Hello again!

Some people have told me to skip arcs altogether but I want to skip as little arcs as possible. As stated, this story is meant to be a re-take/re-telling of MHA.

I planned to write two separate chapters, but they simply felt too small.

Also, sorry if my grammar or sentence making aren't perfect. English is not my first language and I'm still learning.

Having said that, enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 6: Little surprises!

Itsuka found herself staring at her lunch tray in silence. The last weeks had been interesting, to say the least. She had spent a lot of time talking to Izuku on her spare time, through phone or face to face. She now knew that Izuku had done his internship with a really obscure hero named "Gran Torino". The old man was mysterious, since Itsuka had tried to search for him online and found very little information about him, with the most important piece of information being some rumour that he used to teach in U.A a long time ago. Still, it was intriguing to know that someone was interested in Izuku despite his total display of recklessness at the Sports Festival.

Izuku had also told her about the recent developments he made with his quirk. Izuku had gone on and on about the way his quirk worked, but long story short, he was now capable of spreading the force of his quirk through his entire body to make himself overall stronger, faster and more agile in a move he named "Full Cowling".

Itsuka didn't know about Izuku's muttering habit until she witnessed it for herself. The way he got so lost on his thoughts, the way he started to ramble, the absolute focus on his eyes, the way he used his words in an overly-complicated way to describe something he could have said in a shorter sentence... Itsuka found it unsettling at first, but she didn't mind much. Everyone was different, after all. If Izuku was the kind of guy who liked to overanalyze everything then that was just how he was. Not to mention that Itsuka had a lot of skeletons in her closet herself, and she didn't want anyone to find out about them. It would be a pretty big scandal if people knew that the president and big sister of class B had a secret side to herself.

Izuku had also told her about his entire run-in with the hero killer. Apparently, the hero killer was hellbent on killing as many "fake heroes" as possible in the name of a more fair society, thus, he had allowed Izuku to live and wanted Iida to die thanks to his ideals. Thankfully Todoroki arrived just in time to help his friends battle the hero killer. With their efforts combined, the hero killer was defeated and arrested to Endeavor's name.

However, the situation didn't end there.

Apparently there were some creatures similar to the one that attacked the USJ involved in the incident, and one of them tried to kidnap Izuku before being taken down by the hero killer, who had managed to free himself but had collapsed to his wounds shortly afterwards.

Seriously, what the ACTUAL hell was up with Izuku? No matter what happened, he somehow ALWAYS managed to be in the middle of things.

Either way, all had gone swell in the grand scheme of things...

Except for the fact that society was now more paranoid than before.

When the hero killer "Stain" was arrested, his backstory and ideology went public. Itsuka knew that this would cause a chain reaction, in which people would join criminal organizations like the League of Villains hoping to follow in the hero killer's ideals, and evil would grow as a result. Itsuka felt a bit worried about this, since it brought her memories of the Sports Festival and the conversation between Izuku and the unknown person she overheard. If people were already on their nerves since U.A was attacked, then this incident was another blow to the ensurance of public peace. The public could start to turn against heroes if criminal organizations started to grow...

Itsuka tried to ignore all of these thoughts and focus on the upcoming final exams, but it was pretty hard to do so when it seemed like the public expected the younglings at U.A to fix everything as soon as they graduated, not to mention that she was starting to feel left behind.

Itsuka sighed before turning her gaze towards Izuku, who was happily eating his lunch on a table not too far away from her own at the cafeteria. Her recent conversations with him made nothing but solidify her attraction to him. She wondered how he did it. How did he always manage to push himself past his limits? How was he always noticed by everyone? How was he already making a name for himself? So far, Izuku managed to pass the entrance exam, survived the attack at the USJ, saved Todoroki from himself at the Sports Festival, saved Iida's life, defeated the hero killer and gained more control of his quirk... All in a pretty short span of time considering how much time and training he had with his quirk!

Itsuka smiled softly at Izuku from afar. She had thought about telling him how she felt about him, but she had gone back on it numerous times. They were both training to become heroes, so a romantic relationship between the two could get in the way of their goals... Right? Or was that just another excuse she came up with to not tell him how she felt?

Itsuka shook her head and continued eating in silence. They were still just entering U.A, so there was really nothing written in stone. She could wait a few days... months... years before telling him how she felt... kinda... perhaps... maybe... sometime...

Itsuka almost spat her food out when her classmate Setsuna elbowed her in the side with a smile. "Whatcha lookin' at, prez?"

Itsuka gulped down the remaining food on her mouth before answering with a sheepish smile. "Just thinking thoughts..."

Setsuna looked at the direction Itsuka had been staring at and smiled. "Ooh... Don't tell me you're looking at the boys...!"

A small blush creeps into Itsuka's cheeks before she scoffs. "Hah! Please don't be ridiculous, Setsuna."

A blonde girl with horns smiles, entering the conversation. "You totally were, though!"

Itsuka crosses her arms and looks away. "Pony, how many times have I told you to not make assumptions?"

A girl with black shoulder-length, bob-shaped hair joins the conversation with a blank expression. "You can't blame this on Pony's Japanese, Kendo. You were staring at the boys from class A."

Itsuka wants to facepalm at Kodai's bluntness but she contains herself, merely letting out a groan. "That may be so, Yui, but that doesn't mean Setsuna's assumptions are correct, you know."

