April 3rd, Midoriya Residence

Everything was dark. He felt a fuzzy sensation throughout his entire body. He could move his hands slightly, but that was only enough for a simple twitch. Oh right, he had fallen asleep rather abruptly the night before. As light began to filter in, he opened his eyes, squinting against the sudden brightness. Izuku fully opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling, which was now adorned by the soft hues of the morning sky.

He felt a surge of dopamine, a smile spreading across his face. He had no idea why he had this sudden sensation. Was today special in some sort of way? But to his knowledge, it's just a regular school day. He turned over in his bed, and to his surprise, his face met the slight touch of hair. Periwinkle colored hair. His focus drifted upward slightly, seeing the face of Saiko. Right next to him. In his bed. Sleeping adorably.

…

What was that last part—

"Ah!" Izuku yelped, covering his mouth.

"Nngh…"

The sound was loud enough to disrupt the intelligent girl's sleep. She slowly opened her eyes and immediately saw Izuku. The corners of her lips shaped into a smile, but then her eyes dilated in realization. She was staring at a cute looking Izuku. While lying down in his room. On his bed.

…

Cute looking—?

"AH!" Saiko screamed, covering her mouth.

Izuku mentally slapped himself in the face. "I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to—"

The two nearly yelled in surprise at the abrupt knock from the door, a noise so startling that it caused them to jump slightly, their hearts racing for a moment. It was Izuku's mother on the other side.

"Are you two alright in there?" Inko called out, concern lacing her tone.

"We're fine!" they shouted in unison, a slight panic in their voice.

For a moment, Izuku thought he caught a muffled chuckle from his mother, a sound that embarrassed him immediately. He wasn't ready for the amount of parental teasing coming his way later. With a deep breath, he looked back toward Saiko. He opened his mouth to say something, anything at all, but no words could come out. The two were blushing, clearly embarrassed. They were just glad they were in their bed attire.

"Would you—" / "Do you want me to—"

They both started talking at once. Staring at each other with a blush, Saiko simply turned her head away and pointed at Izuku, indicating to him to speak his mind first.

"W-Would you want me to leave the room so you can get ready?" Izuku kindly asked.

"Absolutely not!" Saiko denied immediately. "Since it was by my own volition that I chose your home as a place of repose, I shall, with your indulgence, make use of your restroom as a place to attire myself."

'So she talks extra formally when nervous. That's cute,' Izuku thought, before blushing at his internal compliment. "Then I guess it's settled."

Izuku was the first to get up. The quietness of the room settled around him as he sat up slowly, the blanket slipping off his shoulders. He blinked, eyes adjusting to the soft light, and turned his head. Saiko was beginning to move, still half-asleep. She pushed herself up gradually, her expression unreadable in the dim glow.

Something stirred in Izuku's chest. A sudden, unspoken pull. His heart gave a quiet jolt, like it recognized something before his mind could catch up. His hand moved on its own, slow and steady, reaching out toward her. Not out of obligation. Not even out of instinct. It was something gentler than that.

A silent offering. A quiet I'm here, in the space between them.

"N-Need some help?" he asked.

Saiko's eyes drifted at his hand. She suddenly felt her face heat up. Without a word, let alone eye contact, she grabbed it. As their hands lingered together for a moment longer than necessary, a quiet understanding passed between them—unspoken, but undeniably there. It was then Izuku realized he needed a little bit of strength to pull her up from his bed. It didn't occur to him how much his training helped her. It may not seem like much compared to someone like him, but in his eyes, she was both strong and beautiful.

Izuku blushed again. 'W-Where are all these compliments coming from?'

Saiko opened the door and headed toward the bathroom with a bag of clothes in tow. Izuku closed his door as he sat back down on his bed to collect his thoughts. His ears picked up on his mom and Saiko greeting each other, before hearing yet another door close.

'These emotions… I've been feeling them for a while now. I… like her,' he thought.

The realization settled over him like a gentle tide, not crashing in all at once, but washing over slowly, insistently. He had tried to ignore it before—chalk it up to newfound admiration, respect, friendship. But that explanation had worn thin, stretched past its limit until the truth could no longer be denied.

His gaze dropped to his hands.

They were trembling slightly. He raised them closer, letting the new brighter light fall across his palms. The familiar network of scars stared back at him, each one a reminder of the battles he had fought, the reckless moments where he pushed too far, too hard, for the sake of others. To protect everyone, to be their hero.

"But would she like me the same way?" he whispered to himself, voice barely audible. "Someone like me?"

Someone so damaged. Someone who breaks himself again and again just to keep going. Could she see past that? Could she love that?

Izuku shook his head. He somehow forgot that he had to get ready for U.A. The boy stood up, making his way over to his drawers, looking through and grabbing any shirts at first glance. He paused for a moment, holding up a plain green tee before swapping it for one with All Might's logo on it. With a small grin, he tossed it onto his bed, deciding he needed a little extra inspiration today. As he gathered his clothes, he eyed his options.

Maybe something as sparkling as his "Sparkling Shirt" with nice printed text on it?

Perhaps something more action packed as the "Action Shirt" he possessed?

Eyeing the one he threw before, he finally settled on the All Might shirt. In his mind, you could never go wrong with All Might. He quickly put his clothes on, putting on his school attire over top his shirt.

Once he was all dressed and ready to head out, he stepped outside his room with his backpack. He quickly came to a halt as he saw a shining light, eyeing it not-so-very subtly. But it was Saiko. That's what she was to him—a light, almost like a star. Her hair seemed to be shimmering in the sunlight, her eyes were more brighter than usual, not to mention that her school outfit also looked incredible. Beautiful even. Huh. There's that word again.

"Shall we head out, Izuku?" Saiko asked in her usual proper tone.

Izuku smiled. "Yep!"

The two turned toward the kitchen.

"Bye, Mom! Be safe!" Izuku waved.

"Have a great day, Mrs. Midoriya. Thank you for letting me find comfort here," Saiko bowed.

Inko grinned. "Of course. You're welcome back here anytime. Take care, you two!"

