The room was heavy with an awkward silence before the girls collectively flushed a deep red. Kyouka, seated with her knees pulled to her chest, buried her face in embarrassment.

Ochako, meanwhile, floated a few inches off the ground, trying to process her feelings. Tsuyu managed to calm her blush, but her heart still pounded like a drum. Itsuka, typically composed, found herself blushing profusely. Yanagi, sitting off to the side, quietly fiddled with a small piece of floating debris, her face unreadable but tinged with pink, while Pony hugged her knees, her ears twitching nervously.

"I... I can't believe I said that out loud..." Kyouka mumbled into her knees.

Ochako covered her face with her hands, muttering something incomprehensible as her cheeks turned crimson.

Toru, flickering from her invisibility out of embarrassment, managed to mumble, "How did this even happen? I don't usually go for guys like Midori..."

"Though I'm kinda surprised Yaomomo and Hagakure like the Green Bean," Kyouka added, her voice laced with teasing. Both girls immediately shot her a glare.

"If I recall correctly, you two were all over Todoroki not too long ago," Kyouka said with a smirk, earning irritated vein marks on their foreheads.

"That's not true!" Momo and Toru shouted in unison, their faces red as tomatoes.

"Pfft, sure," Kyouka teased, trying to lighten the mood. "I distinctly remember how you two were gushing over him. So much swooning, it was hard to miss."

The rest of the girls chuckled, though Momo and Toru fidgeted in their seats, thoroughly flustered.

"Okay, fine!" Toru exclaimed, her voice cracking slightly. "Todoroki is... really handsome, but... shut up!" She paused, her blush deepening. "But that dweeb-Midori-he just... snuck his way into my heart. He's a complete dork, barely knew how to stand up for himself back then, but... I started noticing his hidden qualities."

Kyouka's gaze softened, and she nodded. "Yeah... I know what you mean," she said, her voice quieter this time.

Yanagi finally spoke, her voice calm but thoughtful. "Izuku is... different," she said. "He doesn't try to be flashy or perfect. He just works hard and makes you want to believe in him. It's... admirable." Her cheeks turned a deeper shade of pink as she looked away, her floating debris trembling slightly.

Pony hugged her knees tighter, her ears twitching furiously. "Yeah... I-I thought he was just another shy boy at first, but... he's not. He's really brave. It's like... you can't help but root for him," she said, her voice soft and embarrassed.

Tsuyu broke the brief silence. "Ochako, I thought you were going to suppress your feelings. You said months ago that being in a relationship would just get in the way of being heroes," she said bluntly.

Ochako peeked out from behind her hands, her floating slightly erratic now. "I... I did say that," she admitted softly.

Tsuyu tilted her head. "So what changed?"

Ochako's mind wandered, recalling moments with Izuku: Watching Dekiru never give up... how he fights villains, always giving his all, driving toward his goal, never backing down... It's just so... cool.

"I still think that way, to an extent," Ochako said, her voice tinged with hesitation. "But... seeing Dekiru give it his all, never holding back, always moving forward-it's inspiring. He's so focused, no room for distractions. I thought I needed to be like that too. To push my feelings aside and just... do my best."

Her gaze shifted to Itsuka, who blinked in surprise. "But Kendo... you confessed. Instead of letting your feelings distract you, it feels like they made you stronger."

Ochako's floating stilled as she continued. "You went toe-to-toe with Four Arms, and you've been training with him ever since. I... I got jealous," she admitted, her blush deepening. "Especially when I saw you both getting stronger together. It made me realize how much I wanted that too."

Itsuka's blush deepened, but she managed to speak. "I was scared," she admitted. "Confessing wasn't easy, but... it felt right. I couldn't keep pretending I didn't feel something for Izuku. And... supporting him, growing stronger beside him... it's made me realize how much I want to stand by his side, no matter what."

The girls exchanged glances, each feeling a warm flutter of emotion. Mina chuckled nervously. "You two do seem kinda cool," she admitted.

"Yeah... kinda jealous," Toru added, flickering again.

"Shroom," Kinoko mumbled shyly, her voice barely audible.

Tsuyu nodded in agreement, though the acknowledgement only made Itsuka blush harder.

"But..." Ochako continued, her voice growing somber, "I don't want to distract Dekiru. He's so focused on being a hero, and with everything he's going through, I just... don't think he has room for a relationship right now."

Nejire tilted her head curiously. "Why don't we just ask Izuku?" she suggested cheerfully. "I mean, has anyone even asked him what he wants?"

The girls stiffened, their embarrassment palpable.

"N-No... not really," Mina admitted sheepishly, scratching the back of her head.

"Exactly!" Nejire said with a triumphant smile. "How do you know he doesn't want a relationship if you've never asked him?"

Ochako squirmed in midair. "Well... he's never mentioned it before," she mumbled.

"To be fair," Tsuyu said, her tone matter-of-fact, "we are girls. That's not exactly a casual topic to bring up."

The room fell into another bout of silence, each girl lost in her own thoughts, the weight of Nejire's question hanging heavily in the air.

...

A Couple of Hours Later.

"Never Have I Ever?" Izuku repeated, glancing at Ashido, who was practically vibrating with excitement. Her cheeks had a soft lilac hue, perhaps from the way she leaned so close to him.

The rooftop of the resort was alive with laughter and chatter as students from Class 1-A and Class 1-B gathered to make their colorful tanzaku for the upcoming Tanabata festival. The warm glow of the setting sun bathed the scene in hues of orange and pink, creating a tranquil yet festive atmosphere.

"What's that?" Izuku asked, his hands deftly folding and decorating his tanzaku.

"I've never heard of it either," Momo admitted, her expression curious. She sat just beside Izuku, close enough that the light breeze carried her faintly floral scent. Tsuyu, on his other side, nodded in quiet agreement, her round eyes fixed on the lively Ashido. Ochako, seated at another table nearby, glanced over, clearly intrigued.

"Well~" Ashido began, drawing out the word with playful drama, "it's a game where someone says something they've never done, and if anyone else has done it, then..." She hesitated, glancing toward Setsuna for backup.

Setsuna smirked, leaning back lazily. "Then they do something embarrassing... or eat something weird, depending on the stakes."

"That's barbaric!" Iida declared, sitting up straight and adjusting his glasses with a sharp motion. "If we are to play this game, we should establish clear and orderly rules. I propose we keep it simple-whoever has done the thing must eat a cookie. No shameful antics."

"A cookie, huh? I like the sound of that!" Kaminari grinned, resting his elbows on the table. "But what's the reward?"

Sato, ever the chef, raised a hand. "Banjo and I can raid room service. We'll bring back a ton of cookies-chocolate chip, shortbread, whatever we can get our hands on."

"Get some dinosaur-shaped ones!" Setsuna added with a cheeky grin, her eyes lighting up.

As the idea caught on, the students exchanged enthusiastic murmurs. "I'll go help too," Kendo offered, already rolling up her sleeves, earning nods of approval from her classmates.

...

"Thank you, Sato, Kendo, and Bando!" Iida said, bowing slightly in gratitude. He turned back to Ashido and Izuku, adjusting his glasses with precision. "The decision has been made. Anyone who has done the thing mentioned will eat a cookie! This way, everyone gets to enjoy the game-and the cookies!"

"Awesome!" Ochako cheered, punching the air. "I'm ready to eat some cookies!"

"As for the rules," Iida continued, his tone authoritative, "let's ensure the game remains enjoyable. Nothing too personal-this is supposed to be fun, not uncomfortable."

"Who decides if something's too personal?" Momo asked thoughtfully, setting aside her nearly completed tanzaku.

"I'll take care of that," Kendo offered confidently. "I'm pretty good at reading people, so I think I'll manage."

"Ribbit, I can help too," Tsuyu added with a nod.

"Alright then, are we ready to play?" Ashido asked, clapping her hands together. "Momo, can you make a scoreboard? We'll track who eats the most cookies!"

Yaoyorozu nodded and quickly conjured a small whiteboard. "Who will be the scorekeeper?"

"I'll do it!" Kaminari volunteered enthusiastically, raising his hand high. "I'm perfect for the job!"

"No way," Ashido said flatly, crossing her arms. She pointed at Kaminari. "You'd cheat. And Monoma? You're way too biased."

Monoma gasped, placing a hand on his chest in mock offense. "How dare you accuse me of such impropriety!"

"She's not wrong," Yui said quietly, her monotone voice carrying weight.

"Remember the class officer elections?" Kirishima added, grinning. "Iida only got one vote, but he still reported it honestly even though he really wanted to win. I say Iida's the best choice for scorekeeper."

Iida straightened his back, adjusting his glasses with pride. "I shall take on the responsibility with utmost integrity."

"Meanwhile, Monoma did try to rig the votes when we picked Class B's rep," Yanagi pointed out, her voice calm but sharp. Monoma flinched under the weight of her words.

"Pfft! Seriously?" Jirou said, smirking as she leaned back in her chair.

"Mh," Yui confirmed with a small nod.

The room erupted in agreement, leaving Kaminari groaning in frustration. "Never have I ever been this hurt before!"

"The game hasn't even started," Jirou pointed out dryly, raising a brow.

"Why do you always have to rub salt in the wound?!" Kaminari whined.

"Todoroki, are you in?" Iida asked, looking at him with a hopeful expression. "It could be a great bonding experience for the class."

Todoroki nodded. "I haven't done much, so I don't think I'll eat many cookies."

"That's not the point!" Ashido interjected, practically bouncing in excitement. "This is about getting to know each other and making memories. Who cares if you eat a lot or not?"

With everyone gathered, Class 1-A and 1-B continued decorating their tanzaku as the game began.

...

""Okay, so how will this go?" Ojiro asked, glancing around the group. "Who's going first?"

"Why don't we go by class numbers?" Kendo suggested. "Start with the first seat in Class 1-A, then the first in Class 1-B, and so on."

Monoma scoffed. "Why does Class 1-A get to go first?"

"I don't know, man. A, B, C... 1, 2, 3... We didn't create the numerical system," Mineta quipped.

Monoma rolled his eyes but stayed silent.

"Ah, so it seems I'll go first!" Aoyama declared, striking a dramatic pose. "Only my sparkle could truly dazzle, non?"

Monoma deadpanned. "Are all of you Class 1-A students this self-centered?"

"Nope, just the blondes," Mina teased with a grin.

Aoyama ignored the banter and struck another pose. "Never have I ever... gone a day without admiring my own reflection. C'est magnifique!"

Everyone gave him a deadpan stare.

Mina sighed, grabbing a cookie. "Well, I do check out this pretty face every day. Don't you think so, Midori?" she asked, batting her eyes playfully.

Izuku flushed, stumbling over his words, while Toru surprised everyone by taking a cookie as well.

"Ever since I became visible, I can't stop looking at my face," she said, mimicking a cheeky pose.

"Okay, next up..." Monoma started, but Awase interrupted, casually raising his hand while still fiddling with a tanzaku and a mobile game alongside Sen.

"Never have I ever... confessed to my crush while playing a mobile game," Awase said with a smirk, earning raised eyebrows and a few chuckles.

Kaminari groaned before grabbing a cookie.

"Pfft!" Pony tried to stifle her laughter. "You confessed to someone while gaming?"

"Dude, so uncool," Sero added, shaking his head.

"Shut up! I thought he was hot!" Kaminari snapped defensively.

"He?" everyone echoed in unison.

"S-shut up! I got catfished, okay? Just drop it!" Kaminari grumbled, biting into his cookie.

"Oh man, what a dumbass," Jirou teased, snickering.

"Damn, Kaminari," Mineta started, trying to hold back his laughter, "I didn't know you swung that way!"

"Okay, next up!" Ashido jumped in, cutting off the banter. She bounced on her toes with excitement. "Alright, my turn!" She smirked mischievously. "Never have I ever... had my crush kiss me."

Izuku, in the middle of sipping his tea, choked violently, coughing into his hand.

Momo and Itsuka froze, glancing at each other before blushing and reluctantly taking a cookie.

Mina's jaw dropped. "W-wait... You were kissed by... your crush?"

The girls' eyes subtly darted toward Izuku, whose face was bright red as he desperately tried to avoid eye contact. Jirou, recalling the sports festival, groaned quietly before taking a cookie as well.

Ochako, trembling slightly, clenched her fists. 'Dekiru... kissed them?'

Mina trembled, trying not to look at Izuku, who was now contemplating his life choices. After a long, awkward pause, his face burning, he hesitantly reached for a cookie.

"Alright, my turn!" Sen Kaibara said, leaning back casually. "Never have I ever... gotten into a fight for a dumb reason."

The group collectively turned to Bakugo, their expressions blank.

"What?" Bakugo snarled, glaring at them.

"Take a cookie," they said in unison.

"Fuck you!" Bakugo shouted, but he still grabbed a cookie.

...

Kirishima cupped his chin thoughtfully. "Sorry, I guess I haven't... though I did get into a fight over the last slice of pizza once." He sheepishly grabbed a cookie, earning chuckles from the group.

Ashido, Toru, Itsuka, and a few others reached for cookies too.

"Ochako... you might want to take a cookie," Izuku said gently, glancing at her.

Ochako blinked in surprise, her cheeks flushing. "What? Why?! I've never gotten into a fight for a stupid reason," she said defensively.

"You got into a fight over the guy who took the last donut a few months back," Izuku pointed out, his tone amused.

"The heck did he need five donuts for?! That was completely justified," Ochako argued, crossing her arms.

Izuku raised an eyebrow. "And the time you argued with the store clerk for charging full price?"

Ochako's face turned red. "That cheapskate! I was only ten cents short! And he didn't make that other girl pay full price," she grumbled.

Izuku gave her a flat look. "Ochako, you had a 30-minute argument, and you threatened to throw him into space."

"I wasn't actually going to do it!" she protested.

"..."

"..."

"Fine!" Ochako groaned, grabbing a cookie and eating it with a pout. Her puffed-up cheeks and folded arms made everyone laugh.

Izuku chuckled softly as he watched her sulk.

But Ochako wasn't done. She pointed an accusing finger at him. "You have to take a cookie too!"

The room fell silent, everyone staring at her like she had grown a second head.