Setsuna giggles. "My lizardy instincts are just that awesome, prez."

Itsuka looks at her friends with a somewhat annoyed yet amused expression. "Well, why is the focus suddenly on me?"

A girl with chin-length, pale gray hair joins the conversation, still holding her hands as high as her elbows with her hands draped down like a ghost. "It's because none of us could picture you staring at the spooky boys from class A until we saw you just now, Kendo..."

Itsuka rolls her eyes. "What is that supposed to mean, Reiko?

Setsuna smirks. "It means that you're REAL focused on that table over there, prez. You know, the one with the three star boys from the Sports Festival."

Itsuka huffs. "So? I know none of you like class A, so what's it to you?"

The girls of class B stare at Itsuka in silence for a moment before letting out a bit of laughter. Even Yui, who is usually void of emotions giggles softly to herself.

Itsuka stares at her classmates as if they had been replaced by aliens. "Wha-? What's so funny?"

Setsuna elbows Itsuka softly with a smile. "Who said we don't like class A, prez?"

Itsuka's eyes widen for a moment in genuine surprise. "Wait... You guys don't hate class A?"

Reiko lets out a small smile. "We don't. They were spooky to approach to at first, but after the Sports Festival we found ourselves bonding with class A to a degree that surprised even ourselves..."

Itsuka raises her eyebrows. "Huh? Are you serious?"

Setsuna giggles. "Yeah! I've been gossiping with Mina Ashido and Tooru Hagakure, Reiko has been watching horror films with that bird guy, Pony has been spending time with that earphone girl to improve her japanese and pronunciation via songs, Tetsutetsu has been spending more time on the gym with that Kirishima guy, Ibara likes to have some relaxing tea time with Momo Yaoyorozu, Awase and Kaibara have been spending time with Mineta and Kaminari doing who knows what, and even Yui has been seen spending time talking to Shoto Todoroki."

Itsuka stares at her classmates in stunned silence before a fond smile forms on her lips. "Wow... I didn't expect that. I have to say that the relationship between our classes took a turn that I didn't expect. I'm happy that it's a turn for the better! And... you're saying this happened after the Sports Festival?"

Pony giggles. "Yeah! It all started from small talk about the moves everyone used against that giant robot, and then it evolved into... all of this!"

Itsuka chuckles. "Huh... And how am I finding out about this just NOW?"

The girls shrug. Yui takes a sip of her drink before talking. "You're never available, Kendo. We always try to call you to spend some time with us and the rest of class A, but you're somehow always busy at noon."

Itsuka cringes internally, knowing that she always turns off her phone when she meets up with Izuku. Then, Izuku fills her thoughts.

Oh God.

The girls can't know about her and Izuku. Knowing Setsuna, she'd never hear the end of it. Itsuka chuckles nervously before looking away. "W-Well, at least I'm glad you're all happy bonding with class A! I'm proud of all of you!"

Pony's expression falls for a moment. "Well... Not EVERYONE is happy about this..."

Itsuka looks back at Pony and raises an eyebrow. "Oh? Really? Who isn't happy about this?"

Yui rolls her eyes before pointing towards a blonde boy walking towards Izuku.

Itsuka groans. "Of course. Monoma. I should have known."

Judging by the way Monoma was walking towards Izuku, something was definitely going to happen. Itsuka sighs before getting up from her seat. "Don't worry, girls. I'll handle him."

Itsuka walks towards Monoma from behind him, and she overhears Izuku on the way. He was talking to his classmates about the final exams. Itsuka was about to stop on her tracks to think about the final exams herself before she saw Monoma intentionally bumping into Izuku's head.

Izuku yelps and turns around to see a smirking Monoma. "Hey, what-?"

Monoma's aura is so malicious it could be felt by those around him. "Oh, excuse me. Your head is so big and fat it was practically impossible for me to not hit while walking innocently."

Izuku looks at Monoma with an unknowing smile. "What...? How-? Why-?"

Monoma's smirk widens. "I heard you guys met the hero killer."

Izuku, Iida and Todoroki freeze in place. While Hagakure's expression couldn't be seen, her tone carried obvious concern. "Yeah... They did. Why?"

Monoma steps closer. "Well, you must be so proud of yourselves, class A. You're somehow in the spotlight yet again. However, I hope you realize you're only in it because you're troublemakers that always cause chaos and not because people think you're good heroes."

Uraraka frowns at Monoma. "Hey! That was uncalled for! What's it to you?"

Monoma's smirk and malicious aura intensify. "Ooh, scary! Someday, the rest of us might also be caught up in the trouble you bring and become victims ourselves, you know? Of course, that might also give us a chance to prove that our class is just as capable as yours! Isn't that grea-?"

Monoma's sentence gets cut short when Itsuka chops the back of his neck. Monoma falls down and Kendo grabs his lunch tray to prevent the food from falling to the floor. Itsuka sighs, placing the lunch tray on top of a nearby trash bin before grabbing the back of Monoma's shirt, taking him off the floor. "Monoma, that's not funny! Don't you know what happened to Iida?"

Izuku smiles sheepishly at Itsuka. "Ah! I-Itsuka, thanks..."

Itsuka looks at the students from class A with a smile. "Sorry about that. This guy's heart is on the wrong place, that's all. Say, were you talking about the final exams?"