After that exchange, Izuku and Saiko made their way out the door and on their way to U.A. They were still having the special training between both their schools, so the two decided to walk together. The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of spring blossoms as they moved in silence. That said, there was still some tension in the air. Not of anger or frustration. It was hard to explain. Part of it was due to how they woke up next to each other. Finally, Saiko broke the ice.

"Do you want to talk about the different pro heroes?" Saiko asked.

Izuku looked at her intrigued. "In what way? Like our favorites?"

"Precisely. However, All Might is immediately excluded. It's too much of an easy answer for a fanboy like you," Saiko chuckled.

Izuku blushed. "I-I guess you're right."

"I'll go first. Out of all the pros, I have a particular fond for Best Jeanist. His Quirk is one of most unique I've seen personally. The multitude of uses of said Quirk and the way he executes his hero work is something to be admired."

Izuku was writing in his notebook. "I see, I see. It makes the most sense to me. He has this pristine feeling to him, which matches with you to a good degree."

Saiko laughed. "Do you mean I'm predictable?"

"N-No! Not at all!" Izuku waved his hands frantically.

"Haha! I was joking with you, Izuku. You seem more jumpy than usual."

"Ah, I guess I am. I'm just worried if I made you uncomfortable this morning."

Saiko's eyes widened with surprise. "It is perfectly fine. I was just caught off guard is all. You did nothing wrong."

Izuku felt a wash of relief fall over this body. The last thing he wanted to do was make Saiko feel upset or awkward.

"But, what about you? Who's your favorite?" Saiko asked.

Izuku placed his hand thoughtfully on his chin, his expression reflecting the depth of his contemplation. While All Might would always remain his all-time favorite hero, he pondered the possibility of someone else standing out in his mind. As he continued to think, at times even muttering to himself, it became clear that there was really only one option that fit.

"I think… Eraser Head."

Saiko tilted her head. "You mean Shota Aizawa?"

"Yes," Izuku nodded. "I know it may be biased given he's my teacher. But even so, I think he's great. Sure, he can be strict, but he has the best intentions in mind. His skills, his knowledge, his capabilities… he's one of the best I've seen."

Almost immediately, Saiko gave a warm smile that sparkled with a gentle light. Her smile brought a sense of belonging to Izuku, wrapped in an oddly comforting manner.

"I don't see having a bias as a bad thing. We are human beings. Bias is just a natural occurrence within our minds," she said.

Izuku practically felt his heart leap out of his chest. He shook his head and held it in his hand, as if dazed. Why was he having such an extreme reaction? Why did he feel so different? Was it because of this crush on her?

But, he looked back at her again. Seeing her shining appearance, her grand smile, it brought him back to a stable way of thinking. He gave a smile. But, without thinking, he grabbed her left hand with his right.

"That's very comforting, Saiko."

Saiko's eyes widened, but she didn't say a word. Instead, a soft smile spread across her face—calm and content—as she let herself quietly savor the moment.

April 3rd, U.A. Training Grounds

"Now… begin," Aizawa said through the microphone.

Today brought a new round of training exercises between Class 2-A and Kyojin's class. Hikari and Mina were assigned the role of saviors, tasked with rescuing the fake hostages. Their opponents, Bakugo and Tsume, took on the formidable role of hostage takers, looking particularly fired up. With the training just beginning, a bit of excitement sparkled in the air as both teams prepared to engage each other, whether that be in combat or some other means.

That's the basic rundown that Saiko could gauge.

"This matchup seems really unfair," Kaminari commented.

"While that may be true," Saiko spoke up. "I suppose that's the entire purpose. You won't be good against every villain, and anyone who can are very rare exceptions. If anything, Ashido-san and Hikari-san have an edge, since they know their opponents Quirks right off the bat."

"Oof. You just got lectured, Jamming-yay," Jiro snickered.

Kaminari looked rather displeased. "I-I guess that's makes sense."

"Not the sharpest tool in the shed, eh?" Mineta commented.

"Like you're one to talk," Kaminari replied.

"Hey, many of my ideas are full proof!"

"Most definitely not. What kinda fantasy are you living in?"

Saiko looked at the two frowning, a sigh escaping her mouth as she turned to Izuku. "Is this really how these two talk? In such a distasteful manner?"

The boy scratched his nose. "Y-Yeah. They may be friends, but they'll be at each other's necks at times."

As the loud argument escalated, Izuku and Saiko made a stealthy decision to retreat for a while. They slipped away from the other students and found a quiet spot where they could stand comfortably. From this vantage point, they could still keep an eye on the screen displaying the training exercise.

"I must say, Izuku, your classmates are quite interesting. They seem reliable as well," Saiko said, surprisingly sincere.

"They really are. They've helped me through so much," Izuku replied with a smile.

Saiko's smile faded slowly, her lips curling downward as a look of concern settled in her eyes. The composure she had tried to wear like a mask slipped away, replaced by the quiet weight of something she couldn't quite shake. She tried to brush it off with a casual shrug, as if her body could convince her mind to follow. But underneath the small gestures and forced calm was something she could not deny. That yesterday's emotional breakdown still hung over her like a dark rainy cloud. It had shaken something in her, unsettled her confidence in a way she wasn't ready to admit aloud.

She remembered what she'd promised herself—how she had vowed not to let anyone else dictate who she was or what she should be. She had told herself she would no longer care about others' expectations, that she would walk forward towards what she knew she wanted. But now, with her insecurities creeping back in, those words felt hollow. It was easier said than done. The weight of others' opinions still pressed on her shoulders, and no matter how badly she wanted to believe in her own strength, doubts kept rising, whispering that maybe she wasn't as immune as she wanted to be.

"Are you okay, Saiko?" Izuku asked concerned.

Saiko returned to reality as she heard Izuku's voice calling out to her. She turned to face him, finally remembering that he was the one who had helped her in the first place. The concern in his eyes reminded her of how he stood by her, how he had been willing to risk their training test just to support her through her struggles, even when she tried pushing him away in her time of weakness. For a moment, the weight on her chest felt a little lighter, her breathing steadier. A smile finally appeared on Saiko's face.

"Yes. I am okay," she responded.

