Chapter Text
Prolog
Izuku had never laughed so much in his life.
.
.
.
And never wanted to do it less.
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.
.
"And our honorary award, as well as the best graduate of the Support Course, goes to Midoriya Izuku."
The students in U.A.'s massive gym erupted into applause as Izuku stood up and made his way to the podium.
His heart pounded in his chest, sweat gathering on his forehead. But unlike what others might assume, it wasn’t because of the attention or nerves.
The tiny mouse—better known as the principal—beamed as he handed Izuku his diploma and draped a gold medal around his neck. Izuku didn’t bother looking down to read the inscription on it. Instead, he turned to face the crowd, bowed deeply, and put on a smile. Nezu gestured toward the microphone beside him, and after a brief hesitation, the 18-year-old stepped up and cleared his throat.
"I want to sincerely thank all of you for your support over the past years. We’ve all been through a lot, and now it's time to step forward into what we hope will be a peaceful future. So let’s take a moment to give a special thanks to the Hero Course. More than anyone else they fought and risked their lifes to bring us closer to that dream."
Izuku gestured to the right side of the gym, where his former classmates sat in perfectly arranged rows. The rest of the U.A. students clapped enthusiastically, adding cheers and whistles to the mix. Izuku bowed again before stepping down and returning to his seat beside Hatsume.
"Is it just me, or are you getting better at public speaking?" the beta next to him mused, tapping a thoughtful finger against her lips.
Izuku chuckled awkwardly. Everyone knew he could barely string together a proper sentence in front of cameras or large crowds.
But when you develop a certain level of indifference toward your own life, some things just become… easier.
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The ceremony wrapped up and transitioned into the graduation party.
The sports field had been decked out with large tents and barbecue stations by the guys, while the girls handled the decorations—balloons, string lights.
Food and drinks were set up, the whole scene buzzing with excited chatter and upbeat music blasting from giant jukeboxes.
Students from all courses mingled freely, which Izuku watched with mixed emotions.
"Deku-kun!"
Uraraka bounced over, and behind her, he spotted Todoroki and Tenya following.
"Your speech was great!" she grinned as she stopped in front of him, clasping her hands behind her back—pushing her chest out a little in the process. "And without stuttering, too!"
"Midoriya, congratulations on graduating at the top of your class," Todoroki said in his usual monotone, while Tenya nodded firmly. "And on your award. No one deserves it more than you."
Izuku felt his stomach twist at those words.
"That’s not true. None of this would’ve been possible without you guys. You know that."
And he meant it.
The fight against All for One had been brutal. Together—with the U.A. students, the pro heroes, and even some civilians—they had finally defeated Shigaraki Tomura and All for One.
Blood and pain had been the least of what Izuku had to endure…
"Deku-kun?"
"Hmm?" Izuku blinked, realizing he’d zoned out. Uraraka was watching him with concern, her brown eyes soft.
"You’ve seemed kinda out of it lately… Is everything okay?"
Tenya adjusted his glasses with a sharp motion. "We know how difficult the transition to the Support Course was for you."
You don’t know anything.
"And losing your Quirk must have been hard, too."
You have no idea.
"But just remember, we're always here for you."
Izuku had to force the corners of his mouth up instead of down. He managed only after swallowing back the irritation bubbling in his chest.
"Thanks. I appreciate it."
But in reality?
All Izuku really wanted was for this day to be over .
And to leave U.A. behind— forever .