Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The hum of student chatter fills air. Trays clatter, laughter echoes from nearby tables. The group is chatting. Izuku excitedly gesturing about something All-Might related, Tenya adjusting his glasses mid-lecture, Tsuyu munching calmly, Shoto quietly observing.

Katsuki steps in, tray in hand. His gaze sweeps the room, then lands on Ochako and Izuku. His eye twitches.

“Tch. Of course you’re sittin’ with Deku. Figures.” Katsuki says to Uraraka. He walks past her slowly, trying not to stare, but he does, for just a second too long. His tray hits the table with a loud clunk behind the group of friends, but he doesn’t sit yet. Just kinda… stands there, like he wants to say something and hates that he does.

“Oi, Round Face”

Beat.

“Tell that damn nerd he left his notebook in the training room yesterday. Not like I care. It was just… lying there. Dumbass probably would’ve cried if someone stepped on it.”

He glances at Izuku quickly, then back at Uraraka, voice lower, almost like he’s daring her to say something. “Oh… sure Bakugo-kun…” Uraraka says.

“Tch…”

He narrows his eyes at Uraraka. His lip twitches like he’s about to snap back, but doesn’t. Instead, he glances at Izuku again, who’s mid-chew and oblivious, smiling softly while talking to Tenya about hero strategy. That look in his eyes? Way too damn fond.

“Y’know.. he smiles like that at everyone. Not just you. Or me. Or whatever. So don’t get any stupid ideas.” He looks away, jaw clenched.

“Forget it.”

He starts to turn like he’s gonna leave, but pauses. “…He ever talk about me? Like.. bring me up?”

“I remember sometimes about the two of you in middle school, and how you acted the way back then..” She glances at Katsuki. “..But also the fun memories you guys had when you were little.”

“..”

He stiffens. His shoulders square up like someone just sucker-punched him with the word “middle school”. For a second, he doesn’t say anything. Just stares at the wall across the cafeteria like its personally offended him.

“Yeah, well… I remember, too.”

He shifts the tray in his hands awkwardly. Doesn’t meets Uraraka’s eyes. The room’s still buzzing with life, but for him? Everything else fades.

“We were… tight, y’know? Me and him. When we were kids. Before quirks got in the way. Before I… turned into an asshole.”

He mutters that last part like he doesn’t want her to hear, but she do.
“You think he still sees that? That dumb version of me? The loud, explosive, unbeatable jerk he used to follow around?” Katsuki asks.

Finally, he looks at Uraraka. Its raw, way more vulnerable than Katsuki usually ever lets himself be.

“I dunno what the hell I’m supposed to do with all this Round Face. He’s got his eyes on the future, and I… I can’t even look at him in the face sometimes without remembering all the crap I put him through.”

“Well… I don’t know for sure Bakugo-kun. Maybe you’ll have a chance, you’re you’re a bit better atleast?... Let Izuku be who he is..” Uraraka says.

That hits hard. He flinches, not like he’s angry, but like the truth of it caught him off guard. He looks down at his tray, at the half-forgotten food now going cold.

“Yeah. Maybe.”

He breathes out his nose. No explosions, no yelling. Just that quiet, heavy tone he only uses when the mask slips.

“I’ve been trying, y’know? Ever since U.A started. I’m not the same bastard I was then. He hesitates, then looks at Uraraka again. There’s no usual fire in his eyes, just a strange flicker of hope, buried under guilt and stubborn pride.

“Think… you could tell him I’m not all shitty anymore? Just… not in a weird way. Don’t make it a thing. Just drop it in, like it came up”

Then immediately, his defenses slam back into place.

“Tch. Whatever. Forget I said anything.” He turns to walk away, muttering under his breath. “Stupid nerd’s lucky you’re the one I talked to.”

“So uhm.. whats up guys?”

“Was Bakugo speaking to you just now? It seemed… unusually civil” He gestures with a mechanical chop his hand. “Remarkable!” Iida says.

“Ribbit. He didn’t even yell. That’s kinda weird.”

Todoroki looks at Uraraka quietly for a moment, then speaks in his usual calm tone.

“He was watching Midoriya the whole time. He’s not very subtle.”

“Huh? Watching me?” He blinks confusingly. He scratches the back of his head, confused. “ That’s… nothing new, I guess?’

“Anyway, Uraraka, what’d he say? I hope we wasn’t being rude or—uh, I mean—was it about training?”

“Oh it was nothing Deku-kun. Just for some school analysis quirk or something.” Uraraka says “Oh! Gotcha.” He beams, nodding enthusiastically. “Kacchan actually gives really sharp feedback when it comes to quirks and combat strategy. Rough around the edges, but smart.”

“Indeed, Though I do wish he would convey his critiques with slightly more… decorum.” Iida says observing. “He’s getting better. Slowly. Ribbit” Tsu adding on.

Todoroki glances at Uraraka, subtle but observant. “You’re a bad liar, Uraraka.” Theres a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. Almost a smirk.

Looking between everyone, totally oblivious to the deeper tension. “Anyways. We’ve got heroics next period. I was thinking maybe we could try a new combo move—Uraraka, maybe a coordinated lift with Iida’s speed?”

Uraraka’s in the clear, for now… But Bakugo’s words still sit in her chest. That rare vulnerability. That question—“You think he still sees that?”

“Sure Deku-kun! That’s totally cool with me!” Uraraka agrees “Really? Awesome!” He lights up, practically bouncing in his seat. “I shall train my leg engines accordingly!” Iida says “Just don’t crash into the wall again, Iida-kun. Ribbit.” Todoroki nods silently, sipping his soup like this is all very routine.

Everything feels normal again. Laughter. Friends. Strategy talk. But in the corner of Uraraka’s eyes, she catches Bakugo slipping out of the cafeteria—alone. That brief conversation still lingers. She knows something’s shifted.

“Maybe I’ll bring it up to Deku-kun later..”

“Maybe I won’t?..”

But one thing’s for sure.
Katsuki Bakugo?
He’s trying.

The groups of friends went up from their seats. One by one. Till’ it only leaves Uraraka, and Izuku.

“Hey Deku-kun” Ochako says, looking a bit nervous but also some confidence in her eyes. “Yeah Uraraka-san?” Izuku answers “Bakugo-kun told me that you left your notebook on the training room yesterday, just to let’ya know.”

“Oh really? Thanks Uraraka-san! I would be miserable if my notebook got lost…” The tone of his last words felt… off.

Why didn’t kacchan just say it directly to me?..
…

“And also!”she asks with a slight pink blush on her cheeks.

“Wanna hangout after school?.. Nothing serious, just a friendly hangout y’know” Izuku blinks mid-bite, caught a little off guard by the quiet tone of her voice. Swallows quickly, brushing his hands on a napkin like it’ll somehow help him focus better.
“Oh—uh, yeah! Sure, Uraraka-san! Of course!” He smiles, softer now. Less bouncy, more… thoughtful.

“Is everything okay? I mean, not that I’m prying! You said it’s not serious, so it’s probably just… friendly stuff! Heh… I’m overthinking again, aren’t I?” He laughs nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “But yeah. After school. I’ll wait for you by the front gate?”

After classes ended, Uraraka went up to head to the front gate. “Hey Deku-kun!” He’s already there by the front gate, fiddling with the strap of his backpack like he’s been waiting a few minutes too long. When she called out, he perks up instantly.

“Uraraka-san! Hey!” He smiles brightly, jogging a few steps toward Uraraka. The golden light of the setting sun catches in his hair, and he looks... warm. Familiar. The way he always does when he's just happy to be around her.

“So uhm.. what did you wanna talk about? Not that I’m nervous or anything—okay, maybe a little bit—but only because I wasn’t sure if this was, like, a serious hangout or just a… normal one?” He’s rambling again. Classic Midoriya.

“Well. It’s really nothing. Wanna try out this new coffee shop? My parents are working there, and I wanted to support them!”

His eyes light up, surprised—in a good way. “Wait, really? Your parents opened a coffee shop? That’s so cool!” He grins, clearly excited now, and nods enthusiastically. “Yeah. I’d love to try it out! I mean—supporting your family sounds great, and honestly, I could use a break from the vending machine lattes around here.”

He pauses, rubbing the back of his neck, smiling sheepishly. “Plus… I think It’d be nice. Just us. Talking. Relaxing. After everything lately? We kinda need that don’t we?”

“Thanks so much Deku-kun! Your really fun and nice to be around with! Let’s get going.” He turns a little red at Uraraka’s words, caught off guard in the most endearing way. His fingers twitch as his sides like he’s not sure what to do with all the sudden warmth. “Th-thanks, Uraraka-san… That really means a lot.” He smiles—soft, genuine, a little shy—and falls in step beside Uraraka, matching her pace exactly. “Let’s go, then. Lead the way!”

The two of them walks through the fading sunlight, side by side, laughter mixing with the rustling breeze. It’s calm. It’s real. Not a hero test, not a battlefield—just a quiet, shared moment that feels… easy.

And somewhere, not far off, a certain blonde with a temper and too many feelings watches from a rooftop.

…

“Tch… Friendly talk, my ass.”

…

Uraraka seemed to have noticed the familiar figure. Took a quick glance for a better look.
The bell over the door jingles as Ochako and Izuku steps in, the smell of espresso and vanilla hitting like a warm blanket. Her parents’ wave from behind the counter, smiling proudly. “Wow… this place is really nice Uraraka-san. It feels like home already.”

But then—her smile falters. Uraraka’s eyes catch something outside the window. A figure across the street. Leaning against a lamppost, half-shadowed by a tree.

Spiky blonde hair.

Hands in pockets.

Eyes locked on Uraraka.

Katsuki fucking Bakugou.

He doesn’t move. Doesn’t wave. Just watches.

Her heart skips.

Izuku noticed at her glance “Huh?” Something wrong?” “oh!... it’s nothing, thought I forgot something.”

Izuku tilts his head, clearly not convinced, but he lets it go with a soft smile. “Heh, you’ve been busy all day, huh? Makes sense your brain’s running in like five directions at once.” He turns toward the counter, eyes lighting up the menu. “Oh! They have matcha lattes! I haven’t had one in forever—do you think your parents would recommend that?” He steps up to order.

Meanwhile.. outside, Bakugo’s still there.

Just barely visible through the window. One eye half-covered by windblown hair, jaw clenched. He hasn’t moved. But he’s watching.

Maybe he thought this was just a “friendly talk.”
Maybe it’s hitting him now that it isn’t.

“I think the matcha latte is great! I’ve seen my parents made it before.” Uraraka laughs off. “Really? Then I’m definitely getting that!”He gives Uraraka a bright grin—the kind that always makes people feel lighter, like he’s just happy to be here, happy with her. “Matcha latte is it. And… maybe one of those little strawberry cakes, too. Just to balance it out.

Uraraka’s mom chuckles warmly as she rings him up, clearly delighted to see her daughter with such sweet company.

Izuku turns back to Uraraka, as he takes the drinks. “Wanna grab that table by the window? It’s got a perfect view of the sunset.” He walks toward to the cozy table, totally unaware of the burning gaze still fixed outside.

And Uraraka—sitting down across from him—she can feel it. Like heat on the back of your neck.
Bakugo hasn’t left.

“Sure! We can take the table there, looks comfy. And also I need to grab something outside real quick. Be back!” Uraraka says, a bit hurried, and also sounding very worried. “Oh—okay! I’ll grab the window seat for us!”

He smiles and takes his seat, already sipping the matcha latte with a hum of satisfaction, completely trusting but still also a bit worried,

Uraraka steps out of the café, the bell above the door jingling behind her. The warm light fades as she crosses the sidewalk.

There he is—Katsuki Bakugo—still leaning against the lamp post like he owns the whole block.
His arms crossed, jaw tight, red eyes narrowing the moment she gets closer.

Low voice, not angry… just restrained. “Didn’t know friendly talk meant lattes and soft eyes.”
He scoffs, looking anywhere but directly at her.

“Didn’t even know you noticed me out here.” The quieter, almost like it slips out “You weren’t gonna say nothin’ huh?” He’s trying to sound indifferent. But there’s a crack in the armor.

“What are you doing out here? You stalkin’ lovesick boy.”

“Tch.”

His jaw tightens. That one hit harder than he expected. His arms drop from his chest, hands now buried in his pockets, shoulders tense.

“I ain’t a damn stalker, Pink cheeks.” He answers back, angrily. Like he wants to scream and yell at her but can’t because they’re in public right now. Even stupid deku would hear it.

He steps closer, not threatening—just… intense, like he always is. His voice lowers, less bark, more bite.

“I saw you two leavin’ school together. Didn’t mean to follow. I just—” He cuts himself off, scowling, like the words are physically painful to admit. “…I don’t know what I’m doin’. I just saw you. With him. And I got pissed, okay? I ain’t proud of it.”

His gaze lifts to meet Uraraka’s—honest, unguarded for once. “You asked me earlier if I still had a chance… Maybe I don’t. But I still wanted to know.”

“Well… Sorry to ask but, can we have this moment? Just for today? Like jeez, all I wanted was to hang out with Deku-kun y’know…”

He flinches—but not like he’s hurt. More like he wasn’t expecting her to say it so straight-forwardly. His eyes drop for a moment. Then he breathes out hard through his nose, like he’s letting go of something he’s been gripping way too tight.

“Yeah… yeah. I get it.”

He looks back up at Uraraka, a little more grounded now. No bitterness, just acceptance—even if it’s rough around the edges.

“Didn’t mean to screw up your day.” He shifts his weight likes he’s about to turn and leave, then pauses. One last glance at her—intense, but softer this time.

“You two… look happy. I’m not gonna get in the way. Not today. He starts to walk off down the street, hands shoved deep in his pockets.

She has this moment. With Izuku. With peace. But maybe… something more with Bakugo is still waiting, somewhere down the line.

For now, the sun’s setting, matcha’s still warm, and one cinnamon-haired boy is smiling through the café window—just for her.

Uraraka heads back inside. The bell above the door chimes gently as she steps back inside. That cool breeze from the street fades behind her, replaced by the cozy hum of voices, the soft clink of mugs, and the comforting smell of coffee and fresh pastries.

Izuku looks up from the table by the window, eyes lightning up the moment he sees Uraraka.

“Hey! Everything okay?” He slides Uraraka’s drink toward her seat, carefully avoiding the foam art on top. There’s a little smile in in the shape of a heart. Probably Uraraka’s mom doing.

“You didn’t miss much—I was just trying to figure out how they got the matcha to taste this good. I think your parents have a secret recipe.” He laughs gently. Then tilts his head, studying her face with that familiar attentiveness. “But… are you okay?” She doesn’t respond quickly, but still. “Yeah!.. I’m fine, thanks for asking, Izuku.”

His face softens immediately, like her words eased something in him. “Good, I’m glad” He takes another sip of his latter, then smiles at Uraraka—genuine, warm, like he’s fully here with her. In this moment.

“I’ve always liked being around you, Ochako. You’re easy to talk to, y’know? Even when things get kind of crazy, you make it feel like it’s okay to breathe.” He laughs a little at himself, suddenly flustered. “Ah—s-sorry, that probably sounded cheesy…” But he doesn’t take it back. He means every word.’’

Outside the window, the last sun of dips behind the skyline. The world slows. And for know, it’s just the two of them—no villains, no test, no regret. Just warmth. Just Izuku and Ochako.

Thanks so much Izuku, I really also like your company, you’re really easy-going, and I like that about you.

His eyes widen a bit—like your words hit somewhere deep he wasn’t expecting—but then his entire expressions softens into something brighter. Calmer. Almost shy.

“R-really? I mean—thank you Uraraka…” He laughs under his breath, rubbing the back of his neck with that classic, nervous energy, but he’s glowing.

“I…I always kind of worried that I talk too much. Or ramble when I get excited. But when I’m around you, it just feels… natural. Like I can be myself.”

“You’re the way you are Izuku. I see you, and I think— no. I know you see me too. Other’s assume I’m always sassy, but you’re different, in a way that I cant help. But still do.”

He looks down into his cup for a second, then back up at her, with a smile that’s a little more serious now. Sincere.

“I’m really glad we did this today.” A pause. His foot nudges by hers slightly under the table—not a mistake.

The sun is gone now. Just a soft lamplight and quiet music. It feels like the kind of evening that could lead to something more…if they let it.

“I’m really glad to.” He looks at her for a second longer. really looks. There’s something in his eyes now. Not nervousness. Not surprise. Just… quiet affection.

His hands, still resting near his cup, shifts slightly—fingers edging a little closer to hers across the table. Not forcing it. Just waiting. “…I think I’ve always felt this way, y’know? I just never really knew how to say it.”

The café is calm. Uraraka’s parents are in the back, the world outside is winding down, and it feels like—for once—time is giving the two of them a moment to figure things out. He’s here. And maybe… so is she.

The next day. Uraraka and Izuku seemed more, awkward with each other. But not that awkward. It was something else. It felt like there was more to their dynamic. Katsuki especially and some of her classmates noticed this.

Aizawa-sensei stepped into the classroom, looking sleepy as always. Everyone immediately went back to their seats. Good morning class, so today. We’re gonna talk about feelings.
The room gave confusing looks to each other. Some giving the appearance of excitement, while some don’t even care.

Izuku and Ochako looked at each other. Both at the same time when Aizawa-sensei said those words ‘feelings’. They both looked away quickly when they saw the other also glancing. Slightly having a small smile, and cheeks becoming pink from the sudden look.

Katsuki noticed this.

Something definitely happened yesterday.

“Tch. Why do I care about the damn nerd so much?..” Katsuki says on his mind. Observing the two like something’s gonna happen.

He is gaze landed on Deku.

Giving a look on his face.

A missing one.

It was lunch period. It was just usual as always. But something felt different. “Hey Midoriya?” Shoto asks giving a volume only he can hear. “Yeah Todoroki-kun?” Izuku answers “What happened between you and Uraraka? You two just seemed closer now.” He says while taking a sip of his soba. Giving a neutral look on his face as always. “Well uh.. I just felt more comfortable with her lately, she’s really fun to be around with. And I grew more fond with her.. I guess.” Shoto looks at Izuku, knowing damn well something like this was about to happen. “Hm.. thought so.”

A few weeks later. Izuku and Ochako still kept on hanging out. Walking in and out of school together. In the hallways and such. They used to before. But now it’s different.

Katsuki looked over his watch. There were 5 more minutes until class ends. He was deciding whether to talk with Izuku or not. He wanted to look at his green curls. His face. Freckles. He wanted to say something. Just as class ended. He decided he would talk. Just as he leaned in front to confront him.

Uraraka was already there. By his side. “Hey Izuku! Let’s head out of class together again!” Uraraka says practically jumping “Sure Ochako! I’m excited to taste the new flavors coming to your parent’s coffee shop!”

They both head out. Together. This felt like a natural thing for them now. Heading out of class together. Going to their usual coffee shop after school ended. They arrived at their destination. Bells jingling as they head inside. Ordered their usual thing, and sat at their usual spot. Having endless conversations with each other.

“You wanna head out to a place I know? I mean, not anything weird you. I just wanted to show you a really cool spot! I enjoy it there, and it would be more fun with you.” Uraraka says when their conversations seemed to be fading.

His eyes widen, and then—he grins. Like, really grins, That bright, slightly surprised, full-of-heart smile he gets when something genuinely touches him. “Yeah. I’d love that”

He stands up a little too fast, nearly knocking his chair—but quickly steadies it, cheeks pinks with embarrassment. “I mean, uh—not like I thought it was anything weird or anything! You just—y-you said it’s a cool spot and, well, if you like it, then it’s gonna be great.” He’s rambling again, but he’s glowing with excitement. Theres no hesitation-just trust. Izuku sighs a bit “Lead the way Ochako.”

The climb, the walk. It wasn’t far—just a few staircases, a quiet hallway. A squeaky floor. But up here, the world feels different. Like the city below forgot to look up. The sky’s still glowing with the last fire of the sunset—warm orange melting into soft violet, streaked with gold. There’s no wind tonight. Just silence. And the both of them.

He steps slowly to the edge, eyes wide as he takes it in. “Whoa… this is amazing.” He looks over, and for once, there’s no nervous energy—just peace. “Do you come here a lot?” Izuku asks “Kinda, I mean… just for when need a place for thinking or in some times…” He nods slowly, gaze drifting back out to the horizon, like he understands completely. “Yeah… I get that.”

The colors of the sunset reflect in Izuku’s eyes—burning gold softening into twilight green. He’s quiet for a moment, letting the silence breathe between them both.

