Chapter Text
“Will you be okay now?” Izuku asks. “I mean, are you sure you shouldn’t sit down for a little while just in case you start to feel faint again?”
Honestly, he’s probably right. You should sit down somewhere, at least until you regain your bearings, because even though you’re starting to understand what happened to you, it still doesn’t make it any less overwhelming.
You definitely didn’t install the program. You couldn’t remember at the time, but you’re sure of it now. It inexplicably entered your computer, like some sort of virus. A piece of malware with its own… sentience? At least, that’s what it seems like, considering how it pulled you in here. It still doesn’t make any sense, but the mere notion of being transported to a different reality doesn’t make sense to begin with, so you doubt you’ll be able to understand the logistics of it.
The point is, you’re here now. No, you’re not dreaming. It sure would be nice if this was just a dream you could eventually awaken from, and deep down, part of you is still hoping it is, but the sickening sensation you got from the moment that program somehow knew your name has carried over even now. You can try to pretend like this isn’t happening, but it won’t change anything.
Ironically, this is what you wished for, isn’t it? You were so upset about My Hero Academia ending, you so badly wanted it to go on for longer, and now, that’s exactly what’s happening.
Except you obviously didn’t mean it like this.
You’re scared. Of course you’re scared. It’s kind of incredible, since you’re such a devoted fan of My Hero Academia, and it’s so near and dear to your heart, but there’s no way you can just accept this at face value. Fans of a particular series like to go on and on about how they wish they could be transported into their favorite anime, but that’s because nobody expects it to actually happen. The reality of things is that your old life has been completely left behind. Your family, your friends, everything you’re used to… just like that, it’s gone. And you’re not sure how you’ll be able to get it back.
You’re actually doing a remarkable job of holding yourself together, all things considered. You’ve been trying your hardest not to look too panicked in front of Izuku. It probably helps that he thinks you aren’t feeling your best—having “fainted” and all—because otherwise, he might have been able to tell that something’s off.
You’re about to respond and reassure him that you’re fine, like you did before (even though you’re really not), when suddenly, another screen pops up. Which, based on everything that’s happened so far, you assume can only be seen by you.
[RESUMING: Introductory Character Quest for Midoriya Izuku.]
──► [Mission 3/3: Obtain Midoriya Izuku’s phone number.]
Uhh… how am I supposed to get his phone number? We literally just met. And I’m still trying to wrap my head around this whole thing. It’s a miracle I’m even holding it together right now.
You’re not sure if this weird system thing has the ability to gauge what you’re thinking, or if these are all pre-programmed prompts that pop up when you pass certain objectives, but whatever the case, you get your answer.
[Midoriya Izuku is on his way home right now. Your home is in the same neighborhood as his. You just moved in recently. Ask to walk with him and aim to complete the last mission of his introductory quest!]
Well, that sure is… convenient. Although you started off by landing on the literal protagonist of My Hero Academia, so clearly, the game mechanics are steering you in a certain direction. You’re struggling to even understand if this is the real world of My Hero Academia—as real as it can be, at least—or if it’s some kind of alternate universe. As in, have you manifested into this world before the major events of the plot, or is this an entirely different timeline that’s been constructed just for you?
…ugh. Honestly, the longer you even think about it, the more your head hurts. My Hero Academia is a work of fiction, first and foremost. Attempting to rationalize this in any way is bound to be impossible.
So, I apparently live near him? How recently did I move into the area? What’s the exact setup here?
You don’t receive another prompt from the system, so in all likelihood, it doesn’t have access to your thoughts. Which is good to know. Seriously, you’re relieved. That’s the last thing you needed right now.
“Actually, would it be okay if, um… if you stayed with me for a bit?” you ask, cringing slightly as the words leave your mouth.
You hope you didn’t come on too strong just now. You’re not even sure why you’re just doing what the system tells you to, but you have a feeling that you’ll be better off cooperating for now. Especially if you want to figure out a way to get back home.
“Stayed with you?” Izuku blinks at first, but soon enough, he offers another gentle smile. “O-Of course! I can stay with you as long as you need me to. Should we sit down somewhere for now?”
