during that mission, my quirk malfunctioned and didn’t work properly. And they didn’t question it.”
He paused for a moment, then shrugged, not wanting to continue this subject further.
“I’ve got enough money saved up to live comfortably, but sitting around all day is boring as hell. So, I just… pick up random jobs for fun. That’s how I ended up as a waiter at that event where we ran into each other.” He moved closer to the table, placing his elbows on it. The straw in his cup of strawberry matcha suddenly became the most interesting thing he could look at.
He smiled at the thought that someone remembered such a small thing as his favorite drink. He remembered that Midoriya was always like this, he memorized and wrote down every little thing about everyone he knew. That Mina doesn’t like red clothes, but she loves painting her nails this color. That Sero bought hero stickers for his sisters every time he came home. Kirishima’s favorite hair dye brand. Despite this, the thought that Midoriya remembered that he liked strawberry matcha warmed his heart.
His gaze turned to the green haired man in front of him who was processing everything he heard. Before Izuku could say anything, he changed the subject, not wanting to talk about what he had just confessed.
“Oh, and I’m not with Jirou anymore”
Izuku raised a brow, noticing that Denki switched topics. But seeing that it was uncomfortable for him he didn’t try to push it any further.
“Really?” He asked instead, tooking up a new topic of conversation.
He didn't expect that, Jirou and Kaminari had been together since their last year of UA. They complemented each other perfectly. Honestly, sometimes he envied them for that.
“Yeah. We were doing fine, but…” Denki rubbed the back of his neck. “Long distance relationships sucked. Jirou moved abroad, and after a year of trying, we both realized it just wasn’t working.” His eyes fell on Izuku. ” And you?”
A beat of silence passed between them before Izuku spoke. He set his cup down, his fingers tracing the rim. “Ever since I became a teacher, I haven't really done anything else not related to my work. It’s like I lost interest in the whole hero world. I mean I'm teaching new generations of heroes, but… ” He stopped not knowing what to say. He bit his lower lip. Kaminari opened up to him and he couldn't even put his thoughts into words. He wanted to share his life with him but he couldn't. What if Kaminari thinks he's a total failure?
“That doesn’t sound like you” Denki tilted his head. He didn't expect to hear such words from someone who was fascinated by heroes and became the best of them. Even if almost no one remembers it anymore. For him Midoriya was the greatest inspiration.
Izuku let out a quiet chuckle, hearing these words made it easier for him to open up. “Yeah, well… things change.” He hesitated a little before adding, “After the whole world saving and losing my quirk it just feels odd. Nothing is the same as before.” He took a sip of his tea. “Todoroki and I went on casual dates for a while, but… there was always something missing. It never really felt like…” He trailed off, shaking his head. “I don’t know.”
Despite so many good memories, his relationship with Todoroki wasn't a bed of roses. At first they got along well, went on dates and even moved in together. But when Todoroki became co-owner of his father's hero agency, he would come back to the apartment pissed at his father. Which affected their relationship. Unfortunately, with each passing month it only got worse. Izuku even though he cared about Todoroki, he couldn't live in such a relationship. In a relationship that only causes him pain. He knew from the beginning that their relationship was not about love but rather about the need to have someone by his side. And he wants something real. Something that will fill his heart.
Denki hummed thoughtfully. “Sounds like we both ended up not working as a hero and being alone, huh?”
Izuku met his gaze, a small shy smile playing on his lips. “Yeah. Guess we did.”
They both smiled at each other, and a comfortable silence fell between them. As they drank their drinks, each of them was lost in their own thoughts for a moment, contemplating the paths their lives had taken.
None of them expected what their lives would turn out like after graduating from UA. Both of them fulfilled their dreams of being heroes, maybe those dreams didn't last as long as they wanted, but at least they helped as many people as they could. They couldn't say they regretted it because it was one of the best things in their lives. And the fact that life continued as it did was not their fault.
For a while they even had someone by their side, but all good things come to an end. That's just the way it is, but maybe there's a solution to make it last longer. To be able to enjoy it as long as possible. To feel loved by someone. And maybe that someone is sitting in front of them.
Denki was the first to break the silence, his smile more playful now. “Well, even if we’re not out there saving the world, I guess we can still keep in touch, right? Catch up every now and then, maybe even grab a drink?”
Izuku nodded, a flash of their past together flashing through his head. Maybe they weren’t that close back then, but maybe it was worth a try. “I’d like that.”
With a shared agreement, they both stood, parting ways for now, but knowing that they’d meet again soon. After all, it would be a shame to lose contact with each other again.