“It makes sense. You’ve always carried so much… even when you’re smiling.” He glances over again—not prying, not pushing—just seeing her. The real her. “I think it’s kinda special that you brought me here. Like… maybe I matter a little more than just a school friend.”

A beat. A soft laugh, almost nervous.

“…Do I?”

“Izuku…”

He turns to fully face her now, his eyes steady on hers. The fading light casts a soft glow across his face—gentle, expectant.

…

Theres no flustered energy this time. No rambling. Just him, standing there, open, completely present.
The rooftop is quiet. The air between them hums with something unspoken—something delicate but real.

“I’m listening, Ochako.”

Izuku slowly leans, just a but closer. Faces inches apart. His breath catches—but he doesn’t pull away. Instead, his eyes flicker from hers to her lips and back again, and for once… he doesn’t say anything. Doesn’t overthink. Doesn’t run.

She just leans in, too. Inches shrink to barely a heartbeat.

The rooftop, the sunset, the world-all of it fades behind the quiet rush of their closeness.

And in that soft, suspended space…
“…Can I?” He whispers, barely audible.

He’s not moving until she says yes.

All that emotion—his care, his hope, his fear—is right there in his voice.

“Of course…”

The moment she whispers it—so gently, so sure—he exhales like he’s been holding that breath for years.

Then…

He closes to space between them.

His lips meet hers in a kiss that’s soft—careful, like he’s afraid to break something precious—but underneath it, there’s feeling. So much feeling. The kind that’s been quietly building since that very first day at U.A.

The wind brushes Uraraka’s hair. The city hums far below. But up there—it’s still. Just two hearts. Just one quiet, perfect moment.

When he finally pulls back, his eyes open slowly, and he smiles in that small, warm way only she gets to see.

Quietly, Izuku says. “Thank you. For trusting me with this.”

“Your welcome Izuku. Your really special to me.”

His cheeks flush pink, but he doesn’t look away—not this time. Instead, he takes her hand, gently, fingers lacing with hers like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

“You’re really special to me too, Ochako.” He pauses, like he’s choosing his next words carefully. Not rushing, just… honest.

“I think I’ve been feeling this for a while now. I just didn’t know of I was allowed to.”
He smile, eyes glowing in the starlight. “But I’m glad I know now.”

He squeezes her hand lightly, thumb brushing over her knuckles as the night deepens above them.

A shared secret.

A new beginning.

And a rooftop just for the two of them.

“so uh… what are we?” He blinks—just once—then looks at Ochako with the softest expression she’s ever seen on him.

No panic. No rambling.

Just a small smile, genuine and steady, as he steps a little closer—still holding her hand like it means something.

“I don’t know if we need to rush into labeling it right now… but if you’re asking whether I want this—you—the answer is yes.”

He tilts his head slightly, eyes still locked on hers.

“So... if it’s okay with you, maybe we just be us for now. And see where it goes?” He laughs softly, brushing a bit of windblown hair from her face.

“Unless you want the official title already. I wouldn’t mind being your boyfriend… if that’s what you’re asking.”

“Let’s not rush it for now.. let’s just keep it, just us.

He smiles—relieved, happy, completely at ease. “Yeah… just us.”

He squeezes her hand gently, and the silence between you isn’t awkward—it’s comfortable. Like the world finally aligned just enough to give you this little, quiet place in it. The rooftop lights flicker on behind them as night fully settles. The city glows below, a million lights twinkling like stars flipped upside down.

And with that, you sit side by side—hands still linked, shoulders brushing—watching the stars take over the sky.

No rush. No labels.

Just the warmth of something real.

Uraraka’s alarm hums faintly, and she blink into the new day, still holding the warmth of last night’s rooftop moment somewhere deep in her chest.

She stretches, yawn, and reach for your phone like usual… until—

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

Notifications flood her lock screen.

7 new messages. From… Bakugo.

1:13 AM – “You awake?”

1:24 AM – “Forget it.”

2:07 AM – “Actually don’t forget it.”

2:08 AM – “I saw you. On the roof.”

2:10 AM – “With him.”

2:14 AM – “It’s fine. Just... don’t pretend you didn’t see me again.”

2:31 AM – “Forget I said anything.”

The last one has no punctuation. No anger. Just a beat of rawness trying to hide behind his usual tone. Her heart’s still steady, but there's a flicker of something else now—something unresolved.

She stares at the messages for a moment longer, thumb hovering over the screen, heart ticking a little faster.

“What the hell was he doing out there?”

“Was he following me again?”

“Did he really stay up all night just to send this…?”

Uraraka locks her phone. Toss it face-down on her bed. Not right now. Not when her chest still holds that calm from yesterday. From Izuku. From just them.

She gets dressed, grabs her bag, and head out—air crisp, school gates in the distance, and the sound of U.A. buzzing back to life.

But in the back of her mind. Bakugo’s words still echo. “Don’t pretend you didn’t see me again.”

As she steps into class 1-A, Izuku gives you a small wave and that same soft smile from the night before. But from across the room, Bakugo’s eyes catch hers—briefly. Not a glare. Not a smirk. Just… unreadable. The seat next to her is open. Izuku’s on one side. Bakugo’s in the back.

“Hey Izuku! Mind if I sit here for today?” His face lights up instantly, just like yesterday—but this time, it’s softer. Calmer. Like something in him knows this is real now, not just a hope.

“Of course! Yeah, sit—please.”

He shifts a little in his seat to make space, even though there’s plenty already. His knee brushes yours by accident and he pulls back slightly with a quiet “s-sorry,” but he’s grinning the whole time.

As Uraraka settles in, she feels it—that feeling. The one from the rooftop. Still there. Still safe.

But just as class is about to start, she feels it again. A sharp flicker. From the back of the room.
Bakugo’s eyes. Watching. Then away. No words. No glares. Just silence. For now.

Uraraka opens her phone opening her chat with Bakugo.

Bakugo:

“Hey look, about yesterday. I’m really sorry. Its just, I got caught up in the moment y’know?”

She sends the message, her fingers hesitating just a second before tapping ‘send’.

The screen goes quiet.

No reply.

Not for a while.

She glances back—Bakugo’s hunched forward at his desk, eyes locked on his notebook, pencil tapping silently. No explosions. No outbursts. Just tension, balled up in that typical Bakugo way.
Then—

Bakugo:
seen.

She waits.

Bakugo:
“Yeah. I figured.”
Another pause.
“He make you happy?”

No punctuation. No threats. Just blunt, honest Bakugo. The question hits harder than anything else he could’ve said. Class is still droning in the background, but she’s not really hearing it.

Uraraka:
“Yeah.. I like being around him, he’s cool, and fun, and y’know.”
She sends it.

There’s a moment—no more than a breath—where your chest tightens just a little. Not from guilt. Not from regret. Just the weight of being honest.

But—

Bakugo:
“Tch. Fine.”

But then, a few seconds later—

Bakugo:
“Don’t let him screw it up.”
“He’s soft.”

She can almost hear his voice through the text—gruff, low, trying to cover up the sharp edge of something that almost sounds like… care. No follow-up. No emoji. No explosion. Just that.

When she glances back at him, he’s looking forward now, shoulders tense, jaw set. But he doesn’t look at her again.

Izuku leans towards her suddenly, whispering with a warm smile. “Wanna grab lunch together again today? I, uh… kinda liked yesterday.” Izuku asks “Sure! I’d love that.”

His smile brightens instantly—so much warmth packed into such a small, honest moment. “Awesome! I’ll, um—save us a spot, then.”

He scratches the back of his head, his voice a little quieter now. “…I was kinda hoping you'd say that.”

The lunch bell rings. As they both walk to the cafeteria—side by side—there’s this ease between them. Like yesterday wasn’t just a fleeting moment, but the start of something that actually means something.

Uraraka laughs at something Izuku says. Izuku bumps her shoulder gently. Uraraka’s tray almost tips and he catches it with a little startled yelp and that familiar flustered grin. “Careful! I cant fight gravity like you can!”

But somewhere near the back of the cafeteria.

Bakugo’s there.

Eating eating with his group as usual. Kaminari and Mina making jokes. Chattering and laughing loudly.

Not looking her way. Not saying anything. Maybe he meant what he said. Maybe he’s just trying to let go. But something in the way his jaw clenches when he hears Izuku’s laugh says it isn’t that easy. Something else was still tugging her from behind.

“So uh… about Bakugo-kun.”

He looks up from his tray, mid-bite, a small pause as he wipes the corner of his mouth with a napkin. His eyes meet Ochako’s—not nervous, not angry. Just curious.

“What about him?” He’s not assuming. Not accusing. He’s just listening, the way he always does—with his whole heart. Uraraka sees the slight shift in his posture, like he’s ready for whatever she says next, even if it’s not easy. “He just asked me to say somethin’ to you, not anything weird but, he says he trying to be a better person now y’know..”

His eyes soften as he listens, setting down his chopsticks. There's no sign of jealousy—just quiet understanding, the kind that always lives just beneath his surface. “Yeah… I kind of figured.”

Why is he always asking other people to tell me?..

Why doesn’t he just tell it to me directly? Why doesn’t want to talk to me?..

Is he avoiding me?..

He leans back slightly, looking past her for a second—maybe picturing Kacchan in the cafeteria. Maybe remembering how far they’ve both come. “I know he’s trying. I don’t think a lot of people see it, but… I do. He doesn’t always say the right things, but—he’s not the same as he was in middle school.”

Then he looks at her again—really looks at her. “Thanks for telling me. It means a lot that you’d be honest.” And then, just a hint of a smile. “Even if he still yells at me for breathing too loud sometimes.”

“What do you think about him?” Ochako asks. He doesn’t answer right away. He folds his napkin, takes a slow breath, and glances down at his tray like he’s sorting through years’ worth of memories. Then, finally, he looks back up at her. “I think... he’s one of the strongest people I know.” Another pause—longer, but not heavy.

“He used to scare me. Not just because he was loud or angry, but because… he always seemed so sure of himself. And I wasn’t. Not at all.” He lets out a quiet laugh, almost self-conscious. “But now, I think I understand him a little more. Maybe he was just scared, too. In his own way.” He meets her eyes again, steady now.

“I don’t hate him. I don’t think I ever really did. We just… grew up in different ways. But I respect him. And I think, deep down, he’s trying to be better.” He gives her a small, thoughtful smile.

“Why do you ask? You thinking about him a lot lately?” Izuku asks, unsurely, but still trusting. “Pff its nothing, since he asked me, I just thought it was an appropriate thing to ask something like that.” Izuku watches Ochako for a second longer—like he knows there’s more beneath what she’s saying—but he doesn’t press.

Instead, he smiles again, that warm, easy one that makes everything feel lighter. “Gotcha. Well… I’m glad you asked.” He goes back to eating, but she can feel it—there’s still this quiet care in the way he sits beside her, like no matter what you’re thinking, he’s here.

Across the cafeteria, Bakugo still sits with the “bakusquad”. Eyes down. Back turned. He hasn’t looked their way once. But for now, she’s here—with someone who listens. Who trusts. Who’s trying—just like Bakugo is, in his own way.

A few days later, in the U.A hallway. Early afternoon. It happened simply. Quietly. Not some big dramatic scene, no sudden confessions in the rain. Just the two of them, Izuku and Ochako, walking together after training, hands brushing for the third time that day, and finally…

“Uraraka… can I call you my girlfriend now? I mean—if you want. If that’s okay.” And she’d laughed. Because of course it was.

So now, a few days later, the whole class knows. Kaminari definitely shouted “I KNEW IT!” across the common room, Mina screamed, Tsuyu blinked and gave a small “ribbit” of approval, and even Aizawa blinked… once. That was a lot, for him.

Ochako and Izuku walk together between classes now. Eat together more often.
Steal quick glances when you think no one’s looking (even though everyone definitely is).

But today… as she grabs her notebook from her locker, she hears it. Bakugo’s voice, from around the corner. Not yelling. Not angry. Just… blunt. “So it’s official now, huh?”

She turns, and there he is. Leaning against the wall, arms crossed, eyes sharp—but not cruel.
Just waiting. “Well, yeah.” He nods once—slow, deliberate. Doesn’t flinch, doesn’t scoff. Just holds her gaze for a beat too long. “Figures.” A pause. Not the kind that’s awkward—but the kind that feels like something’s being buried. Or maybe let go.

“He’s a good guy.” He says it like it costs him something—but means it anyway. Then, with a glance toward the hallway behind her—probably where he expects Midoriya to show up—he adds. “You happy?” There it is. No challenge. No sarcasm. Just a question. Simple. Real.

“You asked me that before, but of course I’m happy, I don’t know what to feel about you—y’know ..” He lets out a short breath—part scoff, part sigh. His eyes drop for a second before he looks back at you. Not angry. Not smug. Just... real. “Yeah. I know.”

He shifts his weight, arms still crossed, jaw clenched like he's holding something back. But then his voice softens—barely. “You don’t owe me anything. I just didn’t want to pretend like it didn’t mean anything, y’know?”

A beat of silence. The hallway's mostly empty now, faint echoes of students further off. She can hear her own heart. “You made your choice. And I’m not here to mess it up.” Then, finally, he pushes off the wall, brushing past with nothing more than a nod. But as he walks away, she hears it—faint, almost under his breath. “…Take care of each other.”

After a long day of training and classes, Uraraka sits on her bed, shoes off, bag tossed to the side. The sky outside her dorm window is streaked with orange—another sunset, quiet and soft.

She opens your phone.
Her fingers hover for a second before typing

Bakugo:

“Hey, Bakugo-kun?”
Delivered.
Read.
...nothing.
Then.

Bakugo:
“Yeah?”

No punctuation. No attitude. Just waiting.

Maybe he’s in his dorm. Maybe standing by the window like Uraraka is. Maybe wondering why she’s messaging him at all.

Ochako:
Why do you like Izuku?.. Just asking y’know. Been on my mind recently, I mean not “actually” like like him, but I feel like you do.”

She watches the little dots pulse for a long moment—like he’s not sure if he wants to answer, or maybe doesn’t know how to say it.
Then finally.

“Tch. I don’t.”
And before she can even react—

“Not like that. Not the way you’re thinking. Idk.”
“He pisses me off. Always has. But he’s got this stupid thing where he never quits. Always gets back up.”

She can feel the words coming fast now—like he’s finally letting it out, raw and real.

“Everyone used to look at him like he was nothing. Weak. I did too. But he’s not.”

“He proves it every damn day.”

Then one last message, a few seconds later.

“I don’t like him. I respect him. And maybe… I wish I was more like him.”

The message sits there on her screen. Uncharacteristically open. Almost… vulnerable.
He hasn’t said anything else.

Ochako:
“Wow, Izuku also told me he respects you, huh.”
The dots flicker again. This time, slower.

Bakugo:
“He did?”
Then after a moment—

Bakugo:
“He shoulda said it to my face.”

She can practically hear the grumble in his voice, like he’s trying to cover up that maybe—it meant something.

A few more seconds pass.
Then—

Bakugo:
“You two… make sense, y’know.”

“He gets you. And you keep him grounded.”

“It’s annoying. But good.”

Then one last message.
“Don’t let it go to waste.”

It’s not bitterness. It’s not regret.

It’s Bakugo—trying to be real. In his own blunt, explosive, unexpectedly sincere way.

Ochako:
Thanks Bakugo. I really appreciate this.”

Bakugo:
“…Yeah. Don’t get soft on me now.”

Then another message, right after.
“But… you’re welcome.”

Short. Honest. Classic Bakugo.

No emojis. No dramatic farewell. But something about it feels like closure—or maybe the start of something new. Mutual understanding. Growth.

Whatever it is, it leaves her with a strange warmth in your chest. Like something that used to be heavy… just got a little lighter.

Just then, another message lights up her screen.

Izuku:
“Hey! Want to meet up on the roof again? I got something I wanna show you.”

The sun’s almost down.
Her heart feels full.

Ochako:
“Sure! I’ll be there.”

Moments later, she climbs the familiar stairwell to the rooftop, the warm evening breeze brushing past her as the city lights begin to twinkle below.

Izuku is already there, leaning against the railing, a shy smile on his face.

“Hey, Uraraka! Thanks for coming. I wanted to show you something… I think you’ll like it.”
He points up at the sky, where the first stars are starting to peek through.

“I read that some stars are actually massive suns that are millions of years old, and even though their light takes so long to reach us, it’s still shining. Kind of like hope, right?”
He looks at her, eyes bright.

“And no matter what happens, I want us to keep shining… together.”
The moment feels peaceful. Safe. Like the start of a new chapter.

“Woah. Let’s shine together. Forever.” When Ochako heard the words come out of her mouth ‘forever’. The sudden guilt in her throat lingers.

Izuku’s smile softens, and he tilts his head slightly, noticing the change in her expression.
“Hey, are you okay? You sound a little… different.”

He steps a bit closer, concern clear in his voice.

“You don’t have to say anything you’re not ready for, Uraraka. We’ll take everything at our own pace.”

He offers a reassuring smile, his hand gently brushing against hers.

“Forever is a big word. But whatever happens, I’m glad we’re shining now.”
“Oh it’s just nothin.. It’s just my first time y’know? I don’t really know how it works. But we’ll figure it out together.

He chuckles softly, relief and warmth in his eyes. “Yeah, that makes sense. First times are always a little scary.” He squeezes her hand gently. “But we’ll figure it out. Together.” He looks back up at the stars, then turns to her with a hopeful smile. “Like those stars, no matter how far or how hard it gets, we just keep shining.”

The night wraps around them both, quiet and full of promise. The soft hum of their voices blends with the gentle night breeze as Ochako and Izuku talk about everything and nothing, quirks, dreams, silly what-ifs, and favorite foods. Time stretches and folds around you, each moment light and easy.

Slowly, Uraraka’s eyelids grow heavy. The warmth of the night, the comfort of his presence, and the quiet rhythm of their conversation lulls her closer and closer to sleep.

Izuku notices first, his voice softening to a whisper. “Uraraka… you okay? You’re getting kinda sleepy…” She manages a small smile, nodding before her head gently tips toward his shoulder.
He doesn’t move, careful not to disturb her, and instead lets the stars watch over them both.

When she wakes up, the sky has deepened to a velvet blue, sprinkled with countless stars. Izuku’s still there, quietly watching over her, a peaceful smile on his face. “Woah! What time is it? Is it time for school already? Shoot!”

Izuku glances up at the sky, then at his watch with a small, apologetic smile. “Uh… it’s pretty late… or early? Like, almost dawn. We probably should get going if you don’t want to be late for school.”

He gently helps Ochako sit up, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “Don’t worry, though. Maybe you can catch up on some rest later. Today’s going to be okay—I’ll be there with you.”

The first rays of sunlight start to peek over the horizon, painting the world gold. “Thanks Izuku.” Izuku smiles warmly, his eyes shining with genuine kindness. “No problem, Uraraka. Anytime.” He stands up, offering her a hand to help her to her feet. “Come on, let’s head back together. We’ve got this.”

With the soft morning light around them both, there’s a quiet strength in the moment—a promise that whatever the day brings, they’re not facing it alone.

Chapter Text

He stares at his phone screen, fingers hovering awkwardly over the keyboard. It’s late, or maybe early, time feels weird. Training’s been brutal, the pressure’s always there, but tonight… there’s something else tugging at him.

He scrolls through his messages. A few from Uraraka and Midoriya. None from Todoroki. He types finally, fingers clenching around the phone.

Bakugo:
“Hey icy-hot.”

He hits send before he can second-guess himself. Seconds feel like minutes until the little typing dots appear.

Todoroki:
“Kacchan? Everything okay?”

Bakugo looks away, jaw tightening, but he’s glad he sent the message. Maybe it’s time to stop keeping everything bottled up.

Bakugo:
“Don’t call me that.”

He types quickly, a little sharp but not angry. Then he hesitates, fingers frozen over the screen. After a moment, he adds, more quietly.

Bakugo:
“Just… needed to talk”

The silence waits. The screen glows in the dark, waiting for Todoroki’s reply.

Todoroki:
“Well there must be something wrong if your texting this late at night—or dawn.”

He waits a moment before adding, more gently.

Todoroki:
“Talk to me kacchan. I’m here.”

Bakugo’s fingers hover again, the weight of the words settling in. He types with a bit of frustration but also honesty, trying to find the right words.

Bakugo:
“Told ya not to call me that. It’s just… I don’t know how to deal with all this stuff.”

He pauses, then continues.