As if the boy beside her sensed her inner turmoil, she felt his hand gently wrap around hers. The warmth of his touch began to dissolve the tension that had been building in her body, almost completely evaporating it. In that moment, another smile spread across Saiko's face, this time more genuine. The comfort and reassurance he provided with such a simple gesture was something the girl would never get tired of.

"So, do you want to hear my prediction for how this training goes?" Saiko asked.

Izuku's eyes lit up. "Absolutely!"

"To begin, we must first—"

Saiko went into a fast paced monologue, her words flowing like a river of ideas. Izuku leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with curiosity as he meticulously jotted down notes in his well-worn notebook, every word from her lips capturing his full attention.

Off to the side, two of Saiko's classmates, Tōketsu and Nenshō, were watching them closely. Their expressions were marked by a conflicted look as they took in the sight of Saiko and Izuku's apparent friendship. Tōketsu's expression was one of irritation, while in contrast, Nenshō wore a more indecisive look, wrestling with her thoughts as she took in the sight before her.

"I've been wondering why she was walking with him a couple days ago. But more importantly, why did she try hiding it from us?" Nenshō said confused.

Tōketsu growled. "I don't know, but finding out that they're close really ticked me off."

Nenshō's eyebrow furrowed. "You're still ticked off."

"Well, duh!" Tōketsu exclaimed. "I don't approve of this. Izuku Midoriya, while everyone else sees him as a great hero, even our own class, I find him completely reckless."

They did not make it clear yesterday, but the two were not huge fans of Izuku Midoriya—not for the reasons one may think. It wasn't anything he has said or done to anyone, but what he does to himself. Very little does the boy tame that animalistic and instinctive nature that puts his body in immense danger and pain: scars left on his skin and his bones cracking from unleashing his power to a reckless degree.

Nenshō found his heroism admirable, but with how much time Izuku and Saiko had spent together, she was afraid that it would rub off on her. What if she did something equally reckless—much like yesterday in their training? They managed to rectify it, but what about in a real battle? Tōketsu had similar feelings, but they were admittedly much more biased—towards the fact that Izuku was friends with one Katsuki Bakugo, someone she finds to be rather repulsive in terms of personality.

"I share the same sentiment," Nenshō replied. "But shouldn't we let Lady Saiko decide for herself who she wants to spend time with? Even if it leads to—"

"If you say a romantic relationship, I'm going to puke," Tōketsu covered her face.

Nenshō sighed, playing with her dark blue hair. "Well? What should we do?"

Tōketsu's mood seemed to simmer down. "Simple. We try an indirect method. We get on the topic of Class 2-A, berate Midoriya, and we'll convince Lady Saiko he's no good."

"Hm…"

Nenshō contemplated the idea. It seemed fine on the surface. But despite her strong apprehension for Izuku's more rough traits, she did not want to intrude on Saiko's personal affairs. Each person is entitled to make their own choices regarding whom they trust. Whether those choices turn out to be right or wrong is beyond her control, but ultimately, it is the individual who makes the decision. Nevertheless, she would still be there to help Saiko pick up the pieces should that be needed.

"Perhaps that would be something to consider. But I still feel this would be hurting Lady Saiko."

"Trust me. She'll eventually be thanking us. Don't you trust me?" Tōketsu asked.

"It's not that I don't trust you," Nenshō put her left hand to her chest. "But I feel we should perhaps think more on whether or not this is something Lady Saiko would want us to do."

Tōketsu scoffed. "Well—"

"What are you two talking about?"

The two girls gasped in shock, spinning around to find Shōten watching them intently. The girl's eyes narrowed, a flicker of suspicion across her face as she seemingly assessed the two.

"Is there something you girls wanna tell me? I'm all for some gossip, but this seems to be more than that," Shōten said, crossing her arms.

Nenshō felt a rough shove from Tōketsu, as if her friend was urging her to take charge of the situation and speak on their behalf. Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, Nenshō cleared her throat and straightened her posture.

"We were merely discussing the training, much like the others are. Nothing more, I assure you," she responded nervously.

Shōten observed Nenshō, who was doing her best to maintain her composure, though a single drop of sweat betrayed her. Shōten's gaze then shifted to Tōketsu, who was trying to appear nonchalant by whistling and avoiding eye contact. After a minute of silence, Shōten simply shrugged.

"Whatever you two say," she said, walking off.

Once she was far enough away, Nenshō and Tōketsu released a huge sigh of relief.

"I blame this stress on you," Nenshō retorted.

Tōketsu chuckled. "Guilty as charged."

April 3rd, Dining Room B

The two classes were taking a break from their hard work, as lunchtime had just arrived. Each class remained in its own room, the noise of the morning giving way to a music more quieter and relaxed atmosphere. In one of the rooms, Saiko was carefully setting the table for her class. She moved quietly, arranging the fancy silverware with a practiced touch and carefully smoothing out each napkin. She placed everything just right one by one, making sure every detail was perfect for herself and her classmates. She worked diligently until all ten seats were fully prepared.

A smile spread across Saiko's face as she felt an overwhelming sense of relief wash over her. This moment felt essential, like an antidote for all the negativity that had been weighing her down the last few days. Like she could temporarily allow the burdens that had clouded her thoughts and emotions to be suppressed. Just then, the door behind her swung open, her classmates stepping inside the room.

"Good afternoon, ladies," Saiko stated as she bowed. "I have arranged a table for us to dine at. Let us take our seats and enjoy our lunch."

The girls stood there, wide-eyed and speechless for a moment, their mouths slightly open. Then they started talking all at once, their voices full of amazement and wonder.

"Lady Saiko, you're too great to us!" Hikari said with glee.

"It looks quite fancy," Yawara pointed out.

"You really went through all this work for us?" Tsume asked.

"Of course! As classmates, we have consistently supported one another. In my eyes, we function as a cohesive team," Saiko states with a reassuring tone.

Almost immediately, the girls began to settle into their assigned chairs, each one marked carefully with handwritten name tags that Saiko had placed earlier. They were quick to rush to their seats—rough shuffling of footsteps and the creaking of chairs sliding against the floor. Saiko approached her seat, sitting down in the chair positioned near the middle of the long table. Kanshō moved into place on her right, her expression composed yet thoughtful as she settled in. To her left, Surudoi slipped into her seat, radiating bright energy.

