It was a few minutes before the day begun and the class was in their morning chatters. Aizawa had yet to arrive so you all took the opportunity to liberate yourselves from your assigned seating and wander; although there were a few such as yourself that remained at their desks. You sat on the table top with your feet on Midoriya's chair as you absentmindedly played with his hair. You had asked for permission of course but despite that the freckled boy was still blushing madly.

"You have such a nice, silky texture to your hair!" You complimented. His curly green locks had looked inviting before but they were even more fun as you ran your finger through them.

He laughed, nervousness lacing his timbre."T-thanks!" His cheeks were a deep, deep red. Never had a girl willingly played with his hair like you were doing. Much less one as pretty as you. It also didn't help that he was kinda crushing on you from afar. But it wasn't his awkwardness nor his inability to talk to girls that was his problem.

Actually yes it was.

But aside from that, the reason he would never be able to approach you was because you were friends with Katsuki. You two were always together even if you were mostly bickering. The way Katsuki looked at you and the way he looked at him made Midoriya weary of getting close to you.

Although, Katsuki had certainly become tamer since his friendship with you... maybe, just maybe, he could get over his fear of confrontation and talk to you more?

"You do have a unique hairstyle!" Uraraka chimed in from next to you. Mina sat on the desk where the brunette was with her phone in her hand. "Say cheese!" She grinned, snapping a photo of you and the stammering boy.

"I better not be in that picture, pinky," Bakugou warned from where he was turned around in his chair.

"Relax, grumpy, you're not." Mina stuck her tongue at him before showing you the picture. "You look really cute in your uniform like that!"

You found a smile spreading on your lips because for once you actually liked a photo of yourself. Midoriya appeared like a dear in headlights but it just made him more adorable.

You were asking her to send you the picture when Bakugou scoffed and rolled his eyes. "You both look like idiots."

"You're just jealous 'cause you secretly wanted to be in it," You teased back.

Katsuki scowled in response, but remained in his quiet grumbled state, head lowered onto his arms that rested over the chair. He didn't like the way you fawned over Deku, and he especially disliked the way your legs were pressed up against him. The green haired boy was so red from your touch and proximity it made Katsuki's stomach turn uncomfortably.

"Alright! Everyone get to your seats!" Aizawa hollered as soon as he spotted his disorganized classroom. Everyone scattered obediently as the unkempt man reached his desk. "First order of business today and for the rest of the week, UA will be holding its annual Sports Festival."

Gasps and squeals reverberating in a wave across the students. You yourself were anxiously chewing your nail waiting to hear more.

"Are you sure about that...?" Mineta asked timidly. "We had a villain attack not too long ago, not to mention (l/n)'s antics were plastered all over the news. Wouldn't ignoring all of that make UA look bad?"

You pursed your lips with a glare. "Thanks, Mineta."

"No, actually it's because of these events that we now, more than ever, need to demonstrate that UA's crisis management is sound," Aizawa replied. "In fact the police presence will be five times more this year than in previous years. After all, the Sports Festival is the greatest opportunity you will ever receive as students in this academy."

"It's Japan's biggest event, even surpassing the Olympics making them miniscule compared to the athleticism shown in the Festival."

"The nation's top heroes are also watching our performances right?" Yaoyorozu raised a hand. "As scouts?"

"They're gonna be looking to hire us as sidekicks once we graduate!" Kaminari chimed in.

Jirou scoffed. "A lot of those sidekicks never even manage to go solo, you dunce. You'll be lucky to get hired."

"Hey!"

"To continue," Aizawa raised his voice over the murmuring crowd, "You'll be able to gain a lot experience and popularity during this time which is incentive for big name heroes to pick you."

"But be wary because your time is limited. Your impressions and skill here will determine the future that lies ahead of you." Aizawa shot you a glance on the last part. "You get a shot each year, and if you ever want to become a hero you either go big or go home."

"Our current assignment will be on hold until after the Festival. For now, shift all your energy on training."

For the rest of class until lunchtime, everyone was in a buzz. As soon as the bell rang the student body clambered out of their seats and zipped it towards the cafeteria with only the chatter of the Festival on their lips. Your friends were already on their way out the door calling after you when a familiar drawl beckoned you back.

"(l/n), a word, please?" Aizawa spoke from his station behind the desk.

