MHA Rewrite: Plus Ultra

Bakugo doesn’t look back. The field noise fades behind him. Disqualified. The word keeps grinding against his skull. He was supposed to dominate here. That was the order of things. U.A. Top class. Top rank. Number One. His palm twitches. No spark. Midoriya’s fist flashes in his mind. Close. Too close. Not reckless. Controlled. 2.64 seconds. Six hundred twelve kilograms. Eleven hundred meters. Clean. Since when? The memory hits— Sunlight. Dirt field. Kids crowding around him. “Wow, Kacchan! Your Quirk is so cool! I hope I get mine soon, too!” Annoying voice. Starry eyes. Bakugo had grinned. Absolute. “No matter what Quirk you get, you’ll never beat me.” It wasn’t arrogance. It was fact. Back when Deku had nothing. Back when Deku looked up at him. Now Deku doesn’t look up. He looks straight ahead. Bakugo’s jaw tightens. Deku was Quirkless. The doctor said it. Everyone knew it. So how? How did he get one? And not just any Quirk— One that breaks the ground when he runs. One that launches a ball over a kilometer. One that doesn’t look like it has a ceiling. His mind races. Mutation? Late manifestation? Some hidden support item? No. That kind of jump doesn’t happen in a year. It doesn’t happen in a lifetime. One month. One month and Deku went from nothing to this. Surpassed him. Bakugo’s nails dig into his palm. Was he hiding it? Was he lying? Or— Did someone give it to him? The thought flickers. Dangerous. Ridiculous. And yet— His teeth bare slightly. This was supposed to be his stage. And somehow— It’s turning into Deku’s. Disqualified. Expelled. Is this where it ends? Before it even starts? His steps slow for half a second. That old grin echoes in his head. “You’ll never beat me.” Bakugo inhales sharply. No. He refuses the shape of that ending. Not like this. Bakugo rounds the corner of the building. He doesn’t see him at first. His mind is still racing. He walks past the tall figure standing near the edge of the field without looking up. Boots grind against gravel. Wind cuts across the grass. Three steps. Four. Then— A flicker of color in his peripheral vision. Gold. Too bright to ignore. He slows. Stops. Turns his head slightly. Then fully. All Might stands a few meters behind him. Hero form. Business suit stretched across impossibly broad shoulders. Iconic smile fixed in place. Radiant. Watching. Bakugo’s eyes narrow. “…All Might.” All Might’s smile doesn’t change. But his gaze is sharp. Measuring. The wind passes between them. Neither looks away. … Back on the field— No one speaks. The wind moves through the grass, loud in the silence Bakugo left behind. A few students glance toward the building. As if expecting him to come back. He doesn’t. Izuku lowers his hand slowly. He turns away from the corner Bakugo disappeared around. Faces forward. Focus. Aizawa hasn’t moved. His scarf settles loosely around his neck. “Next,” he repeats. No reaction to what just happened. No explanation. Iida inhales and raises his hand, posture rigid despite the tension. “Aizawa-sensei.” Aizawa’s eyes slide toward him. “Since Bakugo was disqualified… does this exempt last place from expulsion?” The question lands carefully. Measured. But everyone hears the real meaning. Are we safe? The class waits. Shoulders tight. Breaths shallow. Aizawa considers. Not long. Just long enough. Then he shrugs. “Sure.” A collective inhale. “Last place won’t be expelled.” The air rushes out of the class all at once. Kaminari sags. Mina exhales loudly. Someone mutters, “Thank God…” Relief spreads fast. Uneven. Not entirely clean. Some still glance toward the building. Aizawa’s eyes narrow slightly. “Don’t take it easy.” The relief stiffens into something sharper. Tests aren’t over. Izuku stands still. It was for the best. Heroes don’t lash out. Not like that.  His jaw tightens faintly.  