- .My Hero Academia: She's all that. -
Summary: In their third year at U.A. and just weeks away from graduation, Izuku faces an unexpected challenge: Bakugo dares him to find a date for the graduation party, with the tempting promise of a rare and expensive All Might figure as a prize. Although Izuku firmly refuses to use a girl as part of a bet, the idea of opening his heart again starts to linger in his thoughts.
The arrest scene unfolded under an orange sunset sky, with the evening slowly settling over the city. In the background, police sirens echoed as the criminals were still being guarded by Deku, Bakugo, and Todoroki, their hands secured behind their backs. Among the crowd watching from a distance, a reporter with a lively expression and her cameraman filmed the conclusion of the operation. The young journalist, microphone in hand and a professional smile on her face, addressed the camera.
—Once again, three outstanding students from U.A.'s hero course have prevented a bank's armored car robbery —she announced enthusiastically. Then, gesturing for her cameraman to follow—. Let's try to get closer and see if we can get a few words from these up-and-coming heroes.
With quick steps and the microphone raised, the reporter made her way toward the heroes. However, she was abruptly halted by an explosive shout.
—Hey! Don't get so close! Are you trying to die?! —Bakugo roared, his rough voice echoing with impatience.
The reporter stepped back, visibly nervous, stammering as she spoke.
—S-sorry, Dynamight! —she apologized, her voice shaking as she took a few steps away.
Deku, who was firmly adjusting the bindings on one of the criminals with his black whips, looked up quickly, a mix of concern and disapproval on his face.
—Kacchan, remember what Mr. Aizawa always tells you about being more polite to civilians and the press —he said with a tense smile, though his tone was friendly.
Bakugo responded with a low growl, avoiding Deku's gaze, clearly unwilling to soften his attitude.
—Although he does have a point —Shoto added calmly but firmly—. It'd be better if you waited a bit before approaching.
The reporter nodded quickly, still a bit nervous but maintaining her professionalism.
Second Take:
At that moment, the cameras captured the police escorting the handcuffed criminals into the police vehicles in the background. For now, the situation was under control.
—Well, I think we all know these three by now —the reporter smiled at the camera, regaining her confidence—. With graduation just around the corner, it's clear they have a bright future ahead as professional heroes.
With renewed energy, the journalist approached Shoto, holding out the microphone with curiosity.
—We've heard that at school they call you the new Big Three. What do you think about that?
Shoto looked at her with his usual expression, cold but curious.
—Do they? —he asked, as if he genuinely wasn't aware of the nickname.
Meanwhile, Bakugo turned away, clearly uninterested in this kind of question, while Deku waved enthusiastically at the camera, his hand shaking with a slightly nervous smile.
—Have you already decided what you'll do after graduating from U.A.? —the reporter asked, now turning the microphone toward Deku—. Will you continue working at Endeavor's agency, or could this be one of the last times your fans see you together as a team?
Deku hesitated, scratching the back of his head with an awkward laugh.
—We've each received a few offers, but we haven't made a final decision yet —he explained sincerely—. Though I highly doubt we have any fans.
The reporter gave him a sly smile:
—Well, you at least have one...
Deku blushed furiously at that remark, trying to form some coherent response. Before he could say anything more, the reporter shifted her attention to Bakugo, who stood with his arms crossed and his usual defiant expression.
—It's well known that all three of you admire the retired hero All Might, and it's also common knowledge that you aspire to take his place as the Number One Hero. But who do you think is currently closest to achieving that goal?
Bakugo didn't hesitate for a second before responding.
—It's obvious that I'll be the new Number One Hero —he declared with his trademark arrogance—. Because I've always been the best and I have the best skills.
—That's not fair, Kacchan! —Deku protested, not backing down—. I'm the one who's improved the most this past year.
—And I'm the student with the highest grades at U.A. —Shoto added calmly, which only heightened the tension between the three.
—That has nothing to do with real life! —Bakugo shot back, clearly annoyed—. That doesn't prove anything!
At that moment, a voice called out from off-camera.
—Let's go! We've got another call —Endeavor shouted, his authoritative tone echoing.
—Finally! —Bakugo exclaimed, jumping up immediately, not wasting another second.
Shoto turned to the reporter, maintaining his usual politeness.
—I'm sorry, but we have to leave now.
The cameraman stopped recording and lowered the camera.