No, probably not. I’m supposed to get his phone number, and if he realizes we live near each other, I’m sure that’ll help with getting better acquainted.
“Actually, I guess it depends which way you’re going,” you say, doing your best not to look too suspicious.
Yet again, the system chimes in with another prompt, seemingly providing you with the information you need.
[Generating map… inputting directions… READY!]
You now find yourself looking at some kind of GPS, which tells you precisely which way you should be heading from here in order to make it to your “home”. Regretfully, not the home you want to get back to, but for now, it’ll do.
“I’m headed in that direction,” you point, and already, you know Izuku will say the same thing.
“Oh,” he realizes. “So am I. But I really don’t mind waiting with you until you feel better if you want to sit down for a bit first.”
“No, it’s alright. I appreciate the offer, though. Thank you, um… sorry. I forgot I haven’t even asked your name yet.”
Mainly because you already know his name, so it kind of slipped your mind.
“I’m Midoriya Izuku,” he of course says, pairing his words with a polite, timid little nod. You smile and tell him your name as well, and with that, you’ve gotten the introductions out of the way.
You still don’t have his phone number, though. Will you even be able to get it? Izuku may very well be the most selfless character in the entire series, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be okay with anything you do. Even he might consider your behavior a little pushy, not to mention weird, since most people don’t like to give out their contact information to complete strangers.
But… hey. You cleared the first mission and presumably made a good impression on him, so it sounds like you’re off to a decent start, right?
“Um, please let me know if you need to stop,” Izuku says, brows laced together in concern as he glances at you. You’ve started walking now, but he’s clearly still worried. It must have been a rather tremendous fall. He’s treating you as if you’re made of glass.
“No, that was just… something that shouldn’t happen again,” you settle on.
Which is technically true. The initial shock of being transported into a different world is pretty much a one-time thing. Getting used to it, however…
Yeah, that’ll take some time.
A long stretch of awkward silence quickly settles over the two of you. You wouldn’t exactly consider yourself shy. In fact, for the most part, you’re fairly good at taking the initiative and making new friends. You’ve been fortunate to have a lot of nice people in your life, and that must have helped build up your confidence to a certain extent.
The same can’t be said of Izuku, however. You obviously know his story. You know what he’s been through, how he’s been ostracized ever since people found out he was Quirkless, and how he’s felt the aftereffects of that moment for the better portion of his life. The only reason you’re not as talkative as usual right now is because you’re still just taking it in. You’re still nervous, extremely unsettled, but sprinkled in amongst all of that is an emotion you’re also quite used to feeling.
Put simply, you’re in fangirl mode.
You just can’t help yourself. Even though this is terrifying in plenty of different ways, even though you keep panicking and wondering if you’ll ever be able to make it out of here, you also can’t stop glancing over at Izuku every few seconds, mouth parted in disbelief.
I’m actually walking home with Izuku right now. He’s so cute it’s actually unreal.
You know you should probably snap out of it, but just because your mind is trying to tell you to get it together doesn’t mean it’ll override your emotions.
“I-Is there something on my face?” Izuku stammers.
Dammit. He noticed you staring at him. Not that you were being subtle about it.
Again—fangirl mode.
“No, you’re just really cute.”
Oh. Wait.
Did you just say that out loud?
“I’m what?!”
You’re not at all surprised to see how quickly Izuku’s face turns red. He couldn’t even contain his voice just then. He yelled out in pure shock, like he genuinely can’t believe what he just heard. You’re honestly not sure why, since Izuku’s appearance isn’t really a major point of discussion in the series, but people do refer to him as plain.
In what way is he plain? His hair has those soft, light curls, the freckles on his cheeks are unique and adorable, and even though he doesn’t start off the story smiling all that much, when he does smile, it’s one of the most endearing things you’ve ever seen.
It must be that he’s so used to being treated poorly that he just can’t even imagine someone giving him an honest compliment. It must feel completely out of reach to him.
You’re going to do your best to change that.
“Sorry,” you say, cheeks heating up a bit. “I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable. But yeah, you’re really cute. You have nice features.”
