Chemo was draining. It made Ochako's entire body ache. She described her experience on the phone as gross and disgusting. She's been resting a lot and can't hold food down too well. Did she really have to go through this every week?

She was happy she could keep her hair, something that until she mentioned it, I hadn't even thought about it.

When she was awake and uncomfortable, I would call her and try to distract her with UA news. UA was busier than ever, especially after the events of USJ. Between the whispers of distrust from the public, All Might's shortened hero time, and the league growing larger, the pressure to master One for All was growing.

I wondered if I should tell Ochako about my secret. We were close, after all, now even on a first-name basis. It would be nice to have someone to confide in about it. I couldn't even talk to my own mother about it. But part of me worried that right now wasn't a good time. She was still feeling awful, I didn't want to stress her out more at the moment.

The day that USJ was on the news, she called me in tears. It nearly broke my heart that I had her worried sick for hours before I was able to contact her and let her know I was okay. I wanted to be someone who could reassure her, not cause her more distress.

Not just her but my mom too. Being a hero causes those who care about you to worry, something that would be a big adjustment for me.

But things have calmed down a bit, things were starting to go back to their new routine. The sports festival was coming up and it was our chance to show our skills and hope some of the pros offer internships.

All Might continued to meet with me regularly about One for All.

"You'll get there, Young Midoriya," he told me in his office.

My knee bounced from my spot on the couch. "I don't have time though. I need to have it under control now."

He had an odd look on his face. Like he was starting through me instead of at me. "I know how you feel and how hard you're working on this. You'll get there. Please trust me."

My knee stopped. He trusts me? He did tell me his biggest secret and gave me his power, and named me his successor as the symbol of peace…I suppose that is quite a lot of trust. "Sorry, I'm just stressed, I think."

He smiled. "This year has already been a lot and it's only just begun. How is Young Uraraka doing?"

I perked up at the mention of my best friend. "She's doing a little better now, but chemo days are hard on her. She's strong though. Somehow she ends up making me feel better even though she's the one that's hurting."

He nodded with a small smile. "I hope to meet her someday."

All Might and Ochako? I already knew All Might would love her. Her energy, even when she's tired, is just so positive and cheerful. And Ochako is a fan of his, the pair would be interesting to watch. Both were very important to me.

"She's hoping to come to town for the sports festival," I said.

Suddenly, All Might's phone rang, pausing us in our conversation while he answered the phone. His smile dropped from his face as he spoke with whoever it was.

When he hung up, he looked at me. "Aizawa was trying to reach you. Your mother called."

My eyes widened. Why would she call the school?

"What did she say?"

"She signed you out for the day. Your friend is in the hospital."

Ochako's in the hospital?

I ran. I didn't care about the school rules or the fact that Iida was shouting at me to walk, I didn't even bother getting my backpack. I just ran.

I pulled out my phone once I was outside of the UA gate.

"Mom? Is Ochako okay?" I asked, when she answered.

"She was having some trouble breathing last night and they admitted her in as a formality. She's breathing fine now but I knew you would want to see her."

I didn't want to imagine it. It had to have been during the night after we'd stopped talking. It had to have been bad enough for her to be airlifted to this hospital instead of the one in Maie.

"Thanks, mom. For letting me leave to see her. I love you," I told her before hanging up.

I rushed, running as quickly as I could without the use of One for All through the doors to the hospital and walked as quickly as was acceptable to her room once the front desk told me where to go.

I opened the door and saw that she was laying there on the bed. Her parents stood from their seats when they saw me, small smiles on their face and dark circles under their eyes. They likely haven't rested at all since last night.

"Izuku, sweetie. Thanks for coming," Mrs. Uraraka said.

"She's been waiting all day to see you," Mr. Uraraka said.

"Hey now," a weak and hoarse voice said. "I can hear you."

Her father smiled at her. "Doesn't mean it's not true, dear."

Mrs. Uraraka cleared her throat. "We'll let you two talk."

I was about to insist that they didn't have to leave when she put a hand on my shoulder. "It's okay dear, we'll go get some food."

I nodded before going over to my best friend, sitting in one of the two pulled out chairs beside her.

