SUMMARY: Izuku got hit by Sasayaki's quirk. His friendship with Katsuki gets tested. Will everything fall apart or will he be able to pull things together and mend it in time?

THE VALUE OF TRUST

Katsuki woke up with a groan. His head hurt and the sunlight filtering through his window was too bright. He pulled his blanket over his head with a sigh. He felt crappy. He frowned when Dr Shiozaki's voice echoed in his mind.

"It'll likely wear off by tomorrow. But if you think the quirk is still affecting you, you need to come see me immediately. And I suggest that you report this to the police so they could apprehend the person who's misusing their quirk on you."

Katsuki opened his eyes, "Report to the police, huh?" He sat up, throwing his blanket off him. He rubbed at his throbbing temple, "I can't even fucking remember who did it."

"Katsuki, if you're feeling better, I got breakfast ready," said his mother behind the door.

"Yeah, I'm up!"

"Oh, and Inko called. She said Izuku's not feeling very well so he can't come over for your sparring session."

Katsuki felt his stomach clenched. The day before yesterday's event playing in his mind. The way Izuku looked at him fearfully had tore at him. Izuku had never looked at him like that. Others, yes, but not Izuku. He needed to see Izuku and apologize properly. He got off his bed and yanked the door open. He went to the bathroom to splash cold water over his face. His tired reflection stared back at him. He wondered what kind of expression he made when he used his quirk on Izuku. Does Izuku hate him now? Did he look like a villain to his friend? He clenched his hands against the porcelain sink and shook his head. Izuku wouldn't hold a grudge. Izuku's kind and he would understand if he explained why he did that.

His parents looked up to him as he entered the kitchen. His father smiled gently, "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine."

"Don't lie, Katsuki," said his mother as her eyes narrowed.

The boy sighed, "Alright. I feel like crap. But it's not too bad. I can handle it."

Masaru frowned slightly, "Do you need to make an appointment with Mishima-san?"

Katsuki took a seat in front of his father, the chair scraping the wooden floor, "No, I got this. I was just… shaken. I'll sort it out with, Deku."

"Alright, but if you need help, we're here son," said Masaru as he met his eyes.

Katsuki lowered his gaze and nodded, "Thanks."

"Do you remember who did it?" asked Mitsuki with an edge in her tone. Her hands clenched the fork and spoon tightly in her delicate hands.

Katsuki propped his chin on his right palm and sighed, "No."

His mother growled, "If I found out who did it, I'm gonna strangle them with my hands!"

"Now, now, honey. We should leave it to the police."

"We hand them over after I'm done with them!"

Katsuki finished his breakfast quietly and tuned out his parents as they started talking about their job. He picked up his plate and mug and brought them to the sink to wash. He gazed out the window and contemplated what to do for the day. After putting the washed plate and mug aside to dry he headed for the stairs, "I'm gonna go out for a run. I'll be back in an hour."

Masaru looked at him with worry, "Be careful, son."

"Keep your phone on you!" said Mitsuki.

The boy nodded and went to his room to make his bed and change his clothes. He grabbed his windbreaker jacket and tossed it on. He then grabbed his phone, checking to make sure it's charged, and his earphones. He plugged in his earphones and opened up his workout playlists. He hit the play button and loud music blared in his ears, he adjusted the volume to his liking and then put his phone in his jacket's pocket. He went downstairs and put on his running shoes.

"I'm gonna stop by the Midoriya's place before I get home. I need to talk with Deku."

"Alright. Keep in touch, son," Masaru.

Katsuki clicked his tongue, "Stop worrying, old man."

"We won't stop worrying about you, Katsuki."

Mitsuki appeared to stand beside her husband, "Yeah, brat. You always get into some kind of trouble. So, you'll hear this a lot, be safe out there, brat."

Katsuki sighed and nodded his head. He pulled the hood of his jacket over his head as he walked out of the house. He shut the door behind him. He spent about ten minutes stretching before he took off.

"Will you be fine on your own, Izuku?" asked Inko concerned.

Her son gave her a smile, "Yeah, I'm feeling better than last night."

His mother frowned and pressed a palm against his forehead, "Well, your temperature seems normal."

"See? You don't have to worry, mom. I promise I'll stay at home all day! And I'll call you if I need anything!"

Inko pressed a hand against her cheek, "Hmm, if you say so. I've called Mitsuki to let her know you won't be coming over today."

Izuku grimaced at the thought of missing a training day with Katsuki, "Yeah, thanks."

