Chapter 23
As Kacchan went off to start his match, I happened to catch Uraraka sticking her tongue at him. What was that about? After that interaction, Uraraka was talking with Asui. I then tried to write down my observation of Todoroki's quirk quickly in my notebook. Before I could turn my attention to the viewing monitors for the next match.
As I watched Kacchan's match begin, I took note of how he was using Sero's tape quirk. Leave it to Kacchan to be creative with whatever situation he's in. I took that moment to write down not only how he used the tape but I also wrote a few side notes about Sero. I wonder what his tape was made of and how long the sticky lasts. Maybe this match would answer a few of these questions I had. And hopefully, I could ask him after the match. Then again, would Kacchan tell me what he noticed about Sero's quirk?
I also couldn't help but admire how Kacchan moved through the enclosed hallways of the building. It was incredible to see him move so easily. At that, he didn't even use his quirk to run. And when he was on the same floor as Ida and Ashido, he avoided them effortlessly. Every motion flows into the other. There was no snag or hiccup as he ran from one staircase to the other.
I could watch this all day. It's just like when I watched Kacchan parkour at the playground. When he effortlessly went from the mountain climbing wall and swung into the monkey bars. I missed those days of just watching Kacchan showing me all these cool moves he has been practicing. Even more so when he was stronger than most kids our age. He's so smart and strong and such a joy to look at. It's thanks to him I picked up parkour so I don't miss a moment of his greatness.
Watching Kacchan now had me speechless. Compared to many new heroes that had been popping up, he can easily rival many of them as he is now. But I know Kacchan can only improve from here. And I'm grateful I get to continue watching him up close. Now that I think about it, maybe my moves during my match were a bit sloppy. Would I ever be able to catch up to Kacchan in my current state? How can I make my moves flow as easily as him? Will the gym help with that?
"What are you writing?" I looked over to my right and saw that Uraraka was there. At that, she was a little too close. But for some reason, I wasn't feeling uncomfortable this time. How strange. I then looked at my notebook and panicked. It was still on Kacchan. So, I quickly turn the pages about Sero's quirk.
"Just writing about what I have been noticing during matches." I hope Uraraka didn't notice. Telling from her face I wasn't too sure. "Do you agree with All Might's thoughts on our match?" Maybe if I changed the topic, she wouldn't say anything about my notes.
"I still don't get why he talked about how I should have planned things better with my traps. Going on and on. But funny enough, it just sounded like an old man was talking about the old days. So, I may have zoned out."
I couldn't help but chuckle. "Same. He did draw it out too long and didn't get to the point. At least Aizawa cleared things up. As great as All Might is, his old age was showing there." At that, we both laughed. It was nice to talk with someone instead of just myself.
We soon were sharing funny videos of our favorite VTubers. That was until I felt something violently turned me around. To my shock, it was Kacchan. "Did you tell the extras it was my birthday?" Oh. No wonder Kacchan seems angry. He hated when other people knew about his birthday. Especially what happened in 5th grade with our new teacher. She threw a surprise party for Kacchan, and it didn't end well. "Answer me, nerd!"
I suddenly remembered where I was. I tried to get Kacchan off, but it was no use. He just was too strong. "I didn't say anything, Kacchan. I swear."
"Don't lie to me." I braced myself when I saw him raise his hand. But he was quickly pulled back by Kirishima. "Deku!"
What should I do in this situation? How can I make Kacchan believe that I didn't say anything? At that, it wasn't fair to everyone else to see him like this. He looks so hurt about this. No! I don't like it when he's hurt. I then recalled how I told him I wasn't going to be a pushover anymore. Maybe this is a good chance to follow up on that promise. Keeping calm, I walked over to him. "I didn't tell anyone anything. I know how you feel about your birthday. So, why would I do something so stupid behind your back?"
He got away from Kirishima and stood over me. But I didn't back down. I'm not afraid anymore. In fact, I was kind of upset that he would accuse me of something. Especially when he should know I would never do anything he didn't like. "If you didn't tell anyone, then how do the idiots know?"
