He entered his home, closing the door behind him with a soft click. He dropped his backpack on the floor by the entrance and took off his shoes with automatic movements, as if each action were programmed in his mind after a long day at work. His shoulders were slightly hunched from fatigue, and his steps were slow as he headed to the kitchen.
He opened the fridge and took out a bottle of water, taking a long sip before leaving it on the counter. The silence of the apartment was deafening, only interrupted by the low hum of the refrigerator. He walked to the living room and collapsed on the sofa, letting out a heavy sigh. The day had been exhausting, full of patrols, minor confrontations, and paperwork. So much paperwork.
The remote control rested on the coffee table. Izuku picked it up and turned on the TV, looking for something to fill the void of silence. The channels changed quickly, showing flashes of news, entertainment shows, and old movies.
"In other news, a recent and unfortunate earthquake has struck the Ishikawa area, causing severe structural damage and leaving many people homeless. Local heroes and rescue forces are working tirelessly to assist those affected and secure the area."
Nothing seemed to catch his attention, so he left the TV on a random channel and set the remote aside.
From the sofa, his gaze wandered around the apartment. The bookshelves full of books he hadn't touched in months, the plant in the corner that needed water, and the small details that made up his daily life. Everything seemed in place, but also felt empty, devoid of purpose.
His eyes landed on his hero suit, hanging carefully on a hanger by the door. The suit was somewhat worn and dirty, the marks of his battles and constant use evident. He had been thinking about changing it, updating his equipment to be better prepared, as he was currently using a cheap replacement of much lower quality than the original suit. The problem was that everything related to the move had kept his mind elsewhere.
He had left everything behind: his home, his friends, his city, all in pursuit of a fresh start, a breath of fresh air for his career and for himself. After announcing his departure, he received offers from all over the country, but opted for something not too far away. He wasn't willing to try his luck in Kyushu or some remote place. His former comrade and friend, Shoto Todoroki, had welcomed him to his agency, offering him an opportunity he couldn't refuse.
The transition hadn't been easy. Adapting to a new environment, settling in an unfamiliar city, and facing the emotional burdens of leaving the familiar had added layers of stress to his already exhausting life. Despite Shoto's unwavering support, Izuku struggled to find his place in this new stage.
His mind began to wander to recent events. He painfully remembered how she had told him she needed more space, a decision that had left him feeling lost and disconnected. Although he didn't want to admit it, their breakup had greatly influenced his decision to accept Shoto's offer and move. A change of scenery seemed to be just what he needed to piece his life back together.
Every word of that conversation still echoed in his mind, like a persistent echo in an empty cave. The coldness of her tone, the firmness in her decision, all had contributed to the sense of emptiness that now filled his chest. He had tried to move on, but every corner of his old life was impregnated with shared memories that refused to fade away.
…
The insistent sound of the phone vibrating on the table pulled him out of his deep sleep. He blinked several times as his eyes adjusted to the dawn light just beginning to filter through the curtains. With a lazy motion, he reached for the phone and saw a familiar name on the screen. He had fallen asleep on the sofa after dinner. The dirty dishes were still on the coffee table, and a rumpled blanket partially covered his body. The television, still on, was showing a news channel on mute. He rubbed his eyes, trying to clear his head as he slowly sat up.
—Hello, this is Izuku Midoriya —his voice was still hoarse from sleep, and his efforts to sound awake were not very convincing.
—Midoriya, I'm sorry for waking you —the voice on the other end of the phone was calm, almost soothing, and for a moment, he felt he could fall back asleep.
Izuku straightened up on the sofa, rubbing his eyes in an attempt to wake up. —Don't worry, Shoto. What's going on?
The frequency of Shoto's calls had become a constant over the past week. Since taking on the role of his boss, Shoto seemed to show an increasing interest in him.
—Did you read the email I sent you yesterday? —asked Shoto, his voice resonating through the phone's speaker.
"Shit" was the only thing he could think of. Shoto had sent him an email asking him to attend a charity event on his behalf over the weekend. In situations like this, he almost preferred facing a dangerous mission where the fate of the world depended on him.
—Um, yes, I read it yesterday —he replied, trying to keep his voice steady.
—Remember, this charity event is to help those affected by the recent earthquake in Ishikawa. Our agency has decided to donate a significant amount of money to support the recovery of the area and help the affected people.
He had heard of this type of event before and knew he would have to dress formally and be surrounded by wealthy people. However, he wasn't wealthy, not even close. The most expensive thing he had bought so far, aside from his apartment, was probably that limited edition All Might figure. He had no idea what role he was supposed to play at such an event.
—I understand if this makes you uncomfortable. If you prefer, I can find someone else to attend.
Izuku took a deep breath, letting the air fill his lungs as he tried to calm his mind. Although the idea made him nervous, he knew he had to take responsibility. He couldn't let Shoto down in their first days working together. Besides, it wasn't like he had many things to do over the weekend. Since becoming single, he had too much free time on his hands.
