After a week of patterns and patterns and tap tap tapping and rubbing of knees and sick day procedures, Izuku was feeling better. He was proud of his determination to get healthy. 

He was proud of beating them at their own game. Proud of not letting himself be poisoned again and saying on guard at every moment of every day. At every meal, every drink. With every door and sequence of events that regulated his life and provided him with a cocoon of what was correct. 

Yes, he was so very proud of his accomplishments. 

And so he celebrated by finishing his writing of Heroic Journal No. 8 and starting on a new spread of the latest heros. 

He slept with a smile, knowing that his hard work was paying off. 

But the next day, he found all remains of happiness drained from his being. Apparently his homework had piled up so high, it almost felt as if it could reach the stars. In reality, it couldn't. But the thought of all the knowledge and notes and questions and assignments drilled into his soul. And for some reason, he knew he had to finish it before ten that night. He just had to.

Or else something bad will happen. 

Something bad or unfortunate. He supplied an additive to his examination. 

And so, the pressure began. 

Between the notes and assignments in class, Izuku would work on his stack of pages. And lunch would be spent doing homework--his appetite has yet to return fully. And during the free time between classes, he would finish a few problems. 

Even when he got home, his diligent work seemed to be never ending. Had he even made a dent in the work yet? He couldn't tell. But he persevered. 

It wasn't until 9:57 when he realized he still had quite a few more assignments to finish. And he was going to be unable to do so before 10. And suddenly the world stood still and crumbled and fell. His desire to work dwindled to nothing as he watched the time tick to his deadline. 

He felt a sense of hopelessness wash over his body, enveloping it like a hug. But a sad hug, like he was being tethered down. 

Tethered, tied, hide, head. 

Izuku, feeling a headache rush back to his cranium full force, started his nightly routine. His mind had deemed itself a failure after being unable to finish all his homework. Now he entered a lifeless state of mind where he attempted to get back in the headspace of productivity. 

But for now, he was the opposite of free-floating in space. He was tethered to the shuttle, unable to see the moon or stars or move even the slightest of inches. 

So he stayed in bed. And looked at the ceiling. And slept his soul away.