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The September air felt fresh and relaxing against his face as Izuku stared off in the distance. He was standing on top of his middle school’s roof, watching as the fall leaves fell across the courtyard. To him, the view was spectacular. He’d always loved the soft weather and gentle aura that this season brought. It was peaceful and meant the year was coming to an end, which would normally excite him. However, he could only think about how hard his final year in middle school had been.
Bakugo’s bullying had gotten worse, much to Izuku’s dismay. Lately, the boy’s words had grown harsher and his physical attacks on him had become more painful. Izuku couldn’t understand why his childhood friend’s attitude towards him had turned so bitter. It wasn’t like he did anything wrong! Izuku wracked his brain, trying to remember if he’d said or done something. Yet, no matter how much he thought it over, Izuku couldn’t think of anything that justified Bakugo’s attitude. But existing - especially as a quirkless individual - seemed to be enough for Bakugo to turn his back on Izuku. It was enough for him to confidently destroy Izuku’s self worth, from his petty insults to going as far as throwing Izuku’s hero notebook out the window. Bakugo never missed an opportunity to beat him down and remind him how worthless he supposedly was.
It wasn’t fair, honestly. It wasn’t his fault he was born quirkless! Izuku never asked for that, especially since he had always wanted to become a hero. He wanted to help people and he still possibly could. There were always jobs such as police officers and doctors, but it wouldn’t be the same as being a hero.
He looked up into the sky, watching as the clouds rolled by. A distant shout pulled him back into reality. He realized he could hear the chatter of people below, glancing down to see students slowly file out of the school. He hadn’t heard the bell ring and pulled out his phone to check the time. To his surprise, the bell had rung three minutes ago but he’d just been too lost in thought to hear it. The students began to disperse and turn their own separate ways, oblivious to the young boy watching them from above.
The students continued to file out of the school, splitting off into separate friend groups as they made their way home. He watched as they continued on, splitting into separate groups and fading into the distance. Deku briefly wondered what these kids’ had going on in their lives and if they felt the same way he did. Were they also up at all hours of the night, wondering if their lives were even worth it anymore? Did they question their entire existence? Did they have their notes ready to go? He really hoped not, as he wouldn’t wish this feeling upon anyone. Even Bakugo, despite his countless taunts.
A memory flashed through his mind, back to a much simpler time. His mother stood at the stove, humming to herself as she cooked dinner for them. He smiled faintly, turning as the sliding door began to open. A smaller and much younger version of himself darted into the room with an excited grin on his face. “C’mon mom! It’s computer time!” His younger self exclaimed, almost vibrating with excitement. His mother turned to him, a similar smile on her face.
At that moment, a wave of sadness washed over Deku. He began to think about what it would be like for his mother if he died. Would she still hum to herself in the kitchen after this? He doubted it. The logical side of him knew she would be devastated and never forgive herself, but it was all too much. The memory began to blur and Deku realized he’d been crying. I’m sorry mom.
Deku sighed, waiting for the final crowd of students to gain some distance between them and the school. He didn’t want anyone to see what he was about to do, nor did he want to traumatize his schoolmates. Closing his tired green eyes, he inhaled deeply and stepped onto the ledge of the building. The tips of his shoes dangled off, giving Deku a sense of the freedom that felt so close, yet so final. The breeze felt nice against his flushed skin and it brought him a moment of peace, which he hoped would follow him in the next life. I really tried… He wavered for a moment, hoping for a reason to not do it. But nothing came. With one final inhale, he stepped off the ledge.
That day, Izuku Midoriya fell to his death.