- .My Hero Academia: 180 degrees. -
31. Where Izuku and Uraraka talk in bed, and the UA entrance exam begins
(Segment marked with * due to suggestive IzuxOcha themes)
( *)
Nerves buzzed through Izuku's room as the ticking of the living room clock accompanied the silence in the rest of the house. His soft movements on the bed were like a dance of discovery; small twitches followed every attempt to touch beneath his clothes, as if every brush or kiss was a reminder of how new this all was to them.
Ochako felt a shiver run down her body when Izuku's fingers grazed the bare skin of her waist. An involuntary spasm made her pull back slightly, breaking the kiss instantly. She let out a light laugh, a mix of nerves and joy filling the quiet space between them.
—Did I... tickle you? —Izuku asked, his voice barely a whisper, laced with shyness and sweetness.
—It's just... —Ochako lowered her gaze, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks—. It feels strange, but... nice at the same time.
Izuku blushed as well, significantly.
—Yeah... I think I feel the same. But I... like it. A lot.
They both sighed, gently touching each other's cheeks. The sexual tension that had initially filled the air eased slightly in that moment, replaced by a comforting warmth, a desire for a deeper connection that went beyond the physical. They had shared many things that day, but this was definitely different.
Their lips met again, and as they kissed carefully, their hands once more traced paths over shoulders, down backs, and found their way to waists again. They both remembered a little of what they had only dreamed of doing before, testing the boundary between curiosity and the sense of safety that held them back from doing anything too bold. They kissed for a long time, unhurried, as if they wanted to savor each moment, each touch, and imprint it on their senses.
When they separated again, Izuku looked at her with those green eyes that had made her heart melt for a long time, now shining with a mix of determination and nerves.
She gazed back at him, her cheeks flushing as emotions and uncertainty danced within her. —D-do you want to stop? —she asked, her voice soft.
Izuku, feeling his heart pounding, took a deep breath, searching for the right words to match how he truly felt —Can we... keep going just a little longer? Before we stop.
Uraraka nodded immediately, her heart pounding once again — O-okay. I also want... to keep going a little longer.
With renewed determination, they leaned in again, but this time their movements were more direct, more aligned with their intentions, as if now they were racing against time, waiting for the other to decide it had been enough. Their touches on waists, stomachs, and interlaced legs were more deliberate, yet still somehow soft and tender, even when they gripped a little skin between their fingers.
As their lips connected again, Izuku felt a spark of electricity shoot through his skin, and a strange warmth spread through his body as Uraraka lifted his shirt slightly, her fingers distractedly tracing his abdomen. Izuku was less nervous than he thought he'd be in such a situation, and perhaps more anxious for her to keep touching him there, wishing the moment wouldn't end so quickly.
They parted after a few minutes, smiling as their foreheads rested against each other, their ragged breaths filling the air with a comfortable warmth despite the flush on their faces.
—I never thought... I'd do something like this with anyone —Izuku confessed, his voice barely a whisper.
—Never? —Ochako gave him a playful nudge, covering her flushed face—. So, I'm the only one who thought about it? That makes me think... maybe... I'm taking advantage of you, Deku. I guess I misinterpreted earlier. After all... I was the one who brought you to bed with the excuse of being cold.
Izuku's blush deepened at her words. He opened his mouth to respond right away, but his words tumbled out awkwardly —Ah! No, that's not what I mean... Huh? You thought about me like that too? It's not that I haven't thought of you! Because I definitely have! But not in a weird or... obsessive way. Things just... happen. It's just that... before I met you... I never thought any girl would ever let me... —he stammered, unable to stop, each word sounding more awkward than the last—. It's not like I thought about anyone else before you... I just...
While trying to clear the whirlwind of thoughts in his mind, Uraraka let out a small laugh. It was soft, without any mockery, but it managed to interrupt his clumsy attempt at explaining himself. Her laughter was something that always calmed him, making him feel like everything was okay, even in such embarrassing moments.
