- .My Hero Academia: 180 degrees. -
17. Where Bakugo acts strange, and Deku gets worried
Midoriya lifted his gaze to the sky, watching the bright blue stretch endlessly above him. A gentle breeze carried a dandelion seed past his eyes, and he followed its path, captivated by the almost hypnotic movement of the tiny floating fragment of life. Without thinking much about it, he reached out and carefully caught it between his fingers. That small interaction with nature made him smile—he took it as a good omen and began to do some stretches before getting back to work.
If the information he found online was accurate, based on comments from former students of Professor Aizawa, some of the physical tests before the exam could include:
The fifty-meter dash.
Deku sprinted back and forth, carrying one sandbag at a time.
Long jump.
Deku jumped across the broken gap of the bridge, carrying buckets filled with materials.
Throwing...
The construction workers started to notice his odd behavior, which at times seemed a bit erratic as he tried to handle too much at once.
—Hey, kid, take it easy —one of the men shouted, his voice gruff but not without concern.
—Let him do what he wants —his coworker beside him chimed in, though his tone carried more amusement.
—Uh, but...
The man next to him elbowed him and whispered quietly.
—Have you noticed how the boss's daughter looks at him? I wouldn't be surprised if this kid ends up owning the company one day. Better keep him on our good side from the start.
The first worker nodded, his expression quickly shifting to one of mild amusement as well.
Midoriya, who had noticed their glances, smiled back at them, slightly confused—Sorry, did you say something?
—No, nothing, nothing. Keep going, kid. Work hard! —they said almost in unison, encouraging him.
Meanwhile, Bakugo glared at him from the side as he continued stirring the cement mix he'd been assigned.
—Wow, Bakugo! —Uraraka commented as she passed by—. The mix looks perfect.
Bakugo shot her a sidelong glance, clearly annoyed by the unexpected compliment.
—What's so amazing about it?! —he growled—. It's not that different from cooking. Anyone can do it.
Uraraka blinked in surprise—You cook?
Tsuyu, who had approached without Bakugo noticing, added—Never would have guessed.
Mina, who seemed to be listening to the conversation while working, joined in—One day, you should make something for us to try!
Midoriya, who had overheard part of the conversation from afar, watched them with a mix of surprise and curiosity. 'Right… Kacchan's become really popular with the girls lately.' And without realizing it, his gaze lingered a bit longer than it should on Uraraka, who was laughing carefree next to Bakugo. Something stirred inside him, but he couldn't quite name it.
—Stop wasting time and get back to work! —Bakugo shouted, clearly uncomfortable with all the attention. His sharp tone made the girls scatter.
—Come on! Don't be so grumpy! —Uraraka, smiling, gave him a light tap on the arm before walking away, to which Bakugo showed no reaction.
Bakugo continued stirring the mix with his usual expression, but suddenly, a memory from his childhood resurfaced.
"You can add the noodles now, Katsuki," his father said.
"Yay!"
The childish image of himself shouting with joy while helping in the kitchen brought a small smile to his face, a gesture so subtle it was barely noticeable. But Deku, who had been watching him the whole time, saw it and felt a weight in his chest.
'Why was he smiling like that? Could Kacchan smile that way… without mocking someone?'
Just then, Bakugo turned his head and caught Midoriya staring at him. Their eyes met for barely a second before Bakugo scowled and let out an irritated grunt, clearly annoyed by the unwanted attention.
Feeling awkward, Deku quickly returned to his exercises, trying to drown out the confusion swirling inside him.
—Hey, don't you guys think we should help Bakugo and Midoriya make peace? After what happened, they don't even talk to each other anymore— Hagakure asked, having noticed their latest interaction.
Ojiro nodded thoughtfully—It's kind of sad, isn't it? They've known each other since they were kids, they go to the same school, and both of them want to get into UA. They should be supporting each other, not avoiding talking.
Kirishima, who had also noticed the distance between the two, shrugged—Yeah, I wouldn't try getting in between those two. I think it's something they need to sort out on their own and in their own time.
Uraraka, who had been listening carefully, nodded in agreement—Yeah, I think in a way, that fight was like a silent conversation between them. The words need some time to settle before they can make any real progress.
—Well, you guys know them better —Ojiro replied, accepting their point of view—. I guess you're right.
The group fell silent for a moment until Mina, always energetic, broke the pause.
—Speaking of getting to know each other better… —she started, a mischievous smile on her lips. Uraraka saw it coming, and alarms immediately went off in her head.
—Oh, sorry, Mina, I think my dad's calling me —Uraraka quickly said, escaping before the conversation could take a more uncomfortable turn.
Mina watched her leave, her smile still in place.
—So… that's how she wants to play it —she said with an amused laugh.
Kirishima looked at her with a mix of nerves and curiosity—Hey, what's up with you? You're starting to sound like a villain. Don't tell me you're going to...
—Oh, don't worry. It's just that some people need a little push in the right direction —Mina replied with a wink.
...