“Umm…”
He falls completely silent after that, although his blush visibly darkens, and even his hands seem to be shaking slightly.
I might’ve ruined things. I just couldn’t keep my mouth shut. It’s so hard actually accepting that this is real.
Since Izuku is sufficiently embarrassed after what you just said, not another word is spoken by either of you for quite some time. Also, you didn’t get to look at the map in detail earlier, but it turns out that you spawned in (is that what you should call it??) rather close to Izuku’s neighborhood, and already, you’re on the verge of reaching your home.
“Oh… you’re walking this way too?” Izuku blinks. His cheeks are still red, but it seems he’s had enough time to calm down a bit.
“Yeah,” you nod. “I just moved in recently.”
“Really? Huh. Come to think of it, I did see that one of the houses up the street was for sale a little while ago…”
Wow. So even that’s been integrated so as to make your appearance in this world feel seamless and natural. You’re impressed, but also, somewhat disturbed. The more you consider all of this strange system’s machinations, the more you worry that getting out of here won’t be so easy after all.
“So, I guess we’re going to be seeing more of each other,” Izuku realizes. He glances back over at you—and just like that, his face instantly turns red. “I-I’m looking forward to it! I mean, uh… I just mean… it’s nice that… it’s nice that this won’t be the last time we speak to each other! Maybe…”
Oof. That one sure took a lot out of him. He’s definitely still thinking about how you called him cute earlier. And it looks like he’s also embarrassed to have assumed that you’ll want to see him again. Which, of course you do. In fact, he can’t even begin to comprehend just how happy you are, circumstances aside, that you got to interact with him like this.
Wait, now’s probably my chance. He sounds like he didn’t mind spending time with me.
“Maybe we can stay in touch,” you suggest. “Would it be okay if I got your number?”
There, you said it. You already complimented his appearance earlier—out of nowhere, too—so surely this can’t be as surprising by comparison.
“You… want my number?” Izuku mumbles in bewilderment.
“Of course. You’re a really nice person. You helped me earlier, and you were even willing to take time out of your day to look after me. I don’t remember much about the fall honestly, since I passed out during, but you didn’t even try to push me off when I was lying on you.”
“There’s no way I could’ve done that,” he blinks. “You weren’t feeling well.”
“Well, either way, you still helped me. You were genuinely worried about me. I doubt most people would have shown me that much concern.”
For a moment, Izuku’s bottom lip trembles, and you can tell that he’s touched. You’re essentially praising his heroic spirit right now. You’re acknowledging what a kind, selfless person he is. You’re indirectly validating his dream.
“If, um, if you’re sure you want my number… I’d be happy to give it to you.”
Just like that, he immediately hands you his phone, which is open to the contact list, squeezing his eyes shut as he does. It’s a good thing you already have a phone in this world, and conveniently, the system pulls up your phone number on screen so that you can enter it into Izuku’s contacts. Immediately after, he tells you his number, and then you do the same.
So, that means…
[Mission completed! Congratulations! You have finished Midoriya Izuku’s Introductory Character Quest! To collect your reward, check your INVENTORY.]
I get rewards?
You’re itching to take a look, but you can’t exactly navigate the system interface right now, not while you’re still talking to Izuku. It’s actually quite disorienting, because you have to remember not to tap on thin air—because that’s what everyone else sees—while you’re in the middle of a conversation.
“Thank you, Izuku,” you smile.
“I-Izuku?”
Oh. Right. It looks like you accidentally blurted something else out yet again. You’re so used to referring to him casually, familiarly, as a beloved character you’ve known for years, that you forgot he’s technically supposed to be some guy you only just met today for the very first time.
“Sorry,” you hastily apologize. “I didn’t mean to come across as rude. I can call you Midoriya instead.”
“No, it’s… it’s fine,” Izuku responds, much to your surprise. He presses his lips together for a moment, face heating up again. “I don’t mind. I was just a little surprised, that’s all. Nobody except my mom calls me that anymore. People don’t really use my first name. They call me… something else.”