Iida looks at Kendo with a pensive expression. "Indeed we were, Kendo."

Kendo's smile widens. "Well, in that case, I think what we'll do is fight against more robots in a battle simulation, like in the Sports Festival or the entrance exam."

Izuku looks at Itsuka with a surprised expression. "Huh? How do you know that, Itsuka?"

Itsuka chuckles. "That's what an upperclassman told me, Izuku."

Izuku looks down with a thoughtful expression. "Hmm... Interesting. Perhaps this test will qualify our skills in battle and response to dangerous situations without the chance to be hurt severely, or maybe the teachers won't hold back. Taking into account that someone from an upper grade already went through this we also can't disregard the possibility that the test is changed this year, because..."

Itsuka and the rest of Izuku's classmates look at him with scared expressions as he starts to mutter again. Itsuka had already witnessed him doing this, but it didn't make it any less confusing or unsettling. 'Well, there he goes again...' Itsuka thinks to herself.

Monoma groans before looking up at Itsuka with a frustrated smile. "Ugh... You... are such a fool, Kendo..." Itsuka looks down at Monoma, and realizes that his malicious aura hasn't diminished in the slightest. "We... had an information advantage...! You just gave away our whole strategic tactic...! This was our chance to get ahead of that class full of idi-!"

Monoma is immediately knocked down again by another chop to the back to his neck from Itsuka, who walks away with him in one hand and the lunch tray in the other. "They're not idiots, Monoma!"

Izuku and Iida look at Kendo's retreating form with surprised yet slightly intimidated expressions. Izuku chuckles. "I guess she really IS like their big sister, huh?"

Iida nods before the group starts to eat peacefully again. Although, two people's thoughts were starting to run wild due to Izuku and Itsuka having called each other by their first names. One was Toru Hagakure, who was secretly grinning from ear to ear and was already thinking of the occasion to tell Mina abobut it.

The other one was Ochaco Uraraka, who wasn't feeling so happy herself. Uraraka sighed before getting up from her seat and walking to the girls' bathrooms silently.

The rest of her friends at the table look at Uraraka with raised eyebrows. Izuku speaks in a nervous tone. "Huh? U-Uraraka? Did we say something that upset her? Did I do something? Was it because of my muttering?"

Tsuyu smiles at Izuku before getting up as well. "Don't worry, Midoriya-chan. I'll go after her."

Izuku smiles to Tsuyu as she walks after her best friend.

Tsuyu finds Uraraka leaning against a wall on a lonely hallway with a thoughtful expression. Was she upset about the things Monoma said? Was she worried about the final exams? Was she just not feeling well?

Tsuyu approaches Uraraka and speaks with concern evident in her voice. "Ochaco-chan... Are you okay?"

Then, Uraraka snaps out of her thoughts and looks at the frog girl with a seemingly nonchalant expression. "Oh! I'm fine, Tsu! Nothing to worry about! Why do you ask?"

Tsu frowns. "Well, you left without saying anything..."

Uraraka smiles nervously. "I... Uhh... W-Well, don't worry about it, Tsu! It's nothing important!"

Tsuyu sighs. "Ochaco-chan... Please don't lie to me. I hate seeing my friends suffer."

Uraraka sighs and looks down. "Was I that obvious?"

Tsuyu nods. "Yes, you were. Is it about Monoma?"

Uraraka looks away. "No... It's not about him." Tsuyu patiently waits for Uraraka to continue. Uraraka takes a breath before looking at her friend with a worried expression. "Tsu... Can you... keep what I'm about to say a secret between us?"

Tsuyu nods understandingly. "Of course, Ochaco-chan."

Uraraka looks at the floor. "Well... I just... I don't know why, but... I've been feeling stirred up recently when I look at Deku-kun and Kendo..."

Tsuyu puts her finger to her own chin curiously. "You mean Itsuka-chan from class B, Ochaco-chan? Why her of all people? And what does it have to do with Midoriya-chan?"

Uraraka pouts. "I don't know, and that's why I hate this. See, ever since the Sports Festival I felt... off whenever I looked at Deku and Kendo, and I don't know the reason for it. I don't like feeling like this..."

Tsuyu approaches Uraraka and places her hand on Uraraka's shoulder. "Ochaco-chan... Don't you think you're just being jealous?"

Uraraka's eyes widen and she freezes in place. "Wha-? You-! What did you say, Asui?"

Tsuyu repeats herself. "I said you might just be feeling jealous, Ochaco-chan."

Uraraka blushes and puts Tsuyu's hand away while chuckling nervously. "Haha! No way! I can't be jealous! Deku and I are two completely independent and free individuals that are free to see whoever we want! I can't be jealous because that would imply that I like Deku! Jealous? Nah!"

Tsuyu waits a moment before speaking again. "Uhh... Are you sure, Ochaco-chan? Because you look-"

"Not jealous? Right! Of course! It's not like I wanna spend more time with him or anything weird! I mean, sure I think he's amazing because he tries so hard to be a hero, but it's not like I like him, he's my friend! What you're saying is WAY too far-fetched, Tsu! Ahaha!"

Tsuyu decides to not press the issue any further, although she knows that this is a conversation that needs to be had at some point. "Alright, if you say so, Ochaco-chan. How about we go back? Midoriya-chan and Iida-chan looked pretty worried when you left without saying anything."

