Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

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UA HIGH BULLETIN – CLASS 2A DORMS

Please remember: 

- Curfew is 10PM

- No exploding kitchens

- No “group chat warfare” during study hours

- Stop making bets on classmates’ love lives

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Uraraka Ochaco created groupchat Hero Strategy Board 

Uraraka Ochaco added Midoriya izuku, Todoroki Shoto and 17 others to Hero Strategy Board

Uraraka Ochaco: Hey everyone! I made this so we can plan how to tackle class stuff—training, practice battles, that kind of thing 😆💪

Uraraka Ochaco: Post your ideas or schedules here so we can coordinate! I know we already have a group chat but this one is…  

Uraraka Ochaco: For *serious class strategy stuff*! 😆💪  

Uraraka Ochaco: And also maybe just a little fun 😜

Iida Tenya: Thank you Uraraka! This will be beneficial to our education 

Mina Ashido: 💥🔥 LET’S GO TEAM!!  

Kirishima Eijirou: Guys… let’s try to keep it civil 😅

Mina Ashido: Civil my ass, this chat is mine

Mina Ashido changed Kirishima Ejirou’s name to MuscleMcGee

Mina Ashido changed Kaminari Denki’s name to AmpedUp

Mina Ashido: @AmpedUp I pass the torch on to you 

Uraraka Ochaco: Already?! 🥲 I only just made this and its devolving into chaos 

AmpedUp: I want to thank my Mom and My dad for giving me this opportunity 🥹🙏

AmpedUp changed Mina Ashido’s name to PinkyPie 

PinkyPie: How original 

AmpedUp: Well id like to see you come up with smething better

Sero Hanta: Smething

MuscleMcGee: Smething

Uraraka Ochaco: Smething

PinkyPie: Smething bahahahahah

Asui Tsuyu: Smething

Koda Koji: Smething

Shoji Mezou: Smething

AmpedUp: everyone? this is when you choose to join the conversation? 

Tokoyami Fumikage: Smething

Sato Rikkido: Smething

Hagakure Tooru: Smething

Ojiro Mashirao: Smething

Jirou Kyoka: Smething

Aoyama Yuuga: Smething

AmpedUp: yup okay. fine how about this

AmpedUp changed Sero Hanta’s name to WaxStrips 

Midoriya Izuku: Smething 

Midoriya Izuku: oh i'm a bit late 

AmpedUp: Midobro? ☹️ I have no real friends 

WaxStrips: I will wax your eyebrows. 

Iida Tenya: This behaviour is very unbefitting of heroes. However I feel it will strengthen our bond if I join in so politely, Smething. 

AmpedUp: I need my eyebrows. they make me sexy

AmpedUp: and even Iida? I only trust Todoroki, Yaoyarozu and Bakubro now 

Todoroki Shouto: oh should I have joined in

AmpedUp: no. 

Todoroki Shouto: Smething

AmpedUp: yeah fuck you. 

Bakugou Katsuki: what is this bullshit 

Midoriya Izuku: Kacchan join in

AmpedUp: kacchan don’t 

Bakugou Katsuki: fuck you sparky. Smething

AmpedUp changed Bakugou Katsuki’s name to BoomDaddy69

WaxStrips: I already know he's gonna beat your ass for that

MuscleMcGee: Yeah i just heard Bakubro stomp to the stairs 

Uraraka Ochaco: yeah damn he was STOMPING ahahaha

AmpedUp: Worth it

AmpedUp changed Midoriya Izuku’s name to AllMightSimp420

AllMightSimp420: sigh

PinkyPie: Ain't no way he just typed out sigh 

PinkyPie: while Kami's being beaten ill just finish this 

PinkyPie changed Uraraka Ochaco’s name to CosmicCutie 

CosmicCutie: Awwww I love itttt

Todoroki Shouto changed Mineta Minoru’s name to SlimyBalls 

PinkyPie: honestly im not even mad you stole my job, thats great.

SlimyBalls: this is so not okay. My name should be BigDickMachine cos thats what I am.

PinkyPie: Nevermind can we ban him? 

PinkyPie changed Iida Tenya’s name to ZeepZorp

ZeepZorp: Ashido! Change it immediately! 

CosmicCutie: It matches you Iida!! 

PinkyPie: yeah Iida! 

AllMightSimp420: I don't know it kinda sounds degrading 

PinkyPie: so you should like it midooo 

Yaoyarozu Momo: oh- thats not 

Jirou Kyoka: yeah it is. true and funny, the best type of diss 

AllMightSimp420: yeah I walked into that one 

BoomDaddy69: Then walk better, idiot 

BoomDaddy69: AND SOMEBODY CHANGE THIS FUCKASS NAME. 

Todoroki Shouto: I’m certain he didn’t mean he literally walked into it

Todoroki Shouto: and no. 

AllMightSimp420: It suits you Kacchan! 

WaxStrip: ? 😃

AmpedUp: bizzarre thing to say

AllMightSimp420: yeah clearly I should stop talking. 

BoomDaddy69: You're always talking and this is what gets you to stop? 

MuscleMcGee: Cmon don’t be so rude

AllMightSimp420: wowww 

AllMightSimp420 is offline 

Not Dead Yet 

Im Dead is online

Im Dead: Guysss do you think Kacchan meant that? 

Almost dead, Dead inside, and Dying are online

Almost Dead: he sounded like he meant that 

Dying: I always find it better to take what people say at face value so yes, I do think he meant that 

Almost dead: Its okay though Deku!! We love hearing you talk 🤍

Dead Inside: yes, you talking means I don’t have to. also your voice is very soothing

I’m Dead: aww stop im cryinggg. 

