Today was largely an ordinary day for Deku. He didn't really have anything of importance scheduled, so he just decided to take a walk around Musutafu City. He had no specific route planned; he just walked wherever his feet took him. Thus far, it was a peaceful walk, and it allowed him to concentrate on how beautiful the weather was and how calm he was feeling. As much as he enjoyed learning about how to become the best pro hero he possibly could be, there were times that he genuinely wanted to take a break from doing anything- hero-related and just live life on his own terms. Thus far, it was a good day. Then, at one point, he saw Todoroki sitting on a bench curled up in the fetal position, so he quickened his pace and headed over to her.

"Shoko, is something wrong?"

Todoroki sighed. "Unfortunately, yes. I've just been thinking about how everybody's been so nice to me lately, and I just feel like everyone's being nice to me just because I'm a girl."

Deku sat down next to Todoroki. "Oh? Why do you feel that way?"

"Before I even came out as a girl, I just felt so invisible, even feared, like nobody wanted to be my friend, and now…" Todoroki started to tear up.

Deku put a hand on Todoroki's shoulder. "That's not true! People like you not only because you had the courage to show your true colors, but also because you're a very kind, caring person who would gladly stand up to protect her friends!"

"Deku, just stop. I get that you're trying to cheer me up, but your words can't change the facts."

Deku frowned. "Then let me be even more honest: it doesn't matter to me that you're a girl! Even if you were a boy, you would still be one of the best people I've ever had the fortune to know, and I would still love you very, very much!"

Todoroki gasped when she heard this. In this moment, it occurred to her that maybe her friends really did care about her no matter what. Not knowing what else to do, she loosened her stance and cried as she gave Deku a big hug, which he gladly returned. After so many years of suffering abuse at the hands of her father, she just desperately needed to let her emotions out, and knowing that she was with Deku, she felt safe in doing so. His words meant more to her than anything else in the whole world, and it was because of them that she had that much more faith not only in him, but in the rest of her friends as well. Furthermore, she felt so liberated in being able to cry like this.

Despite being overwhelmed by Todoroki's sadness, Deku held onto her tightly as she continued to cry. In this moment, he had to wonder just how badly she hurt to cry this much. He wondered if she'd ever felt like him in all those years of him not having his own Quirk and being bullied by Katsuki "Kacchan" Bakugo and other students for it. He speculated that this was exactly why they went so well together. Thinking back on when he told her that it was her Quirk and not Endeavor's, he couldn't help but think how much change he'd brought about in her and how much happier both of them had become as a result. Eventually, Todoroki stopped crying, but Deku continued to hold onto her, only letting go when she finally did.

"Deku, thank you so much! I…I can't tell you how much your words mean to me!"

"You're welcome, Shoko! I just didn't want you to feel lonely and unloved, you know?"

Todoroki pulled out a tissue, dried her eyes and blew her nose. "Honestly, after hearing what you just said, I really don't care whether or not people like me because of what I am, because I know that as long as my friends are there for me, then I'll be there for them."

Deku patted Todoroki on the back. "That's the spirit! Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to take you out for a drink at this café I know about."

Todoroki smiled. "Anything for the cutest, kindest boy ever!"

Deku chuckled. "Then let's go!"

Deku took Todoroki by the hand and headed off to the café, their relationship looking brighter than ever.

Criticism is gold. Negativity and nitpicking are pyrite.