You excused yourself from the curious looks from Bakugou and the others and told them you'd catch up with them later. You were adjusting the buckle on your book bag as you approached the scraggly teacher. "Yes, Aizawa-sensei?"

"How are you progressing with your quirk outside of school?"

You gave a sheepish gaze and chuckled. "I've been doing those awesome breathing exercises you taught me!" Aizawa stared at you deadpan until you finally caved. "Alright, fine, I haven't been able to do much."

He sighed. "(l/n), didn't I tell you to talk to Todoroki?"

"I did. We just haven't been able to settle on a day to train."

"You better get to it and fast. Nezu wants a demonstration of your quirk by this Friday if he's going to even think about putting you in the Festival," Aizawa warned.

"This Friday?" Your chest felt tight as the words left your mouth.

"That's what I'm saying." The man motioned for emphasis. "Now go ahead to lunch. That's all I wanted to say. Prepare as best you can, (l/n)."

You nodded fervently as you followed the path out of the classroom, your mind swirling with new worries and doubts.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Everyone was still heading down the stairs to the cafeteria when you caught up to them. You saw an unsuspecting Katsuki making his way and got a evil grin on your face. Quietly, you targeted your victim and pounced from the few steps above. You used your hands on his shoulders to catch your fall and landed right behind him, scaring the living shit out of the blond.

"WHAT THE FUCK! YOU'RE GONNA GET US KILLED!" Katsuki shouted at the top of his lungs. His scowl never diminished as you laughed at his plight.

However, your hysterics were cut short by the conversation happening beside you.

"Everyone sure is excited..." Midoriya noted.

"Of course! This is our chance to join the ranks of heroes!" Iida gestured with enthusiasm.

"In that case!" Uraraka's demeanor suddenly darkened as she raised a triumphant fist. "As Bakugou says, 'Let's kick ass' and do our best at the festival!"

Katsuki's eyes widened. "Hey! Don't just go spouting-"

But it was too late, everyone around her was already getting riled up. "Yeah! Though it's weird of you to quote Bakugou of all people..." Ejirou grinned.

"Uraraka, I've never seen you so pumped up for something," You commented as you all turned into a hallway. "You must really want this chance to impress."

"Yeah! If I wanna be a hero I gotta show off my skills!"

"Uraraka, if you don't mind me asking," Midoriya joined in, "Why do you want to be a hero?"

The girl's attitude did a complete 180 as she suddenly began to stammer. "Uh, um, uh, well, you see..." She giggled nervously and began scratching her hair. "I kinda wanna make money..."

"You want to be a hero for money?" The green boy questioned.

"Well, yeah..."

"That's reasonable," You defended. "After all, you can't live decently without it."

"Yeah, but it sounds bad!" Uraraka whined. "I know all of you guys have honorable reasons for becoming heroes... and mine isn't."

Iida spoke out this time. "What's not honorable about wanting to support your livelihood?"

The brunette's eyes became downcast. "Why I'm becoming a hero really isn't for me... it's for my family." Bakugou's interested perked at this revelation.

"You see, my family owns a construction company and well, papa isn't getting the same work he used to so things have been pretty tough," Uraraka explained, her cheeks blushing with anxiety.

Midoriya's eyes suddenly lit up. "With your quirk you'd be able to help them out a lot! Heavy equipment costs would go way down if you got your license."

"Not to mention having a famous hero daughter as the face of your company would bring in a lot of clientele," You added with an encouraging smile.

"RIGHT! THAT'S WHAT I SAID!" Uraraka jumped, but her somber expression returned once again. "But... my dad rejected the idea. He said he appreciated the thought but that he wanted me to pursue my dreams...now my only dream is to become a celebrated hero and make money so that my parents don't have to work so hard."

You watched Uraraka's determined stare and felt like you were looking into a mirror. Though your reasoning was different, you could relate well to wanting a better situation for your family. Your mom's years of labor and you unable to do anything weighed on you heavily. You were no stranger to your parent wanting you to succeed in what you aspired, but you couldn't help but wonder what life would be like for your mother if you did manage to become a famous hero. She'd be free to do what she wished; maybe even become a hero herself.

"But anyway, what about you guys?" Uraraka flipped the conversation over to the Bakusquad who weren't exactly in the conversation but were around to hear it. "Why are you guys striving for Pro-Hero?"

"Heroes are cool!" Kaminari cheered but Mina elbowed him. "Could you try to sound less shallow? I want be a hero so I can get my name out there."

