"So you have All Might's quirk." Aizawa said.
His tone was neutral and Izuku couldn't gauge his reaction, which only heightened his worry.
"Yes, technically. All Might didn't have the chance to explain everything about how it works, but that's the gist of it." Izuku said.
"Okay, what about the black whips? Was that your original quirk?" Aizawa inquired.
"No, I was quirkless before that," Izuku admitted.
They faced each other in the empty training room. His friends had given him privacy for the day, understanding the significance of this conversation. Aizawa leaned against a far wall, his arms crossed, his gaze calculated as he observed Izuku, who squirmed under his scrutiny. Uncertain of the outcome, Izuku and his group agreed this was their best option, prepared to deal with whatever consequences arose.
"Anything else I should know?" Aizawa asked.
Izuku contemplated whether he should keep the voices to himself, but he had already gone this far. If this was part of his quirk, perhaps Aizawa could help him understand and control it.
"Well... I hear voices," Izuku confessed.
One of Aizawa's eyebrows arched, displaying curiosity and concern.
"Like ghosts?" Aizawa asked.
"No, I don't think they're ghosts," Izuku responded.
Izuku's fingers intertwined with his foot tapping. The information was so personal it left him vulnerable talking to someone other than Kacchan about it.
"I can hear All Might, and I believe they're the voices of the previous quirk owners."
Aizawa remained silent, considering Izuku's words. As they locked eyes, an uncomfortable silence stretched between them.
"Okay," Aizawa said.
Izuku blinked, unsure of the meaning behind the simple response.
"Okay?" Izuku repeated, seeking clarification.
Aizawa shrugged his shoulders and scratched his head after a moment of consideration.
"Yeah, I'm not sure what to make of the voices. I'll need time to think about what to do with that information. But for now, let's focus on what we can do, which is working on your abilities and seeing it more manifest along the way," Aizawa said.
"More? You think there might be more?" Izuku asked, surprised.
"I don't know, but there's only one way to find out," Aizawa replied.
Aizawa began training Izuku, observing him while he completed a series of intensive exercises.
"Once we have your Black Whip under control, I'll have you train with Shinsou and Sero. I think Sero can offer valuable insights. You're fast and seem to have a good handle on controlling your speed, but your strength is your biggest weakness," Aizawa explained.
"How can we get a black whip to work, right?" Izuku inquired.
Aizawa grinned, sending a chill down Izuku's spine. In another life, Aizawa could have made an excellent villain.
"If it manifested during extreme situations, then we'll have to recreate those conditions and see if we can force it out," Aizawa suggested.
Aizawa's training was relentless, pushing Izuku to his limits as he attempted to force his Black Whip quirk to manifest.
The seasoned hero held nothing back, launching a series of attacks with calculated precision. Izuku continued to find himself on the defensive, his primary goal forced to dodge and evade rather than counterattack.
The training room echoed with the sound of their movements—a blur of quick footwork, sharp strikes, and the occasional grunts of exertion. Sweat dripped from Izuku's brow as he weaved through Aizawa's onslaught. His senses heightened, and they pushed his body to its breaking point.
Aizawa's attacks came in rapid succession, leaving Izuku with little time to react.
The older man's movements were fluid and efficient, his strikes aimed with deadly accuracy. Izuku relied on his instincts, his body moving almost on its own, propelled by the desperate need to keep up.
Ducking under a sweeping leg kick, Izuku felt a gust of wind rush past his face. He pivoted swiftly, avoiding a follow-up punch aimed at his midsection. Aizawa's attacks were relentless, each blow delivered with purpose and precision. Izuku marveled at his mentor's skill, even as he struggled to keep pace.
Sweat-soaked and panting, Izuku attempted to launch into a counterattack.
His body tensed, ready to unleash his own power, but Aizawa's quick reflexes allowed him to sidestep the incoming strike. Izuku's attack missed its mark, leaving him vulnerable at that moment.