"Ochako," Tsuyu said calmly, tilting her head. "Izuku doesn't seem like the type to get into a fight for a stupid reason."

Momo nodded in agreement. "He's too thoughtful for that."

"Oh, did you all forget he can turn into a tiger with anger issues?" Ochako retorted, smirking triumphantly.

Izuku's face turned beet red as the reminder hit. With a resigned sigh, he grabbed a cookie, and the classes collectively gasped.

"Midoriya!" Ashido exclaimed, scandalized.

"Really? You don't seem like the type," Kinoko said, leaning in curiously. "Was it serious?"

"That's... surprising," Yanagi added with a soft hum.

Izuku scratched the back of his head, embarrassed. "I might have gotten into a fight with a bunch of kindergarteners once..." He ate the cookie, earning a chorus of shocked gasps.

"...Kindergarteners?" Kinoko blinked, tilting her head. "Why? What could they have done?"

Izuku buried his face in his hands. "It's really embarrassing, okay?"

Kinoko's curiosity only grew. "Come on, you've gotta tell us!"

"Yeah, spill it!" Mina chimed in with enthusiasm.

Izuku sighed, his face growing impossibly red. "I was Rath at the time... and they called Uraraka's and Kendo's..." He hesitated, looking at the ground. "...butts fat."

For a moment, there was silence as the classes processed his words.

Then the room erupted into uncontrollable laughter.

Kinoko clutched her sides, barely able to stay seated. "They said that?"

Mina gasped between laughs, pointing at him. "Izuku, you fought kids for that?"

"I-It wasn't like I planned it!" Izuku stammered, his head sinking into his hands again."R-Rath just can't help himself."

"Yeah, that totally sounds like something Bakugo would do," Kirishima teased, grinning.

Ochako and Kendo, red-faced and laughing despite themselves, shook their heads. "Well... I guess I should be flattered?" Kendo managed to say, her voice still tinged with embarrassment.

The laughter slowly died down, though Kinoko still wiped tears from her eyes. "Aw, that's kinda cute."

"Let's just move on," Izuku muttered, cheeks still burning.

"You sure, Kaibara? My dude, you get into fights for the dumbest reasons," Tsuburaba said, smirking as he leaned back in his chair.

"H-Huh?! No, I don't!" Kaibara protested, his voice rising defensively.

Tsuburaba crossed his arms knowingly. "Last week, you almost got into a fight with a General Studies kid."

"He was talking crap!" Kaibara snapped, his face flushing.

"Shroom, I'm just happy that Shinso guy stepped in before things escalated," Kinoko added cheerfully, twirling one of her tanzaku ribbons. Her comment earned a round of chuckles from the group, while Kaibara muttered something under his breath.

Ashido grinned and clapped her hands. "Alright, Tsuyu, you're up next!"

Tsuyu tilted her head slightly, bringing a finger to her chin in thought. After a moment, she calmly said, "Never have I ever... eaten frog legs."

The room froze. Then, as if on cue, everyone did a collective spit take or sputtered in shock.

"God, I hope not," Yui muttered flatly, her expression one of mild horror.

"Wait, would that count as cannibalism?" Sen asked, his brow furrowing in curiosity.

Izuku, ever the analyst, cupped his chin thoughtfully. "Well, I once met someone whose head was an entire bottle of water, so..."

"That opens up a whole can of moral ambiguity," Mineta added, nodding as if he had made a profound point.

Yanagi placed a finger to her chin, her gaze distant. "If someone with a lion Quirk eats a person with a gazelle Quirk... can we really call that cannibalism?"

Kinoko giggled, leaning toward Yui. "Shroom, if someone with a mushroom Quirk ate sautéed mushrooms, would that be like eating a cousin?"

Yui's deadpan tone cut through the room. "Only if they apologize to the pan afterward."

The room fell silent as everyone pondered the questions, their faces ranging from thoughtful to mildly horrified. Toru waved a hand, visibly shuddering. "Okay, I can't be the only one who's really uncomfortable now."

Ashido, however, wasn't having it. She waved her hands dramatically. "Alright, alright! We're getting sidetracked here! Back to the game!" she shouted, snapping everyone out of their collective daze.

...

As everyone continued playing the game, some of the "Never have I ever" answers had everyone laughing. Kamakiri admitted that he once shredded his clothes, while Mina blushed deeply as she revealed she had accidentally burned hers. Momo, too, had a wardrobe malfunction because of her Quirk, and even Todoroki sheepishly admitted he had burned his clothes off during a training session.

Some answers were expected, like when Iida said, "Never have I ever... ditched school!"

The room fell silent, and everyone exchanged glances. U.A. was a prestigious school, and skipping a day of school could seriously harm their chances of becoming Heroes. They were all so dedicated.

Ashido raised an eyebrow. "Huh? Look at that, almost none of us ditched school?"

"I wouldn't dream of skipping a day and tarnishing my perfect record," Iida declared, adjusting his glasses. "Missing even one day could have caused me to fall behind and hurt my chances at U.A."

"I mean, yeah, I didn't really ditch school," Jirou added, shrugging.

Izuku was almost the only one who didn't seem to mind. He and Shoto both reached for a cookie, making everyone's eyes widen in surprise.

"Wait, hold up! Mophead, you ditched school?!" Setsuna's voice was full of disbelief.

"Yeah, a couple of times actually," Izuku admitted, his tone surprisingly nonchalant. "My grades were pretty good, so I skipped a few days... a lot of days back in middle school."

The room went completely still.

"Izuku-chan, you know how important attendance is, especially for high school applications! You could have seriously damaged your chances at U.A.!" Tsuyu said, her voice filled with concern.

"Yeah, dude. Didn't think you were the type to ditch school," Mina added, shaking her head as Izuku ate his cookie.

Iida looked at Izuku with a mixture of concern and disapproval. "Midoriya, I hope you didn't skip too many days of school. You really should have known better."

Izuku met his classmates' stares with a relaxed smile. He thought back to the days when he'd skipped school with Kevin, his best friend from his old school. The smile on his face grew a little wider.

"Honestly, I don't really regret it," Izuku said, his voice warm and content. "Looking back, I kinda wish I skipped even more days." He laughed lightly. "The days I did skip were actually some of the best days of middle school."

Momo and Jirou shared a knowing smile, understanding that even if those days weren't perfect, Izuku had still found ways to enjoy himself.

Ochako, who had been listening intently, furrowed her brow. "But Dekiru, you could've ruined your chances at U.A.!" she protested, still clearly concerned.

Izuku shrugged casually. "Yeah, I know. But me and Kevin weren't exactly... the most popular students back in Aldrea. So, when we felt like it, we just ditched school."

Momo and Jirou exchanged glances before giving him sympathetic looks, understanding the deeper reason behind his actions.

Setsuna, ever the spark of energy, leaned in close with a gleam in her eye. "So you've got a rebellious side, huh?" she teased.

Izuku's face flushed red, and he waved his hands defensively. "Can we just move on?"

Next up was Kuroiro. "Never have I ever... read a shoujo manga," he said, his voice smooth and casual.

Almost all the girls reached for a cookie, as did a few of the guys, like Sato.

"What? I like them," Sato said with a shrug, already munching on his cookie. "They make me feel all sweet inside." His earnest tone made a few of the girls giggle.

Aoyama delicately took a cookie as well. "Monsieur simply adores the romance sections, but lately," he added with a dramatic flair, "watching Midoriya has filled my romantic hunger." He gave a flamboyant wink toward the girls, a sparkle in his eyes.

Several of the girls blushed deeply at his words, while Izuku tilted his head, utterly confused. "Wait, what?" he asked, looking around for clarification. "Do you know what he's talking about?" he asked Todoroki, who had been silently observing.

Todoroki, without missing a beat, replied, "Yes."

Izuku blinked, waiting for more. "Are you gonna tell me?"

"No."

Izuku's jaw dropped in disbelief, his frustration evident. "What the heck, Todoroki?!"

Before Todoroki could respond

Bakugou grabbed a cookie.

The room fell silent as every pair of eyes turned to him in shock. Even Todoroki's usually stoic expression faltered, his eyes widening ever so slightly.

"You've got to be kidding me," Kaminari muttered under his breath, his tone filled with disbelief.

Bakugou glared at everyone with a feral intensity. "Say a word, and I'll kill you," he growled, his voice low and dangerous.

Ashido rubbed her eyes as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing. Then, leaning toward Jirou, she whispered just loud enough for a few others to hear, "I don't think Bakugou even knows what a shoujo manga is."

The comment earned a snicker from Jirou, but Bakugou's sharp ears caught it. He turned his glare on Ashido, his face red with both anger and embarrassment. "FUCK OFF!" he roared, slamming his hands onto the table, small sparks flying from his palms.

Kirishima, ever the peacemaker, patted Bakugou on the shoulder with a nervous laugh. "Hey, man, no judgment! Shoujo manga can be pretty awesome. You know, all the action-packed emotions and stuff!"

"SHUT UP, SHITTY HAIR!" Bakugou barked, though his face remained red as he stuffed the cookie in his mouth.

The room erupted into laughter, and even Todoroki's lips quirked up ever so slightly as he watched Bakugou's futile attempts to salvage his pride.

Next up was Ochako. "Never have I ever... eaten at a really fancy restaurant!" Ochako declared.

Momo placed a thoughtful finger on her chin. "What exactly qualifies as a 'fancy' restaurant? Are we referring to establishments with Michelin-star ratings, those requiring formal attire, or ones that specialize in multi-course dégustation menus paired with wine?"

The room fell silent as everyone stared at her with blank expressions. Izuku, sitting beside her, leaned over and said, "Momo... just take a cookie." His gentle prompting made the girl blush as she quietly took one. A few giggles echoed around the room.

Predictably, others followed suit-like Iida, Setsuna, Aoyama, and Monoma. A few unexpected ones, such as Kirishima and Kaibara, also took cookies.

"Of course Momo and Aoyama," Mina teased, laughing. "But I'm kinda surprised Todoroki hasn't been to one."

Shoto shrugged. "My father invited me to a few, but I always declined."

"Really?" Ibara asked, tilting her head. "I assumed you'd love to enjoy a pleasant meal with your father."

Shoto managed to keep his voice calm, though a flicker of irritation passed through his eyes. "No. I'd rather not share a meal with that bastard. Though, I wouldn't mind having one with my mom."

Iida, ever the moral compass, made a chopping motion with his hand. "Bastard? You mean Endeavor? You shouldn't call the man who raised you 'bastard.' Why not refer to him as 'Father' at the very least?"

Even as he spoke, Todoroki's scowl deepened. "Calling him 'bastard' is already too kind."

Kyoka, sitting nearby, nodded in agreement, her arms crossed.

"If not 'Father,' perhaps 'Papa'?" Iida suggested earnestly.

Shoto turned to Iida, looking at him as though he'd lost his mind. "...Papa?"

"Or 'Daddy'?" Iida suggested, which made everyone snort a little.

"I think we can all collectively agree that the word 'Daddy' has been greatly perverted," Kyoka added with a deadpan expression.

The mere suggestion of referring to Endeavor in such an affectionate manner made Todoroki visibly recoil. His expression twisted into a look of pure disgust, as if the word itself left a bitter taste in his mouth. Before anyone could comment further, Izuku quickly interjected to steer the conversation away.

"Hey, that's fine! I mean, plenty of families call their parents by different names-or even just by nicknames."

Kyoka glanced at Izuku, catching his pleading look. "Uh... yeah! I call my old man all sorts of stuff. It's totally normal."

"Seems a bit disrespectful," Iida muttered, but the group quickly moved on.

"Anyway, back to fancy restaurants," Kyoka said, eager to change the subject. "Honestly, I avoid them. Too formal for my taste."

Ochako crossed her arms and sighed. "Meanwhile, some of us are living off cup noodles and rice."

Izuku gave her a small smile. "I get it. My mom and I mostly stuck to homemade meals. I've never really been to one of those places either."

Ochako beamed at him, her smile lighting up the room.

"Shroom, I've never been either," Kinoko added cheerfully. "My parents prefer takeout."

"Oh, mes amis, you've truly missed out!" Aoyama exclaimed, launching into a vivid description of luxurious dishes that made Ochako's mouth water.

Next up was Kendo. "Never have I ever... lost an arm wrestling match!" she declared confidently, which led to an impromptu round of challenges. Despite her impressive strength, she eventually lost to Shoji, who looked sheepish about his win.

Ojiro went next. "Never have I ever... fallen asleep during a lecture," he said. Surprisingly, several students took cookies, much to Iida's dismay.

"I can't believe so many of you would disrespect your studies like that!" Iida exclaimed, his voice rising with indignation.

"Sorry, dude," Setsuna said with a shrug. "Cemetro's and Ectoplasm's classes can get really boring sometimes."

Iida launched into a lecture about discipline, but the game continued undeterred.

Finally, it was Yui's turn. She pondered quietly for a moment before Yanagi leaned over and whispered something in her ear. Yui blinked, tilting her head slightly. "Never have I ever... not had a fan club?"

Everyone froze, processing the statement.

"Wait, wait, wait-Kodai, you have a fan club?" Kinoko asked, her eyes wide.

"My silent muse," Mineta began with a dramatic flourish, "please direct me to this fan club so I may join!"

"I have a fan club?" Yui asked, genuine confusion breaking through her usually monotone voice.

Yanagi nodded. "Back in middle school, there was an entire club dedicated to you. I'm surprised you didn't notice."

Yui blinked again, slightly shaking her head. "Is that what all those letters were about?"

Yanagi pulled up a photo on her phone, showing a group of boys (and a few girls) bowing before a large painted portrait of Yui.

The entire room stared, slack-jawed.

"That's... a little creepy," Kyoka muttered, visibly unsettled.

"Do you think we'll have to deal with overzealous fanboys like that when we're pros?" Pony asked, her innocence shining through.

"Probably," Izuku said, sighing. "Pro heroes are basically celebrities. Honestly, I'm not sure I'd be able to handle that much attention."

As Izuku reached for a cookie, Mineta grabbed his wrist, glaring at him. "YOU AND TODOROKI DON'T GET TO TAKE A COOKIE!"