"Who doesn't want a full time gig being a hero?" Sero chuckled.

Ejirou gave his signature toothy grin. "I want to be brave and save the day!"

"What about you, Katsu?" You asked him with a small smirk. "Why do you want to be a hero?"

Katsuki scrunched his nose at you and rolled his eyes. With a hiss he jammed his hands into his pockets and glanced away. "Does it matter? We're here aren't we? Ain't it a little late to be asking 'why'?"

"That's cold, Bakugou! Everyone else shared!" Mina crossed her arms.

"This ain't the kindergarten playground, raccoon eyes!"

"Actually, (y/n) hasn't said anything," Kaminari spotlighted you, much to your dismay, "Why did you sign up for UA?"

All pupils centered on you making you grow uneasy. You could feel your face warming up and your hands begin to shake at all the sudden attention. "Uh..." Fidgeting with your fingers you continued to walk with them into the cafeteria as you struggled to put your thoughts to words.

"I guess....I feel like we've lost meaning to what a hero is. Today we think of a hero as someone with powers and that stops crime, and while those are attributes they have that's not all they are. Heroes used to be people who, despite danger, were saving people. Not because they had to, but because they wanted to. They put the needs of the people before their own. They are kind and thoughtful, not just super-powered police officers."

"And that's what I want to be," You spoke quietly, "Your guys' reasons are also valid and I don't mean to downplay them, but what I wish to be is someone who people can rely. Because it feels good to help others. I feel like I've made the world just a tiny bit better by simply extending a hand to one person who needed it."

You flicked your averted gaze back to the group who was staring at you wide eyed. You were thinking maybe you shouldn't have said anything when Midoriya placed a gentle hand on your shoulder. "You're right. I couldn't agree more."

Iida followed suit with resonant clapping. "You and Uraraka both have such pure souls! Incredible!"

"That's my girl! Cinnamon roll to the core!" Mina gleamed ecstatically and hugged you.

You nudged her playfully and rolled your eyes. They then cast themselves on a certain blond who met your gaze. It was brief but the intensity in those ruby irises was enough for a spark to tear you both away. Katsuki felt his chest thump roughly in him while you did you best to calm the fluttering in your stomach.

Why was he looking at you so intently? Maybe it was because of the speech you gave...

Just then someone else stole your focus away from the rest. "(l/n)!"

You looked up and found Todoroki approaching you. The others gave you your space and continued jabbering on as they dispersed into the lunch line. Everyone except Bakugou who waited beside you.

"(l/n), do you have a moment?" The chromatic boy questioned once he neared.

You glance at the blond who was fixed on Todoroki though expectantly. "Yeah sure." At the same time, Uraraka had strayed away from the others and was sneaking up next to Katsuki. "Could I talk to you too, Bakugou? If you don't mind."

You and the explosive male shared a quick look of understanding went off your separate ways. As you did so, you couldn't help but look back at the two. Bakugou's strong form stood tall beside Uraraka's petite one. The way he regarded her was different than before. His usual scowl was replaced with a creased frown, a rarity for Katsuki.

But they were training for the exam together. It made sense for them to be more grounded with one another. Especially knowing Katsuki he wouldn't want his grade to suffer because his partner wasn't prepared for the task. He was probably putting her through hell in practice which on the plus side would help Uraraka considering she wants to become a bigger named hero. You wished her the best in her endeavors.

You said this yet you found it hard to quell the disruptive beating in your chest.

Swallowing away those odd feelings, you followed Todoroki to the other end of the cafeteria. Bakugou remained with Uraraka who was anxiously swaying on her feet.

"I won't take up much of your time, I wanted to ask-"

"If I could train with you, right? For the Sports Festival?" The blond finished for her.

She replied with a crooked grin. "Uh, yeah, was it that obvious?"

"Just to me," Katsuki said cooly. "And you should've known already that I wasn't gonna let you off the hook."

The brunette blinked. "Huh?"

"You've been putting in the effort ever since you started sparring with me. And after your little speech right now, I can tell you're not one of these extras who are just trying to scrape by," Bakugou explained. "I'll help you get stronger."

The girl's expression widened with enthusiasm. "Really!? I didn't think you'd agree if it didn't benefit you. Er, that sounds rude. I mean I wasn't sure-"

Bakugou rolled his eyes. "I get it. Before I was only helping you because we were partnered together. But now it seems like we both need to be practicing for this thing. And if it turns out you learn something from me then that will make you a better fighter for our exam."

