Cherreads

Chapter 196 - 18.2

[Back at class]

The atmosphere in the classroom felt heavy as the students packed their belongings. Small conversations buzzed around, but the air was thick with lingering tension.

"Wha-what's going on?" Ochako asked, peering toward the door, which was blocked by a swarm of students.

"What business do you have with Class A?" Tenya questioned, his voice firm, accompanied by a precise chopping motion.

Bakugou, unfazed, slung his bag over his shoulder and narrowed his eyes, his serious expression cutting through the noise. He marched up to the throng of students blocking the exit.

"They're scouting the enemy, small fry," he said coolly. "We made it out of the villains' attack, so they probably want to check us out before the sports festival." His tone was surprisingly calm, belying the intensity simmering beneath the surface.

He halted directly in front of them, his fierce glare demanding attention. "Out of the way, extras! Now you know what a real professional looks like!"

The crowd hesitated, some students taking a step back, clearly intimidated.

Kyouka rolled her eyes, unfazed by Bakugou's bravado. "More like a professional asshole," she quipped, prompting a few chuckles and murmurs of agreement from her classmates.

Bakugou scowled at her retort but chose to ignore it, focusing instead on the group before him.

"Stop calling people extras just because you don't know them!" Tenya interjected, moving his arms in a robotic manner, attempting to assert his authority.

A purple-haired teen stepped forward, his monotone voice cutting through the commotion. "I came to see what the famous Class A and B were like, but you seem pretty arrogant. Are all students in the hero course like this?"

"No, just him," came the chorus of responses from Class A.

"I heard one of you is in the hospital," the purple-haired teen continued, glancing around the room. "He apparently gave his all to protect both classes. Someone like that is probably a good guy." His tone was neutral, but curiosity flickered in the eyes of the other students, eager to see where he was going with this.

"There are quite a few people who enrolled in General Studies or other courses because they didn't make it into the hero course. Did you know that?" the purple-haired teen continued, his voice steady. "The school has given us a chance to prove ourselves, and if we do well, they might consider transferring us into the hero course, which means transferring one of you out."

As the weight of his words sank in, a murmur rippled through the crowd. Glares started to form among the students.

"Hey, if the kid doesn't make it, then there's a free seat!" one of the students whispered, a hint of excitement in their tone.

"I'm kinda glad you heard what he did in the entrance exam. Dude took on the zero-pointer and knocked it out with one punch!" another chimed in, smirking.

Class 1-A clenched their fists in anger, the thought of someone trying to take Izuku's place igniting their fury.

"But my pride refuses to take a spot that isn't earned. I will be aiming for one of yours, and there will be no question that I've earned my place in the hero course!" The purple-haired teen declared, surprising everyone, including the members of Class 1-A. "If you don't bring your A-game, I'll take your seat right from under you. I came with a declaration of war!"

His words hung in the air, the challenge clear. Bakugou scoffed, a smirk creeping onto his face, while some of the other students exchanged amused glances, clearly enjoying the show.

Just as the tension was building and students began to scatter, a condescending voice cut through the air. "Ugh, you hero hopefuls are so dramatic."

Everyone turned to see Billy Billions pushing his way through the crowd, a smug grin plastered on his face as he eyed Class 1-A with disdain.

"So, this is Class 1-A? Let's see my competition," he drawled, his gaze landing on each student. "Ah, a pink raccoon-eyed freak..." His words dripped with sarcasm.

...

Ashido looked hurt by the statement as she glared at him. "A guy who looks like his mom is an octopus? Gross. Ugh, you're doing everyone a favor wearing that mask. If only it could cover up… everything," Billy said, a smirk on his face.

"Next, we have a guy with a tail? How's that helpful? Whatever, monkey. Then there's a toad girl. And a guy with earlobes," Billy continued, his tone dripping with disdain.

Everyone turned to Jirou, who shot daggers at him and took a step forward, her fists clenched in anger. She was stopped by Bakugou, who glared at Billy with a fierce intensity. The atmosphere thickened with tension, and Shoji held everyone back, shaking his head in disapproval, his expression a mix of concern and irritation.

"I hear Ochako Uraraka is in this class…" Billy said, turning his attention to Uraraka, who was blushing furiously. He smiled, a predatory glint in his eyes as he looked her over. "I've heard about your family's struggles. If you were… persuasive, I wouldn't mind helping out your family." He gestured to her body, his smirk widening.

Uraraka stepped back, making a gagging noise, her eyes wide with disgust. "Gross! Get away from me!" she shouted, her cheeks burning with embarrassment, which only seemed to fuel Billy's scowl.

