Chapter Text
It was a warm spring day at U.A. University in Tokyo. The first blossoms on the cherry trees had begun to bloom, and birds started singing in the afternoon hours. Students spent their lunch breaks outside on the colorful lawns. Some studied together for their upcoming exams, others talked about everyday life, or simply enjoyed the beautiful weather.
The warm sunlight illuminated the long hallways of the university building as the green-haired student was leaving one of his lectures.
"Izuku!! Izuku!" Mina's voice echoed from the other end of the hallway. She ran toward him, trying to catch up. "I need to ask you something really important." She stopped in front of him, completely out of breath. Her pink hair was slightly messy from running. She was wearing a black-and-pink striped tank top paired with long black baggy jeans.
"Hey, Mina," Izuku greeted her with his calm voice. "What's up?" "So..." she began, catching her breath. "Would you like to watch the ice hockey game with me and the others tonight?" She looked at him expectantly, waiting for his answer. "Uhh..." Izuku thought for a moment. "Give me a second. I'll quickly check if I already have something planned." "Ohhh, Izukuuu, you and your planner..." Mina groaned dramatically. "Just let it go." Izuku ignored her complaint and opened the zipper of his yellow backpack, the same one he had owned since middle school. Inside, he searched for his black, slightly worn-out planner. "Nope," he said, shaking his head firmly. "That's not going to happen. You know how much I love being organized." He opened the planner and checked his calendar. While he flipped through the pages, Mina tried to look over his shoulder, but she couldn't see anything because Izuku was much taller than her.
"So...?" Mina asked after a few minutes. "Do you have time tonight?" Finally, Izuku found the correct page. Surprisingly, his schedule was completely empty for the evening. "Yes, I do," he answered. "What time does the game start tonight?" Mina immediately jumped into the air. "YAY! Thank you, Izukuuu!" She did a small happy dance before hugging him. "The game starts at 9 p.m. in Ice Hall 2." "Okay, I'll meet you all there." "Uhh, no?" Mina looked at him with a serious expression. "We're coming to your place and styling you."
"What?" Izuku asked, confused. "Yes. You can't possibly show up looking like that. Your style is... not exactly the best." "Hey! I like my clothing style. What's wrong with it?" Mina crossed her arms. "Izuku, Izuku..." she began. "You're still so innocent. So inexperienced." "I'm aware of things, Mina. Don't worry." Izuku frowned slightly. "Yeah, yeah, but you have absolutely no experience when it comes to love. You avoid every relationship." "That's not true," Izuku immediately defended himself. "How did that story go again?" Mina placed a finger on her chin, thinking. "Oh, right. The weird guy from the parallel class last year." Izuku's face immediately turned slightly red. "Do you mean Monoma?" "Yes, exactly that guy," Mina emphasized. She played with the necklace around her neck. "And what does Monoma have to do with me and relationships?" Izuku asked, genuinely confused.
"IZUKU!" Mina stared at him. "You two made out at the semester party last year!" "That was only a one-time thing. We were both drunk—" "Pssst!" She grinned and placed her index finger against his lips to silence him. "That's not the only story, and what about—" The green-haired student grabbed Mina's wrist and gently moved her hand away. "Mina, stop. It's embarrassing talking about my love life in a public place." Several students were already looking in their direction. Izuku felt increasingly uncomfortable. "Anyway, I should probably go—"
Before he could leave, Mina grabbed his wrist. "Okay, so we'll be at your place at 8 p.m., Izuku-kun." "Wait, what?" Mina simply turned around, laughing, and disappeared into the crowd of students. Izuku watched her leave, quickly put his planner back into his backpack, and slowly made his way toward his next lecture.
He stopped at his locker and took out the books he needed. By now, Izuku was in his third year of studying sports medicine. He loved this field because it combined two of his greatest interests: sports and medicine. The degree was extremely challenging and required a great amount of discipline. Students had to understand the human body down to the smallest details, create training plans, and study nutrition, rehabilitation, and sports injuries. Many students had already dropped out, but Izuku was determined to finish what he started.
As he reached the staircase, he noticed Himiko and Ochako, who were deeply engaged in a conversation.