—No, it's fine. It will be an honor to go as a representative —he tried to infuse confidence into his words. However, deep down he knew nothing was fine. The last time he attended a public event, his voice cracked and was filled with stutters, perfectly reflecting his insecurity on stage, similar to his school years.
—Momo and I appreciate it, Midoriya. We know you'll do well —said Shoto. It wasn't common for him to smile, and although Izuku couldn't see him, he knew perfectly well the tone of his friend's voice when he did—. You can bring Uraraka if you want —added the younger Todoroki.
He felt a knot in his stomach at the mention of her name. They had kept their breakup private, mainly to avoid the rumor mill filling the gossip magazines and news, but not even their closest friends were aware.
—Sure... thanks for the confidence, Shoto.
After hanging up the phone, he looked at his reflection in the screen for a few seconds. A reflection of insecurity stared back at him. What was he supposed to do in a place like that? Moreover, he would be going without a partner. He briefly considered asking Tenya or one of his friends to accompany him, but quickly dismissed the idea. It would be mmm 'gay' to attend with a man and not a woman at such events. He imagined the magazine headlines: "Deku: the Rainbow Hero," or something like that.
He let out a sigh and looked away from the screen. He needed a plan. First, he had to focus on what really mattered: representing the agency with dignity and proving that he could handle situations beyond the battlefield. Second, he had to find a partner to go to the event or resign himself to going alone. Either way, the press would focus on his absence of Ochako, but at this point, it didn't really matter anymore.
Izuku got up from the sofa and began pacing around the room, trying to organize his thoughts. Maybe the best thing for him now would be to go out on patrol. Stopping some minor crimes always helped clear his mind of problems. It was as if his therapy was kicking butt while dealing with his thoughts.
…
Definitely not in his plans to spend Saturday trying to remove remnants of... snot? He didn't even know what it was, but there he was, on the rooftop of a building, dealing with the viscous liquid that covered his favorite shoes. That Detroit Smash had saved the day, but it had also ruined yet another one of his suits. Fortunately, he had Hatsume on his side.
Now, on the rooftop, the sun was beginning to set, bathing the city in a golden glow. He sat on the edge, holding his shoes in his hands, looking at the horizon while trying to clean the mess. The liquid was thick and slippery, stubbornly clinging to the fabric of his shoes and suit.
—Hey, hey, did you know you can't be here, right? Did you know that?
Suddenly, a voice he hadn't heard in years called out to him from... above? He looked up and saw a figure floating above him, suspended in yellow waves emanating from her feet. Her long blue hair, which reached her hips, floated around her like an ethereal aura.
—Uh? Hado? —He recognized her instantly. It was Nejire Hado, one of the most energetic and eccentric heroines he had ever met. It had been a while since he last saw her, not since a rescue mission abroad in which they both participated. —What are you doing here?
Nejire tilted her head slightly to the side, her long blue hair floating softly around her. —Actually, I'm still on duty, so you can call me Nejire. —She descended gracefully, landing in front of him with the grace of a ballerina. The yellow energy waves dissipated, and she looked at him with a smile. —And to answer your question, I'm patrolling, but if you're asking why I'm in this city, I just moved here.
Apparently, he wasn't the only hero who had recently arrived in Nagoya in search of new horizons.
—And what are you doing here? I mean on the rooftop and also in the city. —Her bright smile and contagious energy seemed to light up the rooftop.
—Well, as for the rooftop, I was just cleaning off unidentified liquid from my suit. And I'm in the city because I just joined Todoroki's agency.
Her large blue eyes somehow managed to shine even more, like two celestial orbs.
—That's great! —she exclaimed, with noticeable enthusiasm—. And the first thing... well, it's pretty gross.
She was exactly the same Nejire he knew. They didn't interact much in the academy, but he always had a great perception of her. Besides, she looked practically the same, except her hair had grown back, though maybe not as long as the first time he saw her.
—I know, I think I'll get rid of this suit. —He slowly stood up, shaking off the remaining sticky liquid from his hands, finding himself face to face with her. Nejire brought her index finger to her chin and looked at him with curiosity.
—Hey, hey, what happened to my first-year student? You look like a completely different person.
Izuku let out a nervous laugh, scratching the back of his neck. —Well, a lot has happened since those days. I've been training a lot and, well, growing, I guess.
She observed him attentively, analyzing him from head to toe, her eyes shining with interest. —Yes, it's definitely noticeable. I mean, you're still not very tall, but you're much more muscular.
—Thanks... I think. —"How direct," Izuku thought, feeling a pinch in his self-esteem. He hated being small, but it was something he would never dare to share. —You haven't changed, Nejire.
In some way, every gesture or movement she made was cuter than the previous one. Not only did she bring an index finger to her face, but now she was using both to gently squeeze her cheeks. —And I hope I never change!
"How cute," the phrase echoed in his head after her latest gesture.
—By the way, do you always patrol on Sundays? Don't you have days off or something? When do you spend time with your boyfriend?