As they walked in opposite directions, Denki tossed a casual wave over his shoulder, his voice carrying back to Izuku. “Don't disappear on me, you’ve got my phone number. You can text me whenever you want.” His grin was wide, eyes twinkling with mischief, as always.
Izuku smiled softly, his heart feeling a little lighter than before. It was strange, how some things just clicked into place after so much time had passed. He hadn’t expected this kind of connection, but it felt good.
As Denki disappeared around the corner, Izuku turned the other way, his thoughts swirling. For years, he hasn't felt so light. He's been devoting all his time to his work and focusing only on it. Maybe it's time to focus on what he wants. What he needs.
He pulled out his phone, hesitating for just a second before typing out a quick message.
“Hey, Kaminari! What do you think about a picnic next weekend?”
A smile appeared on his face as he sent the message. He tucked his phone back into his pocket and looked up at the sky, the sun began to appear from between the clouds, as if to tell him that his life would now become brighter. Maybe the future wouldn’t be all about endless responsibility and being alone. Maybe it would be filled with something else. Something simpler. Something that had always been there but he’d never fully embraced.
Izuku woke up with a quiet sense of anticipation. The memory of their last meeting was still fresh in his mind, but it didn't change the fact that he had been thinking about the next one all week. As the morning light filtered through the curtains, he found himself wondering how today would unfold. His mind was filled with only good thoughts, not like when they met in the cafe, where only bad ones came to him.
He took his tote bag with All Might on it, despite everything it's still his favorite hero, and packed a few things into it. Like some fruit, sandwiches and the chocolate cookies with strawberry topping Kaminari used to love. When he remembered that when Sato was baking them, you could see the sparks of excitement in Denki's eyes, he laughed a little. Maybe today he'll see them again, he thought at the same time as a light blush appeared on his cheeks.
They agreed to meet in the same park they used to go to as teenagers after each of their exams. They took blankets from the dorms, sat on them, ate ice cream bought on the way and talked about various topics, not caring about anything until sunset, when they had to go back to the school grounds. When he remembered those times a smile appeared on his face. He would gladly go back to them and stay there forever, but this is the past that will not come back.
The weather was perfect. It was warm and there was a gentle breeze that gently fluttered the locks of his green hair. As he looked at the tall tree growing in the very center of the park, he heard quiet footsteps behind him, heading in his direction.
“I remember trying to climb that tree, but without using our quirks it wasn't that easy.” A familiar voice reached his ears.
Turning around he was met with the sight of golden eyes and a smile directed at him. Kaminari walked towards him holding a paper bag with mysterious contents in one hand and a blanket under his arm, and in the other he had two bottles, one of water and one of apple juice.
“Yes I remember it being difficult. I think only Shoji managed to actually do it.” Images of the event flashed before his eyes. Despite many attempts, no one other than Shoji had succeeded. Kacchan got so angry that they had to stop him from using his explosion to destroy the tree. He only calmed down when they came up with another tournament, which he won. Thinking about those memories made the smile on his lips grow bigger.
“And that look from Aizawa when we all came back covered in bruises after all those failed attempts.” Just at the memory of that look an unpleasant shiver ran down both of their spines. Aizawa was, and is, a great teacher, but his gaze can strike fear into a person. ”I still see that in my nightmares.”
As they continued talking about times long gone, they began to approach the tree under which they decided to spread a blanket. So many memories that this particular tree brought up made it the perfect spot for their picnic.
"Are these my favorite cookies? The ones that Sato baked every time I managed to get a good score on the tests?" Denki asked as he saw Izuku pull out a container of chocolate cookies with strawberry topping.
At the sight of the same sparkles in Denki's eyes as when he saw those cookies, a smile appeared on Izuku's lips. “Yes, exactly those. I went to his chain of cake shops specifically for them. I wanted to bake them myself, but as you know, that's not exactly my thing.” He said the last sentence with a hint of embarrassment, rubbing the back of his neck with his hand. His culinary skills had stopped at basic things like scrambled eggs, and after the last time he tried to bake something and burned down almost the entire dorm, he never tried it again.
“Oh man please just marry me.” Maybe it was said with a humorous tone, but would any of them be against it if it was serious. For a moment each of them imagined what it would be like to be together. They had just met again, but they felt that it was fate that brought them together. Maybe they weren't that close before, but now with every second spent together, they feel like they can confess everything they've been hiding from others.
Their eyes met, their mouths stretched from ear to ear and their cheeks resembled the color of Mina's skin.
“I’m glad we met again.”
