Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

So yeah, I'm not dead yet. I wanted to do something a bit more fun this time around, so here it is.

The second part of this chapter will be published tomorrow!

Enjoy!

Ochaco Uraraka's precious little life, part 1.

"Ochaco Uraraka is dating a high schooler."

Momo furrows her eyebrows in slight annoyance, and Mina blinks once before looking straight at Uraraka with a teasing smile. "Oooh, is THAT so?"

Uraraka spits out her daily cup of coffee, not caring about the mess she'd make in the table. "WHA-HUH?! Todoroki! Why did you say that?!"

Todoroki's eyes narrow slightly as Uraraka tries to reach over for a towel to clean the mess she's just made in the table. "Well, someone needs to remind you how wrong it is for you to do such a thing. Seriously, Uraraka, it's been years since we've graduated from U.A, and you're acting like a teenager when you-"

Uraraka's face reddens even more, as she tries to clean the table as best she can. "I'm 23 years old, so I think I can make my own decisions by now! Besides, I don't even know what you're talking about, Todoroki! I'm not dating a high schooler!"

Mina takes a sip of her coffee while looking at Todoroki with a teasing smirk. "Ooh, this'll be interesting."

Todoroki sighs. "Well, we're all famous pro heroes here, so it would be quite hard to avoid being seen by the press at all times. Reports say that you've been spotted hanging around a creepy girl dressed as a high schooler a bit too much for comfort. This is unacceptable behavior and you know it. It's highly inappropiate for heroes to be associating with civilians that way, much more if they're still in high school."

Uraraka looks at Todoroki with a frustrated yet embarrassed expression. "Oh come on, gimme a break here! At least I'm not as bad as miss Midnight or Mt. Lady back when we were still in high school! Besides, we're not dating!"

Momo raises an eyebrow, looking skeptically at Uraraka as the brunette finishes cleaning the table. "Oh, really? That's strange, because I've seen the reports and you certainly seem to be quite close to that girl. The way she hugs you, the way she nuzzles your chest, the way she-"

Uraraka waves her arms frantically in self-defense. "It's not my fault, though! The girl's name is Himiko Toga, and she's… well, I don't know why she likes to dress like a high schooler, but she's definitely a grown-ass adult woman like the rest of us! I don't even know why she likes to dress like that, but it creeps me out like the rest of you!"

Mina's grin widened as the allegations against Uraraka kept growing. "Toga, huh? Never heard that name before… is she cute?" She cooed, clearly enjoying Uraraka's discomfort. "Come on, tell us all about it! Is she your type? Does she treat you well?"

Uraraka blushed even harder. "I… No, Mina! She's way too clingy! I've tried to keep my distance, but she just won't leave me alone! She keeps showing up in weird places, like in some missions or in the middle of my patrols... She's just... creepy and clingy and I don't like how she doesn't let go of me!"

Todoroki snorted softly, barely hiding the disdain in his voice. "So you're telling me she's some adult who dresses like a high schooler, stalks you, gets awfully close to you, the press has documented evidence of you two getting awfully close to each other and you're not dating her? Wow, what a believable story, Uraraka. Thanks for not underestimating our intelligence."

He shook his head slowly, his face still as stoic as ever, but there was a certain edge in his tone. "If your life had a face, Uraraka, I'd punch it severely."

Uraraka gaped at him, taken aback by his brutal honesty. "Jeez, I already told you I'm not dating her!" Uraraka said, her voice more insistent now. "She's just… someone I've been running into constantly for some reason, okay?!"

Mina, still teasing, leaned forward. "So you really ARE hanging around her a lot. Not bad, not bad, young one. And have you two done "it" yet? Or have you at least kissed her yet?"

Uraraka groaned and buried her face in her hands. "No! I-Well, she's held my hand once or twice before, but it was really embarrassing for the both of us! I told you, I don't like her! She's annoying!"

Uraraka's voice was muffled by her hands, and she could feel the heat radiating from her cheeks. This wasn't how she imagined her morning would go.

The day was shaping up to be wonderful indeed.

Mina leans closer. "So, how did you even meet her anyway? She sounds like a handful to deal with, so how did you two even cross paths? Was it destiny like in a romance movie or something?"

Uraraka sighs and puts her hands away, looking down to the floor as the memories come back to her. "Well, not really... One day I was on patrol. I thought everything was going to be just as normal as always, you know? But suddenly, I heard some groans coming from an alleyway, so I headed there to investigate myself. In there, I saw a blonde woman crying her eyes out and pulling out a knife from her pocket..."

Mina's smile fades ever so slightly as the picture forms into her head. "Oh... That sounds... rough."

Uraraka nods. "It was. I told the woman not to harm herself or anyone else, and I even promised her I would be there for her if the world became too overwhelming for her to handle alone."

Then, Uraraka grunts as the memory becomes more vivid. "And next thing I knew, she practically threw herself onto me! I know she was going through something tough, but I never thought she would have taken things to this extreme! It's like she can't live without me now!"

Todoroki, not moved by the story, raises an eyebrow. "And I suppose you explicitly told her to get out of your hair once she got too clingy, right?"

Uraraka, suddenly left without a response, darts her eyes left and right. "Ah, well... I... Umm... You see, that's... Er..."

Momo, ever the voice of reason, sighed and spoke next. "Can we get back to work?" She asked, clearly uninterested in the drama. "Believe me, this array of allegations against Uraraka sounds so unbelievably fascinating and all, but we have a busy day ahead of us and the agency is still not in shape to open today. There's no time to waste."

Uraraka simply sighed, resigning herself to the fact that no one would take her seriously now that she was out of comebacks and excuses. She slowly sank back into her chair, the remaining coffee in her mug now cold, but she continued to sip at it anyway. At this point, there was nothing else she could do but endure this and take it like a man, or, well... woman.

"Alright..." She muttered, her voice barely audible. "But next time you ask me for support during a fight I'll only provide it half-way, understand?"

Mina gave her a playful wink. "Sure, sure, Uraraka. But we all know that you're only mine to boss around and no one else's."

Uraraka sighs yet again. "I hate you."

Mina grins. "Love ya too, babe."

A couple of days later or so, things were getting heated in the agency. The pro heroes had been preparing for an upcoming mission, a simple raid on a villain base that had been the cause of many robberies in the neighborhood. Momo, Todoroki, and Mina had gathered around a table in the central briefing room, each of them double-checking their equipment, going over the plan one last time, and ensuring they were ready for the mission. Nothing about this was supposed to be complicated, just a quick ten-minute raid in and out, and nothing more.

Momo, always the planner, was meticulously going over the map of the villain base, making sure that every detail was accounted for. She didn't miss a single corner, analyzing escape routes, weak points in the structure, and likely ambush locations. Even if this group of villains weren't partucularily dangerous or important, she always made sure that her plans were flawless down to the last little detail.

Her brow furrowed in concentration as she made her final adjustments, her voice clear and steady as she spoke to her team. "Alright, this is it. This is nothing we can't handle, but we still need to be wary. We'll breach from the east entrance. Todoroki will handle any immediate threats with his ice, Mina will assist with crowd control, and I'll focus on securing the upper levels. When Uraraka gets here we need to tell her that she will need to handle any villains who might try to flee the base, since she is our best hand-to-hand fighter and her mobility will come in handy."

Mina grinned. "Sounds easy enough! Let's just hope this doesn't get too messy for them poor villains."

Todoroki gave a quiet nod of approval, his face as impassive as ever, though the icy chill around him was a telltale sign of his readiness. "We'll need to be efficient. No room for errors."

As the group continued discussing the details, the door to the agency suddenly swung open with a loud creak, catching everyone's attention.

Oh, poor unfortunate souls.

Their ordinary day on the office was about to become anything but that.

The sound of footsteps echoed across the room, a familiar, upbeat voice accompanying them.

"Hey, everyone..." Uraraka's voice rang out as she stepped into the room, her usual cheery demeanor somewhat absent, replaced by a look of subdued frustration.

But it wasn't just her.

A blonde woman, dressed in an outfit that looked far too youthful for her apparent age, clung to Uraraka's side, her arm looped around her waist like a child seeking constant attention. The woman wore the uniform of a high schooler, a blazer, a skirt, some black knee-high socks, and she wore a toothy grin that was far too wide for someone her age, almost as if she was perpetually trying to look innocent, though her eyes sparkled with something else entirely.

Momo's expression immediately shifted to one of confusion, while Todoroki's gaze turned cold, an irritated frown forming on his face. Mina's eyebrow arched as she let out a low whistle, clearly entertained by the unusual sight. The entire room seemed to freeze for a split second, all eyes turning to the pair of them.

Uraraka sighed, her shoulders slumping in exhaustion. "Everyone, this is Himiko Toga. Toga, this is the gang."

Toga gave a lively wave, her smile wide and playful as she practically skipped forward. "Hiyaaaa, everyone! I'm Toga! It's so nice to finally meet you all! Uraraka talks about you all the time!"

The room remained silent for a moment.

Then, Todoroki's gaze moved to Uraraka, his ice-cold demeanor betraying his growing disapproval. "You brought her here? Really? What the hell, Uraraka?"

Uraraka stiffened, her face flushing with embarrassment as she quickly turned toward Toga. "I-I didn't bring her here, Todoroki! She just-"

Todoroki's gaze hardened slightly. "She what, hm?"

Uraraka paused, swallowing a sigh. "She... insisted on coming along to watch us carry out the mission. But I made her promise to behave, I swear!"

Toga, who had been bouncing on the balls of her feet, looked at Uraraka with wide, excited eyes. "Oh, come on! I promise I won't get in the way! I just want to watch how you all do things! You're heroes! How cool is that?"

Toga clung to Uraraka's side again, to which Uraraka stiffened again.

Todoroki looked at Uraraka with something close to disbelief. He was so unimpressed that he practically let out a low growl. "You cannot be serious. You're evil, Uraraka."

Uraraka's eyes widened slightly, but before she could respond, Todoroki looked away, letting her know that he was done with her shenanigans for now.

Mina, who had been quiet up until now, couldn't resist teasing her friend. Her lips curled into a sly grin, and her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Ooooh, Uraraka's got a thing for baddies, doesn't she?"

She leaned toward Toga, inspecting her with exaggerated curiosity. "I mean, look at her! She is cute, loyal, eager, and yet she has a certain edge to her! If I didn't know any better I'd say she's too good for you, Ochaco."

Uraraka rolls her eyes. Mina's teasing tone was relentless, and she couldn't help but wink at Uraraka.

Momo, meanwhile, had a more reserved expression on her face, one that was a mixture of disbelief and concern. Her arms were crossed over her chest, and she tilted her head slightly, her brow furrowing. "Uraraka, I know you're trying to help her, but this is a dangerous mission. If she's tagging along, she has to promise to keep her distance from danger. We can't afford any unnecessary distractions or complications."

Toga, ever the enthusiast, nodded eagerly, her hands clasped together as if she were begging. "I'll behave, I swear! I won't get involved in any of the fighting! I just want to stay by my dear Uraraka's side!" She squeezed Uraraka tighter, the smile on her face almost too wide to be comforting. "I'll do anything to stay with her!"

Uraraka, exasperated and slightly out of breath, groaned heavily.

Momo's shoulders sagged, and she raised a hand to rub her temples. "Agh, fine. Just... just stay out of the way, alright? And don't do anything stupid."

Momo shoots Toga a glare, but the girl only responds by tightening her grip even more.

Toga lets go of Uraraka and jumps in place happily. "YAY! I'm looking forward to this! Aren't you, Ochaco?"

Uraraka gasps to catch her breath, nodding despite not truly knowing what she is getting herself into.

Well, things seemed to have gotten slightly better, at least.

The adrenaline rush from the mission coursed through Uraraka's veins as she wiped the last bit of sweat from her brow, her breathing a little heavier than usual but still under control. She had been quick, efficient, just like back in her U.A. days.

Oh God, how she loved this feeling. It was everything to her.

The sense of accomplishment that came with taking down a villain. Each successful takedown made her feel like she was fulfilling her purpose, and for a moment, it was as if nothing else in the world mattered but the action and the thrill of the fight.

Her heeled boots tapped against the cracked pavement as she stood tall, looking down at the group of villains who had been attempting to escape the base while her colleagues dealt with the rest of the villains inside. With just a few well-placed leaps and a few strategic use of her Zero Gravity quirk, she had left them all tangled in mid-air, struggling to get free before sending them plummetting back down to the ground, incapacitating them all at once. It was effortless to her by now.

As the villains groaned beneath her, Uraraka felt a rush of nostalgia. She remembered her early days as a student, how excited she had been to fight alongside her classmates, how determined she was to prove herself, to protect her parents from their financial struggles. It had always been about more than just fighting, it was about the purpose behind it. The joy of doing something meaningful for the people she loved. How amazing it felt to watch people be uplifted when a villain was defeated. She had been so full of passion, so eager to make a difference.

However, her smile disappeared completely as her thoughts were interrupted by a voice she knew too well by now.

"Uraraka-chan! That was AMAZING!"

Toga's voice rang out, high-pitched and shrill, cutting through the tension of the moment.

Uraraka's head whipped around, her cheeks flushing a little at the unexpected praise. Toga was standing at the sidelines, bouncing excitedly, her hands clasped in front of her like a child on Christmas morning. The woman had been following Uraraka around the entire time, cheering and shouting every time Uraraka landed a hit.

Dear God, was she loud.

"You're the best! Oh my gosh, you're just like a hero straight out of a manga!" Toga continued, her voice unabashedly echoing through the area as if she had no sense of what was going on around her. "Uraraka-chan, you're amazing, I just love how you fight! Your moves are so smooth, so perfect! You have to show me more!"

Uraraka winced inwardly. She knew Toga was excited, but this was pushing it. Still, she couldn't bring herself to snap at her, not with the way Toga was looking at her with those wide, shiny eyes that always seemed to twinkle at her no matter the situation. It wasn't that she was happy about the attention, in fact, Uraraka wished Toga would stop embarrassing her in front of the others, but there was a part of her, deep down, that couldn't ignore how good it felt to be praised like this.

Uraraka bit her lip, trying to push away the mixed feelings of annoyance and faint gratitude.

"I, uhh... Thanks, Toga." Uraraka said sheepishly, waving her hand awkwardly in an attempt to brush off the praise.

But Toga wasn't finished. Not even close.

"You're SO STRONG!" She yelled, her voice cracking with excitement. "I just can't believe how amazing you are! You're my hero, Uraraka-chan!"

The compliments kept coming, one after another, and Uraraka could feel the heat rising to her cheeks as she tried to keep her expression neutral. She glanced around, seeing the other members of her team working inside the villain base, fully focused on the task at hand. Momo, Todoroki, and Mina were doing their part, unaware of the little scene unfolding outside with Uraraka and Toga.

Uraraka quickly averted her gaze, hoping to avoid Toga's intense eyes. Her smile faltered as she glanced at the ground, but Toga, as always, wasn't deterred.

She shuffled closer, still clinging to Uraraka's side as though her presence was a matter of life and death. "You're so cute when you're fired up, you know. I just knew you were going to be awesome! Let me just tell you, I can't wait to see more of this! It's like you're meant to be everyone's hero!"

Uraraka's smile was now strained, and she could feel her patience wearing thin. "I appreciate it, really, but maybe you could... you know... give me some space? I've got work to do too."

Toga ignored the hint entirely, tightening her hold. "No way! I just wanna be close to you! You're my bestest friend in the entire world, after all!"

Uraraka let out an exasperated sigh and reluctantly let Toga stay close, only because the woman wasn't taking "no" for an answer. 'I swear to God if she says one more word I'll shove my own grappling hooks down my-'

But then, something caught her attention.

Something different.

Something that distracted her in a way she couldn't explain.

From the corner of her eye, Uraraka spotted a figure near the police officers, standing slightly apart from the chaos.

A simple man in a dark suit was helping the officers gather up the villains she had just taken down. He was about the same height as her, looked fit, with messy green hair that seemed to fall into place despite the busy environment. He was focused, working with the officers, but there was an air of quiet competence about him, as though he didn't need to be in the limelight to show his worth. What was even more interesting was that the policemen were talking to him with quite the amount of respect. Was he their boss? A cherished colleague, perhaps?

Uraraka's heart skipped a beat, an unfamiliar flutter in her chest. 'Who... is he?'

There was something about him, something about the way he carried himself, that struck her. She couldn't put her finger on it, but his presence felt... familiar. As if their paths had crossed before or were meant to cross at some point. It wasn't just the way he looked, but it was the sense that she knew him in some strange way, even though she couldn't place when or where.

Her thoughts swirled. 'Have I... ever seen that guy before? Maybe at U.A? No... I don't remember any of our classmates looking like that...'

Even as Toga continued to chatter away, oblivious to the storm of thoughts in Uraraka's mind, the green-haired man's presence pulled her attention completely away from the scene. Her gaze was locked on him, watching him move with calm precision as he helped the officers, his every motion seeming to draw her in, like some magnetic force she couldn't resist.

Uraraka felt a small, involuntary smile tug at her lips.

She couldn't explain why, but in that moment, everything else seemed to fade away. It was as if the world had narrowed down to just them and nothing more.

But before she could gather her thoughts enough to approach him, the man turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd of officers and reinforcements.

Toga, still clinging to Uraraka like a shadow, didn't notice the subtle change in her friend's demeanor. "Uraraka-chan? You're zoning out! You okay?"

Uraraka shook her head, quickly trying to shake off the distraction. "Huh? Oh! I'm fine." She murmured, though her voice betrayed a small hint of distraction.

Uraraka glanced around, trying to find the man again, but he was gone.

Uraraka sighed, looking back at Toga with a deadpanned expression. "Well... Uhh... Let's just finish up here. The gang should be finished by now."

Uraraka forced a smile, but her thoughts were far from the present.

Well, that just happened.

The streets were a tiny bit quieter now, the rush of the mission fading into the background as Uraraka and Toga made their way back toward the agency. The sky was streaked with hues of orange and pink, the fading sunlight casting long shadows on the pavement. The air was crisp, and there was a gentle chill in the breeze. It was nothing too cold, but enough to make Uraraka wrap her arms around herself as she walked. Her steps were slower now, her thoughts adrift in a haze. Toga was still clinging to her side, the blonde's small, almost childlike grip on her arm unwavering.

Uraraka's mind, however, was a million miles away, focused entirely on the brief, yet strangely significant encounter she'd had earlier with the green-haired man. His image was still fresh in her mind, the way he moved with that strange confidence, the way he stood out among the crowd without needing to be noticed...

It was as like the world had placed him in her life for a reason, but she couldn't make sense of it.

'Who was he?'

She chewed on her lower lip, trying to shake the thought, but it wouldn't leave her. There was something about him, something important, something that felt like it was meant to be. Uraraka had been fascinated by him, in a way she couldn't explain.

A soft giggle broke through the haze of her thoughts. It was Toga's unmistakable voice, echoing in her ear, as she bounced along beside her. "Uraraka-chan, you're looking pretty serious. Even though you are always perfect in my eyes you're usually more talkative than this. Are you alright?"

Uraraka blinked, snapping back to the present, her eyes briefly narrowing in confusion as she found herself staring at Toga, who was looking at her with a curious expression.

She quickly forced a smile, realizing she had been lost in her thoughts again. "Huh? Oh, yeah, yeah, I'm fine, I'm fine." She muttered, trying to brush off the distraction.

She tried to focus on Toga, though her mind kept returning to that green-haired man, to that weird sense of fate that had clouded her mind.

Toga's voice broke through her spiraling thoughts once more. "Well, as I was saying, I feel so lucky to be hanging out with someone as talented and cute as you, Uraraka-chan!"

Uraraka blinked, suddenly aware that Toga had been speaking for a while now. She quickly nodded, trying to sound interested. "Uh... yeah. Thanks, Toga... You're... Uhh... really great too."

But even as the words left her mouth, her attention slipped back to the green-haired man. 'God freaking damn it. Why didn't I ask him his number? Or his name, at least?'

Toga didn't seem to mind Uraraka's lack of focus. She continued speaking, her voice just a bit more soft now, almost a whisper. "You know... I've never really gone out with anyone before…"

Uraraka's brow furrowed slightly, but she didn't respond. Her mind was too preoccupied, still spinning with images of the man she had seen earlier. 'God, I even could have asked it to those policemen! Well done, Uravity! What a way to drop the ball...'

Toga, however, wasn't finished. Her voice dropped even further, and she moved in just a bit closer to Uraraka, her words trailing off almost nervously. "And I've never kissed anyone on the lips either... You know... because of my quirk affecting my life and all... it's... well, it's kinda complicated, but you already know all that stuff..."

Uraraka didn't catch the full meaning behind Toga's words. The mention of her quirk didn't register, nor did the subtle hint of vulnerability in Toga's voice. Instead, Uraraka simply nodded, her thoughts still tangled up with the image of the man. 'Hmm... Come to think of it, I don't think I've seen him around these parts of town before. Is he a visitor or something?'

Finally, they reached a bus stop, a little ways down the street from the agency. The city was quieter now, the rush of the day slowly ebbing away. The world around them felt calm, yet Uraraka's mind was in turmoil.

Toga, still clinging to her, looked up at her with a twinkle in her eye, seemingly unaware of Uraraka's internal struggle. "Thanks again for letting me come with you today! I had so much fun watching you work up close. You're just... amazing, Uraraka-chan."

Uraraka didn't immediately respond. She was still lost in her thoughts, her eyes unconsciously scanning the streets for any sign of that green-haired man, but she couldn't find him. 'Where could he have gone? Does he work around here? Or maybe he works around here but his place is in some other part of town?'

Toga, noticing the distracted look in Uraraka's eyes, stepped closer, closing the distance between them.

Before Uraraka could even react, Toga's arms wrapped around her, pulling her into an unexpected hug.

"Thanks for walking me here." Toga said, squeezing Uraraka tightly, her voice almost breathless with excitement. "I live the opposite way from here. It's been fun hanging out with you and the gang! We should do this again sometime!"

Uraraka stiffened in the hug, her breath hitching as the warmth of Toga's body pressed against hers.

And then, in an instant, Toga's lips were on hers.

The kiss was sudden, and it knocked the breath out of Uraraka's chest. Her heart skipped a beat as Toga pressed her lips firmly against hers, her arms still tight around Uraraka's waist, holding her in place.

If Uraraka wasn't utterly floored before, she surely was now, and not in a good way.

Uraraka's mind went blank. Her body froze in shock as her thoughts scattered like leaves in the wind. For a second, it was as if she couldn't even move, couldn't even think. Her heart pounded in her chest, but it wasn't out of excitement, it was out of sheer panic.

Before the situation could escalate any further, Uraraka pulled back from the kiss, her eyes completely wide and her pupils as small as dots.

Upon noticing how tense Uraraka looked, Toga's expression turns to one of confusion and slight sadness. "Huh?"

"YeahcoolI'llseeyalaterTogaBye!" Uraraka said quickly, her voice shaky. Her heart was still hammering in her chest as she turned around and ran toward the agency, desperate to escape the situation as fast as possible.

The afternoon was wearing on as Uraraka sat in the briefing room with the rest of her team, going over the debrief of their mission. The atmosphere was a little lighter now that the day's chaos had died down. Momo, Todoroki, and Mina had settled into their usual rhythm, reviewing what went well, what could have been improved, and all the little details that came with being a professional hero.

Uraraka, however, was not in the mood to focus on the details. Her mind was still reeling from the events of the mission, and she hadn't had the proper time to process everything just yet.

As she absentmindedly tapped her heel against the floor, her phone suddenly buzzed in her pocket.

She froze, her heart skipping a beat as she glanced down at the screen.

The caller ID flashed with a familiar name: Tsuyu Asui.

Uraraka's stomach twisted with nerves. She had been avoiding talking to Tsuyu for a while, not because she didn't want to hear from her friend, but because she knew what was coming. Tsuyu, being Tsuyu, always had a way of cutting to the heart of things. Uraraka had a feeling that this call would be no different, and perhaps she wouldn't like what she'd hear.

'Alright, keep your cool, Uravity. You've dealt with worse, right? No biggie, just gotta avoid all comments regarding what happened today and we're chill! Tsu doesn't have to know what happened, right?'

She sighed heavily, excusing herself from the group with a quick glance.

"I'll be right back." She muttered, walking out of the room and into the quieter hallway to answer the call.

"Hello?" Uraraka answered, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Ochaco-chan!" Tsuyu's voice was clear and direct, like usual. "How are you?"

Uraraka tried to keep the conversation as light as possible. "Tsu! I'm doing pretty good myself, how about you?"

"You're dating a high schooler?" Tsuyu's voice was calm, but there was a slight undertone of concern.

Uraraka was suddenly at a loss for words, as she barely managed to not let her phone slip out of her hand and fall tot he floor. "WHA-HUH?! I-I... WHAT?!"

Tsuyu kept talking, as composed as ever. "Mmm, your reaction tells me I might be right. Am I right, Ochaco-chan?"

Uraraka tries to calm herself down. "W-Well, you're wrong! We're not dating, she's not a high schooler, she just dresses like one for some reason, and she's a grown-ass woman like the rest of us! How do YOU know about her, Tsu?"

Tsuyu simply responds nonchalantly. "Mina-chan told me."

Uraraka seethes with anger. "That snitch-ass bitch! I shoud have known!"

Uraraka's blood ran cold, and her grip on the phone tightened involuntarily. Of course it was Mina. That gossip.

Uraraka takes a breath to calm herself down, but it barely works. "Well, we're not dating and that's that. Why did you bring that up, Tsu? Did Mina put you up to this?"

Tsu lets out a small giggle before continuing. "Not at all, Ochaco-chan. I'm just calling because I want to know if you're truly fine."

Uraraka calms down upon hearing those words. "If... I'm fine? What do you mean, Tsu?"

"Well, we can start with you telling me what's really going on between you two if you're not dating."

Uraraka grunts. "It's nothing too bad like Mina probably made it out to be, Tsu. I've just been having some regular encounters with this girl named Himiko Toga, but I've been having a hard time keeping my opinions about her weird habits to myself lately."

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Uraraka could practically hear Tsuyu processing the information. "Weird habits? Like what?"

Uraraka exhaled sharply, the frustration bubbling back up to the surface. "She just... she clings to me all the time! It's like she doesn't understand personal space. She follows me everywhere and constantly praises me like I'm some kind of goddess. It's... honestly, it's kind of annoying. She just won't leave me alone."

Tsuyu's voice softened slightly. "I see... So... I have a question, Ochaco-chan."

"What is it, Tsu?"

"You don't sound too pleased with your current situation. If you really aren't comfortable with her behavior then why do you keep hanging around her? Why do you keep subjecting yourself to this if you really don't like how clingy she is?"

Uraraka froze, the question hitting her harder than she anticipated.

Uraraka hesitated, swallowing hard as she avoided answering the question directly. "I... I don't know, Tsu. I guess it feels... kinda good in a weird way? She's... she's easy to handle, you know? She's... simple. Or something like that. I don't know..."

The line was silent for a moment, and Uraraka could feel the weight of Tsuyu's gaze on her, even through the phone.

"Ochaco-chan..." Tsuyu's voice was quiet now, almost a whisper. "This could get out of hand if you don't adress it properly. Besides, I don't know if you can take this right now. It's already been more than a year since you were dumped by-"

"I know, I know..." Interrupted Uraraka, rubbing her forehead with her other hand.

"So... Are you over it yet? Or is this some kind of..."

Tsuyu didn't finish the sentence. She knew exactly what she meant, and so did Uraraka.

Uraraka takes a moment before answering. "I'll... I'll let you know what this is later, alright? I'm fine, Tsu. Thanks for checking up on me anyways."

Tsuyu didn't respond right away, but Uraraka could sense her friend's quiet concern on the other end of the line. "Alright... But just remember, Ochaco-chan, it's okay to be honest about how you feel. It's okay to set boundaries, too."

There was a slight pause before Tsuyu added, "You know I'm here for you, right?"

Uraraka's chest tightened at the sincerity in Tsuyu's voice.

"Thanks, Tsu. I'll... talk to you later." Uraraka said, her voice small, trying to push the conversation to a close. She didn't want to think about it anymore, not right now. Not when everything felt so confusing.

With a soft click, she ended the call.

The silence that followed felt suffocating.

Uraraka stood there for a moment, her hand still gripping the phone, her mind racing with a thousand thoughts and questions she couldn't seem to answer.

'What am I even doing?' She thought, a wave of frustration and uncertainty crashing over her.

A couple of days later...

The streets of Musutafu buzzed with the usual afternoon hustle as Uraraka walked along the sidewalk, the familiar chatter of city life mingling with the distant hum of traffic. She felt the weight of the day pressing down on her, the usual patrol routine having taken a more sluggish turn today because of a certain person who was glued to her side.

Walking beside her, as usual, was Toga. The girl's energy was impossible to miss, bouncing along happily as she skipped beside Uraraka, seemingly unaware of the weariness that hung over her companion.

"So, Uraraka-chan..." Toga said brightly, almost gleefully, as she swung her arms back and forth. "I've been thinking... You know, I really want to live with you! Don't get me wrong, I love my family and all, but I feel like I could be better off living with you! Not to mention, we'd get to see each other every day! What do you think?"

Uraraka sighed, her eyes half-lidded in exhaustion as she resisted the urge to rub her temples. "Well, I... I don't think that's a good idea... I'm living with Mina at the moment. Sometimes it can get pretty cramped with just the two of us. We can't really accept more people. Plus, I'd have to get her to approve of the idea beforehand. It's... just not possible, sorry."

Toga's face immediately fell, her eyes turning downcast as if the idea of living with Uraraka had been some sweet dream that now lay shattered.

Uraraka felt a pang of guilt, but it immediately faded as Toga lifted her head again with an almost unnatural level of enthusiasm.

"Aww, that's okay!" Toga chirped, her voice suddenly bright again, like the disappointment hadn't even touched her. "I'll just keep tagging along with you anyways! I'll figure out a way to be with you all the time, maybe I'll just tag along to all of your missions! I could sneak in and pretend to be someone else with my quirk, or maybe I can-"

Uraraka cut her off inside her head with a tired wave of her hand, her mind barely processing Toga's rambling. Toga was talking nonstop, as usual, completely oblivious to the fact that Uraraka wasn't paying attention. Her words blurred together, a string of half-formed ideas and suggestions that Uraraka only half heard. The more Toga spoke, the more Uraraka's mind wandered, distracted by everything else that had been eating away at her recently.

God, was she tired of this, and yet, she couldn't bring herself to leave Toga.

The streets seemed to stretch out endlessly before them, the urban landscape of Musutafu blurring with every step she took. Uraraka glanced around, her gaze idly drifting across the faceless crowd of pedestrians.

But then, her eyes caught something.

A flash of green hair across the street.

Her breath caught.

It was him.

That man.

Her heart skipped a beat as she watched him walk down the opposite sidewalk, his stride confident, yet purposeful. He didn't seem to notice her at all, his attention focused ahead as he turned onto another street. But Uraraka's mind immediately locked onto him. It's him again. The man she had seen the other day, the one who had drawn her attention in a way that made no sense but felt so right. The man who had somehow slipped past her grasp the first time, and now, here he was again, right in front of her.

Without thinking, Uraraka's feet instinctively took a step forward, her eyes locked on him. She felt an overwhelming urge to run after him, to stop him, to find out who he was, to ask him everything, his name, where he came from, EVERYTHING.

But she stopped.

Her feet stayed planted to the ground.

Toga was still beside her. Toga was still talking, completely oblivious to the fact that Uraraka's attention had just shifted entirely.

Uraraka's heart was pounding in her chest. She glanced back at the man again, her hand clenching into a fist. She could feel it, that sense of destiny, that feeling like they were supposed to meet, like this was not some random coincidence. It felt like it was meant to be.

But then, another part of her tugged her right back to Toga. She couldn't leave her. Not again. Not after she left her without a proper explanation some days ago.

Toga was still talking, still happily going on about the "many ways" she could tag along with Uraraka. Her words barely made it past Uraraka's ears as she tried her hardest to focus on anything but the green-haired man who had just disappeared around the corner.

'God, what do I do? What do I do?!'

Uraraka bit her lip, trying to make sense of her thoughts, but the clash of ideas on her head was too strong. Too persistent.

With a heavy sigh, Uraraka tore her gaze away from the street corner and refocused on Toga, who was still babbling on, blissfully unaware of the internal war raging inside her. 'If I leave, what will I tell Toga? But if I stay, I'll lose sight of him again-'

But it was no use.

Uraraka turned her head again and the man was gone yet again.

Uraraka's gaze hardened with resolve.

As much as Toga continued to talk beside her, as much as she felt obligated to stay and listen to her for the sake of their strange, complex "relationship," Uraraka made herself a promise in that moment.

She WOULD find out who that man was. She didn't know how. She didn't know when. But somehow, she would get answers.

No matter how long it took. No matter the distance.

She'd find him.

Chapter Text

So yeah, turns out that MHA's final season decided to drop right before I could upload this chapter.

Also, this chapter ended up being a little longer than I initially expected. Oh, well.

Enjoy!

Ochaco Uraraka's precious little life, part 2

A couple of days later or something...

"I'm cooooold!" Yelled Uraraka into the night as she walked alongide her colleagues.

Mina giggles. "Jeez, girl. What, you afraid of a little breeze in your parts?"

Uraraka groans. "Don't start with me, Mina. I'm still mad at you for snitching on me."

Mina blows a kiss towards Uraraka playfully. "Oh, you know I still love ya, right?"

Uraraka shakes her head. "Screw you. Also, where are we going again?"

Momo sighs, facepalming softly. "I already told you about fifty times! Why do you keep doing this?"

Uraraka pouts. "Well, I just forgot, okay? It's not my fault!"

Todoroki gives Uraraka a cold side glance. "We're going to that party, Uraraka."

Uraraka gave him a small blank stare, making Todoroki sigh in annoyance.

Mina giggles again. "Kiri is hosting a party for some of us former U.A students, remember? Jirou might even be playing live!"

Uraraka's eyes widen slightly in rememberance. "Ooohhh, right! And... Are we sure we wanna go? Don't get me wrong, I love what Kirishima is doing for us, but... Parties like these tend to suck, don't they?"

Momo and Mina roll their eyes, while Todoroki facepalms. "I don't take back what I said before. If your life had a face I'd punch it severely."

The rest of the conversation felt like a blur to Uraraka, mostly because she hadn't been paying attention on purpose to make the walk to Kirishima's house a little lighter for her. But alas, here they were at long last.

Kirishima had gone all out to make his place as cozy as possible for his friends, by the looks of things. Former U.A. students, now professional heroes, had gathered together to celebrate their successes, reconnect with old friends, and share stories of their ongoing journeys.

The place was brimming with familiar faces. Some fellow students turned heroes, some had turned up to boast about their new accomplishments, others to tell stories of their recent struggles. It was the kind of night where camaraderie flowed as easily as the drinks, and Uraraka had been trying to ease herself into the conversation.

Though, most of the attendees at the party were quite busy talking to others, and Uraraka knew she wasn't in the best position to talk about her life, and so, she felt a little out of place.

'Well... I gotta admit, Kirishima knows how to make his place feel comfortable, but I'm still really bored. Wonder if there's some kind of coffee machine around here.'