Izuku blinked in surprise. "What? Why?"

"Did you already forget you both have fan clubs?! There's a whole group of girls dedicated to Midoriya for his takedown of Seijaku, and Todoroki's the son of Endeavor!" Mineta exclaimed, throwing his arms up.

The room collectively groaned, looking exasperated.

...

"Okay, next up is me!" Kaminari said eagerly before snapping his fingers with sudden inspiration. "Ooh! Never have I ever had people spit in my order!"

Everyone looked around, their expressions a mix of confusion and mild disgust, as no one took a cookie.

Momo placed a hand over her mouth, looking horrified. "So uncouth. Spitting in someone's order? That's utterly revolting," she said, her face paling at the thought.

Sero, barely able to hold back his laughter, nudged Bakugou with a smirk. "Bakugou, you might wanna take a cookie."

"Huh?" Bakugou growled, narrowing his eyes.

"Remember three weeks ago when you yelled at that cashier and called her... uh, what was it again? Oh, right. A 'blue-horned reject' or something."

"Yeah, what about it?" he said impatiently, glaring at Sero.

"She spat in your food," Sero deadpanned, causing Kaminari to stiffen and shoot a look of pure betrayal at Sero.

"What," Bakugou said, his voice dangerously low.

"Yep!" Kirishima blurted out, practically backing up as he spoke. "Kaminari saw her do it! She spat in your milkshake, your fries, your burger-the whole meal! And... and it wasn't just a little spit; it was, like, viscous, slimy-she put some serious effort into it."

That was it.

The class collectively broke, faces red as they slapped hands over their mouths, shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.

Monoma fell off his chair, burying his face in his arms to muffle the sound. Kirishima bit into his own arm, tears running down his face, while Todoroki, the picture of restraint, managed a subtle chuckle that still felt monumental for him. Even Yui allowed a small, amused exhale through her nose.

Bakugou's eye twitched as explosions crackled from his palms. "I ate that meal," he growled, his teeth grinding together audibly.

"You bastards."

Everyone tried harder to hold back, but the sight of Bakugou fuming sent their resolve crumbling. Momo pressed her hands together tightly, her lips trembling with the effort of keeping a straight face. Tears leaked from Kyoka's eyes as she covered her mouth with her sleeves, her shoulders shaking violently.

Kyoka finally managed to croak out, "Guess that's what you get for having a garbage personality." The deadpan delivery was the final straw for Kaminari, who burst into nervous giggles before leaping from his seat as Bakugou's murderous intent flared.

"SPARKY, I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" Bakugou roared, explosions lighting up his palms as Kaminari screamed in terror and bolted for his life.

"Is he gone?" Mina whispered after a moment of tense silence.

"Yep," Kirishima confirmed, wiping tears from his eyes.

"HAHAHAHAHA!" The dam finally broke as the room exploded into raucous laughter. Some students clutched their stomachs, others fell to the floor, and Monoma was practically convulsing from laughing too hard.

"I-I can't believe someone actually spat in his food!" Mina wheezed, leaning on a cackling Sero for support. "I mean, his personality sucks, but that's just... that's just too funny!"

"You know what they say," Momo said, her voice composed but her face betraying her struggle to keep it together, "treat others how you wish to be treated."

"Maybe this'll teach him not to insult people based on their physical features," Ashido added with a pout, crossing her arms.

"If it makes you feel better," Izuku said to her with a small smile, "I think your eyes are really cool."

Ashido turned lilac, her face burning as she quickly averted her gaze. "A-Aw, Izuku, stop flirting in front of everyone!" she stammered, covering her cheeks with her hands.

Izuku, blushed before he continued. "Honestly, it's not even the first time people have spat in Bakugou's food. Apparently, when you insult people by their physical features often enough, spitting in his food becomes a daily thing.

This sent the class spiraling into another round of uncontrollable laughter. Sero was banging his fist against the table, Monoma was wheezing on the floor, and even Todoroki's neutral expression cracked again into a faint smile.

...

"How come you didn't say anything?" Todoroki and Kirishima asked in unison, both curious about Izuku's silence given his naturally kind and proactive nature.

Izuku raised an eyebrow.

"I'm surprised you didn't try to tell the guy off. Letting them spit in his food is kinda... unmanly, isn't it?" Kirishima said, tilting his head as he scratched his chin.

Izuku sighed, trying his best not to roll his eyes. "Right, because me and Bakugou can totally have a normal conversation," he said with a hint of sarcasm, his tone earning a knowing nod from Momo.

"He's kinda right," Yui chimed in, her voice calm as always. "I'm not even in your class, and I can already tell you two don't exactly see eye-to-eye. Well... mostly Bakugou," she added bluntly.

"And to answer your question, Kirishima, I did try. Multiple times, actually. But he didn't want to listen. He just told me, 'Fuck off, Deku!' and that was that," Izuku said, shrugging. He conveniently left out the part where Bakugou had thrown an explosion in his face every time he tried, not wanting his friends to worry or overreact.

"So ever since we entered junior high, people have been spitting in his food," Izuku added with a sheepish chuckle, shaking his head.

The class was in shambles. Kyoka was sprawled on the floor, laughing uncontrollably alongside Sero, whose face was bright red from laughing too hard. Even Monoma, who typically used every opportunity to mock Class 1-A, couldn't stop himself from doubling over in hysterics.

"I knew he was an asshole, but good lord!" Monoma wheezed. "This is next-level karma!"

"Oh man, that's just... sad!" Sero managed to gasp between fits of laughter.

"Fair enough," Todoroki said, his usual deadpan delivery making it even funnier.

"Remind me not to eat anything Bakugou brings to a potluck," Hagakure said, visibly gagging at the mere thought.

Kirishima tried to defend his friend, his voice almost pleading. "Aw, come on! Bakugou doesn't mean it. That's just how he is!"

Shoji, ever the voice of reason, adjusted his posture and looked at Kirishima pointedly. "Even if he doesn't mean it, calling someone by their physical features-especially for mutant types-can be a sensitive matter. Mutant Quirk users already endure constant commentary about their appearances, whether it's intended to be insulting or not. It doesn't matter; it can still be deeply hurtful."

The mood shifted slightly, unease spreading through the group as some exchanged hesitant glances.

"Wow..." Itsuka murmured, folding her arms. "I mean, I knew Bakugou could be harsh, but hearing it laid out like that..."

"That kind of behavior doesn't just sting—it leaves scars," Shoji added solemnly.

Mina fidgeted with her horns, her expression turning self-conscious. "Yeah, back in middle school, girls used to make fun of how I looked," she admitted.

"Really?" Tsuyu asked, her tone surprised. "But you're so fun and get along with everyone."

Mina's face turned lilac. "Well, meddling in people's love lives tends to rub some people the wrong way..." she muttered.

Kyoka twirled her earphone jack absently, shooting Mina a teasing look. "Yeah, I can see that. You can be pretty annoying with that stuff." Her tone was dry, though her lips twitched with amusement.

"Kyoka!" Momo scolded, swatting her arm lightly.

"Ow! Okay, I'm kidding!" Kyoka protested, smirking despite herself.

Mina's smile returned as she waved it off. "Nah, it's fine. Honestly, most of the hate came from girls who got mad when I matched their crush with someone else—or when they thought I was gonna steal their boyfriends." She let out a soft chuckle. "And when my horns grew in? That just made things worse."

"Wait, they grew in?" Izuku asked, his curiosity piqued. His gaze shifted to her horns with a fascinated expression.

"Yeah, they—" Mina's words were cut off as her eyes widened, her face turning a deeper shade of lilac. Izuku had leaned in and was already touching her horns.

"Mhm, do you get them from your mom or dad? How does it relate to your acid quirk? Wow, they feel pretty cool—kinda like buffalo horns. Do you think they'd grow back if you lost them?"

Everyone watched as Izuku absentmindedly poked and prodded Mina's horns, his natural curiosity fully taking over. The other girls exchanged subtle glances, a twinge of jealousy flashing through some of their expressions. Meanwhile, Mina's face was completely flushed, a blissful smile creeping across her lips as she struggled to contain her reaction.

Izuku suddenly froze, realizing what he was doing. His face turned bright red as he stumbled back, waving his hands frantically. "Oh! I-I'm sorry!"

"O-Oh, it's okay," Mina said, her fingers brushing her horns in embarrassment. Then a sly grin spread across her face. "But you all saw that, right? Izuku couldn't help himself—he fondled me!"

The girls' eyes darkened, an eerie aura filling the room as they all turned toward Izuku. He gulped audibly.

"I-I didn't mean to! I just couldn't help myself!" Izuku stammered, waving his hands defensively.

"That only makes it worse," Momo said, crossing her arms.

Yui, however, remained silent, her lips pressed into an adorable pout as she shot Izuku an icy glare.

"C'mon, Yui, you know I didn't mean it," Izuku said nervously, his voice wavering.

Yui simply turned her head with a sharp "Hmph!" before stepping closer. Without a word, she began pinching his cheeks, stretching them mercilessly.

"Ow! Ow! Okay, I'm sorry!" Izuku winced, his voice muffled by Yui's grip. "I won't touch a girl without permission again!"

Yui pulled harder, her expression stoic. "You need to be punished," she said bluntly.

"Help," Izuku squeaked, his eyes darting around for assistance.

The others burst into laughter as Yui continued her lighthearted assault, finally letting go after a moment. Kirishima clapped his hands, breaking the tension. "Alright, putting that aside... I don't think Bakugou's as mean as he seems. I mean, take how he calls Midoriya 'Deku'—it's not like he means it maliciously, right?"

"Yes, he does," Izuku replied flatly, rubbing his cheeks. "He doesn't call you by your name unless he respects you. Otherwise, he's basically degrading you."

Kirishima frowned, processing the information. "Wait, so you're saying he only calls people by their names if he respects them?"

"Exactly," Izuku confirmed. "If he doesn't respect you, you're just another extra in his eyes."

The group collectively twitched in annoyance at the thought, some letting out frustrated sighs.

"Not surprising," Momo muttered, setting down her cup of tea with a hint of disdain. "Honestly, I couldn't care less about earning his respect."

Tsuyu nodded in agreement.

"But that means..." Kirishima trailed off, glancing at Izuku. "He's never called you by your name, has he?"

"Nope," Izuku said with a humorless chuckle. "He doesn't respect me in the slightest."

The group fell silent for a moment, the weight of Izuku's words hanging in the air.

Kirishima furrowed his brows, leaning forward. "Wait, so you're saying Bakugou doesn't respect you? That doesn't bother you at all?"

Izuku shrugged, his tone casual. "Not really. I don't respect him either."

The bluntness of his statement hit like a hammer, leaving everyone momentarily speechless. Even Momo, ever composed, blinked in surprise.

"You don't?" Sero asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"Yeah, I know you two have a rough past, but Bakugou's Quirk is powerful, and his drive is insane," Sero said, glancing at Kirishima and Kamakiri, who nodded in agreement.

"Exactly, man! Sure, he's got an attitude, but you've gotta admit he's kind of cool," Kirishima added with a grin.

Izuku tilted his head, processing Kirishima's words. His thoughts drifted to something Kevin had once told him, a lesson that stuck. "Kevin used to say that having power and ambition can look impressive, but... that's not all someone should be admired for."

The group exchanged curious glances, waiting for him to elaborate.

Izuku's expression turned more serious as he continued. "'Cause if that's all you care about, then you're just admiring a shiny car without noticing it's running people over."

Silence fell across the group, the weight of his words pressing on them.

"Look...I'm not saying Bakugou is... He's not..."Izuku scratched the back of his neck, clearly a little nervous but resolute. "What I'm trying to say is... we shouldn't just focus on the parts of someone we like. If we ignore their flaws and only praise their strengths, it shows how willing we are to overlook the damage they might cause just because they seem useful or cool... And that's shallow."

Kaminari broke the silence first, shifting uncomfortably. "Okay, but... isn't it okay to appreciate the good things about someone, even if they've got flaws?"

"It's not about ignoring the good," Momo replied, "It's about not letting the good overshadow the bad. If we do that, we're just making excuses for their behavior."

Kyoka folded her arms, her gaze sharp. "Yeah, no way I'm gonna admire someone like a villain just because they've got a strong Quirk or big ambitions. That's stupid."

Monoma, for once, didn't smirk. Instead, he looked thoughtful. "He's got a point."

Ochako and Tsuyu thought about it before reluctantly nodding.

...

[Midoriya Household]

Inko Midoriya moved through her quiet apartment, performing household chores. The soft sound of a pot boiling was the only noise breaking the silence as she dusted off various surfaces. Her movements were gentle, almost absentminded, as her mind wandered.

She hummed a soft tune, her gaze falling on a framed picture of herself, Izuku, and Hisashi at the park. Izuku, no older than seven, was missing a tooth, a wide grin spread across his face as his cape billowed behind him while sitting on Hisashi's shoulder. Inko smiled softly, her heart aching at the memory.

"It's so quiet without you and Izuku here..." she murmured, her voice filled with longing. She paused in her dusting, her eyes distant and filled with melancholy as she lost herself in the picture. In her reverie, the sound of the water in the pot boiling over went unnoticed.

The sudden knock at the door startled her, causing her to jump, snapping her back to reality.

...

"Huh? Who could that be?" Inko wondered aloud as she walked to the door. She peered through the peephole, her curiosity piqued.

When she opened the door, she was met by a man standing with a blonde woman at his side. The man was young, clean-shaven, with dark eyes and hair, his presence commanding yet calm. The woman beside him had pale skin, appearing to be in her late twenties, with mid-back length blonde hair secured by a dark clip. The hairstyle resembled a bird's tail, with bangs that fell in a wing-like pattern, partially obscuring her left eye.

The man spoke first. "Inko Midoriya, are you home?" he asked.

Inko, a little taken aback, replied, "Yes, how can I help you?"

"We're from the Hero Public Safety Committee," the man introduced himself with a polite bow. "I'm Roy Mustang, and this is Riza Hawkeye." The woman bowed gracefully in turn.

"Inko Midoriya, it's a pleasure to meet you," Riza said quietly.

"HPSC?" Inko echoed, her surprise evident.

