Work Text:
In a small diner nestled in the heart of the crowded city, one table was filled with a group of young men who were once members of Class A. Despite being busy with their pro-hero careers, they still made time to meet up, though not everyone could always join.
Izuku was among the busiest of them all. His work as both a teacher and a hero consumed most of his time. On top of that, he often traveled out of town to give lectures at various schools. Even so, whenever his friends asked to gather, he would always make the effort to come.
Their conversations were simple, asking about each other’s lives and work. Jokes slipped in here and there, and sometimes the topics turned completely random.
The table burst into laughter when Eijirou leaned back in his chair, tapping the table with excitement. “So, I heard Bakugou just moved into a new apartment, right? How’s the first impression? Any evil bugs or collapsing closets?”
Katsuki curled his lips, clearly irritated by the remark. “What? Obviously, I chose a high quality apartment that costs a fortune. The place is spotless, no bugs, and the closets are sturdy, unlike your thick head!” He gave Eijirou a rough pat on the shoulder, though everyone knew it was all in jest.
Shouto, sitting upright on the other side of the table, leaned in slightly and spoke in a tone that was half-serious, half-amused. “If you’re going to talk about furniture, don’t forget the electricity. A vacuum cleaner that can withstand anything is crucial. Even if there’s a power surge, or a cat playing with the cords, it’ll keep running.”
Tenya, sitting a little farther away, raised his hand with a serious expression. “That’s true. We should always maintain the cleanliness and safety of our apartments. Ants or other pests can cause serious problems if left unchecked.”
Suddenly, Eijirou pounded the table again.
“I’ve got my own apartment horror story! A whole family of ants in the kitchen attacked last night—relentless. It was more intense than anything else.”
Denki appeared, raising an eyebrow. “Hah, ants? You guys are way too dramatic. If ants scare you, just wait until you see the electricity bill.”
Laughter erupted around the table. Izuku lowered his gaze slightly, simply listening. His lips curved into a faint smile as he held back from speaking. He didn’t join the conversation, yet it was clear he was enjoying his friends’ energy, as if every word they said warmed his heart.
The conversation shifted to a more personal topic just as Denki glanced at Izuku with a mischievous smile. “Speaking of moving, Midoriya and Uraraka just started living together a few months ago. So, how’s it been, sharing the same roof?”
Izuku, who had been quietly listening until now, jolted at the sudden focus on him. He was a little taken aback, and his face heated up. It was a rather personal matter for him, and he wasn’t sure how to respond.
“Uh, yeah, it’s... nice. I don’t feel lonely since there’s someone to talk to every day.” Izuku replied awkwardly, his voice tinged with nervousness, though his friends seemed unconcerned.
Denki, hearing his answer, could only whine. “Wow, I’m so jealous. It must be great to have a roommate who’s also someone you can vent to.”
Eijirou immediately tapped the table enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling. “So, do you guys have any kind of routine? Or maybe some sort of 'ritual' like watching something before bed?”
Shouto, in his calm voice, added, “A routine, huh. Adjusting to another person does require compromise. How do you manage your individual schedules? Did you set any rules together to make sure everything runs smoothly?”
Tenya raised his hand again, his seriousness unwavering. “Exactly. Being disciplined about sharing household chores is important. If one person slacks off, it can create unnecessary tension.”
Hearing all the questions, Izuku simply smiled and replied, “Honestly, adjusting hasn’t been difficult since our routines aren’t too different. But still, we’ve been learning to understand each other, share responsibilities, and it feels… warm.” Izuku lowered his gaze for a moment, his cheeks turning red.
“Uraraka-san is always so thoughtful. She makes sure everything runs smoothly—not just the chores, but also having someone always there to talk to, someone who can lighten my days just by being around.” Izuku answered, his voice full of sincerity.
The atmosphere at the table shifted—laughter still lingered, but now it was accompanied by warm smiles. His friends seemed genuinely touched by Izuku’s words, and a few exchanged small, knowing glances.
The warm atmosphere lasted only briefly before Denki spoke up, “Even though you’re living together, I still hear you calling Uraraka by that iconic Uraraka-san."
Izuku froze, his cheeks immediately turning red, clearly flustered. “Uh, well, I... I’m just used to it...” he stammered, his voice tinged with nervousness.
Katsuki, hearing that, immediately narrowed his eyes and smirked, his tone laced with mockery. “Hm, even with a girlfriend, you’re still that nervous nerd.”
Eijirou lazily waved his hand. “Come on, we’re going to keep hearing that at least until they get married and Uraraka changes her name.”
Laughter erupted around the table, while Izuku simply smiled at their banter. Little did they know, from that moment on, these random conversations would linger in Izuku’s mind.
***
One day, Izuku returned home from work, his steps heavy and shoulders slumped after a full day of teaching and patrols. As soon as he opened the apartment door, the aroma of cooking greeted his senses. Ochako appeared from the kitchen, still wearing her apron.
