My hero system

by Dr.Cats

Izuku gains a mysterious system granting him video game-like classes, skills, and quests. Marked as "early access," he has two years before the full release to uncover its secrets. As he grows stronger, Izuku must choose: follow his idol's heroic path or forge his own, even if it leads to a darker destiny.

11. Chapter 11 I-island

Chapter 11 I-Island

Author's Notes

Thank you for sticking with me! I went back and fixed some of the repeating lines and cleaned up the mistakes from earlier drafts—I hope it reads much smoother now.

Izuku stirred awake, groaning softly as the light from the window brushed against his face. His eyes remained closed, the soft warmth of Toga's presence nearby lulling him into a sense of safety. His head shifted, pressing against something firm yet comfortable. Without thinking, he leaned closer, his lips brushing against what he thought were hers. The sensation jolted him as his tongue met resistance, and then a fiery, unexpected response.

Their tongues clashed in a brief, stunned dance before a sharp shove sent him tumbling from the bed. He landed on the ground with a loud thud, his head spinning from the sudden impact.

"What the hell, Toga?" Izuku groaned, pushing himself up on his elbows. His bleary eyes finally opened to meet the sight of long, white rabbit ears, flushed red cheeks, and a fiercely glaring pair of crimson eyes. It wasn't Toga.

It was Rumi Usagiyama.

"That was my first kiss," Rumi hissed, her voice low but filled with venom. Her hands were clenched into fists, and her tan skin seemed to glow as her anger radiated off her in waves.

Izuku's heart sank into his stomach as he scrambled to his feet. "Oh no. Oh no, oh no, that wasn't my intention! I thought—" He waved his hands frantically, backing away. "Why are you even in our bed?! That's why I suggested the beanbag chair! Some of us—uh—tend to get frisky in the mornings!"

Rumi's glare deepened. "You think that excuses you?" she asked, her voice laced with icy disdain.

Before Izuku could explain further, Rumi launched herself at him, her powerful leg sweeping toward his head. He ducked just in time, the force of her kick slicing through the air above him.

"Hey, hey, hey! No fighting in the bedroom!" Izuku shouted, raising his hands defensively. "You wanna fight me, fine—take it to the warehouse. Not in here! I've got stuff I want to keep intact!"

Rumi landed effortlessly, her muscles taut as she prepared another strike. But she paused, her ears twitching slightly as her gaze locked onto him with laser focus.

"Fine," she growled finally, standing straight and folding her arms. "You owe me ten carrot cakes."

"Ten?!" Izuku blurted out, his voice cracking slightly. He ran a hand through his messy green hair, groaning. "Fine. Ten carrot cakes. But that's it!"

"I thought you'd negotiate at least a little," Rumi said with a smirk, bouncing lightly on her heels as though already imagining the cakes.

"You don't seem that upset anymore," Izuku noted, eyeing her warily.

Rumi's smirk softened, her crimson eyes flickering with something unreadable. "Well, I'm still upset," she admitted, "but you know what? It wasn't a bad kiss."

Izuku's face turned beet red. "T-that's not—ugh, that's not the point!" he stammered. "Look, Rumi, if you're gonna be staying here, we need some boundaries. Stuff like this can't happen again."

Rumi raised an eyebrow, her arms still crossed. "Boundaries, huh? So I'm getting the boot from the bed?"

"Exactly!" Izuku said, pointing toward the door. "We'll get you a mattress. No more sleeping in the same bed. I don't want incidents like this repeating themselves."

Rumi crouched slightly, her gaze playful but challenging. "So what you're saying is, no more kisses unless we're in a relationship?"

"That's not—wait, what?" Izuku turned, flustered, only for Rumi to plant a quick kiss on his cheek before he could react.

"What the hell, Rumi?!" he shouted, spinning back to face her.

She grinned unapologetically. "It's just a kiss. Nothing serious. Besides, you're not even a real man until you can beat me. So until then, I can do whatever I want."

"That doesn't mean you can do whatever you want!" Izuku shot back, his frustration boiling over. "I'm not the same weak kid anymore, okay? If you don't start showing me some respect, you'll be out on the street. Got it? Just because you're a cute Bunny girl doesn't mean you get a free pass!"

Rumi blinked, caught off guard by his sudden outburst. She stared at him for a long moment, then smirked faintly. "Fine," she said. "We'll get a mattress. No more sharing the bed. But don't think for a second I'm backing down from teasing you. You've got potential, Izuku—but don't push your luck."

With that, she walked past him, her expression calmer now but still mischievous. Izuku sighed, running a hand down his face as he muttered under his breath.

At the warehouse in the morning

in the kitchen, Toga hummed to herself as she flipped pancakes on the stove. Mei was nearby, tinkering with one of her drones, her goggles pushed up onto her forehead. Izuku walked in, still grumbling under his breath.

"What's got you so worked up?" Mei asked without looking up.

"Toga, why didn't you wake me up earlier?" Izuku complained, grabbing a cup of water. "Do you know what just happened? I woke up kissing Rumi, and she nearly kicked my head off. Then she said I owe her ten carrot cakes!"

Toga snickered, turning to face him with an amused grin. "You kissed Rumi? Now that's a way to start the morning. And ten carrot cakes? Sounds like you got off easy."

Izuku groaned. "You're not helping."

