My Hero Academia 180 degrees -
21. Where Uraraka and Bakugo dream of Deku and plan to go to a party.
Lying on the carpet of her room, Uraraka exhaled slowly as she lifted her bed once again using her quirk with the touch of her five fingers. It was a form of training she had decided to practice to perfect her control over gravity and improve her endurance. Her main goal was simple, though far from easy: to lower objects gradually, controlling with precision the speed at which they regained their weight. It was quite difficult to achieve without suffering some side effects from overusing her quirk, but she had already made some progress. She had been practicing for hours, and by this point, Uraraka had begun to sweat, but she wasn't ready to stop just yet.
Her brow furrowed with concentration, but soon her mind began to drift, considering the reason she was pushing herself so hard.
Deku. The image of his sweet smile flashed vividly in her mind as if he were standing right there, and then… the explosion that followed. And finally, Hatsume, her chest pressed against him.
Her frown deepened.
She also remembered:
"I see her every week for innovations," Deku had mentioned innocently to the others.
Suppressing a small surge of negative emotion, Uraraka accidentally pushed her bed a little too hard, sending it crashing into the ceiling with a dull thud. Pieces of plaster rained down onto the bed.
—Ahhh! —she yelped, startled at her own recklessness.
She'd have to fix that later, she thought, feeling a mix of embarrassment and regret. Thankfully, she knew how to do that kind of repair work, thanks to her dad.
With a soft sigh, she gently lowered the bed back down, pressing the tips of her fingers together in front of her face. The darkness beneath the bed offered a strange sense of comfort, a temporary refuge from her swirling thoughts. Yet, despite her efforts to find some peace, the image of Deku lingered persistently in her mind.
Turning her head slightly, a long strand of her hair fell across her face. Her eyes locked onto it as if the simple detail had transported her to another moment. She remembered the time on the train when Deku, in an unexpectedly bold move for someone as shy as him, had kissed her hair. It had been so clumsy but incredibly sweet. The moment was brief but left a lasting impression. She could still feel the warmth of that instant, a gentle flutter in her heart.
Without thinking, Uraraka picked up the strand of hair with her fingers and, almost instinctively, brought it to her lips, pressing a soft kiss to the spot where she believed Deku's lips had touched. She closed her eyes for a brief second, allowing the tenderness of that memory to wash over her. A soft smile curved her lips without her realizing it.
When she opened her eyes again, Deku's face appeared beside her, gazing at her with those kind emerald eyes of his, filled with that familiar concern for others.
'Awwwh! Why does he have to be so irresistibly cute in my daydreams?!' Uraraka thought, ruffling her hair in mild exasperation. She was feeling so much all at once, and it was hard to keep her thoughts in order.
What was she even doing?
Her family's financial situation was still very much on her mind. Her parents, always working tirelessly, bore the marks of exhaustion on their faces—fine lines under their eyes and a dullness in their gaze that, though they tried to mask with smiles, Uraraka could see clearly. She desperately wanted to do more to help, but the way to do that still eluded her for now.
And now, for some reason, Deku was becoming part of those worries too. Lately, she had begun noticing small details: the dark circles under his eyes, subtle but there, like a silent reminder that he was carrying his own burdens (as cute and mysterious as they made him look, she couldn't help but worry). Was he pushing himself too hard because of his quirk? It must be tough for him, feeling like he had to work twice as hard as anyone else. But was he so worried that it was affecting his sleep? Was there something she could do for him?
A hint of sadness appeared on Uraraka's face.
But how could she help when he seemed to pull away every time she tried to ask if he was okay? Was he upset about something? Or was he hiding something from her? She didn't want to believe that, and it was probably just her imagination. Still, why did she feel this way sometimes? Why did she feel so insecure, even though they had both expressed their feelings openly and clearly?
She had no doubt that things with Deku would always be as clear as water. She couldn't even imagine a situation where she would genuinely distrust him.
Take the thing with Hatsume, for example. Deku had said he only thought of her as a friend and that he was waiting for a response from the person he actually liked.