She was thinner than the last I'd seen her and pale. Her skin was nearly translucent, showing lines of purple and green with an oxygen mask over her face. Her eyes were opened, but they looked exhausted. With everything going on, I hadn't been able to physically see her as often. She already looked so different from our sleepover.

"Hey, Izuku," she said a little out of breath. "Thanks for coming."

If she didn't look so frail I would bump her shoulder like she does to me. But she looked like glass, like she could shatter with just a touch. It was almost difficult to look at her.

"Of course, Ochako. I'm sorry, I didn't know you weren't feeling well when we spoke."

She shook her head. "It was in the middle of the night. I was feeling okay when you called me."

I almost felt relieved.

"Will you tell me about your day?" She asked.

Her eyes were pleading. Whatever she was feeling, it still was far from good. I can't imagine what it would be like to wake up and struggle to breathe. She wanted to take her mind off of it. She needed a distraction.

"Of course."

I told her about my shortened day, training and sports festival news. I even mentioned Iida yelling at me for running in the halls which got her to smile before chastising me for rushing out of school for her. Shortly after speaking, her eyes started to droop, fluttering closed for a few seconds before opening them back up.

"Do you want me to let you rest?" I asked.

Her eyes widened and she almost looked fearful. "No, no please don't! I mean… you can if you're busy but...I really like hearing your stories."

"Then I'll stay as long as you want me to," I told her.

She chuckled, causing her to cough a bit. "Then you'd never leave."

I would be okay with that.

"They're going to keep me here for a while," she said. "I'm going to move into the hospital to do my treatments and my parents are going to visit me every week."

They're moving her in? Doesn't that mean…that her condition is worse?

"Ochako, I love having you closer but what does that mean for you?" I asked.

"They want to keep an eye on me if I struggle to breathe again or have any other complication. They said my body is just…tired right now with everything going on," she said. "I even have to pause chemo for a few days to try and build back up strength."

My heart clenched at the thought of her body being so weak. But she's here, in the hospital now. She has help close by if she needs it. She's going to rest and build up strength. Of course it's hard and there would be setbacks…I just didn't imagine they would be so soon and so painful to watch. She's probably struggling so much more than she's letting on. Because while she was open with her affection, she was good at masking her pain.

"I understand. I'll come visit you after school everyday," I said.

She smiled before her eyes started to droop again. "Only when you have nothing better to do."

Like I would listen to that.

"Izuku?"

"Yeah?"

"Will you hold my hand for a little bit?"

Her voice made me want to cry. She sounded so small, so frail. I had to hold it together and be strong for her. As her friend I needed to be someone who can help her when she feels like this.

When I took her hand, it almost felt more like it was to comfort me than her. I'd never held anyone's hand other than my mothers, and certainly not like this. Her hand was smooth and far warmer than I thought it would be. I ran my thumb over her small fingers.

"As long as you want."

I held her hand for two hours, even after her parents came back until I had to leave to go back home myself.

Leaving was hard.

When I was with her and holding her hand, I knew she was okay. But when I left all I could think about was that she was struggling to breathe while I was peacefully sleeping last night. She had to be rushed to the emergency room in a different town. It would haunt me for many nights that I could have lost her so easily.

I knew leaving home was going to be hard on her. Another freedom her condition was making her give up.

That night I came home in tears.

Over the next few days, her strength improved. It was a relief not only to see her looking better but to hear it in her voice, seeing her awake longer and moving out of her hospital bed. It made me feel lighter, easier to breathe. She was okay.

She didn't like that the nurses encouraged her to be wheeled around in a wheelchair across the hallways and to go outside, and I couldn't blame her. Not being able to stand or walk for long without being winded and lightheaded seemed like it would be incredibly frustrating but I promised her it was temporary. I reminded her once she was better we'd run and train just like how I did with All Might. Ochako smiled at that.

She didn't know about One for All, but I had mentioned Toshinori Yagi training me before the entrance exams.

But now I was onto my next hurdle: the sports festival. Ochako had promised she would be watching and I honestly was excited for a chance to have a normal high school event, even if it was something huge like this.

No villain attacks, Ochako was steadily improving, I could fully focus on the task in front of me.

I completed the race in competitive timing, using everything I could think of to dart ahead. The others were way faster and stronger than me. But I was smart and adaptive, using Kacchan's explosiveness as an idea to blast in the lead. I landed in first place.