"We're here to discuss your son, Izuku Midoriya," Roy continued, his tone serious but respectful.

Inko blinked in surprise at the mention of Izuku. "Come in," she said, stepping aside to allow them entry.

...

A few minutes later, Inko had poured a cup of tea and sat at opposite ends of the table from Roy and Riza, her hands slightly trembling as she held the teacup.

"Please tell me my baby hasn't done something dangerous or illegal that's caught the HSPC's attention," Inko said, her voice tinged with concern.

Roy waved his hand reassuringly. "No, nothing like that. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Recently, Izuku Midoriya has garnered our attention, but for all the right reasons."

Inko tilted her head, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

"Your son is incredible, to say the least," Roy began, his tone respectful. "When I first heard about him, they told me there was a potential hero in training who was far beyond talented. To be able to juggle control and use 19 different abilities, and learn all of that in just a year?" He shook his head in admiration. "It's extraordinary."

Inko's expression softened into a proud smile. "Yes, he is," she said warmly, her voice filled with motherly pride.

Roy glanced at Riza, who gave him a slight nod before he continued. "We're here with an offer, Mrs. Midoriya. Given his remarkable abilities, we believe Izuku could benefit from further training and a more specialized support structure. We'd like to offer him a position within our program, working closely with the Hero Public Safety Committee."

Inko blinked, surprised by the offer, but her gaze softened with a mix of pride and concern. "W-Wait, the HSPC wants to take Izuku into their training program? But he's already at U.A."

"That's why we're here," Riza said gently. "We were hoping, as his mother, you might consider pulling Izuku from U.A. and entrusting him to our care. With us, we can provide him with the specialized training and security he needs."

Inko's eyes widened, and she gasped softly. "That's quite the offer..." she murmured, her voice hesitant. "But Izuku is really happy at U.A. Admittedly, I was considering pulling him out after the USJ attack-he nearly died-but he's thriving now. He's happy, and he's growing stronger every day. I don't think Izuku would want to leave U.A."

Roy and Riza exchanged a knowing glance before Roy leaned forward slightly, his expression firm yet understanding. "We understand how you feel, Mrs. Midoriya. But happiness in the short term shouldn't come at the expense of his safety or his future as a hero. U.A. is an excellent academy, but they cannot provide the care and nurture Izuku desperately needs."

Inko frowned slightly, her concern deepening. "What do you mean? U.A. has incredible staff and facilities..."

Roy nodded but pressed on. "It's true they do, but U.A. is a school designed for a broad range of students. Izuku is unique. He has 19 reported abilities, and from our intel, he may have recently gained two more. Each form he takes is essentially a different body, with its own strengths, weaknesses, and mechanics. Teaching and monitoring one student like that would require far more attention than U.A. can realistically provide while also handling the rest of their students."

Riza added, her voice calm but resolute, "Izuku needs guidance and structure tailored to his abilities. Without it, there's a risk he could plateau-or worse, lose control in a critical moment. The HSPC can ensure he continues to grow, not just as a hero, but as the next number one hero."

"N-Number one hero..." Inko stammered.

Rize nodded."We can assure that he will become a hero that surpasses the like of All Might by leaps and bounds but it can't be done at U.A."

Inko hesitated, her hands gripping her teacup tightly. "But U.A. has helped him so much already... Surely they can continue to give him what he needs?"

Roy's expression turned somber. "Do you really want to entrust Izuku's future to a school that couldn't protect him during the USJ attack? He nearly died, Mrs. Midoriya-because the staff were taken out, and the students were left to fend for themselves. Izuku had to save everyone. That's not something a student should have to shoulder."

Inko's face paled, the memory of her son's injuries from that day flashing in her mind. "I... I know he was hurt, but he wanted to protect everyone. That's just who Izuku is."

"And that's admirable," Riza said softly, "but it's also dangerous. He's putting himself in harm's way because he feels it's his responsibility. What we're offering is the chance to keep him safe, to train him properly, so that he doesn't have to keep risking his life unnecessarily. Especially as student. He doesn't even have license someone like him shouldn't be risking his life for others not yet."

Roy leaned back slightly and gestured to Riza, who pulled out a folder and placed it on the table. "This is information about his homeroom teacher, Shota Aizawa. I think it highlights a concerning issue."

Inko opened the folder hesitantly, scanning the documents. "Shota Aizawa... expelled 153 students?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"Because he decided they lacked potential," Riza explained bluntly. "While his intentions may have been to prevent them from getting hurt, it shows a lack of effort to nurture and guide his students. Expelling someone because they don't meet a standard isn't guidance-it's neglect."

Roy's voice was steady as he added, "Now think about Izuku. He's not a standard student. He's exceptional. But if U.A. struggles to give its average students the care they need, how can you be certain they're giving Izuku everything he needs to succeed and stay safe?"

Inko clutched her chest, her emotions swirling with pride, worry, and doubt. "I... I just want what's best for him. He's so happy at U.A... happier than he's been in years."

Riza's voice softened. "We understand that. But his safety and future as a hero are far more important. Happiness will come when he's fully equipped to handle his powers and the dangers he'll face."

Roy's tone became firm but respectful. "As Izuku's legal guardian, Mrs. Midoriya, you have the final say. You have the authority to pull him from U.A., even if it's against his wishes. That's why we came to you directly-we know this is a difficult decision, but we believe it's the right one for his safety and future."

Inko's hands trembled as she set down her cup, her mind racing with the weight of their words. "I... I need time to think about this..."

...

Back at the resort with Class 1-A

"Okay, next up we have Setsuna!" Ashido said, her voice brimming with excitement. Setsuna grinned, and everyone could tell her question was going to be something bold.

Setsuna rubbed her hands together mischievously. "Never have I ever... had my first time."

The class fell dead silent. The tension in the room was almost palpable as faces began heating up in embarrassment, everyone glancing at each other awkwardly.

Setsuna smirked, clearly enjoying the chaos she had unleashed. "Wow, seriously? None of you have tasted the forbidden fruit? You know," she added nonchalantly, "a survey says that 34% of people had their first time in high school."

The class collectively turned a deeper shade of red, with some coughing or fidgeting nervously.

"And," she continued, her grin widening, "35% were hero course students. Makes sense, right?"

Mineta's eyes sparkled with mischief as he chimed in, grinning like a Cheshire cat. "You know how stressful hero work can be? Some people just let that stress build up-"

"Then bam! A night of passion," Setsuna finished, leaning back in her seat with a triumphant smirk.

"Can we move on to the next question already?" Jirou groaned, trying to hide her flushed cheeks by covering her face with her hands.

...

"T-That means in a class of 20, seven people have done it..." Pony said, nervously putting her fingers together.

Ashido's face lit up lilac. "That means there's a possibility some of us here..." Her voice trailed into a barely audible whisper as she tried-and failed-not to steal glances at Izuku.

"That's... way too high," Kaminari stammered, his face flushed as he tugged at his collar.

"I-If it's higher, it's probably because the only people who took the survey are the ones who like to read about that stuff," Toru said, flickering in and out of visibility like a malfunctioning lightbulb.

"Right. It's sample selection bias," Iida added, adjusting his glasses. "That number is far too high to represent a reasonable proportion, especially for hero course students!"

"Oh, for sure!" Sero said, nodding fervently.

"Yep!" Sato added, his expression overly earnest.

Monoma coughed nervously, his usual smirk replaced with a hesitant frown. "Yeah, totally inaccurate..."

Itsuka's face turned a deep crimson as she awkwardly waved her hands. "Y-Yeah... N-No way that number is that high..."

The classes shared a round of awkward laughs, everyone avoiding eye contact.

"You think so?" Momo asked innocently, before casually reaching for a cookie. Ibara followed suit. The sound of them taking a bite echoed like thunder in the suddenly silent room.

Everyone froze.

Setsuna's teasing smirk dissolved into one of disbelief.

"35% seems accurate enough to me," Momo said calmly, sipping her tea. The rest of the students stared at her and Ibara in shock, jaws practically on the floor.

"H-Huh?" someone managed to sputter as Izuku, who was seated beside Momo, turned his head slowly, his mouth agape.

"Agreed," Ibara added, her serene expression unwavering. "Actually, I'd argue the percentage is rather low."

Setsuna, unblinking, hesitantly spoke up, her voice losing its usual confidence. "Uh... I'm positive I already know the answer, but, uh... are you saying this because you're in that 35%?"

"Yes," Ibara said matter-of-factly. "I have been for some time now."

The collective gasp that followed was almost deafening.

Ibara Shiozaki, the most religious girl in the room.

"So have I," Momo said, her cheeks turning a faint pink as she glanced briefly at Izuku, whose shocked expression could rival a statue's.

All at once, the girls in the room turned to Izuku with unblinking intensity, their gazes sharp as knives.

Izuku's mouth moved, but no words came out.

"I-I mean... uh..." Tsuyu croaked, shrinking back as if to disappear.

Momo smiled faintly. "There's no need to be secretive, Izuku. You clearly have quite a bit of experience."

Izuku stiffened, as if struck by lightning, while Kaminari and Mineta's gazes burned holes into his skull.

"And Tsuyu," Momo continued with complete innocence, "I'm well aware you have siblings, so I'm sure you do it all the time."

A record-scratch silence descended on the room.

"What?!" Tsuyu shouted, her face redder than her tongue. "Of course not! Are you crazy, Yaoyorozu?! I'd never do that with Satsuki and Samidare!"

Momo blinked in confusion. "But you three are family-it's only natural."

Fear and horror rippled through the room.

Ibara chimed in, her tone serene. "Agreed. Why, I just did it with my newborn nephew last week."

Dead silence.

"And I even captured it on video."

Gasps erupted from both classes.

"A baby?!" several voices shouted in unison.

"You sick freak-you even recorded it?!" Awase yelled, recoiling in his chair.

"Have you no shame?!"

Tsuyu clutched Izuku's arm tightly, her eyes wide with fear.

"Those were some good times," Ibara said with a serene smile, completely oblivious to the mounting tension.

"Intimacy isn't something to fear, regardless of what you've been told," Momo added, sighing as she took another sip of tea. "Why must society warp these things so much?"

"Society is fine! It's you and your family that are warped!" Iida shouted, his voice cracking under the strain.

Koda, meanwhile, was frozen in horror.

"And Koda," Ibara added, turning her gaze to him, "what about your pet rabbit? Surely you do it with him all the time."

Koda shook his head violently, holding up a trembling sign that read: "Please don't drag me or Usagimaru into this!"

As the room erupted into chaos, Izuku's mind was spinning like a broken record. Who knew the Yaoyorozu family life was this horrific? Wait...

Izuku blinked, suddenly struck by a realization. He held up his hand to stop the pandemonium.

"Momo... Shiozaki... quick question for both of you," he said hesitantly. The entire room turned to him, their mortified expressions begging for clarity.

"Are you sure you know what the term 'first time' means?" Izuku asked, his voice carefully measured.

Momo sighed, giving him a bemused look. "Honestly, Midoriya. What do you take me for? It's your first kiss."

The room went silent again, but this time the horror melted into blank stares.

"Of course," Ibara added, tilting her head.

The tension snapped as Setsuna's smirk returned, more devious than ever.

"Oh," Setsuna said, her voice dripping with mischief as she flashed a sly grin. "We're going to ruin this poor girl's faith in humanity."

Kendo gave Setsuna a knowing look, crossing her arms. "I'll do it. You're gonna enjoy this way too much," she said with a stern tone, stepping forward with a sense of authority.

Setsuna, sensing the challenge, threw her hands up in mock defeat. "Boo, you take all the fun out of it."

Kendo ignored her, leaning in to whisper, her voice carrying just loud enough for everyone to hear. The room went quiet as her words landed, and the class slowly began turning red as the conversation took a more uncomfortable turn. The awkwardness was palpable, faces erupting into blushes all around.

Momo, caught off guard, cleared her throat in a failed attempt to regain composure. "I can't believe so many have... performed so many, uh... intimate interactions," she said, her voice faltering as her face deepened in color.

Ibara, ever the drama queen, gasped in horror. "And not even married, no less!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with mock shock. "That number has to be inaccurate!"

Ibara then turned toward the Big Three, who had been mostly silent up until this point. "You are upperclassmen! Please, tell us this is completely false!" she said, pleading for confirmation with a desperate gaze.

The Big Three shifted uncomfortably in their seats, unsure of how to respond. Mirio gave an awkward chuckle, Amajiki turned away with a nervous expression, and Nejire's face was now a deep shade of pink.

"Look..." Mirio began, his tone becoming a little too casual, "Heroes have needs, too."

The room collectively fell to the floor with exaggerated comedy at Mirio's statement, all the students groaning in unison.

Mirio raised his hands in defense. "Okay, okay, maybe that wasn't the best way to put it..."

"Don't be ashamed, though," Nejire continued, trying to salvage the conversation. "It's perfectly normal. We're all human."

"Plus," Amajiki added, glancing nervously at the group, "with all the crazy and dangerous stuff they put us through, a lot of students get a little, uh... stressed. And, well..."

Nejire quickly chimed in, her voice lighthearted, "Thank God the dorms are soundproof."

There was a collective cringe as the realization set in.

"Though," Nejire added, her tone turning mischievous, "Mirio isn't allowed to phase in the dorms anymore." She smiled brightly, clearly enjoying the effect her words were having.

Mirio blushed fiercely, and the class erupted in snickers as he scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Oh yeah... Satarou and Mika were so mad... I still can't look them in the eye," he admitted, clearly embarrassed by the memory.

...

Izuku's face burned with embarrassment, mirroring the expressions of his classmates, who were all frozen in awkward silence.

"And no offense to the boys," Nejire continued, her tone casual but utterly unhelpful, "but constantly seeing hot girls in tight, sometimes revealing costumes definitely gets them, er... a little excited." She giggled softly. "There've been a few mishaps here and there-especially with guys in, you know, skin-tight outfits."

Everyone blushed furiously, some squirming in their seats as the atmosphere grew unbearably awkward. Izuku fidgeted, wishing for a way out of the conversation, while Kaminari and Sero were visibly struggling to keep their composure.