Himiko noticed him approaching. "Hello, Midoriya!" She happily waved at Izuku. "Hey, you two. How are you doing?" He smiled, revealing his small dimples. "We're actually doing pretty well, thanks for asking," Ochako answered with a smile. "Well... almost," Toga added with a sigh. "I just hope I survive the next exams and actually pass them." She lowered her head. "Why did I ever decide to study medicine?" "Come on, you can do it," Izuku encouraged her. "It's just a difficult phase. But I want you to know that I really respect you for it. You know I study sports medicine, so I understand how overwhelming it can be." "Exactly," Ochako added. "Izuku is right. Medicine is complicated, but you have the time and the determination to master it."
"Thank you, guys. I really appreciate that." Toga wiped away a small tear, and Ochako handed her a tissue.
Izuku smiled for a moment before looking down at his silver All Might watch.
2:34 p.m.
"Wait... my lecture starts in one minute." He immediately felt his heartbeat quicken. "Then go!" Ochako laughed. "See you tonight." The girls giggled quietly. "Bye!" Izuku quickly turned around and ran up the stairs.
After a while, Izuku slowed down. He was already late anyway. Why stress himself out even more? However, his eyes kept returning to his silver watch. As he turned the corner, he suddenly collided with someone. The impact sent him falling backward onto the floor. A sharp pain spread through the back of his head.
"Oww... watch where you're going," he complained. He rubbed the back of his head and slowly stood up, still looking down.
"Tsk."
That single sound made Izuku freeze. Slowly, he looked up. Standing in front of him was the most popular student at U.A. University.
Almost every girl admired him. He was a force of nature, with a powerful, athletic body. Broad shoulders, muscular legs, and a presence that immediately drew attention. But his appearance was not the only thing that made him unforgettable. His face was sharp and defined, with a dangerous kind of beauty. His jawline looked almost unreal, and his deep crimson eyes seemed intense enough to see right through anyone. He looked intimidating.
However, his personality was the complete opposite of charming. He was ambitious, stubborn, hot-headed, and brutally honest. He hated losing and never held back his words. Anyone who stood in his way or failed to meet his standards would immediately feel his sharp attitude.
The person standing before him was none other than—
Katsuki Bakugou.
Izuku had known him since childhood. Their mothers had met during a pregnancy class before either of them was born. However, they lost contact after Katsuki was born because Mitsuki stopped attending.
Years later, when Izuku was old enough to start kindergarten, Inko unexpectedly met Mitsuki again. Their friendship immediately returned as if no time had passed. Soon, they started meeting regularly and always brought their children along. That was how the two boys became friends. Back then, they shared the same dream. To become as great as All Might, the most famous ice hockey player in the world. "One day, I'll become just like All Might!" Katsuki proudly announced. "Me too!" Izuku replied excitedly. "Tsk. You? With your size?" Katsuki laughed. "You'd only get in everyone's way." Izuku looked down sadly.
Izuku had always been a small, shy, and gentle child. Katsuki, on the other hand, had always been taller than average and extremely loud. Even as a child, Izuku could tell exactly where Katsuki got that from. Mitsuki had always been incredibly loud whenever she spoke. "I'll succeed one day! No matter what it takes!" "Hahaha, now that's funny," Katsuki replied. "Give up. You'll always be a nerd." From that day on, Izuku stopped wanting to spend time with Katsuki. Inko never understood why. But Izuku had never told her the real reason.
"Kacchan?" Izuku looked at him. "Could you at least apologize?" "Why should I, nerd?" Bakugou answered immediately. "Because you literally ran into me? Have you ever thought about that?" "Tsk. I don't care. You're still a nerd either way." Bakugou shrugged. Izuku glanced at his watch.
2:40 p.m.
The lecture was already impossible to make. He sighed. "What does me caring about my future have to do with anything? At least I'm not living off a scholarship like you." Bakugou narrowed his eyes. "Oh, shut up, nerd. Listening to you talk is already hurting my ears." He covered his ears dramatically. "Blah, blah, blah." Izuku rolled his eyes. "You're still the same arrogant person you were back in middle school." Bakugou gave him a mocking grin. "And you're still the same damn nerd." Izuku rubbed his temples in frustration. Then he suddenly noticed something.