Focus. Egg. One test at a time. … Scene shifts back to Bakugo and All Might. Bakugo scoffs. “Well, All Might? Come to gloat? Looks like you’ll remain on the throne forever.” “I heard what happened, Young Bakugo,” All Might replies calmly. “And I know Aizawa-sensei well. Rest assured, you are not expelled.” Bakugo clicks his tongue. “Don’t bullshit me. That paralysis sleep hobo doesn’t know a good hero from his head to his ass.” All Might chuckles. “And what grounds are you standing on to make that claim? You’ve barely known him an hour!” He leans in slightly. “Besides… I’m the one making sure you aren’t expelled.” Bakugo’s brow twitches upward. “After all,” All Might continues, a sharp glint in his eye, “without me… you wouldn’t have gotten into U.A. in the first place.” Bakugo stares at him. “…What are you talking about?” All Might leans back. Bakugo’s expression twists between anger and unease. “Hey!” he snaps. “Answer me, you grinning freak! What the hell do you mean I couldn’t have gotten in without you?! Am I that pitiful?!” For a split second, a memory flashes— The Sludge Villain. Dark sludge closing around him. And Deku charging in anyway, terrified but moving. All Might replies calmly. “Quite the contrary, Young Bakugo. Whether you passed purely by your own merit or not… you would have entered U.A. regardless.” Bakugo’s glare sharpens.  All Might folds his arms. “Because you need correction.” Bakugo’s eyebrows shoot up. “Correction?!” All Might pauses before continuing. “I told you before that your actions carry consequences. That you cannot simply do as you please.” His gaze hardens slightly. “What would have happened if I had not intervened when you were tormenting Young Midoriya? You would have continued. Unchecked.” The wind moves through the grass. “You possess a powerful Quirk. A strong body. A determined spirit. Left without guidance… that strength could become dangerous.” Bakugo scoffs, disbelief flashing across his face. “You think I’d become a villain?” All Might doesn’t reply. He simply watches him, gaze steady. Bakugo shakes his head in disbelief, shoving his hands into his pockets. “This is bullshit,” he mutters. “You know, for a hero who claims to have the best moral character, you’re pretty shit at judging people.” All Might tilts his head slightly. “Ho?” Bakugo’s mouth curls into a sharp grin. “I’m never gonna be a villain.” His eyes burn with absolute certainty. “Villains are fucking lame. Weak.” He jerks a thumb toward his chest. “And I’m not weak.” All Might studies him quietly. This kid sure is a dumbass…  Then again, we’re both blondes.  Simple. Loud. Arrogant… but I don’t see a trace of dishonesty. It’s almost impressive how straightforward he is… He exhales slowly. “That is commendable, young man,” he says, voice steady and dignified. “Then I trust you will have no more conflict with Young Midoriya… or the other students.” Silence. Bakugo stares at him for a moment. “…What’s your deal with Deku?” All Might doesn’t answer. He simply watches him. Bakugo steps closer, looking up at him. “You his guardian angel or something? His mentor?” No reaction. The same calm expression. Bakugo’s eyes narrow. “Deku wasn’t shit before you showed up.” All Might’s smile doesn’t move. “Now he’s got a Quirk.” All Might subtly stiffens.  This brat… “Now he’s trying to play hero…” Bakugo leans forward slightly. “You did something to him… didn’t you?” All Might pauses. Then he chuckles. Then the chuckle grows into full laughter. Bakugo’s frown deepens. A vein twitches at his temple. “You think I did something to Young Midoriya?” All Might says between laughs. Bakugo’s teeth grind. “Your pride, Young Bakugo, makes you overlook the one glaringly obvious thing about him.” A flicker— A muddy riverbank. Small hands grabbing his sleeve before he slipped. “Careful, Kacchan!” Bakugo’s jaw tightens. All Might continues. “Young Midoriya did not become a hero after I arrived.” Another flash— The Sludge Villain. Dark sludge closing around him. Deku running straight at it. Terrified. Moving anyway. Bakugo’s fist clenches. All Might’s voice sharpens. “He did not become a hero because of me—” Another memory— A quiet classroom. Deku scribbling furiously in a notebook while watching heroes on a screen. Then— Behind the school. Stretchy’s arm snapping out. Deku stepping inside the strike. Palm to the elbow. Stretchy hitting the pavement. A blast firing. Deku using the shockwave to launch himself upward— Crashing into the winged kid midair. Dust. Bakugo watching from the curb. Silent. Another flash— A hospital room. His mother standing beside Deku’s bed. Her mouth moving. A smile.  