"Yaoyorozu, you associate yourself with such vermin? Honestly, if you losers survived a villain attack, it was probably some no-name thugs—maybe even this Izuku Midoriya? Huh? You know, 'Deku' can also mean 'useless'? Yeah, a fitting name, don't you think? Yaoyorozu Deku fits perfectly for such a useless person."

The class grew even angrier, and a low murmur of discontent spread through the students nearby as they instinctively moved back, wary of the escalating situation.

Monoma, despite not liking Class 1-A, had to admit that Midoriya was a hero, and hearing Billy talk so badly about him made his blood boil.

Kendo was on the verge of hitting Billy, her fists clenched and shaking with rage. "You're crossing the line, jerk!" she yelled, but Setsuna and Yanagi held her back, their eyes wide as they tried to calm her down.

"Well, I should introduce myself. I'm your new classmate and the class rep. I'll be replacing Dek—"

He didn't finish, and to everyone's shock, he was decked in the face by Bakugou! The arrogant boy was sent flying back, clutching his cheek, while Bakugou's hands crackled with explosive energy, a fierce determination in his eyes.

"DON'T YOU DARE SPEAK ABOUT THE NERD LIKE THAT! YOU WORTHLESS PIECE OF TRASH! THE NERD IS MORE OF A HERO THAN YOU COULD EVER BE WITH YOUR WHOLE BODY!" Bakugou screamed, his voice echoing in the charged atmosphere, leaving everyone stunned into silence.

...

"Y-You scoundrel! How dare you?" Billy exclaimed, struggling to rise. Just then, he felt a sharp slap across the face, courtesy of Yaoyorozu.

'Leave," she commanded, her voice dripping with authority.

Billy was taken aback. Yaoyorozu had never hit him before—never for some guy, some nobody.

Bakugou was being held back by Sero, Kaminari, and Kirishima, who were all scowling at the boy on the floor.

"Midoriya is someone you will never live up to. Even with all that money, you're not half the man he is," Momo asserted, her voice steady.

Billy's eyes widened in realization. "Oh, I get it! So this Midoriya is the nobody trash you fell for? The one who made your father cancel our arrangement?" he accused, a cruel smirk on his face. Momo flushed but kept her scowl intact. Todoroki, who had overheard, glared at Billy, fighting the urge to punch him right then and there.

Momo didn't confirm or deny the accusation but merely tightened her jaw, refusing to back down.

"Then I hope he doesn't make it—some lowlife like him. In fact, I hope he dies so I won't have to hear about Izuku Midoriya every five minutes! Ugh!" Billy spat, disgust lacing his words.

"SOMEONE LIKE YOU HAS NO RIGHT TO SPEAK ABOUT THE NERD LIKE THAT!" Bakugou roared, his voice filled with fury.

Billy picked himself up, disdainfully spitting on Bakugou's shoe as he turned to leave. "You'll be hearing from my father,'' he said, his voice dripping with arrogance.

As the tension began to ease, Bakugou stared at himself, puzzled. "Why the hell did I react like that? For the damn nerd?" He looked down at his clenched fist, bewildered by the overwhelming emotion that had surged through him.

Memories of his childhood with Izuku flooded his mind—how they would play at being heroes and how he had promised to be Midoriya's sidekick. But everything had changed.

Now he felt broken inside, grappling with feelings he couldn't fully understand.

...

Ochako had been walking all day, the weight of her repressed feelings pressing heavily on her chest. 'Just push them down, Ochako. The day is over. Now I can just go home...' she thought, fighting back tears as memories of Izuku flooded her mind.

'Just don't think about him... Just don't think about him... These feelings will go away...' she chanted internally, desperation creeping into her thoughts. 'Don't think about him. He will be fine. He will be fine. He will be fine. He will be fine.' Her mantra turned frantic as she recalled their first kiss and the feelings that had only deepened the more they spent time together.

'He'll be fine... He'll be fine...'she reassured herself, her heart aching. She thought of his warm smile, how it lit up his face and brought a sense of calm. 'He'll be fine...'The image of him diligently taking notes in class surfaced, his focus unwavering.

'He'll be...' she began to repeat, but her thoughts halted as she reached the street where they first met. Memories crashed over her like a tidal wave, overwhelming her senses.

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she stood there, a forced smile faltering under the weight of her emotions. Memories of the past few months flooded her mind—every training session, every awkward laugh he shared, the way he would blush around her and Itsuka, and how painfully obvious it was when he lied.

Feeling a gentle hand on her shoulder, she turned to find Tsuyu standing there, concern etched across her face. The small frog girl gave a sympathetic ribbit, her eyes softening as she took in Ochako's state.