—It's okay —she said softly, her laughter fading into a tender smile—. I hadn't thought... about things like this... before meeting you either.
Izuku looked at her, his breathing finally stabilizing. He felt that, in that moment, it didn't matter how awkward or inexperienced he was, because he was with her. And that's what made everything so perfect. With a renewed smile and his heart beating at a calmer pace, he leaned in toward her, giving her one last kiss, partly as a gesture of gratitude.
When the kiss ended, Uraraka's eyes sparkled with more than just affection—a mix of nervousness and the desire to extend their time together.
—De-Deku... could I... hug you for a bit?
The tremble in her voice surprised Izuku, but he didn't hesitate to respond.
—S-sure, Uraraka... you can hug me —he agreed immediately, but he wasn't prepared for what came next.
To his surprise, instead of a regular hug, Uraraka lifted herself slightly from the pillow and guided his head directly to her chest. The blush that had started to fade from Izuku's face returned in full force.
What? Why? This hug... Should I do something now? Is she expecting me to...? I thought she wanted us to stop.
His thoughts swirled, each one more chaotic than the last, and just when he was about to move one of his hands, Uraraka's soft voice interrupted him.
—I'm sorry... —she said, releasing his head with a small, nervous giggle—. I was a bit... jealous of Hatsume for doing this with you when we first met her. But now... I feel more at ease. Please, don't take it the wrong way.
Izuku felt worried, hearing that Uraraka had felt bad about that first encounter with Hatsume for so long, and he tried to respond quickly, wanting to soothe any lingering insecurity she might have.
—Hatsume... hasn't done anything like that since then. I promise. And you're definitely the only one... the only one I'd want to do something like this with —he blurted out without thinking too much, wrapping his arms around her and hugging her from behind. This impulsive move made his face press against her chest, causing him to blush even more, though Uraraka tensed up for a second, she quickly relaxed under his hands.
—I'm glad to hear that —Uraraka replied, her voice sincere, gently stroking Izuku's hair— You're the only one I'd want to do something like this with too.
Those words, so simple yet so deep, echoed in Izuku's heart. The warmth he felt didn't just come from the physical contact in that moment, but from the emotional weight they both shared. Though he couldn't deny that... the physical contact was becoming very enjoyable, too.
'They're so soft and warm, even through her shirt,' Izuku thought, completely overwhelmed by the heat in his face, and he thought he could stay like that forever. Yet a part of his mind kept battling the rising anxiety in his chest, and the most difficult questions he had ever faced began to take shape in his mind.
"Did Uraraka… want to do it with him at that moment?" Just thinking about it so directly made him squeeze his eyes shut, screaming internally, feeling like he was on the verge of a heart attack. But his mind kept pushing, "Did he… want to?" If he was being honest, of course he did. His body had been screaming it at him for a while. But… on the other hand, maybe it was too much for him to handle right then. It overwhelmed him. He'd probably be terribly clumsy if he tried anything. Besides, there were still so many important things he wanted to say to Uraraka before going that far. And there was still a lot he could learn before simply giving in to his desires. Mostly, he wanted to make sure it would be a good experience—especially if it was the first time for both of them. Once again, the unfiltered thought alone mortified him.
When he talked to Mr. Yagi about boundaries with girls, he thought his limits were very clear, so much so that it had seemed absurd to even ask about it. He hadn't given it serious thought because he had considered it impossible in the near future. But now... a part of his body was becoming too anxious. And if she directly asked him... would he have the willpower to tell her he wasn't ready yet? What if he actually was ready?
While trying to calm his thoughts, he once again felt Uraraka's gentle hand in his hair, a gesture so small and yet capable of unleashing a storm within him, speeding up his heart.
—It's okay —she whispered, her voice full of sweetness.