I tried to push him away since he was a little too close. To my surprise, I was able to. As I made sure we could clearly see each other in the eyes, I stood my ground as I spoke. "How about you ask them!" That's when he tried to punch me, and to my surprise, I caught his fist. At that, I couldn't help but notice that Kacchan was shaking. But none of that matters. Because now I just had it was Kacchan's outburst on something I didn't do. "Back down."
It was still surprising to witness Kacchan actually back down when I told him. The way his eyes shook while trying to look away was not missed. While he went over to Kirishima and Ashido, I happened to notice how Kacchan's shoulders flew. Did I hurt him? But it couldn't be helped. His outburst was uncalled for. If he is going to accuse me of something, he needs to have his facts right. At that, it somewhat felt nice to put Kacchan in his place. Like a strange type of rush.
As much as I was enjoying this weird rush, I wondered what caused it. Was it the fact I stood up to Kacchan? Or the fact he actually listened to me when I told him to back down? Maybe it was both. But I also didn't like the fact that I had to be mad and hurt Kacchan. I wonder if there's another way to feel this rush again without hurting Kacchan.
At the end of the day, I saw how everyone was talking to each other. I wonder what that was about. But I didn't pay much mind to it as I tried to finish packing my book bag. I even made sure to leave a note on my phone to finish filling out the paperwork. Then I quickly texted Sydney to see if there was anything I should look forward to on Friday. "Hey, Deku."
I looked up to Uraraka. "What's up, Uraraka?"
She held out her phone. "We just finished making a class group chat. Want to join?" I couldn't help but smile as I added my number to the group chat. Let alone exchange numbers with Uraraka. "Maybe we could hang out this weekend."
If what Sydney told me yesterday is anything to go by, I might not be free this weekend. "Not this weekend. But maybe next time." I happened to see her frown for a second before she smiled again.
"Sure thing." With that, I left class and saw that Kacchan had already made it to the shoe locker. I tried my best to get past him to my locker, but I couldn't move. I felt frozen in place as I looked at him. Something about the way he currently looked had me just staring. But I quickly snapped out of it as I went to change into my sneakers.
On the way home, it was quiet between us. Thoughts about our earlier interaction played through my head. Was Kacchan angry at me for standing up to him? Or was he still angry thinking I told people about his birthday? But when I looked at Kacchan, he didn't seem angry. He seemed like he was in deep thought. I wonder what about.
While we walked from the station home, I couldn't help but stare at Kacchan's back. My thoughts ran through with his match today. With how amazing he was. Besides filling out the gym paperwork, I have a lot to write about in my hero notebook. Especially about what I learned about our classmates. But I was even more excited to add to the binder I had just about Kacchan. Maybe I could cross analysis some of the things I wrote back in 6th grade. Today's moves seem similar to some of his 6th-grade parkour moves.
"Spill it, nerd." I looked up at Kacchan in surprise. Did I do something wrong? Why was he upset? Was he upset about earlier? Or maybe… maybe he's upset I didn't get him anything for his birthday this year.
Before I could say anything, he got up in my face and made me look at him. Should I stop him from doing this? It's not like I mind it. Just that sometimes it would be nice if he wasn't so forceful when doing so. I looked at him as I tried to stay calm. "I'm sorry."
"For?" At that, I looked at him, and he seemed confused. But he did back away a bit. I let out a deep sigh as I straighten my back. No point in trying to seem small when it comes to him. That part of me is no longer needed. If I'm supposed to be a hero, I eventually have to learn to stand strong. So, why not start now?
I stared at Kacchan and kept my head high as I spoke. "I'm sorry I didn't get you a gift this year." There. I said it. Maybe now he wouldn't look so upset. But to my surprise, Kacchan shook for a moment as a smile tried to show itself. Yet that quickly stopped as he turned his head away from me. He then blinked as he looked back at me. Not to mention looking as if he was angry. So I was right. He was upset about not getting a present this year.
"Well, you better not do that again." There it was. I was right, but I'm glad he forgave me.
I couldn't help but smile as I relaxed a bit. "I promise, Kacchan. Is there any way I could make it up to you right now?" The way a pink shade crossed over Kacchan's cheeks was a sight. Especially with how that pink followed to his ears. He looked away from me. Which is then I noticed he kept making fists and releasing them. I wonder what he was thinking that had him reacting this way. It didn't help the fact I had the strangest urge to poke his nose. But I had to control myself.