But as soon as she walked into another room, her attention was diverted.

There, standing near a corner by the drinks table, was the man. Him.

Her heart gave an involuntary skip. Her gaze fixed on him instantly, and for a moment, it felt like time slowed down as she observed him from across the room.

He was standing near Bakugo, who seemed to be talking animatedly, and yet, the green-haired man's posture, his soft yet intense focus, drew Uraraka in.

He was wearing a smart-casual outfit that didn't scream "hero" but still carried an air of quiet dignity about it. His presence was subtle, yet undeniable, and every detail about him seemed to fit together like pieces of a puzzle that Uraraka needed to solve.

Then, with one last laugh, Bakugo gave the man a pat on the back and moved to talk to someone else. Now, the green-haired man stood on his own, glancing around the room, seemingly unsure of where to go.

That was when Uraraka decided to make her move.

'Okay, Ochaco. Just try to make small talk, nothing too fancy or overly thought out. It's just a normal conversation and nothing more. Yes, that's it. A normal conversation with a totally normal guy. Who just happens to be mysteriously attractive and stupidly handsome. Great. Perfect. No pressure. You go for it, girl. You're a beast.'

She took a deep breath. Her hands, which had been nervously clutching the hem of her dress, straightened, and her steps were firm. Determined even.

She was done holding back. She couldn't let him slip away again, not when she had a second chance to talk to him.

"Hey!" Uraraka said a little too loudly, wincing internally as she approached.

She instantly regretted the volume of her voice, since the man only gave her a small, puzzled side glance at first. "Huh? Oh, hi."

'Great. Smooth start, Ochaco.' She thought, trying to force her nerves into submission. "I, uh, didn't expect to see you here."

The man turned again, his gaze soft and warm as he fully took in her presence. His smile was gentle, kind even, and there was something in his eyes that felt... reassuring to her. Something calming, though it also made Uraraka feel like she was being too forward. The awkwardness from earlier still lingered.

"Well... Neither did I." He replied with a small, easy smile. His voice was calm, with a slight weight to it, but it wasn't at all uncomfortable. "But... it's been nice. This party is quite something, isn't it?"

Uraraka nodded once before continuing awkwardly. "I... Uhh... Saw you talking to Bakugo earlier. I mean, Katsuki. I mean-uh, sorry, that came out wrong, I just, err..."

Uraraka put on a smile, yet she felt nothing but cringe at herself. 'Smooth as a cactus, Ochaco. What a way to make a normal conversation sound awkward as hell.'

The man tilted his head once, amused by her awkwardness yet feeling drawn to her as well. "Say, I've seen you before recently too, haven't I? You're Uravity, aren't you?"

Her eyes widened. "You... know me?"

The man nods. "Well, kinda hard not to. You're pretty famous around town. Last I checked, they were putting up some posters around the block with your face on it."

Uraraka laughed weakly, rubbing her neck. "R-Right, the posters, yeah... The ones where they keep using the photo where I'm blinking..."

The man laughs softly. "I think it's a great photo. You look great in it."

That shouldn't have made her heart skip a beat, but it did anyways.

Uraraka clears her throat. "Sooo... Are you a hero too? I don't think I've seen you around any agency before."

He shook his head. "Oh, no, not at all. I'm not a hero. I was just invited by Bakugo. It's been nice catching up with him."

Uraraka blinked in surprise.

'Bakugo?'

Of all people, Bakugo was his connection to the people here? She had trouble imagining someone like him being the reason this man was even invited to the party. But she didn't let her surprise show, even though a small frown tugged at her thoughts.

"Really?" Uraraka asked, trying to keep her tone casual as she shifted uncomfortably on her feet. "I mean, I wouldn't have expected someone like you to know someone like Bakugo."

He chuckled softly, the sound like a breath of wind through the leaves. "Yeah, I know it's a bit strange, but we go way back. I've known him for a while."

"I... I'm surprised you'd want to hang out with him." Uraraka said, her words falling out in an awkward jumble as she tried to cover up the curiosity she was feeling. "I mean, Bakugo's... not exactly the easiest guy to get along with, right?"

The man smiled again, this time a little wider, as if he found something funny in her comment. "I'll admit, he's... not the most welcoming person. But once you get to know him, he's not so bad. He just... doesn't show it, you know? I've known him for a long time, so I'd know all about it."

Uraraka nodded, her gaze fixed on him, feeling an unexpected sense of relief.

"So..." She began again, hoping to keep the conversation going. "You're not a hero, huh? Is this your first time at a hero reunion?"

The man shook his head lightly. "Not really. I've been in other hero reunions and meetups before. Mostly for work. What about you?"

"Ah, nice. Yeah, me too. I mean, not my first, I've been to others, obviously, but, uh, yeah. This one's... nice, I guess."

'God, please let the Earth swallow me.'

"What do you do then?" She asked the question lightly, trying to push aside the gigantic knot of curiosity growing in her chest and the even bigger amount of cringe she felt towards herself.

The man seemed to stiffen just a little at the question, a fleeting shift in his demeanor that Uraraka caught almost instantly. But it was so subtle, she almost thought she imagined it.

He rubbed the back of his neck, a faint, awkward smile touching his lips. "Ah, I... I'm just an average field guy. Nothing too exciting."

The man's gaze flickered away briefly, as though the idea of talking about himself wasn't something he was comfortable with.

Uraraka caught the shift. She could tell that he wasn't eager to open up, and something about that made her even more determined to know him better. It felt like there was something hidden there, something about him that he didn't want to share, or perhaps couldn't share. And that only made her more curious.

Before she could push further, though, he glanced at his watch, his expression softening with a hint of regret. "Sorry, I... I actually have to go. I have work to get back to."

Uraraka's heart sank a little, the sudden sense of finality in his voice cutting through the small, delicate thread of connection they'd built. She hadn't even had time to ask him his name. She hadn't even had the chance to know more about him.

But she forced herself to smile. "Oh, of course. I didn't mean to keep you. It was nice talking to you."

"Yeah..." He said with a small, almost embarrassed smile. "It was nice talking to you too. Maybe I'll see you around, Ochaco Uraraka."

With that, he gave a small nod and started to walk away, his figure disappearing into the crowd.

Uraraka watched him go, her thoughts swirling with a mixture of frustration and determination.

'Well, damn. I don't even know his name yet.' She thought bitterly.

Uraraka made her way back toward her friends, who were gathered near the food table, chatting and laughing as if nothing had happened.

She wasn't going to let this slide. She wasn't going to let him slip away yet again.

As she approached Kirishima, Momo, Todoroki, and Mina, she felt a little awkward, her mind buzzing with the need to know more. Her questions were already forming in her head, and her curiosity, which had been quietly building throughout the night, had now erupted into an uncontrollable fire.

"Hey, have any of you guys ever seen that guy before?" Uraraka asked, trying to sound casual, but her voice couldn't hide the eagerness behind her words. "You know, the one who was talking to Bakugo earlier? Green messy hair, freckles, you know..."

Kirishima turned to look in the direction she was pointing, and Momo followed his gaze with mild curiosity.

Todoroki just gave her a deadpanned expression. "No."

Mina, always quick to notice things, gave a knowing smile as she noticed the spark in Uraraka's eyes. "Don't think I have, but you seem awfully interested in him, don't you?"

Uraraka groans, while Momo shakes her head. "I don't think I've seen him before, sorry."

Uraraka felt a small sense of worry that no one seemed to know who he was, but her excitement sparked when Kirishima suddenly spoke up, his face lighting up with recognition.

"Oh, the guy who was talking to Bakugo? Oh yeah, I definitely know that guy!" Kirishima grinned widely, clearly remembering something. "That's Izuku Midoriya! He's not a hero, but many people see him as one anyways. He's a detective (quirkless too, by the way), and he's cracked, like, dozens of major cases. Human trafficking rings, drug smuggling networks, corruption scandals, you name it. The guy has saved more lives and earned the hearts of more people than most other pro heroes I know."

The rest of the group went quiet for a moment. Even Todoroki seemed surprised for a moment.

Mina blinked once. "Wait, quirkless? As in, no powers at all? Really?"

Kirishima nodded swiftly. "I know, right? The guy is pretty smart and stubborn from what people say. He's a bit of an analytical guy, but he's humble. Doesn't seem to like the spotlight, though."

Momo spoke next, clearly impressed. "That's actually quite remarkable. To accomplish so much without a quirk in a world that demands one... that's very rare. I'd like to meet him in person someday if I have the chance."

Kirishima smiles. "I know! The guy's hella manly if you ask me!"

Uraraka felt her chest swell with awe, admiration flooding her body. 'He has no quirk, and yet he's done this much? He's awesome!'

A part of her wanted to scream out how amazing that was, how she was already beginning to feel drawn to him, but she kept her cool in the face of her friends' presence.

Kirishima spoke again, a little lower now. "Although... The guy also seems to be kind of a loner and a drifter. He's been turned into a small legend in some parts of town because no one could really track him down. I've only ever seen him talk to Bakugo, and even then, Bakugo says that Midoriya keeps a lot of things to himself. Last I heard, Midoriya moved to the South of Musutafu after a... Uhh..."

Kirishima rubbed the back of his neck once before continuing. "A... rough breakup, I think."

Uraraka's heart skipped again.

A breakup?

That meant there was potential.

It meant he could be open to... well, whatever this growing feeling inside of her was.

She didn't know if she was jumping to conclusions, but she couldn't ignore the flicker of hope rising in her chest.

"Where does he work?" Uraraka asked quickly, trying to sound nonchalant, though her voice betrayed the eagerness building up inside her. "Do you know?"

Kirishima paused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm... I'm not sure about the specifics, but I do know that he has an office in the South of Musutafu, a few blocks from Twinkle Park, I think. People say that he is seen more around that part of town, so I can assume that he lives around that general area too."

Uraraka felt a surge of excitement at the mention of his location.

Her mind raced. 'Alright, I can work with this! I can actually find him! I just need to find where he works or where he lives and then... I can ask him out there and then! Maybe I can get to know him better, just gotta take things slow...'

Her thoughts were tumbling forward, each one more determined than the last. She had no idea where it would lead, but she was determined to find out.

Her heart was set on it now.

But before she could get too carried away, Todoroki spoke up again, his tone firm. He was giving her a sideways glance, and it was clear that he wasn't as keen on her newfound interest in Izuku. "I strictly forbid this. You're already tangled up in a mess with that Himiko Toga girl. You don't need to add more complications to your life, especially with someone like him. He is too mysterious for your own good, but even then I'd argue that he might be too good for you, Uraraka."

Uraraka blinked at him, momentarily taken aback by the force of his words. But then the familiar sense of rebellion flared up in her, that spark that had always pushed her to do what felt right, even if others didn't understand.

She tilted her head, meeting Todoroki's stern gaze with a playful, defiant grin. "Oh come on, Todoroki, you can't tell me who I can or can't date. Besides, I haven't even spoken to him properly yet! I'm just curious. I'll figure something out."

Mina smirked, clearly enjoying the drama unfolding, but Momo gave Todoroki a subtle look of concern. The atmosphere shifted slightly as Todoroki's eyes narrowed in clear disapproval, but Uraraka had already made up her mind.

"Besides..." She added, turning to face the group, her eyes shining with determination. "I'm not going to just sit around and do nothing. I'm going to see him again soon."

With that, she gave them all a cheerful, almost carefree wave before making her way toward the door.

A few days later...

The city of Musutafu was pretty quiet now, the evening hours draped over the streets like a thick blanket.

Izuku Midoriya, after another long and demanding day of work, walked back to his house with a quiet sigh, the familiar rhythm of his footsteps echoing down the dimly lit sidewalk. It had been quite the day at work, and even though he was used to the tiredness it brought upon him, sorting paperwork, dealing with his own thoughts, and dealing with egotistical pro heroes, vicious gangsters and traumatized victims did get a toll on him at the end of the day either way.

As he rounded a corner to head toward his house, something immediately caught him off guard.

Thud.

A sound behind him.

Izuku froze mid-step and turned around in a second, his heart leaping into his throat as he suddenly found himself staring at none other than Uraraka Ochaco.

She was standing right behind him, as if she'd materialized out of nowhere. His surprise showed on his face, his eyes widening in shock. He opened his mouth, ready to speak, but she quickly raised her hands as if trying to calm him.

"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to startle you!" Uraraka quickly blurted, taking an awkward step back, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

She was caught off-guard by her own boldness, following him had seemed like such a good idea at the time, but now, standing so close to him, she was beginning to second-guess herself.

Izuku blinked once before speaking. "You... followed me?"

Uraraka blushes. "I-I guess I did, but I promise it's not as weird as it looks like! I just-uh, wanted to talk to you. Properly this time."

Izuku tilted his head, one eyebrow raised. "Following someone isn't a very normal way to start a proper talk, though."

Uraraka saw him ease up a bit, half smiling at her bold yet unorthodox approach. 'Great, he doesn't look like he hates me yet. Just gotta keep it cool, Ochaco.'

Uraraka laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of her neck. "Y-Yeah, you're totally right on that. I just... I didn't know how else to find you. You kinda disappeared after the party, and Kirishima said you lived around here, and-"

Uraraka stopped herself once she realized that she was beginning to sound really creepy. "Uhh... I swear I'm not a creep. I just thought we could... you know, chat some more?"

Izuku smiles softly before crossing his arms, as Uraraka's awkwardness was starting to ease him up. "Alright? You wanted me, you have me here. What do you wanna talk about?"

"Are you new around here?" She asked, trying to sound casual, but her voice was shaky with nerves.

Izuku blinked, still caught in the surprise of the moment, and quickly took in a deep breath to steady himself. "Uh, no. I've always lived in Musutafu. I just... I'm not the easiest guy to track down. I usually stay inside, or I work on cases at night, mostly down in the underground areas for some of the work I do. I, uh... don't spend much time standing still in public either."

Uraraka gives him her full, undivided attention. "Oh, really?"

He scratched the back of his head, offering a small, slightly embarrassed smile. "I've actually only recently decided to settle down here in the south of Musutafu... Had some... complications with an ex-girlfriend..."

Uraraka felt her stomach churn, a small knot of tension tying itself within her. The mention of an ex-girlfriend sent a flash of unease through her. She had hoped, desperately hoped, that he was available. But despite the brief flicker of doubt, something deep within her refused to back down now.

Her mouth opened, almost of its own volition, and before she could stop herself, the words spilled out.

"I want to date you. We should go out."

Izuku's eyes shot wide open, his body stiffening at the bluntness of the statement.

Then, he giggled awkwardly before answering. "Umm... No, thanks? I'm good."

Uraraka pouts. "Pleeeeeaseeee?"

Izuku giggles again. "Oh, you're serious about it?"

Uraraka nods. "Dead serious. Can we go out someday? Or, welll... Maybe we can take a walk around town to know each other a little more? I mean, I know this town pretty well, so you might have a few advantages going out with me... I think so... Probably."

Izuku raises an eyebrow. "You're... pretty stubborn, aren't you?"

Uraraka pouts again. "But I'm honest too!"

The silence between them stretched out for a moment, awkward and thick with the weight of her words.

She had actually said all of that.

He had expected... well, he had no idea what he expected from her, but not this much.

"So you're really this determined to date me?" Izuku stammered, his brows furrowing in slight confusion. "But... you barely know me. I'm... well, I'm pretty closed off and private. I'm not sure if-"

"I know, I know." Uraraka interrupted quickly, laughing awkwardly. She could feel her face burning with embarrassment, but her determination outweighed her self-consciousness. "I don't really have a good answer for why I want to date you. I just... I just feel like we're supposed to meet. You know? Like, something about this moment just feels right."

Her words were tumbling out faster than she could control them, and she was fully aware of how strange and awkward she sounded.

Uraraka was doing everything she could not to die of embarrassment on the spot.

'Jesus Christ, Ochaco. Why did you say all of that? This is insane. If he wasn't creeped out before he surely is now.'

She rubbed the back of her neck nervously, clearly trying to collect herself.

Izuku, sensing her discomfort but also seeing the sincerity behind her words, couldn't help but let out a small, soft chuckle. It was a genuine sound, warm and almost... amused.

"I've got to say..." Izuku began, his voice still a little surprised but with a small smile creeping onto his face. "You're a pretty bold person, Uraraka. Not many people would just come up and say something like that to another person's face."

After a beat of silence, his smile widened a bit, and he gave her a soft chuckle. "Alright then. I'll humor you. Let's see where things go. How about we meet tomorrow night at Twinkle Park? We'll just... see where things stand."

Uraraka's heart leaped into her throat, her eyes widening in shock at his response.

'He was... actually considering it? He was agreeing to give it a shot?'

"You're serious?" She blurted, almost incredulous. "You'll actually come?"

"Yup." He replied with a soft laugh. "I think it'll be interesting. Tomorrow night, Twinkle Park. We'll just... talk. See where things go."

Uraraka's face broke into an expression of pure joy, and for a split second, she felt like she might explode from happiness.

She couldn't believe it.

Her crazy plan, the one that felt like it had no chance of working, had actually come to fruition.

She was going on a date with Izuku Midoriya.

"Great! I'll see you there!" Uraraka beamed, her heart thundering in her chest. She turned to leave, but before she could take more than a few steps, she stopped and looked back at him.

"Eight o' clock?"

Izuku gave her a small, genuine smile. "Eight o' clock."

Eight o' clock...

Uraraka stopped at the entrance gates of Twinkle Park when she saw Izuku standing there, looking around the place. "Why are you standing there?"

Izuku turns around, giving her a small, amused smile. "I mean, it's kinda what you do when you're waiting for someone."

Uraraka smiles in return. "Should we get going?"

Izuku extends his arm. "Lead the way, miss Uravity."

And so, their date oficially began.

The park was unusually quiet for a weekend evening, with only the gentle rustle of leaves and the occasional chirp of a cricket breaking the peaceful silence.

Uraraka felt a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling in her chest, though she was trying her best to stay calm. The night felt like a dream, surreal and full of potential, and the man walking beside her had already begun to feel like someone she could trust.

They had spent the first few minutes of the walk getting acquainted, exchanging lighthearted pleasantries, but now the conversation had taken a more natural turn, and Uraraka felt herself relaxing. She had been so eager to ask him about his life, to learn more about him, and now the opportunity was finally here.

"So..." Uraraka began, looking up at Izuku with a curious smile. "How did you end up here in the south of Musutafu? I mean, I know it's quiet and all, but there's gotta be a reason you settled here, right?"

Izuku glanced over at her, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Well... Itsu told me there were rising crime rates around here. This part of the city needed someone to help out with investigations, and I thought it could use a detective like me. I've been moving around for a while now, but this place... I don't know, it just felt like the right place to settle down. Plus, I could get some distance from the things that were... weighing me down."

Uraraka raises an eyebrow. "Who's Itsu?"

Izuku turns away from her for a moment, an empty smile on his face. "She's... a friend."

Uraraka nodded, her eyes softening as she thought about what he had said. It was clear that Izuku had been through a lot to get to this point. His quiet strength was obvious. He had chosen to face these challenges head-on. She felt a sense of respect for him, but also a growing curiosity about the details of his life.

"So, you're kind of like a... lone wolf detective?" Uraraka asked, her voice teasing a bit as she raised an eyebrow. "I mean, you're not working with any agency or anything?"

Izuku chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Yeah, I guess you could say that. I prefer working alone most of the time. I've found that it helps me focus better. Less distractions."

Uraraka smiled at his response, but then she caught a thought in her mind.

She had been wondering for a while now.

What did Izuku do in his free time? What was his day-to-day like when he wasn't investigating? He seemed so driven and focused, but there had to be more to him than just that, right?

She decided to ask. "So, when you're not working on cases, what do you do for fun? Got any hobbies?"

Izuku paused, clearly thinking about it for a moment. His hand rested on his chin as he pondered. "Well, I like reading. Fiction and nonfiction stuff, you know, books about history, psychology, or crime-solving techniques. I'm also a pretty big All Might fanboy. I guess that's kind of nerdy, isn't it?" He added with a slight laugh, looking sheepish.

"Nerdy?" Uraraka teased, nudging him lightly with her elbow. "I think that's kind of cool and adorable, actually. I mean, who wouldn't want a detective that reads about psychology? Probably makes you better at understanding people. Plus, I used to be a pretty big nerd myself back when I was in U.A."

Izuku laughed at her teasing, his eyes lighting up with amusement. "Yeah, I guess so. Though sometimes I think I could use a little more fun in my life. Anyways, enough about me. What about you? What do you do when you're not fighting villains or doing hero work?"

Uraraka's heart skipped at the question. "Well... I do my best at work. I mean, I try to be good at what I do, but socially... I'm a mess."

Izuku raises an eyebrow. "Oh, really?"

She let out a small laugh, shaking her head as she spoke. "I always end up in these ridiculous situations that my friends find hilarious. There's a lot of ridiculous things that happened to me that it would take me forever to get through them all. Maybe I'll tell you about it in the next chapter of the story. The point is, my friends just LOVE to tease me about it. Especially Mina. She thinks it's hilarious to make me the butt of the joke."

Izuku smiled warmly at her, though there was an understanding in his gaze. "Sounds like you've got a lot of heart, Uraraka. Sometimes those things happen, and you just have to roll with it, right?"

Uraraka sighed, running a hand through her hair, embarrassed by how much she had let slip. "Yeah, I guess so. Honestly, I think I'm a mess in social situations. I get nervous and say all the wrong things, or I end up doing something embarrassing." She chuckled awkwardly. "But... it's just who I am, I guess."

Izuku nodded thoughtfully, his gaze lingering on her for a moment, as if considering her words. "Well, I kinda understand where you're coming from. I've always been a bit of a loner, so you could say I'm also a bit awkward in social situations. Though, I don't really wanna talk about my past right now..."

Uraraka nods. "Yeah... Maybe until chapter 3 or 4..."

Izuku spoke quietly, with a sincerity that made Uraraka's heart flutter. "Still, you don't try to pretend to be something you're not, and that's... that's rare. That's something I really appreciate."

Uraraka was about to respond when Izuku caught her off guard again. "So, you live with Mina Ashido, right?"

Uraraka blinked in surprise. "Huh? How did you-"

Izuku laughed softly, his expression mischievous. "It's kind of obvious, actually. I've seen you two interact in public and it tells me everything I need to know. The way you two interact, the little things you say. I could tell you're close. You even call her out when she teases you and she doesn't seem to care, like she's your... I don't know, partner in crime or something."

Izuku paused for a moment before adding, with a slight smirk. "Honestly? I even thought you two were a couple. You know, with how you are with each other. But then you asked me out, so I figured it was just... a peculiar friendship."

Uraraka felt her cheeks flush a deep red at the suggestion. She stared at Izuku, wide-eyed and utterly flustered. "What?! No! We're not-!"

Izuku giggles. "I was just making wild guesses, but it seems I was right! You DO sleep with her, don't you? Hahaha!"

Uraraka immediately covered her face with her hands, embarrassed beyond belief. "W-Well, we used to be broke back then so we decided to live together for a while, but it became a habit! We're not lesbian, I swear! Though, I'm not so sure about Mina, but I-!"

Izuku laughed, clearly enjoying her reaction. "Relax, I'm just teasing you, Uraraka."

Uraraka shot him an incredulous look, but her embarrassment was mixed with a bit of laughter. "You're... so mean, Izuku! You're making me feel stupid!"

Izuku chuckled softly, the sound warm and endearing. "I'm sorry, I couldn't resist. But you're not stupid, Uraraka."

Uraraka looks ahead with a smile. "I'm... generally stupid. Though, I was smart enough to get you to date me, wasn't I?"

Izuku shrugs. "Dang. You got me there."

They shared a moment of silence, the only sound the soft rustle of the trees and the distant sound of traffic. Uraraka's heart was racing, not from the teasing, but from something more, something deeper.

Just as they continued walking, the first drop of rain splashed onto the ground.

And then another

Soon the sky opened up, sending a steady stream of rain pouring down over the park.

Uraraka gasped in surprise, and Izuku quickly moved closer, holding out his hand to shield her.

"Guess we better head indoors before we get completely soaked." He said with a wry smile, clearly not bothered by the rain but more concerned for Uraraka."It's getting late, too. How about you come with me? I'm not far from here. I can't let you walk around in this weather."

Uraraka nodded quickly, feeling a little bashful but thankful for his kindness. "That sounds... great."

Without another word, Izuku gently took her by the arm and guided her through the rain, leading her to his house. The warmth of his touch sent a strange flutter through Uraraka's chest, and for the first time that evening, she felt truly at ease, knowing she was in good company.

Sh was so distracted, in fact, that she didn't even process the walk to his house. Before she knew it, she was already inside his home.

Uraraka shivers slghtly, giggling as she looks at her own clothes. "Well, that certainly could have gone better."

Izuku giggles alongside her, taking off his coat and hanging it on the wall. "Oh, come on. I think Mother Nature is a great excuse to make up for an incomplete date. By the way, you want some tea? I can make some."

Uraraka looks at Izuku with a smile. "Tea? Well... Do you have coffee?"

Izuku raises an eyebrow. "Coffee? Are you sure?"

Uraraka nods. "Yup. I like coffee."

"Alright, then."

Uraraka sat on a single chair and took a good look around Izuku's house for the first time since she had gotten here.

It was cozy, at least. Not too many fancy furniture or flashy decorations, but enough care was put into the decorum to make the place feel like home. Plus, Uraraka suppressed her giggles when she noticed that there was a good amount of All Might merchandise scattered around the place. A few posters on the walls, a few action figures on the couch, a few cardboard cutouts by the wall...

Then, she noticed Izuku placing the pot filled with boiled water on the counter. "Alright, just wait for it to cool down a bit. I'll be right back. Don't want you getting a cold, so I'll bring you something to cover yourself."

Uraraka smiles. "That sounds awesome."

And then, Izuku disappeared on the way up the stairs.

And so, Uraraka waited.

And she waited.

And waited.

And waited.

...

...

...

Alright, she was bored now.

Uraraka took a look around the place and realized that there was nothing around here to entertain herself. Plus, Izuku had been gone for a while, which was slightly worrying.

'Is he... alright?'

Uraraka sighs before getting up and walking up the stairs. After getting to the first floor, she realized that there were two doors, and one was halfway open.

'Maybe he is having trouble finding a blanket?'

Without thinking, Uraraka walks through the door.

And immediately regretted it.

Izuku was facing away from her, his bare back exposed to her in a way that made her immediately cover her eyes and emmit a small 'eep' sound.

Izuku turns around and blushes softly. "Woah! Hey! It's pretty weird to sneak up on someone while they're getting changed!"

Uraraka blushes intensely while continuing to cover her eyes. "AAAH! SORRYSORRYSORRY! I was just cold and you were gone for a while!"

There was a beat of silence in the room, and Uraraka, with her eyes still covered, didn't know what to do at all in this situation.

Then, she feels a warm weight press against her chest and then envelop her back.

She heard Izuku's voice directly in front of her. "Here. Is this better?"

Uraraka melts away in the feeling she was experiencing. "Mmm... Yeah, it is. What is it?"

Uraraka uncovers her eyes and sees Izuku hugging her softly.

His voice, soft as silk, resonated against her left ear. "I... Uhh... I'm cold too..."

Izuku pulled back just enough to look at her in the eye.

Uraraka looked back at him, her previous embarrassment now completely gone, replaced by a burning desire in her chest.

And before she knew it, her lips here on his.

Uraraka indulged in the sweet sensations that were engulfing her. And yet, her mind was on fire.

'LET'S FUCKING GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-!'

The next morning...

Uraraka blinked groggily, her mind still foggy from the previous night's events.

She slowly sat up, the feeling of the soft blankets against her skin making her feel warm and comfortable.

'Ahhh... I don't think I've ever slept so comfortably... Wait, what's that smell?'

The room smelled faintly of fresh rain and the scent of Izuku's cologne, a comforting blend of familiarity and something just a little more intimate than she was used to.

Then, as she glanced down, she realized she was only wearing one of Izuku's shorts.

Completely unexpected, but not exactly unpleasant.

'Wait... did I... Did we-?' She froze as a sudden, mortifying thought crossed her mind.

Before she could even gather her bearings, Izuku's voice broke through the quiet morning, followed by the sound of rustling fabric as he began getting dressed.

"Good morning, Uraraka!" Izuku's voice was warm, still thick with sleep but carrying a hint of playfulness. He didn't seem at all fazed by the sight of her sitting up in his bed wearing his clothes. He actually sounded a little cheerful, as though it was the most natural thing in the world.

Uraraka blinked, her face turning a deep shade of crimson as she scrambled to cover herself with the blanket. "GAH! Izuku?!"

She had absolutely no memory of what had happened last night, but the evidence of their closeness was there. His shorts, his bed, the way she woke up feeling refreshed...

She opened her mouth to speak, but her voice came out more flustered than she'd intended. "I-Izuku, did we... you know... do it last night?"

Izuku, now halfway dressed in his usual suit, let out a surprised laugh, which only served to make Uraraka blush even harder. "Nope. Nothing like that. We did kiss, though, and, well... we were definitely in the mood, but I changed my mind at the last second about the whole sex thing."

Uraraka pouts. "What? You changed your mind? Why?"

Izuku shrugs. "You were being cute and all, but also a dork. You are a dork, you know that, right?"

Uraraka pouted harder, the teasing getting under her skin despite herself. Her heart still thudded from his teasing words, and her cheeks were practically glowing with embarrassment. "Hey! I'm not that much of a dork!"

Izuku laughed again, shaking his head with amusement. "You're cute, though. But yeah, you started whining and complaining about how you were expecting it all night, and before I knew it, you'd fallen asleep. I figured I'd just let you rest."

Uraraka rolled her eyes, but she couldn't suppress the small, flattered smile that tugged at her lips. "Well, still, thanks for letting me stay here. I think you're awesome, and I can't believe I'm here in your bed." Her eyes narrowed playfully as she thought of a way to turn the tables on him. "But hey, maybe you'd change your mind if you saw me take down a villain in action, huh?"

Izuku raised an eyebrow, looking intrigued despite the teasing tone in her voice. "Oh? You think so? I'd definitely like to see that, Uraraka. I bet you've got some impressive moves."

Uraraka beamed, her confidence returning in full force. "You bet I do! I can handle myself in a fight, no problem!"

Izuku smiled softly at her enthusiasm, his eyes genuinely impressed. "I'll take your word for it. You're one of the most excitable people I know."

Uraraka's smile softened at his words, and she felt something warm bloom in her chest. "Well, you're welcome to come see it in action sometime. The agency I work for is around the center of Musutafu, and you're always welcome to come help out whenever you want. You'd be a great asset."

She finished her sentence with a playful wink, hoping he wouldn't brush it off too quickly.

Izuku blinked at her, surprised by the invitation but clearly flattered. "You sure about that? I mean, it's one thing to offer help with cases, but... to actually work alongside you? Sounds like a pretty big leap."

"Well, if you're that good at what you do, you're more than welcome to come join in." Uraraka replied with a light laugh. Her heart was pounding a little faster now, and she hoped her nonchalant tone hid how nervous she felt offering him that kind of invitation. "We could use someone as skilled as you."

Izuku thought for a moment, his expression thoughtful.

Then, he gave her a warm smile that made her heart skip a beat. "Alright then. I'll take you up on that. How about four o'clock today? I'll be there."

Uraraka's face lit up, her excitement building again. "I'll see you then!" She said, almost too eagerly.

She had to fight the urge to let her excitement show, but she was genuinely thrilled at the prospect of working alongside him. Maybe, just maybe, this could turn into something more than just a single failed one-night-stand date.

Izuku nodded, turning back to finish buttoning up his shirt as he grabbed his jacket. "I'll see you later. It's good to have a day off from all the tough cases for once." He said, adjusting his tie. "And I'll admit, I'm curious to see how you work."

As he turned to leave, Uraraka was left sitting in his bed, still blushing slightly and smiling to herself, trying to contain her excitement. She looked around the room for a moment, her mind suddenly racing.

'Okay, I've got to figure out how to get out of here without looking like I've just rolled out of his bed.'

She looked down at the shorts she was wearing, and then quickly scanned the room. She didn't see anything else that was even close to fitting her.

'Umm... What am I going to do? I can't just walk out like this. He didn't even leave me anything else to wear!'

She sighed, feeling both embarrassed and a little helpless.

But just as she was about to try to figure something out, her phone buzzed on the nightstand.

'Who could that be?' Uraraka thought, reaching for it absentmindedly. She glanced down at the message preview on her screen.

It was from Kinoko Komori.

Her brow furrowed slightly as she read the message. "Ochaco Uraraka, you have... blah blah blah... the consequences of your actions will... Meh, whatever."

She shrugged, shaking her head as if to clear the thought away. She didn't even know the mushroom girl from class 1-B back when they were in high school. Why should she care now?

Uraraka rolled her eyes once before deleting the message.

She wasn't going to let anything distract her from the incredible opportunity ahead of her.

Izuku was coming to the agency today, and that was all that mattered.

With that, Uraraka tucked the phone back in her pocket and stood up, ready to face whatever else the day might throw at her, even if it involved figuring out how to go out with clothes she didn't have and make it to her agency at four o' clock.

Four o' clock I guess...

Well, at least things seemed to be working out.

Uraraka, Momo, Mina, Todoroki, and Izuku stood ready in the middle of a street. The villains they had been tracking down had made their move, and so, the group decided to capture them while they were out in the open. The battle raged around them, flashes of explosions, fire and ice, and the unmistakable smell of Mina's acid filled the air.

Uraraka's heart was pounding as she leapt into the fray, her boots hitting the pavement with a soft thud. She launched herself into the air, using her quirk to send villains floating helplessly into the air as her teammates worked in perfect unison with her. Momo's precision shots from her creations, Mina's smooth moves, Todoroki's ranged attacks, and Izuku's strategic guidance from the sidelines kept the villains on their heels. Together, they were an unstoppable force, a perfect blend of strengths.

And yet, amidst the chaos, there was an undeniable undercurrent of something else.

Every so often, Uraraka would glance over to Izuku, her gaze lingering just a moment longer than necessary.

He met her eyes each time, and though his expression remained focused and tactical, there was something in his gaze that made her chest flutter. Something warm, something that sent a rush of affection through her.

He would give her a brief nod of encouragement, and every time, her heart would race a little faster. She couldn't help herself. Izuku wasn't just a teammate anymore, since now there was something deeper between them, something she couldn't deny.

Todoroki watched Uraraka with an unamused expression. "Unbelievable."

Mina, however, was already thinking of all the ways she'd use this to her advantage in the following days. "Heh, wonder if she'll finally get something stable going with someone for once."

Momo, completely unamused by all the surrounding melodrama, simply kept her gaze on the defeated villains. "Looks like there aren't many of them yet. We just have to make some small scouting efforts around the block and we can call this operation a success."

Uraraka didn't listen to any of this, though. She was mesmerized by the way Izuku looked at her, and he looked just as mesmerized as her.

However, Uraraka's blissful moment was brutally interrupted when a flicker of movement on the horizon caught her eye.

Her stomach dropped.

She blinked, trying to focus on what she was seeing.

It was her.

Toga.

'No, no, no!'