So what more did she need? Was she really going to become one of those girls jealous of the time their boyfriend spent with others?
Uraraka shook her head vigorously.
Besides, he wasn't her boyfriend yet! Although she was starting to regret that he wasn't. Why hadn't she just suggested postponing the whole dating thing until after the exam to avoid distractions?! Fool! Fool! Fool! she lightly hit her head with her fists.
The Deku she imagined beside her seemed to sense her feelings because he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, as if trying to tell her everything would be okay.
Uraraka turned onto her side toward her daydream, and he mirrored the action, lying just a few inches away.
—What could she do for him to stop him from worrying so much and trust that everything would turn out fine?— she wondered, getting lost in those beautiful green eyes as she gently caressed his cheek, happy that this Deku wasn't pulling away.
—And what could she do for herself to reaffirm her own feelings and stop feeling so insecure?—
She closed her eyes, starting to blush, imagining Deku cupping her face. After a gentle brush of their noses, he pulled her closer to his lips. That kiss, though imagined, gave her everything she needed at that moment: security, affection, and a connection deeper than words.
Being honest with herself, she knew she had been thinking about kissing him every day when she saw him in the mornings, giving his all to get into UA.
It was a growing desire, simply seeing him so focused on his goal, with that determined expression on his face that made her heart melt.
Yes. It was more than clear! Uraraka convinced herself. She wanted to share a connection with Deku that would reaffirm her feelings. Because words could be fleeting, but actions spoke so much louder. She wanted their relationship to be different from any friendship he could have with anyone else. And also, if it wasn't too much to ask, she hoped his actions would tell her that, in some way, she was just as important to him as his goal of becoming a hero.
The Deku in her daydream began to move his lips slightly, and Uraraka clenched her fists softly against her chest.
She wasn't sure why, but she imagined that Deku, despite his shy personality, would be an amazing kisser.
Outside the bed, Uraraka's feet slowly retracted until they were hidden under the covers, as if all her desires about Deku needed to remain a secret beneath where she slept.
Then, Uraraka held her cheeks, feeling incredibly happy.
The truth was, even if Deku turned out to be a terrible kisser, she wouldn't care. As long as it was with him, and as long as she could convey even just a little of her wishes and feelings to him, it would be perfect.
Everything was black around him.
Bakugo was once again sinking into the sludge of that monster that had trapped him. The difference this time was that it felt like he was in some massive puddle made of that viscous material. He struggled to escape, trying to use his quirk, but for some reason, it wasn't working. His hands clawed at the surface, but he kept slipping back down. In the end, he sank deeper into the darkness, feeling only one of his hands above the surface.
Then, he heard a familiar voice.
—Hey, how'd you get stuck in there?— Kirishima's voice sounded carefree —Don't worry, I'm here now. Hold on tight. I'll help you out.
Without thinking too much, Bakugo grabbed the arm that offered help, feeling for the first time that his body was no longer sinking. But to his surprise and displeasure, the first thing he saw when he emerged was the useless Deku looking at him with concern and a strange metal contraption shaped like a smile on his face.
—What the hell?!— Bakugo complained, furious and bewildered.
—Are you okay?— Deku asked, tugging at his hand to help him up, and of course, Bakugo swatted him away—Sorry, Kacchan. I had to use a voice modifier because I knew you wouldn't accept my help otherwise.
Bakugo jumped to his feet and tried to create warning explosions in his palms, but his quirk still wouldn't work. So he was left with only shouting.
—As if I need the help of a loser!— he roared angrily. —I can't stand you thinking you're smarter than me! Get lost or die already, whatever's easier for you!
—But Kacchan...
—Are you deaf?!
Deku frowned slightly. The usual submission that characterized him before was gone. His expression was determined.
—Fine, Kacchan— Deku said firmly—. Then I won't help you anymore.
This surprised Bakugo. Usually, the idiot was much more persistent and annoying.
Deku started to walk away, his footsteps echoing in the void.
—Hey!— Bakugo called, trying to get his attention, but a hand grabbed him by the arm to stop him.
He turned abruptly to find a strange girl looking at him with bright eyes and an oddly excited smile.