A sentence forming on her lips. All Might finishes. “He was always a hero!” Silence follows the words. Bakugo doesn’t respond. For a moment, he just stands there, staring up at All Might. His teeth grind. His fingers curl slowly into his palms. “…Tch.” The sound is quiet. Sharp. Bakugo turns. “You’re all blind…” He doesn’t shout. He just starts walking. Boots crunch against the gravel as he heads back toward the training field. After a few steps, he stops. He doesn’t look back. “He’s going to destroy himself.” A beat. “And I’ll be there to see it.” He keeps walking. “Young Bakugo!” All Might calls. “Where are you going?” Bakugo doesn’t answer. He keeps walking. All Might watches him leave.  He does not dwell too long on Bakugo’s words. … Some time passes. The Quirk Apprehension Test concludes, and the class gathers once more on the training field. Aizawa stands beside a portable board, hands in his pockets, expression as tired as ever. “Alright,” he says flatly. “I’ll quickly go over the results.” No one speaks. “They’re just the totals from each test. Explaining them one by one would be a waste of time.” He taps the board lazily. “So I’ll show you everything at once.” He flips it around. The rankings fill the board. For a moment, no one moves. Then the class surges forward slightly as students begin scanning the list. “Oh! Not bad…” Rikido Sato mutters, rubbing the back of his head. “What?! Aw man, I thought I’d get higher!” Kirishima groans. Beside him, Kaminari slumps. “Same…” “Ditto…” Mina sighs dramatically, shoulders dropping. Aoyama turns his head away from the board with a small toss of his hair. “Hmph!” A few other students quietly compare positions. But almost none of them bother looking at first place. They already know who it is. Aizawa watches them for a moment. Then he speaks again. “And before any of you ask—yes. I lied about the expulsion.” Several heads snap up. “WHAT?!?!?!” “It was a rational deception,” he continues flatly. “You perform better when you believe the stakes are real.” A ripple of reactions moves through the class, grumpy looks. “So relax,” he adds. “No one is being expelled today.” A brief pause. “And Bakugo will return tomorrow.” The class murmurs. Across the group, Izuku stills slightly. Kacchan…? A small, quiet relief settles in his chest. Good. His gaze returns to the board. He studies it calmly. No celebration. No reaction. Just observation. His eyes move down the list, committing each name and number to memory. Later, he’ll write them all down. Second place. Todoroki Shoto. Izuku glances sideways. Todoroki stands a short distance away, hands in his pockets, expression unreadable. Of course. Izuku’s gaze returns to the board. Third place. Asui Tsuyu. He looks toward her briefly. Asui blinks at the board with her usual calm. “Ribbit.” Efficient movement. Excellent mobility. Adaptable physiology. Makes sense. His eyes move again. Fourth place. Iida Tenya. Izuku glances toward him. Iida stands perfectly straight, glasses glinting in the sun as he studies the rankings with intense focus. High-speed mobility. Precise control. Strong fundamentals. Yes. That tracks. Izuku memorizes the numbers automatically. These are all people I can learn from. His eyes move to the bottom of the board. Last place. Uraraka Ochako. Oh. Izuku glances toward her, a faint crease forming between his brows. Uraraka is staring at the board, shoulders slightly tense. She doesn’t look angry. Not exactly upset either. Just… unsatisfied. Determined. And quietly relieved she isn’t getting expelled. Beside her, Mina leans slightly closer, giving her a reassuring look. “It’s a good thing last place isn’t getting expelled, huh?” Uraraka gives a small smile. “Yeah…” Another voice joins in. Momo steps