Hey, guys! GOTA, here, with another installment of 'Me Before You.' This segment is a bit of a slow read as it focuses on the background of Izuku and Kaoruko's relationship. For you guys who know us well, then you will understand. Enjoy! It's an OOC Izuku x OOC Kaoruko love story!

Kaoruko couldn't help but sigh as she once again heard Izuku's phone going to voicemail again. The twenty-one-year-old knew that he was in class but hoped that she could hear just a tiny second of his voice. It wasn't that she was having a bad day at work. Yet again, as long as she wasn't tasting the leather of Sir Nighteye's newest Italian loafers he kept showing off during their morning staff meeting, then all is well.

Finding it as a defeat, she placed the phone down on her desk. It was quiet as usual in the office. With the exception of the workers who were working like ants, taking and receiving phone calls, stamping their letter of approval to the big-wigs on the upper floor, and the occasional silent conversation at the water cooler. If she would have known that her Pro Hero career would reach its terminal peak at this agency, then she would have allowed Stain, Sensei, or anyone from the League of Villains to terminate her.

It wouldn't do any good. She still had payments left on her non-existent Vespa (the recent flood in her ward took her Shooting Star away). There were still payday loans to pay and wouldn't want her mother to have that debt. The fallacy of being a pencil pusher lamented the blue-haired girl.

She rolled her chair back to the avalanche of paperwork that was part of her to-do files. She knew she had a full day ahead and God knew that she would rather sit in her pajamas, watching a comedy, and eating ice cream with Izuku. Of course, Izuku would detest her love for romantic comedy and would rather watch a crime drama. The couple would have fought over the Roku stick remote before engaging in what they both called the best sex in their life. The couple would have compromised - a romantic crime drama, cuddle up together on the couch, and fed each other ice cream. As always, one thing led to another and it would lead to sex. Speaking of which, she reached into her purse to be sure that she took her morning-after pills. She wasn't sure that their previous encounter was a safe day or not. She tended to lose count.

Kaoruko was Izuku's first time. She had a handful of men (and admittedly experimented with a woman) before interacting with Izuku. However, the men, if they were worthy of having that title, were never in her caliber. She couldn't stand men that thought of themselves before their women. The men she encountered were either perverted, misogynistic, materialistic, egotistic and the like. Maybe it was her poor taste, trying to find love in all of the wrong places. She didn't think of herself as a bashful, demanding woman. Granted the young adult had expectations on how her lover she be. Of course, there were compromises but there were dealbreakers as well.

She paused when seeing Izuku's picture taped on her computer. His cheeky smile and freckles stood out to Kaoruko when staring at. She remembered when they took the picture. It was at a photo booth at the mall. The blue-haired girl had a few dollars to spare and she wanted a picture of him. Although cell phones exulted tangible pictures, she wanted something to have whenever she wanted motivation or knowing that a great friend was among her.

The teen was delighted and presented his friendly smile. There was another picture that she kept in her wallet. A surprise to the teen when she pecked him on the lips. He didn't expect it but didn't resist.

Kaoruko often thought that their trip to the mall was technically their first date.

Izuku didn't count it as their first date as they were going Dutch and he felt that it was customary for the man to take care of his woman. Kaoruko knew his circumstances - seventeen, living with his parents, no source of income with the exception of his allowance. Nevertheless, the blue-haired didn't mind. I want to spend time with you for being you. Not because you are some kind of ATM. Izuku, although lamented and flattered, wouldn't consider that moment at the mall to be their first date.

Their official first date was when he took her to the movies a few weeks later. She knew it required much effort. She smiled and felt bad for how much the teen was saving his snack money and video game money to be sure it was compensated for dinner and a movie. Izuku spared no expense as he allowed her to buy as many snacks as she pleased. He sacrificed his pride by watching one of her favorite romantic comedies. They even went and have Italian afterward, knowing how much he detested Italian food.

What separated Izuku from the others was that the entire time, he didn't think about himself. His entire time was assured that he was putting Kaoruko first.

Something she could never have found from an adult who supposedly should already have it.

There hasn't been an established title with their relationship. They have been going steady for the last four, five months. They have lost count, especially on which one decided to make the first move. Izuku credited his perusing and nosiness of spending time in her apartment. Kaoruko credited to making subtle hints on various reasons for having him in the apartment. Both concluded that the feelings were mutual. They were more than friends, but less than lovers. The feelings were apparent but neither party decided to take the plunge on making a label. She often thought because of his age and his status as a high schooler contributed. Also, they haven't made it known to the public either. In the eyes of others, they were close friends.

She thought a few minute smoke break wouldn't hurt. Rolling her chair back from her desk, she grabbed her purse and decided to take the few hundred feet to the balcony where she could smoke in peace.

Upon stepping out into the breezeway, she felt the soft air making contact with her skin. It felt good to be outside than being confined in a cubicle for more than eleven hours a day. The itch for her smoke was apparent as she was brisking to release the flame from her lighter.

She made it to the balcony. She saw a couple of familiar faces - colleagues and supervisors from other departments. She found a lone bench where she could sit and have her cancer stick. The moment she took a seat, she pulled her cigarette. Lucky Clovers were her preferences.

She crossed her legs and proceeded to light. As she inhaled, her thoughts still loomed on Izuku. The semester was drawing near to a close and the teen has made plans to spend one weekend exclusively with her.

You know, Kaoruko. I would like to extend the noodle stand offer and do it at another place of venue. Out of town, maybe?

What are you insisting on, Izuku?