Aizawa seized the opportunity, closing the distance between them in a blink of an eye. Izuku had a second to react as a swift roundhouse kick grazed his side, sending him sprawling across the floor. Pain shot through his body, but he forced himself back to his feet, refusing to yield.
The training continued, each passing minute testing Izuku's endurance and resolve. Bruised and battered, he pushed himself beyond his limits, determined to tap into the depths of his newfound quirk.
He fought to collect himself from the floor, his body thoroughly beaten until it was nothing more than a lump of flesh. His limbs cramped, protesting every movement as he pushed himself upright. The session had been grueling, and while they had made some progress with bringing out Black Whip quirk, it disappeared as quickly as it emerged.
Sweat-soaked and exhausted, he looked up at Aizawa, who stood over him with his usual composed demeanor, only a few strands of damp hair clinging to his forehead.
"It seems your instincts lean more toward saving others than self-preservation. I'll have to consider bringing someone in to play the damsel in distress for our next lesson," Aizawa said.
Izuku heard a tinge of humor could beneath the surface of his words.
Izuku managed a weak smile, though his body throbbed with every breath. Izuku recognized Aizawa's subtle comment as an encouragement.
"How likely is it for me to be ready to help with missions soon?" Izuku asked.
His chest ached, his breath still heavy from the countless attempts to catch himself mid-air with Black Whip. Even with the protective mats beneath him, the falls had taken a toll on his body.
Aizawa's gaze shifted to meet Izuku's tired eyes, assessing him for a moment before responding. "Yes, you're at a decent level for non-combative missions. I'll start working out the details with your partner."
Izuku's tired muscles tensed in surprise. "Partner?" He pondered, his voice filled with interest and a bit of excitement.
Aizawa began making his way towards the exit, the sound of his footsteps echoing through the empty training room. He cast a glance back at Izuku, his eyes conveying a tinge of anticipation.
"You didn't think you'd go out alone, did you? Your partnered with Todoroki." Aizawa revealed a trace of a smile playing on his lips.
Weariness forgotten Izuku's eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and delight.
After cleaning up and savoring a much-needed dinner, Izuku returned to his room, only to find his group bustling about, getting dressed for an event. Kacchan stood by his bed, his back turned to everyone, as he buttoned up a sleek black dress shirt. Confusion furrowed Izuku's brow as he surveyed the room.
"What's going on?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Chieko's head popped out from behind the privacy divider. Katsuki scoffed, buttoning his black shirt, as Izuku avoided her piercing gaze.
"Did you forget already?" Chieko accused, her tone laced with a trace of exasperation.
Izuku tried to recall, but he was still thinking about his earlier talk with Aizawa and all the questions it had brought up.
"You said we could attend the gathering tonight," Chieko clarified a trace of impatience in her voice.
"Oh! Yeah, sorry, it completely slipped my mind." Izuku said.
Denki emerged from behind Izuku, slinging an arm around his shoulder before dragging him towards their belongings.
"Don't worry, my man! I've got a few nice shirts you can wear tonight."
"Don't go overboard," Shinso cautioned, his tone tinged with a touch of weariness.
Shinso's warning had no effect on Denki as he began sifting through his collection of clothes, while Izuku stood by, feeling a tad awkward. His mother sat by her bed, a cup of tea that Chieko must have brewed resting on her knee. She smiled warmly at Izuku, but Denki refused to let him escape as he continued to drape a variety of shirts over him.
"Where did you even get so many?" Izuku asked.
"I've been collecting them during our journey here, and I may or may not have raided the clothes boxes in the supply room."
Shinso pulled a simple white shirt over his head, his dark plum hoodie secured around his waist. He cast a disdainful glance in Denki's direction, clearly exasperated with their friend's antics.
"They put those there for people who needed replacements. They're not a shopping mall." Shinso said.
He seemed fed up with chiding Denki after every other sentence.
Denki shrugged, unswayed by Shinso's disapproval, a satisfied grin on his face as he selected a dark teal button-down.