Midoriya sat down for a moment, wiping the sweat from his forehead. Fatigue was starting to set in his muscles. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the cool breeze calm him. However, before he could fully relax, he noticed a shadow blocking the sunlight above him.
He opened his eyes to find Uraraka standing in front of him, a water bottle in her hand and a warm smile on her face.
—Good work today, Deku —she said, offering him the bottle.
Midoriya blinked, surprised by the gesture, but couldn't help smiling back as he accepted the bottle gratefully.
—Thanks, Uraraka —he responded, feeling a wave of relief at her kindness. In that moment, any strange thoughts he had about Uraraka and Kacchan vanished from his mind, and he felt silly for even considering them.
The group of volunteers was walking towards the train station after their morning shift at the construction site. The exhaustion was evident in the slow steps of some, but the lively conversation that sprung between them kept the atmosphere relaxed. Kirishima, always the first to break the silence with an enthusiastic comment, spoke excitedly while adjusting his backpack on his shoulder.
—Have you guys heard? —he began— They're hiring actors to participate in a segment of the UA entrance exam.
Bakugo, who was walking a few steps behind the group, frowned as he overheard the conversation. Even though he kept his distance, he couldn't help but listen in.
—What would they be for? —Ojiro wondered, walking next to him.
—Maybe… for a rescue disaster scenario? —Midoriya guessed, his eyes lighting up—. Or maybe to simulate a crime scene, or perhaps... —Suddenly, he pulled out his notebook and started mumbling as he quickly scribbled notes, his thoughts pouring onto the pages. It was a habit well-known to everyone, and none of his friends were surprised anymore, as they were used to seeing him get lost in his own world whenever something about heroes or training excited him.
Ojiro continued talking, unfazed by Midoriya's distraction.
—I heard that as a teacher, the current principal expelled an entire class last year because he didn't see potential in them. That's why there was no Class 1-B last year.
Uraraka, walking near Tsuyu, looked visibly surprised.
—That sounds kind of extreme... —she commented, her eyes widening in disbelief.
—Maybe it's just a rumor the principal spread himself to build a reputation of being tough —Tsuyu suggested in her usual neutral but sharp tone.
Even though Uraraka nodded several times, wanting to believe that explanation, the others didn't seem as convinced. There was something in the air that stirred a slight worry among them. The UA entrance exam was already difficult enough; adding that kind of uncertainty only heightened the tension.
Ojiro crossed his arms—It already seemed hard enough to get into UA with the previous system. Maybe not all of us will make it.
His comment cast a shadow of silence over the group, and even Midoriya, who had stopped writing for a moment, lowered his gaze. He knew that, though no one said it directly, many thought he had the toughest challenge ahead. After all, facing a hero exam without a quirk seemed like an impossible mission.
Kirishima, ever the optimist, tried to break the tense atmosphere with a cheerful smile.
—But it's totally worth trying! —he exclaimed—. By the way, Midoriya, if you manage to get in without a quirk, you'd be the first since All Might. I heard a rumor about a quirkless guy from his generation, and his quirk manifested on the day of the exam, and he got in.
Midoriya gave a soft smile.
—I've heard that too... but honestly, I think it's just an urban legend —he replied, without much energy.
Before the conversation could go any deeper, Mina, always straightforward and playful, approached Midoriya with overflowing energy, grabbing his arm. Kirishima and Uraraka both glanced at her, each reacting differently to the gesture.
—I still can't believe you don't have a quirk, Midoriya. You hide it really well —Mina said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. As she spoke, she leaned a little closer to him, making Midoriya feel slightly uncomfortable, unsure of how to react.
'Here comes the interrogation,' Kirishima thought, narrowing his eyes.
Midoriya began to feel nervous at Mina's sudden closeness. He could feel her chest pressed against his arm, something Mina either didn't notice, or perhaps did, but didn't care about. Hesitating, he tried to explain.
—I-it's thanks to a brilliant girl named Hatsume. She's been helping me with her inventions... —Midoriya hurriedly showed the gloves he was wearing—. She's also aiming to get into UA, but in the support course. We meet up every week to work on innovations.
Hearing that, Uraraka clenched her fists softly in front of her chest, a slight discomfort growing inside her. She didn't know why, but the thought of Deku seeing Hatsume so often bothered her.
'Somehow… I don't like that'
—So brilliant, huh? —Mina grinned mischievously—. And do you think she's cute too?
Midoriya tensed up, his cheeks starting to flush. He wasn't just nervous about the question itself, but also because he knew Uraraka was listening, which stirred a strange mix of embarrassment and concern inside him.
—Umm...
—Or better yet, tell me —do you like her? —Mina pressed, leaning in a little closer.
To Mina's surprise, instead of blushing as she expected, Midoriya became thoughtful. His eyes focused on a distant point before he spoke in a calm tone.
—Hatsume is certainly great. She accepted me for who I am from the very beginning, but... I only see her as a friend. And I think she sees me as the perfect guinea pig to test her inventions.
In a workshop filled with gadgets and prototypes, Hatsume continued working, listening through the transmitter embedded in Midoriya's gloves. Her concentration was unshakable, and she didn't flinch even after hearing her mention.