“Me too.”
After a short, pleasant silence caused by their little confession, they returned to their conversation. They talked about literally everything that came to their mind. About their favorite books. About things they have recently bought. About movies they have recently seen. About everything.
Denki, seeing that Izuku's gaze was drifting to the bag he brought, decided to finally reveal the secret of what he brought with him. “So… I don't know if you remember how you and Uraraka once talked about your dream first dates, but I overheard it by accident.”
Izuku's cheeks reddened at the thought that someone had overheard this conversation. He didn't think anyone other than Uraraka would find out about his little dreams of a perfect date, after all it was just a what if. Despite being in a relationship with Todoroki they never came true. He can't even remember if they ever went on a regular date. So the thought that Denki had organized something especially for him ignited something in his heart.
“You said you’d paint each other.” He turned his yellow bag upside down, and its contents landed on the blanket in a small, colorful mess. A scatter of brushes, paint tubes in every color imaginable and a couple of blank canvas that they intend to fill. “That’s a pretty subtle way to say you wanted to look at them a little longer. Isn’t it?” A playful smile appeared on his lips.
At the last sentence Izuku's eyes widened and a slight blush appeared on his cheeks. To answer that question, yes, that was one of the reasons why that was his idea of a perfect date. He has always liked to observe other people, and looking at someone you feel affection for seemed romantic to him. Adding to this painting that person, another thing he has loved since he was a child, only adds to the charm. Through painting he can show how he sees a person. Show them from his perspective. Show every little detail that he loves about that person others don't notice.
“So you're saying it's a date, right?” Not wanting to be the only one blushing, he returned the question with a question, sending his best smile towards Kaminari.
Denki turned his surprised gaze towards Izuku as soon as he heard that, caught off guard and not knowing what to say. His blush, matching the color of Kirishima's hair, was all the confirmation Izuku needed. He wasn’t the only one who’d been hoping this might be a date.
Neither of them would be against it. Both were alone. Both had lost something they had worked half their lives for. Both were no longer heroes. And both wanted someone to surround them with affection. Someone to be there for them. Someone they could spend time with. Someone they could love.
“Only if you wanted.”
“It’s a date then.”
Smiling at each other, they started painting. At first, they started with a few uncertain strokes, but soon they both grew focused and quiet, trying to capture each other as best as they could. Neither said much, but the silence between them felt comfortable.
Izuku’s brow furrowed in concentration. He wanted to capture Denki's appearance as he saw him. As someone who always made you want to smile around him. His smile was contagious. Whenever he was in a bad mood at UA, all he had to do was look at him and his mind would immediately light up. Not only did his smile brighten the day, but also his eyes. Warm, golden, full of light, as if they were hiding rays of the sun. Looking into them, you had the impression that the world around you stopped for a moment. Silver earrings, simple yet eye-catching, swayed slightly with every movement. Their cool glow contrasted with the warmth of his gaze, adding something elusive, almost hypnotic. And when the wind moved his golden hair, they seemed like a halo. They gave him a truly angelic appearance. Only then did he realize how hard it was to look away from him as if he were drawing attention to himself unconsciously, effortlessly, yet completely.
And at that moment, as Izuku was lost in his thoughts, Denki kept sneaking glances over the top of his canvas, as if trying to memorize not just the shape of Izuku's face, but the way it softened when he smiled. He felt as if every smile, every change in his facial expression was something special and he couldn't ignore it. With every smile he turned his gaze to his cheek, where freckles were visible like stars. Freckles just waiting for someone to exploit them, combining them into constellations. The other cheek was decorated with a scar. A scar that was a trace of struggle and survival. A scar that spoke of his strength and perseverance. A scar that, despite being imperfect, was full of meaning. It did not take away from his charm, in fact he could say that it enhanced it. The green color of his eyes gave the impression of walking among the treetops. They gave the feeling that you could handle anything, even though they had lost their former shine that was visible every time you looked at him. Denki wanted to make that shine return to them again. For the old sparks to start dancing in those beautiful, green eyes again. And he had the impression that he would succeed, because he could already see tiny sparks in them. Sparks of hope for something new, something better.
As the final brushstrokes are placed, they both turn their gaze to each other. Light smiles appear on their faces, as they put down their brushes, their hands accidentally touch, leaving a trail of colored paint on their palms. Their smiles stretched even wider. For a moment they remained in complete silence, broken only by the barking of a dog playing nearby. They didn’t need words at that moment, everything they wanted to say to the other person they had included on their canvas.