"Well, a handful of nice dress shirts won't hurt anyone. Besides, I'm sharing them with the group, so it'll be fine."
He held up the dark teal shirt to Izuku, a hopeful expression on his face.
"What do you think? It might be small on you, but we can roll up the sleeves. You could wear one of your black shirts underneath and leave it open." Denki said eagerly.
Izuku scratched the back of his head, never one to pay much attention to fashion, always opting for comfort over style. However, he couldn't deny the appeal of the color, so he accepted the shirt from Denki, nodding in agreement.
"That sounds good. Let me go try it on." Izuku stepped away to change into the new attire.
Chieko stepped out from behind the divider wearing a white tank top and jeans, her hair pulled up into a high ponytail.
As Chieko advised him to wear his dark jeans, Izuku couldn't help but wonder why everyone seemed so invested in dressing him up. He followed her suggestion and quickly changed into the specified pants, slipping them on with ease. He glanced around the room as he finished getting dressed, noticing that his classmates were putting the final touches on their outfits.
Kacchan, ever the picture of confidence, had opted for a sleek pair of black pants to match his shirt, the dark ensemble emphasizing his red eyes. Denki, true to his energetic nature, had chosen a bright yellow tee under his white button-down.
Once Izuku was ready, he stepped back and assessed himself in the small mirror hanging on the wall. The dark teal button-down shirt Denki had provided fit him well, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing a hint of the black shirt he wore underneath. Paired with his trusty dark jeans, it was a simple yet put-together look that suited him.
Izuku joined the others, pleased with his appearance. They were ready to leave and eager. His mother smiled warmly at him, her eyes brimming with pride as she took in his outfit.
"You look wonderful, Izuku," she complimented, her voice filled with motherly affection.
"Ya'll take care." Hatsume, who had opted out of going, said from her bed.
As they made their way out of the room and towards the gathering, Izuku felt a sense of anticipation building within him. The day had been intense, but this evening provided an opportunity to relax and socialize with everyone. Despite the difficulty of his newfound quirk and life, he was determined with the support of his friends.
They headed to one of the outdoor areas of the school. Izuku couldn't help but feel trepidation settle within him. Teenagers around his age and some of the older seniors surrounded the bonfires and tables filled with food and drinks they had spread throughout the open area. Ochako quickly drew their attention, excitedly waving them over with her radiant and contagious smile.
Hesitantly, Izuku trailed his friends toward Ochako, dreading what he would see between her and Kacchan. The pang of jealousy resurfaced, a bitter taste settling deep in his gut. He couldn't deny the way his feelings for Kacchan had grown. So seeing him with someone else, particularly Ochako, ignited a storm of conflicting emotions within him.
"Hey, guys! Over here!" Ochako called out, beckoning them with enthusiasm.
Izuku forced a smile and waved back, attempting to mask the unease swirling within him. The group congregated around an open bonfire, the crackling flames casting an amber glow upon their faces. The air buzzed with the chatter of excited voices and the scent of freshly lit firewood.
Kirishima approached, holding a tray of drinks. "Here you go, enjoy!"
He moved to each person, his smile cheerful as he distributed the cups among their group.
Izuku accepted the cup, peering into its contents with apprehension. He hesitated before taking a sip; the liquid burning his throat and leaving a tingling sensation in its wake.
Kirishima chuckled, noticing Izuku's hesitation. "I'm really sorry, Izuku. I should have mentioned earlier that the older teens spiked the drinks. It was thoughtless of me. We're in for a wild night, but I understand if you're not comfortable with that."
Denki, always eager to embrace spontaneity, took a large gulp from his cup and grinned mischievously. "Hey, no worries, guys! Let's live a little and enjoy ourselves with a few drinks. It's a party, and we deserve it, right?"
Izuku glanced around at the others, watching as they immersed themselves in conversations and laughter.
The group huddled around the crackling bonfire.
Izuku's gaze shifted from the cup to Kirishima, uncertainty clear in his eyes. "Um, what exactly is in this drink?" he asked, his voice tinged with a hint of caution.