Bakugo:
“School, being a hero, all the expectations. And… other things. Stuff I didn’t wanna admit even to myself.”

His reply comes steady, calm, like a rock in the middle of a storm.

Todoroki:
“What stuff do you need to admit? It’s okay. Just be yourself.

Bakugo:
It’s about the damn nerd.
He types reluctantly, voice almost cracking even in text. He waits, biting his lip, unsure how much to say next. The screen wait patiently, the night quiet around him.

Todoroki:
“Yeah?”

Simple and steady. The silence stretches, like a quiet invitation for Bakugo to open up more. He types slowly, words heavy with confusion and a hint of regret.

Bakugo:
“Think I felt something about that guy… I don’t know what it was exactly, but it was something.

He pauses, then adds.

Bakugo:
Guess I don’t feel it anymore... since he’s with round face.

Todoroki:
Bakugo, I think that feeling is a crush. I’m not sure, but based on what I know, it’s that.”

He sends the message, waiting to see how he reacts. The words hang gently on the screen, maybe a truth Bakugo wasn’t ready to face.

He types quickly, trying to hide the mix of emotions bubbling under the surface.

Bakugo:
Y’know what? Night’ Icy-hot.”

He sets the phone down, staring at the ceiling, the room quiet except for his heavy breathing. Even if he wont say it out loud, maybe tonight was the start of something—something a little less guarded.

Uraraka walks toward the school gates, the morning sun casting long shadows on the pavement. Her mind still lingers on last night’s rooftop moment with Izuku. The stars, the quiet, the feeling of something new starting.

Then, out of the corner of her eye, she spots a familiar figure leaning casually against a wall, red and white hair unmistakable even from a distance.

He looks up as Uraraka approaches, eyes calm but attentive. “Morning, Uraraka. Didn’t expect to see you here so early.” He offers a small, polite smile.

“Well it’s just I woke up a bit more early than usual, just decided that I should head to school y’know.”He nods thoughtfully, his breath visible in the cool morning air. “That makes sense. Sometimes getting an early start helps clear your mind.”

He glances toward the school entrance, then back to her. “If you want, we could walk together. It’s always better than going alone.”

“Sure Todoroki-kun!” He nods slightly, a faint, genuine smile touching his lips. “You’re welcome, Uraraka.”

He falls into step beside her as they head toward the school gates together, the morning calm wrapping around them both like a quiet promise.

“Hey.. about Bakugo-kun. What do you think he feels about Izuku?” He slows his pace slightly, thinking carefully before answering. “Bakugo… he’s complicated. He hides a lot behind his anger and pride. But about Izuku… I think there’s more than just rivalry there. Something deeper.”

He looks at her with a knowing expression. “Bakugo respects Izuku in ways he won’t openly admit. Maybe even admires him.” He sighs softly. “But Bakugo isn’t good at showing what he really feels. You know that better than anyone.”

“Well thanks, but I mean, Izuku probably knows that more than anyone.” He nods slowly, understanding in his eyes. “Yeah, Izuku has known Bakugo for a long time. They’ve been through a lot together. Sometimes, knowing someone that well means you see the parts they don’t show to anyone else.”

He glances ahead, thoughtful. “But sometimes even they struggle to understand each other completely.” They both walk in comfortable silence for a moment, the school day just beginning.

Mr. Aizawa stepped into the class. Looking sleepy as always. “Good morning class.” He adds on, “Today we have a new student, please introduce yourself.” He says a bit steadily, then heads back to his sleeping bag. The classroom buzzes with quiet whispers and curios glances.

She flashes a mischievous grin, eyes sparkling with a hint of wildness. “Hey guys! I’m Himiko! Himiko Toga! 17 years old.. and hmm.. my quirk is that whenever I drink someone’s blood, I can turn into them! Very pleased to meet all of you!”

“Wow, she’s... definitely something else.” Izuku says with a whisper. Silent but observant, watching her with a calm, analytical gaze. Uraraka smiles warmly and says, “Wow, a new student, huh? I’d love to be friends with her! she seems fun!” Izuku grins at her enthusiasm,
“That’s a great attitude, Ochako! It’s always good to welcome new friends.”

Himiko’s eyes light up when she hears Uraraka, and she flashes her a sly, playful grin. “Oh? You’re pretty nice. Maybe we will get along.”

The classroom settles down as the day’s lessons start, but the arrival of Himiko Toga definitely adds a spark of excitement.

The class right before lunch had just ended.

Uraraka waves Himiko over with a friendly smile. “Hey, Toga-san! Want to sit with us for lunch? We’re a fun group!” She grins mischievously, eyes sparkling. “Sure! Sounds like a blast.”

They head to the cafeteria together, and her friends, Midoriya, Todoroki, Iida, and Tsuyu give curious but welcoming looks.

At the table, Himiko’s energy brings a lively vibe. She chats animatedly about her quirks and antics, making everyone laugh. Midoriya’s eyes light up, and even Todoroki cracks a small smile.

“So uhh I’ve been meaning to ask. What’s that blondie’s deal over there? He keeps on looking over here, or someone. Midoriya-kun I think? Also he’s got a real attitude.” Uraraka laughs softly, glancing over at Bakugo, whose with his usual group nearby, arms crossed and scowling as usual.

“Well, that blondie’s Bakugo-kun. Yeah, he’s got a serious attitude problem, but deep down, he’s not so bad. And yeah, he does look at Midoriya-kun a lot—it’s complicated between them.” She shrugs, trying to keep it light. “They’ve known each other forever, and it’s like a mix of rivalry and… something else. Honestly, it’s kind of hard to explain.”

Midoriya blushes a little but nods, while Todoroki listens quietly. Himiko grins, eyes glinting with curiosity. “Sounds like a messy but interesting relationship. I like it.”

“Well uhh—our relationship is something, but kacchan’s just a friend. I think? I don’t know if he even really considers it. But maybe a rival? Yeah, mostly rival.” He laughs awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. She watches Izuku nervously trying to explain, his cheeks tinged pink. “I mean, we’ve known each other since we were kids. It’s complicated, but it’s important.”

Bakugo, whose still nearby, overhears and grumbles under his breath, “Don’t make it sound all mushy, nerd!” He yells loudly. Making sure they heard. Giving his group some looks and they give looks on him too. Himiko grins wider, clearly entertained. “Oh, the tension’s delicious! Keep going.”

“Well, it’s nothing, I guess… jeez.” He quickly glances at Bakugo, then adds, “Plus, me and Uraraka are dating!” The group pauses. Bakugo grunts loudly, glaring but clearly trying not to show too much. “Hmph. Whatever. Don’t expect me to go easy on you.” His face giving that impression.

Himiko laughs, clearly amused. “Aw, that’s cute! Looks like I showed up at an interesting time.” Uraraka smiles warmly as Izuku blurts out the news, a little flustered but proud.

After the school day has ended. Toga went over to Uraraka’s seat. “Hey Uraraka-san! Could you maybe tour me around this school?” Toga says, with a cheerful look on her face.

As they were going all around places and Toga just uttering about how good it all looks. Then Uraraka spoke up. “Hey Toga-san..” Her voice seeping under her throat. “Yeah Uraraka-san? You good?” Toga asks while still giving a cheerful—like tone.

“Have we ever met before? I don’t know.. I just had a feeling.”

“Hm.. I don’t think we ever did. Why ya asking?”

“Oh uh well… nevermind.

The next few weeks have all been easy. The group still chattering usually during their lunchtime. Izuku and Ochako still walking around the hallways. But not always since Toga came.

Katsuki was still giving quick glances and a few stares to Izuku. But he never really did reach out.
They only interacted on training, asking for some things, or borrowing notes. Nothing else.

The three girls, Ochako, Himiko, and Tsuyu has also formed a bond. They had hangouts with the usual group. And sleepovers for the girls.

The trio had another sleepover planned this Friday. Uraraka and Toga walked together to Toga’s house for the sleepover. It was nice. Only them. But Ochako always wonders if Himiko feels alone sometimes.

Toga baked some cookies. It was like their routine. They watched TV, laughing and eating waiting for Tsuyu to arrive. Then they heard a ring on the doorbell, it was Tsuyu. “Hey guys! Sorry for being late. Ribbit.” .. “Oh no its fine! We just waiting for you anyways.” Uraraka says while also giving her hand out to have some cookies. “Ribbit. Thanks.”

They head up to Toga’s room, playing some games until it was late. “Well, it’s getting late already. I’m gonna to get some sleep. Ribbit.” Tsuyu says while stretching her arms out.

“Who wants to sleep with me on the bed? I mean it only fits 2 persons though.” Then Tsu adds on, “I’m gonna sleep on the floor, don’t worry about my hibernation. Ribbit. I brought lots of pillows and blankets to keep me extra warm and I mean a lot.. it’s kinda my routine so yeah.”

“Okay, so I’ll sleep with Toga then?” Uraraka asks softly. “I guess!” Toga squeaking cheerfully. They had already said goodnight to each other. Already on their positions.

Tsuyu was sounding asleep. It was around 1am that time. Ochako and Himiko were on opposite sides of the bed. Not facing each other. Ochako was still on her phone, scrolling to Tiktok and some reels. Laying down with the bright screen flashing her face.

She felt something move. It was Himiko. Himiko slowly then opens her eyes a few moments, stretching.

“Uraraka? You still up?”

“Oh sorry.. Did I wake you up?”

“Nope, I just had a strange dream, nothing to worry about.”

…

Silence fell between them.

Uraraka still on her phone. But a bit more conscious. Toga just staring at the ceiling, waiting to suddenly fall asleep.

“Hey Ochako?”

“Yeah?”

She asks unknowingly that Himiko was still awake.

“Wanna head out to the balcony? I just wanted to get my mind off a few things..”

“Sure, I’d also like to get some air.”

They both slowly went stood up, carefully trying not to make loud noises or to wake up Tsu. They head over the balcony.

“Look, Ochako, can I tell you something?..” Her tone sounding nervous, scared, unlike her usual cheerful one.

“Yeah..? Is everything alright? You can tell me anything, Himiko.”

“Can you promise me you won’t tell anyone?”

“I won’t. I promise.” Her face giving a genuine and a promising look.

“okay.. I have an illness.. back then, when I was little, I was in the hospital for a few years. At first, I thought it was nothing but.. I consumed too much blood when I was younger, I don’t remember how or when, I lost my memories. And that lead to my illness.. The doctors told me some stuff obviously since I lost my memories but my parents left me. Because of my quirk. They were afraid, and ashamed of me. They didn’t accept me, and..”

Tears were already falling out of her eyes. She couldn’t say anything anymore. A few seconds right after, she was already sobbing.

“It’s gonna be okay now. You’re here. I’m here. We’re all gonna be here for you.” She gives her a comforting hug, till her tears dry.

It was a school day again.

Uraraka flashes a bright smile to everyone in the table. “So, uh! guys, who’s free to hang out with this weekend? We’re planning to go to the movies.” Himiko’s eyes light up with excitement, and she grins wide. “Movies? Count me in! Sounds like a lot of fun.” Izuku nods eagerly, “That’ll be great! I’m looking forward to it.” Todoroki gives a small, approving smile,
“I’ll come too.” .. “Ribbit. I can come” Then Iida adds on, “Hm.. I have to clear out my schedule, but I’ll be sure to come.”

“Ooo! I have an idea! What if we invite Bakugo-kun with us? Midoriya can you ask him?”
Toga says with a big grin on her face. “Maybe, I don’t think I’ll be able to convince him, but I’ll try. I guess..” Izuku opens his phone.

Izuku:
“Hey kacchan?”

Izuku hit the send button like his life was depending on it.

They never really chatted much, just for school activities and stuff.

Three dots appeared.

Kacchan:
“Why ya texting me rn nerd?”

Izuku:
“Well.. I was wondering if you wanted to go to the movies? Just with my group, I think it’ll be fun with you around.”

He hit send. As he read his message again. He noticed he said it wrongly. “I think it’ll be fun with you around.”?? Shoot. Just as he was about to edit it, too late.

Katsuki read his text “with you around”. He jumped a bit, his cheeks were becoming slightly pink. But he put on his shield again.

Kacchan:
“Whatever. I’ll come I guess.”

Izuku stares at his screen. Slightly red from the message he sent.

Izuku:
“Thanks kacchan! I’ll be sure to let the group know :DD”

“Kacchan said he could come.” With a nervous laugh.

The in the next few days, everything was alright. School work, walking together in the hallways, and laughing around the cafeteria.

After lunch, it was special training period. Everyone was excited for that time, obviously since they could train and improve their quirks.

“Okay class, I will be grouping you into 2 pairs, those pairs will need to defeat a villain, which are us, the teachers, in order for them to win.”

“Let’s start the pairing.”

“Todoroki with Kaminari, Kirishima with Iida, Jiro and Toga, Tokoyami and Hagakure, Uraraka with Mina, Asui with Ojiro.”

“Bakugo and Midoriya.”
…
Both stared at each other. Knowing exactly that this wasn’t gonna go well. Izuku stepped up to Katsuki. “Hey kacchan! Guess we’re partners..”

“Tch. Don’t slow me down.”

“I won’t kacchan, you know that.”

…
They were both beside each other. Standing side-by-side waiting.

“Yaoyorozu with Sero, and the last one is, Shoji and Aoyama. So here are the list on which ‘villains’ you will be going up against.”

Izuku and Katsuki checked to see who were they going up against. It was Aizawa-sensei.

“Just check the list on who’s coming up next.” Aizawa says, well getting a bit ready for the training.

Izuku and Katsuki checked when they were coming next. The second fight. Which means after Todoroki and Kaminari it would be their turn.

The first pair to fight was already going ahead to the designated area. They were up against present mic. Which ended pretty fast. Since Todoroki could just freeze Present Mic. Kaminari would use his electrification to stop him from using his quick.

“Well, guess we’re up next kacchan.”

“Yeah, better prepare yourself. Know the plan already?”

“I get the plan now, lets go.”

They both went ahead to the place they were supposed to fight in.

“Okay, so I’ll be going over there to hit the villain, ‘kay deku?”

“Got it kacchan!”

Katsuki was slowly following Mr. Aizawa. Trying to keep his presence really hidden from being found or noticed. Just as he was about to attack. The ‘villian’ looked up and saw Bakugo so he dodged his attack.

“Fuck—!”

“Deku we’re about the have a change of plans!” Katsuki said while burning with rage and anger swelling up inside him.

“kacchan!? What happened?!”

“Tch, damn villian’s ‘bout to escape. I’m gonna chase after him. While you try going further up ahead to stop him from escaping.”

“Ok! Got it!”

Izuku went up ahead fast, using black whip and gearshift to make sure he’s further than the villain.

“Watcha runnin’ away for? Go come at me bastard! You’ll never escape!” sounding cocky as always, ego high up.

As soon as Izuku saw Mr. Aizawa running, and using his scarf to move around places, dodging Katsuki’s attacks and explosions. He went in front of him, blocking his way to escape then—

The ‘villain’ went past Izuku. He looked back again looking so confused. “What? How—when? Huh?—” He got tied up into Mr. Aizawa’s scarf. Leaving him completely useless.
“Deku you bastard!! Why didn’t you try and stop him?! You useless—quirkless loser—!”
.
.
.
.
.
oh.
oh.
…
Then. Katsuki suddenly gains more consciousness from what he just said. Eyes in big realization. No-no—

Izuku listened to what he just said. Out of pure shock, giving him memories from when they were kids. His face drops lowly, giving him a sad-ish look on his face. Just when he heard “quirkless loser.” he just stands there. Still captured from Mr. Aizawa’s scarf. He still wanted to help. To capture the villain. Even taken by Katsuki’s words, he could do it. Right? Right? He felt completely helpless, like something in him have just been pierced deeper in his heart. He knew Katsuki didn’t mean it—he was just—trying to get Mr. Aizawa right?

Katsuki knew what he said. As he just stuttered those words, easily. Like it has happened before. “Wait! I’ll go catch that damn ‘villain’ first!!” loudly, making sure Izuku could hear him from the distance. He was still chasing Mr. Aizawa after all. But now, He was facing backwards. Still keeping an eye from Izuku to keep him from using his quirk. His scarf being the only thing to make him move around.

Katsuki made a different move. He made tiny explosions. Just enough to go up ahead to Mr. Aizawa. Then he unleashes an attack. Eventually. The ‘villian’ got caught up on his scarfs, tangled and a bit burnt from Katsuki’s explosions. Katsuki had managed to captured him. But was it really worth it? For what he said. Izuku and Katsuki walked in the room where they had finished their battles.

They both looked—different. From what others saw, something definitely changed. Their dynamic was more off and eerie. Not like their usual one.

“Hey Bakubro? You good?”

“Yeah Shitty hair. None of your business.” He says on a tone a bit harsher than what he meant.

“Hey guys?” Midoriya asks then the group all turned around him, still chewing and sipping at the cafeteria. “I don’t think I’ll be able to attend the hangout this weekend, something came up at home and I have to help my mom.”

They all stared, waiting for someone to give a response. “Oh! That’s reminds me of something too, unfortunately, I perhaps also can’t attend. My schedule is really wrapped up.” Iida says straightforwardly.

“Awwhhh okay, well what about Bakugo? Is he still coming?” Toga asks with a curious look but still a smile on her face. “Well, someone needs to ask him ribbit.”

“Hmm yeah, I think I can ask him.” Uraraka, her face giving a really concerned look.

“You sure Uraraka?” Izuku asks just beside her.

“It’ll be no problem, I’m sure.”

Later that night.

Uraraka:
“Hey Bakugo? You still up for the movies this weekend? Just making sure who’s still coming.”
…

Bakugo:
“I won’t, got caught up on some plans.”

Uraraka:
“Well okay! I’ll be sure to let the group know.”

Bakugo:
“Wait.”
“Can I ask you something?”

Uraraka:
“Sure Bakugo? Whats up?”

Bakugo:
“Is your boyfriend still coming?”

Uraraka:
“Izuku? Well no.. his mom asked him to help her with some stuff, so he’s not free I guess.”

Bakugo:
“k. Thanks. Night.”

Uraraka saw another text pop up on her screen. Himiko chatted in their group chat.

Himiko: “Hey Ochako, is Bakugo still coming to the movies?” Toga chatted in the group chat

Ochako: “He’s not anymore, says’ he got caught up on some plans.”

Himiko: “Awhh mannn.”

Tsu: “How about we just reschedule? Since only little are coming, plus—Todoroki told me he has some training to do with his dad.”

Himiko: “That would be a great idea!!”

Ochako: “ Yepp, that works fine for me. When are you guys free?”

Himiko: “Im always free :DD”

Tsu: “Same with Toga.”

Izuku read the chats
…

Izuku: “Hey guys!”

Ochako: “Heya Izuku!”

Izuku: “I think I’ll be free probably next week Friday, or the weekends.” He replys to Uraraka’s message.

Ochako: “Got that!”

Then another school day for them.

Just as Izuku walked in, he looked.. a bit pale. “Good morning Izuku!” Uraraka greets him with big grin. She notices somethings off. “You okay? You look a bit pale.” “Oh no don’t worry about it! I was just up last night studying.” Izuku says while scratching the back of his head awkwardly. “If you say so.”

The whole class was already in the room. Chattering and talking about some random stuff.

Izuku and Katsuki had never spoken that morning. Not even a look in their way. It seemed like they were avoiding each other. The others, of course, have noticed. But no one said a thing because they knew how they are with each other.

The whole week was just that. Izuku still walking and eating around his friends. So as Katsuki. Izuku and Ochako heading out of school together to the usual coffee shop. It all felt too natural. Everything was basically just like a routine. And just that. The weekends finally came over.

The trio—Uraraka, Toga, and Tsu still had sleepovers, since they were free for those days.

Then another week again.

Everything felt normal. But not at the same time. Katsuki and Izuku still had a bad vibe going on. Neither of them spoke to each other. Not even glancing

It was like another school day started, then ended.

Classes were over that day. Katsuki was heading to the locker room. When he stepped into the room he saw Izuku. Izuku noticed him. They both stared at each other for a while. Katsuki first breaking eye contact. As he was heading towards his locker. He heard a familiar voice. Near him, inches away.

“Kacchan! Wait—! I wanted to talk with you..” Izuku said, looking really nervous just as he was saying it. His face looking down, not looking at Katsuki or his eyes.

“Sorry, I can’t right now, have some stuff I need to do later.” Just as he said that. He wanted to tell Izuku everything he felt— That he was sorry. Wanting to be friends again. Properly fixed what has been broken multiple times, this time for sure. But he couldn’t. He wasn’t ready, and so maybe was Izuku.