forward, her expression troubled. “I’m sorry, Uraraka-san. That must have been frightening.” She looks to the side, hand gripping her arm. “It should have been obvious that Aizawa-sensei was exaggerating about the expulsion to motivate us…” She trails off, looking faintly guilty. Uraraka waves her hands quickly. “No, no! It’s not your fault! Don’t worry about it…” She laughs sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head. Momo gives a small, relieved smile. Uraraka turns back to the board. Her expression firms with quiet determination. Izuku watches that for a moment. Then he looks back at the rankings. He smiles. I can learn from her too. Aizawa lowers the board. “And with that, we’re done here.” The class shifts slightly. “There are handouts with the curriculum and other materials waiting in the classroom. When you get back, read them.” Students begin dispersing across the field, conversations starting up again as they head toward the building. “Man, I’m beat!” “You barely did anything…” “It was fun, though!” “Is it lunch period yet?” Across the group, Izuku adjusts the strap of his bag. Handouts… Curriculum details. Training structure. Evaluation methods. Useful. He starts to follow the others. “Midoriya.” Izuku stops. He turns. “Yes?” Aizawa lifts a hand slightly, beckoning him closer. Izuku’s stomach tightens. Did I go too far? Did he notice something? Did he figure out I have a connection to All Might? After he said last place wasn’t getting expelled, I took the last few tests more laid back… Izuku exhales quietly and walks over. He stops a few steps in front of Aizawa. Aizawa stares at him. Izuku stares back, shoulders tightening slightly under the scrutiny. “…Sensei?” Aizawa reaches out and taps Izuku’s arm. Izuku jerks with a sharp hiss. Pain flares instantly along the muscle. Aizawa’s eyes narrow faintly. “Head to the nurse’s office,” he says flatly, handing him a slip of paper. “You pushed yourself.” Izuku rubs his arm, eye flinching with pain. “Yes…” Aizawa studies him for another moment. “From the entrance exam to this test…” he says. He tilts his head slightly. “Comparing the two, it’s like you’re a different person.” Izuku swallows. Does he know…? Aizawa continues as if the thought never crossed his mind. “Learn to limit yourself.” His gaze sharpens slightly. “Control your Quirk better. Tomorrow will be packed with more rigorous tests. Participate wisely.” Izuku straightens reflexively. “Ah—yes, sensei…” Aizawa gives a small nod, then turns and walks away without another word. Behind him, Izuku exhales in relief. Aizawa doesn’t look back. But his eyes narrow slightly. Entrance exam. Today. One month. That level of improvement isn’t normal. …Interesting. —— Aizawa walks away across the training field. “—Aizawa!” He stops. Behind him, All Might strides toward him in a sharp blue suit, tie slightly loosened, the sun catching his broad shoulders. “You schemer, you!” All Might declares, pointing accusingly. “How could you lie to your very own students?!” Aizawa sighs and rubs the back of his neck. “So you were watching,” he mutters. “Too much time on your hands?” “Tch—n-no!” All Might sputters. “I was merely on my way to… another important engagement when I happened to pass by Young Bakugo!” He straightens, regaining his heroic composure. “The boy tearfully informed me of your wickedness! Naturally, I comforted him and revealed the truth of your deception.” Aizawa nods once. “Ah. Thanks,” Aizawa says dryly. “I wasn’t looking forward to explaining that to his parents.” All Might stiffens. “Then perhaps you should not do such things in the first place!” he declares. “Did you learn nothing after expelling an entire class of first-years last year?!” Aizawa’s expression remains unchanged. “Oh? The bear told you about that, huh?” A brief pause. “I cut students without potential.” His gaze drifts briefly toward the training field where Class 1-A had stood moments ago. “Bakugo Katsuki has potential. I didn’t care about your reason for keeping him here.” All Might’s eyes narrow slightly. Aizawa continues, tone flat. “That kid needed a scare.” He looks down to tug lightly at the collar of his capture weapon scarf. “There’s nothing crueler than letting a dream end halfway through.” All Might’s jaw tightens. For a moment, a memory flashes across his mind— A green-haired boy standing on a rooftop.  