Kirishima glanced down at his own cup, his red hair illuminated by the flickering flames. "Oh, I'm not sure, actually."
Izuku's grip tightened around the cup, a slight nervousness creeping in. He had never indulged in alcohol, and the thought of consuming something spiked made him unsure if this was a good idea.
Chieko, who sat next to Izuku, seemed more cautious. She held the cup delicately in her hands, raising an eyebrow as she looked at Kirishima. "Should we be worried?"
Kirishima chuckled, shaking his head.
"Nah, don't worry too much. They just wanted to add some extra kick to the festivities. It's all in good fun, and the adults have said nothing about it, so they must be okay with it!"
A mixture of curiosity and peer pressure tugged at Izuku's thoughts. The desire to let loose and enjoy himself warred with his cautious nature. The cup felt heavier in his hand, his mind racing with indecision.
Meanwhile, Sero, sitting nearby, leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Come on, Midoriya! It's a celebration! Live a little, join in the fun!"
Sero's mischievous grin grew across his face.
Enduring the pressure of their expectations, Izuku finally took a deep breath, his courage growing. He lifted the cup to his lips, taking another tentative sip. The liquid burned slightly as it made its way down his throat, causing his face to flush with warmth. The taste was a blend of sweet and tangy, with a subtle hint of something stronger lurking beneath.
A wave of energy washed over Izuku, accompanied by a surge of camaraderie and excitement. He glanced around at his friends; the bonfire casting a soft glow on their faces as they all cheered.
Izuku embraced the festive spirit, taking another sip. He let go of his hesitation and immersed himself in the joyous atmosphere. Laughter surrounded Izuku, their voices blending and overlapping around them. Around them, other groups had formed, music filtering through the speakers that someone had set up for the night and not an adult in sight.
Chieko chose not to drink from her cup, but she stayed close to Izuku and smiled while she observed what the other people were doing. Her presence offered a minor comfort that he could keep a close eye on her while keeping him awkward. He felt out of place as Kacchan and Denki effortlessly engaged in conversations with the others, blending in seamlessly. Even reserved, Shinso seemed to find a sense of ease around Kacchan's team, though he remained mostly quiet.
Izuku's eyes flickering between Kacchan and Ochako, the two of them engrossed in their own animated discussion. It was as if the world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them in their own little bubble. A pang of envy gripped Izuku's heart, his mind filled with thoughts of what could have been if he dared to express his feelings to Kacchan.
Chieko, sensing his unease, gently touched Izuku's arm, pulling him back into the present moment. Her reassuring presence reminded him he wasn't alone.
"You good?" Chieko asked.
Izuku smiled in return, though he was tense, and reassured her.
"I'm fine, just tired from the long day."
Taking a deep breath, Izuku tried to push aside his jealousy and immerse himself in the gathering's atmosphere to keep Chieko from worrying too much.
"How is your training with Nurse Shin going?" Chieko's smile grew, her excitement contagious.
"It's been great! Today, I learned how to assist with stitching a wound during an accident. Nurse Shin even complimented me on a clean stitch."
Kirishima joined them, his teeth on full display as he patted Chieko on the back. Only Izuku noticed the slight tension on her shoulders at the sudden contact.
"Thats so manly, Chieko! I don't think I could handle sticking anyone with a needle."
Izuku chuckled. "I'm not sure if I could do it either."
"I know the idiot you treated today."
A girl with her copper hair styled in a side ponytail and a welcoming smile on her face approached. She introduced herself as Kendo and the two girls delved into conversation. Izuku listened attentively, content to let them take the lead.
As the crackling fire warmed his skin and the laughter of his friends filled the air, the moment became lighter for Izuku. He wondered if maybe it was the liquor numbing his senses or if it was simply the energetic atmosphere surrounding him. Either way, he found himself content, enjoying the camaraderie and conversations that flowed around him.