He said those words coming out of his mouth facing at his locker, pretending to look for something. Not even a quick glance to Izuku.

…

Izuku felt his heart breaking in that moment. He wanted to reach out him. But he couldn’t.

Izuku left. Still feeling completely shattered. He walked out of the room feeling like his shoulders got even more heavier. I just wanted us to be fixed—? Why doesn’t that ever happen?..

He slammed his locker door. Just as he looked behind him. Izuku wasn’t there anymore.

No-I..I-still need to say sorry—I need to apologize.

Maybe I’ll get another chance. Just not now. What if I never get another chance?

Katsuki headed over the common room. Jiro and Yao-Momo on the floor. Kaminari and Mina cracking jokes. Todoroki quietly observing. Iida telling rules to follow. Toga and Tsu playing some games. And— Izuku and Uraraka beside each other. Cuddling.

Just as he saw them. He quickly went up to his dorms. Not wanting so be seen or interact with someone.

He went in his room, changed clothes, studied for about an hour. Laid on the bed. He stared at the ceiling. Not knowing what to do.

1 notification on his phone.

He checked.

It was from Shitty Hair.

He ignored it. He wasn’t in the mood to talk or chat with anyone, or anything. He stared on the ceiling for a few minutes. Then he realizes.

I haven’t eaten yet. Guess that’s why I felt something was missing— but there was something else he didn’t want to admit.

He went downstairs to get some food. It was already a bit late to get dinner at that time.

He spotted a familiar figure. Green, messy hair. Green eyes. Freckles.

Izuku.

They both stared at each other. Heart throbbing in pain. Katsuki feels like he wants to explode and disappear right there.

Izuku just gave him a small smile and a nod, greeting him.

Katsuki just started walking towards the kitchen. He didn’t know what to do if he would stay there. He took some eggs, left, and head back upstairs to his dorm. And ate his food.

Dammit. Why the fuck do I only think about Izuku now? Why would I care?— about him.

He took his phone out of his pockets. Remembering that Kirishima texted him.

Shitty hair:
Hey Bakugo? You okay dude?.. I saw you on the common room earlier.. You looked different. I thought I should check up on you.”
“If you need anything I’m here okay?”

Bakugo:
“I’m okay. I think so at least.”

Shitty hair:
“Is this about Midoriya? Ever since you guys were paired up in the training battle. You two felt.. off.”

Bakugo:
“Is it normal to think about him everyday?”

Shitty hair:
“Of course it is Bakugo! I mean, you two were childhood friends. You two have a bond that’s special. Unlike others.”

Bakugo:
“I used to bully him. Back in middle school.”
“It felt so wrong now. I want to apologize. I never got the chance too. I don’t know how too.”

Shitty hair:
“Woah.. Bakubro..”

“If it feels really wrong, what you did to someone. You can apologize in the right time. No need to rush it. Just take your time and maybe let some of your guiltiness off yourself first.

Bakugo:
“Appreciate it, I owe you one for this Shitty hair.”

Shitty hair:
“Your welcome bakubro!! ^^”

The other days just felt like nothing, all just a routine of daily life. Katsuki tried to actually let go of Izuku. He felt his shoulders become a bit lighter after that night conversation with Kirishima.

“Hey Izuku?” Uraraka asks. “Yeah Ochako? Whats up?” “Today.. uh, I was wondering if it was okay if we could not to go to the café today? I mean.. I wanted to hang out with Toga.”

“Sure Ochako! You girls can have some fun, plus I could get some extra studying.” Izuku says noddingly. “Thanks Izuku!” She gives him a peck on his cheeks.

“Hey Ochako? Where are we goin?”

“Just a special place I know.”

“Mmm, okay.”

They head over the rooftop. The same one Ochako showed to Izuku. “I used to come here a lot. Not really anymore, since life’s been going well.” “Woahhh, the view here is so nice Ochako!” She cheers, her eyes staring brightly into the view.

“Just wait till’ you see the stars at night! They shine so bright.”

“Really? I’d love to see that!”

They both just stared deeply into the stars. A warm feeling with comfortable silence.

It was a Friday day afternoon.

Katsuki was just heading home. Back from getting errands his mom asked. Till’ he spotted Mama Inko. She was outside, alone. She looked like she just finished off an important event, looking tired.

Inko had also spotted Katsuki. She gave a wave and walked straight ahead to him.

Tch-damn. Seriously? Why now?—..

“Hey Katsuki? How have you been doing?” She greets him with a big grin. Her eyes sparkling like that familiar emerald he had been seeing.

“I’m doing fine, I just went back from getting errands.” Respectfully, he says. Not wanting anymore trouble from Inko or anything that reminded him of green.

“Do you want to come over? Izuku is still heading his way back from the mall.”

Heading back from the mall? I thought he had plans helping Mama Inko out—?

“Well uh.. I don’t really want to give anymore trouble—” Katsuki tries to add on

“No-no it’s fine, I can text your mom Mitsuki that you’ll be a bit more late. Plus it's just at Izuku’s house you know.”

Well— When Mama Inko makes a decision, it’s that. No backing out now. Shit..

Chapter Text

As they both stepped into the house. Katsuki could feel the presence of a familiar someone. He could feel Izuku’s pictures on the wall, making him shiver.

“I’ll be on the kitchen making some katsudon for dinner. It’s Izuku’s favorite. Would that be okay with you?”

Katsudon? His favorite?— Kinda sounds like his name. Katsu-ki. He couldn’t help but put a small, barely noticeable smirk on his face.

“Yeah, that’ll be alright.”

“Alright! You can just sit down on the living room while waiting for Izuku. I’m sure he’ll be back soon.”

Izuku—

Right. He still hadn’t spoken to him at school. Since that day. He didn’t know what to do—or say to him yet. Should he apologize—?

Then, multiple notifications popped up on Katsuki’s screen.

In the Baku’s gc.

Shitty hair: “Hey bakubro? You still wanna hangout over here?”

Racoon eyes: “Never know if you change your mind y’know??”

Dunce face: “Please dude!! It would really be found with you!!!”

Soy sauce face: “Yeah broo its would be soo super duper cool with you around!!”

Shitty hair: @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo

Dunce face: @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo

Racoon eyes: @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo@Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo

Soy sauce face: @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo@Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo

Ears: “Jeez Bakugo just answer so that they’ll stop spamming.”

Dunce face: @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo

Racoons eyes: @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo@Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo@Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo@Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo@Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo@Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo@Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo@Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo@Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo@Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @Bakugo @ Bakugo @Bakugo

…
Seen by Bakugo.

Bakubro: “WHAT.”

Raccoon eyes: “ooo you finally replied!”

Bakubro: “What do you guys want.”

Shitty hair: “We were wondering if you still wanted to hangout with us??”

Dunce face: “Yeah dude please come.”

Bakubro: “Can’t. I’m over someone’s right now.”

Raccoon eyes: “Whatt you never told us!!”

Shitty hair: “Whose house you over at bakubro?”

Bakubro: “None of your damn business.”

Raccoon eyes: “Awhh pleaseee.”

Bakubro: “Nerd’s.”

Shitty hair: “Wait—MIDORIYA?”

Raccoon eyes: “ARENT YOU GUYS LIKE. IN A REALLY BAD RELATIONSHIP RIGHT NOW??”

Seen by bakugo.

Shitty hair: “Wait dude reply to us!!”

Raccoon: “Noo please come back. I’m sorryyy.”

Katsuki turns his phone off. Clearly annoyed of his friends.

The door opened.

It was Izuku.

“Hey mom! And uh.. kacchan?! What’re you doing here—”

“I invited him over dear.” Inko stops him from speaking too much.

“Oh uh—well hey kacchan.”
“Hey.”

“Well, I’m about to be finished cooking, Izuku? Can you help set up the table?”

“Sure mom!” … “I’ll help too.” Katsuki utters.

“What no—its fine kacchan, you’re our guest.”

“Whatever, I’ll still help.”

“Thanks very much dear Katsuki. You’re really a respectful boy.”
…
Respectful? Definitely not. Not anymore. After what happened with Izuku.

The trio had just finished eating their katsudon. Inko said politely that she would wash the dishes now. “You boys go ahead upstairs, I’m still gonna wash the plates.” She nodded, giving an approving smile.

They both went ahead upstairs. Going up to Izuku’s room. Filled with All Might posters, figurines, and other merch of him.

Hmph. Guess he’s still a nerd after all.

Katsuki wanted to talk with him. Wanted to let out all of his emotions. His heart aching every second he spends a minute in his room, his house, just being around him.

They both sat down on Izuku’s bed. The smell gave him back memories. Happy ones. The ones he longed for now—but something more.

“Look deku..”

“Yeah kacchan?”

He missed hearing that. His voice. A nickname only a special person can say. He missed being in his presence. Being side by side.

“Im not really good at words, but I’m about to say lots of things I needed to say, and apologize right now.”

…
“That time, when we were paired, I said things I never meant too. I was afraid of something—losing you. When those words came out of my mouth, I felt really guilty and I wanted to apologize. After that, I never got the chance to, and when I did, I pushed you away, because I wasn’t ready. When we were kids, those sad and happy memories still play out of my head everyday. I hoped you know that I want us to be better. I can’t help it anymore, but I need these feelings out of my chest. We are comrades, partners, and rivals, but I can’t help but need something else—or more. I’m sorry for everything. Izuku.”

Those words suddenly came out of his chest.

“Kacchan..”
…

“Of course I forgive you. I know you never meant what you said during the training, but it still felt really sad for some reason. I never expected you too. You are my idea, image of victory, and always has been. I can’t help it but not hate you kacchan. Thank you.”

A short pause.

“This is the thing I love about you most. You never give up, even when things are rough. Kacchan.”

The two just stared at each other. With comfortable silence. Like something have just lifted from the both of them.

“Well? Wanna play this new all might game I found?”

“No way you found that before me! You’re so cool kacchan!”

“Yeah yeah, pick which character you want.”

“Also, thought you were gonna be helping out your mom this weekend?”

A pause— shoot. I totally forgot I said that. I can’t let him know that I didn’t want to go because things with feel awkward between us—but I mean now—

“You’re mumbling again.”

“Oh right! Sorry kacchan— I already did help my mom earlier, turns out it wasn’t anything big, we just finished early that’s why.”

“Pff. Okay, lets start playing now.”

“Hey Ochako! Did you have fun with Toga-san last time?” Izuku asks Ochako cheeringly. “Yeah Izuku! Sure did!” Ochako responds back.

“Good morning kacchan!!”

“Morning ‘zuku.”

The whole class stared at them. Like something unresolved just happened.

“Oooo what happened between you two?” Toga cheers happily, excitingly.

“None of your damn businesses, extras.”

The whole class seemed more cheerful after that small encounter. They were happy to see the duo being more interactive than usual. Especially the bakusquad, since they knew Katsuki was over at his.

During their lunch break period Uraraka asked “Hey Izuku, what happened with you and Bakugo-kun?”

“Kacchan and I just made up—about everything what happened and all.”

“Well that’s very pleasing to hear, it is my duty as a class officer to make sure my classmates behavior are doing well.” Iida says noddingly.

“Soo you guys still up this weekend? I really want to hang out so badly! Have you heard the new movie that came out was awesome!”

“I cleared out my schedule, I made sure that I’m free for the weekends.” Iida states. “I have told my father that I wanted to hang out with my friends. Since I got extra training last week, he thought that I should rest and have some fun. Plus, he had a mission to accomplice anyway.”

“Great! That settles it! What about you Izuku? And Bakugo-kun.”

“I’m probably free, I already told my mom about it and she said there’s nothing happening this weekend. And about kacchan, I can ask him.”

“Great! Text me when everything settled.” Uraraka says excitingly.

“You bakubro? Did we just hear it right this morning? You greet Midobro?” Sero asks Katsuki. “Shut it dunce face.” Katsuki says back growling. “Yeah!! That’s why you were over at his house!”.. “That totally makes it up for you not hanging over at mine!”

“Tch. Whatever.”

“Also, we have plans to go to the amusement park this Saturday! Are yall gonna come?” Kirishima says to the group “Amusement Park? Yeah I’m totally up for that!” Kaminari jumps at of his seat excitedly. “Welp, looks like I cant come, I have some music lessons so I won’t be able to attend. Sorry guys.” Jirou says a bit shyly. “No no it’s totally fine Jiro! You can come another. Plus I know how much your music means to you!”

“Well what about you bakubro? You comin’?”

“Maybe, maybe not shitty hair somethin’ might come up but think I can.”

“Jeez bakubro! Don’t be so stingy all the times” Sero blurts out. “But yeah I can come too!”

Time flew past. It was another Friday afternoon.

“Alright class, this will be your assignment for this weekend. Make sure to research about quirk analysis.” Aizawa blurts out. He stood up, took some papers, and went ahead to the door. “Good bye now, I’ll see you all next week.”

The class was packing up their stuff, some already heading out the door.

“Oi deku, wanna walk together out of class? And don’t make it weird too, jeez.” Katsuki speaks up. While Izuku was still keeping his ‘Hero Analysis’ notebook on his bag. “Sure kacchan! And don’t worry, I’ll be sure not to mutter too much!”

“Wasn’t talking ‘bout that, but mkay.”

They went over to their lockers. Took and placed some of their stuff. Izuku was then muttering some random stuff again.

“You’re muttering again.” Izuku suddenly jolts, out of surprised. “Oops, sorry kacchan. Its really just a hobby of mine you know?”

“Yeah Izuku, I’ve known you since childhood. ‘Course it’s a hobby.”

“Also kacchan, uhh can I ask you something? I mean, I hope you don’t find it weird or anything but-“

“Just spit it out jeez.”

“Well uhm.. I was wondering if you wanted to study with me? I mean I swear it’s not anything weird. I just remembered you asked Ochako about hero analysis quirk or something and I wanted to learn more about your quirk too you know-“

“Seriously? Well guess I don’t have anything to do tonight besides studying, but well yeah sure.”

“Thanks kacchan! You’re a really great help!”

“Wait but I thought you had some plans with pink cheeks today?”

“Oh well we don’t have any today since she’s gonna be hanging out with Toga-san and Tsu, and plus we’re all gonna hang out tomorrow for the movies, speaking of that did you still wanna come?”

“Oh yeah, well I don’t have any plans or anything so I could come.” He did have plans. With his friends in the Amusement Park. But Izuku doesn’t need to know.

They went over to Izuku’s dorm. As they entered, it still looked like his room, with All Might merch and stuff. “Damn, you really are a nerd y’know.”

Izuku took out his phone. “Wait I almost forgot! I gotta tell the group that you’re coming to the movies tomorrow!”

Izuku: “Hey guys! Kacchan is coming with us to the movies tomorrow!”

Toga: “Wait really? That would be so fun! Yayyyyayyy!!!!”

Uraraka: “That’s great! I’m sure we’ll all have a blast tomorrow!”

Izuku went over to his study table. He took his notebook out of his bag. Izuku sat on his chair while Katsuki sat on the bed, just beside him.

“So uhm, sorry if it’s weird but I’m gonna ask you some questions.. if that’s okay with you?”

“Is this an interview or somethin’? But it’s fine.

”
Izuku started to ask him some questions. Katsuki answered.

Katsuki looked at Izuku, just glaring while he’s writing. The golden sunlight shining to his messy, green hair. His freckles looked more visible. Seeing him in that state made his stomach filled with butterflies.

In that moment. He realized something.

He had it.

He was down bad for Izuku.

“Whenever you’re down, like when your feelings are all mixed up, does your quirk act up? Like does it malfunction or something?”

Katsuki didn’t answer this time.

Izuku seemed to have noticed.

“Hey kacchan you okay? You’re not answering any of my questions.”

He stopped writing and looked over to his side, only to see Katsuki giving him a soft gaze in his eyes. He was breathless, he didn’t know what to do in that moment.

“kacchan?..” Izuku leaned closer to check if he was okay.

Katsuki suddenly snapped back into reality. Apparently he zoned out. He cleared his throat and blinked multiple times.

“Well uh.. I’ll head over to the restroom real quick.”

“Oh okay kacchan.. I’ll go get some food for us to eat.”

Katsuki stepped into the restoom. Unsure of what just happened. The fuck? Why am I?
He looked at himself in the mirror. Damn it. What have I really become?

He walked out of the restroom, hit with a smell of something delicious.

“Hey deku.”

“kacchan! Let’s take a snack break first, I got too tired of writing.”

“Tch. Mkay nerd.”

Katsuki headed to check his phone. It was filled with messages from the bakusquad.

Shitty hair: “Hey bakubro? You still up for tomorrow? Cmonn you really need to reply now plzplz”

Racoon eyes: “Yeah dude! You seriously have to come after last time!”

Bakubro: “can’t tomorrow.”

Racoon eyes: Come on bro seriously?? You didn’t even come last hangout!!”

Bakubro: “I’ve got some plans that came up.”

Racoon eyes: “Oh come onn are those plans more important more than us?? :<”

Bakubro: “It’s with the nerd.”

Dunce face: HOLY SHII AINT NO WAY RLLY?”

Soy sauce face: “Look who just came online cus Midoriya was mentioned from bakubro :w”

Dunce face: Well erm you know how it is!!”

Raccoon eyes: “OMG GUYS SEE HOW HE’S HANGING OUT WITH HIM LATELY?? OML

Ears: “Cmon guys stop joking around imagine what would bakubro say”
“I mean hes probably throwing chairs right now”

Raccoon face: HAHAH HELP?? ARE THEY A THING NOW OR SOMETHING? LOLLZ!!”

Bakubro: Yeah no so I aint dealing with this and I won’t come tomorrow.”

Shitty hair: “Wait nononoo don’t go yet.”
“I still wanna ask how did this come up so randomly at THIS time too??”

Bakubro: “I’m with him right now so yeah.”

“Hey kacchan? Still wanna eat?”

Katsuki closed his phone, he didn’t want to keep on going with all that drama.

“Course I am.”

The weekend came over. It was fast. But at least they could finally be free with school and all.
They all met up in the afternoon, just a few minutes before the movies.

They all went over ahead to their seats. It was almost halfway through the movie, but then.

Uraraka notices Himiko suddenly stand up, her face paling a little as she hurriedly says, “Excuse me, I need to hit the bathroom real quick.”

Izuku looks concerned, whispering to Uraraka, “Are you okay with this? She looks a bit sick.” Todoroki nods, his gaze sharp, watching her leave. Bakugo just grumbles, “Figures something like this would happen.”

Uraraka stands up too, thinking maybe she should check on her after the movie. “Actually, I’ll go check up on her.”

She quietly slips out of her seat and heads toward the bathroom, keeping her voice low as she call out softly when you reach the door. “Hey, Toga-san? Are you okay?” Inside, she finds her leaning against the sink, looking a bit pale but trying to put on a brave face.

“Ah, Uraraka… yeah, I’m okay. Just… didn’t expect that popcorn to hit me like that.” She forces a small smile, but she can tell she’s not feeling great. “Ochako.. actually, I need blood, my quirk is acting up and.. I just really need blood right now.”
…

“Can I have some of yours?.. Please? Sorry it’s just..”

Ochako blinks, surprised by her sudden request, be she quickly nods, understanding the urgency in her voice. “Of course Himiko, if it’ll help, I’ll do whatever I can. She takes a deep breath, ready to help her friend.

Himiko asks if it’s okay if she just bites her, around the neck or face, since those are usually where the blood she needs is.

Ochako hesitates for a moment, cheeks warming, but she nods with a gentle smile. “Okay, if that’s what you need… just be careful alright?” Ochako lifts her collar a little, offering Himiko her neck.

Himiko steps in, but tries to be gentle as she leans in closer. Toga suddenly bites her lips, in complete shock.

Ochako feels the sharp pinch of her bite, but more than the pain, there’s a strange warmth spreading from where she’s bitten. She notices her hesitation and tension, like something unexpected is happening to her too.

But, Ochako feels as if something like this has happened before, a very same familiar feeling. Then that’s when, she remembers. Everything.

In Ochako’s mind, she thinks “Why does she seem so conflicted? Is this just her quirk acting up.. or something else?”

Ochako gently tries to calm her with soft words, “Himiko, it’s okay. You can stop if you want. I’m here. She gently pulls back, still feeling the strange warmth but focusing on helping her. “Thanks so much Ochako.. Let’s head out and go to a nearby clinic.