Tsuyu walks back to the table with Uraraka following her from behind. "Yeah, that sounds like a better idea!"

Even though Uraraka wanted to deny Tsuyu's claims, she knew deep down that Tsuyu was probably right.

She met Izuku Midoriya right before the entrance exam and had spent some time with him, perhaps too much time. She had gotten to know him pretty well, and she not only liked him as a person and admired him, but he inspired her. At first she didn't expect much from a green-haired boy who could barely look at her in the eye, but life always has some interesting twists and turns in store for everyone, and had given her a little surprise with him. Uraraka got to see the side of him that not a lot of people got to see, and she grew fond of him without knowing it. From the way he always rose up to whatever challenges he faced, from the way he had saved her in the entrance exam, from the way he spoke of his classmates and friends... Deep down Uraraka knew...

She loved him.

Izuku found himself walking home after another day at school. Tsuyu had returned with Uraraka and they spent the rest of the day as if nothing had happened, although Izuku noticed that Uraraka's expression was different in a way.

Izuku wondered what had happened to her. It couldn't be the stuff Monoma talked about. Uraraka wasn't some girl who broke down after a little passive-aggressive comment, and he knew it. Besides, Itsuka had appeared just in time to spare him and his friends the set of malicious comments Monoma was DEFINITELY planning on unleashing upon them.

Izuku sighed fondly at the memory of Itsuka. It was a strike of luck that he got to meet her, literally! If this was life's way of getting him to meet her, he couldn't complain. Ever since he met her, she had been nothing but supportive to him. The talks he had with her after the Sports Festival were relaxing and comforting to say the least. He explained to her the way "Full Cowling" worked, his incident with the hero killer, his internship with Gran Torino and his drive to help Todoroki, and Itsuka had listened through it all. Even though she didn't really approve of him being so self-sacrificing, she was still willing to stay by his side.

Izuku always felt a bittersweet sensation whenever he told Itsuka about his desire to save others and she sighed in slight exhasperation. He had always wanted to become a hero capable of saving everyone like All Might, but he was making Itsuka worry about him all the same. It felt sweet to have her care so much, but it also felt like a bat being swung against his head. He had recieved One for All, the quirk of the greatest hero, and he still got hurt whenever he used it, worrying his loved ones in the process... But then again, Itsuka wouldn't have known anything if he had just kept his mouth shut. HE was the one that decided to tell Itsuka about the hero killer incident. HE was the one that spilled the beans.

Izuku tried to think of an explanation as to why he had told Itsuka many of his messes. Was it because he was emotionally weak? Was it because he was starved of affection or attention? Was it because he just desperately wanted someone to confide in? Or was it... because Itsuka was just a really nice, honest and sweet person?

Plus, the more he tried to think about it, the more Izuku realized that he wasn't entirely right. If anything, Itsuka was the one that made the first step when she came to check on him when he got hurt at the Sports Festival. Perhaps it was due to her big sister-like protective attitude, but she made the first step nonetheless. Izuku felt like he was being selfish when Itsuka cared for him, but... He couldn't deny the fact that she CHOSE to stay with him. Besides, the warmth and understanding she gave him was incredibly soothing to his soul.

Who could have guessed that Izuku's life would be twisted for the better after enrolling into U.A? If he didn't, he wouldn't have been able to meet so many great people, Itsuka being the best example of a pleasant little surprise. However, Izuku always felt a sense of familiarity with her, as if he had seen her somewhere else before. Whether that was the case or not, spending time with her felt like home. Itsuka was beautiful, smart, strong, protective, understanding, composed, cheerful, spirited, passionate, friendly, supportive, majestic when she was in battle...

That's when it hit Izuku.

'Omigosh... I'm crushing on Itsuka...'

One week later...

Itsuka was waiting outside a local store located at the Kiyashi Ward Shopping Mall. Setsuna and Reiko had gone in and Itsuka was just checking her phone, waiting for them to come out of there.

Apparently the forest lodge trip the students would have to go to after the final exams were over was actually a boot training camp. Itsuka didn't mind a little extra training, but she was expecting to spend some quality relaxing time with her classmates peacefully. Still, the idea of getting extra training lessons wasn't bad, since it could help her catch back up with Izuku and the rest of his classmates who had gotten to the final event of the Sports Festival. This was starting to feel personal to Itsuka. Izuku was a sweet boy and seeing him so far ahead was wholesome, but it felt like a punch to her gut thinking that she could have stood out just like him if she tried a little harder.

Right now wasn't the time to think about that, though. She came here with her friends to buy some of the items she'd need for the trip, and it wasn't the time or place to compare herself to others. Perhaps this little shopping spree would be the most relaxing thing they'd do in some time, so Itsuka knew she had to make the most out of this while it lasted.

However, there was a slight issue at hand...

Itsuka was surprised at Reiko's fashion sense and her sudden urge to look at the window displays of many stores. Reiko looked like a ghost most of the time, so finding out that she knew how to look stunning and had a knack for fashion was a surprise to Itsuka, a pleasant one, though.

On the contrary, Itsuka didn't really care much for fashion and stuff like that. She always had been a bit different from most girls around her.

Instead of looking at dresses, Itsuka was always seen staring in awe at black jackets and ripped jeans or shorts. Instead of being seen drinking soft tea like most girls, Itsuka had aquired a taste for bitter drinks since she was young, like coffee and up to more recent times (in secret), alcohol. Instead of wanting to play with dolls, Itsuka always wanted to play soccer, ride motorcycles or watch wrestling matches on TV.