As Kacchan excused himself to get another drink, the others wasted no time delving into gossip. Their curiosity got the better of them, and with expectant grins, they turned to Ochako, who shrunk back in surprise. Her friends bombard her with questions about the state of her relationship with Kacchan. The mere thought sent a shiver down Izuku's spine, his mind racing with a flurry of doubts and insecurities.
Sero teased Ochako, suggesting that she and Kacchan were growing quite close. He winked mischievously and nudged her playfully. "Come on, Uraraka, you can tell us. Are you two secretly an item? Don't leave us hanging!"
Ochako's cheeks flushed, her hands waving out in front of her as if to ward them off.
"No, no, guys! We're just friends, I swear. Nothing more than that!"
But the reassurance fell flat in Izuku's ears as he struggled to quell the wave of jealousy threatening to consume him. It felt as if his world was crumbling, his hopes dashed by the mere suggestion that someone else might have already captured Kacchan's heart.
Chieko, perceptive as always, sensed Izuku's distress. She placed a comforting hand on his back, offering solace through her touch. Her voice filled with concern as she asked if he was okay. "Hey, Midoriya, you seemed a bit off. Everything alright?"
Izuku swallowed hard, his voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah, I'm... I'm fine, Chieko. Just... just tired, I guess." He forced a smile, attempting to downplay his inner turmoil.
Chieko's gaze softened, and she rested her head on his shoulder. "You know, if there was anything on your mind, you can always talk to me, right? I'm here if you need an ear."
Izuku nodded, grateful for her understanding. He pressed his cheek against her hair, finding solace in their closeness. "Thanks, Chieko. I appreciated it."
Though her comforting presence provided a fraction of relief, his heart still weighed heavy as they continued around them. Izuku ignored them and Chieko was nice enough to pass over her drink, so he didn't need to move as he quickly down the rest of it in one gulp.
When Kacchan returned, his tone suspicious, he questioned what they were talking about. Everyone was quick to quiet, and Ochako nervously responded, "Oh, you know, just catching up on random stuff. Nothing important, really."
Denki, always quick with a witty remark, chimed in, "Yeah, just sharing some embarrassing childhood stories. You know how it is."
Kacchan narrowed his eyes, his gaze shifting between the group. "Hmm, I don't buy it. You guys are definitely up to something." He crossed his arms, clearly not convinced by their vague responses.
Kirishima tried to diffuse the tension, throwing an arm around Kacchan's shoulder. "Come on, man, don't be so suspicious. We're just having a good time here."
Kacchan's gaze remained intense as he glanced at Izuku and Chieko, who were standing close together. "Yeah, sure." With a final scrutinizing look, he released a frustrated sigh and sat down on the other side of the bonfire from Izuku and next to Shinso.
Just as the atmosphere settled, Kendo innocently asked if they were dating. Chieko easily denied it, stating they were just friends, and even teased that Izuku was already crushing on someone else. The comment caught the attention of others, including a certain pink-skinned girl named Mina. She asked who Izuku was crushing on and even offered to help set him up if it was someone she knew. Her excitement was palpable, and Izuku's face flushed as he hid his face in Chieko's hair. Kacchan's gaze was unreadable as he eyed them, almost waiting to see what Izuku would say.
Mina leaned closer, her eyes shining with curiosity. "Come on, spill the beans, Izuku! I'm dying to know who has caught your attention?"
Izuku felt the pressure mounting, his heart racing as he tried to come up with a response. "Well, um... I don't want to say just yet. It's still... complicated."
Mina pouted playfully, nudging his arm. "Oh, come on! You're killing us with suspense here! You can trust me, you know. I'm the best secret keeper!"
Chieko interjected, her voice gentle. "Mina, let's give Izuku some space. He's not gonna tell you."
The others leaned in, instigators to Mina's cause, as they persisted with playful jabs and guesses, trying to elicit any reaction from Izuku. Chieko shot Izuku a pained grimace as she quietly apologized for teasing him.
Izuku brushed it off. He knew Chieko hadn't meant things to spiral the way they were.