The sun began to set, hiding its glow behind the horizon. It was getting darker and the cold wind began to caress their bare skin. The goosebumps that appeared on their arms made them decide to end their meeting. A meeting neither of them really wanted to end.
“Is it too soon to say that you’re my favorite part of this year?” As soon as those words left Izuku's mouth he smiled as wide as he could, turning his gaze to Denki.
Denki felt like he was a kid again, when he lost control of his body every time he used his quirk. He was a flirty type but every time he heard flirting in Izuku's words his heart would stop for a moment. The moment, although short, meant more to him than he himself expected. After breaking up with Kyoka, the love of his life as he thought, he didn't expect to feel anything for someone again. Someone from his past. Someone who stands in front of him. Someone whose smile makes him want to smile. Someone who understands him.
While Denki remained in his fried brain state, sparks flickering in his hair, Izuku slowly started to walk away from him. After a few dozen steps, he turned back and gave him a small wave, the same smile on his face. It took a second, but finally Denki’s eyes regained focus. Realizing what was happening, he gave a goofy smile and returned the wave.
Their thoughts were filled with each other as they each went their separate ways. The sound of retreating footsteps filled the silence surrounding the park where they had spent a few wonderful hours. The air still echoed with the moments they had shared, moments that had been their present just a moment ago, and were now just the past. But they were certain that soon they would spend even more moments together. Moments filled with conversation. Moments filled with their laughter. Moments they would not want to end.
And they were right, because in the following months they met often, creating a lot of memories together. Going to the cinema to see the new All Might biopic ended with a night of action movies and even though they both had work in the morning they didn't regret that decision. Going to a modern art gallery ended with them being thrown out of the exhibition because Denki accidentally sat on a chair that turned out to be one of the sculptures. Going to see the stars ended with both of them catching a cold because they didn't expect it to be so cold and didn't bring anything warmer. Going to the arcade ended after an hour because due to Izuku analyzing each of the machines, which made him win every game, they were thrown out. And many, many other going outs that ended with memories that will be remembered for many, many years.
“You've been smiling more often lately.” He was torn from his thoughts about his time with Kaminari by Nezu's voice coming from behind him. It was only then that he realized he was smiling. It didn't bother him. A few months ago, he wouldn't have thought he'd still be able to smile so often and sincerely.
“Really?” He looked down at his hands, still holding the test of one of the students he was grading, before his thoughts drifted to the world of memories.
“Did something happen, or maybe someone?” There was a hint of teasing in Nezu’s voice. But beneath that apparent lightness was a keen observation, as always, nothing escapes his gaze.
“Someone.” Someone who makes a smile grow on his face. Someone who can make him laugh. Someone who listens to him even when he starts blabbering. Someone who can comfort him when sadness creeps back into his heart. Someone who makes him stop hating his scars. Someone who connects the freckles on his body into a constellation. Someone he never expected to meet again in his life.
Nezu hadn't seen such a sincere smile on Izuku's face in a long time. A smile that reached the corners of his eyes, lighting up his whole face. There was no longer a shadow of sadness in his gaze, instead sparks of true happiness were smoldering in it. At this sight, Nezu's heart was filled with warmth. He felt pride and emotion, seeing that Izuku, whom he had taken under his wing and treated almost like his own son, had found someone thanks to whom he had found the happiness in himself that he had once seemed to have lost.
Izuku himself had been feeling happiness spreading throughout his entire body for several months. His feelings for Kaminari weren't just infatuation, but something deeper. Thanks to him, he felt that the world was no longer a burden, but a place he wanted to be. His presence in his life was like a light that slowly but surely brightened every corner of his everyday life.
His thoughts wandered back to Kaminari, to the moment that only made him more aware of how happy he was, to that look that had awakened something in him. The memory of that day, even though weeks had passed, was still vivid and clear, as if it had been recorded somewhere deep under his skin. It was then that he felt that something had changed, that hope had quietly started entering his life.
As Izuku looked at Kaminari, something in his chest stirred. A feeling he hadn’t experienced in a long time. Maybe, just maybe, this was a sign. A reminder that no matter how bad he feels, there are still chances for something good to happen. Perhaps meeting Denki again wasn’t just a coincidence. Maybe this was the spark that would bring a little light back into his life.
When he kissed Denki the world around them felt a little less heavy, as if the connection between them had opened a new chapter, one filled with happiness. And it was the best feeling he’s felt since he saved the world and lost his quirk. Now someone else saved his world and he got something more valuable. The feeling of not being alone anymore.
Their meeting could be summed up in one word. Serendipity.