For a brief moment, the room buzzed with energy. Voices overlapped, chairs scraped lightly against the floor, and laughter bubbled up in short bursts. Saiko glanced around, a grin tugging at her lips. She couldn't help but admire her classmates—the way they casually speak to one another, the spark in their eyes as if they knew each other for decades. She wanted to be more open like that. Although she supposed that Izuku has already helped her a great deal. She just needs to act more upon it.

"How have you ladies enjoyed your time with Class 2-A?" Saiko asked curiously as she took a bite at her food.

Hikari was the first to speak up. "It was quite an experience. While Ashido-san is quite energetic, which disrupted my composure, I did adapt to it over the course of the training. In the end, even if we did end up at a loss, it was important for me to experience."

"Luckily for me, mine was much simpler," Shōten joined in. "That Todoroki guy is pretty reliable. With his ice and fire, plus my great aim, we made a dynamic duo."

"Kaminari-san was nice too," Yawara said.

Kanshō sighed, twirling a strand of her black hair. "You guys were lucky. I got stuck with that weird grape creature."

"Who was that again?" Yawara asked.

"Ah, that miniature guy. I think I remember hearing how perverted he was a few years ago," Surudoi spoke up.

Saiko sighed and rested her right hand on her chin. "He's not exactly the most… normal person I've ever met."

"That reminds me," Tsume said. "Opinions on Bakugo—"

"He's loud," everyone else said in unison.

Everyone around the table couldn't help but laugh. Even the usually serious and reserved Kusari let out a rare chuckle, needing to readjust her glasses after shaking her head in amusement. Nenshō nearly choked on her drink, thumping her chest as she tried to recover. The laughter lingered for a moment longer, with a warm and genuine feeling.

"He was neat to work with. Just very… explosive," Tsume laughed.

"But you can't deny he's always the first to charge into battle," Kusari mentioned.

Kanshō giggled a little. "Sure, but he's still very, what's the word, intense?"

"Not to mention utterly disrespectful," Tōketsu chimed in.

Saiko reflected on Kanshō's perspective, her fingers thoughtfully resting on her chin. Although he seemed determined to confront his adversaries directly, his bold approach to combat was both essential and perilous. From what Izuku shared and based on her own observations, she recognized that beneath Bakugo's brash exterior lay a sharp strategist. However, his tactics were characterized by a boldness that often defied convention, revealing a unique method in his fighting style.

The same could be said about his Quirk. As she thought about Bakugo's Quirk—Explosion—she shifted her weight slightly in her chair, her brow furrowing; it was a powerful tool that offered devastating offense, but its possible repercussions required precise control. He seemed to be good at maintaining that control, but she had also seen how that lid could be lifted under the right circumstances.

"Many facets of his character could be criticized. That being said, I feel we all have to admit that he is still an outstanding hero to a certain degree," Saiko spoke up, waving her fork a little.

She caught a glimpse of Nenshō's confused expression and noticed a few others were equally puzzled. However, a significant number of them were deep in thought, clearly considering the meaning behind her words.

"Alright, but let's move on to someone I'm actually interested in: Izuku Midoriya," Kanshō said as she intertwined her fingers.

Saiko's heart jolted.

'What?'

Her mind immediately kicked into overdrive, panic flickering behind her eyes as she snapped her gaze toward Kanshō, only to catch herself and sharply turn away.

'Why is she bringing him up? Did she find out something? Does she know? My feelings for him?'

A blush surged to Saiko's cheeks before she could stop it. 'No, no, no. Saiko, calm down. This could be nothing. Maybe she's just curious. Right?'

But it wasn't just her. Nenshō and Tōketsu's heads turned slightly, subtle, but enough to know that it seemed they were listening too.

'Great. Now they're all paying attention.'

Her breath hitched, stomach knotting. 'I was supposed to ease them into Izuku, one step at a time, getting to know him… not like this. Not on someone else's terms.'

And yet, Kanshō brought him up first.

'Could that be good?' Saiko thought. 'Is she teasing? Testing me? Or maybe… maybe she wants to get to know him? Am I overthinking it? Me!? Overthink!? Ugh, this is so complicated!'

Saiko's mind returned to reality just in time to hear someone speak. Something that would truly grind her gears.

"In my opinion, I don't like him very much," Tōketsu said, a serious tone evident, though a slight grin crossed her face as she drank from her cup.

"I agree as well," Nenshō added.

The others stared at Tōketsu and Nenshō as if they had seen a ghost, their faces reflecting a mix of confusion.

"Why is that?" Hikari asked confused.

Kusari pushed up her glasses and said, "I agree with Hikari-chan's inquiry. Even you two must admit that he is quite capable as a hero."

Kanshō wiped her face with a napkin. "There are plenty of people to dislike at U.A. But I don't think Midoriya-san is one of them."

"I don't know if capable is the right word," Tōketsu said. "Sure he is strong, but he's also reckless. He seems rather impulsive as well. It's just hard to notice because he's not an absolute ass like that Bakugo guy."

"I mean, have you seen the scars on him? He doesn't take care of himself," Nenshō added. "I feel it has rubbed off on some of his classmates as well."

All of them were so fixated on what the two had to say, that none of them noticed the tense atmosphere surrounding Saiko. She could feel the pressure mounting around her body, her heart racing faster. She glanced around, hoping someone would break the spell of unease around her. Why was she feeling this way? What was going on? Why is she so uneasy? So upset? So angry?

"I suppose I can see the logic," Surudoi pondered.

Kanshō crossed her arms. "I don't know, that seems a bit nitpicky."

"How is it nitpicking?" Nenshō asked. "It's factual."

"Want more proof? It's definitely rubbed off onto Lady Saiko," Tōketsu motioned her hand towards Saiko.

Saiko felt her body freeze, as if it had been encased in ice. She turned her gaze towards Tōketsu, her face revealing nothing. Just expressionless and blank. However, despite her calm facade, her body began to tremble uncontrollably. In an attempt to regain her composure, she took a deep breath, but it offered no relief.