You can’t be a hero.  His fists clench. “Grr…!” He turns away sharply, crossing his arms. “And here I was about to bribe you with coffee jelly!” Aizawa raises an eyebrow. “Bribing teachers is strictly prohibited.” All Might spins back around, pointing dramatically. “Hold your tongue!” Aizawa watches him for a moment. “…You can leave the coffee jelly in the staff fridge.” All Might freezes. “…You hypocrite!” Aizawa turns and starts walking again. “Bring two.” … The scene shifts. Classes have ended for the day. Students stream out of U.A.’s front gates in small groups, conversations drifting through the afternoon air. Izuku walks toward the main gate, his backpack resting neatly over both shoulders. Today was certainly interesting. I feel like I learned a lot! A giddy smile spreads across his face. Aw, man, I can’t believe I finished my first day at U.A! And I seemed to really impress everyone… That’s good. If I can get along with them well, it’ll be easier to learn from them. And Kacchan’s not there to— Oh wait. He’s coming back tomorrow. Izuku scratches the back of his head. I’m glad he can still fulfill his dream of being a hero. He frowns in irritation. But he really needs to fix that attitude of his. Otherwise it’s going to be frustrating constantly fending him off… He pauses. …Or it could be a challenge? Maybe I can— “Midoriya-kun.” Izuku stops and turns. “Ah, Iida-kun!”  Iida approaches with his usual upright posture. “How are your injuries?” Iida asks plainly. “Earlier you appeared rather strained during the tests. I am relieved you did not break your body this time.” Izuku chuckles. “Yeah, me too!” He stretches his shoulders slightly, feeling the lingering soreness through his arms and legs. “And yes, I’m all healed up, thanks to Recovery Girl.” Flashback— The nurse’s office. Izuku sits on the examination bed while Recovery Girl leans toward him. “Smooooch~!” A warm pulse spreads through his body. The soreness in his arms and legs fades rapidly. The tightness in his muscles loosens as if the strain from the tests is being peeled away. Izuku blinks, flexing his fingers. “Impressive! So your Quirk speeds up the body’s natural recovery, Shuzenji-sensei?” Recovery Girl giggles. “You’re a sharp young man, aren’t you? Most people think I simply cure wounds.” Izuku tilts his head thoughtfully. “That wouldn’t make sense. If that were the case, hospitals wouldn’t need to exist… and diseases like cancer would already be gone.” “Exactly,” she says with a soft chuckle, though her smile fades just a little. For a moment, she says nothing. Then she taps his shoulder. “But my Quirk has its limits.” Almost immediately, Izuku feels the aftereffect. The soreness is gone… but a wave of fatigue settles into his body. His arms feel heavier, his legs faintly sluggish. Recovery Girl watches him with a knowing smile. “Your body is doing all that healing at once. It burns through your stamina.” Izuku nods thoughtfully. “Ah… I see.” Recovery Girl giggles. “Do you now? That means if you keep getting major injuries too often and I use my Quirk on you, your body will burn through too much energy and you’ll die, sweetie. So be careful.” Izuku shudders. “Oof… Understood.” “Mhm,” she hums. “Unfortunately, my Quirk has a limit… but you know everything about limits, don’t you, young man?” Izuku rubs the back of his neck, chuckling sheepishly. “True…” “Well,” she continues, “I’m glad you’ve gotten a better handle on it now. Does this mean I can expect fewer visits from you?” Izuku shrugs with a small, cheeky smile. “Maybe? And, uh… Shuzenji-sensei, I actually have something to give you…” He reaches into his backpack. His hand brushes against two small wrapped packages. Oh right…! There’s one for Uraraka-san as well! With everything that was