"Tsu?" Ochako said, quickly wiping her tears, a wave of panic washing over her. "What... What are you doing here?" she sniffed, trying to mask her pain.

"Ribbit... I may not know you very well, but even I can see how much pain you're in," Tsuyu said gently, her voice steady yet filled with empathy.

"I... I'm fine. Don't worry. You should go home; it's getting late," Ochako insisted, forcing a smile that felt more like a mask.

"Not until you admit it," Tsuyu replied, her tone firm yet compassionate.

"Admit what?" Ochako wiped her tears, but her resolve was crumbling.

"Admit that you're scared Midoriya-chan may not make it. Admit that it's breaking your heart that your best friend might not come back..." Tsuyu said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Ochako desperately tried to wipe her tears away. "I... I'm fine. Dekiru is going to be fine..." she insisted, though her voice faltered.

"Repressing your feelings isn't going to make it any easier. I miss him too... I'm scared he's not going to make it, but you can't just ignore what you feel..." Tsuyu's voice cracked, and tears began streaming down her cheeks. "I... It's my fault he went on. I should have told him we should leave... But I didn't... So please don't hurt yourself because of me...'' Tsuyu admitted, her heart breaking as she expressed her guilt.

Ochako looked at Tsuyu, her heart aching for her friend's pain. Seeing Tsuyu's tears broke through the walls she had built around her own emotions. In that moment, her feelings bubbled over, and she pulled Tsuyu into a tight embrace, her body shaking with sobs.

"I... don't want to lose him... I don't want to lose... He's my best friend, and I... I..." Ochako's voice trembled, her words choked by her cries. "I don't want to lose him."

They clung to each other, the weight of their fears and sadness merging as they embraced, finding solace in their shared pain.

[At The Hospital]

Yaoyorozu entered the hospital room, a small bouquet of flowers clutched tightly in her hands. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled the air as she approached Midoriya's bed, her heart heavy with worry.

"I'm sorry, Midoriya..." she began, her voice trembling. "You were my first real friend in a long time. You didn't judge me for entering U.A. through recommendation. You admired my intelligence and complimented me with no ulterior motives, which felt like a breath of fresh air."

She paused, taking a deep breath as her gaze fell to the floor. "But then I began to admire you, too. The way you fought Bakugou and Todoroki, showcasing your intelligence and fighting prowess... Honestly, I was a bit jealous. You're as versatile and smart as I am, but you never hesitate. You dive headfirst into danger, battling two of the strongest without a second thought. You've transformed from that timid boy I first met into a true star."

Wiping away a few tears that had escaped, she managed a soft chuckle. "Honestly, I thought you were kinda cute when we first met." She hoped her words would somehow reach him, imagining him waking up and becoming a flustered mess, just as he often did.

"I enjoyed our conversations. We might not see eye to eye since you often throw caution to the wind and take risks, but maybe if I were more like you... I could have..." Her voice cracked as tears began to stain her cheeks, each drop a reminder of her anguish.

"Midoriya, please... wake up." Her plea hung in the air, laden with desperation, as a few of her tears landed softly on his face.

Suddenly, she heard a hiccup. Startled, she turned to see Kaminari, Jirou, Kirishima, Kendo, Uraraka, and the rest of Class 1-A gathered behind her, along with Tetsutetsu and Shiozaki. They all wore expressions of worry and guilt.

"I fried my brain and was basically useless during the fight! Maybe if I—I don't know—if I had just done something! Anything! Midoriya wouldn't have needed to take the bullet!" Kaminari's voice rose, filled with regret.

"Kaminari..." Jirou attempted to calm him, but he shook his head, his frustration boiling over.

"No! You know I'm right!" he shouted, his hands clenching into fists.

"I'm the one who let him fight," Tsuyu said, her voice barely above a whisper as guilt washed over her. She kept her head down, unable to meet anyone's gaze.

"Midoriya would've gone in to save our teachers regardless of what you said," Uraraka replied gently, placing a comforting hand on Tsuyu's shoulder. Yet, Tsuyu only lowered her head further, consumed by guilt.

"No! I was too weak! He got grabbed by villains—not once, but twice! Because I stood frozen!" Kirishima's voice cracked, anguish clear in his tone. "I'm the dumbass who let that villain scatter us! If Thirteen could have held that villain off, then Midoriya could've… We wouldn't have been separated! We could've taken that stupid bird brain together and won!''

"You weren't the only one who attacked that villain," Tetsutetsu interjected, his own guilt heavy in the air. "How am I supposed to be a shield if I can't protect my classmates? I was thinking to much like a spear when I should have been a shield!"