I’m Dead: Anyways im going to go byyeeeee 

I’m Dead is offline

Pain and Gain 

RollinWithIt: cmonnn dude you don’t always have to be so rude to Mido 

NitroDick: when was I rude to him? 

HardBoiledBro: uhm dude, literally like 2 minutes ago 

SlimeTime: did you seriously not even notice you were being rude? 

NitroDick: I didn’t notice because I wasn’t being rude

WattABro: am I dumb or do I not understand 

RollinWithIt: If you "weren’t being rude” what were you doing? 

NitroDick: I was flirting like Mina said to

HardBoiledBro: Minabro, you told him to say that to midobro? not manly at all 

SlimeTime: Okay now I did not say that at all

WattABro: then what DID you say?

NitroDick: yeah I took your dumb advice and did exactly what you said

SlimeTime: what do you think you said?

HardBoiledBro: He knows what he said

NitroDick: I said he had a nice voice the fuck?

WattABro: ...

WattABro: am I having a stroke rn 

RollinWithIt: I think I might be having one too… 

NitroDick: why the fuck are you freaks acting like that 

SlimeTime: because you’re an actual fucking idiot 

NitroDick: I DID EXACTLY AS YOU FUCKING SAID TO? 

NitroDick: COMPLIMENT HIM. 

SlimeTime: YES I TOLD YOU TO COMPLIMENT HIM, NOT SAY HE TALKS A LOT? 

NitroDick: AND? I LIKE HIS TALKING, THANK GOD HE DOES IT A LOT.

HardBoiledBro: Oh my god. I can’t 

RollinWithIt: so you’re telling me you weren’t just being rude, instead you actually think you were complimenting him?

NitroDick: Yes! because thats exactly what I did 

SlimeTime: oh no sweetie, thats not what you did at alllll.

SlimeTime: I meant, say he has a cute laugh or something. or just say you like how much he talks.

SlimeTime: DONT just say he talks a Lot. 

NitroDick: he knows what I meant. 

NitroDick is offline

WattABro: yeah they’re doomed. 

Chapter Text

Not Dead Yet

Almost Dead is online

Almost Dead: Deku are you okay?

Almost Dead: you’ve been in your room all day

Dead  and Dying are online

Dead: I’m okay, just don’t feel like coming out

Dying: Midoriya, your wellbeing is of the utmost importance. You must come down for lunch.

Almost Dead: Yeah, we were worried ☹️

Dead Inside is online

Dead Inside: If you starve to death it’ll be loud and inconvenient, so please eat.

Dead: wow… thanks Todoroki 😟

Dead Inside: That was me being considerate.

Almost Dead: it kinda was 🥺

Dying: Whether considerate or not, the point stands. You must eat.

Dead: fine… maybe later.

Dead Inside: Then I’ll wait outside your door until you do.

Dead: wh— NO 😳

Almost Dead: You can't sulk forever deku-kunnn 

Dead: im NOT sulking 

Dying: Then what do you suppose you are doing

Dead: I'm writing!

Almost Dead: so then you can pause and come outttt

Dead: NO, ill lose the flow

Almost Dead: You’re such a nerd, I can't 😭

Dead: yeah well fuck you 😔

Dead Inside: …that was the weakest comeback I’ve ever seen.

Dead: I wasn’t trying to win!!

Almost Dead: yeah bc you can’t 🤭

Dead: Iida tell her to stop bullying me

Dying: Uraraka , refrain from antagonizing Midoriya.

Dead Inside: That’s not antagonizing. That’s stating a fact.

Dead: wow. my friends are mean.

Dead: fine. whatever. I need advice.

Almost Dead: oh boy. here it comes 🙄

Dead: so we were sparring today. and I had Kacchan pinned down—

Almost Dead: EXCUSE ME?? 👀

Dead: SHUT UP. not like that!! anyway. I had him pinned and he just… stared at me.

Dead: then he said… “your freckles are everywhere.”

Almost Dead: …what the hell does that even mean 😭

Dead: EXACTLY that’s why I’m here!!

Dying: Perhaps he was merely making an observation.

Dead: no no no, it wasn’t just an observation. the way he said it—like his voice dipped?? kinda softer??

Almost Dead: softer? Kacchan?? now I KNOW you’re imagining things 💀

Dead: I’M NOT!! it was 100% flirting.

Dead Inside: That is… a stretch.

Dead: it’s NOT. why else would he say something so random??

Dying: Because your freckles are everywhere.

Dead: Iida, pls 😭

Almost Dead: Deku, that’s not flirting. that’s like… bullying lite.

Dead: NO. he looked like—like his brain short-circuited. like he noticed them and panicked.

Dead Inside: So… you think he panicked because he finds your freckles attractive.

Dead: YES THANK YOU TODOROKI.

Almost Dead: shoto don’t enable him 😭

Dying: Even if that were true, it is not definitive evidence of romantic intent.

Dead: okay but guys… HE WAS BLUSHING.

Almost Dead: maybe because you had him pinned??

Dead Inside: That would fluster anyone.

Dead: noooo it was DIFFERENT. I swear he was embarrassed about what he said.

Almost Dead: mhm sure buddy 🙃

Dead: I’M SERIOUS. this is totally flirting and you’re all just blind. Im telling you i saw it in his EYES

Almost dead: you’re insane. 

Dead: Ochaaaa 

dead: sigh fine I just need to find proof 

almost dead: oh god, izuku do NOT. also STOP TYPING SIGH

Dead is offline

Traffic Light Supremacy

Go: guys. emergency.