Katsuki took a finger and poked it into Uraraka's forehead. "Don't overthink it so much. You've got potential. You just need the right guidance."

Uraraka's cheeks flushed pink. This was the first time Bakugou was ever calm with her. Not to mention he was the first to ever believe in her capabilities. Her heart swelled with the warmth of his encouragement. "Right! I'll do my best!"

"Not your best! Set your goals higher than that, pink cheeks!"

"O-oh, okay!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Sorry I haven't been able to respond. I didn't know when I would be able to meet up with you," Todoroki said once he pulled you away.

You shrugged. "That's okay, although I would like it to be soon. You know, with the festival and all."

"Right, that's why I want to talk to you. I finally have some days we can train."

Your eyes lit up in excitement. "Really? That's great! When do we start?"

"Today, actually, if it's not too last minute for you," he apologized.

"No, that's perfect," You shook your head, "The sooner the better."

"Sounds like a plan," He replied kindly. "Do you want to head to the gym together after school?"

You raised a brow at this. "The gym? It might be a little packed since everyone's prepping for the festival, don't you think?"

Todoroki appeared confused for a few seconds before realizing his mistake. "Oh, I didn't clarify. The gym I'm talking about is a private gym I go to. It'll be less crowded and it offers a few extra amenities."

"That's, uh, fancy. Will they even let me in?"

"Yeah. As long as you're with me."

So far this didn't sound bad at all. You get to work on controlling your quirk AND you get to use rich people stuff? "Sign me the fuck up then," You chortled.

Todoroki frowned but he followed it with a breathy chuckle of his own. Your sense of humor was still new to him, however he couldn't say he minded it. "I'll see you then," he nodded and started off in his own direction.

You were about to do the same when you saw him immediately sit down at a table with a tray already set in front of him. You glanced around to see if anybody else was coming, but no one did. Todoroki sat alone, idly eating his lunch as if this was a normal occurrence for him.

Your sorrow turned to determination as you once again approached the boy. His puzzlement was evident on his face, but you greeted it with a warm smile.

"Hey, Todoroki, will you go with me somewhere?"

After grabbing a tray of your own, you guided him out the double doors of the cafeteria and into the school's courtyard. There were a quite a few students lounging about on spare tables and benches or out in UA's enormous field playing sports, although most preferred to stay indoors. However, you were searching beyond that. To a little known spot you were very fond of.

After trekking across the grass you and Todoroki came upon your destination. There were a couple of trees standing here and there in the courtyard, but this one on the sidelines of the sports field was by far the biggest. It was tall enough for you to be unable to reach its branches but short enough to remain an ant against the school's skyscraper buildings. Its rich, green leaves rustled softly in the cool breeze.

You walked under its shade and invited Todoroki to do the same. He looked skeptical of your actions but obliged. "So...why did you bring me here again?"

"I used to eat lunch here all the time," You admitted shyly. "I didn't have any friends at UA when I first started, so I would often come here to be by myself. So when I saw you in the cafeteria...well, you reminded me of myself. I couldn't just leave you there."

The chromatic boy nodded although he was still perplexed by your display. "But don't you have friends now? Won't they be upset you're here with me?"

"No, 'cause you're my friend too," You grinned and began digging in to your meal. "Ibara and Itsuka are the ones that found me over here. Thanks to them I was able to befriend a lot of people. We're in different classes now, but we still keep in touch."

Seeing Todoroki quietly mull over your words you suddenly grew self conscious. You pushed a strand of hair behind your ear and managed a chuckle. "O-oh, did I come on too strong? I know we've only shared a few moments together, but I'd like to think we're friends....if you're uncomfortable with that it's fine too. Sorry." Jeez, you were a mumbling mess. You wanted to smack your head against the tree right then and there.

"Friends...I've never really thought about that," Todoroki muttered aloud. His expression was troubled and pensive; his colorful eyes trying to decipher questions you didn't know. Finally, it lightened and he nodded. "I didn't come here with the intention of making friends, and it's a little difficult to figure out what exactly entitles that....but, I think I wouldn't mind having you as one."

You internally breathed a sigh of relief. You had heard from others that Todoroki was unusually cold so you thought it very possible for him to outright deny your friendship. A result that would have only ended up in awkwardness.