His mother got up from the couch, "Alright. I'll be back before seven tonight. Warm up the broth if you want to eat."

"Okay!"

Izuku saw his mother off at the entrance and the apartment fell into silence once the door clicked shut. The green-haired boy sighed as he clutched the fleece jacket around him. His head still hurt and there was an annoying ringing in his ears. He shuffled back to the couch and pulled his backpack to his lap. He took out his homework and his notebook. He blinked when he saw a marked page in his notebook. He flipped it open and there was a note he didn't remember writing.

Going to see Sasayaki-senpai today. If I don't remember writing this, it just confirms that he does have a mind manipulation quirk. Be careful. He might have done something to you as he did to Kacchan.

Izuku's eyes widened when he read the note he made. His memory was a haze yesterday. He remembered walking home and then lying on the couch feeling feverish and miserable. His mother woke him up and took care of him. Surprisingly the fever was gone by morning. He took out a pencil and started writing on the page.

Sasayaki Hibiki → Not quirkless.

Quirk? Possibly mind control/brainwash.

How to avoid? Unknown. Unable to recall details at the moment. Will have to wait for the effect to wear off if the memory erasure isn't permanent.

What did he do to me? Unknown. Maybe I should avoid meeting Kacchan for a few days. He seems to have something against us if he's targeting us.

Izuku scratched his head in frustration. He hoped that Sasayaki only made him forget their meeting but he's sure the senior student had ingrained a command in his mind that he'll obey when it gets triggered. Well, luckily, he's not going out for the weekend, he hopes the effects will wear off by the time Monday comes.

"Okay. The plan is to stay here and not see Kacchan. Simple. I can do that!" He said enthusiastically. He stared at his notebook in silence for a few moments, "Maybe I should text Kacchan about this."

He jumped when the doorbell rang. Izuku glanced at the clock and it told him it was about fifteen minutes past eight in the morning. He wondered who it might be as he got up from the couch. Did his mom forget something? The doorbell rang again and he quickened his steps, "Coming!"

Izuku opened the door and he gazed into red irises. Katsuki seemed like he just finished a run, covered in sweat and face flushed. Izuku gripped the doorknob tightly as he felt an instant change in his mind, a voice whispering in his ears: Why don't you tell him how you feel? Tell him the truth. All of it. Let him know all the little details that you hate and fear about him, can you do that, Midoriya-kun?

"Hey, Deku," said Katsuki.

"Stop!" cried Izuku.

Both boys took a step back from each other, Katsuki in shock while Izuku in fear. The older of the two stared at his friend cautiously. He took note of the green-haired boy's defensive stance and the panicked fear in his eyes. Katsuki frowned as he took a step forward, "Look I'm here to apologize about-"

"Get back! Don't come any closer you jerk!" said Izuku. He bit his tongue, that's not what he meant to say. He knew what's wrong with him but he couldn't stop the words coming out of his mouth and the emotions overwhelming him. He gritted his teeth and took in a deep breath; I have to tell him to not see me for a while. Not until this quirk wears off!

"Deku, I'm really so-"

"I hate that name. Stop calling me that!" said Izuku. He gasped and clapped a hand over his mouth, his eyes wide.

Katsuki frowned, "Y-you never complained about that before. Did you forget about-"

"Well, I'm saying it now! I don't like how you call me that! I'm not a loser and I don't like how you always yell and hit me!"

"I'm sorry I did those things to you. I'll stop if that's what you-"

Izuku waved his hands frantically, "No! Don't apologize, Kacchan!"

"What the hell, Izuku?! You're not making sense!" Katsuki ground out through gritted teeth. He clenched his fists when his palms itched to spark off explosion. Izuku's eyes fell onto his hands and Katsuki instinctively wiped his hands on his pants. He took in a deep breath to calm down. He's here to apologize, he's not here to make things worse.

Izuku opened his mouth, he needed to get Katsuki away from him before he said anything that he'll regret, "Umm, n-now's not a good time, K-Kacchan."

"So, I can't call you Deku but you still get to call me by that stupid childish name? That's not fair, Izuku."

Izuku flinched and rubbed his forehead, "Look, now's REALLY not a good time to talk. C-can we talk on Monday? Please?"

Katsuki tilted his head, his eyes narrowing suspiciously, "What's wrong?"