'He's not the reason. No. He's not.'

"Indeed. Consider the training that took place yesterday. She took significant risks, jeopardizing her own safety in order to secure a victory for Midoriya and her. If this scenario were to happen during an actual mission, there is a genuine possibility that Lady Saiko could had been captured by the enemy!" Nenshō rambled on.

"Okay, let's back up here," Shōten growled.

As the two continued to converse, a disorienting haze settled over Saiko's mind. The stress she had been trying so hard to keep hidden was creeping back in. She had hoped that today would provide an escape from her problems, that this simple meal with one another would wash away her mental toil, but instead, it seemed to amplify her feelings of powerlessness. With each passing moment, her breath became shallower and more rapid. The weight of her unexpressed emotions felt heavier, and she struggled to find her footing in a conversation that was quickly spiraling out of control.

Shōten continued. "I thought we all agreed that we wouldn't speak about it until she was ready."

Tōketsu clapped back. "But you have to admit that it's true! I understand the two have a sort of friendship going on, but if his actions are going to have that negative of an affect on her—"

"Tōketsu, Nenshō, I think that's enough," Kanshō said sternly.

Hikari looked over at the intelligent girl, worry spread across her facial features.

"Lady Saiko, are you—"

"We're not letting this conversation go," Nenshō countered. "I have concerns for Lady Saiko—"

"Then why not just ask her?" Kusari asked. "Trying to make this about her and Midoriya-san's friendship is uncalled for."

"Because," Tōketsu interjected. "those concerns are linked to—"

"What do you know about anything!?"

The words ripped through the room like a sudden crack of thunder. For a heartbeat, no one moved.

Then, slowly, Saiko rose from her seat.

The movement wasn't dramatic, it wasn't fast, but something about it made the air feel heavier, like a storm pressing down on the walls. The scrape of her chair seemed louder than it should have been, echoing into the silence that followed her shout. Time didn't exactly stop, but it faltered—staggered, like it had forgotten how to move forward.

The other girls turned their heads, one by one, their expressions shifting from confusion to shock. All eyes locked onto their leader. She didn't look like the composed figure they were used to. The cool, unshakable woman who always knew what to do, was gone. In her place stood someone worn thin, eyes glinting with something raw and exhausted. Her shoulders were stiff, her jaw clenched tight, like she was barely holding something inside. Whatever she'd been carrying—whatever had been building—had finally cracked the surface.

Without saying a word, Saiko quickly walked to the nearest exit, her footsteps loud and distinct as she opened the dining room door.

"Lady Saiko—"

The door slammed shut before they could protest, leaving a loud echo of sadness in the room. A thick atmosphere of melancholy settled around them. Frustrated, Tōketsu angrily stepped towards the door, stomping her feet against the floor as she attempted to exit as well. But, she felt Kusari grab her shoulder.

"No one is leaving here until either she returns, or class starts again. Understood?"

The girls exchanged uneasy glances. Everyone looked especially tense, particularly Tōketsu and Nenshō, and with good reason—they were responsible for the unnecessary drama that had unfolded. At least that was how Kusari viewed the situation. She looked around at her classmates, her brow furrowed, waiting for them to either verbally or non-verbally confirm her thoughts. After a moment, everyone nodded and returned to the table. The chairs scraped against the floor again, this sound feeling even more jarring due to the tension in the air, as they all sat down and fell into a quiet stare at the table. It was in their best interest to leave Saiko alone for now.

April 3rd, Dining Room A

Izuku was doing something different today. To most people, that might sound normal, but Izuku is the type of person who always manages to have something unique about him almost every single day of the year. Whether it's coming up with new ideas in his journals—like ways to help his classmates improve their Quirks, costumes, or equipment—or trying out new exercises to maintain his health and build strength, he rarely has a dull moment. However, today was different.

Today, he did something he had never done before since starting at U.A. He sat alone. Not a single person, not even his friends, could remember the last time he was by himself without someone else nearby. Being alone felt unnatural for him. But today, he specifically asked to be left alone to eat his lunch. There was no Bakugo, no Shoto, no Iida, and not even Ochako with him. He sat there, barely touching his food, lost in thought. It was as though something was persistently knocking at his door, and he was trying desperately to ignore it.

His classmates and friends looked at him like he was some lost puppy.

"Does anyone wanna bite the bullet and ask him what's wrong?" Sero asked.

"I would but," Sato looked weirdly saddened. "I'm afraid he'll get more upset."

"Come on! You all gotta man up a little bit! It's not that hard to start a conversation," Bakugo chastised, his voice booming.

"Not all of us here are men, dude," Kaminari said with a sarcastic tone.

Ignoring the impending wrath Kaminari was about to face, Momo quietly observed Izuku from a distance, her eyes focused on his expression. Since yesterday, she had been wanting to ask him something that she considered important, but now didn't seem like the right time. The boy was clearly struggling with some kind of internal battle. Her chest tightened ever so slightly, most likely due to worry. How serious was it? She wasn't sure. What she did know was that, regardless of its magnitude, it was still significant. Would her intrusion be a nuisance to him, or could it actually help?

'I wonder if he's okay,' she thought.

Amidst the chaotic thrashing of chairs hitting the floor and the sharp crack of small explosions echoing through the room, Momo found herself tuning it all out. Her ears, almost instinctively, focused on the rambling voice of the green-haired boy.

A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

Despite everything, he was still the same old Izuku. Still muttering to himself in that quiet, thoughtful way he always did. The sound of it brought a gentle warmth to her chest, and she let out a soft giggle without meaning to. It was a comforting reminder that some things hadn't changed. But as her smile lingered, her concern still crept in behind it. This version of Izuku—slouched, silent, weighed down by something unseen—wasn't the one she liked seeing. She missed the Izuku who lit up a room with his earnest energy. The one who laughed too loud and smiled even when things were tough.

Just as that thought crossed her mind, she felt a faint tap on her shoulder.