"Well, it's kinda cute," Toga teased, winking at him. "Maybe you should kiss her again. Make it official."

"Nope. Not happening," Izuku said firmly, sipping his water. "But first, I'm buying a mattress."

As Izuku headed out the door, Mei called after him, "Don't forget to grab more parts for the drones while you're out!"

Rumi watched him go, leaning against the kitchen door frame with her arms crossed. Her smirk softened as her gaze lingered on him. "He's got fire," she murmured to herself. "But he still has a long way to go."

The morning sunlight streamed through the windows of the kitchen as the smell of pancakes and freshly brewed coffee filled the air. Toga sat cross-legged on the couch, brushing her fox-like ears and tail, her golden eyes half-lidded in relaxation. Mei was perched at the table, her plate piled high with a chaotic assortment of breakfast items as she wolfed down her food with little regard for table manners.

Rumi leaned casually against the counter, her arms folded across her chest. Her crimson eyes scanned the room, and she raised an eyebrow at the sight of the two other girls, so nonchalant in their demeanor. Finally, she broke the silence.

"So, you two are really okay with everything?" Rumi asked, her tone measured but genuinely curious.

Toga glanced up from her brushing, her lips curling into a sly grin. "Yeah, we're cool. Why wouldn't we be?" she replied, twirling the brush in her hand. "But honestly, Rumi, do you even like him? Or are you just crashing here 'cause you've got nowhere else to go?"

Rumi's ears twitched slightly at the directness of the question. She hesitated for a moment, her gaze flicking between Toga and Mei. "If I'm being honest," she began, her voice steady, "I do see potential in him. The boy's got strength, that's for sure. But… feelings? No, not yet."

Mei stopped mid-bite, raising an eyebrow as she listened. Toga leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her palm, clearly intrigued. "Go on," Toga urged with a playful smirk.

Rumi unfolded her arms, her posture relaxing as she started to ramble. "He needs to prove to me that he's manly enough for anything like that to happen. I mean, don't get me wrong—he's not a weakling, not anymore. But there's still something… boyish about him, you know? That face of his, the way he carries himself. He's kind, maybe too kind. But I guess that could be a good thing in its own way."

Mei chuckled, setting her fork down with a clink. "So what you're saying is, you like your men rough around the edges? Someone with a little swagger?"

Rumi tilted her head, thinking for a moment. "Honestly, yeah. That's probably it. I mean, when I first saw him, back when he had that Yakuza vibe going on—yeah, that caught my attention. He had this cockiness, this confidence when he fought. That look in his eyes? Like he knew he could win. It was… different." Her voice softened slightly, her crimson eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "But the more I get to know him, the more I see that he's not weak. He's strong, sure—but he's also a lot kinder than I expected. It's surprising."

Toga let out a soft laugh, her fox tail swishing behind her. "That kindness is one of the things I like about him. If you don't think it's enough, that's your loss."

Rumi chuckled at Toga's boldness, shaking her head. "We'll see. For now, I'm not extremely interested. But… who knows? Maybe he'll surprise me."

Mei leaned back in her chair, arms crossed behind her head as she grinned. "Oh, I doubt you'll be disappointed for long. But whenever you're ready, we'll welcome you to the fold."

Rumi rolled her eyes, smirking at Mei's confidence. "Yeah, okay, sure," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm, though there was a hint of amusement in her expression.

"So," Toga began, leaning forward conspiratorially, "how's UA treating you? You're in your second year now, right?"

Rumi nodded, shifting to sit at the edge of the counter. "Yeah, second year. It's been good so far. I've got one more year, and then I'm out of there. Once I graduate, I'm starting my own hero agency."

"Solo, huh?" Mei asked, her voice curious as she picked at the remnants of her breakfast. "No sidekick gigs for you?"

Rumi's expression hardened slightly, her ears twitching with determination. "No way. I'm not doing that sidekick crap. I didn't work this hard to play second fiddle to anyone. If I'm going to be a hero, it's on my terms."

Toga grinned, clearly impressed. "That's bold, Usagiyama. I like it."

Rumi's gaze shifted to Mei. "Speaking of bold—since you seem to be pretty good with support gear, Pinky, I might just hire you when you get your license. Assuming you can keep up."

Mei's eyes lit up, a wide grin spreading across her face. "You'd better! You think I'd let an opportunity like that slip by? No way!" She gestured dramatically to the prototype drone on the table. "I've already got plans that'll blow your mind. You'll be begging me to join your agency."

Rumi laughed at Mei's enthusiasm, her posture relaxing further. "I'll hold you to that."

The conversation drifted into lighter topics, and Rumi shared snippets of her experiences at UA. She spoke about her classes, the grueling training sessions, and the occasional clashes with her teachers. Mei and Toga listened intently, occasionally interjecting with questions or comments.

"Honestly," Rumi said, finishing her story about a particularly intense sparring session, "UA's been a challenge, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's made me stronger."

Mei grinned. "Well, if UA's shaping you up to be a badass hero, I can't wait to see what you're like in the field."

Rumi smirked, her confidence returning in full force. "You'll see soon enough, Pinky."

Rumi grinned slyly, her crimson eyes flicking between the two girls. "So," she began, her voice teasing, "how far have you two gotten with the broccoli boy?"

Both Toga and Mei froze, their movements halting mid-brush and mid-tinker. They exchanged a glance before looking back at Rumi, their faces tinted with the faintest hint of pink.

