Chapter 3

It's still Christmas but Izuku can't bring himself to leave his room and finish helping clean up or even celebrate the rest of the night.

I wish I had someone to talk to right now. It feels like I can't talk to most of the people in class in the fear of news being spread about my feelings for Uraraka, before I'm able to tell her myself. I do think I need to talk to someone though.

Izuku pulls out his phone and Izuku sends a text to his group chat with Iida and Todoroki.

AllMightfan#1: Hey guys, are you busy?

Tenya Iida: Midoriya! We missed you during the clean up after the party! Is everything okay?

IcyHot: what's up midoriya?

AllMightfan#1: I need some advice. Can you come to my room? I don't think I should send it over text…

IcyHot: okay

Tenya Iida: I'll be there in just a minute, Midoriya!

I am grateful I made some guy friends I can talk to about stuff like this.

His childhood friend Katsuki Bakugo who he calls Kachan would probably not give good advice and probably call him a wuss or a nerd for not just telling Uraraka how he felt a long time ago. Maybe it's what he needs to hear but before he can think about it further he suddenly hears light knocking on the door.

"Come in", Izuku says to the door.

Iida burts through the door and is at Izuku's bedside in seconds thanks to engine boosts on his legs. Todoroki walks in calmly behind him.

"Midoriya! I was worried when you didn't come back to finish cleaning up! Are you okay?!", Iida exclaimed.

Todoroki watches intently and waits for Izuku's response.

"I'm having a big issue. This is something I-i've been struggling with for awhile. Actually, since the school year started…", Izuku starts his voice trailing off at the end.

"What is it? Is it your quirk? It was pretty intense when your new quirk went wild during our joint training", Todoroki states.

"N-n-no not that!" Izuku stutters.

He thinks about how his new quirk Black Whip for a moment.

Todoroki is right, it was intense but I had Uraraka with me. She saved me again that day...

He thought about how he hurt her and she still smiled at him and asked if he was okay. Her smile was so warm like the day they met. She had saved him then too. She could've easily let him trip and easily embarrassed himself but she used her quirk to help him anyway. He felt his heart start to flutter. He knew he had to open his heart to her. He knows he can't be afraid anymore. He looks his friends in the eyes. This is the first step to changing his future.

"G-guys.. this isn't about quirks or heroes or anything related to school. I've been so afraid of my feelings for so long. I've just avoided them and pushed toward just being a hero but I know that's not the only thing I can focus on anymore. Before joining UA, I never thought I deserved friends like you guys or to be at UA. My whole life I've been called a loser and rejected by everyone. Until recently not even Kachaan could stand being around me. I didn't think I deserved to be loved by anyone. Even through all that I-i didn't expect to fall for s-s-someone..", Izuku starts off stuttering but the longer he goes his confidence grows. "I love Uraraka. I've cared for her since I met her. She's been there for me more than I deserve. She's constantly encouraging and saving me. I don't know where I would even be right now without her. Her birthday is coming up and she deserves more than what I can give to her but I want to prove to her that I can be her hero, that I can make her happy."

Izuku looks at his feet and he feels the tears start running down his face.

Todoroki and Iida rush to izuku's side and hold him in a hug.

"Well I have no experience in love but based on how my parents were I feel like what they struggled with besides my father being violent was communicating with one another", Todoroki pauses for a moment in thought.

Iida takes over, "I think what Todoroki is saying is that if you keep these feelings from her she'll never know how you truly feel and you'll regret it forever. We'll help you however we can to make Uraraka's birthday special, okay? You're both our friends and we want you both to be happy".

Iida shows a wide smile that almost reminds Izuku of All Might. Iida has grown so much since they've started UA. Not just as a hero but as a friend too. Izuku sniffles and tries not to cry harder. He's so touched by his friends' words and help. He's too blessed.

"Thanks you guys, Sorry for getting emotional there" Izuku says between sniffles.

"I'm sure we're used to it by now, Midoriya" Todoroki says in his monotonous tone. This for some reason gets a good laugh out of Iida and Izuku. This confuses Todoroki because he was serious.

After a good laugh and a little more discussion, the three plan to talk more about their plans in the morning and decide to sleep on it.

After they leave Izuku thinks about texting Ochaco. He hates that he didn't talk to her more at the Christmas party. He just gets so flustered around her. He looks at his All Might clock and the time reads 9:00 pm and gives it some thought.