Uraraka's breath caught in her throat as she watched the blonde girl, dressed in her schoolgirl uniform, rapidly approaching from a couple of streets away. Her steps were quick, purposeful, and there was an unmistakable, maddening grin plastered across her face. That manic gleam in her eyes made Uraraka's stomach churn with unease, a dread creeping up her spine.

The air around her seemed to freeze, her heart hammering in her chest.

The last thing she needed was for Toga to see her with Izuku.

'Oh no. If she makes it here, how will I explain this?! How will I explain him?!'

Toga didn't know. She can't know. She would kill her. Or him. Or both of them.

Uraraka's mind raced, panic setting in as she glanced back toward Izuku. Her gaze briefly met his, but she could see the concern in his eyes, a silent question to her as to what was happening.

She couldn't let him know about Toga either.

"Uraraka!" Momo shouted from across the battlefield, her voice cutting through the chaos. "Focus! We're almost done here!"

But Uraraka's attention was fixed on Toga, and the more she watched the girl approach, the more her anxiety grew.

And just when Toga was about to turn her head to look at Izuku, the situation spiraled in an entirely different direction.

A sudden burst of mushrooms erupted around them, blotting out the corners of the streets with thick, dense clouds of spores.

Uraraka's breath caught in her throat as a strange, pungent scent filled the air. She took a step back, her instincts immediately on high alert. The mushrooms grew in large, grotesque clusters, surrounding the street and locking the four heroes and Izuku into a small, confined place.

"Huh?" Todoroki murmured, his voice filled with disbelief. "What the hell is this?"

Before anyone could react, a soft, almost eerie voice cut through the air, laced with venom and malice. "Well, well, well... Ochaco Uraraka, it's me! Our fight has begun, shroom!"

Uraraka's eyes snapped in the direction of the voice, and there, emerging from the thick cloud of mushrooms, was a figure she hadn't expected to see today.

Kinoko Komori. The weird mushroom girl from class 1-B back in their U.A days.

Her appearance was almost casual, as she was wearing her hero outfit, but the malice in her eyes was unmistakable.

Kinoko's lips curled into a menacing grin as she slowly advanced, stepping lightly over the mushroom-laden ground, her posture almost mocking.

"What's the matter?" Kinoko's voice dripped as she stalked toward Uraraka, who was standing in the space created by the mushrooms. "You made a fatal mistake the day you decided to date Izuku Midoriya, shroom."

Uraraka froze, her blood running cold. Kinoko's words struck her like a physical blow, and her chest tightened with dread. "What... what do you mean?"

Kinoko raised an eyebrow. "Oh, you don't know? I'm Izuku Midoriya's first ex girlfriend, shroom." Her grin widened, taking on a darker edge.

Every head turned to Izuku, who simply blushed and turned away with an awkward smile.

Uraraka turned back to Kinoko. "Huh? You're fighting me for him?"

Kinoko growled. "Yes! Didn't you read my message explaining the situation?"

Uraraka looked away sheepishly. "Umm... No...?"

Kinoko scoffed in offense. "You WHAT?! I took a long time to write that message! You'll pay, shroom!"

More mushrooms started to grow around Uraraka, so she jumped to the side before a big one could touch her. "Kinoko, when did you ever date Izuku?"

Kinoko growls again. "I don't wanna talk about that!"

"Come on, is it a cringy anecdote?"

"Your mom is a cringy anecdote, shroom!"

"She's right, Uraraka!"

Everyone turned to look at Izuku, who was now looking at the two women with a resigned expression.

Uraraka raises an eyebrow. "Huh? What do you mean, Izuku? My mom isn't a cringy anecdote!"

"Not that." Slowly, a sad smile appears on Izuku's lips. "It was a long time ago, but I still remember it like it was yesterday. Kinoko was starting her first year at U.A, and I was starting to study to become a detective. We met during one of her first internships and my first practice in the open field, and we started to hang out for a bit. Casual hangouts turned into dates, and... Well, Kinoko became my first ever girlfriend."

Kinoko looks down, as if remembering the story too vividly.

Izuku continues. "We were investigating a group of villain girls who were secluded in a tiny house, and for some reason they wanted to make me their next victim. Kinoko's quirk was very useful in that enclosed space, and combined with my quick analysis skills, we took them out. We were a great team. Nothing could stand against Kinoko's versatile quirk and my strategies."

Izuku looked down, as if ashamed of himself. "Nothing... except for the quick changing moods of a quirkless teenager boy who was very unsure about himself, that is."

Kinoko clenches her fists and grits her teeth, remembering the pain she endured in that era all too well.

Izuku looks up at the two women with a more serious expression. "We didn't even go that far into our relationship. We only kissed once and broke up about one month later. I left because she started to prefer her mushrooms to me, and I assumed she'd be fine without me."

Uraraka raises an eyebrow. "Wait, prefered her mushrooms?"

Kinoko points an accusatory finger at Izuku. "You left me when I was at my most vulnerable! Do you know what that did to me, asshole?!"

Izuku glares at Kinoko. "It's not my fault that you never seemed to care enough to stop talking about your precious spores when I was around!"

Kinoko returns Izuku's glare. "Don't give me that! Do you know what it feels to meet someone you truly connect with, someone you feel you can trust, someone to whom you tell your deepest secrets just for them to disappear as if none of that had ever mattered in the first place?!"

Izuku looks away, not having a response.

Kinoko glares at Izuku. "I've been alone all my life because of my creepy quirk, and you knew that! You were the only guy who wasn't afraid of me, and you actually stayed and listened to me! I told you all I was going through in that time, how I usually prefered mushrooms to people because they don't judge you if you're different, and you actually made me feel seen and understood, like I would never have to feel alone again! Do you understand how much it hurts when that special person simply disappears as if nothing had ever happened?!"

Izuku lets out a small sigh, not looking at Kinoko.

Kinoko wipes the single tear that was starting to form in her eye before continuing to glare at him in condemnation. "You'll pay for this, Izuku Midoriya. Right after I've finished beating her ass, shroom!"

Uraraka turns her head and barely manages to dodge a punch that was aimed for her cheek.

Then, Uraraka spins around and touches Kinoko by the arm, triggering her quirk and making Kinoko float. "Gotcha!"

Todoroki, who had been watching this entire affair with complete indifference, sighs. "Komori is done for. Doesn't she know that Uraraka is our best hand-to-hand fighter?"

Momo nods. "And even moreso in the air. Look, she's activating her quirk on herself! She is going to do her midair combo!"

Uraraka locks in, and delivers a swift punch to Kinoko's side!

Followed by a kick to her stomach!

Followed by an elbow to her ribs!

Followed by an uppercut aimed at her chin!

"GRAVITY PLUS! HIYAAH!"

Kinoko grunts as Uraraka's blows keep coming. "GAH! No! This is impossible! How can this be?!"

Uraraka reels her arm back, ready to deliver the finishing blow. "Open your eyes, maybe you'll see!"

"HOME-RUN PUNCH!"

With a roar, Uraraka delivers one final blow to Kinoko's chest, sending her flying into the horizon.

"I'LL GET YOU ALL BACK FOR THIS! YOU'LL ALL PAYYYYY!"

The last thing Uraraka saw was Kinoko's eyes before she disappeared over the horizon, the distant sound of her voice carrying on the wind.

Uraraka lets out a breath of relief as she deactivates her quirk, landing on the ground softly.

As the mushrooms around them begin to disappear, Izuku approaches Uraraka. "Hey... Wasn't that a bit overkill? Will she be fine?"

Uraraka smiles at him. "Sure she will! I sent her flying in the direction of a cushion factory! She'll be fine."

Before Uraraka could properly gather her thoughts in the aftermath of the battle, Izuku's hand, warm and strong, suddenly grasped hers, pulling her sharply to the side. "Alright, sounds good. Let's get out of here now."

Her heart skipped a beat, but this time, it wasn't from the battle. It was from the firm, reassuring touch of Izuku's hand in hers. Uraraka didn't hesitate. She allowed herself to be pulled along by him, her legs still weak from the exertion, but she didn't care at the moment.

Later...

The bus ride back home was quiet, almost serene compared to the chaos they had just left behind. The hum of the engine and the sounds of the city's nightlife outside the windows created a soothing backdrop to calm their minds down, but it did little to quell the whirlwind of emotions inside Uraraka's chest.

As the bus bounced gently along the uneven roads, Uraraka glanced at Izuku, who sat next to her. He had been pretty quiet since the fight, his eyes were distant as they stared out the window, and his posture was slightly tense.

She could sense there was something bothering him, but she didn't know how to bring it up without making him withdraw further.

"Hey, Izuku..." She said softly, nudging him with her shoulder. He glanced over at her, offering a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.

Uraraka continued. "Do you... You know... Still want to date me?"

Izuku hesitated for a moment, the lines on his face deepening with unspoken thoughts, but he sighed and gave her a more sincere look. "I... Well... Yeah, I do."

Izuku rubs the back of his neck before speaking again. "Sorry about that whole thing..."

Uraraka furrowed her brow. "You don't have to apologize, Izuku. I'm fine. I've had my fair share of close calls before."

She grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "Besides, you didn't see me at my best. You should've seen me take down that last guy at the base. Boom, just like that!"

Izuku laughed softly, the sound bringing a sense of relief to Uraraka.

Then, Uraraka pressed a little further. "So... Can I get a kiss as a reward?"

Izuku smiles at her. "Sure."

And then, they pressed their lips together once more, a small sense of relief coursing through them after the event that just took place.

When they pulled back, they felt a little bit more comfortable, which was a relief to Uraraka.

Izuku still looked a little distracted, though, his eyes flickering to the window once more. She could tell there was something weighing on him.

"So..." Uraraka began. "I never knew Kinoko dated you. Why, I don't think anyone knew she had a boyfriend back when we were at U.A..."

Then, as if sensing her curiosity, Izuku turned toward her, his expression shifting. He gave her an almost apologetic smile, his lips quirking up slightly. "Uraraka... there's something I think you should know."

She tilted her head, confused but intrigued. "What is it?"

Izuku cleared his throat, then with a sigh, he leaned in slightly closer. "If you want to keep dating me, you'll have to fight my other... six... ex girlfriends."

Uraraka blinked, caught off guard by the sudden declaration. "Six ex girlfriends?"

Izuku looked away sheepishly. "Seven, minus Kinoko makes six, yeah."

Uraraka raises an eyebrow. "You dated seven girls?"

Izuku puts his hands in front of him defensively. "Not all at once!"

Uraraka stared at him, processing his words slowly. "So... I have to fight..."

"Defeat."

"Defeat your other exes if I wanna keep dating you?"

Izuku shrugs. "Guess so."

Uraraka looks ahead of herself in thought. "Man, that sounds like the plot of a weird comic... And... Would they come one by one?"

Izuku shrugs again. "Not all at once. I don't know if one by one, though."

Uraraka looks ahead of herself again, thinking about her predicament for a moment before letting a smile spread across her face.

Well, she DID go through a lot just to find him. She wasn't going to back down from this. Not now, not when she was finally starting to feel something real with him. She wanted to fight for him, for them to be together.

"Then I guess I'll just have to take them on." Uraraka said, her voice steady with resolve. Her hand reached out to gently touch his arm, a spark of something stronger than uncertainty lighting up her eyes. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep dating you, Izuku. I feel stronger when I'm with you. And if that means taking on a few bitter girls, then bring it on. I've got this."

Izuku's eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, he just stared at her, a mix of surprise and admiration flickering in his expression. Then, he smiled softly towards her.

Without another thought, she leaned in, pressing her lips to his. The kiss was soft, almost tentative at first, but as it deepened, there was an undeniable intensity between them, as though everything else, the danger, the uncertainty, the looming shadows of his past relationships, melted away in that moment.

When they pulled away, breathless but with a newfound sense of determination in their eyes, Izuku blushed and smiled genuinely at her. "Great. Sounds like a plan."

However, Uraraka didn't hesitate to ask. "So, are there more girls from Class B I'll have to fight?"

She was half-joking, but the excitement in her voice was real. The challenge had ignited something in her, and she wasn't about to back down.

Izuku's expression faltered, his brow furrowing. "Well, yeah, there are a few more..."

"And that girl you mentioned... Itsu..."

Izuku tensed up.

"Is she...?"

Uraraka turned her head and saw that Izuku's eyes were cold and sharp, as if that name was cursed for some reason.

"Uhh... Is she one of them?"

Izuku turned away, but even Uraraka could see his expression from where she was sitting.

"Izuku?" She asked, her voice soft but probing. "Are you alright?"

He didn't respond right away.

The bus hummed along, the streetlights flickering past the window, casting fleeting shadows across his face.

Finally, Izuku exhaled, his voice low and cold as he muttered. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Uraraka's heart sank. She didn't want to push him, but the way he was acting unsettled her.

"Do you... still want to date me?"

"YES." He repeated, his tone firmer this time, almost final.

Uraraka stopped speaking altogether, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the tension radiating off him, and despite her curiosity, she knew that now wasn't the time to push him.

She swallowed, looking outside the window as the city blurred past. 'Just what am I getting myself into?'

TO BE CONTINUED...

Chapter Text

And so, here's where things start to get really weird! Be prepared for a wild ride!

Ochaco Uraraka VS the World!

Some years ago at a hero school relatively far away...

The dull hum of fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as Kaminari sat in the hallway, anxiously tapping his fingers on the armrest of the wooden bench. He leaned back and looked to the side, staring at the door to principal Nezu's office, waiting for what felt like an eternity.

Truth be told, he had no idea what his punishment would be for his latest prank, but he knew it wouldn't be pretty. The mischievous grin he had worn earlier that day was long gone, replaced by a nervous fidgeting of his fingers.

His leg bounced involuntarily, too much energy in his body with nowhere to release it. The punishment would come soon enough, and he didn't know whether to brace for it or just lean into the inevitable.

That's when he heard some footsteps.

They stopped right next to him, and he turned his head to see a girl, about his age, sitting down beside him with a soft exhale.

Her uniform was a little more wrinkled than usual, and her expression looked slightly downcast. She tucked a lock of brown hair behind her ear as she gave him a quick glance, but her eyes were trained on the floor.

Kaminari took a second to really look at her. Bruises dotted her cheeks, and her uniform looked like it had gone through a lot. There was a slight swelling under one of her eyes, her other eye was starting to go black, and she winced a little as she shifted in her seat.

"Uh, hey... you okay?" Kaminari asked, tilting his head slightly. "You look kinda... beat up. Is that why you're here?"

The girl blinked at him, a little surprised by the casualness of his question.

Then, after a beat, she offered a small, sheepish smile. "Oh, yeah. I'm fine. Nothing too serious. Just... a little scraped up, you know?"

Kaminari raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "A little? You look like you went ten rounds with a kangaroo."

The girl hesitated for a moment, as if deciding how much to say. Her hands fidgeted in her lap, and she glanced at the door to principal Nezu's office, clearly not eager to talk about her troubles.

But then, she sighed, and something in her expression softened. "I, uh... I got into a fight. With some villains. I wasn't supposed to, but they were causing trouble near the school, and I thought I could handle it, but there were a lot for me to really handle and a pro had to step in to help me clutch the situation. I just couldn't help myself, you know? I had a gut feeling I had to do something! Plus, the fight was awesome either way so I'd say it was worth it."

Kaminari leaned back, a small laugh escaping his lips, but there was no malice in it. "A fight this early on in the hero course? Damn, that's... that's pretty hardcore for your first day at U.A, huh?"

The girl laughed, a dry sound that carried with it a hint of embarrassment. "Yeah, it wasn't exactly what I had in mind. Plus, I, um... didn't really win. I would have lost if it wasn't for that pro coming in clutch."

Kaminari snorted at the admission, but his smile was genuine. "Well, hey, you tried, right? Not everyone can take on entire villain groups by themselves. You at least gave them a run for their money?"

Her cheeks turned slightly pink, and she rubbed the back of her neck again. "I guess so. But it didn't feel like much of a personal victory. It was more like... I just got lucky."

Kaminari's grin softened, and for a moment, the tension in the hallway seemed to dissipate. He could tell she was embarrassed, but her honesty was refreshing, at least.

"You're still a hero in my book." Kaminari said, chuckling. "Not everyone has the guts to face villains on their own. That's... that's some real bravery and hero instincts right there."

The girl blinked at him, a little surprised by his kindness. "Well, thanks... I appreciate that."

"Of course! Name's Kaminari, by the way." He said, offering a hand. "Denki Kaminari. And you are?"

Her eyes flickered for a moment, and then she smiled, more genuinely this time. "Uraraka. Ochaco Uraraka."

"Ochaco, huh? Nice name." Kaminari said with a grin. "So, is this like... your first time getting into a situation like this?"

Uraraka hesitated, her fingers tightening in her lap as she glanced down. There was a flash of something in her eyes, frustration, maybe, or maybe just a deep, lingering sense of confusion. "Honestly... Well... Sort of. I don't really mean to get into these situations, but somehow, I always seem to find myself in them. I don't know why it happens. I'm not trying to be a showoff or anything, but things just... happen, I guess?"

Kaminari could hear the frustration in her voice, and it made him feel a little sorry for her. He didn't have the answers, but he had an instinct to lighten the mood.

He leaned back again, giving her a lopsided grin. "Well, hey, you've got an easy solution to all this drama. You just gotta stick with me! I'm a pro at getting out of trouble, you know? Plus, if you're getting into trouble on your first day you must be totally great. We should be friends!"

Uraraka gave him a look, but it wasn't an annoyed one, just one that said she didn't entirely buy his "professional" claims.

Still, she couldn't help but laugh a little. It felt... nice.

"I'm not sure getting into trouble with you is the best idea." She said, her lips quirking up. "But... thanks. I guess you're not so bad yourself."

Kaminari grinned wider. "Hey, I'm just trying to make sure you're not flying solo in this chaotic world of ours. If we're gonna survive the wild, wild world of U.A. together, we might as well be friends, right?"

Uraraka's face softened at the offer, and she nodded, her eyes a little brighter than before. "Yeah... friends. I like that."

"Friends it is, then." Kaminari said, offering her a playful salute. "You've got a deal, Uraraka. We'll stick together. If you're gonna get in trouble, at least I'll be there to get in it with you."

Uraraka let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "I think I'm starting to regret this already."

"Oh, you'll thank me later." Kaminari said with mock seriousness. "When you've got an awesome friend by your side like me, we'll get through anything, trust me."

Some time later...

Uraraka and Kaminari reached the door just as Aizawa was about to start the lesson.

The teacher barely lifted his eyes from the papers he was grading, his expression as unamused as ever.

"Are you two really late in the first day?" Aizawa mumbled, his voice almost a growl. He waved a hand lazily. "Whatever. Don't make a habit of it. Kaminari, go sit beside the girl with the earphone jack quirk. Uraraka, go sit next to the boy with red and white hair. Catch up."

Without a second glance, he turned back to the lesson, seemingly uninterested in their arrival. Kaminari gave Uraraka a playful wink before heading toward the back of the classroom. Uraraka felt her cheeks heat up a bit, since she wasn't exactly used to walking in late like this. She quickly scanned the room for her seat.

Her eyes landed on said half-and-half boy, who was sitting by himself near the middle of the room, his cool and stoic demeanor making him seem almost unreachable. She bit her lip for a moment, then decided to take her seat beside him.

She pulled the chair out and sat down with a soft huff of relief.

The boy didn't even acknowledge her arrival. His gaze was focused intently on the front of the classroom, where Aizawa was still going through the day's lesson on the importance of teamwork and communication.

"Hi!" She said brightly, trying to break the silence.

The boy didn't turn to look at her. "Hello."

"Uhh... My name is Ochaco Uraraka! It's a pleasure to meet you!"

"Shoto Todoroki."

Uraraka pressed on, a little unsure how to approach the topic. "So... Uhh... What are we doing today?"

Todoroki's head turned slightly to look at her, his gaze as cool and indifferent as ever as he studied her expression, which was muddied by the injuries caused by her skirmish from earlier that day.

"We're supposed to draw a logo for an agency." He said flatly, his voice dry and emotionless. "If we were to start one, that is. Supposedly as a communication or cooperation excercise or something like that."

Uraraka nodded, following his words with her usual cheerfulness. "Oh, cool! That sounds fun!"

Todoroki barely looked at her as he continued. "We're supposed to do this in pairs. I chose to work alone. The fact that you're here won't make much difference because I guess you'll slack off and I'll end up doing all the work anyway. I'm used to it by now."

His tone was blunt, a little dismissive even, but it didn't seem to faze Uraraka in the least.

She tilted her head, not bothered by his words in the slightest. "Oh, come on! I'm really good at drawing! I'll show you!"

Todoroki didn't seem impressed by her declaration. He just stared blankly ahead, offering no further comment.

Finding a blank sheet of paper on her backpack, Uraraka grabbed a pencil with confidence. Her hand moved quickly, sketching out something that was at once ridiculous and surprisingly charming.

She finished her quick doodle, which was basically a cartoonish agency logo featuring an overly happy face surrounded by sparkles and a bright, neon-colored circle, almost as if it was advertising a magical theme park rather than an actual agency.

Uraraka smiled, pleased with her work, and slid it toward the boy. "Ta-da! What do you think?"

Todoroki's eyes flickered to the drawing, and his lips quirked into the faintest of frowns.

He looked back up at Uraraka with a dry, unimpressed look, not even bothering to sugarcoat what came next. "That's the worst agency logo I've ever seen."

Uraraka stared at him for a moment, her face remaining as unphased as before. "What? No, it's not! It's an awesome logo!"

"It reeks."

"It's great!"

"It looks like an ad for Disneyland."

"Nah, I think it's awesome." She insisted, crossing her arms over her chest. "It's got personality! What else do you need?"

Todoroki didn't respond at first. Instead, he simply shook his head, unable to hold back a quiet chuckle, which was more of an amused exhale than a full-on laugh.

It was subtle, but it was there, and she definitely noticed it.

'Oh no.' Thought Todoroki as he noticed the way Uraraka was looking at him.

Uraraka grinned, feeling a surge of pride.

"You laughed!" She said with a wink. "I knew I could get you to laugh! Bet you didn't expect that, huh?"

Todoroki looked at her, and for a split second, there was something almost resembling a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. He quickly masked it with his usual cool demeanor, but it was clear that her statement had managed to get under his skin, just a little.

"I didn't laugh." He said stiffly, though there was a glint of amusement in his eyes. "I just... exhaled."

Uraraka laughed in response, not giving up on her proud moment. "I still count it! You smiled too, just a little!"

"Whatever." Todoroki muttered, turning back to his own paper, clearly uninterested in continuing the topic further. But despite his apparent disinterest, Uraraka noticed that his attention had shifted, his gaze was lingering on the paper now, though he wasn't exactly working on it.

She took a deep breath, her mind wandering off in a different direction for a moment. She couldn't help but think about how strange this whole situation was. There was something about him that intrigued her, and she wanted to find out what that was.

She wondered, for a moment, what it would be like to just... hang around him more.

Uraraka quickly shook off the thoughts, refocusing her attention back on Todoroki. "You know... if you ever want help with another drawing... I am really good at human anatomy."

Todoroki didn't even look at her, his gaze locked forward as he started sketching on his own paper. "I somehow doubt that."

Uraraka couldn't help but smile at his dry response.

A couple of days later...

This was peaceful. The sun was beginning to dip beneath the horizon, painting the sky in a beautiful array of oranges, pinks, and purples. Uraraka had decided to spend the afternoon with the only person who she seemed to get along with just fine for now. Kaminari.

The two were sitting side by side on a bench, watching the sky slowly darken as the stars began to make their appearance.

Kaminari had been cracking jokes about his latest failed attempt at an experiment to charge his phone quicker, and Uraraka, for once, didn't mind the noise. She was lost in her thoughts, her gaze drifting from the horizon to the ground, trying to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions she'd been feeling lately.

Her mind kept wandering back to Todoroki. For some reason, he had been on her mind more and more recently, but she couldn't quite figure out why.

After a long, comfortable silence between the two of them, Uraraka suddenly blurted out. "I think I like Todoroki."

Kaminari froze mid-laugh, his eyes widening in surprise. "Wait, what? Todoroki? The guy with the half-and-half hair? Dude, you barely know him!"

Uraraka blinked, her cheeks immediately flushing with embarrassment. Her mind scrambled to correct what she had just said.

"I-wait, no, that came out wrong! I mean… I'd like him to join our agency!" She quickly stammered, her hands nervously brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

Kaminari blinked, looking completely confused. "Huh?"

Uraraka nods. "Y-Yeah! Weren't you saying something about starting an agency in the future or something?"

Kaminari looks up in thought for a moment. "Oh yeah... I guess I did say that."

Uraraka keeps nodding furiously, trying to divert the attention away from herself. "Y-Yeah! Can you remind me why you thought about that?"

Kaminari cocks an eyebrow. "Well... You know how you're not a goth and I'm not much of a jock?"

Uraraka puts her hands on her hips, slightly offended. "Hey, I could be a cool goth girl if I wanted to!"

Kaminari rolls his eyes. "Whatever. If we start an agency we could become really famous by solving many difficult cases together, just like the Pussycats! We'd become instantly famous and successful! Problem is, it's just the two of us for now. You sure you wanna ask him to join our agency?"

Uraraka sighs. "I guess so. I don't know. I'm still a little iffy about everything I say. Now you probably think I'm weird because of what I said."

Kaminari gave her a wide grin, clearly trying not to laugh. "You really made no sense back there, but hey, it's okay! I get it. You're just... thinking out loud. So, when are you planning to propose the idea to him?"

Uraraka's eyes widened as she suddenly realized she had said something that sounded a little more serious than it was intended. "Wait! I wasn't saying I was gonna... propose anything! I'm just... I don't know!"

Kaminari raises an eyebrow. "Sooo... You're serious or not?"

Uraraka huffs in frustration, her shoulders slumping. "Ugh... Fine, I guess I'm a little serious. But... I guess if I ever do ask him about it, I'll do it tomorrow."

Kaminari shrugged with a playful smile. "Well, hey, good luck with that. Let me know how it goes. Tomorrow can't come soon enough."

Tomorrow came soon enough...

The next day, Uraraka arrived at U.A. in a bit of a rush. She had overslept, her alarm clock barely managing to wake her up in time, and there might have been a bit of coffee spiled on her skirt as a result that she hoped no one would notice.

But when she rounded the corner toward the main building, she froze.

Her eyes widened in shock as she saw the scene before her: several students were lying on the ground, some groaning and others completely unconscious. The area was littered with debris, and the place looked like a battleground. Her heart raced as she quickly scanned the faces of the fallen students. None of them looked like they were seriously injured, but it was still an unsettling sight.

Kaminari appeared out of nowhere, running toward her with an urgent look on his face. "Uraraka! Where the hell were you, dude?!"

Uraraka blinked, still trying to process what was happening around her. "I... I overslept. I couldn't make it in time..."

"Well, I guess that's good for you, isn't it?!"

She glanced nervously at the students on the ground, her stomach sinking. "What... what happened here?"

Kaminari's expression darkened. "Some students from Shiketsu came in and beat everyone up! They just... attacked us, out of nowhere!"

Uraraka made an uncomfortable expression before letting out a sigh or relief. "Oh, wow... What a day to oversleep, huh?"

Kaminari rolled his yes, though his expression was tense. "Uraraka, this is serious! They... they took Todoroki!"

Uraraka's breath caught in her throat. Her heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, everything around her went still.

"What?! NO! OUR AGENCY!"

Uraraka's heart pounded in her chest as she sprinted through the chaos of the rival school, dodging students lying on the ground in various states of injury.

Her mind was laser-focused on one thing only: Todoroki.

She moved swiftly, every ounce of her being consumed with the urgency of her mission. Her feet barely touched the ground as she vaulted over debris and knocked some students out of her way.

Uraraka gave another Shiketsu student a blow to the groin as she shouted to the walls surrounding her. "CAMIE UTSUSHIMI! I'M HERE! STOP HIDING LIKE A BITCH AND COME OUT TO FIGHT ME LIKE A WOMAN!"

As she skidded around a corner, she spotted one of the students from the rival school, his face bloodied and bruised, lying against the wall, groaning in pain. She stopped in front of him, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves.

"Where is she? Where's Camie Utsushimi?" She demanded, her voice sharp, making it clear she wasn't here to play games.

The student looked up at her, eyes blurry with exhaustion. "Up... up on the rooftop..."

Without another word, Uraraka gave him a swift blow to knock him out, not even pausing to feel guilty about it. There was no time for that.

Finally, she reached the rooftop. It wasn't a large area, but it was enough. In the center, she saw Todoroki, chains wrapped tightly around his wrists, anchoring him to the cold concrete wall. And beside him, standing with an air of mockery and amusement, was the girl behind the attack: Camie Utsushimi.

Uraraka growls. "Todoroki! Let him go, Utsushimi. I've beaten your low-level lackies. You're done for!"

Camie's smile was wide and cruel, eyes sparkling with a sick sense of satisfaction. "Well, well, well, if it isn't the little U.A. girl! I must say, you took your time, but I'm impressed you found your way here. Total dub from your part."

Todoroki, on the other hand, didn't seem particularly worried. He was staring at the ground, looking completely unphased by the entire situation. His posture was relaxed, his usual icy demeanor in full effect. If anything, he looked... bored. Bored.

"Oh, wow." Todoroki muttered to no one in particular. He glanced over at Uraraka, blinking lazily. "Uraraka, this sucks."

His calmness was almost annoying in the middle of all this madness, but there was no time to dwell on that.

Uraraka's gaze snapped back to Camie, who was still laughing. Her arms crossed, a smug smirk plastered on her face.

"Are you really the best U.A can muster? God, how pathetic! Catch the L!" Camie said, her eyes narrowing as she adjusted her stance, ready to fight.

Uraraka's pulse quickened. "Bet that's what every boy says to your private parts!"

Before Camie could even respond, Uraraka launched herself forward. She swung a punch toward Camie, her fist aimed at her jaw, but Camie sidestepped effortlessly, her body moving with surprising agility.

"What a rush! This is tots so exciting!" Camie taunted, her movements fluid and quick as she dodged every attack Uraraka threw. "You know, I almost feel bad for taking away your sigma boy. Almost."

Uraraka's anger only grew as Camie's stupid trendy words came out of her mouth.

Camie grinned, and without warning, she moved forward, delivering a quick, well-timed kick to Uraraka's stomach!

Uraraka gasped, the air knocked out of her lungs, and she staggered backward. "Agh!"

She tried to catch her breath, but Camie was on her in an instant, twisting Uraraka's arm behind her and slamming her into the ground. "ARGH!"

"Gotcha, beta female! You're too slow!" Camie purred, pulling Uraraka back to her feet with one hand, as though she was a ragdoll. "You're gonna have to do better than that if you wanna beat me, doll."

Uraraka clenched her teeth, fighting through the pain. She couldn't back down now. She refused.

With a surge of strength, she swung her hand at Camie to either float her or flip herself out of Camie's hold. Camie, taken aback by this, let Uraraka go, and upon being freed, Uraraka spun, aiming a powerful kick at Camie's side, catching her off guard.

The blow landed squarely, sending Camie stumbling backward.

"Ouch! So rough for realsies!" Camie said, a hint of admiration in her voice, but her grin never wavered. She was enjoying this fight a little too much for any of this to be true.

The two girls clashed again, exchanging blows and kicks at a rapid pace. Uraraka's punches were quick, but Camie's agility made it difficult to land a clean hit. Camie was fast, but Uraraka had something unmatched.

Sheer stubborness.

Every time Camie tried to get the upper hand, Uraraka refused to back down. She kept pressing forward, finding new angles to attack.

The fight was exhausting. Uraraka's body was sore from the rapid movements, her arms and legs aching, but the thought of Todoroki kept her going.

Finally, with a final push, Uraraka used her quirk to lift herself high into the air, her body now light as a feather. She aimed herself at Camie, who was momentarily distracted by her own taunting, and unleashed the full weight of her body onto Camie, dropping like a meteor. "METEOR KICK!"

The blow landed on Camie, who laid on the ground helplessly for a moment, coughing and looking downward. "Ugh... Agh... Hold on, will ya? I've been totes cringe and I know it..."

Uraraka merely squinted her eyes. "You'll never change."

Then, Uraraka touches Camie and makes her float...

Before sending her flying away with a final punch to her stomach!

Camie screams as she is sent flying away with no way to come down. "AAAAAAAAAAH-!"

Uraraka looks around, and upon seeing that the situation was now safe, she turned toward Todoroki, who was still chained to the wall, looking more like a disinterested bystander than a victim.

Todoroki glanced at her, his gaze softening ever so slightly. "I didn't know who would be rescuing me from that maniac, but I secretly hoped it would be you, Uraraka."

Uraraka stands in front of Todoroki, feeling entirely proud of herself and invincible. "I like you, Todoroki. We should be dating. Also, wanna be in my agency?"

Todoroki's lips curled into a small, genuine smile, one that made Uraraka's heart stop for a second. "Yes, Uraraka. Oh, yes!"

It was all just a bit too good to be true, but it didn't matter.

Before she even realized what she was doing, her lips found his. The kiss was soft, almost hesitant at first, but it quickly deepened, both of them sharing a moment of quiet understanding amidst the chaos that had just unfolded.

And so...

Time had gone by faster than Uraraka could have ever imagined.

It was as if the days themselves were a blur, each one folding into the next with the humdrum rhythm of their evolving lives. The hard work of becoming a professional hero, combined with the chaos of fighting and saving people, had carved a path that was unexpectedly smooth in some ways, and jarringly unpredictable in others.

Her days at U.A. had become a familiar dance. Early morning training, afternoon patrols, evening debriefs with her team, and late-night discussions about their future. The group of friends she had grown close to over time had become her rock.

Kaminari, the first boy she'd spoken to at U.A and her first friend there.

Mina, who had become one of her most dependable friends and closest gossip buddy.

Momo, who had provided stability and calm when she'd needed it.

And, of course, Todoroki, the boy with whom she's started to share everything with.

She saw them all as more than family.

Uraraka's relationship with Todoroki had taken a turn in the most direct, almost inevitable way. The more time they spent together, the more she found herself drawn to him. She never had to explain herself to him. There was no judgment. No pushing her to be something she wasn't. He stood by her, and in turn, she started to gravitate to him.

Their bond deepened in ways she hadn't expected. Whether it was the long hours spent working on cases together, their quiet dinners after patrols, the stolen moments where their hands brushed, or the quiet nights where she'd snuck off to his dorm room to avoid being seen in their late night sessions, it was clear there was something undeniable between them.

At the same time, they kept their professional image intact. Their reputation as up-and-coming heroes was building, and the whole team worked tirelessly to balance both their public and private lives. They were already earning a reputation for themselves as formidable and capable, even though they weren't yet officially graduated.

Uraraka and Todoroki would test their quirks and combat techniques on their free days, always pushing each other to be better, faster, and stronger.

Sometimes, Momo and Mina would join in, and Kaminari would occasionally drop by, but for the most part, it was only Todoroki and Uraraka, working side by side, finding new ways to refine their teamwork.

Kaminari, however, had become more distant as the months went on for some reason. He hadn't voiced any specific reason at first, but it was clear that something had changed. The group still kept in touch with him somewhat, but Kaminari's visits became less frequent. He'd pop in now and then, laughing off his absence and making light of it, but Uraraka could tell that something was eating at him.