"Just making out," Toga said casually, her voice light but her eyes narrowing slightly. "And maybe a few squeezes."

Mei nodded, her tone equally matter-of-fact. "Yep. That's it."

For a moment, there was silence as Rumi processed their blunt honesty. Then, she burst out laughing, doubling over in her seat. "Oh my God, you two are too cute! Acting like some married couple already, living together and all. What's next, matching rings?"

Toga's golden eyes flared, her lips curling into a sharp frown. "Hey! It's not like that!" she snapped, her ears twitching in irritation. "You think we're playing house or something?"

Mei slammed her wrench onto the table, her cheeks flushed. "We're serious about him, Rumi! Don't act like it's some joke."

Rumi chuckled, holding up her hands in mock surrender. "Whoa, struck a nerve there, didn't I?" she said, her voice laced with amusement. "Relax, you two. I'm just teasing. You're both lucky to have him, and honestly, it's kind of adorable how you're so defensive."

Toga huffed, crossing her arms as she glared at Rumi. Mei just grumbled under her breath, returning to her gadget, though the redness on her cheeks lingered.

Day of the science fair.

The day of the science fair arrived with a burst of energy and anticipation. The warehouse buzzed with excitement as Mei and Izuku double-checked their invention one last time. The sleek headset, mounted on a display stand, gleamed under the fluorescent lights. Beside it, a compact case held a set of mini drones, each no larger than a baseball, equipped with tiny cameras and rotors.

Izuku adjusted the headset, careful not to smudge the lenses. "Okay, everything's set. Night vision, infrared, the virtual mini drones—all systems are a go," he said, his voice steady but laced with excitement.

Mei paced back and forth, her fingers twitching as if she were itching to tinker with the invention again. "We've got this, Izuku," she said, her eyes sparkling with determination. "No way some baking soda volcano is beating us this time."

Izuku chuckled nervously. "I don't know, Mei. Those volcanoes are classics for a reason. People love them."

Mei spun around, jabbing a finger in his direction. "Not again! I've been robbed by a volcano before, and I'll be damned if it happens twice. This headset is revolutionary!" She grabbed the display and hugged it protectively, as if shielding it from the mere thought of failure.

Izuku raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright! No volcano's stealing the show this time."

the competition was fierce. Rows of tables were lined with impressive inventions, from robotic arms to energy-efficient generators. In the corner, a group of students demonstrated a particularly elaborate baking soda volcano, complete with LED lights and a fog machine for extra effect.

Mei eyed the volcano with disdain, muttering under her breath, "It's just vinegar and baking soda with fancy lights."

Izuku nudged her gently. "Focus on our invention. It's more than good enough to win."

When it was their turn to present, Mei's energy shifted instantly. She stood tall, a confident grin spreading across her face as she launched into her pitch.

"Our invention," Mei began, gesturing to the headset, "is a compact telepathic scouting system designed for search and rescue. It utilizes mini drones equipped with cameras for infrared, night vision, and patrol capabilities. The headset allows real-time control and feedback, making it invaluable for heroes and emergency responders."

Izuku demonstrated by slipping on the headset. A holographic interface appeared above the device, showcasing live footage from one of the drones. "The drones can scout independently or follow user commands," he explained. "With the night vision mode, they can patrol areas with low visibility, while the infrared feature detects heat signatures, making it easier to locate people in distress."

The judges were visibly impressed, nodding as they took notes. One even leaned in for a closer look at the drones.

After what felt like hours of waiting, the results were announced.

"In second place," the announcer said, pausing dramatically, "the team behind the LED Baking Soda Volcano!"

Mei visibly relaxed, her earlier tension melting into a triumphant grin. "Not again," she muttered with satisfaction.

"And the winners of the science fair, earning a trip to I-Island to meet David Shield and display their invention in the Junior Inventors' Exhibit, are… Mei Hatsume and Izuku Midoriya!"

Cheers erupted as Mei and Izuku stepped forward to accept their award. Mei clutched the certificate tightly, her eyes shining with pride. "We did it, Izuku!" she whispered excitedly. "We're going to I-Island!"

Izuku grinned, his heart pounding with excitement. "This is amazing! We'll get to meet David Shield—and our invention will be displayed at the exhibit!"

Back at the warehouse

Mei and Izuku began packing for the trip, the exhilaration of their win still buzzing between them. Toga lounged on the couch, watching them with a pout.

"So, you two are just leaving me here?" Toga asked, her tone teasing but with an edge of disappointment. "What am I supposed to do while you're off hobnobbing with famous scientists?"

Izuku zipped up his bag, glancing at her apologetically. "It's not that we don't want you to come, Toga, but the rules are strict. Only the winners can go. We couldn't even invite Rumi or anyone else."

Toga crossed her arms, her golden eyes narrowing. "Well, if I can't go as myself, I'll just transform into a dragon and pretend to be your pet. Problem solved."

Mei stopped mid-pack, her goggles slipping slightly as she stared at Toga. "Absolutely not," Mei said firmly, shaking her head. "Do you know how many regulations I-Island has? If they catch even a whiff of something weird, we could lose this opportunity. And I'm not losing this trip because of a dragon stunt!"

Toga pouted dramatically, flopping back on the couch. "You're no fun."