Itsuka had been criticized by some people while she was growing up for not being "feminine enough", whatever that meant. Itsuka didn't care, though. She knew who she was and wouldn't let others' opinions change who she was just to appease them. She was Itsuka Kendo, the future pro hero "Battle Fist", who would be known for building her own path with her own hands.

Still, Itsuka's different tastes to most girls made situations like these pretty awkward at some points and created some disagreements and friction at times.

Setsuna and Reiko were both gushing at the latest dress display at a particular store, and Itsuka had been waiting for them for about thirty minutes. Itsuka groaned before walking away. Knowing Setsuna and Reiko, they'd probably spend another thirty minutes in there with no problem.

Itsuka looked at the many locals and stores at the mall looking for something interesting to check out, or to distract her from her boredom at the very least.

That's when her gaze fixated on him.

Izuku Midoriya.

'What the...? How is HE here?' Thought Itsuka to herself with wide eyes. Of all people, she didn't expect HIM to be at the same shopping mall as her at the same time.

It was then that Itsuka's gaze spread and she noticed that Izuku wasn't alone, but rather he was accompanied by Ochaco Uraraka, Tsuyu Asui, Mina Ashido, Toru Hagakure and Tenya Iida...

... Who pretty much left Izuku and Uraraka behind.

'Well, might as well go and say howdy.' Thought Itsuka before approaching the duo.

As she approached them, she almost gasped in surprise when Uraraka shouted something related to bug spray before running away from Izuku covering her own face, leaving behind a very confused and startled Izuku. Itsuka chuckled to herself as Uraraka left. That girl was weird, although Itsuka thought she looked adorable. Still, at least Izuku was alone now.

Izuku sighs before turning away from the retreating Ochaco, only to be met by the sight of a smiling Itsuka who was walking towards him. "A-Ah?! Itsuka?! What are YOU doing here?" Asks Izuku in genuine surprise.

Itsuka giggles and flicks Izuku's nose playfully. "Guess you can't get rid of me, you big lug."

Izuku chuckles and rubs the back of his head while blushing. "Ah... I... Ummm..."

Itsuka laughs softly before wrapping her arm around Izuku. "I'm just joking, Izuku. I'm here with some friends to buy some stuff because our teachers told us that we'll be going to some training camp soon."

Izuku looks at Itsuka's arm around his shoulder and smiles while looking down. "Huh... Really? I'm here for the same reason, Itsuka!"

Itsuka raises an eyebrow while looking at Izuku with a smirk. "Really? Huh, what are the chances, Izuku?"

Izuku looks at Itsuka with a smile of his own. "Well... Since we're here... Wanna come with me and help me get what I need?"

Itsuka's cheeks get a small red hue, but she smiles warmly at Izuku anyway. "Sure! I'd love to!"

Izuku chuckles. "Great! But... Won't your friends mind? Where are they, by the way?"

Itsuka rolls her eyes. "I left them staring at dresses at some store. Knowing them, they'll keep staring at those rags for another two hours or so."

"Wanna bet on that, prez?"

Oh shit.

Itsuka slowly turns around and her eyes widen in horror at the sight of Setsuna and Reiko staring at her. Setsuna is smirking and raising her eyebrows suggestively, while Reiko is smiling softly.

Itsuka looks at Izuka and then back at her friends nervously. "Ah... H-Hi, girls! Done so soon?"

Setsuna leans towards Itsuka, her smirk widening per second. "Bet you're hugging him real tight, aren't you?"

Itsuka realizes that she still has her arm wrapped around Izuku, and she lets go with a small yelp. "Ah! T-That was nothing, I swear! This isn't-! I'm not-! We're not-!"

Izuku looks down at the floor with a blushing frown. "Just how many people are in the mall today?"

After a moment, Itsuka huffs and walks away dragging Setsuna with one hand and holding Reiko's hand with the other. "I'll be back, Izu-Midoriya! Just gotta talk to these two for a second."

Once the three girls are away from Izuku, Itsuka drops Setsuna and scoffs, crossing her arms. Reiko looks at Itsuka with a small smile. "You looked like you were having fun, Kendo..."

Itsuka's blush returns. "Ugh! Just...! Did you two even get what you wanted to buy or what?!"

Setsuna chuckles. "No no no, you're NOT changing the subject on us, prez! Not after THAT!"

Itsuka rubs her arms in a shy yet slightly annoyed manner. "What's there to talk about? Nothing, that's what!"

Setsuna raises her eyebrows suggestively at Itsuka again. "Tell me, prez... How far have you gone with him?"

Itsuka is about to chop Setsuna in the neck much like she does to Monoma, but she stops herself. "Setsuna, that's not what it looked like! My business with Midoriya is none of your concern!"

Reiko's smile widens. "Then tell us, Kendo... Why did you almost call him by his first name?"

Itsuka looks away angrily. "W-Well... I call YOU by your first names as well!"

Setsuna elbows Itsuka on the side. "That doesn't count and you know it, prez."

Reiko speaks again. "Plus, all the times you were absent while we bonded with class A would make sense this way..."