"Just this once, I will allow you to give me birthday punches." I was taken aback by Kacchan's response. Only Kato and Saito ever gave him birthday punches. What if I hurt Kacchan with my punches? Then again, I wasn't sure how hard I could punch without OFA. Maybe this was a bad idea. I should ask to make sure.
"Are you sure about this?" Kacchan looked back at me. It was then I felt my face start to burn up. I had never seen him have that kind of face. From the way he seemed to have a slight pout and his cheeks puffed up. Sure, he seemed somewhat angry. But this was nothing like his typical angry face. In fact, it was much cuter. I can't wait to write about this in my notes. Kacchan's new face! I did my best to try to remember every last detail. From the way, his face puffed to the pout and softness of his eyes.
"Either you do it, or you have to get me two gifts next year." From the way Kacchan's voice was slightly higher in pitch was just cute. Even more with how it almost sounded like he demanded I choose. I don't get why I'm finding this side of him to be so cute. But I'll question that another time. I can always give him birthday punches and still get him two gifts next year.
"Ok." Kacchan then turned to give me his left arm to punch. I gave him one more look before I went in for the first punch. Trying my best to hold back was harder than I thought. But somehow, I managed to give him 15 birthday punches. I then stepped back and looked at him. There were a few tears that slid down his face, but he didn't say anything. "I hope I didn't hurt you too badly."
The way the corner of Kacchan's lips curled into a smile before quickly turning to a neutral state. Was confusing, but I won't push it. "You call those punches. A baby could do better than that." I did try to hold back, so I guess he's right. Then again, I did see him tear up. And he almost smiled. So, I'll take it as he was happy. Which got me smiling as I looked at his face one more time. Sometimes Kacchan, your words don't match up to your face. And for that, you will never be able to deceive me.
Without a word, I went off home. But I just couldn't stop smiling. Kacchan was pouting at me. At that, he almost smiled at me. Today I not only stood up to Kacchan but witnessed many new faces he could make. It makes me so happy. In fact, there were a lot of new things Kacchan did. From the way he used Sero's quirk to his advantage. Or how he didn't attack the hero team and stayed to a being defensive. It was so unlike him to do so. He's more of an offensive type of fighter. Kacchan, you'll never stop impressing me.
When I got home, I could hear that mom was on the phone with someone. I walked past the kitchen and tried not to hear anything. Once in my room, I dropped my book bag by my desk. Then I went about pulling out the paperwork and homework from my bag. Making sure everything was on my desk and that I had my hero notes out. I then went to check if mom was done with her phone call. Which, to my somewhat surprise, she was still talking. But from what I could faintly pick up, it sounded very formal.
Thankfully I didn't have to wait long, as mom finished her phone call. The way she just stood there and did not look over at me was troubling. What could possibly be the conversation she had? At best, why did she look shaken up about it? It's then mom looked up at me and had tears running down her face. I braced myself for whatever horrible news was bound to come out of her lips.
"I know this is all too much and last minute. But I just got off the phone with your school." Why was she calling UA? I hope she wasn't trying to get me out of the school without telling me first. Waiting for her to finish speaking was making my anger rise. What the hell did my mother do? I could feel my fist tightening and my body shaking. But what I didn't realize was that I had walked over to her.
"And? What did you talk about?"
It did not faze me how my mother shook before me. "I was informing them you won't be able to go on Monday. Since that's when your father's funeral service is being held." At that, I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. My shaking body and heavy shoulders didn't make the situation any better. Especially with how angry I still was. I can't believe I'm going to miss a day of class for this nonsense. "Please forgive me, Izuku. I tried speaking to the company that was taking care of your father's service. But they kept insisting that we do this as soon as possible. I'm sorry, baby. I'll make it up to you."
And just like that, the numbness took hold. I plastered that one smile and stared at my mom. "It's ok, mom. I know you do your best. I'll be ok. Well, I got homework to do." I then went about hugging her. But all I felt was the cold nothingness. I knew she was in my arms and that she was crying. But I, like many times, became mute to it all and just went through the motions. With that short exchange, I went to my room.