His glasses.
They were no longer on his face. He looked around. Where were they? Immediately, he began searching the floor.
"Looking for these?" Bakugou held up the glasses in his right hand. Izuku's eyes widened. "Yes. Those are mine. Give them back." He stepped closer. "Nope. Forget it, nerd." Izuku's patience began to disappear. "Kacchan, please give me my glasses." "No." Bakugou stretched the word out, clearly enjoying his reaction.Izuku finally lost his patience and reached for them. Bakugou raised his arm higher, easily keeping them out of reach. "Kacchan, please..." The blonde laughed. "How's the air down there?" Izuku clenched his fists. "Give me my glasses!" He repeatedly pushed against Bakugou's chest, trying to reach them. "What the hell are you doing?" "Kacchan, give them back!!" Bakugou only smirked. Then he let go.
The glasses fell.
For a brief second, their eyes met.
Then— Crack.
The glasses hit the hard floor. The right temple snapped instantly. Deep scratches appeared across both lenses. Izuku froze. Slowly, he knelt down and picked them up. His hands trembled. "...Kacchan." His voice was barely a whisper. "What did you do? Bakugou simply placed his hands into his pockets. "You should've taken better care of your stuff, nerd." Without another word, he walked away. Izuku remained sitting on the floor. A single tear rolled down his cheek as he held the broken glasses tightly against his chest.
Izuku remained sitting on the floor for a few more seconds. The hallway around him slowly returned to normal. Footsteps echoed across the polished floor, conversations continued, and students walked past him as if nothing had happened. But to Izuku, everything suddenly felt distant. His eyes stayed fixed on the broken glasses in his hands. It was just a pair of glasses.
Just an object.
And yet, somehow, it felt like Bakugou had once again proven that he had not changed at all. Still the same Kacchan...
Izuku swallowed hard and quickly wiped away the tear on his cheek before anyone could notice. He did not want anyone to see him like this. Not here. Not because of him. Slowly, Izuku stood up and carefully placed the damaged glasses into his bag. Without them, everything around him was blurry, but he did not want to stay in that hallway any longer. The lecture was already over for him anyway. With his head lowered, he left the university building.
By the time Izuku left the university and began walking home, the sun was already beginning to set. The sky was painted in beautiful shades of orange and red. The last rays of sunlight reflected against the university windows while a gentle breeze moved through the trees. Birds sang softly in the distance.
Under a large pink cherry blossom tree, Izuku spotted Shoto sitting on a black bench. Beside him rested a brown leather bag decorated with several charms, and in his hands was a thick red book.
"Hello, Shoto," Izuku greeted him. He sat down beside him. The two-toned-haired young man looked up. "Good evening, Izuku. How are you?" "Terrible." Izuku lowered his head and nervously played with his thumbs. "What happened? And where are your glasses?" Izuku already knew Shoto would figure it out eventually. "That's exactly the problem..." His voice broke slightly, and a tear rolled down his cheek. "Kacchan broke them." Shoto's expression immediately changed. "What did he do?" His voice became sharper. "I swear, I'm going to put a hockey stick between—" "No. It's not necessary, Shoto." Izuku placed a hand on his arm. "You know how he is." Shoto looked at him seriously. "Izuku, you cannot keep swallowing everything down. It isn't good for you, and you know that." "I know, but I don't have another choice." "Yes, you do. You can stand up for yourself and talk to him." "Me? Talk to him?" Izuku's breathing became faster. "With him? Never!"
Shoto remained calm. "Izuku... come on. You've known him since childhood. What could possibly go wrong?" "Everything, Shoto. He's not the same person anymore. He's a force of nature. Strong, popular, confident..." "And that doesn't make him better than everyone else," Shoto interrupted. Izuku became quiet. "...You're right. Maybe I should talk to him."
He looked down at his All Might watch.
7:47 p.m.
"Ah, I have to go home. The girls are coming!" "Okay. I'll see you tonight." Shoto gave him a small smile before returning to his book. Izuku waved goodbye and quickly ran across campus toward home.