Deku, still a bit flustered from the earlier interaction, was about to follow his friends when he felt a gentle hand lightly tug at his hero suit. The reporter, with a smile that mixed professionalism and a hint of flirtation, discreetly handed him a small pink slip of paper.
—If you ever want to give me an exclusive interview, feel free to call me —she said, handing him her personal number with a playful wink.
Deku hesitated for a few seconds, clearly nervous, but eventually took the slip.
—T-thank you... —he mumbled, cheeks flushed, before hurrying after his friends.
...
Later, Izuku stared at the pink slip of paper in his hand, the blush on his cheeks reflecting his discomfort as he remembered the face of the young reporter who had given it to him. For a moment, his mind wandered to the possibility of texting her, but soon, the image of the reporter bombarding him with questions flooded his mind.
—I wouldn't recommend dating someone from the press —Bakugo advised as he passed by. Both were drinking their own cup of tea in the U.A. kitchen. Bakugo looked at him with his usual irritated expression, but with a tone that, to Izuku's surprise, sounded like a serious warning—. No matter how you look at it, it's a bad idea, Izuku. Especially for someone like you.
Before Izuku could respond, Todoroki silently appeared, taking an interest in the conversation.
—Why wouldn't it be a good idea? —Todoroki asked, sitting down next to them—. Midoriya, despite his popularity, hasn't dated anyone since...
Izuku quickly interrupted him.
—Actually, I wasn't planning to —he responded, finally folding the pink slip and tossing it into the nearby trash can—. I don't really feel like dating anyone right now. Besides, Kacchan might have a point. A reporter could be trying to get information about U.A. or some case. And everyone knows I'm not the best at keeping secrets when I get nervous.
Bakugo leaned back in his chair, calmly sipping his tea. Then he smiled, that familiar mocking grin Izuku knew all too well.
—Besides, this nerd can't be that popular —he added, glancing at Todoroki—. That reporter must've had an agenda.
—Maybe the thing about the reporter is true —Todoroki admitted, nodding—. But according to that poll the girls in our class did, Midoriya is the most popular this year.
Izuku nearly choked on his tea, the blush returning to his cheeks in full force.
—What!? —Bakugo raised an eyebrow, clearly annoyed—. I thought the one always being popular with girls would be you, Icy Hot.
Todoroki calmly sipped his tea, unfazed.
—Apparently, a more cheerful attitude like Midoriya's has become trendy lately, more than serious or tough guys like the two of us.
Izuku couldn't help but laugh nervously at the comment.
—How can you say that without feeling embarrassed at all? —Midoriya questioned, surprised at how naturally Todoroki talked about the topic.
—No idea —Todoroki replied, shrugging.
Meanwhile, Bakugo finished his cup of tea and got up to wash it. After a moment of silence, he added:
—I bet this guy won't even be able to find a date for graduation.
Todoroki looked at him curiously —I always thought the three of us would go together.
—I thought the same —Izuku agreed.
—What!? —Bakugo replied incredulously—. No way am I spending my last night at U.A. with you two, after seeing you almost every day for three years.
—Are you seriously thinking of inviting someone other than us, Kacchan? —Midoriya asked curiously—. Who?
—None of your business —Bakugo refused to answer, crossing his arms firmly—. But, since you guys haven't thought about graduation, maybe we can make it more interesting.
Todoroki tilted his head slightly, intrigued.
—Interesting? Like in those American movies where we challenge the most popular guy, in this case, Midoriya, to convince a random girl to go to the graduation party with him and make her the most popular girl in six weeks?
Bakugo had to stifle a laugh, covering his mouth with one hand —That's way better than what I had in mind! —he mocked.
—But Todoroki! —Izuku protested— I already said I don't want to date anyone right now!
—Too late, loser —Bakugo said, poking Izuku in the chest with his finger—. The first girl we see around here will be the one.
Before Izuku could reply, Bakugo threw his arm around his shoulder and covered his mouth. The three stood in silence, waiting, but the hallway was completely still.
Todoroki, watching the scene with his usual calm, gestured toward the clock on the wall.
—It might be a bit late already —he murmured, his eyes never leaving the ticking hands. —We barely made it back from my father's agency, but most people must already be resting in their rooms.
—You might be right, Icy Hot —Bakugo agreed with a slight frown, though his eyes still scanned the hallway, alert for any sign of movement.