Stop: oh shit what happened??? 👀

Slow: did u finally snap and kill kacchan

Go: WHAT NO

Go: …not yet anyway

Stop: bro 😭😭😭

Go: okay listen. earlier I was trying to convince Ochaco, Todoroki, and Iida that Kacchan was flirting with me.

Stop: lmaooo and?

Go: THEY DIDN’T BELIEVE ME 😭

Slow: not surprising. Bakubro cannot tell the difference between flirting and insulting

Go: exactly!! that’s why I need YOU GUYS.

Stop: oh we’re on board 😏 we know exactly what’s going on

Slow: yeah, dude. he’s been talking about how he’s “flirting” with you. we’ve literally witnessed it.

Go: I KNEW IT!! thank god. FINALLY someone understands me.

Stop: so what happened today?

Go: sparring. I had him pinned down, and I was just staring into his eyes, I said my usual “1 point for me” or whatever, and he just looked at me before saying “your freckles are everywhere.”

Slow: …

Stop: …

Go: DON’T LEAVE ME ON READ. THIS IS SERIOUS.

Slow: lmaoo what the fuck does that even mean

Stop: he just stared at you and said that???

Go: YES!! and his voice… dipped. kinda softer??

Slow: that’s flirting, bro 💀

Stop: obvious as hell, man

Go: EXACTLY. I knew I wasn’t imagining it

Slow: so what’s the plan? gonna collect “proof”?

Go: YES. I need evidence to show the others

Stop: oh god. this is either gonna end in romance or an explosion

Slow: why not both 😏

Go: Yes thats exactly what I want, and you guys would be so usefullll 

Slow: we always are 

Go: Sure, okay I need some suggestions on how we’re gonna do this

Slow: okay what’s that supposed to mean 

Stop: My thinking cap is ON 

Stop: We could always get him to confess 

Slow: Or I could send you the screenshots of him saying he's flirting

Go: Noo that feels like an invasion of privacy 

Slow: fine what If we covered your freckles 

Stop: bro what? 

Go: huh?

Slow: now hear me out, we cover you freckles, make it seem like you thought he meant they look stupid.

Go: so emotional manipulation 

Stop: Idk it doesn’t sound too manly 

Go: No, im on board. But I don't know how to cover them

Slow: I do!! I’ll kinda miss them though, they make you look so cute 

Stop: Yeah, they’re so manly but it’s for a good cause! 

Go: ahhhh okay, we have training on Wednesday in the morning so we could do it then?

Slow: let’s do this! 😙

Chapter Text

Not Dead Yet

Almost Dead is online

Almost Dead: Morning, Deku! You ready today?

Dead: GUYS 😭 PRAY FOR ME 😭

Dying: …pray? For what?

Dead Inside: Are you okay?

Dead: I’m… about to do something. Very Important. Possibly legendary.

Almost Dead: 👀 something? what are you planning

Dead: YOU’LL KNOW SOON ENOUGH 😤

Dead Inside: …suspicious

Almost Dead: extremely suspicious 😭

Dying: Should I be concerned?

Dead: No! Totally fine! Just… nerves, adrenaline, preparation, mental fortitude… all that.

Almost Dead: …sounds intense. what kind of thing?

Dead: Just… something big. Something epic. Something that will… prove a point 😏

Dead Inside: …sure. Perfectly fine

Almost Dead: okay but like… do we need to stop you from doing something dangerous?

Dead: PFFT. I can handle it. Totally safe. Just… thrilling.

Almost Dead: Deku… you’re acting like you’re about to storm a villain hideout 😭

Dead: Dramatic tension adds to the experience, you wouldn’t understand 😤

Dead Inside: …we’ll see.

Almost Dead: uh huh. Very mysterious.

Dying: Perhaps it is best we monitor your progress from a safe distance.

Dead: Exactly 😏 Now… countdown to epic-ness begins.

Dead is offline

Traffic Light Supremacy

Slow: BRO IS YOUR FACE READY 😏

Go: YES 😭 MAXIMUM FOCUS. MAXIMUM SUBTLETY.

Stop: LET’S FUCKING GOOOO 😤

Slow: I’M SO HYPED 😎

Go: ALRIGHT. TODAY IS THE DAY. FRECKLES COVERED. EYES FOCUSED. PROOF READY TO BE COLLECTED. 😭

Stop: WE ARE READY. HE DOESN’T KNOW WHAT’S COMING 😏

Slow: tiny distractions only. subtle. effective. but also… excitement.

Go: EXACTLY. NOTHING OBVIOUS. NOTHING DIGITAL. PURE OBSERVATIONAL GENIUS 😤

Stop: mental proof. mental proof. got it.

Slow: I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE HIS REACTION 😳

Go: OKAY. FOCUS. SUBTLE. FRECKLE DAY IS OFFICIALLY ON 😭

Go: AND LISTEN. DON’T DO ANYTHING STUPID. Stop: …like what?

Go: Like… don’t stare too much, don’t make it obvious, don’t… overreact.

Slow: …fine, I’ll try to keep it lowkey 😎

Go: GOOD. THAT’S ALL I ASK 😤

Stop: relax. we got your back.

Go: NO. THIS IS MY OPERATION. I HANDLE THE INTERACTIONS. YOU TWO OBSERVE.

Slow: …mental support mode fully activated 💀

Go: YES. INTERNAL CHEERS ONLY. EXTERNAL SUBTLETY.

Stop: perfect. ready to watch carefully.

Go: FOCUS. WHEN WE GET TO TRAINING, YOU WATCH. TINY REACTIONS ONLY. DO NOT DISTRACT.