I’ll text the others about what happened.” She nods, relieved she’s feeling a bit better but knowing she needs proper care. Ochako pulls out her phone and quickly sends a message to the group, explaining the situation so they can meet them both maybe after the movie.

They’re all sitting in the dark theater, the movie still playing on the screen. Izuku leaned towards the group, voice low but a bit awkward.

“Uh, kacchan.. Toga-san and Uraraka are gonna head out first. Uraraka said Toga’s feeling sick, so they’re going to look for a clinic.

Katsuki scowls, trying not to let it show that he’s worried. Of course he cares, beside his tough act, he has a heart. Dammit. He glares back at the big screen, fists clenched, but his mind won’t shut up.

The theater feels quieter as Tsu, Todoroki, and Iida stand up, talking about getting more popcorn, and keeping an eye out so nothing like what happened to Toga happens again. They leave the two of them alone is the dark theater.

He glances sideways at Izuku. “Figures the smart kids bail first.” He mutters, but there’s something else beneath his usual gruff tone, a bit of relief, maybe. Izuku just shrugs, eyes still on the ongoing screen.

Bakugo’s voice cuts through the quiet, low and a little rough. “Hey Nerd.” Izuku looks over, a bit surprised by the sudden attention, his eyes curious. He can feel the tension in the air, like something unspoken is about to come out. “Yeah kacchan? Do you need anything?”

Bakugo smirks a little, his usual tough-guy mask slipping just for a second. “Actually, nevermind.”

Izuku looks away, trying to act like it was nothing, but he catches the flicker of something softer behind his eyes. Izuku chuckles quietly, shaking his head. “Alright kacchan. If you say so.”

The moment lingers, unspoken but meaningful. Katsuki feels the unexpected weight as Izuku leans his head sideways onto his shoulder. For a moment, the usual walls come down, and the raw truth sinks in.

Izuku’s voice is quiet, almost vulnerable. “You know, I hate what happened to us.. I wish we could genuinely be what we were back then, as kids. Even after not-so deep things happen, like our fight against Mr. Aizawa, it still reminds me of.. you know, the things that happened. During middle school.”

Katsuki stays still, heart pounding louder than he wants to admit. It’s been a long time since he’s heard Izuku say something like that, not just words, but feelings. After a beat, Katsuki grumbles, trying to sound tough but softening just a bit. “Don’t get all soft on me nerd, but yeah.. I get it.”

The theater’s quiet again, but this time it feels different. Like maybe there’s even more to them, somehow. The two of them sit in quiet companionship, the movie forgotten as the hum of the theater surrounds them. Time seems to stretch endlessly, like the world paused just for this moment.

Katsuki’s usual fiery glare softens, and Izuku’s hopeful eyes meet his. Neither says anything more. Words aren’t needed. It’s just the two of them. Connected in a way that feels rare and real. Like an unspoken promise that maybe, just maybe, things can get better, and they would be something more.

“Hey nerd..”

The soft silence breaks as Katsuki’s voice gently calls out. Izuku blinks, still leaning slightly on his shoulder, and looks up at him with a small, sleepy smile.

“..”

The moment feels fragile, like a quiet thread connecting the two of them.

Katsuki clears his throat, feeling a little raw as the words come out, more honest than he ever planned. “Look, I know I already said this back when I went over your house, but I just wanted to be more clear.”

…
“I’m sorry for everything. Back in middle school, I had a really big ego and all that. I just.. I thought you were acting like you were better than me. You always came, and helped me, all those time, I thought you were looking down on me. But turns out, that’s just who you are. And I really appreciate it.”

He glances away for a second, swallowing the lump in his throat. Izuku looks at him, eyes wide, maybe a little surprised, but there’s a soft smile there that makes his chest tighten. Katsuki feels his breath catch as Izuku’s words hit him. “Kacchan, that means a lot to me.”

Their eyes lock, and for a moment, it’s just the two of them again. Face to face. No walls, no anger, just understanding. The tension between them softens, replaced by something quiet and real.

Katsuki shifts closer, the weight of years of rivalry and more unspoken feelings hanging in the air. Katsuki and Izuku snap their attention toward the cinema door at the voices.

“Himiko stop! Your really need to rest!”

“I’m fine Ochako! I swear! It’s just my quirk like always!” Himiko says, her voice sounding stubborn, but shaky.

Katsuki’s eyes narrow, muscle tensing as he sits up straighter, the usual edge returning to his stance. Izuku’s expression tightens too, concern evident in his eyes as they both prepare to see what’s going on.

As Ochako and Himiko walk back to their seats, she glances over and spot Izuku and Katsuki, sitting there. Both looking kind of..off?”

“Woah Izuku? Bakugo-kun? What happened? You guys look.. I don’t know, kinda weird.?” Ochako gives them a curious smile. Hoping whatever it is isn’t anything bad. Katsuki grunts, looking away, and Izuku just scratches the back of his neck, a little sheepish.

“Well where are the others?” Himiko asks just a bit excitingly too. “Well, they stepped out earlier to get more popcorn, I wonder what’s taking them so long though? They’re probably just outside the theater, or waiting near the lobby.”

“I bet something happened between them! They probably made out and all!” Toga said, teasingly. Ochako can’t help but laugh softly at Toga’s teasing. But when those words came out, it felt wrong. I mean she knew Izuku and her were dating but- well. “Yeah right! Like Bakugo-kun and Izuku would ever just make out.” Ochako says, nudging her playfully. Toga grins mischievously, eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Hey! You never know! Kacchan’s got a temper, but maybe he’s got a soft spot too!” Katsuki shoots them both a glare that says shut up, but she catches the faintest hint of blush on his cheeks. Izuku just laughs quietly, shaking his head.

The theater door opens quietly, Tsu, Todoroki, and Iida return, each carrying popcorn and snacks. Tsu gives a gentle smile, “Sorry for the delay! Everything’s fine now.” Todoroki nods, “Yeah, the line was really long and the machine even broke down, that’s why we took a bit too long.” Iida adjusts his glasses, adding, “Safety first. We’re ready to watch now.”

Katsuki and Izuku glance at each other briefly before settling back into their seats, the earlier tension easing.

The movie ends, the credits rolling quietly on the screen. As everyone stands and heads for the exit, the first heavy drops of rain start to fall, quickly turning into a full-on downpour outside. They all rush out of the theater, the rain pounding against some of their jacket. The sky’s dark, and the streets are slick and shiny under the streetlights.

Katsuki grumbles quietly, “Great.. just what we needed.” Izuku pulls his jacket tighter, glancing around, “Looks like we’re stuck her for a bit.” Todoroki shrugs, “Could be worse. At least we’re all together.”

Ochako pulls out two umbrellas from her bag, holding them up with a hopeful smile. “Hey, I think I have two umbrellas! Maybe we can share, two pairs, just us four?” She suggests.

Iida and Tsu already had their own umbrellas, Todoroki said that his dad could pick him up later on. Leaving just the two girls, and the two boys.

Katsuki grunts but nods, grabbing one umbrella with his usual rough efficiency. “Alright, let’s stick close and head out” Ochako says as they all start moving, umbrellas bobbing through the rain. “Hey uhh, I just remembered, could kacchan and I walk together? I don’t wanna cause lots of trouble, plus we live in the same neighborhood, I think that would give us some free time.” Izuku says

Katsuki raises and eyebrow but doesn’t argue, his usual scowl softening just a bit. “Fine. Don’t slow me down, nerd.” He grumbles. Izuku smiles, a little relieved.

“Well, looks like we’re splitting up here. Let’s keep in touch, yeah?” Ochako waves goodbye, “Be safe you two!” Himiko grins, “See ya later!”

Katsuki and Izuku fall into steps beside each other under one umbrella, the rain pattering softly around them.

As Izuku and Katsuki walk side bye side under the umbrella, the air between them is thick with awkward silence, neither quite sure how to break it. The rain softly taps above, adding a gentle rhythm to their steps.

As they approach Izuku’s house, they spot Mama Inko outside, carefully tending to her plants despite the drizzle. Inko looks up and smiles warmly at them, shielding her eyes from the rain. “Oh Katsuki! Izuku! What a nice surprise to see you both here.”

Katsuki glances at Izuku, then back at Inko, his usual tough expression softening a little. “Hey.” Izuku waves shyly. “Hi mom!” Inko chuckles softly, “Come inside you two, you must be soaked.”

Katsuki grumbles, shifting his weight from one foot to the other as Inko’s gentle insistence presses on him. “Well, actually.. I need to head back home. It’s just a few blocks away,” he says, trying to sound nonchalant.

Inko smiles warmly, stepping a bit closer with a motherly tone, “Oh but dear, think of it as a favor you know? Since you’re already here, now come inside.” Katsuki hesitates , the rain dripping from his hair, but with a resigned grunt, he follows Izuku towards the door.

Izuku glances at him, a small smile tugging at his lips. Izuku and Katsuki both exchange glances as Inko calls out warmly from the kitchen doorway.

“You boys go ahead and take a shower.” She says with a smile. “I’ll be going somewhere soon, but I also cooked some katsudon if you guys want some when you’re done.”

Katsuki grunts, rubbing the back of his neck. “Katsudon, huh.. sounds alright. Izuku nods enthusiastically, “That sounds great mom! Thanks!”

They both head towards the bathroom to freshen up, the warmth of Inko’s kindness lingering in the air. Izuku leads the way to his room, walls plastered with All might posters and shelves stack with memorabilia. The space feels cozy, a little sanctuary filled with things he loves.

He glances over Katsuki, who looks a bit out of place but trying to act tough as always. “Kacchan, you can take a shower first.” Izuku says, pointing toward the bathroom. “If you need some clothes, they’re in my drawer.”

Katsuki grunts, nodding. “Don’t expect me to wear your stupid shirts.” Izuku laughs nervously, “Yeah, yeah, I get it. Just.. make yourself comfortable.”

After Bakugo finished his shower, the two boys took turns freshening up before heading downstairs together. The comforting aroma of Inko’s katsudon greeted them as they entered the kitchen.

Inko smiled warmly, placing a steaming bowl of katsudon in front of each of them. “Here you go, boys. Eat up,” she said kindly before heading out. Izuku and Katsuki carried their bowls back upstairs, settling in Izuku’s room surrounded by All Might posters and memorabilia.

Bakugo grunted, “Not bad... this actually tastes good.” Izuku beamed, “I’m glad you like it! Mom makes the best katsudon.”

They ate quietly for a moment, the easy silence between them a welcome change. Izuku brightened up and asked, “Want to play a video game?” Katsuki smirked, setting down his katsudon. “Hmph, fine. But don’t expect me to go easy on you.” Izuku grinned, grabbing the controller. “Wouldn’t have it any other way, Kacchan.”

The two dove into the game, the room filling with the sounds of button mashing, playful trash talk, and occasional laughter, just like old times.

Katsuki paused mid-game, noticing Izuku’s controller slowly slip from his hands and his eyes closing.

“Oi, nerd... you’re out cold,” he muttered, a little quieter than usual. He nudged Izuku’s shoulder gently, but Deku didn’t stir. Katsuki sighed, half-smiling despite himself. “Tch, always pushing yourself too hard.” Carefully, he set the controller aside and reached over to pull a blanket over Izuku.

Katsuki hesitated for a moment, then settled down beside Izuku on the bed, careful not to wake him. The soft glow from the posters on the walls cast a gentle light over the room.

As he lay there, his usual scowl softened into something more thoughtful. The silence stretched comfortably between them, and before long, even kacchan’s eyes began to close. For once, the world felt quiet—and a little bit peaceful.

Katsuki blinked awake, the early morning light filtering in through the curtains. His body was stiff, mostly because Izuku was practically draped over him. The green-haired boy’s face rested against his chest, warm breath ghosting over his s skin. His arms were loosely wrapped around Katsuki’s torso, holding on as if even in sleep, he didn’t want to let go. Then Katsuki heard it—soft murmurs, muffled against his shirt.

“…Kacchan… Kacchaaan… Kaaaacha… Kacchannn…”

Katsuki’s eyes widened, heart thudding in his chest. He could feel the heat coming up to his ears. Hoping Deku wouldn’t hear nor feel it.

“The hell, nerd…” he muttered under his breath—but he didn’t move. Instead, he stayed there, staring at the ceiling, his face flushed with something that definitely wasn’t anger.

He let out a quiet sigh. “…Idiot.” And yet, a small, almost invisible smile crept onto his lips.

He looked at Deku again. His face still on his chest. His mouth practically opening while he’s asleep. He looks so cute this way. So.. peaceful.

Shit. Them in this position definitely made kacchan to want more. He longed for it. But he knew he couldn’t. But—

What if.

What if he could?

..

That exact thought slowly drifted while he was lying down. Not thinking of anything. Just the fact that deku was lying on top of him. Damn. If deku woke up it would be really weird.

Just as he was about to pull away from deku’s touch, his arms and soft fingers quietly tightened into his waist. As if trying not to let go, and stay for that position longer.

The fuck?

He knew he couldn’t hold it any longer. He wanted to sqeeze, hug, kiss, and punch deku right there at the same time, mostly because he was making him feel this way.

“Deku” Katsuki says quietly, it’s soft. Like no one else could hear it, only if they’re near enough to. But only vdeku was allowed.

Deku slowly tilted his head and wiggled his legs a bit. “Mhmm. Yes kacchan?” Deku says while still looking very much half asleep. His eyes practically about to close as he said those words.

Fuck. He wanted to kiss him right there and then but he knew it was wrong, very wrong.

“You’re literally on top of me right now.” His face facing side, clearly not wanting Deku to see what he looks like. Kacchan says, not anger, not fear, just true emotion, a soft one.

Izuku blinks hazily. Like those words we’re still processing in his mind. “Huh? Watcha mean— im not on top of you?.” He blinks a bit more again, and the realization hit. His eyes a bit wide, scared most definitely. As if kacchan would literally punch him.

Izuku quickly sat up, the covers ruffling just because the blanket was tangled all over their legs and waists. “I am sososo so very sorry kacchan—I really didn’t mean to—!”

Katsuki grabbed Izuku’s hand and pull his back just as he was slipping away. Izuku yelped out a small “eep”. Now their faces were inches apart. They could feel each other’s breath.

“Wait no! It’s fine-” Katsuki says, still breathing heavily. Izuku was staring deep into his beautiful crimson eyes. Katsuki stared back into his precious emeralds.

The direction of Katsuki’s gaze slips into his soft lips. Then he looks back into his eyes, which was still staring. A look that’s asking for permission.

“Can I kiss you and never let go?”

Izuku’s breath caught in his throat.

His eyes widened slightly, heart pounding in his chest like it was trying to break free. “K-Kacchan…?”

Katsuki didn’t flinch. For once, no yelling, no bravado. Just raw, quiet sincerity in his voice.

“I mean it,” he said. “You’re the only damn person who’s ever stuck with me, even when I didn’t deserve it. So yeah… I wanna kiss you. And I don’t wanna let go.”

Izuku swallowed hard, eyes softening.

“…Then don’t.”

He leaned forward—slowly, almost unsure—until there was barely an inch between them. Katsuki met him halfway, closing the distance in a kiss that was gentle at first, then deepened with every second.

It wasn’t just a kiss. It was everything unsaid between them—years of tension, pain, longing, and now… something real.

And when they finally pulled back, breathing a little uneven, Katsuki whispered, “…I’m not going anywhere, freckled face..”

Chapter Text

…

“KACCHAN IM DATING URARAKA!!”

Katsuki froze.

The room, quiet, warm, quiet, safe just a moment ago, felt like it cracked down in the middle.

“..You what?” he said, voice low.

Izuku blinked rapidly, as if waking up from a trance. His face went pale, then red, then pale again. “I-I forgot-I mean I didn’t forget I just-oh god-I didn’t mean to-”

Katsuki stood up so fast the blanket fell off the bed. “You’re telling me,”He growled, “you just kissed me-like that-while while you’re dating someone else?”

“No-yes-I mean, yes, but I didn’t-kacchan wait!”

Katsuki’s eyes were wide, but more hurt than angry. “What the hell am I supposed to do with that, huh? You gonna pick that cheek girl over me? After all this time deku! Seriously?!”

Izuku stumbled over his words. “I-I thought I had feelings for Ochako, I do-but this with you-kacchan, it felt real. I didn’t expect this to happen.”

Katsuki’s jaw clenched.

He looked like he was holding a hundred things back.

He looked like he was holding a hundred things back.

Finally, he muttered, “Figure out what the hell you want, Deku. ‘Cause I’m not gonna be your fucking second choice.”

And with that, he turned and walked out.

The rain had finally lightened to a drizzle. Ochako and Toga had taken shelter under a bus stop roof nearby, sharing one of the umbrellas.

Toga swayed slightly on her feet, arms crossed, eyes scanning the grey sky. “Well, that was some night, huh?” she said with a lopsided smile. “Movies, drama, blood cravings.. classic.”

Ochako gave a tired chuckle, still holding her phone tightly. She hadn’t heard back from Izuku since they’d parted ways.

“…Yeah. Classic.”

There was a short pause between them, just the sound of rain tapping the metal roof above.

“Something on your mind Ochako?” Toga asked, nudging her with an elbow. “You’ve been quiet since we left.”

Ochako hesitated. “I just… have this weird felling. Like something happened. Something big.”

Toga raised an eyebrow. “Between Deku and Bakugo?”

Ochako glanced over sharply. “Why would you say that?”

Toga shrugged. “C’mon. You saw them. You felt that tension. It’s not just rivalry anymore, is it? It’s personal.”

Ochako looked away, trying to breathe evenly.

“..What if it is?”

Toga tilted her head, almost gently this time. “Then you get to decide what you wanna do about it. But don’t pretend you didn’t see this coming.”

Ochako closed her eyes, rain misting her cheeks.

Maybe it was time she asked Izuku, directly.

“Hey Ochako.. I can accompany you, you know? Wanna have a sleep over, I just think you would need some rest from boys and all..” Toga’s voice was soft, unusually so.

Ochako blinked, surprised by the sudden sincerity behind her words. “..You sure?” Ochako asked, her voice barely above the rain.

Toga gave a crooked smile. “Yeah. Just us girls. No drama, no boys, no quirks, well, maybe just a little blood talk if I can’t help it.” She laughed a little to herself, then looked back at Ochako, more serious. “I mean it. You’ve been.. carrying a lot.”

Ochako looked at her for a long moment. There was still so much confusion inside, about Izuku, about Bakugo, about what she really wanted. But right now, a quiet night sounded exactly what she needed.

“..Yeah. I’d like that.”

Toga grinned. “Great! I’ll even bring some snacks. Oh! And maybe some face masks-like, the skincare kind. I’ve never tried one but I always see them in movies.”

Ochako smiled, some tension in her chest loosening. “Let’s go then,” she said. “We can crash at my place.”

“Thank you so much Himiko, you’re a great person.”

Toga blinked, stunned for just a moment. No one ever really said that to her. Not like that. Not without fear in their voice. Not like they meant it.

She looked away quickly, biting her lip and hiding the way her cheeks flushed slightly pink. “Tch.. don’t get all soft on me now, Ochako,” she mumbled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m a blood-thirsty villain girl, remember?”

Ochako laughed softly, nudging her shoulder. “You’re not a villain to me.” Toga turned her eyes to Ochako again, softer this time. “Thanks… seriously.”

For the first time in a long while, she felt seen, not for her quirk, or her past, but for her. “C’mon,” Toga said, standing up and stretching. “Let’s get cozy, eat junk, and totally forget about boys for a night.” Ochako smiled, warmth blooming in her chest. “Deal.”

As the rain tapped gently against the windows of Toga's apartment and the flickering light of the TV lit up the room, the two girls sat cross-legged on the floor, controllers in hand. Between rounds of a chaotic party game and laughter over snacks, there was a quiet lull.

Toga glanced at Ochako out of the corner of her eye, her voice quieter than usual. “…Hey, Ochako?” she asked, setting her controller down slowly.

Ochako paused the game and looked at her, sensing the shift in tone. “Yeah?” Toga took a breath, fiddling with the hem of her oversized hoodie.

“Do you ever… wonder if you’re with the right person?”

There was no malice in her tone. No teasing, no venom, just raw honesty. Her golden eyes, usually sharp and mischievous, looked uncertain for once.

The room fell silent except for the distant sound of rain.

“I do, everyday actually..”

Toga’s eyes widened slightly, not expecting Ochako to admit it so plainly. “…Really?” she asked softly.

Ochako nodded, her fingers tightening just a little around her controller. “Yeah. I mean… Izuku is amazing. Kind, strong, he always tries to do the right thing—but sometimes I wonder if we’re really on the same page. Or if I just… liked the idea of him.”