Her body twitched, startled by the sudden contact, and a quiet yelp escaped her lips. Her breath caught as she turned quickly on instinct. Standing there was Mina Ashido, her ever-bright smile practically glowing with its usual intensity. Her pink eyes sparkled with mischief and kindness alike, and her energy felt like a sudden breeze through a still room.

"Is something bothering you, Momo?" Mina asked, laying her arms on the back of Momo's chair.

Mina focused her eyes on her friend, watching as the black-haired girl's face shifted from one of shock, to neutrality, to confliction. She didn't know Momo could change expressions that quickly, let alone emotions. More importantly, however, Mina spotted her friend glancing towards where she assumed her problem lied: Izuku Midoriya.

Mina's brow furrowed, a little confused for the moment. Until she squinted her eyes and got a better look at the boy.

Only after that could she deduce that it wasn't himself who was the problem, but rather, something was going on with him to cause Momo alarm. At first observation, everything seemed fine. It was Izuku after all. He was able to positive about almost everything. But upon closer inspection—the lack of eating, the light tap of his finger against the table, his stare off into nothingness, the gloom that ultimately surrounded his person—it wasn't like him.

"You're worried about Midori?" Mina questioned.

Momo gave a simple nod, her expression thoughtful. "Yes, I am unsure about his current mental state. Everything appeared to be fine over the past few days. Did something occur during that time?"

As she spoke, she suddenly felt Mina grab her hand, pulling her from her seat. Momo stumbled forward slightly but quickly regained her balance, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

Mina gave a gleeful grin. "Then let's just ask him!"

"What!? But that would be an invasion of his privacy!" Momo argued.

"It's not an invasion if we're asking," Mina countered.

Momo sighed, feeling her body relax as she accepted that reasoning with Mina was futile. The two of them walked slowly to the far side of the large dining table, grateful for the change of pace as they sought to distance themselves from whatever drama was unfolding between Kaminari and Bakugo.

As they approached, both Momo and Mina noticed the conflicted expression on Izuku's face. Momo felt a wave of emotion swell within her, a mix of concern and frustration over the situation. Meanwhile, Mina's face revealed her own confusion; her brow furrowed slightly, eyes wide with curiosity and empathy as she tried to understand what was troubling Izuku.

"Hello, Midoriya-san," Momo said calmly.

"Hey, Midori. You doing okay?" Mina asked curiously.

Izuku's gaze lingered on Momo and Mina, a soft wavering in his expression as if he were trying to ground himself in the present moment. It was as though he was wrestling with his thoughts, the weight of his lingering worries drawing him into a distant place. With a slight shake of his head, he felt clarity slowly returning to him. The fog lifted, and he focused on his friends, drawing strength from their familiar presence. He took a deep breath, allowing himself to steady his racing thoughts.

"Oh, hi Ashido-san, Yaoyorozu-san," Izuku finally replied.

As Momo and Mina observed him closely, it struck them how his tone had shifted; it felt off in a way that was hard to fully grasp. His voice was notably lower, calling back to the days when he had walked the path of a vigilante, a time that he himself marked as, to put it lightly, the deepest he's ever felt. When they looked deeper into his eyes, they noticed a distance that hinted at an internal struggle, yet beneath that veil was a flicker of sadness that tugged at their hearts.

It was evident that there was a lot to unpack in his demeanor, a myriad of emotions swirling within that they could only speculate about. However, lingering on what he might be feeling was not an option. Momo understood that their priority was to support him, to help pull him back from whatever depths he was grappling with. They had to be there for him, as that was part of what being a hero was all about.

"We know something is wrong. Don't bother trying to hide it," Momo said sternly but empathetically.

"Yeah! We are your friends, Midori! If something is bothering you, you should talk to us," Mina added.

They expected Izuku to dismiss it casually, to say something like "It's fine" or "Everything's okay." To be frank, Momo wouldn't have liked that, but it would have at least tell them that he was still Izuku through and through. But this time, he surprised them. With a heavy sigh, he straightened his posture, taking a deep breath before exhaling slowly. In that moment, he seemed to transform entirely—not in appearance, of course, but in the intensity radiating from him. His demeanor shifted to something they hadn't witnessed from Izuku in a long time, drawing their full attention.

"Okay. I'll tell you two," he said.

'That… was kinda too easy,' Momo and Mina thought.

Izuku cleared his throat and began, "Promise you won't freak out, either of you. But… what do you do when there is someone you care for so much that you think more than simple care?"

"Oh my god, is this what I think it is!?"Mina put her hands to her mouth in disbelief.

Meanwhile, Momo is confused about where this is leading.

"I-I think I might have a crush on someone—"

"YOU DO!?"

Mina's outburst was so loud it caught the attention of everyone nearby, heads turning to see what chaos had erupted. With a grin that practically lit up her face, Mina seized Izuku by the shoulders, shaking him fervently as if trying to rattle the truth out of him. The poor boy was so flustered he could barely keep his balance, his heart racing in a mixture of panic and exhilaration. Momo quickly motioned her hand, signaling everyone to get back to what they were doing previously.

"Who is she!? Is she pretty!? Have you held hands!? Have you two kissed yet!? Are you even dating!?" Mina shot question after question.

"Her name is Saiko Intelli! She is very pretty! Yes we have held hands! No we have not kissed yet! We aren't dating yet neither!" Izuku blurted out to her, before covering his mouth.

Momo covered her mouth in surprise. "Oh my."

"Not yet, huh? What does that mean…?" Mina grinned as if she had discovered a long-lost treasure.

Izuku looked completely caught up in his feelings, letting out a sigh as he placed a hand over his cheek. Momo looked completely flabbergasted. But, the more she thought, the more it started to make sense. Mina, on the other hand, wore a grin on her face, as if she had just caught Izuku in a lie. Well, it wasn't much of a lie as it was more uncovering feelings he tried repressing. She crossed her arms, patiently waiting for him to divulge more details about his crush on this Saiko girl. Momo, standing nearby, appeared conflicted about whether to dig deeper into the situation. But still, a hero's gotta hero somehow.

Izuku started to explain, or rather he began to ramble.