Slow: tiny reactions… noted 💀

Stop: maximum attention, minimal obviousness. got it

Go: FRECKLES COVERED. OPERATION BEGINNING. MENTAL PROOF ONLY 😭

Slow: LET’S FUCKING GO 😎

Stop: LEGENDARY 😏

Go: REMEMBER. YOU ARE MY OBSERVERS. NOT PARTICIPANTS. I HANDLE EVERYTHING.

Stop: understood. Slow: I’ll keep the hype inside. totally internal 💀

Go: YES. SUBTLE. FOCUS. NOTHING OBVIOUS.

Stop: we’ll watch like hawks 😏

Go: OKAY. DEEP BREATH. FOCUS. FRECKLE DAY WILL BE LEGENDARY 😤

Slow: LET’S FUCKING GO 😎

Stop: LEGENDARY 😏

Go: MAXIMUM SUBTLETY. MAXIMUM OBSERVATION. MENTAL PROOF. FRECKLE DAY INITIATED 😭

Go is offline

“Hand-to-hand combat today,” Aizawa said, eyes scanning the class with his usual deadpan precision. “All of you gremlins, move to the mats. No excuses, no whining, and try not to destroy the equipment this time.”

The class moved automatically, pairing up as they always did. Izuku’s heart skipped a beat when Katsuki came over, but he wouldn’t have expected anything else—after all, they always paired up. His stomach fluttered nervously, thinking about the freckles he had tried to hide. He tried to steady his breathing, reminding himself that Katsuki probably didn’t even notice—or cared. Probably.

“Oi. Nerd. You’re with me.”

“I… okay…” Izuku murmured, his voice small and tense, following Katsuki without hesitation. His palms were a little sweaty, but he tried to keep them tucked at his sides. Every step toward the mats felt heavier than usual, and his mind buzzed with a million thoughts—what if Katsuki noticed? What if he said something?

Katsuki grabbed his wrist and started leading him across the mats, movement decisive as if there had never been any other option.

“Don’t care.” Katsuki’s grip tightened, sparks snapping along his knuckles. “You. Me.”

Izuku barely had time to drop his bag before they were circling each other on the mats. Katsuki came in hard, explosions sharp and reckless, but precise enough to keep Izuku on his toes. Izuku matched him step for step, ducking past heat, twisting, redirecting blows, using momentum and timing to keep the fight even. Every movement was tense, calculated, but his pulse kept threatening to race too fast. It was a blur until Izuku finally caught an opening and slammed Katsuki flat on the mat.

For a beat, neither of them moved. Izuku hovered over him, chest heaving, trying to steady his racing heart. Katsuki didn’t shove him off, didn’t curse. He just stared.

“Where are they.”

“…What?” Izuku’s throat went dry.

“Your freckles.” Katsuki’s voice was low, tense. “They’re not there.”

“…What?” Izuku’s throat went dry. He tried to say more, to explain himself, to think of something clever—but nothing came. His mind short-circuited, words failing him entirely. He… he dumbly says “what” and can’t even follow it up. How did he notice so fast? Heat flared in his chest and cheeks, panic fluttering through him. He was frozen, unable to form another coherent thought, just painfully aware that Katsuki had seen something so small, so personal… and that it mattered. Regardless of his prior knowledge of katsukis…. infatuation, he just can't fathom just how quickly he saw, or didn't see, them.

“They’re everywhere,” Katsuki snapped, sitting up on his elbows, sparks flaring along his palms in jerky bursts. “Always. And now… what the hell did you do?”

Yeah, well… I didn’t really like them. So I… I hid them.” His voice was small, almost ashamed.

Katsuki’s jaw tightened, glare sharper than any quirk could be. Then he stood abruptly, fists sparking.

“Don’t touch them again.”

Izuku remained over him, chest hammering, hands pressed against Katsuki’s shoulders. His own heart raced as he realized just how much Katsuki had noticed in that brief, tense moment. The way Katsuki’s gaze lingered on him, sharp and unyielding, spoke louder than any words could. Izuku’s stomach fluttered, a mix of nerves and something more he couldn’t quite name, and for the first time, he wondered if Katsuki really saw him—really saw him.

Traffic Light Supremacy

Go is online

Go: GUYS. GUYS. HE NOTICED. 😭

Slow: omg… bro… are you okay?? your face is bright red in my mind 👀

Stop: lmaooo i swear, tell us everything. what happened??

Go: I… I had him pinned. like… flat on the mat. and then… he said it.

Slow: said what??

Go: my freckles… and then… he actually said, “Don’t touch them again.” 😳

Stop: BRO. THAT’S LITERAL PROOF 😏

Slow: hahaha classic Kacchan. awkward, explosive, and now basically flustered.

Go: I can’t. I… I can’t believe he said that. He’s actually flirting, but… he’s so dumb about it. 😩

Stop: we knew he’d notice. we planned this, remember? 😏

Slow: yep. you just have to wait for him to blow up. cinematic perfection.

Go: PLEASE. don’t make a mess of it. I want proof, not… chaos.

Stop: relax. subtlety is literally the only thing we’re good at. We just watch.

Slow: exactly. let him do the work. we document. screenshots, reactions, every tiny flinch. gold.

Go: okay… but what if he… y’know… actually confesses? 😳

Stop: THE MY BKDK DREAMS COME TRUE

Go: I can only hope so

Stop: Deku Squad’s gonna lose their minds when you drop the evidence.

Go: DON’T CALL THEM THAT.

Slow: But thats literally what you guys areee

Go: “Deku Squad” makes me sound like I’m their leader or something.

