Third Person’s POV

Izuku sighed as he opened the locks to his store and walked in, dumping his bag on the counter. He was really sleepy and tired but he couldn’t just shut the cafe for a whole day! Dragging his feet through the rooms, he quickly pulled the blinds up and dusted the tables. Mei and Shinso would be arriving soon so that leaves him to prepping. He was too lazy to do anything at all but he had no choice. A few minutes later, Mei and Shinso walked in, looking tired as well. The former even had noticeable dark circles under her eyes.

Izuku: Didn’t sleep?

Mei (letting her arms dangle in protest): It was soooooooooo boring! But I had to finish it up or Power Loader Sensei would reduce my credit

Shinso: I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t? Because you happen to be his favourite student.

Izuku: Who tends to blow his lab up everytime she tries to make a baby

Mei: Gosh, that sounded so wrong. Anyway, you can’t deny that he enjoys blowing things up as well. I just happen to be a genius with the same madness.

Izuku (chuckling): Yeah, yeah but your madness is on a whole nother level! You might as well call yourself an asylum inmate!

Shinso snorted at the comment while the pinkette pouted. They soon got themselves engaged in their own work then had breakfast together.

Shinso (laughing): Wait wait! You mean to tell me that Endeavour was throwing a tantrum because he couldn’t catch you? Because that would’ve been so much fun to see.

Mei (giggling): That guy is annoying as heck! You were correct when you named “Flaming Trash Can”, Izu.

Izuku (shaking his head): Can’t believe that the No.1 and No.2 heroes are such idiots! I mean, can’t more people like Eraserhead be given a chance? Of course, he doesn’t want the spotlight but still… aghh it’s lame!

Mei (Munching on the almond cookies): I feel ya, brother. Even Power Loader is better than them.

Shinso: Speaking of whom, I overheard some of the 1-A kids at lunch. Apparently, Eraserhead did not attend homeroom yesterday.

Izuku frowned and sighed : Must be due to the injury. I bet Recovery Girl didn't let him out of bed.

Mei giggled and wiped her hands with a tissue: She sure is scary. I've seen literally every member of the staff cower under her gaze.

Shinso chuckled as well, twirling the chocolate chip on the plate littered with cookie crumbs: I was in the infirmary once actually. She's sweet but literally scarier than the devil. Kinda like Izu.

Izuku pouted and stood up to clean up the mess with the help of the other two. After that was done, they hugged the greenette before heading out. Mei and Shinso never stayed after the business hours started or before they ended because Izuku didn't want them to. In the unfortunate event that he gets caught, the two would be free of legal shit.

Izuku's POV

I sighed as my siblings left for school, leaving me to the cafe. The cats were fed and the first batch of cookies was ready. The other items were ready as well including the ingredients needed. I just have to wait for the first customer now.

5 minutes later, the doorbell chimed and in walked the person I would love to see everyday yet want to avoid at all costs… Aizawa Shouta. He looked tired as usual, even after hours of sleep! But what can I say, a few extra hours of forced sleep doesn't cure Insomnia. I mentally prepared myself not to look suspicious or let my fanboy personality show because that would make me suspicious.

Izuku (Smiling): Good morning, sir! Welcome to Emerald Cafe! What would you like to have?

He sighed and didn't even look at the on display menu or the card: Coffee. Strong.

I knew exactly what he wanted : Would you like some cookies as well? Choco chip and blueberry are currently available.

He grunted and shook his head. I nodded and got to work while he just stood there. I didn't know what to do or maybe he didn't know what to do.

Izuku: Um, sir? You can sit down, I'll bring the order to your table.

Aizawa: The sign board said cats, where are they?

I pursed my lips to stop myself from giggling. God he just loves cats! I smiled and pointed to the pet zone. He picked Macaroon up and he did NOT protest, which is quite amazing. Soon, the coffee was done and I added one more cup in a small portable flask. I took the tray to his table to find Macaroon nuzzling his shirt.

Izuku: Here you go, sir.

He looked at me and then at the tray and then back at me with a frown after he saw the flask.

Izuku (giggling): It's another cup of strong coffee. It's on the house because you're literally the first person to tame Macaroon. Besides, you look like you need it.

He blinked and raised a brow: Macaroon?

I rubbed the back of my head slightly: Yeah. He's a feisty one. Always keeps hissing and biting people but somehow, he seems to like you.

Aizawa smirked and rubbed Macaroon's head: I can't accept the free coffee. I'll pay for that.