Taking advantage of the brief distraction, Izuku lowered the hand covering his mouth. —Besides, it wouldn't be right to use a girl for a bet.
Bakugo frowned for a moment, but then a spark of inspiration flashed in his mind. His lips curled into a cunning smile as he thought for a moment.
—Not even for... —he paused for effect, savoring the suspense— an original All Might figure with his armor and his car?
The mention of the coveted All Might figure and his iconic Hercules car was enough to make Izuku's eyes light up immediately. His expression completely changed; it was like the hero-obsessed kid he always had been was shining through again. But after a moment, he quickly shook his head, trying to resist.
—I don't believe you —he replied, narrowing his eyes with suspicion—. You don't have that kind of collectible, and that figure is really expensive online.
Bakugo let out a sarcastic chuckle, leaning closer to Izuku.
—Anything to see you make a fool of yourself trying to get a girl for graduation —he mocked, enjoying the little challenge he had planted in Izuku's mind—. Unless you're scared.
Bakugo's comment sparked something in Izuku. For the first time, a competitive glint flashed in his eyes, but he forced himself to shake his head, trying not to give in to the provocation.
—I already told you...
He couldn't finish the sentence. Bakugo, always one step ahead, covered his mouth again before he could say more. His eyes narrowed, and this time, his expression shifted from teasing to serious concentration.
—Shut up —he whispered firmly—. Someone's coming.
The three of them froze, and silence filled the room once more. Suddenly, the soft sound of shuffling footsteps could be heard. Turning towards the entrance to the kitchen, they saw a girl with short brown hair stumbling in their direction, barely awake. Her eyes were half-closed from sleep, and her disheveled appearance was almost comical: her hair was so messy it looked like a small bird's nest, with pillow marks still visible on her neck. She walked like she was on autopilot, heading straight for the fridge.
With clumsy movements, she opened the door and pulled out a carton of milk, drinking directly from it as she scratched her armpit, completely unaware of the three boys watching her. Without a word, she closed the door, the carton still in her mouth, and shuffled back down the hallway.
Bakugo, barely able to hold it in, raised his other hand to cover his mouth, trying not to burst into laughter.
—She's perfect—he muttered in a choked voice.
Todoroki, on the other hand, stroked his chin thoughtfully.
—I think she's a second-year student. Her hero name has something to do with her gravity quirk... I think it was Uravity.
The mention of the girl's quirk was enough to finally make Bakugo break into a muffled laugh.
—She even has a dumb quirk—he sneered, unable to contain himself any longer.
Izuku, finally freeing himself from Bakugo's hand, took a deep breath and replied firmly:
—That's not fair, Kacchan! There are probably lots of amazing uses for a gravity quirk.
—Perfect. Looks like you're interested. Then it's settled—Bakugo declared with a sly grin.
Izuku quickly stood up, feeling the situation slipping out of his control. He walked over to the sink, washing his cup with quick, nervous movements.
—I didn't mean I'm accepting the bet —he clarified, his voice steady but with a slight tremor—. I don't think this is right, and besides, it's time we go to bed. You're all getting weird ideas because you're tired.
Not giving them time to respond, he left the kitchen, his footsteps echoing down the hallway.
Todoroki watched him go before turning to Bakugo.
—Do you think, like in the movies, Midoriya will fall for that girl? —Todoroki asked with a serious look—. But then she'll find out the truth before he can tell her that he actually fell for her, even though it started as a bet, and she'll get mad at him?
—We'll see— Bakugo brought a hand to his mouth, trying not to laugh again.
...
That night, Izuku found himself staring at the ceiling from his bed, unable to fall asleep. His mind betrayed him, bringing back memories of his time with Melissa during his first year, those days they spent together in America. Then, his thoughts shifted to his second year, when he spent long hours with Mei Hatsume in her workshop. Both had been significant relationships in his life, but the separations had been too painful. Somehow, he still blamed himself for how things had turned out.
Izuku turned over in bed, the images of that reporter giving him her phone number and then the girl with messy hair and half-closed eyes fluttering through his mind. He repeated to himself over and over that he wasn't ready, that it wasn't the right time. But despite that, the doubt lingered. Would he ever be able to open his heart again?
Author's Notes
Thank you so much for making it this far. Your comments are always welcome! Thank you for reading, following, and liking. It always makes me smile.