Stop: well… aren’t you? 👀

Go: NO.

Slow: …kinda are tho 👏

Go: 😫

Stop: anyway, stop deflecting. what’s the next move?

Go: I… I need him to do it himself. No hints, no “maybe,” just… him saying it.

Slow: then we keep setting the stage. more training, more moments. let him hang himself with his own words.

Stop: and when it happens… boom. proof.

Slow: and maybe… confession city. 💀

Go: you two are enjoying this way too much.

Stop: obviously. this is better than any soap opera.

Go: you know, for him to confess he has to realise how bad his flirting is. I know what he's saying but I was him to say it properly

stop: so manly 🥲

Go is offline

Pain and Gain

WattABro is online

WattABro: Bakubro… I can literally see the steam coming out of your hands 

NitroDick: Don’t start. I’m fine. 😤

SlimeTime: Lmao, you’re not fine. You’re literally vibrating in my brain. What’s going on?

NitroDick: It’s that idiot… IZUKU. Hid his freckles. HID. THEM.

HardBoiledBro: Ohhhhhh. Wait. Didn’t you literally just say they were cute yesterday?

NitroDick: Exactly. I said they were cute all over. So why the fuck would he hide them??

SlimeTime: Well… technically, you just said “they’re everywhere.” He could have taken that as… like, an insult? Maybe he thought you were roasting him 😏

NitroDick: I was not. I. Was. Flirting.

RollinWithIt: Bro… classic. You’re yelling about flirting, but you don’t even realize how dumb it sounds.

NitroDick: I’m not dumb. He’s dumb. And reckless. And why the hell would he cover up what I explicitly said was cute?

WattABro: Chill, he probably thought he was helping or something. You have to remember, he’s… well, him.

NitroDick: I don’t care. It’s stupid. He’s lucky I even… said anything.

SlimeTime: Wait wait wait—what did you actually say to him when you noticed? Did you… like, let him know it bothered you? Or did you just glare and leave him panicking?

NitroDick: I told him not to cover them again. Because I think they’re cute. 😤

HardBoiledBro: …Okay. That’s literally what you said? Or is that what you meant to say?

NitroDick: Yes. Exactly. I meant it. I. Said it. Don’t touch them again. Cute. Done.

RollinWithIt: So let me get this straight… he hid them, you noticed, you said “don’t touch them again,” and that’s it?

NitroDick: Yes. And he better not do it again. And yes, I told him. 

SlimeTime: Lmao, yes, but… why don’t you just say it? Or even message him? Like, “I meant… your freckles are cute”?

NitroDick: …I don’t need to message him. He knows.

SlimeTime: Knows what? That you’re mad at him? Or that you’re trying to flirt but sound like an angry robot? 😏

NitroDick: I AM NOT ANGRY. I’m tactical. Strategic. He has to see I noticed. Every damn one. But he better not run or… fuck.

WattABro: Bro… literally just tell him. You’re exploding in this chat.

HardBoiledBro: He might appreciate it if you actually spelled it out. Not just grunted.

NitroDick: …I don’t grunt. I’m precise. But fine. If he dares… I’ll… think about it.

SlimeTime: Lmao. Just message him. One little text. “I like your freckles, stop covering them, idiot.” Boom. Done.

NitroDick: …That’s dumb. And I’m not dumb. I’m… tactical. Effective. He’ll figure it out.

RollinWithIt: Yeah, sure, tactical. Meanwhile, he’s hiding them and panicking because you didn’t clearly say it. Classic.

SlimeTime: Honestly, watching you flail about this is better than any show. 

NitroDick: SHUT UP. You all are idiots. I just… want him to see. To get it. To know. And not hide it again.

WattABro: Okay, okay. Step one: See if he covers them again. Step two: you compliment him if he doesn’t cover them. Step three: maybe message him like Mina said.

SlimeTime: Yup. Step three is literally just fixing all this unnecessary chaos.

HardBoiledBro: Tactical patience, bakubro. You got this… eventually.

NitroDick: …Fine. But only if he ever dares to hide them again. Tactical patience only goes so far.

SlimeTime: Beautiful. Truly. The legend of Kacchan vs. Hidden Freckles will go down in Pain and Gain history.

RollinWithIt: Okay, but now what? He knows you noticed. He’s probably panicking in his corner somewhere.

NitroDick: I told him not to cover them again. That’s all he needs. He should get it.

SlimeTime: But does he, though? That’s the thing, bro. Did he understand that you actually meant it in a… you know… flattering way?

NitroDick: Of course he did. I… I said it. He heard it.

HardBoiledBro: Yeah, but knowing you, there’s a 90% chance he only registered the “don’t touch them” part and not the cute part.

NitroDick: …I did say it was cute. Technically. Not in those exact words. But he knows.

SlimeTime: Okokok. Fine. But like… why don’t you say it? Or even message him? Something explicit. “I meant your freckles are cute, idiot.” You’re literally boiling over in here.

NitroDick: …I don’t need to. He’s supposed to get it. I’m tactical. He’ll see it. He just better not run.

RollinWithIt: Tactical… sure. Meanwhile, the poor boy is overthinking everything, probably hiding his freckles again tomorrow.

SlimeTime: Exactly. This is why I’m pushing for a text. Literally one line, Kacchan. One line fixes all this.

NitroDick: …I’ll consider it. But only if he touches them again.

WattABro: Classic. Wait for the next “crime” before you act. Heroic strategy, as always.

HardBoiledBro: So basically, the plan is: let him sweat, look adorable, and then swoop in with an explanation.

NitroDick: Exactly. Tactical. Efficient. Perfectly executed.