And then, he vanished from their radar without leaving any trace.

Uraraka didn't pry too deeply since it wasn't her place, but she missed their easy conversations, his teasing jokes, and his energy. Although, she had to move on.

Now, the day of their graduation had arrived.

It was a strange feeling. Graduation was meant to mark the beginning of something new, but it also felt like an ending. They had all come so far, yet it was just the beginning of the path they had chosen.

The ceremony was a blur of speeches, applause, and proud smiles from their families. Uraraka, standing alongside Todoroki, Momo, Mina, and the others, felt a rush of accomplishment and excitement.

The world was open to them now. But more than anything, she felt a deep sense of comfort with the people she had spent all these years with, especially Todoroki, who stood so close beside her.

As the crowd began to disperse, Todoroki turned to Uraraka, his face soft, his usual cool demeanor replaced with something a little warmer, a little more earnest.

"You did it." He said quietly, his hand brushing against hers. "We did it."

Uraraka smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Yeah, we did. All of us."

There was a brief pause, an unspoken understanding between them.

Todoroki's expression shifted as he looked at her, his hand moving to gently cup her face.

"I've been thinking about this a lot." He said, his voice low and sincere. "I want to start our future together. I'm going to buy a house. A place for us, a place where we can... live together."

"That sounds amazing, Shoto." She said, her tone light, casual. "But... I think I'll live with Mina instead. It's more practical for our jobs, you know? We'll only see each other at work, for the sake of our reputation, and we'll have to keep the displays of affection down to a minimum from now on. It'll be better this way."

Todoroki was stunned into silence for a long moment.

The shock on his face was immediate.

His eyes widened, his brows furrowed, and for the first time in a long time, he looked completely off-balance.

"Wait... What?" His voice was softer than usual, more vulnerable. "You want to... live with Ashido? But... after everything, after us... we..."

"I just think it makes sense, Todoroki, don't you?" Uraraka cut him off, her expression light. "We can focus more on our work this way. We don't need to complicate things right now. We'll both have our own space, and we'll still be together, just... differently. And hey, it's not like we won't see each other anymore, right? We can still hang out at work sometimes!"

Todoroki's lips parted, as though he was about to say something, but he closed them again, his hand falling from her cheek.

His gaze shifted to the ground, as if the reality of her words were just beginning to sink in. "But... Ochaco... You and I..."

Uraraka let out a giggle. "Oh, come on! Don't be like that, Todoroki! Sure, maybe we'll have to halt this whole 'relationship' thing from here onwards to mantain our status and fame, but we can make it work! Somehow. Maybe."

"Please..." He began, his voice soft but filled with a raw, almost desperate edge. "Don't do this, Ochaco. I don't... I don't want to lose you. Not like this. Not ever."

Uraraka shrugged once before beginning to walk away from him. "You'll get used to it, Todoroki. It's just how things are going to be from now on, I guess. It was gonna happen either way so why cry about it? We'll both get used to it. I can guarantee you that."

Without another word, she turned on her heel and walked away, the sound of her footsteps echoing in the quiet space. Her mind was at peace, since this was the best decision for both their careers and Todoroki must have known that. By publicly staying single, the media would cast their eyes on them constantly to be on the lookout for any sort of drama, and so, they would keep a high ranking in the hero charts constantly. Everyone wins!

Plus, Todoroki was a tough and smart guy. He could handle this and more.

He'd understand.

Eventually.

Back to the present...

Uraraka had just woken up from a restless sleep, groggy but still trying to push through her exhaustion.

She tugged at the hem of her shirt, her messy hair tumbling over her face as she stumbled out of her bedroom. The smell of coffee wafted through the apartment, and she blinked a few times to clear her vision. The living room was lit by the soft morning sunlight filtering through the curtains. Mina was lounging on the couch, a large, colorful newspaper spread across her lap, eyes scanning the headlines.

"Morning." Uraraka mumbled, still groggy, her voice thick with sleep. She rubbed her eyes as she shuffled toward the kitchen, making a beeline for the coffee maker.

Mina looked up over the top of the newspaper, giving Uraraka a smile that was simultaneously playful and knowing. "Hey, sleepyhead. You finally decided to join the land of the living?"

"Yeah..." Uraraka sighed, glancing over her shoulder. "I guess I needed that extra hour of sleep."

Mina chuckled, folding the paper up and setting it aside. "You should read this, by the way. Pony Tsunotori's filming part of her new movie at Twinkle Park today. They're gonna have the whole area shut down for a few hours."

Uraraka barely registered the information, her mind still too tangled in the fog of her morning grogginess.

"Oh, cool, I guess." She replied absentmindedly, getting herself a mug of coffee.

Her thoughts were already drifting back to Izuku, how she was finally going to bring him over today, show him the apartment, and let him meet Mina. She couldn't wait for him to see this side of her life, away from the stress of work and hero duties. The thought made her smile a little to herself.

Mina, however, was watching her closely, her eyes sharp beneath the pink hair. "So, how are things going between you and Mr. Detective guy?"

Uraraka froze for a moment, her hand hovering over the coffee pot as she tried to read between the lines. "Figures you'd figure it out. Well, I was planning to invite him over so that you could meet him. He's been great to me, and I think it's time I stopped hiding him."

Mina's lips curled into a teasing smirk as she sat back on the couch, stretching her legs out.

"Oh, I know ALL about it, sweetie." She said nonchalantly, picking up a piece of fruit from the table and taking a bite. "We've actually been talking on the phone a few times lately."

Uraraka's heart skipped a beat, her eyes snapping to Mina's face in sudden confusion. "What?!"

Mina raised an eyebrow and shrugged, her smirk never faltering. "Yup. Ever since your fight with Komori I figured I'd get his phone number to see who he is, and I have to say, I think he's a great guy. He's been telling me all about his detective work and what he thinks about you, babe. You sure got lucky with him."

Uraraka's mind reeled. "Wait... What do you mean, you've been talking to him?"

Mina's gaze hardened slightly, the playful edge disappearing from her expression as she set the fruit down and folded her arms across her chest. "Oh, don't worry, I didn't spill any of your... dirty secrets. But here's the thing, Uraraka, I don't want you to hurt him. So I'm giving you an ultimatum, right here and now."

The words hit Uraraka like a punch in the gut, her heart sinking. "What do you mean? I-Is this another of your famous ultimatums?"

Mina leaned forward, her voice dropping low and firm. "This one might be a little more infamous. We both know you still have to sort your issues with Toga, right?"

Uraraka blinked rapidly, stunned. "I... what? No! Mina, that's-"

Mina raised a hand to stop her, her eyes locked on Uraraka's. "Cut this shit, Uraraka. We both know what's going on. I've seen the way you two are with each other. You're playing with Toga's feelings, you'll hurt her if this keeps up, and you're going to do the same to him if you don't get your act together."

Uraraka's breath hitched in her throat, her stomach twisting into knots. She opened her mouth to defend herself, but Mina wasn't finished.

"Here's the deal." Mina said coolly, her voice taking on a much sharper edge. "You have one chance. By the end of the day, you need to go to Toga and tell her, explicitly, that you can't see her anymore. Whatever it is that you're doing with her, it ends today."

Uraraka looks down sheepishly. "But, but... It's hard!"

Mina continues. "If you don't do that, I will tell him everything. I'll let him know that you've been seeing Toga behind his back, keeping secrets from him, and keeping him in the dark. Got it?"

Uraraka stood frozen, a cold shiver running down her spine. "HUH?! You can't do that! You're lying, aren't you?! You double-crossing bitch!"

"I can do that and more, and you know I will if I have to." Mina interrupted, her voice as firm as a rock. "I'm not going to sit here and let you destroy what could be something good with him."

Uraraka swallowed hard, the weight of Mina's words pressing down on her chest.

The ultimatum felt impossible to navigate. She wasn't ready to be honest with Toga, but at the same time... she didn't want to lose Izuku, either.

Jesus Christ, how had her life gotten so tangled?

She opened her mouth again, but no words came out. She couldn't even respond, the shock and fear choking her voice.

Mina glanced at her watch, tapping her foot lightly against the floor. "Oh, and just so you know, I've already invited Kiri over. So, you're going to need to get out of here for a while. I don't want you here while he's here because I'll need the apartment. For sex, more specifically. We're gonna have lots of sex and you'd just end up screwing it up for us."

Uraraka's face twisted in a mix of frustration and disbelief. "Wait, you what?! But-"

"I don't want to hear it, babe." Mina shot back, a smile curling on her lips as she crossed her arms again. "Now, go. And remember our deal. I'm giving you today, no more. By the time Kirishima leaves, you'd better have fixed this mess."

Uraraka growls. "You're... You're evil!"

Mina shrugs. "That's tough love for ya. Love hurts, and you know I love you lots, Ochaco."

Uraraka just stood there, speechless, as Mina waved her hand dismissively, already turning back to the TV with a small, smug grin on her face. "Don't come back until you've sorted things out, alright? I'll be keeping an eye on you, you know."

Her words stung, but there was no arguing.

Uraraka turned on her heel, anger and fear bubbling up in her chest as she stormed out of the apartment.

"This is so unfair..." She muttered under her breath, slamming the door behind her.

Mina, still lounging comfortably on the couch, called out in a teasing tone. "Don't forget, Uraraka! You've got a tough day ahead of ya, and I'll be waiting for your next course of action, babe!"

Uraraka gritted her teeth, muttering a string of curses under her breath as she headed down the hallway. "You suck, and everyone knows it, the definition of bitch fits you, dumb pinkie..."

A little later...

Uraraka sighs as Toga answers the call. "Hey, are you free right now, Toga? You wanna... like, hang out for a bit?"

"Sure! Are you at the agency?"

Uraraka rolls her eyes. "No, I'm at a public phone booth in front of a manga store."

"A manga store... And what are you wearing?"

Uraraka raises an eyebrow. "Huh? What kind of question is that? Souldn't I be the one asking you that?"

"Just a thought. Say, are you wearing jeans, a jacket, a shirt, and a dorky pin of the fabled hero thirteen?"

Uraraka's eyes widen in shock and slight offense. "Huh?! It's not dorky, she's a great hero! And how did you do that? You're scaring me! Are you also a psychic or something?"

"No, I'm right here, silly!"

Uraraka turns her head to the left to see Toga pressing her face against the glass of the booth, her cellphone in hand and her smile never wavering.

Uraraka reels back in shock briefly. "Uhh... I... Hi, there."

Well, that was weird. At least it would be over soon.

Uraraka and Toga stepped into the cozy manga shop, the shelves lined with vibrant covers and stacks of new releases. Toga's bright eyes immediately darted toward a shelf of recent hero-themed manga, and she excitedly skipped over to it, her fingers skimming over the spines of the books like they were old friends.

Uraraka stood just inside the entrance, her hands buried in the pockets of her jacket, her mind far from the cheerful world of manga. She leaned against the shelf, staring blankly at the covers, but her thoughts were a thousand miles away.

The conversation with Mina still echoed in her ears, and the weight of her ultimatum clung to her like a suffocating fog. She had to end things with Toga, and she had to do it now. But how?

The bright, animated laughter of Toga snapped Uraraka back to reality. She turned her head just in time to see Toga holding up a manga about a young hero with a power similar to her own, glowing with excitement.

"Hey, Ochaco-chan! Look at this! Doesn't it remind you of you?" Toga's voice was light, teasing, and filled with the kind of enthusiasm that Uraraka had always found a little annoying yet endearing.

However, today it felt off. Almost unbearable to listen to.

"Yeah, I guess." Uraraka murmured, her voice quieter than usual, her gaze not quite meeting Toga's. She forced a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. Her stomach churned with the thought of what she had to do.

Toga, noticing the change in Uraraka's tone, raised an eyebrow, her smile dimming just slightly. "What's wrong? You've been acting kind of weird all day. You're not usually so... well... like this when we're here together."

Toga reached out to nudge Uraraka's shoulder, trying to bring her back into the moment, but Uraraka took a half-step back, her posture stiffening.

"I've just... got a lot on my mind, that's all." Uraraka replied, her voice small, like she was trying to hide behind the words.

Toga didn't press her further, but her eyes followed Uraraka with a curiosity that was becoming more insistent. "Well, I was thinking... maybe we could go to my place sometime, you know? I could cook dinner, and you could meet my family. I think they'd really like you!"

Uraraka's heart dropped into her stomach. The idea of going to Toga's family house should have been a simple, casual suggestion, but it felt like a weight she could barely hold.

Uraraka shifted uncomfortably on her feet, glancing around the store like the answer might be hidden between the shelves. "I... I don't think that's a good idea, you know?"

Toga blinked, her cheer faltering slightly as she looked at Uraraka with confusion. "Why not? I mean, I know my parents can be a little much, but I really want them to meet you! They'd love you."

Uraraka felt the heat of guilt rush to her cheeks, but she couldn't look Toga in the eye. She felt like she was drowning in her own words, each one sinking her deeper.

She opened her mouth, but the excuses that spilled out were just as weak as the silence between them. "I... it's just-uh, you know... I've been really busy with work lately, and... um... I don't want to impose on your family, and... I don't think it's the right time to-"

Toga's smile began to falter, her eyes dimming as she processed each of Uraraka's excuses. "You... don't want to?"

Uraraka froze at the unspoken question hanging in the air, a chill creeping up her spine. She actually had an answer for that, didn't she?

Toga, however, was more determined than ever. Her lips curled into a soft smile, but there was a sadness behind it that Uraraka couldn't ignore. "I don't care what my parents think, or what the world thinks, Uraraka. I know I love you. And that's good enough for me. That's all that matters."

The word "love" hit Uraraka like a physical blow.

Her chest tightened, her stomach flipping. She couldn't breathe. Uraraka felt the weight of the big "L" pressing down on her, and it was like the ground beneath her feet had just disappeared.

Toga's voice softened, almost wistful as she looked at Uraraka, her eyes searching for something, anything. "I know it's complicated, but I'm not going to let the world tell me what's right. You were there for me when I was at my lowest, and I know I want to do this. I just want to be with you, is that so bad for the world to accept?"

Uraraka's heart pounded in her ears, and for a moment, everything seemed to blur. She swallowed hard, trying to push back the overwhelming wave of guilt and fear threatening to drown her.

The silence that followed was unbearable. The shop around them seemed to fall away, the manga on the shelves nothing but static in the background. Uraraka could hear nothing but the thundering of her own heartbeat.

"Toga..." Uraraka began, her voice barely a whisper.

She tried to say something, anything, but the words wouldn't come.

"Toga, we... we can't do this anymore." Uraraka finally said, her voice shaking, barely above a whisper. "We should stop seeing each other or whatever..."

Toga blinked, her face going still.

She looked as if she had just been struck, her eyes searching Uraraka's face for any sign of a joke, a reason to laugh it off. But Uraraka wouldn't look at her.

"You're... you're serious?" Toga asked quietly, her voice cracking just a little as she took a step closer, her expression unreadable.

Uraraka couldn't meet her gaze, her eyes darting anywhere but Toga's face. "I-I don't think this is going to work out. It was never going to."

Toga didn't say anything for a long time. The air between them seemed to freeze, and Uraraka could feel the silence wrapping itself around her like a vice.

Toga took a look at the manga in her hand before turning back to Uraraka. "Oh."

Uraraka couldn't stand it anymore.

Without waiting for a response, without another word, Uraraka turned and walked out of the store, leaving Toga all by herself in the store.

As Uraraka walked to the agency, she looked down, and all she could see was Toga's last expression before walking out on her.

Sadness, surprise, grief, confusion, disappointment, shock, sorrow...

All mixed in Toga's expression.

And yet, Uraraka wiped her eyes once before smiling and looking up.

The image of Toga's expression faded away, and was replaced with the image of Izuku Midoriya smiling at her.

What's done is done.

All that remained was the future, and a brand new day to look forward to with Izuku Midoriya.

The world blurred past, and she didn't even notice when she had entered her agency.

Todoroki and Momo took a glance at Uraraka and noticed that there was supposed to be someone else tagging alongside her, someone who never kept her mouth shut and kept praising Uraraka as some sort of goddess.

Her absence was very noticeable.

Momo speaks up, getting Uraraka's attention. "Uraraka, where's Toga? Isn't she coming today?"

Uraraka snaps back to reality, smiling at Momo. "Oh, I told her we should stop seeing each other, but on the plus side, Izuku might be coming here and you'll get to meet him some more soon! By the way, where are the snacks?"

Momo facepalms while Todoroki's deadpanned expression hardens.

"I swear down, Uraraka, you're the absolute salt of the Earth."

Momo looks at Todoroki in confusion. "Huh?"

Todoroki sighs once before turning away. "Sorry, I meant the absolute scum of the Earth."

Chapter Text

Tell me, is this story awkward enough for you yet?

Nothing's ever over!

"BEGONE, THOT!"

"Come on, Ochaco!" Mina said, her voice half whine, half exasperated. "I'm starving. There's gotta be something I can eat in there."

Uraraka glanced at her, her face serious but determined. "Nope! Hands off! Not for you! I'm saving this for Izuku! I've got everything ready, and I want to make sure it's perfect for when he arrives."

Mina raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "Is this how it's going to be? You're just gonna block the fridge until he arrives?"

"Yup." Uraraka replied, her tone firm. "It's just about enough for Zuzu and me."

Mina deadpans for a second. "You call him Zuzu?"

Uraraka averts her gaze for a moment. "Well... Not to his face."

Mina gave an exaggerated sigh, stepping back and looking at Uraraka with an amused expression. "Fine, fine. Whatever. But I'm not going to starve waiting for Mr. Detective to get here. If I'm hungry, I'm just gonna eat something."

Uraraka shook her head, clearly stubborn. "Nope. Not today, missy."

The doorbell rang, a familiar sound that instantly made Uraraka's stomach flutter.

He was here.

Mina walked over swung open the door, revealing Izuku standing there with a gentle smile, wearing his usual formal outfit, and the soft glint of his detective badge could still be seen in the dim lighting of the night.

"Hey, Mina! How's it going?"

"Midori, my sweet summer boy!" Mina replied with a smirk. "Same old, same old. How about you? Busy with work?"

Izuku laughed, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Yeah, you know, just trying to keep things together. You two, uh, behaving yourselves?"

Mina's smirk widened. "Oh yeah. Totally."

Her eyes flicked toward Uraraka, who was still standing in front of the fridge, glaring like a sentinel.

She raised her voice slightly so Uraraka could hear. "Well, good luck, you two. I'm out. I'm not waiting around for any of Uraraka's dramas to arise."

Uraraka shot her a look that could almost burn a hole in the back of her head, but Mina didn't seem to care. She waved casually over her shoulder and left the apartment with a wink.

Izuku stepped inside, closing the door behind him as he looked toward Uraraka. His smile was soft and appreciative, but he was still taken aback by her stance in front of the fridge. "Uraraka... why are you blocking the fridge?"

"Well, I was just trying to make everything perfect for you." She replied, trying to keep her voice light but filled with a quiet determination.

Izuku giggles. "Well, that's lovely from you. So, are you gonna give me a tour or what?"

Uraraka smiles sheepishly for a moment. "Well... I mean, there's not much to see. This is the living room and the kitchen, obviously, and the bedroom is behind that door, but aside from that, our apartment is pretty small."

Izuku looks left and right, nodding his head. "I see... Well, at least it's comfortable."

"It is. It was a bit awkward at first, but I think Mina and I made it work. Go ahead and sit down. I've been cooking. It's a surprise."

Izuku blinked, mildly surprised. "You can cook?"

Uraraka gave him a slightly sheepish grin. "I've had to learn over the years. You know, back when I didn't have much money, I needed to be able to make things for myself... so I figured I might as well try making something nice for us today."

As Izuku took a seat at the table, Uraraka moved with surprising ease around the kitchen, pulling out a beautifully arranged bowl of homemade salad and a plate of homemade mochi. She set both in front of him with a small flourish, her smile widening.

"There you go." She said. "Just for you."

Izuku stared at the food in awe, slightly speechless. "Wow, I wasn't expecting this at all."

"Well, don't get too excited yet." She teased, taking a seat across from him. "I can't promise it'll be gourmet or anything. But I hope it's good."

Izuku didn't hesitate. He picked up his fork and dug into the salad first, savoring the fresh ingredients. He took a second bite, and then a third, before looking up at her with genuine surprise. "This is really good, Uraraka. You're not giving yourself enough credit."

Uraraka beamed, feeling a swell of pride at the compliment. "I'm glad you like it! I've been practicing a lot."

Izuku reached for the mochi next, taking a bite and closing his eyes as he chewed. "Mochi... you really know how to spoil someone."

Uraraka giggles briefly. "Aww, you're too much!"

Izuku smiled at her over the plate. "This is amazing. How did you learn to make all this?"

She chuckled softly, pushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "Like I said, had to learn. The money didn't come easy, and I wasn't about to spend it all on takeout when I could just make something myself. Honestly, I'd eat mochi every day if I could."

Izuku raised an eyebrow, his expression turning a little more serious as he placed his fork down. "Well, I hate to break it to you... but mochi might not be the best thing to eat every day."

Uraraka blinked at him, confused. "What do you mean?"

"Mochi's... well, it's really high in sugar and carbs. If you eat too much of it, it could make you gain weight."

Uraraka raises an eyebrow. "What are you saying exactly...?"

Izuku leaned forward, looking a bit embarrassed. "You'd get... fat."

For a moment, the world seemed to stop. Uraraka's eyes widened, her fork frozen mid-air. "Mochi makes you fat?!"

The next day...

The morning sunlight seeped through the blinds, casting a muted glow across Todoroki's room.

He stirred, his brow furrowed as the remnants of a strange dream clung to him. His chest felt heavy, like an invisible weight had settled there during the night. In his dream, he had been standing at Uraraka's funeral, watching the dull, indifferent faces of the crowd.

There were no tears, no sorrow. A few people had said how it was a little sad, and others had said that Uraraka had it coming, but he wasn't truly sure how he felt. He had simply stared at her unmoving body inside the coffin until she had opened her eyes and returned his gaze, which was where his dream had ended.

Sometimes he had to ask himself if he usually dreamt of things like these, because he couldn't really tell anymore.

Todoroki sat up. He tried to shake this weird sensation off, running a hand through his hair as he stood up from his bed. His eyes lingered on his reflection in the mirror for a moment, his gaze colder than usual.

Another day, another chance to do something worthwhile.

Todoroki dressed quickly, slipping into his hero costume. The fabric felt familiar, snug against his skin as always, a second skin he'd worn for years.

He looked at his reflection once more, adjusting his hair as if trying to smooth over the feeling of emptiness that always seemed to linger just beneath the surface.

As he left his apartment, his thoughts turned to his father, Endeavor.

Their relationship had become a strange, unspoken truce in recent years. Endeavor seemed to be remorseful for the things he'd done to him as a child, for the cruelty, the constant pressure, and the unrelenting abuse born from a relentless desire to surpass All Might.

But Todoroki? He had become numb to it all.

He didn't feel the anger he used to, nor the resentment that once threatened to consume him.

Instead, he simply felt... nothing.

He didn't care about his father's apologies, or his mother's pleas for the family to be on good terms again.

He didn't seem to care about any of it anymore.

The walk to his agency was quiet, the bustling sounds of the city falling away as his thoughts occupied every inch of his mind. He walked with a slow, deliberate pace, not in a hurry to get anywhere.

When he arrived at the agency, he was greeted by the sight of his former classmate, Kyoka Jirou, exiting through the front doors.

She paused when she saw him, her expression unreadable, and then she made her way over to him with her characteristic nonchalance.

"Morning, Todoroki." She greeted him, her voice carrying a faint hint of humor. "Don't mind me, I just came here for a quick visit."

Todoroki nods. "I can tell."

Jirou looks at him briefly and decides to make small talk, if only to see what was eating at him today. "Jeez, you look like a ray of sunshine today."

Todoroki didn't react at first. He simply stared at her, his gaze distant and calculating. "Me, a ray of sunshine? I have bad news for you, Jirou. I don't care about looking like a ray of sunshine."

Jirou raised an eyebrow, but she wasn't offended. She'd known Todoroki long enough to recognize the coldness in his demeanor. It didn't faze her.

"Always the light of the party, huh?" She said, crossing her arms. "I wonder if you've always been like this."

"Like this how?"

"You know, a loner full of hate."

Todoroki felt a flicker of something. Annoyance? Frustration? He couldn't tell, but he didn't let it show.

He merely shrugged, his expression unchanged. "Maybe I was happy as a kid. Or not."

Jirou's gaze softened slightly, a mix of pity and disbelief crossing her face. "Don't take this the wrong way, but... I find that hard to believe."

Todoroki let out a breath, his eyes drifting momentarily to the ground. "No, you're right. It truly is hard to believe. I was always serious, even as a child, and I was a very closed off teenager. I think I only ever smiled when I thought about escaping my father's influence, when I thought about throwing my past away and starting fresh. But that was a dream. And dreams don't mean anything in the real world, do they?"

Jirou seemed to consider this, her arms slowly uncrossing as she studied him.

She knew what he was talking about, the entire nation did. His father, Endeavor, the relentless pressure that had shaped Todoroki into the man he was today. By now, people knew the struggle, the constant battle between wanting to be free of his father's shadow and the weight of that very legacy that held him down, and even if Endeavor had retired out of guilt and remorse, the public never stopped judging him since they knew the damage done to his family had been done.

Even if Todoroki was a free man today, he didn't quite feel that way nowadays.

"Everyone from Class A is still here for you, you know?" Jirou said, her voice quiet but resolute. "Even now, as adults. We've all got your back, Todoroki. We always have."

Todoroki's eyes flicked up to meet hers, the faintest glimmer of something behind them. Maybe it was gratitude, or maybe it was something else entirely, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he just gave her a brief nod.

"Thanks, Jirou." He muttered, his tone less cold than before. "But I'm fine. I've got this."

Jirou smiled a little, though it was a bittersweet smile. "I know. You always do. Just... don't forget that we're all still here, okay? You don't have to do everything alone. We're supporting you."

Before Todoroki could respond, Jirou gave him a small wave and turned to walk away.

Todoroki turned and entered his agency, the doors closing behind him with a soft thud.

Meanwhile...

Mina took another bits of the apple she was currently eating before looking back to the TV. It had been a good day for her, but relaxing in her apartment all by herself, watching movies while Uraraka was out? It was to die for.

Nevertheless, the sudden ring of the house phone snapped her back to reality.

Mina picks up the phone, a little suspicious. "Yellow?"

"Umm... Hi, is Uraraka there?"

Mina sighs. "Toga, is this you?"

"Well... Yes..."

"Uraraka went out. Don't know where, and she didn't say when she'd come back, but-"

"Oh... Well, she told me she'd see me around, so I assumed we'd go out for a coffee or something like that."

Mina suppresses a groan at Uraraka's annoying habits of not being clear with Toga. "Did she? Well, I don't know if she mentioned anyting about that to me, but she's really not here."

"Umm... Is there a problem if I go over and wait for her to come back?"

Mina raises an eyebrow. "I mean... if that's what you wanna do... But I'm just chillin' around here. Nothing too exciting. Are you at home?"

"I'm... close to your apartment."

Mina, annoyed, sighs and gets up, walking over to the door since she had a bad feeling about this. Upon opening it, she is met by the sight of Himiko Toga staring at her like a deer in the headlights, with her cellphone in hand and dressed quite cutely, as if ready to go out on a date.

Mina only shakes her head in disappointment. "Girl, you need to leave."

A few hours later...

The late afternoon light filtered through the windows of Todoroki's agency, casting long shadows across the room. The low hum of a fan was the only sound accompanying the quiet rustling of papers as Todoroki sat at his desk, filing yet another stack of documents.

His eyes were half-lidded, his mind distant, lost in the repetitive monotony of the task at hand. He had long since learned to shut out the outside world while he worked, retreating into the cold, analytical world of numbers, facts, and case files. 'Agh... How tedious... Well, at least I'm all alone with my thoughts. Nothing to do except work silently, relax and-'

But the peace didn't last long.

The door creaked open, and Todoroki looked up, his eyes narrowing in slight irritation as Uraraka stepped into the agency. She walked in with her usual cheery demeanor, completely unaware of the icy vibe that hung in the air around Todoroki. Her presence was like a splash of color in a drab room, her bright smile and energetic movements impossible to ignore.

"Good afternoon, Todoroki!" She greeted him, her voice light and full of warmth.

Todoroki didn't return her greeting. Instead, he merely glanced at her from across the room and muttered, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Ah, great. Ochaco Uraraka is here, everyone. Let's give it up for her."

Uraraka, unfazed by his obvious indifference, smiled wider as she approached him.

"Listen, Todoroki." She started, leaning slightly on his desk, her hands clasped together in front of her. "You gotta stop whatever you're doing because I need your help."

Todoroki arched an eyebrow, not bothering to hide his annoyance. "Say what now?"

Uraraka seemed completely oblivious to his tone. "It's about Pony Tsunotori. I need to gather information about her."

Todoroki stared at her for a moment, his eyes blank.

"Pony Tsunotori?" He asked, confused. The name didn't immediately ring any bells.

Uraraka didn't seem bothered by his lack of recognition. "Yeah! The American exchange student from Class B back at U.A. You know, the one with the weird horn quirk?"

Todoroki's expression remained unchanged for a moment longer before he finally connected the dots.

"Oh." His eyes narrowed as memories of their time at U.A. resurfaced. "Right. Pony Tsunotori. She had that... unique quirk. And Monoma kept trying to get her to say bad things about Class A because of her bad Japanese. That's right. Why do you need to gather information on her, though?"

Uraraka's eyes glinted with determination, and she leaned in closer. "Because Mina found out that Pony is Izuku's second ex-girlfriend. We need to know everything about her. Especially because I might have to face her in the future."

Todoroki blinked, his mind processing the new information. "What?"

Uraraka looks away sheepishly for a moment. "It's a long story, alright? Read the first two chapters. The gist of it is that I need to fight her if I want to keep dating Izuku."

Todoroki sighs in annoyance. "Right, your... new boyfriend. And now you want my help finding out more about Pony Tsunotori because...?"

Uraraka shifted on her feet, clearly eager. "Because I need to be prepared! And if I don't know everything about her, how am I supposed to be prepared if I have to fight her?"

Todoroki exhaled sharply through his nose, rubbing his temples as he tried to maintain his composure. He wasn't sure if he was more irritated by the fact that Uraraka was treating this like some sort of super special mission or if it was the fact that she was so desperate to know more about this girl he didn't care for. Either way, he wasn't sure he had the patience for this right now.

"Uraraka, I remember Pony Tsunotori. She was an exchange student, and she became an actress alongside her hero work. She got famous for her adorable accent and that whole 'cute blonde girl' aesthetic. People ate it up." He sighed, shaking his head. "But is that really what you want to focus on? We're pro heroes at a professional hero agency, not some high school drama club."

Uraraka blinked, as if she hadn't considered this. "But-"

"Look, Uraraka." Todoroki cut her off. "If you're serious about this, then just go watch her movies. That's where you'll find all the information you need. She's a pretty well-known actress now. Just... watch her performances and get to know her. There's no need for us to go digging around in her past. You can train by studying her movies."

Uraraka stared at him, her mouth slightly open in disbelief. "Wait, what? Her movies? You want me to... watch her movies and that's it?"

"Yes." Todoroki replied, his expression stone-cold. "She's a public figure now, so everything's out there for everyone to see. Get to work and leave me to finish my work."

Uraraka's face fell as she crossed her arms in frustration. "But her movies are only available on expensive streaming platforms! I don't even know if I can afford a subscription to one of those right now! This is ridiculous, Todoroki! You're sending me to go watch movies instead of doing some real investigative work here at the agency?!"

Todoroki glanced at her with a deadpan expression. "You're not using the agency's resources for your... unamusing love dramas, Uraraka. You can find another way to watch them. Go to a library or something."

Uraraka was almost ready to protest further, but she could tell that Todoroki was already done with the conversation. He was barely paying attention to her now, his gaze already shifting back to the paperwork on his desk.

With a resigned sigh, Uraraka threw her hands up in exasperation and shook her head. "Alright, fine! I'll watch her movies the old-fashioned way, if I have to. Just... I swear, you're impossible sometimes, Todoroki!"

Todoroki didn't respond. He didn't need to. He knew she'd go off and do it anyway. It wasn't as if she had much of a choice, not when she was so stubbornly determined. Still, he couldn't help but roll his eyes as she stormed out of the room.

He sighed, his mind drifting back to his earlier thoughts.

If only things were simpler.

Whatever, it's just another day in the office.

That night...

The apartment was dimly lit by the glow of the TV screen as the soft hum of the movie played in the background. Uraraka sat cross-legged on the couch, a bowl of popcorn in her lap, her eyes glued to the screen as Pony Tsunotori, in all her "adorable" movie star glory, appeared in her latest film. Izuku sat beside her, his body a little more stiff than usual, his hands loosely clasped in his lap, a hint of discomfort settling over him.

The movie wasn't exactly great.

If anything, it was a cheesy romantic comedy filled with awkward dialogue and exaggerated scenes, but Uraraka was intently watching, not just to enjoy the film, but to learn more about Pony. She hadn't expected to get much from the movie itself, but she was curious about the actress behind the mask.

"Wow..." Uraraka murmured, a little wide-eyed as she observed the way Pony effortlessly controlled her horns, making them spin and twist with a speed that was nearly impossible to track. "She's really good with her quirk... Her precision... and her speed! She's got insane control over them, like nothing I've ever seen. She must have been practicing ever since we graduated!"

Izuku, sitting beside her, glanced at the screen with a frown. He didn't respond immediately, his gaze flickering between the movie and the bowl of popcorn in her lap. A slight tension had already begun to creep into his shoulders. "Yeah, I guess so... But this movie is... really bad, isn't it?"

Uraraka's eyes shifted over to him, noticing the subtle change in his tone. He hadn't been quite as engaged in the film as she was, and something about the way he was holding himself made her uneasy.

"But she's hot, isn't she?"

Izuku looked at her with a confused expression. "What?"

Uraraka nods. "Pony, I mean. I mean, just look at her! Long blonde hair, big boobs, adorable poses, confidence... Don't you think she's at least a little bit hot?"

Izuku stiffened, his eyes flicking to the screen for a brief moment before his gaze dropped to the floor. "You... really think so?"

Uraraka nods again. "Of course! I mean, she got all of her roles for a reason! She's got everything a girl would want to be attractive!"

Izuku's voice, though calm, carried an edge of something deeper, almost nostalgic, but tinged with a quiet bitterness. "Pony wasn't always like that, though. When I first met her, she was just... a cute, awkward, timid girl. She used to follow me around all the time back in her second year at U.A. She was so eager to get close to me, like she couldn't take her eyes off me, but... she was just kind of... shy, you know? It's crazy to think how much she changed."

Uraraka blinked, surprised. She hadn't expected Izuku to be so serious.

"Izuku..." She said gently, trying to understand. "For how long did you two date?"