happening, I completely forgot about it… Izuku pulls out one of the gifts and offers it to her, bowing his head. “Thank you for healing me during the entrance exam.” Recovery Girl chuckles as she takes it. “Oho! Smart and polite!” She turns the gift over in her hands, amused. “No wonder that girl was taking care of you.” Izuku blinks. “Girl? You mean Uraraka-san?” Recovery Girl opens the gift and hums pleasantly when she sees the tea box inside. “Yes, her,” she says, examining it with approval. “The one you were lying on during the entrance exam.” Izuku freezes. “…Lying on?” Recovery Girl glances up at him with a mischievous smile. “Her lap, sweetie.” Izuku’s face turns red instantly. “W-w-what?! I did that…?” Izuku hunches forward in embarrassment, staring down at the floor. There’s no way I did that, right?! How embarrassing! Why can’t I remember it…?! A small thought creeps in. Although… I kind of wish I’d been conscious… Izuku’s head snaps up. He shakes it violently. No! What am I thinking?! Recovery Girl watches the entire meltdown with a knowing smile. She giggles. … The memory fades. An awkward, cringey smile lingers on Izuku’s face as the thought resurfaces in his mind. “Yep… thanks to Recovery Girl…” “Hm?” Iida adjusts his glasses, raising a brow slightly. Izuku shakes his head. “It’s nothing…” He resumes walking.  Iida studies him for a moment. “Ah… I see.” With that, the two of them continue toward the gate together. “I must admit, I was surprised by Aizawa-sensei’s teaching methods,” Iida says as they walk. “To motivate us by threatening expulsion on the very first day… and to skip orientation, no less.” He adjusts his glasses. “U.A. truly is the best of the best.” Izuku hums in agreement. “I agree. His methods are definitely… extreme,” he says. “But I can’t say they weren’t effective. I really pushed myself during the tests!” He sighs. “…I can’t imagine how Kacchan must be feeling, though.” “I assume you mean Bakugo,” Iida says. He adjusts his glasses as he considers it. “Yes… if I were in his position, I would be devastated. Still, he must feel relief knowing he shall return tomorrow.” Iida glances toward Izuku. “I imagine you have… mixed feelings about that prospect?” Izuku lets out a hollow chuckle. “You have no idea, Iida-kun…” “Hey! Wait for me!” The voice calls from behind them. Izuku and Iida stop and turn. A few other students glance over as well. Uraraka waves as she jogs toward them. She stops in front of the two boys, catching her breath. “Ah, Uraraka-san!” Izuku says. Iida suddenly points at her dramatically. “You’re Infinity Girl.” Uraraka raises a brow. “Infinity Girl? Is that my hero name?” “Indeed,” Iida replies. “In reference to your score in the ball throw test.” He adjusts his glasses. “What do you think?” Uraraka tilts her head. “Ehh…? It’s kinda lame? I think people would get the wrong idea about my Quirk.” Izuku nods. “Yeah… It kind of sounds like a hero who can control time…” “But that could be advantageous, no?” Iida says immediately. “Villains may expect time manipulation, only to be thwarted by their own misunderstanding.” Uraraka hums as they begin walking together. “So what’s your hero name, Iida-kun? You can tell us now that we’re classmates, right?” Iida adjusts his glasses again. “Very well. I shall reveal it.” A proud pause. “My hero name… is Speedomancer.” Silence. Uraraka stares at him. “…Iida-kun.” She tilts her head. “You’re actually kind of an idiot, huh?” For a moment, Iida freezes. Then Izuku lets out a laugh. Iida adjusts his glasses rather shakily. “Your criticism is noted,” he says stiffly, “but it could do without the insult…” Uraraka giggles. “I’m just messing with you, Iida-kun! It’s all part of your training to be more sociable. Lighten up!” Iida suddenly lifts his head. “Lighten Girl,” he declares. “In reference to lightening your—” He stops. “…Never mind.” Izuku and Uraraka chuckle. They pass through the front gate. Izuku glances between them. “Are you guys headed straight home?” “Yes,” Iida replies promptly. “My family is eagerly awaiting my report on today’s events.” Izuku snorts. “‘Report’…” He shakes his head, amused. “And what about you, Uraraka-san?” She tilts her head. “Deku… you don’t have to call me Uraraka-san.” Izuku blinks. “Huh?” She smiles sheepishly. “Just Uraraka is fine. We’re classmates, right?” “Oh…” Izuku smiles bashfully. “Okay! Uraraka… and I guess Deku’s my nickname, huh?”  