I shook my head: No, sir. It's not everyday that someone can tame the little devil. Also, I'm actually quite happy today so…

It wasn't a lie. I really was happy to meet Aizawa as Midoriya Izuku and not as Karma. It hits different- meeting your idol as yourself. He sighed and nodded before sipping the coffee. I could see his eyes widen slightly as he took another sip, in what seemed to me as urgency.

Aizawa: Kid, this is the best coffee I've ever had.

Izuku(smiling): I added an extra shot because you seem rather tired. I'm assuming you're a teacher?

He looked at me sceptically, as if analysing the genuinity of my answer to his next question.

Aizawa: What makes you say that?

Izuku: Well, I've had many teachers ask me for extra strong coffee because apparently, they're dealing with "spawns of Satan". Besides, it's just an assumption and based on your reply, I guess I'm right.

He rolled his eyes and nodded. I did not question him further because I did not want to raise suspicions. He finished his cup, patted Macaroon who seemed to whine, set tip on the table and walked out with the flask. I sighed as I collected the cash- the amount for the extra coffee plus some change. This man sure is different.

Barely 5 minutes after he left, the doorbell chimed again and I looked up with a bright smile to welcome the customer only to have it slapped away by the mere presence of the person- Bakugou Katsuki. I had to pretend to not loathe him but I could act like I dislike him, especially after the previous day's events. I forced a small smile and greeted him.

Izuku: Good morning sir. What would you like?

He eyed me carefully and I raised my brow. Seconds turned into two minutes of staring and eventually, I got irritated.

Izuku: Sir, your order?

Bakugou: Who are you?

Izuku: What?

I blinked and tilted my head. What sort of question is that? I mean, I know he's trying to get me to talk but this is a weird approach. Well, whatever.

Bakugou (gritting his teeth): Who are you?

Izuku: Weren't you the one who recognis-

Bakugou: Answer me, idiot!

Izuku: Jeez, calm down. I'm Midoriya Izuku. That enough?

He growled and pulled me over the counter by my shirt. I hissed in anger and shoved him back, leaving him wide eyed by my reaction.

Izuku: Look, sir. I don't know who you are nor do I care. If you don't leave the cafe right now, I'll be forced to call the cops.

… was he calming down?!?!?!?!?!?

Bakugou (Composing himself slightly): Look, Deku-

Izuku: I am not Deku. Why the heck do you keep calling me useless?

Bakugou: Because you are a good for nothing quirkless piece of shit! Useless Deku!

I ground my teeth and walked around the counter before pulling him by his collar.

Izuku (growling): Listen here, you jerk! I will not tolerate you calling me names when I don't even know who the fuck you are. You're a student at UA, right? Someone who wants to be a hero? Well I've got news for you, sir. With that attitude, you'll never be one.

He immediately blasted me back with his explosion, sending me crashing into the counter- lucky it's made of granite but it hurt like.

Bakugou: WHAT THE HECK DID YOU SAY USELESS DEKU?! I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU SAY, I'M GOING TO BE THE BEST HERO OUT THERE, BETTER THAN ALL MIGHT! A QUIRKLESS BASTARD LIKE YOURSELF WOULD NEVER UNDERSTAND!

I could feel my resolve breaking, a murderous rage overtaking my senses. I almost had the urge to use all my quirks on him- thrash, heal and thrash again- but I held back. He is NOT worth my time.

Bakugou's POV

I couldn't sleep last night because of this stupid Deku! Who does he think he is? Goes missing for 2 fucking years and shows up in a stupid cafe! Now he has the audacity to pretend like he doesn't know me, Bakugou Katsuki!? What the hell is wrong with him?! He's acting like I'm a complete stranger! He looks like he has no idea who I am! I spent two years thinking about this shitstain for what? At first I thought he dropped out of school after that incident so I went, reluctantly of course, to his house only to find it abandoned. I remember that old hag from the neighborhood muttering something about an unfortunate family. What the heck happened? Even if I want to ask Deku, he's just pretending like he doesn't know me!

What's more surprising is that he somehow managed to grow a spine! He's retorting and growling! It's not the Deku I remember… he's a completely new person. Just what the heck happened to him?

Bakugou (Composing himself slightly): Look, Deku-

Izuku: I am not Deku. Why the heck do you keep calling me useless?

What the heck is wrong with this nerd? I've been calling him Deku… ever since we were kids!