Just as you were thinking this, Todoroki shot out an extended hand towards you. "Alright, (l/n), you may call me Shoto."

You stared at him and then his hand. "Pfft, hahahaha!" You couldn't contain your laughter. You were still howling with giggles that you missed Todoroki's surprise. As he watched you in your fit his cheeks began to feel flush with color. Your giddy amusement combined with his embarrassment at having misunderstood something rushed to his face. Even so he found it endearing the way your expression lit up with such joy.

"Todoroki, we're friends! Not business partners!" You giggled. "You don't have to be like that with me. Just be yourself." You said this but your hand still reached for his in a playful manner. "You can call me (y/n)."

Todoroki let out a chuckle; a small beam tickling the corners of his mouth. "Sorry...(y/n)." Your soft expression stared back at him and his next words came out as he thought them. "You have a very beautiful smile."

Now it was your turn to get flustered. No one had outright said anything like that to you. Your face threatened to burst into flames as you tried to stammer out a reply. "O-oh, thank you."

You had pulled away your gaze from him and were fiddling with your tray when Todoroki noticed the scatterings of leaves drifting from off the tree above. Some of the greenery fell trapped by your locks of hair. Oddly enough however, it didn't look bad on you, quite the opposite. It gave you a sort of wild nymph look that he believed could be enhanced by your warm smile.

Your heart threatened to break out of your ribcage as Shoto inched closer to you. He leaned down at eye level with you and smirked. "You have some leaves in your hair." His gentle hands carefully reached towards you and combed away the debris.

Your face never felt hotter. "Thanks..."

Once he was done he glanced back at your timid gaze. His voice was soft but still audible as he spoke. "Can we do this again?"

"W-what?" You asked. You felt stupid for the stuttering mess you had become, but it was hard not to be when Todoroki was being so honest and tender with you.

"I'd like to have lunch with you again. Your presence makes this a more enjoyable time."

"Oh yeah, sure," You chuckled, willing your heartbeat to calm down again. "I'll just let the other know from time to time. I wouldn't want to force you to meet new people."

The smile that broke out on Todoroki's face was brilliant against his strong features. It really wasn't fair. That happy glow about him...he was cute without even trying.

Maybe that's why you were reacting the way you were. He was just too good-looking and him being so unknowingly affectionate was catching you off guard. You told yourself to get used to his mannerisms rather than be embarrassed by them. He was being his kind self and you couldn't fault him for that.

Just then the bell rang, wrangling up the student body who were like zombies wandering back into the school. You sighed, dejected. "Haa....back to it."

You walked back to class together, both invigorated by the wonderful feeling of having a new friend.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Away from the hysteria of the cafeteria, All Might had invited Midoriya to eat lunch with him in the teacher's lounge. After relaying to him the importance of what the Sports festival meant for the green boy, he sat pensively in his stool.

"Tell them 'I am here'? How am I supposed to do that?" Midoriya questioned, exasperated. "I can barely use One-For-All without breaking all of my fingers."

All Might looked a down at his less flamboyant version of himself and sighed. "To be frank, Young Midoriya, I don't have much time left as the Symbol of Peace, but I understand where you're coming from. It's a lot to be asking of you right now, however I wouldn't have chosen you if I didn't think you had what it took to succeed me."

"The Sports Festival is one of your biggest opportunities to gain mass appeal and show the world that you hold promise in taking my mantle," All Might finished.

Midoriya frowned and placed a thoughtful hand under his chin. "Yes, I understand, but...there's something I've been thinking about..."

"That day, when (l/n) lashed out, she was able to overtake you right?"

"Yes..."

"So, wouldn't that mean she could potentially be your 'Symbol of Peace?" The green haired boy inquired nervously. "Not that I don't want that title! But I thought maybe because she has a natural born quirk that's just as strong as yours..."

"Being the 'Symbol of Peace' isn't just about strength, Young Midoriya," All Might interjected. "It's about doing what's right. It's about helping those who can't help themselves. It's about standing up to danger and wearing a smile on your face despite the odds not being in your favor."

"Yeah, (l/n) was saying that earlier too..." Midoriya replied sheepishly. "Maybe she'd be a better symbol for you than I am."

The frail man only shook his head. "No, Midoriya, I chose you to carry on One-For-All. There's no doubt in my mind that tells me you wouldn't be the most inspiring symbol after my time has closed. You will be the next 'Symbol of Peace' because you have what most people don't. Heart."