Uraraka gives an enthusiastic thumbs up. “Yep!”  Izuku looks toward him. “How are you getting home, Iida-kun?” “I will certainly not be using my Quirk, Midoriya-kun.” Izuku makes an exasperated face. “I wasn’t going to suggest that… Even I know it’s against the law to use your Quirk in public for non-essential purposes.” Iida chuckles lightly. “I assumed as much. Still, you are rather reckless, Midoriya-kun. Please take better care of yourself.” He straightens slightly. “You performed exceptionally well today.” “Yeah, Deku!” Uraraka adds brightly. “You really surprised everyone, you know?” Izuku scratches the back of his head sheepishly. “Ah, well…” Iida nods firmly. “Very well. I shall see you both tomorrow—God willing.” Iida turns and starts walking down the street. “Ah—see ya…” Izuku replies. Uraraka waves with both hands. “Bye-bye!” Iida disappears around the corner. A quiet beat passes. Uraraka turns back toward Izuku with a small smile. Izuku fidgets under her gaze. “Ah, Uraraka-san— I mean—!” He stops himself, flushing slightly. “I have something for you…” Izuku reaches into his bag. Uraraka tilts her head. “Hm? You do?” Izuku pulls a small wrapped gift from his bag and holds it out with a bow. “Thank you for saving my life.” Uraraka’s eyes widen. “Ah—no, I can’t accept this!” she says quickly, waving her hands. “You saved me first, after all!” Izuku smiles. “Please accept it. You’ll like it, I promise.” She hesitates… then takes it with a warm smile. “Now I feel bad I didn’t think of getting you something…” Izuku chuckles. “It’s okay! I’m just glad everything turned out alright.” Uraraka bites her lip and glances to the side, thinking. “Maybe I could show you this restaurant I go to…” Izuku blinks. Uraraka suddenly realizes what she just said. Her face turns bright red. “I-I didn’t mean it like a date!” Izuku blushes. “O-of course! I didn’t think of it that way…” he says, chuckling sheepishly. “R-right!” Uraraka nods quickly. “It’s just a hangout session! A hangout session!” Silence falls. They avoid each other’s gaze. Uraraka shyly meets his eyes. “…Let’s exchange contact information.” “Mm…” Izuku nods shyly and pulls out his phone with slightly shaky hands. Uraraka giggles. They exchange contact information. “Okay, Deku! I’ll see you tomorrow! And thanks again for the gift!” “Uh—no problem, Uraraka! Bye!” She gives him a bright parting smile and jogs off down the street. Izuku stays where he is for a moment. The station’s that way… but it’ll look awkward if it seems like I’m following her. He watches Uraraka’s retreating figure. But it’ll look even more awkward if I just stand here. …Okay. I’ll walk the opposite way for a bit and then turn around. Izuku starts walking, grinning to himself. …I got a girl’s number! … Evening. The apartment door opens. Inko steps inside, setting down her bag. From the kitchen, the sound of cooking. Izuku turns when he hears her. Then he starts talking. Fast. His hands move as he explains everything at once—tests, teachers, classmates. He reenacts moments mid-sentence, nearly knocking a spoon off the counter. He’s smiling the entire time. Inko watches him. At first surprised. Then smiling too. Her eyes shimmer faintly. Izuku keeps going, completely caught up in the story. Dinner simmers on the stove. … Later that night. Izuku’s room.  He finishes a short set of push-ups and exhales, wiping sweat from his forehead. A quick stretch. Then he sits at his desk. His notebook opens. Names begin filling the page. Classmates. Quirks. Observations. His pen moves quickly. His phone buzzes. A text message. From Toshinori. Izuku’s eyes brighten. He smiles and types a reply. The notebook remains open beside him. Tomorrow’s notes already waiting.