"Mom, I'm back!" Izuku greeted her as he took off his red shoes and carefully placed them beside the door. From the kitchen came a small woman wearing a green cooking apron decorated with cats. "Welcome home, Izuku-baby. How was your day at U.A.?" "Good."
He avoided looking at her. Immediately, his mother noticed something was wrong. "Why aren't you looking at me, Izuku?", she asked worriedly while taking a few steps toward him. Izuku immediately turned around and rushed to his room. "Izuku—"
But he had already closed the door. He sat down with his back against it and took a deep breath. How was he supposed to explain to his mother that Kacchan had broken his glasses? They could not afford a replacement right now. This month was already financially difficult. He sighed and looked down at the damaged glasses in his hand. A quiet breath escaped his lips. Then suddenly, the doorbell rang.
"I'm coming!" he heard his mother call.
The door to Izuku's room slowly opened. "Izuku?" Mina peeked inside with a bright smile. "We're here!" Behind her stood Ochako, Momo, and Himiko, all carrying several bags. "We brought everything," Momo explained with a smile. "Everything?" Izuku repeated uncertainly. Mina walked into the room and placed her bag on the floor. "Of course. Today we have a mission." Izuku looked confused.
"A mission?" "Yes." Mina pointed at him. "We are going to transform you into someone who doesn't look like he's about to give a lecture about All Might." Izuku blinked. "What exactly does that mean?" Ochako laughed. "Mina means your wardrobe desperately needs help." "My wardrobe is completely fine." The four girls stared at him.
Izuku became nervous. "...Isn't it?" Mina sighed dramatically. "Izuku." She placed a hand on her forehead. "You are eighteen years old." "Yes?" "And you own more All Might merchandise than actual clothes." Izuku immediately became slightly red. "That's not true." Mina walked straight toward his closet. "We're going to check." "Mina, wait—" But it was already too late. She opened the closet door. For several seconds, nobody said anything. Then Mina slowly turned her head toward him. "Izuku."
"Yes?" "Why?" A pause. "Why do you own five different All Might hoodies?" Izuku scratched the back of his head. "They're limited edition..." "Izuku." "And they were on sale." "Izuku." "And one of them has special embroidery." Mina covered her face with her hand. "I give up."
Ochako giggled. "But honestly, this is so typical of him." "Exactly," Momo said with a smile. "Izuku is just Izuku." Himiko picked up one of the sweaters and examined it. "I think even All Might would tell you to try something new." Izuku sighed. "Okay, okay. I understand." Mina smiled proudly.
"Good. Then the transformation begins."
Half an hour later, Izuku's room looked like a battlefield. Clothes were scattered everywhere. The girls discussed colors, combinations, and different styles while Izuku stood in the middle of the chaos, completely unsure of what he was supposed to do. "How about this?" Momo held up a pair of dark jeans. "Or this?" Ochako showed him a simple shirt. "No." Mina crossed her arms thoughtfully while studying Izuku. "We need something that actually fits him." Izuku looked at her curiously. "What does that mean?" Mina smiled. "Something that shows who you really are."
After several attempts, they finally decided on an outfit.
A pair of light, loose-fitting jeans combined with a dark blue belt. A simple white shirt underneath a dark blue top. No All Might logo. No bright patterns. Just something simple. Something mature.
When Izuku stood in front of the mirror, he looked at himself for a surprisingly long time. He looked different. Not like someone trying to become someone else. Just like himself. "Wow..." Ochako smiled. "You actually look really good." "Mina is right," Himiko added. "You underestimate yourself way too much." Izuku's cheeks turned slightly pink. "Thank you..." Mina stepped behind him and looked at his reflection. "See? You're not just the nice guy with the All Might collection." "Hey!" "I mean that in a good way." She grinned. "Tonight, you're going to have fun." Izuku smiled softly. For a brief moment, he forgot about his argument with Bakugou.
The broken glasses.
The painful memories.
But deep inside, he knew he would see him again tonight and this time, it would not be a random encounter in a university hallway.
Bakugou would be on the ice. The place where he belonged.
As the captain of the U.A. ice hockey team.