SlimeTime: …You do realize that “tactical” for you is just yelling in group chats, right?

NitroDick: …Fine. Maybe slightly less yelling. But the point stands. He’ll get it.

RollinWithIt: Alright, team. Step one: freckles remain uncovered. Step two: Kacchan maintains his stoic explosive energy. Step three: maybe, just maybe, one clarifying text. Step four: collect proof of total nerd meltdown for the archives.

SlimeTime: Step four is what I’m here for. Can’t wait to see him squirm.

NitroDick: …you’re all idiots. But fine. Let’s see how this plays out.

WattABro: Bro, you’re literally simmering with frustration over freckles. How is this normal?

NitroDick: …It’s normal. For me.

SlimeTime: Sure, tactical genius. Totally normal.

RollinWithIt: Ok. So, now that the meltdown is contained… what’s the actual plan for keeping him from hiding them again? Or are we just letting chaos happen and watching?

NitroDick: …Chaos. Observe. Tactical pressure. He will not cover them. He cannot.

HardBoiledBro: …This is going to be legendary. Pain and Gain will remember the day Kacchan almost exploded over freckles.

SlimeTime: …and we’ll all screenshot it for later.

NitroDick: …I don’t need your approval. I just need him to stop hiding them.

RollinWithIt: Same difference. Either way, glory and evidence.

SlimeTime: And if he still overthinks it tomorrow, we start step two: the clarifying message.

NitroDick: …maybe. Tactical patience. Only if necessary.

WattABro: Classic Kacchan. Brooding, frustrated, and secretly trying to flirt in the most indirect way possible.

NitroDick: Don’t call me that.

NitroDick: … and I’m not brooding. I’m strategic.

SlimeTime: Yeah, yeah. Whatever keeps you awake at night, strategic genius.

HardBoiledBro: Honestly, I don’t think he’s going to forget your little “don’t cover them again” line anytime soon.

NitroDick: …Good. He better not.

RollinWithIt: Perfect. Now let’s just… sit back and watch the show unfold.

SlimeTime: Can’t wait. The Freckle Saga continues.

Not Dead Yet

Dead Inside is online

Almost Dead: Deku! You back? How’d it go?? 😳

Dead: GUYS 😭 GOOD NEWS 😭

Almost Dead: Good news?? From you?? 👀

Dying: Please elaborate.

Dead: Okay… so… it went exactly how we planned. Everything worked. 😏

Almost Dead: Wait—hold up… is this why you were so nervous this morning??

Dying: Yes… explain.

Dead: Well… it’s kinda… embarrassing 😳 but also amazing.

Almost Dead: Spill it. I NEED DETAILS.

Dead Inside: Do not leave us hanging, Midoriya.

Dead: Okay. So. Training today. Hand-to-hand combat. You know how I told you I was nervous and hyped at the same time?

Almost Dead: Yeah… we assumed something epic was about to happen.

Dead: Well… it was. I had him pinned. Katsuki. Flat on the mat. And then… he said something.

Almost Dead: 👀 WHAT??

Dead Inside: Talked or yelled?

Dead: No, just talked. He… he noticed. He actually noticed the freckles.

Almost Dead: is THIS why you had them hidden?

Almost Dead: … and what did he say??

Dead: “Don’t touch them again.” 😳

Dead: And yes 

Almost Dead: 😭😭😭

Dying: …explain.

Dead: I… hid my freckles. Like, intentionally, because we were trying to get him to say something. And he… noticed immediately. Said it without even hesitating.

Almost Dead: …wait, so he actually meant it? Like… flirting?

Dead Inside: He noticed and he said something about them? That counts. That counts as proof.

Dead: EXACTLY. He noticed, he reacted, and… he actually cared enough to say something.

Almost Dead: Hahaha omg I can’t believe this. The middle of the class, right? You think anyone else heard?

Dead: Yeah… kind of. I mean, we were perfectly positioned. Just enough to… you know… capture reactions without being obvious.

Dying: Clever positioning. Observational genius, as always.

Dead Inside: I am floored. This is actually happening.

Almost Dead: So… what did he do when he said it? Was he… flustered?

Dead: Not exactly flustered. More… angry? Frustrated? Like he was trying to make sure I understood. He’s… very bad at words, you know. But the tone—sharp, precise, tense—it was like… “your freckles are everywhere, don’t hide them, I like seeing them.”

Almost Dead: …wow 😳

Dying: Very Katsuki. Abrasive yet… somehow clear.

Dead Inside: I’m shook.

Almost Dead: And did he… leave it at that?

Dead: Yup. Stood up, fists sparking, and stormed off. Classic. 😭

Almost Dead: That’s… so him.

Dead Inside: Wait—so this is actual, verifiable proof ?

Dead: Basically. I recorded it. Took screenshots. Every tiny reaction. I wanted to prove to you guys I wast delusional.

Almost Dead: Hahaha, I can’t. Deku, you sly little strategist.

Dead Inside: So… next move? Are you sending it now?

Dead: Not yet. I want to wait. Let it simmer. Let everyone appreciate the… artistry.

Almost Dead: Classic you. Always making it dramatic.

Dying: And yet… this is impressive.

Almost Dead: I just… can’t get over the fact that he noticed instantly. Is that why you were so nervous this morning??

Dead: Exactly 😳 I knew the moment he looked at me that he’d see. I just didn’t know how fast he’d catch on.

Dead Inside: Observational genius indeed.

Almost Dead: So… you’re saying… proof is locked and loaded?

Dead: Locked. Loaded. Ready for maximum impact. 😤

Dying: This is… beautiful chaos.