Toga sat still, absorbing every word like it mattered more than anything. Because to her—it did. “I feel like I’m always trying to keep up,” Ochako continued. “With his dreams. With how much he shines. And sometimes I’m not sure if I’m even part of that picture, or just… standing next to it.”

The words hung in the air like rainclouds—quiet but heavy.

Toga leaned in a bit closer. “I think you shine too, you know… Maybe in a different way, but still bright. Ochako looked up at her, surprised by the sincerity in her voice. Toga gave her a soft, almost shy smile. “Just thought you should hear that.”

Silence again. But this time it was warm.

“…Thanks, Himiko.”

“Anytime,” she said, brushing some hair behind her ear, cheeks slightly pink again. “Want to play another round? Or maybe just… talk a little more?”

“Hey Himiko.. can I tell you something?”

Toga blinked, surprised by the sudden shift in Ochako’s tone again — softer, almost hesitant.

“Yeah… of course,” she said, setting the controller down completely now, turning her full attention to Ochako.

The room was quiet again. The storm outside hadn’t let up, but it felt like the world had paused just for this moment.

Ochako looked down at her hands for a second, then slowly met Himiko’s eyes. “I… I think part of me feels safest when I’m with you.”

Toga’s lips parted slightly, caught off guard. “W-What do you mean?” “I don’t know,” Ochako said quietly. “It’s like… I don’t have to pretend, or hold back how I feel. Like I don’t have to be the perfect version of myself just to be enough.”

Toga stared at her. “You mean… with me? You feel like that?”

Ochako nodded.

And for once, Toga didn’t say something flirty or sarcastic or dramatic. She just looked at Ochako like she was seeing her in a new light — one she didn’t think she was allowed to hope for.

“…You have no idea what that means to me.”

They sat there for a beat. Closer now. Closer than ever.

“Can we talk about love?”

Toga’s breath hitched just a little — not out of fear, but because the word love always carried so much weight when it came from someone like Ochako.

She nodded, gently. “Yeah… I’d really like that.”

She tucked her knees up, arms wrapped loosely around them as she leaned her head slightly toward Ochako. “What about it? The scary parts? The warm parts? The confusing, ‘why-does-my-chest-hurt-like-this’ parts?”

Ochako smiled softly, her expression touched with a hint of nervousness. “All of it, I guess. I mean… I thought I understood love before. What it was supposed to feel like. But lately, I’m realizing maybe it’s not just one thing.”

Toga tilted her head, curious. “You mean like how you thought love was only what you had with Izuku?”

Ochako nodded. “He makes me feel seen. Like I matter. But… with you, it’s different. Not better or worse. Just… deeper in another way. Like you see the messy, complicated parts of me. And you don’t run from them.”

Toga looked at her, stunned. Her voice was soft now. Honest. “I don’t run… because those are the parts I like most.”

They held each other’s gaze for a long moment — no pretending, no hero vs villain, no roles.

Just them.

Toga broke the silence, just barely above a whisper, “Ochako… do you think love can change shape? Like… maybe it starts one way, but it becomes something else when you meet the right person?”

Ochako leaned a little closer. “I think… it’s always been that way. We just don’t always recognize it at first.”

“Toga..”

Toga turned to face her fully now, eyes wide and open, her usual mischief replaced by something far more vulnerable. “Yeah?” she said, barely above a whisper.

Ochako hesitated, not because she didn’t know what she wanted to say, but because saying it out loud would make it real. Her eyes searched Toga’s, and her voice came soft, but sure,

“I think… I might be falling for you.”

The room fell silent, the sound of the rain outside now a distant murmur behind the thudding in both of their chests.

Toga’s lips parted, her breath caught somewhere between shock and something deeper. “You… mean that?” she asked, eyes shimmering, not with her usual hunger, but something gentler.

“I don’t know what it means yet,” Ochako admitted. “And I’m scared. But when I’m with you, I feel more me than I ever have. And maybe that’s something like love… or the beginning of it.”

Toga’s hands trembled slightly in her lap. Slowly, gently, she reached out — not to grab or take, but to hold. Just the edge of Ochako’s sleeve.

“That’s all I’ve ever wanted… to be seen like this.”

They sat there, hands slowly finding one another, eyes still locked. And for the first time in a long time… neither of them felt alone.

“Look Toga, I-I’m sorry.. I’m still dating Izuku and I just can’t. You mean really much to me, and I don’t want to ruin what we have.”

Toga’s fingers froze, still loosely holding onto Ochako’s sleeve. For a moment, she didn’t move or speak. Then, slowly, she let go. Her smile was soft, a little sad, but it was real.

“…I figured,” she said quietly, looking away for just a second before forcing herself to meet Ochako’s eyes again. “I mean, you love him. I can see that.”

A beat passed.

“I’m not mad, Ochako. I’m really not.” She took a breath, then gave a crooked grin. “Honestly, I’m glad you told me. It sucks a little, but it’s better than pretending, right?”

Ochako’s heart ached as she reached out and gently placed her hand over Toga’s.

“You’re important to me, Himiko. I don’t know what this feeling is yet… but I promise I won’t lead you on. You deserve more than that.”

Toga’s eyes shimmered, but she nodded. “Yeah… and maybe someday, if things change… you'll let me know?”

“Yeah,” Ochako said softly. “I will.”

The air was heavy for a moment, but not unbearable. Just honest. Two girls, tangled in confusing feelings, still trying to hold on to the friendship that somehow felt just as precious as anything else.

Toga wiped her eye with the back of her hand and forced a laugh. “Alright! No more sad vibes. You wanna beat me at this game or what?”

Ochako smiled. A bit bittersweet, but thankful. “Only if you’re ready to lose.”

They picked up their controllers again, the unspoken moment still lingering, but no longer in the way.

-With Izuku-

Izuku pushed open the door to his room quietly, the familiar creak of the hinges grounding him just a little in the swirl of thoughts bouncing around his head. The air still carried the faint warmth of the katsudon they'd eaten earlier, but Katsuki was gone now, maybe back home, maybe avoiding more confusion.

He closed the door behind him and leaned against it, eyes scanning his room like it might offer answers. All Might posters. His scattered notebooks. His controller still on the floor from when they’d stopped playing.

Izuku ran a hand through his messy hair and muttered to himself, pacing in tight circles.

"Why did I say that? Why did I feel that?" His heart still thudded from earlier. Katsuki’s words, that moment, the almost kiss.

"Can I kiss you and never let go…?"

The words echoed like a whisper he couldn’t un-hear.

And then he had blurted it out. “Kacchan, I’m dating Uraraka!”

He stopped pacing.

Uraraka.

A memory sparked. Her smile at the coffee shop, how she invited him to see the sunset, how she made his nerves calm just by sitting nearby. She had been so sweet, so open. And lately… she’d looked almost uncertain. He sighed, guilt crawling up his throat like a vine. “I need to talk to her.”

He didn’t know what he was going to say yet. About Katsuki, about himself, about whatever this was, but he knew one thing for sure. He didn’t want to lie. Not to Ochako. Not to himself. Not anymore.

Izuku sat down on the edge of his bed, grabbing his phone. He stared at the screen, thumb hovering over her name.

“Hey Ochako… can we talk? Just us. Soon?”

His chest felt heavy, but for the first time since that moment with Katsuki, his thoughts began to slow — just a little.

Izuku stared at the screen, thumb hovering over Ochako’s name… but he didn’t press send. Instead, he locked his phone and set it down on the nightstand, letting out a shaky breath. “Not yet,” he whispered. Whatever he was feeling. Whatever that moment with Katsuki meant. It was too tangled to rush. He needed time.

Izuku went over to his messages. Only to find the name “kacchan”. He didn’t know what to say, he was confused, he knew he needed to clear things up. Then, he went over his name.

“kacchan…”

He hit send. He didn’t what his response would be, his emotions, or if he would reply at all.

Katsuki’s phone buzzed softly on his nightstand. He glanced over, half expecting it to be spam — but when he saw the name “Deku” glowing on the screen, his chest tightened.

He picked it up slowly, hesitant fingers unlocking the screen.

Deku:
“kacchan..”

That was it. No follow-up. No explanation. Just his name, typed in that familiar way.

For a moment, Katsuki just stared at the message. He could almost hear the way Izuku would say it, soft, unsure, but full of weight.

He started typing a reply… then deleted it. Tried again.

Kacchan:
What, nerd?

He paused.

No.

Backspace.

He tried again.

Kacchan:
...you okay?

Still too much.

Finally, he settled on,

Kacchan:
Yeah?

He sent it.

Phone in hand, Katsuki leaned back against the bed, staring at the ceiling, waiting.

Deku:
“Look okay I just wanted to make this quick and direct. Can we please not talk about it, or say anything at all, like act as if it never happened? I mean I think I like you, but I’m still dating Ochako, I really don’t want to be selfish, but maybe one day, we could work it out?...”

Katsuki sat frozen, rereading the message over and over.

“can we please not talk about it.. or say anything about it.. like act as if it never happened.. I mean, I think I like you, but im still dating uraraka, I dont want to be selfish, but maybe one day, we could work it out..?”

A thousand things surged in him at once, anger, confusion, guilt, hope, but what landed hardest was pain.

He swallowed it down.

He could’ve said something sharp, sarcastic, pretended none of it mattered. But… this wasn’t the moment for that. Not with him.

His fingers hovered over the screen, then finally replied,

Kacchan:
“Okay. I won’t say a thing. You’ve got someone good. Don’t screw that up.”

He stared at it for a second longer, then added,

“If it ever stops hurting… maybe I’ll say something again. Until then, it’s just me.”

He locked his phone and tossed it aside, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Fuckass feelings," he muttered.

It was Monday again. Izuku was acting really weird after “the weekend hangout”. And the others noticed too. He was avoiding Katsuki a lot more.

Ochako sat at her desk, half-listening to Present Mic ramble about hero ethics, but her eyes kept drifting. Izuku was two rows ahead, shoulders tense, scribbling notes like his life depended on it. But he hadn’t smiled once today.

Not even at lunch.

And Katsuki? He was unusually quiet too. Not his usual explosive self, no grunts, no loud remarks, not even a side-eye when Kaminari said something dumb. He just sat there, arms crossed, staring out the window like the glass owed him something.

Ochako's brow furrowed.

Something happened… at the weekend hangout, didn’t it?

She’d caught glances. Subtle ones. The way Izuku barely made eye contact with Katsuki when they were all together… the way Katsuki looked like he was holding back every time Izuku was nearby. And now, Izuku was avoiding him altogether.

During lunch, Ochako sat down next to Izuku outside in the courtyard under a tree, her bento in her lap.

“Hey… you okay?” she asked softly. Izuku blinked, startled. “Y-yeah! Totally! Just tired, hehe…” She didn’t buy it for a second. “You’ve been acting weird. Not like bad weird — just…” she looked at him carefully, “like something’s eating at you.”

There was a long pause. Izuku picked at his food with his chopsticks, gaze downcast. “Izuku,” she said more seriously. “Is this about… Katsuki?” His eyes snapped up for a second — then quickly darted away.

That was all the answer she needed.

“Oh no! It’s not really a big deal.. just a small fight between rivals y’know?” He tried covering it with a small, sarcastic laugh right after.

Ochako tilted her head slightly, concern still etched across her face. “A fight? You and… Bakugo?”

Izuku gave a half-hearted smile and nodded, his eyes fixed on a distant spot in the grass. “It’s not really important. Just something dumb.”

She didn’t say anything at first. Just watched him. Watched how his shoulders drooped slightly, how his hands clenched a little too tightly around his chopsticks. “Okay,” she finally said, gently. “If you say so… I won’t push.” Izuku blinked, surprised. “Really?” “Yeah,” Ochako smiled softly. “But just so you know… if it ever gets too much, if you want to talk, or even just sit in silence, I’m here. You don’t have to carry it alone.”

Izuku looked at her then, something unspoken flickering in his eyes. “Thanks, Uraraka,” he said quietly. “That means a lot.”

The bell rang in the distance, signaling the end of lunch.

As they stood up and gathered their things, Ochako glanced one last time at him. She wasn’t sure what had really happened between him and Katsuki… but something had definitely shifted.

And she had a feeling the fallout was only just beginning.

Uraraka and Himiko have hangout more recently, they walked to school together, eating lunch with her, went with her to the lockers, between classes, and other stuff. Izuku's group of course, then started asking him about what happened.

A few weeks later, everything was still the same. Even more of their classmates got worried. Some even asked Katsuki about it. But he always ended screaming at them or just completely ignore them.

Then on a random week day. At lunch, the usual chatter at the table dulled as Izuku quietly poked at his bento. The tension didn’t go unnoticed.

Tsuyu blinked and tilted her head. “Midoriya-chan… you’ve been acting differently lately. Is everything okay?” Tenya adjusted his glasses, his voice low but firm. “Indeed. You seem more distracted than usual. And… we’ve noticed Uraraka-san has been spending more time with Toga-san.” Shoto nodded slowly, chewing thoughtfully. “It’s like your group dynamic shifted over the weekend.”

Izuku hesitated, his grip tightening around his chopsticks. “I-It’s nothing, really. Just a little… distance, that’s all.”

“Distance?” Tsuyu echoed. “Did something happen between you and Ochako-chan?” “Or between you and Bakugo?” Shoto asked bluntly. Izuku looked up, startled. “W-Why would you say that?”

Shoto blinked once. “He hasn’t spoken much since the weekend either. You both avoid each other in class now.” Tenya leaned in a little. “We’re your friends, Midoriya. If something happened… it’s okay to tell us.”

Izuku hesitated, the pressure sitting heavily on his chest. Memories of the quiet moment with Kacchan, the confusing warmth, and the guilt tied to Ochako’s smile flooded him again. “…It’s complicated,” he finally said, voice quiet.

There was a pause.

“Well,” Tsuyu said gently, “complicated things don’t always need immediate answers. But we’ll be here when you want to untangle them.”

Izuku gave a faint nod, grateful, but still unsure how to explain a mess he hadn’t even sorted out himself.

From across the cafeteria, he glanced toward another table, Ochako laughing with Toga, them only in one table, the sunlight catching the smile he hadn’t seen in days.

His chest ached in a way he couldn’t describe.

The school day ended. Shoto was quietly packing his things, calm as always, when he noticed Izuku approaching. He looked up, instantly sensing something in the other boy’s expression.

“Midoriya?” he said, not cold, but not overly warm either, just steady, and observant. “You okay?” Izuku paused, his hand gripping the strap of his bag tightly. “Todoroki-kun!… can we talk? Somewhere private?” Shoto studied him for a moment, then gave a small nod. “Alright. The rooftop?”

They made their way up the empty stairwell, neither speaking much until they stepped out into the open air. The breeze was soft, and the city buzzed faintly below them. Shoto leaned against the railing, arms crossed. Izuku stood for a moment before finally speaking.

“It’s about… Kacchan. And… Ochako.” Shoto’s gaze narrowed, but not unkindly. “Go on.”

Izuku let out a breath, as if the weight of everything had been building in his chest. “Something happened during the weekend. With Bakugo. We had a moment, I don’t know what to call it exactly. But it felt real. Confusing, but real.”

He looked down at his shoes, voice barely above a whisper. “But I’m dating Uraraka. And I care about her. I don’t want to hurt her.”

Shoto was quiet for a long second. Then, carefully, he replied, “You’re torn between something new… and something familiar.”

Izuku nodded. “Yeah.”

Shoto stepped closer, his tone even and calm. “Then the question isn’t who you should choose. It’s whether you’re being honest, with yourself, and with them. Right now, you’re hiding from both. That only hurts everyone.”

Izuku winced a little but didn’t look away.

“I’m not judging you,” Shoto added. “But you owe them—Bakugo and Ochako—the truth. Even if you’re not ready to choose.”

Silence settled between them again before Izuku whispered, “I don’t want to lose either of them.”

Shoto looked out over the city. “You might. But if you don’t say anything, you’ll definitely lose yourself.”

Toga quietly made her way through the school courtyard, her steps slower than usual. She had spotted Ochako sitting under a tree near the edge of the grounds, alone with her bento untouched beside her. The breeze rustled the trees, but Ochako didn’t look up—her eyes were distant, tracing patterns in the grass.

Toga approached gently, kneeling beside her. “Hey,” she said softly. “Mind if I sit?” Ochako blinked, startled at first, then gave a small smile. “Of course not.” Toga sat down beside her, pulling her knees to her chest. For a while, they just sat in silence, the quiet surprisingly comforting. Then Toga broke it,

“You’ve seemed… quieter lately.” Ochako’s smile faltered slightly. “Yeah… I guess I’ve been thinking a lot.” Toga tilted her head, genuinely curious. “Is it about Midoriya?” Ochako’s shoulders tensed, but she didn’t lie. “Yeah. He’s been… off. Distant. I’m not sure what’s going on, and every time I ask, he just brushes it off.”

Toga hesitated, then glanced sideways. “Do you trust him?” “I want to.” Ochako sighed. “But I feel like he’s carrying something and not telling me. It’s like I can see it in his eyes. And… I don’t know what that means for us.”

There was a pause before Toga said quietly, “Maybe… he’s scared. People lie when they’re scared of hurting someone.” Ochako looked at her for a moment. “You sound like you know from experience.” Toga gave a faint, crooked smile. “I do.”

They sat in silence again before Toga gently reached out and placed a hand over Ochako’s. “You don’t have to pretend you’re okay if you’re not. Not with me.” Ochako’s eyes glistened just slightly. “Thanks, Himiko…” Toga nodded. “No matter what happens with him… you’re not alone, okay?”

That night, after school, Ochako and Toga found themselves walking together under the soft, pink-orange hues of the setting sun. The day had been a bit emotionally heavy, but neither of them wanted to go home just yet.

“So… sleepover at my place again?” Toga asked, casually swinging her bag over her shoulder, a playful grin tugging at her lips. Ochako hesitated for half a second, then smiled. “Yeah. I’d really like that.”

Later that evening,

Toga’s room was surprisingly cozy. Dim fairy lights draped across the ceiling, and mismatched plushies covered half the bed. A movie was playing in the background, something light and silly, but neither of them were really watching. The two girls sat cross-legged on the bed, surrounded by snacks, nail polish bottles, and half-braided hair.

Ochako popped a marshmallow into her mouth and flopped back on the pillows with a groan. “I needed this so bad. Seriously, I feel like I’ve been carrying the emotional weight of five people this week.”

Toga snorted, sipping from her soda. “Only five? You’re slacking, Ochako.” They both laughed.

There was a pause, soft and quiet. Then Toga spoke gently, “You’ve been thinking about him a lot, haven’t you?”

Ochako nodded, eyes fixed on the ceiling. “Yeah. I’m just… confused, I guess. Izuku’s acting strange, and Katsuki’s been giving me weird looks, and I don’t know if I’m overthinking or if something really is going on.” Toga leaned back beside her, close but careful not to crowd her. “Do you still like him? Like, really like him?” “I do. I think I do,” Ochako said slowly. “But it’s been hard to feel close to him lately. Like I’m always reaching but never really touching.”

Toga’s voice was low, honest. “Maybe… you deserve someone who reaches back just as much.” Ochako turned her head to look at her. “And what if that someone is already too close?” Toga didn’t answer. She just gave a soft, quiet smile.

They stayed like that for a while, talking, laughing, painting each other’s nails, and occasionally falling into thoughtful silence. When it was late and the world had gone quiet, they lay side by side under Toga’s blanket, the room filled only with the hum of the night.

“Thanks for being here,” Ochako whispered.

“Always,” Toga replied, eyes barely open.

Eventually, the movie kept playing to no one in particular as both girls drifted off to sleep—peaceful for now, tangled in something new and unspoken.

“Ochako.. when will you decide to be with me..?”

A pause.

“I know I sound desperate, but please..”

Toga’s voice was barely above a whisper in the dim glow of her room, the weight of her words settling in the quiet space between them. Ochako blinked slowly, caught off guard. The warmth of the blanket, the softness of their shared sleepover moment, it all suddenly felt heavier, more real. She turned her head toward Toga, who was lying just a few inches away, her golden eyes searching Ochako’s face, vulnerable for once, not playful, not chaotic, just honest.

“…Toga,” Ochako said softly, “I care about you. You know I do. But… this isn’t just something I can decide overnight.” Toga nodded slowly. “I know. I know you’re still with him. I just… I needed to say it. Because every day we spend like this, every time you laugh with me or trust me, it feels like I’m already yours.”