"N-nothing's wrong! You're just being a jerk!" Izuku blurted. His hand flew to his mouth again and Katsuki noticed the frustration in the boy's eyes. What the hell's up with him? He took a step forward and Izuku back away, panic in his eyes, "Izuku, tell me what the fuck is wrong with you. You're acting more fidgety than usual."

Izuku kept his hands over his mouth and shook his head vigorously. Katsuki growled and grabbed his hands, "Spit it out, you damn nerd!"

"You can't be a hero, Kacchan. Not with that awful attitude of yours."

Both boys stared at each other with wide shocked eyes. Izuku felt tears prickle his eyes, he's quickly losing control over his thoughts and his tongue, Shut up! Keep your mouth shut! Don't talk! Don't talk or it's going to get worse!

Katsuki shook him slightly, "W-what? Oi, is this a prank?! Cuz you better quit before I-"

"Heroes don't say mean things to other people! Heroes don't threaten people! And heroes don't hurt people! That's a villain's trait! You're acting more like a villain than a hero!"

The blond's grip on his wrists slackened. Izuku watched as Katsuki grew pale at his words. He wanted to pull him into his arms and apologize immediately but his body wouldn't respond. His hands were shaking at his sides. Thick tears streamed down his cheeks. No! No, no, no, no! Don't listen to me, Kacchan! He watched helplessly as Katsuki's mask cracked in front of him. Betrayal and hurt in his crimson eyes. The blond took a step back, his eyes wet with unshed tears, "I-is that what you really think… of me?"

No!

"Yes. You're… you're not a good friend and you definitely won't be a good hero. I hate everything about you!"

No! That's not true! That's a lie! I don't hate you!

Katsuki's breathing quickened, almost hyperventilating, "I - I thought you were different! You said you believed in me!"

"Well, I don't! It was all pretend! I was just tagging along so I could use you to protect me from the others constant bullying!"

Katsuki choked, "U-use me?"

"Yeah, you're nothing but a tool to me!"

"You're lying! Tell me you're fucking lying!"

"I'm not! I've had enough of being your punching bag."

"Punching bag?! What the fuck are you-"

"I don't want to be associated with someone terrible like you anymore! Everyone is right! With that quirk of yours, you're dangerous!"

Izuku struggled to move or say the right thing. Really, he did. But his body refused to obey him. He really can't stand this! He wanted everything to stop! He wanted to say sorry and make Kacchan feel better! A choked sob escaped his lips, "Get out of my sight! You villain!"

Both boys flinched when Katsuki's hands sparked. The blond quickly wiped his sweaty palms on his thighs. He growled through clenched teeth, "Fine! If that's what you fucking want! You can fuck off and die! I won't come rescue your sorry ass when you get beat up! Deal with your own shit, Deku!"

Izuku watched him walked away quickly. His whole body was shaking as he tried to force it to move, to go comfort his distraught friend. Once the blond was out of his sight, he fell on his knees heavily. His arms trembling to keep him from face planting onto the floor. His tears dripping and making wet spots on the floor. A hand flew to grip at his chest, clawing at it futilely to make the pain in his heart go away, "K-Kacchan… come back!"

Katsuki ran.

He ran until his lungs burn for oxygen and his legs became sore. He didn't have a specific destination in mind, he just needs to run until he couldn't think and feel anything. His mind betrayed him as Izuku's words echoed in his head. He never showed his insecurities to anyone but Izuku. The green-haired nerd was supposed to be his best friend! But now, now he's not sure anymore. Flashes of the past that haunts him resurfaces.

Everyone stared at him in awe and fear as his hands sparked for the first time. It was about a month after his fifth birthday, and that was when his quirk manifested. He was mesmerized by it, excited even but the look of uncertainty and fear from his classmates and the caretakers made his smile falter, "I-I got my quirk!"

"Whoa! That's so cool!" said a boy.

A girl nodded, "It's kinda pretty too!"

A few of the kids wanted to take a closer look at his sparking hands but the caretakers stopped them, pulling them back, "Now, don't get too close. Bakugou-kun just got his quirk, it could go off and hurt you by accident!"

Katsuki frowned, "I won't hurt anyone!"

He took a step forward to show them but the caretakers pushed the children behind them. They gave him a strained smile, "Bakugou-kun, why don't you stay there and try to keep it under control, alright?"

The boy stared at the adults in confusion. What do they mean to keep it under control? It's not… it's not out of control at all. He clenched his fists and the sparks disappeared. He relaxed a bit but he could still see the wariness in the adults' eyes. He raised his hand, "See? It's okay!"

