𝔸 𝔾𝕙𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕎𝕒𝕤 𝕆𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕄𝕚𝕟𝕖 💥𝔹𝕒𝕜𝕦𝔻𝕖𝕜𝕦💥

To Be a Hero

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Chapter 36

As the days melted into weeks, Katsuki couldn't help but notice the gradual shifts in Izuku's physical appearance. The guy was finally crawling back from the brink, no longer looking like a damn ghost haunting him. The exhaustion that had once shrouded his features like a veil was slowly lifting, unveiling the familiar contours of strength that had defined Izuku before. Though there were still moments when he had a hard time mentally, but his smile was reclaiming its place and with each passing day, he looked more and more like his old self, a reminder of the person he used to be.

With Christmas and the new year slowly approaching, watching Izuku's progress, Katsuki couldn't help but feel bittersweet about his recovery. Sure, he was glad that Izuku was alive and getting better, but deep down, he missed the old Izuku. The rivalry they once had, the shared history at UA, the vulnerable moments they had shared together—it all felt like they were fading memories. But Katsuki knew he had to be grateful for what he had now.

However, as Izuku improved, Katsuki's own mental state started to deteriorate. That encounter with the League of Villains in the park had left a lasting mark on him. It made him even more vigilant, cranking up his paranoia to a whole new level. The fact that the League had gone silent only made him more uneasy Despite the heroes' tireless pursuit of leads. He knew they were still out there, lurking in the shadows, ready to strike at any moment. The constant worry for Izuku's safety weighed heavily on his mind, and the feeling of being watched was becoming unbearable.

Sleepless nights became a regular occurrence for Katsuki. He'd jerk awake, heart hammering in his chest, unable to shake off the thoughts of danger. It was the fear that gripped him, the fear of Izuku slipping through his fingers and being pulled into that dark void. He'd try to shove those thoughts away, to slam the damn door on the creeping danger, but that shadow was relentless. It danced on the edges of his mind reminding him of his PTSD.

During the day, he put on a brave face, determined to do his hero work and protect Izuku, but when the world was quiet and his mind wandered, his vulnerability became apparent.

Izuku could see through Katsuki's façade, even in the darkness of the night. Those green eyes saw the exhaustion in Katsuki's eyes, the tension in his posture. It pained Izuku to see Katsuki suffering because of him, knowing that his recovery was a source of Katsuki's anxiety.

One evening, as Katsuki lay wide awake beside him, Izuku decided to confront the issue that had been hanging over them. He couldn't ignore the elephant in the room any longer. Whispering softly, he called out to Katsuki, concern lacing his voice.

"Kacchan," Izuku whispered, his voice filled with concern, "I know you're worried about me, but you don't have to be anymore. I'm mostly recovered now, and I can take care of myself."

Katsuki turned to face Izuku, his exhaustion evident in his eyes. His response came out sharper than he intended, his frustration and concern pouring out. "You think I don't know that?" he snapped; his voice tinged with a rough edge. "Sure, you're on the mend, but I can't just flick a switch and stop giving a damn about you! "

Izuku flinched at Katsuki's outburst, but He didn't want to back down, though. He needed Katsuki to understand. "I'm sorry, Kacchan," he said softly, his voice tinged with hurt, "I didn't mean to suggest you should stop caring. I just hate the idea of you suffering because of me."

Shit.

Katsuki's anger deflated as he realized the impact of his aggression. He sighed, reaching out to hold Izuku's hand, his grip gentle yet firm. "I know you didn't mean it like that," he admitted, his tone softening. " It's just... this entire fucking ordeal has been gnawing at me. These damn worries about you, they won't let up, even when my head knows you're getting better."