Ochako’s chest tightened. She didn’t know what to say. Her heart felt split between the person who first made it beat faster, and the person who made it feel safe now.

“I’m not asking you to choose right now,” Toga continued, curling a bit into herself, “I just wanted you to know. I don’t want to pretend I don’t feel this anymore.” Ochako reached out, gently taking Toga’s hand under the blanket. Her thumb brushed across her knuckles.

“…I’m not ready yet,” she whispered, “But I promise. I’ll be honest when I am. I owe you that.”

Toga gave a soft nod, biting back something between a smile and a tear. “Okay.” They said nothing more, just holding onto each other in the silence.

“if you want to understand more, then why don’t you spend time with Uraraka-san again? you guys have been distant lately..” Shoto said.

Izuku stood there, arms loosely crossed, eyes a little downcast. Shoto's words hit deeper than he expected—not harsh, but clear, like always.

“…I know,” Izuku muttered. “I’ve noticed it too. It’s not that I don’t want to be close with her, it’s just… she’s been hanging with Toga-san a lot lately, so I don’t know how to approach her. Everything’s been kind of messy lately. In my head, I mean.”

Shoto watched him quietly for a moment, then stepped a little closer. “Feelings are complicated. But hiding from them won’t help either of you.”

Izuku gave a soft chuckle, tired. “Yeah… I’ve been doing that a lot, huh?”

“You should talk to her,” Shoto said plainly, “not because you owe her a perfect answer, but because she deserves the truth. And maybe… you do too.”

Izuku nodded slowly. “You’re right. Thanks, Todoroki.” Shoto gave him a simple nod. “Anytime.”

As Izuku walked away down the hall, his thoughts were already swirling. About Ochako, about Kacchan, about the guilt and the confusion and the way his heart pulled in different directions.

Maybe it was time he stopped avoiding the people he cared about, and started being honest, even if it hurt.

"Hey Izuku / Ochako, can we talk?.." both clicked send at the same time

As the two messages sent simultaneously, a small ping echoed in both Izuku and Ochako’s rooms. They each blinked at their phones, seeing the name of the other.

Izuku:
"Hey Ochako, can we talk?..”

Ochako:
"Hey Izuku, can we talk?..”

A beat passed.

Then another.

And then—almost in sync, they both typed…

Ochako:
"Wait—lol. You messaged me too?"

Izuku:
"This is kind of spooky… I was just about to say the same thing."

Ochako:
"Guess we really do need to talk, huh?"

Izuku:
"Yeah… I think we do."

There was a strange calm in the air between them now. Not the storm of guilt or the awkward tension from before—but a quiet understanding that something had shifted. That they had to face it now.

Ochako:
"Want to meet up outside, by the school gate? Just us?"

Izuku:
"Yeah. I’ll be there in a few."

They both stood, heartbeats a little heavier than usual—but maybe, just maybe, it was time for the truth to finally come out.

The sky was streaked with soft purples and deep oranges, the kind of evening that felt almost too quiet, like the air itself was waiting.

Ochako stood near the front gate, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. The warm summer wind ruffled her hair slightly as she glanced down at her phone, watching the seconds tick by.

Then, footsteps.

She looked up, and there was Izuku, walking toward her with a hesitant smile, hands tucked in his pockets. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, neither of them said anything.

Just the wind.

Just their hearts.

“Hey…” Izuku quietly says.

“Hey…” Ochako says back.

A pause.

“I guess we were both thinking the same thing, huh?” While forcing a small.

“Yeah… I think we’ve been thinking a lot of the same things lately.” Izuku says, sincerely.

They both looked down for a moment, unsure of how to start, until finally,

“Things have been weird between us. I know. And it’s not just about the weekend. I’ve been spending more time with Toga… and you’ve been… distant.”

“I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just… things happened. Things I didn’t expect, and… I didn’t know how to face you. I felt guilty, Ochako.”

“Because of Bakugo.”

Izuku stiffened slightly, then gave a small nod.

“I didn’t plan for any of that to happen. I thought I was sure about us… and I still care about you, a lot. You’re important to me.”

“I know.” She breathes in slowly. “But I’ve been confused too. Spending time with Himiko… it’s felt different. And not just as a friend. I’ve been trying to deny it, trying to pretend everything was still how it used to be. But it’s not.”

Silence again. But not an uncomfortable one this time.

“Maybe we both got swept up in something we weren’t ready for.”

“But it doesn’t mean what we had wasn’t real. I still care about you, Izuku. And I always will. But maybe… maybe it’s okay to stop pretending we’re still the same people we were at the start of the year.

“Maybe we’re just figuring it out. Piece by piece.”

They stood there for a while, shoulder to shoulder, watching the last of the sun disappear over the edge of the buildings.

“So… what now?” Ochako asks softly.

“I guess we take a step back. Breathe. Be honest—with ourselves and with the people around us.” While smiling gently.

“Yeah… That sounds right.” Ochako nods.

“We’ll be okay. Just… maybe not in the way we thought.”

Ochako smiled, a real one this time.

Not forced. Not hiding.

Just… honest.

“Yeah. We’ll be okay.”

The vibe is chill. Kaminari is playing something upbeat on his phone. Mina and Sero are lounging on the couch, and Jirou's fiddling with her earjacks. Kirishima walks in holding two cold drinks and spots Bakugo near the window, silently staring outside, a rare moment of stillness in the explosive teen.

Kirishima walks over and hands him a drink. “Yoo Bakubro.. You okay lately? You’ve been kinda off. Not like… blow-someone-up off, just… quiet.” The others subtly perk up. Kaminari turns the volume down. Mina raises an eyebrow, leaning forward.

“Yeah, dude, you’ve been way more emo than usual.” Kaminari agrees. “Like, we’re used to grumpy Katsuki, not... brooding Katsuki.” Mina adds on. “Yeah man, it’s getting spooky. You alright?” Sero says a bit playfully. “You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to… but we’re here, you know?” Jirou says while glancing over.

Bakugo stays quiet for a beat, his jaw clenched. The ice in the drink clinks as he lifts it to take a sip. He sighs, not out of irritation, but something heavier.

A bit low, almost reluctant. “Tch… It’s nothing.”

“Come on, bro. I know that tone. That’s the ‘something-is-eating-me-alive-but-I’d-rather-combust-than-say-it’ tone.” Everyone chuckles softly. Even Bakugo gives the smallest ghost of a smirk. He puts the drink down, eyes still locked on the sky.

“…It’s complicated.”

The room falls silent, the air charged, not with tension, but something more… respectful.

“I thought I was over something… or someone. Turns out, I’m not. And I’m not the one they picked. So yeah, guess I’ve been in my head a lot.”

Kirishima sits next to him, not saying anything right away. The others exchange glances, no teasing this time. Just listening.

“Hey, I get it. Heart stuff’s messy. You don’t need to bottle it up, even if you’re, you know, King Explosion Murder.” Kirishima says full of care. “Dude, we all go through it. You’re not alone.” Kaminari says while giving a soft smile to Katsuki. “Seriously. You can be tough and still feel stuff. That doesn’t make you weak.” Jirou says. “Yeah. It just makes you human. Even if you explode half the time.” Mina says while grinning softly.

Bakugo scoffs, but his eyes soften. He looks around at his friends—the people who see him, not just as a fighter, but as a person.

“…Thanks.”

And just like that, the moment passed, no drama, no fireworks. Just understanding. The music kicked back in. The conversation shifted. But the weight in Bakugo’s chest? Maybe just a little lighter now.

Izuku is lying on his bed, scrolling absentmindedly through his messages when ping, a new text pops up.

Kacchan:
"yo nerd, can you come over to my dorm? wanna talk"

He stares at it for a few seconds, his chest tightening slightly. The memories of the weekend, the umbrella walk, the night at his house… and then the kiss—that moment. Everything comes rushing back. His thumb hovers over the keyboard.

He types. Deletes. Types again.

Finally, he sends:

Deku:
“Yeah… be there in 5.”

Katsuki sits at the edge of his bed, arms resting on his knees, fingers tapping anxiously together. The room is unusually tidy, maybe a sign he’d been pacing earlier. A knock comes at the door.

“…It’s open.”

Izuku slowly steps in, not quite making eye contact yet.

“You wanted to talk?”

Katsuki stands, walking a few steps before stopping, exhaling sharply.

“Yeah. Look, I’m not here to make things harder for you. I know you’re with that pink cheeks. I’m not trying to mess that up.”

Izuku blinks, surprised at how direct, and… controlled Kacchan sounds.

“But I can’t just pretend nothing happened. I’m not wired that way. That night… I meant it. Every second of it. And I’m not ashamed of it.” He says while turning to Izuku

“I know. I… I meant it too. But it scared me, Kacchan.”

Katsuki nods, running a hand through his hair.

“I get it. You’re stuck in the middle. You’re trying to do what’s right.”

There’s a long silence. Not awkward. Just… heavy.

“I’m not asking you to choose. Not tonight. Maybe not ever. I just needed you to hear that I’m not gonna pretend it didn’t happen. That it didn’t mean something.” Katsuki says a bit softer now.

Izuku looks up, finally meeting his eyes.

“…It did mean something.”

Katsuki’s expression wavers just for a moment, the wall cracking, then he nods and steps back.

“Alright. That’s all I needed.” Katsuki says.

“...Thanks for saying it.” Izuku says while giving one last look at Katsuki. He turns to leave but stops at the door, hand resting on the knob.

Softly Izuku says. “You’re not alone in this, Kacchan.”

And then he’s gone.

It was somewhere around midnight. His phone buzzes once, twice. Katsuki glances at the screen from where he's laying down on the floor. Everyone knew he should be asleep by now. Who the hell would text him in that hour?

Izuku.

"Can you come over? Need to talk.”

The message hits like a brick. No emoji, no nervous over-explaining. Just raw, open.

Katsuki stares for a moment, tension slowly rising in his jaw. He quickly gets up from his bed, still feeling a bit sleepy, grabs his phone, and without replying, stands up and walks out the door.

A knock.

Izuku opens it.

He looks tired, like he hasn’t been sleeping well, but his eyes brighten when he sees Katsuki.

“You okay?”

Izuku steps back silently, letting him in. Katsuki walks past him into the room. They both stand there, alone. Like the whole world narrowed down to just the two of them.

“I had a dream.”

“Seriously? damn nerd.”

“I missed hearing that.”

Katsuki lets out a breathy laugh, forehead resting against Izuku’s. They stay like that for a while, no expectations, no pressure, just presence.

“Look, I’m sorry for not being honest to you before.” “I got caught up with so many things, and about that time. I didn’t know what to feel, to be honest I needed you here just to talk. I really wanted to deeply apologize for what happened. And I hope you understand.. that I wanna see how things go.”

“…Why now?”

“Because lying to myself… hurt more than the truth ever could.”

“I tried to forget what I felt… because I thought I had to choose. But I never stopped thinking about you, Kacchan. Not once.”

“Thanks, that was all I needed to hear.”

Katsuki looks away for a second, jaw tight, like he’s holding something back. What is it? They sit there a while longer. Not saying much. But the silence feels full of something else now, not distance, not uncertainty… but possibility.

The sun was still soft when it filtered through the dorm windows, brushing over the campus in shades of pale gold. Birds chirped faintly, and the air had that quiet, in-between stillness that only came before the chaos of a full school day.

Izuku Midoriya stirred first. He always did. His alarm didn’t even need to ring anymore—his body had trained itself to wake just before it went off. He sat up, rubbing sleep from his eyes, and glanced at the notebook on his desk, open from where he’d been jotting late-night thoughts about hero strategies.

He smiled sheepishly at himself. You really have to stop staying up so late, Izuku.

But this morning was special. Not for any mission, not for any exam. Just… because lately, mornings had felt different. Because Katsuki Bakugo was waiting.

Izuku pulled on his uniform, tugged his tie loose just the way he liked it, and grabbed his bag. When he padded into the common room, sure enough, Katsuki was already there, leaning against the couch with his arms crossed. His blond hair was still slightly messy, like he hadn’t bothered to fix it after getting dressed.

“You’re late, nerd,” Katsuki said flatly, though there was no real bite in his tone. Izuku blinked at him, checking the clock. “Kacchan, it’s… six-thirty. We don’t need to leave for class until seven.”

“Exactly. You wasted ten minutes already.” Katsuki pushed himself off the couch, hands in his pockets. “Don’t drag your feet today.”

Izuku chuckled nervously, falling into step beside him as they left the dorm. “You always act like we’re racing against time. It’s just breakfast.” “Breakfast is fuel, dumbass. And you take forever to pick what you’re eating.” Izuku flushed. “T-that’s not true! I just… want to balance my nutrition…” Katsuki shot him a side glance, lips twitching as if he were fighting a smirk.

The walk across campus was calm, the morning air cool against their skin. Students were scattered, some yawning as they made their way toward the cafeteria.

Izuku, as always, carried himself with a slight hunch, mumbling under his breath now and then as his thoughts wandered into analysis mode. He muttered about training schedules, quirks, even meal plans. And as always, Katsuki cut him off. “Oi. Stop mumbling.”

Izuku startled, cheeks heating. “S-sorry, Kacchan. I didn’t realize—” “You never realize,” Katsuki muttered, but again, there was no venom. Instead, he shoved his hands deeper into his pockets, gaze flicking briefly toward Izuku. “What were you even rambling about this time?”

Izuku blinked. “Uh… just… thinking about how I could adjust my training load. Iida mentioned his stamina drills yesterday, and I thought maybe I should—”

“You don’t need to copy Four-Eyes,” Katsuki interrupted, voice sharp but oddly firm. “You’ve got your own style. Stick to it. Idiot.”

Izuku blinked at him. For a second, the words hung in the cool air, and his chest tightened—not in hurt, but in a quiet warmth. Because buried under the insults, Katsuki was telling him he was good enough as he was.

Izuku smiled softly. “Thanks, Kacchan.” Katsuki clicked his tongue, looking away. “Whatever.”

The cafeteria buzzed faintly when they entered, though it wasn’t as packed yet. A few classmates waved—Kirishima gave a booming “morning!” while Mina and Kaminari bickered over which breakfast line was faster.

Izuku grabbed a tray, humming as he scanned the options. Katsuki grabbed his plate in record time—eggs, rice, and miso soup—and turned to wait, tapping his foot impatiently as Izuku carefully added vegetables, a small side of fruit, and a little bit of fish.

“See?” Katsuki muttered, gesturing to Izuku’s still-loading tray. “Forever.” Izuku pouted faintly, hugging his tray protectively. “I-I just like to be balanced! Heroes need energy in all kinds of ways—” “Shut up and sit down before I blow your damn food off the tray.”

Despite the grumble, Katsuki followed Izuku to a quiet corner table. They sat across from each other, falling into a rhythm that had started to feel natural over the past few weeks. Katsuki ate quickly, efficiently, while Izuku chewed thoughtfully, occasionally jotting notes in his little book even as he ate.

“Oi,” Katsuki said suddenly. Izuku looked up, startled. “Y-yes?” “Don’t think so much when you eat. You’ll choke, nerd.” Izuku blinked… then laughed softly. “You sound like my mom, Kacchan.” Katsuki’s eye twitched. “Say that again and I’ll kill you.” Izuku grinned sheepishly. But his chest was warm again, and the rainclouds that had been gathering in his mind lately felt far away.

When they finished eating, Katsuki stood first, stretching his arms with a faint scowl. “Come on. We’ve got fifteen minutes before class. Let’s head over.”

Izuku blinked. “But don’t you usually wait for Kirishima?” “Tch. He talks too much in the morning. Don’t need that before training.” Katsuki slung his bag over his shoulder, glancing back at Izuku. “…You coming, or what?”

Izuku scrambled to gather his things, nearly dropping his notebook in the process. “Y-yeah! I’m coming, Kacchan!”

As they walked together toward the classroom, the halls filling slowly with voices, Izuku felt something settle inside him.

This… this was nice. The teasing, the rhythm, the way Katsuki always seemed to make space for him even when he pretended not to care. It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t simple. But it was theirs. And in that moment, Izuku wished mornings could stay like this forever.

The classroom was already buzzing when Izuku and Katsuki stepped in. Desks were scattered with notebooks, training gear, and the faint smell of cafeteria miso still clinging to the air. Mina was leaning across Kaminari’s desk, laughing at something he’d drawn in the margins of his notes, while Jirou tapped her pencil in time with her music.

“Morning, Midoriya! Morning, Bakugo!” Iida greeted with a sharp salute, nearly toppling over his chair in his enthusiasm. “You’re right on time!”

Katsuki scoffed, shoving his bag into his desk. “We’re early, Four-Eyes. You’re just loud.” Izuku gave a polite laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Good morning, Iida-kun.” Todoroki looked up from his textbook, gaze flicking between the two. “You always come together now,” he observed simply.

Izuku’s cheeks went pink. “Ah—w-well, it’s just convenient since we—uh—we wake up around the same time…” He trailed off, fiddling with his pen. “Convenient, huh,” Todoroki replied, then returned to his notes. Katsuki rolled his eyes. “What the hell are you implying, Half-and-Half?” “Nothing.” Todoroki didn’t even look up.

Aizawa shuffled into the room a moment later, looking half-asleep in his usual capture scarf. He gave the class a single disinterested look before muttering, “Training grounds today. Pairs. Go.”

“Pairs?” Mina perked up immediately. “Aw yeah! I call Jirou!” “Denied,” Jirou muttered, but she was already gathering her things.

Izuku glanced nervously at Katsuki, clutching his notebook like a lifeline. Normally, he’d partner with Iida or maybe Todoroki. But lately… it had been different.

And as if reading his mind, Katsuki slung his bag over his shoulder and growled, “We’re pairing. Don’t whine about it, nerd.” Izuku blinked, surprised, then smiled faintly. “O-okay, Kacchan.”

The training grounds were still damp from an early morning drizzle, the air cool and smelling faintly of wet stone. Aizawa gave his usual lazy instructions: “Combat drills. Adapt to your partner. Figure it out.” And then he was gone, retreating to the sidelines with his sleeping bag.

Pairs scattered across the grounds. Mina and Jirou sparred in bursts of acid and soundwaves. Kaminari tried to keep up with Sero’s tape swings, while Iida barked encouragements at Todoroki in between his jet-fueled dashes.

Izuku and Katsuki stood opposite each other, the silence between them crackling almost as much as Katsuki’s palms.

“Don’t hold back, Deku,” Katsuki barked, slipping easily into his fighting stance. “I’ll blow your ass across the field if you do.”

Izuku tightened his fists, One For All humming faintly through his veins. But his chest didn’t clench with nerves the way it used to. Not anymore.

“I won’t, Kacchan,” he said firmly. “Not against you.”

The clash was explosive—literally. Katsuki lunged first, palms sparking, forcing Izuku back with a string of detonations. Izuku countered with quick bursts of power through his legs, dodging with precision and retaliating with sharp, focused strikes.

“Too slow!” Katsuki snarled, deflecting one punch with a burst that sent dust spiraling. Izuku gritted his teeth, countering with a mid-air kick. “Then keep up with me, Kacchan!”

The two collided again, power against power, explosions rattling the field as Izuku’s focused bursts of energy kept him moving just out of reach. Their classmates paused their own drills to glance over—the battle between the two was always something to watch.

“They’ve gotten a lot more in sync,” Iida observed from the sidelines, panting from his sprints. “Yeah,” Kirishima grinned. “It’s like they’re… actually working together instead of trying to kill each other. Man, it’s kinda awesome!”

Finally, Aizawa’s voice cut across the grounds. “Enough.”

The class collectively froze, sweat dripping, breaths heavy. Katsuki and Izuku skidded to a stop, dust and smoke swirling around them. Katsuki’s chest heaved as he wiped sweat from his brow, scowling even as his lips twitched upward.

“Not bad, nerd.” Izuku panted, cheeks flushed but smiling softly. “You too, Kacchan.”

Their eyes met for a brief moment—an unspoken acknowledgment, the kind that didn’t need words. For once, Katsuki didn’t look away immediately.

Back in the locker rooms, the atmosphere was light. Kaminari cracked jokes about how Katsuki’s blasts nearly singed his eyebrows off again. Kirishima nudged him, laughing, “Bro, you and Midoriya looked unstoppable out there!”

“Tch. Don’t make it weird.” Katsuki shoved his shirt into his bag. “We’re just not holding back anymore. That’s all.”

Izuku, tying his shoes nearby, blinked at him. For a second, his chest swelled with something—something warm, something hopeful.