Far from relaxing, Izuku felt even more tense. He couldn't help but think Uraraka was too cute, and his desire to be with her only grew. The way she spoke to him made his mind fill with more conflicting thoughts. He nervously averted his gaze, trying to find something to anchor him to reality. And then he saw it: his name, "Izuku Midoriya," embroidered on the sweatshirt he had lent her. That small detail gave him the strength he needed to pull back slightly, releasing her a bit from his embrace.
—Uraraka... —his voice came out unsure, but she didn't interrupt him. Instead, she smiled tenderly, encouraging him to continue—. Can I also... hug you in a special way?
Uraraka's mind began to race, her face turning red as her thoughts ran wild, but she quickly shook them off by moving her head.
—S-sure. Just tell me how... —she replied with a touch of shyness.
Without giving her too much time to think, Izuku helped her turn over on the bed, and she settled back at the height of the pillow. Izuku pulled her waist close with a firmness that was almost dominant, making Uraraka blush deeply again. When she felt his nose bury into the back of her neck, a shiver ran through her entire body, making her tremble all over. To Izuku, it was the most intense sensation he'd ever felt, and he couldn't help but press his hips against her.
Neither of them said anything immediately, but if it hadn't been obvious before, the now undeniable bulge pressing between them made it clear.
—S-sorry —Izuku apologized, embarrassed, though deep down, he didn't entirely regret it. He pulled his hips back to give her space. However, he was surprised when Uraraka took his arms and placed them back, just below her chest, pulling him even closer to wrap around her. She moved her hips toward him again, this time more intentionally, seeking the contact once more.
Izuku blushed instantly, and the sigh that escaped his lips was involuntary. He buried his nose in Uraraka's neck again, his mind swirling with chaotic thoughts. His racing heartbeat only added to his confusion, while the warmth of this new embrace consumed him entirely. He could feel every small detail: Uraraka's soft, rounded chest against his arms, the subtle scent of her shampoo that always lingered in her hair, and the heat radiating from between his legs that kept him teetering between reason and madness.
He wanted to do it. He really wanted to...
The desire to do more, to take the moment even further, flooded his mind. He wanted it so badly, but he still hesitated, unsure if it was the right time... and uncertain about what Uraraka wanted.
—It must be hard... —Uraraka suddenly spoke with a compassionate voice that somehow soothed Izuku a little—... for you guys, when your bodies betray you like that.
Her words, far from making him uncomfortable, brought him unexpected relief. It was as if she somehow understood what he was going through. Her words also helped clear his head, giving him a moment of clarity.
—Y-yeah —Izuku admitted nervously but ended up smiling. The fact that Uraraka could address the situation with such empathy helped him relax. Though the moment was still intense, he now felt completely sure that he hadn't chosen the wrong person to entrust his heart to. His heart, which was still pounding, had found a delicate balance between desire and affection.
And suddenly, it seemed like a good idea to take advantage of this moment to have a meaningful conversation with her and show her the trust he had in her, just like the trust she had shown him when she talked about what her family was going through.
Izuku wasn't sure how to start, but he knew he wanted to tell her what had happened the day they met, even if it seemed a bit anticlimactic. He didn't want to move forward with anything else until he told her. Partly because he felt it was the kind of thing she needed to know about him before they deepened their relationship.
—Uraraka, what I couldn't tell you before, I want to tell you now. Can you... listen to me? —he began, and he felt Uraraka's fingers gently caressing his arms, as if saying she was ready to listen, that she supported him no matter what he was about to say—. That day... when you and I met... I wasn't pushed, nor did I fall by accident, and I didn't jump to follow All Might for his autograph. I just... jumped.
The silence that followed his confession was thick, almost tangible. Izuku felt the air grow heavy around him. However, Uraraka didn't stop caressing his arms, her touch calming him, reminding him that he wasn't alone in that moment.