Itsuka lets out a small sigh of resignation. "Look... Alright, you caught me... I have been meeting with him in secret for some time now, and-"

Setsuna practically jumps from joy, interrupting Itsuka. "WOO! I KNEW IT!"

Itsuka chops Setsuna's neck, and her head falls down. Itsuka looks down at her friend's head with some exhasperation. "AND-! Nothing much has come out of that, you hear?! Midoriya and I mostly just talk about school stuff, hero stuff, daily stuff, you know... The usual things you talk about with your friends."

Setsuna places her head on her neck and smiles. "You can't fool me, prez. I know my romance... You and him would look adorable together! You could be like... THE FIGHTER TEAM! You know, since you two are fight-focused heroes."

Itsuka crosses her arms and looks away. "Setsuna... Ugh... Even if I were to have feelngs for him (which I don't), there's simply no way it would work."

Setsuna and Reiko look at Itsuka with surprised and confused expressions. "Huh? Why?"

Itsuka sighs and looks down, rubbing the back of her head as if she was ashamed. "We're all heroes in training doing everything we can to achieve our goals... A relationship would get in the way of that. Not to mention all the complications of a relationship..."

Setsuna's gaze softens and she places her hand on Itsuka's shoulder softly. "Prez... Can I be honest with you?"

Itsuka looks at Setsuna with a sad expression. "Yes...?"

Setsuna suddenly looks at Itsuka with a deadpanned expression. "What, did Iida put a stick up yours or something?"

Itsuka's expression turns into a glare. "SETSUNA, I SWEAR TO GOD I'LL-!"

Reiko steps in between the two girls to prevent Itsuka from lashing out. "Even if I don't agree on the terms she put it in, I agree with Setsuna, Kendo..."

Itsuka looks at Reiko with a surprised expression. "What...? You... AGREE with her?"

Setsuna sighs and leans against a nearby wall. "Look, prez. I don't know who or what gave you those stupid ideas but they're full of crap and you should know it."

Itsuka's anger subsides and is replaced by confusion. "What do you mean, girls?"

Setsuna smiles. "Well, let's say you had a relationship with Greenie over there-"

"I don't have feelings for him!"

"Right, whatever. Let's say you did."

Itsuka looks at Setsuna with some frustration, yet she still feels curious as to where she's going with this.

Setsuna's smile widens. "If you were to be in a relationship with him... Would things really change ALL THAT much?"

Itsuka raises an eyebrow. "Huh? Well... Yes... Right?"

Reiko smiles to Itsuka as well. "Not really, Kendo... Think about it... It would be better for you two... You two would continue to push each other in the right direction... And you'd grow stronger together..."

Itsuka looks down to the floor in contemplation. The girls seemed to raise a valid point... Would having a relationship with Izuku REALLY be an obstacle to their hero careers? Not really. Things could stay the same between them, it would just be... a bit more lovey? Itsuka sighs before looking away again. "I don't know, girls... I'm still not sure that's how it would go..."

Setsuna groans and grabs Itsuka's shoulders, getting her attention fully. "Listen, prez. In case you had feelings for Midoriya-"

"Theoretically."

"Hypotetically."

"Figuratively."

"WHATEVER! In case you did, I don't think it would matter much. You're the best gosh darn organizer I know! If anyone would be able to separate personal time from studies and hero work it's you! Not to mention how firm you'd be in case you had to put your foot down to set boundaries..."

Itsuka looked at her friend with a blank stare. She had spent so much time thinking about unimportant stuff that she hadn't really factored that in. She was class B's big sister, after all. If she could look after her entire class and get them to stay in line, then she could surely do the same with one boy... Not to mention Izuku was the sweetest, kindest boy she had ever met and he was just as determined to be a hero as she was, if not more. If there was someone who would understand and behave it would be him... right?

Itsuka finally outs Setsuna's hands away after a moment of contemplation and looks at her friends with a small frown. "That still doesn't solve everything, girls... I mean... Midoriya is a pretty confusing guy... Who knows who he really likes? He could already have a girlfriend for all we know..."

Setsuna laughs and Reiko giggles. When Setsuna sees that Itsuka seems confused again, she decides to clear her confusion. "Oh, come on, prez! Really? HIM?"

Itsuka blushes and looks away crossing her arms again. "W-Well, it's not impossible, alright?!"

Setsuna rolls her eyes in frustration, deciding to put an end to this nonsense once and for all. "Prez, I could babble on and on, but it seems like I'll have to be blunt if I wana get through to you."

Itsuka raises an eyebrow. "Wha-? What?"

Setsuna looks at Reiko. "Reiko, would you date Midoriya?"

Reiko looks at Setsuna with a surprised expression accompanied by an intente blush. "What...?! Setsuna, you don't just ask-!"

Setsuna keeps staring at Reiko intensely. "So? Would you?"

Reiko looks away for some moments before looking at her friends with a small blush. "Well... I don't know him very well, but I can tell he's someone determined, considerate, and not bad-looking... So... I guess I would..."

Itsuka stares at Reiko with a surprised expression, trying to ignore the sudden pang of annoyance and perhaps even anger she felt inside her.

Setsuna smiles and turns back to Itsuka. "See, prez? Midoriya is quite the catch. I know lots of girls who'd take him any day of the week if they had their chance. What would YOU preffer, Kendo? Someone like Midoriya or... say... someone like BAKUGO?"

Itsuka visibly shudders at the thought. "Oh dear God, I'd want Midoriya!"