"I'll go call his mother," said the elderly caretaker as she quickly left to make her call.

Izuku who didn't get to see Katsuki's hands spark pushed through the crowd, "Kacchan! Let me see your quirk!"

Katsuki grinned and took a step toward the green-haired boy but he stopped when Izuku was pulled back by the remaining caretaker. She shot Katsuki a look, which made his insides twist uncomfortably, "Midoriya-kun, don't get too close! His quirk is a little… dangerous."

A few children gasped, "Dangerous?"

"Is he going to hurt us?"

"Is his quirk bad?"

The blond frowned and clenched his fists tightly, "No, it's not!"

"Kacchan, wouldn't hurt me! He's my friend and he's going to be a hero! Heroes don't hurt people! Right, Kacchan?"

Katsuki smiled at the boy, "Right! I'm gonna be the best hero!"

"But Minami-nee said your quirk's dangerous!" said a boy.

Katsuki turned to the boy, "It's not!"

"Can you prove it?"

"Yeah! We wanna see!"

"Children, let's not encourage him."

"I'll show you! I'll show you my quirk's not dangerous!" said Katsuki as he opened his palm. Sparks began popping on his hand. He grinned at the sight of Izuku admiring his quirk. Izuku's eyes shone as they reflected the sparks from his eyes, the green-haired boy grinned widely, "Kacchan, you're so cool!"

"That's enough, Bakugou-kun. Using your quirk in public is illegal!"

Katsuki tensed, "But Deku wanted to see-"

"I said that's enough! Stop it, right now!" said the caretaker loudly.

Katsuki, startled by her outburst, made an explosion. It wasn't big but it startled everyone in the room. Some of the children screamed in fear and they clung to Minami or hid behind her. Katsuki pulled his hand against his chest and took a few steps back at the fear in their eyes. He stuttered, "I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to-"

"That was dangerous!"

"He could've hurt someone!"

"Or worse!"

"Minami-nee, I'm scared!"

"That's a villain's quirk!"

Katsuki felt himself grow cold at the word 'villain'. Panic gripped him and his breathing quickened, his throat constricting, he shook his head and said hoarsely, "No... I'm not… I'm not a villain."

"Hey, watch where you're going, brat!" cried the man who he nearly ran into.

Katsuki shook his head and ran forward. His chest roiling with various emotions and his palms itching to explode. He blinked and recognized the street. He's nearing Takoba Beach. He ran straight for the beach, somewhere he can be alone and let off some pent-up emotions. He nearly lost his footing as the ground shifted from pavement to sand. He took a few more steps before falling on his knees and slamming his hands onto the sand. He screamed. His hands sparked wildly before they release a huge explosion.

A few piled junks toppled over at the tremor caused by his explosion. Katsuki clawed at the sand, screaming as he let his palms explode again. He breathed harshly through gritted teeth, unwilling to let his tears fall.

"Kacchan?!"

Izuku skidded to a halt. His chest rising and falling to his rapid breathing. He scanned the playground but he didn't see his blond friend. He ran toward the dirt road that leads to their childhood hideout. His eyes scanned his surrounding, looking for his friend. He checked the ground, it seemed undisturbed. So Katsuki didn't come here then.

"Where would he go?" he wondered out loud. His eyes widened when he remembered one more place that his friend frequented to let off some steam. Izuku ran out of the park.

As soon as he could move his limbs, he had quickly left his apartment in search of his distraught friend. He didn't want to admit it but an upset Katsuki would be disastrous. He didn't want his friend to do anything that would jeopardize his future to be a hero! He rubbed at his eyes when they got blurry with tears. His anxiety was getting to him. He needs to make sure Katsuki's safe. He needs to hear his voice! He took out his phone and tried calling him. It rang a few times before it died. Katsuki had rejected his call.

Katsuki must be really upset with him. Those things he said. They're... they're not true! Izuku wanted to tell him that it was all lies!

Let him know all the little details that you hate and fear about him, can you do that, Midoriya-kun?

Izuku rubbed at his eyes again as more tears appeared. No! He's sure that what he said was all lies! He would never hate Kacchan! And the only reason he'd be afraid was for Kacchan's wellbeing! Sasayaki's quirk messed with his mind! It made him say lies to hurt Kacchan!

He typed on his phone rapidly, "Please, Kacchan! I'm sorry! I'm really sorry!"

