Izuku POV
The morning sun filtered through the classroom windows, casting a warm glow on the desks as the day began. I settled into my seat, the routine of the school day unfolding around me. As the class settled in, a few classmates approached with grateful smiles, breaking the monotony of my usual morning routine.
"Hey, Midoriya-kun, thanks for helping me out with that math problem yesterday. I finally get it!" Yuki said, a genuine expression of gratitude on her face.
I couldn't help but smile back, genuinely pleased to see my assistance making a difference. "You're welcome. I'm glad I could help."
The word spread, and soon, others joined in expressing their thanks for the support I had offered in various subjects. It was a humbling experience, knowing that my efforts to assist my classmates were having a positive impact.
As the teacher began the day's lesson, I reflected on how different things were compared to the start of the school year. Back then, my height seemed to cast a shadow over my attempts to connect with my peers. Now, as I looked around the classroom, I saw friendly faces that had been absent before.
The initial barrier of intimidation, caused by my towering height, had slowly crumbled as I found my place among my classmates. Helping others understand their lessons became a bridge that connected us, transcending the awkwardness of earlier months.
With each thank you and smile, I couldn't help but feel a warmth in my chest. It wasn't just about dispelling the misunderstandings; it was about building connections and creating a positive environment where everyone felt comfortable to ask for help.
As the morning unfolded, I carried that sense of camaraderie with me, grateful for the growth and acceptance that had marked the journey from being an intimidating figure to a helpful friend.
The morning continued, and my thoughts drifted to my friend, Monoma. He was a guy often misunderstood due to his intense competitiveness. Despite his sometimes brash exterior, I knew him to be a good person, always willing to lend a hand or offer support when needed.
However, there was one person in our circle who didn't share my sentiments. Komori-san, for some reason, harbored a deep-seated dislike for Monoma. I'd noticed the tension between them, the cold glances and pointed remarks exchanged whenever they were in the same vicinity.
It puzzled me. I wondered if it was Monoma's competitive streak that irked her or if there was something else beneath the surface. Komori-san had never been one to openly express disdain, so the reasons behind her intense dislike remained a mystery.
I found myself caught in the middle, trying to maintain my friendship with Monoma while navigating the strained atmosphere whenever Komori-san was around. It was a delicate balance, and I often wondered if there was a way to bridge the gap between them.
Perhaps it was a clash of personalities or a misunderstanding waiting to be unraveled. Whatever the case, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Komori-san's animosity than met the eye.
As the day progressed, I pondered the dynamics of our little group, hoping that someday the tension between Komori-san and Monoma would ease, and they could see the good in each other that I saw.
Amid the day's lessons and interactions, my thoughts inevitably turned to Komori-san. Over the past few months, we'd been hanging out more often, and I couldn't deny the joy her presence brought into my life. There was a unique comfort in our friendship, a sense of ease that made every moment together enjoyable.
Whether it was sharing a laugh over a funny incident or discussing our favorite books during lunch, I found myself looking forward to our time together. Komori-san's shy yet genuine personality resonated with me, and the more I got to know her, the more I appreciated the warmth she brought into my life.
Our classmates had picked up on the budding friendship, and the teasing began. Light-hearted comments, sly smiles, and playful nudges accompanied us whenever we were in each other's company. The camaraderie within our group extended to good-natured banter about the bond forming between Komori-san and me.
At first, the teasing had caught me off guard, but as I spent more time with Komori-san, I realized the teasing was a testament to the strong connection we were building. Our classmates saw something between us, perhaps something we were only beginning to understand ourselves.
Despite the good-natured ribbing, I couldn't help but appreciate the dynamics unfolding. Komori-san brought out a side of me that felt at ease, and in return, I saw her gradually opening up, her laughter becoming more frequent, her shyness giving way to moments of genuine joy.
As the day progressed, I found myself anticipating the next opportunity to spend time with Komori-san. Whether it was the shared laughter, the quiet moments of understanding, or the light teasing from our classmates, the growing connection between us felt like a source of happiness in the midst of the school routine.
As I lost myself in thoughts about Komori-san, she appeared at the class door, a warm smile lighting up her face. "Hey, Izuku! I made you a bento today, shroom. Hope you like it, shroom."
"NERD! YOUR GIRLFRIEND'S HERE!" Says Kacchan.
"No, she's not my girlfriend. I didn't know you're the type to tease, Kacchan. But you really should stop. You're making her uncomfortable."
This earned a confused glare from Kacchan and a defeated sigh from Komori-san. What did I do?