—I think I already knew...— Uraraka admitted in a soft voice —At least, part of me did. The way you cried that day... it reminded me of someone with a broken heart —the unavoidable image of Himiko Toga transformed into her first love, Saito, flashed in her mind again, but she quickly shook it off. It disturbed her how much she resembled Deku— Of course, my first thought was the bullying you seemed to be going through, but for a while, I also wondered if someone had broken your heart that day. I have to admit... I was afraid to ask you directly and find out that someone had meant so much to you that you didn't want to keep living without them.
Izuku felt worried that Uraraka had carried that uncertainty with her. He shook his head, adjusting his embrace, pulling her closer as if trying to clear up any misunderstanding.
—That's not it, Uraraka —he said firmly, his voice clearer now—. You're wrong. Like I told you before, up until now, you're the only person I've liked and the only one I've truly wanted to be with. Although... yes, I did it because of someone's words —Izuku continued, lowering his voice—. But it wasn't because I was in love with him. I just admired him too much.
—That person... —Uraraka ventured, already knowing the answer but wanting to confirm it— was All Might?
—Y-yeah —Izuku admitted, his mind recalling everything that had happened—. That day was the worst of my life, Uraraka. Things didn't go well at school, and then a villain, the same one who attacked Kacchan later, tried to suffocate me to take over my body and hide.
Uraraka remained silent, her fingers pausing for a moment before resuming their gentle strokes on his arms.
—Luckily, All Might arrived just in time to save me. He was really kind and even signed an autograph while I was unconscious. He stayed with me until I woke up. —Izuku paused, feeling the weight of what he was about to say—. I had always admired him. I wanted to be like him. He was my anchor ever since my dad abandoned my mom and me.
Izuku's words hung in the air, and Uraraka, without hesitation, continued caressing his arms more tenderly, as if silently reassuring him that she was there.
—I have to admit —Izuku went on, with a soft, slightly bitter smile— that my mom wasn't completely wrong that day and that my obsession with All Might bordered on fanaticism —Izuku recalled when his mom had taken down all the All Might posters from his room—. In some way, I think my mom realized it too, by the way she treated me in the days that followed. But she never pushed too hard for us to talk about it. I think it's because I started to improve shortly after. I've said it before, but it was mainly thanks to you and Mr. Yagi that I was able to move forward. I feel truly blessed.
At his words, for a moment, Uraraka turned her head just enough for her lips to meet Izuku's again in a small, sweet kiss, a gesture that encapsulated everything she wanted to say without needing words.
Izuku sighed before continuing—. After saving me, I clung to All Might. Literally. Just to ask him if someone like me, without a quirk, could be a hero like him. And his answer, specifically, was no. He told me to be more realistic about my dreams, and even though I didn't know at the time that he left so quickly because he realized the villain had escaped because of me, his words... those words left me with nothing. No dreams, no hope. I felt like I had no value, like I wasn't good for anything.
Uraraka turned fully toward him, her eyes filled with understanding, but also with the pain of hearing what he had been through.
—That's why I jumped into the void —Izuku admitted, a sad smile crossing his face before it softened— Without knowing I would be saved by my true hero. You, Uraraka.
Izuku's words seemed to hit Uraraka with force, making her eyes glisten. She hadn't expected such a sincere confession, much less the profound meaning behind it, especially considering Deku's own desire to become a hero.
Suddenly, Izuku took both of Uraraka's hands, swallowing, knowing he was about to say something even more important, something he had kept hidden for a while but now, in this special moment, he couldn't hold back any longer.
—And that's why, Uraraka… I… —he whispered, his heart pounding hard in his chest— I…
But just as he was about to reveal the deepest part of his heart, the sound of the phone ringing in the living room interrupted the moment. Reality crashed back into them, as if the universe refused to allow the moment to end the way he had imagined.
Izuku closed his eyes for a moment, frustrated, letting out a heavy sigh. He didn't want to let her go, didn't want the moment to fade because of something as mundane as a phone call. However, the soft touch of Uraraka's hand on his cheek made him open his eyes, seeing the understanding in her expression.
—You should answer it —she said with a gentle smile— It might be important.