There was a buzzing and music coming from his pocket. Katsuki swiped the back of his hand over his eyes and pulled out his phone. He frowned when he saw Izuku's name on the screen. He rejected the call with a swipe of his finger. He noticed there were several missed calls and texts from his parents, no doubt worried about why he wasn't home passed his promised time. He sat back on his haunches and tilted his head back, letting the sun shine on his face. The sound of the crashing waves, and the salty ocean breeze brushing his skin was calming him down. He looked at his phone when he received a new text. His brows knitting together when it was from Izuku. His finger hovered over his screen as he contemplated about opening it or deleting it. He decided to read it.

Deku: I'm so sorry, Kacchan!

Deku: I didn't mean those things I said.

Deku: I couldn't stop myself!

Deku: Please, forgive me, Kacchan!

Deku: I was forced to say them by Sasayaki-senpai's quirk.

Katsuki blinked in confusion, "What? Who the fuck is-"

Suddenly, he remembered. That quirkless third-year student, Sasayaki Hibiki from 3-D. He remembered meeting him at the store, the night he suddenly got sick. Katsuki got to his feet, ignoring how sore and shaky his legs felt, and called Izuku. It rang twice, "Izuku!"

Izuku's voice was shaky on the other line, "K-Kacchan! Oh, I'm so sorry! I- I don't know when his quirk will wear off and I don't wanna say things to hurt you any more than-"

"Shut up, nerd!" Katsuki hissed. He bit the inside of his cheek, guilt clawing at him at how harsh he had said that to the green-haired teen, "Tell me what you mean by that guy having a quirk! I thought he said he's quirkless!"

"I-it was a cover-up. He has a quirk all along! It's like brainwashing! Kacchan, w-where are you?"

"I'm at Takoba Municipal Beach."

"I'm going there now!"

Katsuki frowned with worry, "Wait, you're sick!"

"I think it's just a side effect of the quirk! I'm feeling better now, I promise! And I'm actually close by! I went out to find you. You're usually at the park or the beach when you're upset."

Katsuki couldn't help but smile. Izuku knew him well, he really was his friend. He huffed, "Alright. I'll wait for you."

"And Kacchan?"

"Yeah?"

"Whatever… whatever shitty things I said. Please ignore them."

Katsuki chuckled and rubbed his forehead, "You just cussed, you nerd."

He could hear the smile in Izuku's voice, "Well, you're a bad influence. I'll see you soon."

"Yeah," said Katsuki as Izuku hang up. He rubbed a hand on his chest, the fear and anxiety still lingered but he believed Izuku. Breathe. He needed to breathe. He inhaled deeply, held his breath for a few seconds, and then exhaled. He did the exercise a few more times. He opened his speed dial and called his father. Masaru answered by the fourth ring, "Katsuki?!"

"Hey, dad."

"Katsuki, where are you? What happened?"

"I'm down at Takoba. Sorry, I didn't answer your calls…"

His father sighed, "It's okay, son. You had us worried. Your mother is losing her mind!"

"Masaru, is that him?! Let me talk to that brat!" cried his mother from the other line.

Katsuki pulled his phone away from his ear and braced himself for a scolding. He still flinched at her high-pitched voice, "Katsuki, you brat! WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU?!"

He could hear his father trying to calm her down and telling her where their son was, "HAH?! WHAT'RE DOING THERE AT A TIME LIKE THIS?! BRING YOUR ASS HOME NOW!"

"I'll be home after I cleared my mind."

His mother was quiet for a few moments, "Is something wrong?"

"I'm fine. I just need to think for a bit."

"…okay. If that's what you need. But you better text us once you're on your way home!"

"I will."

"Promise me?"

Katsuki rolled his eyes, "I promise."

"You better keep your word or I'm going to ground you, brat!"

"I'll text you," he said firmly. He heard a noise, probably his mother passing the phone back to his old man.

"Don't stay out too long," said Masaru worriedly.

Katsuki rubbed his neck, his guts churned with guilt, "I'll be back soon."

"See you later, son."

"Yeah. Later."

The blond sighed as he hung up. He turned around when he heard a sound. He saw Izuku nearly stumbled as his foot landed on the soft sand. The greenette's eyes widened, "Kacchan!"

Katsuki nodded his head in greeting but kept his distance. He frowned at his friend's red eyes. Izuku was obviously crying. He tried his best to ignore the guilt gnawing at him. Anger was familiar and Katsuki grasped onto it tightly, "So, tell me what you know about that lying bastard!"

Izuku raised his hands, "Wait! I wanna test something. Y-you stay there and don't move!"