Izuku laughed nervously. "Toga, we'll be back before you know it. Besides, it's not like you'll be bored. You've got Rumi and Mei's drones to keep you company."

Toga rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a grin. "Fine, fine. Go have your little nerd fest. But if you don't bring me back something cool, I'm transforming into a dragon and stealing your snacks."

Mei smirked as she zipped her bag shut. "Deal. Now, don't break anything while we're gone."

As Izuku and Mei headed for the door, Toga called after them, "Don't forget to take pictures! I want to see everything when you get back!"

Izuku turned, waving at her with a smile. "We won't forget. See you soon, Toga!"

I-Island hotel.

The shimmering skyline of I-Island greeted them as they arrived, a stunning display of innovation and elegance. The sleek, futuristic architecture gleamed in the sunlight, and the streets were alive with bustling activity. Izuku and Mei had barely unpacked in their hotel room when the conversation took a sudden and unexpected turn.

Mei leaned against the dresser, her pink eyes sparkling mischievously. "You remember that thing I promised you if you wore that Yakuza outfit?" she asked casually, her tone carrying a playful edge.

Izuku turned to her, his heart skipping a beat. "Yeah?" he said, swallowing hard.

"Let's do it right now," she declared with a grin.

Izuku's face turned bright red. "R-really? Right now?"

Mei beamed, pushing her goggles up onto her head. "Yup! I've been looking forward to this all day. Let me just get ready first!" She grabbed a bag and disappeared into the bathroom before Izuku could say another word.

The door clicked shut, leaving Izuku standing in the middle of the room, frozen. His mind raced with a mix of panic and excitement. "Wait, does she mean what I think she means?!" he muttered to himself, glancing at the bed. His hands trembled as he started to strip down, carefully folding his clothes and laying them on the chair. Down to his underwear, he sat on the edge of the bed, his heart pounding.

"Should I… take off the rest?" he wondered aloud, glancing toward the bathroom door. He shook his head, trying to calm himself. "No, no, that's too much. But then again, she—"

The bathroom door swung open, and Mei stepped out, her presence instantly commanding the room.

Mei's outfit was a masterpiece of contrast and bold fashion. She wore a sleek black business suit tailored to perfection, the fabric hugging her figure in all the right places. The white blouse beneath the blazer was unbuttoned just enough to hint at elegance and allure, and her pink hair was styled into a refined updo, with loose curls framing her face. A luxurious fur coat draped over her shoulders, giving her the look of someone who belonged in a high-stakes negotiation. Pink glasses perched on her nose completed the ensemble, the lenses catching the light as she looked over at Izuku.

Her expression shifted immediately when she saw him sitting on the bed in nothing but his underwear. "Why… are you in your underwear?" she asked, her voice a mix of confusion and suppressed laughter.

Izuku's face turned crimson as he scrambled to grab a pillow, holding it over himself. "I-I thought you meant we were going to, you know… do that one-on-one thing!"

Mei blinked, then the realization hit her like a freight train. Her cheeks flushed a deep pink, and she slapped a hand over her mouth to stifle a laugh. "You thought I meant—" She paused, her laughter spilling out as she waved her hand. "No, Izuku! I meant we were going on a date! A public, classy date! That's why I'm dressed like this."

Izuku groaned, his face buried in the pillow. "Oh, no. Oh, no. I'm so sorry! I completely misunderstood!"

Mei's laughter softened as she shook her head, her cheeks still rosy. "It's okay," she said, her voice gentle but teasing. "I'll… I'll just step outside and let you get dressed."

She turned on her heel and walked out of the room, muttering to herself as she went. "Stupid, stupid! We're not ready for that yet!" Her voice was tinged with embarrassment as she closed the door behind her, leaning against it and taking a deep breath.

Inside, Izuku wanted to sink into the floor. "Why did I assume that?" he muttered, running a hand through his messy green hair. "She was clearly talking about a date!" Determined to make up for the misunderstanding, he got up and started to change.

His outfit came together with precision. A dark green blazer with subtle metallic accents fit snugly over a crisp white shirt. A black tie completed the ensemble, adding a layer of sophistication. The dark green gloves on his hands were not just accessories—they were his modified shock gloves, designed by Mei. The intricate detailing made them look like high-end fashion pieces, hiding their true purpose as practical hero gear. A chest holster held a grappling gun, its polished surface peeking out just enough to hint at his preparedness. His belt, adorned with small pouches, carried other gadgets Mei had crafted, each one meticulously polished to match the aesthetic.

Izuku gave himself one last look in the mirror, adjusting his tie. "Alright," he muttered, taking a deep breath. "I can do this."

When he stepped out of the room, Mei was waiting in the hallway, still flushed but grinning widely. Her glasses caught the light as she took a step closer, looking him up and down. "Not bad," she said, her voice carrying a playful lilt. "You clean up pretty well."

Izuku rubbed the back of his neck, his cheeks still pink. "Thanks. You, uh… you look amazing, Mei."

Her grin widened, and she reached up to adjust his tie slightly. "Well, of course I do! I designed this whole look myself. But thanks, Izuku."

They began walking toward the elevator, their steps in sync. Their faces still bore the faintest traces of their earlier embarrassment, but the excitement of the evening quickly replaced any lingering awkwardness.

As they descended to the hotel lobby, Mei leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "So, did you really think I meant that when I said one-on-one?"