Izuku sighed slowly, but his expression became more distant, like he was drifting into a memory that didn't sit well with him. "Well... We went out for about a month. I wasn't really sure what to think of her at first. I didn't really have much interest in dating anyone after what happened with Kinoko, but Pony... she was persistent. She kept asking me out, and eventually, I gave in after she asked me out 96 times. We went on a couple of dates, but they weren't really anything out of the ordinary. We were just two people who were angry at the world for different reasons, and I guess that kinda brought us a bit closer. It was... fine. She was cute, and we got along well enough for it to last a month."

Izuku's eyes seemed to cloud over as the memory played out in his mind. He stared at the floor as if he was trying to distance himself from it, trying to avoid the sting it still carried. "But... after a while, things started to change. She started to crave fame, you know? This whole world we live in... it's all about the rankings, the popularity, the attention. She wanted to be part of that. She wanted to be famous, to be seen. And I... I felt like I was losing her. Like I wasn't enough for her anymore."

Uraraka's heart clenched as she watched him, his words hanging heavily in the air. She could see the weight of the past on his shoulders, the disappointment that still lingered in his eyes. "Sorry about that. That must have hurt."

Izuku finally looked up at her, his green eyes softer now, but there was still a trace of that old sadness in them. "Yeah... It did. We broke up after that. There was no big breakup, or big fight, or cheating, or anything of the sort. We just kinda drifted away, I guess."

Uraraka listened, her heart aching for him. She knew Izuku well enough to know how deeply he felt things, how much he cared for the people in his life. And she could see now just how much that relationship had affected him, even years later. It was a part of his past that he had never really shared with anyone, not in such detail.

Izuku paused for a moment, taking a deep breath as if trying to push the memories aside. But there was a heaviness in his posture, something that told Uraraka that it wasn't easy for him to let go of it. His fingers drummed lightly on the armrest of the couch, his expression still clouded with thoughts of the past.

In a sudden burst of impulse, Uraraka leaned forward, her eyes meeting his with a playful yet gentle expression. "Well, if you're still thinking about her, maybe... maybe we should do something to distract you. How about... a kiss? Just to forget about her for a while."

Izuku's eyes widened in surprise, his thoughts momentarily halted by her words. His face flushed slightly as he tried to process what she had said, but the tension that had been building up in him seemed to melt away, if only for a moment.

He didn't say anything at first, but then, a soft smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"You know what? I'll take you up on that." He said, his voice steadier now.

Without another word, he reached for the remote and turned off the movie, the screen going black as the only light in the room came from the soft glow of the lamp beside the couch. The sudden stillness between them was palpable, and for a brief moment, it felt as though everything else in the world had faded away.

With a deep breath, Izuku leaned forward, his lips pressing against hers in a strong, unrelenting kiss.

A couple of days later...

The day was warm, the sunlight spilling through the windows as Uraraka and Izuku arrived at the Momo's house for lunch. Momo had invited everyone over, saying that she was going to make ramen and could use a bit of help. Of course, Uraraka had jumped at the chance for some homemade food, and Izuku, always eager to help, had readily agreed. The trio hadn't spent much time together, so this was a rare opportunity for them to just relax, enjoy each other's company, and getting to know each other a bit more.

As they stepped inside Momo's house, the familiar smell of spices and simmering broth filled the air. Momo was already in the kitchen, chopping vegetables with precision. Her movements were swift, but there was something calming about watching her work. It was easy to see why she excelled at her job. Everything about her was meticulous.

Neither Izuku or Uraraka were surprised at the sheer size of Momo's kitchen, since they knew she was rich and her house was large enough to be classified as a mansion, but what really caught their attention was how much effort Momo was putting into preparing the food. Perhaps she wanted to cook by herself this time instead of relying on her servants?

Izuku glanced at Momo, a hopeful smile on his face. "Yaoyorozu, is there anything I can do to help?"

Momo glanced up from the chopping board, offering him a warm smile. "Oh, actually, yes! I could definitely use an extra set of hands. There's a lot to do, and I could use your help with the noodles and broth."

Izuku's eyes lit up, and he stepped forward eagerly. "I'll help with whatever you need. I'm a fast learner when it comes to cooking."

Uraraka, who had already taken a seat at the table, watched him with a fond smile. She was used to Izuku's willingness to help, even when it meant getting his hands dirty in the kitchen. She felt a warmth in her chest, glad that he was so willing to fit in with her friends.

As Izuku joined Momo in the kitchen, the door opened again, and Todoroki stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room before settling on Momo. He greeted her with his usual quiet, reserved tone.

"Hey, Yaoyorozu. How's everything going?" Todoroki said, stepping further into the space and removing his jacket.

"Good to see you, Todoroki! You're just in time for lunch!" Momo called out, smiling as she waved a hand toward the table. "Come on, sit down. I've got some ramen almost ready."

Todoroki nodded, but his attention was immediately drawn to Izuku, who was now standing beside Momo, looking a little out of place in the kitchen. The two shared a brief look, both of them pausing for a moment as they took each other in.

Uraraka, noticing the slight tension in the room, couldn't help but try to ease the awkwardness. She stood up from her seat and made her way over to Todoroki. "Hey, so... I know we've all worked together one time in the past, but I don't think you've gotten a proper introduction. Todoroki, this is Izuku. Izuku, this is Todoroki."

Izuku stretched out his hand with a polite smile, but Todoroki didn't immediately reach for it. He hesitated for a moment, his gaze flicking to Izuku before meeting Uraraka's eyes. His expression was unreadable, but there was a subtle tension in the air, something unspoken. After a brief pause, Todoroki reached out and shook Izuku's hand, his grip firm but not overly warm.

"Nice to meet you." Todoroki said flatly, his voice cool and neutral.

Izuku, trying to match the same level of formality, nodded. "Yeah, it's nice to meet you too."

The moment lingered awkwardly, neither of them knowing quite what to say next.

Uraraka, clearly sensing the uncomfortable silence, stepped in again, trying to move things along. "It's okay, you two. Don't worry about it. I know you both have your own lives and pasts, but we're here to have a good time today. Let's not make things weird."

She smiled brightly, hoping to ease the situation. Izuku, still unsure of how to act, gave a small, awkward smile in return, while Todoroki just gave a small nod.

Momo, seemingly oblivious to the tension, continued to shout out instructions from the kitchen, her voice booming over the soft murmurs of the conversation.

"Okay, everyone! Pay attention! First, you need to add the garlic to the broth! Izuku, add the soy sauce, but don't let it boil over! Uraraka, you're in charge of the noodles. Make sure they don't stick together!"

The instructions were loud, but no one really seemed to pay attention to her as the conversation shifted to another topic.

Todoroki, still sitting at the table, eyed Izuku for a moment, his expression unreadable.

Then, in a quiet tone that only Izuku could hear, he spoke again, his words carrying an odd weight.

"By the way, Midoriya..." Todoroki began, leaning back slightly in his chair. "I'm not one to say this out loud, but I used to date Uraraka back when we were at U.A. Just a heads-up, you should brace yourself for some disappointments on her part in the future."

Izuku blinked in surprise, the unexpected statement catching him off guard. His mouth opened slightly, unsure of how to respond. "Uh, really? You... dated Uraraka?" He glanced over at Uraraka, who was too busy with the noodles to overhear the conversation.

Todoroki leaned forward, his eyes narrowing slightly as he spoke. "Yeah, it was a long time ago. Uraraka was a little... unpredictable. You'll find that out soon enough."

Uraraka, now catching wind of the conversation, looked over at Todoroki with a raised brow. "Todoroki, seriously? That's ancient history by now. You're making it sound like some big deal. Izuku has nothing to worry about."

Her tone was lighthearted, but the slight edge in her voice made Todoroki pause for a second, and he felt a flicker of frustration deep inside.

Izuku, still confused by the whole exchange, gave a half-hearted chuckle, trying to play it cool. "Right... well, I'm not worried about anything. We're just getting to know each other better, right?"

Todoroki merely nodded, but his expression remained cold. Uraraka seemed to sense the tension and sighed, shaking her head.

"I told you it's old news, Zuzu." She said with a small smile, trying to reassure him. "We're good now. Don't pay attention to Todoroki's weird warnings."

Todoroki raises an eyebrow. "Zuzu? Are you really going to call him that?"

Izuku lets out a small shuckle, looking over at Uraraka with a small smile. "Really? Are you gonna call me that?"

Uraraka flushes in embarrassment in a split second. "HUH?! No! It was a joke! A joke nickname!"

Just as the conversation seemed to settle into a more comfortable rhythm, Momo, ever the efficient cook, called them all to the table. "Ramen's ready! Come and get it, everyone!"

They all sat down at the table, finally able to focus on the meal in front of them. The steaming bowls of ramen were comforting and delicious, and everyone began to eat in relative peace, the earlier awkwardness starting to fade.

Momo was the first to start digging in, her chopsticks moving with practiced ease as she savored each bite. "I hope you all like it. I really put a lot of effort into it!"

Izuku, still a little out of sorts, followed suit, his face relaxing as the warmth of the broth soothed him. "Hmm.. This is great, Yaoyorozu!"

Uraraka smiled contentedly as she ate, feeling the comfort of good food and the presence of her friends. "Yeah, it's amazing, Yaomomo!"

Even Todoroki seemed to have softened a little, taking his time to enjoy the ramen, though his usual quietness lingered. "As always, you never disappoint, Yaoyorozu."

Outside the window, however, there was a different story unfolding.

Himiko Toga stood hidden in the shadows, watching the scene unfold with wide, disbelieving eyes through a pair of binoculars she had acquired through legitimately legal means. She stood in the bushes just outside the gates, her heart pounding in her chest. She had come to see Uraraka, had come hoping to catch a glimpse of her after hearing rumors of her new connections.

But what she saw made her blood run cold.

There she was, sitting at the table, laughing, talking, eating with Momo Yaoyorozu, Shoto Todoroki... and some green-haired guy sitting beside her, of all people. Her gaze darted back and forth, her mind racing.

Toga's face twisted into something darker, her fingers tightening around her coat sleeves.

Without a word, she turned on her heel and ran.

The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from the flickering glow of a small bedside lamp. Clothes were scattered across the floor, piles of jackets and skirts, some neatly folded, others thrown carelessly in frustration.

Toga stood at her closet, rummaging through the mess of clothing with wild, frantic movements. Her fingers pulled at the hangers as she searched for something specific, something that would help her feel a bit more in control of the chaos swirling inside her mind. Her breathing was shallow, her face flushed with agitation. She had been pacing back and forth for hours now, unable to quiet the anger and confusion gnawing at her thoughts.

Her fingers paused on a particular piece of clothing that she had forgotten about, the fabric worn but familiar. She tugged it off the hanger and threw it over her shoulder, staring at herself in the mirror with a sharp, unsettling gaze.

Just then, the door to her apartment creaked open, and Magne stepped in, her tall, broad figure filling the doorway. She paused for a moment, eyes scanning the room. She had seen Toga in many moods, but this... this was different. Something was off. Toga's usual manic energy was sharper, more focused, her expression dark and stormy.

"What's going on, Toga?" Magne asked, crossing her arms as she observed her friend's frantic movements. "You look crazy, even for your standards."

Toga didn't answer right away. Instead, she reached into her closet and yanked out another handful of clothes, her eyes flickering between the pile and the mirror, searching for something that would calm the storm inside her. "I guess I just wanted to talk to someone, Magne. I wanted a shoulder to cry on or something like that. I finally got some information. Terrible, awful, dreadful information, Magne!"

Magne sighs. "What is it?"

Finally, Toga turned to Magne, her expression tight with frustration.

"Uraraka's dating someone else!" She spat out, her voice harsh, almost too loud.

Magne goes silent for a moment. "Woah... That quickly?"

Toga nods furiously. "I know, right?! And here I was wondering why she was suddenly too busy to go out with me!"

Magne nods. "I see... And who is it?"

Toga scoffs. "Some fatass with green hair... I've never seen him before, but she's with him. With him! Can you believe that?! She must like him because he's the mysterious guy trope, right? The quiet, brooding type that just makes her feel all... fluttery inside. And I... I can't compete with that! I can't! He's everything I'm not!"

Magne raises an eyebrow. "I don't know, Toga... Maybe she is just a jerk."

Toga shakes her head. "She is NOT a jerk! She is a really sweet girl and I know it!"

Her words tumbled out, each one loaded with a growing frustration that made her voice waver. She slammed the closet door shut, her eyes wild, her hands gripping the edges of the furniture as though she might break it apart if she squeezed hard enough.

Magne stood in the doorway, observing her friend's breakdown, her eyebrows furrowed in concern. She had seen Toga mad before, seen her get possessive over Uraraka, but this was different. The intensity in Toga's eyes, the way her whole body seemed to tremble with the force of her anger, it was as if she was on the edge of something much darker.

"I didn't think things would turn out like this..." Toga continued, her voice shaky now, almost desperate. "I thought she and I... we had something special, something that no one could take away. But now there's him. He's in the picture, and I don't know how to get him out. She'll forget about me. She'll choose him... and I'll be left alone. All over again."

Magne's expression softened, but her tone remained cautious. She had heard this kind of talk from Toga before. It was something she had learned to handle, sometimes with humor, sometimes with patience, but now, it felt like the situation was more volatile than ever.

"Toga, listen to me." Magne said, taking a step forward and placing a hand gently on her friend's shoulder. "You're letting this... this green-haired guy get to you. You're letting him get inside your head, and that's not the way you deal with things. Uraraka's a grown woman. She's not some object you can control. Have you ever considered the possibility that perhaps she was seeing this guy behind your back?"

Toga whipped her head toward Magne, her eyes flashing with sudden rage. "You're serious?! Don't you dare say that! She would NEVER do that! She's mine. You don't get it, Magne. She's everything to me. She's the one person who's seen me, who accepted me. I won't let some random fatass take her away from me. I won't."

Magne took a step back, her expression hardening. She could see where this was going, and she didn't like it. Toga's obsessive thoughts had always been a dangerous thing, but it seemed like it was escalating now, going beyond what it had been before. She had always tried to steer Toga away from these impulses, but now, it was clear that her friend wasn't listening.

"You're not thinking clearly, Toga." Magne said, her voice steady, though tinged with concern. "What if Uraraka's just not... not feeling the same way? What if she's never even seen you like that? You can't force someone to be with you. If you try to take him out of the picture, all you'll do is push her further away."

Toga's jaw clenched at Magne's words, and she shook her head violently. "No, Uraraka would never lie to me. She wouldn't do that. She's different! She would never hurt me like that. She can't love anyone else the way she loves me!"

Her voice cracked slightly as she spoke those words, the intensity of her feelings pouring out.

She paused, looking at Magne with pleading eyes. "You don't understand, Magne. I... I was in a really dark place when she found me... I was sick of myself, and I was ready to plunge a serrated knife into my stomach to end it all, but... just when I was about to do it, she... She saved me. She made me better. I stopped hating myself when she entered my life. She gave me something to care about, someone to care about. She made me believe I was something more than my quirk, my dark thoughts... She changed me. She is the sweetest girl I've ever met, and she really cares about my feelings, you know? But now, I can't let this happen. I can't lose her."

Magne looked at her for a long moment, her expression unreadable. She was torn between wanting to comfort her friend and knowing that Toga was dangerously close to crossing a line.

Toga turned away from Magne then, her focus shifting back to her closet. Magne felt a pit form in her stomach as she watched Toga move to the back of the closet, her fingers now pulling out something much more sinister. A small compartment slid open in the wall of the closet, revealing a stash of knives, syringes, and tools Toga hadn't touched in a long time. Weapons that had been part of her villainous past, weapons she had sworn to leave behind.

"Wait, Toga, what are you doing?!" Magne asked, her voice laced with concern. "You swore you'd never go back to that... that life. You promised you wouldn't hurt anyone anymore!"

Toga paused, her fingers grazing the cold metal of a syringe. She looked up at Magne, her expression suddenly hard, colder than Magne had ever seen her. "I stopped hating myself because of Uraraka. She gave me a reason to live, to be better. But now, this guy... he's a threat. I'm not going back to my old ways because I want to. I'm doing this because I have to."

Magne took a step back in disbelief. "Toga..."

Toga took a deep breath, her fingers wrapping around the hilt of a knife. "Uraraka won't have to choose between me and him. I won't let it happen. Not while I'm still breathing."

Magne stood still for a moment, her mind racing as she tried to think of a way to stop Toga from going down this dark path. But she knew, deep down, that there was nothing she could say to change her mind. Once Toga had made up her mind, there was no stopping her.

"I'm not going to try and talk you out of it, Toga..." Magne said quietly, her eyes lingering on her friend. "But I'm telling you now... this isn't the way to fix things. You're only going to make everything worse."

Toga didn't respond. Her focus was entirely on the weapons she was preparing to use.

Magne sighed deeply, shaking her head as she turned toward the door. She didn't have to say anything more. She knew Toga's mind was made up.

"I strongly suggest against this..." Magne muttered as she reached the door. "But I know I can't change your mind."

With one last glance at her friend, Magne left the room, the door clicking softly behind her.

Toga didn't even acknowledge her departure.

Whatever happened next, she was ready to do anything. Anything to keep Uraraka from slipping away.

Chapter Text

You know, I feel like I really need to learn how to split these chapters up properly.

Oh, well...

The World strikes back!

The next day...

The morning sun hung lazily in the sky as Uraraka and Mina walked side by side toward Twinkle Park. The park, though usually a bustling area filled with children and families, was quieter today, its usual crowd replaced by the hum of cameras and the bustle of a film set. Uraraka glanced over at Mina, who was walking with her usual cheerful energy, her hands casually tucked in the pockets of her jacket.

Uraraka sighs. "Man, I really should have combed myself up a bit more. What if some camera gets a bad shot of my hair?"

Mina giggles. "Well, I don't see the problem. To me, you look just as always."

Mina ruffles Uraraka's hair teasingly with a light chuckle. "Totally sexy, babe."

Uraraka huffs in annoyance, yet her voice softens. "Thanks for coming with me today, Mina. I really don't like going to these things alone. Makes me feel like a loser."

Mina chuckled, the sound light and teasing. "I'd be a terrible roomie if I didn't have your back. Besides, watching you take on Pony Tsunotori sounds like it could be fun. I'm kind of excited to see how you handle her."

Uraraka raised an eyebrow, glancing over at Mina. "Don't get too excited. This is going to be... complicated, I think."

Her words carried a bit of uncertainty, but she wasn't backing down. She had to know more about Pony, and if it came down to it, she wasn't going to shy away from a fight.

The pair walked deeper into the park, past the wide, open spaces, toward a more secluded corner where the filming had been taking place. The park had been closed off for the shoot, a giant white tent in the distance marking the edge of the set. The area had been cordoned off, but they knew where they were going. It wasn't hard to find the secluded bench where Pony was rumored to be.

As they approached, Uraraka's heart beat a little faster. She was ready for whatever was about to happen, but there was something about Pony that made Uraraka feel both nervous and intrigued.

There she was, sitting on a bench with a book in her hands, a cigarette between her fingers. Pony's platinum blonde hair shimmered in the sunlight, and her sharp, confident eyes flicked up when she noticed them approaching. The once lively energy of the park seemed to quiet down in that moment, as if the world had slowed for just a beat.

Pony glanced at them with mild curiosity, raising an eyebrow. "Well, well. What do we have here? How can I help you two?"

Uraraka briefly looked at Mina and spoke in a whisper. "Mina, she's talking to me! Like, a famous actress is talking to me!"

Mina sighs. "Enemy. Fight for Midori. Remember?"

Uraraka took a deep breath, stepping forward. "Hi, I'm Uraraka. Remember me? I used to be in the opposite class back in U.A..."

Pony's expression shifted slightly. She looked more intrigued than anything, though the glint of a smile played at the corner of her lips. "Oh. Okay."

She slowly closed her book with a soft snap, the sound echoing in the stillness of the secluded corner.

Upon seeing her stand up, Uraraka pulls out a pen. "Sooo... This might not be the best moment, but since you're famous now, you think you could give me your-?"

The moment Pony's book was set aside, her hands moved to the top of her head with incredible speed, fingers twitching in a quick, practiced motion. Before Uraraka could even register what was happening, Pony had already launched one of her horns toward her.

Uraraka barely had time to react before the horn sank into her side with a sickening thwack, the sharp point piercing through her outfit and into her flesh.

Uraraka gasped, a sharp breath catching in her throat as the pain surged through her. "ACK! Autograph...?"

The force of the attack threw her off balance, but before she could even process the strike, Pony activated her quirk again. More horns shot from her head with terrifying speed, each one seemingly aiming for a specific point on Uraraka's body. The next instant, she was sent flying through the air, her body crashing with brutal force against the old stone face of the park's clock tower. The impact rang through her skull like a bell, disorienting her, and her vision blurred as darkness began to overtake her.

Uraraka's world spun for what felt like an eternity. When she finally came to, her head was pounding, and everything around her seemed distorted. She groaned softly, trying to lift her hands to her face, but her body felt like it was made of lead.

The first thing she noticed was the warmth of the ground beneath her, soft grass mixed with the cold, hard surface of stone. She blinked rapidly, trying to shake the haze from her mind.

Then she realized she wasn't alone. Looking up, she saw two figures looming over her. Pony was standing nearby, a faint smirk playing across her face, while Mina stood just to her side, her expression a mix of concern and frustration.

Pony looked down at Uraraka with a casual air, her hands resting on her hips. "Well, that was... something. You okay, sweetie? Because I was thinking we should take a little break. Fighting could really mess up my hair before I start filming. Not to mention, it's no fun if I finish our fight in the first couple of seconds."

Uraraka, still dazed, groaned softly. "Ugh... You... Yeah... That sounds good to me..."

Pony's smirk widened, and she nodded slowly. "Great! Come on, I think I have some spare sandwiches, drinks and cookies somewhere around here."

Mina, crossing her arms over her chest, rolled her eyes. "Ugh, you're insane, Pony."

Pony shrugged, unaffected by Mina's remark. "I'm not insane, I'm a star, baby!"

Uraraka sat up slowly, blinking rapidly to clear her head. The world was still a little blurry, but she managed to push herself up into a sitting position. Her side ached, the wound throbbing beneath her clothing. But despite the pain, she found herself... strangely relieved. Maybe it was because she hadn't expected the fight to go the way it had, or maybe it was because Pony's suggestion was her saving grace.

"Cookies sound good right about now..." Uraraka said after a long moment, her voice still a little shaky.

Pony smiled again, her eyes glinting with amusement as she extended a hand to help Uraraka to her feet. "That's the spirit!"

Well, that was weird. At least things had gotten slightly better from that point.

The trio of women now sat at a small, round picnic table, its wooden surface littered with snacks: cookies, sandwiches, and cans of soda. A few stray wrappers and crumbs had gathered around them, a testament to the hour they had spent in each other's company, talking and laughing in an unexpected turn of events.

Uraraka had been a bit wary of sitting down with Pony, but now, as they exchanged jokes and shared casual stories, the tension from earlier seemed to fade away.

Uraraka took a bite of a cookie, the sweetness comforting against the strange unease that still lingered in her chest. She glanced over at Pony, who was nibbling on a sandwich and sipping her soda with a calm, almost carefree air.

"So, this movie you're in..." Uraraka began, her voice light as she leaned forward, eager to shift the topic away from their earlier fight. "What's it about? I've seen a few trailers floating around, but it's always hard to tell what the actual plot is gonna be about."

Pony raised an eyebrow, her lips curving upward into a wry smile. "Oh, you mean whether it's gonna pull a lot of people in or not? I'm not sure. The movie it's called 'Raise me higher', and it's going to be a romantic comedy. You never truly know if those will perform well at the box office or not. Besides, I'm not exactly the one calling all the shots around here, you know? But I'm pretty sure I'm the best part of it. The rest of the cast is... well, interesting."

Uraraka giggled, leaning back in her chair, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, I get it. You're the real selling point, huh? Can't argue with that."

"Well..." Pony said, her voice laced with humor. "There's a lot of competition out there, but I'm confident in my talents. The others... well, let's just say I'm not sure the director knows what they're doing."

"You're probably right, though." Uraraka teased, laughing lightly. "I can already tell you're gonna be the highlight of the party. But seriously, is it going to suck? Or should I actually bother watching it?"

Pony's smile faltered just for a moment, the playful atmosphere suddenly shifting. She took a slow sip of her soda, looking at Uraraka with a more guarded expression. "You know what? How about we change topics?"

Uraraka raised an eyebrow at the sudden change in tone. She didn't press the issue immediately, though. Instead, she leaned in, her eyes mischievous. "Fine, fine. So, embarrassing stories then. Got any good ones about Izuku?"

Pony's eyes flickered, almost imperceptibly, before she laughed. "Hah! I only have embarrassing stories about myself! He broke my heart!"

Uraraka froze mid-bite, the cookie almost falling from her fingers. "Really?"

Pony leaned back in her chair, her hands resting on the table as she looked elsewhere, her expression darkening slightly. "He didn't tell you, did he? Well, Izuku... he cheated on me."

Uraraka blinked, the words not quite sinking in at first. "Cheated on you? Izuku? But... he never-"

"Obviously he didn't." Pony interrupted, her voice cold now, her eyes narrowing as she glanced at Uraraka. "Of course he didn't. Izuku doesn't talk about things that might make him look bad. He didn't just cheat on me once, either. He was with another girl from our class. Back in our second year at U.A."

Uraraka's breath caught in her chest. She set her cookie down slowly, her stomach twisting.

Izuku... cheated? On Pony? With someone from her class, no less? It didn't make sense.

"I... didn't know." Uraraka whispered, her voice quiet. "He never told me about any of this. Why would he keep something like that a secret?"

Pony's gaze softened just slightly, a trace of bitterness still lingering in her expression. "Izuku... he's not the type to talk about stuff like this. He just moves on. That's what he did with me. He walked away, like I was nothing. I tried to talk to him after it happened, but he just... disappeared. He never explained why. Never gave me closure. He just left and hooked up with one of my friends..."

She paused, and for the first time, Uraraka saw a flicker of real hurt behind Pony's usually composed face. It wasn't the composed mask she usually wore in her films, it was raw, and it made Uraraka's heart ache for her.

"Izuku helped me a lot back then, you know?" Pony continued, her voice softer now, almost wistful. "He was the one who made me believe in myself. I was so lost, so unsure of my place in the world. But Izuku... he was different from the rest. He saw something in me that I didn't even see in myself. He made me feel like I could be more than just... little old me. The reason I'm an actress now is because of him. He encouraged me to follow my dreams of becoming both a talented actress and a great hero, and I did thanks to his kind words... And when he left... when he cheated on me and just disappeared... it destroyed me. I couldn't understand how he could do that after everything he said to me, the things we did together, or the things he promised me."

Uraraka opened her mouth to say something, but her voice caught in her throat.

She didn't know what to say.

What could she say?

This wasn't the Izuku she knew. The Izuku she knew wouldn't have done something like that. But Pony's words made Uraraka feel like she was seeing a different side of him, a side she hadn't known about or had chosen to ignore.

Mina, who had been listening intently this whole time, leaned back in her seat. She took a long sip from her soda, then glanced over at Uraraka, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"Sounds kinda familiar to me. Well, guess that settles it. Maybe you two are just a match made in hell, am I right, babe?" Mina said dryly, her tone a little sharper than usual. "Two horrible people made for each other. It'd explain a lot, don't you think?"

Uraraka's gaze snapped to Mina, her jaw tightening. "What does that mean?"

Mina raised an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "You know exactly what I mean, sweetie."

Uraraka flushed, biting back a retort. She wasn't about to get into that now.

So, she ignored Mina's comment and turned back to Pony, trying to steer the conversation in a better direction. "I think you're a great actress, Pony. I mean it. You've got real talent. I can see why you've gotten so far."

Pony's lips curled into a faint smile, but there was no real joy behind it. "Thanks, but like I said, most of my success came from his support. When we were dating, he made me believe in myself, and I felt like I could do anything when he was with me. He encouraged me to pursue acting when I wasn't sure if I could do it given my accent and my awful Japanese. I was so scared of failing and never getting back up again. But Izuku... he was the one who made me think I could make it. So when he left... when he walked away, it felt like I'd lost everything. And even now, I still wonder why he did it."

She paused for a moment, her eyes focused on the ground. "Though, I don't regret doing this. Not entirely. My career took off after we broke up. My fame, my success... they helped me gain more recognition. But... the hurt never really goes away. Not completely. The way he just left, without a word, without even explaining... it still stings."

Uraraka didn't know what to say. The words felt too heavy, too complex to fully process in that moment. She looked at Pony, really looked at her for the first time, and saw more than just her former classmate.

She saw someone who had been deeply hurt, someone who had suffered and yet managed to push forward.

It wasn't the kind of story Uraraka had expected, much less from someone as Pony, and it certainly wasn't the version of Izuku she had known. But it was real.

Pony sighed once before continuing. "Still, the agency allowed me to join in because I'm an important figure in Izuku's past. Plus, I'm a total catch, so it'd be their loss."

Uraraka raises an eyebrow. "The agency?"

Pony looks at Uraraka quizzically. "Don't tell me Kinoko didn't tell you!"

Uraraka rubs the back of her neck sheepishly. "I might have... deleted her message without reading it..."

Pony sighs, facepalming. "Of course you did. Well, to put it shortly, it's basically an agency formed to control Izuku's love life. How else do you think we organized and put this whole thing together to go after you?"

Uraraka looks blankly at Pony. "I... guess I hadn't thought about it."

"Alright, you know what? Let's get back to our main topic." Pony said slowly, her voice a low murmur, but the words cut through the air like a blade. "Here's the deal. You give me all the money you've got, and I'll throw this fight. I'll tell Itsuka that you beat me. No harm done."

Pony gave a slight shrug as if the offer were nothing more than a simple business transaction, but Uraraka's jaw clenched, and for a moment, she was silent, processing what Pony had said.

"What?" Uraraka scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief. "Wow, you really are a sellout, Pony."

Pony's eyes darkened instantly. The flicker of amusement that had danced across her features vanished, replaced with a piercing intensity. She stood up, pushing her chair back in one swift motion. The sound of the chair scraping against the ground seemed to punctuate the change in atmosphere. She locked her eyes onto Uraraka with such intensity that it felt as though a storm was brewing in her gaze.

"Say your prayers, then. Kiss Izuku's sweet ass goodbye, Uraraka." Pony said, her voice barely above a whisper, but it held the weight of a promise. A dangerous one.

Pony raised her hands and placed them to the sides of her head, and in an instant, the air around them shifted. Floating horns, sharp and deadly, floated in a circle around Uraraka. They moved in the air like they had minds of their own, their points gleaming in the sunlight, aiming directly at Uraraka's body.

It was clear Pony wasn't playing anymore.

Uraraka's breath caught in her throat as she looked at the horns, calculating her next move.

Then, an idea struck her.

With a swift motion, Uraraka pointed behind Pony, towards a large, open area in the park. "Well... Umm... Have you seen that area over there? If you're really going to kill me, then the least you could do is give me a show over there. I mean, you're Pony Tsunotori, right? You're a great actress, an amazing pro hero, and a near perfect stunt!"

Pony scoffs in offense. "Near perfect? I AM perfect!"

Uraraka nods nervously. "I know, right? And since that's the case, surely you can give me a bit of acrobatics before you finish me off. Make it a real masterpiece for my last living moments!"

Pony's eyes narrowed, her gaze flicking toward the area Uraraka had pointed to. The open space was vast, with a few scattered trees and a wide expanse of grass and dirt.

It was the perfect setting for a dazzling spectacle.

But as Pony considered it, her expression faltered just for a second.

"You want me to put on a show for you in THAT area of all places?" Pony said, her voice laced with disbelief. "I could give you a show, alright, but there's one little problem. You're asking me to perform in a death zone. The area is vastly open, so there's nothing stopping the wind from picking up speed, and there's nothing below that area either, so it'd be a fatal drop. It's impossible!"

Uraraka's eyes flashed with determination.

"Impossible, you say?" She said with a challenging grin, her voice teasing. "That's what makes it exciting, doesn't it? I mean, your fans would be disappointed if you didn't live up to their expectations. Plus, the cameras are rolling and all the cute boys around here might also be watching."

Pony looked at Uraraka for a long moment, the weight of her words sinking in.

Uraraka only looked away and whistled innocently.

Then, with a soft, exasperated sigh, Pony shook her head.

"You really are a bitch, Uraraka." She muttered.

Without another word, Pony sprang into action.

She kicked off from the ground with a burst of strength, using two of her horns as makeshift skates, floating into the air. The wind caught beneath her, lifting her higher, and she glided effortlessly at first, her movements fluid, graceful, like a dancer taking flight. For a brief moment, Uraraka could almost admire the spectacle. Pony really was something else when she let herself shine.

But as Pony continued, the wind grew more unpredictable, and Uraraka could see the subtle shifts in Pony's posture, the slight waver in her movements. It wasn't easy. The gusts were fierce now, howling through the park, pushing against Pony's body. Her speed, once controlled and precise, began to grow erratic and dangerous. She was pushing herself too far, trying to show off.

Then, it happened.

With a sudden lurch, Pony lost her balance. Her horns glided too fast, too erratically, and she began to spiral out of control.

Pony starts to sweat. "Oh no... Nonononono!"

The wind tore at her body, and the graceful movements she had once executed with such precision now seemed like desperate flailing. Her eyes widened as she tried to steady herself, but it was too late. The speed she had gained was too much for her to control.

Pony let out a sharp gasp as she lost her footing entirely. "NoooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Her body fell downward toward the ground. Uraraka and Mina only watched as the scene unfolded. The air seemed to go silent for a split second, the world slowing down in that terrible, weightless moment.

And then, with a sickening thud, Pony crashed to the pavement below. The impact echoed through the park, a sharp and brutal noise that sent a shudder through Uraraka's bones.

Uraraka winced. "Oof."

Mina, standing beside her, let out a long, resigned sigh. "You really are a horrible human being, babe."

Uraraka didn't respond at first. Then, she shook her head and let out a small sigh. "Damn. This sucks."

Mina shot Uraraka a sideways glance, her lips twisted into a small, disapproving frown. "What? Why? You won by default!"

Uraraka looks down sheepishly. "I didn't get her autograph! What a ripoff! Lamest fight yet!"

Mina sighs. "You're an asshole, Ochaco. Come on, let's get out of here."

Without another word, the two of them walked away, leaving the scene behind.

Meanwhile...

The bustling city street hummed with life, the sound of footsteps and distant chatter mingling with the soft rustle of leaves caught in the occasional breeze. The sun hung low in the sky, casting warm rays over the sidewalk as Izuku made his way toward the mall, his mind preoccupied with the upcoming tasks he had to tackle.

His detective work, which had consumed so much of his focus lately, felt like a never-ending trail of questions he never quite had the answer to, but it was something he felt obligated to do.

He had become a detective to help the helpless, after all. It was his duty, and he was glad he could be of use.

As he walked, absorbed in his thoughts, he suddenly felt a light tap on his shoulder.

Surprised, Izuku turned around to find none other than Tsuyu Aui standing behind him.

She greeted him with her usual calm, yet warm, demeanor. "You're Izuku Midoriya, aren't you?" Tsuyu said, her voice friendly and genuine. "I could tell because of your hair."