The curly haired boy smiled but didn't fully give in. "I think you're wrong about (l/n). She's all those things and more, but I understand that you gave me this responsibility and I'll complete it to the best of my ability."

The toll of the bell rang, bringing their conversation to a near halt.

"I believe you, Young Midoriya." All Might stood up, his baggy yellow, pinstriped suit clung to him like a rag. "And as for (l/n)...she is someone we have yet to see from. Her quirk is definitely alarming. Perhaps she could use some assistance with hers as you do." The Pro hinted to Midoriya who reacted with surprise.

"I'll investigate further into what's going on with her. I fear her situation isn't as simple as it appears."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You were mesmerized by how rapid the rest of the day went. Aizawa reviewed the last of the material he wanted to cover before everyone ultimately neglected their schoolwork in favor of the festival. The final bell of the hour had struck and the student body rose with rejuvenated excitement.

That was...until they reached the door.

They all came to a full stop, piling up in front of the door and whispering rather loudly. "What's the hold up?" You called out carelessly. You just wanted to get out and continue on your way.

"Is that them?"

"I thought there were more..."

"They got attacked...?"

Your brows furrowed upon not recognizing a lot of those voices. You then pushed forward to see what was going on. With closer inspection, you found the classroom door barricaded with students from other classes all trying to sneak a peek at 1-A.

"What are these guys doing?" Kirishima breathed out.

"Scoping out the competition, shitty hair," Katsuki scoffed. "What else?"

Midoriya chuckled shyly. "Well, he's not wrong."

"Why though?" You chimed in, looking out into the sea of people. "I get it they want to be prepared for the festival, but this badly?"

"Doesn't matter anyway. They're all extras," Bakugou hissed in response.

"You can't just call people you don't know 'extras'!" Iida scolded him from afar with a formal hand gesture.

Katsuki gently grabbed your arm amidst the dense crowds and tried steering you two out of there. "Come on, let's go."

But before he could take another step someone else did. And as they did so, they spoke. "Wooow. You know, it's true we came to get a good look at you guys but you sure laid it all out for us, huh?" The person said in a condescending tone.

Your mouth went ajar when you recalled the familiar set of purple hair and the dark bags under his eyes. He came forward from the masses and with a hand on his neck in a nonchalant pose. "If all of you in the hero course are like this, I gotta say, I was expecting more."

"Shinsou?" You gasped aloud.

His purple irises widened when they fell on you. "(l/n)?"

"Why...?"

"Wait, you know this guy?" Katsuki questioned with a scowl as he stared back at the somber character.

Your lips parted slowly trying to form a sentence while still overcome with confusion. "Shinsou...why are you here?"

His tired gaze went grim as did the spiteful smile on his face. "(l/n), did you know that those who aren't put into the hero course are placed in classes like general studies and other tracks? And there are quite a few of us..."

Shinsou's shoulders slumped as he stepped forward. "A lot of people whose dreams were crushed from the very start. But, there is a chance. One chance." He raised an index finger. "Depending on the results of the Sports Festival, the faculty may reconsider are placement and transfer us into the hero course. And if I understand correctly..." His gaze shifted coldly towards Bakugou. "...the reverse can happen to you."

Shinsou let out a dry laugh and stood right in front of Katsuki. "What did you call it? Scoping out the competition? For a general studies kid like me...this'll be the perfect opportunity to knock you assholes off your pedestals."

You could feel Katsuki twitching with anger from his hold on you. He probably wouldn't do anything, but you didn't want to chance it. "Let's go, Katsuki. Shinsou, excuse us." You moved around the purpled haired male with the blond but he once again caught your attention.

"Hey, (l/n)... good luck at the festival. You're the only one here I can respectfully say that too."

You opened your mouth to reply but were beaten to it when someone else shouted. "Hey I'm from 1-B! I came down here to check you guys out after hearing so much about the villain attack, but the purple kid's right! All I see is this prick!" You recognized this student immediately. It was Tetsutetsu, one of the few who didn't give you any shit when Monoma was going on his gossip spree.

"You idiots better not make the hero course look bad!" He screamed. However, Katsuki looked visibly less on edge when it was this guy yelling.

"Nice going, Bakugou, now you set the mob on us," Kirishima huffed in annoyance.