Uraraka, on the other hand, felt an unexpected sense of relief. She didn't know exactly why she had been so worried, but hearing Deku's words brought a small smile to her face. However, Mina noticed immediately.
—So then, who do you like, Midoriya? —she asked with a teasing grin.
—W-well... — Midoriya's face became even more nervous. He avoided looking at Uraraka, knowing that if he did, he'd give himself away immediately. He wasn't sure if he should admit it outright or keep it a secret, at least for now.
Tsuyu stepped in at just the right moment.
—I don't think we should interrogate him —she suggested—. The first person who should know who he likes is the person in question, ribbit.
Hagakure, always a romantic, agreed—That's true! That's the sweetest thing.
Midoriya took a deep breath and, to everyone's surprise, smiled, though still a bit nervously.
—It's no problem —he said, his voice calm but resolute—. That person already knows. I'm just waiting for her response, but if everything goes well, I promise I'll tell you all.
Mina finally let him go, surprised by his direct response. The others smiled, relieved at Midoriya's maturity in that moment.
—Well done, Midoriya! —Kirishima cheered, pulling him into a headlock so tight that Midoriya nearly lost his balance—. That's how real men do it!
Not wanting to be left out, Mina shot a playful glance at Kirishima.
—Maybe you should learn something from him.
—Huh? What are you talking about? —Kirishima laughed, as the tension in the air dissipated.
—Ugh, what a load of crap —Bakugo grumbled, striding ahead with quick steps toward the station, now in sight.
The group said their goodbyes, knowing they'd see each other again soon. Kirishima, walking beside Ashido, glanced back for a moment, observing Bakugo and then looking over at Uraraka and Midoriya, who were heading towards the same train line.
—Makes sense —Kirishima commented, scratching his head—. Bakugo doesn't like these kinds of conversations.
—Though… that reaction could also be because... —Mina teased, forming an imaginary triangle with her fingers, pointing to Bakugo, Uraraka, and Midoriya.
—Haha, stop imagining weird stuff that'll never happen —Kirishima advised—. You won't get anything out of that. Trust me.
In the same train car were Uraraka, Midoriya, and Bakugo.
Uraraka was sitting and seemed to be struggling to stay awake, her head bobbing as she fought off sleep. Midoriya stood in front of her, while Bakugo faced the opposite door, seemingly lost in the scenery or perhaps just watching the reflection of the train's interior, depending on how one looked at it.
Midoriya, feeling uneasy, questioned himself:
'Why did he suddenly feel so alert around Kacchan?'
Without being fully aware of it, he shifted half a step to the left, just enough so that from where Kacchan stood, he wouldn't be able to see Uraraka's reflection in the window.
Meanwhile, the train passed by a cookware store, and Bakugo found himself craving spaghetti with meatballs for dinner—something he could make himself. Maybe he'd surprise his mom before she got home from work. He could already picture it:
"This crap is better than mine," his mom would say with her mouth full.
He smiled, but it only lasted a moment.
'Where the hell had that thought come from?' he questioned himself, confused and then irritated. 'It was probably that garbage his mom kept pushing on him again. He couldn't let it continue. If he let his guard down, he'd end up as pathetic and soft as someone he knew all too well.'
Midoriya suddenly felt Kacchan's gaze on him, and though a shiver ran down his spine, he decided not to let himself be intimidated.
—Looks like the next stop is yours —Uraraka murmured, still half-asleep.
Midoriya gave her a kind smile. Of course, waking up early and the warmth of the train sometimes made you want to drift off.
—You're right. Don't fall asleep, Uraraka. Well… s-see you later —he said, his usual nervousness showing through.
But, in a moment of impulse, almost without thinking, Midoriya leaned down, reached out, and gently took one of the long strands of her hair. With delicate care, he brought it to his lips and gave it a small kiss. The gesture was brief, but filled with such tenderness that Uraraka's cheeks flushed a deep red.
Midoriya's own heart raced, bewildered by his boldness. However, there was no time to dwell on it. His feet moved on their own, heading toward the door opposite Bakugo. Unintentionally, he cast a quick glance toward his childhood friend, who was looking back at him with a mixture of confusion and poorly concealed anger.
The train reached the station, and both boys walked out, heading in opposite directions. But their paths crossed again at the entrance to the school. Bakugo caught up to Midoriya just before he entered, walking beside him for a moment, as if the silence between them was heavier than usual.
—Hey, nerd. —Bakugo's voice came out rougher than he intended, and Midoriya glanced at him, surprised. Without stopping, Bakugo continued—. If you want even the slightest chance of getting into UA, you should forget about her. Women are nothing but trouble.
Bakugo kept walking, not waiting for a response, leaving Midoriya frozen in place, processing what he had just heard. 'Why had he said that?' It didn't make sense, it didn't even sound like something Bakugo would normally say so casually.
Bakugo, walking further ahead, also wondered why the hell he had said that.
Author's Notes.-
Your comments are always welcome! Thank you so much for reading, following, and liking. It always makes me smile.