"You idiot," Jirou said, her frustration mounting. She crossed her arms tightly, fighting back her own emotions.

Flashback

A week had passed since the results came in, and Midoriya and Jirou were enjoying a rare moment of downtime together at a small café. The atmosphere was lively, filled with chatter and laughter, and the sun filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow around them.

"Hey, Green," Jirou said, slurping on her smoothie, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I've been wondering—what kind of hero do you want to be?" She raised an eyebrow, teasingly.

Midoriya shrugged, a hint of uncertainty in his expression. "I don't know. Having a Mr. Smoothy after something just… feels right." He glanced down at his drink, pondering.

Jirou studied him, a smirk forming on her lips. "You really are weird, Green. But in a good way." Her teasing tone made him blush slightly, a warm hue creeping up his cheeks.

"Well, I guess… I want to be a hero whose smile brings hope to the world!" He beamed, his excitement evident as he shared his dream.

Jirou felt her heart flutter at his enthusiasm, a small blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Kinda like me. I want to be—"

But she was cut off by Midoriya, who interjected with a bright smile, "A hero who brings hope to the world by making others smile. Yeah, I remember." His eyes sparkled with genuine admiration for her aspirations.

She smiled back, feeling a rush of warmth at his words, before taking another sip of her smoothie. Almost immediately, she began to cough, her face contorting in disgust. "Okay, yeah, I can't drink this!" she gasped, the flavor clearly not sitting well with her. She tossed in a nearby trash bin.

Midoriya chuckled, finishing off his own smoothie and grimacing slightly at the taste. "Yeah, it has a weird flavor." He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

"Mh? Is it weird that I wanna drink more?"

"Yes."

Flashback over

"You saved everyone with a smile, but what about ours? I— we can't stand to see you like this!" she cried out in frustration, tears streaming down her face as the weight of the situation pressed heavily on her heart.

"I got captured. He sacrificed himself without question to save me... Now, he may not make it because of my hubris." Momo's voice cracked, and she broke down completely, her shoulders shaking as her tears fell unchecked.

The rest of the class stood in somber silence, grappling with their own feelings of weakness, helplessness, and hesitation. The air was thick with despair as they confronted the reality of their situation.

Inko, who had overheard everything from the hallway, felt a swell of bittersweet joy knowing that her son had friends who cared for him so deeply. She quickly composed herself, wiping her tears away before stepping into the room.

"Hello?" Inko knocked gently, capturing the attention of everyone in the room.

Kendo and Uraraka immediately recognized her, and the rest of the class followed suit, understanding instinctively who she was.

"Mrs. Midoriya," came the chorus of voices, the class quickly wiping their eyes as they bowed their heads in apology.

Inko shook her head, her expression warm yet determined as she approached them. "My son has always been the caring one. He never wanted anyone to worry about him, yet if he thinks someone is hurt, he will go above and beyond to make them feel better. I know my boy would never want his friends to worry or cry over him."

She sat beside her son, taking his hand in hers. It was still warm, a small comfort in the midst of their anguish. "Ever since school started, he has gone on and on about his friends. He spoke about you all with a smile like you've never seen before."

A few members of the class exchanged glances, their expressions softening at the memory of Izuku's unwavering enthusiasm.

"And despite what the doctors say," Inko continued, her voice wavering but resolute, "I know my little champion is fighting like hell to get back to you. So please, don't cry for my boy... remain strong for him." Her voice cracked as she fought to keep her own tears at bay.

The group wiped their eyes, nodding in unison, determination slowly replacing despair.

"You heard that, guys! We shouldn't cry! Our hero will cry when he wakes up!" Kirishima and Tetsutetsu shouted, their voices ringing with newfound hope.

"Yeah! Dekiru is going to come back to us! And we'll all smile together!" one of them chimed in, confidence building in the room.

"Midoriya is tough. A little poison won't keep him down!" another classmate added, their spirits lifting.

"He always gets back up!" Kendo yelled, her voice strong and unwavering. Just then, a soft groan broke through the air, causing everyone to turn in unison toward the source.

Midoriya stirred slightly, clutching his mother's hand as he lay still unconscious, but the small movement ignited a spark of hope in the group.

As the class began to leave, Inko was unable to hold in her tears any longer. She broke down beside her son, clutching his hand tightly. "I already lost your father. I don't think I could bear to lose you too, Izuku. So please... wake up, sweetie."

A few hours later

It was nighttime, and most people had gone home. A figure clad in a black hoodie and dark cap approached Izuku's room. As they slid the door open, the first thing they noticed was a pile of tissues on the desk, surrounded by flowers and heartfelt get-well cards. A low growl escaped the stranger's lips.