—Wait, Bakugo— she said intensely—. Be my boyfriend!
Bakugo's eyes widened in confusion as he tried to shake her off his arm.
—What the hell are you saying?!— he yelled, but another girl approached, this time grabbing his other arm.
—No! I saw him first!— she protested, looking at him with the same intensity.
And then more appeared. One after another, girls began to surround him, all saying the same thing, fighting among themselves, their voices rising into a chaotic crescendo. Before he could react, they began to crush him, pushing him back into the black sludge that had trapped him.
—Where the hell are all these damn extras coming from?!— he shouted, struggling to break free as the weight of all of them pushed him down—. Get the hell away from me!
The girls kept pressing down, and Bakugo felt his body sink again. But this time, before everything went dark, his gaze caught something else. Deku continued walking away in silence, but now the round-faced girl was by his side. She held his hand, and together, without looking back, they continued on their way.
—Hey!— he tried to shout, but the words got stuck in his throat.
And suddenly, everything went black.
Bakugo jolted awake. The rain softly tapped against the window of his room, creating a monotonous rhythm.
A moment later, Bakugo was vigorously brushing his teeth.
—As if I care about that damn nonsense! What a stupid dream!— he practically shouted, spitting toothpaste everywhere.
—Katsuki!— his mother's voice echoed from the other side of the house—. Don't wake up early and start yelling!
—It's a shame, but this rain hasn't allowed us to help much today —Mina contemplated relaxed, her hands behind her neck as she spun on one foot—. I don't like it. I prefer sunny days.
All the volunteers were taking refuge under the already restored part of the bridge, and some of them were putting on rain boots or searching for their umbrellas in their backpacks.
—Well —Ojiro resigned himself—. We'll have to go to the school gym and do some indoor exercise.
—The only thing I like about the rain is that when it clears up, the atmosphere feels really clean afterward —Kirishima said, breathing deeply—. I mean, all the pollution disappears.
—I like it too. In fact, I think it's become my favorite weather—Midoriya expressed enthusiastically, then blushed slightly as he remembered that on a night like that, Uraraka and he had confessed their feelings—. And seeing the leaves moving with the cool breeze seems almost inspiring.
Uraraka, who was facing away as she searched for her umbrella in her backpack, couldn't help but smile, thinking that Deku's voice sometimes sounded charmingly soft and kind.
Bakugo, on his part, wasn't sure if it was because of the strange dream he had, but seeing and hearing Deku at that moment felt irritating.
—What the hell are you talking about, Deku? —Bakugo growled, his voice cutting through the moment of tranquility with irritation—. The leaves? The breeze? —Then he looked at him with disdain and mockery—. I hope the girl you confessed to is willing to be the man in the relationship because you sound like quite a lady.
Midoriya didn't know what to say.
It wasn't the first time Kachan had teased him for expressing things sensitively, but did what he said really sound a bit feminine? Did Uraraka think so too? he worried a bit, discreetly glancing at her from behind.
Before he could overthink it further, Kirishima intervened, as always trying to lighten the mood with his good cheer.
—I don't think so, Bakugo —he said, smiling with energy and approval—. I thought what Midoriya said was almost like a haiku.
Kirishima paused for a moment and began to count the syllables with the background of a Japanese flag and imaginary waves rising around him, but he got tired and quickly changed the subject with his usual enthusiasm.
—Oh, by the way —he suddenly said, remembering something important—, I'm counting on you all to support our band tonight. —His expression lit up even more, his wide smile—. It'll be our first performance in the competition, and we're a little nervous! Right? —He turned to Bakugo with a smile, hoping the blonde would support him.
However, Bakugo merely averted his gaze.
—We've all worked very hard, and I think it would be a good way to de-stress a bit before the upcoming exam —Kirishima continued, not letting himself be discouraged.
Uraraka's face lit up. —That's it! We should all go together! What do you say?
However, Tsuyu's calm and serious voice broke the moment as she gently excused herself, opening her umbrella.