“Welcome home, Deku-kun." Ochako greeted him with a warm hug, which Izuku returned immediately. The fatigue clinging to his body melted away in an instant.
The hug slowly loosened, but instead of pulling away, they found their faces drawing closer. Their eyes met, and in a matter of seconds, the distance disappeared. Their lips touched in a gentle kiss—brief, yet enough to make their hearts race.
When they pulled apart, both their cheeks were flushed, and their eyes met again in a sweet, awkward gaze. There was a brief silence, then they couldn’t help but laugh together—a soft laughter that seemed to echo the quickening of their own hearts.
“You must be exhausted. I’ve prepared some warm water, so enjoy a relaxing moment.” Ochako said cheerfully, her bright smile accompanying her words. It felt to Izuku as if he had been blessed by the world itself.
Izuku smiled in response, and they stepped further inside. But suddenly, something came to his mind, causing him to pause mid step.
“Deku-kun? Is something wrong?” Ochako asked, confused as she watched Izuku freeze in place.
Izuku took a deep breath and looked at her for a moment.
“O— O…” His voice caught, and Ochako tilted her head, raising her eyebrows slightly.
Izuku immediately panicked. “O-oh! O-omelet! Y-your cooking smells amazing, Uraraka-san!” he stammered nervously, even pointing toward the kitchen, though there was clearly no omelet on the table.
Ochako blinked, a little surprised, then let out a small laugh. “Huh? Omelet? I only made soup.”
Izuku’s cheeks flared red. He quickly lowered his head, cleared his throat softly, and set his work bag down on the chair. He swallowed the disappointment of his failed first attempt. But Izuku was someone who never gave up and always did his best, wasn’t he?
Their second attempt took place while they were relaxing in the living room. The TV showed a variety show with amusing guests, making Ochako burst into laughter repeatedly. She sat back comfortably on the sofa, her hair slightly messy from bending forward so often while laughing. Beside her, Izuku chuckled quietly too, though he was more focused on her face than the show.
'Now’s the time. The mood is right. If I call her by her name… it might feel more natural.' Izuku thought, swallowing nervously as he gathered his courage.
“O-Ocha…” he muttered softly, almost a whisper, but loud enough to be heard.
Ochako turned around instinctively, her eyes sparkling as if she thought she’d caught something else. “Hm? Tea? You want me to make some tea?” she asked innocently, half-standing.
Izuku panicked. “Y-yes! Tea! That’s what I meant!” he blurted out, waving his hands in denial, though his face was already bright red.
Ochako nodded with a warm smile and walked toward the kitchen. “Alright, just wait a moment.”
As soon as she disappeared behind the door, Izuku buried his face in the sofa cushion. He swallowed the same disappointment as before. 'Failed again'
Izuku’s third attempt came the next night. The room was dim, lit only by the soft glow of the bedside lamp. A gentle breeze from the window caused the curtains to sway lightly. Izuku lay on his back, staring at the ceiling, his heart pounding.
He glanced to the other side of the bed. Ochako was already lying down facing him, her eyes half closed, her expression peaceful. The silence felt soothing, yet somehow tense, as if it was giving him an opening.
With half hearted courage, he opened his mouth.
“O… Oni…giri…” he murmured.
Ochako immediately opened her eyes, blinking in confusion. “Huh? Onigiri? Are you hungry?”
Izuku froze instantly. His face burned as his mind scrambled for an excuse. “A-ah! No! I mean… I remembered, during patrol yesterday, there was a citizen I just saved, and they gave me a homemade onigiri! It was so delicious, it just… popped into my mind again, hahaha…”
Ochako looked at him for a few seconds, then closed her eyes again, letting out a soft laugh. “You’re so strange. Even before bed, you’re busy thinking about someone else’s onigiri.”
Izuku buried his face in the pillow, rolling onto his side with a grimace. He resigned himself to the situation, ultimately feeling ridiculous for his own actions.
The living room was bathed in blue light from the TV, which was showing a comedy program. Ochako sat back, a blanket half-covering her legs, while Izuku sat beside her, appearing relaxed on the outside but his hands gripping the edge of the pillow.
The audience’s laughter from the TV filled the room, yet Izuku’s mind was occupied with other sounds. 'I’ve tried so many times… and still failed. Should I just give up?' He sighed softly, his eyes fixed on the screen, but his thoughts were far away.
Ochako turned to look at him, noticing his expression. “Deku-kun,” she called softly. “You’ve been looking lost in thought a lot lately. What’s going on? You can tell me, you know?”
Izuku flinched slightly. “Ah, no, no, it’s just work fatigue,” he replied quickly, ending with a small, awkward laugh.
Ochako frowned, clearly unconvinced. She leaned in slightly, her eyes warm as she gazed at him. “If it were just fatigue, your expression wouldn’t look like that. You’re holding something back, aren’t you? Just tell me.”