Almost Dead: And also… adorable.

Dead Inside: I concur.

Dead: adorable? Stop enabling him, Todoroki. 😭

Almost Dead: I can’t help it. This is literally cinematic perfection.

Dead: Okay, fine. But seriously. This is huge. Maximum proof. Maximum evidence. If anyone doubts Katsuki… they can’t anymore.

Dead Inside: You’ll be the hero of the GC.

Almost Dead: Deku, you’re… brilliant.

Dead: I KNOW 😭 but shhh… gotta keep it lowkey for now. Let the reactions play out.

Chapter Text

[Private Messages]

Kacchan♡ : they’re cute btw

Kacchan♡  is offline

Izuku stares at his phone like it just personally tried to assassinate him.

“…WHAT?” he whispers out loud, a little too loud, because Ochako glances over from across the room. He fumbles the phone to his chest like he’s hiding state secrets.

Heart racing. Face hot. Mind screaming.

Because—he knows what this is supposed to mean. He knows. But Katsuki? Saying that? Voluntarily? Without being forced in front of an audience?

What the hell.

And of course, Katsuki went offline immediately, like he just lobbed a grenade and ran.

Izuku: [typing…]

Izuku: [deletes]

Izuku: [typing…]

Izuku dropped his phone onto the bed and buried his face in the pillow, letting out a muffled scream that could probably be heard across the dorm. His hands clutched the pillow tightly, heart hammering so hard he was sure it could be heard over the soft hum of the desk lamp.

He can feel his ears burning. His hands are shaking. The words “they’re cute” are looping in his brain like a glitchy record. His freckles. His stupid freckles. Katsuki actually… noticed. And said it. Just like that. Casual. Brutally direct.

He tries to focus on something else. Anything else. The ceiling. His notebook. The pattern in the carpet. Nothing works. Every fiber of him wants to type back: “YOU’RE AN IDIOT, STOP PLAYING GAMES”—but he also wants to type: “I KNOW. I KNOW. I SAW. I HEARD. I’M MELTING.”

Instead, he sits there, frozen, staring at the blank message box like it owes him answers.

Ochako, who is pretending to draw in her sketchbook but clearly isn’t, hums softly. “Deku-kun… you okay?”

“…Yeah,” he croaks, voice barely above a whisper, and immediately kicks himself internally. No. Definitely not okay. Definitely dead inside. He shifts the phone to his lap, tries to pretend it’s just a normal piece of plastic.

Meanwhile, the words “they’re cute btw” are doing backflips in his head. Subtle. Minimal. But somehow… explosive. Just like Katsuki. His Katsuki.

Izuku can’t decide if he should laugh, cry, scream, or all three at once. Probably all three. He’s leaning into the pillow again, curling around it like a burrito of pure panic and excitement.

He knows he should probably reply. He should. But the sheer absurdity, the sheer perfection of Katsuki saying that—and then vanishing into the digital ether—makes him freeze.

Because deep down, Izuku knows one very important thing: if he confesses first, Katsuki will lose his mind. He’s trying desperately not to push that button. Not yet. He wants to savor it. Let Katsuki stew a little. Make him earn it.

And maybe… just maybe… he’ll explode later anyway.

Pain and Gain

NitroDick is online

NitroDick: I told him.

HardBoiledBro: …YOU DID??

SlimeTime: Or like… did you just say some vague, kinda rude shit like usual?

WattABro: BRO. WHAT DID YOU SAY??

NitroDick: NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS. DIE.

HardBoiledBro: COME ON, MAN. JUST. ONE. HINT.

NitroDick: I SAID NOTHING. NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS. STOP ASKING. DIE.

SlimeTime: KAATTTT, YOU CAN’T JUST SAY THAT AND LEAVE US HANGING.

NitroDick: I CAN. I DID. HE GOT IT. TACTICAL. SHUT UP.

WattABro: WHATS WITH YOU AND TACTICAL? 😭

NitroDick: I’M KATSUKI. I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING. NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS. DIE.

HardBoiledBro: …ONE SEC.

Next thing a screenshot pops up

HardBoiledBro: [screenshot]

Screenshot shows:

Kacchan♡: they’re cute btw

Kacchan♡ is offline

SlimeTime: HOLY SHIT. NO WAY.

WattABro: …BRO.

NitroDick: SHITTY HAIR. DIE. YOU DID NOT.

HardBoiledBro: I DID. WE'RE TRAINING AND I GRABBED IT WHEN HE WASN'T LOOKING

HardBoiledBro: He caught me almost immediately and looks ready to kill me but was totally worth it

NitroDick: …FUCK.

SlimeTime: LMAO. CLASSIC. PERFECT. LEGENDARY.

WattABro: HOW DOES MIDOBRO EVEN DEAL WITH THIS??

NitroDick: HE KNOWS WHAT I'M SAYING. NOW DIE

SlimeTime: THIS. IS. GOLD. FRECKLE SAGA CONTINUES.

WattABro: WAIT BACK TO THE SCREENSHOT

WattABro: HE REALLY SAID “THEY’RE CUTE”??

NitroDick: …YES. FUCKING. CUTE. DIE.

HardBoiledBro: Bro, he’s literally fuming. My quirks giving out 

SlimeTime: …and you stole his phone to get this?

HardBoiledBro: …yep. Tactical theft. Worth it.

NitroDick: DIE. 

WattABro: Bro, you just… BRO.

SlimeTime: Imagine the internal panic. He probably wants to destroy the world and punch someone… all while admitting Izukus cute.

NitroDick: …I’M NOT PANICKING. I’M TACTICAL.