Katsuki tilted his head curiously as he watched the boy approach him. He noticed Izuku tensed and then took a big step back and his posture relaxed. The green-haired boy sighed and then smiled, "There's a distance limit! I think."

"Details, now."

Izuku bit his bottom lip, "Wait, there's one more thing I wanna check. Say something mean to me."

Katsuki raised a brow, "Hah? Like what?"

"I dunno. Insult me! Whatever!" said Izuku as he flapped his hands. He noticed his temperamental friend seemed to hesitate, "It's okay, Kacchan."

"You're a shitty nerd."

Izuku frowned when he felt a dull ache in his head. He rubbed his forehead, "Yeah. That seems to be it."

"What? Tell me!"

"You insulting me seems to be one of the triggers for whatever command Sasayaki-senpai has implanted in my subconscious," said Izuku thoughtfully. He saw Katsuki grimaced at the information. He raised two fingers, "The second one would be our distance. I feel really anxious when I get near you. That's what I felt when I opened the door and saw you, and then I just… lost most of my control over myself. I said some horrible things to you, I'm sorry, Kacchan."

Katsuki shrugged, "Don't sweat it."

"No. It… whatever I said… it's really horrible. I hurt your feelings. I don't see you as a villain, Kacchan. Please, believe me," said Izuku as he stared at Katsuki with sincere, teary, pleading eyes.

"Kacchan's not a villain!" said Izuku as he turned to the others, standing between the crowd and Katsuki who had backed himself into a corner. The blond hugged himself and slid down to the floor, staring at everyone fearfully. Izuku turned to approach him, to comfort him, but Minami grabbed him again and pulled him back. The boy struggled against her grip, "Let me go! I need to talk to Kacchan!"

"Don't be stupid, Midoriya-kun! He's dangerous!"

"You're stupid! Kacchan would never hurt me! Kacchan, look at me! It's okay! I'm here, Kacchan! I believe you!"

"I believe you," said Katsuki as he gazed into green orbs.

Izuku wiped his eyes with the back of his hand and smiled widely. He rubbed his nose and sniffed, "O-okay so the theory is that Sasayaki-senpai's quirk can manipulate the mind, like brainwashing! But there are triggers to the commands he implanted in the subconscious mind, like the distance between us and certain words. That's what happened to you right?"

Katsuki stuffed his hands in his pockets and nodded, "I felt angry when I saw you."

"And when I called you 'Kacchan'. So, the quirk wore off?"

"I think so? I mean, I don't feel pissed off looking at you."

Izuku sighed, "Good. So the time frame is one to two days?"

"Probably. What gives it away?"

"Huh?"

"You suspecting broody-senpai."

"Oh, I uhh it was my guts? I mean, I feel off whenever I talk with him. He makes my skin crawl," said Izuku with a shudder.

"You know how he activates his quirk?"

"No. I think he made me forget," Izuku frowned, "What should we do now?"

Katsuki crossed his arms, "Well, abusing one's quirk is against the law. I'm supposed to turn him in once I identify the one who messes with my head."

"But we don't have proof! And we have to be careful in case he uses it against us!"

The blond rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "Mind control quirks usually involve visual and auditory senses. Physical contact on rare occasion. We just need to avoid eye contact and listening to him."

Izuku nodded, "Okay. We need to get a confession out of him and then tip the police."

"So, we've got a plan. Let's corner the bastard on Monday."

"Hey, Kacchan."'

"Yeah?"

Katsuki nearly missed the movement but luckily his reflexes were awesome. He caught the water bottle in midair. Izuku grinned at him, all happy and bright as the friggin' sun, "Thank you… for believing me, and for everything."

A/N: Whew, I'm back!

Wondering why the sudden slow update? Well, I needed to sleep. Lol. An insomniac like me would've crashed if I continue to post a chapter every day for more than 8 consecutive days! So I made a decision to take it slow and take more naps in between work and my hobbies! Gotta self-care!

I originally planned to have Sasayaki crash their meeting but then it'll make the chapter way too long. So he'll just have to wait and show his face in the next one! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I know, it's probably not angsty enough. Ugh.

OH! I'm also in the process of drafting Hawks and Touya centric fics. They'll be like a side story to this fic before they diverge into a similar storyline! I'm so excited for this! Will probably release Hawks'story first before Touya's.

AND I finally reinstalled Discord! Feel free to add me on Discord (KazRiku#2691) if you wanna chat! I'm stepping over my social anxiety!