He had tried to avoid that question at all costs during the past month. It wasn't that it didn't hurt, but maybe it was time to face it. Nejire would be the first to know, after his mother, of course.
—Well, I try to take some days off, but there's always something to do. Also, patrolling helps me stay focused. And about my girlfriend... actually, I don't have one. We broke up recently —he tried to sound as natural as possible, though his voice lowered a bit when pronouncing the last sentence.
—Oh, you and Ochako are no longer together? —Her gaze showed surprise, softening a bit as she picked up on the sadness in his words.
He nodded slightly, looking down. —Yes, it's been difficult, but I'm trying to move on. Work helps keep my mind occupied.
—I'm really sorry to hear that. I never thought you two would break up. You were like the best couple at school. —Nejire pretended to give him a pat on the shoulder, not quite touching him, probably not wanting to get covered in the sticky liquid.
—Well, she wanted to take some time, have more space for herself, and those things... —It had been a big step forward, really. A couple of weeks ago he couldn't even recall those words without breaking down, but now he could talk about it.
She frowned sympathetically. —That sucks. You know, you can count on me for whatever you need, and, mmm, I'd give you a hug, but you're all covered in that stuff.
Izuku smiled weakly, appreciating her attempt to cheer him up. He didn't want to admit it, but a hug would really help in moments like these. —Don't worry, you could say we ended on good terms. —He wasn't lying, the breakup hadn't been bad. Although painful, it had been quite simple, completely different from those dramatic Western shows they used to watch on TV.
—Oh, of course I care about my dear first-year junior. I could help you get over your breakup; I once helped Tamaki when his internet girlfriend dumped him. —She floated slightly in the air, her blue hair waving softly with the movement. —What you need is the company of a good friend, and the great Nejire Hado will help you with that. —She puffed out her chest proudly, with a determined expression while frowning again.
—What do you have in mind?
Nejire landed gently in front of him, still floating a few centimeters above the ground. —You know, we can go out somewhere together. We're both new in the city and need friends, right?
Was this the perfect opportunity? he asked himself as he watched her float in front of him. He should invite her to the charity event with him. They hadn't even been reunited for ten minutes after almost a year, but his options were limited. It was either her or no one.
He took a deep breath, trying to muster the necessary courage. He had already mastered talking to girls without looking like a fool during school. Now, inviting girls to charity events was still a challenge.
—Nejire, since we're talking about spending time together…
She looked at him expectantly, her large blue eyes blinking rapidly as Izuku struggled to find the right words.
—There's a charity event I have to attend next weekend —he said, clearing his throat and trying to keep his voice steady—. I was wondering if you'd like to accompany me.
Nejire continued to blink rapidly as she processed his words. For a moment, time seemed to stand still, the silence only broken by the gentle murmur of the wind.
Finally, a wide smile illuminated her face, making her eyes shine even more. —Sure, Deku! I'd love to.
Did she say yes? He felt an immediate relief, as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. It was incredible how he had gone from considering inviting another guy to getting a beautiful girl as his date. The reality of the situation was beginning to settle in.
—It'll be fun. Besides, it's the perfect opportunity to wear one of my new dresses, and I bet you look great in a suit.
What? How? Had she said he would look good in a suit? What was that compliment for? He felt a slight blush on his cheeks at the unexpected compliment. He swallowed before responding.
—Mmm, thanks —he tried to maintain composure while his mind processed her words.
—By the way, what cause does this event support? Will there be a lot of rich people? Will there be an auction? Do you think we need to give a speech or something?
Nejire's incessant questions overwhelmed him for a moment.
—Hey, hey, you should share your Line with me to keep me updated, don't you think?
Great, now they would exchange Line contacts. His luck was really improving by the second. —Mmm, would you mind taking my phone out of my pocket? I don't want to get it all sticky.
She let out a soft laugh and nodded. —Sure, no problem.
Carefully, she approached and put her hand in Izuku's pocket, taking out his phone without touching the sticky residue that covered his hands and suit. —Do you want me to add myself from your phone?
He had no other option, but she would have to unlock his phone. It didn't really matter, he had nothing dirty to hide, or did he?
He swallowed, feeling a slight unease while Nejire waited for his approval.
—Sure. —He finally nodded and indicated the unlock pattern.
Her fingers moved quickly and precisely as she added her contact in a matter of seconds. —Done. Now we're connected. She returned the device to Izuku's pocket with a radiant smile.
—What name did you save your contact under? —he asked.
In a gesture that could be considered both cute and sexy, she winked at him. —You'll find out when you get home and take off that dirty suit.
With a small jump, Nejire floated back up, the yellow energy waves emanating from her feet. —See you later. If you want us to patrol together tomorrow, just text me, or maybe I'll text you, who knows.
Izuku watched her disappear into the now night sky, barely distinguishing the bright yellow waves she floated on. The city, which had previously seemed so big and unfamiliar, now felt a bit more welcoming thanks to her company and support