Izuku groaned, his face turning red again. "Please don't bring it up."

Mei laughed, her voice light and full of mischief. "Don't worry. I won't let you live it down, but I'll wait until we're back from the date to tease you properly."

Izuku sighed but couldn't suppress a small smile. "Thanks… I guess."

"Hey," Mei said, bumping his shoulder lightly as they exited the elevator. "Relax. Tonight's going to be fun. Let's make this date something worth remembering."

He nodded, his nerves settling slightly as they stepped out into the bustling streets of I-Island. Together, they looked like a power duo, ready to take on the world—or at least enjoy an unforgettable night.

The bustling energy of the I-Island Expo enveloped them as Mei unfolded a map, her goggles pushed up onto her head and her pink hair bouncing with every excited movement. "Come on, Izuku! We've got so much to see!" she exclaimed, grabbing his wrist and practically dragging him through the massive venue.

Izuku barely had time to process the map she held out, covered with colorful marks and notes about booths she wanted to visit. His attention was instead drawn to Mei herself—her wide, eager eyes darting from one display to another, her boundless enthusiasm lighting up every corner of the expo they explored.

Every time they passed a new invention, Mei squealed with delight. "Oh my gosh, look at that!" she cried, pointing at a booth displaying a set of exoskeleton arms designed for rescue missions. She leaned in close, peppering the bewildered booth representative with rapid-fire questions about the mechanisms and materials.

Izuku couldn't help but smile, trailing behind her. She was practically vibrating with energy, hopping from one display to the next like a kid in a candy store. "This is amazing!" Mei gasped, clapping her hands together when she spotted a prototype for a hoverboard designed to navigate disaster zones.

"You really love this stuff, don't you?" Izuku said softly, his voice almost lost in the noise of the expo.

Mei turned back to him, her grin radiant. "Of course I do! This is the future, Izuku! Look at all these ideas, these inventions! Everyone here is pushing boundaries, just like we did. Isn't it incredible?"

He nodded, watching her spin around to admire another booth. Her excitement was infectious, and his heart swelled just being by her side. The more he watched her—her joy, her passion—the more he realized how much he loved seeing her like this. For a moment, he forgot about the bustling crowd around them, focusing solely on the girl who had become his partner in more ways than one.

Yet as he watched her, a bittersweet thought crept into his mind. If he pursued the hero course at UA, as he had always dreamed, how much time would they have together? Could he keep up with their late nights tinkering on inventions, the hot chocolate breaks with whipped cream after finishing a project? Would they lose this little world they had built together?

"Izuku!" Mei called, breaking him from his thoughts. She stood at a nearby booth, pointing at a display of underwater vehicles that could also fly. "Did you see these? They're incredible! And over there—look at that helmet! It gives you a full 360-degree view and alerts you to danger. We've gotta get ideas for our next invention from this."

Her voice bubbled with excitement, but she stopped mid-sentence when she noticed the faraway look in his eyes. "Hey," she said more softly, walking back to him. "What's up? You look like you're in deep thought."

Izuku hesitated, then gestured to a nearby bench. "Can we sit for a minute? There's… something I need to talk about."

Mei's brow furrowed, but she nodded. "Sure." She sat beside him, her posture unusually calm as she studied his face. "What's on your mind?"

Izuku took a deep breath, staring at the floor as he gathered his thoughts. "I've always dreamed of becoming a hero," he began. "Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to help people, save lives, and be someone others could look up to. But… lately, I've been wondering if that's really what I want."

Mei tilted her head, listening intently. "Why do you think that?" she asked gently.

He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous habit. "Every time we work on something together—an invention, a project—I feel… happy. Like, really happy. It's like we're in our own little world, and nothing else matters. I've never felt that way about anything else before. I don't know if I'd feel that same joy if I became a hero. And if I do become a hero… we might not have time for this anymore."

Mei's expression softened, and a small smile tugged at her lips. "Izuku, you don't have to decide everything right now," she said, her tone warm and reassuring. "Why not join the support course for now? You can still work on inventions, and if your heart pulls you toward heroism, you can always transfer during the Sports Festival. No one's forcing you to choose right away."

Izuku looked at her, surprised. "You really think so?"

She nodded. "This is my dream, Izuku. I've known since I was a little girl that I wanted to be an inventor, to create things that make people's lives better. And yeah, if you become a hero, we might not spend as much time together. But if being a hero is your dream, I'll support you no matter what. I'd never want you to give up on something that makes you happy just for me."

Her words struck a chord in him, and a smile slowly spread across his face. "You're amazing, Mei," he said softly. "You're always so confident, so sure of what you want. I admire that about you."

Mei chuckled, brushing a stray curl from her face. "Well, I've had a lot of practice."

Izuku hesitated, then added, "But I think spending time with you is a dream too."

Mei's cheeks turned bright red, and she blinked at him in surprise. "W-what?" she stammered.

"I mean it," Izuku said, his voice earnest. "Every time I'm with you, it's just… fun. You're like a sun—so bright and chaotic, but in the best way. You make everything feel exciting and possible. Maybe I've just been so lonely in the past that I didn't realize how much I needed this. You've shown me I'm good at something, something I love doing."

Mei stared at him, speechless for once. Slowly, a smile broke across her face, and she reached out to take his hand, intertwining their fingers. "Izuku," she said softly, "I can't tell you what to choose. Only your heart can do that. But whatever you decide, I believe in you. You'll figure it out—I know you will."