Izuku rubbed the back of his neck, still a bit annoyed by the interruption, and stood up from the bed, giving her a resigned look.
—That's exactly what Mr. Yagi always says. To answer the phone —he smiled slightly, as if trying to downplay his frustration— I'll also take the chance to go to the bathroom, but you can…
—I'll get up too —Uraraka interrupted, moving to sit on the edge of the bed— Besides, I think it's time for me to head home.
Izuku paused for a moment in the doorway, watching her as she adjusted the bed. The sound of the phone continued to ring from the living room, persistent, as he silently regretted that their special moment had come to an end.
...
The sky was still gray after the rain, and both felt a bit odd returning to the reality of the outside world. Though Izuku had started to enjoy the cool weather after the rain, he hated how the cold now contrasted with the warmth he and Uraraka had shared earlier in his room.
It made him think: Could he fall asleep in that bed again after what had happened? After what almost happened?
—I promise I'll return it to you soon —Uraraka suddenly said, snapping him out of his thoughts as she tucked her hands into the sleeves of the hoodie Deku had lent her.
—If you want... you can keep it, Uraraka —Izuku replied, covering his mouth with one hand to hide his blush as the cold air stung his cheeks— I wouldn't mind if you had it. O-of course, only if you want. It's almost new.
Uraraka looked at him in surprise, her face lighting up with a dazzling smile.
—Really? —she asked happily, and seeing Izuku's shy nod, her eyes sparkled even more— Thank you so much! I promise I'll take good care of it. Though… —her tone softened as she rubbed the sleeve of the hoodie against her cheek— I'll probably only wear it to sleep. It's so soft.
Izuku's heart clenched a little as he watched her caress the hoodie as if it had suddenly become a treasured item. It was such a simple thing, but seeing her like that, with his name embroidered on the chest of the garment, made him feel strangely close to her. He wanted to say something more, taking advantage of this moment before she left.
—You know, about what I told you earlier, Uraraka… —he began, his voice more serious as they waited at the bus stop— I don't want to make the same mistake with you that I did with All Might.
—The same mistake? —she asked, intrigued— What do you mean, Deku?
Izuku couldn't help but blush a little as he looked down.
—I think that even though I've gained some confidence over the past few months, deep down, I'm still insecure —he admitted, watching the cars pass by in front of them, their lights flickering on the damp street.
Uraraka let him continue, a small smile forming on her lips, a bit used to Deku's moments of self-reflection.
—I've noticed that when I see you with other guys, especially those who are potentially stronger than me, or even just because they have quirks and make you smile when they use them… it's made me feel a bit… j-jealous.
Uraraka remembered the time she caught him watching her and Ojiro, with a not-so-pleasant expression on his face.
—I assure you, I wasn't trying to make you jealous on purpose —Uraraka clarified with a soft laugh, trying to downplay it a little. Though she found it somewhat cute, she knew jealousy wasn't a nice feeling to experience.
—I know —Izuku said, looking at the palm of his hand before clenching it with determination— I think the real problem is mine, but I promise I'll work on that and not get too fixated on you like I once did with All Might.
Uraraka found it a bit strange how Deku compared his admiration for All Might to his feelings for her, but in the end, she found it incredibly endearing and very much like him.
—Deku… —she murmured, but before she could respond the way she wanted, the bus arrived at the stop.
They both fell silent for a few seconds, knowing this was the moment to say goodbye. After sharing so much and being so close in his room, it seemed unfair for the day to end like this, but there was nothing more to do. Uraraka stepped onto the bus and turned back to look at him one last time. She smiled warmly, waving goodbye as Izuku stood there, returning her smile with a mix of emotions.
As the bus drove away, Izuku remained at the stop, watching the taillights fade into the distance. A faint smile lingered on his lips as the wind ruffled his hair. He had said some of what he wanted to say to Uraraka, and though he knew there were still things left unsaid, he trusted that time would give them more chances.
Somehow, in that moment, he also felt a renewed appreciation for being alive.