Which ended up placing a target on my back, working against me. I stood on my own while everyone gathered into teams when Iida and Kirishima went up to me.

"Hey dude! Why'd you have to go and show off like that?" Kirishima asked. "Now it's going to be way harder for us."

I gaped at him. "Us?" Surely he didn't mean…

"We're your friends, Midoriya. Of course we're on your team. Even if we're at a disadvantage, I suppose that's just something for us to work hard to overcome," Iida said.

"Yeah, it'll be way more impressive if we win now," Kirishima said excitedly.

I wanted to tear up, I wanted to break down and tell them how grateful I was that they were my friends and wanted to stick by me. But I would hold back, because they put their faith in me and I won't make them regret it.

"Thanks guys," I said. The pair smiled at me before a female with goggles on her head approached.

"You there, let me join too!" The girl said. "The name's Hatsume and I want to show off my babies."

My eyes went wide and Iida's glasses fell off his face.

"Babies? That's hardly appropriate for—,"

She completely ignored him. "I've got some that will help us out too."

I was nearly speechless. At least Iida and Kirishima had reasons I could understand for wanting to pair up with me. I had no idea who Hatsume was, but I suppose if I've got the target on me, that also means my teammates would also be highlighted, she did say she wanted to show off. Works for me.

"Alright, sure," I said. "Let's do this!"

Overall, our teamwork was great. Iida provided speed while Kirishima put up a good defense while Hatsumes inventions proved especially vital in helping us attack the other teams. We didn't get first place…but we did make it to the finals.

I sat beside Tenya and Kirishima in the stands while they were announcing the one on one battles and going over the final portion of the sports festival. It was hard to believe that I did it, I actually made it this far. If I had my phone on me I would text Ochako, but I knew she was watching. That was enough for me.

"Hey," Kirishima started. "That friend of yours…does she happen to be a brunette with short hair and brown eyes?"

My head snapped to him. "How do you know that?"

Surely I'd never spoken about her appearance before there should be no way that—

"I think she's here," he said, pointing to the right. I followed his hand and my breath caught. She sat in a wheelchair, being pushed by Aizawa heading toward us. She wore a pink sundress and a straw sun hat, flashing me a smile and a wave as she got closer. She still looked thin, but her smile was bright and cheerful.

I got up and ran. I couldn't contain my smile even if I tried.

"Ochako!"

I was next to her in seconds, reaching down and scooping her up into a tight hug.

"Surprise!" She said, giggling as she squeezed my back and I placed her back down in her wheelchair. Aizwawa caught my gaze and I knew I probably looked like a grinning moron but I didn't care. She was here. She was here for me.

I felt like I'd won first place.

"She isn't technically supposed to be up here since she isn't a UA student but…she did get accepted," he said.

Words couldn't express my gratitude. I bowed, hunching forward. "Thank you, sir. Thank you so much."

"Oh, get up. And Midoriya…let her be a reminder not to do anything reckless out there," he said before he walked away.

I nodded. I was trying my best not to do that anyways though…contrary to his and Recovery Girl's beliefs, I didn't like injuring myself.

"He's pretty nice," she said once he was out of earshot. "No sleeping bags though."

We shared a laugh and I almost couldn't believe it.

"Are you sure it's okay for you to be out like this?" I asked, my face nearly hurt from smiling so much.

She nodded. "I told you I've been feeling better, and the doctor had to sign off on it anyways. I can't stay long, I actually just got here. But this is important to you. I wanted to support my best friend," she said.

"Ochako!" I said reaching to hug her again, causing her to laugh. "You're the best friend ever!"

As excited as I was to see her, I couldn't help but notice how dressed up she was. It was a rare thing for me to see her in a dress. I'd seen her in hospital gowns before but most of the time she just opted for comfy clothes. But with the way the sun caught her brown eyes and the bits of rose on her cheeks. I couldn't help but notice how pretty she was. She was…really, really pretty. It was something I used to think about a lot more but hadn't with everything going on.

"Will you introduce me to everyone?" She asked, breaking me from my thoughts. I nodded, knowing that she was probably ecstatic to meet what would have been her classmates too. I wheeled her next to where I was sitting. Everyone in the class was looking our way. I offered my hand out to her and she nodded. I helped her stand and made sure she was comfortably sitting on the stands before letting her go.