Ibara's mortified gasp broke the silence. She clasped her hands to her chest, her face a portrait of dismay. "To think such an institution would allow such... adultery!" she exclaimed, her voice rising in incredulity.

Iida looked just as horrified, his posture rigid as he quickly descended into a moralistic rant. "This is completely unacceptable behavior! As students training to be heroes, we must uphold the highest standards of decency and propriety-"

While Iida's speech carried on, Izuku's phone vibrated in his pocket. Grateful for the distraction, he glanced down to see a message from Itsuka: "Meet me outside. Now."

Confused but curious, he raised his head and caught sight of Itsuka standing at the door, gesturing for him to follow her. She wore a small, mischievous smile, her orange yukata glowing softly in the warm light of the room.

"S-Sorry," Izuku stammered to Tsuyu and Momo, who were sitting beside him, before rising from his seat. He kept his head down as he quietly slipped out of the room, hoping to avoid drawing attention.

Unfortunately, Setsuna noticed him leaving. She smirked slyly, leaning back in her chair. "Well, well," she muttered under her breath, "what's going on there?"

Outside the Resort

Itsuka led Izuku to a quiet elevator at the far end of the resort. The two rode in silence, the soft hum of the machinery filling the air. Izuku tried to gather his thoughts, glancing occasionally at her. She seemed calm, yet there was a spark of excitement in her eyes.

When the elevator doors opened, they stepped out into the open-air courtyard. Lanterns swayed gently in the evening breeze, their light reflecting off the serene ocean in the distance. The scent of fresh sea salt mixed with the sweet aroma of blooming flowers.

"Where are we going?" Izuku asked hesitantly as they walked down a cobblestone path lined with bamboo and decorative Tanabata streamers. The festival was about to kick into full swing, with the distant sounds of laughter, music, and festival games echoing through the resort.

"You'll see," Itsuka replied cryptically, her smile growing wider. She tugged on his sleeve, pulling him toward the beach.

When they reached the shoreline, Izuku gasped. The beach was quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling resort above. Strings of glowing lanterns were strung along the sand, illuminating the area in a warm, golden light.

As they arrived at the ATV rental station, Izuku's eyes widened when he saw a woman casually handed the keys to one of the vehicles.

"How about we go for a ride?" Itsuka suggested, her tone light but her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Cool!" Izuku said, almost bouncing on his heels. Then he paused. "Wait… you know how to drive one of those?"

As an ATV was pulled up to them, Itsuka smirked and swung a leg over it effortlessly. "Uh, yeah," she said, her voice teasing. "My mom's a huge motorcycle enthusiast. I guess it rubbed off on me. Pretty sure I learned to ride before I could walk," she added with a chuckle.

Izuku blinked in awe as she adjusted the handlebars. She looked so confident, so natural—like she belonged on that ATV.

"Now get on," Itsuka said, her voice softer but tinged with a hint of nervousness.

Izuku's face went red. "W-Wait, you mean we're sharing one?!" he blurted out, his voice cracking slightly.

Itsuka turned her head away, her cheeks dusted with pink. "Yeah, you doofus… Now hurry up and get on!* she snapped, though the blush creeping across her face betrayed her flustered state.

Izuku hesitated, but finally climbed on behind her, the seat feeling more snug than he'd expected.

As he settled in, his thighs brushed against hers, the unexpected contact sending a jolt through them both. Izuku stiffened, his face burning, while Itsuka swallowed hard, pretending to focus on the controls.

"Wrap your arms around me… I want you close," Itsuka said, her voice quieter now.

Izuku blinked in shock but obeyed, his arms tentatively wrapping around her waist. He tried not to notice how warm she felt beneath his touch, but his heart was pounding in his chest.

Itsuka's breath hitched as she felt his arms around her, firm and strong. 'Come on, Itsuka. Focus. You're not a perv! You're not a perv!' she scolded herself silently.

Still, the heat radiating from him and the way his fingers brushed her sides made her lips curl into a shy smile.

"You ready?" she asked, trying to sound casual, though her voice trembled slightly.

"Y-Yeah," Izuku stammered, tightening his grip just a little, trying to ignore how his heart felt like it might leap out of his chest.

With a rev of the engine, the ATV roared to life, and they sped off, the cool ocean breeze doing little to calm the heat rising between them.

"Itsuka, slow down!" Izuku yelled, his voice nearly lost in the rushing wind as they tore along the private beach. The ATV's tires dug into the soft sand, kicking up clouds of fine dust and salty spray as they sped past the gentle waves lapping at the shore.

"Woohoo!" Itsuka whooped, her laughter carrying over the crashing waves.

Izuku clung to her tightly, his arms locked around her waist as the ATV bounced over a patch of uneven sand. Every jolt sent his heart racing and made Itsuka's pulse quicken, her grin widening. She swerved sharply to the right, steering them toward a narrow trail that snaked away from the beach and up a hillside covered with lush greenery.

As they climbed higher, the ground grew rockier and more uneven, but that only seemed to excite Itsuka more.

The ATV skidded slightly as Itsuka banked hard around a curve, sending small pebbles tumbling down the slope. "Itsuka, watch out!" Izuku shouted, his voice rising in alarm as the ATV narrowly avoided a protruding rock.

She just laughed, her eyes gleaming with exhilaration. "Relax! I've got it!"

Itsuka's grin didn't falter as she pushed the ATV harder, the tires digging into the dirt and gravel.

Suddenly, the trail dipped sharply. They drove off a small ridge, and for a moment, Izuku felt his stomach drop as they were airborne, weightless, with nothing but sky around them.

Then the ATV landed with a solid thud, the suspension absorbing the impact as they descended into a secluded valley surrounded by rolling hills and flowering shrubs.

"See? That was fun, wasn't it?" Itsuka said, glancing back with a playful grin. Izuku, who had buried his head into her shoulder during the wild ride, muttered in response.

"You almost gave me a heart attack," he mumbled, his voice muffled against her shoulder.

Itsuka stuck out her tongue and giggled. "Oh, don't be such a baby! Besides, you have to admit the view is amazing."

They reached a higher section of the trail, where the dense vegetation gave way to a breathtaking vista. The ocean stretched out endlessly below them, the waves glittering under the midday sun. Down on the beach, festival decorations were being set up—colorful lanterns swaying in the breeze and intricate banners flapping against the backdrop of golden sand.

Izuku's eyes widened as he took in the scene. A wide smile spread across his face, his earlier nerves melting away in the serenity of the moment.

Itsuka slowed the ATV to a gentle pace, giving them time to take in the view.

"Incredible, right?" she said, her voice softer now, tinged with awe as her gaze swept across the horizon.

"Yeah... amazing," Izuku replied, his tone mirroring hers. The wind rushing against his face added to the sense of freedom he felt in that moment.

"You know," Itsuka began, her eyes still fixed on the view, "I've always loved riding motorcycles. First thing I'm doing when I become a pro—with my first paycheck—is buying my own bike."

She closed her eyes briefly, letting the wind whip against her face, her expression serene. "There's just something about it—the wind rushing against my skin, my heart pounding, and actually being able to go fast!"

With a mischievous smile, she revved the ATV's engine, the sudden roar making Izuku clutch her waist tighter. His cheeks flushed as he realized how close they were.

Itsuka burst into laughter, the sound carefree and infectious. "See? It's thrilling, isn't it?"

Izuku couldn't help but laugh a little himself, though his face was still red. "Yeah, I guess it is... "

Itsuka blushed slightly, her voice nervous. "Hey... there's fireworks coming up. Do you want to watch them with me, or... you know, whatever?"

Izuku's face turned red as they rode through the terrain. "S-sorry, I kinda promised Hagakure I'd watch them with her."

"Oh." Itsuka's voice dropped with disappointment. Izuku immediately felt bad. "It's cool, don't worry about it," she added quickly, trying to mask her feelings.

As they continued, an idea sparked in Izuku's mind. He glanced at the Omnitrix on his wrist. "Hey, Itsuka... I've got an idea. It could be fun," he said, his voice a little uncertain.

Itsuka raised an eyebrow and glanced over her shoulder, confused. Izuku removed his hands from her waist, holding the Omnitrix up to his face. He pressed the button, and the faceplate popped up. She watched curiously as he slammed down on the Omnitrix, causing a green flash to erupt behind her.

"Whoa!" Itsuka exclaimed, the sudden change in weight startling her. "Whoa, no transforming on the bike!" she said, trying to steady herself. She turned to see Izuku had transformed into Upgrade.

Itsuka gasped as green circuitry covered the vehicle. The wheels bulged and strengthened, and the engine roared with new power. The mufflers shifted, the frame became sleeker, and the headlights glowed a vibrant green.

"How's that for an upgrade?" Upgrade's voice echoed through the ATV's speakers, his tone full of confidence. "Now, how about we see how fast this thing can really go?"

Itsuka's earlier disappointment melted into an ecstatic grin as the newly enhanced engines roared to life. "Oh, this is gonna be good!" she said, her voice brimming with excitement.

With a sudden burst of energy, the ATV shot forward, the mufflers igniting with a flash of light as it accelerated at breakneck speed.

"WHOA!" Itsuka screamed, gripping the handlebars tightly as the wind whipped past her face. She leaned into the rush, her heart pounding as they tore across the trail.

The enhanced ATV glided effortlessly over the rugged terrain, weaving between trees and rocks with precision. They zoomed past startled birds and kicked up clouds of sand as they hit the beach, the tires skidding slightly before regaining traction.

Izuku, now fully merged with the vehicle as Upgrade, couldn't help but laugh. "Hold on tight!" he warned as they sped along the shoreline, the ocean spray misting over them.

Itsuka's ponytail came undone, her vibrant ginger hair flowing freely in the wind like a fiery cascade.

"This is insane!" she screamed, her voice ringing with pure exhilaration as the ATV soared through the air, leaving the ground behind. Before landing with a thud.

They swerved around a bend, the ATV racing along the edge of the water before coming to a sudden, smooth stop near a secluded part of the beach. The tires dug into the sand, leaving deep grooves behind as the engine purred quietly, winding down.

Itsuka leaned against the ATV, her breaths coming in quick, exhilarated gasps. "That… was… amazing!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with excitement.

Upgrade emerged from the vehicle, his circuitry pulsing faintly. "I don't usually get a chance to use Upgrade for stuff like this. Glad you liked it," he said, his gaze shifting to her.

Her long orange hair, usually tied neatly into a high ponytail on the left side of her head, had come undone during the ride. The loose strands framed her face, her bangs falling in their usual three clumps around her teal eyes, while the rest of her hair tumbled down her back in a cascade. It was a stark contrast to her usual look, making her seem more carefree and unguarded.

Itsuka didn't seem to notice her disheveled appearance as she leaned forward on the ATV, animatedly recounting the experience. "That was insane! I've never gone that fast in my life! We were like zoom!" she exclaimed, waving her arms to emphasize her point.

Upgrade couldn't help but linger on her appearance. The way her hair caught the light, the flush of adrenaline on her cheeks, and the sparkle in her teal eyes—it all left him momentarily speechless.

Itsuka continued talking, gesturing wildly as she relived the excitement of their ride. She paused mid-sentence when she noticed Upgrade staring at her—or at least, that's what she assumed from the focus of his single eye.

"Uh, Izuku? You're staring," Itsuka said, her tone teasing but with a hint of curiosity.

If Upgrade could blush, he would have been bright red. "O-Oh! S-Sorry!" he stammered, awkwardly scratching the back of his head. "I-It's just… I've never seen you with your hair down."

Itsuka blinked, then gasped as she realized her ponytail had come undone. Her hands flew to her hair, her face flushing deeply as she tried to gather the loose strands. "O-Oh, this is so embarrassing…" she muttered, fumbling to fix her usual style.

"D-Don't worry about it!" Upgrade quickly said, his tone laced with nervous reassurance. "You… you look nice."

Itsuka froze for a moment, her fingers stilling in her hair as her face grew warmer. She glanced at him, a little shy smile tugging at her lips. "R-Really? Thanks, Izuku," she murmured, her voice softer now.

Upgrade hesitated before adding, "I mean it. You look... different, but in a good way. You should wear your hair down more often."

That comment only made her blush harder. "O-Oh! Ahem, I—I better go return this ATV," Itsuka stammered, quickly retreating to avoid further embarrassment.

Upgrade touched the Omnitrix dial, and in a flash of green light, Izuku returned to his human form.

As Itsuka grabbed the ATV's handles, she hesitated for a moment and turned back. "Thanks for today, Izuku. It was… really fun."

Izuku rubbed the back of his neck, a sheepish smile on his face. "I-It was fun for me too," he admitted.

Itsuka gave him a quick wave. "I'll see you later!" she called, her voice a mix of warmth and lingering fluster.

Izuku stood there, watching her leave, his face tinged pink. He was about to head back when a light poke on his shoulder made him turn around.

Setsuna stood there, smirking up at him, hands on her hips. "Yo, Midoriya. Where's Kendo?"

Izuku blinked, startled. "Oh, uh, she went to return the ATV."

Setsuna groaned dramatically. "Seriously? You guys went ATV riding without me? That's cold, Midoriya. I would've totally smoked you both on the track."

Izuku chuckled nervously. "It wasn't exactly a race. Honestly, it was kind of terrifying."

"Eh, sounds like an adrenaline rush to me," Setsuna said, shrugging before leaning forward slightly, her smirk widening. "Anyway, me and the girls are about to get ready into our kimono."

Izuku froze as the mental image of Setsuna and her friends in elegant kimonos popped into his head. His face instantly reddened.

Setsuna's sharp eyes caught on immediately, and her smirk turned downright mischievous. "Ohhh, I see it now. You're already picturing us, huh? Naughty, naughty, Midoriya."

"I-I wasn't—!" Izuku stammered, his face burning.

Laughing, Setsuna waved him off. "Relax, I'm just messing with you." She shifted her weight to one foot, her voice becoming a bit softer. "So, after we're all set, we're thinking about heading up to light lanterns. A bunch of our classmates are planning to go. You wanna join us?"

Izuku considered the offer, scratching his cheek. "I don't see why not. Sure, I'd like to."

Setsuna grinned, giving him a thumbs-up. "Sweet. Don't chicken out on us now, Midoriya." With that, she turned and walked off, her confidence as unwavering as ever.