—I'm sorry, I can't go —she said calmly—. I have to take care of my little siblings until late, but I hope you all have fun. —She raised her hand in a farewell gesture and began to walk under the rain, her steps firm yet somewhat solitary.
Uraraka thought it was a bit unfair how lonely Tsuyu seemed, despite being very pleasant, due to her responsibility towards her younger siblings.
Ojiro interrupted her thoughts by waving goodbye alongside a cheerful floating umbrella, probably Hagakure's.
—Well, we can go. So we'll see you there —Ojiro said, always polite.
—We'll be supporting you —Hagakure's pink umbrella added, moving slightly as if waving.
—Yes! Thank you! See you tonight —Kirishima waved goodbye, his usual energy intact.
Just then, Uraraka turned to Midoriya, filled with excitement at the idea of hanging out with him and the others.
—What do you say, Deku? Are you going? —she asked with a smile, getting a little closer than he expected, causing him to step back in surprise at having her so near all of a sudden.
Midoriya, as always, felt a small blush rise to his cheeks at seeing her so excited, but his expression turned a bit more serious as he responded.
—I'm sorry, Uraraka —he said, lowering his voice slightly—, but I already promised to practice at Todoroki's house. I'm a little worried that he feels lonely since he can't go out right now, due to… a family situation.
Uraraka's face dimmed a bit at his response, her smile fading briefly. She had been so excited about the idea of sharing this moment with Deku that disappointment was inevitable.
—Oh... —was all she could say, trying to hide her disheartenment. At the same time, it made her question why she couldn't be as good a friend as he was.
Maybe next time she could ask Tsu if she could visit her at home, she thought for a moment, but unexpectedly, a memory of Himiko Toga came to mind, when she still seemed like a normal schoolgirl, and the two of them had walked together laughing.
Deku noticed something in her expression and wondered for a moment if he should change his plans with Todoroki. However, before he could say anything, Kirishima chimed in again, trying to clarify the details.
—So, you guys can't go? —he asked, his tone still optimistic but with a hint of doubt in his eyes.
Uraraka, upon hearing the question, shook her head slightly, regaining her usual energy. She didn't want the others to notice her disappointment, so she quickly put on a smile.
—It looks like Deku already has plans, but count me in! —she assured with a wide smile, though perhaps a bit more forced than usual.
—Oh, okay. I already sent the information to our group chat —Kirishima said, relaxing a bit—. It's at the Aoyama mansion.
—Mansion? —Uraraka repeated, surprised. Kirishima began to provide more details, explaining that the event was a party organized for UA applicants, as well as a band competition.
From his spot, Midoriya felt relieved that his refusal hadn't discouraged Uraraka from going, but immediately questioned that if Tsuyu, Uraraka's best friend, wouldn't be there, who would she hang out with the whole time?
In his mind, he pictured Uraraka alone and disheartened in a corner, surrounded by small groups of people chatting among themselves, excluding her.
Midoriya shook his head immediately.
No. Uraraka was much more sociable than he was, he reassured himself. She would definitely find people to talk to right away. That was one of her gifts.
Now a taller silhouette than Uraraka appeared in his mind, animatedly talking with her. They were laughing together.
This time, Deku pressed the sleeve of his backpack and his smile faded, but he decided not to dwell on that last thought, lowering his backpack to the ground.
—Oh no. I forgot my umbrella again —Mina murmured to herself, letting out a sigh, though a playful smile crept onto her lips. —Well, it doesn't matter. I'll have to run to the station —she struck a racing pose, her legs bent and ready to launch herself at full speed into the rain.
Kirishima stepped forward immediately, eyes wide.
—In this rain?! —he exclaimed, alarmed.
—What's wrong with that? —Mina asked, her tone carefree as she stretched her legs and shook her body a bit.
Kirishima firmly pulled out his umbrella. —No way. I can't let you do that. You'll just end up soaking your clothes and catching a cold. You know we can always share mine. After all, we're good friends, Ashido —he added with a friendly glint in his eyes, but then thought for a moment—. Although, I must say it seems you've made a habit of forgetting it.