"Well, I hope you're satisfied with yourself, Deku." The unmistakable voice of Bakugou echoed in the dim room, laced with frustration.

"Always chasing after me, no matter how many times I put you in your place. You just keep coming back!" Bakugou's voice dripped with anger as he faced the silence and the monotonous beeping of the heart monitor.

"Damn it! I told you not to push yourself, nerd! I told you it would get you killed!" Bakugou shouted, his fists clenched at his sides.

"I didn't need you! I had everything under control! I was just playing with those villains!" he yelled, but the lack of response only fueled his rage.

"When the hell did you get so strong? When did you stop being the useless nerd? When the hell did I start chasing after you?" Bakugou's voice cracked, betraying his inner turmoil.

"DAMN IT, DAMN IT, DAMN IT!" He clutched his head in frustration, as if trying to rid himself of the emotions swirling inside.

"It wasn't enough that you beat me in the entrance exam, the quirk test, and the damn battle trial. You just had to show me how useless I was in that fight!" Bakugou shouted, tears streaming down his face, his voice a mix of anger and desperation.

"Say something! Anything! Tell me how much better you've gotten, how you've shown those losers in our class! Just... say something... anything!" Memories of how he had tormented Izuku flooded his mind, reminding him of the same loser who had once protected him. The realization hit him hard—Izuku had saved him.

"Damn it."

[Next day]

The announcement of the new U.A. dorms had everyone buzzing, and the students were granted a day off to observe the beginning stages of construction. Some were excited, seeing this as an opportunity to bond with their classmates outside of the usual training and battles. Nezu had decided to house both Class 1-A and 1-B together in the new dorm, Heights Alliance, for practicality and convenience.

Right now, after school, a few students from both classes gathered at the construction site, watching the framework of the building take shape. The future dorm towered in its early stages, surrounded by cranes, piles of materials, and construction workers moving about, diligently bringing the plans to life.

"So this is it..." Kaminari muttered, a popsicle stick dangling from his mouth as he stared at the developing structure.

"Yep," Ojiro replied, arms crossed as they both gazed up at what would soon be their new home.

From the sidelines, Monoma folded his arms with a disdainful look on his face, standing with Tsuburaba and Awase. A heavy sigh escaped him as he took in the sight. "I can't believe we'll be forced to share living space with you Class 1-A brats," he grumbled.

"Oh, come on, Monoma," Sero said, rolling his eyes. "Are you really going to keep up this antagonism for the next three years?"

Monoma's smirk was filled with mockery. "Being in the same common room as Class 1-A means I'll get to study your weaknesses… and utterly destroy you in the next Sports Festival!" He chuckled to himself, striding closer to the construction site. "U.A.'s Heights Alliance!" he proclaimed dramatically, as if announcing a battle cry.

Everyone had deadpanned expression."Three years..."Ojiro and Kaminari both said.

Tokoyami nodded."Looks like we're doomed to endure his endless snark for the next three years."

Shoji sighed in exasperation."Though I'm also excited it will be nice to get to know our sister." Shoji said.

Kojiro Bondo a tall young man with a head as a glue-dispensor. As he nodded in agreement as he sat quietly next to Koda just enjoying the construction no need for talking as they were in comfortable silence.

The others looked at the building being raised from the ground, marveling at the skeletal framework and imagining the completed dorm. The size was already impressive, designed to fit twice as many students, with expanded common areas and additional facilities to accommodate everyone's needs.

Further back, Kodai observed with her usual deadpan expression. "I'm just relieved that a certain grape-haired pervert won't be staying here," she said bluntly.

Yanagi nodded in agreement. "I wouldn't want someone like him in the dorm, honestly."

"Then you're going to hate Kaminari," Jirou interjected as she walked past with the two girls, her tone dry.

Kaminari's face turned ashen as he overheard, his expression shifting to black and white in shock.

"Hey! That's totally unfair!" Kaminari protested, looking around defensively.

Toru snickered. "This is the same guy who tried to grope me during our first battle trial, so just watch yourselves," she warned, winking.

Kaminari looked down in shame.

"Oh, great. Now we've got two perverts," Kodai muttered, descending the stairs.

"H-Hey, I'm not—" Kaminari stammered, his face reddening.

Jirou rolled her eyes. "Kaminari, we've caught you leering at us more than once—almost as much as Mineta," she teased, as laughter rippled through the students. Kaminari shrank in embarrassment, scratching the back of his neck.

Monoma wore a horrified expression, crossing his arms tightly. "Class 1-A has such an individual?! How disturbing."

