[Spring]
Standing at the front step of his home, Midoriya Izuku adjusted his new, official gray blazer over his green hoodie, briefly admiring the quality of the fabric.
"Whistle~, that's U.A. for you. They don't cut corners."
He'd received the blazer a few weeks ago, but this was the first time he'd actually bothered to try it on.
And of course, it was because today was—
The start of his university life as a Hero Course Major at U.A.
He pulled his phone from the pocket of his dark jeans and checked the time.
"All right, just enough time for a detour run too~."
He stepped down to the entryway, slipping into his red sneakers. His sling bag was already slung over one shoulder, ready to go.
But just as he reached for the door—
"Izuku!"
His mother's voice called from deeper in the house, halting him. He turned around, facing his mother—who was also clad in her office uniform, already readied to go to work herself.
Izuku even spotted Chisa peeking from the living room, a curious look in her eyes despite her usual cold outer shell.
"Hmm? What's up, Mom?" Izuku asked, puzzled.
His mother's expression was that... of quiet warmth. A soft smile formed on her lips as her gaze lingered gently on her son.
Izuku raised an eyebrow, unsure why she was just standing there, staring at him in silence.
But for Midoriya Inko...
It was a wave of pride and quiet awe.
To see her precious Izuku—whom she once believed had given up on his childhood dream of becoming a hero—now standing tall, walking once more toward that very dream… it was enough to move her heart.
"...Mom?"
"It's nothing, dear," she shook her head softly, though her warm smile remained. "...You look great in that gray blazer."
"Heh, thanks~" He turned slightly, presenting himself like a model. "Pretty well made, isn't it? Though I wonder if I have to wear this every day..."
He'd already had his fair share of stuffy school uniforms, and this official blazer... strangely enough, felt like one too.
His mother let out a quiet giggle at his mild complaint.
"Probably so, Izuku dear. But it's not so bad, is it?"
"Really? How so?"
She stepped forward and gently brushed off the shoulder pads of his U.A. blazer, her movements soft and motherly—
As if tidying up the last piece of her little boy before he stepped into the world.
"You know," she began with a fond smile, her fingers gently fixing a barely noticeable wrinkle, "they say clothes make the man... or at least, help him believe he can be."
Izuku blinked, listening curiously.
"This blazer, dear... it's more than just a uniform—it's a reminder of where you're heading... 'The path of hero.'"
His mother reached up to his face, gently and tenderly brushing his cheek.
"...And one day, you'll wear a proper hero costume too—a properly 'licensed' one, that is~," she gave him a rather knowing smile, "...and when that day comes, I want you to feel proud stepping into it."
Izuku paused... then nodded, a smile tugging at his lips.
"I'll do my best, Mom...!"
She gave his arm a light squeeze, her smile vibrant as his.
"I know you will."
"All right then... I'm off!"
"Take care~!"
He turned on his heels and finally stepped past the front entryway, red sneakers meeting the pavement outside, with the door sliding shut behind him.
From the living room, Chisa let out a small sigh, arms crossed as she leaned against the wall.
"What an idiot..." she muttered with a tired huff, but a small smile graced her lips.
And for their mother, Inko...
She only smiled quietly to herself, eyes lingering on the door where her son had just passed through... her heart both full and trembling with quiet hope.
< | X | >
[Half an hour later]
"I'm off..."
Bakugou Katsuki left her house—sling bag strapped to her shoulder, heading for her first day of college in U.A.'s Hero Major.
But as she stepped past the front gate of her house...
Vrrmm...
The soft rumble of an engine was the first thing that greeted her ears.
"Yo, Kacchan~!"
Izuku was already waiting outside, sitting atop his sleek motorcycle, parked neatly on the roadside.
"...Izuku."
She greeted him back, albeit with far less enthusiasm than he had shown.
"Good morning~," he beamed, but then his eyes subtly traced her whole getup, from the bottom of her sneakers up to her hair, "whistle~, looks like you're all geared up for college too, huh?"
Katsuki was wearing the same official gray blazer from U.A., just like him.
However, beneath it, she had on her favorite black bomber jacket, worn over a burnt orange tank top, army-green cargo pants, and black sneakers.
Her usual spiky hair was done in a high ponytail—casually tied, yet clearly styled with care. He also noticed the light makeup that subtly framed her face, giving her a soft glow.
This was one of the rare times he'd seen Katsuki in anything remotely casual, and while her look leaned tomboyish...
It was always a sight for sore eyes.
"W-what are you staring at?"
She finally noticed his gaze lingering on her—uncomfortable, sure... but not entirely unwelcome either.
Not that she'd ever outright admit it.
"...You look awesome today, Kacchan~!"
"W-what the hell are you saying?!"
She turned flustered by his blunt praise, a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks.
"Idiot..."
However, she'd be lying if she said it didn't make her happy... as a small smile tugged at her lips.
"All right then... let's get to U.A., Kacchan~," he grinned cheerfully, summoning two helmets out of thin air with a quick flick of his hand. "Wouldn't want to miss first-day orientation, right?"
"...Don't you have your usual detour though?"
Izuku just shrugged.
"I already did, actually, but didn't find anything worthwhile... guess it was a false alarm or something."
"Is that so... well, I'm glad that we wouldn't be late for our first day of college."
Katsuki grabbed her helmet from the snickering Izuku.
And before long...
Vrrmm—!
The engine rumbled back to life as she climbed onto the seat behind him.
"Hold on tight, Kacchan."
"Sure..."
Katsuki hesitated only a second before wrapping her arms around his waist—loose enough to seem casual, yet tight enough to stay balanced.
"Here we go~!"
And with that—
Vrrmm—!
They were off to U.A.