HardBoiledBro: Right. Tactical. Sure. Keep telling yourself that.

NitroDick: I’M GONNA PUNCH SOMEBODY IF I HAVE TO.

SlimeTime: Punch him with your lips maybe?

NitroDick: …MAYBE. DIE.

WattABro: Whipped

HardBoiledBro: So, plan? Just… let him stew? Let him… figure it out?

NitroDick: HE DOESN'T NEED TO FIGURE IT OUT, HE KNOWS WHAT IT MEANS

SlimeTime: …okay, but like, are you gonna ever text him again, or just let him marinate in panic forever?

NitroDick: …I’ll decide.  

NitroDick is offline

WattABro: …classic. Brooding, aggressive, exploding, but lowkey soft inside.

Not Dead Yet

Almost Dead is online

Almost Dead: Guys… does anyone know why Deku-kun looks like he’s about to explode?

I’m Dead: Huh? Like… he’s literally vibrating or something?

Almost Dead: Not literally… but kinda. I was hanging out in his room earlier. He got a message and… wow. He’s been acting really flustered ever since. Like pacing, muttering under his breath, hugging his pillow like it owes him money.

Almost Dead:  And like… I need to know what that message said. It’s my duty as his friend.

 Dead Inside: Usually when he's being weird its to do with bakugou

Almost Dead: I mean… yeah, true. But also—look at him. He looks like someone just sent him a dirty text. Or a puzzle he can’t solve. Or maybe both. His whole aura is panic plus heartbreak plus “I might combust.”

Dying: yeah, it seems i must agree with todoroki

Almost Dead: I really want to know what that message was. It’s like… the universe is taunting me.

Dead Inside: This is like that movie Midoriya made me watch, but its “Operation Find Out Deku’s Mystery Message.”

Almost Dead: Can you blame meeee? especially with the freckles debacle 

Dying We should all respect Midoriyas privacy!

Dying: However i must admit, i too am temped to find out

Almost Dead: Respect his privacy? laughs in obsessive curiosity Pfft. Privacy is for normal people. We’re not normal.

Dying: We are definitely not normal.

Almost Dead: So… do we ask someone close to Bakugou? He’s the most likely to have context, right? Kirishima maybe? He is basically his hype man and human lie detector.

I’m Dead: Okay, yeah. But… carefully. If Deku realizes we’re trying to get the info, he’ll explode faster than Bakugou on his worst day.

Almost Dead: Too late. Commitment level: maximum. I’ve already started my mental investigation. Phase one: speculate wildly. Phase two: laugh lovingly at his panic. Phase three: get answers.

Dying: …And Phase four: probably die from cuteness overload.

Almost Dead: Pretty much. But also… mission is priority.

Dead Inside: He’s literally pacing. Someone check if he’s muttering Bakugou’s name again.

Almost Dead: Oh yeah. Definitely. And probably making sound effects for every internal scream he’s having. “ARGH! NO! WHY! UGH!” Very dramatic. Very theatrical.

I’m Dead: Love that for him. Love the pure chaotic energy.

Almost Dead: Honestly, I’m taking notes for my own amusement. Can you imagine the diary entry? “Today, Deku’s soul nearly exploded because someone sent him a tiny, fatal message.”

Dying: …we’re terrible friends.

Almost Dead: laughs maniacally But we love him.

Dead Inside: …Yeah. But we still need that message info.

Almost Dead: Agreed. Kirishima: mission target. Deploy question carefully. Gather intel. Avoid Deku collateral damage.

I’m Dead: …This is either going to go really well or really, really badly.

Almost Dead: …Yes. And either way, we’ll be laughing. Very, very loudly.

Hero Strategy Board

Cosmic Cutie is online

CosmicCutie: hey kirishima, random question 👀

MuscleMcGee: uh oh. random question energy is always dangerous.

CosmicCutie: don’t worry it’s not life or death… technically.

MuscleMcGee: …technically? That sounds very life-or-death.

CosmicCutie: fine, maybe minor emotional trauma for one of our classmates.

MuscleMcGee: …ah. That’s Midobro isn’t it.

CosmicCutie: maybe… he’s flustered. Like… very flustered. Like I-can’t-breathe-and-might-explode flustered.

MuscleMcGee: hahah can't blame him

CosmicCutie: what do you know

MuscleMcGee: Nothing i can share

CosmicCutie: okay… so can you maybe find out what message made him go full panic mode?

MuscleMcGee: Look.... i don't think bakubro would want me sharing

CosmicCutie: Pleaseeeee

MuscleMcGee: He didn't even want to tell me, let alone everyone

MuscleMcGee: Plus, pressuring him isn't very manly

CosmicCutie: Then don't pressure him just... persuade him 

MuscleMcGee: why don't you do it? He's in this groupchat

CosmicCutie: i just thought that since youre his best friend you'd want to help his love life but its okay

MuscleMcGee: No, No, i am his best bro.

CosmicCutie: Thank youuuuu

CosmicCutie: Also, screenshot or it didn’t happen.

MuscleMcGee: …you’re really going full spy movie on this.

CosmicCutie: Its more fun like this 

EarbudQueen: I feel like this could've been a DM

CosmicCutie: But then you guys wouldn't get to see the chaos brewinggggg

ShadowMode: Its much more interesting to see the darkness growing. 

MuscleMcGee: 100% dude! 😃

ZeepZorp: Well, while we're on the topic of darkness i should mention that it is almost curfew! 

CosmicCutie: yes sensei

CosmicCutie: report back to us soon sergeant! 

MuscleMcGee: Yes lieutenant! 

MuscleMcGee is offline