I turned to Kirishima and Iida first.

"Guys, this is Ochako Uraraka, my best friend," I announced, causing her to tuck her chin downward as she smiled.

Kirishima smiled brightly giving a wave. "We've heard a lot about you. Glad you could make it!"

She nodded as Iida pushed up his glasses. "You participated in the entrance exams, right? I remember you. It's a pleasure to formally meet you."

"Thanks," she said. "The entrance exams feel like so long ago now. I'm hoping they'll let me take them again once I'm done with my treatments."

Mina, followed by the other girls rushed over and greeted her with warm smiles. Ochako commented on their performance in the sports festival and what I've said about them. They eagerly brought her into conversation.

She fit right in with them.

I knew that made her happy.

Her smile was bright and beaming, similar to the day we'd met at the entrance exams before she knew she was sick.

"Wow, the girls have completely taken her from you," Kirishima commented.

I nodded with a small grin, my eyes never leaving her. "It's good. She's by herself most of the time until I or her parents or my mom can visit her in the hospital. She asks about everyone here all the time."

Kirishima had to go shortly after, his fight with Kacchan starting soon. He told me before he left that he didn't expect to win, but he said that what mattered most was setting a good impression.

Honestly, while we didn't have all that much in common, I still had nothing but respect for him. He was strong but he was also kind. He was the kind of guy that would easily become a Pro.

I hoped Kacchan didn't hurt him too badly.

The girls chatting quieted down once the fight started and I felt Ochako scoot close to me.

"Is that him?" She whispered, pointing to Kirishima and Kacchan in the arena. I nodded. "That's him. I guess he wasn't near us earlier."

"He was, but he left shortly after I came up with Aizawa. He looked angry just like you said," she whispered.

I chuckled before looking at her. While she was smiling, I noticed that her face had a slight sheen to it and she was leaning onto her arm.

"Do you want to sit in your wheelchair?" I asked softly. She shook her head. "Maybe soon but I'm okay for right now," she said.

"Don't push yourself too much, Ochako," I said before reaching to hand her my water bottle. "At least keep yourself hydrated."

She took the bottle from me before sticking out her tongue. "Yes, mom."

I rolled my eyes and the battle began.

Both fighters were passionate and full of energy, they charged blow for blow.

I leaned close to her again. "Kacchan is trying to keep Kirishima away. If he gets too close, he might be able to jam is gauntlets."

She nodded, not taking her eyes away. "He's defense is good. You'd think his anger would mess up his fighting."

"Not Kacchan. He's strong and smart," I said. Honestly, it wasn't fair.

I felt her lean against me. I wasn't sure if it was because she was getting tired or if she just wanted to be close but I welcomed it. Having her so near was like a wave of peace. My mind wasn't torn between UA and her, for once I could have both.

As hard as Kirishima fought, Kacchan still ended up being the victor in the end. The crowd was loving their energy from the fight though and cheers flooded the arena when he won. I knew I was up soon and would have to leave, having my own fights to prepare for.

"Hey, do your best, okay?" She said and I smiled. "Of course. You're watching, after all."

My fight with Shinso was…interesting, to say the least. I was warned not to answer him from Sero just before getting on the arena.

He tried using Kacchan as a bait to get me to talk, but I steeled myself. He was still a sensitive topic, but it wasn't until he mentioned Ochako that I snapped.

"So your girl…did she come to see you before she died?" He asked, emotionless. How did he know about her?

I was yelling at him before I could stop myself and immediately I was frozen.

He got me. It's over.

I started involuntarily walking across the stage, mentally cursing and willing with every fiber of my being to listen to me but it was no use. I got to the very edge before I stopped.

My mind was hazy and the sports festival faded behind me. I was surrounded by darkness. There were shadows I couldn't make out. But I saw them extending their hand. What did this mean? Where was I?

Before I could even make sense of it, it was gone. I was back in the arena and I had full control of my body. Two of my fingers were purple and broken, but other than that I was physically fine. Somehow I..or maybe they activated One for All to snap me out of the trance. But that didn't matter. I had a battle to win and a score to settle.