Because no matter how Katsuki worded it, it meant something to him.
The fact that Katsuki chose to pair with him, fought him seriously, didn’t dismiss him as weak anymore.

It meant the world.

Later, as they walked back toward the dorms, Izuku broke the silence. “Kacchan?”

“What now?” Katsuki muttered, though his tone wasn’t sharp.

“I… really like training with you,” Izuku admitted softly, clutching his notebook to his chest. “I think… I think we make each other better. Y’know?”

Katsuki snorted, shoving his hands into his pockets. “…Obviously. I’ve been saying that since we were kids, dumbass. You just didn’t get it.”

Izuku laughed nervously, rubbing his neck. “Y-yeah. Maybe I didn’t.”

For a second, the tension eased, and they fell into step together—side by side, not behind or ahead.

And though neither said it outright, the truth hung there quietly in the air: They weren’t just rivals anymore. They were something closer.

The sun was just beginning to dip low, casting long shadows over U.A.’s campus as students spilled out of classrooms. Most people were already buzzing about weekend plans—Mina begged Jirou to come shopping, Kaminari and Sero argued over which arcade had the better claw machines, and Iida herded a group of stragglers out the door with his usual discipline.

Izuku lingered by his desk, organizing his notebooks with meticulous care. He could hear Katsuki’s impatient tapping behind him.

“Deku, are you seriously alphabetizing your notes again?” Katsuki barked. Izuku jumped, clutching the notebook to his chest. “I-It’s not alphabetizing, Kacchan! It’s… uh… systematizing! O-Organizing helps me study better!”

Katsuki groaned, slinging his bag over his shoulder. “You’re pathetic. Hurry up before I leave you here.”

Despite the words, Izuku caught the way Katsuki paused at the door, waiting. A small, almost invisible smile tugged at his lips.

They walked together across the courtyard, the evening air cool and tinged with the smell of grass after training.

“You’re coming to the dorm lounge, right?” Izuku asked, trying to keep his voice casual. Katsuki shoved his hands into his pockets. “Why?” “Well,” Izuku stammered, cheeks warming, “everyone’s planning to watch a movie tonight. I thought it’d be fun if you came, too. We don’t usually…” He trailed off.

Katsuki glanced at him sideways, narrowing his eyes. “…Fine. But if it’s some sappy romance crap, I’m leaving.” Izuku laughed nervously. “I-I think Kaminari picked it, so… probably an action movie?” “Good.” Katsuki smirked faintly.

The dorm lounge was alive with chatter when they arrived. Mina had already taken control of the couch, arms spread wide as if she owned the place. Kaminari fumbled with the remote, Sero teasing him from behind, while Jirou scrolled through playlists on her phone.

“Finally! Took you long enough!” Mina chirped when she spotted them. “We were about to start without you.” “We?” Katsuki scoffed. “You mean you. Nobody cares what you say, raccoon eyes.” “Rude!” Mina gasped dramatically, but Izuku quickly cut in, cheeks flushed. “L-Let’s just sit down, Kacchan.” He tugged at Katsuki’s sleeve—just enough to guide him toward an empty spot on the couch. Katsuki grumbled but didn’t pull away.

The movie started—an explosion-heavy action flick filled with car chases, rooftop battles, and impossibly loud special effects. Kaminari was on the edge of his seat, cheering every explosion, while Mina and Sero threw popcorn at him every time he yelled too loud.

Izuku, though, found his gaze drifting.

Katsuki sat beside him, arms crossed, eyes sharp on the screen. But there was something softer about him in the dim light—the way his shoulders had relaxed, the faint smirk that tugged at his lips whenever a fight scene actually impressed him.

Without thinking, Izuku leaned closer. Their shoulders brushed, and Katsuki shot him a glare out of the corner of his eye.

“…What?” Katsuki muttered. “N-Nothing! I was just—uh—trying to see better,” Izuku lied, face heating. Katsuki rolled his eyes, but he didn’t move away.

Halfway through the movie, the noise died down—Kaminari had passed out with a popcorn bucket on his head, Mina was scrolling through her phone, and even Jirou had dozed off, earbuds still in.

Izuku yawned, rubbing his eyes. The day’s training had caught up to him, his muscles sore, his eyelids heavy. Without meaning to, he leaned just a little more into Katsuki’s side.

For a second, Katsuki stiffened. He looked down at the boy pressed against him, mouth half-open, hair a mess, already drifting into sleep.

His first instinct was to shove him off. But then… he didn’t. Instead, Katsuki let out a quiet sigh and rested his arm against the back of the couch, close enough to shield Izuku from slipping sideways.

“…Damnit Deku,” he muttered under his breath, voice almost too soft to hear.

When the credits rolled, most of the class had already wandered off to bed. The lounge was quiet, save for the faint hum of the TV.

Izuku stirred, blinking awake, and realized with horror that he was leaning against Katsuki’s shoulder. “K-Kacchan! I-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—!” “Shut up.” Katsuki stood, shoving his hands in his pockets. “You drooled on my sleeve.” Izuku’s face turned scarlet. “I-I did not!” “You did.” Katsuki smirked, though it was quick and subtle, gone before Izuku could fully process it. “C’mon, nerd. Bedtime.”

The walk to their rooms was quiet, but not uncomfortable. The moonlight spilled in through the dorm windows, casting long shadows across the hallway.

“Kacchan?” Izuku said softly as they stopped outside his door. “What now?” Katsuki grunted. “I… had fun today,” Izuku admitted, fiddling with his hands. “Thank you. For coming.”

Katsuki paused, his expression unreadable in the dim light. For a heartbeat, Izuku thought he wouldn’t answer. Then Katsuki muttered, almost too low to hear, “Don’t mention it.” And before Izuku could respond, Katsuki turned sharply, disappearing down the hall.

Izuku stood there for a long moment, heart hammering in his chest. There had been no explosions, no yelling, no fighting—just… time together. And it meant more to him than he could put into words.

The next afternoon, U.A.’s training grounds echoed with the sounds of impact—boots hitting the dirt, grunts of effort, and the sharp crackle of quirks colliding in bursts of light and smoke.

Class 1-A had been split into pairs for combat drills. Iida raced across the field like a blur of blue engines, Kirishima tanked hits with his hardened skin, and Mina’s acid fizzled against Todoroki’s walls of ice. And at the center of it all—Izuku and Katsuki.

“All right, nerd,” Katsuki growled, circling him like a predator. “No holding back today.” Izuku adjusted his gloves, his eyes sharp despite the sweat dripping down his face. “I-I wasn’t planning to, Kacchan.” “Oh yeah?” Katsuki’s palms flared with sparks. “Then prove it!”

He lunged forward, explosions propelling him across the dirt. Izuku dodged, green lightning flashing across his body as he darted sideways with One For All’s speed. Their movements clashed in a blur, each strike met with an equal counter.

Izuku’s fist cut through the air—Katsuki blocked, countering with a burst of sparks. Katsuki’s kick whipped toward Izuku’s ribs—Izuku ducked, sweeping his leg out in retaliation.

The world around them blurred into noise. For a moment, there was nothing else. Just the rhythm of their bodies, the unspoken language of rivals who had spent their whole lives learning the other’s tells.

And for once, Izuku wasn’t afraid.

“Good!” Katsuki barked, lips twisting into something that looked dangerously close to a grin. “You’re finally using your damn head!”

Izuku panted, sweat slicking his hair to his forehead. But he smiled, bright and unshaken. “You always push me, Kacchan. That’s why I… I can keep going.”

For a fraction of a second, Katsuki froze. His heart stuttered, his chest tight in a way that had nothing to do with exertion.

But before Izuku could notice, Katsuki roared and blasted forward again, hiding whatever flicker had passed over his face.

They went at it until Aizawa called the match off, voice lazy but firm. “That’s enough. You two are going to break the field again if you keep this up.”

Izuku collapsed onto the grass, panting, his uniform torn at the sleeves. Katsuki landed beside him, chest heaving, sweat dripping down his temple.

For a moment, neither spoke. They just sat there, side by side, catching their breath. Izuku tilted his head, smiling faintly. “You really… never hold back, do you?” “Hell no,” Katsuki shot back, smirking even through his exhaustion. “You wouldn’t respect me if I did.” Izuku blinked—then laughed softly. “You’re right.”

Around them, classmates gathered their things, still buzzing from their own matches. Mina waved as she jogged past, calling out, “You two looked like you were about to kill each other!”

Katsuki scoffed. “Tch. Don’t lump us in with your half-assed sparring.” Izuku rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “W-we’re just… used to each other, I guess.” Kirishima grinned wide, clapping Katsuki on the shoulder. “Man, you guys are always so intense! It’s awesome!” “Hands off,” Katsuki barked, shrugging him away. But Izuku caught the faint twitch of his lips, like he wasn’t entirely annoyed.

Later, in the locker room, steam rose from the showers and echoed against the tiled walls. Izuku tugged his uniform shirt back on, still flushed from exertion.

“Hey, Kacchan?”

“What now?” Katsuki muttered, tugging at his gloves.

Izuku hesitated, his voice quieter this time. “You always… bring out the best in me. Even when I feel like I can’t push any further… when it’s you, I can. I mean I know I always say this, but still.”

The words were simple, earnest, heavy with sincerity.

Katsuki froze, fists tightening around the edge of his towel. His throat worked, but no words came out. Damnit Izuku, I’ve already moved on from whatever I was before. Why are you.. why now?..

Izuku smiled at him, gentle and unassuming, like it was the most natural thing in the world to say. Then he slung his bag over his shoulder and headed out of the locker room, humming softly.

Leaving Katsuki standing there, heart hammering in his chest, as if Izuku had just set off an explosion inside him.

That night, back in the dorm lounge, the rest of the class chattered away about training—Mina reenacting her match with dramatic flair, Kaminari whining about Todoroki’s ice being “unfair,” Jirou teasing him mercilessly.

Izuku sat at the corner table, scribbling notes in his journal, muttering softly to himself about improvement points. Katsuki slouched beside him, arms crossed, eyes narrowed as if watching over the entire room.

Every so often, Izuku leaned a little too close when showing him something he’d written. And every so often, Katsuki didn’t move away.

Their classmates noticed. Uraraka noticed. They always noticed. But nobody said anything.

Because whatever it was between them—it was obvious. And it was theirs.

Uraraka never said anything since she was busy with Toga. But there was guilt. In the both of them. But they would never admit it.

Saturday afternoons at U.A. were usually loud. Students filled the common rooms with laughter, games, and the occasional argument over who got the last snack in the kitchen. But this weekend was quieter than usual—most of the class had gone out together to the mall.

Izuku hadn’t felt like joining. He’d stayed behind with his notebooks spread across the coffee table, scribbling strategies and muttering under his breath.

“Left flank… no, maybe reinforce with Todoroki’s ice… but then Kacchan would…” His pen tapped against the page, green eyes darting quickly.

A sharp voice cut through his thoughts. “You’re seriously doing that crap on a Saturday?”

Izuku jumped, nearly dropping his pen. He looked up to see Katsuki standing in the doorway, hair even messier than usual, hands shoved deep into his pockets.

“K-Kacchan!” Izuku stammered, smiling nervously. “I-I thought you went with the others.” “Waste of time,” Katsuki muttered, stepping into the room. “Not interested in watching those extras argue about shoes.” Izuku laughed softly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I-I guess that makes sense.”

Katsuki dropped onto the couch beside him without asking, leaning back with a scowl. “You’ve been sitting here all day?” Izuku flushed. “N-not all day… just a couple of hours. I-I wanted to get ahead before Monday.” “Tch. Of course you did.” Katsuki eyed the mountain of notebooks spread across the table. His voice dropped, less sharp this time. “You ever take a break, nerd?”

Izuku blinked, surprised. “W-well… I do sometimes. With you, or the others.” Katsuki turned his head away, hiding the faint twitch at the corner of his mouth. “Whatever.”

For a moment, the silence stretched, filled only by the faint ticking of the dorm’s wall clock. Izuku shifted nervously. “…D-do you want to play something? We could—um—video games? Or…” Katsuki arched a brow. “You serious? You think you can keep up with me?” Izuku laughed, nervous but bright. “I-I can try.”

They set up the console, settling in with controllers. The game was a fighting one—fast, chaotic, full of explosions and dramatic knockouts. Perfect for Katsuki, who immediately tore through the first few matches.

“Ha! Pathetic, Deku,” he barked, smirking as his character obliterated Izuku’s for the third time in a row. Izuku groaned, leaning forward in determination. “J-just give me one more round, Kacchan! II’m learning your patterns!”

“Patterns?” Katsuki snorted. “You think you can read me like one of your stupid notebooks?” Izuku grinned despite his losses. “M-maybe!”

They kept going—round after round, Izuku gradually improving, Katsuki growing louder, more competitive. Laughter spilled from Izuku’s lips, unrestrained and genuine. Katsuki found himself smirking more than scowling, though he’d never admit it out loud.

By the time Izuku finally managed to win a round, he threw his arms up in victory. “Y-yes! Finally!” Katsuki stared at him for a beat, then barked out a laugh—short, sharp, but real. “Took you long enough, nerd.” Izuku blinked, cheeks warm. Hearing Katsuki laugh like that—without mockery, without anger—did something strange to his chest.

After the games, they sprawled across the couch, both a little sweaty from how intense they’d been playing.

Izuku leaned back, staring at the ceiling. “It’s… nice, Kacchan. Spending time like this. Just us.” Katsuki froze, his arms crossed tightly. “What the hell are you saying it like that for?”

Shit.

Izuku flinched. “O-oh, I didn’t mean anything weird! I just… we used to fight all the time, you know? I-I like that we can do this now.”

Silence.

Izuku glanced sideways, worried he’d said too much. “D-do you not feel the same?”

Like what? How the same? Like how I thought I had a “thing” for you but the truth is I never did. How I thought you felt the same thing for me? But of course not. Fuck you Katsuki.

Katsuki’s jaw clenched. His voice came low, rough. “…It’s fine.”

Just two words. But something in his tone made Izuku’s chest tighten.

The rain started not long after. It tapped against the dorm windows, soft at first, then heavier, filling the silence between them.

Izuku pulled his knees to his chest, watching the drops streak down the glass. “Rain always feels… sad, doesn’t it?”

It is fucking sad. Like after the movies when we were walking side-by-side. I was happy Izuku. But that didn’t last for long.

Katsuki grunted. “It’s just water.”

Izuku laughed faintly, though his heart wasn’t fully in it. “…Do you ever wonder, Kacchan… if things could have been different? Back then?”

Katsuki’s head snapped toward him, eyes sharp. “The hell are you talking about?”

“I mean…” Izuku hesitated, fidgeting with his sleeves. “When we were kids. Before… before middle school. Before everything got so… messy.”

Katsuki’s throat worked. He looked away, sparks prickling faintly at his fingertips. “…Don’t be stupid. What’s done is done.”

Just shut your ass and stop overthinking Katsuki. I hate you for this.

Izuku nodded quickly, but his chest ached. “Y-yeah. You’re right.”

The air between them grew heavier, thick with words neither of them wanted to say.

Later that night, Izuku sat at his desk in his room, pen hovering over his notebook. He hadn’t written a single word in the last half hour.

All he could think about was Katsuki—how close they’d been on the couch, how his laughter had felt like something rare and precious. And then, how quickly the warmth had vanished, replaced with that wall again.

Izuku pressed his forehead against the page, whispering softly to himself. “…Why does it always feel like you’re just out of reach, Kacchan?”

Meanwhile, in his own room, Katsuki sat on the edge of his bed, fists clenched tightly at his sides.

The sound of the rain was louder here, drumming against the window like an accusation. He scowled at nothing, teeth gritted.

Why does he have to say stuff like that?

Why does he look at me like… like I’m something he wants to hold onto?

He knows he’s with Pink cheeks. So then what?

Katsuki dug his nails into his palms until they stung. “…Damn nerd.”

And yet, the echo of Izuku’s laugh—bright, warm, unguarded—wouldn’t leave his mind.

The dorms had quieted down by evening. Most of Class 1-A had returned from their mall trip, scattering into rooms with their new purchases or gathering in smaller groups for late-night chatter. The distant hum of voices floated faintly through the halls, but in Izuku’s room, it was calm.

The two boys had carried their bowls of katsudon upstairs over to Izuku’s dorm, and finished them while half-watching a comedy show on Izuku’s laptop. The screen now sat dark on the desk, while the plates were stacked neatly beside it, empty.

Izuku leaned against the headboard of his bed, notebook open but forgotten on his lap. His pen dangled loosely from his fingers. Across from him, Katsuki sprawled on the desk chair, one leg hooked over the armrest, tapping out a restless rhythm on his thigh.

“…You’re gonna break that chair, Kacchan,” Izuku said lightly, a small smile tugging at his lips.

“Tch. If it breaks, it’s because it’s cheap crap,” Katsuki muttered, but his mouth twitched like he was hiding a smirk.

The silence that followed wasn’t uncomfortable. In fact, it felt almost… easy. Rain had eased to a drizzle outside, the soft patter against the window filling the gaps in their conversation.

Izuku finally set his pen aside, letting out a soft sigh. “…Do you ever think about the future, Kacchan?”

Katsuki raised an eyebrow. “The future? What, like ten years from now?”

“Mm. Or even just… after we graduate.” Izuku toyed with the edge of his blanket. “Where we’ll be, what we’ll be doing, who’re the future villians and heroes.… who we’ll still be with.”

Katsuki leaned back in the chair, eyes narrowing. “…Of course I think about it. Gotta. I’m not gonna be some extra who disappears after high school. I’ll be the top hero. That’s it.”

Izuku smiled softly at his predictability. “That… really sounds like you.”

“You?” Katsuki shot back. “What do you picture, nerd?”

Izuku hesitated. His chest warmed with a hundred possible answers, but only one rose to his lips. “…I just want to be standing beside the people I care about. No matter what.”

For a moment, their eyes met. Something flickered between them—quiet, heavy, unspoken. Izuku’s cheeks warmed, and he looked down quickly, flipping his notebook shut.

Katsuki broke the silence first, his voice lower now. “…You’re such a damn sap.”

Izuku laughed softly, shoulders shaking. “M-maybe. But I mean it.”

Katsuki scoffed, though his tone lacked its usual bite. He let his gaze drift toward the window, watching droplets chase each other down the glass. “…You always mean it.”

The words hung there, heavier than either of them expected.

Izuku’s fingers curled into the fabric of his blanket. He wanted to ask what Katsuki meant—if there was more behind those words, if maybe Katsuki understood the ache that had been living in his chest for months now. But he didn’t. Instead, he whispered, “Kacchan…”

Katsuki glanced back at him, eyes sharp even in the dim light. “…What?”

Izuku’s throat felt tight, but he forced a smile. “Thanks. For being here today. I-it really means a lot to me.”

Katsuki blinked, caught off guard. His jaw worked, like he was holding something back, then he muttered, “…Idiot.”

But the word came out softer than usual, almost fond.

The night deepened. Katsuki eventually shifted from the chair to sit on the edge of Izuku’s bed, stretching his arms with a grunt.

“You’re not even tired?” he asked, noticing Izuku still awake and fidgeting with his blanket. Izuku shook his head. “Not really… I get like this sometimes. I think too much before bed.”

“Figures.” Katsuki lay back without asking, hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling. “…Just shut your brain off. It’s not that hard.”

Izuku laughed quietly. “I-I wish I could.” He hesitated, then slid down until he was lying beside him, their shoulders barely brushing. His heart pounded in his chest, but he tried to act normal, like this was something they did all the time.

Katsuki stiffened for a moment, then exhaled slowly, letting his body relax into the mattress. “…You’re a pain in the ass, Deku.”

Izuku’s lips curved faintly. “I know.”

They lay there in the dark, the rain outside now little more than a whisper. Izuku’s eyelids grew heavier, his thoughts hazier, but one last question slipped out before sleep claimed him.

“…Kacchan? Will you still be here? Even in the future?”

Katsuki turned his head slightly, watching the faint rise and fall of Izuku’s chest as he drifted toward dreams. He didn’t answer right away. His throat felt tight, his fists clenched at his sides.

Finally, he muttered, barely above a whisper, “…Yeah, nerd. I’m not going anywhere.”

Izuku didn’t respond—he was already asleep, a faint smile lingering on his lips.

Katsuki lay awake longer, staring at the ceiling, listening to the rhythm of Izuku’s breathing. His chest ached with words he’d never say out loud.

Not yet.