"I don't give a fuck," He spat back. "If these dumbasses feel better by coming over here and trying to threaten me then go right on ahead. I'm headed for the top either way." Katsuki grasped your arm once more. "Let's get out of here."

"Whoa, okay, I was mad for a sec but now...damn! That was manly as shit!" Kirishima exclaimed with admiration.

Kaminari looked puzzled but for the right reasons this once. "Uh, I mean, we still have a ton of people hating us but sure, dude."

Katsuki managed to shove as many people away from the door and made a path. Once you were somewhat in the clear, you noticed how fast he was walking despite there being no more crowd. "Katsuki...! Could you take it down a notch?" Your legs weren't nearly as long as his making it extremely difficult to keep up with his stride.

He glanced back at your struggling figure and stopped. Your hair was disheveled from being tugged through those bodies and your uniform had become haphazardly unkempt. "What...what was that back there?" You asked incredulously as you fastened your hold on your book bag.

Rather than answer, Katsuki responded with something else that was on his mind. "You never told me you knew that guy."

This made you frown. "Did I need to? Do you know him?"

"No."

You sighed, running a hand through your hair. "Well, I guess you do now. What a declaration of war."

"Yeah, for us though. Not for you."

"He's my friend," You defended. "He may have come off as abrasive, but I'm sure he has his reasons. Everyone outside of 1-A thinks you guys are a bunch of assholes and your reply didn't help that."

"They can think what they want! But them coming to our class trying to intimidate is lousy and pathetic," Katsuki remarked.

You hummed thoughtfully to yourself. "Okay maybe both sides were in the wrong here. In any case, it's past. Don't let it get to you."

If there was anything you knew about Bakugou is that he was always aiming to be the best. The best grades, the best attendance, the best student, and of course the best hero. So you were used to hearing him say that he was going to be the number one hero. However, seeing him back there and how defensive he got...it made you ponder if he even believed it himself.

"Katsu...why do you want to be a hero?"

The blond was taken aback by your abrupt demeanor and stared at you. "What?"

"Why do you want to be a hero?" You reiterated.

"I...why are you asking me this?"

"It's a simple question, Katsuki, why did you come to UA?" You repeated again. He stared at you with uneasiness, like you would jump up and bite him if he replied. But you stood your ground holding his wavering gaze.

However, Katsuki was stubborn. "To be a hero. Why else?"

It was at this moment that you realized he wouldn't tell you. Or rather he would never admit it. You knew why, it was always there in his mannerisms and his way of speech. He doubted himself even if tried his best to put on a front that displayed otherwise. You understood he wanted to prove he could be a hero, and the greatest one at that. And faced against all those who were striving for the same goal... it must have begun to fall heavy on him.

So instead of pressing Katsuki further you withdrew from the verbal confrontation and smiled softly, a sigh escaping your lips. You neared his form, catching him by surprise. Without warning, you wrapped your arms around his chest and squeezed. You could feel his body tense up around you. "I believe in you, Katsuki."

Bakugou's face blushed a deep scarlet. He didn't expect you to say that much less hug him. But still, far in the reaches of his heart, he felt comforted by the fact that you did.

With a hand on your head, he ruffled your hair and exhaled. "Thanks..." He muttered quietly, hiding his flushed skin.

Heya! Sorry for the late update. The world's been turning so fast and I'm just racing to try to catch up to it. I was initially going to hold back this chapter so I could upload two at once as an apology, but I figured I shouldn't make you wait any longer. So I hope this tides you over until the next chapter! I'll be working on getting it out as soon as I can if my new online classes permit ^^;

Also, I know I added this in the story already but I wanted to ask, what do you guys think of having Deku as a love interest? He wasn't initially going to be so but I know that some are fond of him (including myself). I can write him in effectively if you guys are interested and if not I'll rework this chapter to not include his perspective.

In other news I hope you are all being safe and staying indoors as much as possible. Washing your hands and all that jazz, I won't prattle your ear off about things you've probably already heard. But I do want to make sure you are all doing okay. I also wanted to encourage you to be kind to those who are still working during this time, and if you still are I'd like to personally thank you for doing what you do. It can't be easy, but I will always remain grateful to anyone who is helping people. I wish you the best health and please be careful, this goes for anyone reading this.

So.... let's do what we all do best and socially distance ourselves! :D This time will pass and things will get better. Please remember that.