As the group dispersed and everyone headed home, I walked alongside Kaito down the quiet street. The sky above was a deepening shade of purple, stars starting to peek through the veil of twilight. My legs were sore, my hands stung a little from gripping rough surfaces all day, and sweat still clung to my skin. But none of it mattered—the ache felt earned, the kind that came with doing something you loved.

Kaito was rambling about some crazy jump he wanted to try next time, his hands waving animatedly as he explained the mechanics. I nodded absently, only half-listening, my eyes drifting to the rooftops above us.

That's when the idea hit me.

Me: "Hey, Kaito?"

Kaito: "Yeah?"

I tapped his shoulder lightly and grinned.

Me: "Tag. You're it."

Before he could respond, I sprinted off.

Kaito: "H-Hey! Izuku, what the hell—?"

His indignant shout turned into laughter as he took off after me. The street stretched ahead, quiet and dimly lit, and my pulse quickened—not from fear or anxiety, but from the sheer thrill of the moment.

I darted toward a low wall and vaulted over it in one fluid motion, my movements light and quick. Every step, every leap—it all felt like second nature now, my body reacting faster than my thoughts. Kaito was right behind me, his footsteps pounding the pavement as he tried to close the gap.

Kaito: "Seriously? You're not even holding back, are you?"

I glanced back at him with a grin.

Me: "What's the point of playing if I don't go all out?"

The chase took us into a maze of alleyways and narrow walls, our makeshift playground. I spotted a stack of crates leaning against a wall and used them to scale up to a fire escape. Kaito groaned as he followed me.

Kaito: "Oh, come on! You're just showing off now!"

Me: "Maybe!"

I laughed, the sound echoing off the buildings. By the time I pulled myself onto the rooftop, my lungs were burning, but I barely noticed.

Kaito climbed up a moment later, panting as he tried to catch his breath.

Kaito: "You're faster than you used to be, Deku. Way faster."

I shrugged, backing up to give myself some distance.

Me: "Or maybe you're just slower than you think."

His eyes narrowed, and he smirked.

Kaito: "Oh, it's like that, huh? Fine. Let's see if I can catch up to you."

Before I could reply, he lunged forward, and I took off again, weaving between chimneys and vents. The rooftops became our new racecourse, the uneven surfaces and precarious ledges only adding to the excitement.

Kaito was good, but I was better. My steps were quicker, my landings more precise. Where Kaito had strength and boldness, I relied on agility and instinct. I didn't need to think; I just moved, letting the flow of motion guide me.

Kaito: "How are you this good?! Were you holding out on me all this time...and what was that erlier then? HEY! HEY!!!!!?"

Me: "Guess you'll have to step up your game!"

The chase led us to a wide gap between two buildings, the kind that would've stopped me dead in my tracks months ago. Now, though, it barely registered as a challenge.

I ran full speed toward the edge, pushing off with everything I had. The air rushed past me, and the gap below blurred into insignificance. I hit the opposite rooftop in a roll, coming up on my feet without missing a beat.

Kaito landed a second later, stumbling slightly but recovering with a grin.

Kaito: "Okay, that was just unfair."

Me: "It's not unfair if you make it!"

We kept going, pushing each other to go faster, climb higher, jump farther. The rooftops stretched on, and the city below became a blur of lights and shadows. It wasn't about winning or losing anymore—it was just pure, unfiltered fun.

Finally, we came to a stop on a high rooftop, the cool night air rushing past us as we stood side by side. The stars above were brighter now, scattered across the sky like tiny diamonds.

Kaito dropped onto the flat surface, panting heavily but grinning from ear to ear.

Kaito: "Man, you're a whole different person up here, Deku. I can't even keep up with you anymore."

I sat down beside him, still catching my breath.

Me: "I guess... I stopped overthinking. When I don't think too much, it just happens, you know?"

Kaito chuckled, leaning back on his hands as he looked up at the stars.

Kaito: "Yeah, well, remind me never to challenge you to tag again. My pride can only take so much."

I laughed, shaking my head.

Me: "You're not that far behind. Besides, it's not like I'd be this good without you pushing me all the time."

Kaito glanced at me, his grin softening into something more genuine.

Kaito: "Yeah, well... don't forget the little guys when you're out there being a big hero, okay?"

His words caught me off guard, but I smiled.

Me: "I could never forget you, Kaito. You're my friend."

The two of us sat there for a while, the city buzzing quietly below. The thrill of the chase still lingered, a warm, satisfying hum in my chest. And as I looked out over the rooftops, I felt it again—that unshakable belief that, I was exactly where I was meant to be.