Izuku's frustration grew, feeling the weight of their expectations. "Can we please change the subject?"
Kacchan, who had been observing silently, finally spoke up, his voice calm. "Will you all shut up about it already? He ain't going to say it."
The others exchanged glances, realizing the seriousness in Kacchan's tone. They relented, diverting their attention to other topics. Izuku felt gratitude towards Kacchan for stepping in.
Feeling overwhelmed, Izuku made his excuse to get another drink. Chieko nodded understandingly. "I'll be here if you need me."
Izuku gave her a grateful smile before making his way through the crowd, seeking a moment of solace to gather his thoughts. The day was weighing heavily around him, and he needed some time to sort through them in the quiet sanctuary of his own thoughts.
Once he was far enough away from the group that they couldn't see him, Izuku steered toward the building, needing some time to gather his thoughts.
He wandered through the crowded corridors, the sound of laughter and music fading into the background. With each step, he could feel the weight of his thoughts and emotions slowly easing, replaced by a sense of calmness. Eventually, he stumbled upon an empty classroom, its door slightly ajar, beckoning him to seek solace within its walls.
Stepping inside, Izuku found solace in the familiar scent of books and the soft moonlight filtering through the windows. It was a sanctuary, an escape from the chaos outside. He closed the door, enveloping himself in silence.
Leaning against a desk, Izuku sighed, finding relief in the alcohol's warmth that dulled his troubled thoughts. The dimly lit room offered tranquility, rows of empty desks and shelves lined with books. It reminded him of his unwavering determination to become a hero.
With a weary smile, he sank into a chair, his body finally finding release from the strain. Closing his eyes, Izuku embraced the stillness, gathering his thoughts and letting the night's events melt away.
Time passed, and he allowed himself to exist in quiet contemplation.
Leaning against the desk, Izuku sought solace in the empty classroom, his emotions in turmoil. It didn't last long. Kacchan's voice shattered his moment of peace as it pierced through the silence, breaking the fragile bubble of tranquility he had created.
"What the hell are you doing, Deku?" Kacchan's voice held a blend of irritation and concern as he stood in the doorway, his eyes locked onto Izuku.
Startled, Izuku looked up, his expression guarded. He didn't want to confront Kacchan right now, not when his own emotions were still raw and tangled. He strained to keep his voice calm, pleading for some time alone. "I just need some space, Kacchan. I'll be back in a bit, I promise."
Kacchan's brow furrowed, his impatience clear on his face.
"Just come back to the group."
Izuku's frustration flared up, fueled by his desire for solitude and his reluctance to face Kacchan. He couldn't comprehend why Kacchan was so insistent, why he couldn't respect his need for space. His voice trembled with a mixture of frustration and defiance as he blurted out, "I told you, I don't want to!"
Taken aback by Izuku's outburst, Kacchan stepped further into the room, his eyes narrowing in anger. "Who the hell do you think you are, yelling at me when I'm just trying to stop you from moping about some random nobody?"
The comment provoked a reaction in Izuku, a combination of embarrassment and anger stirring within him. While Kacchan wasn't entirely wrong about him feeling down, he was unaware that it involved him. Izuku sighed and tried for sympathy as he held back his frustration at being confronted by the very person he was trying to avoid at the moment.
Izuku's voice was low, but it dripped with sarcastic bitterness as he kicked at the nearest desk. "Oh, of course, you haven't been avoiding me, Kacchan. It's all in my imagination, right?"
Kacchan's eyes flickered with surprise, his posture becoming defensive. He took a step forward, his voice tinged with defiance. "Stop overreacting. I haven't been avoiding you."
Izuku's frustration boiled over, his words tumbling out in a rush. "Overreacting? Really? We were finally getting back on track, fixing our friendship, and now...now you're just pushing me away."
Kacchan snapped back. As he reached out, he clenched a handful of Izuku's shirt in a tight fist and pulled him in closer. His teeth clenched as if he was trying to restrain himself. "Don't act like I'm the only one to blame here. You've been avoiding me, too. Don't deny it."