Izuku blinked in surprise, his face flushing slightly. He laughed awkwardly, running a hand through his hair. "Umm... Yeah, I am. You must be Tsuyu Asui, right? It's nice to meet the fabled pro hero Froppy at last."

Tsuyu laughs. "No need to be so formal, Midoriya-chan. You can call me Tsu. All of my friends call me Tsu, and since you're looking after Ochaco-chan, that makes you a friend of mine. Speaking of which, it's nice to finally run into you. Ochaco-chan only says nice things about you."

Izuku chuckles, his voice a little shy. "She gives me way too much credit. But, I'm glad she thinks so highly of me."

Tsuyu's lips curved into a small smile as she took a step closer. "I don't think she's wrong. But just so you know, you might be too good of a person for Ohaco-chan."

Izuku raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Too good of a person? What do you mean by that?"

Tsuyu's smile widened slightly as she looked at Izuku. "Well, let me put it this way. Ochaco-chan is a bit complicated. I love her a lot, I appreciate her a lot, and I wish her the best, but she can be a handful sometimes. She has a lot of layers, and not all of them are easy to figure out. But I'll tell you this much: she went out with someone a while back, someone who didn't really fit her... at all."

Izuku's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Tsuyu's eyes narrowed just a touch, as if recalling something distant and slightly uncomfortable. "A woman named Himiko Toga. From what I know, she used to dress up like a high schooler for some reason. Whatever the reason was, they hung out for a little while. Not a very long time, though."

Izuku blinked in surprise, his thoughts racing.

Himiko Toga?

He had heard that name before, mostly through some witnesses who claimed they'd seen a blonde girl drinking blood in dark alleys, but this was the first time he was hearing that Uraraka had been involved with someone like that.

Tsuyu noticed Izuku's confusion, and she gave him a sympathetic look, like she understood exactly what was running through his mind. "You look just like me when I found out about it. Either way, I wasn't too surprised when Ochaco-chan broke it off. She never seemed all that into Toga, you know? They've split up, and Ochaco-chan has already forgotten all about her."

Izuku was quiet for a moment, processing what Tsuyu had just shared with him.

"But..." Izuku began, hesitating for a moment. "Why would she even go out with Toga if she didn't feel anything? I mean, she doesn't strike me as the kind of person who would just... go along with something that didn't feel right."

Tsuyu shrugged slightly, her expression softening with a trace of uncertainty. "Honestly, I don't know. I wasn't too thrilled about it either. If I'm being honest, I was about to give her a piece of my mind for it, but... well, I didn't have to. She ended it on her own."

Izuku nodded slowly, feeling a strange mix of emotions. He was relieved to hear that Uraraka had ended things with Toga, since he wasn't sure how he would have felt if they had stayed together, but hearing that it hadn't been a serious, lasting relationship eased some of the confusion in his chest. But at the same time, he couldn't help but feel like he was missing something, some crucial piece of the puzzle that was Uraraka's heart.

"Thanks, I guess." Izuku said quietly, his voice soft but genuine. "I didn't know about any of this. I... I guess I need to understand Uraraka better. I thought I did, but hearing all of this makes me realize I still have a lot to learn about her."

Tsuyu gave him a knowing smile, her expression softening with empathy. "Yeah, I think we all have a lot to learn about Uraraka. But hey, she's lucky to have you. You're a good guy, Midoriya-chan. I'm sure she's happy with you."

Izuku smiled, though there was a faint nervousness behind it. "I hope so."

Tsuyu tilted her head thoughtfully, then gave him a thumbs-up. "Well, you've got this. You just need to take it one step at a time. But if you ever need a second opinion or a little advice, you know I'm here for the both of you."

Izuku chuckled, feeling a little lighter now. "Thanks, Tsuyu. I really appreciate it."

Tsuyu frowns. "I told you to call me Tsu."

Izuku chuckles awkwardly. "Ah... I mean, thanks, Tsu."

"Anytime." Tsuyu replied, gaining her smile back. "Now, I know you've got some shopping to do, right? How about I join you? I could use a break."

Izuku hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "Sure! I could use the company."

"Ow!"

Mina turns her head to look at Uraraka with a confused expression. "Hm? What's wrong, babe? Does your head still hurt after Pony knocked your lights out?"

Uraraka groans, rubbing her head softly. "No, no... I just... I don't know, I just have a strange feeling..."

Mina raises an eyebrow, smirking. "A feeling?"

Uraraka frowns. "Not a good one. Why do I feel like someone's talking crap about me behind my back?"

Mina chuckles, patting Uraraka on the back. "If they are, good for them. You kinda deserve it, Ochaco."

Uraraka sighs. "I still hate you."

Mina smiles. "And I still love ya, babe."

Izuku and Tsuyu made their way into the mall, and Izuku groans. "You know, it's strange. I've always lived in Musutafu, but I don't remember this mall being this huge."

Tsuyu giggles. "I guess it's the way the city changes as time passes, don't you think?"

Izuku nods. "Guess so. Still, you gotta admit that this is unnecesarily big. I mean, look! Even the upper levels seem..."

As his gaze flickered to the upper levels of the mall, a slight movement caught his attention.

A figure on the highest floor.

The figure was silhouetted against the lights of the ceiling, but the posture was unmistakable.

Someone was about to jump down on them.

"Tsu, get back!" Izuku's voice was urgent, his mind racing through every possible scenario.

Without another word, he pulled out a telescoping staff exclusively made to defend himself, extending it in one swift motion. His fingers tightened around the grip, and with a quiet hum, the staff clicked into place, ready for whatever was to come.

Tsuyu blinked in surprise, but she immediately stepped back, sensing the gravity of the situation. "Midoriya-chan, what is it?"

Before he could answer, the figure jumped.

Time seemed to slow for a moment as the figure descended, the wind rushing against their body as they plummeted toward the ground.

Izuku's heart skipped a beat. He braced himself, his staff held at the ready. With a precise motion, he pushed Tsuyu back, ensuring she was out of harm's way. He didn't know what to expect, but he wasn't taking any chances.

The figure landed with a heavy thud, rolling to absorb the impact, and then stood with eerie confidence.

As they stepped into the light, Izuku's blood ran cold.

There, standing in front of him, was Himiko Toga, her face twisted with anger, her eyes wild and unblinking. She was armed with several knives and syringes, her posture tense as she threatened to lunge at Izuku.

"You're dead, fatass!" Toga screamed, her voice harsh, raw with emotion. "I'll kill you! She's mine!"

Izuku took a step forward, his staff held defensively in front of him. "Himiko Toga. Reports say you were suspected to be involved in several cases of mysterious murders some time ago, but they suddenly stopped happening altogether some time ago. Why are you attacking me now? Is this personal?"

Toga wasn't listening. With a crazed grin, she advanced, slashing the air with her knives.

Izuku's instincts kicked in, and he parried, moving with quick precision. Every step they took felt like a dangerous dance, each of them trying to gain the upper hand, knowing full well that one wrong move could be fatal.

Tsuyu watched from behind, her mind racing. She could see how intense the situation was, but she didn't want to interfere directly.

This seemed personal.

Izuku seemed like he could handle it, but this wasn't a fight they could take lightly. She kept her distance, ready to jump in if she needed to.

As the two clashed, Toga's movements became more frantic, desperate. Her knives cut through the air in unpredictable arcs, and Izuku deflected each strike with calculated ease. But despite his calm exterior, he could feel the weight of the situation pushing down on him.

He wasn't sure what Toga's business with him was, but her actions spoke volumes.

Then, something in Toga's eyes shifted.

She stopped mid-strike, her gaze suddenly locking onto Izuku's face.

Her breath caught in her throat, and for the first time, the bloodlust in her eyes faltered. The anger that had consumed her just moments ago began to melt away, replaced with something far more vulnerable.

Izuku saw it too. For the briefest of moments, there was a flicker of recognition in her eyes.

"You…" Toga whispered, her voice trembling, as if the words had just escaped her. "You're him… the green-haired guy."

Izuku paused, his staff held tightly in his hands, but he didn't move any closer. "What? What are you talking about?"

Toga's hands shook as she slowly lowered her knives, the aggression fading from her posture. Her chest rose and fell with each breath, and her thoughts seemed to spiral.

She looked down at the ground for a long, quiet moment, as if something had shifted within her.

And then, almost as if she were speaking to herself, she muttered. "I... remember now. That day, in the street..."

A terrible memory began to surface in Toga's mind.

The day where she'd proposed to live together with Uraraka.

She'd noticed that Uraraka wasn't exactly paying attention to her, but she didn't mind at all. Not as long as Uraraka kept being by her side.

And yet, Toga noticed that Uraraka seemed to be looking in the direction of a certain green-haird guy.

Toga presses her hands against her face, her features suddenly wrinkling in anguish. "She... She... She was PLAYING WITH ME SINCE THEN?!"

Her shoulders trembled, and her knives fell to the ground with a soft clink. She looked down at them, her hands curling into fists at her sides, as if the weight of the truth was too much to bear.

Izuku stood frozen, unsure of what to do. He could feel the weight of Toga's pain pressing down on him, but at the same time, he couldn't afford to let his guard down. "Toga... What are you saying?"

Toga's shoulders trembled as she raised her knives once again, her face twisted in a mixture of anguish and rage.

"You wanna know what I'm saying?" She spat, her voice shaking as she lunged toward Izuku again. "I won't let her take you from me! My name is Himiko Toga, and I'm addicted to Ochaco Uraraka!"

With a sharp breath, Izuku swung his staff once more, blocking her attack and pushing her back. "Did you really just say that?! Toga, you need to stop!"

But Toga only pressed forward, her tears falling freely now. "I can't... I can't stop. I won't stop!"

Izuku's grip on the telescoping staff tightened as he deflected yet another knife aimed at his head. The metallic clang rang out as the blade bounced off the shaft, and he quickly spun, using the momentum to knock another syringe from Toga's hand before she could strike again.

Toga was relentless. Her eyes were wild, her manic energy only growing with every missed strike. The rage in her movements felt almost unstoppable, and Izuku could see it in her.

Toga was becoming desperate.

"Is this really all you've got?" Izuku challenged, his voice firm as he swung his staff once more, blocking another barrage of knives and syringes. His stance was grounded, but his mind was anything but calm. He had to think fast, protect himself, and somehow keep the people around them safe, but every time he thought he was gaining control, Toga's relentless attacks came crashing back.

Tsuyu stood a few feet away, her phone in hand, desperately trying to reach Uraraka. Her brow furrowed in concern as the phone continued to ring, then suddenly went to a busy signal. She tried again, but the line was still engaged. Her heart raced as she glanced between Izuku and the violent exchange happening in front of her.

Tsuyu groans. "Come on, Ochaco-chan! Why won't you answer?!"

"So... You're absolutely sure you don't do deliveries at this hour?"

"For the last time, miss Uravity... You may be a great pro hero, but we can't make an exception for you! Our pizza joint closed about an hour ago!"

"Oh... But what if I sent you a really cool signed picture of me alongside some action figures of me and Creati?"

"..."

"I can totally see you blushing on the other side, sir."

"So... About those action figures..."

Toga's eyes narrowed. "You really think she's going to pick someone like you?! She'll prefer someone younger, prettier, someone who'll stay loyal to the end!"

Izuku's face tightened, the words hitting him harder than he cared to admit, but he stayed calm. "Toga, I don't know what you're talking about! Will you please just calm down?"

Toga lunged at him again, her arm flashing toward his chest with a sharp, deadly motion. Izuku saw the attack coming in a split second, and before she could make contact, he grabbed her wrist with a quick twist, using her momentum to throw her hard against the ground.

Toga let out a shocked gasp as she hit the floor, her breath knocked out of her. Her knives scattered across the ground, and for a moment, she lay there, her chest heaving as she stared up at Izuku.

"I know how to fight too, you know." Izuku said, his voice lower now, almost grim. He held the staff with both hands, ready for whatever Toga tried next. "You're not the only one who's dismissed me just because I'm quirkless. I've also had my fair share of struggles to get where I am. You're not the only one who's gone through a lot."

Toga's eyes narrowed, and her lips curled into a frustrated, almost pitying smile. "You got lucky, that's all. You're not the one who's going to win this. You're just a stepping stone in my way!"

With a swift movement, she pushed herself up, wiping the dirt from her clothes. "I'm not done. Not by a long shot. You're just another obstacle to my happiness the world has placed in my way. But I'm not gonna sit and take it just like that, I'll make sure you regret this."

And with that, Toga turned on her heel and darted away.

Izuku's eyes widened as she began to jump, her body moving in a way that defied the laws of gravity, as if she were effortlessly leaping from one wall to the next with almost no hesitation. In no time, she had already reached the upper levels of the mall.

"Wait!" Izuku called out, his feet pushing him forward as he took a step toward her. But Toga was already gone. She leaped higher, using her agility to propel herself toward another floor, her form nearly disappearing into the chaos of the mall's upper levels.

Izuku was left standing there, helpless, his heart pounding. He couldn't keep up. She was too fast.

Before she disappeared completely, Toga threw one last knife toward the ground near Izuku's feet, and it clattered loudly across the floor.

Izuku bent down to inspect it, and he saw something that made him sigh.

There, tied to the handle of the knife, was a small piece of folded paper. A note.

"You're an ugly fatass and I hate you. Signed, Himiko Toga."

Izuku sighed heavily, his heart clenching with the realization of just how deep Toga's obsession ran, and how far she was willing to go to keep Uraraka in her grasp.

"She's not going to stop, is she?" Izuku muttered under his breath, standing up and looking at the direction Toga had disappeared.

Tsuyu finally approached, her face a mixture of concern and frustration. "Midoriya-chan, are you okay? You're not hurt, are you?"

Izuku nodded slowly, his hand tightening around the knife in his grip. "I'm fine, but she almost got me a couple of times. She's fast, agile, and really stubborn. I don't understand... why is Toga so obsessed with Uraraka?"

Tsuyu let out a heavy sigh, looking at the spot where Toga had disappeared. "I honestly don't know, but what I do know is that Ochaco-chan is done with her. Toga might be holding onto something, but Ochaco-chan has already moved on. Typical Ochaco-chan."

Izuku turned his eyes towards the note in his hands one last time before letting out an awkward grunt. "Man... That girl really likes knives, doesn't she?"

Uraraka groans as she rubs her stomach carefully. 'Damn it... Maybe I shouldn't have eaten that pizza all by myself... But I mean, what else was I supposed to do? Mina went out, Izuku hasn't called, and it was my favorite type of pizza!'

Uraraka takes a look around the apartment and supresses a sigh. She had decided to buy pizza as a prize for beating Pony, yet now it seemed like a really bad decision. With Mina away and her stomach grumbling, she didn't have much to do.

God, why can't anything interesting just happen now?

RING!

Uraraka looks beside her and notices the phone ringing. 'Ugh... What now?'

Rolling her eyes, Uraraka answers the phone. "Hello?"

"Hello, Pink Cheeks."

Uraraka's heart drops to the pit of her stomach.

Now she wished she'd never asked for something to happen.

"B-Bakugo...?"

"Obviously. Hi."

"Hi...?"

"It's been a while since we talked to each other alone."

Uraraka looks beside her, her pupils dilating. "Y-Yeah... A year, perhaps?"

"More or less. How are you?"

"Umm... Right now?"

"Yes."

"Well... Not very good..."

"Hmph."

"I mean, it's obviously your fault..."

"How funny. Where are you living? Do you still sleep with Raccoon Eyes?"

Uraraka supresses a sound. A sigh? A groan? A scream? Honestly, she didn't know how to feel anymore. Especially now, talking to HIM of all people. "Kinda, yeah... We still share a bed... It's really sexy..."

"Bet. And how have you been in the whole 'love' thing and shit like that? Still out there breaking hearts?"

"What? No, stop! It's been... different. You have no idea..."

"Maybe I don't. Have you finally given up on that?"

"No! I haven't. I have an incredible boyfriend who works as a detective."

Bakugo goes silent for a moment. Uraraka notices it, but she prefers to not point it out.

After a moment, Bakugo continues. "What's his name?"

"What? I'm not just gonna tell you-"

"Pink Cheeks."

Uraraka sighs. "It's... It's Izuku Midoriya..."

Bakugo goes silent for another moment. "Hmph."

"What? What do you mean 'Hmph'?"

"Nothing in particular. I just never thought you'd get together with the nerd of all people."

"Well, he's my boyfriend. And he may be a nerd, but he's MY nerd now. What, are you jealous or something?"

"Of course I'm not. I've stopped caring a long time ago. But even if I was jealous, I'd be allowed to."

Uraraka scoffs. "Huh? No, you wouldn't! You were the one who dumped me!"

"I guess I did, huh?"

Uraraka sinks in the couch. "You... left me when I thought we were having the best time of our lives in the afterparty of the Japanese Billboard charts event..."

"Guess that's some ironic shit from the world."

"Huh?"

"Because the next event is gonna happen in about a week, you dumbass."

Uraraka sighs. "Oh, right, anyways. Why are you calling me? Are you just secretly evil or do you just like to see me suffer?"

"Huh? You implyin' I'm abusive or somethin'?"

"Of course you're abusive! No question about it!"

Bakugo sighs. "Uh-huh. Sure. I'm always the abusive, explosive asshole in everyone's minds, including yours."

"Whatever... So...?"

"I called to see if you and your agency are gonna attend the event."

"Uhh... Sure... I mean, we kinda have to. It's our job."

"Mhm. Just makin' sure."

"Alright, then."

"It was nice to talk to you or whatever..."

"Yeah, same."

"See you there."

CLICK

Mina whistled nonchalantly before opening the door to her apartment. The day had been quite nice. She helped entertain some kids, hung out with Kirishima, and ate a slice of pizza before heading back home. All in all, a pretty solid day.

Sucks that her day was about to be spoiled.

Upon opening the door gently, Mina gasps, since Uraraka was sprawled across the floor, as if she didn't care who looked or what would happen to her through the night.

Mina approaches Uraraka and crouches next to her, nuzzling her head gently. "Hey there, you okay, babe?"

Uraraka opens her eyes in a daze. "Huhhhhh?"

Mina frowns. "You okay? Food poisoning or something?"

Uraraka only makes more noises in response. "Guhhhhhh..."

Mina puts her hand to her chin in thought. "Come on. Did you find out that I ate all the mochi we had? No, that can't be it. You were totally crying the last time that happened..."

Uraraka lazily looks up at Mina. "Bakhhhhh..."

Mina's expression softens. "Oh... Did Midori dump you? I'm so sorry, Ochaco..."

Uraraka shakes her head softly. "Nuuuhhhhhhh..."

Mina raises an eyebrow. "No? Then what...?"

Uraraka groans. "Bakuhhhhh..."

Mina thinks for a moment. "Bak? As in, Bakugo?"

Then, it clicks for Mina.

Mina looks down at Uraraka with an annoyed expression. "Did Bakugo call?"

Uraraka nods. "Yuuuhhhhhh..."

Mina looks at Uraraka with a sad expression before letting out an annoyed sigh. "Shit..."

The next day...

The soft hum of the living room was interrupted by the sound of Uraraka's phone ringing. She had been sprawled on the couch all day, feeling exhausted from everything that had happened yesterday, so this was not something she wanted right now.

With a soft sigh, Uraraka slid herself into a more comfortable position on the couch, propping her feet up on the cushions as she tapped the screen to answer.

"Hey, Ochaco-chan." Tsuyu's voice greeted her, calm and steady as usual.

"Hey, Tsu..."

"You sound... off. What's up?"

"Dunno, I guess you could say I'm feeling a little... down in the dumps..."

Tsuyu paused for a beat on the other end of the line, her voice quiet but filled with curiosity. "Did Midoriya-chan dump you? Is this about Toga?"

Uraraka froze at the mention of Toga's name. "What? No, this is something else entirely! What was that about Toga?"

Tsuyu didn't hesitate. "Well, nothing too important."

Uraraka sighs. "Tsu, please just tell me. I'm not in the mood today. If this is something about me seeing Toga I've already told you I'm over that."

Tsuyu continues. "Well... It's complicated. I bumped into Midoriya-chan, Toga showed up when I was hanging out with him at the mall, and she started attacking him. She came out of nowhere, and was completely out of control."

Uraraka's eyes widened, the blood draining from her face.

"Oh my god." Uraraka muttered, her hand shaking as she gripped the coffee mug that was resting in her lap before screaming into the phone. "WHAT?! THEY FOUGHT?! AND I MISSED SEEING IZUKU FIGHTING?!"

Before she could process it further, the coffee mug in her hands slipped, tipping over and spilling the hot liquid directly onto her lap.

"AAAAAHH! OHHHHH! EEEEE!" Uraraka yelped, jerking her body back instinctively, but it was too late, the coffee burned her skin, and she jumped up in pain, immediately beginning to try to blot at the stains with the hem of her shirt.

Tsuyu sighs. "Really, Ochaco-chan?"

"Ow! Oh no, I-" She winced, hopping around the living room in distress as she tried to avoid the hot liquid that had now soaked into her clothes.

From another room, Mina's voice rang out, filled with laughter. "Careful there, babe!"

Uraraka groaned in frustration, finally sitting back down on the couch, trying to calm herself. The coffee was still hot, and the stain wasn't going to come out anytime soon.

"Great, just great." She muttered to herself, trying to ignore the sting on her skin and the embarrassment creeping up her neck. "Just what I needed today."

Tsuyu's voice cut through her self-pity. "Are you okay, Uraraka?"

"Yeah." Uraraka sighed, feeling like a mess. "I'm fine. Just... clumsy as always. But seriously, Tsuyu... Izuku and Toga... I can't believe I missed that. I should have been there."

There was a long pause on the other end of the line. When Tsuyu spoke again, her tone was a little more serious, almost as if she were weighing her words carefully.

"You're right about that." Tsuyu finally said. "But Ochaco-chan, don't go thinking Midoriya-chan is gonna just dump you over this. From what I know, he wasn't mad about it. He was worried, actually. And, well... you've got a lot of things to figure out with Toga."

Uraraka's shoulders slumped slightly in relief, though the weight of everything still hung heavily on her chest. "You think so? I don't want him to think I'm just dragging him into my mess. I really don't."

Tsuyu's voice softened, but she still kept a note of firmness in her words. "Ochaco-chan... you've been through a lot. You've dealt with Toga, and you've had to keep this whole thing together with him, but don't act like you're the only one who has problems. Toga's obsession with you doesn't just affect you, i's starting to affect him, too. But what I think is that you're better than this."

Uraraka sighed, slumping further into the couch, her fingers idly playing with the coffee-stained fabric of her shirt. "I don't know. It feels like everything is just... falling apart, you know?"

Tsuyu let out a small, almost affectionate chuckle. "Come on, you're Ochaco Uraraka, the fabled pro hero Uravity! And so, I'm not gonna cover for you anymore. You've got to learn to deal with these things without causing even more chaos."

Uraraka chuckled sheepishly, the guilt creeping in as she recalled the recent disasters. "I'll try... but no promises."

One week later...

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a soft, golden glow over the bustling city as Izuku and Uraraka walked hand in hand, the gentle hum of excited chatter in the air. The streets around them were teeming with people heading toward the grand event at the Japanese Billboard Charts, where the top heroes of the year were about to be revealed.

Izuku's eyes sparkled with excitement, his usual nervous energy transformed into eager anticipation as he squeezed Uraraka's hand slightly. He couldn't help but smile, thinking about how far he had come in his own journey, and how lucky he was to have someone like Uraraka by his side. "Man, it's the perfect time of the year! Not too hot, not too cold... It definitely helps for when you have to wear a suit. I should know!"

Uraraka giggles. "Well, you seem happy today."

Izuku nods. "I am! I mean, life is good! What more could I want? Work hasn't been as busy lately, I have an awesome girlfriend, I'm attending an event I've always wanted to attend to, and we both look good for it!"

But when Izuku glanced at her, he noticed that she wasn't quite as enthusiastic.

She was quiet, her gaze lowered, lost in thought, her brows furrowed in a way that made Izuku's heart ache with concern. He'd learned to read the small details about Uraraka, the way her mood shifted when something was on her mind.

"Hey..." He said gently, stopping and turning to face her. "Is everything alright? You've been a little... down. We're going to have a blast today, right?"

Uraraka paused, her lips curling into a half-smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. She looked up at him, her expression vulnerable, her voice quieter than usual. "Izuku… do you hate me now?"

The question hit him like a punch to the gut. His heart clenched in an instant, and before he could respond, he immediately reached for her other hand, holding both of hers tightly in his.

"What?!" Izuku exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief and concern. "No, of course not! I could never hate you, Uraraka. What makes you think that?"

Uraraka sighed softly, her head tilting down as she took a moment to gather her thoughts. She bit her lip, her voice soft but steady as she answered, "I just… I don't know..."

Izuku gives her hand a small kiss. "Does it look like I hate you?"

Uraraka's heart flutters at the gesture, and she feels her mood lighten up a bit. "Well... Not yet..."

Izuku frowned, unable to shake the heaviness he felt in her words. "Uraraka, I'm here with you, every step of the way. I don't want you to feel like that, okay?"

Uraraka lets out a sigh before nodding. "Okay."

"You know what? Tell me about your story with Bakugo." He said gently, his voice quiet but encouraging. "Mina said you were feeling down because of him. I want to understand why."

Uraraka stiffened slightly at the mention of Bakugo's name, and for a brief moment, Izuku regretted bringing it up.

But he could see the way her lips parted as if she had been holding the words back for so long.

She needed to say them, needed to talk about it, and he wanted to listen.

After a few deep breaths, Uraraka spoke, her voice slightly shaky but determined. "I guess it all started back at U.A..."

Izuku chuckles before elbowing her softly. "Not that far back, Uraraka. New boyfriends wanna hear about the bad stuff about the previous boyfriends."

Uraraka chuckles. "Right. Well, we dated for about a year, and it was... it was nice for a while. But then, at the last Japanese Billboard Charts event-"

Uraraka trailed off for a moment, her gaze now firmly fixed on the ground, her brow furrowing as she tried to find the right words. "He... dumped me."

Izuku raises an eyebrow. "He dumped you? Were you drunk?"

"Not that I remember."

"Oh. And did he give you a reason?"

Uraraka sighs. "He said that we both needed to focus on our hero careers, that it was best for us, and that maybe... maybe it was better if we didn't keep dating. He basically told me to get out of his life for the greater good."

Izuku's heart sank, the finality of her words hitting him like a physical blow.

He could only imagine how difficult it had been for her, how much it must have hurt. The thought of Bakugo leaving her like that made Izuku angry, but he swallowed it down, focusing instead on her. This was her moment, and he needed to be there for her.

"Was that how he put it?" Izuku asked, his voice low with concern. He could sense the sadness in her, and he wanted to understand why it still lingered.

Uraraka let out a bitter laugh, but it was devoid of humor. "Yeah, pretty much. I guess he was right, though. He had his own life and dreams, and I had mine. Maybe we just... weren't meant to be."

Izuku felt a pang of frustration stir inside him. He wanted to tell her that Bakugo had made a mistake, that she deserved someone who saw her for who she was and not someone who left her behind in pursuit of their own ambitions.

But instead, he simply nodded, trying to hold her gaze. "I think... I'm glad I'm not a hero."

Uraraka's eyes widen in surprise. "Huh?"

Izuku nods. "Yeah... I don't know, perhaps there's a world out there where I'm a hero or something like that, but even so, I'm thankful for the life I have been given in this universe. I don't think I could handle the expectations, the pressure... but Uraraka, you've done well. You've made it through everything, and you've done so much for everyone around you. I think you're incredible."

Uraraka's lips trembled for a moment, and she bit her lip to stop herself from crying in front of him.

God, why was he so good to her? It's almost as if she was ready to accept everything and move on whenever she was with him.

With a quiet sigh, she closed the distance between them, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug.

Izuku blinked in surprise but quickly returned the embrace, holding her close as she pressed her face against his chest. The warmth of the moment, the safety in his arms, felt like a balm to her soul.

And then, without thinking, she tilted her head up and kissed him, a soft kiss full of comfort, understanding, and the deep connection between them.

When they finally pulled away, Uraraka smiled softly. "Thank you, Izuku."

Izuku smiled back, brushing a lock of hair from her face as he cupped her cheek. "Always."

Together, they continued walking toward the event, their fingers entwined once more.

The buzz of chatter and laughter filled the room as Izuku and Uraraka entered the Japanese Billboard Charts event. The air was electric, charged with excitement and anticipation. The tall glass windows of the venue allowed the setting sun to cast a golden glow over the room, as people mingled in their finest attire, waiting for the big reveal of the top heroes in the rankings. The event was undoubtedly one of the biggest of the year, with all eyes on the heroes who had worked so tirelessly to secure their positions.

Izuku, ever the optimist, was practically glowing with excitement as they made their way further inside. He stood tall beside Uraraka, his eyes scanning the crowd, his heart still racing with excitement over the opportunity to attend such a prestigious event. His hand remained firmly intertwined with Uraraka's, his fingers brushing hers in a reassuring, intimate gesture.

Uraraka, however, was still in a much quieter state of mind. She tried to smile, her excitement for the event somewhat overshadowed by the events of the past days and the lingering uncertainty about everything. She glanced up at Izuku, the corners of her mouth curling into a smile, but her eyes held a distant, almost pensive expression.

They walked through the room, weaving between groups of people, until they spotted Mina, Momo, and Todoroki standing near the buffet table. The three of them were dressed just as elegantly, each wearing a warm smile as they waved the pair over.

Izuku gave a small, cheerful wave, his mood light and excited as they approached their friends. "Hey! It's good to see you guys!"

"Babe! Midori! Long time no see, you two!" Mina greeted them with her usual infectious grin, clearly thrilled to see Izuku and Uraraka together at the event. "You both look amazing."

Uraraka managed a smile, though she still felt a little out of place in the sea of polished heroes and the powerful presence of the top-ranking figures in the room. She was just about to speak when Todoroki's voice cut through the air, his tone blunt as always, his expression as neutral as ever.

"Midoriya..." Todoroki began, looking at the detective up and down with his usual sharp eyes. "You're not a hero, right? How did you get in?"

Izuku chuckled, his excitement only slightly dampened by Todoroki's remark. "I'm not a hero, no, but I was invited here. Some pro heroes I worked with recommended me. They said my reputation as a detective is better than most pro heroes in terms of actual work, so they thought It'd be nice to have me here. I guess you could say I'm a guest of honor."

Todoroki nodded, his face impassive, clearly uninterested in the specifics, but he couldn't hide the trace of curiosity that lingered in his eyes. "Alright, then. At least you seem more comfortable to hang around with than all the hypocrites filling this room."

"Anyways." Mina suddenly interjected, her voice filled with excitement. "You guys won't believe what just happened! Something really weird is going on."

Izuku, who had been looking forward to the evening, raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, weird?"

Mina pointed subtly to a corner of the room, where a scene was unfolding that instantly captured the attention of everyone in the group. Uraraka's eyes followed the direction of her finger, and her heart skipped a beat.

There, standing in the middle of a small crowd, was none other than Himiko Toga...

Clinging to Ojiro.

The usually composed and stoic Ojiro looked completely uncomfortable, shifting from foot to foot as Toga clung to him in a way that could only be described as too intimate.

She had one arm wrapped around his shoulder, the other hand holding a drink, her eyes wide and playful, looking at Uraraka and Izuku with a devilish smirk. Ojiro's face was a picture of discomfort, his body tense and unsteady under this sudden contact.

Uraraka felt a cold chill run through her, her stomach twisting into knots at the sight.

It was almost surreal.

Toga, who had always been so fixated on her, now turning her attention to someone else so quickly.

Momo sighs. "Apparently Ojiro invited her. We couldn't even get a word in because Toga sent us away before we could say anything."

Mina watched the interaction with some amusement, unable to hide her disbelief. "I still don't get it. How could she fall for a guy like Ojiro? I mean, he's nice, but he's just... so... plain...?"

Todoroki, however, didn't seem to find it as humorous. His eyes narrowed as he observed the scene.

"Maybe she's doing this to get under Uraraka's skin." He said bluntly, his tone dripping with disdain. "I think both Toga and Uraraka are pathetic for letting this go on. The rest of hero society doesn't have to witness these pathetic high school dramas unfold."

Uraraka stiffened at Todoroki's words, the sharpness in his voice catching her off guard. She opened her mouth to retort but quickly closed it, choosing instead to focus on what really mattered, what Toga's actions meant, and how she felt about it.

Izuku raises an eyebrow, looking at Uraraka with some curiosity. "So... You really went out with her?"

Uraraka replies quickly. "No! I mean yes! I mean... It was something really weird, but it was really short!"

Uraraka's gaze remained fixed on Toga and Ojiro for a long moment, her mind racing. The sight stirred something deep within her. It was something akin to a mix of anger, frustration, and a deep sense of bewilderment. It stung a little bit, of course.

But at the same time, Uraraka couldn't help but feel something else. A sense of relief, perhaps?

Toga's fling with Ojiro, she suspected, wouldn't last long. There was nothing about this situation that seemed permanent, nothing about Ojiro that seemed to make sense for Toga in the long term. Uraraka knew her too well, and she was certain that this, like everything else with Toga, would burn out just as quickly as it had started.

"Well... Let her be, then." Said Uraraka, turning back to the group. "If this is what she wants, then let her have it."

The group exchanged some glances before Mina let out a short chuckle. "Whatever you say, babe."

Then, it finally happened.

The lights in the room dimmed, casting a dramatic shadow over the venue as the buzz of conversation settled into an expectant hush. A soft hum of electricity in the air heightened the sense of anticipation.

The Japanese Billboard Charts event was about to officially begin, and the atmosphere grew thick with excitement.

The red carpet had long been rolled up, and now the top heroes from across the nation were about to be celebrated for their hard work, dedication, and heroic deeds.

Izuku and Uraraka stood at the edge of the crowd, their hands still intertwined as they exchanged quiet words. But as the announcer's voice crackled over the speakers, all eyes turned to the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen..." The announcer's voice rang out, smooth yet filled with an energy that electrified the crowd. "Thank you for joining us for this year's Billboard Charts event, where we honor the greatest heroes in Japan! We've had a few complications today, unfortunately, and so, the heroes holding the number 3 and 10 ranks won't be joining us this evening."

A ripple of disappointment swept through the crowd, murmurs echoing in the hall as people exchanged looks of curiosity and concern.

But the announcer continued, not missing a beat. "Nevertheless, we still have the privilege of revealing the rankings for the other top heroes. Without further delay, let's get started!"

Uraraka's heart skipped a beat as she found herself gripped by the moment, the air thick with a mix of nervousness and anticipation.

The announcer paused for just a moment, letting the silence stretch before they began to call out the names of the top 10 heroes.

"Coming in at number 9... Neito Monoma!"

The audience applauded, their claps sharp and synchronized, while a few people cheered, shouting Monoma's name from the crowd. Monoma immediately took off to the stage and waved from there with his characteristic grin, his blonde hair catching the spotlight.

"As expected." Said Monoma, striking a pose for all his fans.

"Number 8... Eijiro Kirishima!"

More applause, louder this time, for the ever-smiling Kirishima, who flexed his muscles playfully for the crowd as he walked to the stage, his trademark fiery red hair glistening in the spotlights.