Before he could respond, she leaned forward and kissed him deeply. Her lips were soft and warm, and for a moment, the rest of the world faded away. When she pulled back, their foreheads rested together, and she whispered, "You've got this. No matter what."

Izuku smiled, his heart lighter than it had been in days. "Thank you, Mei."

They sat there for a while, hand in hand, watching the vibrant energy of the expo unfold around them.

The sun was beginning to set as Izuku and Mei sat side by side, their fingers still gently interlocked, as the bustling expo around them continued to hum with excitement. The vibrant atmosphere, with its mix of inventive ideas and creative minds, was a far cry from the quiet, secluded moments they had shared working in the warehouse. It felt surreal, being here on such a grand scale, but the warmth of Mei's presence beside him grounded him.

"So, what do you think about this?" Mei asked, her gaze still on the holographic display of the underwater vehicles. "It's incredible, right? This kind of tech is going to change the way we approach environmental rescue missions. Imagine—this could be the future of sustainable exploration, and I could be a part of it!"

Izuku leaned in, his eyes following her fingers as she traced along the floating diagrams. "Yeah, I could see that. I mean, it's amazing. They've managed to combine both aerial and underwater navigation in one package. It's like something out of a sci-fi movie, but real." He smiled. "And the fact that you could design something like this? I can only imagine the possibilities."

Mei grinned at him, clearly enjoying his enthusiasm. "I'm already thinking of ways we could improve it—maybe a hybrid model that uses energy from the ocean's currents to recharge. If we could work with solar panels and bio-energy, the thing could run forever!"

Izuku's eyes lit up as she spoke, the shared excitement over an idea they both contributed to only deepening his affection for the moment. "That sounds incredible, Mei. You're going to change the world with inventions like that. I really believe that."

Mei looked at him, her eyes softened with warmth. "Well, I've always said you're my biggest inspiration, Izuku. Working with you... it's like magic, seeing everything come together."

Izuku's cheeks tinged slightly, a small smile playing on his lips. "I—uh, I'm not sure about that, but I'm glad we're in this together."

After a few moments of comfortable silence, Mei perked up, her excitement returning. "Okay, speaking of adventures, there are a few dungeons around here, you know? I've been thinking about getting some materials for our next invention. Some rare metals and crystals that could be useful for the stuff we're building."

Izuku hesitated. He hadn't come here to go dungeon crawling—not this time. There was something different about this trip. He wanted to experience it, to enjoy the time they had together without the constant rush of dungeons and stress hanging over them.

"We could," Izuku said carefully, "but honestly, Mei, maybe we shouldn't. I mean, there's so much to see here. And it's not just about gathering materials, right? I really just want to enjoy the time with you, to really take in this place... together."

Mei blinked, taken aback for a moment. She'd expected him to jump at the chance to head into a dungeon, but his words made her pause. Slowly, her lips curved into a gentle smile. "You're right. I've been so focused on the next big project that I didn't really think about how much fun we could have here, just... enjoying the day."

Izuku smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He was glad that she understood, that she valued their time together just as much as he did. "Exactly. We can always come back and collect materials later. For now, let's explore and enjoy the sights. We don't get many chances like this, Mei."

Mei reached over and squeezed his hand. "You're right. We've been so caught up in our work that we've barely taken a moment to just... be. So, how about we take the rest of the day off?"

Izuku grinned, his heart light. "I'd like that."

Later, they found themselves seated in a cozy little café nearby, the ambiance relaxed and intimate. Mei had insisted they try some local delicacies, and they ended up ordering a selection of rich desserts: dark chocolate cake, caramel tarts, and a layered mousse that looked almost too beautiful to eat.

Izuku took a bite of the chocolate cake, and his eyes immediately widened. "Wow, Mei, this is incredible! It's so rich and smooth—just the right balance of sweetness."

Mei, who had already taken a bite of her own piece, grinned. "I told you! This place has the best desserts in all of I-Island. And this cake? It's the ultimate chocolate experience. Trust me, I've tried them all."

Izuku chuckled, taking another bite. "You really are a food expert, huh?"

"Of course!" Mei said proudly, before leaning in with a teasing glint in her eyes. "But you know, you've got something else down, too. You've got the whole 'inventing' thing figured out, which is pretty impressive."

Izuku blushed slightly, scratching the back of his head. "Well, it's only because I've got the best partner. You've been teaching me so much."

They fell into an easy, comfortable conversation as they ate, discussing everything from their future plans to the wildest ideas they'd thought up for inventions. Mei talked about her dreams of revolutionizing the hero support industry, while Izuku spoke of his dreams of being a hero, still unsure of the path that lay ahead but feeling certain that whatever he chose, he'd always have Mei by his side.

"I still think you'd be a great hero," Mei said, taking another sip of her drink. "I know you've got doubts, but you've got the heart and drive to succeed. You're meant for something big."

Izuku smiled at her, his heart full. "Thanks, Mei. It means a lot to hear that from you."

They paused for a moment, simply enjoying each other's presence. The café buzzed with activity around them, but in that moment, it felt like the world had slowed down, just for the two of them.

"Whatever happens," Izuku said quietly, his gaze locking with Mei's, "I'm glad I'm doing this with you. Being here, exploring, learning together… it's more than I ever imagined. And whatever the future holds, I'll always want to spend time like this."