No matter what awaits us tomorrow
No matter the darkness of our past
We both promise with our hearts
To never let the other's smile fade.
(Uraraka was having dinner with her parents, more cheerful than usual, and her mood uplifted them as well)
...
The rain will pass
Leaving a beautiful rainbow
And winter
Will soon turn into spring.
(Izuku greeted his mom with a bright smile when she came home from work, dazzling her)
...
Even though sometimes
I can't tell black from white
Our feelings grow
Stronger and deeper
Every single day
(Both Izuku and Uraraka stood on their balconies, looking up at the night sky and watching the stars)
...
The footprints we left behind
Will be the answers we give each other.
(Bakugo served dinner to his parents, begrudgingly)
...
We'll keep walking through this mysterious world
Even if struggles and battles continue
(All Might gazed out the window of his study in the dark)
...
I can feel it
I can feel it
Every time I wish for it
(Todoroki was having dinner with his siblings)
...
I feel it getting closer
I feel it getting closer
Stronger every time
(Izuku smiled, lying on his side in bed)
...
Shine, shine, shine
My hopes are glowing
Flashing their brilliance
(Uraraka, lying in her own bed, blushed slightly and smiled in her sleep)
...
You are my shining star
...
The day he had long awaited had finally arrived. The day of the UA entrance exam.
One day, I know I'll tell you
The reason for my departure
One day, I'll explain
The sun shone high in the sky, painting it a clear, bright blue, as if the entire city was breathing optimism. That day, Izuku woke up early, his heart pounding, adrenaline coursing through his veins the moment he opened his eyes. He knew this day would mark a turning point in his life. He had worked so hard, faced doubts, and now he was about to take the first step toward his biggest dream: becoming a hero.
Hop, step,
Jump
My love!
After showering, Izuku dressed in the new sports outfit his mom had given him a few weeks ago, specifically for this occasion. It was simple but comfortable, dark green in color, with light yellow stripes running along the edges of the sleeves and sides.
Then, he put on the gear Hatsume had specially made for him. They were subtle but effective improvements for his mobility and stability. He looked at himself in the mirror, adjusting the last device on his wrist, and a smile appeared on his face. "I look kind of flashy," he thought, "like I'm already wearing a hero suit."
The idea excited him. For years, he had dreamed of the moment when he would wear a real hero costume, and even though this wasn't it, it felt like the prelude to something big, something closer than ever.
You give me strength
Even without being by my side
When I think of you
I can give my very best
Checking the time on his watch, he realized that, although he still had time, he should leave soon to get there calmly. He grabbed his backpack, packed with everything he needed, and took a deep breath before calling out toward the kitchen.
Stars, turn into love
And travel through space and time
Until the day we meet again
—I'm leaving now —he announced, as he grabbed the doorknob.
—Izuku! —his mother called from the kitchen.
No matter how long it takes
I'll pray for this light
That will let me see you so I won't lose you
Izuku immediately stopped and turned toward her with a smile.
—What is it? —he asked kindly.
I can feel it
I can feel it
When I look up
His mom came out of the kitchen, her eyes filled with emotion. Her son, who had once been so fragile and nervous in his childhood, now stood in front of her, strong and determined, ready to face the most important exam of his life. She could still see in his eyes the little boy who played with his All Might action figures, dreaming of becoming a hero. But now… now it was different.
I feel it getting closer
I feel it getting closer
Every time
—You look great —she said, smiling as she tried to hide the tremor in her voice. There was so much pride in her words, but also a touch of motherly worry.
Izuku smiled shyly, feeling warmth in his chest. He knew she believed in him now.
Shine, shine
As it moves
Dazzling you with its light
—See you later —he responded, a little embarrassed by the attention but grateful too. He gave a more confident smile before hurrying out the door.
Today was the first step toward making his dream come true, and Izuku Midoriya was ready. He had the confidence to try, even without a quirk.
You are my shining star.
Author's Notes. -
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