—Maybe I do it on purpose so I can walk with you —Mina suggested with a smile, trying to tease Kirishima with playful nudges, managing to push him a little toward the rain.
—Hey, I'm getting wet! At least wait for me to open it!
—Yeah, sorry —Mina replied, laughing at her friend's reaction. They both laughed, and finally, with the umbrella open, they began to walk together under its protection.
Uraraka, who had been watching the interaction, couldn't help but notice how close they walked together, their shoulders lightly brushing against each other. She thought their smiles looked especially cute together and that they seemed to be having a great time.
Glancing at the umbrella in her hand and then noticing Deku turned away, rummaging through his backpack, she wished from the bottom of her heart that she could share a similarly lovely moment.
Meanwhile, Bakugo, who seemed to be struggling with his tangled umbrella, couldn't help but glance at the two who remained with him out of the corner of his eye.
—If you forgot your umbrella, you can always share mine —Uraraka dared to suggest softly in front of Deku.
Izuku's hand momentarily released the corner of the yellow raincoat he had finally found at the bottom of his backpack (sometimes he cursed himself for carrying so much stuff), but when he looked up, the first thing he saw was Uraraka's skirt almost in front of his face.
She's too close! he screamed in his mind, setting off all his alarms.
His mind mercilessly reminded him of a rather risqué dream where he had wrapped his arms around Uraraka's waist and buried his face in...
He quickly pulled the raincoat up to cover his flushed face and just as quickly donned it while turning his back to her.
—T-thank you, Uraraka! —he stammered nervously—, you're very kind, but as you can see, I brought my raincoat!
Uraraka, hearing his response, couldn't help but feel a bit discouraged. It had been a timid attempt to get closer to him, but he seemed more focused on keeping his distance.
—Yeah, I see that —she replied with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Despite the sudden tension, Izuku couldn't ignore the slightly downcast tone in Uraraka's voice and questioned whether he should ask if everything was okay.
At that moment, Bakugo finally seemed to win his battle with the umbrella, gaining the attention of the other two as he opened it. Before stepping out into the rain, he shot Deku a serious look, which Izuku noticed from the side.
Uraraka tried to ease the awkwardness of the moment by pointing down the path.
—It's a bit early, but we should start heading out too —she suggested cheerfully, trying to dissipate the tension.
Deku, however, appeared lost in his thoughts. After a moment, he broke the silence.
—Sorry, Uraraka, do you mind if I go ahead?
She looked at him, a bit surprised.
—Huh?
—Mr. Yagi suggested I try running to wherever I need to go instead of taking transport —he explained, his tone slightly more enthusiastic.
—Really? —she replied, incredulous—. Are you going to run to school in this rain? But, Deku, aren't you overdoing it? —Uraraka pressed her umbrella to her chest, and Deku noticed the position of her hands.
In his mind, Izuku recalled how his mother used to clutch tissues to her chest when she was worried, which made him smile a little.
—I'm fine, Uraraka, but thanks for worrying. —he assured her, reaching a hand to her shoulder, but it hovered in the air— It's just that... I want to keep pushing myself to the max! —he expressed with sudden confidence, making a fist to hide it— You know: Plus Ultra!
Uraraka found that quite cute and tried her best to smile back at him.
—Alright, Deku. Then, Do your best! —she replied, mimicking his fist gesture with a smile.
—Yeah! See you tomorrow.
Uraraka watched him run away in his yellow raincoat, but suddenly felt a strange sensation. For a moment, the rain seemed to pause, and everything around her fell silent.
She couldn't ignore a small premonition rising from her chest as she saw Deku running. It felt as if she didn't stop him now, he would disappear into the rain. But that feeling lasted only a brief instant before everything returned to normal.
Though she raised her hand in his direction to call him back, she immediately hesitated, thinking it would be dangerous to distract him now, as the street was wet and could be slippery.
Bakugo glanced at the scene as Deku ran past him before continuing toward the station, watching Deku disappear in front of him.
...
Author's Notes.-
Your comments are always welcome! Thank you so much for reading, following, and liking. It always makes me smile.