...

As night fell, the festival atmosphere buzzed with energy as Class 1-A and Class 1-B prepared for the evening's festivities. The girls excitedly gathered in their rooms, helping each other don their elegant kimonos, chatting and laughing as they adjusted sashes and admired one another's looks.

Meanwhile, in the boys' quarters, Kirishima was in the middle of an uphill battle. "Come on, Bakugou! It's for the festival! You'll look great!"

Bakugou growled low in his throat, glaring at the crimson-haired boy like a cornered animal. "Why the hell do I have to wear this stupid thing?!"

"Because it's tradition! Plus, you'll look manly!" Kirishima grinned, holding up the neatly folded kimono.

Bakugou snatched it with a huff, grumbling under his breath. "Tch. This is so dumb." A few minutes later, he emerged from his room, wearing the kimono with a scowl that dared anyone to comment.

Elsewhere, a handful of boys hesitated to put on their kimonos, shifting uncomfortably as they adjusted to the unfamiliar attire. "This thing's so tight," Kaminari complained, fidgeting with his sash.

"It's not that bad," Tokoyami remarked, looking surprisingly at ease in his dark, crow-themed kimono.

The girls soon emerged, a colorful array of vibrant fabrics and intricate patterns, drawing a collective "wow" from the boys who had gathered outside. Mina twirled in her pink and gold kimono, striking a playful pose. "What do you guys think? Pretty cute, huh?"

"You look amazing, Ashido!" Kirishima said enthusiastically, earning a bright grin from her.

Ochako adjusted her obi with a shy smile. "I feel so fancy in this. Do you think it's too much?"

"No way!" Izuku said quickly, his face already turning pink as he tried not to stare at the girls.

Kyoka, her own face beet red, peeked out from behind Momo, trying to hide her embarrassment. "This feels so embarrassing," she muttered.

Momo, meanwhile, twirled slightly in her kimono, the fabric flowing elegantly around her. Her cheeks carried a light dusting of pink, but her face lit up with excitement.

"Woah..." Izuku breathed, his eyes lingering on the two girls for a moment too long. Both of them blushed under his gaze, and Izuku quickly scratched his cheek, realizing how flustered he looked.

"T-Thanks, Green," Kyoka said as she hesitantly stepped forward, still fidgeting. "Though I feel a little embarrassed in this."

Izuku shook his head earnestly. "No, you look perfect," he blurted without thinking.

Kyoka's face turned crimson, and she immediately jabbed him on the forehead with her earphone jack. "D-Doofus," she mumbled, trying to hide her own flustered reaction.

As the girls gathered, Tsuyu stood beside Ochako, quietly observing. Momo turned to her with a grateful smile.

"Thanks, Tsu, for helping us put these on," Momo said, turning toward the quiet girl. Her voice was full of gratitude.

"Yeah, you were a lifesaver," Kyoka added with a small smile. "I don't know what we'd have done without you."

Tsuyu blushed faintly from the praise, glancing down modestly. "Don't worry about it, ribbit," she replied. Her eyes drifted to Izuku, who was fidgeting with his kimono. Her sharp gaze caught something amiss.

"Midoriya," Tsuyu said softly, stepping closer to him. "Hold still, your obi's coming loose."

"Huh? Oh, sorry!" Izuku stammered, freezing in place as Tsuyu carefully adjusted his sash. Her hands worked deftly, and her focus was entirely on making sure everything looked perfect.

As she tied the final knot, her fingers lingered for a moment. "There. That's better," she said, her voice quieter than usual. She looked up at him, her cheeks tinted a faint pink.

"Thanks, Tsuyu," Izuku said with a sheepish smile. "You're really good at this."

Tsuyu blinked, her heart skipping a beat at his genuine praise. She looked away, trying to suppress the small smile tugging at her lips. "It's nothing, ribbit," she replied, her tone soft but carrying a hint of warmth."I help my siblings with this all the time so I'm used to it."

From Class 1-B's side, Setsuna sauntered out confidently, her green-and-black kimono adorned with a bold floral pattern and accented by her ever-present mischievous grin. "Yo, Midoriya! What do you think? How do I look?" she asked, striking a playful pose.

Izuku blinked, his face flushing. "Uh... y-you look great!" he stammered, quickly averting his eyes.

Itsuka soon joined them, her face carrying a faint blush as she adjusted the hem of her own kimono. "Thanks, Midoriya," Setsuna said, chuckling at his flustered reaction, before giving Itsuka a sly wink.

As the two classes mingled, lively chatter and laughter filled the warm summer night. The scent of festival food wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of distant music and fireworks.

"All right, everyone!" Iida's voice rang out, cutting through the commotion as he performed his signature chopping motion. "Let's make the most of the festival activities! But remember to stay in groups, and if you need to leave, make sure at least one person knows where you're going!"

From Class 1-A, Toru shyly approached Izuku, her outline flickering faintly into view as she spoke. "Hey, Midoriya..."

Izuku's heart skipped a beat as he turned to her. "H-Hey, Hagakure," he replied nervously. "So, uh, are we still...?" He trailed off, referring to their earlier plan to meet and discuss what she'd meant when she confessed, "I love you."

Toru nodded, her voice light but filled with meaning. "Yeah... Watching the fireworks with you will be special," she said softly, her smile almost visible through her tone.

Izuku smiled back, his nerves settling a little, until he suddenly felt an arm sling over his shoulders. His face turned scarlet as Mina leaned in, her bust pressing against him.

"Hey, Midori! Till then, how about we hang out, huh?" Mina grinned mischievously, her voice playful and teasing.

Before Izuku could respond, a floating hand gently nudged Mina aside. "Sorry, but no can do," Setsuna chimed in, stepping in with her signature smirk. "Midoriya's already coming with us."

Yui nodded stoically, her usual soft "Mh" signaling her agreement.

"We're planning to head up the mountain," Yanagi added, her tone gentle yet firm. "We'll spread the lanterns and make our wishes."

"And," Setsuna added with a grin, looping her arm around Izuku's, "Midoriya already promised to hang out with us tonight. Didn't you, Midoriya?"

Izuku blinked, flustered but unable to deny the claim. "I-I did..."

The girls of Class 1-A felt a pang in their hearts at Setsuna's casual claim, though they tried to hide it.

Mina pouted, folding her arms. "Fiiine!" she drawled, her usual cheer tinged with a hint of frustration.

Toru placed a comforting hand on Mina's shoulder but said nothing.

"But don't think this is over, Midori!" Mina added, her usual grin returning as she jabbed a finger toward him. "I'm coming for my chance next time, got it?"

Izuku laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. "O-Okay... I'll make time for everyone..."

"Good answer, Midoriya," Setsuna quipped with a sly grin, tugging him toward her group as Mina huffed dramatically. "Now come on, hero. We've got lanterns to light and wishes to make!"

...

After a few minutes, Izuku found himself walking with a small group from Class 1-B. The group included Setsuna, Yui, Yanagi, Kinoko, Kojiro Bondo, and Kuriroro. They were steadily making their way up the mountain trail of the resort, the forest around them illuminated by the faint glow of lanterns they carried.

"Where exactly are we headed?" Izuku asked, glancing around nervously as the forest grew denser.

"The best spot to light lanterns, obviously," Kuriroro said with a mischievous grin. "Apparently, it's also home to some of the spookiest ghosts and supernatural stuff."

Izuku's shoulders tensed, the lingering memory of Ghostfreak sending a shiver down his spine. "I-I think I've had enough encounters with ghosts for a while..."

Yui nodded solemnly. "Mh." She glanced at Yanagi. "How did you even hear about this place?"

Yanagi put a finger to her chin, her voice soft and a little eerie. "Hm... I overheard rumors. They say this mountain is haunted by something called the Charms of Bezel."

"Charms of Bezel?" Izuku repeated, tilting his head.

"It's an old story," Yanagi began, her tone calm but carrying an unsettling edge. "Legend says a traveler once came here, carrying strange, cursed trinkets. He offered them to people in the village below, promising good fortune. But instead of luck, the charms brought disaster. People vanished, and strange shadows were seen roaming the mountain. Some say their spirits still linger, luring anyone foolish enough to light lanterns here into their curse..."

Kinoko shuddered, clinging to Kojiro's arm. "Y-Yanagi, you're not helping!"

Kojiro laughed nervously. "I-I'm sure it's just a story, Kinoko. Right?"

Setsuna scoffed, though her grin was a little forced. "Come on, Yanagi, that's just an old wives' tale. Ghosts and curses? Sounds like something out of a bad horror movie."

"A month ago, you said aliens were the second most unrealistic thing next to ghosts," Yanagi countered smoothly, her face impassive but her tone lightly teasing.

Setsuna froze mid-step, a bead of sweat forming on her temple. "Th-That's different! How was I supposed to know aliens were actually real?"

Izuku cupped his chin thoughtfully. "She kind of has a point..."

"Et tu, Midoriya?" Setsuna groaned, shaking slightly. "Okay, fine! I was wrong about aliens and ghosts, but seriously, there's no way this mountain's haunted. Right?"

Kuriroro shrugged, his usual mischievous grin returning. "Who knows? Maybe the Charms of Bezel are just waiting for us to start lighting lanterns. What's the worst that could happen?" His grin widened devilishly. "Maybe they'll—"

"Enough of the spooky talk, Shroom!" Kinoko cut in, shaking like a leaf and tugging Kojiro closer. "Let's just focus on getting to the spot and lighting the lanterns, okay?"

Yanagi let out a soft chuckle. "Don't worry, Kinoko. I'm sure if anything happens, we'll have Midoriya to protect us."

Izuku laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. "R-Right... No ghosts. Just lanterns and wishes."

The group pressed on, the shadows of the trees seeming to stretch and twist in the faint light of their lanterns. Even Setsuna couldn't help glancing over her shoulder now and then, her confident stride a little less sure than usual.

...

The forest seemed darker now, the canopy above blocking out most of the moonlight. Every creak of a branch or rustle of leaves made the group jumpy. Suddenly, a loud crack echoed through the still air.

"Ahh!" Setsuna yelped, instinctively grabbing Izuku's arm. On the opposite side, Yui clutched his other arm without a word.

Izuku's face immediately turned a bright shade of red, caught off guard by the two girls clinging to him. "I-It's okay," he stammered, trying to calm his pounding heart.

"Sorry, Midoriya..." Setsuna muttered, her usual confidence faltering as she trembled slightly. Her grip on his arm was firm, and she unconsciously leaned closer, her green eyes darting around the forest.

"No problem," Izuku said, his voice a little shaky. He glanced over at Yui, who still wore her typical neutral expression.

"Uh, Yui, are you okay?" he asked.

Kojiro chuckled nervously from behind. "She doesn't look scared at all."

Yui tilted her head slightly, her face as blank as ever. "What do you mean? I'm terrified," she said flatly, though her trembling hands clutched Izuku's arm tighter.

The group collectively sweatdropped. 'I can never read that girl!' Izuku, Setsuna, and Kojiro all thought simultaneously.

Setsuna shifted her grip, and Izuku's breath caught as she unintentionally pressed his arm closer against her chest.

Despite the layers of fabric separating them, he could sense the warmth and suppleness of her breast, making his face flush with heat.

"Oops," Setsuna said, flashing a sheepish grin despite her fear. "Sorry about that."

Izuku's voice cracked slightly. "I-It's fine!"

After what felt like an eternity, the group finally emerged from the forest and found themselves at a serene clearing by a shimmering body of water. The surface reflected the starry night sky above, and glowing fireflies flitted gracefully through the air, adding a magical touch to the scene.

"Wow," Kinoko breathed, her eyes wide as she took in the breathtaking view. "This place is beautiful..."

The gentle lapping of the water against the shore added to the tranquil atmosphere. Other groups were already there, carrying lanterns that glowed softly in the night. The warm golden light of the lanterns danced on the water's surface, mingling with the reflections of the stars.

Kuriroro's shoulders slumped as he sighed dramatically. "Boo. I was hoping for something spooky to happen."

Kinoko chuckled at his disappointment, adjusting her hat. "You're so predictable, Kuriroro. Can't we just enjoy the calm for once?"

Reiko stood by the water, her usual zombie-like posture giving her an ethereal air under the moonlight. She glanced at Izuku and Yui, who walked up to join her. "You know," she began softly, her voice carrying a ghostly tone, "people used to laugh when I said the supernatural was real. But after the last few weeks? I think I've been vindicated."

Izuku chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "I can see why you'd think that. Things have been... strange, to say the least."

"Too bad you can't exactly talk about any of it," Yui added in her usual flat tone, though there was a flicker of humor in her eyes.

Reiko turned her gaze to the sky, her expression thoughtful. "It does make you wonder, though—what else is out there? Aliens, spirits, ancient beings... there could be entire worlds we've never even dreamed of." Her voice grew more animated as she spoke, her usual monotone replaced by quiet awe.

Izuku's breath caught slightly at the sight of her starry-eyed expression, her curiosity lighting up her usually subdued demeanor.

"If aliens exist, doesn't it make sense that other legends might be rooted in truth?" Reiko continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "Imagine the history, the technology... or what if beings like Ectonurites are the origin of ghost myths on Earth?"

Yui placed a finger to her chin thoughtfully. "If that's true, does that mean you'll eventually turn into some alien mummy or werewolf, Izuku?"

Izuku's eyes widened, his face lighting up with excitement. "You think so? Wait, would I lose all my organs and have them stored in a jar or something?"

Reiko tilted her head, intrigued. "That depends... did you die when you transformed into Ghostfreak?"

Izuku furrowed his brow. "Hm, no. I felt fine. It was just... really unsettling."

Yui's lips twitched ever so slightly, almost forming a smirk. "If you do turn into a werewolf, would you mind if I put a collar on you?"

Izuku blinked, taken aback. He chuckled nervously, assuming it was a joke. "That's funny, Yui."

Yui tilted her head slightly, her expression as neutral as ever. "What's funny?"

Izuku instinctively gulped, rubbing his neck protectively. Reiko let out a soft chuckle at his discomfort, her amusement quiet but genuine.