I then grinned appreciatively, the regularity of her thoughtful gestures becoming a comforting routine. "Thanks, Komori-san. I always look forward to your bentos. You're spoiling me."
She chuckled softly, setting the neatly packed bento on the table. "Well, it's the least I can do, shroom."
At the cafeteria
I took a bite of Komori-san's bento, and the flavors exploded in my taste buds. "Komori-san, this is exceptionally good! Your cooking skills are amazing."
She blushed, a shy smile playing on her lips. "Thank you, Izuku. My mother helped me with the recipe, shroom. She's a fantastic cook."
"Give her also my thanks for the wonderful meal, then."
"O-Okay, shroom. I-I will." She said, red in the cheeks.
"Geez, if I didn't know any better, I'd have mistaken you two for a newlywed couple." Said Itsuka, who was sitting beside me. A smirk plastered on her face as she ate her beef steak.
"Won't the police arrest Midoriya, if that's the case?" Said Kodai-san with a deadpan expression, eating the cafeteria's Anpan.
Oh, right! I've also started hanging out with Komori-san's friends. There's the orange-haired styled with a side ponytail girl named Kendo Itsuka, and also a black-haired girl with a pixie cut named Kodai Yui. I was a bit wary of them at first because of what Komori-san mentioned on the first day, but I was able to make sure that they were, in fact, not bullying her.
Our lunchtime gathering had become a familiar routine. Itsuka joined us, her vibrant energy complementing Komori-san's shy warmth. Yui's... Yui, I guess. The three friends brought a lively dynamic to the table, and the teasing banter between them added a touch of laughter to our daily ritual.
I couldn't help but shake my head at the absurdity of it all. People were treating our friendships like some sort of romantic subplot in an anime. Komori-san, with her shy demeanor, Itsuka and her energetic personality, and Yui, the silent yet wise presence-our interactions were genuine, built on shared interests and understanding.
My connection with Yui, silent and stoic, was straightforward - a platonic friendship built on shared moments and unspoken understanding. Yet, when thoughts turned to Itsuka, the waters grew murky, and the landscape of our relationship became a blend of friendship and something more.
I couldn't deny the energy she brought into our group - the infectious laughter, shared jokes, and the effortless brightness she cast upon our moments. Itsuka was more than a friend; she was a vibrant presence, an integral part of our circle. Yet, as the unspoken tension lingered between us, the nature of my feelings remained elusive.
"Hahaha! I'm sure whoever gets to marry a cute girl like Komori-san is gonna be one hell of a lucky bastard, Kendo-san." I said. It honestly feels weird for her of all people to be saying these things.
"You say that, but if you two are getting married, it better be before you're 30." Says Itsuka, with a slight hope found in her eyes. As if it's a deadline she set herself.
"What are you talking about, Kendo-san? Regardless of my and Komori-san's relationship, it's not uncommon for people nowadays to be married in their 30s." I told her. It's not unusual for people these days to prioritize their careers over marrying someone. Financial security is one of the reasons why.
"I guess," Itsuka said. A very sad look on her face, almost tearing up. It's like her final wish just got dashed and stomped on.
"Are you okay?" I asked Itsuka.
"I'm fine! I...I'll be fine. I was just being unreasonable, I guess. Don't worry."
'If you say that, I'm more likely to worry.' But I'll take her word for it for now. It seems a very sensitive subject. Seeing her almost cry wasn't something I expected or wanted to happen. It almost makes me want to hug her. Tell her it'll be alright, but I have no idea what it is so it's probably best not to assume things, especially when she doesn't seem to want to talk about it.
While Kodai-san being quiet isn't that strange, Komori-san being quiet is. At least to this extent. I looked at her, and it seemed that she was frozen solid. Likely due to the topic of marriage being brought up. She'll need to build some resistance to that. I tapped her shoulder to stop her to bring her back to reality.
"U~wah! W-wha-what happened?" She looked around, confused.
"Nothing much, but unfortunately, lunch break's almost over. We're gonna have to go back to class to return in time." I told her.
"Oh. We-we're still hanging out later, shroom...right?" She asked with a hopeful face.
"Sorry, I can't. I have to run a few errands."
"Oh." She has a disappointed look on her face.
"I'll still walk with you partway. I just can't hang out more than that. Again, I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you later. I promise."
"I-it's okay! You don't have to apologize nor do you have to make up for it, shroom. I'm just glad I get to spend time together with you, shroom." A smile as bright as a burst of sunshine made me feel warm inside.
"So do I. You sure it's okay?"
"Un."
"Get a room, you two!" Itsuka teased. Which made us both blush. Embarrassed by the teasing.