Setsuna giggles. "That's the point I wanna prove. If you had feelings for him-"

"Theoretically."

"Hypotetically."

"Figuratively."

"Imaginatively."

"Speculatively."

"WHATEVER! In case you did, I'd imagine you'd want him to yourself, right? You can't risk losing him forever, prez! If you don't tell him how you feel he might be off the market before you know it! Heck, I might just ask him out myself!"

Setsuna chuckles, to which Itsuka's eye twitches. She did have a point, though. Even if Izuku was a bit plain-looking, Itsuka couldn't deny that he was a really nice guy, and in this world of crazy villains, raging assholes like Bakugo, smug jerks like Monoma, wannabe meatheads and other sort of undesirable individuals, guys like Izuku were getting harder to find. Itsuka knew that quirk society was partly to blame for this, but it didn't alter the issue in any way. Hell, someone might already have her eyes set on Izuku unbeknownst to her!

Itsuka thinks for a moment before letting out a sigh of resignation. "Well... Thanks for... whatever this was, girls. I'll definitely think about it. This is all hypothetical anyways."

Setsuna chuckles. "Sure... "HYPOTHETICAL"... I get it."

Itsuka groans. "I have to check up on Midoriya. I can't believe I left him there... See ya later!"

Setsuna and Reiko nod to Itsuka as she walks away. Once Itsuka is out of earshot, Reiko whispers to Setsuna.

"She was serious, right?"

"She's completely smitten, yeah."

Itsuka walked back to the spot she left Izuku on, but she was surprised to not find him there. 'Damn it... Either that took too long or someone else took him away...' Thought Itsuka to herself, scanning the mall to see if she could spot Izuku amongst the crowd of people passing by.

Itsuka walks through the mall searching for Izuku, still thinking about her little chat with her friends. It felt rude to leave them just like that and cutting the conversation short the way she did, but she was starting to feel really uncomfortable. They raised a lot of valid points, and she had no way to rebuke them. It all made sense, and that's what made her feel really bad about herself. Setsuna and Reiko had put everything in a pretty clear perspective, and it was one that Itsuka either didn't see because of her insecurities or she refused to aknowledge.

Itsuka's train of thoughts was cut short before it could even begin, since she spotted Izuku sitting on a plaza with a hooded person beside him. Itsuka noticed that the hooded person had their arm wrapped around Izuku's shoulders, but Izuku looked rather tense.

Itsuka approached the pair, and once she was close enough, she spoke in an uncertain tone. "Umm... Izuku...? Is that a friend...?"

Itsuka was horrified when Izuku lifted his gaze to look up at her. The hooded person had their hand on Izuku's neck and it looked like they were squeezing him. Izuku's gaze was terrified, and he was starting to tear up. Itsuka's blood ran cold when the hooded figure looked up at her, and she saw his pale skin, red eyes, dried out skin and sadistic smile. Itsuka knew that whoever this was, they were DEFINITELY NOT friendly. "You... let go of my friend..." Said Itsuka in a scared yet angry tone.

Izuku looks up at Itsuka with an even more tense expression. "THIS IS NOTHING! EVERYTHING'S FINE! DON'T COME CLOSER, ITSUKA! STAY BA-!"

Izuku gasped when the figure released his hold on him, and he kneeled down to catch his breath. The figure smiled at Itsuka before getting up. "Oh, I didn't know you came here with a friend! Sorry about that!"

Itsuka immediately rushed to Izuku's side to check on him. "Izuku, are you okay?!"

Izuku clutches his throat while looking at the figure with anger. "You... won't have your way... Tomura Shigaraki..."

Itsuka freezes in place. She had heard that name before, on the news. That was the name of the villain in charge of the League if Villains and the responsible for the USJ attack. Itsuka looks at Shigaraki with surprise and concern in her features. "Tomura... Shigaraki...?"

Shigaraki looks back at Izuku with a smile. "Be careful, Izuku Midoriya. Next time we meet I'll most likely have to kill you. Don't follow me or it'll be real unfortunate to these people..."

It had been about thirty minutes since the Shigaraki incident, and Itsuka had immediately called the police, who were currently on the hunt for the villain. Many of the students who were shopping for the items they needed had to stop altogether and evacuate the mall at once. So far, Shigaraki was nowhere to be found, and that's what was worrying everyone the most.

Even though Itsuka knew the police had everything covered, she still decided to stay close to Izuku just in case something else happened. She was walking alongside him on their way to the train station, escorting him. Izuku looked thoughtful, while Itsuka looked a bit frustrated. Yet again, Izuku had managed to find himself at the center of something big. Itsuka really wanted to scold Izuku, but she knew that it wasn't his fault, plus, it looked like he went through a whole set of emotions in the incident. He didn't need Itsuka scolding him on top of all that. Although, she was curious about this "Tomura Shigaraki" person and how he knew Izuku.

Itsuka looked at Izuku, and she noticed his expression. One quick question wouldn't hurt, would it?

"Izuku..."

Izuku snapped back to reality and looked at Itsuka with a soft smile. "Yes, Itsuka?"

"So... What was that back there? I mean... I know that guy was Tomura Shigaraki, the responsible for the attack on the USJ, but it seemed like he knew you..."

Izuku sighs, knowing that there was really no way to hide this. "Well, yeah... He and I... kinda bumped into each other at the USJ incident..."