I glared at Shinso.

He put up a fight, but even without my quirk I could overpower him easily. He was out of bounds within seconds.

He approached me as I walked back into the stands, but I brushed him off.

"Look, I'm sorry that was too far—" he said.

"You're right. It was. I know you were just trying to win but…next time leave her out of it. If you're trying to be a hero, find a different way to beat me," I said, storming off.

I was still angry at Shinso, but it slowly faded once I saw Ochako again. Her eyes lit up once she saw me and and I rushed over to her.

"You did it!" She cheered. "I was so worried when he took control of you."

I scratched the back of my neck. "Yeah, me too. I honestly don't know how I did it."

"Because you're so cool, of course!" She exclamied, throwing a fist in the air. "Just like how you were with that bot at the entrance exams."

She really thought I was cool then?

We watched more fights and I was mentally preparing myself for my fight with Todoroki. He was strong, obviously one of the top in the class.

I would need something big to win against him. But at least I had some advantage, he wasn't using his right side of his quirk in battle. For some reason he didn't use Endeavor's quirk for things like this. Even so, he was a very strong opponent.

However my moment was ruined when a furious Kacchan approached us.

I looked up at him and he hiked his chin forward, gesturing for me to follow him. I turned to look at Ochako who had a guarded expression, unsure what to make of Kacchan.

"I don't have all damn day, Deku!" He snapped.

"You don't have to be so rude," Ochako said. Eyes snapped to her, our classmates grew still.

He stepped forward, challenging her. "What are you going to do about it, huh?"

To my surprise and the surprise of everyone else around us, she stood. Her stance was wobbly at best and she looked as if it took a great deal of effort to keep upright. She'd been sitting unsupported far longer than she was used to. The fact that she stood up for me…

"I know who you are, Katsuki Bakugou," she said, stepping forward. "And I've got a big problem with you."

Our class was silent. My heart raced and I found myself unable to move. Unable to speak.

He smirked. "Oh, do you now? I don't have time for little people like you. Move aside."

She stepped closer. She stood directly in front of him and refused to look away.

"Little people like me are the ones you signed up to protect," she snapped. "You have some nerve, enrolling in the hero course when you continually bully and belittle those around you. Deku told me you and him were All Might fans, is that how you think All Might treats people?" She questioned.

He opened his mouth to speak but she cut him off.

"How dare you waste your time calling yourself a hero. What good is your quirk if you use it for control and dominance? A hero brings people comfort. A hero makes those around them feel safe. You have to be strong, sure but…what then separates you from a villain? Get over yourself."

She stared down at her feet, clenching her fists by her sides. The anger from her outburst was slowly dissipating and she looked…sad. Kachan didn't even try to interrupt her. "You're healthy and strong. Do better. If I could…I would do so much more. "

Her legs were wobbling, I knew it wouldn't be long before she lost her balance. But I was stunned and…I didn't want to interfere with her moment.

Even shaking and thin…she looked so powerful.

When her legs did give, I didn't have to catch her. Bakugo reached forward, steadying her in place while I reached for her. She didn't protest when I placed her back in her wheelchair. Bakugo left without talking to me.

But we were all still speechless.

How could we not? Especially me. It was more than standing up for me…she called him out. She stood when it was hard for her, when her body was frail. She stood in a pink dress and a determined look.

I don't think she's ever been more beautiful.

And by the end when she spoke about how she could do more…It nearly broke my heart.

I knew that pain. She wanted to be a hero so badly. Just as much as I do. But she was forced on the sidelines and to wait while she watched me and the others get ahead. Even when she is better she'll have to work harder than all of us to catch up and regain her strength. I would give anything to help her feel better and not have to go through this.

"Izuku?" She said, startling me from my thoughts. "I wasn't trying to be disrespectful or speak over you. I know you can take care of yourself."

Was she really worried about me right now?

"Ochako…that was the coolest thing I've ever seen," I told her, watching her eyes widen and look away from me. It was true. In all the time I'd known Kacchan, I'd never been able to call him out like that. I'd only just started to defend myself and that was with super strength. But Ochako didn't need that to be strong. And I hope Kacchan took her words to heart. "You're amazing."

She smiled, and spoke so softly I could barely hear her. "Thank you."