"I guess I haven't explained this yet. To make a long story short, sometime before the new school year, I met Saiko while looking for some comic books. She seemed kind of distant at first, but we started talking and managed to find common ground. She wanted to become more physically capable, so I helped her with her training. Over time, I've grown to like her more and more, to the point where we consider each other really good friends. But, even though I've only known her for about a week, most of which was spent training, and only in the last few days that we've really spent time together as just friends, I've come to realize something. I really, really like her. I have feelings for her. But, I don't know if she would love someone like me."

Izuku found himself rambling on longer than he had anticipated, his heart racing faster than normal. He felt a lightness in his chest, like he was up high in the air. Was it the relief of finally getting this off his chest, or was it the thrill of admitting to someone that he likes Saiko? Whichever it was, it felt really nice, like a weight being lifted away, freeing him to breathe more easily.

But after all was said and out there, he noticed that both Momo and Mina seemed at a loss for their own words. Their expressions settled on a mix of surprise and utter puzzlement, as if they had just been presented with something completely unexpected and had no idea how to respond to any of it. Well, okay, that was mostly just Momo. Mina looked as if she was about to scream about a new cool dance move she learned.

Mina lunged at Izuku, hugging him tightly. "Midoriiiii! You've been holding out on me! Why didn't you say anything sooner?"

"B-Because I didn't want to make it a big deal," Izuku replied nervously.

"Of course it's a big deal! You've got a crush!" Mina said.

"Midoriya-san," Momo interrupted.

Both Izuku and Mina turned their gaze to her.

"I must admit something. You know the person you went off with on our first day of U.A.? Well—"

"Wait… that was her? Saiko?" Mina shouted in shock.

"If you knew, why not speak up about it?" Izuku asked.

Momo placed her hands down on the table. "Because I wasn't sure of the reasoning for your reluctance to explain. But now in retrospect, I can posit that it was an attempt to keep your friendship hidden, only to then have that fail when both of our schools were to train with one another."

Mina giggles. "That sounds ridiculous—"

"That's exactly right, yes," Izuku confirmed.

Mina almost fell over, completely dumbfounded. Momo cleared her throat before continuing.

"However, that's beside the point. You're worried about expressing your feelings to her because you fear that you may not be someone she likes, is that correct?" she asked.

Izuku's eyelids drooped slightly, a hint of sadness within his eyes. "Yes, that's correct."

A jolt of sensation raced down his spine as he felt the gentle pressure of two hands on his shoulders. He turned his gaze back to his friends, Momo and Mina, who were offering their silent support. Their reassuring touch enveloped him in warmth, the type that told him that everything would be okay.

"There's one fatal flaw in your logic, Midoriya-san," Momo said smiling. "You're one of the sweetest people anyone could ever meet."

"But," Izuku looked down at his hands and arms. "my scars… they're—"

"A reminder of how much of a badass you are," Mina interrupted. "But more importantly, they're a reminder of how much you're willing to sacrifice for someone. That is not to say you should blow off your arms at a moments notice—"

"But it does mean that no matter what, you are willing to do anything to save someone. I'm sure someone as smart as Intelli-san can recognize that," Momo finished.

Izuku paused for what felt like an eternity, allowing his body to ease from the recurring uneasiness that had haunted him. In that moment of stillness, memories washed over him, transporting him back to a time when his Quirklessness had led to deep isolation. Even with Kacchan by his side, their friendship occasionally felt fleeting and fragile, like it could slip away at any moment.

During his time at U.A., that feeling of isolation had mostly faded, especially surrounded by friends who accepted him for who he was. Yet, despite the companionship he has gained, there remained a lingering emptiness—a hole that he had yet to fill. Even if he didn't realize it, it was a yearning for something deeper, a longing for love and the affirmation that he was truly wanted. This realization struck him: that very feeling of love was the missing piece, the answer to the void within him.

"Do you really think so?" Izuku asked.

Momo and Mina instantly bobbed their heads in response. That was all Izuku needed to hear. He stood up from his chair and walked to the door.

"Where are you going?" Mina asked.

"I—"

Izuku heard a door close, and he opened his own door to peer into the hallway. He saw a familiar periwinkle-haired girl storming down the corridor. It was Saiko, and she looked very, very upset. He turned back to Momo and Mina, a slight smile appearing.

"I'm going to do what Izuku Midoriya does best."

He took a deep breath, then exhaled. With a wave goodbye, he courageously stepped through the doorway and into the hallway. His heart raced as he began to run. He ran and ran and ran. His heart beat pumping ever so slightly faster with each stride. He was determined to find the one he cared for so deeply. The one he could say he loved.

April 3rd, Outside U.A. High School

'This isn't running away…'

That's what Saiko told herself as she walked down the sidewalk. She focused intently on every crack, every grain of mineral, and every piece of concrete that made up the pathway. It was all a way to clear the negativity from her mind. Did she know she could still be herself? Yes. Did she believe she could find a way to become the hero she wanted to be? Absolutely. But did it really matter if the one person who had helped her on this journey was rejected by those she considered her only true friends? Did it matter that, at the end of the day, she couldn't have what she wanted? Sometimes, she wondered if she was just playing the victim. Perhaps this was how things were meant to unfold from the beginning. Maybe this was fate. Perhaps it was time for her to stop trying to deviate from her destiny.

Then came the rain.

And a little bit of thunder.

Her gazed slowly followed the rain drops to their origin—the black clouds in the sky. Funny. She knew this would happen today. But who can be intelligent when they're so emotional? So troubled? So rejected? So defeated? This depressing rain… the more she looked at the clouds, the more it looked like what her mind was hammering at her before was ultimately true. The only sign she could see…

"Maybe I should give up."

…

…

…

But is that what he would want?

Is that what she herself wants?

What was all this effort for if she was just going to let it all slip away at the end?

What was the point of all this hard work if she would give in to her emotions so easily, especially after what happened the day before?

The answer was simple: she couldn't give up.

Not now, not tomorrow, not ever.

She was going to grit her teeth, turn her body around, and stomp her way back to her class and—

Her eyes grew wide with shock, and everything around her seemed to freeze. She stood completely still, entranced, her gaze locked in place. A breath caught in her throat—her mouth parted in an unvoiced gasp.