Itsuka raises an eyebrow. "Oh? Did you? Well... What happened, if you don't mind me asking?"

Izuku rubs the back of his head. "Well... He was a bit different back then. He was wearing hands over his arms, shoulders and face at the USJ incident, and his quirk... He has a pretty scary quirk."

Itsuka frowns. "What's his quirk...?"

Izuku looks at Itsuka with concern. "I still don't know the exact details, but... I think he desintegrates anything he manages to get his five fingers on."

Itsuka's eyes widen in surprise and worry. "What?! Izuku... That's insane! And... Is THAT why he had his hand around your neck back there?"

Izuku sighs. "Yes... I think he's mad at me specifically because I keep screwing up his plans."

"How so?"

"I mean... He used a creature he called Nomu to attack the USJ and hopefully kill All Might, and there were similar creatures to that one in Hosu when I fought the hero killer with Todoroki and Iida... My guess is that Shigaraki identifies me because I've messed with two of his plans already, not to mention he could have been watching the Sports Festival..."

Itsuka looks at Izuku in contemplation. "So... Do you think you'll see him again?"

Izuku looks at the ground. "I don't know... I probably will, judging by what he said at the end."

Itsuka decides to press the issue a little more. "And... Did he tell you anything? You know, something that might give away what he wants to do?"

Izuku's expression darkens. "He... He said he wanted to create a world without All Might... Just to prove how fragile society's sense of justice is..."

Itsuka's expression turns to a surprised one for a moment, before letting out a muffled chuckle. "Heh... Well, that just tells me he has no hope in hell of achieving anything he wants to try. All Might is the freaking number one hero! The Symbol of Peace! What could he and his group of lowlives hope to achieve against an unbeatable force like him?"

Izuku looks away in guilt. He knew that All Might wasn't as strong as before, and it was partially because of him. Izuku had inherited One for All, leaving All Might with mere remains of it. If All Might found himself on a particularily tough battle, it could result in him being rendered powerless. Izuku knew he had to train hard to become a hero as great as All Might if he didn't want society to break apart, but it felt like an extremely tough burden to bear and he didn't feel like he controlled One for All at a decent level yet. The weight of the world had been placed on his shoulders and he wasn't strong enough to carry it yet.

Izuku merely gave Itsuka a slightly amused chuckle. "Heh... You got that right."

Itsuka looked at Izuku with a warm smile before wrapping her arm around his shoulders. "But you shouldn't worry about that Shigaraki guy messing with you again, you hear me? If he tries anything, he'll have to get through me before hurting you."

Izuku blushes slightly at Itsuka's gesture. "Ah... A-Are you sure you wanna do this, Itsuka? Shigaraki could be a dangerous threat..."

Itsuka giggles before ruffling Izuku's hair. "Relax, you big lug! We're together in this, remember? I'm here, just like I said at the Sports Festival! We're a team! I trust you, Izuku. You can trust me too, you know. I can handle myself just fine."

Izuku chuckles. "You really like ruffling my hair, don't you?"

Itsuka giggles before letting go of Izuku. "I just can't help it. Not when it's so soft and curly!"

Izuku blushes a little more. "T-Thanks, Itsuka..."

The couple finally arrive at the train station. Itsuka smiles softly at Izuku. "Well... I guess this is where we split up."

Izuku sighs, already missing Itsuka. "I guess it is..."

Itsuka gives Izuku a peck on the cheek before giving him a gentle push to the station. "See you later, alligator!"

Izuku waves back at Itsuka. "See you later, Itsuka!"

Itsuka turned around to walk home by herself, and when she did, she couldn't help but notice that a couple of girls her age had been staring at her, and upon noticing that they had been spotted by Itsuka, immediately retreated to an alleyway.

Itsuka thought that the girls looked familiar for some reason. Old friends, perhaps? Or maybe they had mistaken her for someone else?

Itsuka shook off the thoughts of the unknown girls as she started her walk home. She thought about the conversation she had with Setsuna and Reiko. She knew she was crushing on Izuku and there was no denying it, since that would just be wasting everyone's time. Setsuna and Reiko had pointed out pretty valid arguments she hadn't thought about... Either that or she just refused to accept it.

Romance had never been one of Itsuka's priorities, and she had never given much thought to it before. While other girls were gushing about pretty boys their age or the latest gossip at school, Itsuka was either not paying attention or simply not caring. She didn't really care about romance before because she never thought she would have a crush on a boy... And yet...

There was something about Izuku Midoriya that was different.

Itsuka sighs as she walks off, wondering how she'd have to come clean... eventually... maybe...

In an alley not too far away, a group of teens mutter to themselves in the dark of a dimly lit alleyway.

"Did you see her? Was it Itsu?"

"Yup. Definitely was. The silly little slut is still around town."

"Great. Things will go smoothly from here if that's the case."

"I, for one, still feel uncomfortable doing this."

"Oh, get over yourself, you big crybaby!"

"Yeah! We've come pretty far, and we can't back down now!"

"Once everything falls into place, our Itsuka will come home..."

So, there you have it, guys.

To be honest, I might slow down on writing these chapters. I'm starting to feel burned out and it's starting to show on the typos I don't notice.

I'm still reading every single one of your reviews, though!

Thanks for reading, I'll see you on the next chapter!