Deku. That’s the name he’s thinking about, undoubtedly. The name that’s haunted him for many years, following him around like a ghost he can’t get rid of. A name that just reminds him of endless ridicule.
“You really can call me by my first name,” he insists. “It doesn’t bother me at all. I don’t think it’s rude or anything.”
“If it makes you feel more comfortable, you can call me by my first name too,” you offer.
“Oh. Um, alright, then. I-I’ll try that. It was nice meeting you… [Name].”
He doesn’t manage to say anything else past that. He just bows, still blushing fiercely, then he runs off as if to escape his own embarrassment.
Thus marks the end of your very first meeting with Midoriya Izuku.
It went… well, didn’t it? As well as it could’ve gone, at least. He seemed like he didn’t mind talking to you. He actually enjoyed talking to you.
It’s inevitable that all the emotions you’ve been suppressing until now finally come crashing down on you. You collapse onto your knees, shaking, and you have to clamp a hand over your mouth to keep from squealing over the fact that you just talked to Izuku, of all people.
Unfortunately, you don’t even get to catch your breath. You don’t even get a single moment’s pause.
You’re now staring at yet another screen.
[Amazing job! You completed Midoriya Izuku’s Introductory Character Quest so quickly! You’re trying to speedrun this thing, aren’t you?]
“Uhh, not really,” you mumble, glancing around to ensure nobody else is watching you. “Actually, can I, like… talk to you? Or are you just a system that gives me information? Because if so, I need to know what’s going on—”
[As a result of demonstrating such incredible talent, you have unlocked a special route early on! Woohoo! Be proud of yourself! Throw your hands in the air and celebrate!]
“Huh? You’re not listening to me—”
── ✦ ── ❖ ───
[ ADVANCED QUEST UNLOCKED! ]
CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING VILLAIN ROUTES TO BEGIN:
■ Shigaraki Tomura
■ Chisaki Kai
■ Dabi
── ✦ ── ❖ ───
Dude, what?!
What in the world is it saying? Advanced quest? You’re basically in the tutorial section right now! You haven’t even been able to figure out if there’s some kind of end goal, or how you’ll be able to get home! And yet, it’s throwing villains into the mix all of a sudden??
[LAUNCHING: Advanced Quest. You have 30 seconds to make your choice. If you don’t choose, the system will randomly choose for you. Either leave your fate up to chance, or take it into your own hands!]
No way. You’re seriously freaking out now. At least up until this point, despite how intense the situation was, you were talking to Izuku. You were talking to the protagonist, to someone you know is a good, morally sound person. You didn’t feel unsafe being near him because he’s an aspiring hero. Because you already know he’s going to become the most amazing hero in the world.
To be thrown from that, to something that couldn’t be any further from it is so jarring, you can’t even fully make sense of it.
[Time remaining: 20 seconds.]
Frantically, you glance around, hoping there’s some way to exit out of this prompt, but no matter what you try, the screen just won’t close. It’s not giving you a choice in the matter. You have to pick one of them.
“Oh, screw it!” you cry out, guiding your finger towards one of the options.
Scarcely a moment later, you let out a forceful sigh. You seriously don’t understand what you’ve just done. Is this going to have repercussions later down the line? It’s not like you can predict what’s going to happen now, right? Just whenever you encounter each other for the first time, it’s going to affect your dynamic?
In that case… you really hope you made the right decision.
[Your choice has been registered. LAUNCHING: Advanced Quest. Villain route chosen: Chisaki Kai.]
You had to pick Chisaki. Shigaraki is obviously the most dangerous of the bunch, and Dabi is far too volatile and unpredictable. At least Chisaki keeps his hands covered and doesn’t even bother to use his Quirk most of the time, because he hates touching people. He’s the safest bet. Well… probably.
Also, what does it mean when it says “launching”? You’re in the same neighborhood as Izuku right now. You shouldn’t be anywhere near Chisaki—
[Target finalized. Teleporting you to: Chisaki Kai.]
…I beg your pardon?
“Wait,” you gasp. “Wait, wait, wait!”
Your screams are abruptly cut off, and within less than a second, you’re gone.