Suddenly, Setsuna sauntered into the group with her signature confident grin, tossing her long, dark hair over her shoulder. "Vampire? Werewolf? Pfft, you're all thinking way too small!" She placed a hand on her hip and gave Izuku a teasing look. "If Midoriya ever turns into some kind of vampiric alien hottie, he can totally take a bite out of me!"

Izuku's face turned beet red. "W-what?!"

Setsuna smirked and invaded his personal space, pressing her back against his chest dramatically like she was fainting. One hand clutched her chest while the other rested theatrically against her forehead. "Oh no! Midoriya's alien urges are too strong! He's completely lost control, and now the only way to stop him is to make the ultimate sacrificial offering—me!"

Her dramatic pose was so over-the-top that, Reiko raised an eyebrow.

"Setsuna, stop teasing him," Reiko said quietly, though the faintest hint of a smile played on her lips.

Izuku's face turned bright red as he waved his hands frantically. "I-I wouldn't lose control like that!" he stammered, his voice rising an octave.

Setsuna tilted her head, a sly grin spreading across her face. "Relax, Midoriya. Everyone knows the tastiest blood comes from a virgin."

Yanagi's gaze shifted toward Setsuna, her tone flat. "Oh, so you're not offering yourself then?"

Setsuna's mouth fell open in shock, her usual confidence slipping for a moment. Meanwhile, Izuku tried his best not to laugh but failed, his snickers breaking through.

"H-Hey! That's so rude! I'm not that kind of girl!" Setsuna exclaimed, pouting as she playfully batted at Yanagi's shoulder.

Yanagi blinked, her expression unchanging. "I only said what you left open for interpretation," she replied, her words calm but teasing.

Setsuna groaned dramatically, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "You're lucky I'm such a forgiving person, Yanagi. You'll pay for that later!"

"Shroom guys, it's starting!" Kinoko chirped, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "C'mon, let's spread the lanterns and make our wishes!"

The group eagerly moved into position, the soft glow of lanterns lighting up their faces.

Kuriro, holding his lantern, gave a dramatic smirk. "Let these lanterns carry the shadows of our hopes and dreams into the void beyond. A fitting tribute to the night," he said, his deep voice adding an ominous flair.

Setsuna rolled her eyes, smirking as she adjusted her own lantern. "Geez, Vantablack, tone it down. You sound like you're narrating a horror movie." She held her lantern up, the light flickering against her sharp grin. "Mine's gonna be..." she put a finger to her chin.

"O-Oh! What I wouldn't give to see an actual dinosaur!" Setsuna said."Like real authentic badass Jurassic park dinosaur!"

Kinoko giggled as she sent her lantern floating into the sky. "Shroom, Setsuna seriously?"

"Hey girl can dream can she?"Setsuna said

...

"Hey... Izuku..." Yui's voice was soft, almost lost in the hum of conversation and the glow of lanterns being released into the night sky.

"Hm?" Izuku turned to her, curiosity in his expression.

"Do... do you mind using AmpFibian on me?" Yui asked, her calm tone unwavering, though a faint blush crept across her cheeks.

Izuku froze, blinking at her in shock. "W-What?! Why would you ask that?"

Yui glanced away briefly, her blush deepening, but her gaze returned to his with quiet determination. "So you can get better control over your telepathic abilities," she said plainly. "You need to practice on someone... and I want to be that person."

Izuku hesitated, his lantern tilting slightly in his hands. "I don't know, Yui. That feels... invasive," he said, his voice tinged with guilt. "I don't want to go poking around in your head."

Yui's lips parted slightly, and her usual stoic demeanor softened. She seemed to weigh her next words carefully before speaking. "I trust you," she said, her voice calm but resolute. "Besides, you don't want a repeat of what happened with Principal Seijaku... do you?"

Izuku flinched, his shoulders stiffening. The memory hit him like a tidal wave—Seijaku's mind shattered under the sheer force of AmpFibian's telepathy, trapped in an endless loop of suffering and guilt. Izuku had only meant to stop him, but he'd gone too far, leaving the man broken and blind. The thought of losing control again sent a shiver down his spine

"O-Okay..." Izuku finally muttered, though his voice was laced with uncertainty.

Yui's face lit up instantly, her excitement glowing through her usually reserved demeanor. Izuku almost swore he could see cat ears sprouting from her head.

Izuku's eyes widened as he heard the shout.

"Hey, the fireworks are gonna start soon!" a little girl exclaimed, pointing up toward the sky.

"Wait, fireworks?!" Izuku spun around, his heart racing as he realized what he had forgotten.

"Oh no! I'm supposed to meet Toru!" he said, panic creeping into his voice as he quickly turned to run.

"Hey, wait! How are you planning on getting to her?!" Kinoko called after him, but Izuku was already pulling out the Omnitrix. The faceplate popped up, quickly scanning through the options.

"I'll use Fasttrack!" he shouted back, slamming his hand down on the faceplate. A bright green flash exploded from the device, and in the blink of an eye, it was as if he vanished into thin air. With a WHOOSH, the blur of blue sped through the forest, the wind howling as it passed by trees and rocks with incredible speed.

As he ran, the ground beneath him seemed to blur, and the trees turned into mere streaks of green. He was a blur of motion, weaving between obstacles like they were nothing. The landscape turned into a dizzying tunnel of color as Fasttrack raced toward the resort.

With the wind rushing past him, Izuku's mind was focused only on reaching Toru. The world slowed down around him as he honed in on his destination. A few moments later, he arrived, his feet barely touching the ground as he came to a sudden stop in front of the spot where Toru had been waiting.

"Hagakure!" Fasttrack called out, skidding to a stop just behind her. The wind from his abrupt halt ruffled her kimono and sent her hair flying.

"Hey, Midoriya," Toru said, a soft smile forming on her invisible face as she tucked her hair behind her ear. "You're fast."

Izuku smiled sheepishly. "I didn't want to be late!"

The area around them was alive with activity. Couples and groups of friends were gathered, some sitting on blankets, others standing by the railings to get a better view of the fireworks. A few lanterns hung overhead, adding a romantic glow to the atmosphere.

Toru gently tugged Izuku's sleeve, leading him toward a quieter, more secluded area. Her usual bubbly energy seemed subdued, but her excitement was still evident in the bounce of her step.

Izuku followed, his heart pounding lightly as they walked. Toru, flickering in and out of visibility, was a different story. Her own heart raced in her chest, and she was certain that if Izuku could see her, her blushing face would give everything away.

As they stopped, the lively buzz of the others in the distance filled the quiet. Izuku's mind wandered back to when Toru had shouted out her feelings for him in the middle of that chaotic moment—when he thought he was walking toward his death. The memory sent a jolt through him. That, coupled with Itsuka and Momo's recent confessions, left him more confused than ever.

"Looks like everyone's having their big moments, huh?" Toru said suddenly, her voice light and cheery.

"Huh?" Izuku blinked, turning toward her.

Toru gestured to a group of couples nearby, her unseen hand waving toward them. "You know, confessions, cuddling under blankets, fireworks... It's all so romantic."

Izuku's face flushed. "O-Oh, uh... y-yeah, I guess it is," he stammered.

Toru giggled softly, but there was a nervous undertone in her laugh. She fiddled with her fingers, trying to muster the courage to say what was on her mind.

"You've been spending a lot of time with Itsuka," Toru said, her voice light, though there was a slight crack in her cheery tone.

Izuku tilted his head, scratching the back of his neck. "O-Oh, yeah, we've been hanging out... a lot lately."

"Even went on a date, huh?" Toru asked, her tone still playful, though her words came slower now. "Are you two... dating?"

Izuku flinched, his blush deepening as he quickly shook his head. "N-No! I-I mean, it wasn't really a date... We're just friends."

Toru tilted her head, her heart thumping a little faster. She studied him for a moment, her eyes wide, but she quickly composed herself, giving a small "Oh" in response. There was a slight pause as the awkward tension lingered.

For a moment, she let the silence settle between them before forcing a smile into her voice again. "You know, I heard you went to Momo's family gala. You're really making your rounds with the girls, Midori huh? You're, like, super popular!"

Izuku's face went an even deeper shade of red. "I-I don't think so!" he protested, his voice cracking slightly. "I'm really not—"

"Trust me, Midoriya," Toru cut in with a giggle, "you have no idea. You're like... prime hero boyfriend material. Everyone knows it."

Her teasing tone made Izuku look away, utterly flustered.

Then, Toru's voice softened. The lightheartedness faded, replaced by something more vulnerable. "Midoriya... about what I said back then..."

Izuku blinked, turning toward her as her voice wavered.

"You asked me… if I meant what I said back then," Toru began, her voice quieter now. "When you gave yourself up for us—like it didn't matter if you made it out as long as we did." Her hand clenched over her chest as she looked at him, her invisibility fading enough for her features to come into view under the glow of the fireworks.

"Toru..." Izuku's tone was gentle, urging her to continue.

She stepped closer, the light of the fireworks briefly illuminating her as her invisible body flickered into view. In that moment, her features were soft yet determined, her heart pounding in her chest.

"I love you, Midoriya," Toru said, her voice trembling slightly.

And with that, the world seemed to pause, the bright explosion of fireworks echoing in the distance as their moment stood still in time.

Izuku's face heated up, his heart pounding hard against his chest. His fingers fidgeted at his sides as he tried to form words. "Oh," he mumbled, unable to meet her gaze.

Toru flushed deeply, her outline flickering before she turned completely invisible. The fireworks in the distance highlighted her faint silhouette as she threw her hands up dramatically. "Aaaaah! That's your reaction?!" she exclaimed, her voice cracking with embarrassment. She stomped her foot, making the grass beneath them rustle. "I just confessed, and all you can say is 'Oh'?!"

"Oooooh?! That's it?!" she cried out, her voice cracking. "Midoriya, are you trying to kill me? You're supposed to say something romantic or cool, not—'Oh!'"

"S-Sorry!" Izuku panicked, waving his hands frantically as he took a step closer. His face burned, and his words tumbled out. "I-I didn't mean it like that! I swear!"

Toru crossed her arms, her silhouette stiff with indignation. "Didn't mean it?!" she repeated, her invisible form leaning toward him. "That's even worse!"

"No, no! I mean—" Izuku stammered, stepping back and stumbling slightly over his own feet. He caught himself, holding his hands up defensively. "I kinda… figured it out earlier…"

Toru paused, her shoulders slumping slightly. Her outline flickered back into view, revealing the confusion and nervous hope on her face. "Y-You did?" she asked softly.

Izuku nodded, one hand rubbing the back of his neck nervously as he shifted his weight. "I… didn't really process it when you first said it. It all happened so fast, and I guess I kept replaying it in my head." He glanced down, his shoulders tense. "And I know you're a good person. You wouldn't have said something like that if you didn't mean it."

Toru's heart skipped, but the awkwardness of the moment caught up with her. She groaned loudly, covering her face with both hands. Toru's breath hitched, but her embarrassment quickly bubbled over. "Oh my gosh, why did I have to blurt it out like that?!" She paced in a small circle, her silhouette flickering as she ranted.

"I wasn't even thinking! I just thought, 'What if I never see him again?!' And now I sound like one of those cheesy romance manga characters!" She stopped abruptly, burying her face in her hands. "GRYAAARGH!"

Izuku took another hesitant step forward, his hands up in a calming gesture. "No, it's okay! Really!" He paused, glancing down as he struggled to gather his thoughts.

"I've… been thinking about it a lot. Wondering what to say… what to do. But honestly, I'm not used to this—girls liking me, I mean." He blushed harder, his hand falling back to his side as he fidgeted. "Especially girls as amazing as you, Momo, and Itsuka. It just feels… surreal."

Toru stayed quiet for a moment, the sound of fireworks crackling filling the space. Her hands lowered slowly as she looked at him, her body language shifting from flustered to tentative. "Surreal?" she finally asked, her voice soft.

Izuku nodded, his fingers clasping together nervously. "I mean, I have literal alien powers, and yet… girls liking me? That feels harder to believe." He let out an awkward laugh, scratching his cheek as he avoided her gaze.

Toru's face flushed again as she clasped her hands in front of her chest, twisting her fingers together. The fireworks lit up the sky in greens, blues, and golds, reflecting off her faint figure. "So…" she began, shifting her weight from foot to foot, "how do you feel?"

Izuku blinked, startled by the question. His shoulders stiffened as he met her gaze—or at least, where he thought her gaze was.

"You've thought about it, right?" Toru asked, her voice gaining strength despite the trembling in her hands. She stepped closer, her face flickering in and out of view as her nervousness grew. "Now that you know… d-do you want to go out with me?" She suddenly became visible again, her cheeks burning as she buried her face in her hands. "Ugh! This is so unromantic! The guy is supposed to ask the girl out! I feel so flustered and embarrassed!" She groaned, shifting from one foot to the other in frustration. "I'm probably not even the kind of girl you'd like anyway…"

Izuku's heart pounded harder, every beat echoing in his ears. He clenched his fists, summoning every ounce of courage he could muster. "Toru…" he said softly, "I like you as you are."

Toru froze, her hands lowering slowly from her face as she stared at him, her cheeks still glowing red. "Y-You do?"

Izuku nodded, his voice steady despite the blush spreading across his face. "Your energy… it makes me smile. I like how passionate you are about everything, and how you don't let anyone push you around."

Toru's heart thudded loudly, her hands unconsciously clutching at the hem of her shirt.

"And…" Izuku hesitated, taking a deep breath before continuing, "you only have invisibility, and you didn't even have a costume to protect yourself, but you still didn't hesitate to put yourself in danger to be a hero. That's incredible, Toru."

Her breath caught as another firework exploded behind them, illuminating her face fully as her expression softened.

"And even before I could see your smile… I knew it was beautiful." Izuku's voice was barely above a whisper, his eyes locked on hers. A small, shy smile tugged at his lips. "And now that I can… I guess I was right."

Toru's breath hitched, her chest tight with overwhelming emotion. The fireworks reflected in her wide eyes as her lips quivered, forming a small, tearful smile.

Toru's hands flew to her face, muffling the squeak that escaped her lips. "Midoriya, you can't just say stuff like that! Do you want me to pass out?!" she exclaimed, half-laughing, half-crying as her emotions overwhelmed her.