Shiozaki, who had been standing nearby with her Bible, gave Kaminari a stern look. "Please, control yourself," she admonished softly, her voice calm but carrying a warning. "Any sinful behavior will be met with swift and painful punishment." She held his gaze with a small glare before moving on, leaving him gulping nervously.

"Y-Yes ma'am..."Kaminari said.'Man she's still really cute I need to ask out that cutie.'

Unfazed, Shiozaki's attention shifted to a nearby stand selling coffee and pastries. Her eyes caught on a muffin decorated with green icing and black sprinkles, resembling Midoriya's signature colors.

She hesitated, then picked it up carefully, her fingers lingering on the wrapper as she pressed her lips to the icing, a faint blush dusting her cheeks.

"Please be okay, Midoriya…" she murmured softly, barely audible over the sounds of construction around them.

With a quiet sigh, she closed her eyes, saying a silent prayer for him. After a moment, she took a small bite, a gentle warmth spreading through her as she hoped her thoughts would somehow reach him.

...

After finishing her class rep duties, Kendo headed home with a tired sigh, making her way straight to her room. As soon as she entered, she dropped onto her bed, letting out a long exhale.

Lying on her back, she reached for a photo on her nightstand—a picture of Izuku from the day he received an official gi with her dojo's logo on the back. His face was flushed in embarrassment, while she stood beside him, beaming with pride.

She gazed at the photo, her expression softening. "Please be okay..."

...

In her room, Ochako sat on the edge of her bed, gazing down at the bento box Izuku would sometimes leave for her. He must have noticed she wasn't eating enough and had started sneaking them into her bag or leaving them on her counter when she wasn't looking—or when he stopped by.

He never made a big deal out of it, never mentioned it, just quietly made sure she had something to eat. A pang of guilt tugged at her as she opened the box, her stomach growling in defiance.

"You dork..." she whispered, taking a bite of the leftovers, a soft smile forming as she murmured,

...

Kodai glanced down at her phone, rereading the long string of late-night texts between her and Izuku. Ever since she'd shared her number, their conversations would carry on into the early hours. She smiled softly at his latest message. "I still have no idea how you manage to stutter over text..." she murmured, feeling a warmth she couldn't quite explain.

...

Jirou strummed her guitar, her fingers drifting over the strings of the instrument Izuku had given her after they'd met at that concert. She blushed, a small smile creeping onto her face. "Wake up already, you idiot," she whispered to the silent room, missing his presence.

...

Iida lay on his back in his dimly lit room, recalling his first meeting with Izuku and the way they'd clashed and grown together. Even he had to admit he'd been something of an idiot back then. He clenched his fists in determination. "Midoriya, until you return, I will uphold my responsibilities as class representative," he vowed, his voice steady.

...

In his room, Todoroki sat cross-legged on the floor. He recalled the flames of Midoriya he couldn't prove it but he could tell he was holding back. The power from his muscle every time he thought of Midoriya and the power he holds and what it would be like to fight against him a trickle of flame with erupt from his left side. "Midoriya..." Todoroki said with venom.

...

Yaoyorozu lay on her bed, her fingers brushing over the fabric of her pillow as she replayed the memory of her first encounter with Izuku. She closed her eyes, a blissful smile spreading as her heartbeat quickened. Billy's words from the concert echoed in her mind, and she whispered to herself, "I hope I get to see you again soon, Midoriya..."

...

"Thanks, Midoriya, for saving us, man..." Mineta mumbled to the empty room, his usual humor absent, leaving only quiet gratitude.

...

"Midoriya, please wake up... we all miss you," Tsuyu whispered as she sat by her window, her gaze drifting to the night sky as though hoping he could hear her somehow.

...

Sitting on her bed, Pony glanced at the movie ticket stub they'd used on their last outing as a group. She held it close, hoping, "I really hope we get to enjoy some movies together again, Midoriya."

...

Ashido clenched her fists as she remembered how he had saved her, the way he'd risked himself without hesitation. Her voice cracked slightly as she murmured, "Midori... I don't think I can bear to lose you."

...

"Hope we get to know each other better, Midobro," Kirishima said with a faint grin, looking at the bracelet Izuku had given him as a reminder of their friendship.

...

Monoma leaned against his bedroom door, arms crossed, feeling strangely uneasy. "Midoriya... you're certainly different. Wake up, so our big sis can stop worrying already," he muttered, a reluctant hint of respect in his tone.

...

In the quiet hospital room, filled with the steady hum of machines keeping Izuku alive, All Might sat beside the bed, gripping the boy's arm. Tears streamed down his face, his voice low and thick with emotion.