Mei's face softened, and she gently reached across the table, taking his hand. "I feel the same way, Izuku. No matter what comes next, we've got each other. And that's all that matters."

Izuku squeezed her hand back, a warmth spreading through him as he looked into her eyes. It felt right, just being there with her, enjoying the day and not worrying about what the future might hold.

As they finished their meal, the conversation drifted to other topics—life, dreams, and what adventures lay ahead. But through it all, the connection between them was clear, and it was in those quiet, shared moments that Izuku realized that, no matter what path he chose, he would always cherish these moments with Mei.

As Izuku and Mei walked out of the café, their fingers intertwined, the warm glow of the evening sky reflected on the glass storefronts around them. The laughter and chatter of the expo-goers filled the air, but it all quieted when they heard a muffled scream coming from a shadowed alleyway nearby.

Izuku froze, his grip on Mei's hand tightening. "Did you hear that?" he asked, his voice low.

Mei tilted her head, her goggles slipping slightly. "Yeah… someone's in trouble."

Without hesitation, Izuku led the way, Mei following closely behind. As they entered the narrow alley, the source of the commotion came into view: a hulking man with a grotesque appearance. Multiple arms sprouted from his sides, each one gripping the girl pressed against the wall. She had blonde hair, her wide blue eyes filled with fear. Her tan pants, dress shirt, and vest gave her a professional air, but her trembling frame betrayed her terror.

Izuku stepped forward, his expression darkening. "Hey!" he called out, his voice sharp and firm. "Leave the lady alone."

The man turned, his many arms twitching as he let out a low hiss. His bloodshot eyes glared at Izuku, then flicked to Mei before returning to the boy. "And what are you gonna do about it, kid?" the man sneered, his lips curling back to reveal jagged teeth. He stepped forward, his imposing frame blocking the dim light from the street behind him.

Izuku adjusted his glasses calmly, then slicked back his hair, adopting a demeanor that radiated confidence. His voice was steady but carried an edge of intimidation. "I'm not asking twice. Let her go."

The creature barked out a laugh. "Or what? You gonna cry? Maybe call for—"

Izuku reached down and opened his jacket slightly, revealing the holster at his side. His hand rested on the handle, and as he activated Overwhelming Presence, the atmosphere around him shifted dramatically. The alley seemed to grow darker, the air heavier, as his commanding aura filled the space.

The man's laughter faltered. His many arms twitched as he backed up a step, his confidence wavering. "A-alright, kid," he muttered, his voice tinged with fear. "I'll let her go. No need to get crazy."

Slowly, he released the girl, his limbs retracting like frightened spiders. With one last glare, he turned and bolted down the alley, his footsteps echoing as he disappeared into the shadows.

Izuku exhaled, his shoulders relaxing slightly as he turned to the girl. "Are you okay?" he asked gently, his tone softening.

She nodded, her voice shaky. "Y-yeah, I think so." She paused, her eyes drifting to the holster at his side. Her expression shifted to apprehension. "You… have a gun?"

Izuku blinked, then quickly pulled the device out to show her. "Oh, this? It's not a gun—it's a grappling hook!" He demonstrated by pressing a button, the hook shooting out and retracting with a smooth whir. "It's for climbing and tactical maneuvers. I'm not armed."

The girl let out a breath of relief, a small smile forming on her lips. "Oh, okay. Sorry, I thought—well, you looked so intimidating for a second, I thought you were… you know, Yakuza or something."

Mei, who had been silent up until now, suddenly erupted into an excited squeal. "Wait a second!" she shouted, pointing a trembling finger at the girl. "Blonde hair… blue eyes… vest… You're Melissa Shield, aren't you?!"

Melissa blinked, clearly startled. "Uh, yes? How do you—"

Mei grabbed Izuku's arm, shaking him furiously. "Izuku! Do you know what this means?! We saved Melissa Shield! David Shield's daughter! Do you have any idea what this could mean for us?! Blueprints! Access to all of his sweet, sweet inventions! I mean, I wouldn't steal them, but I could totally make my own—ooh, this is amazing!" Her giggling turned maniacal, and a bit of saliva dripped from the corner of her mouth as she clutched her head in giddy delight.

Izuku placed a hand gently on her head, trying to calm her down. "Sweetie, focus," he said softly, smiling at her. "Let's make sure Melissa gets home safe first."

Melissa gave a nervous laugh, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Thank you for helping me, really. I don't know what that guy's deal was, but I'm grateful you came when you did."

Mei huffed, folding her arms. "Where do you live, anyway? I bet it's in the center of the island, isn't it? That's where all the VIPs live."

Melissa winced slightly, offering an apologetic smile. "Well… yeah, I do live in the central district."

Mei groaned dramatically, throwing her hands in the air. "See? I knew it! That's so far! I'm tired, and I don't want to walk all the way there!"

Izuku chuckled, shaking his head. "We could offer her a place to stay for the night. We've got two beds at the hotel, but we're only using one."

Melissa's eyes widened. "Are you sure? I wouldn't want to impose."

"It's no trouble," Izuku assured her. "It's closer, and it'll give you some time to rest after what happened."

Mei, still grumbling, finally nodded. "Yeah, fine. I guess I can put up with it. But only because you're David Shield's daughter. You owe us blueprints!"