"Man, I never thought I'd get this far! Thank you so much for your support, everyone!" Said Kirishima as he waved from the stage.

"At number 7... Tenya Iida!"

The sound of the applause grew again, the audience recognizing the stoic figure of Iida, his sharp blue eyes scanning the room before giving a respectful nod in acknowledgment.

Iida walked to the stage, smiling. "This is the result of all my hard work. I promise you I won't let you down in the future!"

"And now, in the number 6 spot, we have... Katsuki Bakugo!"

The room erupted in cheers.

Uraraka, standing next to Izuku, couldn't help but feel a tight knot form in her chest. Even though her time together with him had ended a long time ago, hearing his name still stirred something in her.

The sound of clapping and cheering continued, though there were some people who seemed to hold back, unsure of how to react to Bakugo's appearance.

Bakugo simply huffed as he walked to the stage. "Hmph. Was there ever any doubt?"

"Next up, at number 5... Ibara Shiozaki!"

Uraraka's eyes widened as she blinked at the screen. She'd never interacted that much with Ibara when they were at U.A, but she could tell that the vine user took both her faith and her hero work very seriously. Still, seeing that she had managed to climb all the way to the number 5 spot was unexpected.

Ibara waved from the stage, her green vines flowing behind her as she acknowledged the crowd with a calm, regal smile. "May the Lord share this blessing with all those who deserve it someday."

Uraraka barely had time to process the sight when the announcer's voice echoed through the room again, drawing her attention back to the rankings.

"And now, the ever-impressive Momo Yaoyorozu, at number 4!"

The applause was deafening, and Uraraka couldn't help but smile at the recognition of her friend.

Momo, as always, stood poised and dignified, her black hair elegantly styled as she waved to the crowd with grace. "Thank you so much!"

"And at number 2... Shoto Todoroki!"

The crowd roared as Todoroki, ever the enigma, took the stage. His fiery red hair contrasted with his icy blue eye, his face unreadable as always, but his presence was undeniable for everyone. The applause for Todoroki was thunderous, and Uraraka could see how the crowd adored him, their admiration for his abilities as a hero pouring through in every cheer.

Todoroki supresses a smile as he joins his friends on stage. "You're too kind. Thanks."

"Now, for the number 1 hero... Mirio Togata!"

And then, the final name was revealed, and the entire room erupted in applause. Mirio's smile shone bright as he waved to the audience, his vibrant yellow hair gleaming under the lights. He exuded an aura of warmth and charisma, his energy contagious to everyone around him.

Mirio giggled as he waved to all his fans. "Thank you so much, everyone! Let's hear it for a bright future!"

Izuku felt the electricity in the air, the overwhelming energy of the crowd as they cheered for the top-ranked heroes. His smile was wide, his heart pounding with excitement for his fellow heroes. He had never known Mirio personally since Mirio had a lot of work to do, especially as the uncontested number one hero and holder of the title for over 4 years. Although, Izuku had always wanted a moment alone with him to talk some more about his quirk.

Analyzing quirks had always been a hobby for Izuku, yet he could never figure out what Mirio's quirk was. On one hand, it seemed like Mirio could teleport, on the other, it seemed like Mirio could walk through walls. But then, just when Izuku had deduced that Mirio's quirk might have been some sort of permeation, Mirio was being seen punching villains with enormous power, enough to break walls and demolish small buildings.

How could that be? What was Mirio's true quirk? Permeation? Some kind of strength enhancer? Both? None?

Whatever it was, it was one of the only mysteries Izuku couldn't solve. It got under his skin for a while, but nowadays, he didn't really care anymore. Perhaps there were some things that just couldn't be explained in this world. Besides, under Mirio's watch, the world had changed for the better, and most powerful villains had been defeated thanks to him. Mirio had brought a second shining era of peace comparable to All Might's golden era, so why bother explaining something that didn't need explaining as long as it worked fine?

Still, it would have been nice to know.

Izuku's joy was short-lived as his hand instinctively tightened around Uraraka's. He noticed the subtle change in her posture, the way her shoulders had tensed, how her eyes seemed to gloss over for just a second.

Uraraka's gaze lingered on the stage for a while, her expression slightly distant, as if something weighed heavily on her thoughts.

Izuku turned to look at her. "Uraraka?"

Uraraka snapped back to reality and looked at Izuku with curiosity. "Yeah?"

Izuku leaned closer. "I think you should know something..."

"What is it?"

"Ibara Shiozaki..."

"Yeah? What about her?"

"She's my third ex girlfriend!"

Uraraka went dead silent for a moment. Then, she looked at the vine user on stage, and her mind could only form one thought.

"Oh, no..."

Yeah, I'm gonna rename the previous chapters. I think it makes it look cooler with these types of names.

Also, happy Halloween!

Enjoy Spooky Month, everyone!

Chapter Text

And we're back!

Sorry this one took longer, but after watching MHA hit PEAK after PEAK I just needed to take a break. I'll be really sad when the anime ends, so I might as well enjoy it while it lasts.

Anyways, let's get back into the swing of things!

Ochaco Uraraka and the infinite sadness!

A few minutes later...

The dimly lit backstage area was eerily quiet. The air hung thick with tension, as if the walls themselves were trying to hold their breath.

The small group of heroes had settled into a half-circle near a few mismatched chairs, some perched on the edges, others leaning back awkwardly. The clinking of glass bottles and the muffled sounds of a party taking place just beyond the curtain were distant and almost surreal, a stark contrast to the heavy silence that enveloped them.

Izuku Midoriya sat stiffly in his chair. His expression, though soft and inviting in most situations, now carried an unreadable layer of tension. He kept his hands folded neatly in his lap, his green eyes flicking cautiously between the people around him. The moment he glanced toward Uraraka, his body language softened slightly, but the nervous vibes still refused to leave his body.

Uraraka herself was in a similar state of unease. Her back was rigid, shoulders hunched slightly as if trying to make herself smaller. Her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve, a nervous habit she hadn't been able to shake since U.A. days. She tried to muster a smile in Izuku's direction but quickly turned her head when her eyes met Bakugo's.

Bakugo was leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, his usual scowl etched deeply into his face. His eyes flicked to Uraraka, and there was an unmistakable air of discomfort in the way he shifted his weight. It wasn't just the awkwardness of their past, it was that intense, simmering animosity that seemed to hang in the air whenever they were in close proximity.

"Hi, Uraraka." Bakugo finally muttered, his voice gruff.

Uraraka stiffened, her breath catching in her throat at the familiar tone of his voice. She hesitated for a moment, swallowing down the flutter of nerves. "Hi, Bakugo."

Bakugo scoffed loudly, his expression contorting into a mix of disdain and frustration.

Across from them, Ibara Shiozaki sat perched delicately on her chair, her gaze fixed on the floor. Her long, vine-like hair cascaded over her shoulders, a beautiful but intimidating fature that could easily wrap around anyone in the room at a moment's notice. She hadn't said a word since she entered, but her presence was unmistakable, as always. When she did glance up, it was only to meet Izuku's gaze with cool indifference.

Izuku, still a little uncomfortable with the group dynamic, finally turned his head to Ibara. "Hey, Ibara."

Ibara cut him off with a subtle narrowing of her eyes. "Izuku. It's been a long time."

Izuku immediately flinched, but before he could say anything else, the door creaked open, drawing everyone's attention.

Toga had entered with Ojiro, her playful grin as wide as ever, but the clingy way she had wrapped her arm around Ojiro's seemed more desperate than usual.

Uraraka's eyes went wide. 'How did she get in here?! Did she drag Ojiro all the way back here just to get to me?'

Toga practically skipped into the room, her voice ringing out like a bell, cutting through the thick silence.

"Hey, everyone!" Toga chirped, her eyes scanning the room. Her gaze lingered on Bakugo first, then Izuku, before finally landing on Ibara. She leaned toward Ojiro, whispering something that made her grin even wider, though her words were barely audible. "That one's cute, don't you think? Even with all that... religious stuff she's got going on. Doesn't bother me much. Heck, I've seen her work once or twice before! She's a true beauty!"

The room fell dead silent.

Ibara's eyes widened, her hand tightening subtly at her side, but she said nothing.

Toga's grin faltered just slightly when she noticed the way everyone else was looking at her, but she didn't back down. She just sat herself down on the chair next to Ibara, her head cocked to one side as she bounced on the balls of her feet.

"Well..." Toga continued, her voice still carrying that lighthearted edge. "I can feel the tension in the room! Can't you all? It's like everyone's trying so hard not to spill their secrets." Her eyes gleamed with a mischievous sparkle as she leaned forward. "So, come on, everyone! Let's just get it over with!"

Uraraka clenched her mouth shut, which Toga noticed. "I dare you all to tell me your... dirty little secrets. Go ahead, spill it all out. I promise I won't judge. I mean, what do heroes like you have to hide in the first place, right, Uraraka-chan? It's not like heroes like you play with other people's emotions recklessly, right?!"

The tension in the room escalated, thickening like fog rolling in.

Bakugo's teeth ground together, his gaze narrowing as he glared at Toga.

Then, he turned to Ibara and gave her a simple nod.

Ibara only nodded in response once before moving first.

With an almost imperceptible movement, her vines shot out, wrapping tightly around Toga's arms, squeezing her against the chair in a controlled but tight manner.

Toga's playful expression faltered, her body going still as the vines constricted. She let out a sharp gasp, but her voice was too calm, almost eerily so, as she tried to wiggle her arms free. "Hey, come on! I was just trying to-"

"Enough, you hellspawn." Ibara's voice was ice-cold, her usual calm demeanor replaced by an underlying anger that no one dared to ignore. "You're crossing a line."

Uraraka's eyes widened, and she jumped to her feet.

"Ibara, stop!" She urged, but her voice trembled slightly, caught between wanting to intervene and the overwhelming fear of how far this could escalate.

Izuku stood too, his hand raised as if to stop Ibara, but it was too late.

Ibara released her hold, but not before Toga let out a sharp exhale, her body slumping with relief.

The air in the room shifted, the oppressive atmosphere now broken by the brief flash of violence that had occurred.

Ojiro was quick to step in, his hand on Toga's shoulder as he helped her to her feet. "Come on, Toga, let's go. You need to get some air."

Toga, her eyes glistening with something not quite sadness but not far from it, stood up slowly. She shot a glance at the rest of the group, her smile now subdued, almost forced. "I... I'm sorry..."

Toga turned her head to look at Uraraka, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her face before she quickly masked it with a grin. "Maybe I'll... see you next time, huh? We'll have to talk more about... everything. See you around, Uraraka-chan..."

Uraraka couldn't meet her eyes. She simply nodded, her heart heavy with a confusing mix of emotions.

Ojiro guided Toga out of the room, his voice barely audible as he reassured her. "It's okay, Toga. Let's just go, alright?"

As the door closed behind them, the silence in the room seemed even more suffocating. The remaining heroes exchanged glances, each of them avoiding eye contact for a few moments before finally speaking up.

Izuku broke the silence first. "Why did you two want us to come here?"

Bakugo, still leaning against the wall, shot a sidelong glance at Izuku, his arms crossed tightly across his chest, his jaw clenched in irritation. It seemed like he was the only one who was still comfortable in his discomfort, as if he fed off it. "I guess I just wanted to say... you two really do make a good couple. I mean, it's a perfect match. Both of you are just... undesirable people. Makes sense that you'd end up together. I'd almost say it's cute."

Uraraka froze, her body stiffening as the words hit her like a slap across the face. She swallowed hard, her throat dry as she felt a wave of discomfort crash over her. She could feel her pulse quicken, the warmth in her face rising as her chest tightened with anxiety. The way Bakugo looked at her made her want to shrink into herself, to disappear.

She trembled slightly, trying to maintain composure, but the more she heard Bakugo's mocking tone, the harder it became. Her gaze flicked to Izuku, seeking some form of reassurance, but she didn't even know if she could speak without her voice shaking.

Bakugo, clearly enjoying the discomfort he had caused, turned his attention to Izuku.

His smirk deepened, and his voice became more biting, laced with a sense of superiority that made the room feel colder. "You know, Deku... I've been fine with keeping in touch with you over the years. It's been... whatever. That party Shitty Hair hosted a while ago? Nice. No problem with you being there. But now that you've gone and hooked up with her?"

He paused for a moment, letting the implications sink in. "I'm starting to think that this will... make things difficult."

Izuku's posture stiffened slightly, though his expression remained calm, as it often did in these types of situations. He hadn't expected Bakugo to say something so pointed, but it wasn't exactly a surprise. Their history was long and complicated, filled with grudges and grudging respect, and while Izuku had done his best to let their history go, Bakugo's sharp and harsh words never failed to strike at something raw.

Izuku took a deep breath and slowly turned to face Bakugo, his voice cool and controlled, betraying no trace of the anger he felt bubbling just beneath the surface. "I've always considered you a friend, despite everything, Kaachan. But it feels like this is something personal. If you keep making these comments, I might just have to step in. I'm not afraid of getting in the fray if it comes down to it. You know I'm not."

The tension between them crackled in the air, thick and undeniable.

For a moment, it looked like Bakugo might snap, the wild fury in his eyes flashing briefly before he masked it with a scoff.

"Pfft, whatever." He sneered, waving a dismissive hand. "You think I'm scared of you? Get over yourself, nerd. I'm in the top 10 ranks, remember? Just keep an eye out for what Pink Cheeks over here might do next. Maybe she's too much of a hassle for you to handle."

Uraraka's heart pounded in her chest, and she felt the anger, the frustration, and the hurt rise up within her. She clenched her fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms.

"Shut up, you cocky cock!" Uraraka snapped, her voice trembling with barely contained fury.

Izuku's eyes widened as he turned toward Uraraka, reaching out a hand.

"Uraraka, don't!" He began, but it was too late.

Uraraka's emotions had already taken over, and before she could stop herself, she lunged toward Bakugo.

But before she could even touch him, a sudden movement from Ibara stopped her dead in her tracks. Her vines shot out like lightning, wrapping around Uraraka's waist and arms, lifting her off the ground with surprising ease. The force of the vines was enough to halt Uraraka's momentum, her body jerking in the air as she struggled against the tight grip.

"Such volatility." Ibara said, her voice calm but firm, the weight of her presence undeniable. "Truly unworthy in the Lord's eyes."

Uraraka gasped, trying to break free, but the vines held her fast. She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes, her throat tight with the overwhelming sense of helplessness.

Before anyone could say anything else, Ibara moved swiftly, her expression unchanging as she gathered Uraraka's trembling form into her vines once more. Without a word, she threw Uraraka out of the window.

The glass shattered with a sharp crack, and for a moment, there was a blur of motion, a flash of bright light from the street outside. Uraraka's body soared through the air, weightless, suspended by Ibara's vines.

And then, in an instant, she was next to the dumpsters.

The cold air hit her like a slap, the wind whipping around her as she landed with a soft thud on the pavement outside. For a moment, she was still, her body sprawled on the ground in the midst of the busy street, the sounds of the city all around her.

She pushed herself up from the ground, wiping at her face, trying to regain her composure.

And then she heard footsteps.

Heavy and deliberate, the sound of boots hitting the pavement echoed around her. She turned her head just in time to see Izuku, Bakugo, and Ibara emerging from the alleyway, slowly closing the gap between them.

Bakugo's lips curled into a cruel smirk, his eyes glinting with something that bordered on amusement. He crossed his arms and leaned back, eyes narrowing as he regarded Uraraka with mock sympathy. "You really think you can take her on, huh? Let me tell you something, Pink Cheeks... You can't beat her. No way in hell."

Uraraka's breath caught in her throat. She glared at Bakugo, feeling her fists clench at her sides. She hadn't even been given a chance to process what had happened in the last few moments, and now here he was, standing over her, rubbing salt into the wound.

"She's been trained to use those vines in every scenario imaginable." Bakugo continued, his grin widening. "You don't even know half of what she's capable of. And on top of that, her whole belief system? Makes her unbreakable. She's got more faith in herself and her holy teachings than you could ever comprehend."

Ibara stood a little behind Bakugo, her arms crossed, a quiet smile on her face as she observed the scene with nonchalance. She wasn't even bothered by Uraraka's glare. If anything, she seemed to take some kind of twisted satisfaction from it.

Uraraka's stomach twisted. The words stung, but she refused to back down. She pushed her chest forward and met Ibara's eyes, her voice rough and determined. "You think you're better than me just because of your beliefs? That's the most stupid shit I've ever heard! You've got no right to act superior because of that."

Ibara's expression remained cool, almost detached, as if she had expected this response. She gave a slow, almost mocking shake of her head. "Someone like you, so full of sin, wouldn't understand the Lord's will or His teachings. Your kind never does."

The venom in Ibara's tone was sharp, and the way she spoke felt like a blow, each word heavy with judgment.

Uraraka's heart thundered in her chest. She couldn't let her get away with this. The anger rose up like a fire, filling every part of her, and before she could even think, she was charging at Ibara, her movements fast and fueled by the need to prove herself.

"You... You ASS! Moral superiority doesn't make you better than me!" Uraraka shouted, her fists swinging toward Ibara's face.

But once again, Ibara was faster.

Her vines shot out like a blur, wrapping around Uraraka's body before she could even reach her target. The force was so powerful that it lifted Uraraka off the ground, suspending her in the air as she flailed, unable to break free.

Ibara's expression remained calm, almost bored, as she squeezed her vines tightly around Uraraka's body, tightening them just enough to force the air out of her lungs. Uraraka gasped, her hands struggling uselessly against the vines that bound her like chains.

"You really think you can beat me, Uraraka?" Ibara's voice was almost clinical, as if she were speaking to a child. "You're not even in the same league. Not even back in U.A. Just accept it, we're playing on different levels."

Uraraka's body trembled as she hung in the air, but her eyes never wavered from Ibara's. "I'll... Agh... I'll never... back down... Ugh..."

Ibara didn't flinch. Instead, she let go of Uraraka, dropping her back to the ground with a slight thud.

The moment Uraraka hit the pavement, she scrambled to her feet, her chest heaving with frustration and fury. She could feel the weight of her emotions pushing her to the brink, but she bit her lip and forced herself to stand tall. She wasn't going to give them the satisfaction of seeing her broken.

Bakugo, standing off to the side with his arms still crossed, sneered at her. "Like I said, Pink Cheeks, you've got no shot against her. Not now, not ever."

But he wasn't done. His gaze shifted to Izuku for a moment, and then back to Uraraka with a look of sharp determination in his eyes. "You see, she and I have decided to team up. Together, we're going to rise in the ranks, and we'll leave all the amateurs in the dust. She lacks a bit more firepower and I'm lacking public approval for some damn reason. With her skills and my power, we'll be unstoppable. And let's face it, you and your agency are nothing more than stepping stones on our way to the top, Pink Cheeks."

Uraraka's eyes widened as Bakugo's words sank in.

He was serious.

They were actually teaming up.

Bakugo was actually teaming up with someone. And that someone was Ibara Shiozaki of all people.

She felt her heart sink.

She had been prepared for Bakugo's arrogance, and maybe a little challenge, but this... this was something different.

"If you want a chance at beating us..." Bakugo continued, his smirk wide and almost cruel. "You'd better get stronger. You'll need to train harder than ever before if you even think about keeping up with us."

Izuku, standing just a few feet away from Uraraka, clenched his fists at his sides. He hadn't said a word up until this point, but now, as he looked from Bakugo to Ibara and back to Uraraka, a deep sense of concern and anger flickered across his face. He had always known that Bakugo was competitive, but this... this was personal now.

"We'll settle this later." Bakugo added, a smug satisfaction creeping into his tone. "But for now, let's just say the battle lines have been drawn. We'll see who comes out on top."

Ibara didn't say a word, but the smile that curved on her lips was all the answer they needed. Her eyes flicked from Uraraka to Izuku, a look of quiet confidence in her gaze. She had said nothing, but everything about her presence oozed superiority.

As Bakugo and Ibara turned to leave, Bakugo's voice rang out one last time, harsh and final. "Good luck, losers. You'll need it."

Uraraka stood frozen in the street, her mind reeling. The sense of betrayal, of powerlessness, gnawed at her from the inside.

Izuku moved closer to her, his voice low and calming, but the weight of the situation lingered. "We'll be okay, Uraraka."

But even as he spoke, Uraraka couldn't shake the sense that everything had just become a lot more difficult.

Some minutes later...

The heavy wooden door to the bar creaked as Izuku and Uraraka stepped inside, the sounds of muffled chatter and clinking glasses greeting them like an old friend. The dim lighting inside offered a sense of warmth, the low hum of music playing in the background mingling with the laughter of a few patrons scattered around the bar.

Uraraka looked around, her gaze landing on a familiar pair across the room.

Mina and Kirishima, both sitting at the bar with drinks in hand, enjoying what appeared to be a casual night out after the big event.

The moment they caught sight of Izuku and Uraraka, Mina's face lit up with a smile, waving enthusiastically as she slid off her barstool to greet them.

"There you two are! My favorite F/M straight couple!" Mina exclaimed, her voice as cheerful as always, though there was an edge of concern in her tone as she took in the look on Uraraka's face. "We lost sight of you two after the hero rankings were revealed. What've you been up to?"

Izuku glanced at Uraraka briefly before meeting Mina's gaze, his expression guarded but honest. "We... were with Bakugo and Ibara..."

The air between them shifted instantly. Mina's eyes narrowed slightly, her brow furrowing at the mention of Bakugo. Her smile faltered, just for a moment, as if the mention of his name triggered something in her.

Uraraka, feeling the tension that had suddenly gripped the room, rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. She could feel her stomach twist in discomfort. Even now, after everything, hearing Bakugo's name still had that effect on her.

Mina bristled, the words coming out in a rush, her voice sharp. "Bakugo? Seriously? After he called you and almost put you in a comma you still agreed to see him in private, Uraraka?!"

Izuku caught the edge in Mina's voice and sighed, rubbing the back of his neck in a gesture of frustration. "I know, Mina, believe me, I know. We basically sat on a room with him and Ibara for a billion hours while he laughed and boasted about his superiority."

Uraraka shrugs. "Well... It wasn't THAT bad...?"

Izuku deadpans. "It was absolutely awful, Uraraka."

Mina clenches her fist. "That blonde bitch! If he gets his claws on you again, Uraraka, so help me or I'll-"

Uraraka sighs, interrupting Mina. "I know, I know... What's worse is that he's decided to team up with Ibara, and apparently she is Izuku's third ex..."

Izuku nods. "Yup. And Uraraka gets extra dumb and weird whenever Bakugo is around, which doesn't help."

Uraraka gasps. "Extra?"

Izuku continues. "Either way, I understand your frustration. I've been friends with Bakugo for a long time. I've always tried to see the good in him, but as time's gone on, it's been harder and harder to justify his behavior."

Mina's eyes widened slightly, as if she hadn't expected such a revelation. Kirishima, who had been casually sipping on his drink, paused mid-sip and turned to Izuku, a surprised look crossing his face. "Wait, hold up... What do you mean by that, dude?"

Izuku's gaze drifted to the floor for a moment as he gathered his thoughts. His voice dropped a little lower, as though the weight of the words had been pressing on him for much longer than he cared to admit. "Well... growing up, Bakugo was always, uh... well, rough with me. He made fun of me a lot, especially for being quirkless. And when we were kids, it was just part of how he was. He was always so damn proud of his power, and I was... just me."

Mina blinked, processing what Izuku had just said. Her usual carefree attitude faltered for a moment as the reality of Izuku's past with Bakugo settled in. "He... made fun of you for being quirkless?"

Kirishima's eyes were also wide open. "Dude... So not manly."

Izuku nodded, his fingers twitching slightly as he spoke. "Yeah. He did that a lot. But over time, I started to realize that no matter how much I tried to stay positive, Bakugo wasn't changing. He was always belittling me for not having a quirk. I tried to be his friend, to show him that we didn't need to be rivals, but he never let up. I know he's changed a bit, but it's hard to shake that past. And now... it's like nothing's changed, now he's acting all high and mighty with Ibara."

He let out a short, bitter laugh, but it wasn't light. It was laced with years of suppressed frustration. "I don't know... I used to dream of a world where I was a hero alongside him... Where we would help each other grow... Maybe he would have toned his ego down at some point... But I guess that's just not how things went in this world, am I right?"

Mina and Kirishima were both silent for a moment, their eyes glued to Izuku as they processed his words. Mina's gaze softened, the anger she'd felt earlier fading into something like sympathy, but there was still a spark of defiance in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Izuku." Mina said quietly, her voice suddenly gentle. "I had no idea it was that bad."

Izuku shook his head, a tired smile pulling at his lips. "It's not your fault, Mina. I just... I'm feeling extra cranky lately. Everything's just... piling up, you know? I can't believe Uraraka dated Bakugo. Look a her! She's so cutesy and clueless most of the time!"

Uraraka tilts her head, raising an eyebrow. "Clueless?"

Izuku continues. "I mean, how did you guys even manage to deal with him when you were at U.A? He's... he's just so... stubborn, and aggressive!"

Mina, sensing the weight of the conversation, reached out and patted Izuku on the shoulder. Her usual mischievous grin returned, albeit a little more subdued now. "You know what, Zuzu? Let's make a deal. You and me, we're gonna be besties from here on out over our mutual hatred for Bakugo. If he gets under your skin again, just let me know, and I'll be right there to back you up."

Izuku blinked in surprise, and a small chuckle escaped him. "I wasn't expecting that."

Mina laughed, her usual playful energy returning. "What can I say? I'm a woman of my word. And you know, if you ever need a support group for Bakugo-haters, you can count on me."

Izuku's smile grew a little wider, the corners of his mouth twitching as he felt the warmth of Mina's offer settle into his chest. It was strange, but comforting. For once, it felt like there was someone who understood him.

Uraraka, however, was still feeling a little unsettled. She glanced between the two, her mind turning over everything that had happened tonight. "I'm glad we're talking about this... but I'm not sure I'm ready to-"

Mina raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Not sure about what, Uraraka? About how I wanna get Izuku to get you to sleep with him tonight?"

Izuku's eyes went wide, his face immediately flushing bright red. "W-What?!"

Mina laughed, clearly enjoying the effect she was having. "Well, look, here's the thing... I wanna have the apartment to myself tonight because Kiri is coming over."

Kirishima rubs the back of his neck once. "Sorry..."

Mina giggles. "Either way, I need the apartment for cuddles and sex. Can Uraraka stay with you tonight, Izukuuuu?"

Uraraka's face flushed an even deeper shade of red as she sputtered, "Mina, I-!"

Izuku, still bright red from the teasing, quickly interjected. "M-Mina! What are you-?!"

Mina only leaned closer to Izuku, pouting. "Pleeeeaseeee? I'll love you forever if you do me this solid, Zuzu! I even have some dipping sauce! I can be your dipping sauce bitch later!"

Izuku, trying to recover, only nods once. "Okay...?! Sure...?! I guess...?!"

Uraraka, despite her own discomfort, couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all.

She shot Mina a playful, exasperated look. "You're a crazy bitch."

Mina, still grinning, turned to leave, giving her a pat on the shoulder. "Love ya too, babe. Go on, guys. Have a great night. I'm sure it'll be unforgettable!"

And so...

The rain had started to fall just as Izuku and Uraraka stepped out of the bar, the distant sounds of the city muffled beneath the steady downpour. The cool, wet air clung to their clothes as they walked side by side through the darkened streets, the sound of their footsteps mixing with the rhythmic tapping of raindrops on the pavement.

Izuku was unusually quiet, his previous energy dampened by something that Uraraka couldn't quite place. She glanced at him from time to time, watching the way his shoulders slumped and his hands were stuffed deep into his pockets.

"Hey..." Uraraka finally said, breaking the silence as they passed under a streetlight, the glow casting a soft halo around her. "Izuku... you okay?"

Izuku didn't respond immediately, his gaze trained on the wet sidewalk.

"Izuku?" She asked again, her voice soft but persistent.

He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his wet hair before finally meeting her eyes. "Blegh... I'm fine, I guess. I'm just... cranky. Or tired. Or both. Everything that happened today... was a lot to take in."

Uraraka's brow furrowed in understanding. She definitely knew what he was talking about.

"Are you... upset with me?" Uraraka asked quietly, her voice filled with uncertainty.

Izuku stopped walking for a moment, turning to face her fully. His eyes softened, though there was still a trace of the frustration that clouded his expression. "No... I'm not upset with you, Uraraka. I just... I don't know how to feel right now. It's not you, Uraraka. It's just... everything. I just need time. But I'll like you again in the morning, I promise."

Uraraka felt a knot loosen in her chest, but it was still heavy with something she couldn't quite shake.

She nodded, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I... understand."

The walk back to Izuku's apartment was quiet. When they arrived, the apartment felt colder than usual, the silence pressing in on them. Izuku moved toward the couch, dropping his bag in the corner, while Uraraka made her way to the bedroom.

They didn't feel like talking anymore.

They just wanted to rest.

Uraraka tried to lie down, but it didn't take long before the restlessness started to creep in.

She tossed and turned, trying to find a comfortable position, but her mind wouldn't stop.

Thoughts of Bakugo and Ibara swirled in her head, their words replaying over and over. She couldn't shake the image of Bakugo's smug expression, or the cold, morally superior way Ibara had looked at her. She couldn't shake the feeling that everything wasn't going to get better from here.

After what felt like hours of tossing and turning, Uraraka finally sat up in bed, her heart racing and her mind too awake to stay still.

She glanced over at Izuku, who was lying next to her, trying to get some rest as well, but he seemed just as unsettled as she felt.

She let out a deep sigh and ran a hand through her damp hair. The room felt stifling, the silence too thick. She couldn't stay here.

She quietly slipped out of bed, hastily dressing up, pulling on a jacket over herself, and grabbing her phone before she left.

She didn't tell Izuku where she was going, and she didn't need to.

He was probably asleep by now anyway.

The rain was still falling when Uraraka stepped outside, the soft pattering of water against the pavement filling the air. She didn't mind it. It was soothing in a way, like the world was washing away the weight of the day. But as she walked through the streets, the cold soaked into her skin, and the restlessness that had driven her from Izuku's apartment followed her like a shadow.

When she reached the apartment building where she lived alongside Mina, she stopped in front of the door, her breath coming in short bursts as she stared at the entrance.

She didn't have her keys.

Of course she didn't.

Oh, the night just kept getting better and better.

She cursed softly under her breath, feeling the exhaustion catch up with her as she leaned against the doorframe.

She knocked on the door, her hand landing softly against it, the sound muffled by the rain.

No answer.

She knocked again, harder this time, and called out to her.

"Mina, it's me! Open up!"

The minutes stretched on like hours. She knocked again, her voice rising in frustration. "Mina!"

Still, there was no response.

Her hands shook from the cold, and her body trembled as she leaned her forehead against the door, feeling the weight of the night press down on her.

Her eyelids grew heavy, the fatigue from the emotional exhaustion starting to settle in, and before she realized it, she was sitting on the ground, huddled in the rain.

Her arms were wrapped around her knees as she pulled them close to her chest, trying to warm herself against the chill.

It was so quiet now, the sound of the rain the only thing keeping her company.

She was too tired to move, too drained to care about anything anymore.

And then, as if the universe had taken pity on her, she heard footsteps approaching.

At first, they were distant, the soft sound of shoes against wet pavement, but they grew louder, closer.

Uraraka's head snapped up, and she squinted against the rain, her heart pounding in her chest as she saw a figure coming toward her.

Mina appeared next to her, her face lit up with amusement, though there was a note of concern in her eyes as she took in Uraraka's bedraggled state.

"Well, well, well. What do we have here?" Mina teased, her voice light and playful, but there was no mistaking the affection behind it. "All I did was walk Kirishima back to his place and this is the first thing I see. What are you doing here, babe? Did you fall outta Izuku's bed or something?"

Uraraka couldn't even muster the energy to retort. She simply let out a quiet sigh, shaking her head in exhaustion. "I... forgot my keys..."

Mina giggles. "Should have known."

Uraraka sighs again. Her hair was plastered to her face, her clothes soaked through, and she didn't care about Mina's teasing comments. She was just too tired to care about anything right now.

Mina raised an eyebrow, her grin widening as she stepped aside to let Uraraka in. "Aww, poor widdle baby. You look like ass. Come on, you precious widdle baby ass. Get inside before you catch a cold. Judging by your face I'm guessing you've had enough of this night already, huh?"

Uraraka didn't say anything as she stumbled past Mina and into the warmth of the apartment, the dryness of the air immediately making her feel more comfortable. She stood there for a moment, the rain still dripping off her clothes, and let herself lean against the doorframe, the exhaustion now fully settling in.

Mina closed the door behind her and, in the most Mina way possible, flashed her a cheeky grin. "I'll get you dry and warm, but you owe me the whole context. What's going on in that little dome of yours, huh?"

Uraraka barely managed a tired smile as she shook her head. "I don't know, Mina. I really don't know."

Sorry this one was a bit shorter.

The next one should be out pretty soon, and again, I wrote this one mainly to get back into the swing of things.

See ya in the next chapter!

Chapter Text

The bad old days!

Three years ago...

Uraraka's boots slammed against the cracked pavement, each step heavier than the last. The streets were eerily silent aside from the sound of her heartbeat in her ears. Her breath came in ragged bursts, and her palms were slick with sweat as she steadied herself.

Her eyes scanned the group of villains ahead. There were four of them, standing in the shadows of broken streetlights, their faces twisted in cruel smirks.

They were powerful. She could tell by the way they moved, by the glint of malice in their eyes.

The adrenaline coursed through her veins, but something felt... off recently.

Her hands trembled as she adjusted her gear, the usual anticipation of a fight strangely absent.

Why was she feeling this way?

She had fought countless villains since she had graduated from U.A., but there was a strange void in her chest that had been growing silently for a while.

It was almost as if the very air weighed her down.

Her gaze flickered across the villains, sizing them up. She could do this. She should be able to do this. But despite her resolve, there was something lurking under her calm facade.

The last time she had felt truly fulfilled, truly at peace with herself, was during her time at U.A.

She could still recall the laughter and camaraderie she had shared with her friends, especially Todoroki of all people. His quiet demeanor, the way he understood her in a way no one else had, had felt... safe. For a time, it had felt like their relationship was the perfect balance. He never pressured her, never pushed her to be someone she wasn't. They supported each other, even through harsh times.

But then came graduation. And with it, her final decision.

The decision to focus entirely on her dream of becoming a pro hero had come so naturally back then. She wanted to be strong, to help others, to make a real difference in the world.

At least it was what she told herself.

She had told herself that she needed to sacrifice her personal life for her career. That's what pro heroes did anyways, right? They put others first. They sacrificed for the greater good.

But now, a year into it, there was a strange feeling in her chest whenever she thought about that decision.

She clenched her fists, trying to push the thoughts away. The villains in front of her were no joke. She had to stop them. She couldn't afford to let her doubts cloud her mind.

One of the villains lunged at her, snapping her out of her reverie.

She reacted instinctively, flipping backward just as the villain's fist connected with the air where she had been standing. Her quirk activated in a burst as she pressed her hand against her own chest, sending her soaring into the air. She fired a stream of rocks at the villain with her wrist grappling hooks, but it wasn't enough. He dodged, his eyes narrowing as he charged again, faster this time.

