Behind the Smile | TodoBakuDeku | Book 1

Chapter 26

Midoriya's POV

The last thing I wanted to do was face everyone at Aizawa's meeting. They knew what I was going through, and that I tried to commit suicide multiple times. They probably even know about the self-harm. But I had no choice. If I ever wanted a chance at a life without this depressing manifestation overtaking me, I needed all the help I could get.

At least I had my two loving boyfriends for support. They really were amazing through all of this. I'd probably be dead if not for Shoto and Kacchan.

Taking a deep breath, I stood up from the bed I'd basically been nesting in since this whole ordeal started and made my way to the door. Shoto and Kacchan followed close behind, their hands intertwined with mine. Their presence gave me the courage to face the meeting, to face the judgment and pity from my classmates.

As we walked through the halls, I could feel the stares and whispers of those we passed. It was clear that my struggles had become common knowledge, and it was hard not to feel embarrassed and exposed. But Shoto and Kacchan never let go of my hand, never let me feel alone in that sea of eyes.

I took a deep breath and stepped into the conference room. Aizawa, along with a few other pro heroes, were already seated at the long table, looking at me expectantly. I could feel their eyes on me, and it took all the strength I had to keep my head up and my gaze steady.

"Hello, everyone," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Aizawa nodded in acknowledgment. "We're here to discuss the Psycho Flip situation and how we can best support you while we try to eliminate the quirk's effects," he said. "I understand that it's been a difficult time for you, but we're all here to help."

I nodded, feeling the tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. I knew they were all trying to help, but I couldn't shake the feeling of shame that came with admitting my struggles. It felt like a weakness, and I didn't want anyone to know just how broken I was.

Shoto and Kacchan squeezed my hands reassuringly, their love and support giving me the strength to keep going. I took another deep breath and began to tell my story, sharing the painful details of my struggles with the Psycho Flip quirk and the toll it had taken on my mental health.

As I spoke, I could see the understanding and empathy in the eyes of my idols. They weren't judging me or pitying me, but rather they were there to support me and help me through this difficult time. And for the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of hope that things could get better.

When I finished, Aizawa thanked me for sharing and assured me that they would do everything in their power to help me overcome the effects of the quirk. Shoto and Kacchan were by my side the entire time, their unwavering love and support reminding me that I wasn't alone in this fight.

Aizawa continued by telling us what happened during the interrogation of Psycho Flip. According to the villain, before the victim is about to die, the entity attached to them has five minutes to find a new host.

"Dark Deku had said something along those lines a while ago," I informed the group.

"He says he has no control over the quirk. It was gifted to him by All for One and is a way to forcefully eliminate his depression. Every time he attempts to kill himself, another entity is formed. Right before we were...told to leave, he said there are currently three in existence including Midoriya's.

The room fell silent as everyone processed the new information. Three entities meant that there were two other victims out there, suffering just like I had been. My heart ached for them, and I couldn't help but wonder if they had the same support system that I did. Aizawa cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "We'll do everything in our power to find and help those other victims," he said firmly. "In the meantime, Midoriya, we'll be monitoring your progress closely and providing any support you need."

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief knowing that they were taking action to prevent anyone else from suffering. But at the same time, I couldn't help but feel guilty. If it wasn't for me, this wouldn't have happened. I was the reason that these entities existed in the first place, and that thought weighed heavily on my conscience.

Shoto must have sensed my distress because he leaned over and kissed me softly on the cheek. "None of this is your fault, Izuku," he whispered. "You didn't ask for this to happen to you."

Kacchan added, "Yeah, we're here for you, no matter what."

Their words of love and encouragement gave me the strength to speak up about the idea I had been toying with in my head. I thought for sure they at least hear me out, but I was shut down right away.

"What if I did it? What if we somehow trapped the orb for five minutes? After that, it should be gone and you could revive me."

"Are you seriously suggesting we let you kill yourself?! Are you out of your damn mind?!" Bakugo was hurt and angered by the mere mention of the idea.

"It would only be for five minutes. I could choose a slow death, to buy us more time. Then you could revive me–"

"NO!" Todoroki slammed his fists on the table, leaving behind scorch marks from his left side.

Aizawa reminded Midoriya that his life was important, and they would not allow him to risk it. Midoriya felt guilty and ashamed for even suggesting the idea and promised not to bring it up again.

The group then discussed possible solutions, and Aizawa assured Midoriya that they would find a way to eliminate the quirk's effects without sacrificing anyone's life, but Midoriya had other plans.