"A-anyway, I better go back to class. The teacher might ask me to do something as a class prez, you know?" I said to them.
"Okay, see you later, shroom!"
Afterschool Kinoko POV
The final bell rang, and my heart skipped a beat. Today Izuku promised we'd walk home together. I sat at my desk, gathering my books, anticipation bubbling within me. Itsuka approached, excitement written all over her face.
"Hey, Kinoko! Guess what? I saw Midoriya earlier. I told him I'd pick him up for you guys."
I furrowed my brow, suspicion growing. It all seemed too convenient, and Izuku hadn't mentioned the change himself. I glanced around the classroom door for Izuku, but he was nowhere in sight. Why hadn't he let me know about this?
"Really? That's... nice of you, shroom," I replied, trying to sound appreciative. Itsuka pointed towards the door leading to Izuku's classroom, an unspoken message lingering in the air.
Doubt crept into my thoughts, but I pushed it aside, trying to trust Itsuka's intentions. "Thanks, Itsuka. I appreciate it, shroom," I said, forcing a smile to mask my uncertainty.
As Itsuka made her way towards the door, presumably to check on Izuku, I remained at my desk, a mix of anticipation and unease settling in. The classroom felt oddly quiet, and a nagging feeling lingered that something was shifting beneath the surface of our friendship triangle.
I stood, took my bag, and made my way to the school gates, the agreed-upon meeting point. As I reached the familiar spot, I scanned the crowd, half-expecting to see Izuku approaching. The minutes ticked by, and the unease I felt earlier began to grow into a knot of worry. Just as I was about to give in to the nagging feeling and dial Izuku's number, the familiar figures of Izuku and Itsuka emerged from the school building. They approached, but something was off.
Izuku, usually neat and composed, looked strangely disheveled, his hair tousled and his uniform slightly askew. Itsuka, too, seemed out of sorts, her usually confident demeanor replaced by a nervous energy.
"Hey, Komori-san," Izuku greeted, a sheepish smile on his face. "Sorry, we're late. We had a bit of a... situation."
I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the vague explanation. "What happened, shroom? Is everything okay, shroom?"
Itsuka exchanged a quick glance with Izuku before responding, "Yeah, yeah, everything's fine. We just ran into a little unexpected trouble. You know how it goes."
The unease I felt earlier resurfaced, gnawing at the edges of my curiosity. "Trouble, shroom? What kind of trouble, shroom?"
Izuku scratched the back of his head, a nervous habit of his. "It's nothing, really. Just a small incident in my class. Itsuka here helped me out. That's all."
The air was thick with unspoken words, and my suspicions deepened. They were hiding something, and the strange understanding between Izuku and Itsuka only fueled my growing unease.
"Alright," I said, forcing a smile while deciding to let it go for the moment. "Let's just head home, shroom."
As we walked together, the atmosphere remained tense. The unspoken secrets lingered, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a simple walk home.
As we walked, Izuku eventually broke away from our little trio, his house was in the opposite direction. I watched him disappear around a corner, the unease in my chest growing stronger. There was something about his disheveled appearance that didn't sit right with me.
Left alone with Itsuka, the weight of my suspicions lingered. I mustered the courage to bring it up, but my shyness held me back. We walked in an awkward silence for a while before I finally mustered the courage to speak.
"Um, Itsuka, about earlier, shroom... with Izuku, shroom. What really happened, shroom?"
Itsuka's eyes flickered, a momentary hesitation before she grinned, "Oh, that? Just a little mishap. Nothing to worry about, Kinoko."
I nodded, still feeling unconvinced. "But he seemed really disheveled, shroom. Are you sure everything's okay, shroom?"
Itsuka chuckled, her tone reassuring, "Honestly, it's fine. We sorted it out. Just some unexpected trouble, like I said."
Despite her reassurances, a knot of doubt tightened in my stomach. The unspoken tension hung between us, and my shyness kept me from pressing further. I decided to change the subject, steering the conversation toward lighter topics as we continued our walk.
As we approached my street, I couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had occurred, something Itsuka wasn't sharing. The weight of unspoken words lingered, leaving me to navigate the murky waters of doubt and unease alone.
First of all, apologies to KinoZuku Fans. Genuinely felt bad writing this.
So...that happened. What happened? Likely way less than you'd think. Anyway, I did say there would be fluff for a few chapters with some sprinkles of plot. This is a setup and progression for both Izuku's and Itsuka's character arcs. Not everything will have this tone. I swear, I'm not going full romcom on this. I'll try to power through those so we can have the main ship finally meet. Expect more time skips.
Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter.