Uraraka gritted her teeth, pushing herself harder. Her quirk was versatile, sure, but in a fight like this, she needed more than just her physical abilities. She needed to clear her mind. Her eyes flashed as she launched herself into the air, calculating her next move.

The fight continued in a blur of quick maneuvers and near misses. She felt the weight of each punch and kick, each dodge, each block. She was doing her best to hold her ground, but her movements felt sluggish, almost uncoordinated.

Was it just the villains' strength throwing her off, or was it something deeper?

She couldn't shake the feeling that she wasn't fully there.

'What's wrong with me?' She thought, her breath hitching as she narrowly avoided another blow. 'Why does this feel so... bland nowadays?'

Suddenly, the ground beneath her feet shook as the sound of an explosion cut through the noise.

A sharp, familiar voice cut through the noise of the fight.

"Oi, Pink Cheeks! Need a hand?"

Uraraka's head snapped toward the voice, and her heart skipped a beat.

There he was, charging into the fray with the unmistakable explosion of his quirk lighting up the night.

King Explosion Murder God Dynamight.

Or, as everyone else in class A knew him by...

Katsuki Bakugo.

His entrance was a literal explosion, the air crackling around him as he barreled toward the villains. He didn't hesitate, didn't waste a second. With a fierce yell, he unleashed a barrage of explosions at the nearest villain, sending him flying backward.

Uraraka watched as Bakugo effortlessly cleared the battlefield, his movements rough yet controlled, his presence commanding and imposing.

Something stirred within her. The feeling was so foreign, so unexpected.

It wasn't just the relief of seeing a fellow hero, it was something more. But what was it?

It was almost like a pull, an urge to be closer to him.

But why?

For a brief moment, she stood frozen, watching as Bakugo took down the last villain with a final, explosive strike. He stood tall amidst the debris, his chest heaving as he turned to face her.

"Don't just stand there, Round Face. You're supposed to be one of the best, right? Then quit starin' and do somethin' or you'll end up smushed like a pancake on the sidewalk!" His voice was sharp, but there was a subtle edge to it that made her heart race.

Without thinking, she moved toward him, her feet carrying her without hesitation.

There was no reason for her to feel this way, no reason to seek his company, yet she couldn't ignore the pull inside her.

When she reached him, she hesitated, unsure of what to say.

Finally, Uraraka took a deep breath.

"Bakugo..." She began, her voice trembling slightly. "I... I don't know why, but... could we hang out? After this? Just for a little while?"

Bakugo's eyes flickered with something unreadable. "Huh? What the hell are you talkin' about?"

Uraraka shrugs. "Dunno, but... Maybe you could come with me later? It's been a year after we all graduated, and almost no one knows what you're up to these days. Maybe I could invite you over to our agency so you can at least catch up with the rest of our friends?"

Bakugo raises an eyebrow. "Hm? Why would I need to catch up with all of those extras?"

Uraraka smiles sheepishly. "You know... 'Cause we're friends...?"

Bakugo stares at her for a long time with a confused expression before nodding. "Tch, fine. But don't expect me to entertain you, or any of them. I've got a first place to overtake, after all."

Her chest tightened with relief at his response. "That's fine by me."

Some weeks later...

The sunlight hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the agency's office as the team gathered around, wrapping up another long day of paperwork and missions. The atmosphere was thick with the weariness of a hard day's work, and Uraraka found herself idly tapping the end of her pen against her notebook, her thoughts wandering despite her best efforts to stay focused.

"Hey, Bakugo!" Mina called across the room, flashing a grin as she leaned against the doorframe. "We're heading out to grab something to eat. You in?"

Bakugo didn't even look up from his paperwork. His face remained as unyielding as ever, and he barely acknowledged the offer, his eyes fixed on the stack of papers in front of him.

"Tch. I've got work to do, Raccoon Eyes." He muttered, his voice low but firm, almost like a growl. "I'm not wasting my time on food when I have a ranking to mantain. Paperwork doesn't fill itself out."

Jirou, who had been doing her best to smile for her friends despite Bakugo's attitude, found her patience start to waver. "Oh, come on, Bakugo! You've been in this agency for a while and you haven't allowed yourself to chill and relax with us! Can't you take a chill pill every once in a while?"

Bakugo shrugs. "Still got shit to do, Ear Girl. Plus, Half and Half over here made a mess of his papers while we were out fighting. Gotta sort this shit out before going out."

Momo, who had been carefully organizing a stack of files on her own desk, shot Bakugo a glance, her brow furrowing slightly. She opened her mouth to say something, but the words stuck in her throat.

She wasn't quite sure how to challenge him on this.

Bakugo was… Bakugo.

Once his mind was set on something, there was no shifting it. But she couldn't help but wonder if there was a deeper reason for his refusal.

"Alright, I guess we'll leave you to it then." Mina said, her voice light, though there was a faint edge to it. She looked to Uraraka, then back at Bakugo. "Don't work yourself too hard, Boom Boy."

Bakugo just waved her off with a dismissive flick of his wrist, his focus already back on the paperwork. "Whatever. Go eat your food, extras."

With that, the group turned to leave, stepping out of the agency's office and into the streets.

The cool evening air felt like a welcome change, though a slight discomfort began to settle in the pit of Uraraka's stomach. She wasn't sure why, but as soon as the door closed behind them, she felt her mind begin to race.

As the group walked down the street, the chatter of the others grew louder, their voices mixing with the sound of passing cars and distant laughter.

"I really can't believe he's still acting like this." Jirou said with a shake of her head, her hands stuffed into her jacket pockets. "I mean, he's a pro hero now, but it's like he never grew up. Still the same Bakugo from first year. Too wrapped up in himself to care about anyone else. I still can't believe how patient Kirishima, Kaminari and Sero were with him during our time at U.A. How the hell did they manage to put up with him for three years straight?"

Mina snorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Yeah, you'd think someone as 'amazing' as him would be, I don't know... a little more humble. But nope, he's still the same old hothead who thinks he can take on everything and everyone by himself. The guy needed to be humbled at some point if you ask me."

Momo sighed softly. "It's frustrating. Bakugo was always so focused on himself during our time at U.A and we couldn't do anything about it because his performance was always excellent. He didn't seem to care about connecting with others or building relationships. If anything, it felt like his ego shut everyone out."

Todoroki, walking quietly at the front of the group, glanced over his shoulder. "He had potential from the start, but his ego, his pride, was a wall between him and the rest of us. He never listened, never took anyone's advice. Not even when it came to his own growth as a hero."

The words cut through the air, sharp and true. Each one of them was a reflection of something they had all known for years, but never quite spoken aloud.

Bakugo had always been too proud. Too driven by his own vision of strength to care about anything, or anyone else. And now, despite all his progress, that very ego seemed to be his most defining characteristic.

"Seriously, though." Mina added with a scoff. "I don't get how he managed to graduate with honors. Or how he's been climbing the ranks like this. It's like no one even bothered to humble him at any point. He just kept charging forward, no questions asked and no one to stop him."

"Exactly!" Jirou muttered. "And now he's on his way to climb the ranks. How the hell did that happen? Didn't anyone ever bother to sit him down and tell him to take it down a notch?"

Uraraka remained silent throughout their conversation, her eyes fixed on the pavement as she walked alongside them. She could feel the weight of their words pressing down on her, each one cutting deeper than the last.

She couldn't entirely disagree with them. Bakugo had been difficult at U.A., stubborn and unwilling to compromise. He had been obsessed with proving himself, with reaching the top at all costs.

But there was something… different now.

The others kept talking, but Uraraka found herself drifting further into her own thoughts.

As much as she tried to ignore it, she couldn't deny the pull she had felt toward him recently. They had been spending time together recently, just the two of them, and she found herself opening up to him slowly but surely.

But that was a secret she kept hidden away from everyone. She didn't want to be the odd one out, especially not when the others had such strong opinions of him.

Uraraka bit her lip, wrestling with her thoughts as the group continued down the street.

Mina's voice broke through her reverie. "You okay, Ochaco? You've been awfully quiet."

Uraraka blinked, realizing that the others were looking at her with raised eyebrows. She quickly forced a smile, trying to push her thoughts away. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... tired, I guess."

Momo gave her a knowing look but didn't press the issue. Instead, she changed the topic. "Well, I guess it's just the way Bakugo is. He'll always put himself and his work first. That's how he got where he is now."

Uraraka nodded, though the knot in her stomach didn't ease.

She didn't know how to explain what she was feeling.

Maybe she'd tell them that she was dating Bakugo someday in the future.

Maybe they'd take it well.

Maybe.

Some months later...

The evening had settled into a comfortable stillness, the kind that Uraraka had come to cherish on her rare nights out. The restaurant was softly lit, the warm glow of the lights casting a calm ambiance over the small, intimate table where she and Bakugo sat.

Bakugo, as always, was focused on his food, shoveling it into his mouth with the precision of someone who had no interest in anything other than the task at hand. His usual fiery expression was softened by the simplicity of the moment, his guard down for once.

He wasn't yelling, wasn't scowling, he was just... eating, looking almost content.

Almost.

Uraraka, on the other hand, was more at ease than she had been in a long time, watching him with a soft smile.

The silence between them wasn't uncomfortable, it was the kind of quiet that came from being truly at ease with someone.

She had learned to appreciate it. It was a relief to have these moments with him, away from the chaos of their lives.

"I can't believe this food was so expensive." Uraraka said, her voice light, teasing as she picked up her glass of water. "I mean, I think I could have cooked something better for you at your apartment and it would have been WAAAY cheaper."

Bakugo glanced up at her, his mouth still full, but there was a glint of amusement in his eyes. "You're still talking like that? Don't tell me you're getting mushy over some fancy food."

Uraraka chuckled, setting her glass back down with a light tap. "No, not soft. Just... I dunno, I guess I'm still in disbelief."

Bakugo raises an eyebrow. "At what, hm?"

Uraraka giggles. "Maybe I'm finally getting used to the idea that I'm dating a guy who yells at people for fun."

Bakugo scoffed, wiping his mouth with the napkin in a move that was more about habit than necessity. "I don't yell for fun! I yell because these extras need to hear me! I mean, how can people hear you if you don't speak up? These extras should get the dick out of their mouths and speak clearly if they want others to actually listen to them, you know what I'm sayin'?"

She smiled, a knowing, playful smile. She had heard that line so many times before, and it never got old.

Uraraka took a deep breath, her fingers tapping lightly against the edge of her plate, and decided to steer the conversation toward something a little more serious.

She couldn't help herself. There had been a part of her that was anxious about the future, about their relationship and where it was heading.

"Bakugo..." She said, her voice a little quieter now. "I've been thinking... the others might already know we're dating. Is... Is that okay...?"

Bakugo didn't look up from his plate immediately, but his brow furrowed.

She could tell he had heard her, even though he was trying to ignore it.

His hands paused mid-motion, and he finally looked up at her, his expression unreadable.

"Does it matter?" He asked, his tone blunt.

Uraraka bit her lip, nervously playing with her napkin. She wasn't sure why she was so nervous. This wasn't something that should have been a big deal. But Bakugo was… Bakugo.

"I guess it's just…" She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I don't know... Is it really alright if the others know about us?"

Bakugo's gaze softened for a split second.

He shook his head with a huff. "Don't worry about that. My only focus is becoming number one. The other extras finding out about this is just another distraction... And distractions don't matter to me. If you think I'm gonna let something like that mess with my goal, you're wrong."

Uraraka felt a wave of relief wash over her at his words, the tension she hadn't even realized she was holding finally dissipating.

She smiled, meeting his gaze with a confidence she didn't quite feel a moment ago. "Good. I'm glad. Because I'm going to be right there with you. I'm going to work my hardest too, Bakugo. And we'll do it. We'll become the greatest heroes, together."

She said it with certainty, her voice full of conviction, but also a warmth that surprised even her.

Bakugo's eyes softened ever so slightly at her words, and for a moment, he looked almost... proud?

It was hard to tell, but there was something in his eyes that spoke to the connection they shared now.

For a moment, neither of them said anything. They simply continued eating, the comfortable silence between them growing again, until Uraraka took a deep breath and set her fork down.

"Bakugo…" She began, her voice quieter now, and her heart suddenly racing in her chest.

Bakugo glanced up at her again, his usual tough exterior still there, but the softness was still present.

He didn't say anything, just waited, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes.

"Umm... This may sound stupid, but... I... I love you." She said, her voice barely above a whisper, but the words felt like they had weight. Like they had been building up for months, ever since they started spending more time together.

She waited for his reaction, but instead of the immediate response she had hoped for, Bakugo went silent.

The silence stretched out, and she felt her face flush, a nervous, self-conscious feeling creeping in.

She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks, the insecurity creeping in as his gaze shifted away from her, his eyes turning toward the table.

He wasn't looking at her. He was staring off, lost in thought, as if her words hadn't quite reached him.

Uraraka's heart sank. She tried to push the anxiety down, but it was hard to ignore.

She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her fingers gripping the edge of the table.

"T-That was something stupid, right...?" She stammered, her voice shaky. "Just forget it. I didn't say anything..."

Then, Uraraka looked downwards and continued eating her food, as if staring intensely at her plate would make her disappear.

Bakugo's head slowly turned towards her, his expression distant.

But there was no anger in his gaze, no scorn.

Just... conflict.

And maybe, just maybe, something more.

Uraraka didn't know what she had expected, but this definitely wasn't it.

Oh, how wonderful were things going, right?

Some more months later...

"I swear I didn't know that was your shampoo, Mina!" Said Uraraka, pulling her hands up to defend herself.

"Oh yeah? Then why does your hair smell like strawberry, huh? You know how expensive it is, Ochaco!" Said Mina, half laughing and half angry.

"I just couldn't help myself, okay?! It smells delicious and it was just lying there! It was calling to me!" Says Uraraka, rubbing her neck in embarrassment.

Momo sighs, half smiling at her friends' shenanigans. "Jeez, you two. You know I could just create more or give you more money to buy more bottles, right?"

Mina pouts. "It's not the same, Yaomomo!"

Jirou smiles, raising an eyebrow. "How's it not the same, Mina?"

Mina pouts harder. "I wanna buy my own stuff! The experience itself has essence, you guys! You wouldn't get it!"

Todoroki sighs, deadpanning. "And this is why no one wants to join our agency."

Despite the chaos currently taking place within, the atmosphere was light and easy at the agency, the laughter flowing freely as the group sat together in the break room after a particularly chaotic day of hero work.

The air had been thick with stories of their latest missions, each one more ridiculous than the last. Eventually, they'd ran out of stories to tell and had just resorted to telling embarrassing stories about each other, some more comfortable than others.

Even Bakugo, who was normally so caught up in his own frustrations, seemed somewhat more at ease tonight. His usual scowl had softened to something more neutral, and he sat a little less rigid, a little more… relaxed? If one could call it that.

Nevertheless, he seemed more pensive than usual. Though his demeanor had softened somewhat, he seemed to be lost in thought about something no one knew.

"Ugh, the next time I go patrolling with you, I swear I'm gonna pay you back for this, Ochaco!" Mina chuckled, pointing towards Uraraka, who just giggled awkwardly.

"Will ya shut it, Raccoon Eyes? It's getting annoying." Bakugo growled under his breath, though his voice lacked the usual bite. Instead, it was more of a tired, almost disinterested grumble.

Bakugo's tone made everyone look at him.

It was strange. Bakugo, usually so intense, so filled with energy, was unusually quiet.

Todoroki, sensing a shift, shot Bakugo a look from across the table. "You okay, Bakugo?"

Bakugo's gaze flickered up, meeting Todoroki's for a brief moment before he shifted his attention elsewhere, as though the question itself made him uncomfortable. "Yeah, half and half. I'm just... tired, I guess. Got shit to do."

Uraraka, sitting next to him, furrowed her brow. She noticed it too, the slight tension in his voice, the way he seemed to be pulling away from the group despite being physically present.

He wasn't the same Bakugo she had been spending time with recently.

Mina, ever perceptive to changes in group dynamics, noticed the sudden drop in Bakugo's energy and leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm with a mischievous grin. "So, Bakugo, what's the deal? You've been more quiet than usual. Did someone finally manage to shut you up, or is the weight of trying to get to the top getting to you?"

Bakugo rolled his eyes but didn't respond immediately. Instead, he set down his half-eaten meal with a soft clink of his utensils, a faint huff escaping his lips.

"Shut the hell up, pink face. I said I gotta go." He said abruptly, standing up so quickly that the others were momentarily stunned. His chair scraped against the floor, a sharp sound that cut through the lighthearted atmosphere, snapping everyone's attention to him.

Mina raised an eyebrow. "What? You're leaving already? You can't just-"

"I said I gotta go. Aside from stupid, are you deaf too?" Bakugo interrupted, his voice flat, his gaze briefly skimming over the group before he turned toward the door. "Don't follow me. Don't contact me for the rest of the day. Got it, extras?"

The group exchanged confused glances.

They had grown used to Bakugo's volatility, but this… this was different. It wasn't the usual "I'm going off to do my own thing" attitude. There was an edge to it. A sense of conflict within him.

Uraraka's chest tightened, her mouth going dry as she watched him retreat. She wanted to say something, to ask him what was wrong, but the words wouldn't come.

As the door swung shut behind him, an uncomfortable silence settled over the group.

No one seemed to know what to say at first.

Mina was the first to break the silence, letting out a long sigh as she slumped back in her chair. "Is he always like that when you two go on dates?"

Uraraka rubs her neck. "Well... No... He's usually more... talkative, and less... you know."

Mina grunts. "How long are you gonna keep tolerating him like this?"

Uraraka's heart skipped a beat, her stomach churning at the unexpected question. "Mina... what do you mean?"

"Come on." Mina pressed, her voice low but laced with frustration. "You know exactly what I mean, Ochaco. I obviously expect you to break up with him soon."

Uraraka opened her mouth to defend Bakugo, to explain that there had to be something deeper going on, but the words got stuck in her throat.

Mina wasn't wrong.

Bakugo had been pulling away for weeks, his moods growing more unpredictable, his presence at times suffocatingly distant, and other times... too harsh. She wasn't blind to it. But did that mean it was time for her to give up on him?

"I... I don't think it's like that." Uraraka said softly, though even she wasn't sure if she believed her own words. "Bakugo's just… dealing with something. He's always been like this, but he doesn't mean what he says."

Todoroki, who had been silent until now, glanced between them, his expression unreadable. "It's been going on for a while, though. The way he isolates himself, the way he shuts everyone out... I don't think it's just the pressure from the public and his fixation about being number one anymore. Something's changed."

Uraraka's heart sank, but before she could respond, Jirou's voice cut through the conversation like a knife.

"I can't do this anymore, guys. I'm tired." Jirou said, her voice tight, full of a kind of resolve that left no room for argument.

She had been staring down at her hands, but now she looked up, locking eyes with each of them in turn. "If Bakugo's going to keep sticking around, then I'm out. I'm done trying to put up with him."

The words hung in the air, heavy and final.

Uraraka's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat as she looked at Jirou.

She had never expected this.

Jirou was always the calm one, the one who balanced the group with her straightforward honesty and easygoing nature. But now? Now, there was no room for compromise in her voice.

"Jirou, wait, you don't mean that, do you?" Mina said quickly, sitting up straighter in her chair. "We can talk about this. Maybe Uraraka can-"

"No." Jirou interrupted, shaking her head firmly. "I've been patient. We've all been patient. But I can't stand it anymore."

Momo tries reaching her hand out to Jirou. "Jirou... I know you don't approve of his behavior, and neither do we, but-"

Jirou scoffs. "Pfff. 'Don't approve?' No, Momo. I hate his behavior. Don't you all remember how he was back at U.A? He was always loud, obnoxious, arrogant and annoying. Hell, I don't think he even knew there were other people besides himself until he needed us in the battle exercises! I saw him talk down Kirishima, Kaminari, Sero, myself and all of you time and time again, but I didn't say anything because I always told myself he cared deep down..."

Jirou looks down and lets out a small, defeated sigh. "Guess I was wrong all along."

Uraraka swallows before trying to speak up. "J-Jirou... You can't mean that. Bakugo may seem harsh, but underneath-"

"No, Uraraka." Interrupts Jirou, shooting her a glare. "He doesn't care. He's made it clear that he doesn't give a damn about any of us. Not really. He doesn't care about how his attitude makes us feel, or how it pushes us away. I can't be part of a group that lets that slide. Not anymore. I can take a beating, but I can't stand it when others try to make my friends cry. Have you ever thought Kaminari might have drifted away from the group back at U.A because of stuff like this?"

No one speaks up.

They knew they didn't have a good answer for that question.

Jirou continues. "I honestly don't know why you want to keep sticking around him, Uraraka, but I can't do it anymore. Being around him is like trying to be around radioactive materials. It'll just wear me down if I keep doing it. I think I'm done sticking around him and his ego for good."

Momo opened her mouth, but no words came out, as though she was still processing what Jirou had just said.

The group looked at each other, unsure of how to respond.

They were all feeling the strain in different ways, but no one had expected it to come to this.

Jirou stands up from the table. "Look... I joined your agency because I struggled to find my own footing after we graduated, and I've been able to stabilize myself thanks to you. I'm grateful for that, and I continued to stick around here because I genuinely liked to spend time with you guys. But ever since Bakugo joined, everything's been different, and I'm tired of sitting here and pretending there isn't a problem when there clearly is a problem right in front of us."

She grabbed her bag, slinging it over her shoulder with a swift motion. "I'll deliver my resignation letter tomorrow. My mind is made up. And don't worry about me. I've been wanting to create an agency of my own for some time. I'm sorry, but this is final. Maybe this is for the best."

With that, Jirou turned and walked toward the door, not looking back.

The group sat in stunned silence as the door clicked shut behind her.

The weight of the moment pressed heavily against them, each of them left grappling with the consequences of Jirou's words.

Uraraka's mind was a whirlwind. She had wanted to defend Bakugo, wanted to believe in him, but now she felt lost.

The group had lost someone today, and not because of villains of any sort.

Some more months later...

The agency's break room was quiet... too quiet.

The air was thick with a heavy kind of silence, the kind that felt as if everyone had been holding their breath for far too long. The fluorescent lights overhead hummed softly, but the noise felt muffled, almost drowned out by the tension that lingered between the group.

There was no laughter today, no casual conversation to fill the space.

Just the rustling of paper, the clicking of pens against desks, the quiet shuffle of feet as they all focused on their respective tasks.

Bakugo sat across the room from the rest, hunched over a stack of documents. His brow furrowed in concentration, but his usual fiery intensity was nowhere to be found. Instead, he seemed... deflated. His shoulders were slumped, his eyes unfocused as he skimmed through the papers, as though the weight of the world was bearing down on him.

He hadn't snapped at anyone in weeks, hadn't even raised his voice, and for Bakugo, that was strange. He was usually so full of fire, so filled with the drive to prove himself and everyone else wrong. But now? He seemed distant... almost detached.

Uraraka sat a few desks over, stealing quick glances at him, but each time, she found herself looking away just as quickly.

It wasn't that she didn't care. No, it was the opposite.

She cared. Too much, perhaps.

But ever since Jirou had left, ever since things had started to unravel, it had felt as if everything had become so fragile.

Bakugo's moods, both his withdrawal and his refusal to let go of his ego, the strain it put on their already fragile dynamic... it was all becoming too much.

She had tried to keep up the front of professionalism, of focusing on her hero work, but in the quiet moments, her heart ached. She hadn't been able to reach him. And she didn't know if she could anymore.

Mina, always the one to speak up, shifted uncomfortably in her seat, glancing at the others. It was like she couldn't take the silence anymore. The way the room felt, like they were all just going through the motions, but none of them were really there.

The silence stretched on, punctuated only by the sound of papers shuffling and Bakugo's occasional, frustrated sighs. He was still the same Bakugo in some ways, but the energy he used to bring, the explosive presence that commanded attention, was heavily subdued.

Mina couldn't stand it any longer.

She leaned over to Momo, who was sitting beside her, tapping her pen idly against the desk, staring at her paperwork but clearly not paying attention.

Mina hesitated for a moment, then spoke quietly, her voice tinged with frustration. "Momo... do you think it would be... okay to fire Bakugo?"

Momo, who had been absentmindedly flipping through a file, paused and turned her head toward Mina. She frowned, her brows knitting together in thought.

"Fire him?" Momo repeated, her voice measured but low. "Why would you want to do that?"

Mina let out a sharp sigh, running a hand through her hair. "Because this... this is unbearable. Ever since Jirou left, it feels like there's a huge fog in the room, like a big fabric of awkwardness looming around, and it's starting to suffocate me. And it's not just me, Momo. The others feel it, too. Todoroki pretends it's not happening, but I can see that Bakugo's presence is making him feel uncomfortable too. And Uraraka…"

Mina trailed off, her voice softer now. "She's still with him, and I don't understand why. I can't keep watching this. I can't keep pretending like it doesn't affect everyone else."

Momo's eyes softened, a quiet understanding flickering behind them. She had noticed it too. But firing Bakugo? That was a more complicated decision.

"Look, Mina..." Momo said, her voice steady but firm. "I know it's been difficult for all of us. I can feel it too. But Bakugo's been a valuable member of this agency. He's brought results. Great results, I might add. We can't just let him go because of this, whether we want it or not. He hasn't done anything to warrant termination, and you know that."

Mina's shoulders slumped in frustration, but she didn't argue. She knew Momo was right. They couldn't just fire Bakugo. Not when his results spoke for themselves. It didn't matter that he'd become distant, that the dynamic of the agency had shifted, that Jirou had already left, or the air of awkwardness and tension at the agency.

The fact remained: Bakugo had done his job. He had achieved things that others could only dream of, and his results were undeniable.

"I hate this." Mina muttered, the bitterness in her voice unmistakable. "I hate that he's still here, like nothing's wrong. I hate how much Uraraka is still putting up with him. How long is she going to keep this up?"

Momo's gaze flickered toward Uraraka, who was still sitting at her desk, her head down as she scribbled through paperwork with mechanical efficiency. She could see the exhaustion in her, even from across the room. The way Uraraka's hand moved, as if she were trying to focus on something, anything, other than Bakugo.

"I don't think it's as simple as that, Mina." Momo said quietly, her tone thoughtful, almost as if she were speaking to herself. "Uraraka's been trying. She's been trying very hard to keep it together. But I've heard… things. She's been trying to keep her distance from Bakugo for a while, to focus on her own work, on becoming a better hero. I think she knows things are getting worse, but she doesn't know what to do."

Mina's eyes widened, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. "Wait... what? You're saying she's trying to distance herself from him?"

Momo nodded slowly. "Yes. I heard her talking to someone the other day, it might have been Tsuyu, but... it sounds like she's doing what she can to stop distracting herself and him. She wants to keep moving forward, even if it means stepping back from Bakugo a little."

A small sense of relief washed over Mina, though it was fleeting. "That's... that's good to know, I think?"

She let out a long breath, resting her head in her hand. "But how long can this last, Momo? How long before everything just blows up in our faces? It's not just Bakugo and Uraraka. It's all of us, and it's so damn awkward. So tense. Every day, it's like we're all just pretending that things are fine, when they're not. And it's not just Bakugo's fault, I get it. It's all of us. But I don't know how much more of this I can take."

Momo stared at Bakugo across the room, watching him for a moment as he continued working in his corner, isolated and distant.

"I don't know either..." Momo admitted quietly, her voice soft, almost regretful. "But for now, we can only keep trying to support each other. It may not seem like it, but I do worry about him, Mina. And I worry about all of us equally."

Mina didn't respond immediately, her gaze drifting back to Bakugo.

"I don't know how much longer I can do this, though." Mina muttered, more to herself than to Momo. "I'm just so damn tired of the silence. I swear it's gonna drive me nuts one of these days."

Around one year before the start of this story...

The afterparty of the Japanese Billboard Charts event was a lavish affair, filled with the hum of conversation, the clink of glasses, and the soft pulse of music in the background. It was the kind of event that celebrated the best of the best in the hero world. Fame, recognition, and prestige all wrapped up in a single evening.

The ballroom was grand, with golden lights casting a warm, almost ethereal glow over the crowd, the air heavy with a sense of excitement. Everywhere Uraraka looked, there were heroes mingling, exchanging stories, and posing for photographs with their admirers.

Yet, despite the glamour surrounding them, Uraraka couldn't shake the feeling of quiet frustration that had settled in her chest. The past year had been a rollercoaster of hard work, of growth, and of lessons learned.

But the rankings?

None of her team were even in the top ten.

It wasn't that they hadn't given their all. They'd tried. She had poured her heart into everything she did. And yet, the results stung all the same. To be so close, but not close enough.

Though, after the initial shock had worn away, she realized she didn't feel unmotivated. If anything, she felt more determined to do better this year! Perhaps it was a side effect of hanging around Bakugo too much, but at some point, she'd learned to be really stubborn, and by God, was she not gonna back down next year.

Uraraka's thoughts were interrupted when she felt a familiar presence next to her.

Bakugo.

He had been quiet all evening, his expression as hard as ever.

The tension between them had only grown in the past few months, his silence becoming more pronounced with each passing day. He hadn't exactly been the same since she'd told him she loved him, but tonight, his silence felt heavier than usual.

She turned to face him, forcing a smile as he looked at her with an unreadable expression.

"Oi." Bakugo said, his voice low and edged with something she couldn't quite place. "Come with me. We need to talk."

Without waiting for her to respond, he turned and began walking toward a quieter corner of the room, away from the bright lights and the social bustle. Uraraka followed him, her heart starting to beat faster in her chest. She had a sinking feeling that something wasn't right, but she didn't know what. Not yet.

They reached a secluded corner, a dimly lit area far from the main gathering. Bakugo leaned against the wall, his arms crossed as he looked at her. His face was unreadable, his usual scowl softened by the shadows, but there was a tension to him that she couldn't ignore.

Uraraka stood a few feet away, her nerves tingling with anxiety. She had expected Bakugo to approach her at some point tonight, but not like this.

There was something in the air that felt off. Heavy. Unsettling.

"So." Bakugo began, his voice surprisingly calm. "Neither of us made it to the top 10. How do you feel about this year's rankings?"

Uraraka blinked, taken aback by the question. She'd expected small talk, something more casual. Not this.

She swallowed, trying to keep her composure. "I mean… I'm a bit disappointed, yeah. It's hard not to be when you've worked so hard and come so close. But I'm not unmotivated. I'm just gonna keep working, keep improving. I've got a plan for next year."

Bakugo didn't respond right away. He just stared at her, his eyes sharp but distant.

She felt a pang in her chest, as though the intensity in his gaze was weighing on her.

Why was he asking about this?

"Uh huh. And what's your plan for this year?" He asked, his tone neutral, but there was an edge to it that made her pause. "What are you gonna do?"

Uraraka's heart picked up speed.

This was her chance to tell him everything. To let him know how committed she was, how much she wanted this, to rise higher, to be better.

She smiled, feeling a burst of determination. This was exactly what she needed. She could feel the fire inside her, burning brighter with every word.

"I'm going to keep improving." She said, her voice steady but full of conviction. "I'm going to train harder than ever. I'm going to focus on my hero work more than anything, and I won't stop until I make it to the top. I'm not going to let anything get in my way. Nothing's gonna stand in my way, and I'm not gonna be distracted by anything until I get to my goals."

She looked at Bakugo, hoping for some sign of approval, some acknowledgment of what she was saying. She wanted to hear him say it, to hear him tell her that he was proud, that he would be there by her side as she kept pushing forward.

However, Bakugo's response was... surprising, to say the least.

Bakugo didn't respond like she expected. Instead, he went silent, his gaze shifting away from her as he seemed to lose focus.

She noticed the way his lips tightened, the way his jaw clenched as if he were fighting against something.

Her heart began to race. There was a feeling settling in her stomach, a knot of uncertainty that she couldn't ignore.

Something was wrong.

Something was VERY, VERY wrong.

Bakugo turned his head back to her, his eyes hardening into a familiar expression of coldness, only this time, there was something else behind it. Disappointment? Regret? She couldn't tell.

"Uraraka..." He said slowly, his voice tight. "This isn't working."

Uraraka blinked, her breath catching in her throat. "What? What do you mean?"

"Well..." Bakugo's voice faltered slightly, before he straightened himself, his posture rigid as he turned away from her. "We need to break up."

Uraraka's entire body froze.

The words hit her like a physical blow. The room seemed to spin around her, the noise from the party blurring into nothing as her mind scrambled to process what he had just said.

She took a step toward him, her voice trembling with confusion and hurt. "Bakugo, what are you talking about? You can't be serious."

Bakugo looked away from her. "I'm serious. We're over."

He let out a deep breath, almost as if the words were a release, a weight lifted off his chest.

But to Uraraka, it felt like the ground was being ripped out from under her.

"No…" Uraraka's voice cracked as she took another step closer, her hands reaching out instinctively. "Please, don't say that. We've been through so much together. This… this can't be the end. We can work through it. We can fix whatever's wrong, I swear I can-"

But Bakugo didn't look at her. He didn't even flinch. He just stood there, his back to her, his shoulders tense as if the decision had already been made.

"Get out of my life, Pink Cheeks." He said, his voice low and harsh.

Uraraka's heart shattered at the words. The finality in his tone was unmistakable.

This wasn't a fight with an enemy she could punch. This wasn't something that could be resolved with one more conversation, one more promise.

This was it. He was oficially done with her.

Her eyes burned with unshed tears, but she refused to let them fall. She couldn't understand what had gone wrong. She couldn't understand why he was doing this. He had always been unpredictable, always driven by his own goals, but this... this was something different.

This was cold, cruel even.

Wasn't it cruel?

Wasn't HE the one who was wrong all along?

Hadn't SHE done everything right?

She opened her mouth to say something, anything, but the words wouldn't come.

Bakugo didn't look back as he started to walk away, his figure disappearing into the crowd.

Uraraka stood there, frozen, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air.

She wanted to run after him.

She wanted to scream, to demand answers.

But there was nothing left to say.

And so, instead of saying anything, Uraraka wanted the rest of the day to disappear at any cost.

She didn't even know when it happened, but at some point she had limped out of the party, too drunk to go anywhere she recognized.

Her throat felt like it was on fire, and she didn't know what she was saying anymore.

"Bakuhhhhh... Bakuhhhhhgohhhhh..."

Then, Uraraka's legs give out from under her, making her slump against the cold surface of the street.

Uraraka's eyes grow heavy, but she refuses to close them as a single, terrifying, all-consuming thought takes root in her mind.

"Oh God... I'm so... Alone..."

Told ya this chapter was coming soon.

Woah... I still can't believe MHA is ending. This has been one hell of a ride, and I'm glad I was a part of it for as long as I could.

Huge shoutout to Horikoshi. Whether you like his writing decisions or not, you can't deny that he created something special. MHA's legacy will not be easily forgotten or overlooked.

Besides, I have some story ideas after the final chapter drops... Some silly, others a little more serious. Stick around if you want more MHA content from me! MHA may be over but I'm not done writing stories about it! This franchise means a lot to me, and I'll stick around for a bit until I decide to ultimately let it go for good.

Might as well enjoy these stories while they last.

See you on the next chapter!