Izuku grabbed at the front of Kacchan's clenched fist, his voice dripping with accusation. "Avoiding you? No, Kacchan. I've been trying to reach out, to mend our friendship. But it's clear you want things to go back to the way they were in middle school."
Kacchan tried to interrupt, his face a mix of confusion and frustration, but Izuku didn't let him. He continued in his angry rant, the floodgates of his emotions opening wide. "You're just happy now that you don't have to pretend to get along with me, right? You have your new group of friends, a girl who can stand by your side. Is that it?"
Kacchan shook Izuku as his voice raised in frustration to overlap Izuku.
"You don't know a damn thing! Stop assuming you understand how I feel!"
The room seemed to shrink around them as they stood in proximity, their strained breaths mingling in the charged atmosphere. "Why did you change, Kacchan?"
Izuku's voice cracked as he asked the burning question that had plagued him. "Why were you so quick to leave me behind again?"
Izuku's eyes burned with unshed tears as his vision blurred, and at that moment, he didn't expect the sudden and heated press of Kacchan's lips against his own. It was a surprising move, a clash of emotions and desires that took Izuku off guard. He wasn't sure how they had reached this point, but he didn't hesitate to respond, matching the intensity of the kiss with his own.
The world seemed to spin around them, time standing still for that fleeting moment. Izuku's hope surged, the possibility of a rekindled connection with Kacchan tantalizingly close. But as quickly as the kiss had come, Kacchan pushed him away, their lips abruptly parting.
Izuku found himself sprawled on the ground, his surprise mirrored in his wide eyes. The silence that followed was heavy, the tension between them palpable. They had crossed the lines of their friendship, and the aftermath left them both stunned, unsure of what had just transpired.
Confusion and hurt washed over him, his lips still tingling from Kacchan's harsh treatment. But before he could gather his thoughts or even attempt to get up, Kacchan's voice cut through the air, sharp and commanding.
"Stay there!" Kacchan's tone held a mix of urgency and frustration, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for something.
Izuku's brows furrowed, his confusion deepening. "Kacchan, why did you...?"
But Kacchan's impassioned words swiftly interrupted him. "Why do you think I've been avoiding you? This is why, damn it!"
Izuku's heart leaped in his chest at Kacchan's admission, the weight of his words sinking in. He tried to move closer, to assure Kacchan that he felt the same way, but Kacchan's voice rose, stopping him in his tracks.
"Stop!" Kacchan's hands clenched tightly at his sides, his gaze filled with turmoil. "Do you have any idea how messed up this is, Deku? I've treated you like shit! We shouldn't even be friends, let alone anything more. So just don't say anything else."
Izuku's breath caught in his throat, his mind racing to comprehend the whirlwind of emotions that swirled between them. The realization of the pain Kacchan carried weighed heavily on his shoulders, intertwining with his own longing and confusion.
"But Kacchan..." Izuku's voice was barely a whisper, his heartache clear in his trembling words.
Before he could say anything more, Kacchan abruptly turned and bolted out of the room.
"Kacchan, wait!" Izuku called out, his voice filled with desperation. He scrambled to his feet, his body moving on instinct as he chased after Kacchan.
But Kacchan's footsteps echoed through the empty hallway, growing fainter with each passing moment. Izuku pushed himself harder, determination fueling his pursuit.
"Please, Kacchan! Don't run away!" Izuku's voice cracked, his plea echoing through the corridors.
But his cries went unanswered, and eventually, Izuku slowed to a halt, his chest heaving with exertion and unspoken emotions. The reality of the situation sank in—Kacchan had pushed him away once again. But Izuku hadn't considered that Kacchan would hold some kind of guilt about their past.
Izuku leaned against the wall, his legs giving way beneath him as he slid down to the floor.
"I won't give up, Kacchan."
His voice was barely audible in the empty hallway. Izuku resolved to break through the walls Kacchan had erected between them. Their friendship, their bond. It meant too much to let it crumble away.