Well, Mom and Pops are leaving town for the weekend. Although they trust me to watch the place by myself, I would like it if we can go away for a couple of days. Just the two of us.

Quite atypical of you, Icchan! Where is this bravado coming from?

At the end of Cinder Fall's ass. Come and kiss it sometime!

Easy, Jaune!

Whatever, Blake! Anyway, I have been thinking a lot about us.

Us? Really?

Yeah! I would like if we could get together and hang for the weekend. I can try to find an onsen and a hotel at my price range.

Don't worry about that. I can cover you.

You shouldn't! You do enough as it is.

Icchan, don't hinder blessings. If I can help, I can. And besides, consider it a thank you for my account. It was a success. So, thanks!

Kaoruko?

Yeah!

Thank you!

Kaoruko blew into the air as she grew a bit anxious if not giddy. It was their first trip together. Our first trip together! Kaoruko arranged the travel arrangements and Izuku took care of the fun expenses. Both compromised on meals that they were going Dutch. That way neither would have felt either contributed.

It was the sound of her cell phone vibrating from her purse that interrupted her thoughts. Pursing her lips, she picked up the cell phone, thinking it was Sir Nighteye on the delay of her work or another client about a prospective business meeting. Her yellow eyes were fixated when seeing Icchan's name on the screen.

She immediately answered on the third ring.

"Hello," she wanted to blurt out but didn't want to sound desperate. She fixed her tone, playing coy and nonchalant when speaking to the receiver. "Hey, Icchan. Didn't expect you to call."

It was met with a giggling voice on the other end followed by a raspberry. "Shall we check my contact log on why you were calling me during class?" Izuku's always calm and laid-back demeanor voice spoke from his end.

She turned beet red. "Pocket dial?"

Izuku laughed momentarily before answering her. "Great try but you can do better. I know you were hoping I would answer."

"Well, if you really cared, then you would have." She said matter-of-factly as she folded her arms.

"So, you wanted me to get in trouble with Aizawa-sensei? You know how he gets with interruptions."

"It wouldn't matter! I would've been there to comfort you!"

"Hey! I tend to business as I tend to yours. Unless you want a taste of the Italian loafers?"

"You know what? Forget you, baka! I shouldn't have called if you were going to ridicule me."

It was met with another chuckle from the emerald-haired teen. "Well, darling, the red button is right in dead center. Feel free to click."

The other end of the line was silent for a few seconds before Kaoruko said, "God, I can't stand when you think you are in charge."

"Your words. Not mine!" Izuku continued laughing until it was met with a sigh. "Anyway, how are you?"

"Does it matter to you?" Kaoruko could never understand how she could play a tsundere role whenever Izuku keeps calm during her hissy fits. Yet again, she did wear her heart on her sleeve.

"I'm asking, am I? Plus, I have a few minutes before heading back to class. Sensei thinks I am using the bathroom."

She raised her eyebrow, surprised by the words that came from his lips. "You are in class?"

"Well, the bathroom, but after you calling me several times, I thought something was up," said Izuku in a more concerning voice. "Are you okay?"

She stammered. She observed her surroundings in case of prying ears. She held her phone close to the receiver. "I-I wanted…. I-I just wanted to hear your voice."

There were a few moments of silence before the emerald-haired teen answered.

"Me, too!"

Kaoruko gripped her blouse, touching where her heart resided. Were the feelings of love apparent? Was there mutualism between the two?

"Do you miss me," asked Kaoruko gingerly. Her lips were touching the receiver. She wished from the other end that Izuku was doing the same.

"Yeah, I do," answered the teen. Kaoruko sucked in air as she felt the vibrations of his voice rattling onto her lips. She prayed to God that he was doing the same thing. "I couldn't stop thinking about you. You have been the foremost in my mind all morning."

"I have?"

"Yeah and now. Kaoruko, I-"

Hey, Midoriya! Are you in there choking your chicken?

Damn it, Kacchan! Can a guy take a number two in peace?

Score! I knew you were taking a shit. Hey, Kirishima! Kaminari! Mineta! Tokoyami! Midoriya is in the restroom taking a shit. I even have the recording of his admittance!

"Oh, God! Kaoruko, I got to go! Talk to you soon."

She hung up and returned her phone back into her purse. From the distance, she could see a displease Sir Nighteye stamping his foot and pressing on his watch. It was time to return back to work.

Kaoruko stood up and folded her arms. She began feeling better as she realized that the essence of his adolescence remained. Although it was at his expense, she felt good that she was on his mind. At least she knew when the next time they get together, she will be there to comfort him this time.

To be continued….

"Midoriya! Surprised to see you in my office again."

"I can say the same thing myself, Kayama-sensei."

"Fetching! Want a private discussion or a private after-school lesson?"

"Let's remember why you are called "18+" for a reason, sensei!"

"A pity! Though, I must admit I can't wait until that glorious July!"

"A pity, sensei! It won't happen."

"Aww, my little puss-puss. No one can NEVER say no!"

"But this guy can. But in a way, I need you!"

"You know I am not cheap. It comes with a supple offering."

"I know, Kayama-sensei. But, I do need you for this."

"Tell me, darling. What is it do you need?"

To be continued...for real this time!

BD: Wow, GOTA! You are going to end it like that?

GOTA: A little romance requires a little suspense.

BD: Are you at least going to let them know why Izuku went to see Kayama-sensei!

GOTA: A little romance requires a little suspense!

BD: Fine! Stay tuned for the next chapter of 'Me Before You!' The fans are right. You are Blake. A killjoy!

GOTA: Hush, Vomit Boy!