Melissa laughed, her earlier fear dissipating. "Deal. And thank you—both of you. I don't know what I would've done without you."

As they headed back toward the hotel, the three of them fell into an easy conversation, with Mei enthusiastically peppering Melissa with questions about her father's work, while Izuku walked beside them, quietly smiling at the unexpected turn of the evening.

Melissa walked alongside Izuku and Mei as they made their way back to the hotel. The earlier tension of the alley encounter had dissolved, replaced by a more relaxed atmosphere. The vibrant lights of I-Island twinkled above them, casting warm hues across the bustling streets.

Mei, as expected, was full of energy, chatting animatedly with Melissa. "So, Melissa Shield," Mei began, leaning closer with an excited grin, "your dad is the David Shield. What's it like having one of the world's most famous support gear inventors as your father?"

Melissa chuckled nervously, tucking a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. "It's… a lot, honestly. Growing up, I always felt like I had big shoes to fill. My dad's brilliant—he's done so much for the hero world. But me? I wasn't exactly the best student, you know? I wasn't bad, but I wasn't at his level."

Mei's brow furrowed. "Pfft, nobody starts out as a genius. You should've seen some of my first inventions—they were disasters. But look at me now! You've got the drive, don't you?"

Melissa nodded hesitantly. "I do now. I didn't always, though. For the longest time, I wasn't sure what I wanted. I mean, I always thought about being a hero, but…" She trailed off, a wistful look crossing her face. "I wasn't born with a quirk. And if I did have one, maybe I could've gone down that path."

Izuku, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up, his voice firm yet kind. "Melissa, a quirk doesn't define whether you can be a hero or not."

She blinked, surprised by his sudden interjection. "What do you mean?"

"I mean exactly that," Izuku said, looking at her earnestly. "Being a hero isn't about quirks. It's about heart, determination, and the will to help people. If you have those things, you can do anything. Quirk or no quirk."

Melissa stared at him, her blue eyes wide. "But… isn't that unrealistic? I mean, without a quirk, how could I even keep up? I'd just be a liability."

Izuku shook his head. "You wouldn't be. You're already smart, resourceful, and driven. If you train hard and push yourself, you could get into UA as a hero course student. I really believe that."

Melissa's steps slowed, her expression softening as his words sank in. "You really think I could do that?"

"I know you could," Izuku said confidently. He reached out and placed a reassuring hand on her head, his touch gentle but steady. "Don't let anyone tell you that you can't be a hero, Melissa. Even if you need support equipment to do it, that doesn't make you any less of one. What matters is what's in here." He tapped her forehead lightly, a warm smile spreading across his face. "You can do it. I believe in you."

For a moment, Melissa was speechless. Her cheeks turned pink, and her lips quivered slightly as she tried to form words. "Nobody's ever said that to me before," she admitted, her voice quiet but filled with emotion. "Most people just… write me off because I don't have a quirk. They think I should stick to support work because it's 'safer' and 'more practical.'"

Izuku's smile widened. "Well, they're wrong. You've got everything it takes to be a hero—you just have to believe in yourself."

Melissa's blush deepened as a shy smile tugged at her lips. "Thank you, Izuku. That really means a lot. More than you know."

Mei, who had been listening quietly for once, suddenly broke the silence with a loud clap of her hands. "See? I told you, Melissa! You've got a good head on your shoulders, and with a bit of determination—and maybe some cool support gear—you could be amazing."

Melissa chuckled softly, her confidence bolstered by their words. "You two are incredible, you know that? I feel like I've learned more from you in one evening than I have in months."

"Well, that's just what we do!" Mei said with a proud grin, slinging an arm around Melissa's shoulder. "But seriously, Melissa, if you ever need help designing gear, you know who to call. I'll make sure you've got the coolest, most efficient stuff out there."

Melissa laughed, the tension from earlier completely gone. "Thanks, Mei. I'll keep that in mind."

As they approached the hotel, the three of them shared a sense of camaraderie that hadn't existed an hour ago. Melissa's earlier fears had been replaced with a quiet hope, and as they stepped inside, she couldn't help but glance at Izuku with newfound admiration.

"Hey, Izuku," she said, pausing as they reached the elevator. "I'll think about what you said. About trying to get into UA. I don't know if I'll succeed, but… I want to try. For real this time."

Izuku smiled warmly, his eyes meeting hers. "That's all you need to do. Just try. And no matter what happens, remember—you've already got what it takes."

As the elevator doors closed, Melissa let out a soft laugh, her heart lighter than it had been in years. "You're something else, Izuku Midoriya."

Author's Notes

Thank you so much for tuning in! Things are really going to heat up in the next chapter, so stay tuned. I know I promised there would be an idol in this chapter, but I decided to shift plans a bit—don't worry, there's still plenty of excitement ahead!

I'm thrilled to introduce Melissa Shield into the story. You'll be seeing a lot more of her in the future, as I've got big plans for her character. Writing this chapter was a blast! From the little date scene to the baking soda volcano, I had so much fun exploring these moments.

As for the baking soda volcano, I might include a flashback in a future chapter to give more context to how she lost—it'll make her rivalry with science fair classics all the more satisfying (and hilarious).

Thank you all for your continued support and enthusiasm for the story. Your comments, feedback, and encouragement mean the world to me. Let me know what you thought about this chapter—I love hearing from you!

Until next time!