Izuku bit his lower lip for a moment, his face immediately heating up. “I-I actually…” He ruffled his hair, then lowered his gaze, looking embarrassed. “Even though we already live together, I want to be… closer to you.”
Ochako was surprised, her eyes widening briefly before softening slowly. “Closer?” she repeated softly.
Izuku nodded quickly, his cheeks as red as a tomato. “M-maybe it could start with me calling you… by your first name.” He looked down, his voice almost drowned out by the sound of the TV.
Ochako flinched slightly, her face immediately turning red. “Eh?! F-first name?!” She covered her mouth with her hand, her smile nervous but clearly happy. “I-I’m really glad to hear that. But Deku-kun, you don’t have to force yourself. If it’s hard, I can wait until you’re ready.”
Izuku quickly shook his head, looking at her with determined eyes despite still feeling embarrassed. “N-no! I want to try. I have to be able to.”
Ochako stayed quiet, meeting his gaze. She held back a smile, then nodded slowly. “Alright. Try slowly, okay?”
Izuku took a deep breath, his heart pounding. His lips trembled as he murmured softly, “O-Ocha…”
Ochako turned to him attentively, her eyes gentle. “Hmm, that’s close. Don’t rush, try again.”
Izuku swallowed nervously. “O-chako…” He ended with a whisper, his face burning bright red.
Ochako paused for a moment, then smiled sweetly, her cheeks flushed with a soft pink. “There you go. You did it.”
Izuku froze in place. His heart was still racing, but his focus was entirely on Ochako’s blushing face, her wide, genuine smile. 'She’s so beautiful…' he thought, forgetting to breathe for a moment.
With hesitation yet determination, Izuku tried again. “O… Ochako.”
Ochako looked at him with sparkling eyes, then replied softly, “Yes?” Her smile widened, as if his simple words were the most precious gift.
Warmth spread through Izuku’s chest. This time, without much hesitation, he repeated it—smiling as he spoke. “Ochako.”
Ochako responded again, her eyes narrowing in delight, unable to hide her happiness. “Yes~?” Her smile grew even wider, accompanied by a light, joyful laugh.
Izuku laughed along, his nervousness slowly melting away. In a warm impulse he could barely contain, he cupped Ochako’s face and placed a quick kiss on her cheek. Her face flushed even more, but he didn’t stop. One by one, he planted brief kisses—on her eyelids, her forehead, the tip of her nose—and the final one landed on her lips. Just a fleeting touch, yet enough to make their hearts race together.
Izuku pulled back slightly, his face nearly touching hers. His breathing was rapid, a shy smile playing on his lips. “…Ochako.”
Ochako gazed at him with sparkling eyes, her lips still trembling from the beat of her own heart. “…Yes.”
This time, Izuku leaned in again, slowly, and their lips met in a gentle, simple kiss, full of care. It was intoxicating. Warm. Sweet. The warmth felt like a whisper of spring, the sweetness like honey dripping into the heart.
But the longer it lasted, the harder it became to pull away. Their breaths intertwined, their lips pressed more firmly, and instinctively, their heads tilted, searching for an angle that would deepen the connection.
Izuku felt the warmth of Ochako’s breath during a brief pause. Seizing the moment, he gently deepened the kiss, making Ochako let out a soft moan. One of Izuku’s arms wrapped around her waist to pull her closer, while both of Ochako’s hands rested on his chest—trying to steady her trembling.
They melted into the next kiss. Their lips moved bolder, more demanding, as if emotions long held back were finally finding their release. The blanket Ochako had been using was long forgotten, now lying discarded on the floor.
Between kisses, Izuku panted, his face tracing along Ochako’s cheek before lowering his lips to her jaw and down to her neck. The brief touches made Ochako shiver slightly, her fingers gripping Izuku’s shirt without realizing it.
“Ochako.” Izuku whispered into her ear. Ochako didn’t even notice when she had shifted closer. He continued to kiss her ear, blowing softly as if teasing, sending little jolts of sensation through her entire body.
Meanwhile, Izuku grew more aroused by Ochako’s soft moans and reactions, which encouraged him to go further, wanting to hear more from her. Eventually, he gently kissed her ear, lightly nibbling it.
“Ah.” Ochako let out a soft gasp as Izuku teased her.
Izuku finally pulled back after that last touch. They stared at each other, both breathing heavily, as if craving more. Their faces were flushed, eyes sparkling with emotions that words couldn’t convey.
Izuku reached out, touching Ochako’s still-warm cheek, and with a voice trembling yet resolute, he called her again, “Ochako…”
The name flowed effortlessly this time—without hesitation, without restraint.
Ochako smiled widely, her eyes glistening with happiness, and pressed her forehead against Izuku’s. Amid their uneven breaths, they found a closeness far deeper than simply sharing a roof.
That night, it wasn’t just the apartment walls that bore witness, but their hearts as well: once Izuku dared to speak that name, 'Ochako', he would never stop again.