Bakugou: Because you are a good for nothing quirkless piece of shit! Useless Deku!

He walked around the counter and pulled me by my collar, yanking me in anger.

Izuku (growling): Listen here, you jerk! I will not tolerate you calling me names when I don't even know who the fuck you are. You're a student at UA, right? Someone who wants to be a hero? Well I've got news for you, sir. With that attitude, you'll never be one.

The heck did he say? This worthless piece of crap! How dare he?! I was taken over by fury and I did not know how but I just blasted him using my quirk….. I just used my quirk on him…. Again. But I couldn't take the words. Deku of all people is confronting me! Worthless Deku thinks I can't be a hero!

Bakugou: WHAT THE HECK DID YOU SAY USELESS DEKU?! I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU SAY, I'M GOING TO BE THE BEST HERO OUT THERE, BETTER THAN ALL MIGHT! A QUIRKLESS BASTARD LIKE YOURSELF WOULD NEVER UNDERSTAND!

He seemed infuriated for a second there and I'll be honest, it was kinda scary. But then he calmed down and started laughing… What's going on?

Bakugou: WHAT'S SO FUNNY?!

Izuku (gigging): Your fucked up mind.

What

I growled and pulled him up by his shirt but he just proceeded to chuckle.

Izuku: So in your opinion, quirks are all that matter to become a hero?

Bakugou: What the heck are you getting at?

Izuku: No, it's just. Haha, sorry. Your definition of a hero is dumb.

I couldn't do anything but stare at him in anger. What the heck did he mean by that? He placed his hand on mine and slowly freed himself from my grasp.

Izuku: If a quirk is all that it takes to become a hero, then what's the difference between a hero and a Villain?

He got me good.

Izuku: What happened? No answer? Because I thought you said that only quirks mattered for someone to become a hero.

He was batting his eyes like he was the most innocent being in the universe. This isn't Deku and I am rendered speechless by this person. I couldn't even find myself getting angry at him.

Izuku: What makes a hero different from a villain is the heart. Anyone can become a hero. Quirks are irrelevant. I hope you understand that. Now, sir, if we're done here, I would like you out of my store.

Bakugou: Why yo-

Izuku: IF you leave right now, I'll promise not to report this little hassle. Albeit tempted, I'm not someone who would spoil one's life.

Bakugou: And what exactly do you think YOU can do?

Izuku (smiling): I have cams all across the store. Illegal quirk usage, assaulting a quirkless person, a civilian no less and of course, collateral damage- surely, those are reasons enough to earn a red in your ledger and possibly get you out of UA.

I looked as he pointed to the area destroyed due to my explosion. I could feel my anger slipping away. I just need answers.

Bakugou: Look, Dek-

Izuku(Coldly): Midoriya

Bakugou: Mid-Midoriya (His name sounds so foreign on my tongue) Look, I just need answers.

Izuku: What answers?

Bakugou: Why are you acting like this? Don't you recognise me? It's not like you to be angry… you're acting like I'm a total stranger. What's going on?

Izuku (mock realisation): So I do know you! Were you my friend? Because I'll be honest, with the way you behaved right now, I'm not sure you were ever my friend.

His question caught me off guard. I really was never his friend. But what does he mean by that question? It's like he has no memory of it.

Bakugou: What do you mean? Don't you remember?

Izuku: Well, no. I had been in an accident around a year or so back. It seems I'm suffering from amnesia. They gave me a basic report of my life but I don't remember anyone.

My mind feels so blank right now. Did he just say accident? Amnesia? He lost his memory? He… he really doesn't remember me.

Bakugou: What?! How?

He just shrugged like nothing happened!

Bakugou: What about aun- your mother?

Izuku: Oh her? I really don't know. They said that she died a few years ago and that I basically lived alone. Makes no difference now, does it?

She…. Died?

Izuku: Now, I'm not sure what my relationship with you is but I'll tell you one thing. I don't want anything to do with you. From your behaviour, I'd not be surprised if you were my bully and I most certainly don't want to be around you. That being said, you are no longer allowed into this cafe. Please step out right now.

What is that numb pain in my heart? Am I sick? Am I hurt by his words? I don't know what to do anymore. Did I bully an orphan? A quirkless, defenseless orphan who also happened to be the only true friend in my life? His words stung harder than I imagined.

I don't remember how or what happened after that but I found myself getting closer to UA. I've messed up bad and now I've lost the chance to meet him again.

(2638 words)