"You are my pride and joy, Izuku. You were so brave," he whispered. "I've never been so damn proud… and yet, so heartbroken." He swallowed hard, guilt knotting in his chest. "I was supposed to guide you, protect you… but I failed you, as a mentor and as a teacher. You weren't meant to carry this burden."

The memories flooded back—meeting Izuku, watching him grow, their battles together. "I'm sorry, Hisashi. I failed you," he murmured, thinking of Izuku's father. The sight of his protégé lying so still and fragile was a pain like none he had known. It felt as though his own son were slipping away.

"Please, Izuku," he begged, "wake up."

Suddenly, a faint light began to glow from Izuku's wrist, catching All Might's attention. The Omnitrix—a smooth, black-and-green band—started to pulse softly, its light growing more vibrant with each passing moment.

As the device flickered to life, a radiant glow enveloped the room, illuminating the sterile white walls with shades of brilliant green.

The central dial spun, shifting through colors like a kaleidoscope: first a vibrant green that felt warm and reassuring, then transitioning to a deep, calming blue, followed by a fiery red, and finally a mystical purple that danced like ethereal flames. Each hue cast a soft glow across the room, illuminating All Might's tear-streaked face and filling the air with a sense of otherworldly energy.

It was as if the Omnitrix was responding not just to the physical presence of its wearer, but to the emotional turmoil surrounding him, calling out to Izuku in a silent plea.

The brilliant colors pulsed rhythmically, breathing life into the otherwise quiet room, wrapping All Might in a cocoon of hope.

"Young Midoriya…" All Might whispered.

...

In a dark void, Izuku found himself enveloped in a swirling black mist, with glowing green outlines tracing his form. He opened his eyes, a wave of long-forgotten memories crashing over him like a tidal wave. Before him stood a strange figure with piercing green eyes, freckles scattered across a familiar face, and a hairstyle that mirrored his own in an uncanny way.

"Izuku, you will be the greatest hero," the figure said, his voice warm and reassuring.

"B-But I'm quirkless," Izuku stammered, confusion mixing with longing.

"I see a fire in you, something unique that no one else possesses. You are my son, and I have no doubt you will become the greatest!" The voice resonated in Izuku's mind, a memory of a father he had long since forgotten.

Suddenly, another scene unfolded before him, vibrant and full of life. "Hey, son! Did you get a girlfriend? I want grandbabies!" The man beamed, lifting Izuku effortlessly onto his shoulder.

"Dad, stop! I'm like nine!" Izuku shouted, laughter spilling from his lips as he clung to the man's head, giggling.

"My sweet Inko! Hate to say it, but I love our son more than you," the man said with a mischievous grin, as young Izuku played with an All Might action figure, lost in his imagination.

Inko smiled, kissing the man on the cheek. "I know," she replied softly, her eyes sparkling with affection.

As another memory rushed in, the atmosphere shifted. "Help me! Save me from the mean dragon!" A young voice cried out in desperation.

With a roar, the man released a playful breath of fire. "I'm going to eat you up!" he bellowed, feigning fear as he dramatically stumbled back.

The scene transformed into a whirlwind of laughter as four-year-old Izuku rushed in, striking a heroic pose. "I am here!" he declared boldly, throwing a punch at the man, who fell to the ground with exaggerated theatrics. "Noooo! You have defeated me, hero!"

The warmth of family enveloped him as both parents hugged their son, Inko and her partner standing proudly between them, their faces radiant with joy. Young Izuku smiled brightly, his heart swelling with happiness.

But in the void, the memories began to fade. Midoriya fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face. "H-How could I forget?" he sobbed, grief twisting in his chest as he grappled with the loss of those moments.

"I don't know if I should be jealous of All Might or not," he's father mumbled, feeling the bittersweet pang of nostalgia washed over him.

His father's image lingered in his mind, a reminder of the love and encouragement he had received, as he hung the poster of All Might.

As the memories swirled around him, Izuku's heart ached, longing to reclaim the pieces of himself he had lost. Tears flowed freely, mixing with the shadows of the void.

...

He felt a comforting hand on his head and turned to see a familiar pair of green eyes and freckles peering through the darkness. "Your mom's probably worried sick; you should wake up," the figure said gently.

"D-Dad?" he muffled out, struggling to form the words.

The figure was cloaked in black mist, his emerald green eyes shining with warmth through the shadows. Though obscured, the voice was unmistakably his father's.

"One For All is growing. You can't be in this world for long, Izuku."