Izuku blinked, panicking slightly. "Ah, s-sorry! Did I say too much?"

"No!" Toru interrupted, lowering her hands to reveal her bright, glowing smile. She reached out to lightly punch his shoulder. "You said just enough, you dork. And for the record…" Her voice softened, her gaze holding his. "I think you're pretty amazing too."

As the fireworks continued lighting up the sky, Toru nervously intertwined her fingers, her flickering visibility making her appear ethereal. She took a shaky breath and looked toward Izuku, her heart pounding. "So… do you want to, um, be together?"

Izuku froze, his face still a deep shade of red. His mind spun in circles, stumbling over the thought. Toru actually wants to be with me? Neither Momo nor Itsuka had explicitly asked about being official, and now he was completely unsure of what to say.

"Y-You mean… like together-together?" he stammered, glancing at her. "Like… boyfriend and girlfriend?"

Toru nodded, her hands fidgeting as she tried to appear more composed than she felt. "Y-Yeah, like that…"

Izuku's blush deepened as he scratched his cheek nervously and averted his eyes. "Uh… um… I-I mean… but…" He stumbled over his words, unsure of how to phrase his thoughts.

Toru tilted her head, waiting for him to finish, her heart hammering in anticipation.

"I just… I'm not exactly… uh… very attractive," Izuku finally muttered, his voice growing quieter as he glanced at the ground. "I thought you'd be into someone cooler… like Ojiro, or maybe someone with a flashier Quirk. I-I don't know…" He trailed off, fidgeting with his hands, his nervous energy making him shift from foot to foot.

Toru blinked, her outline flickering faintly in the glow of the fireworks. She rubbed her arm, hesitating before she spoke, her voice soft. "Oh… is it because you don't want to date anyone right now? You know, to focus on being a hero?"

"Huh?" Izuku looked up, startled by her assumption.

"I-I mean, I'd understand if that's the case," Toru added quickly, her tone tinged with dejection. "If you don't want to be in a relationship because of hero work… that's fine. I wouldn't want to get in the way."

"Oh no, it's not that!" Izuku exclaimed, his hands waving in front of him in a panic. He scratched his cheek awkwardly, his face burning. "I… I just don't think about stuff like that a lot. I don't really know how to… handle it, I guess…" His mind betrayed him as flashes of his classmates ran through his thoughts—Itsuka, Momo, Ochako, Mina, Kyoka, Tsuyu, and the girl standing right in front of him. Then, others: Nejire, Melissa, Yui, Ibara, Reiko, Pony, Kinoko Setsuna… His heart began to pound faster with each name, his palms growing sweaty.

Toru tilted her head, her outline shimmering faintly. "So… do you like anyone?"

Izuku froze, his breath catching in his throat as his thoughts spiraled. He pictured them all again—every girl who had supported him, cheered him on, or simply made him feel like he wasn't alone. His chest tightened, his face growing impossibly red. "N-No," he stammered finally. "I don't think so…"

His voice grew quieter as doubt crept into his tone. "I mean, I… I have no right to have feelings like that. I don't see what you—or anyone—could like about me. You're all so amazing: smart, brave, confident, kindhearted… And me?" He shook his head, his gaze dropping. "If a guy like me started going after Momo, Itsuka, or you… it'd just—" He broke off, unable to finish, his anxiety bubbling to the surface.

Before he could sink further, Toru stepped forward, clasping his hands in hers. The warmth of her touch jolted him out of his spiraling thoughts. "Izuku," she said firmly, her voice steady despite the faint trembling in her frame, "stop thinking like that."

Izuku blinked, taken aback.

"Look at me," she insisted, her grip tightening on his hands. "Look at what's right in front of you, not what's going on in your stupid, dorky brain."

Izuku flushed, his mouth opening and closing uselessly.

"Right now," Toru continued, her voice rising slightly, "a girl who you think is amazing and smart is telling you that she loves you!"

Izuku's breath hitched, her words leaving him utterly speechless.

"You have borderline no self-confidence," Toru said with a light laugh, though her voice softened as she added, "and yeah, your mumbling can get a little creepy sometimes." She squeezed his hands again, leaning closer. "But that's part of why you're special to me."

Izuku's heart pounded as her words washed over him.

"Seeing you smile makes me happy," Toru continued, her voice trembling slightly. "And you're always there for everyone, even when no one asks for your help. You just… are. That's who you are, and it's one of the reasons I… I really like you."

Izuku's lips parted, but no words came out.

"And even when you stand up to Bakugou—which, by the way, is hilarious—you don't let him get to you," Toru added, her tone growing teasing. "Honestly, no one likes that guy, so you're kind of a hero for that alone."

Izuku chuckled nervously at that, scratching the back of his neck.

Toru's tone softened again, more serious now. "And if Momo and Itsuka—two of the top students in our year, who could literally have anyone they wanted—have feelings for you too, doesn't that tell you something?"

Izuku's eyes widened as he stared at her, his heart hammering in his chest.

"You always put others first," Toru said, her voice a quiet plea now. "But in doing that, you minimize your own worth. You lie to yourself about what you deserve. So, please… stop doing that."

She released his hands, her own moving up to gently clasp his face. Her fingers were warm against his cheeks, and he couldn't look away. "Stop listening to all those voices in your head telling you you're not good enough. Look at me. Right here, right now."

Izuku stared at her, his chest tightening. For the first time, he really looked at her—the faint shimmer of her figure in the light of the fireworks, her face flickering into view, flushed red with nervousness. Her hands trembled slightly against his skin. Despite her words, she was scared.

And it must've taken so much strength to say all of this.

"You're worth so much more than you think, Izuku," Toru whispered, her voice barely audible over the pounding in his chest. "I just want you to see yourself the way I see you."

The doubts still whispered at the back of his mind, telling him no sane girl could actually like him. But he couldn't ignore what was in front of him: her trembling frame, her courage, her sincerity. And that look in her eyes—it was the same look Itsuka and Momo had whenever they spent time with him.

Izuku's breath caught in his throat. His body stiffened, and his heart hammered in his chest as he locked eyes with her. Her face was so close to his, her nervousness barely hidden behind a veil of strength.

In that moment, Izuku couldn't deny the truth anymore.

His face flushed as he quickly turned away from Toru, trying to avoid her intense gaze. His heart pounded in his chest, the sound almost deafening in the silence between them, broken only by the distant pops of fireworks.

Toru, still close enough to feel his warmth, slid even closer, her invisible fingers gently cupping his face. "S-So stop thinking you're not all that, you idiot!" she scolded, her voice tinged with both irritation and a hint of affection. Her face turned red, and she pouted slightly. "I don't have bad taste in men, you know? It's insulting to hear you degrade yourself like that."

Izuku swallowed nervously. "R-Right!"

Toru hesitated for a moment, her fingers still lightly resting on his face. She swallowed, looking up at him with a shy yet determined gaze. "You know," she started, her voice faltering slightly, "the guy's supposed to kiss the girl, right?" She looked away briefly, her breath shallow as she nibbled on her lower lip, before adding, "Or… that's what they do in all those stories, at least."

Her body leaned just a little closer to his, and her voice dropped a bit, soft but full of meaning. She glanced at his lips, then back up into his eyes, waiting for his response, her heart racing in sync with his.

Izuku gulped, and Toru noticed immediately, especially when his gaze flickered to where her lips should be. Her heart fluttered as she realized he understood what she was hinting at.

Her hands slipped from the sides of his face to the back of his neck, trembling slightly. She could feel her cheeks burning, even if he couldn't see it. With a nervous flicker, her body turned completely invisible, though the heat radiating from her was unmistakable.

Izuku, unsure of her next move, stayed still, only able to sense her presence from the warmth of her touch and the steady rhythm of her heartbeat. "What are you waiting for?" Toru murmured shyly, her voice quivering just enough to betray her nerves. "I already poured my heart out, you doofus."

Izuku nodded, leaning in cautiously, unsure where to aim. Before he got too close, her invisible hand pressed gently against his chest, halting him.

"Wait," she blurted, her voice cracking slightly.

"H-Huh?" Izuku froze, confused and flustered.

Toru took a deep breath, her fingers fidgeting nervously as they lingered on his chest. "I just—before anything happens, you have to promise me something." Her voice wavered, but she tried to inject a teasing tone to cover her nerves.

"Promise you what?" Izuku asked, tilting his head curiously.

"Promise… promise that you'll stop being so stupid about yourself!" Toru exclaimed, her voice growing more insistent as her words tumbled out in a rush. "Stop thinking you're not good enough, okay? It's so frustrating! You're amazing, Izuku, and it's, like, really dumb of you to act like you're not."

Izuku blinked in surprise, her sudden outburst throwing him off guard.

Her voice softened, her shyness creeping back in as she spoke again, quieter now. "You shouldn't… you shouldn't like someone or be with someone just because you think they're settling for you or whatever. That's… that's so unfair—to you and to them." She hesitated, her hands shifting slightly, her heart pounding. "You deserve to be with someone who makes you happy… who makes you feel good about yourself. You deserve that, Izuku."

He opened his mouth to respond, but she kept going, her words spilling out faster now, as if afraid she'd lose her courage. "And you don't have to keep giving everything to everyone else all the time. You're always trying so hard to make everyone else happy, but… you deserve to be happy too. It's okay to think about yourself sometimes. To want something for you."

Izuku's breath hitched at her sincerity, and she fidgeted nervously, her tone growing even softer. "Me, Itsuka, Momo, and the other girls just want you to be happy. So...we all just want you to stop being so hard on yourself."

"You're, like, the most selfless guy ever, but you don't have to be that selfless all the time. You're allowed to want things, Izuku. You're allowed to think you're worth it… because you are."

Izuku's eyes widened as her words registered. 'Other girls?'

Toru didn't seem to notice her slip-up, her voice trembling slightly as she added, "So just… be a little selfish sometimes, okay? It's not a bad thing. And stop acting like you're not good enough for something—or someone. You're plenty good enough, Izuku. Way more than good enough."

She leaned in slightly, her forehead brushing against his, invisible but undeniably close.

Her playful side peeked through as she whispered, "And if you don't get that through your thick head soon, I'm gonna keep bugging you until you do."

Izuku chuckled softly, his heart racing as her words settled deep in his chest. He nodded, his voice shaking slightly. "I-I'll try... Momo kinda gave me the same speech."

Toru blushed deeply at his admission, her hands trembling slightly as they rested against the back of his neck. "G-Good..." she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Summoning her usual playful tone, she tightened her arms around his neck, leaning closer until her presence was undeniable.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" she teased, though her words were tinged with nervous anticipation.

Izuku gulped, his face a brilliant shade of red.

"Hehe…" Toru giggled softly, her playful side peeking through her shyness. "I can hear your heartbeat, you know," she said, her voice almost a whisper. "It's so fast... kinda cute."

Izuku's ears burned at her comment. Slowly, he leaned in, his hands hesitantly brushing the sides of her invisible frame, trying to orient himself.

Toru's breath hitched as he got closer, her body trembling slightly with a mix of excitement and nerves. Just as Izuku's lips made contact, she let out a startled squeak.

"Eep!" she squealed, pulling back slightly. "T-That's my nose!"

Izuku froze, a wave of embarrassment crashing over him. "S-Sorry!" he stammered, pulling back and looking anywhere but where he thought her face might be.

But Toru was quicker. Her invisible hands cupped his cheeks, steadying him gently. She tilted his face ever so slightly. "These," she whispered, her voice soft and shy, "these are my lips."

Izuku didn't have time to respond before she closed the gap. His lips brushed against hers, soft and warm, sending an electric jolt through his body. Toru's invisible hands slid from his cheeks to his shoulders, clutching him as if grounding herself.

Her heart pounded so hard she swore he could feel it, but she didn't care. Toru tilted her head slightly, pressing into the kiss just a little more.

Izuku's hands, hesitant at first, rested lightly on her waist, his fingers curling slightly as he found the courage to respond.

Above them, the biggest firework of the night exploded, its light illuminating the scene in vibrant hues.

Toru found the courage to press her body closer to his, her arms tightening around his neck as she let out a soft, muffled moan into the kiss. The warmth of the moment consumed them, and with another dazzling pop of the fireworks above, she finally pulled back.

Both were left breathless, their cheeks flushed as a small, glistening trail of saliva lingered between their parted lips.

Toru's invisible lips curled into a shy smile, her voice barely above a whisper. "Wow..." she murmured, her blush deepening as her half-lidded eyes locked onto him, even if he couldn't see her expression.

Izuku, just as breathless, managed a sheepish grin. "I-I don't think I'm ever going to get tired of this..." he admitted, his voice tinged with awe.

Toru chuckled softly, her confidence returning as she rested her head on his shoulder, her body still pressed against his. The sound of the fireworks filled the comfortable silence between them. "Mind if I just enjoy this?" she asked, her voice soft but teasing.

Izuku's blush deepened as he nodded, stammering, "I-I guess..."

Toru let out a playful huff, lifting her head slightly to nudge him. "Hey! Wrap your arms around my waist, you dork," she said, her tone teasing yet affectionate.

Izuku hesitated for only a moment before complying, his arms tentatively circling her waist. Toru smiled against his shoulder, snuggling closer as the vibrant lights of the fireworks illuminated the night sky.

As they enjoyed the peaceful moment together, Izuku's thoughts began to wander, her earlier words replaying in his mind.

"Me, Itsuka, Momo, and the other girls just want you to be happy."

He frowned slightly, his heart skipping a beat as the question formed in his mind. 'What did she mean by "other girls"?'

...

Alright, I'm back! Well, I never really left, but still!

Anyway, I think I've figured out how to spread events throughout the year, so I'm open to hearing feedback.

First, the initial big change: the Final Exam will be moved to the second semester.

This means the All For One fight will now take place after the Final Exam.

I also have a few arcs in mind, focusing on lessons, developing the kiss scene, and building the relationships. I want to test my mental flexibility with these ideas. However, I'm not fully committed yet—I'll need to see how the first arcs are received before deciding.

...

LET'S START 2025 WITH A WHOLE NEW CHAPTER!