A solitary umbrella loomed above her, its fabric dancing as it caught the relentless raindrops cascading from the dark sky.

"I-Izuku?"

Before her stood Izuku, inexplicably even more soaked than she was, water streaming down his face and clinging to his clothes. Saiko felt a lump form in her throat, halting any coherent words she tried to muster. She wanted to ask him what brought him here, why he was standing in the downpour, but the questions faded into the background. All she could think was… he was here. Standing right in front of her.

Was he…?

"What are you—"

"Sorry for coming unexpectedly," Izuku interrupted. "I just… I saw you speed down the hallway. I thought something was wrong. Then I saw you in the rain alone. The only thing on my mind was to help you."

The air felt almost electric, an unusual light tone clashing with the ominous clouds of rumbling thunder overhead. Silence wrapped around the two of them once more, thick and palpable. Izuku's breath came in ragged gasps, each inhale a struggle as the remnants of his sprint lingered in his legs, muscles burning and quivering as if they could barely hold him upright.

Meanwhile, Saiko stood rooted in place, her body tense and still, shock rippling through her. She could feel her heart pounding fiercely in her chest, each beat a drum echoing the surprise that had seized her. Adrenaline coursed through her veins, sharpening her senses as she focused on the moment, acutely aware of every sound and movement around them.

"Izuku…" Saiko began, her voice low yet gentle. "Have you ever found it easy to just give up?"

She observed him closely, noting the subtle shifts in his expression as the question lingered in the air. He paused, his brow furrowing with thought for a heartbeat—just a heartbeat. Deep down, he always had the words ready to roll off his tongue.

He always did. She knew he did.

"Honestly… yes." Izuku's voice held a weight of experience. "One moment you can feel on top of the world, like nothing can touch you. The next, it feels like everything is crumbling around you. That's why it's important not to rely solely on yourself. We're not meant to go through this alone. We need each other to navigate the rough patches. The cloudy days, the stormy nights. It's kind of like—"

"Hahaha… no need for an analogy. I get it," Saiko interrupted with a warm smile. "But really, thank you."

Silence.

Just silence.

Their stares were more… gentle.

"Izuku—" / "Saiko—"

The two paused, before a slight giggle emerged from their lips.

"You first," Saiko suggested.

Izuku nodded, clearing his throat. "Saiko. I know this isn't the best time, but…"

"Hm? What is it?"

Izuku felt a rush of emotions swelling inside him, almost as if Blackwhip itself wanted to break free. He took a deep breath, steeling himself. He had to do this. He had to share what lay heavy on his heart.

"I… I've been dealing with some feelings for you. For quite some time now. A-A good kind," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.

Saiko's head tilted in curiosity, her expression shifting as understanding dawned on her.

"From the very first day we met until now, I have always admired you. Even before we got to know each other, you were well-known to many, including me. Your intellect is truly remarkable. However, as we've grown closer, my feelings have changed..." Izuku explained, his voice becoming louder.

He took a deep breath.

He prepared his voice.

Saiko felt her heart non-stop beating.

He began to shout.

'Is he…? Is he actually saying…?'

"I think I really, really like you! I like the time we've spent together, even if it's been short! I enjoy your personality, no matter who you may have been or what you are now! I… I… I-I'm in love with you!"

…

'Those words…'

Saiko's vision shimmered, the edges of the world softening like a dream just beyond waking. Sounds grew distant, muffled, as if the earth itself had paused to hold its breath. Her heart pounded—not with fear or adrenaline, but something deeper, more fragile.

Joy.

It bloomed within her like the first sunlight after a long, endless winter. Her legs trembled under its weight, a delicate flutter running through her muscles, threatening to give way. She felt unsteady, like a flame in the wind, flickering with the force of emotions she'd barely begun to understand.

This wasn't exhaustion. This wasn't weakness.

It was joy. And joy, she realized, could be just as overwhelming as sorrow. Could something this intense make sense? Fit neatly into reason, into logic?

She almost laughed. Logic? It felt so small now.

So… unnecessary.

"I-I'm sorry if this is out of nowhere…" Izuku's voice reached her through the haze.

Her gazed focused, and slowly, her senses sharpened at the sound of him. He stood there, awkward as always, one hand scratching the back of his head. His cheeks were flushed crimson, eyes flicking away, as if the words themselves might vanish if he met her gaze too long.

"I've been thinking about it all day," he said, his voice soft but earnest. "At first, I didn't want to say anything. I thought… someone like me would only disappoint you. That you'd see the way I've broken myself. The scars I carry… they're not exactly hidden."

His voice cracked ever so slightly, and Saiko's chest tightened.

"But some of my friends… they reminded me despite all that, I'm still me. They helped me see that again. Believe in myself. My true self."

He didn't see her move. Not right away.

One moment he was lost in his thoughts. The next, her hand had curled into his shirt, gripping it tightly.

His breath hitched. He looked at her, really looked.

In her eyes, he saw the storm of it all. The chaos, the relief, the disbelief, the wonder.

Just a second. That's all she gave him.

Then her eyes fluttered closed, and she leaned in.

Her lips brushed his—softly, almost reverently.

She kissed him.

Tears slipped down her cheeks, warm trails cutting paths through the stunned stillness of her expression. And in that quiet moment between heartbeats, everything else—fear, doubt, the world itself—fell away.

"You fool..." she finally said. "I was upset because of what others were saying about you. Yet here you are, trying to criticize yourself."

Izuku couldn't respond before being pulled back into the kiss. However, he didn't mind it and didn't stop. He was simply living in the moment.

"Izuku… I love you."

In a moment of bliss.

This warmth between the two of them.

All caution was cast aside. Izuku felt completely consumed by the experience, returning the kiss. For both of them, it was the first time they truly felt genuine romantic love.

He responded to her declaration.

"I love you too, Saiko…"

Upon the gentle fall of rain, two hearts found a profound connection, their bond intertwining like a sturdy rope that keeps them united. Through this newfound love, a spark of hope emerged, guiding them to pave a path that leads them towards their desired future.