In an instant, he was ten years old again, his father's forehead resting against his. "I'm sorry I left you and your mom," his father murmured, emotion thick in his voice. "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. I wish I could have seen you grow. I want to know your favorite food, the friends you've made, and the struggles you've faced. I'm borrowing Shinomori's time, but he granted me this moment just to speak to you. I love you. Please tell your mother that! God, please tell me you didn't inherit my muttering. At least you grew out of it… and—"

"Thank you… for being a hero… in your mother's lowest moment when she lost me. I… I can't thank you enough for being her hero…" Hisashi fought back tears, his voice trembling.

"Dad…" Izuku managed to say, his voice muffled.

"You're growing into a fine young man, and I'm so grateful to know you're my son. All I can ask is that you become a hero you can be proud of. Don't be a carbon copy of Toshi..."

Hisashi's expression shifted, as if he had more to say. "Don't hold your feelings back; it's okay to be angry. It doesn't make you less of a hero—it makes you human. It's okay if you don't like someone. Yes, I'm talking about Katsuki. It's okay to feel resentment…" Hisashi's voice cracked as the world around them began to lighten, his presence starting to fade.

"And… when you do become the number one hero, please don't be like Toshi. What I mean is, I want you to fall in love. Find a girl you can confide in. When you're scared and the weight of the world feels too heavy, let her be your shoulder to cry on. Don't let being a hero consume you! Have a life! Be happy. At the end of the day, you should have a place to come home to! That's what I—"

The world around Izuku grew foggy, and he struggled to speak, his words tumbling into muffled sounds. Desperately, he reached out, trying to find his voice as he shouted.

"Dad!"

He shot up from his bed, tears streaming down his face. A loud shattering noise interrupted the moment, and he turned to see Uraraka, who had just dropped a vase of flowers.

She stared at him with teary eyes before flying toward him, tackling him into a tight embrace. It was as if she held him like she never wanted to let go, relief flooding her expression.

Today was Friday, and a group of students decided to visit Midoriya. It had been two weeks since the USJ attack, and their concern for their friend had grown with each passing day.

As Kyouka walked through the hallway, she suddenly froze, her heart racing at the unmistakable voice she thought she would never hear again. "Green?"

Without a second thought, she bolted toward his room, a sense of urgency propelling her forward. Her friends exchanged puzzled glances, caught off guard by her sudden reaction.

"Jirou?" one of them called after her, confused.

"He's awake! I heard him!" Jirou exclaimed, excitement bubbling in her voice. The revelation sent shockwaves through the group, and their expressions transformed from confusion to sheer joy.

They exchanged determined glances, then shrugged off any hesitation and sprinted down the hallway, their footsteps echoing against the walls.

All Might, who had also caught wind of Jirou's exclamation, widened his eyes in disbelief before sprinting toward the room.

"Young Midoriya, please… let it be true." He fished out his phone and quickly dialed Izuku's mother, his heart pounding with hope.

Kyouka raced ahead, her enhanced hearing picking up the muffled sobs of Uraraka and the soothing tones of Midoriya's voice. "Uraraka, don't cry. I'm okay."

When she finally reached his door, the sight that greeted her was overwhelming. Uraraka was in Izuku's arms, tears streaming down her face as relief washed over her.

Kyouka felt her own eyes welling with emotion as she witnessed the heartwarming reunion. Just then, Izuku felt another pair of arms wrap around him, squeezing tightly.

"You idiot! Don't do that again!" Kyouka exclaimed, her voice a mix of relief and frustration.

"Jirou…" Izuku said with a soft smile, feeling buoyed by the warmth of his friends around him. Just then, more footsteps echoed in the hallway, and soon, even more arms enveloped him.

"You're not dead!" Ashido exclaimed, her voice cracking with emotion.

"Dude, you had us so worried!" Kaminari voice chimed in.

"Midori!" Ashido sobbed before hugging the dork.

"Eeep!" Izuku yelped blushing a little.

"I was so scared!" Yaoyorozu added, her own eyes glistening with tears.

"I'm just happy you're finally awake," Kendo said, her voice steadying as she joined the embrace.

Izuku could only return the hugs, his heart swelling with gratitude for his friends. "I'm back, don't worry, I'm here," he reassured them, his voice filled with warmth.

Meanwhile, All Might watched from a distance, his heart filled with joy and relief as he saw the green-haired boy surrounded by his classmates. "He's awake," he whispered, tears rolling down his face, a mix of happiness and pride.

Suddenly, he heard the familiar footsteps of Inko Midoriya approaching. All Might turned to see her face light up as she caught sight of her son smiling and awake. "Izuku?"

"Hey, Mom," Izuku replied with a bright smile, his eyes sparkling with life.

"MY BABY!" Inko cried out, rushing forward to wrap her arms around her son. The class finally understood where Midoriya's tears came from.

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